Week one at the World Cup
With 13 reds representing their national teams at the World Cup, we’ll take a look at how they have gotten on in the opening games. Who has given their side an important opening win, who has struggled to impress and who has yet to see action.
Brazil v Morocco
In a highly anticipated clash between the current African Cup of Nations holders, and the five times World Cup winners, the match lived up to expectation. It needed a moment of magic from Vinicius Jnr to save a point for the South Americans.
Morocco were organised, compact and a danger on the break. Noussair Mazraoui was a key part to this. The full-back generally nullified Brazil’s dangerous wide players, won most of his tackles and had a high passing accuracy rate. He came off in the 80th minute.
Matheus Cunha came off the bench for the final 29 minutes. He was unable to have much of an impact though with no shots on target or chances created. Ederson did not feature.
Scotland v Haiti
Scotland opened up their campaign with a nervous victory over Haiti. It took a scrappy goal from John McGinn to get past the Haitians who were playing at their first World Cup since 1974. It was their first win at the competition since 1990. They will have to play significantly better in the remaining games if they are to qualify for the the knock-out rounds. Tyler Fletcher was on the bench but did not feature.
Australia v Turkey
Australia sprung a surprise as they overcame Turkey 2-0. Despite being under the cosh for most of the game, goals in each half proved to be the difference. Patrick Beach was a busy man requiring to make a host of saves throughout. Altay Bayinder was on the bench but not brought on.
Ivory Coast v Ecuador
A game that both sides had pin-pointed as being crucial to deciding who progresses to the knock-out stages. It was Amad Diallo who proved to be the match-winner. He had started on the bench to the surprise of many. Brought on with half an hour to go, it was his smart finish in the 90th minute that broke the deadlock. It could prove crucial to helping his country past the group stages for the first time.
Saudi Arabia v Uruguay
It was a stuttering start from the South American giants as they dropped points in their opening game. Only an equaliser in the 80th minute prevented Saudi Arabia from picking up another memorable opening win. Uruguay were on top for most of the game, and had nearly 30 shots on goal, but were unable to break them down. Manuel Ugarte had a low shot tipped onto the post and another saved. He must impact on the game more if they have any hopes of progressing.
Belgium v Egypt
The European side struggled to an opening day draw with Egypt. The North African side looking for their first ever win at the tournament. It look the introduction of Romalu Lukaku to force an own goal which drew them level. Senne Lammens was on the bench with Courtois preferred instead.
Argentina v Algeria
The holders showed up with a certain amount of swagger to open up their defense. It was Lionel Messi who led the way with a hat-trick to draw level in the all-time scoring charts. Lisandro Martinez played the full 90 minutes at the back keeping a clean sheet. He will be hoping to feature a lot more in this tournament.
Portugal v DR Congo
It was a frustrating start for one of the pre-tournament favourites. They were ahead early on but conceded an equaliser just before half-time. They were then unable to pick their way through an organised and well drilled back-line. Bruno Fernandes was coming in having broken the assists record, but was unable to notch one up here. He did create some opportunities, and had a strong passing record, but not enough to gift them a win.
England v Croatia
Thomas Tuchel’s side got their competion underway with an exciting win over Croatia. The English looked strong going forward, but had issues at the back. They will be hoping that this can prove to be a catalyst for a strong performance overall. To do so, they must eliminate some of the mistakes ahead of tougher challenges.
Marcus Rashford settled the game with a smart finish with five minutes to go. With Barcelona backing out of a deal, Utd fans must be hoping he has a good showing to attract potential suitors. Kobbie Mainoo did not feature at all surprisingly.
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