Week two 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 Group Stage win, who has struggled to impress and who has yet to see action.
Morocco v Scotland
Morocco built upon their draw with Brazil to get their first win. Noussair Mazraoui was a key part to this. They found themselves ahead within two minutes and looked composed throughout. The full-back was composed and solid during the game as the North African side limited scoring chances. He was not high on attacking figures, but his passing accuracy was strong.
Scotland could have secured their place in the knock-out stages with a point, but were unable to create clear opportunities. They may have had a penalty, but needed to be more positive. Tyler Fletcher started on the bench but did not feature.
Brazil v Haiti
Given they had opened up with a draw, it was critical that Brazil responded with a win. And they had an ace up their sleeve in order to notch up their first win of the competition.
Matheus Cunha came into the side ahead of Igor Thiago and he provided the breakthrough for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The ball broke off a rebound and he showed good anticipation to slot home. His second was a smart finish into the top corner after clever pass from Vinicius Jnr. Our forward could be the striker Brazil are looking for. Ederson did not feature.
Paraguay v Turkey
Turkey exited the competition after losing for the second time. They found themselves one down to the South Americans who had also lost their opening game. Yet again they misfired in attack despite dominating possession and having a man advantage for the entire second-half. Altay Bayinder was on the bench but not brought on.
Ivory Coast v Germany
It was a heart-break for the West African side as they missed the opportunity to secure their place in the knock-outs. They had impressed with their pace and direct attacking style that had Germany constantly on edge. Again Diallo was at the heart of their good work. It was his blocked shot that fell to Franck Kessie to give them the lead at half-time. It took a double in the final 20 minutes to deny them.
They still have qualification in their own hands despite the loss. They must get a result against Curacao to ensure progression though.
Cape Verde v Uruguay
It was more dropped points from the former winners which leaves them in danger out getting knocked out. They had come from behind against the debutantes to lead at half-time. A defensive mix-up allowed them claim another point. Manuel Ugarte was guilty of conceding the free kick that led to the opening goal. He did not offer much going forward either.
Belgium v Iran
The European side dropped yet more points in the group. Yet again, the dominated possession but was unable to convert it to a goal. They finished the game with ten players as Nathan Ngoy was sent off. Senne Lammens was on the bench with Courtois preferred instead.
Argentina v Austria
The holders continue to flex their muscles in this tournament. In a fairly even contest against the side managed by Ralf Rangnick, it was Lionel Messi who proved to be the difference yet again. His double put him at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring list. Lisandro Martinez was again a solid presence at the back. He played the full game and had helped them to two clean sheets already.
Portugal v Uzbekistan
The game in which one of the pre-tournament favourites got their campaign off in style. After the criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo in the opener, he became the first male player to score at six different World Cups. The second of his brace was via an assist from Bruno Fernandes. It was his first so far. He also contributed a shot on target himself along with two other chances created and an impressive passing record. Diogo Dalot, surprisingly, did not feature at all.
England v Ghana
Thomas Tuchel’s side hit a road block in their frustrating scoreless draw in their second game. Despite seeing the majority of the ball, they were unable to create too much clear opportunities against the well-drilled African side. Indeed, they were fortunate to escape the award of a penalty for a clumsy tackle.
Marcus Rashford came on again and provided more of an attacking thrust. It should have been done earlier as they looked much better when he was introduced. England fans will be hoping he features from the start in their final game. Kobbie Mainoo did not feature at all surprisingly.
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