Week three 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 is playing a key role, who is going home and who has yet to play their part.
Morocco v Haiti
The semi-Finalists from 2022 have made sure of their path to the last 32. They made harder work of it than expected though. Haiti twice led in the game and were on track to gain their first ever point. Two goals in the final fifteen minutes decided the points in Morocco’s favour though. Mazraoui started on the bench and came on for the closing stages. He did not have much to do in that period, but was generally tidy on the ball.
They will be playing Netherlands in the knock-out rounds after they finished top of Group F.
Brazil v Scotland
It was a game that was crucial for both sides hopes in the tournament. Brazil needed the win to secure top spot, whilst Scotland needed a draw or narrow defeat to stand a chance for progression. There was only one side who achieved their ambition though.
Defensive lapses allowed Brazil score twice in the first-half to give the Scots an uphill struggle. Their fate was further compounded by a third goal in the competition from Matheus Cunha. He showed intelligent support play to slot home after they won the ball high up the pitch. He also had a chance cleared off the line in the first period. They now face Japan who finished second in their group.
USA v Turkey
Turkey had already been eliminated but gained their first win of the tournament. They overcame USA in a roller coaster game that swung from one side to another. It also handed the hosts their first loss of the competition who still finished top. It still has been a major disappointment for the Turks. Vincenzo Montella is likely to be under pressure after failing to get the best of his attacking talent.
Ivory Coast v Curacao
The African side created a piece of history as they progressed to the knock-out phase for the first time ever. They produced a disciplined display to overcome the World Cup debutantes and finish second behind Germany. Goals in each half from Nicolas Pepe gave them the crucial points needed. Amad Diallo was subbed off at half-time with a slight knock. He had been busy in the time with three efforts on goal, two tackles won and a decent passing rate.
They will now play Norway in the last 32 who finished behind France.
Spain v Uruguay
The former champions have exited the competition after failing to get at least a point against Spain. It has been a disastrous competition for them as they finished behind Cape Verde with just two points. There was further disappointment for Manuel Ugarte as he was stretchered off in an incident before the Spanish goal.
The medical staff at Old Trafford are currently awaiting results of the scan but it looked serious. Marcelo Bielsa looks certain to leave after an underwhelming time in charge.
Belgium v New Zealand
Belgium finally woke up in this competition to claim their spot in the last 32. A double by Leandro Trossard was added to by efforts from Romalu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne. It actually resulted in them finishing at the top of G as Egypt failed to get the win they needed. Senne Lammens has still yet to see any action.
Argentina v Jordan
It is now three wins from three games as the holders eased their way into the knock-outs. In a much changed side, Argentina were two up at half-time. Jordan did pull a goal back in the second-half, but Lionel Messi came off the bench to slam home a free kick. It was his seventh straight game at the World Cup with a goal. Lisandro Martinez was given a rest for the night. Argentina will take on surprise package, Cape Verde, in the last 32.
Portugal v Columbia
Both sides had already qualified for the knock-out stages, so the contest was to see who was going to finish top of the group. The South Americans prevailed with the draw that proved enough. They did have a goal ruled out for offside late on. Portugal continue to frustrate though. Bruno Fernandes saw one effort saved with another off target. He created a few chances and also had a decent passing record.
Diogo Dalot came off the bench at half-time and performed well in that time. He also had a shot on goal and created a chance too. He had a strong passing record and won all of his tackles. It revived calls for him to start in the next round against Croatia.
England v Panama
England won to progress as Group L winners, but again did not impress. Far too often they looked ponderous in attack and slack in defense. It took the star duo of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane to break the deadlock. Marcus Rashford started for the first time and had five efforts on goal. Only one was on target though. Baffingly Kobbie Mainoo has still not seen any action.
Leave a Reply