2022 World Cup – Saturday 17 December 2022

Third/Fourth Place Play-off: Croatia v Morocco (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Every time the World Cup comes round since starting this site and writing a diary, I seem to end up saying the same thing about this particular fixture and it’ll never change – it’s the game nobody wants to play in. Does it really matter to a player, manager/coach or fan if they finish third or fourth? The fact is reaching the final and winning it is all that matters with even the runners-up in the final mere footnotes in the pages of football history.

Want proof? Well, Morocco head coach Walid Regragui, said the following ahead of the game:

“It is a little bit difficult. It is very complicated for both teams. You are so disappointed, you have just lost a semi-final and then two days later you have to go back out there.

“I’m sorry, I don’t know. It is like the booby-prize. I’m sorry for speaking like this. I understand it should be important, I understand it is better to finish third than fourth, but, for me, my takeaway is just that we didn’t get to the final.

“Even if we did get to the final, and I finished second, I would be saying the same thing to you.

“We want to be as positive as possible, especially for our fans. Finishing third would be great for our image.”

These two played out a very cautious 0-0 draw in a game that was part of the opening round of games in Group F. It will be interesting to see if this is a ‘throw caution to the wind’ type of game and how the teams line-up. This will undoubtedly be a last World Cup for a number of the Croatian squad notably their talented skipper Luka Modric and presumably and hopefully he will start. For Morocco they have injuries but as they showed against France they coped admirably. Fingers crossed for an open and entertaining fixture. Please not a 0-0 and decided on penalties!

2022 World Cup from afar…

I believe that your relationship with the World Cup can be defined by your very first experience of it. It means that I believe that Europe is dominated by the Dutch and the Germans, the favourites are always the Brazilians who are flawed geniuses and that my own home country, Scotland should always be there and never be beaten but never escape the group stages. 1974, became for me, Muller v Cruyff and I backed the loser.

And so, 2022, the Dutch and the Germans are there, even if for one it was temporary, and the Brazilians are touted as favourites but are still described as flawed whilst Scotland seem to be giving it a miss. And, of course, as a Scot who watched the ‘74 version, England should not be there… But they are…

Right now, you cannot mention Qatar without the politics. I am in the camp that says this should not be in Qatar. Politics has always been there or thereabouts in football as it was in the 1978 World Cup in the Junta led Argentina whilst in 2018, I am not quite sure how the Russians stacked up…

But it’s there and it is happening, and you cannot ignore how much of a cracking tournament it has been. The group stages have managed to bring some shocks and talking points which show, once more, that the prejudice of the past – Europe good, rest of world, not so good – is increasingly a thing of the past. Colonialism aside, the great game has taken the lessons of the past and not just brought some South Asian flair and samba but some African grit and determination.

This truly feels like a World Cup.

Europe has suffered some early failures. Germany and Belgium being two of them, but we can also add in everyone’s wee national team – Denmark. Eriksen’s near death experience at the Euros was broadcast across the world and the sympathy brought his nation to our hearts. Unfortunately, it would not bring them to the 2022 knockout phase.

Belgium have flattered to deceive for years. If they could just get through on the shoulders of one player, they would have been champions of Europe, the world, the universe, the milky way… But De Bruyne does not a winning side make as they say in Flemish… now…

Germany was inefficient. And a bit rubbish in their first game. It’s all a little, un-German for the Germans. The high standards they set themselves are, of course, based on winning the damn thing so damn often – sometimes because the officials don’t come from the former Soviet Union …

In the Middle East we are quite used to the vast sums of money being offered to players at the tail end of their careers to go over there and play out their last few seasons. What we are less likely to experience is their national teams managing to pull off shocks, like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia managing to beat Argentina. Of course, not to be outdone, the Japanese were able to knock nails in the German coffin by beating them convincingly. In turn, they then got beat by Costa Rica, so perhaps they shall complain about that, though it might lead to some challenge over balls going over lines and goals not really being goals…

Also emerging were Morocco who borrowed the hammer from the Japanese and set about Belgium and Roberto Martinez’s coffin. They topped the Belgian group. They never lost a game. They are from Africa – what is going on?

Of those who got out their groups, were damaged in the process but survived? France and Brazil. They got beaten by Tunisia and Cameroon respectively and may feel like they have much still to worry about. France looked vulnerable and whilst Tunisia was perhaps, just getting the French back for having been a French colony which means many of their players could be eligible to play for either country, the French did of course get through the last 16 so the worry was a tad temporary.

If Le Blues looked vulnerable, then Brazil looked, well flawed. Of course, Richarlison’ s goal is THE goal of the tournament so far and given that the January window is close I wonder if Spurs will be getting ready to cash in or face off all pirates?

For me, though it was the heartbreak of Group C which captured me. Messi finally looked like he could escape club football and Lewandowski got his goal, was where I think I began to see who may win the tournament. The Poles were perhaps a little fortunate to get out the group – that luck did not last, whilst the Mexicans just fell short, but it was a fascinating storyline which had it all – including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia making their mark.

If Messi finally emerged, then Ronaldo spoke volumes on a pitch rather than in an interview as he became the first male striker to score in 5 World Cups. The plucky Ghanaians were a delight, and all dressed up like a carnival was about to break out. Unfortunately, such festivity is not encouraged in the likes of Qatar and so they were always going to have to leave their own party.  The emergence of Bruno Fernandes, a one-time colleague of Ronaldo at a club in the northwest of England might just have seen us witnessing the beginnings of a challenge for the Golden Boot – a certain Mbappe will have something clearly to say about it.

But will either be in a team that can score 7 in one game like Spain. Their demolition of Costa Rica, which was followed by Costa Rica beating Japan, was indicative of the helter skelter nature of the group stages. There should have been nobody able to touch the Spanish but having made a  statement on a world stage they seemed to decide to want to mumble on the side-lines thereafter.

Also emerging from the group stages was Australia. Their team is littered with players who have made their careers in British – often even Scottish – football. So far, they have been relatively unexciting.

As one former colony managed to make it through, another, Canada, departed. One of the lessons that Canada brought was the value to their players of having the World Cup as a platform for them – a few have been mentioned now as targets for Premiership clubs.

And so, what of England? There were a few people who hoped that their sterling work in the Nations League with their form in that competition would transfer into this tournament… Aside from one game, Southgate’s Surrogates have got through. The second half against Wales was ruthless. You would have thought they could have come together with mates and agreed two goals a start and jumpers as goal posts to allow the other home country to progress but no, not even for mates… It makes expectation for a team which was last to falter at a major competition at the very last game, rise to the point of near fervour. I feel for them. They went on to face a team who managed what they could not – to win their continental championship – Senegal. To be fair Senegal managed to get through a group which included the Dutch who are always a hit or miss, the Qataris, and the one team that ought to have got through – Ecuador. They could be called lucky rather than plucky, but their luck ran out. Meanwhile, England’s failure to beat a team who cannot even spell football, the USA, showed that England can be thwarted. It took the Dutch to split the bill and dandily stop the Yankee Doodle.

Croatia, Switzerland and South Korea also got through their groups but not many are seeing them as genuine contenders. Croatia ducked behind the Moroccans and held back the Belgians so it might be that their progress has more to do with a certain Modric and the lack of quality brought to Qatar by the world number 2s – Belgium. The Swiss were second to the Brazilians in a fairly perfunctory series of games which might make them ready to expect things to stay perfunctory: they may be in for a shock. South Korea, having managed to build a national side during and after their home tournament into a world force, made Luis Suarez cry. Quiet a few people love the South Koreans.

Aside from all that, the appearance of the very first all-female refereeing complement, the controversy over whether the Iranian football team sang their national anthem properly and the Germans making a point by holding their hands to their mouths, this has been a VAR and extra time World Cup. VAR has not been as advertised. It sorts little out and delays things. People suggested it would resolve the arguments. It has only gone and created new ones. Why? Because it is operated by humans. And humans are… humans.

The additional time being played could suggest that we have a last goal the winner rule for the final OR we could be waiting until 2024 for the result. And we all know there is nothing that would ever cancel the football like a pandemic …

I have to say I am looking forward to the rest of the tournament. As to who will win it, my heart wants Brazil, especially given the current state of health of my all-time favourite player, Pele, but my head says that Argentina look likely. And as for England, well, now they face the French next, the place to head to is Leeds for that game. Matchroom are about to announce a fan friendly event at their world title fight between IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington and Luis Alberto Lopez. In the First Direct Arena they plan to interrupt the night of fighting to show the game. Thereafter there shall be fighting. It will be interesting to see if that is in a ring or in a crowd outside the ring…

And you heard it here first… from a Scotsman…

And see, you can get through something on the World  Cup without mentioning 1966…

Oops…

Donald C Stewart

Follow on Twitter @CommuneArts

2022 World Cup – Tuesday 06 December 2022

The first four last sixteen had all gone pretty much to form, so were there to be any shocks from the remaining four fixtures? There hadn’t even been any games going to extra-time or penalties, so was this about to change?

 

Japan 1 (1) – (0) 1 Croatia AET. Croatia won 3-1 on penalties. (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Japan scorer: Maeda (43′). Croatia scorer: Perisic (55′)

 

Indeed it was.

This was the third World Cup meeting between the teams. The first encounter was in 1998, when a Davor Suker goal was enough to see Croatia win 1-0 in a group game. They met again in 2006 again at the group stages with a penalty save from Japan’s Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi denying Croatia victory as the game ended 0-0.

In what was a pretty open and entertaining game, Japan were the more lively of the two sides and deserved their lead just before the break when Celtic’s Daizen Maeda was quickest to react and fire home. Croatia though were level within ten minutes of the restart when Spurs’ Ivan Perisic powered in a header. Thereafter both ‘keepers, Dominik Livakovic for Croatia and Shuichi Gonda made decent saves to maintain the 1-1 score and send the game into extra-time.

As so often little was created in terms of chances and there was inevitability that penalties were needed to separate the sides. The record books will show that Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic was the hero saving three penalties as his side progressed 3-1, but if truth be told, the quality of those from the Japanese players was poor. Croatia runners-up in 2018 through to the Quarter Finals.

 

Brazil 4 (4) – (0) 1 South Korea (Stadium 974, Doha)

Brazil scorers: Vinicius Júnior (7′), Neymar (13’ pen), Richarlison (29′), Lucas Paqueta (36′). South Korea scorer: Paik Seung-ho (76′)

 

No competitive fixtures between these two sides but met as recently as June this year when Brazil ran out 5-1 winners in Seoul, with goals from Richarlison, two penalties from Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Gabriel Jesus.

When Lucas Paqueta scored Brazil’s fourth after thirty-six minutes, that score line six months earlier looked in danger of being surpassed. The five-times champions simply blew South Korea away will skill and pace with the pick of the goals the third scored by Richarlison who started and finished a very slick Brazilian move. Second-half the onslaught continued but Korean ‘keeper Kim Seung-gyu made a number of saves to ensure the defeat wasn’t even greater. South Korea did manage a consolation through Paik Seung-ho and would have had a couple more but for some excellent work by Alisson in the Brazilian goal. Brazil on a roll, and on this display you’d be nuts to bet against them winning a sixth World Cup.

2022 World Cup – Monday 05 December 2022

France 3 (0) – (0) 1 Poland (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

France scorers: Giroud (44′), Mbappe (74′, 90’+1’). Poland scorer: Lewandowski (90’+9’ pen)

 

These two teams had met previously in a World Cup back in 1982 when they contested the 3rd/4th place match at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez in Alicante. On that occasion it was the Poles who emerged 3-2 winners. The last competitive fixtures came in the qualifiers for Euro ’96, with both games ending in draws, as France went through to the finals as group runners-up with Poland finishing fourth in the group of six.

Since those times France have emerged as one of the best teams in the world becoming European Champions in 2000 and World Cup winners in 1998 and 2018, and as such came into this game as hot favourites.

Whilst the score-line suggest an easy win for the current World Champions, Poland certainly had their moments before France took the lead just before half-time. The goal was significant not just because it put Les Bleus ahead, but also because it was Olivier Giroud’s 52nd goal for France making his the country’s record scorer ahead of Thierry Henry. Kylian Mbappe was a constant threat throughout with his pace and physicality and his reward was two fine second-half goals which also were record breakers as the French striker bettered Pele’s total of scoring seven World Cup goals before the age of 24. The goals also saw Mbappe lead the race for the Golden Boot with five goals now to his name. Poland though gained a consolation deep into time added-on when they awarded a penalty which Robert Lewandowski converted at the second attempt (Lloris saved the first but was adjudged to have moved off his line too early) to make it 3-1. France looking ominously good.

 

England 3 (2) – (0) 0 Senegal (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

England scorers: Henderson (38′), Kane (45’+3’), Saka (57′)

 

This was the first ever senior international between The Three Lions and The Lions of Teranga (Teranga defined as a combination of hospitality, respect, community and solidarity) but who would be King of the Jungle (and not in a I’m a Celebrity kind of way).

England for the first thirty minutes were in a tight spot (cue Tight Fit’s version of The Lions Sleeps tonight for those of a certain age) as Senegal pressed, created decent chances and forced numerous passing errors. It was a nervous watch at this stage. There followed a switch as the slow playing from the back was replaced by a more direct style which suddenly produced results. As with the Wales game a quick two-goal salvo put the Three Lions in charge. Jude Bellingham was at the heart of both, first providing a break and great ball for Jordan Henderson to sweep home and for the second breaking up play and with a striding run created a move which Harry Kane finished gratefully smashed home. Suddenly that nervy first half hour was just a memory and England were cruising. An early goal in the second half from the Saka after a fine ball from Foden, meant a comfy lead and a chance for Gareth Southgate to ring the changes ahead of the Quarter Final with France. If England are to go any further then they have to do it the hard way. Surely a lion can overcome a cockerel?

2022 World Cup – Saturday 03 December 2022

The last of the group games took place yesterday and given what was as stake there was drama to be had. Group H saw Portugal top with 6 points, Ghana second with three and South Korea and Uruguay with just a solitary point.

 

Group H:

Ghana 0 (0) – (2) 2 Uruguay (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Uruguay scorer: de Arrascaeta (26’, 32’)

 

South Korea 2 (0) – (0) 1 Portugal (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

South Korea scorers: Kim Young-Gwon (27′), Hwang Hee-Chan (90’+1). Portugal scorer: Ricardo Horta (5′)

 

Focus was on the Ghana vs. Uruguay game (where both teams could progress with a win) and memories of the 2010 encounter in South Africa loomed large. Back then Ghana were denied by a handball on the line by Luiz Suarez which saw the subsequent penalty from Andre Ayew missed. What irked many at the time was not just the unsporting act of the handball, but the way Suarez celebrated the miss as he stood in the tunnel. As 12 years ago Ayew missed a penalty in the game, and as back then Uruguay won the game. The difference here was that the 2-0 win was not enough to see Uruguay through as South Korea’s last gasp winner against Portugal meant they progressed on goals scored. Ghana may have lost, but I’m sure the South Americans exit will have brought a crumb of comfort. Karma truly can be a wonderful thing and the sight at the whistle of the distraught Suarez will have brought a smile to many fans faces around the world.

 

Group G:

Cameroon 1 (0) – (0) Brazil (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Cameroon scorer: Aboubakar (90’+2’)

 

Serbia 2 (2) – (2) 3 Switzerland (Stadium 974, Doha)

Serbia scorers: Mitrovic (26′), Vlahovic (35′). Switzerland scorers: Shaqiri (20′), Embolo (44′), Freuler (48′)

 

Group G was already settled in terms of Brazil being confirmed into the last sixteen and as a result they rested a number of first-choice players against Cameroon. The African side knew that they had to win to have any chance of progressing. The standout performances came from Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli who could have had a hat-trick but for the excellence of the Cameroon ‘keeper Devis Epassy. Despite all the chances they created they just couldn’t find a goal and in time added-on they were hit with a sucker punch as Cameroon skipper Aboubakar headed home and was promptly sent-off for a second yellow card after taking his shirt off in celebrating the winner. Despite the win, the Indomitable Lions were out.

In their game against Serbia, the Swiss knew that a draw would be enough to see them through. It all looked to be going to plan when Shaqiri put them ahead after twenty minutes. However, Serbia’s record goalscorer Mitrovic levelled with a stunning header and the comeback was complete ten minutes before the break as Vlahovic made it 2-1. At this point, Serbia were going through with the Swiss missing out. Once again though the game twisted, with Embolo equalising a minute before the break to put the Rossocrociati (Red Crosses) into the vital runners-up spot. They made sure of progression just three minutes into the second half, with a brilliant team goal finished by Nottingham Forest’s midfielder Remo Freuler. Serbia could find no way back but leave the competition having more than contributed to an entertaining group.

 

And so the group stages are over, and the knockout phase begins, with the last sixteen games (I can bring myself to call it the round of sixteen!) as follows:

Netherlands v USA (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Argentina v Australia (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

France v Poland (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

England v Senegal (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Japan v Croatia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Brazil v South Korea (Stadium 974, Doha)

Morocco v Spain (Stadium 974, Doha)

Portugal v Switzerland (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

2022 World Cup – Friday 02 December 2022

Group F:

Croatia 0 (0) – (0) 0 Belgium (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

 

Canada 1 (1) – (0) 2 Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Canada scorer: Aguerd (40’og). Morocco scorers: Ziyech (4′), En-Nesyri (23′)

 

Going into the last games in Group F, 2018 runners-up Croatia were top with four points, with Morocco second on goal-difference, Belgium in third and Canada already out with nil point.

Yesterday I said how the World Cup hadn’t really sparked into life and boy this was about to change. The story of the day from this group was the elimination of FIFA ranked #2 Belgium and Morocco finishing top of the pile. Much has been made of Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’, its lack of delivering major titles and recently internal rumblings within the dressing room. They had to beat Croatia to progress and knew that a single goal would be enough. Romelu Lukaku had been injured prior to the World Cup with virtually no playing time under his belt but Belgium brought him on in the second half. A number of chances came his way, but his rustiness showed as he was unable to convert any. He was distraught at the whistle as assistant coach Thierry Henry tried to console the striker. Head Coach Roberto Martínez confirmed later that this was his last game in charge and whoever comes in has a rebuilding job to do with The Red Devils.

Morocco saw off a spirited Canada to clinch top-spot and seal a place in the last sixteen, equalling their achievement in 1986 when they lost to a late Lothar Matthaus goal against West Germany. The Atlas Lions have been impressive in Qatar and their tie with Spain will be an interesting one.

Group E:

Japan 2 (0) – (1) 1 Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Japan scorers: Doan (48′), Tanaka (51′). Spain scorer: Morata (11′)

 

Costa Rica 2 (0) – (1) 4 Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Costa Rica scorers: Tejeda (58′), Neuer (70’og). German scorers: Gnabry (10′), Havertz (73′, 85′), Fullkrug (89′)

This was a group that was expected to see Germany and Spain made it through. However, with 71 minutes gone with Japan 2-1 up in Al Rayyan and Germany losing by the same score to Costa Rica in Al Khor, it was the Spanish and the Germans who were heading for an early exit. And whilst Die Mannschaft recovered to win the game 4-2, Japan held on to ensure they topped the group with Spain going through on goal-difference to the last sixteen.

The major talking point now and since has been Japan’s second goal which was only given after VAR intervention. Depending on the angle various people have either made a case for the ball being in or out. The official view is that is you drew a line up vertically from the by-line then a small part of the ball was still in play and therefore as VAR indicated the goal was valid. Germans and controversy about the ball crossing the line – now where have I heard about that before…

2022 World Cup – Thursday 01 December 2022

Group D:

Tunisia 1 (0) – (0) 0 France (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Tunisia scorer: Khazri (58’)

France had already qualified going into the final round of games, with Australia second on three points and Tunisia and Denmark bringing up the rear with a point apiece.

Tunisia knew that only a victory would give them any chance of progressing to the last sixteen and they would have been heartened by the rotation to the French squad that saw players like Lloris, Griezmann, Giroud and Mbappe on the bench. In what was to prove an emotional and highly charged atmosphere given the historical and political links between the countries. Despite a lack of possession. Tunisia held their own and then struck just before the hour mark, winning the ball in midfield releasing ex-Sunderland player Khazri to advance on the French defence before slotting into the corner. Didier Deschamps the French coach reacted by throwing on his big guns in search of an equaliser, but it was not to be with Griezmann having his late strike disallowed for offside. Tunisia had secured the win they required, but with Australia beating Denmark it was the Socceroos who took second spot and a place in the last sixteen.

 

Australia 1 (0) – (0) 0 Denmark (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Australia scorer: Leckie (60’)

The equation was a simple one for both teams, win and progress. The Danes dominated possession but didn’t convert this into shots on goal and when they did they couldn’t find a way past Mat Ryan in the Australian goal. The vital goal came on the hour, as Australia broke with a lightning-quick counterattack finished off by Mathew Leckie.

For the Danes their Semi-Final spot at the Euros seems a lifetime away as they struggled in Qatar, gaining just a point. For Australia, progressing equals their best tournament in 2006 when they lost in last sixteen to a Italian penalty in time added-on.

 

Group C:

Poland 0 (0) – (0) 2 Argentina (Stadium 974, Doha)

Argentina scorers: Mac Allister (46′), Alvarez (67′)

Going into the final round, Poland topped the group (4 points), with Argentina second who were level on points with Saudi Arabia and Mexico last with a solitary point.

Yet again VAR and those who adjudicate to be frankly embarrassing. The awarding of a penalty to Argentina on 39 minutes was simply comical. Poland keeper Wojciech Szczesny has his eyes on the ball as he attempts to punch/palm the cross away, the contact between his hand and Messi’s face is an accident…and then the acting from Messi for the ‘contact’ – well don’t get me started. Thankfully justice was done as the ex-Arsenal ‘keeper clawed away Messi’s spot-kick. No goals at half time – jeez how many times have I typed that during this World Cup.

Within a minute of the restart though they had their goals with Mac Allister’s shot going in off  the post. When Alvarez scored with twenty-three minutes remaining to make it 2-0 and the score over in Lusail, having started top the Poles were in danger of missing out on second spot. Indeed they were ragged in the last quarter of the game and can be grateful for Argentina’s profligate finishing which could have sent Poland home. Argentina recovered from the defeat against Saudi Arabia to finish top of the group and finding a bit of a groove.

 

Saudi Arabia 1 (0) – (0) 2 Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Saudi Arabia scorer: Al Dawsari (90’+5’). Mexico scorers: Martín (47′), Chavez (52′)

Mexico despite victory missed out on the last sixteen on goal-difference. They were ahead 2-0 after fifty-two minutes, the second a stunning free kick from Chavez. And as they went in search of more goals, the situation though in the group took some understanding (and believing). With Argentina beating Poland 2-0 and Mexico leading by the same score-line at Lusail Stadium in the fourth minute of time added on, El Tri (The Tricolour) needed one more goal to prevent them from going out according to FIFA’s fair play rule for having more yellow cards than Poland. However, this didn’t come into play as Salem Al Dawsari’s goal in the fifth minute of time added-on sent Mexico home on goal difference instead. Some drama at least in a World Cup that has yet to burst into any sort of life.

2022 World Cup – Wednesday 30 November 2022

Group A:

Ecuador 1 (0) – (1) 2 Senegal (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Ecuador scorer: Caicedo (67′). Senegal scorers: Sarr (44′ pen), Koulibaly (70′)

 

Netherlands 2 (1) – (0) 0 Qatar (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Netherlands scorers: Gakpo (26′), de Jong (49′)

 

Going into the final round the table order was, Netherlands, Ecuador, Senegal and Qatar. For the Dutch their win over the hapless hosts Qatar was no surprise, although Cody Gakpo’s reputation was given another boost as he scored again to record three goals in three games, with the points sealed by a de Jong tap-in early in the second half. The win enough to ensure top spot. Just for the record, Qatar became the first host nation to exit the tournament with three group-stage losses, finishing bottom with no points.

The real interest in Group A was over at the Khalifa International Stadium. Both sides had the chance progress, with Ecuador knowing a draw would be enough for them. However, it was the Senegalese  Lions of Teranga who came to dominate the game. Without their star player Sadio Mane there was concern that Senegal would struggle. However, Watford winger set them on their way a minute before the break coolly slotting home a penalty. The English connection continued in the second half, with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo levelling for Ecuador somewhat against the run of play on sixty-seven minutes. The Tricolours joy was short-lived though, as just three minutes later Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly’s side footed volley restored Senegal’s lead, one they held onto at the whistle.

This is Senegal’s third World Cup, having debuted in 2002 and also participating in 2018. In Russia they exited in the group stages, but in 2002 beat Sweden 2-1 (AET) in the last sixteen, before exiting 1-0 to Turkey in the Quarter Finals. England beware.

 

Group B:

Wales 0 (0) – (0) 3 England (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

England scorers: Rashford (50′, 68′), Foden (51′)

 

Iran 0 (0) – (1) 1 USA (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

USA scorer: Pulisic (38′)

 

The table before these final fixtures saw England top, with Iran second, USA third and Wales bottom.

As with Ecuador earlier in the day, Iran knew that a point would be enough. However, with what was at stake, the game lacked a real intensity. The USA created more in the opening half and deserved their 1-0 advantage through Pulisic. Iran had a late claim for a penalty rejected, but with only one shot on target in the game it told you all you needed to know about this game. USA through to play the Netherlands.

The Three Lions knew that they had their fate in their hands and dominated Wales from the off with great energy and pressing that had been missing from the game against the USA but couldn’t find a finish. That was all put right in the second half as three goals in eighteen minutes extinguished the Red Dragons and their faint hopes of progress. The Welsh looked on the ropes during that second forty-five and for many of their senior players it was their last hurrah at a World Cup. Of course (without being patronising) it was an achievement for them to qualify – yes we know the last time as 1958. However, will just leave these here from a couple of the Welsh squad: Sorba Thomas, “We don’t fear England, never have. Whether that’s football, rugby, whatever, we don’t fear England and for us why not we be the ones to knock them out.” Kieffer Moore, “can’t wait to knock England out of the World Cup.”

2022 World Cup – Tuesday 29 November 2022

Group G: Cameroon 3 (1) – (2) 3 Serbia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Cameroon scorers: Castelletto (29′), Aboubakar (63′), Choupo-Moting (66′). Serbia scorers: Pavlovic (45’+1’), S Milinkovic-Savic (45’+3’), Mitrovic (53′)

 

Group H: South Korea 2 (0) – (2) 3 Ghana (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

South Korea scorers: Cho (58′, 61′). Ghana scorers: Salisu (24′), Kudus (34′, 68′)

 

Group G: Brazil 1 (0) – (0) 0 Switzerland (Stadium 974, Doha)

Brazil scorer: Casemiro (83′)

 

Group H: Portugal 2 (0) – (0) 0 Uruguay (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Portugal scorer: Bruno Fernandes (54′, 90’+3’ pen)

 

And so the second round of group games comes to a finale with a bit of a goals flourish as the tables take shape leaving everyone knowing what needs to be done to progress whilst for others its simply means packing their bags.

The opening game of the day saw Serbia take on Cameroon in a game which a draw was not really of much use to either side, given they both lost their first group game. Serbia started brightly and Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic was unlucky not to give them the lead when his curling effort struck the post. However, it was the African side who went ahead when a corner eventually found its way to the back post where Castelletto tapped in. It looked like an advantage they would take into the break but two goals in added time from Pavlovic and Milinkovic-Savic meant it was the Serbs who went in 2-1 up.

When Serbia then scored eight minutes into the second half with a simple Mitrovic finish after a slick breakaway move the game looked up for Cameroon. However, just as in the first half there was a quick burst of scoring as goals on 63’ and 66’ brought Cameroon level at 3-3. The first from Aboubakar looked it was offside and the way he cheekily lobbed the ball in and barely celebrated, indicated he felt the same. VAR check ensued and showed it wasn’t – cue Aboubakar’s celebration. Then another breakaway saw Choupo-Moting sweep home and suddenly the African side were in the ascendency. The see-saw match was nearly won late on, as Mitrovic was teed up inside the box, only to see his effort curl wide.

Ghana and South Korea then treated us to another ding-dong encounter. Ghana scored twice in the first half, when South Korea’s ability to defend balls into the box proved their undoing. From a free-kick Salisu eventually slotted home after the ball bounced around in the box and for the second, a deep ball in allowed Kudus to ghost in between the defenders and glance home – kudos indeed (sorry couldn’t resist it!) Whatever was said in the South Korean dressing room did the trick as two towering headers from Cho on 58’ and 61’ had well, turned the game on its head. However, their joy was short-lived as within seven minutes Ghana were in front again. Credit to South Korea as they took the game to Ghana and created a number of chances. At the whistle though Ghana took the points and while they celebrated, South Korea manager Paulo Bento was sent off for arguing with English referee Anthony Taylor for not allowing a corner to be taken even though time was up.

After that the Brazil Switzerland game felt like a bit of anti-climax, with Casemiro’s sweet strike seven minutes from time pretty much the only highlight.

Last up was Portugal and Uruguay in a pretty ordinary game, with two goals from Bruno Fernandes (one a penalty in time added up) taking them through to the last sixteen. The biggest talking point was whether Ronaldo had got his head to the cross-shot that opened the scoring for Portugal. Well, weren’t we all relieved when Adidas who provide the Official World Cup balls (the Al Rihla – the journey) announced that the internal ball sensor had not detected any contact from Ronaldo – I’d have lost sleep over it!