2022 World Cup – Sunday 18 December 2022

Croatia 2 (2) – (1) 1 Morocco (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Croatia scorers: Gvardiol (7′), Orsic (42′). Morocco scorer: Dari (9′)

 

A mad opening ten minutes with both teams getting on the scoresheet and both headed free kicks. Croatia’s after seven minutes was one of the goals of the tournament – from the ball into the box Ivan Perisic headed it towards the penalty spot where a diving Gvardiol stunningly headed home. The lead though last just two minutes when a Moroccan free kick was deflected into the box where an unmarked Dari had the easiest task of nodding home. In what was a decent first period, Croatia took the lead once more three minutes before the break with an exquisite finish from Orsic. The second half didn’t produce any goals but had it moments. Once again VAR was shown at its very best (!) when Gvardiol was clearly tripped in the box, yet no penalty was awarded – what is the point. Morocco’s best chance feel to En-Nesyri but was denied at point blank range by one of the ‘keepers of the tournament, Livakovic. Morocco became increasingly frustrated as they searched for an equaliser and their behaviour in the closing stages and at full-time was deplorable as they manhandled the referee. Why were none of the players cautioned and where was the protection for the match officials at the final whistle?

Croatia deserved the win and their celebrations at the end showed that the game did in fact have meaning, with their second third place finish at a World Cup (1998) to go with being runners-up in 2018. Quite an achievement.

 

2022 WORLD CUP FINAL: Argentina v France (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

The World Cup tournament and the final down the years will mean different things to different people.

I was born in a World Cup year (1962) but that was two months after Brazil completed a 3-1 victory over Czechoslovakia. 1966, despite my dad’s insistence that I watched the final, holds no memories at all. It wasn’t until 1970 that I have any vague recollection and that was on holiday in Torquay when the whole hotel, staff and guests, gathered to see England lose 3-2 and give up their title as World Champions. Four years later (given World Cups were held in summer prior to 2022), the heavy rain that affected the tournament in West Germany stands out and whilst the hosts won 2-1 in the final I was carrying out my cricket scoring duties for my dad’s team away at Chipstead & Coulsdon so seeing very little of the action. 1978 was O-level year and I readily admit I had more interest in the events in Argentina than my text books. I remember watching the final mesmerised by the tickertape that showered down from the stands, willing the Netherlands to win – alas it was not to be as Argentina won 3-1 in extra time.

With England having failed to qualify for the finals in both ’74 and ’78, 1982 in Spain was probably the first time I really followed the Three Lions having attended qualifiers at Wembley against Switzerland and Romania. Memorable for not losing a game and the injuries to Kevin Keegan and Trevor Brooking which limited their participation, the 0-0 against the hosts and the missed chances, are still etched into my head. 1986 is vivid of course for England’s exit at the hands of Argentina and I remember watching the drama at my local cricket club, confused by what Peter Shilton was protesting about. The final was a see-saw occasion and glimpses were only snatched whilst playing cricket, as Argentina lifted the title once more.

1990 saw me in my own place with my then wife and as an England fan their progress was keenly followed, World in Motion et al. The final was watched at home but was an incredibly drab affair, the only consolation being that West Germany beat the dreaded Argentinians. England failed to make it to the USA in ’94 and I failed to watch the final, a tournament I just couldn’t get into.

Four years later France were hosts and memories of watching the England v Tunisia game in a local bar in darkness and then emerging into bright late afternoon sunlight, blinking and a little worse for a couple of beers. Of course the Three Lions then went out to Argentina in the last sixteen on penalties with St David of Beckham vilified for his sending-off in the game. The final was a curious watch with the saga around Ronaldo’s health and subsequent appearance a major distraction as Brazil lost 3-0.

2002 saw a joint hosting of the tournament by Japan and South Korea. The time difference meant that I remember watching the England v Nigeria game at work, with the company allowing us to come in early and watch it before working. They shouldn’t have bothered as it was a shocking 0-0 draw. Of course Beckham’s redemption with his penalty against Argentina (how many times have they been mentioned today?!) was something to recall as was the defeat to Brazil in the last eight which I imagine David Seaman still has nightmares about. The final was also redemption for Ronaldo as his two goals (and one of the strangest haircuts) saw off the Germans.

Talking of Germany they were host four years later in what was a crazy old tournament, memorable for the flash points. England undone by the Portuguese version of Ronaldo as Rooney was sent off and penalties did for the Three Lions in the Quarter Finals. And then of course the most famous headbutt in World Cup history as Zinedine Zidane tangled with Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the final, as the Italians took the title on penalties.

The 2010 tournament saw it hosted by South Africa, where England managed to limp through to the last sixteen only to be dumped out 4-1 by Germany, with us all screaming at our tv’s as Frank Lampard’s ‘ghost’ goal vanished into the ether. Notable for Luis Suarez unsporting celebration of the missed Ghana penalty and Netherlands physical approach in the final, it was another final watched sat at home, with my playing days long behind me.

2014 in Brazil highlighted again the strain hosting the event can have on a country, with politics and demonstrations very much at the fore. Whilst England were simply unwatchable and finished bottom of their group, Luis Suarez confirmed his status as a panto villain scoring twice against the Three Lions. Of course seeing Brazil dumped 7-1 in the Semi Final was an unbelievable nights watching and with Germany completing the job over Argentina in the final it made for an pleasant conclusion to the tournament.

Of course like for all England fans, 2018 was some occasion. The highs of reaching a Semi Final but the abject misery of then not making it all the way. As it was I wouldn’t have been able to watch the final, because as France were lifting their second World Cup, I was somewhere over the Bay of Biscay on the way to Lanzarote! Today another landmark as I’ll be watching in our new house, surrounded by Christmas decorations and not sat in shorts and t-shirt as in previous years. All a bit strange.

As you’ll gather from this piece and the diary this time round, I’m no fan of Argentina and have no desire to see Lionel Messi lift the trophy in his final World Cup game. Slightly concerning to read of the French squad being impacted by a ‘cold’ – anyone for a conspiracy theory as FIFA try to ensure Argentina win a third title?

There is a bit of World Cup history between these two countries, with them meeting in the very first tournament in 1930 at the group stage. Argentina won 1-0 going onto reach the final but losing 4-2 to hosts Uruguay. It was another 48 years until they met again, once again in the group stages, winning 2-1 on their way to lifting the trophy as hosts. The last World Cup encounter was at the previous event in Russia, in a last sixteen game which saw France emerge winners 4-3 with Griezmann, Pavard and Mbappe (2) the scorers. It would be a huge surprise if we get anything like that today. Not long now…

Category: General, World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

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!

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

2022 World Cup – Thursday 15 December 2022

France 2 (1) – (0) 0 Morocco (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

France scorers: Hernandez (5′), Kolo Muani (79′)

 

France and their fans will be on a high this morning after reaching their second successive World Cup final, the first team to achieve this since Brazil who appeared in three finals on the bounce, 1994, 1998 and 2002. However, they will also be letting out a major sigh of relief as they were pushed all the way by a tenacious and skillful Morocco team.

Despite going a goal down after just five minutes through an acrobatic finish from Theo Hernandez and the early loss of skipper Romain Saiss, who was clearly not fit, and backed by their incredible support, the Atlas Lions gave it their all. They dominated possession and matched the French in terms of attempts on goal yet couldn’t find a way past Lloris and a French defence that remained calm despite the pressure and who sealed their place in the final with a tap-in from Kolo Muani with eleven minutes remaining.

The talk ahead of Sunday’s final will be about Messi and Mbappe, but the star last night was Antoine Griezmann who playing now in a deeper role for his country, was simply outstanding, popping up at the back, winning balls in midfield and getting Les Bleus attacks going. He yet could be the key in the final.

For Morocco this tournament has seen them truly arrive on the World stage, and they will face Croatia in the 3rd/4th place play-off game on Saturday. Ironically the opening game for these two at the group stage, in a game that ended 0-0. They will want to finish on a high and it could mean that its more of a game than the often training ground approach that some teams have adopted down the years.

Finally a note on the referee who I thought let far too much go and should have produced more yellow cards. His approach left players with the ability to commit fouls without fear of a card and disrupted the flow of the game. As much as I enjoyed watching it last night, it brought home how easily players go down these days, looking to win fouls and getting the opposition booked. Who’d be a ref?

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

2022 World Cup – Wednesday 14 December 2022

Argentina 3 (2) – (0) 0 Croatia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorers: Messi (34′ pen), Alvarez (39′, 69′)

 

Well there won’t be a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final as Croatia bowed out to two-time winners Argentina. The more you watch the tournament the more you wonder if this is some sort of conspiracy against the European nations. The award of the penalty on thirty four minutes to give Argentina the lead through Messi looked nothing more than a collision between Alvarez and the Croatian ‘keeper and changed the course of the game, given that if the teams had gone in at the break level, Argentina would no doubt have become frustrated. Still reeling from the penalty award the error was compounded by poor defending from the Croats five minutes later allowing Alvarez to double the South Americans advantage. With the game over the victory was secured by the best goal of the three from Manchester City’s Alvarez on sixty-nine minutes. Fans at the Etihad will be heartened by the showing of the young forward who has now scored four goals in the tournament. However, for Croatia they bowed out with a whimper and not a bang, with the talent that Luka Modric probably never to grace a World Cup finals again. He’ll be missed.

It’s a bit of a rant on my part, but the media love-in with Messi is simply draining. The claim that he is the GOAT is flawed in my opinion. He’s never tested himself, residing in two of the world’s weakest leagues La Liga and Lique 1 surrounded by quality players at both Barcelona and PSG. It’ll be a blessed relief when he retires.

The European nations have been the loudest voice against Qatar, and one wonders what may occur later today in the France v Morocco game to ensure Africa’s first ever finalist or is all about ensuring Messi goes out with a World Cup winners medal? The whole tournament has a bad smell since the award in 2010 and feels like it will linger until the final.

 

France v Morocco (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

 France topped Group D at this winter’s World Cup and had already qualified for the last sixteen with wins over Australia (4-1) and Denmark (2-1) before a much changed Les Bleus lost to Tunisia (1-0). They French then eased pass Poland 3-1 before eliminating England 2-1 in the Quarter Finals. France have been great in patches and very ordinary in others and will be very wary of a Morocco side who have already created history. It will feel like a home game for the Ousud Al-atlas (Atlas Lions), who supporters have attended in large numbers and created an incredible atmosphere.

Will my conspiracy theory come to pass and see Morocco through, or will the current World Champions get the chance to defend their crown?

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

2022 World Cup – Tuesday 13 December 2022

Argentina v Croatia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

 Billed as the World Cup last chance saloon for Messi and Modric, the 13th will be unlucky for one of them later today.

With what we consider to be the modern day country of Croatia coming into existence in the early nineties after the breakup and war in Yugoslavia, the team’s history is a relatively short one. In the case of games against Croatia, the Semi Final encounter in Lusail will only be the fifth occasion they have met Argentina.

The first was a friendly played in Zagreb in 1994 which ended 0-0, with the first competitive meeting coming four year later at the World Cup in France. This group stage game was settled in the first half by a goal from Mauricio Pineda as Argentina claimed the win 1-0. Croatia recorded their first win over the South American team in a friendly in 2006 played in Switzerland. The opening to the game was frantic as Argentina led 2-1 after just six minutes, with goals from Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi. However, second half goals from Darijo Srna and Dario Simic saw Croatia home to a 3-2 victory. The next time they met in 2014 was also a friendly and was played at West Ham United’s former ground at Upton Park, where a crowd of 19,834 witnessed a 2-1 win for Argentina. Croatia went in at the break ahead 1-0 thanks to an eleventh minute goal from Anas Sharbini but were undone by goals from Cristian Ansaldi (49’) and a Messi penalty (57’). The last meeting for these teams was in the group stages of the World Cup with Croatia blowing away Argentina with three second half goals from Ante Rebic (53’), Luka Modric (80’) and Ivan Rakitic (90’).

In getting to this point in the 2022 competition, Argentina started with a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia, but recovered with two 2-0 wins over Mexico and Poland to take top spot in Group C. They then overcame Australia 2-1 in the last sixteen before a penalty shoot-out victory against the Dutch in the last eight.

For Croatia, it was a second place finish in Group F after a 0-0 with Morocco, a 4-1 demolition of Canada and a hard-fought 0-0 with Belgium which saw the low countries side eliminated. It was then a win on penalties over Japan in the last sixteen and then again in knocking out Brazil in the Quarter Finals.

Argentina’s antics at the whistle against the Dutch has set me against the South Americans and I’ve no wish for the romantic vision of Messi winning the competition as his international swansong. However, as much as I’d like to see Croatia go through to a second successive final, I fear that Messi will inspire his side to make it through leaving the other LM with the joys of a third/fourth place game.

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

2022 World Cup – Sunday 11 December 2022

Morocco 1 (1) – (0) 0 Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Morocco scorer: En-Nesyri (42′)

 

History was made in another Quarter Final of high drama. Morocco became the first African side to reach a World Cup Semi Final. As in their previous fixtures they have been tenacious in defence and quick on the counterattack. This is no fluke, they topped their group, beating Canada, Belgium and drawing with Croatia, seeing off Spain on penalties and now ending Ronaldo’s last shot at World Cup glory. It will have been even more galling for him given Argentina’s and Messi’s progress to another Semi Final.

The winning goal came just before the break with Youssef En-Nesyr heading home a cross that Portugal’s ‘keeper Diogo Costa was never likely to get to. Talking of goalkeepers, Morocco’s No:1 Yassine Bounou yet again made some vital saves to keep Portugal at bay, including a late effort from Ronaldo who come on as a substitute. The noise at the whistle was unbelievable even for those of us watching from home.

Pele once famously said that an African side would win the World Cup before 2000. That didn’t come to pass, but could Morocco be about to deliver a first African World Cup win? Morocco march on to meet France. This will no doubt be an interesting clash, given that Morocco was a French Protectorate from 1912, until gaining independence from France in 1956.

 

England 1 (0) – (1) 2 France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

England scorer: Kane (54′ pen). France scorers: Tchouameni (17′), Giroud (78′)

 

It’s always difficult to be objective about your club or country when they lose. Much was said last  night about the refereeing and certain incidents, and it will rumble on for a few days yet.

Today in the cold light of day, I still believe the referee had a poor game and at this level and stage of the biggest competition that is plainly unacceptable. However, despite all that, had Harry Kane converted his second penalty, England would still have had a chance to go on and win. I hope there isn’t a backlash against the Three Lions skipper who has served his country well down the years.

Going into this tournament I had called for Gareth Southgate to be replaced despite his record and how he turned around the fortunes of the England team. His tenure can only be seen as a success, but one that has been unable to take any of the big prizes. It will be interesting to see whether he stays on.

Congrats to France. Good sides win even when not performing at their best and it maybe we have a repeat of the 2018 Final yet against Croatia.

 

And so we are down to the final four teams with the line-up as follows:

Tuesday 13 December – Argentina v Croatia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Wednesday 14 December – France v Morocco (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

2022 World Cup – Friday 09 December 2022

After a rest of a couple of days, the action resumes with the Quarter Finals split over two days. Both games evoke different memories from encounters of the past.

 

Croatia v Brazil (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Croatia will be underdogs going into this game and history isn’t on their side either, with the Kockasti (Checkered Ones) losing their last two World Cup exchanges with the five-times World Champions. They met in 2006 in a group game during the tournament in Germany, with a second encounter 8 years later when Brazil were the hosts. The game against Croatia was the opening match of the competition and history was made when a Marcelo own goal became the first to be the opening goal in any World Cup. Sadly for Croatia despite a decent display they ended up on the end of a 3-1 defeat. My abiding memory is of Neymar and his histrionics which put this viewer at the time firmly against Brazil. As we know the hosts would reach the Semi-Finals only to be humiliated 7-1 by Germany. Some will say that was karma.

Whilst the Croatians have gone about their business in an understated way, they needed to penalties to overcome Japan in the last sixteen and the feeling is that Brazil will have too much for the Europeans.

 

Netherlands v Argentina (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

For me whenever these two teams meet, I’m transported back the 1978 Final in Argentina, and mas as a sixteen year old more interested in football than revising for my O-levels. As now the tournament was surrounded by controversy, with allegations of match-fixing by the military junta government and suppression of any political opposition. At times it felt like one big exercise in propaganda.

The final itself saw the hosts line up against the Dutch without the legend that was Johan Cruyff, having retired from international football in October 1977. The fixture was played at the River Plate Stadium and the tickertape that rained down from the stands was an incredible sight – and was so great in volume that it littered the pitch throughout the game. In a highly charged atmosphere Mario Kempes gave the home team the lead on thirty-five minutes. It looked like that might be enough but with eight minutes remaining Dick Nanninga leapt highest to head home to take the game into extra-time. However, it was to be disappointment for a second successive final for the Netherlands as a second goal for Kempes goal and one for Daniel Bertoni sealed a 3-1 win and Argentina’s first World Cup success.

Genuinely not sure how this one will go. No fan of Argentina so more than happy to see Messi retire from the international scene without a winners medal. I’d like to see the Netherlands progress but they have been less that convincing and perhaps their best chance of getting through is penalties. Reality though is probably an Argentinian victory.

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

2022 World Cup – Wednesday 07 December 2022

Yesterday I reflected that there hadn’t been a shock in the last sixteen fixtures to date and then it was delivered in the first game of the day.

 

Morocco 0 (0) – (0) 0 Spain AET. Morocco win 3-0 on penalties (Stadium 974, Doha)

 

Many teams find the weight of expectation or the ghosts of winning teams of the past too much to handle. Look at Brazil in 2014 when hosting the World Cup. They were trying to put to bed the loss in 1950 to Uruguay but instead were humiliated by Germany 7-1 in the 2014 Semi-Final. For Spain, La Roja, any side now has to deal with the team that swept all before them between 2008 and 2012 when they won two European titles (2002 and 2012) and the World Cup (2010). Like that great squad back then, Spain would dominate possession but had the finish to go with it. In the Morocco game, Spain had 77% of the ball (1.109 passes) but only one shot on target and that was what cost them dear the good old fashioned ability to ensure possession is converted into goals. Credit to Morocco who defended superbly but still managed two shots on target. Overall it wasn’t a great watch even into extra-time when so much was at stake. The drama inevitability came with penalties, when heroes were made, and villains marked for life. Goalkeeper Bounou proved to be the Moroccan hero as Spain couldn’t find what they were looking for – a converted penalty. And so it proved to be a beautiful day for Morocco as Madrid born Hakimi stepped up and scored with a ‘Panenka’ to send the African side through.

 

Portugal 6 (2) – (0) 1 Switzerland (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Portugal scorers: Goncalo Ramos (17′, 51′, 67′), Pepe (33′), Guerreiro (55′), Rafael Leao (90’+2’). Switzerland scorer: Akanji (58′)

 

The trouble with anything Portugal related is that it always seems to come back to one man – Cristiano Ronaldo. For this game following his tantrums after being subbed in Portugal’s last outing he was dropped to the bench which became the story along with the continuing saga of where his next club will be. Thankfully there was a bigger story to be had that, being the destruction by Portugal of a strangely out of sorts Swiss team. Ronaldo’s replacement, Benfica youngster Goncalo Ramos scored a well taken hat-trick with the best of the goals for Portugal saved to last from Rafael Leao. Portugal a better side without Ronaldo? One thing though Portugal showed their Iberian cousins Spain how to do it – 48% possession, 9 shots on target.

 

That game in Lusail concluded the last sixteen ties and leaves us with the following Quarter Final games which begin on Friday, as the action takes a couple of days rest.

Croatia v Brazil (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Netherlands v Argentina (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Morocco v Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

England v France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

2022 World Cup – Sunday 04 December 2022

Netherlands 3 (2) – (0) 1 USA (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Netherland scorers: Depay (10′), Blind (45’+1’), Dumfries (81′). USA scorer: Wright (76′)

 

And so the business end of the competition begins. Draws now not an option, only victory will do whether within the ninety-minutes, extra-time or indeed the lottery that is penalties.

First up were the Netherlands and the USA. These two had never played each other in a competitive fixtures, with just five friendlies previously. The last outing saw the USA beat the Dutch for the first time way back in 2015 when they came back from 3-1 down to win 4-3. However, despite the Dutch being less than convincing so far, they were expected to overcome the Americans, joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

Statistics have become a major thing in football analysis, but they don’t win you games. The USA had more possession, shots, shots on target and corners than their Dutch opponents but the vital statistic was that Netherlands won 3-1. Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic had an early chance, but his effort was well saved by Dutch ‘keeper Andries Noppert and the Americans were made to rue the missed opportunity when on ten minutes a 21 pass move was finished off by Memphis Depay. The USA though then dominated much of the first half but were then dealt another blow as in time added on, Daley Blind finished from a swift Dutch break. Into the second period and the USA searched desperately to get back into the game, which they did with fourteen minutes to go, as Haji Wright got something on a  Pulisic which lopped the ball into the net. Was there a surprise yet? However, the Dutch wrapped the game up five minutes later as an unmarked Denzel Dumfries volleyed home to set up a Quarter-Final tie against Argentina.

 

Argentina 2 (1) – (0) 1 Australia (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Argentina scorers: Messi (35’minutes), Alvarez (57’minutes). Australia scorers: Fernandez (77′ og)

 

This was Lionel Messi’s 1,000th career appearance and he produced a Man of the Match performance to see Argentina through to the last eight. Australia were dogged for the opening thirty-five minutes, but the deadlock was broken by an excellent strike from Messi. If their first goal was all about a classy finish the second was all about an Australian howler. Socceroos ‘keeper Mat Ryan was at fault as he tried to clear his lines, losing possession and leaving Alvarez to roll home into an unguarded net. Despite being second best all game Australia got a lifeline with thirteen minutes to go as substitute Craig Goodwin’s shot took a massive deflection off Enzo Fernandez. And it could have got worse for Argentina as the Aussies had two late glorious chances to level. The reality was though that Argentina were worthy winners, and a draw would have been an injustice. Messi and his charges now take on the Dutch in a re-run of the 1978 World Cup Final.

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

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.”

Category: World Cup 2022 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT