INSIDE DIEGO: HOW THE BEST FOOTBALLER IN THE WORLD BECAME THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME by Fernando Signorini, Luciano Wernicke & Fernando Molina

The inside story of football superstar, Diego Maradona – from the person in football who knew him best.

As Diego Maradona’s personal trainer, Fernando Signorini spent more than a decade at the superstar’s side, witnessing a dizzying array of highs and lows, from helping Diego recuperate from a broken ankle in 1983 to his dramatic exit from the 1994 World Cup after a failed drugs test.

Signorini offers a unique perspective on the troubled legend, giving us the lowdown not only on Diego’s evolution as an athlete, but on Diego the human being, a far cry from the character we saw on TV screens. He brings us the inside track on Maradona’s preparation for three World Cups: Mexico 86, Italia 90 and USA 94. We also get an insider view on his battles with fame, drugs and extramarital paternity, plus his time in charge of the Argentine national team.

Brimming with incredible stories and anecdotes, Inside Diego is an intensely personal rollercoaster account of a flawed football genius.

(Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd. January 2023. Paperback: 272 pages)

 

Buy the book here: Inside Diego

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Book Review – Blood on the Crossbar: The Dictatorship’s World Cup by Rhys Richards

18 December 2022 – the Lusail Stadium. Lionel Messi receives the FIFA World Cup trophy after one of the most dramatic finals in the competitions history. This is Argentina’s, La Albiceleste (The White and Sky Blue), third triumph following wins in 1978 and 1986. However, for all the magnificence of the final, the first World Cup to be held in the Arab world has been a controversial one even from the point Qatar were awarded the event back in December 2010. Rumours circulated how votes had been ‘bought’ to ensure the tiny but incredibly wealthy state became hosts, with many around the globe pointing to Qatar’s human rights record as a significant and compelling reason for the country to be stripped of the 2022 event.

This however was not the first time that the staging of the World Cup finals in a particular nation has proved to be contentious. Roll back the clock to 1978 with the finals being held in Argentina for the first time and we have a tournament that was equally controversial.

Rhys Richards’, Blood on the Crossbar: The Dictatorship’s World Cup, explores what was the eleventh World Cup finals and is a brilliant read. This well researched book is not just about the tournament itself, but also social and political history within the South American country in the late 1970s.

Two years before the finals Argentina had been subject to a military coup with the democratically elected president, Isabel Peron, ousted by General Jorge Rafael Videla. This was a dictatorship that ruthlessly imprisoned, tortured and killed anyone who opposed the regime and used the World Cup as a massive propaganda exercise.

As a young teenager at the time, and even without England having qualified, all I naively cared about was the football, and knew nothing of the political situation. The book was therefore a real eye-opener in learning not only about the cruel and brutal administration, but about the opposition that existed both within Argentina and abroad. For instance, Los Montoneros (a left wing organisation who supported Peron) who as part of their protest, on a number of occasions were able to hijack the audio of Argentina’s games in certain locations. There was also deep concerns in Europe, and a Dutch alternative cabaret duo Bram Vermeulen and Freek de Jonge began a campaign for the Netherlands to boycott the finals. The title of their show was Blood on the Crossbar, and “focused on the crimes of the dictatorship and the use of the World Cup as a sports-washing project.” They attempted to work with the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) but ultimately failed and ironically the Dutch squad were then used in part of the propaganda war ahead of the Final, with an article appearing purporting to be from Rudi Krol, praising the hospitality, the organisation and the military –  all the content however was a forgery.

Richards though for all his excellent exploration of issues off the pitch, doesn’t forget about those on the pitch taking readers through the matches group by group and dealing with some of the other controversies associated with the tournament, such as the allegations of drug taking by the Argentina players, and most especially the 6-0 beating of Peru that put La Albiceleste through the Final.

The teenage me remembers the Final and the sea of ticker-tape that rained down from the stands of the Estadio Monumental. I’d never seen anything like it and was then proceeded to be dazzled by the performance of Mario Kempes and his compatriots. Now though after reading this book, those innocent boyish feelings and recollections are now tempered by an adult realisation of what lay behind the scene in the name of sport.

La Albiceleste’s win in 1986 will always be associated with the brilliance of Maradona whilst 2022 saw a fairy-tale ending for Messi’s. Yet that first win in 1978 has to deal to this day with the stigma of association with the junta. However, this book redresses the balance and is a homage to the 1978 winners of Argentina’s first World Cup triumph and leaves you with some sympathy for the group as Richards attempts to give them separation from the association with the dictatorship and the horrors of the regime of the time.

(Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd. September 2022. Hardcover: 304 pages)

 

Buy the book here: Blood on the Crossbar

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2022 World Cup – Monday 19 December 2022

2022 WORLD CUP FINAL: Argentina 3 (2) – (0) 3 France AET [Argentina won 4-2 on penalties] (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorers: Messi (23′ pen, 108′), Di María (36′). France scorers: Mbappé (80’pen, 81′, 118′ pen)

A quite incredible final, that will go down as one of the greatest of all time. Drama, controversy, gamesmanship, it was all there.

After sixty four minutes and with Argentina 2-0 they took off Angel Di Maria who had scored his countries second goal in a clinical team move and had tortured France all game. The French had offered nothing up to that point and reports of a virus that had gone through the squad seemed accurate in a lacklustre and jaded performance that had seen Dembele, and Giroud substituted before half-time. But with Di Maria withdrawn, Argentina began to sit back and with ten minutes to go, gave away a penalty which Mbappe gratefully put away to make it 2-1. Within a minute the game had turned on its head as a superb strike from the French number nine levelled the game and suddenly Les Bleus were in the ascendancy. Into extra time in which both sides looked for the winner. Within three minutes of the second period Argentina went ahead again as Messi tapped-in only for Mbappe to score his second penalty two minutes from time to secure a hat-trick. The drama wasn’t over yet as France had a great chance to win it with the clock running down, with Kolo Muani finding himself free only for Emiliano Martinez to make a vital save. Argentina broke up field and nearly snatched a winner themselves as their final chance feel to Lautaro Martinez who headed wide. And so to penalties where Argentina’s ‘keeper Martinez was once more the hero so setting the motion the Messi love-in that so much of the media and no doubt FIFA wanted.

A breathless and memorable final no doubt.

But…once again the refereeing and VAR were poor. Was the first Argentina penalty and France’s second really penalties? Both were extremely harsh in my opinion. In this case and others the match referees were far too lenient with persistent fouls and seemed loathe to book anybody at times, providing no deterrent for those engaged in a string of niggly fouls. Was that really a top quality playing surface for a final? Certain areas had been sprayed/painted to hide the wear and tear, with one goal area looking like it had a huge section replaced – hardly fitting for the World’s biggest game. And what were FIFA thinking of allowing Messi to be drabbed in that cape? It should have been an iconic image, instead of one of comic proportions.

And finally, it’s hard to congratulate Argentina who have showed themselves to be a graceless and unsporting mob. Their behaviour after their spot-kick win over the Dutch was deplorable as were the antics of ‘keeper Martinez during that penalty shoot-out and in the final. He should not been allowed to get in the faces of those taking the penalties and in throwing the ball away before one of the French kicks in the final was inexcusable. He then compounded his graceless actions by making a needless and crude gesture with his Golden Glove award. Classless all round.

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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…

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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?

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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.

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2022 World Cup – Saturday 10 December 2022

Croatia 1 (0) – (0) 1 Brazil AET. Croatia won 4-2 on penalties (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Croatia scorer: Petkovic (117′). Brazil scorer: Neymar (105’+1’)

 

Well, well, well. Europe 1, South America 0. So Brazil might have been favourites and five-time World Champions but the Croats care little for reputation and just went about their business to dump out Neymar and his samba dancing pals.

After a quiet first-half, Brazil totally dominated the second forty-five and but for numerous saves from Dominik Livakovic they would have cruised through. However, there was no panic from Croatia even when Neymar scored an excellent goal in extra time. He started the move, played two one-two’s, riding a challenge before rounding the ‘keeper to fire home – a special goal indeed. Croatia though just kept going and with three minutes left, broke down the pitch where Petkovic swept home with a slight deflection taking it beyond Alisson.

And so to penalties. Livakovic having starred again Japan in the shoot-out in the last sixteen, once again was the hero, saving Rodrygo’s first spot kick. Croatia were perfect with all of their first four which put the pressure on Marquinhos. However, when he struck the post, it was adeus Brazil with Croatia into a second successive World Cup Semi-Final.

 

Netherlands 2 (0) – (1) 2 Argentina AET. Argentina won 4-3 on penalties. (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Netherlands scorers: Weghorst (83’minutes, 90’+11minutes). Argentina scorers: Molina (35’minutes), Messi (73’minutes pen)

 

Europe 1, South America 1…another drama filled game, dominated by an over officious referee with 17 yellow cards and one 1 red issued, with ugly confrontational scenes between the teams and their benches at the end of extra time and penalties.

When Messi stroked home a penalty with seventeen minutes remaining the game looked done and dusted at 2-0 to Argentina. The Dutch had nothing to lose and went more direct, and even though they got one back with seven minutes reaming through a lovely Weghorst header it seemed as if it was just a consolation. Then deep into time added on, a quite brilliantly worked free-kick move saw Netherlands draw level through Weghorst’ s second goal. Extra time was dominated by Argentina in the second fifteen, but it was penalties once more.

Aston Villa’s ‘keeper Emi Martinez has a great record saving penalties and proved it once again, making saves from the first two Dutch spot-kicks which was enough to see Argentina through 4-3. The celebrations were all the greater knowing that their South American rivals Brazil has exited earlier.

 

Morocco v Portugal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

The third World Cup meeting between these sides, with the first at the finals in Mexico. It was a group stage game with Morocco winning 3-1. Portugal gained some revenge with a 1-0 win in 2018 with Ronaldo getting the vital goal.

After the drama of the opening two Quarter Finals, who knows what this one will bring. Will Ronaldo be back in the starting line up or do they stick to the side that demolished South Korea? Morocco should not be taken lightly as they have shown resilience and no little skill to make it this far. They will be hoping it’s not a game too far.

 

England v France (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

For me this tie will take me back to Spain 1982. The glorious sunshine, the weird echoey commentary and crowd noise, a squad number system based on surname (Trevor Brooking wore No:3, Tony Woodcock No: 21) and no makers logo on the Three Lions legendary Admiral kits.

Against the French in the group stages Bryan Robson scored after 27 seconds, only for France to level, but a second goal from Robson and a volley from the late great Paul Mariner sealed a 3-1 win. Oh that today will be as comfortable! Les Bleus are a team of many talents – from Lloris in goal through to Mbappe up front. This is a real tester for England and go into the game as underdogs.

But as this tournament has shown anything can happen.

PS. Did anyone mention England beat France 2-0 with a Roger Hunt brace on the way to winning the 1966 World Cup?

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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.

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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.

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2022 World Cup – Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November

Group B: Wales 0 (0) – (0) 2 Iran (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Iran scorers: Cheshmi (90’+8’), Rezaeian (90’+11’)

The Welsh will say that the sending-off of ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey with four minutes remaining was the turning point in this game, but the harsh truth is that Iran were the better side even before the red card. Gareth Bale had a quiet game and all in all it was a nervy and lacklustre performance from a side known for its passion and fighting qualities. Was there a touch of complacency on the part of the Wales team? Were they too focused on saying what they are going to do to England without dealing with the game in front of them? Whatever the reason, Wales are now in real danger of being on an early flight home.

 

Group A: Qatar 1 (0) – (1) 3 Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Qatar scorer: Muntari (78′). Senegal scorers: Dia (41′), Diedhiou (48′), Dieng (84′).

Thankfully the results in Group A today meant that the hosts are out. What was telling yet again was the sight of ‘fans’ hitting the exits at half-time. Proof if needed that there is no appetite for the game in the country. I just hope those who voted for Qatar enjoy their thirty pieces of silver. It’s a tournament doing nothing for the game except bringing controversy.

 

Group A: Netherlands 1 (1) – (0) 1 Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Netherlands scorer: Gakpo (6′). Ecuador scorer: E Valencia (49′)

The Dutch have been deeply criticised by their own media and pundits back home and this display showed why. They scored early in this game through Cody Gakpo with a powerful strike but then struggled therein after although credit must go to spirited Ecuador side. The South American’s will have felt slightly aggrieved that they had a first half goal struck off, with the decision that a player was in an offside position and in the ‘keepers eye-line. However, they were level soon after a Enner Valencia scored his third of this tournament with a tap-in and could have gone ahead when a Gonzalo Plata effort rattled the crossbar. All to play for in the final round of games, with the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal battling for the two places to progress.

 

Group B: England 0 (0) – (0) 0 USA (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

It was mentioned more than once in commentary that this was a mirror of the Euros when England drew 0-0 with Scotland in their second group game. Then as now it was a poor  performance, but it meant the Three Lions have their destiny in their own hands when they face Wales next week. This was a return to the disappointing displays of this summer and once again dissenting voices questioned Gareth Southgate’s tactic and substitutions during this encounter. Credit though to the USA for getting their tactics right and more than deserving a point.

 

Group D: Tunisia 0 (0) – (1) 1 Australia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Australia scorer: Duke (23′)

Whilst driving I caught the last 15 minutes of this game on the radio, and it sounded all Tunisia and only some superb defending and solid goalkeeping from Mat Ryan preserved their clean sheet and enabled the Aussies to claim the win thanks to a deft header in the first half thanks to Mitchell Duke. Australia know that victory over the Danes in their final game would guarantee a place in the last sixteen.

 

Group C: Poland 2 (1) – (0) 0 Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Poland scorers: Zielinski (39′), Lewandowski (82′)

By the time I arrived at my destination (Long Eaton United v Pontefract Collieries) this game was already underway, and despite the fact that the fixture was on various screens, their seemed little appetite for the action, which is a shame given from the highlights it looked a bit of a cracker with chances and incidents galore. Whilst 2-0 looks a solid win, it tells nothing of the Saudi’s attacking threat and some great saves from Wojciech Szczesny in the Polish goal including an excellent penalty save at the end of the first half. Robert Lewandowski scored late on to seal the points and take Poland top of the group.

 

Group D: France 2 (0) – (0) 1 Denmark (Stadium 974, Doha)

France scorer: Mbappe (61′, 86′). Denmark scorer: Christensen (68′)

France secured the win and a place in the last sixteen with a late win in an entertaining encounter. Les Bleus dominated the first forty-five but couldn’t finish any of the chances they created. It took until just after the hour to go ahead from Mbappe which spurned Denmark into action and indeed they levelled on sixty-eight minutes. Both sides had chances to win it but with four minutes remaining it was the World Champions who claimed the win with Mbappa bundling in at the post for his and France’s second goal.

 

Group C: Argentina 2 (0) – (0) 0 Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorers: Messi (64′), Fernandez (87′)

After the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, Argentina knew that nothing but a victory would be enough against Mexico. Given that pressure it was perhaps not surprising that this was best described as a cagey game. It took two smart finishes from Messi and Fernandez to see off the spirited Mexicans. Poland await Argentina in the final game of the group stage, whilst Mexico play Saudi Arabia will the group wide open.

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