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!

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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?

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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 – 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)

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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 – 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)

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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…

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2022 World Cup – Monday 28 November 2022

Group E: Japan 0 (0) – (0) 1 Costa Rica (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Ecuador scorer: Fuller (81′)

 

Group F: Belgium 0 (0) – (0) 2 Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Morocco scorers: Sabiri (73′), Aboukhlal (90’+2’)

 

Group F: Croatia 4 (2) – (1) 1 Canada (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Croatia scorers: Kramaric (36′, 70′), Livaja (44′), Majer (90’+4). Canada scorer: Davies (2′)

 

Group E: Spain 1 (0) – (0) 1 Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Spain scorer: Morata (62′). Fullkrug (83′)

 

Yesterday started with two shocks results, had a shock start in game three, with the last of the day seeing two former World Cup winners play out a draw.

Whether Japan or Belgium had Lionel Ritchie’s Easy Like Sunday Morning, playing in the dressing room rooms before their respective matches, we will never know. However, the players of The Blue Samurai and The Red Devils certainly had something spinning around in their heads as both lost in games they were expected to win.

Having stunned Germany in their opener and Costa Rica having shipped seven goals against Spain, this looked on paper a cert for a Japanese victory. They made five changes for the game, and it didn’t do them any favours. As with so many fixtures to date half time arrived goal-less. The second half was just as tight but with nine minutes remaining Costa Rica broke the deadlock, with Keysher Fuller curling home a winner. In truth though Gonda in goal for Japan should have possibly done better getting two hands to the effort.

Next up were Belgium who despite having just squeezed past Canada were still favourites to beat Morocco who had opened with a 0-0 draw with Croatia. Belgium were decidedly sluggish in the first half and the disallowed goal in the first half should have been a warning as to Morocco’s threat. Instead they sleep walked into a bad dream as Thibaut Courtois made a hash of a free kick from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal added a second in time added on. Credit to Morocco but a decidedly rocky display from Belgium.

Could game three continue the trend of the day? Well after two minutes Canada went ahead through a cracking header from Alphonso Davies against Croatia, and it looked possible. The Croats however didn’t panic and by the break were 2-1 up with smart finishes from Kramaric (36′), Livaja (44′). Canada though continued to create chances in what was an open game,  and it wasn’t until Kramaric’s second twenty minutes from time that finally broke the Canadians resistance. The last period was all Croatia as their class told and it was no surprise when added a fourth in time added on. Shock result avoided and Canada off to the departure lounge.

Into the last game of Sunday and was there an exit for Germany in the making in their game against Spain? These two last met in the 2010 finals in South Africa, when a Puyol goal in the second half was enough to send the Spanish through to their first ever World Cup Final. Another game, another first forty five minutes goal-less although an entertaining half, nonetheless. Spain though went ahead as substitute Alvaro Morata brilliantly flicked home from inside the box just after the hour and Germany were looking at a second loss. However, the Germans kept pushing and got their leveller seven minutes from time, as Fullkrug smashed home from inside the box. No one in the group eliminated and all to play for in the last round to come.

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2022 World Cup – Thursday 24 November 2022

Thursday 24 November

GROUP F: Morocco 0 (0) – (0) 0 Croatia (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

 

GROUP E: Germany 1 (1) – (0) 2 Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Germany scorer: Gundogan (33′ pen). Japan scorers: Doan (75′), Asano (83′)

 

GROUP F: Spain 7 (3) – (0) 0 Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Spain scorers: Olmo (11′), Asensio (21′), F Torres (31’pen, 54′), Gavi (74′), Soler (90′), Morata (90’+2)

 

GROUP E: Belgium 1 (1) – (0) 0 Canada (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Belgium scorer: Batshuayi (44′)

 

Another quartet of games on a day which started with a 0-0 included another major shock, a goal-fest and ended with nearly a second shock of the day.

2018 beaten finalists Croatia were first on Wednesday morning against Morocco and was as the cliché goes a bit of a bore draw. The less sad the better. Thankfully up next was a slow burner which turned into the surprise result of the day as Japan came from behind to beat Germany 2-1. Before kick-off Germany took their positions for the traditional team photo and then the players covered their mouths, with manager Hansi Flick saying it was “to convey the message that FIFA is silencing” teams. An interesting start to proceedings. Germany dominated the first half and got their reward when a penalty from Gundogan just after the half hour mark put them ahead. It was though to be a game of two-halves as Japan got at the Germans time and time again and were rewarded with an equaliser fifteen minutes from time. Then to cap it off, substitute Takuma Asano, who plays for German club VfL Bochum scored seven minutes from time slotting home from an acute angle. Understandably at the whistle the Japanese celebrations were a joy to behold. Is another German wobble on the cards?

Spain then took on Costa Rica in what turned out to be a pasear por el parque. As with the England game earlier in the week its difficult to make too much of the result when a side is hammered 7-0. Of course it’s a confidence booster for a team but can equally give a false impression especially when there are harder challenges to come in the later stages of the competition.  The pick of the goals came from Gavi, Spain’s fifth and their last in time added on from Morata.

The day ended with what on paper looked like a no contest, as Belgium ranked number two in the World took on Canada ranked forty-first. The North American side pushed Belgium all the way and had a glorious chance to go ahead in the first half, but Alphonso Davies saw his spot-kick saved by Belgium ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois. They came to rue that miss and the many other chances they created as shortly before the break as Michy Batshuayi finished clinically from a long ball. Canada were the better side throughout as acknowledged by the Belgian manager Roberto Martinez in a post-match interview and in reality deserved at least a point. This could yet turn out to be an interesting group and on this performance Canada will be tough opposition for both Croatia and Morocco.

 

Group G: Switzerland v Cameroon (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

The opening game of the day sees Switzerland who were winners of UEFA Group C, going unbeaten with five wins and three draws, take on Cameroon who qualified as CAF third round winners. The Swiss are in the finals for the twelfth time reaching the Quarter Finals in 1934, 1938 and in 1954 when they hosted the tournament. Familiar faces within the squad to English fans will be Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Denis Zakaria (on loan at Chelsea from Juventus), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest) and Granit Xhaka (Arsenal). Cameroon are in the finals for the eighth time, with 1990 their further progression to date when they were beaten in the Quarter Finals by England. A couple of players in the English leagues are Swansea City’s Olivier Ntcham and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Their captain is the experienced striker Vincent Aboubakar, and the Les Lions Indomptables (The Indomitable Lions) will need him to be firing if they are to make any impression in this group. Is a 0-0 on the cards?

Group H: Uruguay v South Korea (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

These sides have previously met in the World Cup. First in 1990 in a Group E game where a Daniel Fonseca goal in time added on was enough to see Uruguay progress from the group. Eight years later in South Africa they played each other in the last sixteen with two Luis Suarez goals either side of Lee Chung-yong’s equaliser saw Uruguay through 2-1. Suarez is still with the Uruguayan squad in what will surely be his last hurrah at the World Cup finals. Battling for the scoring spotlight on the day could be Spurs Son Heung-min and Wolves Hwang Hee-chan. Uruguay to make it three wins against the South Korean’s in World Cup finals tournaments.

Group H: Portugal v Ghana (Stadium 974, Doha)

The story that has dominated ahead of this fixture is the ending of the second spell of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. It’s been a traumatic time since he gave his explosive interview with Piers Morgan which has resulted in him leaving Old Trafford. You have to ask did he see the open criticism of the management and owners of the club as the best way to get a move away or was this a genuine insight into life under Erik ten Hag and the Glazers. Portuguese fans will hope that it leaves Ronaldo with a clear head for international duty, but there will be the lingering doubts and indeed the impact it may have on the dressing room. Ghana will be hoping to take advantage of any discord that may be lingering within the Portuguese ranks, with Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew looking to add to his international tally of 19 goals. An upset could be in the making.

Group G: Brazil v Serbia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

If you talk World Cup’s you talk Brazil, although the five times winners last triumph was twenty years ago. With panto-villain Neymar up front, the born-again Gabriel Jesus and the enigmatic Richarlison, there are undoubtedly goals in the side. They are on a decent inbeaten run coming into these finals and with two great ‘keepers in Alisson (Liverpool) and Ederson (Manchester City) the perceived concern about the weakness of Brazil’s last line of defence is no longer there. They will be a threat. Serbia have their own threat though in Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic who now has 50 goals for his country from seventy six internationals, although there are concerns about a recent injury. Whilst ‘Mitro’ is the only English based player, eleven of the Serbian squad play their trade in Italy. No doubt The Eagles of Serbia will battle hard but expect the class of the boys from Brazil to come through.

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2022 World Cup – Wednesday 23 November 2022

GROUP C: Argentina 1 (1) – (0) 2 Saudi Arabia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorer: Messi (10’ pen) Saudi Arabia scorers: Al-Shehri  (48′), S. Al-Dawsari  (53′)

 

GROUP D: Denmark 0 (0) – (0) 0 Tunisia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

 

GROUP C: Mexico 0 (0) – (0) 0 Poland (Stadium 974, Doha)

 

GROUP D: France 4 (2) – (1) 1 Australia

France scorers: Rabiot  (27′), Giroud (32′, 71′), Mbappe (68′). Australia scorer: Goodwin  (9′)

 

Four games, two goal-less, a win for the current World Champions and the first big shock of the tournament.

In a day of four games, it was an early start for those in the UK with the Argentina game starting at 10:00 and La Albiceleste quickest out of the blocks. Messi had an early effort after two minutes saved but had put Argentina ahead just eight minutes later. Again you have to question the VAR decision. From a free-kick, Leandro Paredes was pulled down and the spot-kick awarded after a check. Please can someone tell me how this was different to the Harry Maguire incident in the England v Iran game…Anyway Argentina didn’t capitalise on their first half dominance with VAR doing its best to ensure it was 1-0 at the break. Out came the Saudis who were level within three minutes of the restart and ahead on fifty-three minutes with a superb strike from Al-Hilal  forward Salem Al Dawsari. The South Americans huffed and puffed and even with fourteen minute of time added on couldn’t find an equaliser. Credit to Saudi Arabia, but don’t write off Argentina just yet.

Group C’s other game between Mexico and Poland ended 0-0 where the crucial moment came on fifty-eight minutes as Polish captain Robert Lewandowski had his penalty saved.

Group D also saw a 0-0 with Denmark and Tunisia with Danes having the best chances in the second half.

The final game of the day for anyone still gorging on the fourth fixture saw Australia give World Cup holders a bloody nose with a Craig Goodwin goal after nine minutes. Two quickfire goals after twenty seven minutes and thirty two minutes saw the French go 2-1 ahead. First Rabiot headed home and them Oliver Giroud scored his fiftieth international goal after Australia gave the ball away at the back. France could have been out of sight at the break as they created further decent chances. Into the second half and the French eased to a 4-1 win with the ever busy and creative Mbappe heading in on sixty-eight minutes and then turning provider three minutes later as he delivered the perfect cross for Giroud to score with a header, equalling Henry’s record of 51 France goals in the process. France looking ominously good.

 

GROUP F: Morocco v Croatia (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Morocco qualified as CAF third round winners so making it to the finals for the sixth time. Nayef Aguerd (West Ham), Ilias Chair (QPR), Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea) and Anass Zaroury (Burnley) will be familiar to English fans and are part of a squad who didn’t concede in their last three games before Qatar with wins over Chile (2-0) and Georgia (3-0) and a draw with Paraguay (0-0). Croatia of course put pay to the Three Lions hope of a final appearance in 2018 winning 2-1 in the Semi-Final clash. The side is led by the mercurial Luka Modric supported by the vastly experienced squad members Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric. I really can’t see anything other than a victory for Kockasti (The Checkered Ones).

GROUP E: Germany v Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Four-times World Cup winners strolled through qualification from UEFA Group J with nine wins and a surprise 2-1 loss to North Macedonia. Die Mannschaft like England were far from convincing in their recent Nations League campaign and at the 2018 finals in Russia failed to make it out of the Group Stages, whilst at the Euros exited in the last sixteen to England. Will this be another tournament of frustration? Certainly their opening game against Japan will be a tester. Previous to 2022 the Blue Samurai have appeared at the last six finals reaching the last sixteen in 2002, 2010 and 2018. The Japan forward line looks short on goals at international level and this will be a concern.

GROUP F: Spain v Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Spain had a fairly comfortable passage to the finals as UEFA Group B winners, whilst Costa Rica were the last side to qualify back in June after beating New Zealand 1-0 in the CONCACAF–OFC play-off final held in the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Qatar. The Spanish side looks light on goals as this level with only Alvaro Morata and Ferran Torres in double figures, 27 and 13 respectively and the feeling is that it is a side very much in transition. This is Costa Rica’s sixth appearance at the finals, reaching the Quarter Finals in 2014 before going out on penalties to the Netherlands. They have an experienced squad with four players over the 100 caps mark, including, Keylor Navas (107), Celso Borges (155), Bryan Ruiz (146) and Joel Campbell (119). This could be a stalemate, although don’t be surprised if Spain pinch it by a single goal.

GROUP E: Belgium v Canada (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Belgium won UEFA Group E going unbeaten with eight wins and two draws and were third place winners in the 2018 World Cup. A vastly experienced and talented squad, the criticism of Belgium teams down the years is that they have always underachieved. Certainly 2022 will be the last chance of World Cup glory for a number of the squad echoed in a recent interview by captain Eden Hazard, who also reflected that his own level is not what it was. Canada qualified as CONCACAF third round winners and last appeared in the finals in 1986 losing all three Group games to France, Hungary and the Soviet Union. They are coached by John Herdman an Englishman who moved to New Zealand in 2001 and coached the New Zealand women (2006–2011), the Canadian women (2011-2018) and the Canadian men from 2018. Within their squad is St Johnstone’s David Wotherspoon and Reading’s Junior Hoilett and eleven squad members playing in the MLS. Belgium to get off with a win must be on the cards.

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