2022 World Cup – Saturday 03 December 2022

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

 

Group H:

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Group G:

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

Cameroon scorer: Aboubakar (90’+2’)

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

Netherlands v USA (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

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

France v Poland (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

England v Senegal (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Japan v Croatia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Brazil v South Korea (Stadium 974, Doha)

Morocco v Spain (Stadium 974, Doha)

Portugal v Switzerland (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

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2022 World Cup – Tuesday 29 November 2022

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

Brazil scorer: Casemiro (83′)

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2022 World Cup – Friday 25 November 2022

Group G: Switzerland 1 (0) – (0) 0 Cameroon (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Switzerland scorer: Embolo (48′)

 

Group H: Uruguay 0 (0) – (0) 0 South Korea (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

 

Group H: Portugal 3 (0) – (0) 2 Ghana (Stadium 974, Doha)

Portugal scorer: Cristiano Ronaldo (65′ pen), Félix Sequeira (78′), da Conceicao Leao (80′). Ghana scorer: A Ayew (73′), Bukari (89’minutes)

 

Group G: Brazil 2 (0) – (0) 0 Serbia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Brazil scorer: Richarlison (62′, 73′)

 

Thursday was a drab old day in West Yorkshire, rain, grey sky and a biting wind reminding all that winter has assuredly arrived. And it pretty much felt as if some of that dourness had seeped into the  first two games of the day as the first round of group games played to a conclusion.

Whilst Cameroon had an energy about them in a first half in which they were the better side, genuine chances were at a premium and there was an inevitability about it being goal-less at the break. The deadlock was broken early in the second half as a swift Swiss move saw Cameroon born Breel Embolo sweep his adopted country into the lead. After that, well, Switzerland were more positive, but it fizzled out as quickly as the crowds are want to do at these finals in Qatar. The chant of ‘we can see you sneaking out’ should be changed for Qatar to ‘switch the lights off last one out’ (I know it doesn’t properly scan at all, but you get the picture).

Uruguay v South Korea offered little more. The South American’s hit the woodwork in each half but apart from that it felt as if both sides were satisfied with a point.

Then like the sun breaking through the clouds it all changed as Portugal and Ghana offered up a bit of a belter. Ronaldo seemingly unburdened by his Old Trafford kiss and tell revelations was at the heart of all of Portugal’s best moments, with two decent chances spurned and an effort disallowed for a foul. No goals at the break, but a game nicely simmering under, which exploded into action in the last twenty five minutes. First up Portugal were rather generously awarded a penalty after a foul on the Portugal skipper, who then stepped up to convert and become the first man to score in five World Cup finals – love him or hate him, you can’t keep him out of the headlines. However, the lead was short-lived with poor Portuguese defending allowing Ayew to fire home inside the six-yard box on seventy-three minutes. Ghana though were then hit by two goals and with ten minutes remaining it looked game over as they trailed 3-1. But with just a minute left on the clock back came the Black Stars with a header from Bakari to set up a frantic finish. And it nearly came in the ninth minute of time added on. Costa the Portugal ‘keeper put the ball down to kick it up field, whilst  panto-style (he’s behind you) Inaki Williams waited. Williams dashed forward to get the ball but slipped at the crucial minute and the chance for a dramatic leveller was gone. Breathless stuff!

To round off the day, Brazil took on Serbia. I’m not a great fan of the South American team, but they were good enough to see off a dogged Serbian team, with a double from Richarlison, the second of which, a scissor-kick volley, is an early contender for goal of the tournament.

 

In a flash we are already at the start of the second round of Group Stage games and depending on results some teams will already be waving mae alsalama to the finals. Here’s todays line-ups.

Group B: Wales v Iran (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

After their fine second half performance against the USA, and Iran’s heavy defeat, the Welsh will be in prime position to take three points this morning. I’ll be hoping the Red Dragons do the business, so that the final group game for both the Three Lions and Wales leaves both already through to the knockout stages.

 

Group A: Qatar v Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

I’m not a vindictive person but simply hoping that Qatar get another good hiding – plain and simple. Nothing else to say.

 

Group A: Netherlands v Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

The Dutch already have three points in the bag after a win over Senegal and I expect nothing more than a similar outcome today.

 

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

I’ll trot out the old fact that England have played USA twice in the World Cup and have yet to beat them. 1950 was the infamous 1-0 loss at the Brazil World Cup for an England side that contained the stars of the day such as Tom Finney, Billy Wright, Stan Mortensen and future England manager, Alf Ramsey. Then in 2010 when South Africa hosted the tournament, despite an early Steven Gerrard goal, the USA levelled five minutes before the break when Rob Green had a moment to forget allowing Clint Dempsey’s speculative shot to squirm its way into the goal. I don’t expect another 6-2 result but believe a solid 2-0 for Three Lions is not out of their reach.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Saturday 07 July

France (1) 2 [Varane (40’), Griezmann (61′)

Uruguay (0) 0

First through were the 1998 World Cup winners. Not a classic of a game by any means, but France kept their cool (for the most part) as a niggly Uruguay side tried to disrupt the rhythms of Les Blues. The French scored at the perfect time, just before the break with a cracking header from Varane, but had skipper Lloris to thank for having that advantage at the break as he pulled off a stunning save from Caceres header.

Uruguay did little to create a real chance in the second period and were effectively out after a howler from their ‘keeper Muslera when he tried to punch way a Griezmann shot rather than catch it and all he did was to paddle into his own net. There was also a flashpoint late in the game as Uruguay didn’t take to kindly to some showboating by Mbappe, and the youngster fell to the crowd after minimal contact from a Uruguayan player. Another piece of embarrassing reaction from a player when the physical contact was minimal. For me there should be retrospective action for incidents like this. Uruguay’s miserable day was complete when defender Gimenez spent the last five minutes of the game on the verge of tears. Europe 1, South America 0. Could Belgium do the same later in the evening?

Brazil (0) 1 [Augusto (76’)]

Belgium (2) 2 [Fernandinho (13′ own-goal), De Bruyne (31′)]

Well, well, well.

Europe 2, South America 0.

Belgium were quite simply outstanding as a unit in the first-half – every last one of them and they thoroughly deserved to be ahead at the break. Yes, the Fernandinho own-goal which gave Belgium the lead was fortunate, but they had earned it through a great tactical set-up and which was rewarded by the brilliance of a second goal from Kevin De Bruyne just after the half hour mark.

The system though which demanded a high work rate, took its toll on the Belgium side in the second period as Brazil poured forward. Neymar went down a couple of times in the box, as is his want, and had his claims waived away, but Brazil also has a genuine claim turned down when Vincent Kompany’s appeared to foul Gabriel Jesus, but VAR said no – oh where is the consistency of the system? Finally, the five-times World Champions broke the Belgium line with an Augusto header and it felt as if a Brazilian equaliser would come. However, Belgium battled to the end and in stoppage time, Courtois produces a brilliant finger-tip save to deny Neymar. All that was left was for the Europeans to celebrate and the Brazilians to get the plane home.

What drama awaits today?

England v Sweden: Cosmos Arena, Samara

Two previous meetings in the Finals, the first in 2002, the second in 2006. That first meeting was in Group F, and known as the ‘group of death’ given that England and Sweden were joined by Argentina and Nigeria. It was the opening game for England and Sweden, with a first-half goal from Sol Campbell goal putting the Three Lions ahead only for Niclas Alexandersson to level just before the hour mark. Both teams emerged from the group to the knock-out phase. Four years later the two teams met again, this time in Cologne, in Group B, in the final round of games, England twice were ahead through Joe Cole (34’) and Steven Gerrard (85’), only to be pegged back each time with goals from Marcus Allback (51’) and in stoppage time Henrik Larsson. As in 2002, both sides went through from the group to the last sixteen.

Once more I’ll be calling on the football gods to look kindly on the Three Lions and see them make passage to the Semi-Finals for the first time since 1990. On paper there is no reason that England shouldn’t make it through, but expect a different style of game from Sweden, one devoid of the shocking antics of Colombia. It no doubt will be a nervous and difficult watch, but having broken the penalty hoodoo now, it’s time to throw off the recent record of Quarter-Final exits.

Russia v Croatia: Fisht Olympic Stadium, Sochi

In the guise of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, there was a World Cup Finals encounter during the 1962 competition in Chile, with the Soviet Union winning 2-0 in a Group 1 game. As Russia and Croatia there have been three meetings, the first in the European Championship Qualifiers in 2006, saw the teams play out a 0-0 in Moscow, with the return game in Zagreb also goalless. Their last meeting was in a friendly in Rostov, with Croatia winning 3-1.

The hosts Russia have exceeded expectations and with a new-found belief are a real threat. Croatia for all their talent limped through their last sixteen tie against Denmark. They are going to have to be at their best if they are to tame the Russian bear, but I’ve a sneaking feeling the hosts are going to get through again.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Friday 06 July

To misquote Agatha Christie…And then there were eight. Reaching the Final will be on the mind of all the coaches, players and fans of those countries involved and quite rightly, as just two wins separate them from making a date with destiny in Moscow. The Quarter-Finals are spread over two days, beginning today.

France v Uruguay: Nizhny Novgorod Stadium

These two sides have met three times in Finals tournaments, with the first in 1966 (is that a good omen for England?) when along with hosts England and Mexico, they made up Group 1. The French took on Uruguay in the second round of games at White City where a crowd of over 45,000 saw Uruguay emerge 2-1 winners, as they finished runners-up in the group. They then met in 2002 where as holders, France finished bottom of Group A, gaining their only point in a 0-0 draw with Uruguay, who also failed to make it to the knock-out phase. In their last meeting in 2010 in Cape Town, France again had the ignominy of finishing bottom of Group A, where again their only point came from a 0-0 against Uruguay, who went on to top the group and finish fourth overall in the competition.

Could a third 0-0 be on the cards for these two teams? When you look at the attacking talent on both sides, you would bet against this. However, given that a last four-spot is at stake, the occasion could get to both sides. But then this World Cup has been nothing if not unpredictable. Anyone for 5-4 to France?

Brazil v Belgium: Kazan Stadium

The only game between the teams came in the 2002 World Cup in Japan/South Korea when they met in the last sixteen. The game played in front of 40,440 at the Kobe Wing Stadium, saw Brazil run out winners 2-0 with goals from Rivaldo (67’) and Ronaldo (87’) on their way to their fifth World Cup victory.

I’ve been quite critical of Brazil, well Neymar in particular, at these Finals, so I’m really hoping that Belgium put one over on the South Americans. The European team have the talent and in reality I think they are the only team in the competition who can stop Brazil winning the competition for a sixth occasion.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Sunday 01 July

France (4) – (3) Argentina

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow…just didn’t see such a dramatic game coming. There was me saying yesterday it would be a cagey affair! France got on top early on with Griezmann hitting the bar from a free-kick and it wasn’t long before they struck first. The teenager Mbappe, who was to outshine Messi on the day, broke from midfield before being hauled down and Griezmann did the rest from the spot to give the French the lead on thirteen minutes. It looked like an advantage Les Bleus would take into the break, only for Di Maria to level with a stunning strike just four minutes before the break. Then within three minutes of the restart, Argentina were ahead with Mercado deflecting in Messi’s attempt on goal. The game though was turned on it head in a ten-minute spell just before the hour mark, as Pavard levelled for France and Mbappe struck twice to leave Argentina stunned and 4-2 behind. It was a mountain too big for the South Americans to climb, despite an Aguero header in stoppage time. France into the Quarter-Finals and maybe the last sight of Messi in a World Cup tournament.

Uruguay (2) – (1) Portugal

Another game where my predictive skills went awry, after I tipped Portugal to win this encounter. As with the game earlier in the day, the big name on display, in this case Ronaldo, had to exit the stadium at the hands of another player claiming a brace. As in the France/Argentina fixture, there was an early goal, with Cavani powering in a header after only seven minutes. Suarez was unlucky with one of his low driven free-kicks and Ronaldo had one attempt of his own which the wall-blocked, but was more noticeable for the way he ludicrously hitched up his shorts before taking. Portugal did level though ten minutes into the break when an unmarked Pepe headed home. Suarez though was at his bullish best for Uruguay and in a competition which has produced some wonderful goals, another came along on sixty-two minutes, when the Barcelona striker played in Cavani for his second as he majestically curled home the winner. Like Messi, was this the final exit from a World Cup for Ronaldo?

And so to today’s offerings:

Russia v Spain

These two have never met in a World Cup Finals action, but have played against each other as recently as November last year in Saint Petersburg, when the game finished 3-3. Of their six encounters, Spain have won four, with the other two fixtures drawn.

Logic says that Spain will prove too strong, but as hosts Russia have home advantage and this may work in their favour if they go ahead and get the vociferous support behind them.  The big question is how the team react after the 3-0 beating in their final group game against Uruguay.

Croatia v Denmark

Whilst not having played each other in the Finals, these sides met in the Qualification Group stages for the 1998 World Cup. The first fixture in Croatia ended 1-1. In the return fixture in Copenhagen, the Danes romped to a 3-1 win. Denmark topped the group on 17 points, automatically qualifying, whilst Croatia were runners-up on 15 points and had to go into the Play-offs, seeing off Ukraine over two-legs to qualify for France ’98.

Denmark have only scored two goals and conceded just one in their Russia 2018 campaign and are a hard-nut to crack, whilst Croatia scored seven and conceded just a single goal. On stats alone you have to fancy Croatia.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Saturday 30 June

And now the real drama begins, as the knockout phase starts today, and that can mean the joys of extra-time and penalties. It will also see the use of a different ball as the Adidas Telstar 18 will be replaced with the Telstar Mechta which has a different design. The 18 had black flashes which on the Mechta will be red, apparently to reflect of the colour of the host country, Russia. FIFA added in a press release that the red is also to signify the “rising heat of knockout-stage football”. It’s obviously not a marketing ploy at all…

France v Argentina

These two have met in World Cup Finals, the first occasion came in the inaugural competition in 1930 when Uruguay were the hosts. It was a Group 1 encounter that took place at the Parque Central in Montevideo, with Argentina winning 1-0 with a goal from Luis Felipe Monti nine minutes from time in front of a crowd of 23,409. Argentina topped the group and made it to the Final only to lose to hosts Uruguay 4-2. The second meeting came when Argentina hosted the event in 1978, with the game against France once again in Group 1. As in 1930, the South American side came out on top winning 2-1 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where a crowd of 71,666 saw a Passarella penalty on the stroke of half-time give the hosts the advantage only for Platini on the hour mark to level. However, Argentina weren’t to be denied and a Luque effort on seventy-three minutes secured the win. Argentina went on to progress to the Final beating the Netherlands 3-1 (AET).

My head says that Argentina will make it through and Messi will come to the rescue of his country, but my heart wants the French to get to the Quarter-Finals. Both teams have line-ups littered with big names, and whilst France came through their group comfortably, Argentina left it very late to seal their place. Could this be a cagey encounter and end up going to penalties?

Uruguay v Portugal

No previous World Cup encounters, but two International meetings between the teams. The first in 1966, when a Jose Torres hat-trick saw Portugal beat Uruguay 3-0 in Oeiras, in a friendly ahead of the World Cup that year. A second encounter took place six years later in the tournament to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Brazilian Declaration of Independence in the second group phase of the competition. The game ended 1-1 with Ricardo Pavoni (20’) putting Uruguay ahead and Portugal levelling through Jaime Graca a minute before the break. Portugal went on to the Final, only to lose 1-0 to Brazil.

Another difficult game to call. Ronaldo has that determined look about him and he’ll need to be at his inspirational best to see his side through against a Uruguay side that won all three of its group games. Portugal had a tougher group to negotiate, so with that in mind, I’m going for the current European Champions to make it through.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Tuesday 26 June

With the final round of group games starting yesterday, for those with something to play for, the pressure cranked up another notch.

First up were the two games in Group A, with Russia and Uruguay already confirmed as advancing to the knock-out phase and the result all about top spot. In the end the Uruguayans gave the Russian bear a bloody nose as they romped to a 3-0 victory over the host nation. Saurez opened the scoring on ten minutes with a clever low free-kick, with a Cheryshev own-goal after twenty-three minutes doubling the South American’s advantage. Even worse was to follow for Russia when Smolnikov was dismissed for a second yellow card fourteen minutes before the break. All that was left in the second-half was a tap-in for Cavani on the stroke of the full-time whistle to complete the scoring and secure top spot for Uruguay.

In the other group game, it was the battle to avoid finishing bottom, between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Egypt dominated the opening half and went ahead after twenty-two minutes, with Mo Salah latching onto a ball through and lobbing the Saudi ‘keeper Yasser Al-Mosailem. It was Egypt’s first World Cup goal from open play since 1934. Now whilst it as a good finish, the goalkeeper rushing that far out made the choice for the Liverpool striker in terms of what he needed to do. Salah had another great chance when one-on-one with Al-Mosailem, but his dink over the ‘keeper this time drifted wide of the mark. Once again VAR was in the headlines, when with four minutes remaining in the first-half, Saudi Arabia were awarded a penalty for handball against Ahmed Fathi. Now I’ve watched it back and the player has his head turned away and the ball strikes his trailing arm, where is the intent in that? For me, justice was served when Egyptian ‘keeper El Hadary (who at 45 years and 161 days beat the record of Colombia ‘keeper Faryd Mondragon (43 and three days at Brazil 2014) to become the oldest player to take to the field), made a tremendous save from the spot-kick. However, like buses another penalty soon came long as Saudi Arabia were awarded another deep into first-half stoppage time, with Al Faraj slotting home. After the break, El Hadary was the busier of the two ‘keepers, but he could do nothing as in the fifth minute of stoppage time Salem Al Dawsari secured a 2-1 win for Saudi Arabia, to leave Egypt bottom of the group without a single point.

With Group A sorted it was the turn of Group B to reach its conclusion. Here going into the games, involving Iran against Portugal and Spain up against Morocco, all that was certain was that Morocco were out. And both games proved to have high drama and controversy. Iran knew they had to beat Portugal to make the last 16. The European Champions has the better chances in the first-half and scored on the stroke of the break, when a stunning strike from Ricardo Quaresma put them ahead. All the fun though was yet to start. It all began eight minutes into the second-half when after a VAR review Ronaldo who had been fouled, had his spot-kick saved. It gave the game an edge that was lacking in the opening half, and it ramped up controversially ten minutes from time. Ronaldo swung an arm at Morteza Pouraliganji, catching him in the face. Somehow after a lengthy VAR review, the Real Madrid player was only shown a yellow. I have every sympathy for the Iranian coach who said after the game that there was effectively one rule for players like Ronaldo and Messi and another for the rest. The question is though, is it the fault of VAR or the on-field referee? Then with Portugal seemingly on their way through with a 1-0 win, three minutes into time added-on Iran got a penalty after a VAR review. In my view a crazy decision, the Portuguese defender has merely challenged for a header with the ball catching him at close quarters on the arm. He couldn’t have got out of the way or at such close quarters had any intent to handle it. Again, VAR or poor call by the referee? Iran though had one last chance as Mehdi Taremi fire into the side-netting with his effort from inside the penalty box. If he had scored Iran would have been through.

In the other encounter Morocco took the lead after a cool finish from Boutaib following a mix-up on the halfway line by the Spanish just before the quarter of an hour mark. Spain were level just five minutes later though as Andres Iniesta brilliantly set-up Isco to score. Morocco regained the lead nine minutes from time with a stunning header from En-Nesyri, which looked to have secured a 2-1 win for the North Africans. However, it wasn’t to be as Iago Aspas back-heeled home an equaliser in stoppage time for the Spanish. It went to review and in a very tight decision the goal stood. It was cruel on Morocco, but enough for Spain to head Group B, courtesy of goals scored.

It was a day in which VAR did nothing to leave me thinking that it will improve the game. Currently there is no consistency as to the way it is used and for me has highlighted a weakness in the quality of the match officials as much as anything else. Are these really the best referees out there? After what I’ve seen so far, I’m not really sure.

Following the finish of Groups, A and B, it means the following last 16 games have now been confirmed:

June 30 Uruguay v Portugal and July 01 Spain v Russia

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World Cup diary 2018 – Thursday 21 June

Yesterday saw a Group A fixture between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia and in Group B, Portugal v Morocco and Spain v Iran with all seemingly having come under the influence of the Arsenal coaching manual circa 1980s from George Graham, as all three games ended 1-0, with Uruguay, Portugal and Spain the victors.

Uruguay had a goal after twenty-three minutes from Luis Saurez to seal their victory and send La Celeste into the last 16 along with Russia, whilst Saudi Arabia are eliminated. The meeting of the two teams in the final round of fixtures will determine who tops Group A.

Another big name in Cristiano Ronaldo, scored the only goal after four minutes to put Morocco out of the tournament. Credit to the Portuguese star, who was brave in diving amongst the flying boots of the Moroccan defence to head home and with his fourth goal of the competition, lead the race for the Golden Boot. However, credit to the African side who exposed the weakness of the European Champion’s defence, yet couldn’t find a leveller and have just pride to play for in their final group game.

Finally to Spain, where a fortunate ricochet allowed Diego Costa to put Spain ahead early in the second-half. Iran had what they thought was an equaliser but with the aid of VAR the Ezatolahi effort was ruled out. Despite defeat Iran could still qualify for the knockout phase, but they will need to overcome Portugal in the Mordovia Arena next Monday. If the Iranians don’t get through, they will leave us with one of the comedy moments of the tournament. Into the last minute of normal time, Iran had a throw deep in the Portugal half, where defender Milad Mohammadi decided to opt for a spectacular summersault throw-in. However, the sight of him halting it after the initial roll, was bizarre to say the least.

Let’s hope for a few more goals today as Denmark take on Australia, France play Peru and Argentina take on Croatia and of course moments that bring a smile to the faces of the watching world.

Category: World Cup 2018 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT

FIFA World Cup 2014 – Saturday 28 June 2014

100 years ago today shots in Sarajevo killed Archduke Ferdinand which proved to be the catalyst that led to the carnage that was to become the First World War. 100 years later we still haven’t learned and conflict and killing still exists in certain countries across the globe today.

It says much about the modern world though that the most significant shots for many on the planet today will take place in Brazil as the knock-out phase of the World Cup begins. Sixteen teams have departed and sixteen remain. Gone is the safety of the group games and second chances, this is winner takes all, whether in ninety minutes, extra-time or penalties.

The group stages have for the most part seen very open games, with plenty of goals and drama to match. England’s inability to escape the group stages was hardly a surprise, but the demise of Italy and Spain is something not many predicted. Whilst Spanish domination of World football had to end at some point, the like of Casillas, David Villa ad Xavi couldn’t have foreseen demolition at the hands of Netherlands and Chile being amongst their last memories of World Cup tournaments.

Others to have disappointed include 2018 hosts Russia (but then Capello is in charge of them) and Portugal who showed that without a fit Ronaldo, they badly struggle. Given both Japan and South Korea went well in the 2012 Olympic football tournament, it was a surprise that neither made much impression in Brazil. It’s been a mixed bag for the African teams, with Algeria and Nigeria making it through, but Cameroon, Ghana and Ivory Coast deeply disappointing.

Today’s games are all about Latin America as Brazil take on Chile and Colombia face Uruguay. How would the tournament be affected if Brazil lost to Chile? This game you would hope could be a bit special as Chile have proved to be a more than capable outfit and Brazil will be under immense pressure. In the other game, well we all know what the sub-text to this fixture is whatever the result.

Category: World Cup 2014 diary | LEAVE A COMMENT