World Cup 2022 thread

[Trollheart]

Day 9

Group G

Cameroon v Serbia (Result: 3-3 )

Both teams looking for their first win after disappointing starts which were certainly not lacking in effort, but produced no wins, it was Serbia who went closest first with a volley that just tipped off the post; as they say, a coat of paint away. On 16 minutes they were at it again but again just wide, while Cameroon had a great shot in the 18th, then from a corner in the 27th a lovely little flick-on saw them take the lead despite all the pressure having come from Serbia. Not discouraged though, the Serbs were back in it just before half time with a lovely free kick headed in. Cameroon tried, unsuccessfully, to clear in the box but ended up giving it to the Serbs who scored again as extra time played out, Serbia now in the ascendancy at the end of the first half.

Starting the second half as they had ended the first, it was three goals for Srbia when they broke and passed a tap-in, Cameroon defence all at sixes and sevens. Cameroon weren’t finished though as they scored a beautiful lobbed goal in the 62nd minute, only to find it ruled offside, which was a pity as it really was sublime, one of those you just watch as it bounces - and then it wasn’t offside. In a rare overruling, the goal was allowed so now Cameroon were coming back and incredibly less than a minute later they were level! Superb run from their own half and a sweet shot. Serbia unable to believe how quickly their lead had gone.

Both teams going for the win now, Serbia almost took it on 88 minutes but the ball went high and wide though not by much, and it ended level at the final whistle, a real thriller of a match and a great advertisement for international football and for the World Cup, as well as a game which will do the reputations of both national teams no harm at all. Honours even, but still no win for either.



Brazil v Switzerland (Result: 1-0)

Brazil were without their talisman, Neymar, but still must have fancied their chances against a relatively pedestrian (in comparison) Swiss side. Brazil rising high at the top of Group G, they weren’t about to surrender that position easily, and as expected they had the lion’s share of the possession, almost scoring on 26 minutes, and again in the 30th, but come the end of the first half and there was still no score, which had to be a tribute to the stoic Swiss defence. At one point the lights went, not off but dimmed, as if someone had turned down the switch, and everyone looked at everyone else, but it only lasted seconds and was the most minor of disruptions, especially coming as it did at the end of the half.

Good defence they may have had, but the Swiss had had barely a shot at the Brazilian goal as we moved into minute 63 and Brazil scored, but once again that old bugbear, VAR and the offside rule, and the fame remained at 0-0 until the 82nd minute when Brazil scored, and this time it wasn’t going to be ruled out! Absolutely fantastic shot, one of the best of the tournament so far I would say, and certainly worthy of a Brazil team which, to be fair, had not exactly sparkled on the field. Now their tails were up though, and they almost scored a second five minutes later, and five after that as the match moved into extra time, but there was no problem as they took the match, but only by one goal.

Group H

Ghana v Korea Republic (let’s just call it that; I’m getting tired of writing South Korea/Korea Republic. You know who I mean. And yes, I know that took longer to write than if I had just written South Korea/Korea Republic and left it at that!) (Result: 3-2)

Ghana faced early elimination if they lost this one, Korea looking to do better than they had done up to now, so each team desperate to win the match. A slow start, with nothing to write about till the 24th minute, but then Ghana scored a precious goal from a free kick. Suspicion of handball but the check said no, and the goal stood. A second then for the Africans, unfortunately I can’t tell you when it was, as for some reason the time disappeared off the screen. Oh, it’s back: it was in the 34th minute. 2-0 to Ghana then as they went into the break.

Korea went close as the second half opened with a beautiful headed on 52 minutes, well on target but turned away by the goalie, but five minutes later Korea had scored, a sumptuous pass and a header that could not be stopped if there had been six keepers in the goal. Now of course Korea had to go for it, and so they did, netting again with another header in the 60th minute. Fantastic teamwork. All square at 2-2. Then of course Ghana came back in the 67th and scored again to retake the lead. Free kick in the 72nd took Son down and Korea nearly levelled it back again but the keeper clawed it away. Bit of a scramble in the box then but it came to nothing, which did not stop Korea coming again, this time hitting the post. Another match that went to ten minutes extra time, Korea battering the Ghanaian goal in that time but failing to score, giving Ghana their much-needed win. Korea were annoyed that they were not allowed take the corner given at the end of extra time, but the ten minutes had already elapsed so he was within his rights to blow the whistle.

Portugal v Uruguay (Result:2-0 )

Back to the Cristano show? Some nice improvisation from Portugal’s star man in the first few minutes, but no goal while Uruguay had a shot in the 10th, winning a corner which only just went over the top. A good attack by Portugal in the 28th minute but the keeper caught it while Uruguay almost scored in the 32nd but the keeper again in the way and made a lovely save, another shot sent wide in the 35th, Uruguay really giving Portugal a game now. Man down for the Iberian side in the 40th minute, then we had a pitch invader in the 50th; always fun and I’m sure the Qatar secret police will make him a nice cup of tea when they get him back to the station - looked like he had an LBTGQ rainbow flag: they won’t like that!

Back to the football though, and Portugal again on the attack in the 53rd minute, that man netting with a header, jumping high to nod the ball in on 54 minutes, though there seems to be some confusion over who scored, as Fernandes crossed and it looked as if the ball went in without any help from Ronaldo. Suarez came on in the 71st minute and Uruguay then went really close but the ball hit the post on 75 minutes. Up the Portuguese end in the last few minutes of the game and then a frankly ridiculous penalty for Portugal, giving them a 2-0 lead and an easy passage into the round of sixteen.

Group G

1st: Brazil (6 points)
2nd: Switzerland (3 points)
3rd: Cameroon (1 point)
4th: Serbia (1 point)

Group H
1st: Portugal (6 points)
2nd: Ghana (3 points)
3rd: Korea Republic (1 point)
4th: Uruguay (1 point)

Tomorrow’s matches
Group A

Ecuador v Senegal

Netherlands v Qatar

Group B

Iran v USA

Wales v England

Some interesting matches there. Iran v USA? Sweet. And Wales v England? Qatar, already out, will be playing for pride, or should be, so it promises to be a good day.

[TheBig3]

This is a must-win for the US, right? Against Iran I mean.

[The Batlord]

Originally Posted by TheBig3

This is a must-win for the US, right? Against Iran I mean.

Clipped.

[TheBig3]

If I'm supposed to know what they means, I don't.

[TheBig3]

Update:

[Trollheart]

It was. Iran could go through on a draw or a win, but they absolutely tanked and threw it away. USA and England go through.

[Trollheart]

Day 10

Group A

Ecuador v Senegal (Result: 1-2; Ecuador eliminated )

A winner-takes-all clash, and Senegal had the first shot in the first 5 minutes but it went wide, back on the attack again in the 8th, wide again. Ecuador seemed to be having trouble keeping them out and in the 10th yet another shot. A corner in the 24th minute gave Senegal a chance but nothing came of it, until minute 41 when they got a penalty, no question about this one. Easily taken, and advantage Senegal. First real shot from Ecuador in the 48th minute, no power in it though and easily stopped. A corner in the 67th gave them their chance though and they did not squander it, drawing level with the Africans.

Two minutes later and Senegal were in front again, a powerful volley from a free kick, and they held on for the win, the result sending them through and Ecuador home.

Netherlands v Qatar (Result: 2-0)

With nothing but pride to play for, Qatar saw the Dutch take the lead (can’t tell you when, as for some reason this match only had “1st” and “2nd” shown, no times. Idiots. 1-0 to the Netherlands and off they ran, rampant until Qatar had a shot but it was easily stopped by the Dutch keeper. Netherlands had another shot but it went over the bar, offside anyway as it happened. Into the second half, and another goal for Netherlands after a point-blank save from the keeper, but he could only parry it, right into the path of the onrushing striker. Netherlands firmly in the ascendancy now, Qatar deflated and not likely to put up much of a fight. A third for the Dutch was as simple as you can get, though there was a suspicion of a handball, upheld by VAR and the ref, so the goal was chalked off.

Not that it mattered really. Netherlands were in their element now, and though Qatar tried to make a game of it they were forced back and back by the Dutch every time they attempted to break forward. The one time they did manage it, the shot was poor, but at least they got a shot in, huh? Netherlands were unable to add a third, but the win was theirs, and as expected they go through at the top of the group, while Qatar already knew they were on the way home. Hey, at least they hadn’t far to go!

Group B

Iran v USA (Result: 0-1; Iran are eliminated )

A clash of ideologies? Not here mate: this is football, leave the politics at the turnstiles please. Iran must have fancied themselves though, having turned on the style against Wales, and could qualify if they beat the USA, or drew the match, whereas the Americans had to win to stay in. Advantage Iran then, and again it’s no time stamp so I can’t tell you what time things happened (very annoying and bloody pointless but what can you do), USA with the first real attack though the keeper smothered it easily, while Iran seemed to be living on their nerves, and it was all the USA, although no sign of any goals. Shots were either wide, high or right at the keeper, perhaps showing the inexperience of a relatively young team, though they do have some Premiership players in there, so maybe that’s not an excuse.

And indeed, it was one of those Prem players who opened the scoring for the USA, Christian Pulisic latching on to a cross from the right and hammering a great header, which left him in some considerable pain. Beautiful pass to Weah and a great finish, but ruled offside. Even so, it was as if Iran were not there and USA were left with the opposition goal at their mercy. They began to play in the second half, and given they needed a win or a draw it’s kind of odd how they stood off so much and left it so late to go chasing the game. Almost scored, but it sailed past the upright. It was all Iran now though, and they pushed for the equaliser, almost getting it in the second minute of nine of extra time (I only know that because the commentator mentioned it) but Iran threw it away and it’s the USA who go through.

Wales v England (Result: 0-3; Wales are eliminated)

At least the counter was back! 1st and 2nd my aaaanyway, England had an early attempt in the 9th minute, Rashford in but denied as the keeper got there quicker. Next action was in the 30th, England again as Harry Maguire found his way through but completely wasted the shot, crossing to nobody. Foden had a shot seven minutes later but ballooned the ball over the top. Beautiful, acrobatic kick from Rashford in the 38th, but there was to be no emulation of his Man United team-mate Wayne Rooney’s goal and the ball flashed harmlessly past the post. Kane forced a corner in extra time in the first half but the keeper caught the shot, and into the second half we went, with nothing on the board yet for either team, England certainly having (sorry) the lion’s share of the play.

49 minutes and Rashford struck on his third attempt, putting England ahead. Up to now Wales had not even got out of their half, so the outcome did not seem in any way in doubt, especially when Foden scored a minute later. Lovely cross from Kane, on a plate for the Man City man. Wales finally got down the English half of the pitch in the 54th minute, but again the shot flashed wide. Wales beginning to pile on the pressure now, a good shot but parried away by Pickford, meanwhile Rashford made certain with his second and England’s third, and (according to the commentary) England’s 100th goal in the World Cup. Not finished yet though, Rashford was on the attack again, looking for his hat-trick, this time kept out by the Welsh keeper, who must have felt like a man under personal siege. And for Wales it must have been a welcome relief when the final whistle sounded. They had been very much second best to a very good England performance.

Final standings

Group A

1st: Netherlands (7 points)
2md: Senegal (6 points)
3rd: Ecuador (4 points)
4th: Qatar (0 points)

Netherlands qualify at the top of the group, Senegal also go through to the Round of Sixteen.
Ecuador are eliminated and go home, Qatar were already done before today, and they’re out too.

Group B
1st: England (7 points)
2nd: USA (5 points)
3rd: Iran (3 points)
4th: Wales (1 point)

England and the USA go through; Wales and Iran are eliminated.

Tomorrow’s matches

Group C

Poland v Argentina

Saudi Arabia v Mexico

Group D

Australia v Denmark

Tunisia v France

[Trollheart]

Day 11

Group C

Poland v Argentina (Result: 0-2; Poland make it through on superior goal difference to Mexico )

One of the big ones. Would Argentina (i.e., Messi) turn on the style, or would they be boring and pedestrian? Messi had a good shot on 10 minutes but saved, then again on 16 but the shot went over the top and two more shots (not all of these were from Messi) in the 28th, one from the right and one from the left, but neither ended up in the back of the net. A corner in the 32nd minute, and so far Poland hadn’t had a sniff. Argentina were getting closer and they must have had something like eight shots - proper shots, any of which could have resulted in a goal - by the time we got to the end of the half, even a penalty from that man saved by the Polish keeper.

It seemed unlikely though that Poland could keep soaking up this sort of pressure, and half time must have come as a relief to them. Second half then saw Argentina just up the pressure, and it couldn’t be long before they scored. And it wasn’t. I always think it’s funny to hear a name like McAllister in an Argentinian team, but it was him who scored in the first minute of the second half. Poland finally had a shot - well, a free - and nearly scored, to certainly my surprise anyway, as they hadn’t seemed to be even in the match up to then. McAllister almost added a second in the 60th, stealing the limelight from Messi, but it was Alvarez who scored their second, in the 67th minute, and really, that was the end of any threat from Poland, not that there had been any.

Messi missed a golden opportunity to score a third in the 70th, but it would only have been the icing on a very flamboyant cake, as the outcome was never in doubt from the time the second goal had been scored.

Saudi Arabia v Mexico (Result:1-2; both eliminated )

Originally looking like they could be the dark horses of the World Cup, Saudi Arabia failed to score against Poland so they had to go for it here. Back to the annoying 1st and 2nd thing, so no way to tell you when things happened, but a free for the Saudis in the first half gave them a great chance to make a real impression. Unfortunately they proved unequal to the task and it flew over the top of the net. Mexico had a go but the Saudi defence was equal to it, and when they did get a shot in, as so many times in these games and in the tournament, straight at the keeper. It must be said though that Mexico had more shots on goal and more attacks than the Saudis.

In the second half, a long shot nearly deceived the Saudi keeper, would have been a great goal, and Mexico again in the ascendancy. Their pressure finally told when they scored from a corner, back of the heel and into the net. Advantage Mexico. And even more so when Chavez scored a free from at least 30 yards out. A third should have sealed it but was offside. Still, there was little chance this game was going to end any other way than a victory for Mexico, Chavez nearly duplicating his performance from another free, this time the keeper caught it. A third again NOT scored, as it was ruled offside again. Late drama then when Saudi Arabia got one back, dealing a hammer blow to Mexico’s hopes, which must have been heartbreaking, especially considering how poor Saudi Arabia were.

Group D

Australia v Denmark (Result: 1-0; Denmark eliminated)

Another of the winner-takes-all matches, as both Denmark and Australia bid to go through to the next stage. Denmark have a better pedigree with World Cups of course, but as we’ve already seen, you can take nothing for granted in football, especially international football. Denmark were, as expected, on the attack early, in the 6th minute in fact, and could have scored, but a long shot in the 10th was better, still not resulting in a goal despite poor defence from the Aussies. They began to wake up, defensively at least, in the 20th and managed to keep Denmark out, then a minute later charging up the field to rocket in a nice attempt, but straight at the keeper, and again as the 40th minute rolled up. Still, it was Denmark who came closest at the end of the half.

The Socceroos began to play in the second half and on 60 minutes they had squeezed one in to take the lead, and take them closer to qualification. Can’t quite say it was against the run of play, but it certainly seemed to come out of nowhere. Now the pressure was on, and they kept Denmark in their own half for another ten minutes, until they thought they had a penalty, but on checking the offside flag was raised, so no penalty. Even so, Denmark were now on the hunt for an equaliser, and certainly turned the screw on Australia but they couldn’t do it and Australia go through on a single goal. Well done lads. You'd wonder though at the comments made by their manager after the match. Asked how they would celebrate their historic victory, he replied “No celebrations, no emotion; sleep, no social media”. What a fun guy! But then, he believes that’s how they got to where they are so I guess. Won’t be popular with the team though!

Tunisia v France (Result: 1-0; Tunisia eliminated )

Who would bet against the mighty France? Not me, that’s for sure. Tunisia looked to have a hell of a job to even get anything out of the match, and without a single goal in the tournament that seemed to be too big an ask, even with Mbappe not in the team. Wait, what? Yeah, that’s what the guy said. Bollocks. We’re off with no times again, just that bloody 1st and 2nd. Why the hell do they do that? Certainly makes my job harder. Free kick for Tunisia and it looked like a huge boost for the Africans, but no: offside. What a pity: it really was a great strike. But offside is offside. A claim for a penalty turned down, free kick offside - it didn’t look as if the footballing gods were with Tunisia tonight.

Mind you, France weren’t walking all over them either. I only saw one actual shot in the first half and it went well wide. It seemed to be all down the French half, and Tunisia had another good shot but it was right at the goalie. Second half saw Tunisia ask for another penalty but it was waved away. Again. Shot right across the face of goal and up, very close but finally Tunisia got their - let’s be honest here - absolutely deserved goal. France had been poor, perhaps complacent as they were going through anyway, but where was their pride? As the current world champions, and contrary to previous performances in this tournament, they really were not at the races. Mbappe coming on changed things and certainly had some shots, but it was Griezman who scored in the dying seconds to draw the match. Suppose that’s what world champions do… oh, hold on here. Is he offside? Sacre bleu! C’est impossible mais.. Oui! The goal was marked off, and Tunisia went on to a very deserved win. Who woulda thunk it?

Unfortunately, thanks to Australia’s heroics against Denmark, the goal was not enough to save them and they go out with Denmark.

Group C

1st: Argentina (6 points)
2nd: Poland (4 points)
3rd: Mexico (4 points)
4th: Saudi Arabia (3 points)

Argentina go through as expected; Poland manages to scrape through on superior goal difference while Mexico just lose out, thanks to that last-gasp goal from Saudi Arabia, who also go out.

Group D

1st: France (6 points)
2nd: Australia (6 points)
3rd: Tunisia (4 points)
4th: Denmark (1 point)

France and Australia progress; Denmark and Tunisia are eliminated

Tomorrow’s matches

Group E

Costa Rica v Germany

Japan v Spain

Group F

Croatia v Belgium

Canada v Morocco

Already set for the Round of Sixteen by virtue of qualifying top of their groups:

Argentina v Australia

England v Senegal

France v Poland

Netherlands v USA

[Winx]

I am amazed that Germany lost.
Well done Japan!

[Trollheart]

Day 12

Group E

Costa Rica v Germany (Result: 2-4; both go out - see next match)

Who would have expected Germany to have been struggling to get through, never mind top the group? The four-time winners have disappointed badly in the tournament so far, and needed a win to have any chance of qualifying, whereas Costa Rica would be happy with a draw. No, I didn’t write that in reverse. Such is the wonder of the World Cup. Great run by Germany into the box in the 7th minute, but fancy feet are not much use if you can’t score with them, which is just what they did three minutes later. Germany with hope, but a very long way to go yet. They were determined not to let Costa Rica play, nicking the ball every time the Central Americans had it, and they kept the action down their side right through the half, Costa Rica hardly having a shot. They did, though, right at the end of the half, but blasted over the roof of the net.

Costa Rica began to stamp their authority on the fame as the second half got underway, scoring on the back of a great run and terrible German defence, putting the Germans right back in trouble, and more was to come when Costa Rica went close but it was another pinball effort and the score remained level, which would of course suit Costa Rica. But then things went from bad to worse for Germany as Costa Rica scored again! 70 minutes and the giants were heading for a humiliating fall. Even levelling it up now wouldn’t really help them; they had to score two more. And they set about it with the grim determination and discipline that we’ve come to know Germany for, scoring in the 72nd minute to give themselves hope, and surely their fate was in their own hands now. It was all Germany and indeed in the 84th minute they got their third, breaking the valiant Costa Rica’s hearts, but the words of the late Jack Charlton come back to us: never rule the Germans out. 3-2 and they made sure in the 88th by hitting one more. After a rollercoaster of a game, and seeming to be doomed to go out at this early stage, Germany survived and would go through, as long as Japan didn’t spoil their day…

Japan v Spain (Result: 2-1; Japan go through, Spain were already doing so )

Like Germany, Japan had to win to go through against the mighty Spain, who were of course already through. No times here either I’m afraid, so in the first half Spain scored from a nice header in the 11th minute, so I was informed, and now Japan’s job was even harder. They rose to the challenge though, scoring in the second, to give themselves a real chance. It looked like they had done it with a second, but the ball was ruled to have gone out of play so the goal was scrubbed. Oh hell it wasn’t! The ref gave it. It was definitely out. Definitely. Well now Japan must have had the footballing gods on their side, and they were on course to qualify. A great opportunity to put the match beyond all doubt near the end, but squandered, and all that was needed to crush their hopes was for Spain to put one more in. And they nearly did, but the keeper was alive to it and saved his country. Twice. And they held on to get the win and top the group.

Group F

Croatia v Belgium (Result: 0-0; Belgium go out )

A win or a draw was all Croatia needed to go through, whereas Belgium were hanging on, and needed a win to make it to the next stage. Both teams going for it then, with Croatia almost scoring on six seconds - no I said seconds! But it flashed past the post. Well, you couldn’t expect to score that soon, could you? Belgium had a shot in the 11th minute but went wide, and another break by then in the 13th as a beautiful pass by DeBruyne was totally wasted and the ball blasted wide and high. A free kick for Croatia led to one of their people on the ground in the box, and a penalty was the result. Oh, no it wasn’t: offside so no penalty.

Croatia started turning it on in the second half and almost got their reward on 50 minutes, the keeper pawing it away for a corner, but you have to wonder why the coach left both Hazards and Lukaku out? The latter did come in and had a great shot on 60 minutes but again pinball in the goal, one post to the other and out. Amazing how it did not go in. He also missed a sitter with a bad header shortly afterwards, and as the 86th minute clocked up again somehow Belgium managed not to score when it looked harder to miss. Making a right mess of this, it must be said. Lukaku almost got it at the death, but instead of heading it it was his chest that presented the ball to the keeper.

To be fair, Croatia were not playing well. They’d hardly had a shot and in the second minute of four of extra time the score still stood at nil-nil. Some great defence, but mostly it was a tale of really really bad misses and Belgium could not do it and go home. I suppose you could say Croatia won by, well, not scoring but through great defence, but if it hadn’t been for Belgium this would have been a pretty boring game; they provided any real drama or action. Nevertheless, they’re out, and so is their coach, Roberto Martinez, who announced his retirement at the end of the game. Probably leaping before he was pushed.

Canada v Morocco (Result: 1-2; Morocco go through)

Lots to play for in Morocco’s case, even a possibility, depending on other results, of topping the group. Canada were out either way, so just pride to play for, and if it’s one thing Canadians have, it’s pride. Mistake by the keeper in (again, what can I tell you about times?) the first half let Morocco in and they were one up, the best start possible for them and a real embarrassment for the Canucks. Even more so when in the 22nd minute (so said the commentator, otherwise I wouldn’t know) a run down the field, a great pass and a shot that took the ball into the bottom corner, and Morocco could dream of that top of the group finish. Canada looked like a beaten team, until out of nowhere they restored a little of the national pride, making the margin thinner for their opponent, but it wasn’t long before Morocco thought they had restored their two-goal lead, near the end of the first half, but it was ruled offside.

Canada began to play in the second half, looking a different team, perhaps since scoring, and somehow did not make it 2-2, the ball bouncing up and down on the line and out. Unbelievable. Morocco held on for the win, a fine performance from one of the outsiders of the tournament.

Group E

1st: Japan (6 points)
2nd: Spain (4 points)
3rd: Germany (4 points)
4th: Costa Rica (3 points)

Japan goes through at the top of the group, displacing Spain, who still qualify but in second place; despite their heroic efforts, Germany go out on goal difference, and Costa Rica are done too.

Group F

1st: Morocco (7 points)
2nd: Croatia (5 points)
3rd: Belgium (4 points)
4th: Canada (0 points)

Morocco top the group and go through, Croatia with them; Canada were already gone and are joined by Belgium.

Into the Round of Sixteen then:

Japan v Croatia

Morocco v Spain

Tomorrow’s matches

Tomorrow sees the final matches in the group stages, as the eight teams remaining square off in Group G and H.

Group G

Cameroon v Brazil

Serbia v Switzerland

Group H

Ghana v Uruguay

Korea Republic v Portugal