World Cup 2022 thread
 

I hope they have supporters back by then. One thing I never realised is how boring it is watching footy without the roar of the crowd.

Fans will be back by then, fans might even be at the Euros in a few weeks tbh mate.

A summer without tournament football is grim but I think I'll enjoy the winter timing for this. I know its disgraceful.

Qatar :o:

I hope Qatar restricts travel from American athletes.

Yeah, we'd really be lost without the USA in the World Cup! What would we do? Might as well just cancel the thing. :rolleyes:

The US just understand that women's football is the only football that matters. I'm still traumatised by them kicking Holland's ass in the last world cup

Women's football is certainly on the rise. There was a lot of coverage given to the Lionesses last year; they did very well. Can't quite see it becoming as popular as men's of course, but it's definitely coming out of the shadows. There are even regular female pundits now on Match of the Day, whereas before the only woman who would have been there would have been Gabby Logan, presenting, and that probably due to her connection to the football fraternity.

https://media4.giphy.com/media/U7OhV...0R91/giphy.gif

Trolls, was a great night for Villa last night.

Ollie Watkins made his debut for England, came off the bench and scored. Buzzing for him.

And wee John McGinn scored this incredible goal and salvaged a point for Scotland:



Qatar :o:

Any Scottish midfielder with Mc in their name is world class.

https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/resou...onsive-gallery

Well Ireland's World Cup hopes are in tatters just two games into qualifying. Lost at home to Luxembourg, ranked 98th in the world.

I looked at Ireland's recent form and they've scored just tree goals in der last ten games :eek::D

Worst Irish team in living memory.

Canada has put together the best team I've seen from us by a mile and we have a very favoured draw. Nice 5-1 win to get it started.

2022 might be a big year.

Hope they make it.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022..._Round#Group_B

But then they have a second and third round of qualifying.

It'll be very difficult mate.

IIRC 4 teams make it. 3 with direct qualification and 1 through a play in stage maybe? I'm sure 'murica and Mexico will be tough for us but other than that I think Jamaica would be our stiffest competition.

Edit -

Round Two: The six group winners will play home and away in a direct elimination format, in June 2021. The three winners will progress.

Winners of Group A vs. Winners of Group F
Winners of Group B vs. Winners of Group E
Winners of Group C vs. Winners of Group D

Final Round: The three winners join the teams ranked 1-5 in FIFA's World Ranking (Costa Rica, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, United States). The eight teams will play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches. The top three qualify directly, with the fourth-placed team going to the intercontinental playoff in June 2022.

Anyone else gonna be watching this? Starts tomorrow! I'd love to boycott it, due to the horrendous human rights record Qatar have, and also that they essentially bought the tournament, but hey, it's the WORLD CUP! It's only once every four years. We're not in it, but that won't stop me. Looking forward to this.

I'm probably boycotting it, but we have to see if I have the discipline because I'd also like to watch. At least we had the women's cup too this year, which is more fun anyway

Probably not. I don't feel into it like I was four years ago. Plus world events make me wonder if they should even have a World Cup this year.

I'll watch Canada's three matches for sure: it's not once every four years that you get to but once every forty...

The first will involve De Bruyne, who is my favorite footballer since peak Iniesta, so that's a huge plus. The other is against Morocco and I'm kinda pumped cause I know quite a few Moroccans from Montreal and they're all completely mad for it and share their preparations on Instagram.

The other games I'll just watch the highlights

No beer this year. Having been in Qatar for a month 10 years ago, I have to say there ain't **** to do there RIP ticketholders.

Since Ireland aren't in it I'm just gonna pick a team at random and root for them, see how they do. Ah. I got Uruguay. Interesting.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5CQgsFJm0c

Who have they got? Let's see.
First match is against South Korea, not until Thursday it looks like
Others in their group: Ghana and the mighty Portugal. Can't see them faring very well against two big - one huge - opponents. Don't think this will last long!

TROLLHEART'S WORLD CUP REPORT :soccer:

DAY 1

GROUP A

The first group kicked off this evening with the host nation taking on South America's Ecuador.

It was clear from the beginning that Qatar were no match for Ecuador, who have not exactly set the World Cup alive, only qualifying for the first time in 2002 and making their best showing in the following tournament, reaching the round of 16 in 2006 but coming a disappointing 12th. So it's not like Qatar were up against Brazil or anything.

You wouldn't know it though, to watch them. Qatar were, to be fair to them, bloody useless. Ecuador embarrassed them with a very early goal (within 2 minutes) which was then ruled offside - a VERY marginal decision, which I feel (without any evidence to back this up of course) that the decision was made so as not to humiliate the holders. At any rate, it didn't take long till Qatar shot themselves in the foot, giving away a penalty as the keeper took down Valencia in the box. The striker then sent the goalie the wrong way and scored a very cool penalty. 1-0 to Ecuador.

Qatar had barely a sniff of goal, in fact most of the time they struggled to hold on to the ball, while Ecuador ran rings around them. The few times they actually had sight of the opposition goal they shot high, wide or otherwise missed poorly. Ecuador sealed it with a glorious header, again from Valencia, and though somehow the match ended up with five extra minutes on each half, and Qatar had a glorious opportunity to at least get something out of the game near the end, again they fluffed their lines and it ended 2-0, an embarrassing defeat for Qatar and the first time the host nation has failed to score in their opening match.

Qatar have now to meet the other teams in their group, Senegal and the Netherlands, and currently reside at the bottom of the group, with Ecuador topping it. Well, obviously: the other two teams have yet to play.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp1pNJMQaZI

Tomorrow sees three matches:

Group B

England v Iran: England should be expected to cruise past the Iranians, but as ever, you never know in football, especially with the English team. I'd be surprised if they didn't win though.

USA v Wales: Hard to call. Wales can be great on their day but you may remember Trump crowing about how the American team did in the last World Cup (as if he even knows what any football other than American is, but however) and some of their players play in the Premiership in England, including Chelsea's Christian Pulisic and Leeds' Brenden Aaronson. Could be one to watch, certainly, especially if you're an England fan.

Group A

Senegal v Netherlands: Senegal have a great tradition, having punched well above their weight in the World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals in 2002 and beating the mighty France (who were at the time holders of the title and therefore by definition the best team in the world) but the Dutch are always hard to beat. For non-England fans, this will be the one to watch. It will also further sort the group Qatar are in.

For those who can't or don't want to watch the matches, but are still interested, I'll have a report every evening on how the day's action went. See ya tomorrow then!

DAY 2

GROUP B

England v Iran (Result: 6-2)

Went pretty much as expected, though even I would not have predicted how many goals England would get. I was thinking maybe 4-0. In the end it was 6-2 to England, with Iran finally waking up near the end and scoring a peach of a goal out of basically nothing, and then getting a penalty right at the end. First scorer for England was Bellingham, the only player, I believe, in the team not playing in the English leagues (he's with Borussia Dortmund) and his first ever goal in the World Cup, a lovely header. Next was Arsenal's Saka with a sweet volley, followed by Sterling from Chelsea, a great assist from Harry Kane giving England their third. Saka scored again in the second half, with no reply from Iran as yet.

Soon after Taremi scored literally out of nothing, but England came back with another courtesy of Man United's Rashford, the sixth being scored by Jack Grealish of Man City. In the very last seconds of ten minutes (TEN MINUTES???) of extra time, Iran got a penalty when Stones pulled one of the players' shirts, and coming ten minutes after another glorious chance for Iran went begging, Taremi took the penalty coolly and netted a second, which at least left the scoreline looking not so disastrous for Iran, but a powerful opening statement from England. Of course, it was only Iran, and they were expected to win, nevertheless they now top the group.


GROUP A

Senegal v Netherlands (Result: 0-2)

First African nation up versus one of the tournament's favourites, Senegal ruing the loss of Mane, out injured. Netherlands missed a sitter, ball passed but nobody there to tap it in, should have been ahead in the third minute. As it turned out, somewhat hesitant play from the Dutch led to them squandering more chances, of which they had the most, but it was in the closing minutes that Netherlands scored through Gakpo, finally, their pressure paying off. Senegal had just lost Kouyate, one of their best players, to a hamstring injury, which was a huge blow to the African team. They never recovered, and though they went close in the last minute or so, the Dutch finished it off in the last minutes of extra time with a second, this time from Klassen, and that was that.

USA v Wales (Result: 1-1 )

Possibly the first two teams to play being even matched; this could have gone either way. Powerful pressure from the USA, who went very close in the 9th minute, only being stopped by a smart save from the keeper. In the end it was the 35th minute before they scored through Weah. In the second half Wales went close, this time the American keeper preventing them drawing level, and then missed from a corner a few moments later.

And then a penalty to Wales in the 80th minute gave Gareth Bale the opportunity to score, and he did not waste the chance. The momentum was now with Wales, but the USA hung on for the draw, so honours even.



Four matches tomorrow:

Group C

Argentina v Saudi Arabia: Argentina twice winners, and with Messi in their squad, who would bet against them?

Mexico v Poland: I imagine that could be interesting.

Group D

Denmark v Tunisia: Would have to bet on the Danes here, but then you never know.

France v Australia: Winners of the tournament twice also, and current holders of the title, you couldn't see France having much trouble beating the Socceroos.

DAY 3

Some heavy hitters kicking off this third day, including twice-winners Argentina and France, as well as Denmark, Poland and Mexico, all of whom will fancy their chances of getting into the next stages. First up:

Group C

Argentina v Saudi Arabia: Result 1-2) (No, you read that right).

This should have been a done deal. As I say above, Argentina have great pedigree in this tournament, having won twice, and made it through to this stage without losing a single game. They also have had in the past in their team the mighty Maradona, these days his place as such is taken by Lionel Messi, once - and possibly still - acknowledged as the best footballer in the world. They should have swept the Saudis aside like swatting an insect, Messi shooting in the second minute but missing, and then scoring a penalty in the ninth, nothing to it. He scored again in the 22nd minute but the goal was ruled offside, however Martinez netted seven minutes later and Saudi Arabia looked well and truly done. Until it looked like his shadow was offside and again the goal was ruled out. Incredibly, Martinez scored again in the 34th minute but was again ruled offside, this one clearer.

With the score, which should perhaps have been 3-0 to Argentina, only at 1-0, Saudi Arabia scored as the second half begun and it was all level. Then amazingly scored again to take the lead only five minutes later with a peach of a shot, rocket of a volley from what, 30 yards outside the box? Argentina of course laid siege to the Saudi goal but even though they came so close, the final shot was saved and to everyone’s amazement, after THIRTEEN MINUTES of extra time (what the blue living…?) the impossible had happened. Saudi Arabia had beaten the mighty Argentina! Shock of the tournament so far, without question.


Mexico v Poland (Score 0-0)

Chances mostly went Mexico’s way, but by half time the score was still 0-0 until Poland got a penalty in the 57th minute - and missed. A second scoreless draw, and the first missed penalty in the tournament.

Group D

Denmark v Tunisia (Result 0-0)

Great to see Christian Eriksen back after his cardiac arrest in last year’s Euro Championships. Other big names in the team includes Kasper Schmeichel, son of the great Manchester United keeper Peter, and currently playing with Leicester, as well as Pierre Hoijberg, who plays with Tottenham Hotspur. Tunisia seemed to have taken the lead in the 22nd minute but the old offside came into play again, and it remained scoreless despite a few good chances for both sides. This match therefore became the first 0-0 draw of this World Cup. Would not have expected that.

France v Australia (Score 4-1)

Mbappe, Dembele, Giroud, Griezmann, Lloris: major names in French and indeed English Premiership football, surely likely to roll all over Australia, and yet it was the Socceroos who opened the scoring on 8 minutes! France weren’t too long replying, scoring in the 26th minute to tie it up at one each. Australia quickly lost possession just outside the box and Giroud took full advantage, putting his country in front. Naive defending if ever there was. Mbappe missed a sitter as the first half came to a close, but Australia almost drew level in the last few minutes of the half, hitting the post.

Into the second half and Mbappe got his goal in the 67th minute, taking France into a comfortable lead they never looked like losing. Nor did they, Giroud netting his 51st goal for his country, equalling the record of legend Thierry Henri, and giving France a 4-1 lead in the 70th minute. And so it ended, France showing why they are world champions, and have no intention of surrendering that title easily.

So, to everyone’s surprise - no, amazement, almost incredulity - it’s Saudi Arabia who top Group C with Argentina right at the bottom. If you bet with Paddy Power on that you’ll be a rich person now. No such surprise in Group D, where France comfortably and expectedly take top position.

Tomorrow’s matches

Group F

Morocco v Croatia: Croatia have the mercurial Luca Modrić, a real star of previous tournaments, even if he is getting on now (37 years old). They reached the finals last time out, being beaten by France, and will be out for revenge this time no doubt. I can’t imagine Morocco will present much of a problem to them, though I did say that about Saudi Arabia yesterday, and look what happened. Hey, this is why we love football!

Belgium v Canada: Belgium are another of the world’s football titans, with names like Kevin DeBruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard in their squad. They have a good record, reaching the quarter-finals in 2014 and the semis in 2018. They should breeze past Canada, but again, you can never say.


Group E

Germany v Japan: Some major league hitters coming into the tournament tomorrow. Who doesn’t know the mighty Germany, four-time winners and four-time runners-up, technically three times both as West Germany and once as the reunified Germany. With players like Muller, Gündoğan and Havertz, they’ll be expected to sweep all before them. Japan are no slouches either though, and should put up some stiff competition.



Spain v Costa Rica: Another big name of course is Spain, 2010 winners but who failed to shine at more recent tournaments, going out in the group stages in 2014 and the round of 16 in 2018 . With players like Rodri and Pedri (the latter touted by pundits as the most exciting new young footballer in the world), Torres and Morata, who have scored 13 and 27 goals for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid respectively, they surely must put Costa Rica to the sword tomorrow. Surely?

DAY 4

GROUP F

Morocco v Croatia (Result: 0-0)

Scoreless at the break, Croatia not surprisingly in the ascendancy and nearly scoring from a corner as the second half got underway, that’s nevertheless how it ended. A great result for Morocco and something of a humiliation for last tournament’s finalists.

Belgium v Canada (Result: 1-0)

Canada were competing in the tournament for the first time in 36 years, so the signs were not good, even though Belgium were without Lukaku, but Canada had a chance to pull off an early and unexpected lead in the tenth minute when they were awarded a penalty for handball, but embarrassingly missed. Chance gone, but Canada kept going and gave Belgium a game they might not have expected at all. It was however Belgium who scored first, after Canada had been denied a second penalty which looked good, but was ruled not viable by VAR (Video Assistant Referee duh). Canada certainly were not folding and they kept up the pressure into the second half, keeping Belgium just the one goal ahead and nearly scoring themselves in the 80th minute.

A valiant effort, and Canada definitely stamped their intention on the World Cup 2022 not to be just there to make up the numbers, but Belgium held on for the win. It couldn’t be said they swept Canada aside by any means, and you would wonder how they’ll do when they come up against the bigger teams. Come to that, how will Canada do in their next matches? After that display, I wouldn’t be betting against them.

Group E[/u][/b]

Germany v Japan (Result: 1-2)

Seemed like a dream start for Japan, scoring in the seventh minute, but the spectre of the offside rule loomed again and the goal was ruled out. Still, a wake-up call perhaps for the Germans, who battered the Japanese goal for the next twenty minutes until they got a penalty which Gundogan dispatched with real coolness and skill. In the dying seconds of the half they added another, this time from Havertz, but this was ruled offside, to Japan’s relief. Back on the attack from the start of the second half, Germany weren’t letting up, Musiala dancing through the defenders like they weren’t there as the clock hit fifty minutes, but unfortunately though the skill was there the finish was not, and he blasted high over the bar.

Gundogan went close next, hitting the post, before Japan finally levelled it up as we got to the seventy-fifth minute. Worse was to come for the Germans as Japan struck again in the 82nd minute to go ahead. And they held on to win, another real upset in this already very interesting World Cup. Banzai!

Spain v Costa Rica (Result: 7-0)

Two giants of the tournament taken down, could Costa Rica make it three? As I said yesterday, Spain have faltered badly in recent World Cups, but they have some exciting new players in the squad this time out, so they must have fancied themselves and they certainly had something to prove to the world. And they started early, scoring in the eleventh minute. Costa Rica couldn’t even get a kick and it really looked like Spain were playing a practice match as they netted a second in the 21st minute. To make matters worse for the South Americans, Spain got a penalty, three-nil and we hadn’t even played thirty minutes.

Second half didn’t change things as Torres scored a second, giving Spain a 4-0 lead that looked about as likely as being impacted as followed by another in the 75th minute. One more goal and they would have equalled England’s so-far highest-scoring match, in fact with no reply likely from the Costa Ricans they would better it. It was never in doubt and Spain hit Costa Rica for six, showing they are again the footballing power other countries used to fear. Eight minutes of extra time allowed them to score a seventh, the highest number of goals of any team so far in this tournament, and you sort of had to feel sorry for Costa Rica, who must have been relieved to hear the final whistle.

That puts Spain at the top of Group E, with Germany an unexpected and disappointed/disappointing third, behind Japan. Belgium top Group F with Croatia second


Tomorrow’s matches

Tomorrow we open the last two groups, G & H

Group G

Switzerland v Cameroon: Switzerland usually fizzle out early, whereas Cameroon had their best showing in 1990, having only qualified for the first time eight years prior, and made the quarter-finals, but being beaten by England.

Brazil v Serbia: Who needs to be told how good Brazil are? Five times champions, reaching the quarter-finals four times, and with players so good they don’t even need a second name: Allison. Fred. Fabinho. Ederson. Expect them to roll all over Serbia.



Group H

Uruguay v South Korea (Korea Republic); Although Uruguay won the very first World Cup in 1930, and again in 1950, the best they’ve managed in recent times has been the semi-finals in 2010, so they’ll be hoping for a decent showing. With the ever-controversial Luis Suarez in their team they should be nothing if not interesting, and there’s Man United’s Edinson Cavani to cope with too. South Korea (now known, apparently, as the Korean Republic) have Tottenham Hotspur’s star striker, Son Heung-min, their best placing being the semis in 2002. Could be quite a battle.

Portugal v Ghana: Another of the big hitters. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny the pure skill and talent of Cristiano Ronaldo, and despite his recent spat with Man United, resulting in his leaving the club this week, he’ll be there, alongside people like Neves, Nunes, Fernandes, Silva and Cancelo, desperate to improve on their country’s best placing so far of 4th in 2006.

Admittedly, I'm not watching the World Cup this year, but I'm impressed with your updates, Trolls. Maybe you should have been a sports reporter. :D

And i hate sports, but I do like my football. And hey, it's the World Cup.


Day 5

Group G

Switzerland v Cameroon (Result:1-0 )

All the early pressure coming from Cameroon, the Swiss keeper very indecisive and a lovely chance to score squandered in the dying seconds of the first half, but in the end it was Switzerland who took the lead in the second, in the 48th minute in fact, showing perhaps that despite not playing very well the Swiss only needed one opportunity to open up for them and they would take it. The goal of course changed the complexion of the game and now the momentum was with the Swiss, who missed a glorious chance to add another in the 64th and again the 66th minute.

Heading into the final minutes and Cameroon were well out of it despite a promising beginning. Six minutes of extra time in the second half didn’t help them and so it ended 1-0 to Switzerland. Not a convincing win by any means, but a win nevertheless.

Brazil v Serbia (Result: 2-0)

The game most people had probably been waiting to see, despite their allegiance. It’s always a joy to see Brazil in full flight, and really, Serbia just watched as the world’s greatest team turned on the style. But not the goals, the match still scoreless at half time despite a few chances. It was the 61st minute before Richarlison finally scored. Once he had though, he added a superb second, style stamped all over the acrobatic kick, pure class, worth watching the match for by itself. Now it was a free-for-all, with many near misses, the result never in doubt. Serbia blown away, Brazil at the top of the group, normal service resumed.


Group H

Uruguay v South Korea (Korea Republic) (Result: 0-0)

My adopted team faced tough opposition , but with a current and alumnus Liverpool player in the team, Suarez never forgotten by the Kop, Darwin Nunes their new darling, they bossed the midfield and Korea didn’t really figure that much in the game. Lovely run from Nunes in the 63rd minute that deserved to end in a goal but, well, didn’t. Another attempt in the 80th by him but just past the upright. Beautiful shot in the 89th by Valverde but he hit the bar and back it bounced. Right at the end Son almost did it for Korea, but the game ended as another no-score draw.

Portugal v Ghana (Result: 3-2)

All about one man of course, this, and Ronaldo was certainly in the thick of it, even scoring in the 30th minute but the whistle had already gone and it did not count. It was in fact Ghana who went closest but then a penalty awarded to Portugal in the 62nd minute - a very soft one - gave him the chance to put his country ahead. Great strike by Kudos sorry Kudus in the 71st but straight at the keeper, but then Ayeu latched onto his assist and Ghana were level. Portugal were back in front five minutes later than as Felix scored.

Adding a third in the 80th minute sealed the deal for Portugal, snuffing out Ghana’s late threat and ensuring they start the campaign in style, though Ghana came back with two minutes left to take the score to 3-2. Crazy moment right at the end when Ghana nicked the ball with a player behind the Portugese keeper, but was unable to keep his feet.

Portugal then go top of Group H - really never in doubt - with Uruguay second, while in Group G it’s Brazil, to nobody’s surprise, followed by Switzerland in second.

Tomorrow’s matches

All groups have now played their first match, so tomorrow is the second meeting of the teams in

Group A

Netherlands v Ecuador

Qatar v Senegal

and

Group B

Wales v Iran

England v USA

Day 6

Into the second match of each group we went, with those who did well hoping to capitalise on and retain their spot at the top of each group, those who had not yet scored hoping to avoid going out in this early stage.

Group A

Netherlands v Ecuador (1-1)

Netherlands began as they meant to go on, five minutes on the clock and they were already on the score sheet, Ecuador going close in the 31st minute but stopped by the keeper. Just as the first half ended though they equalised, or thought they had, the keeper adjudged to have been obstructed and so the goal chalked off. They sorted it in the 4th minute of the second half though as the score was levelled. Appeals for offside from the Dutch came to nothing and the goal stood.

Ecuador were really pouring on the pressure now, and the Netherlands did not seem to have any answer as their goal was battered. They did put together a decent passage of play in the 65th minute but blasted high over the goal, their only real shot in the second half. Into extra time and Ecuador were pushing for the winner, but it ended all square, in a match the Dutch could very well have been expected to have lost, so they must be reasonably happy with the result.

Qatar v Senegal (Result: 1-3)

This was probably expected to be the least exciting of today’s matches, the holders having been put to the sword by Ecuador in the opening match, while Senegal had failed to shine against Belgium. You could say both teams had something to prove. Senegal had the only real shot on 23 minutes but shot wide, then in the 33rd Qatar asked for a penalty. The ref said no, though everyone in the ground seemed to think it was. Senegal scored then in the 40th minute with a lovely side-footed effort with a second added from a corner in the second half.

Qatar again had nothing in the tank, toothless as they had been against Ecuador, but went close in the 67th, a great save by the keeper the only thing that stopped the deficit being halved. Qatar were on the attack now, and in the 78th minute they got their first ever World Cup goal, making it more of a game now. Senegal however were quick to restore their two-goal advantage in the 83rd, and now there was no way back for the hosts. A quick free kick in the 88th gave Senegal a shock but went just wide, and Senegal won 3-1.

Group B

Wales v Iran (Result 0-2)

Sometimes football takes very much a backseat and becomes secondary, even peripheral, to world events concerning those teams, and this was very much the case as Iran protested against the draconian law in their country which has resulted in death sentences being handed down to protesters as the regime desperately tries to cling to power like a dying miser clutching his fortune, and determined to take it with him to the grave. As before, the team refused to sing the Iranian national anthem (some of them anyway), and it was a match fraught with emotions, Wales no doubt feeling in solidarity with the Iranians, but still with a job to do.

They went close in the 12th minute but the goalkeeper, in to replace the one who suffered concussion in the England match, and it was Iran who took the lead in the 15th minute, only for it to be ruled offside, which was the right decision, but you really felt for them with that release of the pent-up frustration, only to be denied their early lead. So scoreless at the break, but Iran had the better chances, twice missing the post in the 52nd minute, two shots within twenty seconds of each other. Whatever their personal feelings or loyalty to their country - or lack of it - Iran certainly had come to play.

And play they did, coming close again in the 72nd, Wales with nothing to offer until the 83rd minute when the shot was kept out by the keeper, and shortly afterwards the Welsh keeper was off, red card for having come out and taken down the Iranian player. 86th minute, and surely now Iran had the momentum, and again they went close again but still no goal. Then in the last minute of nine of extended time Iran scored, and the game was theirs. For some reason the ref kept the game going after the 9 minutes allowed, right into eleven, almost twelve, Wales hoping for a miracle, but it was Iran who scored again deep in the extended extended time, with a superb result. You’d have to say they deserved their victory.

England v USA (Result: 0-0)

The match everyone but me was waiting for: could England take the USA down and retain their position at the top of Group B? Would USA turn out to be tougher opponents than they have been previously? The Americans have certainly come on in leaps and bounds from the time when they were the new boys, there to make up the numbers. Nobody’s saying they’re challengers, but they could not be counted out. England of course had a vastly superior goal difference and were looking to add to that, Kane going close in the 9th minute but shooting wide. From the resulting corner Stones missed it and Mount blasted high over the bar.

USA squandered a golden chance to take the lead in the 25th, again shooting high, and keeping up the pressure on England gave them a torrid time, Pulisic also going close but the ball hopping off the bar, the keeper beaten. Another Pulisic shot in the 42nd minute underlined how the USA were bossing the game, even if they couldn’t convert a shot as we headed into the final moments of the first half, Mount just missing a decent opportunity. It seemed likely there’d be no six-goal thriller this time. Into extra time and England got a free kick, Kane shooting wide, which ended England’s chances as the match ended in a nil-nil draw.


Qatar’s poor performance sees them go out, the first host nation to exit so soon in the entire history of the World Cup. Netherlands top Group A with Ecuador second only on goal difference. England remain at the top of Group B but are only one point now ahead of Iran (what? Yes, you heard right: Iran) with Wales at the bottom. Crucial matches coming up.

Tomorrow’s matches

Group C

Poland v Saudi Arabia

Argentina v Mexico

Group D

Tunisia v Australia

France v Denmark

Day 7

Group C

Poland v Saudi Arabia (Result: 2-0)

Riding high on their unexpected win again the might of Argentina, Saudi Arabia went close in the 12th minute, just hitting the bar, but gave away a corner in the 25th which gave the Poles a chance to score, a chance they spurned. Just before the end of the half though they were ahead with a lovely volley into the net. The Saudis fought back as the half drew to a close, and were awarded a very questionable penalty. The footballing gods of fairness must have been watching though, as Saudi Arabia missed, and even the follow-up was skied. I think everyone who wasn’t a Saudi would have deplored the score if that penalty had gone in. Ref needs glasses.

So into the second half and Poland retained their lead, the Saudis again going close in the 60th minute but shooting high and wide, while Poland rattled the bar two minutes later. End to end stuff, as they say, and Saudi Arabia again came close in the 78th minute, again the shot went wide, though not by much. A terrible mistake by the Saudis then gifted the ball to the Poles and they made sure on 82 minutes, shooting past an unprepared and shocked goalie. They nearly added a third in the dying moments but tried to be too clever and missed. Still, the outcome was in no doubt and Poland took the match, a hard-fought one certainly.

Argentina v Mexico (Result: 2-0)

After a disappointing first match, could Argentina improve on their poor performance and restore faith in them as challengers for the title? A sort of a Latin face-off? Portugal v Spain, in a way? Argentina would as always be looking to Messi to come good, and you have to say that a lot of the time they do seem to be a one-man team. Still, when that one man is Lionel Messi, maybe that’s all you need. Mexico weren’t going down easily though, and a free awarded for a bad tackle in the 9th minute almost paid dividends. But not quite. A lot of harsh tackles, from both sides, in what I think you could call a bad-tempered match, Argentina no doubt smarting from that defeat to the Saudis, Mexico desperate to get their first goal.

It will come as no surprise though to hear that the one to score for Argentina in the 64th minute was that man Messi, and suddenly the momentum was with the South Americans. Mexico seemed a little stunned, and never looked like recovering after that. They had no chance to after Messi passed to Fernandes and Argentina made sure on 86 minutes. Argentina back where they belong, where they expect to be, and where their country demands they be.

Group D

Tunisia v Australia (Result: 0-1)

Both sides needed a win, having failed to win their first match, and it was Tunisia who had the first meaningful attack on 19 minutes, though it came to nothing. Two minutes later the Aussies had their first goal, a break from defence and a lovely header. Tunisia tried to level up the scoring in the 40th minute but the keeper saved, and then in the second of five extra minutes of the first half they almost scored again, but it remained 1-0 at the break. No reply from the North Africans as Australia attacked in the 55th minute but failed to score, again missing a glorious chance in the 70th when the cross was just missed, otherwise Australia were 2-0 up and that would have been that.

Tunisia tried again a minute later but the keeper was in the way, doing what he’s paid to do, and he took some pressure in the last fifteen minutes of normal time, stopping a long-range shot in the 80th and again in the 88th and into extra time, their last chance going in the third minute of six of extra time. They didn’t give up though, unwilling to let it go, but then Australia headed down their half and nearly scored again. Well, no they didn’t really but it took pressure away from their goal, and they hung on to win the match by one goal.

France v Denmark (Result: 2-1)

France had a point to prove, defending their World Cup title; Denmark had also much ground to make up. There were chances for both teams in the first 20 minutes, then a really bad tackle which should have resulted in a red card only got a yellow, the shot coming close from France but stopped by the keeper, Schmeichel kept very much the busier of the two. Denmark did come close in the 35th minute but the shot, though powerful, went wide, while a minute later the Danish goal was again under siege. Giruoud missed a header, Mbappe shot high, but the first half ended scoreless.

The French began the second half as they had ended the first, battering Kasper Schmeichel’s goal and that pressure was bound to tell, as it did, finally, in the 60th minute, and who else but Mbappe, touted by many as one of the greatest players in the world? Denmark hit back, a corner seven minutes later drawing them level when it really looked like they were going to leave empty-handed. Now we had a game. In the 72nd it was almost Denmark taking the lead but after a sustained period of pressure in which France had four corners almost in succession Mbappe did it again, scoring on 85 minutes with a beautiful shot. France secure and ready to move on to the next round, Denmark in real trouble.

So topping Group D, as expected, the French march on with Australia second, Denmark hoping to make up lost ground while in Group C it’s Poland with Argentina behind them.

Tomorrow’s matches

Group E

Japan v Costa Rica

Spain v Germany

Group F

Belgium v Morocco

Croatia v Canada

No prizes for guessing which is the big game!

Watch out for my World Cup Week One Roundup tomorrow.

https://y.yarn.co/ff77ba49-e8fd-4d3a...2d25_thumb.jpg
Oh, my paws and whiskers! I'm late, I'm late!

Day 8

Group E

Japan v Costa Rica (Result: 0-1 )

On the face of it, this should have been a walkover for Japan, especially on the back of their shock victory over Germany, and they had their first attack on 12 minutes but the ball shot across the box, nobody there to turn it in. Costa Rica had their own spell of pressure in the 34th but again it came to nothing. Good shot though as the second half began as the Japanese came close, but the keeper saved. Another shot on 56 minutes but well wide from Japan. A free kick in the 70th minute gave them a chance to really open up what had been till then a pretty cagey match, odd, given the opposition, Germany surely wondering how they got beaten by this team. Twice the kick came back off the wall and again no score.

There’s no doubt the Japanese had the best of the play, but their pressure came to nothing when Costa Rica, rather to everyone’s surprise, finished on 80 minutes after Japan had lost the ball, a nice shot from well outside the box and into the bottom corner of the goal. Japan were up against it now. They came close on 87 minutes but the ball bounced around, at one point it looked like it might have crossed the line but no, the keeper smothered it. Costa Rica held on to emulate their opponent, beating Japan who had never been expected to beat Germany. A good one for the bookies no doubt.

Spain v Germany (Result: 1-1)

I don’t think anyone expected Spain to run riot as they did against Costa Rica: this was unlikely to be a seven-nil thriller, not with Germany desperate to retrain their place, and the game was a little cautious for the first 30 minutes or so, when Spain went close but it looked to be offside anyway. A corner in the 35th was cut out by Germany, A long shot up the field from the keeper sent Spain on their way again and earned them a free kick, but they passed it around too much and Germany got possession. They weren’t able to do anything with it though, but then their keeper booted it long too, this resulting in another foul and another free kick, this time for Germany.

They capitalised on their free, nodding it into the net and sending Germany into the lead, or so they thought. Again VAR came into the picture and the goal was chalked off. Even at that, Spain still seemed the more likely to score as half-time loomed. They did seem to be squandering those chances though, as another long punt up the field, another foul, and another free kick gave Germany another attempt on goal. Still no score though.
Unfortunately my TV decided I didn’t really need to see this match and did not record it, and some idiot uploaded the highlights of the same two matches to the player, so I couldn’t even download it. Into a weird world of YouTube highlights I went, watching what seemed to be at one point the match sped up about three times normal speed, another where Germany seemed to score in the 15th minute (I watched part of the BBC replay of the full match and saw it was goalless at the break, so that can’t be right), another one where Germany were for some reason playing in green and white (so it obviously was not them) and several where someone seemed to have recreated the match using the FIFA 2023 game. Very weird. So all I can tell you is that it was a draw, and that I feel like I’ve been through footballing’s version of the Looking Glass.

Group F

Belgium v Morocco (Result: 0-2)

Belgium intended to cement their place and progress into the round of sixteen as they faced Morocco, and must not have been too worried, though we’ve seen this World Cup serve up some surprises. They went close twice between 18 and 20 minutes, Morocco having a go a moment later but shooting well wide. You wouldn’t call it end to end but it wasn’t one-sided as it could have been either, Morocco determined to give a good account of themselves. And they certainly did, scoring from a free kick in the dying seconds of the first half. Or did they? The answer is no: the goal was ruled offside.

Their disappointment did nothing to quench their enthusiasm and their belief they could get something out of the game, and they came close again in the 56th minute. Belgium seemed to be having a harder time of it than they should have had, and things got harder for them as Morocco got a corner and this time it just went right in without any need of assistance, and Morocco were ahead. Incredibly they scored again in extra time, and Belgium were done. Another shock, which just shows that you never can predict what’s going to happen in the beautiful game.

Croatia v Canada (Result: 4-1 )

On a day of surprise victories for underdog teams, could Canada provide another shock and take Croatia? Well yes, it seemed so. In the first minute Canada broke away and scored a bullet of a header, giving them a dream start. Keeping up the pressure on a shell-shocked Croatia, Canada tried to force their advantage before the Croatians could come to terms with being one goal down so early, or indeed at all. It wasn’t long, of course, before they had their own shot on goal, and in the 6th minute they shot but the keeper saved. A Canadian player left on the ground roaring in pain was, well, left on the ground roaring in pain: the ref ignored the incident and VAR obviously didn’t see it, or thought it unworthy of another look. Canada went close again in the 8th minute but were cut out; it was offside anyway.

Croatia definitely started to come back into the match from about 20 minutes on, and they had a decent chance but there was no power in the shot and it just rolled into the keeper’s hands. Croatia kept Canada out, and had another decent shot, this time ending up in the net but ruled offside as the match headed into the 25th minute. Going behind seemed to have put some needed life into the Croatian side, and they passed the ball well and finally got their goal in the 36th minute to level the game and silence the Canadians. And no doubt you could have heard a pin drop back in Alberta, Quebec, Toronto as Croatia scored again as the first half drew to a close.

Perhaps it was Canada’s inexperience showing, the euphoria of being at their first World Cup, allied to the delight of scoring first and so early against such a big team, but they seemed deflated once the Croatians went ahead and offered nothing in the second half, Croatia fully in control now, almost adding a third in the 50th minute and again in the 54th. Could have been four up by then. A free kick for the Canadians in the 62nd minute bounced harmlessly off the wall, the kick pretty poor really. Croatia made sure in the 70th minute with a superb cross, a lovely volley and that was that. Still time for one more from Croatia in extra time, sealing their deserved victory. After a valiant effort, and with their heads held high, Canada go out of their first World Cup, but at least they’re not the first to go.

Trollheart’s 2022 World Cup Roundup: Week One

Things got off to an exciting start in the very first match, with Qatar, the host nation, being beaten by Ecuador, despite what seemed a perfectly good goal being ruled offside. The next day, Monday, was when things really got going though, as England thrashed Iran 6-2 in their first match, Senegal beaten by the Netherlands 2-0 and Wales and the USA played out a draw, one goal each. Tuesday then saw the first major upset of the tournament, as mighty Argentina went down 2-1 to the lowly Saudi Arabia. A shock for everyone, possibly even the Saudis. Other big names playing included France, who thumped Australia 4-1, while two scoreless draws resulted between Poland and Mexico, and Denmark and Tunisia.

Wednesday saw another major shock as Germany went down 2-1 to Japan, but there were no such surprises for Spain, who racked up the highest score of the tournament so far (to that day and still stands as I write) beating Costa Rica 7-0. Other matches saw Croatia pla a scoreless draw against Morocco while Belgium showed they were playing to win, beating Canada 1-0. On to Thursday and the really big guns came out, Brazil breezing past Serbia 2-0 and really turning on the style, while Switzerland had a workmanlike 1-0 victory over Cameroon. Uruguay, another stalwart of the tournament, had a bad opening game, failing to score against South Korea/Korea Republic, the game ending in a 0-0 draw, and the other match of the day saw yet another titan of the World Cup enter the fray, as Portugal took on Ghana, winning the game 3-2, but not by any means easily.

That took us to Friday, which, with every team having now played one game, saw the second round open, as Iran turned on skill we had not yet seen and took revenge for their huge loss at England’s hands, to take the game between them and Wales 2-0, no doubt to the surprise of the Welsh, who were now in a precarious position. Their home counties teammates, England, had further humiliation heaped upon them, but not by Iran. This time they played out a scoreless draw against the USA, while Ecuador and Netherlands drew 1-1, but though they scored their first, and only goal in World Cup 2022, Qatar were out when they fell to Senegal 3-1, the first country in the entire history of the tournament to exit so quickly. Two matches and they were gone, without even reaching the round of sixteen.

Yesterday we had some scores settled, so to speak. Poland took Saudi Arabia down 2-0, while Australia netted against Tunisia without reply for a 1-0 win. France continued their relentless march into the next stages with a 2-1 victory over Denmark, and Argentina quickly set about redressing the balance as they took Mexico down 2-0.

At the end of week one the groups look like this:
GROUP A
1st: Netherlands (4 points)
2nd: Senegal (4 points)
3rd: Ecuador (3 points)
4th: Qatar (0 points)
Qatar are eliminated

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


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


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

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


GROUP F
1st: Croatia (4 points)
2nd: Morocco (4 points)
3rd: Belgium (3 points)
4th: Canada ( 0 points)
Canada go out.


GROUP G
1st: Brazil (3 points)
2nd: Switzerland ( 3 points)
3rd: Cameroon ( 0 points)
4th: Serbia (0 points)

GROUP H
1st: Portugal (3 points)
2nd: South Korea/Korea Republic (1 point)
3rd: Uruguay (1 point)
4th: Ghana (0 points)

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.

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

Clipped.

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

Update:

https://media.giphy.com/media/3ohBV8...3kU8/giphy.gif

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.

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

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

I am amazed that Germany lost.
Well done Japan!

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