As rains throng the skies in Mumbai & across India, FIFA World Cup 2018 gets underway in Russia, as 32 teams battle it out for the coveted trophy...... & battle it is, as by the end of the 1st round in Group stages, most of the favourites are struggling while the minnows & underdogs are making hay. This World Cup is surely shaping interesting results, & so many predictions are already biting dust, as experts & enthusiasts all alike, across the globe keep glued to the live telecasts, while the lucky few have reached Russia to watch it live in the stadiums !!
Thankfully, most of the matches are timed well for India, & hence late nights are far & few - as the tournament fever is gradually catching up amongst the masses & classes - beer, pizzas et all.
In the tournament opener, host Russians in Group A, blazed off in whirlwind fashion scripting a massive 5-1 victory over hapless Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay clipped past a resolute Egypt with a 89th minute goal. These two teams with a win under the belt look set to move into the knock out stages. Egypt are still struggling with mercurial Salah's fitness, & will need some magic to turn tables in the next couple of matches for them.
In Group B, Iran prevailed over Morocco 1-0, thanks to a stoppage time own goal by substitute Bouhaddouz in a rather lack lustre game, as tournament favourites Spain were held to a fascinating 3-3 draw by indomitable Portugal - a see saw battle between two European giants. Ronaldo, in red hot form, fresh from his Euro Cup Championship for Real Madrid, stole the thunder from Spain's tiki taka clutches with a fabulous hattrick. Spain dominated the midfield, with delectable ball control & short passes, & despite conceding a penalty goal within 3 minutes of the game, & again another silly goal just before half time, came back strongly to take lead, through Diego Costa's double strike & Nacho's brilliant pile driver from outside the box - but they were completely undone by one man Ronaldo's brilliance, who had records tumbling as ever. A poor tackle just outside the box by Pique earned a free kick in the 88th minute & Ronaldo's eyes gleamed - a couple of deep breaths & then he sent the ball past the defensive wall into the left corner of the net - goalkeeper David De Gea standing motionless like a statue - all in slow motion, as the stadium erupted to a fantastic goal. It was 3-3, in the end, with Portugal claiming a certain moral victory, as Spain would rue their defensive lapses & horrendous goalkeeping by De Gea. However, both Portugal & Spain should still make it to the next stages, as Iran & Morocco may not pose problems for the European giants.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo, a name synonymous with records, became the first player ever to score in eight consecutive major tournaments (World Cup, European Championships, Copa America). He also got his 51st career hattrick, which incidentally was also the 51st hattrick in the World Cup history. Ronaldo also became the fourth player ever to score in four different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014 & now 2018), after Pele of Brazil, Uwe Seeler & Miroslav Klose of Germany.
In Group C, saw France prevail over a resolute Australia, as midfielder Pogba combined with Giroud & lofted the ball over the goalkeeper, hitting the underside of the bar & bouncing over the line - VAR confirmed the goal & France heaved a sigh of relief, to gather 3 vital points. In the other match between Peru & Denmark, the Europeans prevailed 1-0, as Poulssen netted with a neat shot. This group will also most likely see France & Denmark qualify ahead, as Peru & Australia will find it really hard to make a comeback.
In Group D, the match between fancied Argentina & Iceland, turned on its head, with unexpected results. The South American giants took an early lead through Aguero in the 19th minute, but a fighting Iceland kept pressing & got a well deserved equaliser within 4 minutes, as Finnbogason tapped in from a goal mouth melee - it was his country's first ever World Cup goal. Leo Messi had a chance to take Argentina ahead in the 64th minute, but surprisingly missed a penalty !! - pressures to match up with Ronaldo ?? - it was a pedestrian show by the former Champions, as they seemed to run out of ideas, & the match ended in a draw. In the other match, Croatia prevailed easily over Nigeria with a goal in each half to end the game at 2-0. It was an easy game for the Croats, as the Africans struggled against the pace & guile. In this Group, Croatia will certainly qualify, as they should prevail over Iceland, but Argentina has to be cautious, as they will find Croats a hard nut & a slip against Nigeria , may put them in trouble ahead. However, I still fancy them to make it through.
In Group E, Serbia went past Costa Rica 1-0, as skipper Kolarov scored from a stunning free kick midway in the 2nd half. The ball went over the defensive wall & dipped into the top corner of the net, beating a full stretch Navas, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, who plays for Real Madrid. the South Americans tried hard to come back into the game, but could not break the Serbian defence.
The other game was between fancied Brazil & well drilled Switzerland. The men in yellow, the favourites in any World Cup, started in whirlwind fashion, as they took control with neat passes & delectable turns, catching the disciplined Europeans napping. The combo of Jesus, Neymar, Willian & Coutinho toyed with the Swiss defence & expectedly Coutinho lighted up the Rostov Arena with a stunning right footer from the edge of the box, as the ball curled into the far corner, Brazil up 1-0. The stadium erupted in joy of the sheer football genius at play. However, the well oiled Swiss machinery kept their cool & maintained pressure back, as the Brazilians surprisingly did not go for the kill - this added with intelligent fouls & taps to disrupt Neymar & others worked for the resolute Europeans. The tactics paid results, & early in the 2nd half, Shaqiri fired in from a corner & Zuber, pushed down defender Miranda & headed in powerfully beyond goalkeeper Allison. Scores level, as the Brazilians complained for a foul, which went unheeded by the referee. Switzerland pressed hard from there on as the Brazilians lost their customary touch & the ball struggled to find rhythm in the midfield - Neymar, looked way behind his flair & finesse, and kept getting tangled in the Swiss defence. They still had their chances, but could not convert & then Jesus was brought down, but the ref did not award a penalty (many would fancy, that a VAR referral should have been done !!). The game finally ended in a 1-1 draw, as Brazil failed to win their opening match at World Cup for the first time since 1978. The Swiss left the ground enormously happy with the results, as Brazilians were left with many questions to attend.
I would still bet for Brazil to qualify along with either Serbia or Switzerland into the next round.
In Group F, underdogs Mexico started their campaign with an absolute shocker, as they stunned the reigning Champions Germany 1-0 at the Luzhniki Stadium. In the 35th minute, Lozano, intercepted a beautiful defence splitting pass from Hernandez & drilled into the bottom left corner, past a hapless German keeper & Captain, Neuer. The stunned Champions did press hard for an equaliser, but the Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa, was brilliant under the bar, as he made some spectacular saves to carry his team to victory. This is only the 2nd time Germany had lost its opening match in a World Cup, which was in 1982. There has been telling signs of this German team not being upto the mark - lacking the killer instinct. In the other game, Sweden overcame a stubborn South Korea with a 1-0 win, as Andreas Granqvist converted the penalty in the 65th minute, slotting the ball in the right corner, as the goalkeeper dived the wrong way. The game was quite even in terms of possessions & control was mainly in the midfield.
With the situation now, Germany would be a worried lot, as they have to win the next two matches & the one against Sweden may be a minefield for them - also, they will have to find ways of scoring against South Korea as well, who on their day can be very difficult to breach. If this form continues, Germany may be facing an early 1st round exit (remember, Italy in 2010 & Spain in 2014??) - or we may witness a mouthwatering contest with Brazil facing Germany in the next round !! - quite a possibility.
In Group G, Belgium, touted by many as the dark horse for this tournament, strolled past newcomers Panama, 3-0. To the credit of the minnows, they held Belgium, the world no 3, goalless in the first half, but had to succumb to the heavyweights, as Mertens opened the account just after half time & then Lukaku added a brace. In the other match, England had a tough outing with Tunisia, eventually pipping out the minnows 2-1. Harry Kane, put England in the lead early in the game, but Tunisia fought back to earn a penalty from the limited attacks they could muster & Ferjani Sassi fired the ball beyond English keeper Pickford to level the scores. The defensive minded Tunisia managed to thwart all English attempts almost till the end, but finally Capt Kane managed to head past the goalkeeper in the stoppage time, to earn England an important victory 2-1. From this group, England & Belgium are certain to progress.
In the opening game of Group H, there was another upset, as Japan registered a historic victory over their more fancied South American opponents, Columbia. Japan became the first ever Asian country to defeat a South American team in World Cup. As early as 3rd minute in the game, Carlos Sanchez picked up a red card, for blocking a shot with his arm in the penalty area & Kagawa converted the penalty to take the lead for Japan. This was the fastest red card in a World Cup match since 1986, when Uruguay conceded a penalty under a minute. However, one man down Columbia, pressed hard & levelled the score in the 39th minute, as Quintero hit a grounder under the jumping defensive wall, & the Japanese keeper caught the ball, albeit just under the bar - the new goal line technology, showed the ball crossing the line. However, Japan kept the offensive & Columbia conceded a second goal midway into the second half, as Osako headed in a beautiful cross from a corner. Both teams kept the pace going, but Japan eventually emerged victorious 2-1. In the other match, Senegal pulled the rabbit out by blasting Poland 2-1, another surprise, considering Poland was expected to win.
The first round of matches in Group stages have already thrown up quite a few surprises & upsets.
Lets see, what's in store over the next weekend coming.......
Thankfully, most of the matches are timed well for India, & hence late nights are far & few - as the tournament fever is gradually catching up amongst the masses & classes - beer, pizzas et all.
In the tournament opener, host Russians in Group A, blazed off in whirlwind fashion scripting a massive 5-1 victory over hapless Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay clipped past a resolute Egypt with a 89th minute goal. These two teams with a win under the belt look set to move into the knock out stages. Egypt are still struggling with mercurial Salah's fitness, & will need some magic to turn tables in the next couple of matches for them.
In Group B, Iran prevailed over Morocco 1-0, thanks to a stoppage time own goal by substitute Bouhaddouz in a rather lack lustre game, as tournament favourites Spain were held to a fascinating 3-3 draw by indomitable Portugal - a see saw battle between two European giants. Ronaldo, in red hot form, fresh from his Euro Cup Championship for Real Madrid, stole the thunder from Spain's tiki taka clutches with a fabulous hattrick. Spain dominated the midfield, with delectable ball control & short passes, & despite conceding a penalty goal within 3 minutes of the game, & again another silly goal just before half time, came back strongly to take lead, through Diego Costa's double strike & Nacho's brilliant pile driver from outside the box - but they were completely undone by one man Ronaldo's brilliance, who had records tumbling as ever. A poor tackle just outside the box by Pique earned a free kick in the 88th minute & Ronaldo's eyes gleamed - a couple of deep breaths & then he sent the ball past the defensive wall into the left corner of the net - goalkeeper David De Gea standing motionless like a statue - all in slow motion, as the stadium erupted to a fantastic goal. It was 3-3, in the end, with Portugal claiming a certain moral victory, as Spain would rue their defensive lapses & horrendous goalkeeping by De Gea. However, both Portugal & Spain should still make it to the next stages, as Iran & Morocco may not pose problems for the European giants.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo, a name synonymous with records, became the first player ever to score in eight consecutive major tournaments (World Cup, European Championships, Copa America). He also got his 51st career hattrick, which incidentally was also the 51st hattrick in the World Cup history. Ronaldo also became the fourth player ever to score in four different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014 & now 2018), after Pele of Brazil, Uwe Seeler & Miroslav Klose of Germany.
In Group C, saw France prevail over a resolute Australia, as midfielder Pogba combined with Giroud & lofted the ball over the goalkeeper, hitting the underside of the bar & bouncing over the line - VAR confirmed the goal & France heaved a sigh of relief, to gather 3 vital points. In the other match between Peru & Denmark, the Europeans prevailed 1-0, as Poulssen netted with a neat shot. This group will also most likely see France & Denmark qualify ahead, as Peru & Australia will find it really hard to make a comeback.
In Group D, the match between fancied Argentina & Iceland, turned on its head, with unexpected results. The South American giants took an early lead through Aguero in the 19th minute, but a fighting Iceland kept pressing & got a well deserved equaliser within 4 minutes, as Finnbogason tapped in from a goal mouth melee - it was his country's first ever World Cup goal. Leo Messi had a chance to take Argentina ahead in the 64th minute, but surprisingly missed a penalty !! - pressures to match up with Ronaldo ?? - it was a pedestrian show by the former Champions, as they seemed to run out of ideas, & the match ended in a draw. In the other match, Croatia prevailed easily over Nigeria with a goal in each half to end the game at 2-0. It was an easy game for the Croats, as the Africans struggled against the pace & guile. In this Group, Croatia will certainly qualify, as they should prevail over Iceland, but Argentina has to be cautious, as they will find Croats a hard nut & a slip against Nigeria , may put them in trouble ahead. However, I still fancy them to make it through.
In Group E, Serbia went past Costa Rica 1-0, as skipper Kolarov scored from a stunning free kick midway in the 2nd half. The ball went over the defensive wall & dipped into the top corner of the net, beating a full stretch Navas, one of the best goalkeepers in the world, who plays for Real Madrid. the South Americans tried hard to come back into the game, but could not break the Serbian defence.
The other game was between fancied Brazil & well drilled Switzerland. The men in yellow, the favourites in any World Cup, started in whirlwind fashion, as they took control with neat passes & delectable turns, catching the disciplined Europeans napping. The combo of Jesus, Neymar, Willian & Coutinho toyed with the Swiss defence & expectedly Coutinho lighted up the Rostov Arena with a stunning right footer from the edge of the box, as the ball curled into the far corner, Brazil up 1-0. The stadium erupted in joy of the sheer football genius at play. However, the well oiled Swiss machinery kept their cool & maintained pressure back, as the Brazilians surprisingly did not go for the kill - this added with intelligent fouls & taps to disrupt Neymar & others worked for the resolute Europeans. The tactics paid results, & early in the 2nd half, Shaqiri fired in from a corner & Zuber, pushed down defender Miranda & headed in powerfully beyond goalkeeper Allison. Scores level, as the Brazilians complained for a foul, which went unheeded by the referee. Switzerland pressed hard from there on as the Brazilians lost their customary touch & the ball struggled to find rhythm in the midfield - Neymar, looked way behind his flair & finesse, and kept getting tangled in the Swiss defence. They still had their chances, but could not convert & then Jesus was brought down, but the ref did not award a penalty (many would fancy, that a VAR referral should have been done !!). The game finally ended in a 1-1 draw, as Brazil failed to win their opening match at World Cup for the first time since 1978. The Swiss left the ground enormously happy with the results, as Brazilians were left with many questions to attend.
I would still bet for Brazil to qualify along with either Serbia or Switzerland into the next round.
In Group F, underdogs Mexico started their campaign with an absolute shocker, as they stunned the reigning Champions Germany 1-0 at the Luzhniki Stadium. In the 35th minute, Lozano, intercepted a beautiful defence splitting pass from Hernandez & drilled into the bottom left corner, past a hapless German keeper & Captain, Neuer. The stunned Champions did press hard for an equaliser, but the Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa, was brilliant under the bar, as he made some spectacular saves to carry his team to victory. This is only the 2nd time Germany had lost its opening match in a World Cup, which was in 1982. There has been telling signs of this German team not being upto the mark - lacking the killer instinct. In the other game, Sweden overcame a stubborn South Korea with a 1-0 win, as Andreas Granqvist converted the penalty in the 65th minute, slotting the ball in the right corner, as the goalkeeper dived the wrong way. The game was quite even in terms of possessions & control was mainly in the midfield.
With the situation now, Germany would be a worried lot, as they have to win the next two matches & the one against Sweden may be a minefield for them - also, they will have to find ways of scoring against South Korea as well, who on their day can be very difficult to breach. If this form continues, Germany may be facing an early 1st round exit (remember, Italy in 2010 & Spain in 2014??) - or we may witness a mouthwatering contest with Brazil facing Germany in the next round !! - quite a possibility.
In Group G, Belgium, touted by many as the dark horse for this tournament, strolled past newcomers Panama, 3-0. To the credit of the minnows, they held Belgium, the world no 3, goalless in the first half, but had to succumb to the heavyweights, as Mertens opened the account just after half time & then Lukaku added a brace. In the other match, England had a tough outing with Tunisia, eventually pipping out the minnows 2-1. Harry Kane, put England in the lead early in the game, but Tunisia fought back to earn a penalty from the limited attacks they could muster & Ferjani Sassi fired the ball beyond English keeper Pickford to level the scores. The defensive minded Tunisia managed to thwart all English attempts almost till the end, but finally Capt Kane managed to head past the goalkeeper in the stoppage time, to earn England an important victory 2-1. From this group, England & Belgium are certain to progress.
In the opening game of Group H, there was another upset, as Japan registered a historic victory over their more fancied South American opponents, Columbia. Japan became the first ever Asian country to defeat a South American team in World Cup. As early as 3rd minute in the game, Carlos Sanchez picked up a red card, for blocking a shot with his arm in the penalty area & Kagawa converted the penalty to take the lead for Japan. This was the fastest red card in a World Cup match since 1986, when Uruguay conceded a penalty under a minute. However, one man down Columbia, pressed hard & levelled the score in the 39th minute, as Quintero hit a grounder under the jumping defensive wall, & the Japanese keeper caught the ball, albeit just under the bar - the new goal line technology, showed the ball crossing the line. However, Japan kept the offensive & Columbia conceded a second goal midway into the second half, as Osako headed in a beautiful cross from a corner. Both teams kept the pace going, but Japan eventually emerged victorious 2-1. In the other match, Senegal pulled the rabbit out by blasting Poland 2-1, another surprise, considering Poland was expected to win.
The first round of matches in Group stages have already thrown up quite a few surprises & upsets.
Lets see, what's in store over the next weekend coming.......
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