Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup Final in Abu Dhabi after defeating Brazilian side Palmeiras in extra-time.
The Champions of Europe followed up their narrow 1-0 defeat of Asian Champions Al Hilal in the semi-final with a similarly narrow 2-1 victory over South American Champions Palmeiras to win their first-ever Club World Cup.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku headed home for the English side early in the second half to give them the lead, however, that advantage was short-lived as the Brazilian side levelled less than 10 minutes later with Raphael Veiga converting a penalty following Thiago Silva’s handball.
The match looked destined to be decided by a penalty shootout until another penalty was awarded for handball, this time for Chelsea. Kai Havertz stepped up to score the decisive winner for the Blues with three minutes of extra-time to go.
It was the ninth consecutive time the UEFA Champions League winners lifted the FIFA Club World Cup. The last non-European victory came when Palmeiras’ Sao Paolo neighbours Corinthians defeated Chelsea 1-0 in Japan in December 2012.
However, despite Europe’s dominance in the tournament over the past decade, the popularity of the tournament is far higher in South America than in Europe.
This was highlighted by the fact that well over 10,000 Brazilian fans took the 15-hour flight from Brazil’s largest city to support their side compared to less than 3,000 Chelsea fans who had travelled half the distance from England.
As a further indication of how much the defeat meant to Palmeiras, riots broke out in Sao Paolo immediately following the match with one Palmeiras fan being shot dead outside their stadium where fans had gathered to watch the final on large TV screens.
Chelsea have little time to reflect on being able to hail themselves as newly crowned World Champions as the Club World Cup Final is the first of five matches in a row in different competitions. Up next is Crystal Palace away in the Premier League followed by a Round of 16 Champions League tie at home to Lille before two further domestic cup ties against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final and an away trip to Luton Town in the FA Cup.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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]]>There’s an acceptance that we’re living in uncertain if not, utterly terrifying times and whilst definitive answers are certainly a pacifier, they’re hard to come by. Given the very nature of the pandemic we’re in, there are no clear answers, no clear timelines just mentions of, “the soonest” time things might return – which will, let’s be honest, be invariably pushed back. With the psychopathic suggestions of a quarantined tournament to finish off the Premier League season, it’s clear we’re all just stumbling around in the dark, trying not to trip over a chair as we hunt for the light switch. And some of us can’t see the wood for the stacks of readies.
The Olympic problem
Before the IOC came to its senses and accepted that the Olympics couldn’t go ahead this summer, there was a push and pull in European women’s football over whether or not you could have two Euros in one summer. There would be an overlap, but that itself could be easily fixed by moving the women’s tournament back a week or two to give breathing space for all involved. It would put extra strain on the venues – well, only Wembley which is only hosting the final of the women’s tournament so maybe not. It would however put extra strain on some at UEFA and the mainstream media outlets who are hell bent on sending men’s reporters to women’s games for whom the back-to-back tournaments would be a new and exhausting gauntlet.
With one tournament flowing into the other, there was the hope that all of Europe could dig into the spirit and devote all their attention on the women’s tournament after the conclusion of the men’s. A supreme summer of sport and celebration.
But now with the Olympics moved back, either the UEFA teams pull out of the quadrennial Games or the Euros go ahead without Sweden, the Netherlands and a handful of British players. With the Olympic football tournaments technically FIFA tournaments, there is a fear that we could be in for a global game of chicken between the Fédération Internationale de Football Association and UEFA. With any hope, these are baseless fears and UEFA are not about to do something very silly indeed.
However, the silence from UEFA, whilst understandable, only gives rise to confusion and anger, women’s football seen as the lesser sport, again left to pick over the scraps left behind by the men. As it is, the only statement from UEFA about the Women’s Euros is their catch all from 17 March about the men’s tournament: “The UEFA Nations League Finals, the final tournament of the UEFA U21 EURO and the UEFA Women’s EURO all scheduled between June and July 2021 will be re-scheduled accordingly.”
Going to have a moan and say I am slightly losing the plot at every other event being announced officially but not the women’s Euro’s which is the one that keeps being clashed with. Could at least *try* and make it look like it isn’t an afterthought
— Molly Hudson (@M0lly_Writes) March 30, 2020
Yet it would send a far worse message if new dates were released only to be changed after another tournament gets rescheduled and causes a clash. Whereas, if UEFA take their time to find unobjectionable dates in 2022, the tournament can be inked in with no need for further adjustments. The bonus for 2022 that the Men’s World Cup has been moved to the winter to deal with the searing heat in Qatar, leaving the summer open and free for a celebration of women’s football in Europe [she said hopefully].
As for this summer? Err, anyone up for a game of indoor short tennis..?
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The much-changed team that emerged to a sparsely-populated Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Thursday night, however, will not be the one that gets the chance to change that.
The Kiwis are very much the warm act here, with McCarthy chose to put out a young, unfamiliar side as he continued the preparations for unquestionably the biggest game of his tenure early next week.
Should Ireland defeat Denmark on Monday, they will qualify for the Euros, and no matter what happens there, most Irish fans will view his return as an unqualified success.
Fail to beat the more illustrious Danes, though, and the backdoor to the continental contest will remain open through the playoffs. Nevertheless, many will point to his somewhat industrial style of play and reliance on the old names as being conservative, defensive, and, frankly, just a little bit rubbish to watch.
A stark contrast, coincidentally, with the team of Stephen Kenny, Ireland’s entertaining and attack-minded under-21 side coach, who’s already slated to take McCarthy’s place.
Before the passions boil over on Monday, though, comes the friendly trial, very much a lesser introduction. As far as opposition go, on paper a New Zealand side that – while based all over the world – had largely travelled from other continents to brave the cold in Dublin should have proven a showcase; a chance for Ireland’s up-and-comers and lesser lights to stake a claim to a place in a McCarthy side that has something of a short remaining shelf life.
How seriously are the hosts taking this contest? There are some players in the Ireland starting XI that would be at the fringes of even fairly passionate local football fan’s knowledge.
The Kiwis dropped in on Dublin a few years ago, not to play the national team, but for an unglamourous tie against second-tier south Dublin club Cabinteely, defeating the amateurs 5-2. New Zealand, it’s fair to say, are regional giants, but global minnows, and, in an odd-twist of qualifying silliness, playing their first competitive game in two years. They’re ranked 121st in the world to Ireland’s 36th.
After a tepid start, the first solid attack of the night came from a sharp turn on the edge of the box by Alan Browne, who bamboozled two defenders and played in Derrick Williams on the edge of the box, only for the defender to slide weakly wide.
League of Ireland man Jack Byrne – a rare representative for Ireland’s homegrown league – looked lively in midfield, with Preston forward Sean Maguire wrangling space down the left-wing, but the visitors were a decent match, and snatched some competent but not overly threatening possession in the middle of the park.
Troy Parrott’s solid but unrewarded call for a penalty on 19 minutes was the result of Ireland building pressure, before Maguire hit a one-on-one straight at Marinovic in the Kiwi goal off a fantastic Lee O’Connor ball, with Byrne’s shot on the rebound blocked.
While Ireland were showing almost all the flair, the hosts were almost as blunt as their visitors were rusty. It was the normally reliable Ireland defence that blinked first, though, as a fairly innocuous-looking run by Liberato Cacace ended with a whipped ball across the face of goal, tapped in by debutant Callum McCowatt. The All Whites lead against the run of play, in a pointed lesson to the unfamiliar Ireland squad on attacking efficiency, after a period that has effectively been attack vs defence at the other end.
When Sean Maguire won a corner, nodded in by Derrick Williams amid a curiously static visiting defence, Ireland got the reward their play richly deserved. The whole thing, frankly, has the feel of a training game.
With the visitors so markedly rusty, it did seem a matter of time before Ireland found a second-half winner. Lee O’Connor, somewhat bewilderingly playing his first senior match at international level before he’d made a professional club appearance, looked a wide threat, alongside the twin pacey youngsters of Parrott and Byrne.
Kieran O’Hara was nonetheless forced into a flying save from the boot of Ryan Thomas early on, but at the other end, Maguire found space on the edge of the box and fired past Marinovic into the top right-hand corner. Ireland were finally finding some attacking clout from the edge of the box.
The Kiwis were languid, but nevertheless threaten, while Ireland rang the changes and started to look a little bitty around the centre. Substitute Robinson had a decent effort saved at the near post as Ireland broke, before O’Connor – a constant wide threat – whipped in a cross from the right for Robinson to casually head home.
Robinson – a constant threat – again had a decent effort with ten remaining, though his choice to shoot as Ireland attacked with four on three was somewhat selfish, forcing Marinovic to tip over from the edge of the box. Collins probably should have scored, as he went one-on-one after Robinson robbed the ball. The game, ultimately, petered into a quiet finish.
There’s only so much you can learn, ultimately, from games like this. New Zealand are clearly in need of some competitive contests. Ireland lack depth, but there are several players – especially Jack Byrne and Derrick Williams – who really should be in the frame for more regular first-team appearances. As many had previously suspected, that Byrne plays his football locally doesn’t mean he’s not up to the job, though he’ll probably find himself in more lofty pastures by the end of the winter transfer window.
In the realm of international football, today’s game will remain a mere footnote. For Ireland, Monday night’s fixture against Denmark, meanwhile, looms large.
Republic of Ireland: Derrick Williams (‘44), Sean Maguire (‘51), Callum Robinson (‘75)
New Zealand: Callum McCowatt (‘31)
Republic of Ireland: Kieran O’Hara (gk)(Burton Albion), Lee O’Connor (Celtic), Kevin Long (Burnley), Sean Maguire (Preston), Alan Browne (Preston), Robbie Brady (c)(Burnley), Troy Parrott (Tottenham), Jack Byrne (Shamrock Rovers), Josh Cullen (Charlton), Ciaran Clark (Newcastle), Derrick Williams (Blackburn)
Subs: Callum O’Dowda (Bristol City)(for Williams, ‘56), Alan Judge (Ipswich Town)(for Jack Byrne, ‘62), Callum Robinson (Sheffield United)(for Troy Parrott, ‘62), Hourihane (Aston Villa)(for Browne, ‘66), Mark Travers (Bournemouth)(gk)(for O’Hara, ‘66), James Collins (Luton Town)(Sean Maguire, ‘73)
New Zealand: Stefan Marinovic (gk)(Wellington Phoenix), Winston Reid (c)(West Ham), Liberato Cacace (Wellington Phoenix), Michael Boxall (Minnesota United), Joe Bell (University of Virginia), Chris Wood (Burnley), Sarpreet Singh (Bayern Munich), Callum McCowatt (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Thomas (PSV Eindhoven), Storm Roux (Melbourne Victory), Elijah Just (Helsingor)
Subs: Michael McGlinchey (Central Coast Mariners) (for Ryan Thomas, ‘73), Tommy Smith (Colorado Rapids)(for Michael Boxall, ‘73), Elliot Collier (Memphis 901)(for Callum McCowatt, ‘85), Tim Payne (Storm Roux, ‘90)
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]]>A surprise 2-1 defeat at Pafos was followed by another shock result, drawing 1-1 against local rivals and third from bottom Olympiacos Nicosia.
Berg told Omonoia’s official YouTube channel: “We didn’t have a good performance against Olympiacos and we have to get back to the level we have been playing at, and I’m sure we will”.
Truth be told, Omonoia played with much more verve, creativity and excitement in the loss at Pafos. It was a laboured and sloppy showing at home to Olympiacos, although the manner in which the goals were conceded in both games appears to be a common theme this season. Berg said: “We have to be strong defensively” – and he’s right. The winner for Pafos and leveller for Olympiacos stemmed from individual errors at the back; ball watching, not tracking the runner and a lack of intensity to win the ball back.
Omonoia’s movement in the final third is easy on the eye and whilst the creative attack minded players are carving out opportunities for Matt Derbyshire, Berg encourages his full backs to push forward and even spread the play out wide or hit diagonal balls and stretch the game. However, breaking a low block appears to be a bit of an issue. Against Olympiacos, Omonoia were limited to half chances, whilst at Pafos they were wasteful in front of goal. Berg is in no way oblivious to this, saying: “We have to use the ball well, create chances and score goals”.
Some in the press have criticised Berg’s tactical changes in key areas, notably his decision to move Thiago onto the left hand side in the second half against Olympiakos – an experiment that failed as the player isn’t suited at all to that position. Others have dug out Berg for the timing of substitutions and also his “lack of ideas in the final third”. Just goes to show how quick the press in Cyprus can turn on a manager. Three weeks ago there was talk of Omonoia being title contenders. Now they have a head coach who “doesn’t trust his squad”. Baffling.
To add insult to injury, on loan goalkeeper Francis Uzoho sustained a serious knee injury in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Brazil, ruling him out between 6-9 months. With Uzoho sidelined, Omonoia moved swiftly to sign Brazilian goalkeeper Fabiano on a free. Having played for Fenerbache and Porto, the 31-year-old has enough experience to cope in Cyprus. Whether or not he settles and performs to the standard Berg expects is the real test.
Omonoia’s next test is an away trip to fifth placed Ethnikos Achnas; a potential banana skin given the hosts trail Omonoia by a point.
Champions APOEL have three games in hand over Omonoia and have won their opening four, which puts them level with the Tryfili on 12 points. Thomas Doll’s men face Temur Ketsbaia’s table topping Anorthosis at the weekend where a win will sit the 28-time champions back on top of the perch.
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Following Omonoia’s 1-0 home victory over Apollon, Berg spoke positively about his team but refused to be drawn into a discussion relating to their title chances, given many journalists and fans are already talking about a first championship in almost a decade.
“For us, the start we have made, I cannot say anything other than I’m happy with three wins and a draw.” Berg told the press pack.
“It’s a good start from where we were in the summer and the players that have come in. We are developing. Not everything we do is perfect but we’re working very hard to be the best we can be.”
Berg’s choice of words are by no means an indication he’s ruling out any chance of a title victory although, at this early stage of his tenure, steady progress is the key objective.
Omonoia are already showing signs of improvement. Defensively they’ve tightened up, conceding twice in four games; both goals coming from the spot in the 2-2 draw away at AEK Larnaca – a game shrouded in controversy as Omonoia were (not for the first time) ruing decisions made by referee George Nicolaou, who mysteriously ruled out Michael Luftner’s goal and denied them a stone-wall penalty – yet awarded three to AEK.
The addition of Tomas Hubocan will undoubtedly provide much needed experience at the back once the former Marseille central defender is match fit.
Going forward, Omonoia’s free-flowing football has produced some well crafted finishes and with Thiago Santos, Eric Bautheac, Charlambos Mavrias, Jordi Gomez and Dimitris Christofi getting on the score sheet, there’s less pressure on Matt Derbyshire to deliver.
Hen Ezra is already looking like one of the signings of the season having put in some impressive displays, whilst Vitor Gomes continues to impress in midfield.
Berg saved some praise for Omonoia’s supporters, who’ve turned up in their thousands to get behind their team; an interesting choice given the Omonoia Ultra’s (Gate 9) are no longer attending matches.
“I’m also very happy to hear the fans, like they always have been, even from the first day when we had the practice match – there were 10,000 here for the game against Anorthosis.
“It was fantastic support for the players and it was good to hear the fans being happy again, It helps the players a lot and maybe they were able to make a difference in a game like this.”
Omonoia face (Jason Puncheon’s new team) Paphos FC this weekend and are favourites to make it four wins from five as the hosts have lost their last three games. Around 2,100 fans are expected to travel to Paphos, whilst an estimated 2,000 Omonoia supporters from the city will be in the home section. Expect fireworks.
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One of the battles within the World Cup is between the continents.
Not only is pride at stake, but a good showing by African (CAF), Asian (AFC) or North American (CONCACAF) sides can increase the number of places allocated to them in future World Cups. Needless to say, the Europeans (UEFA) and South Americans (CONMEBOL) guard their disproportionate numbers jealously.
So in this recurring column, we are going to look at which of the continents is pressing its case and which is failing abysmally. And we’re going to ask, is Europe’s perceived supremacy still holding up as we measure Europe v the Rest of the World?
Europe v the Rest of the World (the Ryder Cup of Football)
| Matches v other Confederations only | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts | Pts Per Game |
| Europe | 36 | 22 | 6 | 8 | 63 | 38 | 72 | 2.000 |
| S. America | 21 | 11 | 2 | 8 | 29 | 20 | 35 | 1.666 |
| Asia | 16 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 24 | 15 | 0.938 |
| Africa | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 26 | 11 | 0.733 |
| N & Central America | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 7 | 0.700 |
*Table excludes matches between teams from the same continent. Points per game is followed by GD and GF as deciders. Points are not considered. Wins and losses awarded after extra time score and penalties where applicable to reflect overall winner. Goals in penalty shoot outs not included.
DAY 23 – JULY 6
After two rest days, the quarter files came upon us and some big names faced elimination. Two fascinating Europe v South America ties both ended for European victories and ended all non European involvement in the competition.
The table at the top of the page is the final one and records an overwhelming European supremacy in this tournament,
France 2 : 0 Uruguay
A Raphael Varane flicked header from a st piece gave France a first half lead. On the hour Antoine Griezmann tried a long range effort which looked to be nothing out of the ordinary but it took a vicious late swing when just inched from Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera and he could only palm int into the net behind him. To make that harder for him,, his French counterpart Hugo Lloris had made an outstanding save from Martin Caceres to deny Uruguay an equaliser in the 43rd minute.
France held on comfortably to give Europe a decisive step towards winning the Battle of the Continents.
Belgium 2 : 1 Brazil
Belgium v Brazil was a great advert for football. An unfortunate Fernandinho own goal gave Belgium a 13th minute lad as a corner bounced off his arm. The Red Devils doubled their lead 18 minutes later when a Kevin De Bruyne howitzer left Alisson flailing. The second half belonged to Brazil but despite an overwhelming possession superiority then could muster only one goal after Renato Augusto headed home a Coutinho cross. Thibault Courtois made a number of fine saves to keep Brazil out and Belgium used up every last sinew of energy to hold on.
Belgium will play neighbours France in the semi final.
DAY 20 – JULY 3
Sweden 1 : 0 Switzerland
The loss of too many key players through suspension probably tilted the balance of quality in this game to the Scandinavians. Emil Forsberg scored a deflected goal in the 66th minute to give the Swedes their win and a place in the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years.
Colombia 1 : 1 England (England win 4-3 on penalties)
A poor game, characterised by petulant undisciplined behaviour by both sides, was on its way to England as the game entered stoppage time. Harry Kane had scored his third penalty of the tournament in a scrappy second half, when out of nowhere Yerry Mina headed in the leveler from corner.
England held out in extra time and won the shoot out despite going a goal behind in it early on. They will play Sweden.
DAY 19 – JULY 2
Brazil 2 : 0 Mexico
Mexico gave it a good go and refused to sit back and admire their illustrious opponents. Brazil however are a better defensive unit than people give them credit for and withstood everything El Tri threw at them. Second half goals from Neymar (51′) and Roberto Firmino (88′) were both well worked and cut through the Mexican defense. Mexico will have to wait another four year to end their round of 16 jinx.
Brazil were deserved winners with ten shots on target to one. CONCACAF will finish with just seven points from ten games and last place in what has been a vastly disappointing World Cup. Brazil will play Belgium next.
Belgium 3 : 2 Japan
Five second half goals, some spectacular goalkeeping and a great comeback doesn’t even begin to sum up how good this game was.
Genki Haraguchi (48′) and Takashi Inui (52′) scored within seven minutes of the interval to give Japan what was a well deserved lead with two splendid goals, the latter an almighty strike from distance. Down and out, the Red Devils finally found some luck, after Eden Hazard had hit the post, when in the 69th minute, Jan Vertonghen’s header looped into the Japanese net as he intended to head the ball merely back into the danger zone.
Five minutes later, Marouane Fellaini headed the equaliser from a corner to set up a tense finale. With full time seconds away, Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois chanced on a quick release that sent Belgium haring up the field. After an incredibly timed Romelu Lukaku dummy, substitute Nacer Chadli knocked in the winner.
DAY 18 – JULY 1
Two all European encounters both ended 1-1 and both went to penalties. Croatia and Russia advanced at the expense of Denmark and Spain in what was a good day for Eastern Europe over the west.
Russia 1 : 1 Spain aet
Russia advance on penalties
Croatia 1 : 1 Denmark aet
Croatia advance on penalties
DAY 17 – JUNE 30
France 4 : 3 Argentina
Kylian Mbappe became the second youngest player to score twice in a World Cup game, after Pele, as his brace pulled France from 2-2 to 4-2, a lead that proved unassailable. Antoine Griezmann put France ahead with a penalty but Angel Di Maria equalised with a long range effort before half time.
Three minutes after halftime, Seville’s Gabriel Mercado deflected a Messi shot goalwards and in. France leveled it at 2-2 in 58′ when VfB Stuttgart’s Benjamin Pavard hit a shot first time with amazing pace and accuracy. Then Mbappe took over and delivered France a win with two goals in four minutes, the second the result of an incredible passing move that started with the keeper Hugo Lloris. Segio Aguero’s late goal was no more than a consolation.
France will now play Uruguay or Portugal.
Uruguay 2 : 1 Portugal
Two moments of brilliance from Edison Cavani put paid to Portugal’s attempt to add the World Cup to their European Championship. Portugal had monumental possession especially in the second half but Cavani’s 62nd minute effort was the only goal of the second half. Although Uruguay shipped their first goal of the Finals, they retain the 100% record. Pepe scored for Portugal in the 55th minute.
Europe v the Rest of the World (the Ryder Cup of Football) – Group Stages only
| Matches v other Confederations only | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts | Pts Per Game |
| S. America | 15 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 20 | 10 | 29 | 1.933 |
| Europe | 30 | 17 | 6 | 7 | 50 | 29 | 57 | 1.900 |
| Asia | 15 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 21 | 15 | 1.000 |
| N & Central America | 9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 20 | 7 | 0.777 |
| Africa | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 26 | 11 | 0.733 |
*Table excludes matches between teams from the same continent. Points per game is followed by GD and GF as deciders. Points are not considered.
DAY 15 – JUNE 28
Poland 1 : 0 Japan
Southampton’s Jan Bednarek scored the only goal in the 59th minute to at least give Poland their first points of a disappointing tournament. Japan were saved from elimination by that Colombia goal in the other game. They advance on Fair Play points.
Colombia 1 : 0 Senegal
Barcelona’s Yerry Mina scored the winner with a header from a corner, the second of the tournament for the centre half. Senegal had less of the ball but were probably the better side. Sadly for Colombia, James Rodriguez was taken off injured in the first half and the country will hold its breath on his fitness for the next game. His replacement Luis Muriel missed several chances.
England 0 : 1 Belgium
Real Sociedad’s Adnan Januzaj scored the only goal of the game which secured a match with Japan for the Red Devils. The sides made 17 changes overall but the match understandably never really caught fire. England will play Colombia who are sweating on the fitness of James.
Panama 1 : 2 Tunisia
The Carthage Eagles came back from a half time deficit to record just Africa’s third win of the Finals against the statistically worst side in the Cup. Panama didn’t actually manage a goal. Their opener was an own goal scored by Yassine Meriah in the 33rd minute. After the interval Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (51′) and Wahbi Khazri (66′) secured the win for Tunisia.
Despite the win, CONCACAF will finish above Africa after the group stages although Mexico could change that if they lose to Brazil.
DAY 14 – JUNE 27
A bad day for Europe has nearly seen them lose the top spot in the Continental Table they have held since the opening day. If three of the four lost and Brazil won, South America will go top of the league. That so nearly happened and only the sole point Switzerland picked up against Costa Rica kept Europe at the top
Germany 0 : 2 South Korea
Shock of shocks, Germany are out of the World Cup. There will be new World Champions. They pummeled the previously pointless South Koreans for most of the match and conceded two late goals as they committed men forward. Kim Young-Gwon (90’+2′) and Son Heung-Min (90’+6′) scored the two stoppage time gals that sent Germany to the bottom of the group, the latter into an empty net with Manuel Neuer way up field.
Both sides are eliminated.
Sweden 3 : 0 Mexico
Sweden recovered from the late defeat to Germany with an authoritative win over Mexico. Three second half goals from Ludwig Augustinsson (50′), another Andreas Granqvist penalty twelve minutes later and an own goal from Edson Álvarez in the 74th minute ended Mexico’s 100% record. Nonetheless, both these sides qualified following the German defeat in the other game.
Sweden will play Switzerland in an all European tie and Mexico will face Brazil.
Serbia 0 : 2 Brazil
Marcelo came out of the game in the first half with an injury to add to Brazil’s defensive shortfall. He was replaced by Filipe Luís. Despite that early setback, Barcelona midfielder Paulinho put Brazil ahead from a Coutinho long ball in the 36th minute at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow. Thiago Silva added the second in the 68th. The loss ended Serbia’s World Cup after such a good first half in which they beat Costa Rica and led Switzerland, all for it to go wrong in the latter 135 minutes.
Brazil win the Group and have an intriguing tie against Mexico to come in the last 16.
Switzerland 2 : 2 Costa Rica
A quite mad ending long after the result could influence anything characterised this game. Switzerland were home and dry with Serbia losing heavily. Despite that, they managed to accrue yellow cars that would see two of their players suspended for the next round, score a winner they didn’t need and conceded an equaliser from a late penalty.
Blerim Džemaili was the goalscorer who put Switzerland ahead against the run of play. Costa Rica started the game on fire and Yann Sommer had made four saves in the first twenty minutes and Saprissa’s Daniel Colindres hit the bar before the game calmed down a little. In 56 minutes, Vancouver’s Kendall Waston rose delightfully to head the equaliser, los Ticos’ first goal of the Finals. In doing so he ensured that every team scored at least once. As the game closed, Josip Drmic scored a winner but a late Ruiz penalty hit the bar and then Yann Sommer’s head before dropping over the line for a second equaiser.
Lichtsteiner and Schar were booked an will miss the next match in the round of sixteen against Sweden.
DAY 13 – JUNE 26
Australia 0 : 2 Peru
A splendid first half volley from André Carrillo put Peru ahead. Paulo Guerrero added a second in 50 minutes against a lacklustre Australia team who had a considerable possession advantage. Australia had 14 shots but few looked like troubling Peru who were content to allow their humdrum opponents to batter at them without an overwhelming sense of danger.
Both these side are heading home at the first hurdle and in truth both do so deservedly. Peru despite a massive support have been the worst of the South American sides and that has not exactly, Uruguay apart, been tough competition.
France 0 : 0 Denmark
The Cup’s first goalless game got Denmark the point they really didn’t need anyway. It might be kindest to say that both aides had done enough work in their first three hours and took the day off.
Iceland 1 : 2 Croatia
Three second half goals ensured that already qualified Croatia kept their 100% record and shut down any chance Iceland had of qualifying. Fiorentina’s Milan Badelj scored in the 3rd minute before yet another penalty allowed Iceland to level, Gylfi Sigurdsson being the taker, despite missing one against Nigeria. Dejan Lovren’s handball rather than a foul was the cause.
As the match was approaching stoppage time though, Ivan Perisic who plays his club football at Inter, gave the Croats their second Milan themed goal and the win. To cap it, it was Badelj who provided the assist. He also hit the Icelandic crossbar for a Croatia side that made nine changes and rested first choice players.
Argentina 2 : 1 Nigeria
The nerves were jangling throughout this match. A superb ball through by Ever Banega set up Leo Messi for the opening goal. Argentina looked relaxed and in control of the game. However a moment of utter stupidity threw that all into doubt. Javier Mascherano gave a way the most needless and potentially damaging penalty of the cup by having his arms all around and over Leon Balogun at a set piece in full view of the referee. Victor Moses scored the penalty.
Argentina looked to be heading out of the World Cup until a Marcus Rojo volley settled the tense and wonderful affair minutes from the end to the relief of massive Argentinian support inside the stadium.
DAY 12 – JUNE 25
Uruguay dished out South America’s second consecutive win over Europe to narrow the gap at the top today. Europe’s ugly day continued later as neither Spain or Portugal managed to win their third game over African and Asian opposition. Saudi Arabia hauled Asia off the bottom of the table with a 2-1 win over Egypt.
Russia 0 : 3 Uruguay
Luis Suarez gave Uruguay the lead direct from a free kick. Later on in the first half, Denis Cheryshev deflected the ball into his own net from a Diego Laxalt effort. Russia were reduced to ten men in the 28th minute when Igor Smolnikov was shown a second yellow card. Cavani added a late third.
Egypt 1 : 2 Saudi Arabia
Mo Salah gave Egypt the lead, but the oldest player in World Cup history Egyptian keeper Essam El-Hadary saved a Saudi penalty. A second Saudi penalty by Salman Al-Faraj in the sixth minute of first half stoppage time, leveled the affair. In the fifth minute of stoppage time in the second half, Salem Al-Dawsari gave Saudi Arabia a winner, and Asia a vital win over Africa.
Spain 2 : 2 Morocco
Morocco took the lead twice in this absorbing game. A rare Andres Iniesta mistake allowed Khalid Boutaïb through on goal in the 14th minute. Isco pulled Spain level five minutes later. However, Spain got a real fright in the 81st minute when already eliminated Morocco took the lead courtesy of Malaga’s Youssef En-Nesyri. By the time Iran had scored the goal that would have spelled real problems for Spain though, Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas had pulled Spain level and ensured their progress.
Portugal 1 : 1 Iran
Portugal controlled this game with 73% of the possession. Ricardo Quaresma put them ahead with a superb effort before Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty, which was saved splendidly by Alireza Beiranvand. In stoppage time though, the VAR awarded Iran a penalty which Karim Ansarifard converted to secure a point.
It was not enough though to prevent Portugal and Spain qualifying. Ronaldo was extremely fortunate to only get a yellow for an elbow which the VAR adjudged to be not quite worthy of a red.
DAY 11 – JUNE 24
South America finally recorded a win over Europe and what a win it was. Colombia were impressive and exuberant in their demolition of sad Poland. With Uruguay facing Russia tomorrow, could it be the start of a CONMEBOL fight back?
England 6 : 1 Panama
A Harry Kane hat trick highlighted this easy win. England will get too much credit in their own media while the US media will ponder just how the USMNT failed to qualify over the very weak opposition in CONCACAF. In between, savvy folk will say that England and Belgium passed a test as they should have in this group, will hide their best in the now irrelevant rubber match in the group, and will probably enjoy the somewhat soft opposition that awaits them in the quarters, from Japan and Colombia’s group.
Japan 2 : 2 Senegal
A fascinating and pulsating game which saw Asia and Africa split the points. They have both played ten games and Asia marginally lead Africa by eight points to seven. Senegal took the lead twice through Sadio Mané (11′) and Moussa Wagué (71′) but their leads lasted 23 and seven minutes respectively. Takashi Inui (34′) and Keisuke Honda (78′) scoring the levelers.
Poland 0 : 3 Colombia
Goals fromYerry Mina (40′), Radamel Falcao (70′) and Juan Cuadrado (75′) secured a well deserved win for Colombia over Poland, who are the first European side to be eliminated.
DAY 10 – JUNE 23
Belgium 5 : 2 Tunisia
An impressive win for Belgium despite the loss of two goals. Belgium took the lead early with an Eden Hazard penalty, before Romelu Lukaka doubled the lead in 16. Tunisia hit back through Dylan Bronn two minutes later, but their hopes were dashed by a second Lukaku goal on the stroke of half time.
In the second half, the Red Devils, playing in yellow ran away with it and Chelsea players Hazard and Michy Batshuayi made it 5-1 before a late consolation for the Carthage Eagles from Wahbi Khazri,
Mexico 2 : 1 South Korea
A Carlos Vela penalty awarded for handball gave Mexico a 26th minute lead. Chicharito doubled the lead and it was only in injury time that Son scored a consolation goal for a disappointing South Korea., who committed 24 fouls, one more than their total against Sweden.
Germany 2 : 1 Sweden
This all European match won’t affect our table but it was crucial to the Group. Sweden socred fist through Toivonen but the Germans equalised after half time. Then Boateng was rightfully red carded, meaning the Germans were a man down and badly needed a goal. It came of course deep into injury time.
DAY 9 – JUNE 22
A day without a 1-0 win produced three very good games. Costa Rica survived 90 minutes against Brazil and folded in stoppage time. Nigeria inflicted a well earned defeat on a European side, Iceland and the all European affair saw Switzerland beat Serbia.
Brazil 2 : 0 Costa Rica
It took till injury tie for Philippe Coutinho to score the only goal against a brave and resistant Costa Rica who are now eliminated. An atrocious backward flip by Neymar for which he was initially awarded a penalty, until referee Bjorn Kuipers looked at the VAR, was the other talking point. Neymar added a very late second to give Brazil a scoreline that reflected their domination.
Iceland 0 : 2 Nigeria
Nigeria inflicted Europe’s third defeat of the Finals. In the 48th minute, Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa hammered home the opener with Nigeria’s first shot with a great first controlling touch and shot from a Victor Moses cross. He doubled the lead in the 74th minute and it looked to be over. However a needless penalty for a foul on Alfred Finnbogason in the 80th minute led to a penalty which Gylfi Sigurdsson blasted over the bar. After two games, all sides can still qualify from this fascinating group.
Serbia 1 : 2 Switzerland
Arsenal’s Grant Xhaka and Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri scored second half goals to give the Swiss the Cup’s first come from behind victory. Whereas Serbia were very impressive in the first half, the second belonged to the Alpine men with Shaqiri being outstanding even before his goal. Newcastle United’s Aleksandr Mitrovic had put Serbia ahead in the fifth minute.
It won’t affect our table but this was one of the tournament’s better matches. Serbia are capable of upsetting Brazil nonetheless. but Costa Rica are eliminated.
DAY 8 – JUNE 21
A terrible day for South America with two straight losses, however Australia prevented Europe’s clean sweep gaining Asia’s seventh point.
Denmark 1 : 1 Australia
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring in the 7th minute but a Mile Jedinak penalty given by the VAR gave Australia a deserved point.
France 1 : 0 Peru
France managed their second win and condemned Peru to their second loss in Ekaterinburg. Kylian Mbappé gave France the lead in the 34th minute. Peru are out and South America slips to a negative win/loss record.
Croatia 3 : 0 Argentina
Ante Rebic (53′), Luka Modric (80′) and Ivan Rakitic (90’+1′) scored three superb goals for a superb Croatia. The press will talk about Argentina but Croatia were simply fantastic in all departments of the game.
DAY 7 – JUNE 20
A bad day for Asia as two of their sides went down to defeats. Morocco became the first team eliminated and Europe managed two more wins.
Portugal 1 : 0 Morocco
A tired and below par Portugal survived incessant Moroccan pressure after a Ronaldo header gave the Iberians a 4th minute lead. Africa’s 6th defeat in seven games but this was probably the least deserved.
Uruguay 1 : 0 Saudi Arabia
Luis Suarez scored the only goal here in a poor Uruguay performance, eliminating Saudi Arabia.
Spain 1 : 0 Iran
A Diego Costa goal just after half time separated the sides. Spain, like the two winning sides above, looked very unimpressive.
DAY 6 – JUNE 19
Two shocks kicked off the day with Japan defeating Colombia 2-1 before Senegal beat Poland by the same margin. A win for Russia over Egypt prevented a shocking day for Europe and an even greater one for Africa,
Japan 2 : 1 Colombia
Colombia played the final 87 minutes with ten men after a 3rd minute red card. Japan took full advantage to give Asia its second win and South America its first defeat. The best was yet to come however in Group H, the group of upsets.
Poland 1 : 2 Senegal
Senegal finally break Africa’s duck, albeit with a weird second goal. M’Baye Niang was waved back onto the field during play but behind the backs of the Polish players. He ran upfield onto a backpass and rounded the keeper. A Thiago Cionek own goal had given them the lead in the 37th minute. Krychowiak scored a late consolation for Poland, his third for his country.
Russia 3 : 1 Egypt
All the goals came in the second half. An own goal, and one each for Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba out the hosts 3-0 up, before a Mo Salah penalty suggested late drama.
DAY 5 – JUNE 18
Three straight wins for Europe today over three different continents. Only Belgium however were remotely impressive. Sweden needed a penalty and England a stoppage time goal to win.
Sweden 1 : 0 South Korea
A 65th minute penalty by Andreas Granqvist settled this dull affair.
Belgium 3 : 0 Panama
Romeo Lukaku scored twice for the Red Devils after Dries Mehrtens broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half.
England 2 : 1 Tunisia
Harry Kane headed the winner in injury time after giving England an early lead. Ferjani Sassi scored for Tunisia from the penalty spot
DAY 4 – JUNE 17
After a momentous day, CONCACAF has actually overtaken South America as measured by points per game. Panama are in action tomorrow against Belgium.
Serbia 1 : 0 Costa Rica
A goal direct from a free kick from the left foot of captain Aleksandar Kolarov settled this in Serbia’s favour.
Germany 0 : 1 Mexico
Mexico came out the traps superbly in the first half and deservedly led 1-0 at half time through Chucky Lozano’s goal. They withstood German pressure to hold on for a famous win.
Switzerland 1 : 1 Brazil
A Steven Zuber header equalised a superb curler from Philippe Coutinho and the Swiss held on, making Brazil look fairly pedestrian in the process.
DAY 3 – JUNE 16
A good day for Europe with three wins and a draw. Africa now has three straight defeats. A draw and a defeat is an inglorious return for South America.
The CONCACAF region enters tomorrow with games for Costa Rica (v Serbia) and Mexico (v Germany).
France 2 : 1 Australia
An unimpressive France won courtesy of a late Paul Pogba goal after the teams had traded penalties. Asia move to one win and two losses.
Iceland 1 : 1 Argentina
Hannes Halldórsson saved a Leo Messi penalty in the 64th minute as Iceland withstood a torrent of possession. Sergio Aguero had given Argentina the lead but it lasted just four minutes until Alfred Finnbogason equalised in the 22nd minute.
Denmark 1 : 0 Peru
Peru like Argentina missed a penalty kick, when Christian Cueva blasted over the bar. Yurury Poulsen scored Denmark’s winner in the 59th minute.
Croatia 2 : 0 Nigeria
A comfortable win for the Balkan side via an own goal and a penalty. Nigeria complete a hat trick of losses for Africa without a goal scored. With those three losses already, Africa has made a terrible start to the Cup.
DAY 2 – JUNE 15
Spain drew with Portugal, and the other ties saw (Uruguay) CONMEBOL and Iran (AFC) beat Egypt and Morocco (both CAF). A very bad day for Africa.
DAY 1 – JUNE 14
Russia 5 : 0 Saudi Arabia
A good start for Europe with Asian qualifiers Saudi Arabia ensuring a poor start for the Asian Federation (AFC). 1-0 to the Euros.
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