Day 12 Review

Saudi Arabia v Egypt

Prediction: 0-0

Result: 2-1 Saudi Arabia

Both teams played as if they would be killed if they returned home without a win. In an end to end game both defences were very open and perfect for attacking football. Mo Salah looked like he had finally overcome his injury, injecting himself into the game and demanding more of the football. Saudi Arabia had 2 penalties in the 1st half, the first was saved and the 2nd not so much.

The game was still very much an end to end affair however both teams lacked quality up front to really create or convert any chances. Saudi Arabia had the better of the chances and started the boss the game later in the half as Mo Salah effectively disappeared; barely touching the ball. Egypt in fact didn't have a single shot on target in the 2nd half. Saudi Arabia stole the points with a 95th minute winner to break Egyptian hearts and securing their first win at a World Cup since 1994.

Uruguay v Russia

Prediction: 2-1 Russia

Result: 3-0 Uruguay

The first 5 minutes were action packed with chances at both ends. The deadlock was broken by a smart free kick from Suarez who knew the Keepers of this World Cup had been cheating to their "wall side" of the freekicks, blasting it around the wall and into the corner. Although it was smart from him, it was definitely a Keeping error. The 2nd goal came from a deflection which took alot of power off the ball and again you can argue should have been saved by the keeper was caught flat footed. Russia looked lost defensively and eventually capitulated with one of their defenders red carded just before halftime. Uruguay and Russia now playing like people thought they would pre World Cup; Uruguay very dangerous in attack and Russia being dominated all over the park.

Russia came out hungry in the 2nd half and developed the better of the chances despite only having 10-men. Uruguay seemed satisfied with just winning the game and didn't really press the game for an extra goal but rather slowing the play down. Russia very much out enthused the South Americans in the 2nd half to no avail but it sends a message to their next round opponents that they will fight to the end. Russia seemed to run out of steam come the 80th minute which is understandable considering they were down to 10 and put in extra effort to try and get something back from this game. Russian keeper had a much better 2nd half making 3 great saves but couldn't keep Cavani out from a corner. Uruguay the first team to win all their group games without conceding since Argentina did so in 1998.

Iran v Portugal

Prediction: 2-0 Portugal

Result: 1-1

The game started as expected with Portugal having all the ball and Ronaldo using the Iranian goal as a shooting gallery. However the Iranians were resilient (and lucky) and managed to keep most of Portugals attacks at bay. They were even dangerous themselves on the counter. However the deadlock was broken just before halftime with an amazing outside of the foot shot by Quaresma.

Iran came into the 2nd half with more vigor and refused to let Portugal just walk away with the win. Although Portugal still had majority of the ball and field position, Iran counter attacked with more people int he 2nd half and defended stoutly to keep Ronaldo very quiet. The Iranian Keeper even saved a penalty from Ronaldo. A late 90th minute penalty gave Iran hope that they could still make it through the group but it just wasn't enough. Iranian players and fans alike had tears come the full time whistle but can be proud of how they played.

Spain v Morocco

Prediction: 1-0 Spain

Result: 2-2

The game started as you would expect with Spain passing the ball around while Morocco watch them doing so. However the referee certainly seemed to have a Spanish bias. Pique's early 2-footed challenge which should have been a straight red card was not even referred back to the referee by VAR which then followed a slew of questionable yellow cards for Moroccan players. But it was Spain's arrogance that cost them the early goal, with Iniesta and Pique standing still while the Moroccan striker stole the ball and ran off to give them the lead. Spain immediately picked up the pace and scored the equaliser just 5 minutes later.

Spain again started the half with a nonchalant attitude. They clearly knew a draw would see them through and didn't really care about winning the game. They tried very hard just to man manage the game and get out without exerting any effort. However when Morocco looked to have stolen the points with a late corner they were scrambling. Spain started to play the way you would expect them to and come the 90th minute, secured an equaliser and with it, top spot in the group.