Day 5 Review

Sweden v Korea

Prediction: 1-0 Sweden

Result: 1-0 Sweden

By far the easiest game to call prematch and it went exactly according to plan. Neither team really carving the other apart. Sweden had the better possession but weren't really creating too much, creating only 3-4 chances the entire match. Korea created probably 2.

Koreas goalkeeper did his part with 2 massive saves, but their defence seemed to be able to handle Swedens lack of attack pretty well. A game that was lacking attacking flair and quality from both sides; separated only by a VAR penalty.

With Germany and Mexico coming up for both these teams, it's hard to see either of them getting out of the group honestly. Germany were poor but can be better and Mexico were excellent. May be a case of these being the only points on offer for both these sides.

Belgium v Panama

Prediction: 5-0 Belgium

Result: 3-0 Belgium

Belgium started the game like most other "powerhouses" this World Cup, not up to scratch. Poor passing and chance conversion saw them go into the break 0-0. Panama surprisingly held their own defensively even against the might of Hazard and Lukaku.

The deadlock was only broken by a piece of brilliance Mertens. An unsaveable volley over the keeper. Panama decided instead of shutting up shop and not conceding more, brought on 2 attacking players off the bench to chase the game which left them open and Lukaku hit them twice on the counter.

Not convincing but did more than enough to win comfortably. A solid start to the tournament and hopefully will improve off this performance. Panama did well to hang in the game as long as they did. Might be able to hold England out as England don't have the creative power Belgium do and they defended well.

England v Tunisia

Prediction: 1-1

Result: 2-1 England

England were surprisingly good in their first half, closing down Tunisia and very energetic on attack. The game should have been over after 30 minutes with England having 3-4 very easy clear cut chances that they weren't efficient with; only scoring 1. Tunisia got a somewhat soft penalty to equalise which sucked the ind out of England's sails.

The 2nd half was completely different. England were slow and methodical rather then energetic with their pressing defence allowing Tunisia more of the ball.
Tunisia however were very poor with their passes often wasting long periods of possession with poor forward balls. They were very dangerous from set-pieces but also very vulnerable from set-pieces with both their goals conceded from corners.

England very lucky to get the win with a very poor 2nd half performance. This group is all but decided now with the "expected" results coming to fruition.