Day 11 Review

England v Panama

Prediction: 3-0 England

Result: 6-1 England

Panama came into the game thinking they needed to get a result after Belgium already were sitting on 6 points and England on 3. This meant giving up some defensive stability for more attack and they paid for it. A quick goal from a smart corner play and followed by a Penalty just minutes later saw Panama fall apart. Although they had a good attack or 2 they lacked the quality up front to even hit the target. Another smart set piece and penalty saw England go into halftime 5-0 up. The first time England have scored more than 3 goals in a half since their 1966 World Cup winning side.

A very lack luster second half. Kane capped off his hattrick before being substituted and Panama broke the World Cup duck with a good goal. England seemed too scared to concede more and instead of attacking to get a 7th just passed the ball around the back for the majority of the half.

Belgium and England are now both through and Panama and Tunisia will do battle to avoid bottom of the group. Seeing how Panama celebrated their goal even at 6-1 down, I'm excited to watch them both.

Japan v Senegal

Prediction: 2-0 Senegal

Result: 2-2

An even first half that was devoid of many chances, Senegal breaking the deadlock through some terrible defending and goalkeeping, a deflected save straight into Mane's knee that went straight in. Japan then had to chase the game and were able to get in behind the African defence with long balls to their front men. Inui equalising with a great curled shot. Those 2 goals really the only 2 chances of the half.

What was basically a mirror of the first half. Both teams creating some chances but no real clear cut ones. The only clear cut chances were however converted. Once again Senegal took the lead off some poor defending then Japan found a way to strike back.

A draw means neither team are yet guaranteed next round football and have everything to play for next week.

Colombia v Poland

Prediction: 2-1 Colombia

Result: 3-0 Colombia

A quite uninspired first half with neither team getting shots on target until the 40th minute which resulted in Colombia breaking the deadlock. Once again Lewandowski was left alone up front and never got involved int he game nor received good service form his midfield.

The 2nd half Poland pushed a little harder for the equaliser and Lewandowski had to come back to his own half to get the ball and try and inject himself more into the game but to no avail. Colombia were too quick in their passing and movement for the Polish defence who were carved apart 2 moire times for a comfortable 3-0 scoreline for Colombia.

Colombia now all but book their spot in their next round whilst Poland will only have pride to play for in the final game.

Round 2 Wrap-Up
Correct Scores: 1/16
(2-0 Brazil)

Correct Results: 11/16

Incorrect Results: 5/16

And So Ends Matchday 2

 Vs 

The final game in Group G seens England against Panama. Panama had an ok showing last time out against a very strong Belgium team and managed to hold a them to 0-0 until the 2nd half. A much stronger showing especially when you consider how Belgium dismantled Morocco yesterday.

England were stout in defence but pretty poor going forward. Sterling was not is usual self and failed to add anything to the England attack. Unlike the England of old, this team has some grit and will to win. Enter Harry Kane. This is the first english striker in a very long time who is a genuine finisher and poacher. Just what England need.

Although Panama showed they can hold out Belgium for long periods, you can't really seeing them doing it for 90 minutes against any kind of competent attack. England bagging all 3 points will end this group and send both themselves and Belgium through. 3-0 England.

 Vs 

Japan had a mixed game last time against Colombia, although Colombia went down to 10-men within the first 5 minutes, Japan could not control the game and eventually conceded and equaliser in the first half. They seemed to be overawed by the occasion and couldn't handle the swift penetrating attacks of Colombia.

Senegal were inspiring against Poland in both attack and defence. They didn't give an inch and attacked with ferocity and a well drilled plan. They look by far the strongest African team at the Tournament and will need the fly the flag for their continent as most the other African nations are now knocked out.

Japan although they sit on 3 points after beating Colombia, unless they improve dramatically that will be their only 3 points they get. If Senegal produce the same quality they did against Poland this shouldn't be a contest. 2-0 Senegal.

 Vs 

Colombia were unfortunate to be down to 10-men so early which scuppered any kind of hope at winning the game and playing to their plan. They had to substitute their attacking winger who was causing problems for Japan in order to get a defensive replacement on the field. Falcao showed his age not being able to outrun defenders when the long balls came in, but they still looked confident and managed to equalise even with a man down. If they stay with their full team for this game, they will have hopes for  a win.

Poland were very poor in their first game both defensively and in attack. Lewandowski was a no show and didn't help Poland that much. Their midfield and defence also made alot of unforced errors which eventually led to conceding the goals. They know they need to improve and probably will improve against a much more dynamic attack from Colombia.

Both these teams sit on 0 points after their first games and both suffered from "idiotic plays" that cost them the game. Both teams showed they have mistakes in them but Colombia showed they are still a force on attack. Both will NEED 3 points to get through this group. 2-1 Colombia.

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.

Game 14: Republic of Tunisia v England

The fact that England is just called England was very surprise, not Kingdom or anything, just England.

Tunisia (The Eagles of Carthage) were somewhat of a mainstay in the World Cup for a while, qualifying for '98, '02 and '06. They have made it to the World Cup 4 times and have never left empty handed, always gaining at least 1 point in the group.

The majority of Tunisia's midfield play in the French League; led by Wahbi Khazri they are fairly competent players with the ability to pass the ball well and create chances, even against tough defences. They proved this in their warmup games, only losing 1-0 to Spain and drawing 2-2 with Portugal.

Although I am sure many people would not be able to point to Tunisia on a map, they are not a country to overlook on the pitch.

England (The Three Lions). In all honesty, probably one of their worst squads in recent times, the English national team always suffer from a domestic league that is "too good". Even Spain and Germany have players that play abroad to pick up different experiences and bring their knowledge back the to squad. The entire English team play only in the Premier League with only 5 of their 23 players coming from outside the "big 6".

Since the last World Cup, England have discovered the talents of Vardy and Harry Kane to boost their go forward, although this didn't help them at the Euros where they were knocked out by Iceland. Last World Cup they ended bottom of their group only picking up 1 point. Despite their squad being full of quality players every year, they always fail to deliver on the international stage.

With all the keepers on their squad being untested and unproven at international level, it will be interesting to see how England fair.

Tunsia v England. Seems like an easy choice, but I don't think it will be as straight forward as people think. England have a history of failing in major competitions and have not won their first game of a major tournament since the 2006 World Cup. 1-1.