Day 10 Review

Belgium v Tunisia

Prediction: 2-0 Belgium

Result: 5-2 Belgium

This game started like a house on fire with Belgium getting an early penalty and quickly nabbing a 2nd soon after. Within a minute of going 2-0 down Tunisia manage to grab one of their own to make the game a contest again.

The game remained open for its entirety and could have easily ended 9-4 if both teams took their clear cut chances. Its hard to judge Belgium's defence when there team seemed to be playing at a walking pace and picking forward balls at will. It seemed as though they just weren't too fussed at doing their job because they knew they would be scoring again even if they conceded. It will be a real challenge for them in their final game against England and a real test to see if Belgium indeed have what it takes to win the World Cup.

Belgium all but guarantee a round of 16 spot with such a large win whilst Tunisia will need Panama to beat England in order to stay in. Something that doesn't seem likely.

Korea v Mexico

Prediction: 2-0 Mexico

Result: 2-1 Mexico

Korea clearly learnt from their last game and realised Son was their main man, deploying him centrally as part of a front 3 instead of on the wing again. Sadly it didn't help with their defensive woes. Mexico split them apart again and again and only some poor shooting kept them from scoring. A 1-0 halftime lead from a penalty all Mexico could show for their dominance.

A very easy 2nd half for Mexico. A 90th minute strike from Son made it a little interesting but all-in-all Mexico were happy with the win and didn't feel the need to attack more. Korea generally just looked outclassed and could never really get good attacks going. They had 2 good chances but lacked quality up front and spurned them.

With 2 losses things are bleak for Korea. Mexico with 2 wins are all but confirmed for the next round.

Germany v Sweden

Prediction: 1-0 Germany

Result: 2-1 Germany

Germany again didn't look themselves. Their defence was static and slow and they had no creativity going forward. Sweden grabbing a quick first half goal didn't even give them a rise in their game. It looked for all money that they were going to be the 3rd straight defending champions to be knocked out in group stages.

2nd half Germany started showing glimpses of the the monster we know they can be. A quick equaliser to minutes into the half sparked them into attack. They looked more and more positive for the next 20 minutes until Sweden finally came back into the game and once again showed Germany's defence was not up to scratch this tournament. They created a few good breaks which eventually lead to Boateng being red carded. Kroos eventually saving the defending champions tournament with a 95th minute winner.

Germany were once again uninspiring, but seeing as their last game is against Korea they will probably make it through. Sweden would need to overcome a very competent Mexico to have any chance of qualifying through the group now. This result also means that technically, Korea are not yet knocked out.

Now or Never

 Vs 

Belgium have a comfortable win last game against Panama who never really troubled them. Although they struggled to create chances in the first half, they never looked panic'd or bothered and trusted in their system. One of the few larger nations to impress in their first game.

Tunsia did more than enough to win the game against England and with some dubious refereeing maybe should have gotten more. They were left heartbroken conceding 2 soft goals to Harry Kane. They held their own against England, but Belgium present much more threat and presence going forward then England ever will.

Tunisia really need atleast a point to make sure they don't get eliminated. Belgium can wrap up a spot in the next round with a win here which is important to do just before the England matchup. 2-0 Belgium.

 Vs 

These 2 teams had the opposite opening games last time out, Korea were uninspired, poor in attack and not so solid in defence. There only shining light was Son, but with him playing on the Wing he found it hard to drag his team to any kind of result against Sweden.

Mexico surprised everyone with their dangerous attacks and solid defence. Although Germany were poor, Mexico could have easily won the game by 2 or 3. They showed pace and control and the ability to attack and actually get shots off. Something not many teams at this tournament have shown.

Korea need a point to make sure they don't get eliminated. Mexico will be hoping to get 3 wins from this group now that they have taken care of Germany. 2-0 Mexico.

 Vs 

Germany were very poor against Mexico last game. Their defence was non-existent with Kimmich playing more like a Winger then a Wing Back. Kroos, Khedira and Ozil were also all very poor and it wouldn't surprise me to see several changes in the lineup.

Sweden were exactly as expected. Pragmatic in defence and average going forward and were gifted a goal by some poor Korean defence that lead to a penalty. Although they weren't really tested, their defence was strong enough to not allow Korea really any chance of getting back into the game.

Germany will need to step it up if they want to break down a much tougher defensive team. A failure to win here would mean that for the 3rd time in a row, the defending champions would be knocked out in group stages. If Sweden can secure atleast a point, they will like their chances of going to the next round. 1-0 Germany.

Day 4 Review

Costa Rica v Serbia

Prediction: 1-0 Costa Rica

Result: 1-0 Serbia

Costa Rica played like a mix of Egypt and Peru. Ran out of the blocks with multiple good attacking raids but as Serbia started to hold the ball and keep possession at the back Costa Rica's enthusiasm started to die down. With star player Joel Campbell on the bench due to fitness issues, Costa Rica seemed not quite themselves up front.

Serbia were solid like most the European teams have been. Holding their positions, maintaining possession at the back and attacking only when the opportunity is good. Serbia were struggling to break Costa Rica down, only breaking the deadlock thanks to an amazing free-kick by Kolarov.

Serbia will be ecstatic with this position knowing a win in their next game will all but guarantee they go through. Costa still have some chance but need other results to go their way.

Germany v Mexico

Prediction: 2-0 Germany

Result: 1-0 Mexico

Germany become the 3rd defending champion in the past 4 cups to lose their opening match. A poor stat, which if the trend follows, means Germany won't make it out of groups.
Germany had an incredible 25 shots but only 9 on target and most of them were very tame. They were extremely poor defensively, even before conceding it looked as though they were playing a 1-5-3 formation with Boateng the only defender who actually stayed back.

Mexico were amazing and deserve full credit. Despite the somewhat shambolic defence, Mexico were lethal and could have easily won this game 4-0 had Chicharito been a more cool in front of goal.

With South Korea and Sweden to come, you can definitely see Mexico topping this group now. Germany need to start Reus over Ozil if they want more enthusiasm from the midfield.

Brazil v Switzerland

Prediction: 2-0 Brazil

Result: 1-1

Switzerland came in with a very obvious game plan; double-team Neymar. The problem with that is Brazil have many stars they if left alone will hurt you, as Coutinho showed. Other than the very first minute of the game, the Swiss never really troubled the Brazilian goal.

Neymar became the most fouled player in a WC game since 1998 (10 fouls)

The passes from the Swiss players were very loose and poor when going forward. Worryingly for Brazil, when they were asked questions in the back they were found wanting. The equaliser for Swiss from a corner where literally no Brazilian jumped to try and head the ball.

Brazil will have to shore up their defence if they are to continue through this group as Costa Rica and Serbia are much better than the Swiss going forward. Swiss have the opposite problem, as if they they don't improve offensively, they won't be able to score against teams that are well drilled defensively.

Game 10: Federal Republic of Germany v United Mexican States

United Mexican States. I had a nice chuckle at this, but I'm afraid that is probably the only smiles Mexico will get today.

Germany (National Eleven). Defending Champions. Perfect qualification with a 10-0 record, 43 goals scored, 4 conceded. Germany are the epitome of consistency in world football. The last 4 world cups have ended with Germany 2nd (2002), 3rd (2006), 3rd (2010) and Champions (2014). Even in the Euros they were 2nd in 2008 and lost the semifinal in 2012 and 2016. You can't really get much more consistently good.

A team packed full of stars Ozil, Boateng, Neuer, Reus, Gomez, Muller, Kroos, Draxler etc. This is a side that sent a "b-team" to the Confederations Cup and won it. Arguably the favourites of the tournament, Germany will have all the pressure of "expecting to win" with every game they play.

Mexico (The Tricolor) easily qualified top of CONCACAF, 5 points ahead of Costa Rica. They are no easy beats and even when their team doesn't have "star players", they always manage to compete on the world stage. Last world cup Mexico came 2nd in their group to Brazil having held Brazil to a 0-0. Having qualified for every World Cup since 1994 and made it out of the group EVERY TIME, Mexico have high standards to live up to.

Mexico play with pace and flair with speedy forwards and wingers. Led by their nations top goal scorer Chicharito and the dos Santos brothers in the midfield, Mexico can pose problems, especially for teams with immobile backlines. They are an extremely experienced team with 4 players earning more than 100 international caps and the majority of the team sitting on more than 50.

As much as I like to watch mexico and their style of play, Germany are simply Germany. Although Muller and Ozil are not at their peak, they have too many stars all around the park not to win every game in this group. Germany 2-0.