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 6 Review

Colombia v Japan

Prediction: 3-1 Colombia

Result: 2-1 Japan

A moment of madness saw Colombia go down to 10-men within 4 minutes of play for a deliberate handball to stop a Japanese shot. So because of this it his hard to judge Colombia's game which degraded into long-balls to Falcao, and Japan's game against 10-men.

Japan were poor in the first half and seemed as if they wanted to sit on their 1 goal advantage from the penalty which was canceled out after a Falcao dive for a freekick which was cheekily kicked underneath the wall by Quintero.



Japan were dominant in the 2nd half finally putting their extra man advantage to good use with good midfield possession but lacked quality to unlock Colombia's defence; scoring the winner from a corner.
Every game in this group will be hard fought with Poland and Senegal coming up so 3 points for Japan here is absolutely huge.
Also of note, they are the first Asian nation to beat a South American nation at a World Cup.

Poland v Senegal

Prediction: 2-1 Poland

Result: 2-1 Senegal

For a game that was very end-to-end in the first half it produced very little shots and no shots on target. The deadlock broken by an off-target shot that was deflected goal-wards. Both teams were quite poor upfront which is strange considering this was the Mane v Lewandowski showdown.

Senegal sat back in the 2nd half just defending their lead and Poland simply were not good enough to break them down. A poor passback from Poland gifted Senegal their 2nd and wrapped the game up. A headed goal from a free kick was good for Poland in order to make sure their goal difference didn't get out of hand.

With Senegal taking on Japan and Poland having to deal with Colombia you can't see Poland getting out of this group anymore. Especially with performances like that.

Round 1 wrap-up
Predicted correct score: 2/16
Iran 1-0 & Sweden 1-0

Predicted correct result: 10/16

Predicted wrong: 6/16

Russia v Egypt

Prediction: 2-0 Egypt

Result: 3-1 Russia

Mo Salah's return was touted as the big turn around Egypt would need. Sadly he was clearly not at full fitness, seeing him dodge challenges that he would normally bust through he did not trust his shoulder 100%. Egypt also played with 2 up front against Russia which worked against them. Last time out they played 5-4-1 basically and frustrated Uruguay without being 100% solid. Changing to a 4-4-2 opened up so many more holes in their defence Russia punished them hard.

Russia were lucky to get the breakthrough with a deflected shot which forced Egypt to attack the game even more than they were which left their defence in shambles. Russia were a lot more solid defensively and more stable in the midfield obviously buoyed from their last performance. Russia were deserved winners and now are 99% guaranteed to get out of the group.

It's sad to see Egypt wait 30 years to qualify for w World Cup and be knocked out by 2 straight losses. They will always think "what if Salah was fit", but I think they went away from their defensive style which almost got them a point against Uruguay which backfired. They did not fight for their right to play and Russia punished them.

Game 15: Republic of Colombia v Japan

Despite the 2 teams being over 50 ranks apart according to FIFA, I think this game will be closer than that suggests.

Colombia (The Coffee Growers) are a team on the rise, after having failed to qualify in 2002, 2006 and 2010, they managed to reach the Quarter Finals last World Cup, knocking out Uruguay. They also managed a 3rd place in the 2016 Copa America, losing the eventual Champions Chile in the semi-final.

Colombia have strong players in all the key areas, with Radamel Falcao up front, James Rodriguez and Cuadrado in the midfield, Zapata at the back and Ospina in goal. They are a very strong team who can be hit and miss in games but always show up in major tournaments. With Flacao coming to the end of his career and no real youngsters coming through to replace him, it is now or never for Colombia if they want to put their stamp on the world.

Japan (Samurai Blue) were for the most part of moden history, Kings of Asia. Asian Cup Champions in 92, 00, 04 and 2011 and have qualified for every world cup since 98. Japan have a pattern going in world cups, making it to the round of 16 on every 2nd attempt and considering they were knocked out last time in the group strage, the pattern suggests they may just make it further this year.

Japan's midfield have mostly senior players who are no longer as effective as they used to be. Although Honda and Kagawa are very good players, they no longer have the ability to grab a game by the neck and control it at will. They also have a somewhat questionable defence which away from home, lacks the intesity necessary to hold teams off.

They are fairly strong going forward and can trouble teams with amazing free kicks, but probably lack the stability to see out games even if they grab a lead.

I think this will be a fun game with 2 attacking minded teams it should be quite interesting. I feel like Japan may just be outclassed by their South American opponents but won't roll over without a fight. 3-1 Colombia.