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.

Group A and B Finished

SAUDI ARABIA v EGYPT                URUGUAY v RUSSIA

A very simple group that has already been decided before the final matchday. 

Egypt and Saudi Arabia are merely playing for pride to see who can avoid coming last.

Russia and Uruguay face-off to see who can grab top spot. In the event of a draw, Russia stay in 1st spot.

I think Egypt will find it tough going against an improved Saudi team. With neither side impressing in front of goal I will expect this to be the tournaments first 0-0.

Russia are on fire after 2 large wins and momentum may just carry them through top of the group. Uruguay haven't been on-song, doing the bare minimum to win their games. If both play as they have been, Russia will nick this and top spot. 2-1 Russia.

SPAIN v MOROCCO                      IRAN v PORTUGAL

A more interesting set of games. Morocco are eliminated and are only playing for pride and to play spoiler against Spain. Spain currently sit top on "fair play" rules having the same GD and GF as Portugal but receiving less yellow cards.

Spain can guarantee a spot in the round of 16 with just a draw but will be hoping to secure top spot with a win.

Iran can still get through the group stage if they can secure a win.

A draw would see Portugal advance and Iran go equal points with Spain. They would need Spain to lose by 2 goals in order to go through on GD.

Portugal like Spain, only need a draw to go through but would like to win in order to fight for top spot.

Morocco have tried their hardest and probably should have gotten a point against Portugal. If they put that kind of effort in again they will certainly trouble Spain. Spain had trouble breaking down Iran and will find the same situation facing them in this game, but they will no doubt deal with it. 1-0 Spain.

Portugal were lucky against Morocco and face an arguably more stout defence in Iran. If other players do not pick it up, I don't think Ronaldo will be able to single-handedly break this game apart. Iran will have to do something in this game that they are very bad at. Attack. A draw is not enough to see them get through this group and not having actually scored a single goal yet themselves I can't really see how they will here. Portugal don't care about drawing that much since they go through either way. I think Iran will try to force the game too hard and get hit on the counter. 2-0 Portugal.

Day 7 Review

Portugal v Morocco

Prediction: 2-0 Portugal

Result: 1-0 Portugal

We finally get to see Portugal take on someone who they are supposed to beat and they let us down. Like many other big nations in this World Cup they underestimate the little guy. Ronaldo scored just 3 minutes in with a diving header and most thought, he were go Portugal will pile them in; but this wasn't the case.

Morocco were lively, strong and unlucky not to get a few penalties in the first half as they peppered Portugal's goal. The 2nd half saw very much the same thing, with Morocco surprisingly taking the fight to Portugal whose only real spark once again was Ronaldo. By the stats of the game you would think Portugal were the small nation holding on for a shock win.

Morocco unlucky to lose to a late own goal last game. Unlucky to lose to an early Ronaldo goal this game. Unlucky to be the first team officially knocked out of the World Cup despite playing some of the best football in the tournament.

Uruguay v Saudi Arabia

Prediction: 4-0 Uruguay

Result: 1-0 Uruguay

One again another disappointing display by Uruguay who "got lucky" with a mistake from the Saudi keeping gifting him a tap-in. They were solid defensively but going forward have no spark from the midfield. They will certainly struggle to score against better defences if this continues.

Saudi were a completely different team. Some cynics would say it's because there was no handshake between Putin and the Saudi Prince.

4 players were dropped from the loss to Russia including the keeper and the difference in their game showed. They were much calmer on the ball and kept possession well, even their defence had better cohesion with all 5 defenders used today being from the same club. However with only a solitary striker they had a tough time creating chances only getting 8 shots on goal all game despite dominating possession.

With that loss, Saudi send themselves and Egypt home with the 2 losers to battle for pride come the final game. Whilst Uruguay set up a showdown with Russia for top spot.

Spain v Iran

Prediction: 2-0 Spain

Result: 1-0 Spain 

Iran came into the game with an obvious plan. Get a 0-0 draw. Playing with a 4-5-1, which at times looked more like a 5-5-0, Iran frustrated Spain throughout the first half who could only manage 1 shot on target. However a lucky breakthrough from a deflected clearance in the 2nd half forced Iran chase the game.

Iran did extremely well attacking Spain and thought they had an equaliser for it to only be denied by a VAR review for offside. Iran had the better chances in the 2nd half which makes you ponder the question, what if Iran attacked from the start instead of trying to defend for a 0-0 draw?

Iran will be buoyed by the fact a star studded side like Spain could not break them down and only scored from a little luck. The fact they created the better chances in the 2nd means I hope for their sake, they attack Portugal in their final game, otherwise they are going home.

Crunch time begins

 Vs 

Cristiano Ronaldo was at his best to carry Portugal on his back last time out against Spain and you have to say if Portugal play the same way again this game shouldn't even be a contest.

Morocco played their hearts out against Iran but could not find a way through their defence. Their struggles only increase ten-fold this game. Iran never really troubled Morocco's defence so we are yet to see how solid they can be.

Ronaldo could probably win this game alone, but this World Cup has shown that the major teams aren't firing on all cylinders against their defensive opponents. 2-0 Portugal.

 Vs 

Saudi were utterly useless against a poor Russia conceding 5 in what was a very farcical defence. Although you have to say 5 goals was flattering to Russia who played terribly, it just shows the level Saudi Arabia are playing at. After losing their defensive minded coach Van Marwijk they are no longer the strong counter-attacking team that qualified above Australia.

Uruguay had real trouble trying to break down a very strong Egypt defence only doing so thanks to a late set piece. If the first game is anything to go by, they won't have the same trouble again. Suarez and Cavani could have given Uruguay a 4-0 lead last time out but were not clinical enough.

No doubt both teams would have learnt from their mistakes, but no matter what they do, Saudi won't be able to improve enough to hold out a much stronger opposition. 4-0 Uruguay.

 Vs 

Iran were stout defenders last time out holding Morocco at bay all game before getting lucky with a late own goal to claim all the points. They will have a similar game plan this game except against much strong opposition. Despite their poor play going forward, Iran know defence and how to frustrate opponents with niggly fouls and a stop, start game plan.

Spain managed to come from behind twice against Portugal but after taking the lead, drawing 3-3 will feel like a loss. Spain looked a little suspect in the first half but it was only the brilliance of Ronaldo and a mistake from De Gea that gave Portugal a sniff.

De Gea shouldn't event ouch the ball this his hands this game so Spain have nothing to worry about. Although I believe in Iran's defence somewhat, once they concede 1 the gates will open; its just a matter of how long they can hold on. 2-0 Spain.

Day 2 Review

Egypt v Uruguay

Prediction: 3-1 Uruguay

Result: 1-0 Uruguay

Egypt thoroughly impressed with the quality of their defence and structured play. They were organised, hungry and out to prove they aren't in Russia for a Holiday. However with no Mo Salah, they lacked quality up front and struggled to get shots off.

Uruguay played as if they would simply outclass their opponents and win the game by default. The fact they played so poorly and really should have probably scored 3 or 4 goals shows their true quality. Godin played extremely well and Cavani started to wake up towards the end of the match. With this performance, Uruguay will be out for blood next time out.

Extremely unlucky for Egypt, but Uruguay showed they don't need to play well to score goals. The only positive is that Egypt probably didn't need a result today and with Mo Salah, can definitely beat Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The 5 goals for Russia may play a crucial role in deciding who finishes 2nd.

Morocco v Iran

Prediction: 1-0 Iran

Result: 1-0 Iran

Morocco were surprisingly good for the first 30 minutes. They absolutely bossed the game and didn't let Iran even touch the ball for large parts of the game. As I said in the preview of the game, Iran are very good defensively and love to hit teams on the counter which they could have done a few times in the first half. Both teams were guilty of lacking quality up front as it could have easily been 2-2 at halftime.

first half stats

The second half was completely different. Morocco came out either tired or scared of Iran's counter (or both) and played much more defensively. This allowed Iran to control the pace, which meant a slow passing game with niggly fouls throughout. 2 Iranians also went off injured which could spell a little trouble for their upcoming games. A 95th minute diving header own-goal decides the game late.

Iran will be ecstatic with the result, with 3 points from this game, they only need to hold a giant to a draw to get through the group. Morocco after this result will most likely start planning their post-cup holidays. A little honor restored to Asia.

Portugal v Spain

Prediction: 1-1

Result: 3-3

The final game of the day and the best of the tournament so far. An early penalty to Ronaldo forced Spain's hand into chasing the game creating a more open contest. Neither team had many shots on target but both had  very high conversion rate. This means that little mistakes made by the other teams in this group will be punished with a goal.

Despite their possession Spain did not look their normal destructive selves with a lot of defensive passing and long balls to Diego Costa. Portugal seemed obsessed with finding Ronaldo in the attack to their determent in some cases. Other Portuguese players have to step up and be willing to take the game on instead of just looking for Ronaldo.
With both teams escaping this game unscathed, they will no doubt use their final 2 group games to warm-up for the rest of the tournament.

The other 2 teams in the group should be scared. The best attacking teams in this group showed they are here to score. Ronaldo also showed he is more than up to the task of putting the team on his back.

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Game 3: Kingdom of Morocco v Islamic Republic of Iran

I'll admit, I know very little about Morocco other than I had a friend in High School from there. Iran, I do know a little bit about as they are part of Asia.

Morocco (The Lions of Atlas) are surprisingly full of players who play in the worlds largest leagues. The majority of players ply their trade in Spain, Holland, and Germany with only 2 players from their national league; notably Medhi Benatia who plays for Italian Champions Juventus.
The team look to be fairly young and inexperienced with no players having over 60 international caps, and only a handful have more than 20. This can be either really good or really bad, as they could be a team full of energy and enthusiasm that is out to prove their worth, or a team full of inexperience and sloppy "school boy" errors.
That being said, the national team have not lost a game since June 2017; winning 7 of their past 9 games.

Morocco were interestingly disqualified from the 2015 African Cup of Nations after being named Hosts. They had asked for a reprieve from hosting duties due to an outbreak of Ebola in the area, however proper paperwork was not submitted and thus they were stripped of Host rights and disqualified from participating. This could partially explain the low international cap counts on some of their players.
Since 2000 Morocco have failed to make it out of the group stages of the African Cup except for 2004 when they came 2nd. Morocco qualified above the Ivory Coast in order to make it to their first World Cup Finals since France 1998.

Iran (Team Melli) were until last week, the highest ranked team in Asia, now ranked 37th in the world. Their squad is made up of mainly players from their National league with a smattering of players who play in Greece and Russia. Much like Morocco, only 1 player in the squad has over 50 international caps, however most the squad do have 30-40.

Iran are always competitive in Asia and have made it to at least the Quarter Finals of the Asian Cup in every tournament bar 1. Iran also qualified top of their group which contained South Korea and did so undefeated only conceding 2 goals in 10 games. In fact in the entire qualification process, they only let it 5 goals total.
In the group stages last World Cup they drew 0-0 with Nigeria, lost 1-0 to Argentina thanks to a 93rd minute goal from Messi, but when asked to chase a game for a result as they were against Bosnia, lost 3-1.
They are very much a stronger version of Saudi Arabia, with the ability to not only play on the counter, but maintain possession and defend strongly when it counts. They are a tough team to breakdown and once they get a lead, tend to turn the game into a very slow and scrappy affair.

Iran like to keep things tight in the back and not give anything away especially against strong opposition. They qualified off the back of a slew of 0-0 draws and 1-0 wins and I can see them doing the same here. Iran to win 1-0.