Day 13 Review

Australia v Peru

Prediction: 1-1

Result: 2-0 Peru

Both teams surprisingly started the game the opposite to expected. Peru sat deep and defended whilst Australia were strong and forceful going forward. It was all looking well for Australia who created 2-3 really good chances before a long ball to Guerrero into a cut back lead to the Peru opening. Although replays showed Guerrero was offside, no VAR was used. Australia created even more chances in the half but suffer from a lack of quality striking options.

The 2nd half couldn't have started worse with Australia conceding just a few minutes into the half. At 2-0 all their hopes were sapped and the players were frustrated. Peru had their points they came for an sat back for the rest of the half, wasting time when they could. Australia continually attacked and pressed for goals but again were undone but not have a high quality striker up front. After all the talk of "a tough Australian team", they exit the Cup with a whimper.

France v Denmark

Prediction: 2-0 France (0-0)

Result: 0-0

France made 6 changes to their lineup resting Pogba and even Lloris. The first half was quite void of chances with only 1 shot on target from either side. Neither side wanted to press for a win and why would they, both only needed a point. Greizmann was awful and almost all his passes went to opposition or out of play. If you didn't know better, you'd think he was just trying to waste time.

The 2nd half Denmark pushed a little harder for a goal. No doubt hearing news Australia were 2 down settled their nerves as they realise a loss would no longer see them out of the Cup. France clearly didn't care about the game and Denmark only marginally tried. If Australia had of won their game you would feel a little hard done by, but alas they didn't so this clear agreement to take the draw by both sides effected no one.

Nigeria v Argentina

Prediction: 1-0 Argentina

Result: 2-1 Argentina

An end to end affair but with Argentina the only team creating a real goal scoring opportunities. Messi struck first with a brilliant Messi style goal to give the Argentinians the lead. Nigeria barely bothered the keeper at the other end and Argentina went into the break full of confidence.

Nigeria knowing they only needed a draw pushed hard. The game continued its end to end fashion from the first half but with both teams now creating opportunities. Nigeria finally got their equaliser thanks to a dubious penalty that could be construed as a dive. Argentina then pushed hard for the winner, and it took them all the way until the 90th minute to find it. With Rojo scoring just his 3rd international goal, and 2nd goal against Nigeria, to secure Argentina a place in the next round.

Iceland v Croatia

Prediction: 2-1 Croatia

Result: 2-1 Croatia

This game went exactly as planned. Iceland had to attack knowing only a win will keep them in the tournament which left them vulnerable on the counter. Croatia didn't look to fussed as to the result and were playing very nonchalantly. Iceland came close a number of times but the score was 0-0 at the break.

Croatia finally broke the deadlock after an error by an Icelandic defender basically gifting the ball to Croatia on the edge of the box which was calmly put away by Badelj. Iceland once again chased hard to keep themselves alive in the tournament and were gifted a penalty to equalise. However Croatia, although not really playing at 100% had enough skill and class to grab a late winner from a counter-attack and secure top spot.

Group C and D Wrap Up

AUSTRALIA v PERU             DENMARK v FRANCE

Much like Group B this is very simple. Denmark and France are in the same position as Portugal/Spain were and Australia is in Iran's position. Peru in Morcco's.

France need only a draw to secure top spot in the group and have no real reason to go for a win other than maintaining good form and momentum.

Denmark too, only need a draw to qualify 2nd in the group but with a win can top the group.

 Australia need to win and need Denmark to lose for Australia to progress. If both results are 1-0, Australia will go through on goals scored, if the result is 1-0 and 2-1 the deciding factor becomes Fair Play rules with the team with less cards going through, if that is even, the winner is simply drawn out of a hat. However if Australia win by more than one or Denmark lose by more than one Australia go through on GD.

Peru are already eliminated but being South American and very passionate they will not let Australia just have a free win. 

Australia have proven resilient and much stronger team then many people including myself gave them credit for. However they have started both their games very slow and conceded many early chances one of which was converted by Denmark last game. Peru love to come out of the blocks fast which just prove to be the Australians downfall. With the only 2 goals they have scored being Penalties it is hard to see where Australia will find the goals from. 1-1.

France and Denmark go into the game knowing a 0-0 benefits them both. It gives France top spot whilst guaranteeing Denmark a place in the next round. The may be some pre-game handshakes here. France may even decide to rest some players or give their bench players some game time. If the game was played out as it was meant to be, with France finding some attacking form against Peru, you would say they have ability to win this game cleanly. With only Eriksen to worry about from Denmark, the star studded midfield should easily boss the game. 2-0 France if they play properly, but I honestly expect a tame 0-0.

NIGERIA v ARGENTINA        ICELAND v CROATIA

The first group where all 4 teams are still in with a shout at going through. This should be interesting.

Croatia are through no matter the result today. A draw or win would guarantee top spot. They can still claim top even if they lose as long as Nigeria fail to win by enough goals to make up the GD.

Nigeria can guarantee progression with a win. A draw may also see them through however if Iceland beat Croatia the two will be on equal points. If Nigeria lose they will be jumped by Argentina.

Iceland need a win to need Nigeria to not win. This will put Iceland either equal points with Nigeria (if they draw) or Argentina (if they win). They will then be separated by GD/GS/FP/Lots.

Argentina need to win. If Iceland fail to win then Argentina go through. If Iceland also win then the 2 will be separated by GD/GS/FP/Lots.

Nigeria were awful in their first game but came to life last time against Iceland. With Croatia proving their worth against Argentina, perhaps Nigeria just looked bad against such a good team. It is do or die for the Argentinians who were put to the sword by Croatia. Messi who has already retied from international football once because of the "unfair criticism", may just do so again if his team fail to get out of the group. I think they will do enough though, despite Nigeria only need a draw, I have hope that Argentina find a way. 1-0 Argentina.

Croatia are through no matter the result and can play this game however they like. They could either rest stars for the next game or play hard to try and maintain momentum. Iceland are plucky little fighters who love the counter attack and defending to to walls of 5. It showed against Nigeria that they can';t really hold their shape when they have a lot of possession and have to chase the game but against Croatia it won't be like that. However with Iceland needing a win, if they commit to many forward it will spell disaster for them. 2-1 Croatia.

Day 9 Review

Brazil v Costa Rica

Prediction: 2-0 Brazil

Result: 2-0 Brazil

The game panned out exactly as expected. Brazil with 70% possession and Costa Rica holding on for dear life for 90 minutes. Costa Rica did have their chances but they were few and far between. I understand you are Costa Rica and they are Brazil, but after losing game 1, I thought Costa Rica should have shown more courage and attacked the game and put a not fully firing Brazil to the test.

Neymar denied what was a pretty clear penalty (imo) by VAR. It is indeed, these kinds of penalties that when consistently not given force players into diving and adding theatrics to their game in order to "convince" referees it is a foul. Neymar also once again was fouled more than 10x, the first player in history to be fouled more than 10x in back to back games at the World Cup.

Him crying at the end of the game seems like gamesmanship to me. For a guy that effectively "ran" PSG and got Unai Emery fired for not being able to control him; to say that he is crying because of the "pressure"  or the occasion seems false. He's done this before when he was with the Brazilian team and he will do it again. His PR guys no doubt have told him the only reason Ronaldo isn't liked is because he is perceived as arrogant so you must change your perception and you will by the end of your career be considered the GOAT.

With this win Brazil put their destiny in their own hands and knock Costa Rica out of the tournament.

Nigeria v Iceland

Prediction: 1-0 Iceland

Result: 2-0 Nigeria

Probably the worst 45 minutes of the tournament to watch in that first half. Neither side had a cutting edge to them and both were misplacing passes constantly in the midfield. Nigeria in fact did not have a single shot in the first half.

The 2nd half was much better from them, in fact it only took 4 minutes for Nigeria to score and after an extended break due to an injury, grabbed a 2nd. Iceland had some really good crosses but lacked any presence up front and never looked like converting the great service. Iceland had their chances and even missed penalty. This goes a ways to show that Iceland are great at counter attacking, but not so much when they have the ascendancy.

This result means that no one in this group is eliminated and it all comes down to the final day of games. It also means that barring an absolute demolition Croatia will be topping the group.

Serbia v Swizterland

Prediction: 1-0 Serbia

Result: 2-1 Switzerland

I couldn't have been more wrong heading into a game. I though both these teams would be very defensive but it was the opposite. Both sides came to win and within 10 minutes had 2 shot son goal each and Serbia managed a very early goal thanks to some questionable defending.


Serbia become the first team at the World Cup to score first and not get any points in a game but were robbed by questionable refereeing. What should have been a clear penalty and a clear use of VAR to overturn a poor decision fell on deaf ears and probably blind eyes. Much like Harry Kane for England, and many many others this World Cup, rugby tackles from Centre Backs seem to be legal from corners now.

With that win Switzerland make sure this group will go to the last game. Although Costa Rica are eliminated, anything could happen with the final 3 teams left.

The Picture Becomes Clearer

 Vs 

Brazil were quite poor in their last game and even though the Swiss were not particularly dangerous, they still managed to score against a brittle Brazilian defence. Neymar became the most fouled player in 20 years in a World Cup game and it showed; with the Brazilian complaining and rolling around instead of accepting the fact he is a target.

Brazil have so many stars in their team including the likes of Coutinho who did wonderful to score the goal. Brazil need to realise not everything needs to go through Neymar, this isn't PSG, don't let him dictate the show. Costa Rica were bright in patches but showed no real quality against a tough Serbian defence. It will be a completely difference test today for them, as they won't get any near the same amount of ball as last time.

I expect Brazil to show us much like France did and win this game comfortably. I don't think Costa Rica has the firepower to trouble this Brazilian midfield. 2-0 Brazil.

 Vs 

Iceland proved last game they weren't here on holidays, despite some of their players having to take holidays from their day jobs to play here. Well drilled defensively and not scared to take their chances, Iceland proved their team knocking out England at the EUROs was no fluke and with a win in this game can almost guarantee a round of 16 berth.

Nigeria were woeful in their game against Croatia. They could hardly string 2 passes together let alone get an actual attack constructed. They will need a much improved performance if they are any chance of breaking down an Iceland who denied Messi any goals. But with Croatia's demolition of Argentina, maybe Nigeria aren't that bad, maybe it is Croatia who are simply that good?

If both these teams play as they did last time, it would be a pretty boring affair. I think Iceland need to show they can attack teams and not just defend with 9 behind the ball and wait for counters. This Nigerian team are poor and Iceland will be out to prove themselves. 1-0 Iceland.

 Vs 

Switzerland showed their defensive fortitude last game only being broken by a Coutinho stunner. However they were extremely poor going forward and only scored due to a lack of intensity from set pieces by the Brazilian defence.

Serbia to showed how strong they are at the back by keeping a clean sheet but were never really troubled by a poor Nigeria. They also showed that always sporadic, they can create chances going forward.

This game has all the marking to be this World Cups first ever 0-0. However I think Serbia will be hungry to get the 3 points and guarantee a spot in the next round before they have to take on Brazil. 1-0 Serbia.

Day 3 Review

France v Australia

Prediction: 4-0 France

Result: 2-1 France

France almost scored within the first minute then it was downhill from there. Pogba was invisible for the majority of the game and Greizmann was wasteful. France seemed to play at a slow pace and one that will not trouble the bigger teams. They also defended very poorly and unless they increase their intensity 10-fold, they won't be making it too deep into the tournament.

Australia were defensively strong but not completely solid. They gave up big chances but scrambled well and clearly had the plan to stack the centre of the field and let France have the wings. Moments of brilliance from Kante setup the first goal (penalty), Pogba got lucky with a deflected shot for the winner.

Mile Jedinak extends his record to 15/15 penalties converted.

A point from Australia would have made them favourites to get out of the group. However with a France win, regardless of scoreline, the results and points are going as expected.

VAR proved that its not 100%, although it was 99% a penalty against Australia, one camera angle showed that Risdon touched the ball before the foul was committed which should cast doubt over the decision.

Argentina v Iceland

Prediction: 4-1 Argentina

Result: 1-1

Argentina were woeful; much like Uruguay it seemed they turned up expecting Iceland to roll over and not need to try. Very little movement from their forward players and only glimpses of brilliance from Messi. That being said, Iceland defended stoutly and were extremely dangerous on the break; mainly because Argentina's defence was shockingly awful.

It was clear Messi wanted to put his mark on the game, taking the penalty and free-kick, just like Ronaldo, but unlike him, Messi missed them both. This performance is very reminiscent of Argentina from 2014 where they performed poorly in groups but ended up with 9 points and making it all the way to the final.

With this result, surely Iceland have to become favourites to go through in 2nd place. Impressing on both attack and defence, Iceland are definitely making their first world cup ever one to remember.

Peru v Denmark

Prediction: 0-0

Result: 1-0 Denmark

Peru started the game like a team possessed, attacking with a fervor that would have you think this game would be filled with goals. Denmark defended strong but were almost lost going forward. Peru man-marked Eriksen which left Denmark leaderless and without a plan B if Eriksen wasn't bossing the game.

Peruvian Manager reaction to Cueva's penalty miss

A late missed penalty in the first half seemed to have drained Peru as they started the second half awfully. The first 15 minutes they were poor going forward and very loose at the back which gave Eriksen time and space which eventually led to a Danish goal. Peru became a different beast when Guerrerro came off the bench however Farfan missed several clear cut chances to equalise and let the game slip away.

With this win, Denmark only need to beat Australia in the next match to all but guarantee progression. Peru will now have to hope for a result against France to have any chance.

Croatia v Nigeria

Prediction: 2-2

Result: 2-0 Croatia

Both teams were fairly evenly matched in a back and forth contest that never created any real chances in the first half. Both sides passed the ball around their backlines to keep possession which is how most the 1st half was played. However when they did get forward Croatia were by far the more creative.

Nigeria unlucky to score an own-goal in the first half which should have forced them to play more open in the 2nd; but if thats how Nigeria play chasing a game, they are really lacking any attacking flair. A Game decided by an own goal and a penalty, I can't see either of these teams breaking down Iceland let alone holding Argentina.

Croatia take the drivers seat in the group with 3 points, however with Argentina up next they could certainly lose their momentum if they were to lose and Nigeria unlock Iceland. Unlikely though if Nigeria play like they did today.

Game 8: Republic of Croatia v Federal Republic of Nigeria

Our first Republic v Republic matchup, this one will almost decide who finishes 2nd in this group.

Croatia (The Blazers) are ranked 20th in the world which isn't bad for a Country that failed to qualify automatically. Croatia had the honor of finishing 2nd below Iceland in their group which forced them into a playoff against Greece. They dispatched Greece 4-1 in the first leg and in so doing, calmed the nerves of a nation.

Croatia has only been a Republic for a couple decades now and so it is impressive that there very first World Cup as a republic (1998) they finished 3rd. However since that amazing tournament, they haven't done much more then make up the numbers. Having been knocked out in the group in 02, 06 and 14 and not qualifying in 2010, Croatia have had a rough go on the World Stage.

They performed well in the EUROS topping a group that contained Spain and took Portugal to extra time in the round of 16 before being beaten. They are a relatively young side with the majority of players below 25. Lead by Modric and Mandzukic this team can put up a fight against most teams but seem to falter when it counts.

Nigeria (Super Eagles) have been a mainstay of World Cups for a while now despite only being ranked 48th; the only World Cup they have missed since 1994 was the 2006 World Cup.

Amazingly Nigeria, who were 2013 African Champions, failed to qualify for both the 2015 and 2017 tournaments.

Nigeria have the honor this year of being dubbed the team with the best kit, with their kit being sold out worldwide within a week of launch. Still being led by old guard John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses, Nigeria's talent pool of late has shrunk somewhat. The majority of their players still feature in the Premier League in England however their star players are no longer setting the world on fire.

Nigeria have however, struggled lately in almost all their warm up games including a 4-0 loss to fellow African minnows Morocco.Although they did well in Brazil, they had a relatively easier group back then.

Both these teams are shadows of their former selves with neither of them expected to do much this tournament. However with Iceland in the group, both will like their chances of progressing. I expect both these teams to go for the win but defensive lapses will cost them. 2-2.