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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Day 8 Review

Australia v Denmark

Prediction: 0-0

Result: 1-1

Australia once again started the game poorly and were under the pump for the first 10 minutes. Eriksen capitalised as he did in the small 10-minute window against Peru to give Denmark the lead. Australia then had to chase the game which Denmark showed against Peru, they hate playing against an enthusiastic and hungry midfield. A questionable VAR penalty and Jedinak scores his 16th straight penalty to give Australia the equaliser.


Denmark were against strong for the opening 5 minutes of the 2nd half but Australia showed more hunger and determination. Arzani coming on transformed the game as Denmark couldn't handle 2 nimble wingers. But as I said prematch, Australia have no goal scorer and now with Nabout out injured and Van Marwijk's refusal to use Cahill, they have even fewer goal scorers at their disposal.


With 4 points Denmark go into the final game knowing another draw will see them through. Australia have no choice but to attack Peru in the next game but again, lacking goals with their last 4 competitive international goals being Jedinak penalties, I don't like their odds.

France v Peru

Prediction: 2-0 Peru

Result: 1-0 France

M'bappe becomes the youngest ever French goal scorer at a major tournament. The first half was end to end with both teams having good chances. Peru tore France apart and should have scored through Guerrerro who shot the ball at Lloris. Less than 10 minutes later Mbappe jumps onto a deflected shot and taps in the go ahead goal.

France were much better defensively this game and with Giroud up front had a better structure to their attacks. Peru once again toiled and worked hard and attacked a lot but with no real penetration in the 2nd half. The closest they came was a shot that hit the bar.


Peru are now out and with nothing to play for other than pride, it will be interesting to see how they fair against Australia. France now through to the round of 16, only need a draw in their final game to wrap up top spot.

Argentina v Croatia

Prediction: 2-1 Croatia

Result: 3-0 Crotaia

Argentina struggled in qualifying, people said its ok they will turn it around at the tournament. They struggled against Iceland, people said its ok they are a very defensive team hard to break down. Now they get utterly picked apart by Croatia. 0-0 at half-time in what was an end-to-end game it was a fairly even affair.

An early second half blunder by the keeper miskicking he ball and setting up a wonderful volley for Rebic. Argentina then had to attack the game pulling the CDMs and WBs up the field which left more space in behind for through balls. They were woeful defensively and once they went a goal down, never looked like getting back in the game. Messi went missing when his team needed him the most, once again casting doubt over whether he can truly be considered the "greatest of all time".

With the 3 points, Croatia are through to the knockout stage while Argentina sit on 1 point after 2 games and have a game against Nigeria on the final day. If Iceland pick up all 3 points against the Africans tomorrow you have to say, Argentina look like they will be going home no matter what they manage against Nigeria.

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.

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.