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.

Review Day 1

My Prediction: 2-1 Russia. Result: 5-0 Russia. 😳

The one and only game of the day, the mighty Russia v the woeful Saudi Arabia. There were a lot of question marks pre-kickoff about how strong Russia really is, with no qualifying campaign it becomes tough to judge a team in the lead up and honestly, I was not impressed.

The game turned out how I expected for the most part. You could definitely tell it was the 2 lowest ranked countries at the World Cup doing battle.
Russia were disciplined, kept their formation but were sloppy with their passes and had no real midfield presence.
The Saudi's were just awful in defence and I am extremely surprised to see they had 80% pass completion when it seemed every 3rd pass went astray.

You could see in the first 15 minutes that Saudi were nervous and all over the place defensively. Almost no one in the defence held their shape and it seemed their wingbacks had no clue what their role was on defence. Conceding the goal compounded matters.
Early in the second half the Saudi's had a chance to make the game 2-1 and kick-start the fight back but missed what was frankly a free goal and when they capitulated for a 3rd goal, all fight left them.

Although Saudi dominated possession and passing, there was no penetration. Russia played very deep knowing they had an aging slow backline and although were exposed once or twice remained cool for the majority of the game.

A final score of 5-0 is extremely flattering for Russia, I think 3-0 would have been the "fair" result. Russia didn't impress, but Saudi Arabia sure did disappoint. With Uruguay their next opponents, i fear for what will happen to the Arabians when they play next. Russia get a huge morale boost ahead of a crucial game against Egypt that will in all likelihood decide who finishes 2nd in the group.

Game 1: Russian Federation v Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

So why not just say Russia v Saudi Arabia. Well I was curious as to why Saudi's acronym was KSA and upon looking it up, decided to look up Russia's "real name" and voila.

Russia were formerly an extremely formidable force in world football who have fallen upon tough times of late. Gone are the days when CSKA Moscow would be full of promising young Russians making their name by beating strong opponents in the champions league.
The only reason they are here (arguably) is because they are Hosts. With teams such as Italy and The Netherlands not making it this year, its hard not to argue that one of them, and not Russia, would be at the World Cup had a European nation not hosted.
In 2014, Russia were ranked 19th, just 4 years later they are now ranked 70th. Nowadays there are almost no Russians playing in leagues across the globe with only 2 players in their squad playing outside of the Russian League. This could be a double edged sword. It will prove useful as none of them should need to "acclimatise" to the conditions, however it also means the players will have similar strengths and weaknesses developed from playing their league football.

Russia's recent record in internationals both tournaments and friendlies is rather woeful with current manager Stanislav Cherchesov only boasting a 26% winrate from 19 matches; most of which were unimpressive wins against mediocre teams.
2014 World Cup they only got 2 points in the group stage and were knocked out. Losing to Belgium 1-0 and drawing 1-1 with both South Korea and Algeria.
2016 EUROS they only obtained 1 point (from 1-1 with England) and again were knocked out in group stage.
Russia has never made it out of the group stage of a World Cup.*

Saudi Arabia (the Green Falcons) is a team I know fairly well, being an Australian I have watched my team face them many times as well as watched them play against other Nations too. Much like Russia, this team was fairly strong in their region during the 90's and 2000's but have fallen down somewhat. They were once the "unstoppable Kings of Asia" winning the 84, 88 and 96 Asian Cups and coming second in 92.
However this proud nation has failed to qualify for the last 2 world cups and are making the first appearance since 2006. They have also fallen in Asia too, going from 3 time champions to being knocked out in group stage of the Asian Cup in 3 of the past 4 tournaments.

The team itself is filled with very competent players who can play some very nice football when it comes down to it. Saudi Arabia love to counter attack against strong opposition and have very pacey forwards and good midfielders. However these forwards are now pushing into their 30's and not quite as quick as they used to be. Where they really struggle is defensively as they are not a very physical side and can be bullied off the ball rather easily.
They pride themselves on being able to run teams off the park with a lot of their goals coming in the later stages of games. This works a treat when they play at home in 40°C weather. They have a strong home record even in friendlies but have a rather atrocious away record filled with draws to weaker opposition.

Much like Russia, the majority of the team are based inside their mother country; in fact 16 of the 23 man squad are from just 2 clubs. Only 3 players play outside of Saudi Arabia, however they are only on loan to Spanish teams and are just used as squad players with all 3 of them combined only being capped 3 times in Spanish football. With this in mind, I find it difficult to see how a team that uses the heat to beat its opponents can fair in Russian Summer conditions.

Both teams have a history of strength but have fallen on tough times. With both national teams boasting players mainly from their national leagues, it is one of the few games that truly has a Nation v Nation feeling.
World Cup history is on Russia's side with the Host nation never losing the opening game of a tournament. I'm tempted to say 1-1, but with Saudi Arabia's awful away record, I will call it, 2-1 for Mother Russia. May Putin smile on us all.

* Pre-1990, Russia were the Soviet Union, who have made it as far as the Semi-Finals in 1966, finishing 4th.