As the 2018 FIFA World Cup group stages came to a close, there was still all to play for in Group F as all 4 sides still had the chance progress to the last 16 stage. Mexico sat top of the group and as long as they avoided a heavy...
It was a heartbreaking loss for Japan against Belgium. After being 2-0 up and playing dangerously, they got defeated at the very end of the match. Belgium managed to overcome the deficit with an equalising goal from Marouane Fellaini. Then Japan fought for the victory, but that was a kamikaze...
After several of the bigger teams have exited the competition, Brazil are now the bookies joint favourites (along with France), after looking pretty impressive in their games so far - despite a slight blip in the opening game against Switzerland. They’ll be looking to pick up a bit of momentum...
Two major winner candidate met in the last round of the group stages. England faced with the Belgian golden generation, and the Three Lions defeated 0-1 by Belgium. Let’s see how! As I wrote in my preview on Belgium before the tournament started, the group G will mostly about the...
Few expected 2018 World Cup hosts Russia to make it out of the group stage of their own tournament, so when they were drawn against Group B winners Spain most predicted a Spanish victory. However, Stanislav Cherchesov’s side pulled off one of the greatest upsets in a surprise-filled competition, earning...
After the unexpected elimination of Spain, Croatia and Denmark both had the opportunity to reach quarter-finals and lay the foundation of a historical World Cup success. Both nations were able to reach quarter-finals in 1998 for the only time. Whereas the Danish squad lost their quarter-final, the Croatians went on...
France and Denmark entered their World Cup group stage clash knowing full well that a draw would send them both through to the knockout rounds. This knowledge manifested itself into an uninspiring game that has since been widely accepted as the worst of the tournament, as well as the competition’s...
Germany went into their final World Cup Group F game against South Korea in the knowledge that victory would almost certainly seal their place in the second round. After defeat to Mexico, their late win over Sweden gave hope that Joachim Low’s side were on their way back to something...
France versus Argentina was a meeting of traditional international heavyweights, and it did not disappoint in terms of brilliant moments and goals. The two sides traded blows for much of the match, though both were let down by poor attacking plans. Ultimately, Didier Deschamps’ France were able to overcome their...
Uruguay reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018 by beating European champions Portugal 2-1 thanks to an Edinson Cavani brace. The performance was typical of what we've come to expect from Uruguay during Oscar Tabarez tenure; a solid defence, a hard-working midfield and two world-class strikers which combined...
Despite the fact that there are many spectacular players in the attacking department of the Brazil team - like Neymar or Coutinho - Paulinho and Thiago Silva scored in the last match when Brazil faced with Serbia. In the last round of the group stages Serbia still had chances to...
A remarkably high amount of the goals scored during the World Cup so far have been scored from set-piece situations. Being extremely careful not to concede goals from corners and free-kicks by having most of the players defending the set piece would be a reasonable reaction. Not for Juan Carlos...
Cristiano Ronaldo has been the face of Portugal for more than a decade. The 5-time Ballon d'Or winner has progressed to a more finishing role by emerging from a right winger to a striker excelling in deeper positions and in the penalty area. Over time, his defensive and creative duties have...
Croatia’s surprising 3-0 win over Argentina put the Albiceleste in the verge of a shocking group stage elimination after just two games played in FIFA World Cup and highlighted the troubles of Lionel Messi’s side. First and foremost, Argentina looked as a team poor in talent. They lack top players...
After Switzerland surprisingly was able to gain one point against Brazil they were also capable of beating Serbia in their second game. Against Costa Rica, they wanted to advance to the next round. Due to the loss of Serbia against Brazil, the draw against Costa Rica was enough for Switzerland....
On Tuesday night, knockout stage-hopefuls Iceland tried their luck against Group D leaders Croatia. Unfortunately for Heimir Hallgrímsson's side, a Gylfi Sigurðsson penalty wasn't enough to secure a victory for the smallest country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Croatia's Ivan Perišić and Milan Badelj scored a goal each to...
"It's only Panama" a phrase repeated often in bars and living rooms across the World after England registered a 6-1 win against Panama in their second group game at the World Cup in Russia. I think we have to accept that there is some merit in that statement, yes the...
A first versus second clash in Group H pitted surprise table-toppers Japan against Senegal, second-placed only on yellow card count. Both sides caused a bit of a stir with their opening game wins over Group H favourites Columbia and Poland and knew that winning Sunday’s game in Ekaterinburg would all...
With so many ties arising at the group stage of Russia 2018, the battle between Spain, Portugal, and Iran seemed to be the deadliest. Iran’s top class defence and resilience against the star teams have already made the group B the ‘Group of Death’ of FIFA World Cup 2018. As...
Both teams went into the match wanting a win to win the group - Russia have so far looked impressive, scoring 8 goals in their opening 2 games, whilst Uruguay have struggled for goals recording a 1-0 win in both of their group games - although their defensive record has...
