FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH (UPDATES)

 

HIGHLIGHTS (4 MATCHES)

Australia VS Tunisia

After losing their opening game against France, Australia sparked their world cup campaign to life after defeating Tunisia for 1-0. The socceroos seemed to have been determined from the first minute that they are going to win it. After making Tunisia play at their own half for the first quarter of the match at the 23^rd minute Craig Goodwin’s left wing cross took a deflection before finding Mitchell Duke who showed brilliance by making the last moment adjustment to align himself according to the deflection and finding the back of the net with a perfect header. Tunisia improved after the break but struggled to break down a resolute Australia who now lies second in Group D with three points ahead of France's clash with Denmark on Saturday afternoon, while Tunisia are bottom with just one point and zero goals.

Poland VS Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Arabian team was high on confidence coming into the game because of their famous win over Argentina but the Polish players had different plans. In the 39^th minute Piotr Zielenski brought the lead for Poland after a chaos in the Saudi Arabian box. As the match progressed there were some really great and genuine scoring chances created by both teams specially when Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty after Video review they missed their biggest opportunity to equalize as the Polish goalkeeper denied them to score and after all that drama in the 82^nd minute the 34 year Barcelona striker, Robert Lewandowski broke down into tears after finally scoring his first goal in his 5^th world cup game. Poland's victory was sealed late on as Lewandowski capitalised on Abdulellah Al-Malki's mistake to score and leave Poland needing just a draw in their final game against Argentina on Wednesday to qualify for the last 16.Meanwhile Saudi Arabia, who failed to follow up their shock opening victory against Argentina, still have the chance to progress to the knockout stages in their final match against Mexico.

France VS Denmark

Kylian Mbappe finally put France in front almost exactly at the hour mark after the champions sent in waves of attacks at the Danish defence but were unable to find a way through. However, Denmark found the equaliser just minutes later, with Andreas Christensen heading in a corner at the near post. Mbappe then scored his second late in the second half and France held on to become the first team to go through to the Round of 16 in this World Cup.

Argentina VS Mexico

The pre tournament favourites Argentina are up and running again after a 2-0 win over to keep their World Cup campaign alive. After being stunned by Saudi Arabia in the first game they knew that this is the do or die match for them at the Lusail Stadium against Mexico and were unable to break the shackles in the first half but in the second half it was a different Argentina was on the field led by the Genius Lionel Messi and in the 64^th minute the magical left foot came in action as Messi produced yet another amazing goal to take the lead and in the 87^th minute the young substitute Enzo Fernandez scored the second won to seal it.

UPCOMING MATCH PREVIEW ( 4 MATCHES)

Japan VS Costa Rica

The Samurai Blue are second in Group E, while Los Ticos are at the bottom. Japan and Costa Rica have been sailing on very different boats so far in the tournament. On their opening match day, Costa Rica suffered a humiliating 0-7 loss to Spain, while Japan beat Germany. As things stand, Japan are in the driving seat and will hope to nail Costa Rica down and make a strong case for FIFA World Cup 2022 knockouts. The Samurai Blues showed great grit and determination after going down against Germany in the first half to make an exhilarating comeback in the second half. They are a real threat to any team because of their great character. Even though Costa Rica has come from humiliation, they can certainly turn things around.

Belgium VS Morocco

Belgium and Morocco meet in a fascinating Group F matchup that will shape the standings moving forward, with both teams eyeing a knockout-stage spot.The Red Devils managed to escape their opener against Canada with all three points, somehow not conceding under constant threat from their North American opponents. They now have an inside track towards the group lead but will still need to fend off all behind them.Morocco managed a point against 2018 runners-up Croatia in their opener, locking down Luka Modric and company to keep them out of the net. Yet the African side provided almost no attacking threat in the other direction, with star full-back Achraf Hakimi unable to push forward and winger Hakim Ziyech contributing very little himself.Both sides will not only want to gain points but prove they are worthy of a Round of 16 place amidst a group full of contenders.

Croatia VS Canada

The runners-up from the previous World Cup did not get off to the start they wanted. Croatia faces a spirited Canada side in their second FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage game on Monday. The Vatreni were held to a goalless draw by Morocco in their opening fixture, while The Reds succumbed to the Red Devils of Belgium in a 1-0 loss. John Herdman’s men produced a very brave display against European heavyweights Belgium on Wednesday. His side outshot the 2018 bronze medalists 22 to nine but were left to rue Alphonso Davies’ first-half penalty miss in a bitter 1-0 defeat. Canada were very active in the final third, constantly searching for holes in the rivaling defense.

Spain VS Germany

Spain‘s savagery was on display in the 7-1 thrashing of Costa Rica, as the side showed how much power they possess when given a tiny opportunity of controlling the match. Many believed Spain’s dominance was due to Costa Rica, but La Roja’s actual test will come against the 2014 World Cup champions, Germany. However, Spain is a markedly better team under Luis Enrique and could derail Germany’s World Cup hopes.Germany are facing yet another World Cup group-stage exit, suffering another shocking setback to an Asian team, similar to how they were eliminated from the 2018 World Cup after losing 2-0 to South Korea. Instability has taken over the team, and the match against Spain will be the best opportunity to recover it.

After these four matches it will be more clear that who advances to the elimination round and whose world cup hopes will fade away. Stay tuned for all the action. Thanks for reading.