We’re only in the fifth day of the exciting World Cup tournament and I think we can all say, the enthusiasm continues to grow by each game. Now, if you haven’t had the chance to get a closer look into all that’s been happening on the global stage, I’ll catch you up on everything! In the past 5 days, we’ve seen eleven matches with national teams going head-to-head. The preparedness, robustness, energy, and pride exhibited by each country’s player have been simply admirable. Let’s dive right in:
Russia vs. Saudi Arabia
Hosts Russia were quick to carry on the decades-old unbroken tradition in World Cup history: that the hosts always win the opening match. They made the perfect start to the 21st World Cup on 14th June when they soundly beat their opponents Saudi Arabia 5-0. This score is the second highest win ever recorded in an Opening Match. Yury Gazinsky scored the Sbornaya’s first goal in the first half and Denis Cheryshev doubled the team’s advantage before halftime. The second half was filled with goalscoring as Cheryshev, Artem Dzyuba, and Alexsandr Golovin each scored. It was an incredible match that set the ball rolling.
Egypt vs. Uruguay
For the first time since 1970, Uruguay won their match at the World Cup against Egypt. José Giménez scored the winning goal in the 90th minute. The Pharaohs in spite of much expectation from their country and fans lost 0-1. The team’s star Mohamed Salah was on the bench throughout, and we can’t help but wonder, might Egypt have won their opening match if he had played?
Portugal vs. Spain
Did you know that Portugal has lost only one of their last nine World Cup group games? Clearly, this match against was not going to be their second, as the game ended in a 3-3 draw with Spain. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo continued to show his brilliance, earning his team three goals. He is the first player in history to score in eight consecutive tournaments in 2006, 2010, 2014, and now 2018.
France vs. Australia
France scored following a penalty that resulted from VAR view. It was quite noticeable that star players Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba, and Antoine Griezmann didn’t capitalize on their chances throughout the match. The match ended in a 2-1 win for France.
Argentina vs. Iceland
This was Iceland’s first ever World Cup game. Argentina, who aren’t strangers to the global arena, failed to win their opening match since 1990 when they lost to Cameroon. In the 19th minute, Argentina striker Sergio Aguero scored his first goal at the World Cup. In the 23rd minute, Iceland equalized the scores with a goal by Alfreð Finnbogason, the first by the nation ever at the World Cup! The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Germany vs. Mexico
Germany, the 2014 World Cup champions, lost 0-1 to Mexico, marking this the second time they lost in the opening match at the World Cup (the last being against Algeria in 1982). Mexico won their opening match for the fifth time in their last six tournaments. Mexico’s Hirving Lozano put up a great defense against Germany and scored the winning goal in the 35th minute.
Brazil vs. Switzerland
Brazil held to a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their opening match. Brazil knew this opening match wouldn’t be an easy one, especially with a disciplined and physical Switzerland side that habitually beat its opponents in the opening match. Brazil’s Philippe Coutinho scored a stunning goal in the 20th minute and Switzerland’s Steven Zuber equalized it in the 50th minute. The match was simply astounding.
Make sure you stay tuned for more on the World Cup!