AHFA 2020 World Cup
- Thread starter Baconheimer
- Start date
El Heraldo de Acapulco
Wales signs their pass to the second round
The Dragons will now face France
Wales signs their pass to the second round
The Dragons will now face France
After a shaky start, a defeat and a draw, he Welsh team completed their comeback in this World Cup and punched their ticket to the second round with their convincing victory against a soulless Novorossiyan team, who will go back home with 4 defeats and only 1 goal scored.
The squad commanded by Maredudd Coleman jumped to the pitch with the knowledge that a victory by any score would be enough to jump ahead Transylvania in the standings and join Sao Paulo as the second qualified team of Group E, while the Bears wanted to close their participation with a good game.
With this in mind, the Dragons didn’t waste any time and began to relentlessly bombard the rival goal, not giving their foes a single second of respite. Whether Bale, Lingard, Ramsey or even the Welsh defenders, Ivanov and company had to keep turning their head all around the box just to know where the attacks were coming from.
The first goal of the night came after Havryluk tackled Lingard inside the box, who then proceeded to grab the ball and take the penalty shot himself, completely fooling Ivanov and scoring his second goal of the tournament in the process.
The rest of the first half followed the same recipe as the first eighteen minutes: Welsh players swarming the Novorossiyan side of the field, while their foes tried to put on an unified defense and avoid another embarrassment such as the one against Sao Paulo.
However, some plans don’t work despite all the hard work put into them and just nine minutes into the second half, the Dragons found their way to the back of the Novorossiyan net for the second time in the day, as Ben Llosgcoed, who had just entered the match for Ramsey, took a powerful shot which, unlucky for the goalkeeper, bounced just before reaching the goal, lodging itself in the back of the net.
After the second goal, Novorossiya began to focus on not allowing more goals, as they saw the writing on the wall and knew that the time for a draw, not even a victory, was long gone and the best course of action was to hold the current score. Once again, their plan didn’t work and after a corner kick by Gareth Bale, Harri Williams headed the ball for the third Welsh goal, sealing the victory for his team.
After this match, Acapulco says goodbye to the World Cup, as the Libertadores Stadium won’t host any further games. Locals and tourists alike will now enjoy this wonderful summer in one of the many first class resorts nested around the Acapulco Bay, while Wales will play against the French National Union next Tuesday July 7, at the Centennial Field in the Pearl of the West, Guadalajara.
Lineups
Novorossiya: Ivanov, Havrylyuk, Krupin, Zima, Gavrilyuk, Holub, Vasilev, Viktorov, Borysov, Lagunov, Sokolovsky
Wales: Hydd, Roberts, Williams, Keane, Dyfed, Iago (Williams, 67’), Ramsey (Llosgcoed, 52’), Alle, Lingard, Bale
Goals
0-1 Lingard, 18’
0-2 Llosgcoed, 52’
0-3 Williams, H., 74’
Yellow cards
None
Red cards
None
East Africa qualify as they lock down Macedonia in a 0-0 draw
The decisive match between the two nations for the last spot in the Round of 16 yielded little result in the end. East Africa needed a draw or a win to advance, while Macedonia needed a win, even by a short margin. East Africa knew this and as a result kept the ball in their corner of the field, never really trying to attack.
Macedonia did try their best to counter the false rythym installed by the East Africans, with Marjan Dardan handing Zoran Kuber a lovely cross after 22 minutes of play that was unfortunately intercepted before it reached the goal. The Macedonian striker didn't stop there, narrowly missing a free-kick at the 71st minute.
However, despite a good possession of the ball in the second half, Macedonia could not break the East African defense, who went into full Cattenacio as instructed by East African and ex-AS Roma coach Francis Kimanzi. Despite jeers and whistles from the crowd of San Cristobal Field, the East Africans stuck to their guns and let nothing through. Coach Kimanzi was quoted to say this after the game "It doesn't matter how we did it, we qualified, that's the important bit. How you do it is irrelevant."
As the East Africans went on to their first Round of 16 appearance of their history, the Macedonians were heavily disappointed. Star player Marjan Dardan explained his frustration: "It really sucks. We did everything we could but they wouldn't let us past. They played not to lose, and it's a really shameful way of advancing honestly." His teammate Jovan Attikaski wasn't as mannered as him: "Those (redacted) really don't deserve to advance. If you're going to play like (redacted) (redacted) you might as well just not show up or go shove (redacted) up your (redacted). They can go (redacted) themselves."
Celebrations were in full swing in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam as East Africa advanced. Interrogated as to whether or not they were happy with their teams' performance, the East Africans just cared about qualifying to a historic Round of 16, where they will meet Group E winners Sao Paulo.
East Africa 0 - 0 Macedonia
Man of the Match: Marjan Dardan (Macedonia)
Siberia gets a last victory against The Philippines
Timofey saves Siberia from embarrassmentToday group F at the AHFA World Cup came to an end as Siberia played the Philippines in a match for the 4th place in the group. This match was not very anticipated though. Prior to the game, the teams had a collective record of 1-11, making it one of the lowest quality matches of the tournament.
The match had very few chances and the Philippines was the only team to make an effort in scoring the the first half. However they failed as the Siberian defense was very much on point in the game. The first half ended goalless with the Philippines having 57% possession,
In the second half however, Siberia came out significantly stronger and was now competitive for the first time in the tournament, keeping the ball on the final third for long periods of time. They still failed to create good chances though, as both teams now mainly tried to prevent the other from scoring in fear of finishing with 0 points.
This would eventually fail for the Philippines, as Siberian Anatoly Timofey scored in the latter half of the second half, hitting a long shot that would be deflected in by the post. This would be the only goal of the match, and of the tournament for Siberia.
The last few minutes of the match was a purely defensive affair for Siberia as the Philippines desperately tried, but failed to equalize. As such the Philippines finish with 0 points while Siberia end up with a very narrow 4th place. Meanwhile, East Africa advanced on goal difference with a 0-0 result against Macedonia. They will advance from group F along with France.
Timofey saves Siberia from embarrassment
The match had very few chances and the Philippines was the only team to make an effort in scoring the the first half. However they failed as the Siberian defense was very much on point in the game. The first half ended goalless with the Philippines having 57% possession,
In the second half however, Siberia came out significantly stronger and was now competitive for the first time in the tournament, keeping the ball on the final third for long periods of time. They still failed to create good chances though, as both teams now mainly tried to prevent the other from scoring in fear of finishing with 0 points.
This would eventually fail for the Philippines, as Siberian Anatoly Timofey scored in the latter half of the second half, hitting a long shot that would be deflected in by the post. This would be the only goal of the match, and of the tournament for Siberia.
The last few minutes of the match was a purely defensive affair for Siberia as the Philippines desperately tried, but failed to equalize. As such the Philippines finish with 0 points while Siberia end up with a very narrow 4th place. Meanwhile, East Africa advanced on goal difference with a 0-0 result against Macedonia. They will advance from group F along with France.
Philippines 0-1 Siberia
Timofey 78'
Last edited:
from pilkarski.mm
Duchy of Milan
Coach: Roberto Donadoni
Lineup:
Andrea Consigli
Mattia De Sciglio (29' Cristiano Biraghi)
Francesco Acerbi
Mattia Caldara
Davide Calabria
Sandro Tonali
Roberto Gagliardini (45' Marco Parolo)
Manolo Gabbiadini
Patrick Cutrone
Kevin Lasagna (69' Alessandro Matri)
Andrea Belotti
Turkestan:
Coach: Vadim Abramov
Lineup:
Stas Pokatilov
Nuralı Ălip
Valery Kichin
Yehor Krimets
Arslanmırat Amanulı
Bauırjan Erbosınulı
Güljigit Alıkunulı
(75' Aşur Arslanulı) Batur Ötkür
(51' Forhod Firaydunulı) Vitaly Lux
(88' Vahıd Orazsahedulı) Abai Aibekulı
Şahrom Samulı
Coach: Vadim Abramov
Lineup:
Stas Pokatilov
Nuralı Ălip
Valery Kichin
Yehor Krimets
Arslanmırat Amanulı
Bauırjan Erbosınulı
Güljigit Alıkunulı
(75' Aşur Arslanulı) Batur Ötkür
(51' Forhod Firaydunulı) Vitaly Lux
(88' Vahıd Orazsahedulı) Abai Aibekulı
Şahrom Samulı
Milan 0 - 4 Turkestan
Goals: 0-1 Batur Ötkür (10')
0-2 Şahrom Samulı (24')
0-3 Arslanmırat Amanulı (38')
0-4 Batur Ötkür (74')
Referee: Habib Kimathi (East Africa) - Grade B-:
A free kick for Turkestan would have been correct (82', foul by Parolo) instead of booking Arsnalulı for diving. Otherwise, no mistakes - correct to disallow Cutrone's goal (45+1') and to book both Tonali and Firaydunulı (66').
Milan had to win this match if they wanted to come even close to keeping up with the United Neutral Team and secure their advance, while Turkestan also had at least a theoretical chance at advancing - if they win this match by many goals and New Holland does not win against the Great Lakes Republic.
And, after ten minutes of little action in front of either goal, it was becoming clearer and clearer that Turkestan would get the upper hand - Milan couldn't deal with the Golden Eagles' fast and domineering counter-attacks. At first it was Milan who was in control, with an attempt by Cutrone after having recieved the ball from the centre-right from Gabbiadini saved by Pokatilov (5').
A counterattack was launched by Turkestan when Amanulı won the ball from Kevin Lasagna. Quickly, Amanulı passed out onto the wing of Batur Ötkür, who ran far faster than de Sciglio - and it was Francesco Acerbi who stopped him. Unfairly so, by taking Ötkür out. Rightfully, a free kick for Turkestan was awarded. 27 metres from goal, in a right-wing (close to centre-right though) position. Milan prepared, but only for an indirect free kick. Instad, Batur Ötkür took it directly, and with a lot of spin.. Both the wall and Consigli were woefully unprepared, and Consigli was too far out of goal! Thus, it found the back of the net in the centre of the goal! 0-1 Batur Ötkür (10')!
A clear mistake by Consigli, but the defence also should have been prepared - after all, in his club Lazkiyespor, Batur Ötkür is well known for taking audacious direct free kicks.
Milan's self-confidence had taken a visible knock, and it now was Turkestan dominating the game. The defence of the Donadoni side was in shambles and their actions were more haphazard now as the tactical plans had gone out the window. Şahrom Samulı's attempt - Caldara had left him free to shoot - could barely be saved by Consigli (18'), with the followup by Aibekulı narrowly missing the target.
It was nearly the exact same piece of play, minutes later. Güljigit Alıkunulı ran through the centre, playing a one-two with Amanulı, unguarded by de Sciglio. Abai Aibekulı had freed himself from Acerbi - and took a shot directly! Consigli saved, but could only save the ball a few metres away into the middle, directly in front of Şahrom Samulı! And he easily found the back of the net, no chance for Consigli! 0-2 Şahrom Samulı (24')!
Milan's coach Donadoni reacted, unusually early. Mattia De Sciglio, without anything achieved so far, was replaced by first-choice left back Cristiano Biraghi. And indeed, defensive play and pressing became at least a bit more structured as Amanulı and Ötkür could no longer run to the touchline unhindered.
And it even seemed like the attacking department of the Vipers was to come into play as, after a combination over Calabria, Caldara, Gagliardini and Lasagna, the ball reached Belotti. His shot was quite weak, though, and easily saved by Pokatilov (32'). A Gabbiadini attempt from a central position 24 metres out was more dangerous, but a slight deflection by Nuralı Ălip kept the clean sheet intact and the ball went out for a corner, which was safely picked up by Pokatilov.
But of course, Turkestan still had much more ball possession - and, though the Vipers' defence was quite a bit more stable, Batur Ötkür once again managed to outrun Cristiano Biraghi. His attempt at a cross into the middle, where Şahrom Samulı was prepared, was parried away by Consigli, but the ball landed with Arslanmırat Amanulı who took an excellent volley shot! With a lot of power, he found the back of the net! No chance for Consigli to save that, and a beautiful goal to boot! 0-3 Arslanmırat Amanulı (38')!
Milan was no longer shocked and the Vipers did not give up, even after conceding their third goal. And before half-time, several more attempts on goal could be seen. While Gabbiadini from a distance (39') missed the target by far and Cutrone's header was saved by Pokatilov (42'), the first complete piece of play started soon after. Acting as a right winger, Kevin Lasagna recieved the ball from Sandro Tonali, won the duel against Bauırjan Erbosınulı and Nuralı Ălip. He passed back to Manolo Gabbiadini, who passed to Patrick Cutrone just before the goal, somewhat to the left! And Cutrone nutmegged Pokatilov (45+1')! Hope returned and Kimathi allowed the goal! 1-3
But the VAR contacted him. Only after several minutes of reviewing the pictures, Kimathi returned to the field - and disallows the goal! Cutrone was minimally offside with his knee and left foot at the moment of the pass by Gabbiadini! Still 0-3 for Turkestan!
Not much happened for a long time in the second half, as Milan's hope and morale had taken a hefty knock whereas Turkestan on the other side switched to five at the back (with Amanulı and Ötkür now acting somewhat more defensively) and dialing down their speed as the Abramov side felt they had a secure lead. A free kick taken by Ötkür and saved by Consigli (57'), a corner leading to a Kichin header (61'), and on the other side headers by Cutrone after a free kick taken by Tonali (56' - saved by Pokatilov) and Belotti after a corner taken by Parolo (70' - missed) were the most dangerous situations. Turkestan switching to a more defensive formation was evident when Vitaly Lux was taken off for Forhod Firaydunulı.
And then, Valery Kichin got the ball after it was picked up by Pokatilov. A very audacious high and long pass succeeded, but Aibekulı's attempt at shooting was stopped by a tackling from Caldara. Rightfully, Turkestan got a free kick on the left wing. Arslanmırat Amanulı took it, but it went into the wall, deflected by Cutrone. The wall dissolved, however, the deflection just reached Batur Ötkür who, with a powerful shot, again managed to surprise Consigli! No chance to save this shot, perfectly placed under the crossbar! 0-4 Batur Ötkür (74')!
After this fourth goal, the match was decided. Milan had no means left to even attempt to turn the tide (which was, arguably, already the case when Cutrone's goal was disallowed after half-time). Meanwhile, Turkestan just tried to defend and keep this clean sheet intact, knowing they had a real chance to advance to the knockout stage. For this, though, they depended on the Great Lakes Republic taking at least a point.
Despite their very defensive approach for the last quarter of an hour, one notable chance did occur, as a pass by Kichin reached Aşur Arslanulı, who crossed it onto the head of Şahrom Samulı. His header did hit the outsie of the post (86')!
Definitely a deserved win for Turkestan as Milan was completely overwhelmed.
Goals: 0-1 Batur Ötkür (10')
0-2 Şahrom Samulı (24')
0-3 Arslanmırat Amanulı (38')
0-4 Batur Ötkür (74')
Referee: Habib Kimathi (East Africa) - Grade B-:
A free kick for Turkestan would have been correct (82', foul by Parolo) instead of booking Arsnalulı for diving. Otherwise, no mistakes - correct to disallow Cutrone's goal (45+1') and to book both Tonali and Firaydunulı (66').
Milan had to win this match if they wanted to come even close to keeping up with the United Neutral Team and secure their advance, while Turkestan also had at least a theoretical chance at advancing - if they win this match by many goals and New Holland does not win against the Great Lakes Republic.
And, after ten minutes of little action in front of either goal, it was becoming clearer and clearer that Turkestan would get the upper hand - Milan couldn't deal with the Golden Eagles' fast and domineering counter-attacks. At first it was Milan who was in control, with an attempt by Cutrone after having recieved the ball from the centre-right from Gabbiadini saved by Pokatilov (5').
A counterattack was launched by Turkestan when Amanulı won the ball from Kevin Lasagna. Quickly, Amanulı passed out onto the wing of Batur Ötkür, who ran far faster than de Sciglio - and it was Francesco Acerbi who stopped him. Unfairly so, by taking Ötkür out. Rightfully, a free kick for Turkestan was awarded. 27 metres from goal, in a right-wing (close to centre-right though) position. Milan prepared, but only for an indirect free kick. Instad, Batur Ötkür took it directly, and with a lot of spin.. Both the wall and Consigli were woefully unprepared, and Consigli was too far out of goal! Thus, it found the back of the net in the centre of the goal! 0-1 Batur Ötkür (10')!
A clear mistake by Consigli, but the defence also should have been prepared - after all, in his club Lazkiyespor, Batur Ötkür is well known for taking audacious direct free kicks.
Milan's self-confidence had taken a visible knock, and it now was Turkestan dominating the game. The defence of the Donadoni side was in shambles and their actions were more haphazard now as the tactical plans had gone out the window. Şahrom Samulı's attempt - Caldara had left him free to shoot - could barely be saved by Consigli (18'), with the followup by Aibekulı narrowly missing the target.
It was nearly the exact same piece of play, minutes later. Güljigit Alıkunulı ran through the centre, playing a one-two with Amanulı, unguarded by de Sciglio. Abai Aibekulı had freed himself from Acerbi - and took a shot directly! Consigli saved, but could only save the ball a few metres away into the middle, directly in front of Şahrom Samulı! And he easily found the back of the net, no chance for Consigli! 0-2 Şahrom Samulı (24')!
Milan's coach Donadoni reacted, unusually early. Mattia De Sciglio, without anything achieved so far, was replaced by first-choice left back Cristiano Biraghi. And indeed, defensive play and pressing became at least a bit more structured as Amanulı and Ötkür could no longer run to the touchline unhindered.
And it even seemed like the attacking department of the Vipers was to come into play as, after a combination over Calabria, Caldara, Gagliardini and Lasagna, the ball reached Belotti. His shot was quite weak, though, and easily saved by Pokatilov (32'). A Gabbiadini attempt from a central position 24 metres out was more dangerous, but a slight deflection by Nuralı Ălip kept the clean sheet intact and the ball went out for a corner, which was safely picked up by Pokatilov.
But of course, Turkestan still had much more ball possession - and, though the Vipers' defence was quite a bit more stable, Batur Ötkür once again managed to outrun Cristiano Biraghi. His attempt at a cross into the middle, where Şahrom Samulı was prepared, was parried away by Consigli, but the ball landed with Arslanmırat Amanulı who took an excellent volley shot! With a lot of power, he found the back of the net! No chance for Consigli to save that, and a beautiful goal to boot! 0-3 Arslanmırat Amanulı (38')!
Milan was no longer shocked and the Vipers did not give up, even after conceding their third goal. And before half-time, several more attempts on goal could be seen. While Gabbiadini from a distance (39') missed the target by far and Cutrone's header was saved by Pokatilov (42'), the first complete piece of play started soon after. Acting as a right winger, Kevin Lasagna recieved the ball from Sandro Tonali, won the duel against Bauırjan Erbosınulı and Nuralı Ălip. He passed back to Manolo Gabbiadini, who passed to Patrick Cutrone just before the goal, somewhat to the left! And Cutrone nutmegged Pokatilov (45+1')! Hope returned and Kimathi allowed the goal! 1-3
But the VAR contacted him. Only after several minutes of reviewing the pictures, Kimathi returned to the field - and disallows the goal! Cutrone was minimally offside with his knee and left foot at the moment of the pass by Gabbiadini! Still 0-3 for Turkestan!
Not much happened for a long time in the second half, as Milan's hope and morale had taken a hefty knock whereas Turkestan on the other side switched to five at the back (with Amanulı and Ötkür now acting somewhat more defensively) and dialing down their speed as the Abramov side felt they had a secure lead. A free kick taken by Ötkür and saved by Consigli (57'), a corner leading to a Kichin header (61'), and on the other side headers by Cutrone after a free kick taken by Tonali (56' - saved by Pokatilov) and Belotti after a corner taken by Parolo (70' - missed) were the most dangerous situations. Turkestan switching to a more defensive formation was evident when Vitaly Lux was taken off for Forhod Firaydunulı.
And then, Valery Kichin got the ball after it was picked up by Pokatilov. A very audacious high and long pass succeeded, but Aibekulı's attempt at shooting was stopped by a tackling from Caldara. Rightfully, Turkestan got a free kick on the left wing. Arslanmırat Amanulı took it, but it went into the wall, deflected by Cutrone. The wall dissolved, however, the deflection just reached Batur Ötkür who, with a powerful shot, again managed to surprise Consigli! No chance to save this shot, perfectly placed under the crossbar! 0-4 Batur Ötkür (74')!
After this fourth goal, the match was decided. Milan had no means left to even attempt to turn the tide (which was, arguably, already the case when Cutrone's goal was disallowed after half-time). Meanwhile, Turkestan just tried to defend and keep this clean sheet intact, knowing they had a real chance to advance to the knockout stage. For this, though, they depended on the Great Lakes Republic taking at least a point.
Despite their very defensive approach for the last quarter of an hour, one notable chance did occur, as a pass by Kichin reached Aşur Arslanulı, who crossed it onto the head of Şahrom Samulı. His header did hit the outsie of the post (86')!
Definitely a deserved win for Turkestan as Milan was completely overwhelmed.
Last edited:
Nova Holanda 1 - 0 Great Lakes Republic
Goals: Leonardo do Nascimento (30")
Orange Canaries escape Group G on the final day with a fairly confident display and a brilliant free-kick, although a few missed chances mean Germany take top place.
Nova Holanda arrived in Cabo San Lucas knowing their fate was uncertain. For Lodewijk van Geel's men to qualify for the second round, they needed to beat an already-eliminated Great Lakes Republic, but also had to hope that, in Guadalajara, Milan would to lose to Turkestan by less than 3 goals. With everything on the line, the New Dutch stuck with their effective 4-3-3, and were successful in controlling the game, dominating possession and outpassing a GLR who looked out of their depths.Goals: Leonardo do Nascimento (30")
Orange Canaries escape Group G on the final day with a fairly confident display and a brilliant free-kick, although a few missed chances mean Germany take top place.
It was a blockbuster free-kick that gave Nova Holanda victory however. A 25-yard screamer from Leonardo do Nascimento, worthy of being in an ad for Adidas or Nike, blasted over the GLR wall and flew past Zach Steffen. After the match do Nascimento explained with a grin "I've been practicing for hours for that exact moment, I think the coach knew it would come in handy". It was an impressively powerful strike, but perhaps Steffen could have made a save had he been better positioned.
Nova Holanda had numerous chance to double their lead, and they will feel that, had things gone differently, they could have certainly have won today 4-0 which would have given them top spot. Paulo Taffarel broke through to a one-on-one against Steffen, only for the Fortuna Dusseldorf keeper, on loan from Manchester City, to deny Taffarel, and Romarinho de Souza Faria hit the cross bar from an unmarked header. The GLR were not exceptionally poor, but failed to threaten, and might be disappointed to not have scored to secure their what would have been their first, and only, point of the tournament. Christian Pulisic did not receive much service, and that failure to properly utilise Pulisic may perhaps have been one GLR's biggest mistakes at this tournament.
Nerves were high in the final fifteen minutes, any slip in Nova Holandan concentration and elimination would be certain. Pulisic came dangerously close in injury time as a strike from outside the box required a parry from Isac Quaresma da Silva. As the final whistle blew, news quickly came of Milan's 4-0 defeat, Nova Holanda had beaten the odds and come out with that coveted second position, while Germany will take top spot on goal difference.
Robert Bradley was bittersweet in his final press conference "I still have pride in what this team has done. They showed a lot of grit, a lot of passion. They had a tough task, I certainly don't think anyone fancied us, but we kept our heads up through everything. Thank you Mexico, congratulations Nova Holanda".
"I told my men to be calm, to be strong, but also courageous, and they showed us that today. We will bring this to our next match, I am sure of it", coach Van Geel told press after the match. His side will face a Belgian side in what will likely be a close and thrilling encounter as they play again in Cabo San Lucas.
Last edited:
from pilkarski.mm
Kingdom of VitiCoach: Alipate Kepa
Lineup:
Ivereimi Sigarara
Sunia Volavola
Inosi Qereqeretabua
Waisea Waqaniburotu
Ceodoro Voka
Akapusi Raiwalui (75' Babatisi Vosanibola)
Ceovili Nacewa
Timoci Bolawaqatabu
Osea Qera (85' Ilivasi Bainimarama)
Severo Naqelevuki (59' Alivereti Qionibaravi)
Taniela Dokoloto
Kingdom of Patagonia
Coach: Morten Rasmussen
Lineup:
Oliver Sortfjeld
Ingolf Jørgensen
Andreas Vestergaard
(73' Niklas Madsen) Elias "El" Skipper
Peter Madsen
Gunnar Rødhjort
Severin Sørensen
Arben Gjoni
(59' Simon Jensen) Oskar Haraldsen
(82' Malthe Rønshoved) Mikkel Fjorddal
Halfdan Aftenvind
Coach: Morten Rasmussen
Lineup:
Oliver Sortfjeld
Ingolf Jørgensen
Andreas Vestergaard
(73' Niklas Madsen) Elias "El" Skipper
Peter Madsen
Gunnar Rødhjort
Severin Sørensen
Arben Gjoni
(59' Simon Jensen) Oskar Haraldsen
(82' Malthe Rønshoved) Mikkel Fjorddal
Halfdan Aftenvind
Viti 2 - 2 Patagonia
Goals: 0-1 Halfdan Aftenvind (18')
1-1 Taniela Dokoloto (32')
1-2 Halfdan Aftenvind (74')
2-2 Babatisa Vosanibola (84')
Referee: Habib Azizi Kamara (Mande National Union) - Grade: B
No decisive mistakes and a good performance in a difficult, sometimes turbulent, match. It was correct not to award a penalty to Viti (37'), the penalty for Patagonia (87') was correct, as was the straight red card for Voka (87').
However, inconsistent in booking players: Booking Voka (71') was correct, Qereqeretabua (41') should have been booked, the same applies to Gjoni (63'), whereas booking Niklas Madsen (80') was quite harsh.
Both Viti and Patagonia had sent out many of their best players, however, Viti - in a daring move - rotated a little, benching Lalabalavu. Also, Bainimarama was benched, but this was considered a natural decision to make as Qereqeretabua had an excellent performance in the narrow defeat against Belgium, contrary to Lalabalavu.
And the match began with a shocker. The first pass after kick-off was a standard one backwards from Qera to Waqaniburotu. But he passed straight onto the left wing of Ceovili Nacewa, and Volavola assisted him. Indeed, Nacewa chipped the ball onto Volavola, who passed to the centre, to Osea Qera! And Qera saw that Oliver Sortfjeld was far too far out of his goal - but his excellent chip hit the post! Luck was on Patagonia's side there (1')!
This early shock awakened Patagonia, though, and they controlled play - the first time they had to do so in this World Cup. But their means isn't endless passing play or Tiki-Taka, but mainly long passes and crosses which are to result in headers, as many players in the Rasmussen side are tall. Of course, set pieces like corners and free kicks are taken into account.
And it was the Warrior's goalkeeper Sigarara who remaned in focus. Haraldsen's cross for Fjorddal (5') and a Fjorddal header after Gjoni brought in a corner (14') were some of the most dangerous attempts, but both were valiantly saved by Sigarara, who is just 1,72 m.
Little could be done, though, a few minutes later. Ceodoro Voka hindered Peter Madsen from crossing the ball into the penalty area, instead, it went out for a corner.
Arben Gjoni took the corner, with the tall Patagonian players - except, of course, for the goalkeeper - distributed around the penalty area. And Gjoni brought the corner perfectly onto the head of the 2,04 m striker Halfdan Aftenvind! Naturally, he head no problems outjumping Raiwalui and scoring! 0-1 Halfdan Aftenvind (18')!
Patagonia remained dominant, but it was speed - and thus counterattacks - where the Foxes had their weaknesses. Sigarara managed to get hold of an attempt by Oskar Haraldsen (20') and the angle for Severin Sørensen (27') was too tight, so that his shot hit the outside of the post.
Gjoni's next corner was picked up by Sigarara, and he threw the ball out to the left wing, to Sunia Volavola. And again, neither Severin Sørensen nor defender Ingolf Jørgensen were able to keep up. Volavola managed to run deep into the Foxes' half of the field, and passed to Qera. Vestergaard and Skipper, though, could not coordinate and thus, Qera managed to pass the ball into the gap, onto the foot of Taniela Dokoloto! And he had no problem scoring against Oliver Sortfjeld and putting the ball in the centre (towards the right corner though) of the goal! 1-1 Taniela Dokoloto (32')!
And with this, Viti became more active and put Patagonia under pressure earlier, not just in tor near the penalty area. Halfdan Aftenvind was closely guarded, too, and indeed, several more chances could be created before half-time - by both sides. Osea Qera took an excellent shot from a distance of 27 metres, which Jørgensen narrowly deflected out (37'). Here, the VAR was consulted, but slo-mo pictures showed that Jorgensen had used his chest - and not his hand - to clear the ball. Kamara's decision was confirmed: No penalty for Viti!
A shot attempt by Dokoloto was stopped by a tackling from Elias Skipper (41'). On the other side, Oskar Haraldsen missed the target by about two metres (42') and Aftenvind's header (45') hit the crossbar, each time after crosses from Albin Gjoni.
The half-time whistle was blown with the match being at 1-1, but Patagonia seeming dominant.
This was to change, at least to an extent. Viti and Patagonia neutralised each other early in the second half, and both played quite defensively. Not that much happened in front of either goal, but set pieces for the Foxes nearly always resulted in at least some danger. The most dangerous being by Vestergaard's header, 54' and Fjorddal's attempt from behind after Sigarara couldn't fully clear out a corner, 66'. The only somewhat dangerous attempt from Viti was seen after Bolawaqatabu outsmarted Gjoni and played an excellent pass, bringing Alivereti Qionibaravi into play, however, Qionibaravi's shot went far too high (71').
As was to be expected, it was a set piece again. Ceodoro Voka had, on the far left wing, taken down Severin Sørensen. Simon Jensen, who had come on for Oskar Haraldsen, took the free kick as the technically most gifted player. And his cross again found Halfdan Aftenvind who had broken free from Waisea Waqaniburotu! And Aftenvind's header succeeded! A quick check for an offside position showed that everything was legal here. 1-2 Halfdan Aftenvind (74')!
Now, knowing that they had to win, Alipate Kepa tried something new: He changed the tactical formation, taking off a defensive for a more offensive option in midfield. And the move did succeed. Viti showed more presence in midfield and more passes were successful.
Olivr Sortfjeld brilliantly saved a shot after Osea Qera had outwitted Elias Skipper (77'), and again, all eyes were on Sortfjeld a few minutes later.
Ceovili Nacewa, putting Severin Sørensen under pressure, won the ball back and ran forward with it, to an area half-way between the centre circle and the penalty area. He passed it to Babatisi Vosanibola, and the following one-two with Osea Qera, was one of the best pieces of play in the entire World Cup so far! Anyway, the ball ended up with Vosanibola again, within the penalty area, but too far left for a direct shot on goal. Sortfjeld could easily have taken the ball off Vosanibola. Instead, Sortfjeld stood too far right of his goal, anticipating a pass to Dokoloto, and when he reacted and tried to run to the rescue, Vosanibola had already outsmarted him! And it was no problem scoring into an empty net! 2-2 Babatisi Vosanibola (84')!
A clear mistake by Oliver Sortfjeld!
Viti needed to score another goal, but nevertheless, they switched to a 5-3-2 formation not wanting to take too much risk either. However, the Rasmussen side was clearly not giving up on taking home at least one win from this World Cup, either. First, it was Dokoloto after a pass from the centre-left by Babatisi Vosanibola who shot. Again, Sortfjeld seemed defeated already, but it was Ingolf Jørgensen on the line clearing it far out into the Foxes' half (86')!
This clearance "pass" reached Gunnar Rødhjort, who passed onto Simon Jensen. Jensen won the duel with Sunia Volavola and was now free on the right wing. His attempt to cross the ball onto Halfdan Aftenvind would have succeeded, had it not been for action by Ceodoro Voka! Immediately, Habib Azizi Kamara pointed to the spot, and a quick consultation with the VAR team showed this decision to be correct! Voka had used his arm, mainly his elbow, to "ward off" Aftenvind!
As a clear chance was taken away, this meant a straight red card for Voka and a penalty kick.
Penalties for Patagonia were the responsibility of Gunnar Rødhjort, although Aftenvind did offer to take the spotkick.
And thus it was Rødhjort against Sigarara. Rødhjort shot... too weak, too centrally! Sigarara jumped a bit to the left and saved the penalty (87')!
Neither of the teams had any attempt on goal after that, and it was clear neither team would advance.
However, the Warriors from the Kingdom of Viti - some expected them to go down in every single match with several goals to nil, or even matches against them resulting in double figures of goals (a common claim was "imagine Andorra, San Marino or the Emirate of Dagestan at a World Cup")- went home with another excellent performance, managing a win, two draws and a loss (and the loss a narrow one to Belgium, at that)! Meanwhile, Patagonia clearly underperformed - while few expected them to advance safely, Patagonia was commonly thought of as at least a dark horse. Instead, two draws were all they achieved.
Goals: 0-1 Halfdan Aftenvind (18')
1-1 Taniela Dokoloto (32')
1-2 Halfdan Aftenvind (74')
2-2 Babatisa Vosanibola (84')
Referee: Habib Azizi Kamara (Mande National Union) - Grade: B
No decisive mistakes and a good performance in a difficult, sometimes turbulent, match. It was correct not to award a penalty to Viti (37'), the penalty for Patagonia (87') was correct, as was the straight red card for Voka (87').
However, inconsistent in booking players: Booking Voka (71') was correct, Qereqeretabua (41') should have been booked, the same applies to Gjoni (63'), whereas booking Niklas Madsen (80') was quite harsh.
Both Viti and Patagonia had sent out many of their best players, however, Viti - in a daring move - rotated a little, benching Lalabalavu. Also, Bainimarama was benched, but this was considered a natural decision to make as Qereqeretabua had an excellent performance in the narrow defeat against Belgium, contrary to Lalabalavu.
And the match began with a shocker. The first pass after kick-off was a standard one backwards from Qera to Waqaniburotu. But he passed straight onto the left wing of Ceovili Nacewa, and Volavola assisted him. Indeed, Nacewa chipped the ball onto Volavola, who passed to the centre, to Osea Qera! And Qera saw that Oliver Sortfjeld was far too far out of his goal - but his excellent chip hit the post! Luck was on Patagonia's side there (1')!
This early shock awakened Patagonia, though, and they controlled play - the first time they had to do so in this World Cup. But their means isn't endless passing play or Tiki-Taka, but mainly long passes and crosses which are to result in headers, as many players in the Rasmussen side are tall. Of course, set pieces like corners and free kicks are taken into account.
And it was the Warrior's goalkeeper Sigarara who remaned in focus. Haraldsen's cross for Fjorddal (5') and a Fjorddal header after Gjoni brought in a corner (14') were some of the most dangerous attempts, but both were valiantly saved by Sigarara, who is just 1,72 m.
Little could be done, though, a few minutes later. Ceodoro Voka hindered Peter Madsen from crossing the ball into the penalty area, instead, it went out for a corner.
Arben Gjoni took the corner, with the tall Patagonian players - except, of course, for the goalkeeper - distributed around the penalty area. And Gjoni brought the corner perfectly onto the head of the 2,04 m striker Halfdan Aftenvind! Naturally, he head no problems outjumping Raiwalui and scoring! 0-1 Halfdan Aftenvind (18')!
Patagonia remained dominant, but it was speed - and thus counterattacks - where the Foxes had their weaknesses. Sigarara managed to get hold of an attempt by Oskar Haraldsen (20') and the angle for Severin Sørensen (27') was too tight, so that his shot hit the outside of the post.
Gjoni's next corner was picked up by Sigarara, and he threw the ball out to the left wing, to Sunia Volavola. And again, neither Severin Sørensen nor defender Ingolf Jørgensen were able to keep up. Volavola managed to run deep into the Foxes' half of the field, and passed to Qera. Vestergaard and Skipper, though, could not coordinate and thus, Qera managed to pass the ball into the gap, onto the foot of Taniela Dokoloto! And he had no problem scoring against Oliver Sortfjeld and putting the ball in the centre (towards the right corner though) of the goal! 1-1 Taniela Dokoloto (32')!
And with this, Viti became more active and put Patagonia under pressure earlier, not just in tor near the penalty area. Halfdan Aftenvind was closely guarded, too, and indeed, several more chances could be created before half-time - by both sides. Osea Qera took an excellent shot from a distance of 27 metres, which Jørgensen narrowly deflected out (37'). Here, the VAR was consulted, but slo-mo pictures showed that Jorgensen had used his chest - and not his hand - to clear the ball. Kamara's decision was confirmed: No penalty for Viti!
A shot attempt by Dokoloto was stopped by a tackling from Elias Skipper (41'). On the other side, Oskar Haraldsen missed the target by about two metres (42') and Aftenvind's header (45') hit the crossbar, each time after crosses from Albin Gjoni.
The half-time whistle was blown with the match being at 1-1, but Patagonia seeming dominant.
This was to change, at least to an extent. Viti and Patagonia neutralised each other early in the second half, and both played quite defensively. Not that much happened in front of either goal, but set pieces for the Foxes nearly always resulted in at least some danger. The most dangerous being by Vestergaard's header, 54' and Fjorddal's attempt from behind after Sigarara couldn't fully clear out a corner, 66'. The only somewhat dangerous attempt from Viti was seen after Bolawaqatabu outsmarted Gjoni and played an excellent pass, bringing Alivereti Qionibaravi into play, however, Qionibaravi's shot went far too high (71').
As was to be expected, it was a set piece again. Ceodoro Voka had, on the far left wing, taken down Severin Sørensen. Simon Jensen, who had come on for Oskar Haraldsen, took the free kick as the technically most gifted player. And his cross again found Halfdan Aftenvind who had broken free from Waisea Waqaniburotu! And Aftenvind's header succeeded! A quick check for an offside position showed that everything was legal here. 1-2 Halfdan Aftenvind (74')!
Now, knowing that they had to win, Alipate Kepa tried something new: He changed the tactical formation, taking off a defensive for a more offensive option in midfield. And the move did succeed. Viti showed more presence in midfield and more passes were successful.
Olivr Sortfjeld brilliantly saved a shot after Osea Qera had outwitted Elias Skipper (77'), and again, all eyes were on Sortfjeld a few minutes later.
Ceovili Nacewa, putting Severin Sørensen under pressure, won the ball back and ran forward with it, to an area half-way between the centre circle and the penalty area. He passed it to Babatisi Vosanibola, and the following one-two with Osea Qera, was one of the best pieces of play in the entire World Cup so far! Anyway, the ball ended up with Vosanibola again, within the penalty area, but too far left for a direct shot on goal. Sortfjeld could easily have taken the ball off Vosanibola. Instead, Sortfjeld stood too far right of his goal, anticipating a pass to Dokoloto, and when he reacted and tried to run to the rescue, Vosanibola had already outsmarted him! And it was no problem scoring into an empty net! 2-2 Babatisi Vosanibola (84')!
A clear mistake by Oliver Sortfjeld!
Viti needed to score another goal, but nevertheless, they switched to a 5-3-2 formation not wanting to take too much risk either. However, the Rasmussen side was clearly not giving up on taking home at least one win from this World Cup, either. First, it was Dokoloto after a pass from the centre-left by Babatisi Vosanibola who shot. Again, Sortfjeld seemed defeated already, but it was Ingolf Jørgensen on the line clearing it far out into the Foxes' half (86')!
This clearance "pass" reached Gunnar Rødhjort, who passed onto Simon Jensen. Jensen won the duel with Sunia Volavola and was now free on the right wing. His attempt to cross the ball onto Halfdan Aftenvind would have succeeded, had it not been for action by Ceodoro Voka! Immediately, Habib Azizi Kamara pointed to the spot, and a quick consultation with the VAR team showed this decision to be correct! Voka had used his arm, mainly his elbow, to "ward off" Aftenvind!
As a clear chance was taken away, this meant a straight red card for Voka and a penalty kick.
Penalties for Patagonia were the responsibility of Gunnar Rødhjort, although Aftenvind did offer to take the spotkick.
And thus it was Rødhjort against Sigarara. Rødhjort shot... too weak, too centrally! Sigarara jumped a bit to the left and saved the penalty (87')!
Neither of the teams had any attempt on goal after that, and it was clear neither team would advance.
However, the Warriors from the Kingdom of Viti - some expected them to go down in every single match with several goals to nil, or even matches against them resulting in double figures of goals (a common claim was "imagine Andorra, San Marino or the Emirate of Dagestan at a World Cup")- went home with another excellent performance, managing a win, two draws and a loss (and the loss a narrow one to Belgium, at that)! Meanwhile, Patagonia clearly underperformed - while few expected them to advance safely, Patagonia was commonly thought of as at least a dark horse. Instead, two draws were all they achieved.
Last edited:
from pilkarski.mm
Republic of China:
Coach: Arsène Wenger
Lineup:
Yan Junling
Chen Ting-yang (78' Wei Shihao)
Li Ang
Mei Fang
Chen Yi-wei
Will Donkin
Chen Po-liang
Feng Jin
Hao Junmin (21' Zhang Xizhe)
Wu Lei
Li Mao (55' Chen Hao-wei)
Belgium
Coach: Michel Preud'homme
Lineup
Thibault Courtois
Toby Alderweireld
Perr Schuurs
Thomas Meunier
Axel Witsel
(90' Hans Vanaken) Siebe Schrijvers
Nacer Chadli
Vincent Thill
(70' Yannick Carrasco) Dries Mertens
Sam Lammers
(61' Daniel Da Mota) Kevin Mirallas
Coach: Michel Preud'homme
Lineup
Thibault Courtois
Toby Alderweireld
Perr Schuurs
Thomas Meunier
Axel Witsel
(90' Hans Vanaken) Siebe Schrijvers
Nacer Chadli
Vincent Thill
(70' Yannick Carrasco) Dries Mertens
Sam Lammers
(61' Daniel Da Mota) Kevin Mirallas
Republic of China 1 - 2 Belgium
Goals: 0-1 Sam Lammers (26')
1-1 Feng Jin (36')
1-2 Nacer Chadli (74')
Referee: Jonathan K. Milner (Scientific Syndical States) - Grade B+
No mistakes, except that the booking of Li Ang could be considered a bit harsh.
Not knowing the result between Patagonia and the Kingdom of Viti, Belgium needed at least a point to secure their advance to the knockout stage. China had no chance of advancing, but still - to an extent for lack of options - sent their best eleven onto the field, including the only player currently playing for an European team: Wu Lei.
But not much happened in the first twenty-five minutes in front of either goal. This was not because the teams didn't want to play forward, but rather because both defence lines made sure no dangerous situations arose. A shot from more than 30 metres away by Axel Witsel (15') went way over the goal, but was the closest approach on goal. In the 21st minute, without any external influence, Hao Junmin couldn't continue a sprint and, after treatment behind the line, had to be substituted out. Likely, a muscle fiber in his hamstring is torn...
And it was Belgium who first broke through the bulwark - they did need a set piece, though. Chen Yi-wei had taken down Nacer Chadli on the left wing (Schrijvers and Chadli frequently rotated their winger positions), and Chadli took the free kick from a far-left position, too far out for a direct attempt on goal. Chadli brought it into the penalty area, into a chaotic zone. Mertens got hold of the ball just before the touchline, passing it to a free Sam Lammers in the centre! And Lammers, from just two metres away, had no problem scoring! 0-1 Sam Lammers (26')!
Belgium remained in control of the match (attempts by Lammers (28') and Thill (33') were saved by Yan Junling), but the Wenger squad did try several counterattacks. And caused several corners - Perr Schuurs deflected an attempt at a cross by Zhang Xizhe (30') and Toby Alderweireld cleared a shot from 22 metres away so that it went over the crossbar (35'). Another corner for China! Wenger, knowing that none of the players could take an excellent header (especially not against the likes of Alderweireld, Schuurs and Courtois), he had told his squad to always take short corners.
As Belgium didn't seem to be prepared for short corners, Zhang Xizhe passed it to Feng Jin, who took the ball into the penalty area unguarded. And he took the shot! The shot took an unfortunate deflection by Thomas Meunier and found the back of the net despite the tight angle! No grave mistake by the goalkeeper, and no own goal by Meunier, but still, Courtois ought to save this shot! 1-1 Feng Jin (36')!
The referee blew the half-time whistle with no further serious attempts on goal having happened. A header by Sam Lammers after Mertens' free kick (40') which went far wide was the most dangerous situation.
Belgium took control of the match again... but not before Vincent Thill had lost the ball in midfield, in a centre-left position, to Chen Po-liang, who changed sides with an excellent pass to Feng Jin. Jin then outwitted Alderweireld and passed the ball into the penalty area, where Zhang Xizhe was surprised to be under so little pressure! His shot, far too hasty, could easily be saved by Courtois (53')!
Witsel's attempt from a distance (54'), Alderweireld and Lammers hindering each other from taking a good header (58'), and Siebe Schrijvers' attempt at a cross being detected and deflected by Yan Junling (60') all indicated that Belgium was in charge. However, Kevin Mirallas had not had any part in this match with the fewest contacts behind only Courtois, and so he was taken off for Daniel Da Mota.
An excellent shot by Vincent Thill from a centre-left position just within the penalty area - he had recieved the pass from Nacer Chadli - though required a heroic save by Yan Junling! The best chance in this match so far (66')!
From a counterattack by the Dragons, Meunier won the ball back from Chen Hao-Wei - and passed it a long way forward to Nacer Chadli. Chen Ting-yang was without a chance against the speedy Chadli, and so he remained unguarded and was able to pull towards the goal. Mei Fang's attempt at a tackling was to no avail, and neither could Yan Junling stop the powerful shot into the left corner! 1-2 Nacer Chadli (74')!
But neither side was okay with this result. The Dragons did not give up on at least counterattacking - Chen Hao-wei's shot was made harmless and went out for a corner by Toby Alderweireld (81'). However, Schuurs with a header (82') and Daniel Da Mota with an excellent shot from behind after a free kick cleared insufficiently by Li Ang (88') provided some more dangerous situations for Belgium, too.
As the full-time whistle blew, it was clear that Belgium would advance. China's best performance did not prove sufficient to beat Belgium.
Last edited:
Saturday 4th of July, 3PM, in the first match of the round of 16
Iturbide Stadium, Morella
Mexico ended first of their group and undefeated with 10 points, while the Caribbean Federation ended 2nd of their group. The two teams know each other quite well, as they are bitter rivals who regularly play against each other in continental competitions. Mexico is the obvious favorite of this match since they have advantage of playing at home, with the whole stadium cheering for them; however, the Caribbeans also have some arguments, namely with Raheem Sterling having scored 4 goals since the beginning of the competition.
More creative and more offensive than in the first stage, The Plumed Serpents easily won against Caribbean Federation 3-1, reduced to 10 in the 36th minute following the exclusion of Léger.
The Brigadye could not deal with the serious team of Mexico and therefore are the first eliminated at this stage.
Mexico is quietly gaining strength in this World Cup without a single black cloud obscuring their results so far, and will be a formidable opponent for the winner of New Catalonia-Celtic Union.
The suspense was short-lived in this meeting, where everything was played in the first period. In a rather rhythmic start to the match, where the two teams offered a very vertical game, Mexico opened the score in the 6th minute with a free kick from Giovanni dos Santos at 19 meters. The América player strikes a powerful curved shoot on the ground level on the open side and deceives Ricardo Philippe. (6th, 1-0)
Very threatening after the Mexican goal, the Brigadye were unlucky in the 24th minute. On a corner hit on the right and badly cleared by the Russian defense, Carlos Salcedo strikes a left shot from outside the area. Unlucky, Leon Bailey is on the path and deflects the ball into his own cages (24th, 2-0). This unlucky goal calms Zetwal Wouj’s enthusiasm. Mexico then has the hand on the meeting by succeeding this break. A first period that turns into a nightmare for Caribbean, after the second yellow card for Frank Léger, who is therefore expelled.
Raul Jimenez's teammates will even aggravate the score before half time (42nd , 3-0). On a corner played on the right, Rafa Marquez jumps higher than everyone else, his head is pushed back on his line by Philippe but Chicharito appears to conclude from close distance. A deserved goal for the former Manchester United striker, who has again spared no efforts, and scores his 3rd goal of this World Cup.
3-0 at halftime for the Plumed Serpents, Caribbeans at 10, the match is folded in 45 minutes.
The second period began on a high note as the Caribbean returned to the field with new intentions. After making a siege of several minutes on Ochoa’s goals, the Brigadye obtained a corner. Sterling and Beauvais play it short together and the Citizen offers a perfect cross for De La Côte who propels the ball into the back of Ochoa's nets (58th, 3-1).
The Mexicans, without really trying, obtain a good number of chances but do not manage to increase the score. In total control against a Caribbean selection exhausted by dint of running behind the ball, the Plummed serpents are content to manage the score until the end of the game.
THE MATCH NOTE (70/100)
General show (16/20): We like to watch pleasant matches like this one, with a high technicity and nice occasions. Mexico definitely played a great partition today in front of pleased fans. Caribbeans also displayed a high-level when they had the ball, but it was too rare to make a difference.
Opportunities and Goals (15/20): A lot of thrills during this meeting! Four goals, numerous attempts from Mexico and a very nice free kick. Mexico displayed a great domination in the first half with a siege on Philippe’s goal. In the beginning of the second half, it was Raheem Sterling and his teammates who were restless, but the end of the second half was much more quiet when Mexico managed to stay put and control the game.
Technical quality (15/20): Ah, the Mexican technical mastery is impressive. The quality of keeping the ball is splendid, incomparable. Dos Santos’ free-kick was wonderful, and the cross of Sterling on the Caribbean goal is perfect. We liked the impressive number of dribbling on one-to-one situations on both sides. With so many opportunities, that means a lot of them were failed attempts, and there were some very poor shots.
Scenario and suspense (9/20): The match ended up being pretty much like we imagined it would be. Not much of surprises or sudden twists. When the score is 3-0 at 11 against 10, it’s very likely that team will end up victorious.
Bonus and penalty (15/20): For this category, we explain to you, we start from 10/20 at each kick-off and we inflate or lower the score according to our own subjective criteria (we are the jury, we do what we want) :
+2 Giovanni Dos Santos’ free kick which surprised Ricardo Philippe (and everyone else) in the very beginning of the match.
-2 The performance of Raul Jimenez, who ended up striking so many shots in the stands that we suspect he just wanted to please his fans with free balls.
+2 Javier Hernandez in his typical old school goal poacher style, appearing at the right time and right place to score.
+3 The amazing fervor displayed by Mexican fans in the stands. The stadium was all green, and the clamor of the crowd might have influenced the referee when it came to sanctions against Caribbeans.
3 GIFS THAT SUMMARIZE THE MATCH
His teammate’s reaction after Dos Santos’ free-kick
Raul Jimenez when shooting
The referee whenever he had to make a decision
Final score :
Mexican Empire 3:1 Federation of Caribbean Socialist Republics
(Dos Santos 6’, Bailey 24' (OG), Hernandez 42’)(De La Côte 58’)
Iturbide Stadium, Morella
Mexico ended first of their group and undefeated with 10 points, while the Caribbean Federation ended 2nd of their group. The two teams know each other quite well, as they are bitter rivals who regularly play against each other in continental competitions. Mexico is the obvious favorite of this match since they have advantage of playing at home, with the whole stadium cheering for them; however, the Caribbeans also have some arguments, namely with Raheem Sterling having scored 4 goals since the beginning of the competition.
More creative and more offensive than in the first stage, The Plumed Serpents easily won against Caribbean Federation 3-1, reduced to 10 in the 36th minute following the exclusion of Léger.
The Brigadye could not deal with the serious team of Mexico and therefore are the first eliminated at this stage.
Mexico is quietly gaining strength in this World Cup without a single black cloud obscuring their results so far, and will be a formidable opponent for the winner of New Catalonia-Celtic Union.
The suspense was short-lived in this meeting, where everything was played in the first period. In a rather rhythmic start to the match, where the two teams offered a very vertical game, Mexico opened the score in the 6th minute with a free kick from Giovanni dos Santos at 19 meters. The América player strikes a powerful curved shoot on the ground level on the open side and deceives Ricardo Philippe. (6th, 1-0)
Very threatening after the Mexican goal, the Brigadye were unlucky in the 24th minute. On a corner hit on the right and badly cleared by the Russian defense, Carlos Salcedo strikes a left shot from outside the area. Unlucky, Leon Bailey is on the path and deflects the ball into his own cages (24th, 2-0). This unlucky goal calms Zetwal Wouj’s enthusiasm. Mexico then has the hand on the meeting by succeeding this break. A first period that turns into a nightmare for Caribbean, after the second yellow card for Frank Léger, who is therefore expelled.
Raul Jimenez's teammates will even aggravate the score before half time (42nd , 3-0). On a corner played on the right, Rafa Marquez jumps higher than everyone else, his head is pushed back on his line by Philippe but Chicharito appears to conclude from close distance. A deserved goal for the former Manchester United striker, who has again spared no efforts, and scores his 3rd goal of this World Cup.
3-0 at halftime for the Plumed Serpents, Caribbeans at 10, the match is folded in 45 minutes.
The second period began on a high note as the Caribbean returned to the field with new intentions. After making a siege of several minutes on Ochoa’s goals, the Brigadye obtained a corner. Sterling and Beauvais play it short together and the Citizen offers a perfect cross for De La Côte who propels the ball into the back of Ochoa's nets (58th, 3-1).
The Mexicans, without really trying, obtain a good number of chances but do not manage to increase the score. In total control against a Caribbean selection exhausted by dint of running behind the ball, the Plummed serpents are content to manage the score until the end of the game.
THE MATCH NOTE (70/100)
General show (16/20): We like to watch pleasant matches like this one, with a high technicity and nice occasions. Mexico definitely played a great partition today in front of pleased fans. Caribbeans also displayed a high-level when they had the ball, but it was too rare to make a difference.
Opportunities and Goals (15/20): A lot of thrills during this meeting! Four goals, numerous attempts from Mexico and a very nice free kick. Mexico displayed a great domination in the first half with a siege on Philippe’s goal. In the beginning of the second half, it was Raheem Sterling and his teammates who were restless, but the end of the second half was much more quiet when Mexico managed to stay put and control the game.
Technical quality (15/20): Ah, the Mexican technical mastery is impressive. The quality of keeping the ball is splendid, incomparable. Dos Santos’ free-kick was wonderful, and the cross of Sterling on the Caribbean goal is perfect. We liked the impressive number of dribbling on one-to-one situations on both sides. With so many opportunities, that means a lot of them were failed attempts, and there were some very poor shots.
Scenario and suspense (9/20): The match ended up being pretty much like we imagined it would be. Not much of surprises or sudden twists. When the score is 3-0 at 11 against 10, it’s very likely that team will end up victorious.
Bonus and penalty (15/20): For this category, we explain to you, we start from 10/20 at each kick-off and we inflate or lower the score according to our own subjective criteria (we are the jury, we do what we want) :
+2 Giovanni Dos Santos’ free kick which surprised Ricardo Philippe (and everyone else) in the very beginning of the match.
-2 The performance of Raul Jimenez, who ended up striking so many shots in the stands that we suspect he just wanted to please his fans with free balls.
+2 Javier Hernandez in his typical old school goal poacher style, appearing at the right time and right place to score.
+3 The amazing fervor displayed by Mexican fans in the stands. The stadium was all green, and the clamor of the crowd might have influenced the referee when it came to sanctions against Caribbeans.
3 GIFS THAT SUMMARIZE THE MATCH
His teammate’s reaction after Dos Santos’ free-kick
Raul Jimenez when shooting
The referee whenever he had to make a decision
Final score :
Mexican Empire 3:1 Federation of Caribbean Socialist Republics
(Dos Santos 6’, Bailey 24' (OG), Hernandez 42’)(De La Côte 58’)
from pilkarski.mm
New Catalonia Confederation
Coach: Francesc Gqiba
Lineup:
Victor Bartra
Jordi Ngcukaitobi
Lluis Mpofu
Joan Nkuhlu
Hlumelo Biko (65' Carles Cardona)
Pere Romeu
Jaume Sebe (60' Roger Figueras)
Nosipho Mayekiso
Quim Vilà
Ferran Crosas (89' Aleix Mfeketo)
Themba Sibeko
Celtic Union
Coach: Aart van Hammink
Lineup:
Lachlann MacGilleBhrath
Anndra MacRaibeirt
(59' Ailig MacSual) Domnhall MacIomhair
Fearghas Moireasdan
(67' Uisdean Caidh) Seamus O'Ceallaigh
Iosaph MacUilleim
Connor MacGeidigh
Tearlach MacDomhnullach
Tomaidh MacMheinn
(88' Eirdsidh MacPhaildein) Daibhidh MacPhoil
Dughlas Fearghasdan
Coach: Aart van Hammink
Lineup:
Lachlann MacGilleBhrath
Anndra MacRaibeirt
(59' Ailig MacSual) Domnhall MacIomhair
Fearghas Moireasdan
(67' Uisdean Caidh) Seamus O'Ceallaigh
Iosaph MacUilleim
Connor MacGeidigh
Tearlach MacDomhnullach
Tomaidh MacMheinn
(88' Eirdsidh MacPhaildein) Daibhidh MacPhoil
Dughlas Fearghasdan
New Catalonia 0 - 2 Celtic Union
Goals: 0-1 Sean O'Ceallaigh (10')
0-2 Tomaidh McMheinn (62')
Referee: Yudhajit Bhupendra Dharakeshvar (National Dravidian Union) - Grade A-:
Very good in a sometimes heated match. It was correct to allow McMheinn's goal (62') and to award only a free kick instead of a penalty (MacMheinn was fouled outside the box, 75'). Additionally to all the correct bookings, he should have booked Nkuhlu (34').
Francesc Gqiba sent out the same starting eleven as in the match against Freedonia, except that Mfeketo, ineffective and paling in comparison to Sibeko, was benched in favour of 20-year-old prospect Ferran Crosas. Meanwhile, Aart van Hammink sent his team out in a five at the back formation, with tall and physically strong Seamus O'Ceallaigh (1,95 m) instructed to keep an extra eye on Themba Sibeko. On the other hand, MacRaibeirt and MacUilleim somewhat leaned forward, but had clear instructions to play the defensive part on the wings.
And both teams started quite well. The Celtic Union, though visually better and with more possession, had to cope with a counterattack early on. MacMheinn lost the ball to Quim Vilà, who managed to outrun Iosaph MacUilleim and dangerously crossed the ball into the penalty area, where it reached Themba Sibeko. And his shot could only be saved by an excellent reflex from MacGilleBhrath (4')!
But from this point on, it was all the Celtic Union. A first attempt from a tight angle on the right wing by McMheinn was defused by Victor Bartra (9'), but then, Pere Romeu unfairly tackled MacIomhair in midfield. A free kick just beyond the centre circle was the result. Over MacIomhair and Moireasdam, the ball reached MacGeidigh on the far left wing. His cross was deflected by Joan Nkuhlu - who used his elbow to hold off MacPhoil! Another free kick was awarded, now on the left wing close to the penalty area line. MacGeidigh was to take it.
And he brought the ball in, perfectly onto the head of Sean O'Ceallaigh, who headed it into the net! 0-1 Sean O'Ceallaigh (10')!
The Rebels had this match under control, but only few dangerous situations were to be seen. An excellent attempt by MacDomhnullach from the distance (32') was parried away by Victor Bartra, with him also saving the following corner. McMheinn (40') took another shot from the right, but missed the target.
Just before the first half was out however, one of the few successful counterattacks by New Catalonia occurred. Bartra kicked the ball far into the field, and Jaume Sebe won the duel against Anndra MacRaibeirt, managing to get a hold on the ball before it went out. Sebe passed back into the centre to Quim Vilà, onto the right to Nosipho Mayekiso, who dribbled into the penalty area. Moireasdan cancelled the offside position and Mayekiso's shot/cross was only just saved by MacGilleBhrath! Into the middle, where Ferran Crosas took a shot and just missed the target off to the right (45+1')!
Contact between Fearghas Moireasdan and Themba Sibeko was investigated by the VAR. And although there had indeed been contact, Dharakeshvar and the VAR team ruled that this was not a clear refereeing mistake - no penalty was awarded!
Just after the half-time break, New Catalonia tried gaining the upper hand - they did not succeed, but the van Hammink team did even resort to a counterattack. Namely, after a New Catalan corner, it was Iosaph MacUilleim who was able to prevent Jaume Sebe from taking a shot - and he passed into the centre to Domnhall MacIomhair. Running forward, he passed to Daibhidh MacPhoil, who took a shot! And it was bad luck that MacPhoil hit the inside post and Jordi Ngcukaitobi managed to clear the ball for a corner (55')!
The Rebels once again were better. And they switched to the somewhat more attacking 4-3-3 formation, taking off MacIomhair for Ailig MacSual, a third striker acting behind MacPhoil and Fearghasdan. O'Ceallaigh remained on the pitch, his role of keeping an eye on Themba Sibeko becoming even more important.
And once again, from a New Catalonian move forward which was cleared in midfield by Fearghas Moireasdan (winning a duel against Quim Vilà), Moireasdan passed the ball to MacRaibeirt, who played forward to MacGeidigh. An excellent change of sides - though not over the whole pitch - followed, with neither Joan Nkuhlu nor Lluis Mpofu being able to reach the ball or MacMheinn in time!
And MacMheinn ran with the ball for some distance - and easily passed it onto Dhaibidh MacPhoil. But he came under pressure by Joan Nkuhlu and Jordi Ngcukaitobi. He passed back to Tearlach MacDomhnullach, back onto the right wing of a yet again unguarded MacMheinn! And he pulled towards the centre, taking an excellent shot, and scored into the central left corner of the goal! An excellent move, and barely even stoppable by Victor Bartra! 0-2 Tomaidh MacMheinn (62')!
And nobody was offside in this sequence of play as was soon, and correctly so, confirmed by the VAR.
Just seconds later, New Catalonian defender Hlumelo Biko lost the ball to Connor MacGeidigh, who ran over much of the field with it, finally crossing it onto the edge of the penalty area, to Dhaibidh MacPhoil, whose header hit the crossbar! The ball went out into the pitch again, where Tearlach MacDomhnullach's shot was excellently saved by Victor Bartra! A double chance to extend the lead for the van Hammink team (63')!
Despite these two excellent opportunities being missed, the match was seemingly already decided - but it all could have changed. An attempted cross by Nosipho Mayekiso, despite pressure being applied by Uisdean Caidh, into the penalty area was cleared out for a corner by Fearghas Moireasdan. Roger Figueras took the corner, unusually for the Storm Warriors, it was taken short. Figueras passed the ball onto Quim Vilà, who performed a very dangerous cross, perfectly onto the head of Themba Sibeko! And his excellent header took a slight deflection upwards by Sean O'Ceallaigh and hit the crossbar - and MacGilleBhrath still needed to intervene to finally pick up the ball (72')!
Minutes later, after Uisdean Caidh had passed the ball forward for another far run by McMheinn, the latter nearly had reached the penalty area when Jordi Ngcukaitobi saw no other alternative than to stop him unfairly! MacMheinn fell into the penalty box, but referee Dharakeshvar awarded only a free kick - and again, he was confirmed by the VAR: The foul on MacMheinn did indeed take place outside of the penalty area.
Still, this was a dangerous free kick position - but the direct attempt by Connor MacGeidigh was safely picked up by Bartra (75'!)
The last fifteen minutes of the game went down without any significant opportunities on either side. MacPhoil's header after a corner missed the target quite clearly (77'), and Bartra parried an audacious shot by Ailig MacSual over the crossbar (88').
And so, a clear and never endangered victory by the Celtic Union made them the first team to advance into the quarterfinals of the 2020 World Cup - without extra time or a penalty shootout being needed.
Goals: 0-1 Sean O'Ceallaigh (10')
0-2 Tomaidh McMheinn (62')
Referee: Yudhajit Bhupendra Dharakeshvar (National Dravidian Union) - Grade A-:
Very good in a sometimes heated match. It was correct to allow McMheinn's goal (62') and to award only a free kick instead of a penalty (MacMheinn was fouled outside the box, 75'). Additionally to all the correct bookings, he should have booked Nkuhlu (34').
Francesc Gqiba sent out the same starting eleven as in the match against Freedonia, except that Mfeketo, ineffective and paling in comparison to Sibeko, was benched in favour of 20-year-old prospect Ferran Crosas. Meanwhile, Aart van Hammink sent his team out in a five at the back formation, with tall and physically strong Seamus O'Ceallaigh (1,95 m) instructed to keep an extra eye on Themba Sibeko. On the other hand, MacRaibeirt and MacUilleim somewhat leaned forward, but had clear instructions to play the defensive part on the wings.
And both teams started quite well. The Celtic Union, though visually better and with more possession, had to cope with a counterattack early on. MacMheinn lost the ball to Quim Vilà, who managed to outrun Iosaph MacUilleim and dangerously crossed the ball into the penalty area, where it reached Themba Sibeko. And his shot could only be saved by an excellent reflex from MacGilleBhrath (4')!
But from this point on, it was all the Celtic Union. A first attempt from a tight angle on the right wing by McMheinn was defused by Victor Bartra (9'), but then, Pere Romeu unfairly tackled MacIomhair in midfield. A free kick just beyond the centre circle was the result. Over MacIomhair and Moireasdam, the ball reached MacGeidigh on the far left wing. His cross was deflected by Joan Nkuhlu - who used his elbow to hold off MacPhoil! Another free kick was awarded, now on the left wing close to the penalty area line. MacGeidigh was to take it.
And he brought the ball in, perfectly onto the head of Sean O'Ceallaigh, who headed it into the net! 0-1 Sean O'Ceallaigh (10')!
The Rebels had this match under control, but only few dangerous situations were to be seen. An excellent attempt by MacDomhnullach from the distance (32') was parried away by Victor Bartra, with him also saving the following corner. McMheinn (40') took another shot from the right, but missed the target.
Just before the first half was out however, one of the few successful counterattacks by New Catalonia occurred. Bartra kicked the ball far into the field, and Jaume Sebe won the duel against Anndra MacRaibeirt, managing to get a hold on the ball before it went out. Sebe passed back into the centre to Quim Vilà, onto the right to Nosipho Mayekiso, who dribbled into the penalty area. Moireasdan cancelled the offside position and Mayekiso's shot/cross was only just saved by MacGilleBhrath! Into the middle, where Ferran Crosas took a shot and just missed the target off to the right (45+1')!
Contact between Fearghas Moireasdan and Themba Sibeko was investigated by the VAR. And although there had indeed been contact, Dharakeshvar and the VAR team ruled that this was not a clear refereeing mistake - no penalty was awarded!
Just after the half-time break, New Catalonia tried gaining the upper hand - they did not succeed, but the van Hammink team did even resort to a counterattack. Namely, after a New Catalan corner, it was Iosaph MacUilleim who was able to prevent Jaume Sebe from taking a shot - and he passed into the centre to Domnhall MacIomhair. Running forward, he passed to Daibhidh MacPhoil, who took a shot! And it was bad luck that MacPhoil hit the inside post and Jordi Ngcukaitobi managed to clear the ball for a corner (55')!
The Rebels once again were better. And they switched to the somewhat more attacking 4-3-3 formation, taking off MacIomhair for Ailig MacSual, a third striker acting behind MacPhoil and Fearghasdan. O'Ceallaigh remained on the pitch, his role of keeping an eye on Themba Sibeko becoming even more important.
And once again, from a New Catalonian move forward which was cleared in midfield by Fearghas Moireasdan (winning a duel against Quim Vilà), Moireasdan passed the ball to MacRaibeirt, who played forward to MacGeidigh. An excellent change of sides - though not over the whole pitch - followed, with neither Joan Nkuhlu nor Lluis Mpofu being able to reach the ball or MacMheinn in time!
And MacMheinn ran with the ball for some distance - and easily passed it onto Dhaibidh MacPhoil. But he came under pressure by Joan Nkuhlu and Jordi Ngcukaitobi. He passed back to Tearlach MacDomhnullach, back onto the right wing of a yet again unguarded MacMheinn! And he pulled towards the centre, taking an excellent shot, and scored into the central left corner of the goal! An excellent move, and barely even stoppable by Victor Bartra! 0-2 Tomaidh MacMheinn (62')!
And nobody was offside in this sequence of play as was soon, and correctly so, confirmed by the VAR.
Just seconds later, New Catalonian defender Hlumelo Biko lost the ball to Connor MacGeidigh, who ran over much of the field with it, finally crossing it onto the edge of the penalty area, to Dhaibidh MacPhoil, whose header hit the crossbar! The ball went out into the pitch again, where Tearlach MacDomhnullach's shot was excellently saved by Victor Bartra! A double chance to extend the lead for the van Hammink team (63')!
Despite these two excellent opportunities being missed, the match was seemingly already decided - but it all could have changed. An attempted cross by Nosipho Mayekiso, despite pressure being applied by Uisdean Caidh, into the penalty area was cleared out for a corner by Fearghas Moireasdan. Roger Figueras took the corner, unusually for the Storm Warriors, it was taken short. Figueras passed the ball onto Quim Vilà, who performed a very dangerous cross, perfectly onto the head of Themba Sibeko! And his excellent header took a slight deflection upwards by Sean O'Ceallaigh and hit the crossbar - and MacGilleBhrath still needed to intervene to finally pick up the ball (72')!
Minutes later, after Uisdean Caidh had passed the ball forward for another far run by McMheinn, the latter nearly had reached the penalty area when Jordi Ngcukaitobi saw no other alternative than to stop him unfairly! MacMheinn fell into the penalty box, but referee Dharakeshvar awarded only a free kick - and again, he was confirmed by the VAR: The foul on MacMheinn did indeed take place outside of the penalty area.
Still, this was a dangerous free kick position - but the direct attempt by Connor MacGeidigh was safely picked up by Bartra (75'!)
The last fifteen minutes of the game went down without any significant opportunities on either side. MacPhoil's header after a corner missed the target quite clearly (77'), and Bartra parried an audacious shot by Ailig MacSual over the crossbar (88').
And so, a clear and never endangered victory by the Celtic Union made them the first team to advance into the quarterfinals of the 2020 World Cup - without extra time or a penalty shootout being needed.
Last edited:
EL UNIVERSAL
South American clash puts Antarctique among the best 8 of the tournament
Gran Colombia will have to wait another four years for a new opportunity to reach the quarterfinals
South American clash puts Antarctique among the best 8 of the tournament
Gran Colombia will have to wait another four years for a new opportunity to reach the quarterfinals
In a rematch of last year’s Copa América final, South American giants and eternal rivals Antarctique and Gran Colombia gave fans at the Olympic Field of Veracruz an exciting show, leaving everything in the field despite the single goal scored.
Both Samuel Obregón and Marcel Gaillard sticked to their usual lineups, which worked well throughout the first round, specially for the Pumas, who won all their four matches of the first round, while the Revolucionarios almost said goodbye early on after an unfortunate defeat against the Venetian Republic and only edged the Britain-in-exile because of the game between them.
However, as everybody knows, once the second round rolls in, a new tournament begins, and that’s precisely what both sides had in mind when they jumped to the pitch in Veracruz yesterday.
The game started with both sides intent on attacking the minute they got the goal, which quickly translated into a back-and-forth game, as Antarctique quickly connected a series of passes between De Marie, Messie and Souaret, which ended with a potent shot by the latter, only deflected thanks to Cicerón’s quick reflexes. The Colombian’s didn’t have to wait much for their chance: after the Pumas wasted the subsequent corner kick after Souaret’s shot, Montenegro headed the balls towards Espiga, who ran the whole length of the right wing and crossed the ball towards a solitary Japón, whose header crashed against the crossbar, causing Colombian fans in the stands to gasp incredulously at what seemed like a sure goal for their team.
This box to box game went on for almost ten minutes, with both teams trading shots, crosses and saves by the goalies. One had to wonder when the first goal would fall and which team would score. The answer: 10th minute, Antarctique. The scorer: who else? Lionel Messie. Receiving the ball from Vexin after a throw-in from the right side of the pitch, the international star left Montenegro requesting a hip replacement, turned around and shot: the ball curved beautifully from outside to inside, embedding near the post furthest from the goalkeeper.
After Messie’s goal, the intensity of the match lowered somehow, with the Antarctique side more interested in consolidating their early gain, while the Colombians began to run out of steam after several unsuccessful attempts. Still, during the rest of the first half both teams still had a couple of dangerous chances apiece, specially a shot by Chavanne that barely missed Ciceron’s right post and, on the other side, a miraculous slide by Marchand, deflecting the ball on the line after a shot by Japón.
For the second half, Obregón adopted a more aggressive attitude, as it should be expected from a team losing a knockout round game, sending Zorita in place of Sainz, while Gaillard sent the same 11 men back to the pitch.
Zorita’s entry to the game seemed to tip the scales in favor of the Colombians, who started resembling more and more their dangerous selves of the first minutes of the previous half, with Zorita sending pass after dangerous pass towards Manzanedo, Aguayo and Japón, who couldn’t take advantage of any of these balls. However, Gaillard knew things could quickly change and one lucky break would ruin his game plan, so he pulled Chavanne out and sent Autemande to reinforce the defense.
The second half went on with some more changes by both teams and the Colombians trying to break the rival defense to no avail: led by Godin and Laxalt, the Antarctique defense disarmed each and every Colombian attack, with the exception of a shot at the 81th minute by the newly entered García, that was deflected by Becker for a corner kick.
In the end the Pumas proved to be more resourceful and resilient than the Revolucionarios and earned the win. Antarctique now enters the quarterfinals, where they will face León-Castille, a team that has been unbeatable for the whole tournament and is looking for their first real challenge against the South Americans.
LINEUPS
Antarctique: Becker, Marchand, Laxalt, Godin, Simon, Pariède, Vexin, De Marie, Chavanne (Autemande, 55'), Messie, Souaret
Gran Colombia: Cicerón, Sáez, Espiga (García, 80'), Montenegro, de la Cruz, Quesada (Ureña, 63'), Sainz (Zorita, 46'), Ordóñez, Manzanedo, Aguayo, Japón
GOALS
1-0 Messie, 10'
YELLOW CARDS
Antarctique: Chavanne, 36', Souraet, 88'
Gran Colombia: Quesada, 52', Manzanedo, 88'
RED CARDS
None
from pilkarski.mm
Sao Paulo
Coach: Dorival Júnior
Lineup:
Cassio
Marquinhos
Éder Militão
Felipe Monteiro (90+3' Bruno Alves)
Renan Lodi
Casemiro
Arthur
Danilo Avelar
Neymar (73' Lucas Ramos)
Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Barbosa (80' Willian)
East African Federation
Coach: Francis Kimanzi
Lineup:
Denis Onyango
Erick Oumar Otieno
Abdul Rwatubyaye
Bevis Mugabi
Herbert Bockhorn
Victor Wanyama
(76' Moses Opondo) Michael Azira
Elvis Kamsoba
Saido Berahino
(55' Uche Ikpeazu) Mohammed Amissi
Mbwana Samatta
Coach: Francis Kimanzi
Lineup:
Denis Onyango
Erick Oumar Otieno
Abdul Rwatubyaye
Bevis Mugabi
Herbert Bockhorn
Victor Wanyama
(76' Moses Opondo) Michael Azira
Elvis Kamsoba
Saido Berahino
(55' Uche Ikpeazu) Mohammed Amissi
Mbwana Samatta
Sao Paulo 1 - 0 East African Federation
Goals: 1-0 Arthur (22')
Referee: Wawrzyniec Polcyn (Miedżymorze) - Grade E:
A penalty for East Africa would have been mandatory (Marquinhos v. Samatta, 48') - on the other hand, disallowing Gabriel Barbosa's goal for offside after VAR intervention was very controversial; most likely, Barbosa and Bockhorn were on the same level.
Both coaches fielded their arguably best starting elevens, especially seeing the performances of players like Gabriel Jesus, Arthur and Elvis Kamsoba in the group stage.
It was clear from kick-off that Sao Paulo is just a vastly stronger side than the East African Federation. Sao Paulo had over 70 % possession, but it was all in midfield. Nothing, not even an audacious attempt, required Onyango to intervene.
The same, however, was true for Cássio - he was prepared to intervene when a shot from the left by Berahino went far wide of the target, though (15').
Courageous defence by Otieno, Bockhorn, and to an extent Mugabi and Rwatubyaye stopped Neymar and Gabriel Jesus from making their well-known dangerous runs down the wing. But soon, Bockhorn saw no other alternative than to stop Neymar with a robust tackling. Neymar exaggerated to an extent, but a free kick was awarded and this decision is at least justifiable.
Neymar was the one to take the free kick himself (21'). It went into the wall and the situation seemed to be cleared.
But Arthur gained the ball against Wanyama, ran forward not being attacked by Azira, and took a very powerful strike! From 29 metres out, it went directly under the crossbar! Onyango had no chance against this excellent and beautiful shot! 1-0 Arthur (22')!
And East Africa, though they attempted counterattacks, never gained any control or even got any substantial amount of passing together. A desperate attempt by Amissi from the far right (34') went over the crossbar, but was the clearest opportunity East Africa had.
On the other hand, Sao Paulo played rather defensively, but still managed to retain their excellent possession statistics. Gabriel Jesus' shot from the right wing at the corner of the penalty area was deflected by Mugabi and was saved with a good flying save by Onyango (36').
Gabriel Barbosa was correctly ruled offside after he recieved the ball from Casemiro via a long pass (45')
And so, despite all dominance and ball possession, Sao Paulo only lead by one goal.
Just after half-time, the Mighty Beisa at least attempted something. At first, a powerful shot by Gabriel Jesus was saved by Onyango and the resulting corner proved harmless (47'). Onyango threw the ball to Otieno. Over Azira's excellent chip, the ball reached Kamsoba to the centre-left in front of the penalty box. An easy pass to Samatta, but Samatta was taken down by Éder Militão in the box and his shot went wide! The stadium demanded a penalty, and it was quite clear that Militão had not only played the ball... but Polcyn's whistle remained silent and the VAR did not intervene (48')!
Clearly, East Africa should have gotten a penalty there!
Still, Sao Paulo effectively controlled the match - and soon, offensive play was resumed. A dangerous header by Éder Militão after an excellent Neymar free kick hit the post (64') and Rwatubyaye was quickest to clear the ball out.
Only minutes later, Arthur - Casemiro having received the ball from Cássio - brilliantly passed the ball to Neymar, who just as brilliantly dribbled forward and crossed it into the box onto the head of "Gabigol" Barbosa! And he headed it into the back of the net! 2-0... but the linesman raised his flag! No goal for Sao Paulo, but the VAR intervenes (69')!
Even upon VAR consultation, it remained unclear whether Bockhorn was on the same level or Barbosa's foot was offside in the moment of the pass. Most commentators and pundits claim that Bockhorn and Barbosa were level - and thus the goal should have been allowed - but this is one of the decisions that will forever remain controversial even in the times of video refereeing...
The Mighty Beisa though could never unsettle Sao Paulo. Arthur (78') fired another very dangerous shot after a corner was insufficiently cleared away by Rwatubyaye and Opondo, and hit the crossbar.
After that, it seemed like Sao Paulo was content with its one goal lead - until injury time. Via Casemiro and Arthur, the ball reached Renan Lodi and then Lucas Ramos, who fired an excellent and quite dangerous shot (90')! Onyango could only save it into the middle, where Gabriel Jesus took a shot, but Onyango parried it away (90+1'), and the resulting corner was at first cleared by Otieno, but the ball came to Renan Lodi on the far left wing again. And his audacious, but powerful shot required another excellent flying save by Onyango (90+3')!
The next corner was picked up safely, and after a few more passes by the Kimanzi team, thr referee blew the full-time whistle!
As one of the major favourites after the convincing performances of the group stage, Sao Paulo reached the quarterfinals in an equally dominant fashion, but did not manage to score as many goals as they did against Novorossiya or Canada.
Goals: 1-0 Arthur (22')
Referee: Wawrzyniec Polcyn (Miedżymorze) - Grade E:
A penalty for East Africa would have been mandatory (Marquinhos v. Samatta, 48') - on the other hand, disallowing Gabriel Barbosa's goal for offside after VAR intervention was very controversial; most likely, Barbosa and Bockhorn were on the same level.
Both coaches fielded their arguably best starting elevens, especially seeing the performances of players like Gabriel Jesus, Arthur and Elvis Kamsoba in the group stage.
It was clear from kick-off that Sao Paulo is just a vastly stronger side than the East African Federation. Sao Paulo had over 70 % possession, but it was all in midfield. Nothing, not even an audacious attempt, required Onyango to intervene.
The same, however, was true for Cássio - he was prepared to intervene when a shot from the left by Berahino went far wide of the target, though (15').
Courageous defence by Otieno, Bockhorn, and to an extent Mugabi and Rwatubyaye stopped Neymar and Gabriel Jesus from making their well-known dangerous runs down the wing. But soon, Bockhorn saw no other alternative than to stop Neymar with a robust tackling. Neymar exaggerated to an extent, but a free kick was awarded and this decision is at least justifiable.
Neymar was the one to take the free kick himself (21'). It went into the wall and the situation seemed to be cleared.
But Arthur gained the ball against Wanyama, ran forward not being attacked by Azira, and took a very powerful strike! From 29 metres out, it went directly under the crossbar! Onyango had no chance against this excellent and beautiful shot! 1-0 Arthur (22')!
And East Africa, though they attempted counterattacks, never gained any control or even got any substantial amount of passing together. A desperate attempt by Amissi from the far right (34') went over the crossbar, but was the clearest opportunity East Africa had.
On the other hand, Sao Paulo played rather defensively, but still managed to retain their excellent possession statistics. Gabriel Jesus' shot from the right wing at the corner of the penalty area was deflected by Mugabi and was saved with a good flying save by Onyango (36').
Gabriel Barbosa was correctly ruled offside after he recieved the ball from Casemiro via a long pass (45')
And so, despite all dominance and ball possession, Sao Paulo only lead by one goal.
Just after half-time, the Mighty Beisa at least attempted something. At first, a powerful shot by Gabriel Jesus was saved by Onyango and the resulting corner proved harmless (47'). Onyango threw the ball to Otieno. Over Azira's excellent chip, the ball reached Kamsoba to the centre-left in front of the penalty box. An easy pass to Samatta, but Samatta was taken down by Éder Militão in the box and his shot went wide! The stadium demanded a penalty, and it was quite clear that Militão had not only played the ball... but Polcyn's whistle remained silent and the VAR did not intervene (48')!
Clearly, East Africa should have gotten a penalty there!
Still, Sao Paulo effectively controlled the match - and soon, offensive play was resumed. A dangerous header by Éder Militão after an excellent Neymar free kick hit the post (64') and Rwatubyaye was quickest to clear the ball out.
Only minutes later, Arthur - Casemiro having received the ball from Cássio - brilliantly passed the ball to Neymar, who just as brilliantly dribbled forward and crossed it into the box onto the head of "Gabigol" Barbosa! And he headed it into the back of the net! 2-0... but the linesman raised his flag! No goal for Sao Paulo, but the VAR intervenes (69')!
Even upon VAR consultation, it remained unclear whether Bockhorn was on the same level or Barbosa's foot was offside in the moment of the pass. Most commentators and pundits claim that Bockhorn and Barbosa were level - and thus the goal should have been allowed - but this is one of the decisions that will forever remain controversial even in the times of video refereeing...
The Mighty Beisa though could never unsettle Sao Paulo. Arthur (78') fired another very dangerous shot after a corner was insufficiently cleared away by Rwatubyaye and Opondo, and hit the crossbar.
After that, it seemed like Sao Paulo was content with its one goal lead - until injury time. Via Casemiro and Arthur, the ball reached Renan Lodi and then Lucas Ramos, who fired an excellent and quite dangerous shot (90')! Onyango could only save it into the middle, where Gabriel Jesus took a shot, but Onyango parried it away (90+1'), and the resulting corner was at first cleared by Otieno, but the ball came to Renan Lodi on the far left wing again. And his audacious, but powerful shot required another excellent flying save by Onyango (90+3')!
The next corner was picked up safely, and after a few more passes by the Kimanzi team, thr referee blew the full-time whistle!
As one of the major favourites after the convincing performances of the group stage, Sao Paulo reached the quarterfinals in an equally dominant fashion, but did not manage to score as many goals as they did against Novorossiya or Canada.
Last edited:
New Britain Mapping
Banned
I think this may be early so....
France vs Wales - Centennial Field
France: Donnarumma, Hernandez, A.Mbappé, van Dijk, Hakimi, N.Mbappé, Wijnaldum (Camavinga, 5'), Brašković, K.Mbappé, da Costa, Mané
Wales: Hydd, Roberts, Williams, Keane, Dyfed, Iago, Ramsey, Alle, Lingard, Bale
FRANCE BEATS WALES 2-0
France:
Mané 22'
K.Mbappé 74'
Possession:
FRANCE: 73%
WALES: 27%
SHOTS:
FRANCE: 3
WALES: 0
FIRST HALF STARTS
1' THE MATCH HAS NOW STARTED.
5' OUCH! Keane has tackled Wijnaldum, and he is seriously injured, as it owes to his double leg break, like Seamus Coleman had a few years ago!
5' France subsition: Wijnaldum off - Camavinga on
5' Red card given to Keane, he's sent off.
22' GOAL! SADIO Mané HAS SCORED! He took a great dribble and drew the ball past that goalie Hydd!
MATCH: FRANCE 1-0 WALES
SHOTS: FRANCE 1-0 WALES
37' Wales nearly make a chance as Bale attempts to cross but is quickly turned away by Hernadez
45' 3 minutes added time!
FIRST HALF ENDS
HALF TIME
SECOND HALF STARTS
73' Not much has happened so far, but wait....
74' THAT'S RIGHT! FRANCE HAS JUST SCORED AGAIN!! Kylian Mbappe has just NOW SCORED!
MATCH: FRANCE 2-0 WALES
SHOTS: FRANCE 2-0 WALES
89' A attempt to make it three goals has failed as Hydd has managed to save it!
SHOTS: FRANCE 3-0 WALES
90' 5 minute added time!
SECOND HALF ENDS
FRANCE KNOCKS OUT WALES 2-0
Wales are sadly going home due to that embarrassing defeat.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
France's Kylian Mbappe! He managed to take a long shot and it went to the goal!
France vs Wales - Centennial Field
France: Donnarumma, Hernandez, A.Mbappé, van Dijk, Hakimi, N.Mbappé, Wijnaldum (Camavinga, 5'), Brašković, K.Mbappé, da Costa, Mané
Wales: Hydd, Roberts, Williams, Keane, Dyfed, Iago, Ramsey, Alle, Lingard, Bale
FRANCE BEATS WALES 2-0
France:
Mané 22'
K.Mbappé 74'
Possession:
FRANCE: 73%
WALES: 27%
SHOTS:
FRANCE: 3
WALES: 0
FIRST HALF STARTS
1' THE MATCH HAS NOW STARTED.
5' OUCH! Keane has tackled Wijnaldum, and he is seriously injured, as it owes to his double leg break, like Seamus Coleman had a few years ago!
5' France subsition: Wijnaldum off - Camavinga on
5' Red card given to Keane, he's sent off.
22' GOAL! SADIO Mané HAS SCORED! He took a great dribble and drew the ball past that goalie Hydd!
MATCH: FRANCE 1-0 WALES
SHOTS: FRANCE 1-0 WALES
37' Wales nearly make a chance as Bale attempts to cross but is quickly turned away by Hernadez
45' 3 minutes added time!
FIRST HALF ENDS
HALF TIME
SECOND HALF STARTS
73' Not much has happened so far, but wait....
74' THAT'S RIGHT! FRANCE HAS JUST SCORED AGAIN!! Kylian Mbappe has just NOW SCORED!
MATCH: FRANCE 2-0 WALES
SHOTS: FRANCE 2-0 WALES
89' A attempt to make it three goals has failed as Hydd has managed to save it!
SHOTS: FRANCE 3-0 WALES
90' 5 minute added time!
SECOND HALF ENDS
FRANCE KNOCKS OUT WALES 2-0
Wales are sadly going home due to that embarrassing defeat.
MAN OF THE MATCH:
France's Kylian Mbappe! He managed to take a long shot and it went to the goal!
Friday 10th of July in the Quarter Finals, Vera Cruz
Sao Paulo ended first of their group and won all their matches until now, not even conceding a goal, showing a complete domination over all their opponents. Germany on the other side struggled a bit against Nova Hollandia in group stage but has since rolled over its opponents as well. The two teams know each other quite well, this match is a classic of World Cups, and it has been played twice already in the Final. We’re impatient to watch this match, which we expect to be exciting, between two of the favorites for final vicory.
For the second quarter final of this 2020 World Cup, Germany faces San Paulo to find out who would face the host team Mexico in the next round. And it was not necessary to arrive late at the Olympic Field of Vera Cruz because from the first minutes, it is the Paulite who attack with Willian who does not frame a good header (3rd) then Neymar who lights his first wick of the match but who crushes too much his ball to worry Kocyła (6th).
But it is Germany which will shine first, after 15 long minutes where the two teams neutralize each other, Szymon Sójka, deported on the right side, addresses a brilliant long pass on the left side to Nguyễn Tất Thành who provoked his vis-à-vis before crossing for his attacking teammate who had time to get into the area. The Mannheim forward takes the ball from the shoulder and the head at the same time but it is not enough to deceive Cassio (7th).
Germany gets in the best tracks for this match which promises to be a tight one. And tight it is, since during the 15 minutes that follows, neither of the two teams cannot get opportunities.
It is finally on a free kick that a thrill will arrive, by NTT. On a kick stopped 25 meters from Paulite goals, Thành curls up his shot at mid-height but fails to deceive Cassio who made an exceptional parade to divert the ball. However, he cannot block the too powerful shot, and the ball lands right in Sojka’s feet, well positioned, who simply pushes the ball into the net, watched by a powerless Cassio on the ground (22', 0-1)
Ten minutes later, it is Neymar who will have the opportunity to shine with a similar free kick but the shot of the Santos forward is countered by the German wall (33rd). A wall is the best possible definition to describe the German defense as impressive as it is to annihilate every Paulite attack.
As the half-time draws closer, Dorival Junior's men push but fail to create real opportunities or strikes. It is ultimately Szymon Sójka who will be the author of the only strike before the break but Der Husar does not control the volley and does not frame his shot.
The second period began on a high note as the Paulite returned to the field with new intentions. After making a siege of several minutes of Kocyła’s goals, the Lusitanians get a corner. Renan Lodi and Arthur Melo play it together and the Colchonero offers a perfect center for Felipe Monteiro who propels the ball into the back of Kocyła’s nets (56th). The joy of the Paulite is short-lived, the referee cancels the goal because Monteiro helped himself climbing over Abdelali Hachadi to win the header.
This warning allows the German team to immediately regain the mental advantage and gives strength to his teammates. His defense comrades in particular will offer a collective block model, suffocating the Paulite who have trouble to find the opening, each time stumbling on a defender leg, Kocyła’s arm or failing to frame.
However, things will change at the 80th. As he was slowly progressing, deprived of solutions to find his teammates, Gabriel Jesus attempted what seemed a desperate shot towards the goal. The shot was not very powerful, and Kocyła was on it. Inexplicably, he failed to block the ball as it passed below him and ended in the goal’s nets. (80', 1-1)
This time the Paulite could truly rejoice of this miraculous Jesus goal, and as the German goalkeeper was still wondering what happened, the Roxos were pushing forward to try and take the advantage. With four attempts in 5 minutes, by Neymar, Wllian, Jesus and Neymar again, the Germans were now praying to keep the score intact until the end of regular time.
But at the last minute, Szymon Sójka will once again make the powder speak. A counter-offensive well launched at the entrance to the penalty area by Wolff, who just won the ball from Neymar, Der Husar will simply offer Germany his best inside of the foot to send Germany in semi-finals as the ball reaches the small net opposite to a helpless Cassio (90+4', 1-2).
In the end, after an interminable additional time, Neymar and his friends say adios to Mexico while Germany qualified for the semi-finals of this World Cup and will face the said Mexicans.
THE MATCH NOTE (81/100)
General show (15/20): The match was a masterpiece for who likes tactics, but not very spectacular to the common fan. It was mostly an opposition of styles with the realism of the Germans winning over the Paulite extravagancy. At some key moments, like the end of the match, it became quite spectacular as Sao Paulo was dominating.
Opportunities and Goals (13/20): While there were a lot of beautiful occasions, Sao Paulo’s goal was probably scored on the worst shot they took. We felt for the poor Kocyla who played an almost perfect match except this mistake at the 80th minute. Sojka’s goals were clinical, the first one in his typical style of poacher, and the second as the end of a flawless counter-offensive.
Technical quality (20/20): That was without a world-class level of technicity for both teams. It is no surprise that they were both favorites for the final victory, between Neymar’s head-spinning and kidney-breaking dribbles, Sojka’s precise shots, Willian’s fast rushes, D’Egidio and Sulzberger’s clearances, Marquinhos’ tackles, ah, it was all splendid. NTT’s free-kick was wonderful, and his cross for Sojka on the first occasion is perfect. There was close to no mistakes on either side, well except at the 80th…
Scenario and suspense (18/20): A true rollercoaster of emotions! The scenario is cruel for Sao Paulo, being crucified at the last moment when their hopes were at the highest level. They would have probably won if the match continued into the extra time… But Sojka’s amazingly cold blooded-goal decided otherwise. We can’t help but feel relieved for Kocyla whose spatio-temporal black hole mistake would not be held against him, and we’d rather remember how many times he saved his team.
Bonus and penalty (15/20): For this category, we explain to you, we start from 10/20 at each kick-off and we inflate or lower the score according to our own subjective criteria (we are the jury, we do what we want) :
+2 Kocyla’s perfect match before and after the 80th minute.
-2 Kocyla’s match at the 80th minute.
+2 Germany’s defense in general, relentlessly annihilating every Paulite moves.
+3 Szymon Sojka’s match as a prototype of the cold-blooded clinical striker, appearing at the right time and right place to score. Those are his 6th and 7th goals of the tournament.
+3 Neymar’s dribbling, simply.
6 GIFS THAT SUMMARIZE THE MATCH
Sojka when he gets the ball in the penalty box
Klopp at half-time
The goal of the 80th minute viewed by Gabriel Jesus
The goal of the 80th minute viewed by Kocyla
The goal of the 80th minute viewed by the ball
Paulite fans in the stadium after Sojka’s winning goal
Fan Bonus :
Meanwhile in Vera Cruz…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tabwwbF9Ohg
Final score :
Federal United Republic of San Paulo 1:2 United Neutral Team
(Jesus 80’)( Sójka 22’, 90+4’)
Sao Paulo ended first of their group and won all their matches until now, not even conceding a goal, showing a complete domination over all their opponents. Germany on the other side struggled a bit against Nova Hollandia in group stage but has since rolled over its opponents as well. The two teams know each other quite well, this match is a classic of World Cups, and it has been played twice already in the Final. We’re impatient to watch this match, which we expect to be exciting, between two of the favorites for final vicory.
For the second quarter final of this 2020 World Cup, Germany faces San Paulo to find out who would face the host team Mexico in the next round. And it was not necessary to arrive late at the Olympic Field of Vera Cruz because from the first minutes, it is the Paulite who attack with Willian who does not frame a good header (3rd) then Neymar who lights his first wick of the match but who crushes too much his ball to worry Kocyła (6th).
But it is Germany which will shine first, after 15 long minutes where the two teams neutralize each other, Szymon Sójka, deported on the right side, addresses a brilliant long pass on the left side to Nguyễn Tất Thành who provoked his vis-à-vis before crossing for his attacking teammate who had time to get into the area. The Mannheim forward takes the ball from the shoulder and the head at the same time but it is not enough to deceive Cassio (7th).
Germany gets in the best tracks for this match which promises to be a tight one. And tight it is, since during the 15 minutes that follows, neither of the two teams cannot get opportunities.
It is finally on a free kick that a thrill will arrive, by NTT. On a kick stopped 25 meters from Paulite goals, Thành curls up his shot at mid-height but fails to deceive Cassio who made an exceptional parade to divert the ball. However, he cannot block the too powerful shot, and the ball lands right in Sojka’s feet, well positioned, who simply pushes the ball into the net, watched by a powerless Cassio on the ground (22', 0-1)
Ten minutes later, it is Neymar who will have the opportunity to shine with a similar free kick but the shot of the Santos forward is countered by the German wall (33rd). A wall is the best possible definition to describe the German defense as impressive as it is to annihilate every Paulite attack.
As the half-time draws closer, Dorival Junior's men push but fail to create real opportunities or strikes. It is ultimately Szymon Sójka who will be the author of the only strike before the break but Der Husar does not control the volley and does not frame his shot.
The second period began on a high note as the Paulite returned to the field with new intentions. After making a siege of several minutes of Kocyła’s goals, the Lusitanians get a corner. Renan Lodi and Arthur Melo play it together and the Colchonero offers a perfect center for Felipe Monteiro who propels the ball into the back of Kocyła’s nets (56th). The joy of the Paulite is short-lived, the referee cancels the goal because Monteiro helped himself climbing over Abdelali Hachadi to win the header.
This warning allows the German team to immediately regain the mental advantage and gives strength to his teammates. His defense comrades in particular will offer a collective block model, suffocating the Paulite who have trouble to find the opening, each time stumbling on a defender leg, Kocyła’s arm or failing to frame.
However, things will change at the 80th. As he was slowly progressing, deprived of solutions to find his teammates, Gabriel Jesus attempted what seemed a desperate shot towards the goal. The shot was not very powerful, and Kocyła was on it. Inexplicably, he failed to block the ball as it passed below him and ended in the goal’s nets. (80', 1-1)
This time the Paulite could truly rejoice of this miraculous Jesus goal, and as the German goalkeeper was still wondering what happened, the Roxos were pushing forward to try and take the advantage. With four attempts in 5 minutes, by Neymar, Wllian, Jesus and Neymar again, the Germans were now praying to keep the score intact until the end of regular time.
But at the last minute, Szymon Sójka will once again make the powder speak. A counter-offensive well launched at the entrance to the penalty area by Wolff, who just won the ball from Neymar, Der Husar will simply offer Germany his best inside of the foot to send Germany in semi-finals as the ball reaches the small net opposite to a helpless Cassio (90+4', 1-2).
In the end, after an interminable additional time, Neymar and his friends say adios to Mexico while Germany qualified for the semi-finals of this World Cup and will face the said Mexicans.
THE MATCH NOTE (81/100)
General show (15/20): The match was a masterpiece for who likes tactics, but not very spectacular to the common fan. It was mostly an opposition of styles with the realism of the Germans winning over the Paulite extravagancy. At some key moments, like the end of the match, it became quite spectacular as Sao Paulo was dominating.
Opportunities and Goals (13/20): While there were a lot of beautiful occasions, Sao Paulo’s goal was probably scored on the worst shot they took. We felt for the poor Kocyla who played an almost perfect match except this mistake at the 80th minute. Sojka’s goals were clinical, the first one in his typical style of poacher, and the second as the end of a flawless counter-offensive.
Technical quality (20/20): That was without a world-class level of technicity for both teams. It is no surprise that they were both favorites for the final victory, between Neymar’s head-spinning and kidney-breaking dribbles, Sojka’s precise shots, Willian’s fast rushes, D’Egidio and Sulzberger’s clearances, Marquinhos’ tackles, ah, it was all splendid. NTT’s free-kick was wonderful, and his cross for Sojka on the first occasion is perfect. There was close to no mistakes on either side, well except at the 80th…
Scenario and suspense (18/20): A true rollercoaster of emotions! The scenario is cruel for Sao Paulo, being crucified at the last moment when their hopes were at the highest level. They would have probably won if the match continued into the extra time… But Sojka’s amazingly cold blooded-goal decided otherwise. We can’t help but feel relieved for Kocyla whose spatio-temporal black hole mistake would not be held against him, and we’d rather remember how many times he saved his team.
Bonus and penalty (15/20): For this category, we explain to you, we start from 10/20 at each kick-off and we inflate or lower the score according to our own subjective criteria (we are the jury, we do what we want) :
+2 Kocyla’s perfect match before and after the 80th minute.
-2 Kocyla’s match at the 80th minute.
+2 Germany’s defense in general, relentlessly annihilating every Paulite moves.
+3 Szymon Sojka’s match as a prototype of the cold-blooded clinical striker, appearing at the right time and right place to score. Those are his 6th and 7th goals of the tournament.
+3 Neymar’s dribbling, simply.
6 GIFS THAT SUMMARIZE THE MATCH
Paulite fans in the stadium after Sojka’s winning goal
Fan Bonus :
Meanwhile in Vera Cruz…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tabwwbF9Ohg
Final score :
Federal United Republic of San Paulo 1:2 United Neutral Team
(Jesus 80’)( Sójka 22’, 90+4’)
from pilkarski.mm
Antarctique
Coach: Marcel Gaillard
Lineup:
Alcide Becker
Alexandre Tellès
Jacques Godin
Joseph Simon
Gabriel Marchand
Léandre Pariède
Mathias Vexin (53' Jean Le Cel)
Lionel Messie
Maurice Picard (87' Serge Aguerre)
Edouard Chavanne (65' Lucas Thorez)
Ange De Marie
León and Castille
Coach: Sérgio Conceição
Lineup:
Rubén Blanco
(45' Iago Aspas) Angeliño
José Fonte
Pepe
Jonny
Raphael Guerreiro
(72' Ruben Neves) Thiago
Bruno Fernandes
(81' Ricardo Rodriguez) Juan Mata
João Félix
Diogo Jota
Coach: Sérgio Conceição
Lineup:
Rubén Blanco
(45' Iago Aspas) Angeliño
José Fonte
Pepe
Jonny
Raphael Guerreiro
(72' Ruben Neves) Thiago
Bruno Fernandes
(81' Ricardo Rodriguez) Juan Mata
João Félix
Diogo Jota
Antarctique 3 - 1 León and Castille
Goals: 1-0 Maurice Picard (10')
2-0 Lionel Messie (24')
2-1 João Felix (54') (p)
3-1 Maurice Picard (64')
Referee: Habib Azizi Kamara (Mandé National Union) - Grade B:
No decisive mistakes. Godin should have been shown a second yellow card (75'). The penalty kicks (54', 81') both were very clearly correct, as was sending off Pepe (81').
As in most knockout matches, both coaches sent out their best starting eevens. The Gaillard team had to go without Dybala (severely injured against Madagascar), while Sérgio Conceição's squad had no issues with injury. However, Conceição benched Iago Aspas in favour of Diogo Jota as the latter was deemed to be the faster player.
And at first, the Lions' gamble seemed to pay off. Messie's attempt had been saved by Ruben Blanco, and over Raphael Guerreiro, Diogo Jota got the ball - and initiated a fast counterattack. Close to the penalty area, he played back to Raphael Guerreiro, who took a shot. And Alcide Becker had to stretch himself to save it (6')!
Only a few minutes later, Alexandre Tellès won the ball back from Guerreiro, Thiago was unable to stop Tellès from passing into the middle to Pariède, then to Vexin, who chipped the ball onto the right wing of Ange De Marie. Pepe had played De Marie onside, and De Marie outwitted first Jonny, then Pepe and then Jose Fonte beautifully before passing to the free Maurice Picard, who had no problem putting the ball into the back of the net! 1-0 Maurice Picard (10')!
Rubén Blanco had no chance, but he scolded his defence for leaving him in the lurch. And they tried their best, but a header from Picard (16') after a Messie free kick went only narrowly wide of the goal and a direct free kick taken by Messie (18') was cleared for a corner by Thiago.
And soon after, the spectators had not seen even one clear opportunity for León-Castille since the initial warning shot by Guerreiro, a dribbling by Messie from the far left - he had recieved the ball via an excellent change of sides over Marchand and Vexin - into the centre was robustly stopped by José Fonte. Rightfully, Fonte was booked and a free kick from this very dangerous position was awarded. 19 metres in front of the goal, centre-left position. Of course this was Messie's task.
And Messie took the free kick excellently, over the wall and towards the right corner. Rubén Blanco was on his way and Messie's ball would have likely gone wide of the right post, but the ball was slightly deflected to the centre-left by João Felix' knee! And landed in goal, in the centre-left below the crossbar! 2-0 Lionel Messie (24')!
Many, even among the spectators, thought this match was already decided - and indeed, until half-time, the match took place mostly in midfield. A powerful shot by Chavanne (37') went wide of the target, on the other side, Alcide Becker could safely pick up João Félix's weak header after a rather good corner was brought into the penalty area by Thiago (43'). Both defensive lines rather wanted to avoid making mistakes.
At half-time, Conceição brought on Iago Aspas for Angeliño, pulling Raphael Guerreiro as well as Diogo Jota back.
And indeed, León-Castille came back improved. Jonny fairly tackled Ange De Marie, regaining the ball, and passed it to José Fonte, who excellently passed the ball far forward onto Bruno Fernandes. Neither Godin nor Simon were able to catch up, but Alcide Becker could parry the cross/shot away (48'). The following corner was safely picked up by Becker.
Just a few minutes later, Rubén Blanco had picked up a shot by Edouard Chavanne, and passes the ball to José Fonte. Over Thiago and Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota, a perfect ball is played into the feet of João Félix, rather far to the left! But he is taken down in the penalty area by Jacques Godin - and immediately, Kamara points to the spot! A unanimous penalty, and Godin is booked!
João Félix himself took responsibility... and a powerful strike into the lower right corner! No chance for Alcide Becker! 2-1 João Félix (54')!
Hope was back for León-Castille, and quickly, they tried to follow up. Pepe excellently forwarded the ball onto the left wing of Diogo Jota, with Raphael Guerreiro backing him up. Diogo Jota outran Gabriel Marchand and - while Joseph Simon played him onside - passed onto the right wing of Juan Mata, he backwards into the penalty area to Bruno Fernandes! And he took quite a powerful shot, but it hit the right post and could then be cleared off the line by Godin (57')!
Again only a few minutes later, having recieved the ball from Raphael Guerreiro over Thiago, Bruno Fernandes passed it onto the right wing of Juan Mata, who pulled towards the centre, outrunning Gabriel Marchand. In a centre-right position, he outwitted Joseph Simon, but his shot was parried away for a corner by Alcide Becker! The following corner was brought in by Thiago and found the head of Iago Aspas, whose header went only just wide (62')!
But of course, such offensive play as was shown by the Lions always bears the risk of running into counterattacks. After another corner (Thiago took it, but the ball was picked up), Becker kicked the ball forward - and it reached Jean Le Cel. Under pressure from Jose Fonte, Le Cel passed it onto the free left wing of Lionel Messie, back to Le Cel (now onto the right wing), who crossed it into the penalty area! Edouard Chavanne let it through, and the ball came perfectly onto the foot of Maurice Picard! And Blanco even had himself nutmegged by Picard's rather weak shot, which found the back of the net! 3-1 Maurice Picard (64')!
Clearly, such a weak shot should have been saved by Rubén Blanco - a mistake by the goalkeeper.
And with this, the match was indeed decided. León-Castille's morale was broken, whereas the Gaillard team could just administrate the result without really trying to score any more goals. Their defensive approach was also reflected in a change of formation from 4-2-4 to a 4-3-3 with a fully defensive and two rather defensively oriented central midfielders.
Nevertheless, Messie (68', 77') and Picard with a header after De Marie took a corner (73') still had at least half-opportunities.
The dominance of Antarctique increased when Ange De Marie took another corner, bringing it deep into the penalty area. A surprise strike by Lucas Thorez! But it was stopped on the line, and immediately, Kamara awarded another penalty kick! It was not Ruben Blanco who stopped the shot, but Pepe - and he did it with his arm!
Pepe, in what well could be his last national team match, was rightfully sent off with a straight red card for handball on the goal-line.
And, despite Messie having already missed a penalty during the group stage match against Madagascar, he took it again... The penalty is quite well-taken, but Rubén Blanco makes a flying safe and can parry it away with his hands, back into the field! And Ange De Marie puts the follow-up over the crossbar (81')!
Not much more happened afterwards, but it was even clearer now that Antarctique was in control and won this match deservedly.
And thus, we can look forward to the semifinals of the 2020 World Cup: Mexico vs. United Neutral Team and Antarctique vs. Belgium
Goals: 1-0 Maurice Picard (10')
2-0 Lionel Messie (24')
2-1 João Felix (54') (p)
3-1 Maurice Picard (64')
Referee: Habib Azizi Kamara (Mandé National Union) - Grade B:
No decisive mistakes. Godin should have been shown a second yellow card (75'). The penalty kicks (54', 81') both were very clearly correct, as was sending off Pepe (81').
As in most knockout matches, both coaches sent out their best starting eevens. The Gaillard team had to go without Dybala (severely injured against Madagascar), while Sérgio Conceição's squad had no issues with injury. However, Conceição benched Iago Aspas in favour of Diogo Jota as the latter was deemed to be the faster player.
And at first, the Lions' gamble seemed to pay off. Messie's attempt had been saved by Ruben Blanco, and over Raphael Guerreiro, Diogo Jota got the ball - and initiated a fast counterattack. Close to the penalty area, he played back to Raphael Guerreiro, who took a shot. And Alcide Becker had to stretch himself to save it (6')!
Only a few minutes later, Alexandre Tellès won the ball back from Guerreiro, Thiago was unable to stop Tellès from passing into the middle to Pariède, then to Vexin, who chipped the ball onto the right wing of Ange De Marie. Pepe had played De Marie onside, and De Marie outwitted first Jonny, then Pepe and then Jose Fonte beautifully before passing to the free Maurice Picard, who had no problem putting the ball into the back of the net! 1-0 Maurice Picard (10')!
Rubén Blanco had no chance, but he scolded his defence for leaving him in the lurch. And they tried their best, but a header from Picard (16') after a Messie free kick went only narrowly wide of the goal and a direct free kick taken by Messie (18') was cleared for a corner by Thiago.
And soon after, the spectators had not seen even one clear opportunity for León-Castille since the initial warning shot by Guerreiro, a dribbling by Messie from the far left - he had recieved the ball via an excellent change of sides over Marchand and Vexin - into the centre was robustly stopped by José Fonte. Rightfully, Fonte was booked and a free kick from this very dangerous position was awarded. 19 metres in front of the goal, centre-left position. Of course this was Messie's task.
And Messie took the free kick excellently, over the wall and towards the right corner. Rubén Blanco was on his way and Messie's ball would have likely gone wide of the right post, but the ball was slightly deflected to the centre-left by João Felix' knee! And landed in goal, in the centre-left below the crossbar! 2-0 Lionel Messie (24')!
Many, even among the spectators, thought this match was already decided - and indeed, until half-time, the match took place mostly in midfield. A powerful shot by Chavanne (37') went wide of the target, on the other side, Alcide Becker could safely pick up João Félix's weak header after a rather good corner was brought into the penalty area by Thiago (43'). Both defensive lines rather wanted to avoid making mistakes.
At half-time, Conceição brought on Iago Aspas for Angeliño, pulling Raphael Guerreiro as well as Diogo Jota back.
And indeed, León-Castille came back improved. Jonny fairly tackled Ange De Marie, regaining the ball, and passed it to José Fonte, who excellently passed the ball far forward onto Bruno Fernandes. Neither Godin nor Simon were able to catch up, but Alcide Becker could parry the cross/shot away (48'). The following corner was safely picked up by Becker.
Just a few minutes later, Rubén Blanco had picked up a shot by Edouard Chavanne, and passes the ball to José Fonte. Over Thiago and Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Jota, a perfect ball is played into the feet of João Félix, rather far to the left! But he is taken down in the penalty area by Jacques Godin - and immediately, Kamara points to the spot! A unanimous penalty, and Godin is booked!
João Félix himself took responsibility... and a powerful strike into the lower right corner! No chance for Alcide Becker! 2-1 João Félix (54')!
Hope was back for León-Castille, and quickly, they tried to follow up. Pepe excellently forwarded the ball onto the left wing of Diogo Jota, with Raphael Guerreiro backing him up. Diogo Jota outran Gabriel Marchand and - while Joseph Simon played him onside - passed onto the right wing of Juan Mata, he backwards into the penalty area to Bruno Fernandes! And he took quite a powerful shot, but it hit the right post and could then be cleared off the line by Godin (57')!
Again only a few minutes later, having recieved the ball from Raphael Guerreiro over Thiago, Bruno Fernandes passed it onto the right wing of Juan Mata, who pulled towards the centre, outrunning Gabriel Marchand. In a centre-right position, he outwitted Joseph Simon, but his shot was parried away for a corner by Alcide Becker! The following corner was brought in by Thiago and found the head of Iago Aspas, whose header went only just wide (62')!
But of course, such offensive play as was shown by the Lions always bears the risk of running into counterattacks. After another corner (Thiago took it, but the ball was picked up), Becker kicked the ball forward - and it reached Jean Le Cel. Under pressure from Jose Fonte, Le Cel passed it onto the free left wing of Lionel Messie, back to Le Cel (now onto the right wing), who crossed it into the penalty area! Edouard Chavanne let it through, and the ball came perfectly onto the foot of Maurice Picard! And Blanco even had himself nutmegged by Picard's rather weak shot, which found the back of the net! 3-1 Maurice Picard (64')!
Clearly, such a weak shot should have been saved by Rubén Blanco - a mistake by the goalkeeper.
And with this, the match was indeed decided. León-Castille's morale was broken, whereas the Gaillard team could just administrate the result without really trying to score any more goals. Their defensive approach was also reflected in a change of formation from 4-2-4 to a 4-3-3 with a fully defensive and two rather defensively oriented central midfielders.
Nevertheless, Messie (68', 77') and Picard with a header after De Marie took a corner (73') still had at least half-opportunities.
The dominance of Antarctique increased when Ange De Marie took another corner, bringing it deep into the penalty area. A surprise strike by Lucas Thorez! But it was stopped on the line, and immediately, Kamara awarded another penalty kick! It was not Ruben Blanco who stopped the shot, but Pepe - and he did it with his arm!
Pepe, in what well could be his last national team match, was rightfully sent off with a straight red card for handball on the goal-line.
And, despite Messie having already missed a penalty during the group stage match against Madagascar, he took it again... The penalty is quite well-taken, but Rubén Blanco makes a flying safe and can parry it away with his hands, back into the field! And Ange De Marie puts the follow-up over the crossbar (81')!
Not much more happened afterwards, but it was even clearer now that Antarctique was in control and won this match deservedly.
And thus, we can look forward to the semifinals of the 2020 World Cup: Mexico vs. United Neutral Team and Antarctique vs. Belgium
Last edited:
from pilkarski.mm
French National Union:Coach: Thomas Tuchel
Lineup:
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Lucas Hernandez (23' Slavko Tripalo)
Aliou Mbappé
Virgil van Dijk
Achraf Hakimi
Napoléon Mbappé
Eduardo Camavinga (80' Lucien Agoume)
Darko Brašković (92' Deng Xiajiang)
Sadio Mané (106' Breel Embolo)
Khouma Mamadou Sy
Kylian Mbappé
Belgium:
Coach: Michel Preud'homme
Lineup.
Thibault Courtois
Toby Alderweireld
Perr Schuurs
(45' Laurent Jans) Thomas Meunier
Axel Witsel
(64' Siebe Schrijvers) Yannick Carrasco
Nacer Chadli
(86' Vincent Thill) Dries Mertens
Sam Lammers
Daniel Da Mota
(98' Roy Beerens) Kevin Mirallas
Coach: Michel Preud'homme
Lineup.
Thibault Courtois
Toby Alderweireld
Perr Schuurs
(45' Laurent Jans) Thomas Meunier
Axel Witsel
(64' Siebe Schrijvers) Yannick Carrasco
Nacer Chadli
(86' Vincent Thill) Dries Mertens
Sam Lammers
Daniel Da Mota
(98' Roy Beerens) Kevin Mirallas
French National Union 1 -2 a.e.t. Belgium
Goals: 1-0 Eduardo Camavinga (6')
1-1 Nacer Chadli (72')
1-2 Daniel Da Mota (106')
Referee: Takefusa Omae (Empire of Japan) - Grade B:
No decisive mistakes. The penalty for France was absolutely correct (Schrijvers v. Sy, 93'). He should have booked Schuurs (28') and shown Alderweireld a second yellow card (86'), whereas booking Schuurs (57') and van Dijk (115') was probably harsh.
Both coaches sent their best starting elevens possible, but changes were seen in both lineups. Tuchel had to replace the severely-injured Wijnaldum (up to two years on the sidelines!) - and made Eduardo Camavinga the youngest player ever to start a match for France. Phillippe Evande da Costa was the second player injured, but adductor issues only take him out for this and a possible semifinal match. Hopes are high that da Costa would be fit again for a potential final or third-place match.
On the other side, Preud'homme rewarded Daniel Da Mota with a place in the starting eleven.
And it was France who controlled the match right after kickoff. A dangerous cross by Lucas Hernandez was caught at the last minute by Thibault Courtois (2').
Soon after, an offensive-minded Achraf Hakimi was left free to run on the right wing and could dangerously cross the ball into the penalty box once again! This time, Thibault Courtois could not get a grip on it! Instead, he fumbled and it was Eduardo Camavinga who just had to put his foot in!
The youngest starter ever thus also became the youngest goalscorer in French history! 1-0 Eduardo Camavinga (6')!
However, after Camavinga's goal, not much more happened. It was not that Les Bleus performed worse or that Belgium performed better, but fewer opportunities arose as defence (mainly Belgian defence, though) were more able and willing to nip them in the bud. Both teams wanted to avoid making the fatal mistake.
Thibault Courtois still had to intervene several times - against van Dijk's header after a Brašković free kick (13'), against Sy's attempt from 14 metres in front of the goal after another Hakimi cross (17'), against Kylian Mbappé's shot from the right (27').
In the 23rd minute, Hernandez wanted to run as freely on the left wing as Hakimi had done earlier on the right wing and most likely cross the ball into the penalty box, but during a sprint - without being under pressure from a Belgian player, Alderweireld was approaching him but nothing else - he stopped and pointed to his hamstring... It is injured, and Thomas Tuchel had no other alternative than to bring on another 18-year-old in Slavko Tripalo.
Belgium was very lucky when Mané's powerful shot from the far left (34') which was deflected by Schuurs hit the inside of the post and Thibault Courtois could grab the ball.
The Tricolors on the other hand did not take a single shot at the target in the first half. Nevertheless, Donnarumma parried away a rather harmless attempt by Chadli which would have gone wide anyway (9') and a powerful, but far too high attempt by Axel Witsel (36').
But after half-time, things were completely different as the Preud'homme team seemed to be a completely new one. Meunier, ineffective and seemingly slow, was replaced by Laurent Jans. But this was by far not the only change noticeable on the pitch. Belgium was much more offensively minded, combined with a more stable defence.
Still, the start to the second half was quite slow. Chadli and Carrasco gave their best, but were frequently stopped by Tripalo and Hakimi. A successful run down the wing by Nacer Chadli saw him outwit Slavko Tripalo, however, Aliou Mbappé jumped quite a bit higher than Sam Lammers and stopped his attempt at a header, heading it out for a corner instead (54')!
Chadli's next shot, this time from the left wing, would have probably gone wide of the target, too, but Donnarumma rather wanted to play it safe and parried the ball with a great flying save - out for a corner (67')! And the corner certainly was no less dangerous. Schrijvers took the corner, and it was, unexpectedly for France, taken short. Van Dijk and Hakimi headed the attempt at a cross out of the area, but 34 metres in front of Donnarumma's goal, it was Napoléon Mbappé who took down Alderweireld as he wanted to bring the ball back into the danger zone.
The free kick was certainly too far out for a direct attempt. Dries Mertens took the free kick - into the wall. Aliou Mbappé headed it out. However, Axel Witsel was first to reach the ball - and he saw the unguarded Nacer Chadli on the right wing! A perfect pass to Nacer Chadli, whose even more perfect and beautiful shot found the back of the net! 1-1 Nacer Chadli (72')! Donnarumma could possibly have reacted, this is unlikely however - no goalkeeping mistake.
Again, the quality and number of opportunities significantly decreased even though both teams were quite eager to decide this match in regular time. On the part of the Tuchel team, Camavinga's substitution for Agoume was a clear sign that a final offence was what Tuchel wanted.
A powerful strike by Brašković was parried away by Courtois (84'), Mané was hindered at the last moment by Alderweireld before taking a shot (87'), but on the other hand, Donnarumma had to save attempts by Lammers (86') and Schrijvers (90+2').
But it remained one all, and so, thirty minutes of extra time were needed, if not a penalty shootout.
After Agoume took a corner which harmlessly went out for the next corner, referee Omae immediately pointed to the spot. Most spectators didn't understand why at first - but then, as the video screens repeated the sequence, it became evident that Schrijvers had taken Khouma Sy off his feet to stop him getting a chance at a header (93')!
Tuchel is one of the few coaches who lets the players decide spontaneously who takes the penalty, and it was Sadio Mané this time!
Sadio Mané vs. Thibault Courtois... a shot towards the upper right corner! Too high to be safe! And with an excellent flying save, Courtois saved the penalty!
The following corner was taken by Deng Xiajiang, and again, Courtois saved, this time a powerful header from Virgil van Dijk (94')!
And after a saved attempt by Sam Lammers for the Tricolors (101'), Donnarumma excellently kicked the ball forward. Belgian defence was badly positioned and Deng Xiajiang could take the ball and even run forward with it, taking Sadio Mané on the far left and Khouma Sy, more towards the centre, with him. He decided to pass to Khouma Sy, whose shot, too far to the left of the goal, was parried away by Courtois! Many think that, had Xiajiang taken the shot for himself, he would have scored (102')! But this is not necessarily the case, Courtois at least had a chance...
After a short break, the second half of extra time started. And the first half already had shown that both teams were not prepared to let this match go to penalties. In the last minutes of the first half of extra time, the Tricolors had become somewhat better.
And then, after another corner for France, Courtois - who had taken the risk of coming out of his goal - threw the ball to Laurent Jans, who chipped it high to Nacer Chadli. The offside rule did not apply as this excellent chip came out of the Belgian half of the field, and when Chadli played one-two with Vincent Thill, it was Slavko Tripalo who played Chadli onside again. His pass back, to the centre near the penalty area, found Daniel Da Mota who just took a shot! And the powerful shot found the back of the net, leaving Donnarumma no chance! Donnarumma was even nutmegged! 1-2 Daniel Da Mota (106')!
And, despite several more attempts, France could no longer muster the energy to really change the result.
The best opportunities for an equaliser included a rather dangerous shot, not very powerful but with a lot of effet, from the left corner of the penalty area by Khouma Sy (who had been assigned the left wing as Embolo was brought on) which could only just be saved by Courtois (114') and a very powerful shot from 23 metres in front of the goal by Lucien Agoume (116') which went just wide of the left post.
The Tricolors meanwhile had switched to a very defensive mode of play and successfully stopped the French from making a comeback.
In an exciting match, always good to watch and without much 'argy-bargy' in midfield, Belgium becomes the second semifinalist after the Mexican hosts.
To at least some pundits' surprise, the "dark horse" Belgium kicked the very highly rated French National Union out of the tournament, and Tuchel will have to answer some questions... At first, but certainly not least, the question remains why he went to Mexico with such a young squad (from the 23rd minute with Slavko Tripalo, the squad was the youngest ever to have played in a World Cup, with an average of 21,4 years), leaving several more experienced players like midfielder N'Golo Kanté, defenders Raphael Varane and Uhaitz Aivar (some even advocated for 36-year-old Giorgio Chiellini), or striker Loïc-Arpoun Natlinian at home.
Goals: 1-0 Eduardo Camavinga (6')
1-1 Nacer Chadli (72')
1-2 Daniel Da Mota (106')
Referee: Takefusa Omae (Empire of Japan) - Grade B:
No decisive mistakes. The penalty for France was absolutely correct (Schrijvers v. Sy, 93'). He should have booked Schuurs (28') and shown Alderweireld a second yellow card (86'), whereas booking Schuurs (57') and van Dijk (115') was probably harsh.
Both coaches sent their best starting elevens possible, but changes were seen in both lineups. Tuchel had to replace the severely-injured Wijnaldum (up to two years on the sidelines!) - and made Eduardo Camavinga the youngest player ever to start a match for France. Phillippe Evande da Costa was the second player injured, but adductor issues only take him out for this and a possible semifinal match. Hopes are high that da Costa would be fit again for a potential final or third-place match.
On the other side, Preud'homme rewarded Daniel Da Mota with a place in the starting eleven.
And it was France who controlled the match right after kickoff. A dangerous cross by Lucas Hernandez was caught at the last minute by Thibault Courtois (2').
Soon after, an offensive-minded Achraf Hakimi was left free to run on the right wing and could dangerously cross the ball into the penalty box once again! This time, Thibault Courtois could not get a grip on it! Instead, he fumbled and it was Eduardo Camavinga who just had to put his foot in!
The youngest starter ever thus also became the youngest goalscorer in French history! 1-0 Eduardo Camavinga (6')!
However, after Camavinga's goal, not much more happened. It was not that Les Bleus performed worse or that Belgium performed better, but fewer opportunities arose as defence (mainly Belgian defence, though) were more able and willing to nip them in the bud. Both teams wanted to avoid making the fatal mistake.
Thibault Courtois still had to intervene several times - against van Dijk's header after a Brašković free kick (13'), against Sy's attempt from 14 metres in front of the goal after another Hakimi cross (17'), against Kylian Mbappé's shot from the right (27').
In the 23rd minute, Hernandez wanted to run as freely on the left wing as Hakimi had done earlier on the right wing and most likely cross the ball into the penalty box, but during a sprint - without being under pressure from a Belgian player, Alderweireld was approaching him but nothing else - he stopped and pointed to his hamstring... It is injured, and Thomas Tuchel had no other alternative than to bring on another 18-year-old in Slavko Tripalo.
Belgium was very lucky when Mané's powerful shot from the far left (34') which was deflected by Schuurs hit the inside of the post and Thibault Courtois could grab the ball.
The Tricolors on the other hand did not take a single shot at the target in the first half. Nevertheless, Donnarumma parried away a rather harmless attempt by Chadli which would have gone wide anyway (9') and a powerful, but far too high attempt by Axel Witsel (36').
But after half-time, things were completely different as the Preud'homme team seemed to be a completely new one. Meunier, ineffective and seemingly slow, was replaced by Laurent Jans. But this was by far not the only change noticeable on the pitch. Belgium was much more offensively minded, combined with a more stable defence.
Still, the start to the second half was quite slow. Chadli and Carrasco gave their best, but were frequently stopped by Tripalo and Hakimi. A successful run down the wing by Nacer Chadli saw him outwit Slavko Tripalo, however, Aliou Mbappé jumped quite a bit higher than Sam Lammers and stopped his attempt at a header, heading it out for a corner instead (54')!
Chadli's next shot, this time from the left wing, would have probably gone wide of the target, too, but Donnarumma rather wanted to play it safe and parried the ball with a great flying save - out for a corner (67')! And the corner certainly was no less dangerous. Schrijvers took the corner, and it was, unexpectedly for France, taken short. Van Dijk and Hakimi headed the attempt at a cross out of the area, but 34 metres in front of Donnarumma's goal, it was Napoléon Mbappé who took down Alderweireld as he wanted to bring the ball back into the danger zone.
The free kick was certainly too far out for a direct attempt. Dries Mertens took the free kick - into the wall. Aliou Mbappé headed it out. However, Axel Witsel was first to reach the ball - and he saw the unguarded Nacer Chadli on the right wing! A perfect pass to Nacer Chadli, whose even more perfect and beautiful shot found the back of the net! 1-1 Nacer Chadli (72')! Donnarumma could possibly have reacted, this is unlikely however - no goalkeeping mistake.
Again, the quality and number of opportunities significantly decreased even though both teams were quite eager to decide this match in regular time. On the part of the Tuchel team, Camavinga's substitution for Agoume was a clear sign that a final offence was what Tuchel wanted.
A powerful strike by Brašković was parried away by Courtois (84'), Mané was hindered at the last moment by Alderweireld before taking a shot (87'), but on the other hand, Donnarumma had to save attempts by Lammers (86') and Schrijvers (90+2').
But it remained one all, and so, thirty minutes of extra time were needed, if not a penalty shootout.
After Agoume took a corner which harmlessly went out for the next corner, referee Omae immediately pointed to the spot. Most spectators didn't understand why at first - but then, as the video screens repeated the sequence, it became evident that Schrijvers had taken Khouma Sy off his feet to stop him getting a chance at a header (93')!
Tuchel is one of the few coaches who lets the players decide spontaneously who takes the penalty, and it was Sadio Mané this time!
Sadio Mané vs. Thibault Courtois... a shot towards the upper right corner! Too high to be safe! And with an excellent flying save, Courtois saved the penalty!
The following corner was taken by Deng Xiajiang, and again, Courtois saved, this time a powerful header from Virgil van Dijk (94')!
And after a saved attempt by Sam Lammers for the Tricolors (101'), Donnarumma excellently kicked the ball forward. Belgian defence was badly positioned and Deng Xiajiang could take the ball and even run forward with it, taking Sadio Mané on the far left and Khouma Sy, more towards the centre, with him. He decided to pass to Khouma Sy, whose shot, too far to the left of the goal, was parried away by Courtois! Many think that, had Xiajiang taken the shot for himself, he would have scored (102')! But this is not necessarily the case, Courtois at least had a chance...
After a short break, the second half of extra time started. And the first half already had shown that both teams were not prepared to let this match go to penalties. In the last minutes of the first half of extra time, the Tricolors had become somewhat better.
And then, after another corner for France, Courtois - who had taken the risk of coming out of his goal - threw the ball to Laurent Jans, who chipped it high to Nacer Chadli. The offside rule did not apply as this excellent chip came out of the Belgian half of the field, and when Chadli played one-two with Vincent Thill, it was Slavko Tripalo who played Chadli onside again. His pass back, to the centre near the penalty area, found Daniel Da Mota who just took a shot! And the powerful shot found the back of the net, leaving Donnarumma no chance! Donnarumma was even nutmegged! 1-2 Daniel Da Mota (106')!
And, despite several more attempts, France could no longer muster the energy to really change the result.
The best opportunities for an equaliser included a rather dangerous shot, not very powerful but with a lot of effet, from the left corner of the penalty area by Khouma Sy (who had been assigned the left wing as Embolo was brought on) which could only just be saved by Courtois (114') and a very powerful shot from 23 metres in front of the goal by Lucien Agoume (116') which went just wide of the left post.
The Tricolors meanwhile had switched to a very defensive mode of play and successfully stopped the French from making a comeback.
In an exciting match, always good to watch and without much 'argy-bargy' in midfield, Belgium becomes the second semifinalist after the Mexican hosts.
To at least some pundits' surprise, the "dark horse" Belgium kicked the very highly rated French National Union out of the tournament, and Tuchel will have to answer some questions... At first, but certainly not least, the question remains why he went to Mexico with such a young squad (from the 23rd minute with Slavko Tripalo, the squad was the youngest ever to have played in a World Cup, with an average of 21,4 years), leaving several more experienced players like midfielder N'Golo Kanté, defenders Raphael Varane and Uhaitz Aivar (some even advocated for 36-year-old Giorgio Chiellini), or striker Loïc-Arpoun Natlinian at home.
Last edited: