Some say it’s better than Christmas, because it only happens every four years.
The World Cup kicked off in Russia on Thursday afternoon to a glut of goals as the hosts, Russia, hammered a whimpering Saudi Arabia 5-0. Although it seemed more of a training match, we were still treated to some sublime finishes from Denis Cheryshev as well as a beauty of a free-kick from Aleksandr Golovin, and the biggest win from a host nation on opening day for 84 years. Compare that to the slow start of the last two world cups, where nations were trying not to lose rather than trying to win, this rout has set a precedent for every other team at the tournament.
Luckily the goals didn’t dry up there as a late Jose Gimenez header gave tournament dark-horses Uruguay a deserved win over a stubborn, Salah-less Egypt. Another late goal, this time a harsh own-goal for Iran against an impressive starting Morocco ensured a solid, goal-laden start to the tournament.
Friday evening saw the first ‘Clash of the Titans’ as Spain and Portugal faced of in the Iberian derby. The match certainly lived up to the billing with Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa exchanging goals; including a fourth minute penalty and a David De Gea howler giving the Portuguese captain the bragging rights, until a superb Costa solo goal and a well worked second half free kick finished off by the Atletico hitman drew the Spaniards level. A mere three minutes later Spain took the lead from an unusual source as Nacho drilled in an early contender for goal of the tournament with an incredible half volley from outside the area. This breathtaking game wasn’t finished there, as that man again – Ronaldo hammered home an 88th minute free-kick to level the game once and for all. This will no doubt go down as one of the greatest World Cup games of all time.
Saturday saw the goals continuing to flow as a late Pogba goal gave France a 2-1 victory over Australia, Iceland held a disappointing Argentina to a 1-1 draw with Lionel Messi having a penalty saved, Denmark holding on for a 1-0 win over Peru who will consider themselves unlucky not to have got something out of the game, and Croatia easing past Nigeria 2-0.
Serbia got their campaign off to a perfect start with an Aleksandar Kolarov free-kick giving them a deserved 1-0 win over Costa Rica, as did a very impressive Mexico who defeated the reigning world champions Germany courtesy of a superb finish from wonder-kid Hirving Lozano and a lifeless German side who seemed to believe they could stroll to a victory. The weekend culminated in pre-tournament favourites Brazil being held by Switzerland despite a glorious Phillipe Coutinho effort which will no doubt be up for the goal of the tournament award.
Monday saw Sweden edge out South Korea via a penalty from their captain and ex-Wigan man Andreas Granqvist, before Belgium eased past tournament debutants Panama 3-0 despite the Central Americans frustrating the Belgians in the first half. A world class strike from Napoli’s Dries Mertens and two neat finishes from Romelu Lukaku finished the game off with what looks like on paper, little fuss. Group G rivals England and Tunisia squared off in the evening game as the Three Lions bagged all three points with captain Harry Kane getting the goals to give England their first opening game win since 2006.
Tuesday finished off the first round of group games as a Carlos Sanchez red card in the second minute for Colombia set Japan off to a shock win over the South Americans, with Shinji Kagawa netting the resulting penalty and Osako heading in Honda’s corner to win the game after Juan Quintero’s clever free-kick drew the Colombians level. Senegal then surprised a lifeless Poland, with Idrissa Gueye’s deflected shot finding the back of the net and an awful back pass from Grzegorz Krychowiak allowing M’Baye Niang to round an onrushing Wojciech Szczesny and walk the ball into the net.
It’s been a superb start to the World Cup, with no goalless games, nine penalties already being awarded, and easily five contenders for goal of the tournament already. Every team seems to be going for the win and not playing to avoid defeat which makes for exciting football. I for one, can’t wait for the next round of games.
The Man Club 