For those miffed that at the lack of England camp talking points in the build-up to this World Cup, and after this opening (because shock horror we won and actually played quite well!), their prays were answered a few days later when a piece of paper supposedly revealing England's line-up for match two (crucially Sterling being replaced by Rashford), fired tensions up again once again. It's a piece of paper! Well I guess that's all our hard work outdone. For the record the manager has claimed that it was just a training formation than the confirmed final starting-line up for the Panama game. Anyway, on Monday night against Tunisia England got more right than wrong. The slick passing, and high energy pressing game set a good tone. The fluidity between defence, midfield and forward line which Southgate had been preaching got off to promising start. Of course in Harry Kane, England had a portent figure up top to finish off moves. In a throw back to centre forwards of the past, Kane actually saw little of the ball for most of the game only to pop up with two fine headers at crucial times to win the game. It was a well deserved win even if the second half didn't match the first. My small complaints would be that besides Kane there was a lack of a cutting edge up front. At times there was a lack of a plan B. Then again it could well be a plus that Southgate had some much faith in England's style that he stuck with it so long.
The downside to this was that his side got leggy as the game wore on, and there was less purpose to their passing than during the first 45 minutes. Southgate's decision to leave Dale Ali on when it seemed almost certain he wasn't fit enough has proven a misstep in the days since. But the manager deserves credit for the timing of his substitutions, with both Rashford and Loftus-Cheek making a difference come the end. A question mark hangs over Sterling of will he joined the long list of England Internationals who struggled to recreate their glowing club form for country. Tunisia who had been hyped as Africa's best International side in the build-up were very flat on the night. The Tunisian side of 1998 were more competitive against England, even though the 2018 version came closer to nicking a result (BTW the ref got the penalty call against England right IMO). They defended very well in the second half, but I didn't see a great deal else to suggest this team can be a threat. Against a better side I think England's as yet unproven defence would receive a tougher test. A promising start at least for a raw set of players.
Meanwhile, in the other match in Group G, the World Cup's true underdogs Panama got a fairy tale first 45 minutes in their World Cup debut. Bringing back fond memories of the heart shown from Trinidad and Tobago (also in England's group) at the 2006 tournament, the wide eyed passion and spirit shown from both Panama players and supporters made for their own min-world cup story, before Belgium spoiled the party in the second half. For the first half at least Panama looked more than equal. What is most beautiful about their adventure is that they were just loving every minute of being at a World Cup, let alone worrying about escaping the group. This attitude is always refreshing in the modern game which is in danger of being killed stone dead by the hype machine. Bar those of a Belgium persuasion, I doubt many wouldn't have enjoyed Panama's celebrations having reached half-time at 0-0 against one of the most talented players group of players at the World Cup. For Belgium, job done, but they still have many questions to answer.
Star of the Day: Harry Kane
Dork of the Day: No one (those Wrestlers from Tunisia at least gave us English something to grumble about..).
A lively day six kicked off with the intriguing, Colombia against Japan clash. And we were not left cold here. On paper group H is one of the tightest, but Colombia having made waves in Brazil four years ago would have been the most fancied to cruise through. On the hand Japan who tend to play with a degree of style and great spirit looked the more unsettled having recently changed managers, with some of their top players seeming to be on their last legs. The much favoured South Americans got two early shocks. First of all before kick-off as it became clear that their top player James Rodriguez wouldn't be fit to start (he was on the bench and would play a part in the second half). The second was the moment of madness just minutes into the match from Carlos Sanchez whose handball blocked a what would have been a clear goal for Japan, resulting in the double whammy of Colombia being reduced to ten men, and the resulting Japanese penalty which Shinji Kagawa dispatched with ease. Aston Villa supporters who witness Sanchez's lifeless displays during the dreaded Paul Lambert years could tell Colombian fans that it was no great loss (notably Sanchez was signed on the back of good performances at the 2014 World Cup). Even so to go a goal down and to play majority of game a player short looked a up hill struggle. Yet, a game that was determined to subvert expectations saw Colombia recover brilliantly from this setback and produce a master class in how to play with ten men. Juan Quintero's equalising free kick was pure genius,but in a completely different way to Ronaldo's dramatic third for Portugal against Spain. This was a cheeky and beautifully placed smoothly into the bottom corner as the Japanese keeper made a last grasp dive in despair. This gave Colombia the least they deserved going into the break, and seemed to set them up nicely to finish the job in the second half. However, Japan had not read the script and found their second wind, dominating the second forty five as much as Colombia had in the first half. Crucially, the new coach made important changes with their former star player Honda (now 31), coming on late to fresher the attack. Leicester City's Okazaki offed a bit more beef up front also. The numbers game was finally catching up with Colombia who looked a shadow of their first half selves. To their credit they dug in and defended well. With ten men and more points yet to play for a draw would have been a decent result for them, but in the end Japan's positive second half approach was repaid. Fitting it was too that Honda floated a beautifully cross for Osako to head in the winning goal. Osako was impressive on the day, with midfielder Takashi Inui giving a masterclass. Despite, this set back I don't think there is much for Colombia to panic about. For them Radamel Falcao looked a menace up front and Bacca off the bench late on also posed some physical questions for Japan. Tottenham centre back Davinson Sanchez had a shaky game at the back, but will hopefully work his way into the tournament. From the BBC's point of view, Kevin Kilbane once again proved a likeable and insightful presence on commentary. Meanwhile Alex Scott was just full of enthusiasm in the studio giving a confident performance. She's a pure delight! Okay, I'll stop blushing now...
This unexpected result set the group up nicely, with Senegal looking impressive in defeating Poland by the same score. Poland themselves would have fancied their chances of being surprise packages. This might be their world class striker Robert Lewandowski's final chance to make a mark on this stage. There are a few young gems in their ranks desperate to make their marks too. In the other match of the day the hosts carried on their momentum from the opener with another impressive victory which all but sealed their place in the last sixteen. Goals from Cheryshev (adding to his double in the first game), Dzyuba and an own goal from Egypt's Fathy made it 8-1 to the Russian's over their two matches. Mo Salah finally had his moment, but his late penalty could not brighten the mood for Egypt whose defeat meant they could no longer make the next round. How things could have been different if not for Uruguay's late winner against them in the first round of matches. In that match Egypt looked a half decent team at times. Not so much here. Credit to Russia, their riding that wave and playing with style. Few in Russia will care that the two teams put to the sword are probably two of the weakest.
Star of the Day: Takashi Inui (Japan)
Dork of the Day: Carlos Sanchez (Colombia)
Not too much drama the following day. The results all predictably went to form, and oddly enough all ended 1-0 with Portugal, Spain and Uruguay all struggling against lesser opposition. After his stunning hat-trick against Spain, we saw the best and worst of Ronaldo against a robust Morocco battling to retain a foot hold in the tournament. His early header was fantastic, after that he shined in places, but also resorted to some terrible diver and historics (oddly not commented on in the final analysis, the BBC's pundits falling a little too much in love witch his brilliance to spot these more ugly moments, Martin Keown at least pointed out his dive when trying to win a penalty). Team mate Pepe once a crucial part of Portugal's defence now seems to be losing his mind and gave Ronaldo a run for his money in the pantomime villain stakes. His temper running away with him, as he also forgot the art of tackling. Following their compelling 3-3 opener both Spain and Portugal sit pretty on four points. It would take quite something for either one of them not to make the last 16. If there is a slip up though Carlos Queiroz's Iran are in a good position to pounce. A meaty sub-plot sees Iran play Queriroz's side face his home country Portugal in the final round of group games. Iran are underrated, so Portugal would be wise not to underestimate them. Uruguay seem to following the France route with a pair of solid 1-0's and hoping to work their way into form later in as the tournament progresses. They were very patchy once again.
Star of the Day: Diego Costa (Spain) (an unlikely early contender for the Golden boat)
Dork of the Day: Pepe (Portugal)
I have a friend who claims to not have seen a minute of Russia 2018 up to this point (some sort of midlife thing he tells me, even if he is a few years of middle age), but was seduced into switching over when hearing about Argentina's horror show against Croatia. This was a thrilling night of football, full of talking points, proving that in football mistakes just as much as good football can lead to excitement. Both sides looked hit and miss in the first half (both missing a sitter a piece), with Croatia just about edging it. A combination of Argentina playing even worse and Croatia kicking up a gear led to a glorious second half spectacle. Its a shame that Argentina's shambolic collapse has grabbed most of the headlines. For me this match could be the one when Croatia lay down their marker. They once again played some of the most inventive football of any country, with a sharp and eye catching midfield. They have pace and quality of delivery in the wide areas (Rakitic is one of the most underrated players in World football). In Mandzukic they process a decent target man up top (though he looked a little off on this night). What's odd about key man Luka Modric is that despite his consistent form for both club and country that no one talks about him when it comes to talk about some of the world's best players. I think his influence and consistency at the top level warrant his inclusion in such conversations. His superb bending shot from outside the box will go down as one the best goals over this World Cup. Poor Willy Caballero maybe could have done a little better, but the technique and finish itself was a moment to saver. The defence even looks decent. Its a little too soon to say this could be Croatia's world cup. Its just impressive how they have gone about their business so far. Booking their place for to the last 16 early is a nice bonus also. For Argentina, everything that could possibly have gone wrong did. The defence which looked shaky against Iceland was totally exposed by the pace and flair of the Croatians. The shape of the side was shambolic and their failure to get the best out of Messi and Aruero was even more damning. To use a cliche, Jorge Sampaoli appears to have lost his dressing game. The manager looks out of place in the dugout. Why he didn't leave Aguero on to play with substitute Higuain and Messi (they were 2-0 down at the time), is baffling. Maybe the most crucial aspect to Argentina's downfall on this night was that this might be one World Cup too many for 34-year-old Javier Mascherano, who during his prime years probably would have dominated proceedings in the middle of the park and played his part in creating chances. The likes of Di Maria, Rojo, and Lanzini just don't match up to the high standards set by the Argentinian sides of the past. The only good news for Argentina on this night could be that they can't go any lower at this World Cup. They go into their final match against Nigeria in the odd position of almost expecting elimination to the point that it would become something of an anti-climax, whereas to turn it around and qualify would provide something of a nice surprise.
Meanwhile, in Group Christian Eriksen staked his claim as one of the tournaments most influential creative players. Like Modric, Eriksen is the player that Denmark set their game around. The difference is the Danes would struggle more to fill the void if Eriksen missed out. They lack the depth of squad or alternative playing style of Croatia. Eriksen was at his best during the first half of the match against Australia. His volley off a slick one-two was like a poetry in motion. As has been a theme of the tournament so far, Denmark failed to keep the momentum going for the ninety minutes. Australia once again proved plucky underdogs. They deserved their draw based on the second 45 minutes. Though how they got it was ball. VAR this time leading too poor results and added confusion. Extra points to Martin O'Neill setting the record straight in the ITV studios (even if for his argument was for some reason reason brushed aside). None, the less 1-1 was about right on the day. As the group underdogs Australia will be pleased to retain faint hopes of making the next round going into their final games. Their only disappointment will be not pressing home their second half edge and wasting a few chances up their chances. In the same group France improved on their performance from the opening game against a spirited Peru side backed by fanatical support. The French this time had a better sharp and more consistent pattern to their play. Giroud playing from the start proved an important foil for both Griezmann and Mbappe. Giroud already has two assists at this World Cup, and seems to nailed down his role in this French side. The defence looked a little more solid too. They are still a long way of looking tournament contenders, but their early progress has been steady at least. For Peru, this is probably one tournament too early, but there are signs that they could make their mark in years to come.
Star of the Day: Luka Modric (Croatia)
Dork(s) of the Day: The officials in the VAR control room during the Denmark-Australia match.
An unlikely hero came to Argentina's rescue in the form of Ahmed Musa of Nigeria. The strikers second half display was that of a powerhouse. His two goals were both impressive. The change around in the second half, shot Nigeria back into contention and confirmed Group D as perhaps the most fascinating. The first half stale mate against Iceland confirmed what we already knew about the two sides, that being they have fantastic work rate, physical presence and impressive runners from midfield. However, the styles cancelled each other out with each lacking much creative spark. The turning point of the game came when Sigurdsson blazed his penalty over the bar. After this Nigeria didn't look back in a thrilling second half. The manager made positive changes and the game was transformed as a result. Victor Moses, Mikel John Obi, Iheanacho and keeper Francis Uzoho (one of the best of the tournament so far) all played their parts in a fine team effort, but it was Musa who made the game his own. Nigeria in fleshy kits and high spirits have opened up group D even more. Going into the final matches anyone of them, Iceland or Argentina can still qualify along side Croatia. Ironically the wild card in the final shake up could be the Croatians themselves. Its hard to predict how a team already qualified are going to perform. Not least a side like Croatia who might be tempted to take their foot of the peddle and rest a few of their stars for the knockout round. Based on their respective performances so far Nigeria will fancy chances of doing something against the shambles that is Argentina, but its all to play for at this stage. Don't rule anything out.
The other story of the day was that VAR actually did its job. Over turning the penalty originally given to Neymar for Brazil against Coasta Rica late on. A pathetic slow motion dive by the Brazilian was very nearly awarded. The call being reversed had to be one of the great fist bump moments of Russia 2018. The only sad thing was that the forward was booked for this. This was not Neymar's only such action. This was one of the most disgraceful displays of the World Cup so far. Probably upset at his own lack of impact on the game, Neymar carried on his diving and hissy fit outbust almost until the end. It was such moments that made this one of the least watchable matches so far. Brazil did improve second half. Roberto Firmino introduction giving Brazil a more direct option, opening up the game for the likes of Philippe Coutinho (again Brazil's outstanding player), Gabriel Jesus and Neymar himself. Still a long way from their best and the 2-0 certainly flattered Brazil, but the two injury time goals from Coutinho and Neymar could prove a turning point for them come the end of the tournament. Costa Rica for their part put up a good fight, but in the end were just over powered.
Switzerland were able to match Brazil once again in an impressive display in beating Serbia 2-1. Shaqiri once again proving a important creative force at the right time. The Swish always seem to come up with something at least during the group stages, and are in prime position to at the very least make the last sixteen in second place. The Swish and Brazil both have four points. I don't expect Switzerland to have many problems getting the point they need against a deflected Costa Rica. Serbia who still have a chance of going through should give Brazil a much tougher test.
Star of the Day: Ahmed Musa (Nigeria)
Dork of the Day: Neymar (Brazil)
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