World Cup Group Stage Opening Games Recap

Hello everyone. Today I am going to give a recap on all of the first matches from the group stage. There have been a lot of exciting games so I am excited to go over them all!

Group A

Mexico vs South Africa 2-0

Mexico got the exact start they wanted to as hosts, dominating for most of the game. They got a goal early from Julian Quinones with a shot that honestly should have been saved from the South African keeper. South Africa stayed in the game for a while after this, with mistakes in the attacking third leading to only two shots on goal. The second half started out awful, however, as Sphephelo Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute. Raul Jimenez scored his first ever goal at the World Cup in the 67th minute, highlighting his comeback from a broken skull that nearly killed him a few years ago. After this, each side got another red card with the total from the game being three, contrasting the 2022 tournament where there were four total red cards given out in its entirety.

Korea Republic vs Czechia 2-1

A lot of the reaction from this game, I feel, has been an overreaction from the South Koreans. They were down 1-0 early in the second half before getting two goals in the last 25 minutes to go on and win. They controlled the possession and the “big chances created” stat that ESPN created, but I never felt like they fully dominated the game. I think there is a lot to take away from both sides as Czechia got the first goal but couldn’t capitalize and South Korea had to rely on two late ones as well. While not a great start for the Czechs, I still see them doing well and I think South Korea will be better than I thought.

Current Standings

1. Mexico 3 points (+2 GD)

2. Korea Republic 3 points (+1 GD)

3. Czechia 0 points, -1 GD

4. South Africa, 0 points, -2 GD

Group B

Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-1

Great game for the Bosnians and not at all how the Canadians wanted to start off their time as hosts. Bosnia got an early goal from Jovo Lukic in the 21st minute off a great header and seemed to be in control for most of the game after that. Canada had a ton of great chances that they missed, including some amazing goal line saves from the Bosnian back line. Canada would eventually go on to tie the game through substitute Cyle Larin, but they definitely feel like they should have gotten more out of this game.

Switzerland vs Qatar 1-1

A bit of a shock result here with Qatar getting a late own goal from Miro Mulheim in 90 +4 minute to tie the game at 1-1. The Swiss were in control for much of this game with 68% of the possession, 3.20 expected goals, and 5 big chances created, but nothing to show from it. You have to give credit to the Qatari defense and keeper for keeping them in the game and not allowing Switzerland to capitalize on the chances they had. This is the first result of any kind for Qatar at a World Cup, so a big moment for them as they have begun to put their disastrous time as host in 2022 behind them.

Standings

1. Switzerland 1 point (0 GD)

2. Canada 1 point (0 GD)

3. Qatar 1 point (0 GD)

4. Bosnia & Herzegovina 1 point (0 GD)

Group C

Scotland vs Haiti 1-0

What a game this was and I was on site at Boston Stadium to see it for myself. Before we get to the game, we need to talk about the Scottish and Haitian fans. I live in Boston and the Scots have been everywhere bringing joy and excitement to the area. We are also home to one of the largest Haitian populations outside of Haiti and while there weren’t as many fans at the game as the Scots, they were just as loud which was awesome to see. Getting to the game, a 1-0 win for Scotland felt fair but they just couldn’t add on to their lead despite the chances being there. John McGinn gave Scotland the lead in the 28th minute after the ball bounced around in the box where he fired it home. Outside of the goal, the teams were equal in shots on goal and expected goals, but Haiti controlled the possession at 54%. Their biggest issue was their inability to effectively move the ball around in the attacking third or get it over the tall Scotland defenders. It was a great showing for both teams as they should be proud of both performances.

Brazil vs Morocco 1-1

A game that many people thought might be the game of the group stage was about as good as they thought. A great game ended in a 1-1 draw that while the fans were excited, Brazil and Morocco were hoping for more. They were even in just about every category with Brazil having a small edge in possession and shots on goal, but not enough of an edge to get the three points. Vini Jr was able to get on the score sheet for Brazil which is a great start to the tournament for him. Ismael Saibari was the goal scorer for Morocco and he was excited to get his tally started. This is a result that I personally expected, with Scotland and Haiti likely to be easier games for each of them in the coming days.

Standings

1. Scotland 3 points (+1 GD)

2. Morocco 1 point (0 GD)

3. Brazil 1 point (0 GD)

4. Haiti 0 points (-1 GD)

Group D

USA vs Paraguay 4-1

This was the exact start that the United States needed as hosts and they should be more than happy with how things went. It started off early for the U.S. with an own goal by Damian Bobadilla to open the scoring, followed by Folarin Balogun finding the net three times the rest of the first half, although only two of them counted as one was ruled out for offside. I personally wish the U.S. would have attacked a bit more in the second half as I thought they got a little lazy and weren’t as sharp for most of the second 45, leading to a Paraguay goal by Mauricio. However, Gio Reyna put the cap on the game with the final kick, scoring a beautiful outside of the boot shot to make it 4-1. Overall, the U.S. easily had the best performance of the three hosts and are in a great position to advance.

Turkiye vs Australia 0-2

One of my favorite sayings is FAFO (I won’t spell it out) and wow did Türkiye mess around and find out what the Australians can do. Türkiye captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu said before the game that they were the better team and were going to “dominate” Australia. While this was semi true if you just look at the stats, the Australians were able to put two past them and keep Türkiye from scoring to win 2-0. The first goal was scored by Nestory Irankunda, a young guy whose family fled their home country when he was a baby, stayed in a refugee camp in Tanzania, nearly had to leave his sister behind because she was so sick, but eventually the entire family settled in Australia. He gave the country that gave his family so much one of the biggest goals at the World Cup and did it alongside his best from childhood, Mohamed Touré. Great story, great team, great win.

Standings

1. USA 3 points (+3 GD)

2. Australia 3 points (+2 GD)

3. Türkiye 0 points (-2 GD)

4. Paraguay (-3 GD)

Group E

Germany vs Curacao 7-1

There are two ways to look at this game, Germany absolutely thrashing Curacao, or the Blue Wave playing in their first ever World Cup game and scoring a goal as well. We will begin with Germany and the masterclass they put on. They were technically sharp, took great shots, and never took their foot off the gas like many teams would do in this situation. In a tournament where goal difference matters, they made sure theirs was going to be solid. On the other side, the Curacao players made their country and families proud by playing and scoring in the first World Cup game. They were tied at 1-1 about 28 minutes into the first half before the wheel started to fall off. Germany is looking as good as ever and should top the group.

Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador 1-0

Les Éléphants picked up a huge win thanks to a 90th minute goal from Manchester United man Amad Diallo. The game was played in front of a packed, pro Ecuador crowd in Philadelphia and it was a rocking crowd and match. It was a back and forth game where both teams had some great opportunities but Ecuador just wasn’t able to sneak one past the Ivorian keeper. Ecuador had the majority of the possession at 52% but they weren’t able to turn that into many chances as the Ivorians had more shots on goal. While a disappointing loss, Ecuador is not out of it yet as they looked good enough to at least grab three points from Curacao.

Standings

1. Germany 3 points (+6 GD)

2. Côte d’Ivoire 3 points (+1 GD)

3. Ecuador 0 points (-1 GD)

4. Curacao 0 points (-6 GD)

Group F

Sweden vs Tunisia 5-1

Who would have seen this one coming? Not me and not Tunisia that’s for sure. Sweden thumps Tunisia 5-1 on the back of goals from Alexander Isak, Victor Gyorkeres, Mattias Svanberg, and a brace from Yasin Ayari who is of Tunisian descent. Sweden got two early goals before Tunisia pulled one back to close the first half. Once the second half kicked off, it was all Sweden. They had seven shots on goal compared to just two for Tunisia and their defense was suffocating. Tunisia was clearly trying to play through Hannibal and while he had a great game, no one else was able to help him. This game got Tunisia’s manager sacked as well which is shocking, but they brought in World Cup gem Herve Renard to lead them the rest of the way.

Japan vs Netherlands 2-2

Japan and the Netherlands played to a great 2-2 draw that while they were both wanting a win, was a great draw and a good result for both of them. The goals were scored in quick succession, all coming after the 50th minute with the Netherlands taking the lead twice before Japan tied it up again. Netherlands dominated the possession and shots on goal, but were never able to turn it into more than the two goals. Japan, on the other hand, didn’t necessarily do much outside of the two goals when they had the ball, but only managed to get three shots on goal. This was about the result I expected from this game and am excited to see how each team does going forward.

Standings

1. Sweden 3 points (+4 GD)

2. Japan 1 point (0 GD)

3. Netherlands 1 point (0 GD)

4. Tunisia 0 points (-4 GD)

Group G

New Zealand vs Iran 2-2

This was a big game for both teams with a lot of emotion going into it but both teams were up to the challenge. New Zealand was in control of the shots and possession of the game, but allowed Iran to get back into the game twice after they took the lead. Chris Wood was as good as ever up top, but Elijah Just scored two brilliant goals for the brace. Iran was able to score two great goals from Ramin Rezaiean and Mohammad Mohebbi, making the most of the few chances they got in this game. Taremi played a great game as well despite not getting on the scoresheet but was a chance creator throughout the full 90. With all of the pressure Iran faced coming into this game, they stood tall and played a fantastic game that everyone should be proud of.

Belgium vs Egypt 1-1

The Pharos shocked a lot of people by drawing with Belgium, a game where they led for 46 minutes before an own goal from Mohamed Hany tied the game in the 66th minute. Neither team was fully able to get in control of the game, with Belgium having more of the possession but were even with shots on goal. Belgium always has high expectations coming into these tournaments but they never seem to be able to do much with the chances they get. With how strong New Zealand and Iran looked in the other game, I am not sure how Belgium is going to do in those matches.

Standings

1. New Zealand 1 point (0 GD)

2. Iran 1 point (0 GD)

3. Belgium 1 point (0 GD)

4. Egypt 1 point (0 GD)

Group H

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia 1-1

This was a game that Uruguay is going to wish they could have back, especially the second half. The first half was all Saudi Arabia. They dominated the game, looked like the better team, and scored a goal through Abdulelah Al-Amri in the 41st minute where he was able to tap one home after a deflection. The second half was a very different story with Uruguay coming flaming hot out of the tunnel, putting constant pressure on Saudi Arabia until they scored in Maxi Araujo in the 81st minute. This game would have been a blow out in favor of Uruguay if it wasn’t for Saudi Arabia goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais who had nine saves with some absolutely amazing ones to stay in the game.

Spain vs Cabo Verde 0-0

Take a bow Cabo Verde and goalie Vozinha. The Blue Sharks were written off before the game and they were ready to prove everyone wrong. They didn’t have many great chances outside of a header right at the end of the game, but 40-year old Vozinha stood on his head with 7 incredible saves to keep Spain out of the net. This was such a great game for the tiny island nation who looks like a very tough out. People are obviously concerned about Spain after this game but I do not believe there will be much to worry about. They played fine but just couldn’t find the back of the net. Lamine Yamal will be healthy going forward and they are going to keep getting better as the tournament goes.

Standings

1. Uruguay 1 point (0 GD)

2. Saudi Arabia 1 point (0 GD)

3. Spain 1 point (0 GD)

4. Cabo Verde 1 point (0 GD)

Group I

France vs Senegal 3-1

France has yet again shown the World why they are one of the best. Both teams took a little bit to settle into the game and not much happened in the first half. Shortly into the second half is when France really broke into the game and started making things happen, with Kylian Mbappe scoring in the 66th minute followed by Bradley Barcola 16 minutes later in the 82nd. Senegal looked like they were ready to salt the game away until 18-year old Ibrahim Mbaye scored a rocket of a goal five minutes into added time to give them some hope. Mbappe, however, had other plans as he and France took the ensuing kickoff right up the field and scored another fantastic goal. France looks to be about as dangerous as we thought.

Iraq vs Norway 1-4

Is there a moment too big for Erling Haaland? If there is, we haven’t found it yet as he scored twice in Norway’s 4-1 victory over Iraq, marking a fantastic return to the World Cup for The Vikings. Iraq did a good job keeping Norway from scoring for the first half hour and were then able to tie the game up ten minutes later. After their goal though, they began to fall apart and were never able to get back into the game. Looking at the stats of the game, this was not a game that Norway would have usually felt comfortable in. For a team that doesn’t want to control the ball and possess for long periods of time, they had 61% of the possession and completed 89% of their passes. Despite playing a different style, they did not look uncomfortable and easily looked the part of a team that could advance far into the tournament.

Standings

1. Norway 3 points (+3 GD)

2. France 3 points (+2 GD)

3. Senegal 0 points (-2 GD)

4. Iraq 0 points (-3 GD)

Group J

Argentina vs Algeria 3-0

There is only one thing that really needs to be written about this game and that is simply the name, Lionel Messi. It doesn’t matter how old he is, where he is playing club football, or anything else, he is just inevitable. He got his goal scoring started early in the 17th minute with an amazing finish over Algerian goalie Luca Zidane, before tacking on two more goals in the 60th and 76th minutes of play. Argentina did not control the possession, but when Algeria had the ball there was nothing they could do with it outside of mustering one shot on goal. I was concerned about how Argentina would look coming into the tournament considering everyone thought 2022 was going to be his last one and they are defending champions. They proved my doubts wrong and are looking to be the third nation ever to go back-to-back and first since Brazil in 1962.

Austria vs Jordan 3-1

Austria’s first game back at the World Cup since 1998 was a great success as they went on to beat Jordan by a score of 3-1

Standings

1. Argentina 3 points (+3 GD)

2. Austria 3 points (+2 GD)

3. Jordan 0 points (-2 GD)

4. Algeria 0 points (-3 GD)

Group K

Portugal vs DR Congo 1-1

Portugal was stunned by the DR Congo in this 1-1 tie as this was a result that no one saw coming. Ronaldo and Portugal were considered one of the favorites to potentially win the whole thing and now have people second guessing after what was an awful performance. Portugal took the early lead with a João Neves goal in the 6th minute, but then right before the half Yoane Wissa of Newcastle leveled the score at 1-1. The big storyline of this game has been if Portugal are hampered down by Ronaldo and how he has affected the team, but it really should be about the Congo. They played a great game in their first ever World Cup match and they made their entire country proud by this result.

Uzbekistan vs Colombia 1-3

Uzbekistan had an alright showing in their first ever World Cup match as they hung on in the game after giving up a goal in the 40th minute to tie it in the 60th minute. Unfortunately for them, Colombia scored in the 65th minute and then added on a third deep into stoppage time to seal the three points. Colombia was in control for the vast majority of the game despite not being up by more than one goal as they had more possession, big chances, and shots on goal. Colombia will be looking at this game and wanting a bit more out of their games as they likely would have felt they should have won by more. Uzbekistan can take this game as not the greatest start to their World Cup campaign, but should feel good about the way they played.

Standings

1. Colombia 3 points (+2 GD)

2. DR Congo 1 point (0 GD)

3. Portugal 1 point (0 GD)

4. Uzbekistan 0 points (-2 GD)

Group L

England vs Croatia 4-2

England got the better of Croatia in the rematch of the 2018 semi final, winning the game 4-2. England twice went up by a goal, including an early penalty from Harry Kane, before Croatia tied the game up again. The second half was all England as they got two goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford to seal the game and take all three points. This was the start that all English players and fans would have wanted. They were in control of the game from the start, dominating possession, shots, chances, and most other categories. The one thing they will want to fix was executing on their big chances, as according to ESPN they missed five of them. Croatia will look at this game as one that got away, looking to do better against Ghana and Panama in their next two games.

Ghana vs Panama

Ghana stole a late win over Panama with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring a goal in the 5th minute of added time to shock the Panamanians. This game was very much back and forth with neither team able to really take a hold and seem like they were going to grab the winner. Ghana seemed more likely to score, but were unable to register more shots or win as much possession as Panama was, along with completing significantly less passes. In the end, however, it was Ghana who tapped one home to win the game. Despite the loss, Panama played great defense for most of the match and will feel like they can compete or even beat England or Croatia. Ghana, on the other hand, will feel like they have a great chance to advance out of the group, something not many people thought was going to happen.

Standings

1. England 3 points (+2 GD)

2. Ghana 3 points (+1 GD)

3. Panama 0 points (-1 GD)

4. Croatia 0 points (-2 GD)