The wide open Soccer World Cup 2018 starts today with the fate of top favorites Brazil, Germany, Argentina and Spain hinging on the outcome. After two rounds witnessing some fascinating contests Belgium, Mexico, Russia, Uruguay, France, England could only confirm the berth to the group of 16. The reaming 10 places are up for grasp. The third round matches will clear the scenario with fancies teams like Argentina and Germany (two finalists of WC 2014) are in danger of elimination. Position of Brazil and Spain is also not assured. Argentina plays Nigeria in a must win game. Germany is in a relative comfortable situation. They need a win and wait for the outcome of Sweden Mexico match. Brazil with four points need at least a draw against Serbia. Spain plays Morocco and Portugal faces Iran.  The outcome of two rounds has created scenario where possibilities are there for a Brazil -Germany and Argentina –France meeting in group of 16 knock out .Let Us see where Teams Stand.

Group A

Host Russia proving pundits wrong has stormed into group of 16 as the first team blowing out Saudi Arabia and Egypt. They played very attacking football and scored as many as 8 goals. Uruguay with also two wins are behind Russia with inferior goal difference. They won two hard fought matches against Egypt and Saudi Arabia with barest of margin. Today Russia and Uruguay would play to work out who wins the group. Russia needs a draw while Uruguay must win. The winner of the group plays possibly Spain or Portugal in the knock out.

Group B

In the group death it all depends on the results of the last group matches to decide which two of the three Spain Portugal and Iran advance. Spain needs a win or a draw against Morocco. So does Portugal against Iran. Iran needs a win.

Group C

Favorite France leads the group with not two impressive wins. Denmark with a win and a draw trails them. If France beats Denmark and Australia win against Peru the goal difference will decide which team accompanies France in the group of 16. Denmark needs a draw with France to advance.

Group D

This is another group of death which has already witnessed the group and one of the tournament favorite Argentina in ICU for survival. In a do or die match it needs a win against strong Nigeria. Croatia with tow points is already into group of 16. However if Iceland and Nigeria both win the goal difference would come into play. Argentina needs to win and win big. Many would like to see Argentina and Messi survive.

Group E :

Brazil did not play the first match well looking a bit rusty .Possibly they were deprived a penalty and conceded a goal through a debatable penalty against Switzerland. In the second match they played much better but had to wait for two injury time goals for winning against Costa Rica. Brazil and Switzerland with each with a win and a draw have 4 points each. Serbia with a win and a loss is just behind. The third matches Brazil and Serbia and Switzerland Costa Rica outcome would decide which two would advance. Brazil and Switzerland need at least drawing the respective last match. Serbia needs a win. The way Brazil plays against Costa Rica had glimpses of their fluid football. Should not be difficult but who knows.

Group F

Mexico played very attractive football won against the tournament favorite and reigning champion Germany in the very first match of the group. That win created trauma for the strong German team. They huffed and puffed for a win against Sweden winning in the last moment of the injury added time. With two wins Mexico is already through. Germany may win against South Korea but they need winning big  other wise, if Sweden also win against Mexico Germany will exit. In all probability Germany will finish second and will be poised to play against Brazil in the group of sixteen knock out.

Group G

Belgium and England have gone through. Belgium looked the most impressive team of the tournament with two brilliant all round games. England played a poor first match and good second. Belgium and England have both 6 points and the same goal difference. Their match would decide who leads the group. A draw will need something of a tie breaker to decide.

Group H

Depending on the outcome of third round matches of the group Japan vs Poland and Senegal Vs Columbia any three of the top two would advance. Japan is the only Asian team which is positioned well to advance.

The World Cup 2018 has already witnessed some fascinating contests. All pre tournament favorites have to sweat and toil. There is still possibility of one or two falling out. Belgium and Mexico are the two most impressive teams playing consistently well. Brazil and England have shown flashes of brilliance. While all is not yet lost for Germany and Argentina. Spain and Portugal are also dark horses. Christiano Ronaldo and Lukaku are two major contenders of the Golden boot each scoring 4 goals. Already witnessed too many penalty awarded, few misses. VAR introduced for the first time is proving decisive.

BDST: 1206 HRS, JUN 25, 2018
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