After over two weeks of event soccer festival World Cup 2018 enters business session. 16 out of 32 teams would fly home; other 16 will fight out in knock out stage.
The world has seen some fascinating contests, breath taking moments. Many consider it has been one of the best in recent memory. From eight groups mostly pre tournament favorites have advanced. Reigning Champion, one of the tournament favorites, FIFA top ranked country Germany is the major casualty.
Argentina lived by the skin of the teeth, Spain and Brazil also had some scare. Belgium, England and Croatia looked impressive. Brazil improved match after match and appear to have started gaining momentum. The pre quarter would definitely witness some major teams exiting.
Ten out of fourteen European teams moved up. Four out of five teams advanced from South America. While Asia and Central American CONCAF region will be represented by one team each. Unfortunately none of the African teams could go through. This world cup evidenced that standard of football has significantly improved in Asia and Africa. The gaps are fast closing. Some referring decision raised controversy despite of application of VAR for the first time.
Groups Champion Second Place
A Uruguay (SA) Russia (E)
B Spain (E) Portugal (E)
C France (E) Denmark (E)
D Croatia (E) Argentina (SA)
E Brazil (SA) Switzerland (E)
F Sweden (E) Mexico (CONACAF)
G Belgium (E) England (E)
H Columbia (SA) Japan (A)
As has been already seen and told good teams change gear as tournament progress. Teams that will reach the final must possess enough quality resources in their reserve to fall back upon as they will have to play four more nerve wrecking matches. There will be 15+ 15 =30 minutes additional time and tie breaker if required to find the winner. We know penalty kicks need as much skills as the art of keeping. Two great goal keepers Manuel Neuer (Germany) and Navas (Costa Rica) have left the scene. This world cup has already seen Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo missing penalties.
On the other hand this world cup has also seen some classic goals scored. Harry Kane of England with 5 goals lead the scorers, Ronaldo (Portugal) and Lukaku (Belgium) follow him with 4 goals each. Among the team exiting Iran, Morocco and Senegal looked impressive. Germany disappointed
Battle Line
Uruguay Portugal
Russia Spain
France Argentina
Croatia Denmark
Brazil Mexico
Sweden Switzerland
Belgium Japan
Colombia England
With Germany already back home bookies are rethinking about odds. In this fascinating world where already some dramas have unfolded it is not unlikely that pre quarter may witness some more favorites disappear. Matches between Uruguay and Portugal, France and Argentina, Columbia and England are expected to witness sea saw battle of European and Latin American football might. We are not sure France or Argentina have so far played their A game yet. Uruguay and Portugal, England and Columbia matches would also witness mouth watering contest.
We hope Brazil, Croatia will have relatively easier sailing. Let us keep our fingers crossed and hope that good football wins. Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymer, Lukaku, Hazard, Haary Kane, Suarez, Falcao, Coutinho would make the event lively and entertaining. One thing for sure there would not be any honey mooning in the knock out round. Just go for it win or go home.
This group of 16 have six past world cup winners Brazil, Uruguay Argentina, Spain, France and England. Italy did not qualify and Germany got knocked out. It will be interesting to see whether one of the past winners get crowned again or the world welcomes a new world cup winner. To me Belgium is the more like candidate.
BDST: 1010 HRS, JUN 29, 2018
SI
