And i hate sports, but I do like my football. And hey, it's the World Cup.
Day 5
Group G
Switzerland v Cameroon (Result:1-0 )
All the early pressure coming from Cameroon, the Swiss keeper very indecisive and a lovely chance to score squandered in the dying seconds of the first half, but in the end it was Switzerland who took the lead in the second, in the 48th minute in fact, showing perhaps that despite not playing very well the Swiss only needed one opportunity to open up for them and they would take it. The goal of course changed the complexion of the game and now the momentum was with the Swiss, who missed a glorious chance to add another in the 64th and again the 66th minute.
Heading into the final minutes and Cameroon were well out of it despite a promising beginning. Six minutes of extra time in the second half didn’t help them and so it ended 1-0 to Switzerland. Not a convincing win by any means, but a win nevertheless.
Brazil v Serbia (Result: 2-0)
The game most people had probably been waiting to see, despite their allegiance. It’s always a joy to see Brazil in full flight, and really, Serbia just watched as the world’s greatest team turned on the style. But not the goals, the match still scoreless at half time despite a few chances. It was the 61st minute before Richarlison finally scored. Once he had though, he added a superb second, style stamped all over the acrobatic kick, pure class, worth watching the match for by itself. Now it was a free-for-all, with many near misses, the result never in doubt. Serbia blown away, Brazil at the top of the group, normal service resumed.
Group H
Uruguay v South Korea (Korea Republic) (Result: 0-0)
My adopted team faced tough opposition , but with a current and alumnus Liverpool player in the team, Suarez never forgotten by the Kop, Darwin Nunes their new darling, they bossed the midfield and Korea didn’t really figure that much in the game. Lovely run from Nunes in the 63rd minute that deserved to end in a goal but, well, didn’t. Another attempt in the 80th by him but just past the upright. Beautiful shot in the 89th by Valverde but he hit the bar and back it bounced. Right at the end Son almost did it for Korea, but the game ended as another no-score draw.
Portugal v Ghana (Result: 3-2)
All about one man of course, this, and Ronaldo was certainly in the thick of it, even scoring in the 30th minute but the whistle had already gone and it did not count. It was in fact Ghana who went closest but then a penalty awarded to Portugal in the 62nd minute - a very soft one - gave him the chance to put his country ahead. Great strike by Kudos sorry Kudus in the 71st but straight at the keeper, but then Ayeu latched onto his assist and Ghana were level. Portugal were back in front five minutes later than as Felix scored.
Adding a third in the 80th minute sealed the deal for Portugal, snuffing out Ghana’s late threat and ensuring they start the campaign in style, though Ghana came back with two minutes left to take the score to 3-2. Crazy moment right at the end when Ghana nicked the ball with a player behind the Portugese keeper, but was unable to keep his feet.
Portugal then go top of Group H - really never in doubt - with Uruguay second, while in Group G it’s Brazil, to nobody’s surprise, followed by Switzerland in second.
Tomorrow’s matches
All groups have now played their first match, so tomorrow is the second meeting of the teams in
Group A
Netherlands v Ecuador
Qatar v Senegal
and
Group B
Wales v Iran
England v USA
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