2018 FIFA WORLD CUP – RUSSIA: THURSDAY 14 JUNE – SUNDAY 15 JULY [AN AUSTRALIAN PERSPECTIVE] – INSTALMENT ONE [to 17 June 2018]

This article is compiled  from  various reports and historical records, and is essentially presented from the perspective of an Australian supporter [of the ‘Socceroos’]  –  aimed at providing  my summary [as ‘The Coachbuilder’ ]  of outcomes and results of the 64 matches which will make up the 2018 FIFA World Cup over the next four weeks.

The intention is not to provide any consolidated degree of continuous journalistic reporting of individual matches [there are plenty of world and/or local media outlets where detailed reports can be obtained on the minutest of details].  Apart from some introductory background, history, and make-up of the present participants, I will provide a daily update of match results only – of course, with Australia’s participation to the extent to which it lasts,  those results will most likely extend a little beyond a mere score sheet!

I’m aware that FIFA and the World Cup are so often dominated by controversy, including claims of corruption, politics, and disputes over the granting of the venue country for the tournaments.  Now while those things and other issues are important, and indeed a real concern at times,  I intend to concentrate on the ‘competition’ itself, and the sport that will be displayed over the next 4 weeks. Let the players be the centre of attention rather than the officials and administrators, for a while at least.

 

The second instalment will come in at the conclusion the matches played on the 17^th June of the Group Stage,  and will continue at various stages following, concluding the Group stage,  and then covering the Round of 16, and the various subsequent Quarters, Semis, and Finals of the tournament.

 

This is in fact, the first World Cup tournament to be held in Eastern Europe, and the first to be held in Europe generally since Germany hosted the 2006 Cup.  It has been conducted in Europe on 11 occasions.  A total of 64 matches will be played in 12 venues located in 11 cities within ‘European’ Russia. . The final will take place on 15 July [Moscow time] at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow

 

The FIFA World Cup was first held in 1930, when the then  FIFA president Jules Rimet decided to stage an international football tournament. The inaugural edition, held  that year, was contested as a final tournament of only thirteen teams invited by the organization. Since then, we have seen various expansions and remodelling of the event to the present  32-team final tournament , which was preceded by a two-year qualifying process, involving over 200 teams from around the world.

 

For the record –  in 20 tournaments, only 8 countries have won the World Cup

• Brazil: [5]  –  2002,1994, 1970, 1962, 1958
• Germany [4] – 2014, 1990,1974, 1954
• Italy [4] – 2006, 1982,  1938, 1934
• Argentina [2] –  1986, 1978
• Uruguay [2] – 1950, 1930
• France [1] –  1998
• Spain [1] –  2010
• England [1]   –  1966

 

On a year by year basis,  the following table  shows the host nation [in brackets] followed by the winning team [highlighted] that year..

• 1930 [Uruquay]    Uruquay
• 1934 [Italy]  Italy
• 1938  [France] Italy
• 1950  [Brazil]  Uruquay
• 1954 [Switzerland]  West Germany
• 1958  [Sweden]   Brazil
• 1962 [Chile]  Brazil
• 1966 [England]   England
• 1970 [Mexico]   Brazil
• 1974 [West Germany]  West Germany
• 1978 [Argentina]
• 1982 [Spain]   Italy
• 1986 [Mexico]  Argentina
• 1990 [Italy] West Germany
• 1994 [USA]   Brazil
• 1998 [France]   France
• 2002 [South Korea/Japan]    Brazil
• 2006 [Germany]   Italy
• 2010 [South Africa]   Spain
• 2014 [Brazil]

 

The 2018 Tournament is  represented by 32 national teams, composed of 8 Groups numbered A to H, with Australia [the Socceroos] placed in Group C.

 

• Group A: Russia, Saudia Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay
• Group B: Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran
• Group C: France, Australia, Peru, Denmark
• Group D: Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria
• Group E: Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia
• Group F: Germany, Mexico, Sweden, Korea Republic
• Group G: Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England
• Group H: Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

 

The Tournament Program [starting time:  Australian Eastern Standard Time]

• Group stage: Friday June 15 [1 am] –  Friday, June 29 [4 am]: 48 matches;
• Round of 16 Sunday, July 1 [12 am] –  Wednesday, 4 July [4am] : 8 matches;
• Quarter Final 1: Saturday July 7  [12 am];
• Quarter Final 2: Saturday July  7  [4 am];
• Quarter Final 3: Sunday July 8 [12 am];
• Quarter Final 4: Sunday, July 8 [4am].
• Semi Final 1: Wednesday, July 11 [4 am];
• Semi Final 2: Thursday, July 12 [4 am]
• Third Place Play-Off: Sunday, July 15 [12 am];
• FINAL: Monday, July 16 [1 am].

 

Tiebreakers

In the group stages, the number of goals scored and conceded can be the difference between advancement and elimination when teams finish on the same number of points. If the difference is equal, the team with the most goals advances. In rare cases, head-to-head records and fair play points may be compared. If all else fails, lots are drawn to determine the winner. These requirements are summarised as follows.

The rankings of teams in each group are determined as follows (regulations Article 32.5)

• points obtained in all group matches;
• goal difference in all group matches;
• number of goals scored in all group matches;

If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings are determined as follows:

• points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
• goal difference in the group matches between the teams concerned;
• number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned;

fair play points

• first yellow card: minus 1 point;
• indirect red card (second yellow card): minus 3 points;
• direct red card: minus 4 points;
• yellow card and direct red card: minus 5 points;

drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.

 

Team snapshots

[compliments of the Melbourne Herald & Weekly Times Pty Ltd, and writer Ross McGravie]

• Argentina

The perennial runners-up will be desperate to win for Lionel Messi.  It is also the last chance for many ageing stars including Sergio Aquera and Angel Di Maria

• AUSTRALIA

Australia has qualified for its 4^th  successive World Cup after the longest and most arduous qualifying campaign that any team has endured in the tournament’s history. The Socceroos  will enter the group stage as the lowest ranked side at 40, but its experience over the past three tournaments  pave the way for an upset or two, and the team should not be underestimated. But in all honesty, optimism cannot be too high!! Simply, lots of hope!!

• Belgium

Has attacking options  but may struggle to keep out the goals. Can go deep into the tournament if the various combinations click.

• Brazil

Seeking redemption after being humiliated 7-1 by Germany on home soil in the 2014 semi-final. Easily capable of winning.

• Colombia

Fourth in the ultra-competitive South American qualifying, will fancy chances of advancing.

• Costa Rica

A sensation when it made the 2014 quarter-finals, no longer regarded as a minnow having qualified in CONCACAF with two matches to spare.

• Croatia

Scraped into the finals with a playoff win over Greece. Has talent to repeat 1988’s third placing if it can escape tough group with Argentina, Nigeria and Iceland.

• Denmark

Has a rich pedigree in major tournaments, and has progressed past the group stage at three of its four World Cup appearances. They are solid in defence.

• Egypt

A mix of youth and experience led by Essam ‘the high-dam ’El-Hadary. Energy levels could lift after gaining an exemption from Ramadan fasting.

• England

Usually ends in ignominy or a penalty shootout. Unbeaten in qualifying, luck could take England closer to its first trophy since 1966

• France

There will be goals aplenty with numerous players vying for a front up front; dark horses for the tournament.

• Germany

After winning the 2017 Confederations Cup with a second –string side, coach Joachim Low won’t be short of options

• Iceland

The surprise of UEFA Euro 2016, where it reached the quarter finals, the tiny nation has produced a team capable of packing a bigger punch than Bjork.

• Iran

First Asian side to qualify, and playing in its second successive World Cup after 12 consecutive clean sheets.

• Japan

Coach Vahid Halilhodzic was replaced by Akira Nishino who removed Japan’s biggest stars to adopt a counter attacking game style

• Korea Republic

A fixture at the World Cup since 1986, it will need to break the goal-scoring shackles in pool matches against Sweden and Mexico to survive.

• Mexico

Rarely lacking confidence, always thinks big and has the benefit  of playing at the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

• Morocco

Competes for the 5^th time but first since 1998. Organisation will ultimately  dictate games played – particularly after meeting Spain, Portugal and Iran.

• Nigeria

Expect the unexpected. Long tipped the nation to become Africa’s  first World Cup winners after numerous  successes at youth level.

• Panama

Makes its World Cup debut with one of the oldest line-ups. First objective is to avoid being smacked like the 6-0 friendly loss to Switzerland in March.

• Peru

This is a no-nonsense counter-attacking team that scored 16 of its 24 goals in South American qualifying when it won the ball in its opposition’s half  – ‘not a team of stars but rather of players who have earned their stripes’ says coach Ricardo Gareca.

• Poland

Qualified comfortably ahead of Denmark, Australia’s opponents, and will be favoured to advance. Little chance of winning the lot, but anything is possible from a side that continues  to fly under the radar.

• Portugal

There’s enough quality in the talent-ridden squad – featuring players who ply their trade in most leagues from Scotland and Turkey to England and Russia – to suggest Portugal can continue to  defy expectations.

• Russia

Dangerous attack and plenty of promising youngsters who could use the experience to push for greater success at Qatar in 2022.

• Saudi Arabia

Squeezed Aussies out of automatic Asian qualification spot and into the play-offs. Unpredictable at the best of times.

• Senegal

Returning for the first time since the 2002 quarter-final. Enough personalities to ensure its Russian adventure will be exciting.

• Serbia

The rakia will be flowing  if this team of seasoned professionals can advance from a tough group. More than enough quality and experience to do so.

• Spain

This is the perfect stage for the La Roja pioneers to exit on a high while show casing the very best of ‘the beautiful game’

• Sweden

Ziatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement could yet shape the destiny of this side, which struggled to qualify without him.

• Switzerland

Won 9 of 10 games in qualifying before losing to Portugal and was forced to beat Northern Ireland in the playoffs.

• Tunisia

Attack-minded coach and had plenty of fight and sped, but jury’s out over defence. One of the major outsiders

• Uruguay

Finishing second behind Brazil in qualifying was a significant achievement  for the two-time winners [1930 and 1950].

 

Australia’s three Group matches are scheduled as follows [AEST]:

France versus Australia:  Saturday, June 16 at 8 pm.

Denmark versus Australia: Thursday, June 21 at 10 pm.

Australia versus Peru:  Wednesday, June 27 at 12 am

 

Australia’s road to Russia.

Asian qualifying results

• Australia 2-0 Iraq [Perth]
• UAE 0-1 Australia [Abu Dhabi]
• Saudi Arabia 2-2 Australia [Jeddah]
• Australia 1-1 Japan [Melbourne]
• Thailand 2-2 Australia [Bangkok]
• Iraq 1-1 Australia [Tehran]
• Australia 2-0 UAE [Sydney]
• Australia 3-2 Saudi Arabia [Adelaide]
• Japan 2-0 Australia [Saitama]
• Australia 25-1 [Thailand]

Round 4

• Syria 1-1 Australia [Krubong]
• Australia 2-1 Syria [Sydney]

Intercontinental play-off

• Honduras 0-0 Australia [San Pedro Sula]
• Australia 3-1 Honduras [Sydney]

 

The  Socceroos final 23 man   2018 Squad

[comments from Bet365]

In goal, Mat Ryan, Brad Jones and Danny Vukovic have all been picked as possible number ones, with Ryan favourite to retain his spot between the sticks after a strong first season in the English Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion.

At the back, Trent Sainsbury is certain to make up one part of the centre back pairing with Mark Milligan, Milos Degenek and Matt Jurman all vying to partner him.

Along the defensive flanks, Aziz Behich and Josh Risdon are near certain of starting spots with Millwall’s James Meredith providing back up.

Socceroos skipper Mile Jedinak has predominantly played as a holding midfielder for Australia but don’t rule out the Aston Villa man playing alongside Sainsbury in defence.

Jedinak’s possible switch comes with Aaron Mooy, Massimo Luongo, Jackson Irvine and Tom Rogic all providing attractive central midfield options after strong clubs seasons in Europe.

On the wings, Mathew Leckie has made the right his own, while Robbie Kruse is close to locking down the left. Potential competition looms in the form of A-League duo Daniel Arzani and Dimitri Petratos , with both capable of providing a spark on either flank if called upon.

Up top, Tomi Juric has been named but is battling to overcome a knee injury with Jamie Maclaren called in as back-up.

Also looking to bang in the goals are Andrew Nabbout, who can also play out wide, and Socceroos veteran Tim Cahill.

Despite a lack of club minutes, Cahill has secured selection for a fourth World Cup and should he score in Russia will become just the fourth player in history to do so at four World Cups.

 

Bring on the game.

 

Meanwhile, a report today [14 June]  from the ‘Age newspaper’ [Dominic Bossi]  –

“They might be nearly 14,000 kilometres away but the Socceroos have been made to feel at home at their training base in Kazan. Tailored sleeping arrangements and a reminder of their loved ones have provided the personal touch for Bert van Marwijk’s squad ahead of their formidable World Cup opener against France. Players were surprised by the national team staff gesture when they were met with photos of their nearest and dearest by their hotel room beds. In an attempt to give the players every mental edge, Socceroos staff asked players’ families to supply three photos each to be put up. The gesture was a welcome addition for the players as they arrived at the Korston Complex in Kazan, where they’ll spend the majority of their time in Russia….”

 

Bring on the football!!

 

The Group Stages

Using Australian Eastern Standard Time [AEST],  the FIFA 2018 World Cup got under way with the Opening Ceremony, at about Midnight, on the morning of 15 June here. I didn’t see it, but I did watch most of the opening match featuring World Cup hosts, Russia, against Saudi Arabia.

 

Match 1;  Russia versus Saudi Arabia. [Group A]

These were the two lowest ranked teams at the Tournament – on FIFA rankings, Russia in 70^th spot, and Saudi Arabia 67^th. In the Group they have drawn, Russia would go into this first match [played at 1 am AEST]  with high hopes of getting through to the next round for the first time in more than 30 years. If they were going to win a game, this was their big chance against the Saudis who have come into the tournament following on from three successive losses to Italy, Peru and Germany.

Russia went into this game, played at 1 am, Friday, 15 June [AEST] at the 80,000 capacity Luzhniki Stadium [described as the crucible of Russian and Soviet sport,  without a victory in over months, so there would be a lot of pressure on the host team prior to this match.  Despite a brief threatening move by the Saudis early in the 2^nd half, the Russians didn’t let their home crowd supporters down, going on to a convincing win over the luckless Saudis –   Russia  5,  Saudi Arabia  0

 

There was no TV coverage by either SBS or Foxtel of Games 2 and 3  –  but this supporter found BBC radio descriptions [in English] on SBS Radio 2.

 

Match 2: Egypt versus Uruquay  [Group A]

Played at the Central Stadium, Ekaterinburg [new capacity of 35,000], at 10 pm AEST, 15 June –  described as a weak looking Group A, especially following Saudi Arabia capitulation earlier this morning,  Egypt’s success may well have depended on the availability of star player Mohamad Salah who suffered a shoulder injury in Liverpool’s Champions League final loss to Real Madrid three weeks ago, and has been battling to get fit on a day by day basis.  Meantime, Uruquay’s top scorer – Luis Suarez – has insisted he is a much more mature player since sparking controversy in his previous two World Cup tournaments. The Barcelona forward prevented a certain goal for Ghana with a deliberate handball on the line in 2010, and then infamously bit Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini in Brazil in 2014.

As for the match, this was the first of two last minute wins .  At halftime, with the scores locked at 0-0, Egypt would probably have been feeling satisfied to have reached that point without conceding a goal to the highly fancied South American team.  However,  it was in the 89^th minute of the match,  that Uruguay scored against a brave Egyptian team, – with  the Jose Gimenez late talley from Sanchez  being enough to seal the win. It was the first opening match win for Uruguay since 1970.

Final score:    Uruquay  1  Egypt 0

 

Match 3: Morocco versus Iran [Group B]

Scheduled for 1 am [AEST] Saturday 16 June –   Iran in the days leading up to this match, found their preparation disrupted, as they were without boots. Their supplier, Nike, could not provide any because of Donald Trump’s  re-imposition of economic sanctions against Iran.  The team called for assistance from FIFA, other team numbers, or by making purchases from Russian shops. Apart from that, Iran headed into the match after a difficult build-up, with friendlies against Greece and Kosova being cancelled. However, there was some confidence –  they knew much about the Moroccan team but doubted the opposition had much knowledge about the Iranians.

The match was played at St. Petersburg Stadium, apparently designed in a modern ‘space-ag’ format!!

In the first match for Group B, Iran waited until the 96th minute to open the scoring, sealing their win. An own goal in the 6th minute of stoppage time was what it took for Iran to scrape a victory from Morocco. Morocco has still never won their opening World Cup match, while the result gave Iran a rare win at the World Cup finals competition.   Final score:   Iran 1, Morocco 0.

Match 4: Portugal versus Spain  [Group B]

This game was played at the Fisht Stadium in Socchi, at 4am [AEST] Saturday 16 June.  I’d watch a replay later in the day, but it proved to be the best game of the tournament so far, with the teams not separated at the end of the match, and predictions that Portugal, in particular, could go far in this tournament.  Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain’s Diego Costa traded goals back and forth until Nacho took a beautiful strike from distance to give Spain their first lead in the 58th minute. In the end however, Cristiano Ronaldo created the highlight of the match, by  completing a hat trick of goals in the 88th minute – a  free-kick that clinched a valuable point from the match for Portugal to earn the draw. Both Spain and Portugal will both receive one point in the standings.  Final score  –   Portugal 3; Spain 3.

 

Match 5:  France versus AUSTRALIA  [Group C]

In a match, described by one media outlet as the ‘Princes versus the Paupers’ [on the basis of transfer fee values for the respective team players – the Aussie players ‘valued at $50million, against the estimated $1billion for the French team], it was perhaps hopeful optimism on my part to suggest that was one thing in Australia’s favour  –  France are traditionally slow starters in major tournaments. In 4 of their last 8 major events, France failed to score with a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 4 draws, and 2 of those wins were sealed with last minute scores. The Australians, going into this match, felt that if they could avoid conceding an early goal, they would give themselves a strong chance of continuing France’s opening game record.

Before looking at the outcome, a brief look back at Australia’s four previous World Cup appearances.

• 1974 [Germany]: Lost 0-2 to East Germany; Lost 0-3 to West Germany; Drew 0-0 with Chile.
• 2006 [Germany]: Won 3-1 over Japan;  Lost 0-2 to Brazil; Drew 2-2 with Croatia.  Second Round: Lost 0-1 to Italy [from a last minute penalty].
• 2010 [South Africa]: Lost 0-4 to Germany;  Drew 1-1 with Ghana;  Won 2-1 over Serbia.
• 2014 [Brazil]: Lost 1-3 to Chili;  Lost 2-36 to Netherlands;  Lost 0-3 to Spain

In any case, the 2018 opening match for the Socceroos was played at the Kazan Arena, ay 8 pm [AEST], on Saturday 16 June.  As it eventuated, Tim Cahill, the Socceroos all- time leading goal scorer and veteran of 3 World Cups, did not make it onto the pitch in this game.  Irrespective of the pre-match ‘one-sided’ nature between the two teams, more than 7000 Aussies turned the Russian city of Kazan, hoping their team could defy the odds.

By halftime, the score was 0-0 –  Australia had managed to hold the French out, and looking reasonably confident of continuing that way. However a penalty shot 58 minutes in, gave France the opening goal, yet 4 minutes later, Australia responded in similar vein, with an equalising goal from a penalty shot.  However, at 81 minutes,  a brief lapse on defence [that’s all it needs],  and a goal to France, gave them back the lead.

It could be described as a brave performance, pushing France to the limit, though I found the commentator’s comment of a ‘fantastic’ effort by Australia a little annoying  –  ‘they didn’t win’!!  However, the view is, second spot in the group, behind France,  is up for grabs  –  Australia’s two other opponents in the group would play each other a few hours later.

Final score:  France 2; Australia 1.

[local paper headlines on Sunday morning included –  So far from disgrace  – Van Narwijk proud of valiant team  –  Unlucky defeat’s upsides   –  Roos suffer hi-tech torture  –  Bad luck boys, bring on the Danes   –  Paupers but Aussie fans don’t care].

 

Match 6:  Argentina versus Iceland  [Group D]

This game was played at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, at 11 pm [AEST] Saturday, 16 June

Argentina’s Lionel Messi [the five time world player of the year] did not go into this game taking Iceland lightly –  “Iceland showed they could compete with anyone at the last Euros” he said. Yet there was criticism of his team [which lost the 2014 World Cup to Germany] claiming that too much was focused on Messi against a ‘band of grafters’ who pride themselves on teamwork [and revel in their underdog status].

From one report –  While the result was not on the scale of that Iceland produced to eliminate England from Euro 2016, it was a major boost for the tiny nation, who retain hopes of advancing from a group that also includes Nigeria and Croatia.  The island nation of 330,000 is the smallest country to ever qualify for the finals but emphatically showed they can mix it with the heavyweights.

In front of a raucous crowd at the 45,000-capacity venue, Iceland launched into some early physical challenges and rattled Argentina. Argentina must regroup before facing Croatia on Nizhny Novgorod on June 21, while Iceland face Nigeria in Volgograd on June 22.  As for Lionel Messi – he is yet to win a major international tournament and time is running out with his 31st birthday looming.  A credible performance by the under-dogs  –  with the final score  Argentina  1;  Iceland 1.

 

Match 7:  Peru versus Denmark [Group C]

This match was  played at the Mondovia Arena in Saransk [at 2am, Sunday 17 June , AEST] between Australia’s other two opponents in this group. Peru were relieved that their star forward Paolo Guerrero was available following the overturning of his 14 month ban for taking cocaine, after a successful last ditch appeal.. With France the Group C favourite [with due respect to the Aussies], neither team wanted to drop points in this game. As with the earlier game, there was no television coverage for this writer, and I’d slept through most of the radio broadcast.  Yussuf Poulsen ruined Peru’s first appearance at a World Cup finals for 36 years on Saturday with the winning goal for Denmark to seal a 1-0 victory in Saransk.

Final score   –  Denmark 1, Peru  0.

 

Match 8:  Croatia versus Nigeria  [Group D]

This game was played at the Kaliningrad Stadium at 5am, Sunday, 17 June [AEST].Nigeria are the youngest team in the tournament, and had to face up against a Croatian team powered by one of the tournament’s strongest and most experienced midfields. A strong group, including Argentina and Iceland, the Nigerians had hopes of getting something out of the game for the sake of the young team. The experience of Croatia would prove the difference, with Oghenekaro Etebo’s own goal and Luka Modric goal gave Croatia a winning start in their World Cup campaign, and also enabled them to grab top spot in Group D at the points table, after the first game of the group [played earlier]  between Argentina and Iceland ended in a 1-1 draw. The African team [the ‘Super Eagles’] were disappointed with the loss – acknowledging that Croatia had performed better, and their team had made some basic mistakes.

The final score  – Croatia 2, Nigeria 0

 

Match 9:  Costa Rica versus Serbia  [Group E]

This match took place at the Samara Arena, at 10 pm, Sunday 17 June [AEST].

Serbia captain, Aleksandar Kolarov scored a spectacular free-kick from 25 yards to give Serbia a deserved victory in their opening World Cup Group E match against Costa Rica.leaving  Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas clutching at thin air as he desperately scrambled across goal.  Costa Rica only sporadically threatened the Serbia goal during the game, with an early header over the crossbar from unmarked defender Giancarlo Gonzalez their best effort. With games against Brazil and Switzerland to come, this was a key match for both nations to press their credentials to reach the knockout stages.

Final score was  Serbia  1;  Costa Rica  0.

 

Match 10:  Germany versus Mexico  [Group F]

Played at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, at 1 am on Monday, 18 June [AEST].,

This game provided a bit of an upset – GERMANY became the third defending champion in the last 16 years to lose its opening match at the World Cup, falling to Mexico 1-0 on Monday morning (AEST).  Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute.   “I don’t know if it’s the biggest victory in (Mexico’s) history, but one of the biggest for sure,” Lozano said. “It’s great to start on the right foot when you are playing the world champions.”  The Germany coach Joachim Loew was straight to the point:   “We played very badly.”

France in 2002 and Spain in 2014 were the other defending champions to lose their opening matches. Neither of those teams advanced from the group stage. It will be interesting to see how Germany comes back on this occasion.

The final score:   Mexico  1;  Germany 0.

 

 

Match 11:  Brazil versus Switzerland  [Group E]

Played at the Rostov Arena  at 5am on Monday, 18 June [AEST].

Brazil failed to win it’s opening World Cup match for the first time in 40 years, having to settle for a draw with the Swiss team. From ABC News  –  Brazil joined the host of big guns who have failed to fire in their opening World Cup game as lax defending from a corner allowed Switzerland to cancel out Philippe Coutinho’s spectacular curling strike and grab a 1-1 draw.

The five-times world champions took a deserved lead midway through the first half in the Group E game when Coutinho’s irresistible long-distance shot cannoned in off the far post, but Tite’s side, who had looked so impressive in the tournament build-up, failed to build on their advantage. The highly organised Swiss hit back early in the second period from one of their few chances as Brazil’s Casemiro and Miranda switched off and the unmarked Steven Zuber barely had to leave his feet to nod in Xherdan Shaqiri’s whipped corner.

Brazil went all out in pursuit of a winner and came agonisingly close to finding it but had to settle for a point and joined fellow tournament favourites Germany, Spain and Argentina in failing to win their first game.

Final score: Brazil 1;  Switzerland 1

 

To be continued