We all thought match day 1 was just the perfect way to start the World Cup and with match day 2, we’re pretty sure that this World Cup will probably be the best one yet. From sudden defeats to amazing comebacks and all-out trashing, match day 2 wasn’t short of any excitement and so, we’re going to do a little recap to catch up on the matches that you might have missed.
Everyone was rooting for Egypt, for Mohammed Salah, but unfortunately, a late spot-kick from him wasn’t enough to defeat a comfortable Russia that owned the game from start to finish, ending it 3-1. Egypt is out of the World Cup, Russia is through.
After a shambolic defeat to Russia, it was expected by the masses for Saudi Arabia to crumble under pressure from the Uruguayans, but to everyone’s surprise, they showed a dominant display throughout the match, controlling the ball effortlessly in the midfield. Alas, one mistake from Mohammed Al-Owais, the goalkeeper, allowed Luis Suarez to slot home the only goal of the match, ensuring their place in the round of 16. Saudi Arabia, unfortunately has been eliminated.
Even though both Spain and Portugal won their respective matches against Iran and Morocco, they are not yet through to the next round. Match day 3 will decide who gets through when Spain takes on Morocco and Portugal takes on Iran. Currently as it stands, Iran, Portugal and Spain all have a chance to make it to the round of 16. Morocco, unfortunately has been eliminated.
A comfortable Kylian Mbappe goal ensured that France made its place in the round of 16, winning both their opening matches. Peru perished under pressure and is now out of the World Cup.
The first half of the match might’ve ended 0-0 but 3 very well taken goals in the second half saw Argentina holding on for life as their chances for World Cup glory seemed even bleaker by the minute. Nigeria defeating Iceland did breathe some life into Argentina’s World Cup chances and now it all falls down to match day 3 when a win from Croatia against Iceland and a win from Argentina against Nigeria will confirm their entry to the round of 16. For now, Croatia is through but Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria all have to wait for match day 3.
Brazil might’ve won their game against Costa Rica with fine goals from Countinho and Neymar, but their chances to make it to the next round still dangle on match day 3. Switzerland came back from a goal down against Serbia and won the game 2-1, ensuring that they, along with Brazil and Serbia, still have a chance to make it into the next round. Costa Rica on the other hand, will not be going through.
A riveting display of exceptional football saw both Belgium and England end any chances Tunisia and Panama might’ve had at the World Cup. 5-2 and 6-1 from Belgium and England respectively only makes it certain that these are the teams to look out for. Now to see who comes out on top when the two giants take on each other in match day 3. England and Belgium are through.
Sweden took the lead early on with a goal from Ola Toivonen in the 32nd minute and while Marco Reus equalized in the 48th minute, it wasn’t enough if Germany wanted a chance to make it through to the next round, having lost their first game against Mexico. An impeccable free kick from Toni Kroos ensured Germany another chance at defending their World Cup title. Mexico on the other hand, ended any chances South Korea had by eliminating them and moving onto the next round. Match day 3 will decide whether Germany or Sweden will join Mexico.
A game of back and forth goals saw Japan and Senegal end their match in a stalemate of 2-2, whilst Colombia ran away with a 3-0 win against Poland, with fiery goals from Yerry Mina, Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado. As it stands, Poland is out of the World Cup but Japan, Senegal and Colombia all have a chance to make it to the next round. Who do you think will make it?
Match day 3 commences this week when Saudi and Egypt battle it out for Arab dominance. Who do you think will make it to the next round? Who do you think deserved a better fate? This World Cup only keeps getting better and better. Grab some popcorn, turn on the TV and support your favourite teams by sporting their jerseys, available online at Sun & Sand Sports. Get them delivered to your doorstep.
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