REVIEWING GAMES 13 TO 16: THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2022

November 25, 2022

WC 2022 REVIEW: PART FOUR

OVERVIEW OF GAMES 13 TO 16

Day Five closed out Matchday 1, giving us a glimpse of where the teams stand, and lining up the groups for the first time. Switzerland overcame a spirited Cameroon side, South Korea held firm against Uruguay, Portugal just about scraped past Ghana, and stylish Brazil arrived at the World Cup, defeating Serbia. Here’s what we made of it:

Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon

Breel Embolo 48’

The Swiss continued their unbeaten matchday 1 streak with a victory over Cameroon, extending their record to six World Cup participations, traced back to 1966. Cameroon looked the more threatening of the two sides in the first half, but were unable to capitalize on their chances. Bryan Mbuemo was selfish, shooting at straight at Yann Sommer when Eric Choupo-Moting was free in the centre of the box. They would come to regret that, as three minutes into the second half, Granit Xhaka moved the ball out wide to Xherdan Shaqiri, and the ex-Liverpool man squared the ball to Breel Embolo for an easy finish. The game was finely balanced, with both sides equal to the other. As is often the case, a single clinically taken shot decided the game. Switzerland are now the favourites for the second qualification spot in the group, but their game against Serbia will still be of the utmost importance.

Uruguay 0-0 South Korea

There’s just something different about Asian countries at this World Cup. Saudi Arabia upset Argentina, Japan overcame Germany, and South Korea should have put Uruguay to the sword. The Koreans looked much the better side in the opening exchanges, and should have scored in the 34^th minute when the ball found its way to an unmarked Hwang Ui-Jo in the centre of the box, but he could only blaze over. In a game where the defences were on top, that was one of the few clear-cut chances. Uruguay slowly grew into the game, and a better through ball from Matheus Olivera could have set-up Darwin Nunez for the opener. The game finished with a combined total of one shot on target, and while both Uruguay and South Korea won a point, the real winners of this draw will be Portugal.

Portugal 3-2 Ghana

Cristiano Ronaldo 65' (P), Joao Felix 78', Rafael Leao 80' ; Andre Ayew 73', Osman Bukari 89'

The World Cup has been begging for a classic thriller, with late goals and tension in the air, and it was Portugal and Ghana who delivered. Nobody would blame you if you turned off the telly after that first half, but boy, did the game explode into life after the break. Cristiano Ronaldo tucked away another penalty, ticking off his audition for a new club with a goal. Mohammed Kudus (who was absolutely sublime) then squared for Andrew Ayew to equalize, only for Portugal to seemingly seal the game with a double-punch knockout through Joao Felix and Rafael Leao. Ghana then pulled one back to pile the pressure back on Portugal as they looked for an equalizer to stun the Europeans. They would have done, after goalkeeper Diogo Costa’s error, if not for the Ghanian attacker to slip at the pivotal moment to give Portugal a vital 3-points. Cristiano Ronaldo and his men now find themselves in the driving seat at the top of Group H.

Brazil 2-0 Serbia

Richarlison 62', 73'

Was that Richarlison upfront for Brazil, or R9 masquerading as the attacker from Tottenham Hotspur? No, seriously, in a tournament where the favourites have already fallen several times, the “Pigeon” was vital to ensuring the Brazilians didn’t suffer the same fate. Brazil looked toothless in the first half, with few clear chances; Raphinha couldn’t convert the two that they did create. Into the second half, and Alex Sandro thundered one from 35 yards out as Brazil looked to trouble the scoreboard operators. Some excellent work from Neymar then teed up Vinicius Jr., whose shot was turned in on the rebound by Richarlison for the opener. Richarlison then followed that up with a goal that will be featured in goal compilations for a long time: he received Vinicius Jr.’s cross excellently, spun, then jumped to scissor kick the ball into a bottom corner. Ooof! The one negative for Tite’s men would be Neymar’s injury: his ankle looked horribly swollen, and the Brazilian talisman was seen crying as he received treatment on the bench. Fortunately, however, the initial reports seem promising. The result leaves Brazil top of Group G, leaving Serbia to fight it out with the Swiss and Cameroon for second spot.