Messi, Haaland, Mbappe (Mhm)

Senegal - Iraq 5-0

Norway - France 1-4

Uruguay - Spain 0-1

Cape Verde - Saudi Arabia 0-0

New Zealand - Belgium 1-5

Egypt - Iran 1-1

The day when Messi, Mbappe and Haaland all play is less exciting when they play each other isn't it?

Well, Haaland didn't even play. And I lowkey despise resting your best player to go as further as possible in the tournamentat the expense of the 3 points. It's basically an admission from manager Solbakken that he didn't care if they lose against France, which is akin to cheating. Not honouring the game, in any way, and the game have a tendency to punish you when you do that. So I'm now hoping Ivory Coat to beat Norway in the knockout round.

It did promise to be a very good game, Norway - France and, well, it wasn't. Treating it like a friendly certainly didn't help. Because of a chatter fella who kept me at the theatre much longer than I should have, I only saw the second half, and by then it was 3-1, and the game as good as done. Even so, a substantially weaker Norway side almost managed to pull back from 2 down against France,m or it would have if Larsen would have scored from the spot early in the second half. 3-2 with a whole half to play would've been interesting. But that was such a piss-poor, half-arsed excuse of a penalty kick that certainly doesn't justify the overinflated ticket prices the amazing Norwegian supporters paid for tickets.

France's 4-1 goal was good, but inconsequential. Them scoring 10 in the first 3 games is a much clear indication of intent, and I'm kind of ready to call France to go into the last 4.

The other game of the group, I was hoping it wouldn't, but it was a rout. Highest scoring victory from an African team ever at a World Cup, a nice peculiar little stat. Iraq would've maybe deserved better, but beyond pure football qualities, this tournament will be remembered as one marred by Islamophobia, and I fully support the Iranian captain complaining about how they've been treated in the world's only fundamentalist Christian autocracy.

In Group H, I thought - funnily enough - that Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia would be the more interesting game. Even funnier - I was right, it was the more interesting game, though not by much. Either Cape Verde or Saudi Arabia would have qualified with a win, assuming of course, Spain would beat Uruguay. Yet I'm not sure either team played for a win. More understandably for Cape Verde than Saudi Arabia, though the West Africans were the more attacking team. They deserved to win I thought, though I'm sure they'll take qualification no matter how. Saudi Arabia is a team with a long World Cup tradition, with some notable results, such as beating Germany in 1994, and have one of the strongest domestic leagues in Asia. They really should be doing better. Cape Verde is probably the biggest fairy tale at this World Cup so far. I think they lack a lot of maturity, they play like a collection of individuals rather than a team, they can't pass to save their life, and it's only so much you can rely on Vozinha. But somehow, through sheer power of will and a super-disciplined defense, they managed to get to the knock-out stages, which is a massive over-achievement. They will play Argentina, which I'm afraid will be a brutal awakening to reality, like a hammer to the face. Or, who knows, the dream might not yet be over. I know of another team who played Argentina from an underdog position in the first knock-out stage in 1994, and that worked out well.

Spain - Uruguay was a Spain win, as everyone predicted, btu it was hard to know just how drab it was gonna be as a game. Even the one goal was a weak shot that was fumbled by Muslera. He was such a legend in his prime, reaching the semi-final in 2010 and challenging for the World Cup, and now this? In the immortal words of Jamie Carragher, you have to leave football before football leaves you, and I feel like for Muslera that ship has sailed.

The whole Uruguayan team covered themselves in shameat this World Cup, unable to score against Saudi Arabia or to beat Cape Verde, and just quietly surrendering in the last chance game against Spain. I'm disappointed in Bielsa too, whose praises everyone kept singing for a while there, and I never quite understood why. Suarez and Forlan would've played better than these guys. Shame. Obviously I have sympathies for Pellistri and... yeah, even Ugarte, and Araujo looks like a decent player, so maybe the fault does lie with Bielsa?

And again, barely made it to the end of the Cape Verde game, so the 4 am was out of the question. I would've watched Egypt-Iran, and I'm surprised Egypt didn't win. Belgium are the most undeserving group winners, and annoyingly, they might even squeeze past South Korea in the knock-outs. Egypt not winning also means Iran qualifies to the detriment of Scotland. And I am sorry for Scotland, they made a good name for themselves in America, but you can't JUST beat Haiti 1-0 and hope that's enough to qualify you. They can hope that Algeria loses by two to Austria, mmm, ok, doable, but then also Croatia needs to lose to Ghana by 3. Fat chance.

Escucha me!

Ecuador - Germany 2-1

Curacao - Ivory Coast 0-2

Tunisia - Netherlands 1-3

Japan - Sweden 1-1

Turkey - USA 3-2

Paraguay - Australia 0-0

I did try and watch Curacao - Ivory Coast, hoping, but expecting a miracle. Once Ivory Coast when 2-0 up, I abandoned hope and, especially with Ecuador - Germany tied on 1 at half time, I switched to that

Plata o plombo

game. Much more exciting indeed. Germany felt a bit toohless, though it's also true that they'd won the group regardless. Ecuador did really well not to be afraid, first of all, then pushing for the goal. It was spectacular, yet bizzare. A keeper like Neuer would not let an attacker hit the ball from in front of him like than in a million attempts. This was the milionth and one, probably, and well done to Plata for snatching it. He played well throughout, I'd be surprised if we don't see him in Europe next season.

Of course, in the last 20 minutes or so Ecuador had to withstand a bit of heavy attacking, but they didn't lose their cool, stayed disciplined and somehow managed to see it through. This is a historical result for them, and I reiterate they were really unlucky to lose to Ivory Coast with that late goal. Then again, how come they didn't beat Curacao? All in all, qualification for them from the 3rd spot and they'll probably get England. Hard, but doable. TBH, Croatia would be a more difficult game.

Apparently I got this group right, but at the end of it I gained a lot more sympathy for Ecuador and Curacao who, despite finishing 4th, leave the tournament with a goal and a point, which is a really good account of themselves. Come back stronger, Curacao!

Group F went as expected. I did expect Japan to beat Sweden though, and they were the better team, though they played maybe a bit too prudent. It was a spectacular game, and Sweden's attack, with Gyokeres, Isak and Elanga is truly scary. But to this, Japan opposed imepccable discipline and relentless energy. Only two goals, but both spectacular, and again, it makes me wonder why United let Elanga go so easily, he's an insanely good attacker. Didn't watch any of the Netherlands game, but with a goal after two minutes and 2-0 in the first 10 minutes, there wasn't much history to it. Netherlands feel like a one-trick pony, with goals coming from low crosses in front of goal, and if Morocco manages to block those, they'd struggle. But Netherlands - Morocco promises to be a really good game, as does Brazil - Japan. Brazil are certainly favourites, but they should not take victory for granted. I was really impressed with Japan so far.

And then group D, I didn't stay awake to watch much of Tukey - USA, but I did wake up in the 85th minute at 2-2. I appreciated how positive the game was, and Turkey managing to score in the very last minute, 90+7, but to what end? Where was this fighting spirit so far? They might well be the only team in 4th place with 3 points, while watching Australia and Paraguay qualify after what I imagine was a drab 0-0. Certainly one of the disappointments of the tournament Turkey, I saw then as group winners, but can you blame me?

Looking forward to Norway - France tonight, a case of unstoppable force hitting the unmovable object, Senegal - Iraq will be hard fougt, but Senegal will get it, I'll be rooting for Cape Verde, they can totally beat Saudi Arabia and qualify from second place, which will be amazing. Even a draw might be enough, as Spain will beat Uruguay.

And I'll probably not stay awake for group G at 4 am, but Egypt and Belgium will go through.

Czeched out

Switzerland - Canada 2-1

Bosnia - Qatar 3-1

Morocco - Haiti 4-2

Scotland - Brazil 0-3

Czechia - Mexico 0-3

South Africa - South Korea 0-1

I watched bits of every game, I think there must more people who are trying to figure out how this 6 games in a day malarkey works.

We've had 4 in a day in the previous world cups, but with two hours breaks one could have watched some games on catch up, and some would not matter. But 6 games does feel excessive, and it also feel like we should start being selective. Because otherwise, don't get me wrong, I've always been a fan of an expanded World Cup format. I'd make it 200 teams if it was me, but obviously you do need to fit all of the games in a month, and can't go much higher tham 8-9 games in a month for the winning team. It's 7 at the moment.

How many points, Patrick?

Let's take the groups in alphabetical order then: Group A brings the biggest disappointment and the biggest surprise. I'm happy for Mexico to have won all 3 of their games, and they'll be formidable opponent for whoever they'll play in the knockouts. As it stands it looks like it's Scotland, which would be ironic, but Scotland keeps falling down in the 3rd placed teams league. However, massively disappointed with Czechia. To have only won one point from this group is a crime. I thought they'd win it. Not sure what happened, they have some great players, and are certainly a better team than South Africa, but sometimes it's not enough. Sometimes you have to get down and dirty, and the case might be that the Czechs thought that being favourites is enough. Well, it's not.

South Africa beating South Korea is a massive surprise. I was really impressed with South Korea when they beat Czech Republic, and the game against Mexico, even though lost, was a hard fought one that could've easily gone their way. South Africa, on the other side, had a really poor showing in the first game, then stole a point from Czechia. Them beating South Korea is a mix of lcuk, and the Koreans maybe taking the foot off the pedal a little bit.

Group B was pretty clear, and that's because Qatar was useless. Baffling they managed to get a point, really, and from Switzerland nonetheless. Switzerland is the strongest team in the group and have done well to win it. Canada played ok, and they get South Africa in the knock-outs, so they might go one more, but they're a mediocre team really. They only finished second becasue Bosnia was disappointing. But because of Qatar, even they had 3 points in the bag, and the draw against Canada will be enough to see them through.

And Group C... oh, Scotland! Of course Brazil was always gonna be a tough game, but you can't let them walk all over you! Vini's goals were opportunistic rather than well constructed, but Scotaldn played with fear, attacking very little and having a pretty permeable defense. With 2-0 at half time, nothing spectacular was gonna happen, and I'm only sorry I didn't watch Morocco - Haiti, 2-2 at the end of the first half. I switched at half time, and Morocco took full control of it.

In terms of early predictions, I only got one out of three right so far, but no matter. It's a good World Cup, bar the organisation. Looking forward to Japan - Sweden now. Money's on Japan.

Good morning Ronaldo!

Portugal - Uzbekistan 5-0

England - Ghana 0-0

Panama - Croatia 0-1

Columbia - DR Congo 1-0

Ronaldo is awake. Two goals in a half, a brilliant shot 5 minutes in, and the second half was all about him getting the hattrick. Which he didn't, but him showing joy at Rafael Leao's goal is a solid sign of maturity. He also let someone else hit a free kick... honestly, he's growing.

Ronaldo now has 8 goals at World Cup finals, half of Messi's. It would be quite a turn if he'd close in, but I don't quite see it.

I am sorry for Uzbekistan, I doubt they'll get anything from the Congo game, but their game was better than the numbers are saying. And I'm sorry for Cannavaro, how frustrated he must be watching teams rip through his defending! Oh well... Congo will go hard after the 3 points, so they can qualify along with Colombia and Portugal.

Columbia - Congo was a pretty even game, but also pretty boring. I guess both of them knew victory secures second place. Potentially first in Colombia's case, but that is a red line I think Ronaldo will not stand for.

England - Ghana was also pretty dull, a reality check Alan Shearer dubbed it, but I think this is it. This is England, as they say. They've done well to beat Croatia so decisively, and Panama is easy prey, but England don't look on par with Germany or France.

I'm a bit disappointed with Croatia too. They did get the 3 points from Panama, but onlyu after a dull 1-0. Croatia - Ghana is gonna be a tough game, certainly a more interesting watch than England - Panama.

6 games from today on, but one can only watch 3. And the step down from 4 to 3 already feels like the World Cup starts fading. But not yet. Not yet. Not all the stories have been written yet, good memes are still to come. 

Games to watch today: Switzerland - Canada, Bosnia will beat Qatar; I'll be cheering for Scotland against Brazil, and Czechia - Mexico, with the Czechs fighting for survival.

A day without football

Argentina - Austria 2-0

France - Iraq 3-0

Norway - Senegal 3-2

Jordan - Algeria 1-2

Yesterday was almost a non-World Cup day. Life took over and, as much as I wanted to see the games, I couldn't quite make it work. 

Caught the last bit of Argentina - Austria, in time to see Messi's second goal. I was hoping it would be a more interesting game, but 2-0 tells a story of Argentinian domination and Austria showing their limits. The big story is, of course, Messi's brace which takes him to 5 for the tournament and 18 in all WC tournaments, beating Klose's record by 2, and there'll be a few more to come, for sure.

Reading some of the United groups only confirms that the way things are going, the Messi v Ronaldo debate will be over with this tournament. I'm still hopeful Portugal can win it, but the setup of the teams, and the roles Messi and Ronaldo play in their respective teams kind of makes that redundant.

I did watch the first half of France - Iraq, another Mbappe bomb, Kylian is goign strong and probably wants to avenge the final he lost unfairly 4 years ago. And to be honest, if it's not Portugal, I'd rather it be France. So far, Argentina, France and Germany stood out, but still too early to call the winner.

At the half time of the France game, it was all systems fail for me. As well as for Lincoln Fields in Philadelphia, I hear second half was postponed by more than an hour. I was in dreamland by then, and I have to confess, it's pretty good getting a good night's sleep.

That's not to say I don't regret not watching Norway - Senegal, it was bound to be a good game, and it sound like it was, 5 goals and small margins. Senegal were really unlucky and in any other group they'd have more than 0 points after two games. They can still qualify with a high scoring win against Iraq which will make me sorry about Iraq, but it is all for the cause of the underdogs.

And Jordan - Algeria... yeah, I would've struggled with it at the best of times. As it was, there was only the faintest glimmer of hope that I can watch it but no, didn't happen. Probably the least glamorous fixture at this World Cup, however Algeria can really pull one out of the hat if they beat Austria. Comforting to know that even the draw qualifies them. And Austria... is really possible. I'll watch that with interest, because Argentina - Jordan is gonna be a butchering.

Draw the line

Spain - Saudi Arabia 4-0

Ok, so Spain is awake. I only got home in time to see the second half, but by half time the game was over. Still, I thought Spain were not as clinical in front of goal. They could've scored more, and the fact they didn't can be forgiven on this one occasion, but in the knock-out stages, it can hurt. And before that, they still need to play Uruguay in desperate need of a win. They'll probably win, and send Uruguay home, but it's not gonna be an easy game.

Belgium - Iran 0-0

Belgium comntinues the tradition of disappointing in major tournaments. They are now a meme. They were the better team in this game, but just being better doesn't get you points. Egypt is clearly the best team in the group and luckily they managed to get a point out of that game. So beat New Zealand and you're through, but to what end? So many great footballers, and unable to make a team.

Iran won a point through a disciplined defense and they were a bit unlucky with the cancelled goal. After the Belgian red card, their life became a bit easier, but they should've kept pushing for a goal. I don't think they'll get anything from Egypt, which probably means they'll be eliminated from the group stage. And they played well enough to deserve better, hence, when you have the opportunity, go for it. With a bit more attacking intent, they could've gotten 3 points from Belgium.

Uruguay - Cape Verde 2-2

Of course I'm happy for Cape Verde. They should not rest on their laurels, the world wants them to beat Saudi Arabia and qualify, but it might be easier said than done. Regardless, they have already covered themselves in glory, so anything from here on would be a bonus.

But. But. It was not a good game by any stretch of imagination. Cape Verde's first goal was opportunistic, and that's fine, at this stage you gotta get anything you can. Uruguay really only played the 5 minutes at the end of the first half, when they scored the two goals. The first one was really unlucky, Vazinha had to go for the ball, and the ball jumped really unfortunately off the post. Good on Araujo for being there and taking advantage, he'll now have the 2 goals at the World Cup on his cv forever, and a one or two phone calls might come in for him this summer.

The second goal was a good execution of a disorganised defense, and the closeness to the half time break might have something to do with it.

But to not be able to hold a lead against a debutant team is beneath a double WC winner. I'm really disappointed with Uruguay and with Bielsa so far, they have a history to honour and this is not the way.

Again, really well done on Cape Verde for equalising, Muslera fucked up big time for the second goal, and Varela had the good sense to take advantage of it, but for God's sake Cape Verde, play like a team! So many opportunities to build an attack, to throw a pass to a sole attacker, to take a defender out with a pass, yet all they're relied on was individual actions. At times it looked like 5-a-side football, and you only get away with that so much. Will they against Saudi Arabia? My guess is Spain will beat Uruguay and Cape Verde will draw Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde to qualify.

New Zealand  - Egypt 1-3

I did not see any of this game, and in all honesty I'm starting to enjoy the idea that late night games are soon gonna be less of an everyday thing. It must've been a good game, Egypt impressed against Belgium and they might well be winning the group. They're certainly the best team in it. When the first round of games was 1-1, 1-1, it's a bit difficult to know which way things are gonna go, but now it's clear. Egypt and Belgium for the first two places.

The Germans always win

Medium busy Saturday, but with no cabaret show, so I had time to actually watch some of the football.

Netherlands - Sweden 5-1

After Netherlands were equal to Japan in the opening game, and after Sweden thrashing of a decent-looking Tunisia, I though this will be veyr much an even game. A draw to be expected, or one of the team will edge it, but a 2 goals difference would be exceptional, I thought.

I only watched the first half, to be honest the Dutch double-scoring was too quick and too stunning. It didn't feel like the Swedes had it in them to come back from it, so I went to watch some theatre for the second half.

Even so, I expected 2-1, maybe 3-1, but not for the Dutch to come in with their finger on a trigger like that in the second half too. Good on them, and woe to Sweden for not being able to respond to the hits.

The goal at 4-0 was too little too late, and the fact that the final scoreline is 5-1 is a bit ironic, considering one might've thought this same scoreline ensured them a little cushion should goal difference become a criteria.

Happy that Elanga scored, and a good goal too. Why the hell did we get rid of Elanga?

Germany - Ivory Coast 2-1

Ok, this was painful. It was painful for me as a neutral. Cote D'Ivoire played so well, and it's not that the Germans played poorly or nothing, the Ivorians simply matched them, and then some. Great goal from Kessle, and they didn't pull back either. Going into half-time 1-0 against Germany is a feat, but they were well worthy of it.

The dildo of consequences came without lube though, and just as they broke the hearts of Ecuadorians with that late goal, Ivory Coast saw their hopes crashing down with that Undaev shot in the 90'+4 minute.

BUT, but... they have fully proved their worth, Ivory Coast, along with Senegal and Morocco they are worthy representatives of AFCON, and will join Germany in the knockout stages. And whoever draws them will not have an easy life. As it stands, that's France. France would win, but that would be a good game.

Ecuador - Curacao 0-0

This is what the World Cup is about! Staying up until 3 am to watch a 0-0 draw between Ecuador and Curacao!

Beautiful teams, both of them, I was impressed with the Ecuadorian support in the first game, but on this one occasion, their performance has been disappointing. Playing pretty much back to the wall, against the weakest opposition in the group, this should've been their 3 points. It's baffling that not only did they not manage to score, they were quite toothless. As a matter of fact, Curacao were their equals and had their chances. And while for the WC debutans Curacao this one point is huge, for Ecuador is a disappointing performance against weaker opposition, and a blow to their chances of advancing.

Where was the fighing spirit from the Ivory Coast game? Or was that the fluke? The Germans will not be walkovers, you know?

Tunisia - Japan 0-4

Tunisia was another disappointment. After holding their own against Sweden, at least for the first half, this was very much a meltdown. Not to take anything away from Japan's performance, which was pure poetry. But I'm sure the Japanese would've taken the 1-0. The fourth goal, as the commentator said, sums up Tunisia's presence in this World Cup: sloppy, toothless, careless.

I'm sorry for Hannibal, but his team did not show they'd deserve more.

Watch out for Japan - Sweden though, that's gonna be a great game!