World cup is a long distance marathon and not short distance sprint. Better teams improve with every match. Every team play three matches in the group for advancing into business session. Till now all played one match each.
Teams having quality bench strength survives the toil of the tournament .Teams winning or drawing matches are in better position but teams losing the first matches are not out of contention yet. But the favorites Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, England and France either looked well below their best or their respective opponents raised the level of their games. The position of each group will be mostly clear after second round of the game. However, in some groups the positions may be determined after third round.
Team Standing:
Group A:
Teams Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Points
Russia 2 2 0 0 8 1 6
Uruguay 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Egypt 2 0 2 0 1 4 0
Saudi Arabia 1 0 0 0 0 5 0
It appears from above that Russia is all but has advanced into group of 16. Uruguay is also in advantageous position from a win against Egypt. But Egypt and Saudi Arabia mathematically have chances to go through. For that Saudis will have to win both of the remaining matches. Egypt can only go through if they can beat Saudi Arabia by 4-0 margined Uruguay loses to Saudi Arabia. For Saudi Arabia, it is highly unlikely that they can win against Russia and we are not sure that they can even win against Uruguay.
Group B:
Teams Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Points
Iran 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Portugal 1 0 0 1 3 3 1
Spain 1 0 0 1 3 3 1
Morocco 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
Iran leads the group. Spain and Portugal are the two favorites from the group. So far they produced the match of the tournament so far. We are more or less sure that both would go through. The only situation it may happen otherwise if either Spain or Portugal lose points against Morocco or Iran.
Group C:
Teams Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Points
France 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Denmark 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Peru 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
Australia 1 0 1 0 1 2 0
France and Denmark earning a hard fought win against Australia and Peru are in comfortable position. But from the look of it we have seen any two of the four can go through. The second match of the group may give right directions. Group favorite France did not look impressive. Australia stretched them to their limits. If they can not regain their touch, they may be struggling against Peru and Denmark,. Peru played well against Denmark but unfortunately lost by solitary goal. They can still qualify if they play to their best form in the next two matches. Denmark and Australia both appeared energetic.
Group D
Teams Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Points
Croatia 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Iceland 1 0 0 1 1 1 1
Argentina 1 0 0 1 1 1 1
Nigeria 1 0 0 0 0 2 0
Group and tournament favorite Argentina drawing with tournament debutant was among the talk of the tournament. Theoretically, all four teams have opportunity for advancing with Croatia has their nose in front. Iceland looked really impressive. It will be a huge boost if they advance to second round. Super Star Lionel Messi was well below his best. He failed to score from penalty and free kick. The task of Argentina has become challenging as Croatia and Nigeria would be tougher opponents.
Group E
Teams Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Points
Serbia 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Brazil 1 0 0 1 1 1 1
Switzerland 1 0 0 1 1 1 1
Costa Rica 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
Group and tournament favorites drawing with impressive Switzerland was widely discussed. Switzerland equalizer was controversial. Brazil thought their defender Miranda was fouled before Swiss midfielder headed home the equalizer. In the other match Costa Rica dominated the match but could not score. Serbia scored and winning the match is now in an advantageous position. The real scenario will appear after the second matches of the group. Brazil would definitely improve. Neymar was the target of Swiss defense and was fouled several times. He also looked a bit soft after returning from injury.
Group F
Teams Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Points
Sweden 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Mexico 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Germany 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
South Korea 1 0 1 0 0 1 0
Reigning Champion and four times world cup winners Germany was shocked and awed by very enterprising Mexico. Sweden managed a hard earned with against South Korea. We are sure Germany would regroup. Though winning against Sweden won’t be easy. Mexico looked very impressive. I won’t be surprised, if they finish on top of the group.
Group G:
Teams Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Points
Belgium 1 1 0 0 3 0 3
England 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Tunisia 1 0 1 0 1 2 0
Panama 1 0 1 0 0 3 0
Belgium is only team tagged as tournament favorite lived up to their reputation. Their impressive 3-0 wins against Panama places them in advantageous position for finishing as top of the group. England must consider them lucky for earning full points scoring the winning goal in the dying moments of added time. Tunisia may still qualify if they can squeeze at least a point out of Belgium. Otherwise, it will be Belgium and England going through. England is tagged favorite in English and European press. But their appearance was way below impressive. England Belgium match would witness keen tussle we believe.
Group H
Team Played Won Lost Drew GF GA Points
Japan 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Senegal 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Columbia 1 0 1 0 1 2 0
Poland 1 0 1 0 1 2 0
In a group of four equally matched teams Japan and Senegal have their noses in front winning their first matches. Polish look weak and may exit. Columbia would definitely improve. The positions would be clear after second matches of the group.
General Comments;
We are sure flowers of Brazil, Germany, Argentina, England, France are bit worried for indifferent performances of their respective teams. They were overwhelmed or played very poorly. The differences between top and mid level teams are progressively diminishing. Brazil, Germany and Spain would definitely improve. But the fate of Argentina would largely hang around Messi appearing in his brilliant best. We are sure scenario would see major changes after matches of the second round.
BDST: 1129 HRS, JUN 20, 2018
AH
