32 teams have completed their first round of group fixtures in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Traditional football nations such as England, France, Spain, etc. are among the biggest winners in the first matches, with each of them scoring at least four goals past their opponents while Argentina and Germany will have more work to do in their remaining two group games after suffering shocking losses to Saudi Arabia and Japan respectively.
With another round of group fixtures to be played starting later today, let us take a look at some of the key and exciting games in the schedule.
Group B: England vs USA
England routed Iran 6-2 in their opening match of Group B, a game that saw Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka become the second and third youngest scorers for the Three Lions in a World Cup tournament. They will face the United States of America who is made up of a young squad (2nd youngest squad in 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, an average age of 25.2 years old) and the Three Lions look forward to come out on top once again against their opponent in this year’s tournament.
Group C: Argentina vs Mexico
After the most shocking defeat in the history of the World Cup to Saudi Arabia and ending its 36-game undefeated streak (A game shy from matching Italy’s world record), La Albiceleste would need to bounce back against Mexico to reignite their hopes of qualifying for the last 16 stage. They can take comfort in the Poland-Mexico clash that ended in a draw but any slips from now on are costly for their quest of a third World Cup title.
Group D: France vs Denmark
While many thought the France national team would suffer in the World Cup after players like Karim Benzema and Christopher Nkunku were added to the long list of injured French players just days prior to the major tournament, they produced a significant win against Australia. Fans are also expecting Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time top scorer after he equalled Theirry Henry’s record (51 goals) last game.
Group E: Spain vs Germany
Arguably the most anticipated game in the second round of group matches, Spain vs Germany has always been full of flares, and this would be a rematch of the 2008 UEFA European Championship final. Nonetheless, both sides will be going into the game with a different attitude as the former is ecstatic after Spain’s 7-0 thrashing against Costa Rica while the latter is in a do-or-die situation when they face La Furia Roja. Will Spain end Die Mannschaft’s hope of progressing into the next round?
Group H: Portugal vs Uruguay
Cristiano Ronaldo created history in Portugal’s last game against Ghana by becoming the first ever player to score in five different World Cups, but his team suffered a great scare as their opponent rallied late and almost drew level after several key Portuguese players were replaced with sufficient time left. Their next game would be a tough one as Uruguay was the team that broke the hearts of Portugal fans in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. A revenge plus another victory to book the next round’s ticket would be sweet for Seleção das Quinas.
(Photo Credits: Coingape)
