As one of the most thrilling World Cup group stages comes to an end and as we begin the knockout stages, we've written a summary of each group.
Group A contained the hosts Qatar who had a disappointing World Cup debut, after becoming the first host nation to lose the opening game they lost their next 2 games and only managed to find the net once this tournament. The Dutch found their way to the top of the group, Gakpo was their star player scoring thrice in 3 games. However, it wasn't easy for the 2010 World Cup finalists. They only won against Senegal courtesy of 2 very late goals from Gakpo and Klaasen, and then they were limited to 1 point against Ecuador, they ensure qualification with a comfortable victory over Qatar.
Second place in this group was up for grabs going into the last matchday and would be decided by whoever won the encounter between Ecuador and Senegal. Senegal came out on top after a fascinating 90 minutes. Senegal scored a penalty just before half-time to go 1-0 up, Ecuador then equalized dramatically in the 67th minute. But the scores were level for a mere 3 minutes, Koulibaly scored in the 70th minute to ensure his country's place in the round of 16.
Group B had England set as favorites to win, and they did indeed top the group quite easily. The highlight of their group stages was the 6-2 demolition against Iran. In the 2020 Euros, final England had 3 players who missed a penalty in the penalty shoot-out, out of those 3, 2 of them were selected for the squad this year and both scored. Bukayo Saka who is having an impressive season at Arsenal scored twice on his World Cup debut, and Marcus Rashford has 3 goals as well. The English will play against Senegal in what's set to be an exciting encounter.
It was never really sure who would follow England into the round of 16 in this group, but in the end, it was the USA who came out above Iran and Wales. Iran beat Wales with a goal in the dying minutes to give them a chance at qualification. And because of the US's draw with England, they also had a chance to go through. On the last matchday, the US needed a win and Iran just needed to avoid defeat so long as Wales lost against England. It was Christian Pulisic who scored for the US in the first half, but he paid a price as he went off during half-time injured. Even without their star player the US was able to fend off the Iranians for the remainder of the 90 and booked a date with the Netherlands in the round of 16.
Group C was one of the most exciting groups. Each team had a chance of going through coming into the last matchday and each was equally as likely. Argentina faced a setback against Saudi, losing 2-1 in what has now been dubbed one of the greatest World Cup upsets of all time. But it wasn't long before Messi and co were able to get back on track. In the 64th minute of Argentina vs Mexico, we saw Messi place a left-footed shot from outside the box into the bottom right corner. Lusail stadium erupted, and from that point, we saw the Argentina team we were used to. They won that game 2-0 and then ensured qualification by beating Poland comfortably.
Saudi Arabia, after their triumph against Argentina, was unable to carry the momentum through, they lost against Poland after having a penalty saved. And then on the last matchday, the equation was simple. They had to win to go through if Argentina won against Poland. However, Saudi conceded twice to the Mexicans and saw their hopes of qualification at a low. It was now Mexico who could go through, leading 2-0 they were tied with Poland in the group on everything, they were at that point being knocked out due to the fair play rule. But one more goal for them or Argentina would see them go through above Poland. The Argentina-Poland game ended 2-0 and all eyes went to Mexico and Saudi, the Mexicans searched desperately for one more goal but instead, it was Saudi who scored in the 95th minute virtually eliminating Mexico from the tournament.
Group D saw France top the group without really breaking a sweat. They walked over Australia and beat the Danes to ensure qualification. On the last Matchday, they lost 0-1 to Tunisia, although it didn't make a difference, and although the French had rested most of their A team the win still meant a lot for the Tunisian supporters. They went through all the emotions throughout this match, Tunisia led by 1 in the last seconds of the game but Greizmann equalized to break Tunisian hearts, another twist followed though as his goal was ruled out by VAR for offside which was taken kindly by the Tunisians.
Coming into the tournament we and many others had Denmark as an underdog after their impressive performance at the latest edition of the Euros. However, they failed to prove us right, on the last matchday they lost against Australia and saw themselves knocked out of the World Cup. The Socceroos have had a group stage to remember, although they lost to France they were able to win against a good Danish team as well as the Tunisian team that went on to beat France. Now France will face Poland in their round of 16 matchup while Australia will encounter Argentina.
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