The evening games in the real World Cup are giving us some real drama - shame about the afternoon ones! In the DWC we had a tense final-game decider between Mexico and Tunisia go very close, whilst Netherlands, Turkey and Greece all progressed with far less drama.
Today we wrap up Groups E and F. Group E has a key battle between China and Denmark, whilst Group F sees Portugal hoping to stave off the challenge of Chile to progress.
So far in this year's DWC I have been exactly mirroring the real World Cup for schedule. However, today and tomorrow has the groups finish in a backwards order (so F then E, with H then G tomorrow). I can't bring myself to commit such a crime, so we're sticking with the alphabet, thank you very much.
Final matches of Group E
Here's the table going into these games:
Today we wrap up Groups E and F. Group E has a key battle between China and Denmark, whilst Group F sees Portugal hoping to stave off the challenge of Chile to progress.
So far in this year's DWC I have been exactly mirroring the real World Cup for schedule. However, today and tomorrow has the groups finish in a backwards order (so F then E, with H then G tomorrow). I can't bring myself to commit such a crime, so we're sticking with the alphabet, thank you very much.
Final matches of Group E
Here's the table going into these games:
As Denmark and China are facing each other, England are assured of their progression, and just a point against DR Congo will secure top spot. So the battle comes down to Denmark vs. China. A draw will see Denmark progress on goal difference, so China simply have to win the game.
Team news: DR Congo vs. England
The Central Africa side which took part in last year's DWC was effectively a DR Congo side. They finished without a point, and it looks like DR Congo will as well. This is a shame, because they pushed both Denmark and China close in their two games so far.
DR Congo replace Singuluma with Asante, with Mputu moving up front. England are almost-certainly assured of top spot, so they make wholesale changes. Walker, Koscielny, Kane, Firmino, Mane and Pogba come in, with a good chance to make a claim for a starting place in the knockout stages.
Team news: DR Congo vs. England
The Central Africa side which took part in last year's DWC was effectively a DR Congo side. They finished without a point, and it looks like DR Congo will as well. This is a shame, because they pushed both Denmark and China close in their two games so far.
DR Congo replace Singuluma with Asante, with Mputu moving up front. England are almost-certainly assured of top spot, so they make wholesale changes. Walker, Koscielny, Kane, Firmino, Mane and Pogba come in, with a good chance to make a claim for a starting place in the knockout stages.
Team news: China vs. Denmark
Very similar performances from the two sides, really. A tight win against DR Congo, and a one-sided defeat to England. Denmark held out for a 3-goal defeat against England, and so they have a marginal goal difference advantage now.
China reluctantly move away from their infamous 3-2-1-4-0 formation, with Zahavi playing as a proper striker. But their personnel changes are at the back, with Rodriguez replacing Fonte. Denmark move to a more adventurous lopsided 4-3-3, whilst up front Teemu Pukki replaces the disappointing Santander.
Very similar performances from the two sides, really. A tight win against DR Congo, and a one-sided defeat to England. Denmark held out for a 3-goal defeat against England, and so they have a marginal goal difference advantage now.
China reluctantly move away from their infamous 3-2-1-4-0 formation, with Zahavi playing as a proper striker. But their personnel changes are at the back, with Rodriguez replacing Fonte. Denmark move to a more adventurous lopsided 4-3-3, whilst up front Teemu Pukki replaces the disappointing Santander.
Kick-off
[As it stands: ENG 7, DEN 4, CHN 4, COD 1]
CODvENG (2 mins): The first England player to make the most of their inclusion today is Laurent Koscielny, who gently guides Eden Hazard’s corner home to give England the perfect start.
[As it stands: ENG 7, DEN 4, CHN 4, COD 1]
CODvENG (2 mins): The first England player to make the most of their inclusion today is Laurent Koscielny, who gently guides Eden Hazard’s corner home to give England the perfect start.
[As it stands: ENG 9, DEN 4, CHN 4, COD 0]
CHNvDEN (5 mins): China have the first big chance of the game, as Hulk turns into space in the box, but his shot is well-held by Ronnow. Denmark soon lose the ball, and this time China make them pay; Hulk’s cross is nodded back across goal by Carrasco and Eran Zahavi heads the ball into the goal.
CHNvDEN (5 mins): China have the first big chance of the game, as Hulk turns into space in the box, but his shot is well-held by Ronnow. Denmark soon lose the ball, and this time China make them pay; Hulk’s cross is nodded back across goal by Carrasco and Eran Zahavi heads the ball into the goal.
[As it stands: ENG 9, CHN 6, DEN 3, COD 0]
China just need a minute to double their lead. Once again, Denmark lose it cheaply and China burst forwards. Witsel plays it across to Yannick Carrasco, and the Belgian beats Ronnow with a fairly tame effort. The first cloud in a very blue sky for China comes in the form of a slight injury to Carrasco. He is taken off as a precaution, with Lavezzi coming on.
CODvENG (29 mins): It’s been complete domination for England, with over 70% possession and a dozen unanswered shots. Despite the ludicrous state of comfort they are in, Hazard appears “very nervous”. Anyway, he is involved in a second goal as he is tackled in the box, the ball breaking to Roberto Firmino to blast a shot through Kidiaba.
China just need a minute to double their lead. Once again, Denmark lose it cheaply and China burst forwards. Witsel plays it across to Yannick Carrasco, and the Belgian beats Ronnow with a fairly tame effort. The first cloud in a very blue sky for China comes in the form of a slight injury to Carrasco. He is taken off as a precaution, with Lavezzi coming on.
CODvENG (29 mins): It’s been complete domination for England, with over 70% possession and a dozen unanswered shots. Despite the ludicrous state of comfort they are in, Hazard appears “very nervous”. Anyway, he is involved in a second goal as he is tackled in the box, the ball breaking to Roberto Firmino to blast a shot through Kidiaba.
So, Koscielny and Firmino have made good on their inclusion in the team, but one player certainly hasn’t. It’s an early bath for Kyle Walker for a totally needless two-footed lunge on Traore near the halfway line. It also means an end to the game for the only other Englishman in the squad – Harry Kane – as he is substituted for Danilo to keep the side’s balance.
CHNvDEN (half time): This looks to be over now, as China surge forwards in a blur of red, and the Danish back line simply cannot cope. Zahavi finds himself with the freedom of the box, and drills a fine low shot home for 3-0 at the break. China take Oscar off for Junior Urso at the break for added defensive cover.
CHNvDEN (half time): This looks to be over now, as China surge forwards in a blur of red, and the Danish back line simply cannot cope. Zahavi finds himself with the freedom of the box, and drills a fine low shot home for 3-0 at the break. China take Oscar off for Junior Urso at the break for added defensive cover.
CODvENG (half time): The red card has barely affected the game, as England continue to have all of the possession and shots. However, in the 58th minute we finally get a game on, as DR Congo pull one back through Patrick Ilongo, whose powerful shot is the first one to beat David de Gea this tournament.
Just two minutes later, the sides are level! Unfortunately for DR Congo, that’s purely in terms of red cards, as Sinkala (who had got the assist) trips Hazard and picks up his second yellow.
CHNvDEN (64 mins): The Danish defence is so sluggish, they can’t stop Hulk jogging past them and playing it inside to Zahavi to blast in his hat-trick goal.
CHNvDEN (64 mins): The Danish defence is so sluggish, they can’t stop Hulk jogging past them and playing it inside to Zahavi to blast in his hat-trick goal.
CODvENG (90+3 mins): The red card has effectively ended any chance of DR Congo getting anything from this game, and the two sides ultimately play out the rest of the match with little event.
CHNvDEN (90+3 mins): Surprisingly, Denmark going to an attacking mentality doesn’t result in more punishment. However, it doesn’t spark a comeback either as the game peters out into a very easy Chinese win.
Analysis: DR Congo 1-2 England
Roberto Firmino was the most impressive player for England, getting around the pitch and leading the line well after Kane was withdrawn. However, DR Congo will be pleased at how few touches inside the box Firmino was able to have.
CHNvDEN (90+3 mins): Surprisingly, Denmark going to an attacking mentality doesn’t result in more punishment. However, it doesn’t spark a comeback either as the game peters out into a very easy Chinese win.
Analysis: DR Congo 1-2 England
Roberto Firmino was the most impressive player for England, getting around the pitch and leading the line well after Kane was withdrawn. However, DR Congo will be pleased at how few touches inside the box Firmino was able to have.
Analysis: China 4-0 Denmark
China was absolutely beautiful in attack, working the ball between their forwards in a style which will make future opponents worried. But China’s biggest success in this game is undoubtedly their best defensive performance yet. The Danish touch map, shown below, shows how well the Chinese defence and midfield did.
China was absolutely beautiful in attack, working the ball between their forwards in a style which will make future opponents worried. But China’s biggest success in this game is undoubtedly their best defensive performance yet. The Danish touch map, shown below, shows how well the Chinese defence and midfield did.
Final Group E table
Final matches of Group F
Portugal and Chile were rude enough to deliver the first goalless draw in this year's DWC. At least real-life France have ensured that there's been one in Russia too. The shared spoils leads to this table going into the final clashes:
Portugal and Chile were rude enough to deliver the first goalless draw in this year's DWC. At least real-life France have ensured that there's been one in Russia too. The shared spoils leads to this table going into the final clashes:
Portugal just need a point to progress. Ukraine would be happy with that as well, as that would secure top spot and avoid a clash with England. Chile need a six-goal swing to catch Portugal, which they could potentially do against a Mali side that is very hit-and-miss.
Team news: Ukraine vs. Portugal
After Ukraine wrapped up their second win with a surprisingly tight victory over Mali, we all expected Portugal to join them by seeing off a Chile side that appears to reach its limit in the group stages. However, Chile were by far the better side, and in the end Portugal were lucky to claim a 0-0 draw.
Already through, Ukraine rest their two players a yellow away from suspension – Srna and Ordets are replaced by Butko and Kryvtsov. Additionally, Fred comes in for Garmash. Meanwhile, a draw would be enough for Portugal, and so Jonas makes way for Fernandes, who will sit in central midfield.
Team news: Ukraine vs. Portugal
After Ukraine wrapped up their second win with a surprisingly tight victory over Mali, we all expected Portugal to join them by seeing off a Chile side that appears to reach its limit in the group stages. However, Chile were by far the better side, and in the end Portugal were lucky to claim a 0-0 draw.
Already through, Ukraine rest their two players a yellow away from suspension – Srna and Ordets are replaced by Butko and Kryvtsov. Additionally, Fred comes in for Garmash. Meanwhile, a draw would be enough for Portugal, and so Jonas makes way for Fernandes, who will sit in central midfield.
Team news: Mali vs. Chile
Mali are out, but they will harbour hopes of getting at least a point to show for their efforts. Chile not only have to win, but have to win well. So this may well be a high-scoring affair.
Mamadou Coulibaly was great for Mali against Ukraine, but the injury he picked up during that game rules him out, so Idrissa Traore comes in. Chile stick to their guns in terms of formation, although a couple of personnel changes are made – Carrasco replaces Rodriguez and Pizarro replaces Valdes. Paredes is trusted up front again despite two poor performances so far.
Mali are out, but they will harbour hopes of getting at least a point to show for their efforts. Chile not only have to win, but have to win well. So this may well be a high-scoring affair.
Mamadou Coulibaly was great for Mali against Ukraine, but the injury he picked up during that game rules him out, so Idrissa Traore comes in. Chile stick to their guns in terms of formation, although a couple of personnel changes are made – Carrasco replaces Rodriguez and Pizarro replaces Valdes. Paredes is trusted up front again despite two poor performances so far.
Kick-off
[As it stands: UKR 7, POR 5, CHI 2, MLI 1]
MLIvCHI (12 mins): Chile fail to regain their shape after clear a ball into the box. It’s put back in and Samake has a big chance, but his effort is straight at Herrera.
UKRvPOR (24 mins): It’s a very cagey start, as both teams are hesitant to concede the first goal. Mathieu goes closest early on with a long free kick that is surprisingly close.
MLIvCHI (half time): Mali have competed well, whilst Chile are failing to pose any kind of threat. This is despite two teams under instructions to get the ball forwards with a fair degree of freedom.
UKRvPOR (half time): Yawn. Nothing has happened since that free kick. Goalless at the break. Isn’t this how Portugal won Euro 2016 though? Ukraine bring Garmash on for Stepanenko, mainly because the latter has been booked. Straight after the restart Ukraine should be ahead, as a corner comes to Sergiy Kryvtsov, but the centre-back hits the woodwork from point-blank range.
[As it stands: UKR 7, POR 5, CHI 2, MLI 1]
MLIvCHI (12 mins): Chile fail to regain their shape after clear a ball into the box. It’s put back in and Samake has a big chance, but his effort is straight at Herrera.
UKRvPOR (24 mins): It’s a very cagey start, as both teams are hesitant to concede the first goal. Mathieu goes closest early on with a long free kick that is surprisingly close.
MLIvCHI (half time): Mali have competed well, whilst Chile are failing to pose any kind of threat. This is despite two teams under instructions to get the ball forwards with a fair degree of freedom.
UKRvPOR (half time): Yawn. Nothing has happened since that free kick. Goalless at the break. Isn’t this how Portugal won Euro 2016 though? Ukraine bring Garmash on for Stepanenko, mainly because the latter has been booked. Straight after the restart Ukraine should be ahead, as a corner comes to Sergiy Kryvtsov, but the centre-back hits the woodwork from point-blank range.
MLIvCHI (52 mins): A goal! There’s actually been a goal in this group today! And it’s Esteban Paredes who defies the critics to score it. I mean, it hits him on the shoulder as Insaurralde shot from the edge of the box, but if it’s good enough for Harry Kane...
[As it stands: UKR 7, POR 5, CHI 4, MLI 0]
UKRvPOR (59 mins): Ukraine have another corner, and again it comes to Kryvtsov... this time he can’t miss and Ukraine take the lead! Except... they haven’t, because the referee has given a foul for a push by Kryvtsov. Portugal survive.
UKRvPOR (59 mins): Ukraine have another corner, and again it comes to Kryvtsov... this time he can’t miss and Ukraine take the lead! Except... they haven’t, because the referee has given a foul for a push by Kryvtsov. Portugal survive.
MLIvCHI (70 mins): Dramane Traore picks up a knock. But with a game that needs chasing, and literally no attacking players available from the bench, Mali have to leave him on.
UKRvPOR (74 mins): The minutes fly by, and we’re no closer to knowing the outcome. Danilo Pereira gets onto substitute Grimaldo’s low cross, but his shot is just wide. Soon after, Mathieu has a Kryvtsov-style chance, but Butko throws himself in the way of the shot. Now it’s Ukraine’s turn to live a bit dangerously.
MLIvCHI (80 mins): A rapid Mali counter-attack results in Alain Claude Traore bursting into the box. It’s a good shot, beating Herrera, but it clips the post and goes wide.
UKRvPOR (74 mins): The minutes fly by, and we’re no closer to knowing the outcome. Danilo Pereira gets onto substitute Grimaldo’s low cross, but his shot is just wide. Soon after, Mathieu has a Kryvtsov-style chance, but Butko throws himself in the way of the shot. Now it’s Ukraine’s turn to live a bit dangerously.
MLIvCHI (80 mins): A rapid Mali counter-attack results in Alain Claude Traore bursting into the box. It’s a good shot, beating Herrera, but it clips the post and goes wide.
UKRvPOR (90+3 mins): Just before the final whistle, Portugal lose Brahimi to a nasty-looking injury. Seconds later the game ends, and they have secured their progression to the next round.
MLIvCHI (90+4 mins): Even if there had been a late Ukrainian winner, there was never going to be the huge goal-difference swing that Chile needed. They do claim their first DWC finals victory though, sealed in added time thanks to David Pizarro’s shot following a corner.
MLIvCHI (90+4 mins): Even if there had been a late Ukrainian winner, there was never going to be the huge goal-difference swing that Chile needed. They do claim their first DWC finals victory though, sealed in added time thanks to David Pizarro’s shot following a corner.
Analysis: Ukraine 0-0 Portugal
That was a fairly turgid display of football, with Portugal in particular just content to get a draw. Their heat map is shown below – Ukraine’s isn’t much more exciting. Basically, they France-Denmarked it.
That was a fairly turgid display of football, with Portugal in particular just content to get a draw. Their heat map is shown below – Ukraine’s isn’t much more exciting. Basically, they France-Denmarked it.
Analysis: Mali 0-2 Chile
Given Chile’s need for a huge win, they just didn’t get ball into the box anywhere near enough. It may be a result of an over-crowded midfield, perhaps they should return to their wider 3-4-3 formation next year.
Given Chile’s need for a huge win, they just didn’t get ball into the box anywhere near enough. It may be a result of an over-crowded midfield, perhaps they should return to their wider 3-4-3 formation next year.
Final Group F table
Tomorrow's schedule
USA vs. Italy
Kuwait vs. Hungary
Saudi Arabia vs. France
Poland vs. Argentina
USA vs. Italy
Kuwait vs. Hungary
Saudi Arabia vs. France
Poland vs. Argentina