Unlike in Russia, we didn't see a number of larger teams being upset. Instead, England and Portugal opened with comfortable wins. Whether Real England will do so today is another matter...
Today the other two teams in Portugal & Mali's group get underway as Chile take on Ukraine. Meanwhile we will see everyone from Group G get underway, as Italy face Kuwait and USA take on Hungary.
Chile vs. Ukraine
Both sides here suffered disappointing DWCs last year, experiencing elimination at the group stage. With Mali and Portugal the other teams in this group, you'd think only one of these two will be able to improve on last year's showing, so this promises to be a key clash. Ukraine will be favourites, even though they were pushed by Cyprus in the play-offs, whilst Chile will be hoping to maintain the form that they found in South American qualifying.
In the DWC Chile have become synonymous with a fluid 3-4-3 formation. Today this is slightly tweaked here as the two wingers are brought in to become attacking midfielders. Meanwhile, Ukraine have a minor case of dissent amongst the ranks, as Stepanenko and Garmash both feel the latter should be captain ahead of Srna, although several players are happy with the decision.
Today the other two teams in Portugal & Mali's group get underway as Chile take on Ukraine. Meanwhile we will see everyone from Group G get underway, as Italy face Kuwait and USA take on Hungary.
Chile vs. Ukraine
Both sides here suffered disappointing DWCs last year, experiencing elimination at the group stage. With Mali and Portugal the other teams in this group, you'd think only one of these two will be able to improve on last year's showing, so this promises to be a key clash. Ukraine will be favourites, even though they were pushed by Cyprus in the play-offs, whilst Chile will be hoping to maintain the form that they found in South American qualifying.
In the DWC Chile have become synonymous with a fluid 3-4-3 formation. Today this is slightly tweaked here as the two wingers are brought in to become attacking midfielders. Meanwhile, Ukraine have a minor case of dissent amongst the ranks, as Stepanenko and Garmash both feel the latter should be captain ahead of Srna, although several players are happy with the decision.
67 seconds in, and Ukraine take the lead. It’s slightly fortunate, as a great challenge by Aued is rewarded by seeing the ball squirt across goal for a Taison tap-in. Both sides go close with long efforts, including a very good one by Stepanenko which Herrera spectacularly pushes over the bar. Ukraine are maintaining a very strong grip on this match, and Marlos adds a second after a long run by Junior Moraes culminates in a simple cross. But Chile get themselves back into it thanks to a beautiful hooked volley from Jorge Valdivia.
It takes even less time for Ukraine to score in the second half – an incredible 26 seconds this time, as Bernard is simply allowed to run unchallenged into the box and chip it in for a simple Moraes header. Ukraine simply shut down the game, and see out the rest of the second half with complete ease. 3-1, full time.
Below is the touch map for Chile – you can see how scarcely they had the ball in Ukraine’s box.
Group F standings
Italy vs. Kuwait
Italy may be missing in Russia, but big things are expected here - given that they represent Serie A, one of the world's "big five" leagues. A semi-final appearance last year was good, but a surprise defeat to Uruguay means they've got unfinishing business. Kuwait, meanwhile, are probably the most surprising qualifiers. They pipped a very strong Chinese team to top spot in their qualifying group, can they continue to shock us all?
Neither Cuadrado nor Florenzi are ideally suited to a right wing-back role, but it is the Colombian who is preferred, whilst Dybala starts up front alongside Higuain. Anticipating a tough day, Kuwait move to a more defensive formation, with Medo playing as the all-important defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1.
Italy may be missing in Russia, but big things are expected here - given that they represent Serie A, one of the world's "big five" leagues. A semi-final appearance last year was good, but a surprise defeat to Uruguay means they've got unfinishing business. Kuwait, meanwhile, are probably the most surprising qualifiers. They pipped a very strong Chinese team to top spot in their qualifying group, can they continue to shock us all?
Neither Cuadrado nor Florenzi are ideally suited to a right wing-back role, but it is the Colombian who is preferred, whilst Dybala starts up front alongside Higuain. Anticipating a tough day, Kuwait move to a more defensive formation, with Medo playing as the all-important defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1.
Ten minutes in, and Pjanic fires the first warning blow of the match with a free kick that skims the top of the crossbar. However, they are stunned just two minutes later when they fail to clear a Kuwaiti corner, the ball is popped back into the box and Rashid Sumaila is totally unmarked to nod in – Kuwait lead! Italy dominate possession from then on, but they barely create a sniff of a chance as we reach the interval halfway towards a major shock.
Italy respond by bringing Hamsik on for Khedira and moving to an attacking philosophy. It has an immediate impact, as just three minutes into the half the substitute’s corner is nodded down by Barzagli and volleyed home by Paulo Dybala. The provider nearly turns scorer as Barzagli’s header cannons off the crossbar and clear, but it should be stressed that Italy are struggling to break Kuwait down. They really should lead in the 69th minute, as a deep Nainggolan cross is met by Higuain inside the 6-yard box, but the unchallenged striker nods it harmlessly over. Time flies by, and Kuwait are arguably looking more comfortable. However, in the second minute of added time the ball comes to another Italian sub, Alessandro Florenzi, whose vicious shot goes through Al-Rashidi and into the net, for a dramatic late Italian goal! There’s still time for a late Kuwaiti chance as two subs combine, Al-Motawa playing Soumah in, but the winger’s shot is straight at Buffon and Italy hold on for a nervy 2-1 win!
Looking at the tackles made by both sides, you can see how Kuwait were playing very deeply, and that they were forced into a lot of defensive action in the centre of the pitch. The introduction of Medo as a DM will have helped, and very nearly led to a famous result.
Hungary vs. USA
The USA will probably remain permanent fixtures in the DWC, as they and Mexico are far too strong for the rest of North America. They got to the round of 16 last time, but (like Italy) were surprised by Uruguay. Reaching the knockout stages again is their minimum expectation here. They face Hungary, who surprised Switzerland and Norway to win their qualification group and earn a DWC debut.
Hungary’s 4-4-2 with target man Bode appears fairly conventional, although Lazovic playing as a false nine will hope to add a bit of the unknown into Hungary’s attacks. Meanwhile, with fluid attackers but a creaky back line, a lot will hinge on USA’s experienced duo in midfield of Schweinsteiger and Bradley.
The USA will probably remain permanent fixtures in the DWC, as they and Mexico are far too strong for the rest of North America. They got to the round of 16 last time, but (like Italy) were surprised by Uruguay. Reaching the knockout stages again is their minimum expectation here. They face Hungary, who surprised Switzerland and Norway to win their qualification group and earn a DWC debut.
Hungary’s 4-4-2 with target man Bode appears fairly conventional, although Lazovic playing as a false nine will hope to add a bit of the unknown into Hungary’s attacks. Meanwhile, with fluid attackers but a creaky back line, a lot will hinge on USA’s experienced duo in midfield of Schweinsteiger and Bradley.
Hungary’s defence appears very static when Giovinco is given an age and an acre to turn and shoot just inside the box, but his effort cannons off the base of the post to safety. Immediately after, Hungary hit the woodwork as Gorriaran’s cross is over Blake and off the top of the crossbar. USA break the deadlock in the 24th minute with a simple ball through by dos Santos to Sebastian Giovinco, who places it through the legs of Dibusz. Hungary had started well, but fade after conceding, and there is little action before the break comes.
The second half starts with a little skirmish in the centre of the pitch, ended when Besler lumps it forward. Incredibly, it turns into a perfect pass for Giovinco, who is denied by a great flying save by Dibusz. From the corner Opara nods it down to Besler in the 6-yard box, but his shot is blocked. USA come forward again, and this time their charge is ended when Benes pushes Giovinco over in the box – penalty! The diminutive Italian steps up, and belts the ball into the top corner. What a start to the half by the Americans! They make it three in the 66th minute when Michael Bradley lashes in from the edge of the box following a free kick, but Fernando Gorriaran pulls one back in a virtually identical manner. However, this doesn’t spark a Hungarian comeback, and the game finishes 3-1. A very good performance from the USA, and they look ready to improve on last year’s showing.
We anticipated USA’s defence to be their potential Achilles’ heel, but the shot map below shows how Hungary were reduced to efforts from range, so a satisfying day all around for Vivian America.
Group G standings
Tomorrow's schedule
Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia
France vs. Poland
Germany vs. Ghana
Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia
France vs. Poland
Germany vs. Ghana