I love my Draft World Cup, I really do. And I thought yesterday's action was intriguing, as the Dutch squeezed past Greece and Brazil sent out a serious message of intent with a thumping win over South Africa. But compared to the incredible events in Russia... wow. I think yesterday was the best full day of World Cup action I've ever seen. The highlight was obviously France's ridiculous 4-3 win over Argentina. This also marks the first clash in the real World Cup which has also happened here - as Argentina were the victors when they met France in the group stage.
Today we have a particularly tasty match to start today's episode, as the 2017 champions Germany are taking on Spain, whilst Turkey and Mexico meet in the other game.
Spain vs. Germany
This was a very plausible potential final, but one rash challenge from Thomas Muller and defending champions Germany find themselves up against the combined forces of Madrid and Barcelona in the second round instead. Spain have won all their games so far, the highlight being a 5-0 win over South Africa (not the last time their opponents would suffer such a scoreline). This said, Spain were lucky to beat Trinidad & Tobago, of all teams, whilst Germany opened the tournament with their own 5-goal win.
Spain make one surprise change from their expected side (the one which beat South Africa), as Luis Suarez replaces Isco in the attacking midfield role. Meanwhile, Germany now have Mario Gotze fit, so they revert back to the side which won their opening two games. Of course, Germany can’t call on Muller from the bench after his red card against Brazil.
Today we have a particularly tasty match to start today's episode, as the 2017 champions Germany are taking on Spain, whilst Turkey and Mexico meet in the other game.
Spain vs. Germany
This was a very plausible potential final, but one rash challenge from Thomas Muller and defending champions Germany find themselves up against the combined forces of Madrid and Barcelona in the second round instead. Spain have won all their games so far, the highlight being a 5-0 win over South Africa (not the last time their opponents would suffer such a scoreline). This said, Spain were lucky to beat Trinidad & Tobago, of all teams, whilst Germany opened the tournament with their own 5-goal win.
Spain make one surprise change from their expected side (the one which beat South Africa), as Luis Suarez replaces Isco in the attacking midfield role. Meanwhile, Germany now have Mario Gotze fit, so they revert back to the side which won their opening two games. Of course, Germany can’t call on Muller from the bench after his red card against Brazil.
It’s a lively start, particularly from Germany who should immediately take the lead from a Robert Lewandowski one-on-one before Arjen Robben curls a shot just beyond the far post. However, Spain manage to get their possession game going, and they are able to slow the game down and frustrate Germany. Antoine Griezmann is played through, but his shot is well-parried by Neuer. We reach half time with no goals, yet.
Cristiano Ronaldo starts the second half by testing Neuer with a rising shot. From the corner Germany break and Lewandowski’s shot from a tight angle is kept out unconvincingly by ter Stegen. Luis Suarez, now playing up front, holds the ball up and slides in Griezmann, but again Neuer is there to keep the scores level. And indeed, with no chances in the final portion of the game, it is still level as the 90 minutes end. It’s extra time for the first time this tournament!
The first incident of note in the additional period is a sad one, as Thiago is forced off injured. His replacement, Leon Goretzka, should head in the opening goal from Lewandowski’s neat cross, but he gets it all wrong and the ball is well over. We go beyond half time in extra time, and as we approach the final few minutes we seem set to have penalties. But in the 117th minute a turbulent passage of play ends when Germany break quickly, and Robben fires a fantastic ball over for Ribery. The substitute runs through on goal, draws ter Stegen and selflessly squares for Lewandowski to fire Germany into a late lead!
Spain kick off, lose the ball and Germany have a promising break on. However, that breaks down and Spain come forward again. Lionel Messi (yes, turns out he’s playing) plays a fine ball down the channel for Suarez, whose cross is turned home from 6 yards by Ronaldo – who had been having a terrible game until this point! It’s all square! And so... we get our first penalty shootout!
Messi... scores down the middle (1-0)
Vidal... also goes down the middle (1-1)
Kroos... saved by Neuer! (1-1)
Goretzka... into the bottom corner (1-2)
Isco... straight at Neuer! (1-2)
Lewandowski... against the crossbar! (1-2)
Ramos... top corner, great penalty! (2-2)
Robben... saved by ter Stegen! (2-2)
Ronaldo... sends Neuer the wrong way! (3-2)
Alaba, has to score... and does! Low into the corner (3-3)
Bale... just beats Neuer going to the keeper’s right! (4-3)
Ribery, again has to score... lashes it into the roof of the net! (4-4)
Pique... fine penalty, beating Neuer’s dive! (5-4)
Hummels, yet again facing match point... and his shot is pushed away by ter Stegen! The Germans are out on penalties!
Vidal... also goes down the middle (1-1)
Kroos... saved by Neuer! (1-1)
Goretzka... into the bottom corner (1-2)
Isco... straight at Neuer! (1-2)
Lewandowski... against the crossbar! (1-2)
Ramos... top corner, great penalty! (2-2)
Robben... saved by ter Stegen! (2-2)
Ronaldo... sends Neuer the wrong way! (3-2)
Alaba, has to score... and does! Low into the corner (3-3)
Bale... just beats Neuer going to the keeper’s right! (4-3)
Ribery, again has to score... lashes it into the roof of the net! (4-4)
Pique... fine penalty, beating Neuer’s dive! (5-4)
Hummels, yet again facing match point... and his shot is pushed away by ter Stegen! The Germans are out on penalties!
What an epic! It’s Spain who go through, and Germany’s reign as DWC champions will come to a close by the end of this tournament. As for the match, it was a real struggle between two teams with very contrasting styles. And what a surprise that Ronaldo turned up with the key moment, scoring that late equaliser after previously enduring a poor match, at one point carrying a rating of 5.5.
Turkey vs. Mexico
It's quite enjoyable that Mexico have so far reached the round of 16 in both DWCs - just like they seem to in real life every time. Can they get to that mythical quarter-final? Turkey stand in their way, and they are in great form with a perfect record in the group stage, completed with a very solid 3-1 win over neighbours Greece. Mexico's final day performance saw them overcome Tunisia 4-3 in a wild game, and they will be hoping to show more defensive solidity this time.
Turkey’s only change from the team that beat Greece comfortably is to (finally) replace the disappointing Adriano with Clichy. Mexico meanwhile, keep their usual XI.
It's quite enjoyable that Mexico have so far reached the round of 16 in both DWCs - just like they seem to in real life every time. Can they get to that mythical quarter-final? Turkey stand in their way, and they are in great form with a perfect record in the group stage, completed with a very solid 3-1 win over neighbours Greece. Mexico's final day performance saw them overcome Tunisia 4-3 in a wild game, and they will be hoping to show more defensive solidity this time.
Turkey’s only change from the team that beat Greece comfortably is to (finally) replace the disappointing Adriano with Clichy. Mexico meanwhile, keep their usual XI.
In the fourth minute, Clichy marauds down the flank, starting a move that ends with Sofiane Feghouli playing it in for Alvaro Negredo to hit at goal. It’s not a great shot – straight at Marchesin – but the Mexican keeper doesn’t get enough on it and Turkey have an early lead! Negredo’s seventh goal of the tournament also puts him level with Cavani for the golden boot. Surprisingly, we get to half time with no more major moments. Turkey deserve their lead, with 14 shots to Mexico’s 5.
Mexico start the second half with intent, getting the ball into the box when possible, leading to Gignac’s header from Chumacero’s fine cross going narrowly over. However, they are dealt a hammer blow on the hour as Turkey double their lead. Mathieu Valbuena is given the space to play a one-two with Juraj Kucka from a free kick, and fires the ball into the top corner, although once again Marchesin appeared suspect.
Mexico fade heavily after that goal, and their elimination is confirmed when Valbuena gets his second – nodding in from a couple of yards out from Feghouli’s magical cross. 3-0 the final score.
The map of where each team gained possession, shown below, demonstrates how Turkey were far more proactive than Mexico in winning the ball up the field. It was a really good display from Turkey, who move to the quarter-finals in good form. As for Mexico, they fall in the round of 16 for the second year in a row - at least this one wasn't hugely controversial.
Tomorrow's schedule
England vs. Portugal
Italy vs. France
England vs. Portugal
Italy vs. France