We got through qualifying, did the draw and we've previewed the 32 sides - it's now time for the first matches of the 2020 Draft World Cup!
If you haven't read the draw or the previews, I'd recommend you do. But here's a reminder of the draw:
If you haven't read the draw or the previews, I'd recommend you do. But here's a reminder of the draw:
As we did last year, we are going to go through the groups two at a time, doing the first rounds of games.
So today features Groups A & B. Let's begin with the curtain-raiser, which as per tradition contains the defending champions:
Group A: Germany vs Turkey
What a tasty encounter to start us off with. The last time Germany opened the tournament they crushed Croatia 6-1. But Turkey are a more dangerous opposition, one who will have ambitions of getting to the later stages of the tournament themselves. In fact, Turkey won the only previous encounter between these two teams, winning a 2018 friendly 2-1.
Germany's line-up is boosted by two new loan signings - Álvaro Odriozola comes in at right back, and Emre Can will hope to complement Thiago in midfield. Turkey's strength is in midfield, and so they opt for a narrow 4-1-3-2 formation. With the exception of the '3', all of Turkey's players are over 30, so they will need to watch for tiredness.
So today features Groups A & B. Let's begin with the curtain-raiser, which as per tradition contains the defending champions:
Group A: Germany vs Turkey
What a tasty encounter to start us off with. The last time Germany opened the tournament they crushed Croatia 6-1. But Turkey are a more dangerous opposition, one who will have ambitions of getting to the later stages of the tournament themselves. In fact, Turkey won the only previous encounter between these two teams, winning a 2018 friendly 2-1.
Germany's line-up is boosted by two new loan signings - Álvaro Odriozola comes in at right back, and Emre Can will hope to complement Thiago in midfield. Turkey's strength is in midfield, and so they opt for a narrow 4-1-3-2 formation. With the exception of the '3', all of Turkey's players are over 30, so they will need to watch for tiredness.
It takes 22 seconds for the tournament's first yellow card, as Kevin-Prince Boateng tracks back to clatter Odriozola. Germany keep the ball down Turkey's end, and Can gets a sight of goal as Mohamed Elneny's clearance falls to him. He connects well but his shot hits the crossbar and goes over! Turkey's lack of width allows Germany to easily progress the ball to the final third, and Odriozola and Leon Bailey look dangerous down the right. Their work leads to half-chances for David Alaba and Can, which Fernando Muslera is equal to. The latter chance lead to a corner, from which Bailey forced a good diving save from Muslera.
As much as Muslera has been the hero, it was his bad goal kick that gave Alaba a chance to run straight at Turkey's defence in the 17th minute. He beat two to get to the byline, where his cut-back was deflected towards goal by Luiz Gustavo, but again Muslera kept it out with another instinctive stop! Soon after Alaba shaved the crossbar with a shot from range, as Germany continued their bombardment of Turkey's goal.
Turkey got a rare chance at the other end, as an Alaba cross was deflected to Badou Ndiaye, and his cross found Mario Lemina, but he headed over. This seemed to settle Turkey, as they began to cut out German attacks higher up the pitch. They get through to half time out-shot 14-1, but level at 0-0.
As much as Muslera has been the hero, it was his bad goal kick that gave Alaba a chance to run straight at Turkey's defence in the 17th minute. He beat two to get to the byline, where his cut-back was deflected towards goal by Luiz Gustavo, but again Muslera kept it out with another instinctive stop! Soon after Alaba shaved the crossbar with a shot from range, as Germany continued their bombardment of Turkey's goal.
Turkey got a rare chance at the other end, as an Alaba cross was deflected to Badou Ndiaye, and his cross found Mario Lemina, but he headed over. This seemed to settle Turkey, as they began to cut out German attacks higher up the pitch. They get through to half time out-shot 14-1, but level at 0-0.
The second half starts in a bright fashion, with half-chances for Marco Reus and Roberto Lewandowski, with Boateng testing Manuel Neuer at the other end. In the 51st minute a wonderful early cross from Reus finds Bailey at the far post, his header beats Muslera, but it doesn't beat the bar and Turkey survive again!
Rather than signal the start of more German pressure, that chance is the last for a while. Germany bring on Timo Werner for the ineffective Philippe Coutinho as they switch to a 4-2-4 shape. And 5 minutes later they have the chance for a breakthrough when Júnior Caicara trips Reus in the box! A penalty is a harsh way for Turkey's good work to be undone, but nevertheless Lewandowski has the chance to break the deadlock... and thumps it home! The first goal for him, Germany and the tournament overall!
Turkey's response is to introduce a bit of width, with wingers Edin Visca and Garry Rodrigues coming on for Radamel Falcao and Lemina. Rodrigues nearly levels it in brilliant fashion as he beats two players cutting inside, but his shot is blocked, as are his two follow-ups! Visca also shows signs of danger as he bursts forwards and forces Neuer to tip his shot over the bar.
Germany begin to look a little uneasy, but time is rapidly running out on Turkey. Neuer is forced into action again, this time from Rodrigues. In the final minute of added time Mats Hummels cuts out Rodrigues' pass crucially, and Germany swiftly get it forward to Werner, who breaks free but is denied by Muslera! Turkey can't get another chance, and the final whistle goes!
Rather than signal the start of more German pressure, that chance is the last for a while. Germany bring on Timo Werner for the ineffective Philippe Coutinho as they switch to a 4-2-4 shape. And 5 minutes later they have the chance for a breakthrough when Júnior Caicara trips Reus in the box! A penalty is a harsh way for Turkey's good work to be undone, but nevertheless Lewandowski has the chance to break the deadlock... and thumps it home! The first goal for him, Germany and the tournament overall!
Turkey's response is to introduce a bit of width, with wingers Edin Visca and Garry Rodrigues coming on for Radamel Falcao and Lemina. Rodrigues nearly levels it in brilliant fashion as he beats two players cutting inside, but his shot is blocked, as are his two follow-ups! Visca also shows signs of danger as he bursts forwards and forces Neuer to tip his shot over the bar.
Germany begin to look a little uneasy, but time is rapidly running out on Turkey. Neuer is forced into action again, this time from Rodrigues. In the final minute of added time Mats Hummels cuts out Rodrigues' pass crucially, and Germany swiftly get it forward to Werner, who breaks free but is denied by Muslera! Turkey can't get another chance, and the final whistle goes!
Final score: Germany 1-0 Turkey
Player of the match: Álvaro Odriozola
Group A: Colombia vs Algeria
The two lower-ranked teams in this group have their best chance of picking up points. Both sides got through the group stage last year, although defeat here would make progress very hard.
Both sides go for a 4-2-3-1, although Algeria's features two defensive midfielders. Colombia will hope that this allows them to control midfield, whilst Algeria should be able to have enough players back to avoid being too exposed.
Player of the match: Álvaro Odriozola
Group A: Colombia vs Algeria
The two lower-ranked teams in this group have their best chance of picking up points. Both sides got through the group stage last year, although defeat here would make progress very hard.
Both sides go for a 4-2-3-1, although Algeria's features two defensive midfielders. Colombia will hope that this allows them to control midfield, whilst Algeria should be able to have enough players back to avoid being too exposed.
From an early Colombian corner Andrés Ricaurte has a sight of goal but shoots straight at Sofiane Khedairia. It's all Colombia early on, and they force plenty more corners. From one in the 11th minute the ball falls to Aldo Leao Ramírez on the edge of the box, and he drills a low shot into the bottom corner!
When Colombia win the ball back following the restart, they attack down the right and Marlon Piedrahita's cross is headed in by Ricaurte for a swift second!
Colombia continue to pile the pressure on, sensing their opponents weakening. And they grab a third in the 25th minute as a simple free kick from Ricaurte is headed in by Luciano Ospina! The mercy for Algeria is that they see through the remaining 20 minutes to get to half time 'only' trailing by three.
When Colombia win the ball back following the restart, they attack down the right and Marlon Piedrahita's cross is headed in by Ricaurte for a swift second!
Colombia continue to pile the pressure on, sensing their opponents weakening. And they grab a third in the 25th minute as a simple free kick from Ricaurte is headed in by Luciano Ospina! The mercy for Algeria is that they see through the remaining 20 minutes to get to half time 'only' trailing by three.
Colombia bring on Tino Costa at half time to protect the cautioned Andrés Pérez, whilst Mokhtar Benmoussa replaces Hadj Bougueche for Algeria. It's not a glorious start for Benmoussa, who loses Piedrahita, and the Colombian right back puts in another fantastic cross for Ricaurte to head in his second and Colombia's fourth!
Algeria look completely unable to test Colombia defensively, and their best effort of the match comes in the 66th minute as Hamza Koudrl's speculative long-range effort curls well wide. 8 minutes later and Benmoussa forces Wuilker Farinez to tip a powerful shot behind. At the other end Ramírez nearly gets his second as Khedairia only just pushes his shot past the post.
Colombian sub Jarlan Barrera nearly adds a late goal with a close-range shot following a free kick, but Khedairia keeps it out. Still, the match finishes in a comprehensive 4-0 win for Colombia, who take an early lead in the group.
Algeria look completely unable to test Colombia defensively, and their best effort of the match comes in the 66th minute as Hamza Koudrl's speculative long-range effort curls well wide. 8 minutes later and Benmoussa forces Wuilker Farinez to tip a powerful shot behind. At the other end Ramírez nearly gets his second as Khedairia only just pushes his shot past the post.
Colombian sub Jarlan Barrera nearly adds a late goal with a close-range shot following a free kick, but Khedairia keeps it out. Still, the match finishes in a comprehensive 4-0 win for Colombia, who take an early lead in the group.
Final score: Colombia 4-0 Algeria
Player of the match: Andrés Ricaurte
So Germany and Colombia take control of the group early on, although Turkey won't be panicking yet:
Player of the match: Andrés Ricaurte
So Germany and Colombia take control of the group early on, although Turkey won't be panicking yet:
Group B: Portugal vs South Korea
So to Group B. Portugal, the top seeds, are having a great year. They shouldn't have too much trouble against South Korea, but their opponents did look really impressive when they won their DWC place through the Intercontinental play-offs.
Portugal are without Bruno Fernandes after his move to England, he is replaced by Otávio. Other than that, they field the same XI that took on Spain in the European Championship final. Both they and South Korea go with a 4-2-3-1 formation. South Korea will be expecting a lot from midfield pairing Ki Sung-Yeung and Osmar.
So to Group B. Portugal, the top seeds, are having a great year. They shouldn't have too much trouble against South Korea, but their opponents did look really impressive when they won their DWC place through the Intercontinental play-offs.
Portugal are without Bruno Fernandes after his move to England, he is replaced by Otávio. Other than that, they field the same XI that took on Spain in the European Championship final. Both they and South Korea go with a 4-2-3-1 formation. South Korea will be expecting a lot from midfield pairing Ki Sung-Yeung and Osmar.
It's South Korea who started much the stronger, testing Agustín Marchesín with some long-range efforts. Their first good early chance comes as Kim Seung-Dae bursts into the box and forces Marchesín into a low save, and moments later Pepe's header back to his keeper nearly flies in for an embarrassing own goal. Immediately, Marchesín is back in action, denying Yeom Ki-Hoon's shot from a tight angle.
Portugal gather their bearings, and the next spell is much more even. In the 25th minute Alex Telles gathers a head of steam down the left. He forces his way past Osmar and pulls it back to Moussa Marega who tucks it away from 6 yards!
The goal settles Portugal down, although they struggle to create any more chances. One comes just before half time, when Pizzi plays a sensational pass through to Marega, but Yoon Bo-Sang stands tall to parry the shot. At half time South Korea have failed to add to the 5 shots they managed in the opening 15 minutes, and Portugal are dominating possession 70%-30%.
Portugal gather their bearings, and the next spell is much more even. In the 25th minute Alex Telles gathers a head of steam down the left. He forces his way past Osmar and pulls it back to Moussa Marega who tucks it away from 6 yards!
The goal settles Portugal down, although they struggle to create any more chances. One comes just before half time, when Pizzi plays a sensational pass through to Marega, but Yoon Bo-Sang stands tall to parry the shot. At half time South Korea have failed to add to the 5 shots they managed in the opening 15 minutes, and Portugal are dominating possession 70%-30%.
South Korea slow their tempo down, as Portugal are mopping up a number of errant passes. 6 minutes into the half South Korea create their best chance. Some interplay on the left leads to a perfect low cross from Hong Chul, finding Seung-Dae completely free 6 yards out, but somehow he slices wide!
Portugal again enter a period of unease, and Seung-Dae spurns another glorious chance in the 67th minute when Negueba's cut-back finds him in front of goal, but this time he hits it straight at Marchesín. He is soon replaces by Adam Taggart. Portugal, meanwhile, are forced into a change when André Almeida picks up a knock.
South Korea keep up the pressure into the game's final quarter. Negueba has a great chance as a free kick finds him at the far post, with Marchesín in no-man's land, but Telles is across quickly to make a super block! Telles is soon involved at the other end, bringing a diving save from Bo-Sang with his low drive.
In the 86th minute Taggart gets his first clear sight of goal, as a nice pass from Sung-Yeung plays him in, but again Marchesín is equal to the shot. He heads a fizzing cross very narrowly wide late on, and it's the last action of the game as Portugal claim a - frankly - lucky win!
Portugal again enter a period of unease, and Seung-Dae spurns another glorious chance in the 67th minute when Negueba's cut-back finds him in front of goal, but this time he hits it straight at Marchesín. He is soon replaces by Adam Taggart. Portugal, meanwhile, are forced into a change when André Almeida picks up a knock.
South Korea keep up the pressure into the game's final quarter. Negueba has a great chance as a free kick finds him at the far post, with Marchesín in no-man's land, but Telles is across quickly to make a super block! Telles is soon involved at the other end, bringing a diving save from Bo-Sang with his low drive.
In the 86th minute Taggart gets his first clear sight of goal, as a nice pass from Sung-Yeung plays him in, but again Marchesín is equal to the shot. He heads a fizzing cross very narrowly wide late on, and it's the last action of the game as Portugal claim a - frankly - lucky win!
Final score: Portugal 1-0 South Korea
Player of the match: Gabriel
Group B: Switzerland vs Bolivia
Bolivia's debut in the DWC is against Switzerland, themselves returning after 3 years away. Like South Korea, Bolivia battled through the Intercontinental play-off, whilst Switzerland finished top of a qualifying group containing Italy. However, their bad performance at the European Championship leaves them looking vulnerable to a surprise.
Switzerland opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Taulant Xhaka trusted with the key holding midfield role. Bolivia shake things up by going with a 5-1-2-2 shape. Breaking that down will be key for Switzerland's chances.
Player of the match: Gabriel
Group B: Switzerland vs Bolivia
Bolivia's debut in the DWC is against Switzerland, themselves returning after 3 years away. Like South Korea, Bolivia battled through the Intercontinental play-off, whilst Switzerland finished top of a qualifying group containing Italy. However, their bad performance at the European Championship leaves them looking vulnerable to a surprise.
Switzerland opt for a 4-3-3 formation, with Taulant Xhaka trusted with the key holding midfield role. Bolivia shake things up by going with a 5-1-2-2 shape. Breaking that down will be key for Switzerland's chances.
Switzerland start with plenty of possession, but Bolivia come closest to breaking the deadlock when Jorge Pereyra Díaz heads Juninho's corner over via the crossbar. Switzerland can't put Bolivia under pressure in the final third, but they get a bit of a helping hand in the 16th minute. Silvan Widmer's cross was cleared by Diego Bejarano only as far as Jean-Pierre Nsamé. Instead of shooting, he calmly plays it to Miralem Sulejmani, and he tucks it into the bottom corner!
It takes until the 33rd minute for the game's third shot, a header over the bar by Emil Bergstrom from Sulejmani's free kick. The goalscorer was having a fine game, soon setting up Nicolas Ngamaleu for a sight of goal from a tight angle, but his shot was dragged wide. Bolivia respond quickly, getting the ball upfield, but it's lost and Switzerland break quickly. Ngamaleu breaks free, gets to the byline and cuts it back to Nsamé. His shot is blocked by Adrián Jusino, but he can only deflect it in via the post for Switzerland's second goal!
Ngamaleu nearly got a goal himself when he headed a corner (from Sulejmani, of course) against the angle, and Bolivia scrape it away. The South Americans just cannot escape from their own box, and it feels inevitable they can't get to half time with no further damage. And so it proves as Juninho is penalised for a push in the box just before the break. Dead ball specialist Sulejmani puts the ball on the spot and sends Carlos Lampe the wrong way to earn a 3-0 lead at the break!
It takes until the 33rd minute for the game's third shot, a header over the bar by Emil Bergstrom from Sulejmani's free kick. The goalscorer was having a fine game, soon setting up Nicolas Ngamaleu for a sight of goal from a tight angle, but his shot was dragged wide. Bolivia respond quickly, getting the ball upfield, but it's lost and Switzerland break quickly. Ngamaleu breaks free, gets to the byline and cuts it back to Nsamé. His shot is blocked by Adrián Jusino, but he can only deflect it in via the post for Switzerland's second goal!
Ngamaleu nearly got a goal himself when he headed a corner (from Sulejmani, of course) against the angle, and Bolivia scrape it away. The South Americans just cannot escape from their own box, and it feels inevitable they can't get to half time with no further damage. And so it proves as Juninho is penalised for a push in the box just before the break. Dead ball specialist Sulejmani puts the ball on the spot and sends Carlos Lampe the wrong way to earn a 3-0 lead at the break!
Having two up front for Bolivia seems pretty pointless when they are just watching their teammates defend deep. So they switch to a 5-4-1 formation with wingers Esteban Orfano and Rafael Silva replacing Alejandro Meleán and Carlos Saucedo. It works in that it stops the relentless stem of Swiss pressure, although Bolivia continue to look pretty inept at the other end.
Switzerland twice go close to adding another, both from Sulejmani free kicks. Firstly he nearly gets the match ball with a shot that whistles wide, before another finds Fabian Lustenberger in front of goal, but he heads onto the crossbar. In the 72nd minute Rafael Silva picks the ball up on the left. He shifts it onto his right foot and lets fly... and scores! It's a wonderful strike, but surely a comeback is out of the question?
Bolivia have a brief spell of territory, but they never looked like doing anything with it. Switzerland are content to see out the remainder of the game, and they get off the mark with a routine victory.
Switzerland twice go close to adding another, both from Sulejmani free kicks. Firstly he nearly gets the match ball with a shot that whistles wide, before another finds Fabian Lustenberger in front of goal, but he heads onto the crossbar. In the 72nd minute Rafael Silva picks the ball up on the left. He shifts it onto his right foot and lets fly... and scores! It's a wonderful strike, but surely a comeback is out of the question?
Bolivia have a brief spell of territory, but they never looked like doing anything with it. Switzerland are content to see out the remainder of the game, and they get off the mark with a routine victory.
Final score: Switzerland 3-1 Bolivia
Player of the match: Miralem Sulejmani
Player of the match: Miralem Sulejmani
So far there's been little in the way of surprises in this year's DWC, although Portugal were heavily outplayed by South Korea. Next time we get groups C & D underway, which means we'll see heavyweights Spain and Italy in action.