We're now underway in the 2020 Draft World Cup. Last time holders Germany claimed a narrow win over Turkey, whilst Portugal were incredibly lucky to take 3 points against South Korea. There were also easier wins for Colombia and Switzerland:
Today we start off the action in Groups C & D. Both groups will see an all-European clash, as well as an African side in action. Both groups are potential Groups of Death, so every point will be vital.
Group C: Spain vs Belgium
Spain are in excellent form, winning the European Championship in style. They take on a Belgium team at the DWC for the first time since 2017. Belgium will need to be much better than their previous showing, a 6-1 loss to Denmark in the European Championship play-off.
Spain make three changes to the team which won the European Championship final. José Gaya, Koke and Antoine Griezmann come in for Jordi Alba, Frenkie de Jong and Luis Suárez. Belgium's side contains five players well-known to fans of the English leagues, with Nacer Chadli, Kevin Mirallas, Simon Mignolet, Steven Defour and of course Vincent Kompany.
Group C: Spain vs Belgium
Spain are in excellent form, winning the European Championship in style. They take on a Belgium team at the DWC for the first time since 2017. Belgium will need to be much better than their previous showing, a 6-1 loss to Denmark in the European Championship play-off.
Spain make three changes to the team which won the European Championship final. José Gaya, Koke and Antoine Griezmann come in for Jordi Alba, Frenkie de Jong and Luis Suárez. Belgium's side contains five players well-known to fans of the English leagues, with Nacer Chadli, Kevin Mirallas, Simon Mignolet, Steven Defour and of course Vincent Kompany.
Spain start with a typically elegant build-up. After a minute of weaving the ball about Luka Modric curls a lovely pass into the path of Gaya, whose cutback is nearly put away by Griezmann, but Kompany is there to make an excellent block. Another fine move leads to a shot by Koke from outside the box, and it draws a flying save from Mignolet to keep it out!
Belgium weather the storm, and in the 9th minute they get their own chance to attack when they are awarded a free kick on the right. Mirallas whips it in, and it's Kompany who meets it, and his header beats Jan Oblak to give Belgium a surprise lead!
Belgium have chances to add to their lead through Dieumerci Mbokani and Hans Vanaken, but both times Oblak makes the save. As Belgium build up from the back, Spain try to press them. But Gaya leaves a huge gap behind him and Joakim Maehle breaks down the right. He plays it inside to Mirallas and he lashes it in from the edge of the box!
Spain's first sign of life comes in the 30th minute when Koke plays in Griezmann, but his shot from a tight angle is held by Mignolet. He has an even bigger chance from another Gaya cutback, but he hits it straight at the Belgian keeper. He has one more chance right before the break as Hazard's dribble opens up space, but again his shot is easily saved. At the interval Spain have it all to do.
Belgium weather the storm, and in the 9th minute they get their own chance to attack when they are awarded a free kick on the right. Mirallas whips it in, and it's Kompany who meets it, and his header beats Jan Oblak to give Belgium a surprise lead!
Belgium have chances to add to their lead through Dieumerci Mbokani and Hans Vanaken, but both times Oblak makes the save. As Belgium build up from the back, Spain try to press them. But Gaya leaves a huge gap behind him and Joakim Maehle breaks down the right. He plays it inside to Mirallas and he lashes it in from the edge of the box!
Spain's first sign of life comes in the 30th minute when Koke plays in Griezmann, but his shot from a tight angle is held by Mignolet. He has an even bigger chance from another Gaya cutback, but he hits it straight at the Belgian keeper. He has one more chance right before the break as Hazard's dribble opens up space, but again his shot is easily saved. At the interval Spain have it all to do.
It was indeed Griezmann's last chance, as he is replaced by Suárez during the interval. Belgium continue to play with confidence, creating a half-chance for Chadli that Oblak holds. At the other end Spain get a free kick 25 yards out. They need a moment of Lionel Messi brilliance, and he is the one to take it... straight into the wall.
Both teams make changes. Belgium bring on Clinton Mata for Chadli and shift to a 4-1-4-1 shape, whilst Spain replace holding midfielder Sergio Busquets with Gareth Bale and move Messi into the number 10 position.
Suárez has a couple of headed chances, but neither were close to going in, as Belgium get to the final part of the game still leading by two. They nearly make it three as Maehle steals into the box, again exploiting space behind Gaya, but Oblak continues his strong game and makes the block.
Spain cannot create any clear chances, and Belgium continue to look just as likely to score. In the 87th minute Mata's header pings off the top of the crossbar. At the other end Koke fizzes a shot wide. It's Spain's last real effort, and Belgium hold on for the tournament's first shock!
Both teams make changes. Belgium bring on Clinton Mata for Chadli and shift to a 4-1-4-1 shape, whilst Spain replace holding midfielder Sergio Busquets with Gareth Bale and move Messi into the number 10 position.
Suárez has a couple of headed chances, but neither were close to going in, as Belgium get to the final part of the game still leading by two. They nearly make it three as Maehle steals into the box, again exploiting space behind Gaya, but Oblak continues his strong game and makes the block.
Spain cannot create any clear chances, and Belgium continue to look just as likely to score. In the 87th minute Mata's header pings off the top of the crossbar. At the other end Koke fizzes a shot wide. It's Spain's last real effort, and Belgium hold on for the tournament's first shock!
Final score: Spain 0-2 Belgium
Player of the match: Luka Modric
Group C: Mexico vs South Africa
These two sides were often close to each other in the rankings, but recently South Africa have completely fallen away. They remain a dangerous opponent, but potentially low on confidence after a scrappy qualification and a surprise loss to Cameroon in the African Championship. Both teams missed out on the knockout rounds for the first time last year, so both will be looking to correct that.
Mexico go for a 4-2-3-1 with two DMs. This leaves the risk of ceding control of the midfield, particularly as South Africa field a 4-3-3 shape.
Player of the match: Luka Modric
Group C: Mexico vs South Africa
These two sides were often close to each other in the rankings, but recently South Africa have completely fallen away. They remain a dangerous opponent, but potentially low on confidence after a scrappy qualification and a surprise loss to Cameroon in the African Championship. Both teams missed out on the knockout rounds for the first time last year, so both will be looking to correct that.
Mexico go for a 4-2-3-1 with two DMs. This leaves the risk of ceding control of the midfield, particularly as South Africa field a 4-3-3 shape.
The opening quarter of the game sees very little action. Mexico are the more active, but the best they can manage is a close-range free kick that Emanuel Aguilera fires into the wall. He has another effort a moment later. This time he beats the wall and forces Itumeleng Khune into a good stop.
Mexico have had 10 shots - all from difficult positions - before South Africa get their first. But it's a good chance as Khama Billiat intercepts a slack pass from Guido Pizarro, and hares away from Mexico's defence. He gets into the box down the right but his shot is brilliantly deflected over by Nahuel Guzmán! This sign of life is tempered by an injury to Themba Zwane, and he is replaced by Gastón Sirino. At half time Mexico have been the better side but haven't created any good chances.
Mexico have had 10 shots - all from difficult positions - before South Africa get their first. But it's a good chance as Khama Billiat intercepts a slack pass from Guido Pizarro, and hares away from Mexico's defence. He gets into the box down the right but his shot is brilliantly deflected over by Nahuel Guzmán! This sign of life is tempered by an injury to Themba Zwane, and he is replaced by Gastón Sirino. At half time Mexico have been the better side but haven't created any good chances.
Mexico continue to draw a blank up front. Edwin Cardona and Rafael Carioca go fairly close with efforts from outside the box, but we reach the hour mark with little change to the game's pattern.
South Africa again take ages to get their first shot of the half, this time a weak long-range effort from Sibusio Vilakazi from 25 yards that dribbles wide. In the 79th minute South African left back Thato Mokeke is dispossessed by Luis Montes, who plays a perfect ball through for fellow sub Eduardo Vargas. He's one-on-one, but Khune is able to make the save!
As the clock ticks over into added time Mexico get a corner. Miguel Layún curls it in and finds Pablo Aguilar, whose header goes across the face of the goal and out via the post! It proves to be Mexico's last chance, and South Africa hold on for a goalless draw!
South Africa again take ages to get their first shot of the half, this time a weak long-range effort from Sibusio Vilakazi from 25 yards that dribbles wide. In the 79th minute South African left back Thato Mokeke is dispossessed by Luis Montes, who plays a perfect ball through for fellow sub Eduardo Vargas. He's one-on-one, but Khune is able to make the save!
As the clock ticks over into added time Mexico get a corner. Miguel Layún curls it in and finds Pablo Aguilar, whose header goes across the face of the goal and out via the post! It proves to be Mexico's last chance, and South Africa hold on for a goalless draw!
Final score: Mexico 0-0 South Africa
Player of the match: Rafael Carioca
Player of the match: Rafael Carioca
Group D: Italy vs Hungary
Can Italy do better than fellow top seeds Spain? They will be fairly happy to start off against Hungary, since they won 3-0 when the two sides met in the group stage of the 2018 DWC. Hungary are particularly fragile at the moment after four wins and 6 defeats in qualifying for the European Championships, with the wins coming against minnows Andorra and Northern Ireland.
Italy have used a 5-2-1-2 formation so far this season, but now field a 5-3-2 with Paulo Dybala moving up to partner Cristiano Ronaldo. Hungary's 4-3-3 will focus on getting the ball out wide, with striker Boli expected to lead the line with relatively little support.
Can Italy do better than fellow top seeds Spain? They will be fairly happy to start off against Hungary, since they won 3-0 when the two sides met in the group stage of the 2018 DWC. Hungary are particularly fragile at the moment after four wins and 6 defeats in qualifying for the European Championships, with the wins coming against minnows Andorra and Northern Ireland.
Italy have used a 5-2-1-2 formation so far this season, but now field a 5-3-2 with Paulo Dybala moving up to partner Cristiano Ronaldo. Hungary's 4-3-3 will focus on getting the ball out wide, with striker Boli expected to lead the line with relatively little support.
Miha Blazic fires a warning shot with a free kick that hits the Italian side-netting. A minute later and Miralem Pjanic has a free kick from a similar position. He elects to cross it, and it proves to be a wide decision as he finds Leonardo Bonucci who calmly side-foots it home! A great start for Italy, and trouble already for Hungary.
Italy's shape appears to work well, with wing backs Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado causing plenty of problems for Hungary. Italy pepper Hungary's goal with shots, albeit none from clear chances, but goalkeeper Dénes Dibusz keeps them at bay. They nearly get a second from a Pjanic free kick in the 38th minute as Bonucci heads it on and Kalidou Koulibaly heads over from point blank range. Hungary are forced to defend the final minutes of the half from their own box, but they make it to the break only one goal behind.
Italy's shape appears to work well, with wing backs Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado causing plenty of problems for Hungary. Italy pepper Hungary's goal with shots, albeit none from clear chances, but goalkeeper Dénes Dibusz keeps them at bay. They nearly get a second from a Pjanic free kick in the 38th minute as Bonucci heads it on and Kalidou Koulibaly heads over from point blank range. Hungary are forced to defend the final minutes of the half from their own box, but they make it to the break only one goal behind.
The second half continues with little change. Whilst Italy remain in the lead, the fact they have only created chance from set pieces is a little worrying. They bring on wingers Douglas Costa and Lorenzo Insigne for Dybala and Marcelo Brozovic and change to a 5-2-3. Hungary, meanwhile, eventually shift to a 4-4-1-1, hoping that sub Davide Lanzafame can provide a link up to Boli.
The game ticks by and we find ourselves in the final 10 minutes. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has a shot blocked from the edge of the box, a fairly typical effort for Italy today. In the 83rd minute Pjanic releases Juan Cuadrado down the right. He crosses low and Ronaldo slides in to poke in Italy's second and finally finish the game off!
The remainder of the half is quiet, as the match has generally been, and Italy claim a simple victory.
The game ticks by and we find ourselves in the final 10 minutes. Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has a shot blocked from the edge of the box, a fairly typical effort for Italy today. In the 83rd minute Pjanic releases Juan Cuadrado down the right. He crosses low and Ronaldo slides in to poke in Italy's second and finally finish the game off!
The remainder of the half is quiet, as the match has generally been, and Italy claim a simple victory.
Final score: Italy 2-0 Hungary
Player of the match: Miralem Pjanic
Group D: Nigeria vs China
Nigeria conceded 3 goals in each of their three defeats in last year's DWC. Their defence has been good so far this year, but it'll face a real test as the African Championship champions take on the Asian Championship runners-up. China themselves can be accused of being lax at the back, and will want to get off the mark without any drama.
7 of the players who started the African Cup final start for Nigeria. Among the new additions there are two eye-catching names in the form of Daniel Braaten and Dennis Aogo. China go with their familiar 4-2-3-1, trying to cram in as many of their attacking talents as possible. A lot of the defensive duty will rest on Mousa Dembélé, as his midfield partner Marek Hamsik is given license to attack.
Player of the match: Miralem Pjanic
Group D: Nigeria vs China
Nigeria conceded 3 goals in each of their three defeats in last year's DWC. Their defence has been good so far this year, but it'll face a real test as the African Championship champions take on the Asian Championship runners-up. China themselves can be accused of being lax at the back, and will want to get off the mark without any drama.
7 of the players who started the African Cup final start for Nigeria. Among the new additions there are two eye-catching names in the form of Daniel Braaten and Dennis Aogo. China go with their familiar 4-2-3-1, trying to cram in as many of their attacking talents as possible. A lot of the defensive duty will rest on Mousa Dembélé, as his midfield partner Marek Hamsik is given license to attack.
China start very strongly, dominating possession but creating nothing clear. In the 18th minute a diagonal ball finds Stephan El Shaarawy, who nods it down to Hamsik. He drives into the box and fires a low shot in to put China ahead!
Nigeria nearly responded immediately as Victor Obinna headed a corner narrowly over. He meets another corner in the 36th minute. He gets it on target, Yan Junling get something on it but it heads towards goal, only to be hacked off the line by Tyias Browning! At the other end Hulk forces Sunday Rotimi into a couple of saves. At half time China are in control, with Obinna's two headers the only Nigerian efforts on goal.
Nigeria nearly responded immediately as Victor Obinna headed a corner narrowly over. He meets another corner in the 36th minute. He gets it on target, Yan Junling get something on it but it heads towards goal, only to be hacked off the line by Tyias Browning! At the other end Hulk forces Sunday Rotimi into a couple of saves. At half time China are in control, with Obinna's two headers the only Nigerian efforts on goal.
China find themselves in a similar position to Italy, in that they are just looking for that second goal to put daylight between the teams. And it takes them only 60 seconds of the second half to find it, as Hulk finally finds his range and bends in a lovely free kick!
Nigeria nearly pull one back in the 65th minute, and again it's from the head of Obinna. This time he meets Ikechukwu Uche's cross. Yan again gets something on it, and this time it trickles against the far post and stays out! Hulk should put the game out of sight but misses when El Shaarawy's cross finds him in front of goal.
Nigeria begin to push numbers upfield, but to little effect. China look comfortable, nearly adding a late third as Miranda hits it wide following a corner. Soon after the victory is confirmed, as China match Italy's result.
Nigeria nearly pull one back in the 65th minute, and again it's from the head of Obinna. This time he meets Ikechukwu Uche's cross. Yan again gets something on it, and this time it trickles against the far post and stays out! Hulk should put the game out of sight but misses when El Shaarawy's cross finds him in front of goal.
Nigeria begin to push numbers upfield, but to little effect. China look comfortable, nearly adding a late third as Miranda hits it wide following a corner. Soon after the victory is confirmed, as China match Italy's result.
Final score: Nigeria 0-2 China
Player of the match: Marek Hamsik
Player of the match: Marek Hamsik
The two favourites to qualify from this group get off to the perfect start. They avoid each other in the next round of games, so if they both win then they'll both be through. The same can't be said in Group C, where Belgium's win and the draw in the other game have left everything very much up in the air.
Next time we start Groups E & F. Top seeds France and England have matches that appear fairly gentle on paper, but the other games could be decisive in seeing who qualifies.
Next time we start Groups E & F. Top seeds France and England have matches that appear fairly gentle on paper, but the other games could be decisive in seeing who qualifies.