As always, the DWC is flying by. We're up to the final update of the group stages! Last time, Bulgaria beat Czechia with ease to see them - and Colombia - through, but there was a thrilling finish in Group F as Ecuador and UAE both scored late on in their crunch clash, with the latter ending up going through with France:
But our attention shifts to Groups G & H, and these are set up very well. Spain might already be through, and Dominican Republic may be out, but everybody else has a job to do today.
Group G
Spain started with a narrow win over second seeds Argentina before comprehensively beating Honduras, and that was enough to not only qualify for the knockout stages but also win the group. That's because the other two matches saw unlikely draws for South Korea. Against Honduras they were dominant but couldn't find the win, against Argentina the roles were reversed. Leaving this table:
It means that South Korea would be certain of second place should they win their final game, but it is against Spain. If they don't win, then the winner of Argentina vs Honduras will progress, assuming there is a winner. A draw would be enough for Argentina should Spain win by more than one.
Team news: Argentina vs Honduras
Argentina change to a 3-4-2-1 formation, bringing Lionel Messi closer to goal in a more central position alongside the impressive Manuel Lanzini. Esequiel Barco and Éver Banega drop out with Marcelo Saracchi and Santiago Longo coming in. Honduras' only change is enforced, as Gerson Rodas replaces the injured Éder Delgado.
Argentina change to a 3-4-2-1 formation, bringing Lionel Messi closer to goal in a more central position alongside the impressive Manuel Lanzini. Esequiel Barco and Éver Banega drop out with Marcelo Saracchi and Santiago Longo coming in. Honduras' only change is enforced, as Gerson Rodas replaces the injured Éder Delgado.
Team news: Spain vs South Korea
Eduardo Camavinga is suspended after yellows in both matches so far, but it's moot as Spain follow the lead of the other big nations in making a raft of changes. The most notable is probably the inclusion of Marc-André ter Stegen, who makes his first DWC appearance since 2018, the only year Spain lifted the trophy. South Korea are unchanged.
Eduardo Camavinga is suspended after yellows in both matches so far, but it's moot as Spain follow the lead of the other big nations in making a raft of changes. The most notable is probably the inclusion of Marc-André ter Stegen, who makes his first DWC appearance since 2018, the only year Spain lifted the trophy. South Korea are unchanged.
Kick off
ARGvHON (12 mins): Honduras earn a corner, possibly their best chance of scoring today. But it's easily claimed by Sergio Romero. Argentina get it upfield and Messi curls a shot that forces José Mendoza into a good save. Honduras' keeper is less impressive when he spills the corner, but Matías Soto is on hand to clear.
ARGvHON (16 mins): Argentina have a free kick on the right corner of the box. Alexis Mac Allister shapes to cross but instead passes it to Messi in space on the edge of the box. Honduras probably should have seen it coming, and the consequence feels inevitable as this time his shot beats Mendoza! That's Argentina ahead, now they need to stay ahead unlike in their last match.
ARGvHON (18 mins): Saracchi provides a good burst of speed to leave Wilmer Cristanto for dust, puts in a low cross and Edinson Cavani beats Juan Pablo Montes to prod it in! A very straightforward goal, and this match is looking pretty straightforward for Argentina now!
ESPvKOR (26 mins): So a draw looks like it won't be enough for South Korea. They have held their own with Spain so far, keeping things tight enough that they can hope to nick a goal at the other end. The first decent chance of note comes when Joao Cancelo plays it to Rodrygo in the box. He shifts it inside but his powerful shot is pushed over by Yang Han Been.
ARGvHON (40 mins): We have a few free kicks of quality. First, Messi draws a save from Mendoza, which is followed by Bryan Acosta rippling the top of Argentina's goal netting with Honduras' first shot. Then Messi has an even better effort cannon into the woodwork.
ESPvKOR (45+1 mins): I think I saw some tumbleweed at some point. South Korea have slightly shaded possession but so far haven't troubled Spain's defence at all. They maintain a puncher's chance, but will need to produce something sometime, or hope Honduras make a comeback.
ARGvHON (45+2 mins): Lanzini has had several efforts stopped by Mendoza, the latest one where he steals the ball from Cristanto and cuts into the box. It's 2-0 at the break, and it's hard to see Honduras getting one goal, let alone the two South Korea need them to score, or the three they themselves need.
Half time
ARGvHON (51 mins): Argentina clearly don't fear a Honduras comeback, as they make a half time triple change. Messi is one of those taken off, and his replacement Jaminton Campaz goes close with a shot saved by Mendoza.
ESPvKOR (54 mins): Conceding a goal would be disastrous for South Korea's plan, and they are bailed out - not for the first time - by Yang, who tips Frenkie de Jong's shot over the bar. Soon after Ilkay Gundogan fires into the side netting. Is this a sign that Spain are stepping it up?
ARGvHON (59 mins): A pass from Mac Allister is intercepted and Rodas clears it away. Nicolás Figal misses his header, allowing Romell Quioto to run at Cristian Romero. It looks like Quioto is fouled just outside the box, but before the whistle can be blown Alberth Elis runs onto it and hits a firm shot that Sergio Romero can't keep out! Honduras score, their first ever DWC goal, and could Argentina be made to rue their earlier changes?
ESPvKOR (59 mins): That goal is good news for South Korea if it heralds Honduras coming back to draw. And they even fashion a chance of their own; after Cancelo tackles Osmar it falls to Kim Jin-Su, who exchanges passes with Cesinha. Cesinha plays it across to Jesse Lingard, but he doesn't get enough on his shot and ter Stegen holds. The bad news for Spain is that Cancelo stays down and has to come off. Like France in the previous group, injuries is the only thing you really want to avoid in this situation.
ARGvHON (60 mins): Argentina kick off, and when Juan Fernando Quintero loses it Honduras sense the chance to put some pressure on. But it's lost, and when Longo plays it towards Lanzini the latter is brought down by a hack from behind from Acosta - it's a straight red! He must have got too giddy after the goal, and now Honduras have the deck stacked even more against them.
ARGvHON (65 mins): In a way, going down to 10 men doesn't really change Honduras' defensive set-up. But without two strikers to harry Argentina's midfielders they are left playing very deep. Argentina get shots away, with Mendoza again excellent. But he can't stop Lanzini's brilliant volley from the edge of the D, and the former West Ham man gets his goal at last! After that brief wobble it looks like Argentina are back in cruise control.
ARGvHON (78 mins): Mac Allister is withdrawn, with Kevin Gutiérrez coming on. He is given the chance to take a free kick from the edge of the box. It doesn't clear the wall, but somehow the ball gets through and bobbles in! The win is secured here, but with South Korea still holding Spain, Argentina can't really relax yet.
ESPvKOR (90+2 mins): South Korea finally release the handbrake in the final 10 minutes, whilst Spain bring on a couple of their first teamers as their starting players tire. We reach the stage where the co-commentator always says "You're waiting for that one moment of quality, or a big mistake"... and we get the latter - Hong Jeong-Ho dawdles after receiving a goal kick, allowing Gundogan to steal the ball and play it up to substitute Robert Lewandowski. Completely free, one-on-one, he isn't going to pass up those opportunities and belts it past Yang! Argentina can celebrate now, there's surely no time for South Korea now!
ARGvHON (90+4 mins): Argentina take their foot off the gas, and Honduras are happy to just try and limit the damage. Lanzini continues to pepper the goal, with his personal shot tally reaching 8, but there's no final flourish to an easy win for Argentina. Surely that's them through...
ESPvKOR (90+7 mins): Indeed it is, South Korea can't get back up off the canvass, and fall to defeat.
Final scores:
Argentina 4 (Messi 16', Cavani 18', Lanzini 65', Gutiérrez 78') Honduras 1 (Elis 65') Player of the match: Manuel Lanzini (ARG) | Spain 1 (Lewandowski 90+3') South Korea 0 Player of the match: Robert Lewandowski (ESP) |
South Korea will be gutted, they put in a great performance to blunt Spain, who frankly didn't look like scoring until that final chance was gifted to them. The problem was that they themselves were even less threatening up front, and even if they had ground out the 0-0 it wouldn't have been enough.
That was because Argentina finally lived up to their potential with a dominant performance to produce the first win in this group by a non-Spanish team. Their creative players had a wonderful time, but can they do it against stiffer opposition?
That was because Argentina finally lived up to their potential with a dominant performance to produce the first win in this group by a non-Spanish team. Their creative players had a wonderful time, but can they do it against stiffer opposition?
We were minutes away from the first points dropped by one of the big four teams. But no, Spain join England, Italy and France in completing a perfect group stage. It wasn't as easy as anticipated, but Argentina join them.
Group H
The DWC's ultimate minnows Dominican Republic have twice battled hard but ultimately ended up with no points for their efforts. But the real battle has been between the other three teams. Hungary produced a surprise to beat Saudi Arabia, and backed it up by drawing with Brazil:
Hungary will go through by avoiding a shock of their own against Dominican Republic. Surely they will do that, which means only one of Brazil or Saudi Arabia can go through. Brazil just need a draw, and they have already beaten Saudi Arabia 4-0 this season in the Continental Shield.
Team news: Hungary vs Dominican Republic
Hungary are unchanged, but Dominican Republic make a few changes as Juan Familia-Castillo, Jarol Herrera and Yessy Mena start.
Hungary are unchanged, but Dominican Republic make a few changes as Juan Familia-Castillo, Jarol Herrera and Yessy Mena start.
Team news: Saudi Arabia vs Brazil
After utilising an atacking 4-2-4 against Dominican Republic, Saudi Arabia change to a 4-2-3-1. That means picking just one of their two star strikers, and it is Karim Benzema who survives, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic replacing Cristiano Ronaldo. Alex Telles also comes in at the expense of Kalidou Koulibaly. Brazil are without Gabriel Jesus, whose hamstring injury rules him out until the quarter finals, so Pedro starts.
After utilising an atacking 4-2-4 against Dominican Republic, Saudi Arabia change to a 4-2-3-1. That means picking just one of their two star strikers, and it is Karim Benzema who survives, with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic replacing Cristiano Ronaldo. Alex Telles also comes in at the expense of Kalidou Koulibaly. Brazil are without Gabriel Jesus, whose hamstring injury rules him out until the quarter finals, so Pedro starts.
Kick off
HUNvDOM (12 mins): Hungary would love to win well to secure top spot in the group, and therefore avoid Spain. Tokmac Nguen has a shot tipped over by Antonio Santurro, whilst Patrizio Stronati twice heads over from corners.
KSAvBRA (26 mins): There's been a lot of pretty passing but little goalmouth action. Alex Telles blazes one over the bar, whilst Merih Demiral has to make a good block challenge to deny Pedro close to goal. Following that half-chance for Brazil Saudi Arabia get upfield. Neymar plays a one-two with Milinkovic-Savic that takes Hugo Mallo out of the game. Neymar runs into the box, evading the tame challenge from Bruno Guimaraes. Thiago Silva doesn't come over to help his teammate, allowing Neymar to get close to goal and fire past Weverton! A brilliant goal from the Brazilian, and Saudi Arabia have the lead they need to get through!
KSAvBRA (30 mins): Under a bit of pressure, Brazil are able to play their way out of trouble. Douglas Santos down the line to Giorgian de Arrascaeta, inside to James Rodríguez. He plays it to Pedro dropping deep, and he splits Saudi Arabia open with a pass through for De Arrascaeta. He composes himself and strokes it into the far bottom corner! A sumptuous goal, especially the assist and Brazil immediately strike back!
HUNvDOM (32 mins): Hungary are finding out what Brazil and Saudi Arabia have already learned, that Dominican Republic aren't pushovers. Chances aren't flowing, and corners remain Hungary's best bet. Specifically, corners aimed at Stronati. He meets one with a good header that hits the crossbar, and then two minutes later goes one better, meeting Nguen's cross with a header in off the far post! Dominican Republic's resistance is broken.
KSAvBRA (32 mins): Saudi Arabia get on the attack straight from the kick off. Brazil defend a couple of crosses, but Riyad Mahrez is able to retrieve the ball wide on the right. He skins Douglas Santos, dribbles in and from the mirror image of where Neymar scored from, Mahrez shoots across Weverton to score and restore Saudi Arabia's lead! This match has flipped three times in six minutes!
HUNvDOM (44 mins): It remains as it was, with Hungary controlling affairs and trying to squeeze out more goals. Marquinhos' long shot brings a save from Santurro, and - just as crucially - the corner is defended. Hungary get (yet) another one a couple of minutes later. This time it's Stronati's centre back partner Willi Orbán who meets it, but he can only hit the side netting. At the break Hungary's lead is 1, but with Dominican Republic yet to have a shot the Europeans will feel pretty confident of going on to win this. And with Brazil struggling, it leaves Hungary with a great chance of topping the group.
KSAvBRA (45+3 mins): Saudi Arabia are good value for their lead, and in fact it's only just before half time that Brazil have a second shot of the match, Rodríguez shooting over. There's still time for one more Saudi effort, Milinkovic-Savic also clearing the bar. At half time it is Brazil who are now facing the exit.
Half time
HUNvDOM (61 mins): Marquinhos would miss the next round if he was to pick up a yellow here, and so Aleksandar Pesic comes on. He still has Nguen and Adama Traoré either side, and they both draw further saves from Santurro. Pesic is then denied by the busy keeper, and following the corner Myenty Abena is too.
KSAvBRA (62 mins): Brazil remain goal-shy, with their only shot of the half a Nino effort a mile over the bar from an offside position.
HUNvDOM (69 mins): We have a shot from Dominican Republic! Mariano, who along with Santurro has had such a thankless task this DWC, reaches Alejandro Balde's cross but heads over.
KSAvBRA (70 mins): Both teams make a triple change. Saudi's sees them replace both full backs with Fabinho and Koulibaly as they revert to the possession-hungry 4-3-3 they started the tournament with. It's frustrating for Brazil as Saudi are able to pass the ball about, and De Arrascaeta trips Fabinho. It's a yellow card, and it's his second of the match! Down to 10 men and still a goal behind, Brazil are in big big trouble now!
HUNvDOM (81 mins): Balde intercepts a loose pass from Orbán, who recovers to head away Balde's ball towards Mariano. But Dominican sub Armando Vargas beats Eldar Civic to the loose ball and gets through on goal. It's a clear chance, but he can't beat Dénes Dibusz with his shot! Dominican Republic so nearly had a goal to put them on course for a first DWC point! And an equaliser would have seen Hungary fall below Saudi Arabia in the live table.
KSAvBRA (83 mins): One of Brazil's subs is the DWC veteran Hulk, and he takes matters into his own hands with a run at Saudi Arabia's defence and a good shot that Édouard Mendy has to get to full stretch to tip behind. After the corner is cleared another sub, André, slips a pass through to Pedro. I thought he was offside, but there's no flag. It's a good chance therefore, but Mendy is across to make another great save! Brazil are running out of time, but they're giving it a go!
HUNvDOM (90+4 mins): The match ends as so much of it has been played, with a Hungary corner. Orbán gets to it, but Santurro claims. And so it finishes, Hungary win 1-0 and are almost certainly group winners!
KSAvBRA (90+5 mins): One issue for Saudi Arabia is that they have ended the match with Neymar, Ronaldo and Mahrez as their front three, and that isn't a trio who chip in much defensively. So Brazil are still getting the chances to get the ball forward, and they fashion a late chance as the ball is switch from left to right. Guimaraes plays it to sub Santiago Arias, who connects well but is denied by an excellent block by Aymeric Laporte! It's a corner in the final minute, and Weverton is coming up! Hulk crosses, Nino meets it and it hits the crossbar! It's not away yet, and Pedro gets to the rebound. It looks to be an open goal, but he manages to hit it against the backside of Fabinho! Another corner, cleared this time, and the final whistle soon goes! The 10 men of Brazil gave everything, but they are out!
Final scores:
Hungary 1 (Stronati 32') Dominican Republic 0 Player of the match: Patrizio Stronati (HUN) | Saudi Arabia 2 (Neymar 26', Mahrez 32') Brazil 1 (De Arrascaeta 30') Player of the match: Riyad Mahrez (KSA) |
What an incredible finish! Saudi Arabia were unable to contain Brazil but somehow get away with giving up numerous chances towards the end of the game. They had been the stronger side up until half time, but they coasted a bit too much after that.
Meanwhile, Dominican Republic came very close to getting a DWC point. Their doggedness meant Hungary had to resort to their set piece threats, which has served them well this tournament.
Meanwhile, Dominican Republic came very close to getting a DWC point. Their doggedness meant Hungary had to resort to their set piece threats, which has served them well this tournament.
Ultimately, Brazil pay the price for not being able to hold onto the win against Hungary; had they done so then this group would have ended with three teams level and Hungary out on goal difference. Instead, the European side emerge unbeaten and as group winners ahead of two sides stacked with talent:
So Argentina and Saudi Arabia execute escapes today and progress. The groups are done, so the knockout bracket is complete:
Argentina will take on Hungary, where they will probably go in as favourites, but so did Brazil and Saudi Arabia and neither could beat Hungary. Meanwhile, Spain end up facing Saudi Arabia - a repeat of last year's last 16 clash where Spain were stunned. Now Saudi Arabia have a much stronger team, so can they repeat it? We'll find out soon, as the knockout stages begin next time!