Football

The FIFA World Cup 2022 So Far

by
Dan Chemjor
November 23, 2022

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is Underway
There have been Significant Group Deciding Results already

As this year’s Qatar World Cup Group Stage Games continue and with several upsetting results from the first round of games played so far, SportsLeo looks at some of the significant events that have provided joy and upsets for some.

Three Lions’ Six-Star Performance

Gareth Southgate boys dropped a spectacular performance that reinstated their name as a potential team to reach the finals for this year’s Qatar World Cup. With Iran holding a solid and rigid low block defending ready for counter-attacks, Southgate tactics came on top. Playing with three midfielders ensured England controlled the game with Declan Rice as the pivot to allow runs from deep for Bellingham and Henderson, which was crucial for England’s First Goal.

Although Southgate played with a 4-3-3 formation, he is expected to adjust it according to the opponents, with tougher games needing a solid backline. That was noticed with Iran getting 2 goals that raised questions about England’s defensive block.

England celebrate Marcus Rashford’s goal. PHOTO/FIFA

Misfiring Senegal

With Senegal’s Bayern Munich Forward, Sadio Mane, not available for the African giants, it proved hard for them to get through the Netherlands’ defence of Nathan Ake, Virgil Van Dijk and Matheus De Ligt.

Utilizing their full-backs well has been crucial to Senegal’s recent success, and they were instrumental in their performance against the Netherlands. Real Betis’ Youssouf Sabaly routinely carried the ball into the final third while playing right-back. The most anticipated threat in the game came from Sabaly, who made three chances and contributed well defensively.

With the Netherlands going for man-to-man marking in the midfield, it all came down to brilliant player movement and quality, which Senegal was lacking as Gakpo linked up with Barcelona’s De Jong to go one nil up and Klassen setting the game to bed by scoring the second from a counter-attack.

Senegal plays the Hosts, Qatar, next as they fight to go through the Group Stage.

Green Falcons flying high

Saudi Arabia won their first game against Messi’s captained Argentina. The La Albiceleste humbled despite scoring first from the penalty spot.

Herve Renard is the one in charge of everything. Given that he helped Ivory Coast win the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and that he led Zambia to victory in the 2012 tournament, it would come as no surprise to the France-born coach.

Despite having a terrible record in their first games, Saudi Arabia is ranked 48 places lower than third-placed Argentina. They were, however, outmatched by a Lionel Messi-led, celebrity-studded Argentina. The Green Falcons, who were competing in their only sixth event and had advanced to the round of 16 in 1994, showed that they, too, have a strong history in the World Cup.

Messi was left stunned by Saudi Arabia’s second-half comeback, which included goals from Saleh Al-Shehri in the 48th minute and Salem Al-Dawsari in the 53rd. Argentina enjoyed a ton of possession, but they were unable to break through a determined Saudi Arabia at the Lusail Stadium.

On November 26, Saudi Arabia will play Poland in a Group C match of the 2016 FIFA World Cup.

Saudi Arabia players celebrate their winning goal. PHOTO/Saudi Arabia FA

Regular Business for Injury Ridden France

With Les Blues missing some of their crucial talented players, it was an easy cruise in their opening match. Although the Aussies opened the scores, the French came on top after making a comeback and dominating the game.

Olivier Giroud was crucial in the win as he scored a brace. The forward has big shoes to fill after Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema was ruled out due to an injury.

Another crucial player in France’s win was midfielder Rabiot, who equalised and assisted Giroud’s goal. With a fast-paced winger, Dembele, the French look dangerous on counters.

Spanish Tiki-Taka masterclass

Luis Enrique has made a statement that his Spain has arrived at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Spain’s movement with the ball in the first half at the Al Thumama Stadium was a treat for fans of the sport.

With their astonishing 537 passes in front of Costa Rica’s 73, the Spanish outfield effectively put that team to sleep. Along the way, Spain accomplished 500 passes in the first half of a FIFA World Cup game, becoming the first team to do it since 1966.

The dominant Spanish side, popular for their overloaded midfield, look to create trouble for opponents as they stamp their name among the favourites to win this tournament.