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The groups have taken shape at World Cup 2022, and we all have a much better idea of which teams are most likely to progress to the knockout stages, with day eight of the tournament providing plenty of more exciting action.
Fresh from beating Germany on Wednesday, Japan fell to Costa Rica with a dismal performance rounded off by a goalkeeping mistake. Belgium were the next major nation to suffer a shock defeat at the World Cup, the number-two ranked team in the world losing 2-0 to Morocco as they were totally outclassed.
Croatia battered Canada in an entertaining fixture filled with plenty of subplots, while a winner couldn’t be decided between Germany and France, setting up a nervy final game for the Germans.
So, without further ado, here’s what we’ve learned from day eight of World Cup 2022:
Kevin De Bruyne is right – Belgium are too old
During an interview with The Guardian yesterday, Kevin De Bruyne – one of the best players in the world and a member of Belgium’s golden generation – claimed his country has zero chance of lifting the World Cup next month, and their performance today against Morocco certainly emphasised that idea.
“No chance, we’re too old,” De Bruyne answered when asked if Belgium could win the tournament.
Sluggish and lethargic, age certainly seems to have caught up with some of Belgium’s squad. With Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen at centre-back, Axel Witsel in midfield and Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne further forward, the Belgium side is screaming for some freshness, it seems.
Morocco were first to every ball, more organised when defending and attacked with intensity. Belgium, meanwhile, played the game at walking pace, no player offering any sprints in behind or desire to win the ball back.
Roberto Martinez certainly needs to find a solution, and with players such as Leandro Trossard, Charles De Ketelaere and Jeremy Doku on the bench, it seems the answer is staring him in the face.
Canada score their first-ever World Cup goal but are knocked out
A momentous moment for Canada’s national men’s football team saw Alphonso Davies bag the team’s first-ever World Cup goal against Croatia, and it took just 67 seconds of the fixture.
However, the moment was bittersweet for Canada, with their eventual 4-1 loss confirming their elimination from the tournament. A narrow 1-0 defeat to Belgium in their opening game, and the result against Croatia, leaves them bottom of Group F without a point.
The fact they head into their final game of the 2022 tournament with nothing to lose is a bonus for neutrals, though – they’re an exciting team that are fun to watch and engage with.
Indeed, their Geordie manager John Herdman is entertaining, if not a little controversial at times, while their team contains players such as Davies, Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan. With Canada set to joint-host the 2026 World Cup, we at FourFourTwo are certainly excited at the prospect of watching Canada over the next four years – let’s hope they continue to excite during that time, too.
Facing a Morocco side full of confidence will be a difficult test in their final game, so they will have to be on top of their game to gain their first-ever point at the tournament.
The shocks keep coming
Day eight of the World Cup produced two shock results, not quite to the same level of Saudi Arabia beating Argentina or Japan dropping Germany, but still shocks nonetheless.
Japan, fresh from overcoming Germany 2-1 in their opening group game, entered their fixture against Costa Rica – 7-0 losers to Spain – with a spring in their step. Getting six points would have been more than they could’ve dreamed of prior to the start of the tournament, and a win against Costa Rica seemed likely considering how the first matchday went for both side.
However, Japan lost 1-0, courtesy of a goalkeeping mistake, meaning a result against Spain in the final game is now essential.
Elsewhere, Belgium were defeated by Morocco – and they can’t complain about the 2-0 result. As previously discussed, the European side were lethargic against a much more organised and motivated squad – a 2-0 win is no less than Morocco deserve, and leaves Belgium in the lurch for progress to the knockouts.
Germany have lift-off and may yet be contenders
Germany were in trouble after their shock 2-1 defeat to Japan earlier in the week, with the four-time champions staring at a possible group-stage exit for the second World Cup in succession.
But Japan’s surprise loss to Costa Rica earlier on Sunday eased some of that pressure as it meant they could lose to Spain and still be in with a good chance of qualifying for the last 16.
In his pre-match press conference, Germany coach Hansi Flick described the meeting with La Roja as a ‘first final’ for his side and they played well on the night.
Antonio Rudiger saw an effort ruled out for a marginal – albeit clear – offside in the first half and even though Alvaro Morata gave Spain the lead with just over an hour gone, Germany kept fighting and earned their reward with a late leveller scored by Niclas Fullkrug.
With better decision making, they could even have snatched victory at the end and they showed they have the quality to match one of the best teams in the competitions.
Belatedly, Germany have lift off at Qatar 2022 – and they may yet be contenders for the trophy next month.
Spain might not use Rodri at centre-back against better opposition
Spain are perhaps the epitome of a side that adopts a style of football and never wavers from that philosophy, regardless of results or one-off performances. That one-minded, trusting approach to the game has obviously stood the nation in good stead this century, with two European Championships and a World Cup win coming after criticism for their insistence on passing the ball on the floor at all times.
However, Luis Enrique should be careful not to extend this absolute belief in system to his team selection, especially when it comes to Rodri at centre back. The Manchester City midfielder is one of the best in the world in his position – it’s just a shame he has Sergio Busquets keeping him out of the anchoring role at the moment – therefore making it understandable why he is being used at centre back.
However, he looked suspect when it came to defending Germany’s attackers, especially when Niclas Fullkrug came onto the pitch, and against even better opposition this could signal a chink in Spain’s impressive armour. He doesn’t have the requisite physical presence in that position, perhaps making Pau Torres or Eric Garcia more favourable options.
Fortunately for Spain, it’s better to find that out now rather than in the latter knockout stages.
