Switzerland: 1, Qatar: 1
Embed from Getty ImagesSwitzerland got into control of this game quickly, with the Swiss winning a penalty, and striker Breel Embolo comfortably slotted it in. The Swiss have the strongest lineup in Group B, with Qatar likely having the weakest.
From then on, in a game that should have been a cakewalk for Switzerland, the game remained tight. Switzerland dominated the majority of the great chances and ball possession, but were unable to extend the lead throughout the match.
In the dying minutes of the game, second half stoppage time, Qatar pulled off a stunner. A ball whipped into the box by left back Homam Elamin and it was deflected in by Switzerland substitute Mire Muheim, who was subbed on just a couple of minutes prior, an own goal, but Qatar didn’t mind how they got it.
The full time whistle blew with the biggest result of the tournament so far. Group B was already a balanced group, but now with Switzerland dropping points, the top of the group is wide open with every team on a point through the first game.
Player of the Match: Mahmud Abunada (Al-Rayyan)
Brazil: 1, Morocco: 1
Embed from Getty ImagesThe most notable game of the group stage. After the recent FIFA rankings on June 10, Brazil sat at 6, with Morocco at 7.
In a game oozing with talent on both sides of the pitch, the game would likely determine the winner of Group C, should either team come out on top. It was striker Ismael Saibari who opened the scoring in the 21st minute after a beautiful pass from right winger Brahim Diaz and an excellent chip over the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Brazil didn’t wait much longer to strike back, and it was superstar left winger Vinicius Junior who tied the game back up with a great strike into the Moroccan goal.
After the explosive start, the game cooled off, and with both teams carrying great defenses, especially the Moroccans, the game ended at 1-1.
Group C will likely come down to goal difference in Brazil and Morocco’s games against Scotland and Haiti, barring any shockers. Both of these teams should go very far.
Player of the Match: Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
Scotland: 1, Haiti: 0
Embed from Getty ImagesTwo teams who have not been in the World Cup in so long, and two teams with incredible fan bases. The Boston Stadium was the best fan atmosphere at a World Cup so far, even with 3 different host nations beginning their journey in previous days.
It was left midfielder John McGinn who opened the scoring for Scotland after getting space in the box to shoot, with his shot taking two deflections before going in.
Despite the goal, Haiti were doing everything right, and at halftime, it looked like they would end up tying the match. By the end of the match, they had more possession time, more shots and more touches in the opposition box, in a game that was heavily favored towards Scotland. However, the goal never came for Haiti, despite being the better team in the match.
After the first matches have been played in Group C, it is Scotland who claim the top spot over Brazil in Morocco, and if the Scottish can pull an upset against either, they will be through.
Player of the game: John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Australia: 2, Turkiye: 0
Embed from Getty ImagesTurkiye might have the 4 best players in this match on paper, but in classic World Cup fashion, were defeated by Australia in the opening game of their World Cup campaign.
The Socceroos scored the first goal early in the match from left midfielder Nestory Irankunda, and they sat back defensively from there, making sure Turkiye did not pass.
In the 75th minute, Australia scored again, this time from right midfielder Connor Metcalfe, putting the game out of reach with the Australians playstyle.
Australia was going to let Turkiye control possession of the ball in the match. At the full time whistle Turkiye had 72% of ball possession, 30 total shots and 51 touches in the opponents back. It didn’t matter however, as they mightily struggled getting past any of the Australians giant centre backs.
The path for first place in Group D got more clear for the United States. The biggest competition was Turkiye and their loaded young talent, but they lost their first game, and Australia’s playstyle shouldn’t bother the Americans as much as it bothered the Turkish.
The United States’ next game will be against the Socceroos, and while the game will be lower scoring than the Paraguay match, all they need is a win, and a draw to Turkiye, and they will top the group.
Player of the Match: Harry Souttar (Leicester City)