A weird day in the World Cup.
Group G
England 0 vs. 1 Belgium
There was a massive amount of rotation on both sides as the two teams had already reached the Round of 16. The game was fairly even with no real talking points except the brilliant goal by Januzaj in the 51st minute. The loss on paper works in England’s favour as their pool of potential teams to face is less daunting than Belgium’s, but as we have seen with Germany nothing can be guaranteed. It should be an interesting few week ahead.
Panama 1 vs. 2 Tunisia
Tunisia go home with three points and a win to their name as they beat Panama in what was an tight game. Panama gained the lead in the 33rd minute after a Meriah own goal, and Panama managed to hold on for till half time. Tunisia responded in the second half with a goal by Youssef in the 51st minute to equalise, and Khazri gave them the lead in the 66th minute. Tunisia dominated the possession for the rest of the game and managed to see out the win.
Group H
Senegal 0 vs. 1 Colombia
Colombia reached the knockout stage thanks to a Mina goal in the 74th minute. The game had been a cagey affair till then with Colombia dominating possession but Senegal having more chances on goal. Colombia finished the group in first while Senegal who had the same goal difference and points as Japan go out of the competition due to the fact that they had more yellow cards. Truly the group of death.
Japan 0 vs. 1 Poland
While the first half was a cagey affair, Poland gained the lead and maintained it in the second half thanks to a Bednarek goal in the 59th minute. The game’s last ten minutes were probably the weirdest I have seen in football as Japan just kept the ball by passing amongst their back four. Japan could not concede a goal as it would give them a poorer goal difference than Senegal, and they did not go forward as it would open them up at the back. Japan basically played out the draw and hoped that Colombia would hold on to their lead. Thankfully for the Japanese they did and Japan go through to next round.
Park The Bus 