Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo the famous CR7 created history on Day 5 of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as he became the first player to score a goal in 5 World Cups, going past the legendary Pele and his contemporary Lionel Messi. The Day 5 witnessed some exciting football though the results were on expected lines. Let us have a gaze at what transpired.
Switzerland vs Cameroon : Group G ( 1-0 )
Switzerland met Cameroon at the Al Janoub Stadium with expectations of a keen contest. Though the match started slowly, it picked up pace as Cameroon went a gear ahead with their speed troubling the Swiss. They created a few chances but could not capitalise. The Swiss too did not hold back and played a good first half. At the break though Cameroon looked slightly ahead. However things changed post the break.
The Swiss made the first move and the hardworking Shaqiri made a splendid run on the right flank, produced an incisive pass to the centre where Breel Embolo made a cool finish. The Swiss were ahead. Shaqiri continued his runs from the right flank and his moves were denied twice by Andre Onana, Cameroon’s Goalkeeper. The Swiss were the better side and Cameroon just could not get through the Swiss defence. Breel Embolo scored against the country of his birth and did not celebrate. A touching moment in the game. Eventually an important victory for the Swiss which brightens their chances in the Group.
Uruguay vs South Korea : Group H ( 0-0 )
Uruguay and South Korea clashed at the Education City Stadium ( featured image ) in a match which held lot of promise but did not deliver as expected. Though the match was played at a good pace with both teams pushing for goals, the lack of finishing from both ends took away the sheen from a good contest. Son Heung-min, the Korean Star was surprisingly subdued as if carrying the entire team on his shoulders which in a way hampered his fluent game. On the other side a lacklustre Luis Suarez appeared a pale shadow of himself and was unable to inspire any confidence. Darwin Nunez though exhibited loads of energy, made some lovely runs but his finishing was much to be desired. Godin and Valverde did strike the goal posts for the South Americans, but there was no goal coming. A tame draw in the end.
Portugal vs Ghana : Group H ( 3-2 )
The Stadium 974 witnessed an enthralling contest between Portugal and Ghana. It was a real slugfest and it has to be said that the game came alive only in the 65th minute when Portugal went ahead with the historic penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo making him the first ever to score in 5 World Cups. An achievement unmatched for a special player. The game opened up, and instead of a cagey display, the match transcended into some spectacular free flowing football.
The Portugese celebrate with CR7
Ghana equalised after 8 minutes through Andre Ayew in the 73rd minute with a pacy move from the left. However two back to back casual and lethargic plays in the middle led to them gifting possession to the Portuguese who made no mistake in driving the match in Portugal’s favour. Joao Felix in the 78th minute and Rafael Leao in the 80th minute put the game beyond Ghana. They did come back with a goal in the 89th minute through Osman Bukari but the Portugese held to an important victory. The Africans rued their missed chances and a brief lapse in concentration to come short. Unfortunately the African challenge just withered away on the day.
Brazil vs Serbia : Group G ( 2-0 )
The Lusail Stadium was all yellow and blue and brimming with anticipation as the only team to have played in all the World Cups since its inception in 1930 Brazil, the darling of the sport and its brand ambassador took the field against the hardworking Serbia who had not lost a single match during their qualification campaign.
Brazil were into their groove through the first half but Serbia defended valiantly and denied Brazil. However with the men in yellow stepping up the pressure, the Serbs cracked in the 62nd minute when the poaching Richarlison tapped in a simple ball after Vinicius Jr ‘s shot was blocked by Savic, Serbia’s Goalkeeper.
Richarlison’s Gem
The deadlock had been broken and what followed after 11 minutes was nothing short of magic from Richarlison. In a quick move from the left flank, Vinicius Jr centred to Richarlison who controlled the ball with his first touch swivelled on his left leg and struck a thunderbolt which beat Savic to his right. The goal will go down as one of the best of the tournament. A real gem indeed.
Brazil continued to attack and twice hit Serbia’s goal post and were denied. The match ended in a 2-0 victory for the Brazilians. It could have been more. The Serbs fought well, but just did not have a chance.
The First Round matches of the Group stage ended with the Brazil Serbia encounter and closed out an exciting First Chapter of the World Cup.
The Day 6 will see the hosts Qatar locking horns with Senegal in a must win match for both teams, with the Qataris expecting an improved performance from their home team. Wales will take on a beleaguered Iran, Netherlands will face Ecuador and an impressive England will square up against the USA.
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