The Day 8 featured the Germans in a do or die match against the big firing Spain. the World No.2 Belgium, the Asian giants Japan looking to consolidate their position and the mighty Croatians against the new kid on the block, Canada. An interesting day producing some interesting results.
Japan vs Costa Rica : Group E ( 0-1 )
The Japs had a great chance of qualification to the next round as they faced a hard pressed Costa Rican Team at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium . Having received a 7 goal pounding at the hands of Spain, the beleaguered Costa Ricans had to avoid defeat to stay alive in the competition. Japan began brilliantly, cranking up pace, their hallmark, early in the game and came close to scoring. However Costa Rica held on, absorbed the early pressure and made some good moves of their own particularly through the impressive Joel Campbell. The first half went goalless with Japan still having an upper hand.
As the match progressed deep into the second half, the frustrated Japanese made a poor clearance just outside their box in the 81 st minute with the Costa Ricans taking full toll and Keysher Fuller striking a controlled left footer beating the impressive Shuichi Gonda. He got his finger tips to it, but the ball sailed over into the net. The fortunes had changed for the Costa Ricans, they were ahead. Japan tried to push for a goal and even came close it, but were denied yet again by Keylor Navas, Costa Rica’s Goalkeeper and Captain. Costa Rica won the game . What a turnaround and kept themselves alive in the World Cup. Japan, unfortunately have put themselves in a tight spot with their last game against Spain. The Group is now interestingly poised.
Belgium vs Morocco : Group F ( 0-2 )
Over the past decade, Belgium has been blessed with a Golden generation of players which has made them a force to reckon with. Though they have not won any major silverware, they always have been amongst the finest sides in the world. However this golden generation is wearing down, they look rusty, they are a step slow and when they came up against Morocco at the Al Thumama Stadium, a close contest was on the cards.
The Moroccans had held Croatia to a draw in their first match and had displayed some tough football. They carried their form here too and matched the Belgians with distinction. Though the European giants held possession, the Northern Africans showed more intent, were incisive in their play and looked a better side without doubt and eventually got through the Belgian defence with a tremendous free kick from Hakim Ziyech ( who for me was the man of the match ), only to be denied by a VAR offside, just before half time.
Hakim Ziyech
In the second half the Belgians tried to control the midfield, but could not make any fruitful moves to trouble the opposition and deservedly the pressing Moroccans got ahead with a free kick again. Romain Saiss who had just come off the bench, scored with a curling right footer beating the great Courtois to his right in the 73rd minute. The stung Belgians made some desperate moves, brought in Lukaku, but to no avail, the Moroccans were not budging and then in the 2nd minute of stoppage time, they sealed off the match. A lovely run by Ziyech on the right flank, opened up the Belgian defence, leaving Zakaria Aboukhlal to strike the final blow. The match was wrapped 2-0. The Golden generation has lost its sheen a bit and it will take some getting for them to beat the Croats. While in Marrakech, there is absolute mayhem.
Croatia vs Canada : Group F ( 4-1 )
Croatia took on Canada at the Khalifa International Stadium looking to register their first win in Qatar. But the plucky Canadians who have been really impressive with their commitment and intent, scored in the 2nd minute through a brilliant Alphonso Davies header. It was a body blow for the Croats. However the experienced side led by Luka Modric settled well into the match and countered the Canadians with their guile and skillful play. It was in the 36th minute when the pressing Croatians scored through Andrej Kramaric to equalise and then again in the 44th minute Marko Livaja scored to give the Croatians the lead just before half time.
The Canadians fought back and tried hard to equalise. They did play some fluid football, but were denied. The Croatians waited for their opportunity as the Canadians went all out to score leaving their defence unattended. Andrej Kramaric scored again in the 70th minute and Lovro Majer scored in stoppage time to help Croatia to a 4-1 win. Whatever may be the scoreline, it was still a well fought match with the inexperience of the Canadians being the only difference. The second loss has put the Canadians out of the World Cup unfortunately, but they have been impressive and hold potential. With more international exposure and their players playing in European Leagues, the team is bound to improve. Croatia take on Belgium next in a crucial rubber while the Canadians take on Morocco, before they bid Good Bye.
Spain vs Germany : Group E ( 1-1 )
The two European Giants with 5 World Cups in between them and 2 in the last 3 editions clashed at the Al-Bayt Stadium in an all important game. The Germans could not afford to lose after their shock loss to Japan( though Japan losing to Costa Rica has in a way helped the a Germans ) and Spain were riding high on their decimation of Costa Rica. What followed at Al-Bayt was nothing short of a gruelling rumble.
Alvaro Morata
Spain began exactly from where they had left their previous game with Pedri and Gavi, their young guns combining in a brilliant move. The ball hit the cross bar and Germany survived. Spain dominated possession, but the Germans were making some incisive moves. However the first half went without a goal and eventually the deadlock was broken by a superb finish from a Jordi Alba pass, by Alvaro Morata in the 62nd minute. Germans were on the brink, another loss would have been fatal, but then in the 83rd minute Niklas Frullkrug came of the bench and scored to draw level. The hardworking Germans had been rewarded and they somehow snared a point to stay alive. They next meet Costa Rica, while Spain will take on Japan. The winners take all.
An exciting Day 8 ended with the exit of Canada. Moroccan heroics were the highlight of the Day alongwith a massive turnaround for Costa Rica. They have shown some grit after a demoralising loss. This is the beauty of Sport. It always gives you hope.
Day 9 will feature a must win game between Cameroon and Serbia, followed by a must win game for Ghana too against South Korea, the mercurial Brazilians will take on Switzerland and finally Portugal will take on Uruguay in an exciting duel.
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