A Scintillating Day
Yet another scintillating day of brilliant football, fluctuating fortunes amidst the Spectre of nerve-jangling knockouts, unfolded as the FIFA World Cup entered its 19th Day.
Brazil vs Japan: The Canarinhos Survive The Samurai, but only just.
Casemiro’s terrific header cancelled a first-half brilliant strike from Kaishu Sano, and then Gabriel Martinelli broke Japanese hearts with a composed finish in stoppage time to steer Brazil to the Round of 16. It was a tough contest, and the Samurai were worthy opponents. The Brazilians showed great intent in the second half but were scrappy at times and loose in the midfield. Endrick may start the next match for sure.
Germany vs Paraguay : The South Americans hold fort and nerves to deny Germany
Kai Havertz was on the mark in the second half as Germany equalised to an Enciso goal in the first half. The Germans then went on the offensive and laid a virtual siege on the Paraguayan goal, but the elusive winner just never arrived, as Paraguay defended with their bodies. A goal, however, was controversially disallowed for Germany, as Paraguay got a big reprieve. The penalties were nerve-wracking, as Kai Havertz missed from the spot, Woltemade made it worse, and once Jonathan Tah missed, Canale for Paraguay had to score to send Germany packing, and so he did. The Germans went down in agony; they had missed 16 corners and 3 spot-kicks, while the Paraguayans rejoiced.
Netherlands vs Morocco: It was the big one of the day, and it lived up to its expectations
It was an absolute duel, a slugfest with Morocco having the edge over the Dutch. But Cody Gakpo had other ideas as the Netherlands took the lead through him in the 72nd minute. But the Moroccans displayed great self-belief to equalise in the nick of time through Issa Diop on 90+1′. The Atlas Lions were just hanging by a thread, but pushed the match into a Tie-break. Justin Kluivert, Timber and Summerville missed for the Dutch, while El Aynaoui and the experienced Achraf Hakimi missed for Morocco. It all came down to Ismael Saibari, who once again showed great temperament and scored to keep Morocco alive and eliminate the Netherlands from the World Cup.
Two Giants of Europe Eliminated
Two giants of Europe were eliminated in the cauldron of penalty kicks. Germany were hard done by the disallowed goal and will be sulking for sure.
A Public Holiday in Paraguay As Brazil & Morocco Keep Hopes Alive
Paraguay had their best result in the World Cup and deserved every bit of it. Their President has declared a public holiday to celebrate this achievement. Brazil and then the Moroccans fought hard, very hard, to keep their hopes alive.
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