jts1882
Dean Richards
It's a soft group. Russia opening against the poorest team in the competition and playing them during Ramadan made it easier still.
Or maybe not.
It's a soft group. Russia opening against the poorest team in the competition and playing them during Ramadan made it easier still.
Or maybe not.
Disappointing performance and result by Russia but not really surprised about them losing to Uruguay. Not sure why Russia rested their key player Golovin as their attack looked toothless without him. They were not helped by having a player red carded which meant they had to substitute their top scorer Cheryshev as well. Maybe Golovin was rested to prevent him getting another yellow card which will mean being suspended for the Second Round match. Or maybe they wanted to lose and finish second behind Uruguay which will mean easier half of the knockout draw. On paper, Russia would have had more chance to beat Portugal in the Second Round as they have won twice against them in recent years. In contrast, Russia has never beaten Spain in any matches before this but have drew 3-3 in a friendly last year. Uruguay are proving to be dangerous darkhorse as they have yet to concede any goals so far. The last time Uruguay didn't concede any goals in the group stage in WC 2010, they reached the semi final. Can see Uruguay troubling any team in the knockout stages.
Saudi Arabia deserves some credit for beating Egypt as they have played well in all their 3 matches in this World Cup. Saudi Arabia's win continues the good peformance of the Asia teams in this World Cup. Saudi Arabia, Iran and Japan have all won 1 of their matches while Australia drew 1 match. South Korea is the only Asian team who have lost all their matches so far. Egypt continues to be the biggest bottlers as they have lost all their matches here and are still without any win in 3 World Cups in their history.
It's a soft group. Russia opening against the poorest team in the competition and playing them during Ramadan made it easier still.