World Cup 2018

-So today I'm going to be talking about Fifa 2018 World Cup. I'm not really a football person so feel free to correct me when I'm wrong. I want to appreciate Mayowa for proposing this idea and also for his contribution.

Soo as you all know, Russia is hosting this year's World Cup. It started on the 14th of June and it is to end on the 15th of July 2018. It is said to be the most expensive World Cup ever with an estimated cost of $14.2 billion. 

32 national teams are to compete, 31 of which are determined through qualifying rounds and the automatically qualified host team which is Russia. 

Opening ceremony took place on 14th of June, 2018 at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The Match between Russia and Saudi Arabia followed. 

Thursday 14th June

Russia vs Saudi Arabia

Russia literally flogged Saudi Arabia, with a final score of 5-0. The match was rather a sad one. Russia had their field day toying with the Saudi Arabian players. The latter team lacked a proper defense strategy, a decent goal keeper and most of a vibe. Maybe it was because they were fasting, who knows. Russia's defensive midfielder Yury Gazinsky, opened the show by scoring at the 12th minute. Another goal was scored 43 minutes into the game by a wonderful strike made by Denis Cheryshev. 71 minutes into the game, substitute Artem Dzyuba made the third goal of the day. The 4th goal was made by Cheryshev at stoppage time and the final goal was made by Golovin with a free-kick moments later. And that's how Russia made their first win. 

Friday 15th June

Egypt vs Uruguay

In my opinion, this was really a tough match. Both teams had mad defense strategy but the tie was broken when Jose Gimenez scored at the 89th-minute with a powerful header which secured the win for Uruguay. Though they didn't have Mohamed Salah, who was benched due to shoulder injury he sustained last month, Egypt still fought back. Also I want to give a big kudos to Egypt's goalkeeper, Mohamed El-Shenawy, that guy deserves an accolade. Final score was 0-1. 

Morocco vs  Iran

Simply a tough game, both teams played their best but were unable to break the tie. After an agonizing on on the edge 94 minutes into the game, Iran's offense awoke and forced Morocco to make an own goal. A late foul from Morocco awarded Iran a free kick from the left wing. A sweeping cross from Ehsan Hajsafi missed its target, Mehdi Torabi, but found the head of Morocco's forward Aziz Bouhaddouz leading to a sad own goal and securing the win for Iran. Final score: 0-1

Portugal vs Spain

A Tied game. with the final Score of 3-3. Portugal's star Cristiano Ronaldo scored all the goals for portugal. His dramatic hat trick at the 88th minute rescued Portugal from her imminent failure, tying the game at 3-3. Spain's Diego da Silva Costa scored two goals in the match and Nacho scored the final goal for Spain at the 58th minute. 

Saturday 16th June

France vs Australia

Game ended at 2-1, France leading. After 58 long minutes of tossing the ball around running and attempting to score, France's Antoine Griezmann opened the show by scoring the first VAR penalty decision in the history of World Cup. Good thing he scored that goal or it would have been a total waste of priceless decision. Michael Jidenak leveled the playing field by scoring Australia's first goal in the match. Paul Pogba scored a late goal, securing a win for France.

Argentina vs Iceland

Another tie in this year's World Cup. Argentina's Sergio Aguero scored the first goal at the 19th minute, leading Iceland for a good 4 minutes before Iceland's Finnbogason scored  Iceland's first goal, stripping Argentina of their winner title and tying the game. Lionel Messi had a chance to secure Argentina's win with a penalty but the ball was saved by Iceland's goalkeeper.  Final Score: 1-1 

Peru vs Denmark

Game ended at 0-1, Denmark winning. After a fruitless first half, Denmark's Yusuf Poulsen scored the only goal in the match securing Denmark's win. 

Croatia vs Nigeria

The match began at a fast tempo, with both sides trying to figure the tactical set up of each other. But it was the Croats who settled faster, with the midfielders 'modic and rakitic' pulling the strings and forcing a corner off Nigeria's shehu Abdullahi. The early Croatian pressure continued, with Nigeria fashioning their real opportunity on 11 minutes. After an initial scramble on the right hand side of the Croatian half, Nigerian captain Mikel got the better of his counterpart Modric ,to deliver a good cross, which was caught by Subasic in goal. Minutes later, Croatia fashioned their first own real chance, with Mario Mandzukic teeing up Perisic, but he could only fire over the woodwork. His quality suggesting he should have done better. Kramaric was next for the Croats, dragging his shot wide of the target. 

The midfield trio of Rakitic, Modric and Rebic were outnumbering and causing all sorts of problems in the middle of the park. On 32 minutes the pressure paid off. Mandzukic teed up ( with a chest pass , on the edge of the Nigerian box) Rebic, his resulting shot deflected out for a corner. A Modric corner was flicked on by Mandzukic, with Etebo redirecting the ball into the back of the net for an own goal. 

Nigeria tried to reorganize themselves to find an equalizer, but the lack of creativity in the middle was telling, with the midfield trio of Croatia continuing to boss the affair.

Croatia should have done two up on 42 minutes , when Vrsaljjo found space but sliced his shot wide.

It was Nigeria who had the final chance of the first half, after a foul by Rebic on Moses resulted in a free kick sung into the box by Nigeria. Causing a scramble and panic with moses twisting a d turning finding iwobi , who had a shot blocked and easily caught by Subasic. Croatia deservedly in front at the break.

The beginning of the second half saw a more organized Nigeria, with wherever Gernot Rhor telling his wards at the break having a great effect. Nigeria playing down the flanks forced Croatia into 3 successive corners. Nigeria continued to search for the equalizer,with moses seeing a lot of the ball down the left flank. On 60 minutes as a result of pressure from Nigeria, Croatia were forced into a tactical change with Brozovic replacing Kramaric. To add more steel and keep possession in the middle of the park.

Despite Nigerian pressure, it was Croatia who added a second. Troost- Ekong holding Mandzukic from behind, as a corner was sung in by Modric. Modric calmly slotting home, sending Uzoho the wrong way on 71 minutes.Nigeria desperate the find any footing in the contest sent on Iheanacho for ighalo immediately on 72 minutes. 4 minutes later Iheanancho had a desperate attempt flashing wide of the target.

With Nigeria streaming forward to score, they left the back exposed, and kovacic had a great chance to further punish Nigeria, but the 19 year old Uzoho got his angles correct, diving fast and saving well to his left hand side.

Final score: Croatia 2- O Nigeria.

Credit goes to Oshomoji for his wonderful condition on this match. 

Sunday 17th June

Costa Rica vs Serbia

After a scrappy first half, Serbia's Aleksandar Kolarov score a superb free-kick, giving Serbia a clean win. Final Score: 0-1.

Germany vs Mexico

Defending champions, Germany, crashed as they experienced their first defeat since 1982 as Mexico's Hirving Lozano brought victory to Mexico at the 32nd minute. All efforts by Germany to equalize were futile. Mexico had a tight defense, frustrating Germany's attempt to secure a goal for themselves. Match ended with a final score of 0-1. 

Brazil vs Switzerland

Another tie recorded in the 2018 World Cup with final score of 1-1. This match was brutal. Switzerland played physical and fouled plenty in order to slow Brazil's rhythm. Philippe Coutinho scored Brazil's first goal with his awesome signature curler in the first half. Unfortunately for Brazil, Switzerland's Steven Zuber scored a goal, pushing Brzil's João in the process. No foul was given and the goal was awarded. 

Monday 18th June

Sweden vs South Korea 

After a first half full of attempts and disappointments, Sweden's Andrea Granqvist scored the first goal of the day 20 minutes into the second half after he was awarded a penalty by the VAR. Overall, South Korea played a sloppy game even though they looked like the stronger team for majority of the match. Final score: 1-0

Belgium vs Panama

Belgium labored throughout the first half but all goals came in the second half. Panama's resistance didn't last long as Belgium's Dies Mertens' shot found the back of the net, 2 minutes after the commencement of the second half. Belgium secured another goal as Romelu Lukaku headed De Bruyne's ball into the box from 8 yards out. Lukaku scored Belgium's final ball when he volleyed the ball over Jaime Penedo and into the net. Final score: 3-0.

Tunisia vs England

England's Harry Kane opened the floor by scoring England's first goal, 12 minutes into the game. Tunisia's Fejani Sassi equalized the match by scoring a penalty at the 35th minute. When all hope was assumed to be lost for England rising above Tunisia, Kane scored a sweet goal, 1 minute after stoppage time, rescuring England and breaking the tie. Final Score: 1-2. 

Tuesday 19th June 

Colombia vs Japan

Shinji Kagawa of Japan scored a penalty 6 minutes after the start of the match. A tie was formed when Colomibia's Juan Quintero produced a moment of brilliance from a free kick and "sneaks it into the near post" few minutes to the end of first half.  But 73 minutes in, Japan was awarded a corner kick and Yuya Osaka headed the ball in, granting Japan her victory. Final score: 1-2.

Poland vs Senegal

A few minutes to the end of first half, a tragedy happened. Poland's Thiago Cionek scored an own goal, awarding Senegal her first goal. M'baye Niage of Senegal complimented this goal by scoring his own in the 60th minute. Poland's Grzegorz Krychowiak scored Poland's first goal 4 minutes to stoppage time. At the end of the day, Senegal went home the winner. Final score: 1-2

Russia vs Egypt

For this game, Egypt had Mohammed Salah back on the field. He scored the 73rd-minute penalty securing Egypt's only goal in the match. The first goal of the day was scored when Aleksandr Golovin intercepted a shot from 25 yards out that was headed well wide but somehow found the legs of Russia's Artem Dzyuba and Egypt's Ahmed Fathi who were tangling 8 yards out. Unfortunately,  this lead to an own goal against Egypt. The second goal was scored by Russia's Cheryshev at the 59th minute and the 3rd and final goal for Russia was scored by Dzyuba. The match ended with Russia wining and the final scores being 3-1.

Wednesday 20th June

Portugal vs Morocco

Cristiano Ronaldo heads in a corner kick 4 minutes into the game and led Portugal to victory. Portugal was able to successfully frustrate Morocco's attempts to equalize. Final score: 1-0

Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia

Uruguay's Luis Suarez scored the first and only goal in the match at the 23rd minute. This goal not only booked Uruguay a place in the knockout stage but eliminated Saudi Arabia. Final score: 1-0.

Iran vs Spain

Spain earned her first goal in the 2018 World Cup during this match, narrowly beating Iran. The first and only goal was scored when Iran's defender tried to kicked the ball away but instead of going away, the ball hit Spain's Diego Costa and found its way into the net. Lets just say, luck was on Spain's side today. Final score: 0-1. 

Thursday 21st June

Denmark vs Australia

Christian Eriksen gave Denmark a good head start 7 minutes into the game but about 30 minutes later, the VAR confirmed a handball in the box and awarded a penalty kick to Australia. Australia's Michael Jedinak took advantage of this opportunity and equalized the game. Both teams tried to break the tie but neither could finish. Final score: 1-1

France vs Peru

A lone goal from Kylian Mbappé when he tapped in Pogba's ball into the back of the net made France the winner of the match. Although Peru stepped up and dominated the second half, they weren't able to equalize the game. Final score: 1-0

Croatia vs Argentina

This is definitely the march that shocked most football fans and Nigerians. Croatia destroyed Argentina totally. Argentina was so helpless during the game even though they had Lionel Messi. Ante Rebic scored a goal as a result of Argentina's goalkeeper's error when he gave the ball to him mistakenly.  Luka Modrić's ball found the back of the net at the 80th minute and finally, Ivan Rakitić gave Croatia their final goal in stoppage time. Final Score: 3-0

Friday 22nd June

Brazil vs Costa Rica

Final score: 2-0, with Brazil emerging the winner. After a fruitless first half and second half, both goals were scored during stoppage time. Brazil's Philipe Courtinho scored the first goal a minute after stoppage time. 6 minutes later, Neymar Jr scored the final goal.

Serbia vs Switzerland

Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrović scored the first and only goal for Serbia 5 minutes after the match started. Although all of Switzerland's attempts in the first half were futile, they didn't let the second half pass them by. A sweet goal by Granit Xhaka at the 52nd-minute awarded Switzerland their first goal. 38 minutes later, Xherdan Shaqiri scored another for Switzerland, breaking the tie. Final Score: 1-2.

Nigeria vs Iceland

Nigeria really made us proud during this match. After the tough battle during the first half, Ahmed Musa scored a very sweet goal at the 49th minute. As if that wasn't enough, he decided to seal the deal with another fantastic goal at the 75th minute, making him our hero of the day. Final score: 2-0.

Saturday 23rd June

Belgium vs Tunisia

Belgium's Eden Hazard began the battle by scoring a penalty at the 6th minute. Romelu Lukaku followed suit by scoring another goal 10 minutes late. Dylan Bronn decided to show Belgium that Tunisia was also capable by scoring Tunisia's first goal 2 minutes after Lukaku's goal. Lukaku decided to show them that Belgium wasn't going to back down either by scoring another goal at 45+3'. Michy Batshuayi scored Belgium's final goal at the 90th minute. 3 minutes later, Wahbi Khazri scored another goal for Tunisia. Final score: 5-2.

Germany vs Sweden

After failed attempts, Sweden's Nils Toivonen scored the first goal, 32 minutes into the match. Germany equalized in the second half when Marco Reus scored. Everyone thought the match was going to end in a tie but Germany's Toni Kroos scored a really late goal 5 minutes after stoppage time. The goal from Kroos broke the tie and secured Germany's victory. Final score: 2-1.

South Korea vs Mexico

Mexico's Carlos Vela awarded Mexico their first goal in the match at the 26th minute when he score a penalty. Javier Hernandez followed suite 40 minutes later, scoring the second goal. Son Heung-Min decided that South Korea won't leave the match goalless so he scored South Korea's first goal 3 minutes after stoppage time. Final score: 1-2

Sunday 24th June

England vs Panama

This was another case of brutal flogging. England humiliated Panama by scoring 6 goals to 1. John Stones scored twice at the 8th and 40th minutes. Harry Kane scored two penalties at 25th minute and 45+1' and scored his third goal at the 62nd minute. Jesse Lingard scored his goal at the 36th minute. though Panama was trashed, they didn't go down without inflicting their own blow. Felipe Baloy scored Panama's only goal at the 78th minute.

Poland vs Columbia

This can be classified as a minor case of flogging. Poland couldn't retaliate as the watched helplessly as Columbia score 3 goals against them. The first goal was scored by Yerry Mina at the 40th minute. Radamel Falcao's goal followed next 30 minutes later and Juan Cuadrado's goal was served as topping at the 75th minute. Final score: 0-3.

 Japan vs Senegal

This was a game of tag. "You're it", "No, you're it". But it ended in a tie. Senegal's Sadio Mané made the first goal at the 11th minute and his goal was equalized by Japan's Takashi Inui 21 minutes later. Moussa Wagué scored another for Senegal at the 71st minute but Japan's Keisuke Honda equalized the match at the 78th minute. Final Score: 2-2

Monday 25th June

Saudi Arabia vs Egypt

Egypt's star, Mohamed Salah, scored the first goal in the match 22 minutes into after the start of the match. Salman Al-Faraj equalized the match by scoring a penalty 6 minutes after the end of first half. Salem Al-Dawsari broke the tie and secured a win for Saudi Arabia 5 minutes after stoppage time. All Saudi Arabia's goals were scored in extra time. Final Score: 2-1

Iran vs Portugal

The game ended in a tie, each team scoring 1 goal each. Ricardo Quaresma scored Portugal's goal at the 45th minute and Karim Ansarifard tied the match 3 minutes after stoppage time.

Uruguay vs Russia

Another flogging. Well the tables have turned and Russia was on the receiving this time. Luis Suarez scored the first goal 10 minutes into the match. Denis Cheryshev decided to doom his country by scoring an own goal against his team at the 23rd minutes. Edison Cavani ended the scoring streak at the  90th minute. Final score: 3-0

Spain vs Morocco

Another game of "You're it", "No, you're it". Morocco's Khalid Boutaïb began the game by scoring the first goal at the 14th minute. Francisco Isco equalized the match 5 minutes later. Youssef En-Nesyri threw another blow at Spain at the 81st minute and Iago Aspas retaliated 10 minutes later. Final score: 2-2.

Tuesday 26th June

Australia vs Peru

Peru was the winner of this match scoring 2 goals to 0. The first goal was scored by André Carrillo at the 18th minute. José Guerrero scored another goal for Peru in the second half.

Denmark vs France

A game of trial and error. Both teams were unable to score during the game. Final Score: 0-0

Nigeria vs Argentina

This match cost Nigeria its place in the World Cup match. The only goal by Nigeria was gotten when Victor Moses scored a penalty in the second half. Lionel Messi scored Argentina's first goal 14 minutes into the match. When everyone thought it was going to be a tie, Argentina's Faustino Rojo scored another goal in the 86th minute, breaking the tie and securing Argentina's place in the World Cup. Final score: 1-2

Iceland vs Croatia

After a fruitless first half, Croatia's Milan Badelj scored the first goal 8 minutes after the commencement of the second half. Iceland succeeded in creating a tie when Gylfi Sigurðsson scored a penalty in the 76th minute. Unfortunately for Iceland, the tie was broken by Ivan Perišić in the 90th minute. Final score, 1-2.

Wednesday 27th June

Mexico vs Sweden

No goals were scored in the first half. Sweden decided to up their game in the second half and were able to score 2 solid goals and 1 goal was awarded to them by Mexico's very own Edson Álvarez. The goals were scored by Hans Augustinsson, Andreas Granqvist. Final score: 0-3

South Korea vs Germany

South Korea defeated Germany, scoring 2 goals to Nil. All the goals made by South Korea were scored after stoppage time by Kim Young-gwon who score 3 minutes after the stoppage time and Son Heung-min who scored 3 minutes later.

Switzerland vs Costa Rica

Here we have another game of tag. Switzerland's Blerim Džemaili scored first and the game was equalized by Costa Rica's Kendall Waston. Switzerland made another goal to rise above Costa Rica with the help of Josip Drmić but Switzerland's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, scored and own goal and awarded Costa Rica their final goal, creating a tie. Final score: 2-2

Serbia vs Brazil

Brazil emerged the winner of this match, scoring 2 goals to Nil. Brazil's goals we scored by José Paulinho in the 36th minute and Thiago Emiliano da Silva in the 68th minute.

Thursday 30th June

Senegal vs Columbia

Game ended in 0-1 with Columbia's Yerry Fernando Mina scoring the only goal in the match at the 74th minute. 

Japan vs Poland

Game ended with a final score of 0-1 with Poland's Jan Kacper Bednarek  scoring the only goal in the match at the 59th minute.

England vs Belgium

Final score: 0-1. After a trial and error first half, Belgium managed to scale through and emerge the winner with the help of Adnan Januzaj who scored at the 51st minute.

Panama vs Tunisia

Tough game but luck was on Panama's side. Tunisia's Meriah scored an own goal against his own team and awarded Panama their only goal. But Tunisia decided to turn the tables by equalizing the match at the 51st minute. Tunisia didn't stop there. Khazri scored another goal at the 66th minute, breaking the tie and awarding the victory to Tunisia. Final score: 1-2

Saturday 30th June

France vs Argentina

Final score: 4-3. First goal was scored by France when Greizmann made good use of the penalty opportunity 13 minutes after the commencement of the game. Second goal was scored by Argentina's Angel Di Maria at the 41st minute. Third goal was scored by Argentina's Gabriel Mercado 7 minutes after Di Maria's goal. At this point, France decided to wake up and Benjamin Pavard succeeded in creating a tie. The time was broken by Kylian Mbappe who rose France to first place in the match. 4 minutes later, he stole the show again, awarding France its 4th goal in the match. 3 minutes after stoppage time, Argentina's Sergio Aguero scored Argentina's third goal but it was too late to rise above France.

Uruguay vs Portugal 

Edinson Cavani was Uruguay's hero of the day. He scored all the goals for Uruguay in this match. He scored the first goal 7 minutes into the match and the second goal at the 62nd minute. Portugal on the other hand scored only one goal which was scored by Pepe at the 55th minute. Final score: 2-1.

Sunday 1st July

Spain vs Russia

Game ended in a tie with each team scoring one goal each. Spain was actually awarded the goal by Russia's Sergey Ignashevich who scored an own goal at the 12th minute. Russia did everything possible to annul this mistake and Artem Dzyuba pulled through and scored Russia's only goal in the match. Final score: 1-1

Croatia vs Denmark

This match was a surprising match. Both teams scored at the opening 4 minutes. Denmark scored the fastest goal in the 2018 World Cup, scoring their only goal 1 minute after the commencement opf the match. Croatia followed suite and scored at the 4th minute. Final score: 1-1

I guess all the games played on the 1st of July ended in 1-1. The first day of the second half of the year, each team ended up scoring 1 goal. HMMMMM....

Monday 2nd July

Brazil vs Mexico

Final score: 2-0. Brazil had a field day. Neymar Jr scored the first goal in the second half. Roberto Firmino followed suite 37 minutes later. 

Belgium vs Japan

Just when Japan scored the first two goals in the match. I'm very sure they thought they thought they were going to win. Unfortunately for them, Belgium woke up and their first goal 17 minutes after Japan's Takashi Inui scored. Marouane Fellaini scored and equalized the match. 4 minutes after stoppage time, Nacer Chadli scored another goal for Belgium, making Belgium the winner of the match. Final score: 3-2

Tuesday 3rd July 

Sweden vs Switzerland

After a fruitless first half, Sweden's Emil Forsberg decided to end Sweden's suffering by scoring the goal of the match at the 66th minute. Final score: 1-0

Columbia vs England

Harry Kane was the man of the match. He awarded England its only goal in the match by scoring a penalty at 57th minute. 3 minutes after stoppage time, Yerry Mina tied the match. Final score: 1-1.

Friday 6th July

Uruguay vs France

The game ended with a final score of 0-2. France was able to emerge the victor of this match with the help of Raphaël Varane who scored at the 40th minute and Antoine Griezmann who scored the final goal of the match at the 61st minute.

Brazil vs Belgium

The scoring spree was opened when Brazil's Fernando Fernandinho scored an own goal and awarded Belgium its first goal in the match. Belgium's De Bruyne complimented this goal by scoring one for his team at the 31st second. Brazil decided to sit up in the second half and Renato Augusto was able score one for the team. Final score: 1-2.

Saturday 7th July 

Russia vs Croatia

This match was a special one. Both teams played overtime. The first goal was scored by Russia's Denis Cheryshev. The second was scored by Croatia's Andrej Kramarić 8 minutes later. Domagoj Vida scored another for Croatia at the 101st minute and Russia's Mário Fernandes tied the game in the 115th minute. Below are the penalties played after the match. Credit: Wikipedia.com

 Sweden vs England

Sweden was eliminated at the end of this match while England advanced to the Semifinals. Jacob Miguire and Bamidele Alli were the only goal scores of this match. Both scored one goal each. Final score: 0-2.

Semi-Finals.

Tuesday 10th July

France vs Belgium

 France was able to score a goal which was their ticket to the finals. The goal was scored by Samuel Umtiti. Final score: 1-0

Friday 11th July

Croatia vs England

England's Kieran Trippier open the show 5 minutes after the starting whistle. They dominated the first half but sadly, the victory didn't last long. Croatia sat up in the second half and Ivan Perišić equalized the match. Mario Mandžukić scored the final goal in the 109th minute, awarding Croatia their own ticket to the finals. Final score: 2-1.

Third Place play-off

Belgium vs England  

4 minutes after the starting whistle, Thomas Meunier scored Belgium's first goal. Eden Hazard followed suite and scored another goal for Belgium, making Belgium come in 3rd in the World cup. Final score: 2-0.

FINALS!!!!!

France vs Croatia

The long awaited finals. Two countries go head to head to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The two countries who made it to the finals are France and Croatia. Unfortunately for Croatia, its very own Mario Mandžukić handed France its first goal by scoring an own goal. Ivan Perišić annulled this mistake and scored one for his country, equalizing the game. France's Antoine Griezmann took advantage of the penalty awarded to him and broke the tie. Paul Pogba didn't want to feel left out so he scored a superb goal for France. Our 19 year old Kylian Mbappé decided to crown France's victory with another goal. Mandžukić decided to correct his mistake by scoring his country's 2nd goal. The match ended with a final score of 4-2. From then on, it was jubilation, celebration and sliding across the pitch with a touch of rain. The medals were awarded and the cup was passed around. It was a glorious day for France. This is their second World Cup win after the 1998 World Cup. 

We have finally come to the end of the 2018 World Cup. Hope you guys enjoyed reading. Please feel free to comment your thoughts and correct me where I made mistakes. Don't forget to subscribe and share. God bless. ❤