The second matchday of the 2022 World Cup provided a clearer picture of where each team stands. There were surprising results as well as standout individual performances throughout.
Wales 0-2 Iran
A match that seemed destined to end in a drab goalless draw sprang to life in the closing stages. Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey received a needless red card after a head-height tackle on Mehdi Taremi. Iran took full advantage and scored two goals late into stoppage time to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
Qatar 1-3 Senegal
The host country became the first team to be eliminated from the tournament after losing to the Lions of Teranga. It was another one-sided loss by a Qatar team clearly out of their depth. Senegal were never really challenged as goals scored by Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, and Bamba Dieng ensured that they still had a chance to make the World Cup knockout stage.
Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador
Louis van Gaal made several changes to his Netherlands team after their opening victory over Senegal. These changes ended up backfiring as the Oranje were completely unconvincing and showed little to no cohesion throughout. Ecuador took advantage and claimed a share of the points.
England 0-0 United States
Following their dominant victory over Iran, England were sent back down to earth by a resolute United States team. The Three Lions were a shadow of the team that took Iran apart; Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling were especially disappointing. The US almost clinched the upset later, but Christian Pulisic's shot came back off the crossbar.
Tunisia 0-1 Australia
This match between Group D's two underdog teams was decided by a first-half Mitchell Duke goal. Australia's victory was their first at a World Cup in 12 years. As for Tunisia, it doesn't get any easier for them - their last group match with their World Cup fate on the line will be against France.
Poland 2-0 Saudi Arabia
Poland claimed a crucial victory which was largely against the run of play. The match was highlighted by two crucial moments; the first of these was Poland goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny's spectacular double-save to deny Salem Al-Dawsari's penalty and Mohammed Al-Breik's follow-up attempt. Robert Lewandowski later scored his first career World Cup goal.
France 2-1 Denmark
Kylian Mbappé further burnished his glowing reputation on international football's biggest stage by scoring the two goals that sent France into the round of 16. Despite the narrow margin of victory, France were in control for almost the entire match. It's safe to say that Les Bleus have defied the reigning champions' curse.
Argentina 2-0 Mexico
A clash in which goalscoring chances were few and far between was eventually settled by Lionel Messi's eighth career World Cup goal and a stunning strike from Enzo Fernández. Argentina continued to be Mexico's World Cup bane with a fourth straight World Cup victory against El Tri. Mexico must now beat Saudi Arabia to stand any chance of reaching the last 16.
Japan 0-1 Costa Rica
Despite only having one shot on target in the entire match, Costa Rica made it count. Thanks to Keysher Fuller's 81st-minute goal, Costa Rica put themselves back in the running for a last-16 spot. This was a result that not many would have seen coming, given the two teams' contrasting fortunes in their respective first group matches.
Belgium 0-2 Morocco
Belgium came out completely flat following pre-match comments from their own players which dismissed their chances of winning the tournament. Romain Saïss opened the scoring before Zakaria Aboukhlal finished Belgium off in stoppage time. Belgium now stand on the brink of a shocking group-stage exit - something they haven't experienced since 1998.
Croatia 4-1 Canada
After conceding the first goal with only a little more than a minute on the clock, Croatia never looked back. Andrej Kramarić scored two goals as Croatia completely outclassed their North American opponents. Canada's loss saw them eliminated from the tournament.
Spain 1-1 Germany
Needing to avoid defeat to stay alive in the tournament, Germany barely managed to finish with a draw. Niclas Fullkrug's late equalizer matched fellow substitute Álvaro Morata's 62nd-minute goal. Germany must now beat Costa Rica to advance to the last 16, while Spain require a draw against Japan to do likewise.
Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
Serbia squandered a 3-1 lead to drop two costly points. Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's goals ensured that the Indomitable Lions claimed a share of the points. Both teams will now have to win their respective final group matches in order to stand any chance of advancing to the last 16.
South Korea 2-3 Ghana
Ghana fended off South Korea's comeback from two goals behind to claim a crucial victory. Ajax striker Mohamed Kudus lived up to the hype around him by scoring two goals to lead Ghana to the win. He as well as his opposite number Cho Gue-sung became the first players in their countries' respective histories to score two goals in the same World Cup match.
Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
Brazil's second straight victory saw them advance from the group stage for a record-extending 14th consecutive World Cup. Casemiro's late goal was enough to give the Seleção all three points. Switzerland, on the other hand, struggled throughout - they were not able to muster even one shot on target.
Portugal 2-0 Uruguay
A Bruno Fernandes double sealed Portugal's spot in the round of 16. This was a much-improved performance by Portugal after struggling to beat Ghana during the first matchday. Uruguay, who have been dismal in both their matches thus far, will now have to beat Ghana to qualify for the next round.
Now for my predictions for the last World Cup group stage matchday:
Ecuador vs Senegal
Netherlands vs Qatar
Iran vs United States
Wales vs England
Tunisia vs France
Australia vs Denmark
Poland vs Argentina
Saudi Arabia vs Mexico
Croatia vs Belgium
Canada vs Morocco
Japan vs Spain
Costa Rica vs Germany
South Korea vs Portugal
Ghana vs Uruguay
Serbia vs Switzerland
Cameroon vs Brazil
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