Germany vs Japan

Japan stunned four-time World Cup champions Germany with a remarkable late comeback in their opening game of this world cup. Germany dominated for a long time but failed to capitalise on their pressure.

Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan scored a penalty for Germany in the first half to give Germany the lead, but Japanese substitute Ritsu Doan equalised in the 75th minute by neatly putting the ball into an empty net.

Substitute Takuma Asano scored from a tight angle to put Japan up 2-1, and he raced over to the photographers as Japanese fans erupted in joy. They then held off some strong German pressure to emerge victorious. The outcome marked the Germans’ second straight defeat at a World Cup after they lost 2-0 to South Korea, to exit the group stage in 2018.

Croatia vs Morocco

Croatia, runner-up four years ago, began their World Cup campaign with a scoreless draw against a gritty Moroccon side at Al Bayt Stadium.

The best chance of the game came in the added minutes of the first-half, when a left-wing cross was turned towards goal by Vlasic, but the midfielder from Torino was stopped by the right leg of Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou.

Both teams may have been concerned about losing and thus the game was primarily played in the middle third of the field.

Spain vs Costa Rica

Spain started their world cup in sensational fashion as they thrashed Costa Rica 7-0 at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. Spain dominated the game as they had 81% possession, the highest in a FIFA world cup game since 1998.

The best of their seven goals, however, came from Gavi, who became the youngest World Cup goal scorer since Pele with a superb volleyed finish. The Barcelona teenager used the outside of his foot to send a dropping ball home via the post. Costa Rica couldn’t keep up with La Roja’s pace, movement, and precision when they came forward.

Olmo had some work to do when he intercepted Gavi’s deft chipped pass into the box, but he used his athleticism to hold off Oscar Duarte before darting into space and deftly slotting past the charging Keylor Navas. 

Spain pushed into the middle of the pitch unimpeded once more, until the ball was sent left to Jordi Alba, whose drove cross was met powerfully by Asensio to make it 2-0. Ferran Torres, Gavi, Soler and Morata added their name to the scoring list as Spain romped home.

Belgium vs Canada

Belgium fought hard to win their first World Cup game, but were pushed all the way by an excellent effort from Canada.

Canada was reckless in front of goal during their Group F match, especially after Alphonso Davies had a first-half penalty saved by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Courtois also had to make a good save from Alistair Johnston, but Canada were undone on the stroke of halftime when Michy Batshuayi collected Toby Alderweireld’s long pass and drove a strong left-foot finish past Canadian keeper Milan Borjan.

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