AWhen the Njanga defense line is drawn on paper, it looks like a chain in the water barring the entry of ships to the harbor. Even if it’s not like that during the game. Five thirds when climbing. Five once more on landing. Álvarez, Araujo, Montes, Moreno, Guillardo… the links in the chain that Mexico placed like an arch in front of their goal. Mexico looked to climb in the opening moments of the game once morest Argentina, but it soon came to an end.
There were very few occasions in the game when the ball was continuously at someone’s feet. Pant must have cursed himself. If it was possible to run with one in the open, or to rest in the net. Openings are common in any game. Only when Mexico went into the game thinking they were losing the game were the only glimpses of such greenery. There will be no other game in this World Cup that has experienced so much traffic jam.
Even when the midfield is crowded with people, you can see short passes being composed and then players getting on them. A little peace and quiet came into the game when Mexico almost stopped the game and retreated. Messi saved not only Argentina but also the game. He highlighted the rabbit from the magician’s hat.
A goal created almost out of thin air. Enzo Fernandez made the final scenes unforgettable. It is said that the league with the most fans in North America belongs to Mexico. They also regularly perform well in the World Cup. No one would have expected an unimaginative game from them. They have one more chance once morest Saudi Arabia to wash away this bitterness.
In the first game once morest Argentina, Saudi appeared as a small team, but once morest Poland, they played as an equal or “big” team. Their coach, Harvey Reno, can now be seen on YouTube talking to the players at halftime of that game. Renault blasts the players in English, saying they stood up to Messi with respect. He also asks to take a photo. Even if the fans didn’t hear Renault’s taunt at the time, the result was seen on the ground.
Saudi Arabia was likely to win once morest Poland. And to lose. Whichever happened is the law of football. Poland’s three yellow cards in the first 20 minutes will show Saudi’s attacking readiness. Saudi players are adept at kicking and dribbling the ball at their feet. They can also turn easily. Despite scoring twice once morest Argentina, they are short of a goalscorer. A Saudi Lewandowski or an Olivier Chiroux.
Polish players felt fatter and slower than Saudi players. Maybe if Poland and Denmark were playing, it wouldn’t feel like this. There were accusations that Poland was a one-man team with only Lewandowski. Of course, in the language of the game, that’s figurative, not sarcastic. Goalie Wojciech Szczesny was at the back as was Lewandowski up front.
Szesny says he made mistakes while playing for Arsenal. But it is also understood that he is a specialist in double save. Al Dausari’s penalty and then Alburaik’s attempt were saved by Szczesny. It broke the hearts of the Saudi fans, but it must have left the rest of the crowd a little surprised.
Piotr Cielenski was brought in as coach Lewandowski’s assistant. A share of the goal for Lewandowski himself. No other player knows the lay of the land in the penalty box as well. The Polish player was close even when Almalki made a mistake. It wasn’t a blind shot to the post. The Polish player looked up at Saudi goalkeeper Al Uwais’ surroundings, probably thinking that he should not miss his first World Cup goal.
There was more calculation than panic. Poland had no control over the ball, only to give the ball to Lelandowski and serve. He was also seen coming down. This experience is common for a team with only one good player. Senegal’s game would have been different if Sadio Mane had been there. It’s been a long time since we heard regarding the rise of an African team.
The performance of those teams in this World Cup is generally not exciting. Except maybe Morocco. The picture will become clear only following their second game. Croatia, which they held without scoring, was not the strong Croatia of old. Tunisia drew with Denmark but lost to Australia. Australia’s hands are industrious. They will play straight-forward football. This will be enough once morest the teams that stand with them.
Australia won despite the massive support of Tunisia’s home crowd. Soccer is still said to be behind Australian football, cricket and rugby there. Denmark have a good midfield and defence, but their lack of a goal-scorer is hampering their progress. They have failed to score once morest Tunisia. A goal once morest France was not enough.
France, on the other hand, is in no way afraid of its opponents. The lack of Pogba, Benzema or Kante hasn’t affected them too much because they have the players they want in the cupboard. Griezmann drops a little more and plans the game. Mbappe not only runs like Usain Bolty but also scores goals. Mbappé’s game looks ‘simple’ because he plays on the flanks.
But there are subtle twists and turns in that straight line. Mbappe gets things done quickly before others can think of it. We will hear more regarding Mbappe. Crackers might be heard only on two occasions during the night. One when Brazil won and second when Argentina got up from the bed and walked.
