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Supp. Six 'G-reat'

  • Jun 19, 2018
  • 3 min read

The end of the English Premier League season immediately saw a shift in focus toward the World Cup for England as the players and media descended on St. Georges Park to prepare for another venture into the World’s grandest sporting event. The group went in to the tournament on the back of another near flawless qualifying campaign in the wake of their disastrous showing against Iceland at Euro 2016. Since that final day of drama in the nation’s top division the millions of dedicated English fans have had their eyes firmly fixed on opening day in Group G which would see Southgate’s men take on Tunisia in Volgograd.

Southgate named a predictable but exciting 11 to take the field against a sound and robust Tunisia side which proved in qualifying that it would be no push over. The game started with England swiftly moving the ball and dominating all aspects of play, with Jesse Lingard having one of several notable chances in the opening exchanges. Just 11 minutes in, Skipper Harry Kane finished from close range and the Three Lion machine looked to be well and truly flying. Sterling, a player who has faced scrutiny in the media throughout his career, would spurn a glorious chance minutes after Kane’s opening goal and England were moving the ball exceptionally well. Unlucky to be just one nil up and with Tunisia not registering a single effort on Jordan Pickford’s goal, Kyle Walker’s outstretched left arm pulled down Tunisia’s Ben Youssef and referee Wilmar Rodan awarded a penalty to the African side. Sassi made his effort the first African goal of the World Cup, putting it just beyond Pickford’s right who got a slight touch on it. England went on to huff and puff, creating and struggling to finish many of their 17 attempts until Harry Kane headed in a Harry Maguire flick on at an 89th minute corner - the Captain had struck twice and gifted England an all to important three points. Although eventually winning, England’s lack of quality in front of goal proved an all to familiar sight and although many positives can be drawn from the victory, Southgate’s men must prove they can put in a sound performance over a 90 minute period to be considered the genuine article at this World Cup.

Elsewhere, fellow Group G heavyweights Belgium took on Panama at the Fisht Stadium. The talent laden side dominated the affair and strolled to a comfortable 3-0 win. Napoli forward Dries Mertens, employed on the right in Martinez’ system hit a piledriver into the top corner when the ball dropped for him on the edge of the box to volley just inside the second half. Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku would score two as the Belgian Red Devils offered the target man plenty of quality service, Lukaku’s header being particularly due to an incredible ball from City’s Kevin De Bruyne who crafted a delivery in with the outside of his foot. The 25 year old’s second came after a well timed run was serviced with a delightful through ball from Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. The Belgians undoubtedly have the tools to go far in the tournament and it is down to manager Roberto Martinez to use these resources to allow the side to perform against a big side - something we are yet to witness.

Sweden also took on South Korea, winning 1-0. The Zlatanless side were largely dominant and Captain Granqvist struck from the spot 65 minutes in. The win sets them in good stead in Group F as they look to tople giants Germany and Mexico and progress.

 
 
 

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