Today's Games
Mexico 0-3 Sweden
Everything that could go wrong for Mexico went wrong, except of course, the fact that we were saved by the Koreans. The first five minutes of the match showed that Mexico was not prepared to face Sweden, and were caught by surprise completely. After beating Germany, we all predicted that Sweden could be defeated as well. Maybe it was an excess of confidence. Maybe the overconfidence paired with Sweden's desperation to make it through the next round played a role. The match started with two ridiculous referee mistakes against Mexico: a yellow card to Jesus Gallardo 13 seconds after the match started (the fastest card ever in a World Cup, and a foul that did not deserve a card) and a handball by the Mexican goalkeeper when he was clearly inside the box. Mexico then lost concentration, including Chicharito giving the ref probable cause for a handball (which thankfully VAR disallowed.) The team fell to pieces. I don't think the second goal should've been a penalty, as Moreno hardly touched the Swede player as a foul. But the Swede victory is unobjectionable, it was a sad day for the Mexican team. It is certainly difficult to beat Brazil, especially if they play like they did here, but not impossible. Brazil is also not in its best level, so we'll see.
South Korea 2-0 Germany
What an amazing feat by the South Koreans. They held the World Champions scoreless for pretty much the entire match, then scored two goals, defeated them, and qualified Mexico in the process. The German team suffered its worst embarrassment in its history, probably, as this is the first time that they are eliminated in the group stage, and in their group's last place! I wonder what happened. There is a story circulating that the Koreans celebrated at the end because they thought Mexico won and they were qualified too. Sorry, Korea. We don't deserve you.
Serbia 0-2 Brazil and Switzerland 2-2 Costa Rica
Well, Argentina achieved a miracle with the help of Messi and Rojo. Nigeria couldn't remain consistent and was eliminated. Croatia finished with a perfect group stage, good job by them. Either way, I can't see Argentina defeating France (although France isn't playing very well either.)
Today's Refs
Argentine referee Nestor Pitana did a terrible job in the Mexico vs Sweden. He did not directly interfere in the final score of the match, but it was an atrocious performance. The foul and yellow card he gave 13 seconds after the match started is never a yellow card. I don't understand why he viewed it as such. Chicharito did commit a penalty, although VAR said no. It is also possible that VAR said yes and Pitana made the final decision not to call it. Moreno's sliding tackle should not have been a penalty, since the Swede greatly exaggerated a clean contact. Why not go to VAR if there is doubt? If VAR will be used, the ref can't have full authority. Otherwise, they can decide just like that not to check a controversial play. Disappointing job by Pitana, who did well in the inaugural match.
American Mark Geiger had no issues in Korea v Germany, except for the last few minutes. Two South Korean goals checked by VAR, as an initial offside call was proved to be wrong.
Iranian Alireza Faghani and French Clement Turpin had no trouble in theirs.
Today's Facts
- Germany has been knocked out in the group stage for the first time in World Cup history. This also happened to reigning World Champions in 2002, 2010 and 2014. A blessing and a curse?
- Mexico and Brazil are the ONLY countries to go through the group stage of the last seven World Cups, since 1994.
- Thiago Silva became the first Brazilian defender to score in two separate World Cups (2014 and 2018.)
What's Next
Monday July 2: Brazil vs Mexico, 8am FST
Tuesday July 3: Sweden vs Switzerland, 8am FST
Today's Questions
None today. Let's wait for the 6/28 recap.
Thank you all for your comments and for reading!
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Lpez
Re: 2018 World Cup
My take...
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