2018 FIFA World Cup-Russia: Group Stages Part 1 Quiz

Possibly the most exciting group stages in World Cup's history, the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) had produced many surprising results.

A multiple-choice quiz by sw11. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Hosts Russia in Group A started with a resounding victory, beating Saudi Arabia by 5-0 in the opening match of the tournament. What was unique about their win?

Answer: First goal scored by a substitute in the opening game

For the first time in World Cup's history, goals were scored by substitutes in the opening match. Denis Chershev who replaced Alan Dzagoev scored two goals. Another goal scored by the second substitute Artem Dyzuba in the second half only after a few minutes he was in the match. The 5-0 margin beat the previous 4-0 opening match winning score by Brazil over Mexico in 1950.

2. In Group A, the 1-0 win by Uruguay over Egypt was their first win in their opening match since which World Cup?

Answer: 1970

This was the first win recorded by Uruguay since 1970, when they beat Israel 2-0 in their opening match. Uruguay finished fourth in the 1970 edition. The 2018 World Cup was the thirteenth time they had qualified.

3. In Group B, Iran was gifted a 1-0 win in the 89th minute by Morocco. Which was the last team they won against, in 1998?

Answer: USA

The 2018 edition was the fifth qualification for Iran. In 1998 at France, they recorded their only victory with a 2-1 win against the USA. They were eliminated in the group stage losing the other two games to Germany and FR Yugoslavia. The win over Morocco was only Iran's second in World Cup history.

4. In Group B, the exciting 3-3 draw between Spain and Portugal was the highlight of the Match Day 2. What World Cup record did Cristiano Ronaldo set in this match?

Answer: First player above the age of 30 to score three in a match

Ronaldo became the first player above the age of 30 (33 years, 130 days) to score three goals in a single match. He was the fourth player to score a goal in four World Cups. The first three were: Pele (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970), Seeler (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970) and Klose (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018).
Eusebio was the first Portuguese player to score 4 goals in a single match, against North Korea in 1966 which Portugal won 5-3, after being three goals down in the first 30 minutes.

5. In Group F, Germany hardly ever lost their first match in the World Cup, but their opening match lost to Mexico was their first since which edition?

Answer: 1982

1982 was the last time Germany (West Germany) lost the opening match when they were beaten 1-2 by Algeria. However they recovered from that loss to reach the grand final which they were defeated by Italy 1-3. Mexico recorded their first ever win against Germany in a World Cup match, after suffering three defeats in previous editions.

6. In Group G, Belgium beat first timer Panama by what score in their opening match?

Answer: 3-0

With a golden generation of talented players namely, Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne in their team, Belgium nicknamed "Red Devils" scored a convincing 3-0 win over Panama. Dries Mertens opened account in the 47th minutes and Romelu Lukaku grabbing a brace in the 69th and 75th minute.

7. In Group H, Japan surprisingly defeated Colombia in their first match. What "first" did they achieve?

Answer: First win by Asian team over South American team

The first red card of the tournament was given to Colombian player, Carlos Sanchez in the 3rd minute of play. They had to play with 10 men for more than 85 minutes of the match. The 2-1 win by Japan was the ever victory by an Asian team over a South American team in World Cup history.

8. In Group H, Senegal upset Poland with a score of 2-1. How did Senegal score their second goal?

Answer: A player receiving treatment in the sideline came into play to score

The first goal was an own goal by Poland in the 37th minute. On the hour mark, Mbaye Niang who was signaled by the official to come into field after receiving treatment scored the second goal. It was a disastrous back-pass from Senegal's half by the Polish player who was caught unaware. Niang immediately intercepted the back pass, beat the Polish goalkeeper and defender to score an open goal.

9. In Group A, Uruguay beat hosts Russia 3-0 to win their group. Who scored the second goal?

Answer: Own goal

It was own goal scored by Denis Chershev in the 23rd minute. Russia finished second in the group, they played Spain in the second round of 16. This was Russia's best performance since the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991. They only qualified once as Russia, in 2014, when they were eliminated at the group stage.

10. In Group B, who scored the spectacular first goal for Portugal in their 1-1 draw against Iran in the last group stage match?

Answer: Ricardo Quaresma

In the 45th minute, Quaresma scored the opening goal with a superb curling shot on the outside of his boot at the edge of the penalty area on the right side. Ronaldo missed a penalty in the second half. Iran equalized with a penalty in the extra time after 90th minute. Portugal qualified for the second round to meet Uruguay.

Source: Author sw11

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor gtho4 before going online.
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2018 FIFA World Cup-Russia: Group Stages Part 1 Quiz

Possibly the most exciting group stages in World Cup's history, the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR) had produced many surprising results.

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