Qatar 2022 has had one of the most unpredictable starts to a World cup in recent history. Everyone loves a Cinderella story, but on the world’s biggest stage, it doesn’t happen often. To the round of 16, we go.
GROUP C
After losing their first match against Saudi Arabia, Argentina, has found itself back on top of the group with wins against Mexico and Poland. And spot #2 was up for grabs until Saudi Arabia scored against Mexico. This led to Mexico being two goals away from taking that second spot in the group. Even after their great efforts against Saudi Arabia, beating them 2-1. In dramatic fashion, Argentina and Poland both go through to the knockout round.
In Group B
England cruise with no issues taking the #1 spot in the group. The USA taking spot #2 for themselves by beating Iran 1-0 and tying England and Wales gave us enough points to try for it all in the knockout round against non-other than the Dutch.
DOG FIGHT IN GROUP E
What a final day in Group E, with every team playing for a chance to go through. Japan solidified the 1st spot with an unprobeable win against the powerhouse Spain; with Japan winning, it sent Spain to the #2 spot. Leaving Germany to just watch as their dream to win their 5th cup came to an end, even after doing their job and beating Costa Rica 4-2 in their final match.
Group F saw an African nation in Morocco leading a group in a World cup for the first time since 1998, with Croatia taking the second spot. The clear favorites in this group were Belgium and Croatia, but after a match against each other, Belgium needed the 3 points to go through. They came up short, with Romelu Lukaku having 3 clear chances for a goal. The Belgian striker was visibly upset after the match and even shed a tear or two as he realized it was time to go home.
MEANWHILE IN GROUP H
The Portuguese team is very comfortable sitting at 1 after winning their first 2 games. Uruguay tried to fight to get in, beating Ghana 2-0 in their final game, but it wasn’t enough. Korea put a stunner on Portugal, defeating the powerhouse with Cristiano Ronaldo 2-1 and punching a ticket to the knockout round at the #2 pot.
There is still lots of soccer to get to, but it is safe to say that this cup has seen a fair share of upsets and disappointments, unlike other World cups in recent memory. Who will hold the cup when it is all said and done? Time will tell. To the round of 16, we go.
5 for 5 Philadelphia sports fan. Originally from Peru been watching soccer since I was five years old, first sport I fell in love with.
