Matteo Carnevale, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Meanwhile in Moscow: Belgium Come Back Captain Tsubasa-Style

July 5, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Belgium, Japan, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018

Overconfidence could have costed much to Belgium, which snatched a last-minute 3-2 win over Japan in a wonderful Round of 16 game played in Rostov. The Belgians had to receive two violent slaps from the Samurais that really put them with their back against the wall, before they would stop contemplating themselves, and work out a plan to win their game.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Neymar Extends Mexican World Cup Curse

July 3, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Brazil, Meanwhile In Moscow, Mexico, World Cup, World Cup 2018

Still not a sparkling Brazil the one seen yesterday in Samara, but a solid and concrete team. That was enough for the Selecao to move into the Quarter Finals, in a World Cup with a keen for brusquely showing the exit door to most of the favorite teams. Coach Tite’s selection moved past Mexico with goals by Neymar and Roberto Firmino.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Croatia Win Penalty Lottery Over Denmark

July 2, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Croatia, Denmark, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018

Another penalty shootout lottery, another goalkeeping drama in the 4th game of the Round of 16 between Croatia and Denmark. Danijel Subasic saved three penalties, Kasper Schmeichel did the same – but one of them was kicked during extra time, and thus the shootout roulette promoted the Croatians after an infinite struggle in Nizhny Novgorod.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Akinfeev’s Redeem Makes History for Russia

July 2, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Meanwhile In Moscow, Russia, Spain, World Cup, World Cup 2018

The life of a goalkeeper is made of single events that can change a career, for the best or for the worse. 4 years ago in Brazil, Igor Akinfeev had condemned Fabio Capello’s Russia to a disappointing early exit with two colossal blunders. But yesterday, he redeemed himself by saving two penalties from Spain, pushing the host country into the World Cup Quarter Finals.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Cavani’s Brace Ends CR7’s Dream

July 1, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Meanwhile In Moscow, Portugal, Uruguay, World Cup, World Cup 2018

Edinson Cavani put together an impressive performance last night in Sochi, sealed by a killer brace, to push Uruguay ahead of Portugal and into the Quarter Finals. Cristiano Ronaldo found himself trapped into coach Oscar Tabarez’s spider web, and ultimately had to bid farewell to World Cup 2018, just like Leo Messi had to do earlier in the afternoon.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Mbappé Cancels Messi In Epic 4-3 Win

July 1, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Argentina, France, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018

He is not even 20, and maybe that’s the least impressive thing about Kylian Mbappé, who led France to an epic 4-3 over Argentina yesterday in the first World Cup Round of 16 game, at the end of an unforgettable battle that also featured sensational goals on the part of Angel Di Maria and Benjamin Pavard. Absent without leave, once again, was Leo Messi.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Belgium, One Goal to Conspiracy

June 28, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Belgium, England, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018

A beautiful goal to England by lost talent Adnan Januzaj secured Belgium’s first place in World Cup Group H, in a match where both coaches Gareth Southgate and Roberto Martinez seemed more willing to preserve their top players, than go for the win - as qualifying from the second spot of the pool meant gaining access to an easier part of the knock-out phase bracket.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Brazil Ramp Up, Beat Serbia

June 28, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Brazil, Meanwhile In Moscow, Serbia, World Cup, World Cup 2018

In a tournament where the traditional gods of football have been overthrown or forced to abdicate, Brazil had the merit of simply doing their part last night in Moscow, beating Serbia 2-0 with goals by Paulinho and Thiago Silva. Coach Tite’s Selecao controlled an unexpectedly remissive Serbian side, striking at the right moment, and showing glimpses of their talent.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Croatia Second Lines Don’t Forgive

June 27, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Croatia, Iceland, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018

Croatia completed their clean round in World Cup Group D in Rostov last night, as they beat Iceland 2-1 to secure their first place in the so-called “Group of Death.” With the qualification already in his pocket after two games, Coach Zlatko Dalic operated a massive turnover, which still didn’t prevent the Vatreni from honoring their last match.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Quaresma Qualifies Portugal

June 26, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Iran, Meanwhile In Moscow, Portugal, World Cup, World Cup 2018

The beauty of the last round of matches in the World Cup Group Stage lies in simultaneity, something not seen very often in modern football. In a thrilling swing of last minute emotions, Portugal saw the first place in Group B slipping out their hands tonight, as they conceded a penalty kick to Iran during stoppage time, just as Spain leveled their game with Morocco.

Meanwhile in Moscow: England Burst Through Panama

June 24, 2018 Matteo Carnevale England, Meanwhile In Moscow, Panama, World Cup, World Cup 2018

In a World Cup Group G where goal difference could be a tie-breaker for catching the first spot, England closed their gap with Belgium today by smashing 6-1 a Panamanian side that objectively proved inadequate for a world stage. Harry Kane scored three of those goals, suddenly jumping to the top of the scorers list. John Stones (2), and Jesse Lingard rounded up the score.

Meanwhile in Moscow: Die Mannschaft Never Die

June 23, 2018 Matteo Carnevale Germany, Meanwhile In Moscow, Sweden, World Cup, World Cup 2018

They are indestructible. You can love them or hate them, but there’s no doubt that Germany are one step above any team when it comes to mental fortitude. For more than 20 minutes last night, the Germans were losing 0-1 to Sweden, and virtually out of the World Cup. Still, the full time score read 2-1 for Die Mannschaft, thanks to a late goal by Tony Kroos.

Author: Matteo Carnevale