Author: Matteo Carnevale

Meanwhile in Moscow: Wonder Belgium, 5 Goals to Tunisia!

Belgium, Meanwhile In Moscow, Tunisia, World Cup, World Cup 2018
Belgium seem ready to finally collect the fruits of their golden generation’s maturity. While Panama and Tunisia didn’t prove to be the most challenging of tests, the way coach Roberto Martìnez’s selection got rid of both was impressive. Today, they delivered 5 goals to the unfortunate North Africans, including braces by Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Xhaka-Shaqiri, Swiss Topple Serbs

Albania, Kosovo, Meanwhile In Moscow, Serbia, Switzerland, World Cup, World Cup 2018
A gritty Switzerland came from behind last night in Kaliningrad to tip Serbia over by 2-1, and make a bold step towards the World Cup 2018 Round of 16. Politics got mixed with football as goals for the Swiss came from the last two players on earth the Serbs would have wanted to see scoring – Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, both of Kosovan / Albanian heritage.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Coutinho Saves Brazil Again

Brazil, Costa Rica, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018
Brazil breathed a sigh of relief today when Philippe Coutinho finally managed to open a breach into the Costa Rican wall, which had held for 90 minutes. Neymar made it two for the Selecao during extra time, redeeming his team after a disappointing debut against Switzerland. However, qualification is still all but granted for the Brazilians.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Croatia Crush Argentina 3-0

Argentina, Croatia, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018 One comment
Too bad to be true. The Argentinian squad seen last night was an embarrassing collection of horrors assembled by their confused coach Jorge Sampaoli. Croatia, on the other hand, are one of the most dangerous side seen in the World Cup so far. They showed no mercy for the confused Albiceleste, which are now hanging by a thread in Pool C.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Spain, One Goal Is Enough

Iran, Meanwhile In Moscow, Spain, World Cup, World Cup 2018
If your only strategy is defending to death, it is probable that sooner or later you will end up conceding at least one goal. Especially if your opponent is Spain, and their striker is Diego Costa. This is what happened to Iran tonight, whose coach Carlos Queiroz prepared the game with the one and only idea of keeping the Spanish away from the Asian goal.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Russia Make it Two, Salah Bid Farewell

Egypt, Meanwhile In Moscow, Russia, World Cup, World Cup 2018
Five goals to Saudi Arabia, three to Egypt. The Russians are scary, and put one foot and a half in the knock-out phase tonight, catching their second win in a row. The match in Saint Petersburg was supposed to be Mohammed Salah’s comeback, but the Pharaohs’ star could only collect his first World Cup goal with a penalty conversion to set the score to 1-3.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Brazil, Is That All You Got?

Brazil, Meanwhile In Moscow, Switzerland, World Cup, World Cup 2018
Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic had said it the day before the match: “We will win our group.” It’s too early to say whether his prophecy fulfills, but surely snatching one point out the game with the Selecao is a promising step in the right direction. Brazil on the other hand had a staggering start, failing to win their third World Cup game in a row.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Viva Mexico! Lozano Stuns Germany

Germany, Meanwhile In Moscow, Mexico, World Cup, World Cup 2018
If we were in Joachim Low, we wouldn’t be much concerned at Germany’s 0-1 loss to Mexico in their opening match in Russia. The history of the World Cup is full of occurrences where the defending champions tripped during their first dance, and when the loss comes at the hand of such a solid and spectacular Mexican side, there is little to be ashamed about.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Messi Bumps Into Iceland Wall

Argentina, Iceland, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018
Everyone was calling for Lionel Messi to respond to Cristiano Ronaldo’s bullying debut. Underdog Iceland looked like a comfortable test on paper, yet the hero of the day turned out to be Icelandic goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson, who saved a penalty from La Pulce and led his side to a stunning 1-1 tie with Argentina in the opening match of World Cup Pool D.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Pogba Saves Bleus in Aussies Battle

Australia, France, Meanwhile In Moscow, World Cup, World Cup 2018
It took a little help from technology for France to overcome a gritty Australia, and gain their first three points in their World Cup run. The French benefited of the first penalty ever assigned via VAR in a world competition, but coach Didier Deschamps and his boys left Kazan with more doubts than certainties, despite goals scored by Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Ronaldo Strikes Hard, Spain Fight Back

Meanwhile In Moscow, Portugal, Spain, World Cup, World Cup 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain set the World Cup on fire last night as they staged a spectacular 3-3 tie in the opening match of Pool B. CR7 brought Portugal ahead twice, but in both cases Diego Costa made it even, before Nacho could give Spain the lead. It took a free kick by Real Madrid’s star to equalise again, and wrap up an unforgettable match in Sochi.
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Meanwhile in Moscow: Russia Off to Good Start

Meanwhile In Moscow, Russia, Saudi Arabia, World Cup, World Cup 2018
As World Cup 2018 officially kicked off today, it was imperative for host country Russia to be off to a good start at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Mission was fully accomplished for the Russian squad, with their jewel Aleksander Golovin serving two assists and scoring from a free-kick in a convincing 5-0 pummeling of Saudi Arabia in the opening match of Group A.
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