Author: Will Presnell

Writer for the Cult of Calcio. For inquiries, contact will.presnell1@gmail.com.
Despite dominating the first half, Spain conceded two second-half goals, losing 1-2. Carvajal's entrance left the backline weakened, which Japan exploited

Spain Player Ratings vs Japan: Carvajal Struggles in Substitute Appearance

Japan, Player Ratings, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Spain, World Cup, World Cup 2022
Despite dominating the first half, Spain conceded two second-half goals to Japan, losing 1-2. Dani Carvajal's surprising entrance at halftime left the backline weakened, which the underdogs quickly exploited. The story of the match was Spain's inability to turn its crushing possession into goals, as it managed just five shots on target.
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Wojciech Szczesny was lights out for his country, but Poland still lost 2-0 to Argentina as the attack never found its footing

Poland Player Ratings vs Argentina: Lewandowski Stifled, Szczesny Stars

Argentina, Player Ratings, Poland, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, World Cup, World Cup 2022
Wojciech Szczesny was lights out for his country, but Poland still lost 2-0 to Argentina. The attack never found its footing, with Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinkski struggling to create chances. However, despite dropping the final match of the group stage, Czeslaw Michniewicz's team still advanced to the Round of 16.
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Messi missed a first-half penalty, but he and Argentina still dominated Poland, winning 2-0 in the final match of the group stage

Argentina Player Ratings vs Poland: Messi Electric Despite Missed Penalty

Argentina, Player Ratings, Poland, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, World Cup, World Cup 2022
Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty, but Argentina still dominated Poland, winning 2-0 in the final match of the group stage. Despite Poland's defense essentially parking the bus for the entire 90 minutes, Alexis Mac Allister's and Julian Alvarez's second-half goals ensured that Argentina finished on top of Group C.
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In a hard-fought match, Team Melli's second-half tactical adjustments were not enough, and Iran fell to the United States 0-1

Iran Player Ratings vs USA: Poor Finishing Dooms Team Melli

Iran, Player Ratings, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, U.S.A., World Cup, World Cup 2022
In the last match of the group stage, Iran lost a heartbreaker to the United States, falling 0-1. After a disappointing first half that saw Christian Pulisic score the lone goal, the Team Melli made significant tactical adjustments. These changes nearly led to Iran scoring late and securing their place in the Knockout Round, but poor finishing ensured that the scoreline held.
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In a hard-fought performance, Christian Pulisic's first-half goal saw the United States overcome Iran and advance to the Round of 16

USA Player Ratings vs Iran: Pulisic Electric for the US

Iran, Player Ratings, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, U.S.A., World Cup, World Cup 2022
In a hard-fought performance, Christian Pulisic's first-half goal saw the United States overcome Iran and advance to the Round of 16. Once again, the Americans dominated the first half, but a poor second half nearly saw the underdogs find a late equalizer. Despite allowing several late chances, the backline was in fine form, and the American forwards ran wild against the Iranian defense.
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Canada Player Ratings vs Belgium: Alphonso Davies Misses Penalty

Belgium, Canada, Player Ratings, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, World Cup, World Cup 2022
Despite being the better side, Alphonso Davies' missed penalty saw Canada fall 0-1 to Belgium in their first World Cup match since 1986. The Canadians were in fine form during the first 45 minutes, but a lapse in concentration saw them concede a sudden goal. At halftime, Belgium made several tactical adjustments, and the underdogs were unable to recreate their first-half magic.
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Sergio Busquets, Pedri and practically the entire Spanish team were in elite form as the favorites eviscerated Costa Rica by a score of 7-0

Spain Player Ratings vs Costa Rica: Busquets and Pedri Dominate

Costa Rica, Player Ratings, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Spain, World Cup, World Cup 2022
Led by Sergio Busquets and Pedri, Spain absolutely eviscerated Costa Rica by a score of 7-0. The Spanish midfield showed that they may be the best unit in the World Cup, dominating possession with 82%. Practically every Spanish player turned in a quality performance, showing that the 2010 champions are a prime candidate to win another trophy.
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Keylor Navas was in horrible form as Costa Rica fell 0-7 to Spain. After the terrible display, the Costa Ricans seem destined to go bottom of Group E

Costa Rica Player Ratings vs Spain: Navas in Nightmarish Form

Costa Rica, Player Ratings, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Spain, World Cup, World Cup 2022
Keylor Navas was in horrible form as Costa Rica fell 0-7 to Spain. The favorites dominated every facet of the game, winning 82% of possession and not allowing a single shot on target. The Costa Ricans, who now seem destined to go bottom of Group E, did not have a single player put in a decent performance.
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The Socceroos put on a display they should be proud of. Despite a final score of 4-1, Australia gave France a genuine test with an early goal

Australia Player Ratings vs France: Socceroos Fight Valiantly

Australia, France, Player Ratings, Qatar, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, World Cup, World Cup 2022
Despite losing 4-1, Australia fought valiantly in their opening World Cup match against France. The Socceroos managed an early goal, but they were unable to hold onto the lead for long. The Blues' talent advantage was simply overwhelming, forcing the underdogs to desperately defend for most of the match.
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In a dominant win, France overcame an early goal from Australia to win 4-1. Les Bleus had many quality players, including Kylian Mbappe and Olivier Giroud

France Player Ratings vs Australia: Mbappe, Serie A Players Shine

Australia, France, Player Ratings, PSG, Qatar, World Cup, World Cup 2022
Kylian Mbappe and the French representatives from the Serie A starred in their country's 4-1 win over Australia. After allowing a shocking early goal, the French team regrouped and dominated the Socceroos with ease. Several key players, including Adrien Rabiot, Ousmane Dembele and Antoine Griezmann, put in quality performances in the statement victory.
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