Morning all.
Of all of the ‘large’ groups on this World Cup, France look by far and away the one to beat. They simply had means an excessive amount of for Sweden final night time who had a few flashes of hazard, however siimply couldn’t dwell with the efficiency of the France ahead line. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, had one dominated out for a really tight (however right offside), and hit the submit when he ought to have scored.
Michael Olise offered two extremely deft assists, one for Bradley Barcola – a participant linked with us this summer time – in addition to one for Mbappe, and nearly scored the objective of the match to date when his flying scissor-kick hit the submit with the keeper crushed all finally ends up. He had a few possibilities to attain himself too, however couldn’t discover the end, and as a participant I coveted very extremely when he was at Crystal Palace, it’s no shock to see him ship like this on a constant foundation.
France had 25 photographs to Sweden’s 8, and even with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak in tandem up entrance, they by no means actually appeared like they had been going to trigger an excessive amount of bother. Gyokeres really gained a few free kicks from membership teammate William Saliba, ones he doesn’t often get within the Premier League, however there’s an odd quirk to him in that he will get clattered repeatedly and officers simply don’t appear to see it, or they see it and don’t care. He took a whack within the face from Upamecano at one level, and play simply carried on. I feel it’s to do together with his dimension, his bulk particularly, however we’ve seen it too typically in crimson and white, and it’s occurred greater than as soon as at this World Cup. I used to be fairly shocked VAR didn’t have a look at that one a bit extra carefully.
Anyway, now he will get to go and have a relaxation, whereas Saliba’s match continues with a staff who’re certainly favourites by a long way. Gyokeres in all probability gained’t wish to have a look at too many replays of Mbappe skipping away from him for France’s opener, however I feel these ft are far too fast for many gamers (it’s ridiculous at occasions), so he shouldn’t really feel too unhealthy.
Martin Odegaard’s match continues after Norway beat Ivory Coast 2-1. This was a recreation with a few very good targets, beginning with Antonio Nusa’s sensible opener, earlier than Amad Diallo skipped by means of to equalise within the second half. The winner wasn’t fairly at that stage nevertheless, however the inevitability of Erling Haaland to be in the suitable place on the proper time with out anybody marking him is an actual super-power. I suppose it’s as a result of he’s fairly exhausting to identify, not significantly distinct in any means. Ivory Coast nearly grabbed a late equaliser however the keeper made an excellent cease from Diallo’s free kick.
Norway now face Brazil, and captain Martin Odegaard stated afterwards:
We grew up listening to the story about Norway’s win over Brazil and every thing that occurred there. Now we get our alternative, so we’re trying ahead to it and we are going to put together effectively. We are going to see if we are able to repeat the success of the previous heroes.
I anticipate a tricky recreation. They’ve a extremely good staff, numerous good gamers. It’s going to be a tricky, powerful take a look at for us. I do know a couple of of them from Arsenal, prime gamers, and I’m trying ahead to seeing them. Hopefully we may give them a very good battle.
The ultimate recreation yesterday noticed Mexico undergo after a 2-0 win over Ecuador, and the principle speaking level from our perspective is Piero Hincapie being despatched off for masking his mouth as he stated one thing to one of many opposition. We noticed Miguel Almiron dismissed for this earlier within the match, and the rule – whether or not you suppose it’s too harsh or not – could be very clear, so I don’t suppose he can have any complaints. Notably when it got here deep into harm time on the finish of the sport and Ecuador had been 2-0 down at that time.
“AFTER REVIEW … ECUADOR NUMBER 3 COVER HIS MOUTH … DECISION IS … RED CARD!”
Like Gyokeres, he now will get to go on holidays, and recuperate after what was a protracted and profitable season for him. His transfer to Arsenal was made everlasting final week, he helped us win the Premier League in his first season, and hopefully he helps us add to that subsequent season. Mexico now face the winner of England v DR Congo, which ought to have Arsenal involvement later this afternoon. Studies counsel Declan Rice will likely be again within the line-up, and I think Bukayo Saka may begin this one on the suitable now that the stakes are increased for Thomas Tuchel’s aspect.
After that the Arsenal involvement is with Leandro Trossard and Belgium as they tackle Senegal, earlier than the US play Bosnia and Herzegovina. So, a lot to get our Arsenal tooth into later, so I’ll go away it there for at the moment.
Have a very good one!
