The group stage of the 2018 World Cup officially came to an end on Thursday, which means we now know every Round of 16 matchup.
Belgium edged England in a pretty dire Group G finale to finish with nine points. That sets up a meeting with Japan, while England will face Colombia, which defeated Senegal 1-0 to top Group H.
Here are two winners and two losers from Day 15 at the World Cup.
WINNERS
Adnan Januzaj
The lone scorer in an otherwise dull match, Adnan Januzaj might have sent in his submission for goal of the tournament.
The goal clinched a 1-0 win over England and it was a marvellous strike. Januzaj collected the ball on the right side of the box, quickly cut inside onto his left foot, and released an incredible shot that curled into the far corner.
At least the fans in attendance witnessed at least one highlight.
Aliou Cisse
Senegal’s World Cup ended prematurely but it won the support of millions of neutrals around the globe with its attractive style, organization and exciting young talent.
That is all down to Aliou Cisse.
After two games where he encouraged his full-backs to be involved in the attack, Cisse ensured that his team was more structured to contain Colombia’s dynamic attack. Juan Quintero, Juan Cuadrado, Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez (eventually replaced by Luis Muriel due to injury) had little influence in the final third thanks to the Senegalese setup.
Quintero, who was arguably the most lively player for Colombia in the win over Poland, barely influenced the game, either. Cisse clearly prepared for the threat of the Colombian playmaker.
Senegal may be out, but if anything, Cisse has helped abolish stereotypes about African soccer. The fact that the only black coach at the World Cup, and a former Senegalese international, was on the touchline is an even greater story.
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LOSERS
The group finales
Japan advanced over Senegal on yellow cards and Belgium edged England, but what happened on the pitch was a tragedy.
Both the English and Belgians named a combined 17 changes to their lineups entering this match. Not even Belgium coach Roberto Martinez was hiding his motive.
The second-place side in Group G, to some, would have the easier Round of 16 matchup on paper. Instead of facing Brazil in the quarterfinals, one of Switzerland or Sweden would await.
Japan’s Akira Nishino, meanwhile, made six alterations to his starting 11, and after conceding to Poland, the Japanese opted to sit back and pass the ball around with no risk. The Japanese barely moved out of their own half.
Now, Japan was in a position to play conservatively. The 2-2 draw with Senegal, coupled with its lower number of yellow cards meant it was through with a 1-0 defeat and a Senegalese loss. The same with England and Belgium, who were level on every tiebreaker except fair play. The English had fewer bookings, and would’ve won the group in the event of a draw.
However, this manipulation is very unfortunate. But these sides aren’t technically committing a violation. This is FIFA’s system of choice until they decide to alter it.
Our viewing habits
The first two weeks of the World Cup are always the best. At least three matches per day (outside of the opening game), lasting at least six hours and it’s the perfect excuse to postpone any plans.
Now the group stage is over, which means more rest days and fewer matches. Some might enjoy the break, but as the old cliché goes: you never know what you had until it’s gone.
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