What a day.
The second matchday of the 2018 World Cup is in the books, culminating with a dramatic 3-3 draw involving Spain and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat trick was easily the highlight from that match, as he laid down a marker for other Golden Ball hopefuls.
Elsewhere, Iran earned its first win at a World Cup since 1998 after defeating Morocco, while some late heroics from Jose Gimenez secured a vital victory for Uruguay over Egypt.
Here are a few winners and losers from Day 2 of the 2018 World Cup.
[snippet id=3758859]
WINNERS
Cristiano Ronaldo
Is there any doubt about this one?
Cristiano Ronaldo laid down an early marker for best individual performance at the 2018 World Cup with his hat trick against Spain. Scoring his first-ever direct free kick at an international tournament was the ideal curtain call to a majestic showing in Sochi.
It was a turning-back-the-clock moment from Ronaldo throughout the 90 minutes. The change of pace and step-over to win the penalty after just three minutes was sublime. He converted the spot kick with ferocity and it was only the beginning.
It wasn’t just the goals. The flicked-on passes to start counter-attacks in the first half and the sharpness were reminiscent of a 23-year-old Ronaldo when he bursted down the left wing at Manchester United.
Before the World Cup, Ronaldo said he can envision himself playing at the 2026 World Cup at the age of 41. The way he’s playing at 33, it’s entirely possible.
Carlos Queiroz
From one Portuguese man to another.
Forget the own goal or the zero shots on target. Iran coach Carlos Queiroz deserves immense credit for setting up his side to contain a Moroccan team with plenty of creative midfielders in their 1-0 victory.
Morocco had some promising build-ups, but the forwards and midfielders were not in sync. Hakim Ziyech had flashes of brilliance, yet the final product was lacking in the central channels.
The North Africans had three attempts on target, and few of them were clear cut. Expected goals, an analytic used to determine the quality of a shot, back up this claim.
Queiroz’s style may not win over many neutrals, but it’s effective when executed properly. It forced Morocco into a narrow shape, thus rendering their attack ineffective, especially around the box.
Uruguayan centre-backs
In a game where Uruguay’s midfield was largely flat going forward, it was the centre-backs who took over the proceedings.
Jose Gimenez scored the vital winner in the 89th minute, but he and Diego Godin were instrumental throughout. Gimenez completed a game-high eight interceptions while Godin had five of his own along with four tackles. Both defenders broke up some dangerous Egyptian counter-attacks and held Egypt to just three shots on target.
It was so fitting that Atletico Madrid’s centre-backs were the standouts in a 1-0 match. But Uruguay’s success largely hinges on Godin and Gimenez. So far, so good.
LOSERS
David de Gea
If the match ended in defeat, Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea would be crucified for his howler before halftime.
Even though Spain picked up a result, it’s still inexcusable for a goalkeeper of de Gea’s stature to commit an error of that calibre.
The late spin on the shot might have fooled de Gea but as former goalkeeper David Preece notes, there were a few uncharacteristic mistakes from the Man United shot-stopper that led to the goal.
Thankfully for de Gea, he should recover from this.
Luis Suarez
Uruguay won in spite of Luis Suarez, who was largely disappointing on Friday.
Suarez’s touch was heavy, he hesitated to shoot at times and looked very frustrated when he couldn’t beat defenders on the dribble.
However, despite the lacklustre game, Suarez still generated a few quality chances. His individual expected goals were actually higher than all of Egypt’s attempts combined.
A striker of Suarez’s quality will always be lethal in the box. Consider this a blip from the talismanic striker.
Morocco’s midfield
Even though Iran executed their tactics perfectly, Morocco’s midfield was still very disappointing.
Hakim Ziyech and Younes Belhanda had a combined 23 assists in their respective leagues this past season. However, both players occupying the same space, which affected the attack and left Morocco exposed on the counter.
If coach Herve Renard cannot conjure up a cohesive attacking shape, then Morocco will be in trouble against Portugal and Spain as well.
[relatedlinks]
