The Nation Newspaper

Category: World Cup Russia 2018

World Cup 2018

  • Live Updates: GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-0 MOROCCO (Ronaldo, 5)

    • Portugal 1-0 Morocco
    • Ronaldo opens scoring (5)

    Cristiano Ronaldo has scored the first goal of the ongoing march between Portugal and Morocco at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

    Cristiano Ronaldo

     

    Starting 11

    Portugal: Rui Patricio, Cedric, Pepe, Fonte, Guerreiro, Bernardo Silva, William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Joao Mario, Goncalo Guedes, Ronaldo.

    Subs: Lopes, Bruno Alves, Fernandes, Andre Silva, Dias, Ricardo Pereira, Bruno Fernandes, Gelson Martins, Mario Rui, Quaresma, Adrien Silva, Beto.

    Morocco: Mohamedi, Dirar, Benatia, da Costa, Hakimi, Nordin Amrabat, El Ahmadi, Belhanda, Boussoufa, Ziyech, Boutaib.

    Subs: Bounou, Mendyl, Saiss, El Kaabi, Fajr, Ait Bennasser, Harit, En-Nesyri, Bouhaddouz, Sofyan Amrabat, Carcela-Gonzalez, Tagnaouti.

    OPTA STATS

    • Portugal have not lost against a non-European nation at the World Cup since June 2002, when they lost 1-0 to South Korea (W5 D3 since).
    • Morocco had 68% possession in their 1-0 defeat to Iran, the most by a losing team in a World Cup match since June 2010, when Spain had 73% possession against Switzerland but lost 1-0.
    • Cristiano Ronaldo’s three goals for Portugal against Spain made him the oldest hat-trick scorer in the history of the World Cup (33y 130d). His third goal in that game was also the first time he’d scored from direct free-kick at a major international tournament, at the 45th attempt.
    • Current Portugal manager Fernando Santos has only won one World Cup match (P5 W1 D3 L1), but it did come in his only previous game against African opponents, with his Greece side winning 2-1 against Ivory Coast in June 2014.

  • Russia 2018: Senegal records first African victory in Russia

    … Defeats Poland 2-1

    Senegal on Tuesday became the first African side to secure victory at the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup, in Russia after defeating Poland 2-1 at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow.

    Polish defender Thiago Cionek’s own goal and Mbaye Niang’s composed finish in the 61st minute put the 2002 World Cup quarter finalists in control of affairs until the East Europeans rallied and pulled a goal back through Grzegorz Krychowiak who headed in Kamil Grosicki’s cross in the 86th minute.

    But that came too late as the West Africans held on to secure the continent’s first three points in Russia.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Lukaku strikes twice, as Belgium down Panama

    Poland created little, with striker Robert Lewandowski feeding on scraps and heavily marked by Senegal’s huge central defensive pairing of Salif Sane and Kalidou Koulibaly.

    But they ensured a frantic finale when Grzegorz Krychowiak headed home a free-kick at the far post.

    The result came hours after Japan had defeated 10-man Colombia 2-1 in Group H’s opening game

  • Tunisia 1-2 England: Harry Kane to the rescue!

    • England started the game brightly with Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling missing glorious chances
    • But it didn’t take too long to open the scoring as captain Harry Kane headed home after just 11 minutes
    • Kyle Walker then got in a tangle with Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and a penalty was awarded to Tunisia
    • Ferjan Sassi then stepped up and slotted it to the right of Jordan Pickford, who got his fingertips to it
    • England piled the pressure on with some brilliant opportunities for Lingard before half time, but to no avail
    • It was left to Kane, this time in injury time, to head home from close range and take the spoils for England

    Speaking  after the match England striker Harry Kane, said England deserves the victory over the resilient Tunisian side.

    He said, “I thought we played very well. There are always a bit of nerves, a bit of excitement, but we got into the game very quickly, it went to 1-1 and the momentum changed a bit. It is always in the back of your mind that it is not going to be your day but that is why you work for 90+ minutes.

    “We wanted to create chances and we did that. We could’ve scored two or three goals and put the game to bed. I’m really pleased with how we played.

    “Maybe a bit disappointed (to not get a penalty and for England to concede one) on the pitch their penalty looked quite soft. That is what VAR is there for. At a few corners I couldn’t move. We just have to hope the officials get it right. If they don’t think it is a penalty we have to deal with it.

    “We are proud of each other and in a World Cup you are not sure how it is going to go, but we have a great togetherness and are always proud to see it come off in the game. We never panicked, never looked like conceding another one and got what we deserved in the end.

    “We got told there would be a lot of flies and when we went out for the match it was a lot more than we though. We all had bug spray on and it was important as some of them went in your eyes, some in your mouth but it is about dealing with what comes your way.”

    In the view of Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul the risks came from set pieces.

    He said, “When you have very tall players it is very difficult to counter them. They were much better than us when it came to those high balls.

    “Harry Kane is one of the best attackers in the Premier League and that is why he is highly sought after by the highest clubs. I think he was behind the victory of the English team, it was him who was always at the right time and he is the optimum scorer.”

    On his defenders holding Harry Kane when corners were being taken: “I have not seen those possible penalties, maybe if I go back and look at the match I can see what fouls were committed.”

  • FG increases Eagles bonus to N5M to win Iceland

    The Federal Government has increased Super Eagles winning bonus to $15,000, about (N5M) ahead of their second group game against Iceland on Friday at the Volgograd Arena.

    The Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung who made this known said, the 50% increment from the initial $10,000 about (N3.5M) which was promised will go along way boost the team to a winning way.

    “It is unfortunate that we did not win, which would have served as a morale booster at the group stage, but we will not lose hope.

    “The Federal Government is doing its best to ensure that the Super Eagles excel in Russia. Even President Muhammadu Buhari took time out to motivate the players yesterday and to assure them of his unflinching support for the team.

    “I personally added $5,000 to their winning bonus to motivate the team, but we must still keep our hopes alive because this is just the beginning.

    “I urge the players to remain focused while the technical department will have to put heads together with the coach to salvage our next two matches against Iceland and Argentina. If we win our next matches against Iceland and Argentina, then we can qualify from the group.” he said.

    Dalung however called on Nigerians to continue to support the team regardless of the disappointing outing against Croatia.

    ”The Super Eagles are a work in progress. It’s a very young team and we are nurturing them for greater exploits, not only for now but also for the future. We are not giving any excuses but we must continue to rally round our team, irrespective of the result recorded on Saturday.

    “I appeal to Nigerians to rally behind the team and pray for them ahead of their next game against Iceland. I strongly believe that despite the disappointing start, the Super Eagles will come out strong from the group.”

    Nigeria currently sit at the bottom of Group D.

  • Russia 2018: Lukaku strikes twice, as Belgium down Panama

    Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium broke the resistance of a brave Panama side on their World Cup debut, securing a 3-0 victory in the opening match of Group G in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    Dries Mertens shot home a superb volley two minutes into the second half, sending the ball arcing over Jaime Penedo after Panama struggled to clear a cross.

    Lukaku’s hard work up front was rewarded when he headed home Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant pass off the outside off his foot to make it 2-0 in the 69th minute and the big striker latched on to an Eden Hazard pass to complete the scoring with a neat finish.

    The debutants suffered a shaky start as Lukaku went close for Belgium in the opening minute after an incisive pass from De Bruyne set Yannick Carrasco free down the left, but the striker fired wide.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Uruguay pip Egypt 1-0

    Despite being forced to spend much of the game defending, the Panamanians showed strength, speed and trickery when they did break forward, and they created chances of their own in a scoreless first half.

    The opening matches at the World Cup have seen Brazil and Argentina both draw their first games against Switzerland and Iceland respectively, with holders Germany losing to Mexico.

    But Belgium ensured there would be no upset at the Fisht Stadium with Mertens opening the scoring two minutes in, and as the underdogs started to chase an equalizer the space opened up.

  • Mikel under pressure to fulfill promise to Buhari

    Super Eagles’ captain Mikel Obi has been put under intense pressure to lead the team to a resounding victory against Iceland on Friday, as well as fulfill his promise to President Muhammad Buhari that he (Mikel) is a man of his words.

    NationSport confirmed that President Buhari spoke with Captain of the three-time African Champions few hours before Nigeria tackled Croatia in their first World Cup fixture in Russia, where Mikel reassured the President that the team would not disappoint.

    Presidential delegation led by Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung as well as CBN Governor; Godwin Emefiele with the Nigerian Ambassador to Russia Steve Ugbah facilitated the phone conversation.

    “If you can see that after the defeat, Mikel was down and withdrew more than his teammates, to the extent that he could not explain the defeat in a post-match interview. He knew the weight of disappointment.

    “I can tell you for free that Mr President spoke with him(Mikel) on behalf of the team before the Croatia match.

    “President Buhari reassured him(Mikel) of the full support of the nation. You can remember that team visited the President at Aso-rock before their departure for the England friendly where he had gave his assurance,” source in the know who asked to remain anonymous told NationSport.

    Odediran Ogunsanya, a sport psychologist/analyst who shared views on the development said: “Super Eagles would have ordinarily won the match because the Croats were not at their best, but they could not because of the pressure they shouldered.

    “The president’s call few hours to the kick off of the Croatia match should have been done days earlier. The timing for the call apparently pull up weight on the team.

    “Was there any need for that? For me, I do not think so. The team psychologist should not have allowed these big shots from the Presidency to have access to the team. The team did not get the right inspiration from them. Their presence was a direct pressure which should not have happened.

    “See, this is psychology, I can tell you that Eagles would beat Iceland with less pressure from government and from the team officials. Nigeria fans should please let the boys enjoy the game and with ease they will score and secure the much needed victory against Iceland.”

    Mikel’s promise to President Buhari even though it fell flat in the face of the 0-2 loss inflicted by Croatia on Saturday, still hold hope as the Nigerian captain is now ready to make Nigerians smile in the next game against Iceland on Friday.

  • Russia 2018: Fans want Super Eagles to rise above defeat

    Football fans in Lagos have urged the Super Eagles to rise above the 0-2 defeat to Croatia in their opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    They told our reporters on Monday in Lagos that though the loss was a tough one to bear but that they should not allow it to weigh them down.

    They said that ever since the World Cup started, thousands of fans had been trooping in to support their teams at the Eagles Club, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere Lagos.

    Kunle Arowolo said that the Eagles needed to be sharper in the attack, adding that all other departments were okay, but that the attack led by Odion Ighalo was not effective enough.

    “The team played well but did not do well at the attack, but it is not time to apportion blames to anybody but for the attack led by Ighalo to raise their game.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Nigerians react to Super Eagles lost against Croatia

    “We must approach our next game against Iceland with all manner of consciousness and get all three points or the alternative could be devastating,’’ Arowolo said.

    Another fan, Stanley Okwonkwo said that that Super Eagles needed to be business minded up front as the last game showed their weakness in the midfield and attack.

    “It was a great game but the better team won at the end, we have to support our team regardless of the loss because it is important for them to believe in themselves.

    “I am hopeful that their performance in the next game against Iceland would be better, so let us support them to do well,’’ Okwonkwo said.
    Steve Bamijoko, on his part, said that the team needed to work harder in their two remaining matches which were crucial to their progress to round of 16.

    “It is obvious that there are no pushovers in the World Cup; everybody is good enough if you strive hard and play as a team.

    “A clear example is Mexico handing a 1-0 defeat to Germany, the defending champions, in their opening match and Switzerland holding five times champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw.

    “No team should see themselves as small, so the Super Eagles in their coming matches should have the clear chance to progress to the next round,’’ Bamijoko said.

    Abayomi Abidakun, Senior Brand Manager, Star Lager Beer, Nigerian Breweries Plc., said that supporting Super Eagles to excel was very crucial at this point as he was confident they would bounce back.

    He urged football fans not to feel bad about the result and that no matter what, we must get behind the team and hopefully the right results would come their way.

    “Getting things right sometimes doesn’t come easy, Super Eagles went into the match with the hope of getting the right result for them but it did not come that way.

    “We have to move on as Eagles face Iceland on June 22 which is very crucial to their success at the World Cup.

    “The Super Eagles Dome by Nigerian Breweries is our way of supporting the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they represent our nation in Russia and also creating an atmosphere of fun.

    “With one voice, we can cheer on with `One United’ voice.

    “As a brand, we are proud of this opportunity, given to Star Lager beer, to create an atmosphere where passionate fans can come and support the Super Eagles,’’ Abidakun said.

    The venue showcased High-tech, multi-media technology, giving a 360 degree experience where fans rallied support for the Eagles as they faced Croatia in their first match in Russia.

    Football supporters also experienced a `beer village’, where fans were treated to refreshing premium lager beer all through the night.

    One of the main attractions of the Super Eagles Dome was the exquisite Star Lager tunnel, which featured a LED screen that takes fans down memory lane of historic Super Eagles moments.

    Nigeria face Iceland on June 22 who had forced a 1-1 draw against two times world champions, Argentina in their opening match.

     

    NAN

  • Top goal scorers in FIFA World Cup history

    It cannot be denied that the 2018 FIFA World Cup will continue to spring more surprises especially with Russia’s stunning 5-0 victory in a thrilling opener against Saudi Arabia last Thursday.

    Moreso, with another spectacular performance from Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo popularly known as the King of goals in a suspense-filled match against Spain, one can boldly say that the World Cup 2018 is here with a lot of dramatic actions that will leave a lasting impression in the minds of football lovers for centuries to come.

    Thus, Russia 2018 might leave us with another talent that will join the list of the Top Goalscorers in FIFA World Cup History considering its whole lot of actions so far.

    The Nation in its quest to provide answers to the copious questions bordering on the aforementioned name the Top Goal Scorers in FIFA World Cup History.

    Statistically, over 2,300 goals have been scored at the 20 editions of the FIFA World Cup final tournaments, excluding penalties converted during shoot-outs with the first goal scored by French player Lucien Laurent at the 1930 FIFA World Cup.

    Also, further report confirmed that over 1,200 footballers have scored goals at the World Cup, only 90 of which scored at least five goals.

    Read Also: Top ten African players in FIFA World Cup history

    To start with, Argentina’s Guillermo Stabile became the top goal scorer of the inaugural competition in 1930 with eight goals. Since then, only 22 players have scored more goals at all the games played at the World Cup than Stabile did throughout that tournament.

    Thereafter, Hungray’s Sandor Kocsis joined the race with 11 goals scored in 1954. At the next tournament, France’s Just Fontaine improved on this record with 13 goals in only six games, holds the record for the most goals scored at a single tournament.

    While Gerd Muller scored for West Germany in 1970 and broke the overall record when he clinched a record 16 goals across four consecutive tournaments between 2002 and 2014.

    On the contrary, the lowest scoring tournament’s top goalscorer was in 1962, when six players scored only four goals each.

    Further statistical breakdown shows that across the 20 previous editions of the World Cup, 29 different footballers have been awarded with the most tournament goals, and no single player has achieved this feat twice. These 29 top goalscorers played for 19 different nations, the most (five) for Brazil. Another five came from other American countries, and remaining 19 came from Europe.

    In summary, the top goalscorers in World Cup history are approximately 90 in total, representing 30 different nations, with 13 netting for Brazil, and another 14 for Germany. In sum, 60 of the above category came from Europe, 27 from South American, and three from Africa.

     

    Additional reports from Wikipedia

  • Brazil held to 1-1 by Switzerland in Group E opener

    A second half header from Steven Zuber cancelled out a sensational early goal from Philippe Coutinho as Switzerland and Brazil drew 1-1 in a tight Group E World Cup opener on Sunday.

    With 20 minutes gone, Coutinho gathered a 25-yard clearance from goal and curled a shot into the far corner off the post to give the five-time world champions the lead.

    However, Switzerland, who had looked toothless throughout the first half, got back on level terms five minutes into the second half.

    Zuber rose unmarked to head home a corner kick.

    Coutinho had Brazil’s best chance after the break but shot wide.

    The result means that Serbia lead Group E after beating Costa Rica 1-0 earlier in the day. (Reuters/NAN)

  • Disappointed Low says Germany “Will Reach Final”

    • Hirving Lozano scored the winner after a swift counter-attack
    • Toni Kroos hit the crossbar, but Germany could not respond

    Germany head coach Joachim Low has said he will not change his target for the World Cup after failing to win against Mexico on Sunday.

    Mexico pulled off a historic victory in the opening game of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group F, defeating World Cup holders Germany 1-0 in front of a fervent – and full – Luzhniki Stadium.

    “Indeed it is disappointing to have lost the first match, that it is a situation we are not used to at all. In many tournaments we have always won the first match but we have to accept this.

    “In the first half the impression was that we were not as dynamic as we usually are and in the second half I didn’t have the impression we were losing strength.

    “It was not a lack of stamina that meant we could not turn the match around. As a player in a World Cup you have to accept pressure.

    “We will certainly not change our match plan. In the first half, to a large extent, the players were coming back trying to recover the ball instead of playing deep, if we are not more incisive we will lose the ball. We have to focus on our strong points.”

    “We knew we had to be stable in these first matches but very often, in an unfamiliar way, we looked nervous and in the first half it did not happen and we will have to analyse why it happened.”

    Low does not share the excitement about a potential Germany v Brazil match in the last-16. He says: “I certainly don’t care about that. The round of 16, I don’t waste any thought on that. It is all about the next match and being better.”

    Low is told that a number of former World Cup winners have failed to qualify from the group phase four years later. He replies: “We will not suffer that fate; we will make it to the next round.

    “In tournaments this (losing a match) can happen and you have to accept it. We will not become reckless. We will continue to look forward. There is no reason to panic. We have three matches and ample opportunities to correct this result.”

    Meanwhile, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio said: “What is the most important thing for Mexican football is to grow. We need to prepare for the next match and prepare it thoroughly.

    “When we scored I just sat down and considered the plan for the next five minutes.”