The Nation Newspaper

Category: World Cup Russia 2018

World Cup 2018

  • Germany 2-1 Sweden – dramatic Kroos goal keeps Germany alive

    • Germany 2-1 Sweden
    • Kroos scores injury time winner (90+5)
    • Reus draws Germany level (48)
    • Toivonen gives Sweden lead (32)
    • Group F encounter
    • Ozil, Khedira left out by Low
    • Lindelof returns for Sweden
    • Germany lost opener to Mexico

    Kroos’ late strike has given Germany all three points. The Sweden players drop to their knees, they thought they’d done enough to get a deserved point. However, it’s Germany celebrating as they get their campaign back on track in Sochi!

     

    SWEDEN TEAM NEWS

    Team to face Germany: Olsen, Lustig, Granqvist, Lindelof, Augustinsson, Claesson, Larsson, Ekdal, Forsberg, Berg, Toivonen.

    Subs: Olsson, Guidetti, Johnsson, Svensson, Helander, Hiljemark, Krafth, Jansson, Rohden, Durmaz, Thelin, Nordfeldt.

    GERMANY CHANGES

    The big news is that Ozil and Khedira have been left out of the Germany starting line-up along with Pattenhardt and the injured Hummels.

    In come Reus, Rudy, Hector and Rudiger.

    GERMANY TEAM NEWS

    Team to face Sweden: Neuer, Kimmich, Rudiger, Boateng, Hector, Kroos, Rudy, Reus, Draxler, Muller, Werner.

    Subs: Plattenhardt, Ginter, Hummels, Khedira, Ozil, Trapp, Goretzka, Sule, Brandt, Gundogan, Ter Stegen, Gomez.

    HEAD-TO-HEAD

    Germany are unbeaten in their last 11 games against Sweden (W6 D5), with the Scandinavians’ last win coming 40 years ago in April 1978 (3-1).

    EARLY TEAM NEWS – SWEDEN

    Sweden have been hit with a stomach bug ahead of the game in Sochi, with Pontus Jansson, Filip Helander and Marcus Rohden staying behind at the training base although they are expected to travel to the game on Saturday morning.

    Victor Lindelof – who missed the game against South Korea through illness – could return, although Isaac Kiese Thelin is a doubt with an ankle problem.

    EARLY TEAM NEWS – GERMANY

    Germany are expected to without Mats Hummels after sustaining a neck injury, with Antonio Rudiger likely to take his place should Hummels’ health not improve.

    Low also said forward Mario Gomez was likely to start but did not clarify if he would join Timo Werner in attack or if he would operate as a lone striker.

    GERMANY v SWEDEN LIVE!

    It’s almost time for the third instalment of World Cup action this Saturday as the countdown begins for Germany’s clash with Sweden at the Fisht Olympic Stadium. It’s a big night for Germany, who will be looking for their first win of the 2018 World Cup in their second Group F game. On the other hand, Sweden, who were 1-0 winners against South Korea in their first game, could make the last 16 with a victory over the reigning champions.

    We’ll be bringing you all the build-up to kick-off, including the all-important team news. Stay tuned!

  • 2018 World cup : Belgium 1, Tunisia 0

    Eden Hazard penalty kick puts the Belgians in front

  • ‘It will be fire-fire against Argentina’-Musa

    Ahmed Musa, Super Eagles two goals hero in Nigeria’s defeat of Iceland at Volgograd, on Friday said the game against Argentina will be a tough one for the opponents.

    Musa told journalists at a post-match conference in Volgograd after  the Eagles won the all important match that made Nigeria to remain in contention for the second round qualification.

    The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Musa , who emerged as the Man-of-the Match, scored in the 49th and 75th minutes of the game to set the victory song for Nigeria.

    ‘’I am happy for scoring the two goals that helped Nigeria to beat Iceland, but this is not the first time I will set such a record.

    ‘’For me I am very good at breaking record, before I wanted to be best scorer in the competition but it is not easy,

    ‘’My main focus will be the match against Argentina which I consider a must win. They are beatable. We have beaten them before and we can still do it. It is going to be fire-for –fire,’’ Musa said.

    He thanked Nigerians for  the support given to the team which enable it to surmount the opposition.

    He equally thanked his Russian CSK club for helping him to make it to the world cup, saying ‘’prior to the mundial I was not playing for six months.’’

    ‘’For this reason, I will like to go back to CSK for the role they played in my profession,’’ he said.

    The victory has now put Nigeria second on the table with three points behind Croatia with six points from two matches, while Argentina and Iceland are having one point each.

    The second qualifier from the group will emerge on Tuesday after the last group matches as the Croatians are already in the second round. (NAN)

  • Facts as Musa, Uzoho Make World Cup Records

    FT: Nigeria 2-0 Iceland

    Ahmed Musa has now become Nigeria’s all-time top scorer in World Cup games with four goals.
    And Francis Uzoho, 19-years old,  has also emerged the youngest keeper to keep a clean sheet in a World Cup match

    Stats, stats, stats

    • All six of Nigeria’s wins at the World Cup have come against European opposition, and they have kept a clean sheet in five of those six victories.

    • This was Iceland’s first ever defeat in a group stage match at a major international tournament (Euros and World Cup), having previously drawn three and won one of four such games.

    • Nigerian attacker Ahmed Musa is now his country’s all-time top scorer in World Cup games with four goals. Only Asamoah Gyan (6 goals for Ghana) and Roger Milla (5 for Cameroon) have scored more for an African nation.

    • Nigeria’s Francis Uzoho is the second youngest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet in a World Cup match (19 years, 237 days), behind only Li Chan-Myong in North Korea’s 1-0 win over Italy in July 1966 (19 years, 198 days).

  • Okocha praises Rohr for accepting Criticism

    Former Super Eagles international, Austin Jay Jay Okocha has heaped praises on Coach Gernot Rohr for accepting criticisms and changing his tactics, leading to Nigeria’s victory over Iceland in the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    Okocha, speaking on Supersports after the Super Eagles’ 2-0 victory over Iceland, noted that it is difficult for coaches these days to accept criticisms, but with Rohr doing that, he should be commended.

    Recall that Okocha had blamed the 2-0 loss to Croatia in the first match to lack of having a creative midfielder, urging Rohr to play Iwobi in the midfield.

    In his word “I think I am a little better now. I was a bit nervous going into this match, but I must commend Coach Gernot Rohr for accepting criticisms and changing tactics for this game.  It is difficult for coaches these days to accept criticisms, as they always prefer to stick to their plans, but his change of tactics has granted Nigeria victory.”

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria started the campaign against Iceland slowly, becoming the first team in the 2018 World Cup not to have a shot in the first 45 minutes of action.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Okocha blames loss to Croatia on lack of creativity

    But they came out a different side in the second half, recording four shots on target, converting two in the process. Victor Moses lofted a pass towards Ahmed Musa in the 49th minute, and he controlled the ball and smashed in the half volley.

    The Nigerian striker would go on to get his brace in the 75th minute when he found space on the left, beat Iceland defender Kari Arnason and rounded goalkeeper Hannes Por Halldorsson before slamming the ball into the net.

    Musa is now the first Nigerian player to score a brace in two FIFA World Cup matches.

    Nigeria will face Argentina in the last group match in St Petersburg on Tuesday, 26th June, in a match where the winner will qualify for the round of sixteen,  while Iceland face group leaders Croatia in Rostov-on-Don.

    Iceland had a chance to reduce the scoreline in the 89th minute, when they got a penalty, awarded by the VAR but Gylfi Sigurdsson went on to miss it.

  • World Cup: Brazil secure first win with late goals

    • Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
    • Coutinho nets late winner (90+1)
    • Neymar doubles lead (90+6)
    • Fagner, Neymar start
    • Group E encounter
    • Brazil drew opening game
    • Costa Rica lost to Serbia

    FT: Brazil made their fans sweat, but they got the job done with a late show sparked by Coutinho’s 91st minute strike. Neymar added gloss with a further goal in added time. The PSG man was at the heart of the game throughout, including winning a penalty which was sensationally overturned by VAR. Brazil have their win. The only way is up from here.

    TEAM NEWS – HEADLINES

    Brazil have been forced into one change to their line-up because of an injury to right-back Danilo – he has a thigh problem. Corinthians’ Fagner replaces him. Neymar – as coach Tite confirmed – is fit to start after his injury scare.

    COSTA RICA TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Brazil: Navas, Gamboa, Acosta, González, Duarte, Oviedo, Venegas, Guzmán, Borges, Bryan Ruiz, Ureña

    BRAZIL TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Costa Rica: Alisson, Fágner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Marcelo, Coutinho, Casemiro, Paulinho, Willian, Gabriel Jesús, Neymar

    HOW’S IT SHAPING UP?

    Group E is still anyone’s so far – although for Costa Rica, it’s more of an uphill struggle than anyone else. Serbia lead the group by two points but face Switzerland later this afternoon, while Brazil can get their start back on track with three points which would take them top, at least temporarily.

     

  • Iceland in trouble, Super Eagles on fire: Odegbami

    The Vikings of Iceland that held Argentina to a draw in the first game of Group D in the FIFA World Cup in Russia, will have it tougher with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the crunch match starting at 4pm today.

    Chief Segun Odegbami, former Nigeria international, who held a pep talk with the Nigerian team in Volgograd on Thursday said made the prediction in a post on Facebook.

    Super Eagles will fight, said Odegbami about his impressions of the team that lost to Croatia 2-0.

    “I saw their spirit. They will fight like they have never fought before. When we parted to go and watch the Argentinian match on TV, both my Head and my Heart were in sync about expectations tomorrow – Iceland are in trouble”, wrote Odegbami.

    Read his full post:

    `’I am in Volgograd. I have just finished watching the final chapter of an unfolding drama in Group D of the World Cup. It is curtains for Argentina, because I do not see how they will survive their last match against Nigeria.

    “It was a rare privilege earlier this evening when, at the instance of Amaju Pinnick, I was given the rare privilege to address members of the Super Eagles at their dinner table, the only person to do so on the eve of their greatest challenge when they confront the Vikings of Iceland with all the pent up ‘anger’, energy, determination and motivation from the Croatian match.

    “It was a spirit lifting meeting that we had. I simply reminded them of their responsibility to ensure that they displayed the full version of the Nigerian do-or-die spirit. I reminded them also about their responsibility to the ordinary Nigerian on the street that is with them unconditionally foŕ as long as they give their best. I reminded them of their assured place in history if they could rise above the disappointment of their first match, win tomorrow and convert this moment of their greatest challenge into the moment of their greatest triumph.

    “I gave them the good wishes of all Nigerians and prayed with them for favour from the elements. It was a small contribution to their already bulging enthusiasm and confidence.

    “I saw their spirit. They will fight like they have never fought before. When we parted to go and watch the Argentinian match on TV, both my Head and my Heart were in sync about expectations tomorrow – Iceland are in trouble”.

  • ‎Super Eagles need all Nigerians’ support now – Onigbinde

    Former Super Eagles’ chief coach Adegboye Onigbinde on Thursday at St Petersburg in Russia urged for more support for the senior national football team.
    Onigbinde told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that football is not mathematics and what the Super Eagles need right now is the support of every Nigerian.
    “I am a patriotic Nigeria, but football is not ‎ mathematics. So, I wish the team well.
    ”I have no contact with the team, so I can not talk about what they need to do against Iceland in their next game on Friday
    ”I’m here courtesy of the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, who when I was marking my 80th birthday promised to take me to Russia as my birthday gift. So, I’m here on holiday,” he said.
    Onigbinde however said that the outcome of the match would depend on the tactics adopted by the team.
    “It will all depend on what the coach and his assistants have in mind in terms of tactics. That is very important.
    “But what is also crucial is the kind of support we all give to the team at this crucial moment,” he added.
    NAN reports that Nigeria will face Iceland on Friday in Volgograd in a must-win Group D match, having lost theur first match 0-2 against Croatia on Saturday in Kaliningrad.
    Iceland had on their part drawn 1-1 with Argentina in their opening match, with the Eagles dropping to the bottom of the table.
    Now the Super Eagles position has now been strengthened by Argentina which lost 0-3 to Croatia on Thursday night.
    The result means a win over Iceland on Friday will return Nigeria to contention.
    They will then need at least a draw against Argentina on June 26 to place second in the group if Iceland fail to beat Croatia.(NAN)

  • World Cup attendances pass one million mark – FIFA

    More than one million fans have attended games at the World Cup, FIFA said in a statement on Thursday after Denmark’s 1-1 draw with Australia, the 21st match of the tournament in Russia.

    “To date, more than 2.6 million tickets have been allocated to football fans all around the world, with ticket sales ongoing until July 15.

    “On average, World Cup stadium occupancy is at 97 per cent and more than 70,000 tickets have been resold,” added the statement.

    Read Also: Top goal scorers in FIFA World Cup history

    The only glaring case of large numbers of empty seats was Uruguay’s 1-0 win over Egypt in Yekaterinburg, where 6,000 tickets which had been allocated were left unused.

    FIFA said that was due to “no shows” from constituent groups which include sponsors, member associations and supporters.

    NAN

  • Argentina 0-3 Croatia – shambolic Argentina put to sword

    • Argentina 0-3 Croatia (7pm)
    • Rebic scores after Caballero howler
    • Modric stunner makes it 2-0 (81)
    • Rakitic in injury-time (90+1)
    • Messi, Aguero in attack
    • Di Maria, Rojo, Biglia left out
    • Brozovic in for Kramaric
    • Croatia through if they win
    • Group D clash

     

    FT: Croatia are through to the last 16 of the World Cup after a stunning 3-0 victory in Nizhny Novgorod which leaves Argentina in serious danger of exiting at the group stage.

    Ante Rebic made the most of a Willy Caballero howler to open the scoring in the 53rd minute before Luka Modric curled in a sensational second (81) and Ivan Rakitic stroked in an injury-time third to secure his side’s passage to the knock-out stages.

    But after their opening 1-1 draw with Iceland, Argentina go into their final Group D game with Nigeria with only one point and their hopes of staying in Russia beyond the group stage are hanging by a thread.

     

    Preview

    Argentina is looking to rebound from a disappointing start to its World Cup after an opening-game draw with Iceland. Croatia was far from impressive in a 2-0 win over Nigeria, but it can take firm control of Group D with a win today.

    A Draw Result Favours Nigeria

    The permutation has started as the Super Eagles of Nigeria stumbled against Croatia in a disappointing start at the mundial.

    What will be the likely result from Argentina versus Croatia match that will put Nigeria in a better position ahead of their crucial match against Iceland on Friday?

    The best result that will keep Nigeria in contention is a draw between the two countries while hoping the three-time African champion will emerge victorious against their Iceland counterpart tomorrow.

    A draw would also suffice in this circumstance – meaning La Albiceleste would have two points after two games.

    Argentina, at the moment, are on a bad run of form – having not won any match in their last three at the World Cup finals. Their last victory was against Belgium at the quarterfinal stage in the 2014 edition.

    According to FIFA.com, Jorge Sampaoli is going to make changes to the starting 11, in what has been described as a must-win match.

    “Desperate for the win that will keep his side’s fate in their own hands, Sampaoli is set to ring the changes, both in terms of tactics and personnel,” reports Diego Zandrino.

    “His aim is to fashion a starting line-up that remains competitive but which can also play better football and penetrate the opposition defence down the flanks.

    “Speed of response and the ability to keep their shape will also be crucial for the Argentinians at the back, as will the need to sharpen their finishing.”

    For the Croats, a win or a draw would be good, as they will stay top of the group until Iceland play Nigeria on Friday.