Group A: The Group of Chalk
Photo credit: Nazionale (Creative Commons license)
For what it’s sometimes lacked in competitive matches, Group A has made up for in scoring — well, at least when the hosts play. With every squad having two matches in the books, there’s yet to be a single draw or upset. It’s been all chalk across the board in Group A, as Russia and Uruguay have already punched their tickets to the Round of 16.
Russia, the host nation, obliterated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the 2018 World Cup opener, then followed that up with a thorough 3-1 destruction of Egypt on Tuesday. Denis Cheryshev continued to dazzle for the Russians. The Villarreal forward scored again, and has looked every bit like a Golden Boot contender.
With Mo Salah nowhere near 100 percent — despite converting a penalty — Egypt couldn’t withstand a confident Russian attack. Salah noticeably shied away from a few 50-50 challenges and understandably didn’t look like the player who so often wowed crowds at Anfield during the 2017-18 Premier League season. The Pharaohs now find themselves in the same predicament as Saudi Arabia, i.e. playing for pride.
Image credit: LiveScore.com
Uruguay didn’t exactly set the world ablaze in getting out of the Group Phase, but consecutive 1-nil victories against the Egyptians and Saudis were enough to advance. Uruguay defeated the latter Wednesday in relatively unimpressive fashion on an early Luis Suarez strike. While the Uruguayans have appeared the epitome of mediocre thus far, there’s still enough quality on the La Celeste roster to figure things out before it’s too late. They’ll need to play up to or above their level of competition instead of down to it, as they did in their first two matches, if they hope to discover their top form.
Russia and Uruguay will duke it out Monday to determine the Group A winner, which’ll then face the runner-up in Group B. The loser of Monday’s contest will settle for a Knockout Phase matchup with the Group B winner. Egypt and Saudi Arabia will also play Monday to determine the group’s third- and fourth-place finishers.
With nothing but favorites winning in Group A, it certainly hasn’t proven the World Cup’s most compelling group. But the teams have combined to score double-digit goals among them in the four matches played so far, so while onlookers haven’t constantly been on the edges of their seats, at least they’ve gotten to witness a few golazos courtesy of the hosts.
Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.
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