World Cup Diary 2022
Day 1
FIFA World Cup Group A
Qatar v Ecuador (Al Bayt Stadium) 10 pm.
Qatar didn’t seem strong enough and Ecuador were full on in this opening encounter. Enner Valencia the standout performer scored two but should have been three, as he had a foot offside. Not an impressive game and Qatar were broken down easily. Qatar could have scored a goal but didn’t push on or attack that much. Ecuador attacked well and defended well which is good tournament football. Qatar dominated the second half but Ecuador defended deep to prevent the breakaway.
Final Score: Qatar 0 – 2 Ecuador
Day 2
FIFA World Cup Group B
England v Iran (Khalifa International Stadium) 4 pm.
England come into the tournament in patchy form but with the experience of two long runs in the last two tournaments. Iran wouldn’t sing the anthem, so there were questions as to whether they were giving 100% in this contest. The match began in a cagey fashion with Iran packing the box in defense before the
deadlock was broken by Bukayo Saka who added a second later in the game. England's forwards find some form and the goals finish Iran midway through the first half. England played great but were allowed to, so it was hard to judge the English team on this performance.
Final Score: England 6 – 2 Iran
Day 2
FIFA World Cup Group A
Senegal v Netherlands (Al Thumama Stadium) 7 pm.
The Senegalese lose their main threat in Saido Mane shortly before the tournament but still put out a strong team with the experience of Koulibaly, Kouyate and Mendy. The Dutch have a strong defense. Rookie forward Cody Gakpo climbed late to break the deadlock before Davy Klassen made sure of the points. Holland were a great team, Senegal very good as well but the Dutch looked the business.
Final Score: Senegal 0 – 2 Netherlands
Day 2
FIFA World Cup Group B
USA v Wales (Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium) 10 pm.
The best US team to compete at a World Cup faces a Welsh side at a first World Cup in 5 decades. USA have an energetic team which controls the game in the first half and deservedly takes the lead through Tim Weah. Wales find some success going forward in the second half and Gareth Bale wins a late penalty to square the match. USA were the better team all the way through. Wales are a fighting team who got a result they’ll be pleased with. Fought for everything and got their result.
Final Score: USA 1 – 1 Wales
Day 3
FIFA World Cup Group C
Argentina v Saudi Arabia (Lusail Iconic Stadium)
Leo Messi returns for another shot at glory with an Argentina side in a good vein of form. Argentina dominated the first half with Leo Messi putting away a penalty to hold the lead at the break. A shock second half equaliser was followed by a curling strike by Al Dawsawi to give the Saudis an unlikely lead as they held on to provide one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history at the Lusail Stadium. Fancy Argentina to win it, but Saudi Arabia played out of their skins. Two great goals from the Saudis. Maybe Argentina got depressed by the three ruled out offside goals when they were one up. Argentina are good enough to qualify still.
Final Score: Argentina 1 – 2 Saudi Arabia
Day 3
FIFA World Cup Group D
Denmark v Tunisia (Education City Stadium)
Denmark are a good side but this goalless draw was not a good game.
Final Score: Denmark 0 – 0 Tunisia
Day 3
FIFA World Cup Group C
Mexico v Poland (Stadium 974)
An even stevens game, whoever nicked a goal would win it. Poland strong and upright as a team. A late penalty was saved from Robert Lewandowski and the points shared.
Final Score: Mexico 0 – 0 Poland
Day 3
FIFA World Cup Group D
France v Australia (Al Janoub Stadium)
France were so good, with Australia a yard behind all the time. France will go a long way in this tournament. Giroud equals Thierry Henrys all time French goals record. Kylian Mbappe cant be stopped, so quick and talented. France down early for the final. Australia played some decent stuff but won't go far.
Final Score: France 4 – 1 Australia
Day 4
FIFA World Cup Group F
Morocco v Croatia (Al Bayt Stadium)
Another nil nil as neither team can take the three points on a warm afternoon in Qatar.
Final Score: Morocco 0 – 0 Croatia
Day 4
FIFA WORLD Cup Group E
Germany v Japan (Khalifa International Stadium)
Germany looked overconfident from the start in this match. Japan were impressive all over the pitch, quick in defense with lots of tackling. Germany were made to work and they came unstuck as they didn’t put enough into it. Japan didn’t just defend but kept going forward all the time and didn’t let Germany settle.
Final Score: Germany 1 – 2 Japan
Day 4
FIFA World Cup Group F
Spain v Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium)
Spain looked good and every time they went forward it looked like they could score. Costa Rica tried hard but were easily overpowered in this thumping opening win for the Spanish.
Final Score: Spain 7 – 0 Costa Rica
Day 4
FIFA World Cup Group E
Belgium v Canada (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)
Belgium didn’t look fit enough and were lucky to beat Canada, who missed a penalty in the first half by Alphonso Davies, which would have been Canadas first goal at the World Cup in its history. De Bruyne created a couple of chances but was marginal for periods throughout. Belgium got the win without Lukaku and will have to improve if they want to challenge opposition of a higher calibre.
Final Score: Belgium 1 – 0 Canada
Day 5
FIFA World Cup Group G
Switzerland v Cameroon (Al Janoub Stadium)
Neither team stood out in this match as the Swiss took the points and Cameroon could have put up a better fight.
Final Score: Switzerland 1 – 0 Cameroon
Day 5
FIFA World Cup Group H
Uruguay v South Korea (Education City Stadium)
Uruguay didn’t play well in this opening fixture but Darwin Nunez put in a good performance, and Uruguay will get better. South Korea looked sharp with Son Heung Min up front, but the points were shared.
Final Score: Uruguay 0 – 0 South Korea
Day 5
FIFA World Cup Group H
Portugal v Ghana (Stadium 974)
Portugal were lucky and Cristiano Ronaldo got his goal. Ghana gave them a good test and played well, getting up there with a few chances. Portugal just topped them in the end. Ronaldo doesn’t look that fit but Portugal should get improve as the tournament progresses.
Final Score: Portugal 3 - 2 Ghana
Day 5
FIFA World Cup Group G
Brazil v Serbia (Lusail Iconic Stadium)
Brazil were fantastic, creating a lot of chances. Very sharp in the box. They will go far in this World Cup. Serbia tried but lacked the extra quality to change the game, they couldn't get past Brazil and had to defend all the time.
Final Score: Brazil 2 – 0 Serbia
Day 6
FIFA World Cup Group B
Wales v Iran (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)
Iran returned following a 6 – 2 drubbing by England with a good performance against a poor and lacklustre Welsh side. Both Bale and Ramsey were well off the pace of the game and Iran scored twice late on following the sending off of Wayne Hennessey. Wales need a miracle to qualify and England should beat them.
Final Score: Wales 0 – 2 Iran
Day 6
FIFA World Cup Group A
Qatar v Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium)
A fairly even match as Qatar pushed to win the points as hosts. Senegal were lucky when Edouard Mendy made a reflex save to deny the Qataris before Senegal went two goals ahead. A first World Cup goal for Qatar from Muntari left the hosts with something to celebrate before Senegal got a third through Bamba Dieng. Senegal looked good but are playing a strong Ecuador next.
Final Score: Qatar 1 – 3 Senegal
Day 6
FIFA World Cup Group A
Netherlands v Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium)
This Netherlands side went into their second match of the competition looking to build on victory from the first match. Cody Gakpo scored with a strike to the near post after just five minutes. However, Enner Valencia got an equaliser after half time before being stretchered off. Ecuador were good, pretty sharp and could beat Senegal.
Final Score: Netherlands 1- 1 Ecuador
Day 6
FIFA World Cup Group B
England v USA (Al Bayt Stadium)
England had the chance to qualify with victory over the USA but were held by an organised USA team. With the next World Cup in the USA and Canada in four year’s time, this USA team is clearly a blueprint for that competition. USA played really well, full of beans and running at people. England did well to get a
draw. Kane didn’t have his best game while Pulisic hit the bar and was the best player for the States. USA should progress from group B.
Final Score: England 0 – 0 USA
Day 7
FIFA World Cup Group D
Tunisia v Australia (Al Janoub Stadium)
A first half goal from Mitchell Duke gave Australia the points despite a fight back in the second half from Tunisia. Fancy Australia to beat Denmark and progress. Australia are similar to the USA, not as fit but they go forward and try and score goals, defending well at the same time.
Final Score: Tunisia 0 – 1 Australia
Day 7
FIFA World Cup Group C
Poland v Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium)
Following the shock defeat of Argentina, Saudi Arabia were full of confidence for this clash with Poland. A stoic side, Poland come out and go through their football well, with Zielinski and Lewandowski scoring to give Poland the victory. Going into their last game against Argentina, Poland should be good enough to get a draw or even win and the Saudis could beat Mexico.
Final Score: Poland 2 – 0 Saudi Arabia
Day 7
FIFA World Cup Group D
France v Denmark (Stadium 974)
Denmark have been building a strong side which performed well in the Euros in 2021. France, who have lost Pogba, Kante and Benzema to injury, still have a strong team spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe who grabbed a brace in this match taking the game away from Denmark. France could win the whole thing with Mbappe so quick and unstoppable. Mbappe is similar to Charie Cooke going past people and creating chances. While Denmark look slow, it is surprising that they haven't done anything up to this point in the competition. Australia should have beaten them or at least drawn in the previous game and without any finishers or goalscorers, it is hard to see Denmark progressing.
Final Score: France 2 – 1 Denmark
Day 7
FIFA World Cup Group C
Argentina v Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium)
Argentina lazy and tired in Saudi Arabia game and were in turmoil coming into this game. The performance was poor before Leo Messi broke the deadlock with a fine strike from the edge of the box. Enzo Fernandez made it two with a curling effort from a wide area to lift Argentine spirits. Two great goals. Mexico hot and cold, do not look the Mexico we used to know and haven't scored in the two games so far. Argentina have started attacking like they can, with Messi nicking that goal, but the Poland match will be tough.
Final Score: Argentina 2 – 0 Mexico
Day 8
Japan v Costa Rica (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)
Costa Rica shocked Japan fresh from victory against the Germans to leave the group wide open going into the last round of games. Japan didn’t play like they did in the first game. Japan have the best chance to go through after the way they played against Germany.
Final Score: Japan 0 - 1 Costa Rica
Day 8
FIFA World Cup Group F
Belgium v Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium)
With a cast of stellar names, this Belgium side were looking for six points from two games after an underwhelming performance in their first match. Saiss scored with a fortunate goal in the second half before Abouklal secured the points for the Atlas Lions in a famous upset. Morocco looked good, while Belgium seemed backward and tired. They will have to up their game to beat Croatia which will be no easy task.
Final Score: Belgium 0 – 2 Morocco
Day 8
FIFA World Cup Group F
Croatia v Canada (Khalifa International Stadium)
The Croatian team conducted by Luka Modric looks a formidable opponent while Canada continues to entertain with an attacking set up. A first World Cup goal for Canada came when Alphonso Davies thundered a header into the net from a cross in the first half. Croatia came back with a brace from Kramaric to
take the points in a classy display. Canada looked fit and sharp but couldn’t handle Croatia.
Final Score: Croatia 4 - 1 Canada
Day 8
FIFA World Cup Group E
Spain v Germany (Al Bayt Stadium)
Germany needed points in this game but were aided by Japan losing earlier in the day. Spain took the lead through substitute Alvaro Morata with a neat finish before another substitute, Fullkrug, equalised with ten minutes to play. A good match and much improved performance from Germany. Germany cant be ruled out, they will be back with a vengeance and could score 3 or 4 at least to get them through. Spain knocked the ball about well, can score goals, great on set pieces. Both sides should progress but it will be tight.
Final Score: Spain 1 – 1 Germany
Day 9
FIFA World Cup Group G
Cameroon v Serbia (Al Janoub Stadium)
Mitrovic misses two good early opportunities and Cameroon take the lead in the first half but Serbia strike twice before half time before adding a third just after half time. With the game seemingly won by Serbia, Vincent Aboubakar is introduced by Cameroon. With one of the greatest finishes in World Cup history, Aboubakar lobs the Serbian keeper before crossing for Choupo Moting to
equalise in the 65th minute. Cameroon showed great character to come back. Serbia are a good team and Mitrovic is always a threat.
Final Score: Cameroon 3 – 3 Serbia
Day 9
FIFA World Cup Group H
Korea Republic v Ghana (Education City Stadium)
Ghana played really well on the day beating Korea.
Final Score: Korea Republic 2 – 3 Ghana
Day 9
FIFA World Cup Group G
Brazil v Switzerland (Stadium 974)
Casemiro goal in the final ten minutes. Swiss looking a really good team but Brazil do not yet look as fearsome as their reputation suggests.
Final Score: Brazil 1 – 0 Switzerland
Day 9
FIFA World Cup Group H
Portugal v Uruguay (Lusail Iconic Stadium)
Two goals from Bruno Fernandes secure qualification for Portugal. Ronaldo said he got a touch on one of the goals and probably deserved the goal as he distracted the keeper. Not playing like the old Ronaldo though, getting it down and taking people on. Just hanging round up front to pounce on anything in the 6 yard box. Can't rule him out.
Final Score: Portugal 2 – 0 Uruguay
Day 10
FIFA World Cup Group A
Ecuador v Senegal (Khalifa International Stadium)
Ecuador got beat off Senegal in the 78th minute having thought Ecuador would be strong enough go through. Senegal as usual are big and strong and can upset people and go at you. They keep running at you and defend well. With Koulibaly and Mendy, England will have a tough time against them.
Final Score: Ecuador 1 – 2 Senegal
Day 10
FIFA World Cup Group A
Netherlands v Qatar (Al Bayt Stadium)
Cody Gakpo scores in his third game in a row. Qatar were quite good, knocking the ball about. Holland knicked a couple of goals. Not as good as the old Holland teams who were more exciting to watch, but they are through. Could struggle in the next game against the USA in the round of 16.
Final Score: Netherlands 2 - 0 Qatar
Day 10
FIFA World Cup Group B
Iran v USA (Al Thumama Stadium)
USA look fit and strong, always chasing the ball. An attacking team, they get the ball to go forwards, not knocking it back or sideways. Very offensive. Iran go out despite their earlier victory over Wales.
Final Score: Iran 0 – 1 USA
Day 11
FIFA World Cup Group B
Wales v England (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)
Wales were very poor and didn’t put up much of a fight. The Welsh keeper may have been to blame for the free kick as he should have been covering that corner. Rashford, quick and fast, will always score you goals because he is direct. Foden was different class, spreads the ball around and gets up into the box. Harry Kane will always score you goals playing like an old number 10, dropping off into the midfield and getting a few assists too.
Final Score: Wales 0 – 3 England
Day 11
FIFA World Cup Group D
Australia v Denmark (Al Janoub Stadium)
Australia went through with six points on goal difference, doing well against Denmark and Tunisia to qualify. Denmark didn’t click at all. The Aussies go forward all time with the right idea to go and try and score goals. Denmark are a main team so its surprising to see them go out at this stage.
Final Score: Australia 1 – 0 Denmark
Day 11
FIFA World Cup Group D
France v Tunisia (Education City Stadium)
Surprise victory for Tunisia in a dead rubber match, France had already qualified and Tunisia had everything going for them and played well. A famous victory for Tunisia.
Final Score: France 0 – 1 Tunisia
Day 11
FIFA World Cup Group C
Poland v Argentina (Stadium 974)
Poland did not look like they wanted to score goals. All they wanted to do was defend. Too defensive. Not up for it. Playing against Argentina who come at you, dribble and play some nice football. Poland could change their system to score goals going forwards. Lewandowski didn’t seem to do much but can always get you a goal. Argentina should progress well in the tournament with Messi who is due a goal. Will come up trumps with something.
Final Score: Poland 0 – 2 Argentina
Day 11
FIFA World Cup Group C
Saudi Arabia v Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium)
Mexico would have gone through with an extra goal. Saudi Arabia scoring one knocked them out. Shame, Mexico can play a bit and are a tough team to beat, only Argentina beat them.
Final Score: Saudi Arabia 1 – 2 Mexico
Day 12
FIFA World Cup Group F
Canada v Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium)
Morocco have been a surprise topping the group with 7 points. Canada have impressed with an eye on 2026 World Cup as hosts but have gone home. Morocco qualify thanks to Belgium messing up and not putting away their chances.
Final Score: Canada 1 – 2 Morocco
Day 12
FIFA World Cup Group F
Croatia v Belgium (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium)
Belgium were very poor, nothing went for them. De Bruyne didn’t have a good couple of games, he runs the team at Manchester City but Belgium didn’t use him like City use him. They kept going around him. He still kept getting crossing in and Lukaku had four great chances which you would have thought he would have put away. Injured for a while but you only need those half chances. No excuses, he should have knicked one or two of them. Croatia qualify second looking pretty good.
Final Score: Croatia 0 – 0 Belgium
Day 12
FIFA World Cup Group E
Costa Rica v Germany (Al Bayt Stadium)
Germany went two one down shortly before Kai Havertz got a goal to pull them back into the game. The other game eventually dictated that they would not progress. They huffed and they puffed but Germany didn’t play well in the tournament, including getting beat off Japan and go home without qualifying from the group.
Final Score: Costa Rica 2 – 4 Germany
Day 12
FIFA World Cup Group E
Japan v Spain (Khalifa International Stadium)
Japan are a big surprise to qualify from that group. Like whizz kids and karate champions, knicking a late goal against Spain. Funny old game, they deserved to go through. Fighting all the time, never give up.
Final Score: Japan 2 – 1 Spain
Day 13
FIFA World Cup Group H
Ghana v Uruguay (Al Janoub Stadium)
Ghana have gone from the tournament as have Uruguay despite winning the match. Uruguay disappointed, the older players were not up to it, whereas their younger opponents will run all day.
Final Score: Ghana 0 – 2 Uruguay
Day 13
FIFA World Cup Group H
Korea Republic v Portugal (Education City Stadium)
Korea went through on goal difference but they were nothing to shout about. Asian teams play out their skins and wont stop running and fighting. Portugal can play a bit but the older players may prove costly. If Ronaldo can hang up front, he always has a chance to score. The rest of the team must take on his defensive duties.
Final Score: Korea Republic 2 – 1 Portugal
Day 13
FIFA World Cup Group G
Cameroon v Brazil (Lusail Iconic Stadium)
Cameroon are a similar team to Senegal, give em a chance and they will get it up there. Brazil were shocked here but should improve going forward and they weren't playing for anything in this match. The first African team to beat Brazil. Vincent Aboubakar starring once again with a late header to snatch victory before a comical second yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration. Great game to watch.
Final Score: Cameroon 1 – 0 Brazil
Day 13
FIFA World Cup Group G
Serbia v Switzerland (Stadium 974)
Serbia went ahead but the Swiss came back eventually taking the lead. The Swiss play quite good football and progress onto the round of 16. They play quickly, one or two touches and get players forward. Serbia go home.
Final Score: Serbia 2 – 3 Switzerland
