World Cup 2022: 10 takeaways from Matchday 4
Some fans were delighted, others were heartbroken as the upsets continued on day four of the FIFA World Cup 2022, with Japan stunning four-time world champions Germany in a come-from-behind win in their Group E opener.
There was plenty to take away from the four matches. Here are 10 takeaways for our OBSERVER ONLINE readers.
1. Croatia midfield lacking
Last tournament’s finalists Croatia delivered a subpar performance against their African rivals, Morocco, which resulted in a 0-0 draw. Despite having world renowned players such as Modric, Kovacic and Brozovic, the Europeans lack of play making cost them a much-needed three points in what could prove to be a very competitive group.
2. Noussair Mazraoui injury a big blow for Morocco
The African side was dealt a big blow when right back Noussair Mazaoui picked up an injury during their opener against Croatia. He was ruled out of the match due to a hip injury. Mazaraoui had two shots with one on target against the Croats and is considered one of the most integral pieces for the Moroccan side.
3. Japan a real threat
The Japanese produced the stunner of the day when they defeated the Germans 2-1. The Asian side came from behind to score two late goals. Ritsu Doan scored in the 75th, while Takuma Asano scored in the 83rd minute. Japan seems ready to put up a fight for a round of 16 placement.
4. Asian kryptonite? Germany upstaged by another Asian team.
This is the second consecutive World Cup that the Germans have been defeated by an Asian team, following their loss to South Korea which booted them from the tournament in 2018. The South Koreans won that matchup 2-0.
5. Germany needs a striker
Despite creating multiple opportunities and İlkay Gündoğan converting a penalty in the 33rd minute, it is evident that the Germans are missing a striker. Usually, Timo Werner would have been selected as the staring striker for the Germans, however, the RB Leipzig forward suffered an ankle injury days before the start of the tournament.
6. Social issues/politics a distraction at World Cup
The Germans made a statement by covering their mouths before their match against Japan to protest FIFA’s decision to ban the wearing of the OneLove armbands. The armbands are to support the rights of the LGBTQ community. However, FIFA stated that players who sport the armband would be penalised. But, it seemed as if Germany’s focus was more on the controversies rather than showing up on the field against the Japanese. Ultimately, the Germans lost the match.
7. Seven-star Spain look impressive
2010 World Cup champions thrashed CONCACAF’s Costa Rica in a 7-0 drubbing. In their dominant display, the Spaniards produced the largest win margin since Germany’s 7-1 defeat of host Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. In addition, Costa Rica suffered their heaviest defeat in the country’s history. Spain scored their most goals ever at a World Cup match, with only Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Italy and France having scored more in a game.
8. Batshuayi is no Lukaku
Despite Michy Batshuayi’s winning goal for the Belgians in their 1-0 defeat of Canada, the Fenerbahçe striker is no Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku’s strength and dominance in the final third is missing as Batshuayi was awarded multiple opportunities to score but was wasteful. He was substituted in the second half of the match.
9. Missed penalty by Alphonso Daves
Canada’s impressive display at their second World Cup was marred by Alphonso Daves’ missed penalty in the 10th minute. He failed to convert Canada’s first goal at a tournament. As a result, the North Americans lost 1-0. Make no mistake, however, Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtios is top tier.
10. Belgium outplayed despite victory
With Canada’s failure to capitalise on opportunities, the Belgian side came out the victor. But, it was apparent that the North Americans played a better game. This was evident in Canada’s 22 shots compared to Belgium’s nine.