Germany and the Netherlands crash out on penalties
Apologies for the lack of updates since the weekend. Lots of things going on.
The Last 32 is now well underway and there have already been unexpected departures for a couple of the traditional European footballing powerhouses as both Germany and the Netherlands were knocked out after penalty shoot-outs. I say “unexpected” but in truth only Germany should be considered a shock since Morocco, who beat the Netherlands, are an excellent side and, alongside a number of the other African nations, can no longer be considered minnows of the game. The majority of their players play in the big European leagues these days so it really should not be too surprising when they now beat European nations. Indeed, only Tunisia of the 10 African nations taking part in the tournament failed to reach the Last 32. That is a 90% success rate, better than any other continent.
Morocco are the only African side currently through to the Last 16 – South Africa and the Ivory Coast both lost their Last 32 ties although the Ivory Coast were the better side for much of their tie against Norway but could not finish their chances – but have Senegal, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, Cape Verde and DR Congo yet to come. Of those, I would only say Cape Verde are very unlikely to make it through. I do not expect all others to make it but would be surprised if Morocco remained the only African nation in the Last 16.
Which brings me onto England this afternoon against the DR Congo. On paper England should win but the Congolese side has plenty of Premier League experience, are likely to employ a low block as Ghana did so with success against England in the Group Phase, and can break with pace when they get the chance. England play in a very similar manner to the German side that could only breach the Paraguayan defence once. Do not be surprised if England also struggle today. I hope not but I am expecting another painful watch. Hopefully we will have enough to get through as Norway did yesterday.
The other nations through to the Last 16 in addition to Morocco, Paraguay and Norway are co-hosts Canada and Mexico, Brazil and France. Canada had a kind draw against South Africa, one of the weaker African nations, and were definitely the better side but even then had to wait until stoppage time at the end of the second half before they finally broke through. Mexico are looking very strong on their own patch and will take some beating at the Azteca Stadium – England or DR Congo go there in the Last 16!
Brazil v Japan would have been a better match up later in the knockout phase but they were paired together in the Last 32. A highly entertaining first half saw Japan go into the break 1 up but as Brazil increased the pressure on their defence they went into their shells and the breakaways that were causing Brazil so many problems in the first half stopped. It became one-way traffic with Brazil equalising before the hour mark but they also had to wait until very late to score their winner.
The French were a joy to watch from a football purist perspective last night. Sweden did not play badly by any means but the French were excellent and simply too good as they ran out 3-0 winners. It will take a very good side to stop them. No disgrace losing to them when they play like that.
World Cup Prediction Competition 2026
The second page of the Leaderboard shows everyone’s predicted World Cup winners and runners up. A few of us have already lost one of those predicted sides. I had Germany reaching the final but they are out. You will now see the word “Germany” with a strikethrough and a grey background to indicate they have been eliminated. The only other currently eliminated teams that were predicted to reach the World Cup Final are Japan and Scotland. Long time leader Peter Sarfas had predicted a Japanese triumph but, sadly for him and all those in Japan, it is not to be, this time anyway. The loss of Japan will hinder his scoring in the knockout phase. Ditto all with Germany. And Cathy Clapinson who gets an honourable mention for great patriotism and even greater optimism for her England v Scotland final. If only.
Overall, things can change quickly now as points are earned for correctly predicting teams through to the next stage, the later the stage the more points earned. The lead has been changing hands over recent days. Currently, Louis V holds top spot with 405 points. He picked up 26 points yesterday with 3 correct winners and qualifiers. He leapfrogged Gordon Annetts who remains 2nd on 401 points and Stuart Corbould who has dropped to 3rd from top spot after a quiet evening. He has 400 points. Adam Wootton is back up to 4th on 388 with Tom Moir appearing from the chasing pack to move into 5th place on 387 points. He is one place and one point ahead of Ian Clapinson in 6th on 386 points, who in turn is one place and one point ahead of Alan Dadswell who is hanging onto the prize places in 7th, now on 385 points. Joint 8th place are Dean Russell and Jim Russell both on 384. The chasing pack are all within touching distance and ready to pounce if the top spots make any mistakes.
Incredibly tight and very exciting. Just how I like it!
PLEASE INVITE ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART.
