A round-up of MD1 at the World Cup

The first round of 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage fixtures has now concluded with Brazil edging past a strong Serbian side. With that in mind, this is a look at the more subjective elements of the tournament so far…

Game of the tournament so far… Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia

For drama, excitement and actual quality, the game of the tournament thus far is undoubtedly the first match that was played at Lusail’s Iconic Stadium. One of the red-hot pre-tournament favourites and two-time world champions being beaten, after going ahead inside ten minutes and leading at the break, by a Saudi side ranked outside of the world’s top 50. Herve Renard has worked miracles and continues to do so as he trots across the globe. 

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Worst game of the tournament so far… Morocco 0-0 Croatia

Whilst both sides have an abundance of quality in terms of the personnel, their mentality for this goalless draw was limited and left a lot to be desired from a neutral perspective. Both sides will have believed their key games are to come and staying in the tournament with a point apiece is suitable for both. That mentality gave way to one of the more tedious matches in which the combined expected goals rate was exactly 1.00.

Most impressive side… Spain

The most impressive team so far really is Spain. Whilst they were against inferior opposition (which we will get on to), they were simply mesmeric. Their key concerns were at either end; outstanding between the boxes and then inefficient or ineffective otherwise. However, Luis Enrique’s decision to put Rodri at the back, combined with Spain’s now apparent clinical nature really boosts their chances of winning a second FIFA World Cup trophy.

Least impressive side… Costa Rica

To temper that Spanish praise, it must be mentioned that Costa Rica have been the least impressive side so far and that is going some when Qatar opened the campaign with a terrible performance. Costa Rica qualified via the intercontinental playoffs against New Zealand but were the much weaker side in that tie, too. The Central Americans became the first team since 1990 to fail have a shot on goal in a FIFA World Cup match.

Team to get excited about… Canada

Despite defeat, John Herdman’s Canadian side showed a vibrancy and intent that impressed many a neutral. They failed in the final third, despite their attacking talent, but have given themselves real hope for matches against Croatia and Morocco.

Team to be worried about… Belgium

The team that edged them out in that match were Belgium. It was an extremely limp and unconvincing display with one long ball being finished smartly by Michy Batshuayi being their only real clear-cut opportunity. Concerns aplenty for The Red Devils. 

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Goal of the tournament so far… Richarlison

We had to wait until the final match of the first round of group stage fixtures for a standout candidate, other than Salem Al-Dawsari’s strike for Saudi Arabia against Argentina, but it was well with that wait. Richarlison’s scissor-like attempt arrowed into the bottom corner from mid-air may well go down in history as an all-timer.

Player of the first round… Pedri

Despite playing just 57 minutes, Pedri put on a clinic in Spain’s 7-0 demolition of Costa Rica. The Barcelona midfielder weighted every pass to perfection and played with attacking vigour as he delicately glided through the thirds at every opportunity. He is a diamond.