Braeburn's World Cup Blog - Day 2
So, come on, hands up who was expecting that? Russia, we were told, had the worst team for a host nation since South Africa 2010, maybe even worse than that. We expected Saudi Arabia, by no means a footballing power house, to keep it tight, frustrate the hosts and suck the life out of the party. Yet Russia started with purpose, with energy, playing without fear and with an obvious pride in front of 78,000 people packed into the Luzhniki Stadium.
The early goal settled any nerves there might have been and from that moment on the result never looked in doubt. After the break, with Russia two-nil to the good, there was a 20-minute spell when things got edgy. A goal then for Saudi Arabia and perhaps the hosts would have crumbled under the pressure of it all, but it was not to be. The third goal came twenty minutes before the end, everybody relaxed, the Mexican Wave started and Russia knew that their World Cup would begin as it had done in their dreams. In the end, it finished 5-0, Denis Cheryshev curling in a sublime fourth and Aleksandr Golovin finishing things off with a free-kick you just knew was going to hit the back of the net.
Denis Cheryshev celebrates after curling in an exquisite fourth for the hosts.
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There is obviously much to dislike about the Russian state but a people and it’s football team cannot be held responsible for the actions of politicians, it would have taken a cold heart (or perhaps a Ukranian) to begrudge the Russians their joy. The TV coverage repeatedly cut to Vladimir Putin and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the posh seats, separated only by FIFA head honcho Gianni Infantino. The mood between these two men of dubious moral standing seemed friendly enough at first, a gentleman’s handshake followed the first goal... ‘we’re all friends here’. Things looked different after the fifth though. Golovin's free-kick hit the net and the atmosphere among the ‘big cheeses’ seemed to have deteriorated somewhat. Putin stretched out his hands, palms to the sky, attempting a gesture of humble disbelief while two seats away Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman looked very much less than impressed. Money it seems can buy you most things in life but opening day World Cup wins are not one of them. All in all, it was a great start for the tournament. A World Cup thrives on the enthusiasm of the home supporters and the Russian people certainly got their party.
Three more games today as the things start to get really interesting. First up is the second match in Group A and it looks to be an absolute beauty. Egypt, led by man of the moment and owner of the most prayed for shoulder in history, Mo Salah, against Luis Suárez and Uruguay, a team that historically are no stranger to the dark arts. Salah can expect his fitness to be tested by some hefty early challenges.
Can Mo Salah inspire Egypt and cause an upset against Uruguay?
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Next up is Morocco versus Iran, a contest likely to decide who finishes third to the big two in Group B. And then tonight is the big one, arguably the tastiest game in the group phase, Portugal v Spain. The battle between Ronaldo and his Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos maybe the key factor. European Champions Portugal will be a tough nut to crack. They won in France two years ago playing hard defensive tournament football and it will be interesting to see how Spain, rocked by their managers recent departure try and break them down. I am expecting a tight, attritional game with very few chances. Defeat for either side could leave qualification in the balance, so for me, a draw looks the likeliest of outcomes.
Can Sergio Ramos find way to stop Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo?
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World Cup Betting Tips - Day 2
Egypt v Uruguay. Both teams to score, 3 points at 2.35 (27/20) with Coral.
Uruguay have plenty of goals in them with Suárez joined up front by Edinson Cavani and of course, Egypt have Salah. I expect goals and wouldn't be suprised if this ended 2-1 either way.
Portugal v Spain. Draw, 2 points at 3.3 (23/10) with Unibet.
As mentioned above, this should be a tight game with neither wanting to give an advantage to the other in Group B.
There is still time enter my WORLD CUP PREDICTION CONTEST supported by SBC and @stimp1024. Just head HERE to submit a prediction for the Tunisia v England game for your chance to win SBD and earn a chance to go for the Grand Prize.
Finally, if you haven't already done so why not head over to my blog and check out some of my very own World Cup Memories:
https://steemit.com/sbc/@marcusbraeburn/brazil-2014-world-cup-memories-and-betting-suggestions
https://steemit.com/sbc/@marcusbraeburn/south-africa-2010-world-cup-memories-and-betting-suggestions
https://steemit.com/sbc/@marcusbraeburn/germany-2006-world-cup-memories-and-betting-suggestions
https://steemit.com/sports/@marcusbraeburn/france-98-world-cup-memories-and-betting-suggestions
https://steemit.com/sports/@marcusbraeburn/italia-90-world-cup-memories-and-betting-suggestions
https://steemit.com/sbc/@marcusbraeburn/mexico-1986-world-cup-memories-and-betting-suggestions
Money it seems can buy you most things in life but opening day World Cup wins are not one of them... it bought England the World Cup in '66 :)
That World Cup was won fair and square, I cannot think of a single controversial incident of note!
:-)
:)