Matchday 5
By Gerald Lutchman
BRAZIL entered the tournament with a lot of hype and they delivered in a scintillating second-half performance.
Portugal were lucky to survive as Cristiano Ronaldo creates history on a day of mixed football. Switzerland overcame a spirited Cameron to win and Uruguay were held by South Korea in a goalless draw.
Brazil 2 vs Serbia 0
At 3 pm in the Lusail Stadium, the tournament favourite made their debut in the competition. An incredible 22 shots on goal, eight on target and a wonder goal. Richarlison de Andrade known as Richarlison had the goal of the tournament in the 73rd minute when he Bruce Lee the ball into the Serbian net.
The goalkeeper had no chance. It really was something out of a Kung Fu movie to see that acrobatic skill on a football field. He received the ball and in one touch brought the ball into the air at the exact spot he wanted and then jumped, turned and connected. BOOM! It was in the back of the net.
Lee would have been proud of that kick.
Richarlison also had the first item in the 62nd minute from a rebound.
In the first half, Serbia were on even terms with Brazil and it seemed they could match them on the field. In the second half, it changed and brazil struck the post several times. The score could have been worse but the woodwork kept Serbia alive. In the space of nine minutes, it changed. Richarlison took over and ended the contest. By the way – Neymar was also on the field and did have a good game.
Portugal 3 vs Ghana 2
Ronaldo has become the first man to score in five consecutive world cups. Congratulations!
Ronaldo scored his first world cup goal back in 2006 as a 21-year-old. He opened his goal account with a penalty. There will be more to come as one of the best of all time unleashes his skill for probably the last time on a world stage. In the 65th minute, he scored a penalty that placed Portugal one up in the match. The statistics show that Portugal had 62% of the possession but watching the match it seemed so much closer. Ghana were doing very well up to that point and kept the contest even until the former Manchester United player who is now a free agent struck.
Ghana equalized through Ander Ayer in the 73rd minute but Portugal responded immediately through Joao Felix in the 78th. Substitute Rafael Leao scored in the 80th to seal the game. Osman Bukari in the 89th minute brought Ghana back into the game. It was now 3-2. Portugal held on to seal all the points.
Uruguay 0 vs South Korea 0
In a dull Group H match, Uruguay earned a point along with south Korea. Uruguay hit the post twice but that was all that happened as the ball refused to go into the net. This was the fourth goalless draw of 2022, after only one in 2018’s 64 games in Russsia. Both sides were more cautious and concerned more with not losing as opposed to winning. Neither team really showed any reason to think they can progress.
Switzerland 1 vs Cameroon 0
In a cruel twist of fate, Cameroon-born Breel Embolo(48th) scored against his country of birth and claimed all three points for his adopted nation. Cameroon actually dominated the first half and looked more likely to score but could not get the goal.
In a match that had its excitement and drama but Cameroon still lacked the creativity needed to really unlock a strong side.
Tomorrow’s games – second games in the group stage – Predictions:
Wales 2 vs Iran 1 Group B 6 am
Qatar 0 vs Senegal 2 Group A 9 am
Holland 2 vs Ecuador 1 Group A 12 noon
England 3 vs USA 1 Group B 3 pm
Very well done article! Keep up the level of color commentary. Be cautious of dating yourself, as the young may have no idea who is the great Bruce Lee !!