The unorthodox winter World Cup has struggled to captivate the excitement and atmosphere of the inaugural summer competitions of the past. On the pitch it has underwhelmed in moments: there have already been six goalless draws (seven is the all-time record at a tournament). As well, 66% of the 105 goals scored in the group stage have come in the second half which proves that good things do come to those who wait unless your Spain or Germany against Japan. But one thing we can relish at Qatar 2022 is upsets, because it's been a tournament of the underdog; Saudi Arabia beating Argentina and Morocco stunning Belgium to name a few. Now, without further ado hear are the five games of the group stage, so get your popcorn and be prepared for some absolute classics.
5. England: 6 Iran: 2 - Group B Match week 1
The Three Lions had not won in six games, and there was a scepticism going into the World Cup surrounding Gareth Southgate's future and his defensive tactics. While England were still clear favourites against Carlos Queiroz's Iran, no one anticipated the goal fest they saw. The Euro 2021 finalists were 3-0 up at half-time through Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling. The pick of the goals was Arsenal starlet Saka's sweetly hit volley which clipped the crossbar as it sailed past the oblivious goalkeeper. In the second-half Marcus Rashford scored just 47 seconds after coming on, while Saka claimed a second and Jack Grealish scored just his second international goal. Iran's Medhi Taremi scored a brilliant consolation goal, he looped a 19-yard strike into the top right corner. We even had VAR controversy and a 113-minute penalty... And breathe
4. Germany: 4 Costa Rica: 2 - Group E Match week 3
Picture this - Germany on the brink of a group stage exit, needing a win and Japan to lose in their final game. Die Mannschaft started the game well and went ahead through a Serge Gnabry header past Keylor Navas. But Costa Rica still fighting to reach the knockouts themselves kept pestering Germany's backline and equalised in the second half through Yeltsin Tejeda. Then comes the unbelievable the 'Los Tico's' took the lead through a disastrous Manuel Neuer own goal. The three-time World Cup champions were currently last in the group. They managed the comeback, Chelsea's Kai Havertz scored a brace and Nico Fullkrug shattered the Costa Ricans hopes when he scored the fourth. But wait did Japan win you ask me? The answer yes, Germany were eliminated on goal difference, it was the second consecutive World Cup they have failed to reach the knockouts.
3. Serbia: 3 Cameroon: 3 - Group G Match week 2
10am on Thursday morning, Cameroon v Serbia not the most interesting fixture to watch, as you're typing up your report at work. How wrong you were! This match was like a ping-pong game, Cameroon took the lead in the 29 minute through centre back Jean Castelletto. But before half-time Serbia scored two in additional time: a header from Pavlovic and a low driven strike from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Then, Dragan Stojkovic's side took a 3-1 lead when Fulham goal machine Mitrovic finished a tika taka move prime Barcelona would be proud of. Then came a potential goal of the tournament from Vincent Aboubakar, who latched onto a long ball, cut inside to sit the defender on the sofa, before looping a disgusting lob over a helpless goalkeeper. Within three minutes the best player in the world currently on form Eric Chopu-Moting tapped in for the equaliser. There was still 24 minutes to play! It was every teacher's worst nightmare, as students across the nation flicked up their laptop screens as the goal notifications kept flooding in on their phones.
2. Ghana: 3 South Korea: 2 - Group H Match week 2
The Black stars could have had their dramatic 3-2 loss to Portugal on this list too, but I guessed they would have preferred a victory instead. The African nation took the lead through Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu and were 2-0 up at half-time after Ajax prodigy Kudus headed in Jordan Ayew's cross at the back post. But that would be boring if it ended easily. Gue-Sung Cho turned into prime Cristiano Ronaldo in the second half, when he rocketed into the air to score a diving header. Four minutes later South Korea's second goal was almost a replica, as they equalised. But Ghana seeked vengance from their 3-2 anguish against Portugal and found the winner through Kudus again. The most amazing thing was how in a game with five goals Heung-Min Son failed to score, it must have been the batman mask. What made the win even more absurd for Ghana was that South Korea had 22 shots compared to their eight.
1. Argentina: 1 Saudi Arabia: 2 - Group C Match week 1
No that is not a typing mistake, Lionel Messi did lose to a 51st place Saudi Arabia side, coached by a manager who had a spell at Cambridge United. It was Lionel Messi's big day, his tournament, especially when he slotted in the penalty to score his seventh World Cup goal for Argentina. Although, unfortunately for the Copa America holders they didn't seem to understand offside in their game against Saudi Arabia. At half-time Argentina had scored three goals, but the scoreline was 1-0. Then came the irony, the Falcons equalised through Saleh Al-Shehri. Then four minutes later Saudi Arabia were beating two time World Champions Argentina. Salem Al-Dawsri drilled a rocket into the top right hand corner, a goal that could be watched on a reel all day long. The famous blue and white kept trying to unlock the Saudi Arabian defence, but the Asian side managed to survive for one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history.
Best game of the Group Stage?
Argentina v Saudi Arabia
Ghana v South Korea
Serbia v Cameroon
Other
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