Monday, June 18
SWEDEN 1 KOREA REPUBLIC 0 (NIZHNY NOVGOROD)
A penalty in the 65th minute secured the 1-0 victory for Sweden against an unstable Korea Republic. Sweden controlled the match from the start, holding on to a steady 56% possession throughout the first 45 minutes. The Asian side, on the other hand, failed match their opponents, attempting merely four shots, and zero on target. The second half saw Korea Republic struggle as the players were unable to find their rhythm and coordinate with each other to find the back of the net. Then, an exasperated Kim Min-woo aggressively blocked Viktor Claesson’s efforts from within the box, earning Sweden the penalty. Swedish captain, Andreas Granqvist stepped up and scored, attaining the country’s first goal in almost 400 minutes. The game, however, was fueled by fouls instead of shots on goal as Sweden and Korea Republic reached a combined amount of 43 fouls in 94 minutes of play. Sweden are currently tied with Mexico at the top of Group F.
BELGIUM 3 PANAMA 0 (Sochi)
Three incredible goals by Belgium allowed the European nation to comfortably win 3-0 against Panama. Belgium overpowered the Central American side from the start, as within the first 15 minutes, they had achieved five times as many passes (55) in the opposition half of the pitch as their opponents (11). The European nation continued their dominance in the second half when Dries Mertens found a failed defensive header in the 47th minute and smashed it into the far corner for a 1-0 lead. Passes by Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne allowed the Europeans to filtrate the box and assist Romelu Lukaku in Belgium’s second goal of the match. Just five minutes later, Lukaku got his brace off the counterattack, giving the European nation the 3-0 win.
ENGLAND 2 TUNISIA 1 (VOLGOGRAD)
The 2018 World Cup provided yet another last-minute goal as England earned the 2-1 victory over Tunisia. Initially, the English took control of the match, earning an early lead after a strong header by Harry Kane who found the back of the net at the 11th minute. The Northern African side did not back down, pushing the counterattack. In an attempt to defend, Kyle Walker fouled Ferjani Sassi, giving the opponent a threatening opportunity, Sassi held his composure and scored the 1-1 equalizer from the penalty spot. Then, the second half saw England desperately trying to regain the lead with 16 shots and eight on target. It wasn’t until stoppage time, however, that Kane heroically headed the ball into the goal in the 92nd minute, securing the three points for the Lions.
