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KABUL (SW) – The host Russia dominated the first week of the FIFA World Cup 2018 by winning both of its group matches and cruising to the second round.
Russia outclassed Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the maiden match by a phenomenal score of 5-0 before beating another Arab team Egypt 3-1.
Commenting on the host team, the telegraph noted the Russia players are pretty much equal and indistinguishable. The Soviet system would have been proud of this mechanical team. It’s as if their training stopped at pass and run, which they do well, and dispensed with the subtleties of the game, such as ingenuity and vision around the penalty box. Denis Cheryshev has been the best of them, and their energy and commitment ought to be acknowledged. Not that they will feel they had much choice in those respects.
On the second day of the games, Iran overpowered young Moroccan squad in a closely contested 1-0 match while the former champion Uruguay also defeated Egypt 1-0 limiting the chances of the Pharaohs to proceed. The game between Spain and Portugal ended in a 3-3 draw with Christiano Ronaldo scoring maiden hat-trick of the mega event.
On the third day, June 16, France emerged victorious against Australia in a closely contested 2-1 game, and Denmark won against Peru, but the team of many superstars, Argentine, witnessed a set-back against Iceland who played its maiden World Cup. The game ended in 1-1 draw with star footballer Lionel Messi failing to utilize on a penalty kick.
On, the fourth day Serbia emerged victorious against Costa Rica 1-0 while Brazil was restricted by Switzerland to a 1-1 draw while defending champion Germany was outclassed by Mexico in an upset 1-0. On the fifth day of the FIFA World Cup 2018, Sweden won its game against South Korea 1-0, Belgium outclassed Panama 3-0 and England overpowered Tunisia 2-1.
In sixth day actions, hosts Russia demonstrated its class by defeating Mohammad Salah’s Egypt 3-1, Japan managed to beat Columbia 2-1 while Poland was defeated by Senegal 2-1. On Wednesday, seventh day of the games, Portugal’s 1-0 victory over promising Moroccan squad limited this North African nation’s headway in the games while Spain and Paraguay defeated Iran and Saudi Arabia respectively.
ENDS
