AGONAsport World Cup Daily Recap, Day 10: Kroos Leads Germany In Epic Encounter
AGONAsport World Cup Daily Recap, Day 10: Kroos Leads Germany In Epic Encounter
An unbelievable Toni Kroos’ goal late on was the difference as Germany stumbled past Sweden 2-1. Elsewhere, Belgium easily dispatched Tunisia 5-2, while Mexico defeated South Korea 2-1 in Day 10 action of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
GAMES RECAP
Belgium v Tunisia 5-2
Belgium flexed their attacking muscles in pounding Tunisia 5-2. Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku both scored twice as Belgium overpowered the North African side in Moscow. After scoring twice in the first 15 minutes, Belgium briefly let their guard down as Dylan Bronn pulled back a goal for Tunisia with a header from a free-kick. Tunisia played well until the end of the half keeping the score at 2-1. The dagger came three minutes into first half injury-time when Lukaku finished delicately over Ben Mustapha to make it 3-1.
The second half was mostly one-way traffic and Hazard scored once more before Michy Batshuayi made it 5-1 in the final minute. Tunisia added some respectability to the score as Wahbi Khazri scored at the death.
Match Rating - 7: Lots of chances in this match along with goals, mostly for Belgium. The Belgians were impressive, but it will be interesting to see how they far against a better opponent. Credit to Tunisia for playing their part in an entertaining encounter.
Mexico v South Korea 2-1
In Rostov, Mexico defeated South Korea 2-1 to get within a point of the last 16. Carlos Vela scored from the penalty spot just past the midway point of the first half, while Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez sealed the points in the 66th minute with his 50th goal for the Tricolor. Heung-Min Son scored a consolation goal at the death.
Match Rating - 6: This was a match where Mexico’s play was disrupted by 25 South Korean fouls to their seven. Still, Mexico had the big edge in possession and did manage to create chances throughout.
Germany v Sweden 2-1
A brilliant winner by Toni Kroos saw Germany defeat Sweden deep into injury-time 2-1. Kross’ free-kick was a beauty as the Real Madrid midfielder curled in his effort with power and pace past Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen.
Up until that goal (scored six minutes into time), Germany’s prospects of continuing on past the Group Stage were looking worse and worse until Kross’ late masterclass. Sweden had taken a first half lead through Ola Toivonen who chested down a long pass then ever so slight chipped Manuel Neuer. Marco Reus brought it back on level terms when he scored three minutes after the break.
Match Rating - 9: Crazy saves, near misses, and late, matchwinning drama, this was a fine match for the neutral and even if better one if you support Germany.
GREEK CONNECTION
It was three out of four for Swedish players who have played in Greece in recent years to line-up and play against Germany. Marcus Berg played the entire match and might have had a penalty on another day. Robin Olsen performed very well in goal for Sweden. Jimmy Durmaz came on in the 74th minute.
GOAL OF THE DAY
Toivonen and Son had super finishes, but it’s got to be Toni Kroos for Day 10’s Goal of the Day.
TALKING POINTS
- Lukaku and Hazard at the double for rampant Belgium
- Mexico make it 2-for-2 with victory over South Korea
- ‘Chicharito’ scores the 50th goal of his international career
- Kroos saves Germany with last-ditch free-kick.
LOOKING AHEAD TO TOMORROW
England try to keep pace with Belgium in Group G when they take on Panama in Day 11’s early match. Later in the day it’s all about Group H. First Japan and Senegal, surprise winners in their first matches, face off in Ekaterinburg. The day ends with Colombia and Poland in what could amount to a do-or-die clash for both teams after losses in their respective openers.
by George Tsitsonis
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