Over the weekend, the World Cup was able to shake off its unsettling tendency toward 0-0 draws, and on Sunday, two shocking outcomes—victory Morocco’s over Belgium and Costa Rica’s shock defeat of Japan—were presented to us.
In the other two matches, Croatia easily defeated those determined underdogs Canada 4-1 while Spain and Germany played out a delightfully dramatic 1-1 draw. At least they didn’t play them off the field before they scored the first World Cup goal.
Losers – Belgium
The Red Devils’ 2-0 loss to Morocco came as no surprise to anyone, least of all Kevin De Bruyne, who acknowledged that Belgium is too old to accomplish anything at this World Cup, or Roberto Martinez, who is Roberto Martinez.
Loser- Japan
Another competition means another opportunity for Japan’s lovely team and lovely fans to clean up after themselves—a relatively routine task that somehow manages to fascinate the media from the rest of the world.
Joe Cole alleged that Japan’s 1-0 loss to Costa Rica was the result of their being “too nice.”
Winner – Germany
Leon Goretzka displayed some off-the-ball blocking akin to a basketball screen during an attacking corner toward the end of Germany’s draw with Spain.
Sergio Busquets, who was face-to-pectoral with the Bayern midfielder, was the victim, folding in half like a deck chair. In that collision, there could only ever be one victor.
Winner – Alphonso Davies
After losing 4-1 to Croatia, Canada’s tournament was prematurely over, but Alphonso Davies made history by scoring the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal. It was a textbook planted header and deserved atonement for his missed penalty against Belgium in the opening match.
Davies and Canada have a lot to look forward to as the hosts of the 2026 World Cup.
Winners – Morocco
Winner – Croatia
Winner – Niclas Fullkrug
