Day 6 of FIFA World Cup Knockout Rounds; What is Going On?!?!?

There have been some surprising games this World Cup, there have been some amazing performances, but today… Today was completely off the rails. Let’s jump into it. 

Australia vs Egypt

For nearly 120 minutes, Australia and Egypt matched one another. Then Australia’s coaching decisions changed everything. Both Australia and Egypt had chances to score multiple goals, they went into extra time tied at 1 and both coaches hadn’t made any big mistakes that I could see. It was a game where both teams just didn’t want to make a mistake. Then, Australian head coach, Tony Popovic, took out his starting goalie… who had made 3 saves in the game and was fantastic, honestly. Seeing Matthew Ryan (backup goalie for this game) was good at penalty kicks and a veteran who had played in 3 World Cups previously, I didn’t criticize this at first. Until the head coach then put two center backs in his penalty kick line up and both missed their shots. I’m speaking for all of Australia when I say… “what are you doing?” I’m not saying that leaving in their starting goalie would’ve given Australia the win, but I know that you allow your offensive players to take penalty kicks. THAT could have changed the outcome. 

I do have to give some massive props to Mo Salah. While he didn’t score in regulation, he had the most touches of any forward in this game, won 7 free balls/duels, and took over in extra time. He had 3 crosses as well as a shot that really pushed Australia to its breaking point. Egypt’s coach knew not to take him out and let him shoot in penalty kicks. Funny enough… he scored. Weird what happens when you let offensive players shoot. 

Argentina vs Cape Verde

Did you read the headline for today? What is going on!?!? Seriously… Argentina… Do you know this is the World Cup?!?!? You were playing Cape Verde! Argentina is ranked first, while Cape Verde is… wait for it… ranked 67th in the world. Cape Verde gave this everything they had. Equalizing in the 59th minute, in extra time at the 103rd minute… It was electric. Sidney Lopes Cabral hit one of the greatest goals I’ve seen. Lio Messi had 9 shots, 6 on goal and a goal. Cape Verde stopped the guy who had been a nightmare for so many teams.

The one thing that Cape Verde was beaten by was set pieces. Argentina has a roster full of world class players and a world class coach in Lionel Scaloni. However, I do truly believe that the head coach of Cape Verde, Pedro Leitão Brito (aka Bubìsta) out coached Scaloni tonight. Argentina escaped one of the biggest upsets of all time, and I think every fan will remember Cape Verde forever. Cinderella Stories have always been a huge favorite in sports, and most Cinderella Stories end with losses, reminding us that even the best stories come to an end, but this World Cup is full of Cinderellas. The fact that Cape Verde took Argentina to the final in extra time… incredible. I headlined an article already in this series as “Expect the Unexpected”… I could have said the same today. 

Colombia vs Ghana

So, both games before this one had action from both sides. Lots of shots, lots of tackles and honestly good possessions from both sides. This game? Nope, not at all. Colombia won 1-0 but it could have easily been 5-0 if not more. Ghana had ZERO shots on goal the entire game. Zero. Colombia only needed one goal and they didn’t seem to care that they were only up one either. Ghana’s head coach, Carlos Queiroz, was only signed to a short term contract to get Ghana through the World Cup and I don’t foresee him coming back. This was a very, very tough scene for Ghana. They couldn’t muster a single shot on net through 90 minutes. I could say the bright spot for them was that they only conceded one goal, but for the knockout stages that doesn’t matter. The hope was there, unlike with Cape Verde; who everyone has ruled out for winning. I again ask that question… “what is going on!?!?!?” 

The Round of 32 is officially over, and if these six days taught us anything, it’s that no favorite is safe. Australia learned it the hard way. Argentina survived it. Colombia advanced despite leaving goals on the table. If this is what the Round of 32 looked like, imagine what’s waiting in the Round of 16. One more thought for this article… Six days ago, we thought we knew who the contenders were. Today, I’m not sure anyone does. What is going on?!?!?