Sport
World Cup Day 2 Round-up
It was only Day 2 of the World Cup but it seemed to have everything! Late drama, quality goals and a benchmark set by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Over £50 Million worth of prizes across Russia 2018. 18+
Uruguay v Egypt
These two kicked off the day’s action in Yekaterinburg and both knew they had to perform to keep pace with Russia after the host’s fantastic opening day display. Uruguay
struggled however, Suarez in particular not quite looking himself in front of goal. Despite this the South American’s were able to create the better chances, something which was helped by Mo Salah not being on the pitch. The Egyptians held strong though and via some strong defending and a couple of quality saves from El-Shenawy it looked as though the Pharoah’s would hang on for a point.
Their hearts were broken however with Gimenez heading home well in the 89th minute. The game failed to live up to expectations somewhat but there is more to come from both
sides. Punter who had picked ‘no’ to both teams to score will certainly be happy though!
Morocco v Iran
The second game of the day had a Middle Eastern flavour with Morocco taking on Iran. The North Africans started the game really well and Iran looked a little desperate at times. Team
Melli rode out the storm however and came into the game more. The two sides couldn’t be separated before the break though and went into half time goalless. The second half was a
more tempestuous affair and lacked the quality of the first half.
Again it looked as though both teams would have to settle for a 0-0 draw but yet another late goal, the 4 th scored in
the 89 th minute or later so far, gave Iran a win that could prove to be pivotal. Aziz Bouhaddouz was the unlucky man to head past his own keeper and gift the Asian side a 95 th
minute winner. Again the both teams to score market was well backed with ‘no’ but the astute punters
who backed Iran will certainly be happy this morning!
Portugal v Spain
The main attraction of the day came in the final game however with Portugal and Spain contesting the battle of the European heavyweights in Sochi. Spain have had a volatile week
with Julen Lopetegui being sacked 24 hours before the tournament kicked off and things started badly with Nacho fouling Ronaldo in the box just 4 minutes in. The Real Madrid
attacked stepped up to take the penalty himself and slotted in to give Portugal the early lead. It was a lead they held for just 20 minutes with Spain hitting back with a goal that
defied their ‘Tiki-Taka’ style.
A long ball from Busquets found Diego Costa and the Atletico forward found enough room to finish well into the bottom corner. Portugal were able to. Hit
back just before the break though, Ronaldo forcing an uncharacteristic error from David De Gea to send his side into the break with the advantage. Their lead again didn’t last long however, Diego Costa again hitting back for the Spaniards, this time from close range following a clever free kick routine.
The best goals however were saved for later however, firstly with Nacho hitting a superb half volley from the edge of the area, with the ball striking both posts before finding the net. Spain were able to hold the lead for a long period and Portugal looked a little bereft of ideas at points but with just two minutes on the clock, Ronaldo won a free kick just outside the edge of the area.
There was an air of inevitability as he stepped up to strike the ball and his fantastic curled effort left De Gea rooted to the line as Ronaldo completed his hat trick and rescued a point for his side. The handicap market backers who favoured Portugal will be delighted with Ronaldo’s late goal and the people who backed the overs market will also be delighted with the open game that occurred!
Other Thoughts
Hero of the Day – Who else can it be except Ronaldo! A hat trick to grab his side a point against Spain. He was almost single handedly responsible for his side remaining in the game.
Zero of the Day – Poor Aziz Bouhaddouz. His own goal cost his side a point against Iran and Morocco now face an uphill battle for qualification.
Ref Watch – Cakir did a decent job of keeping a lid of things in the Morocco v Iran game and should be commended for that. Everyone is still waiting for VAR to be used however…will
Day 3 see the video referee come into play?
Fan Watch – There has yet to be any reports of trouble from fans and the support in general on Day Two was fantastic. A few empty seats have let things down slightly but the atmosphere throughout hasn’t been affected. Morocco, Egypt and Iran all stand out when it comes to noise so far!
Day 2 promised a lot and ended up delivering with three intriguing matches that leave both Group A and B wide open heading into the second round of fixtures! There’s still plenty of
markets open with Colossus so take a look and see if there is some money to be made via solo or syndicate play!
Over £50 Million worth of prizes across Russia 2018. 18+
