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Ghana are the worst group within the World Cup, not less than in keeping with Fifa. The Black Stars are ranked 61st on the planet, properly beneath the twenty eighth spot occupied by South Korea.
But on Monday afternoon, the 2 groups performed out essentially the most thrilling recreation of the event to this point. And Ghana received. So ought to we add this outcome to the rising checklist of massive upsets?
In all probability not. A fast have a look at Ghana’s beginning line-up helps clarify why. 5 of the group are regulars in England’s Premier League, two play top-tier soccer in France, one in Spain and one in Switzerland. Mohammed Kudus, one of the crucial thrilling abilities at this World Cup, has been showing within the Uefa Champions League this season for Dutch champions Ajax.
Solely André Ayew, the group captain, performs away from European soccer. But his present stint at Qatari membership Al Sadd comes on the tail-end of a profession that has included spells at Marseille, West Ham and Swansea Metropolis.
So Ghana’s group is filled with skilled gamers plying their commerce on the high finish of the worldwide recreation. The Fifa rating doesn’t replicate that.
The distinction with Qatar is price noting. Regardless of being ranked 11 locations larger than Ghana, the hosts turned the primary group to be knocked out of the event. The best rationalization: your entire Qatar squad performs within the home league — a far cry from the likes of Ajax, Arsenal and Auxerre.
So when making an attempt to gauge the true gulf between sides, skip Fifa’s league tables and give attention to the place the people play week in, week out.
Tuesday’s one to observe: Southgate’s Lions face the Welsh dragon
England can be wanting to keep away from embarrassment towards Wales, however are successfully assured a spot within the knockout rounds of the World Cup already. Gareth Southgate’s aspect may even lose by three objectives and nonetheless undergo.
To keep away from an old-style derby defeat towards Wales, England will wish to make use of superior approach, possession and enjoying a excessive defensive position. However the actual take a look at will come within the knockout phases.
Learn Simon Kuper’s information to Southgate’s technique for the event — and what it can take for England to win it.
Fixture checklist:
Ecuador vs Senegal, 3pm UK time/6pm Doha time
Netherlands vs Qatar, 3pm UK time/6pm Doha time
Wales vs England, 7pm UK time/10pm Doha time
Iran vs USA, 7pm UK time/10pm Doha time
Monday’s spotlight: Cameroon thriller produces a second to savour
Most massive tournaments ship a handful of these moments that stick in World Cup folklore. When Cameroon and Serbia performed out a six-goal epic on Monday, we obtained a contender for the checklist.
With Serbia main by three objectives to at least one, Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar began the comeback with a ahead run, scrumptious dummy and beautiful lob over Vanja Milinković-Savić, a 6ft 7in-tall goalkeeper.
However at 3-2 down, Cameroon’s hopes of qualifying for the final 16 seemed to be slipping away. However Aboubakar was not completed, helping Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to offer their nation hope. Roll on Brazil this Friday.
Monday’s outcomes:
Cameroon 3 Serbia 3
South Korea 2 Ghana 3
Brazil 1 Switzerland 0
Portugal 2 Uruguay 0
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