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2018 FIFA World Cup Group G Match 2 Recap

There were two very lopsided results this weekend at group G

By Pedro Dorantes

2018 FIFA World Cup’s Group G displayed two lopsided matches. Belgium and Tunisia saw two braces from Belgian players. Harry Kane provided his second hat trick in two games as England demolished Panama.

Belgium  v Tunisia 

Belgium´s speed was too much to handle for Tunisia

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First Half

Belgium could not have asked for a better start to the game. Eden Hazard was fouled inside the box, giving the Red Devils a penalty kick just 5 minute into the game.

Hazard then converted the PK a minute later. Belgium was 1-0 at the 6th minute.

It was evident from the very start of the game hat speed would be a problem for the Tunisian squad. Not only that, but forward Wahbi Khazri was too isolated up from in the pitch, there was no way for midfielders to reach him.

Romelo Lukaku Once again proved how deadly the Belgians can be at full speed. A through ball opened a crack in the Tunisian defense. Belgium was up by two.

Tunisia sliced the lead in half right at the 18th minute as forward Bronn was finally able to connect with the ball off a free kick. 2-1 the score just shy of 20 minutes of play.

The good news stopped right there for the Tunisian XI as injuries attacked them early. Before the end of the half Tunisia had already used to substitutions after two serious injuries. Dylan Bronn was stretched off the field minutes after scoring and Syam Ben Youssef would later had to be subbed in as well.

Lukaku showed his composure inside the box one more time before halftime. The Man U man, calmly struck the ball into the lower corner of the net. 3-1 the score.

 

Halftime arrived with the Belgians up by two. 3-1

Second Half

Tunisia showed much more for offense for the second half, nonetheless, every time they went up front to attack, the danger of a counter attacks was definitely present.

Just after five minutes, Hazard scored his second goal of the game. The Chelsea player received a fantastic long pass at the edge of the box, a few steps forward and a good strike of the ball put the score 4-1.

 

As the match moved along it was obvious that the Tunisians had the physical qualities to match Belgium but they lacked finish and finesse.

Batshuayi put the final nail in the coffin as he scored off balance putting Belgium up by 4.

Tunisia’s offensive efforts finally paid off as Khazri scored to shorten the lead.

At the end of regulation time, Belgium overcame Tunisia 5-2.

England  v Panama 

There was no match for England against Panama.

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First Half

It seemed as if Panama was ready for offense as they knocked early on England’s goal. It was a false alarm however, as the Englishmen stroke early.

John Stones scored off a corner to put up England up by one at the 8th minute.

Jesse Lingard was fouled inside the box around the 20th minute granting England a penalty kick. Harry Kane later scored on the PK giving the Líond a two goal lead.

Panama seemed stunned as they could not link many passes and got stuck in transitions.

Lingard had a shot of his own 15 minutes later. Lingard stroke a marvelous show from outside the box. The goals were starting to pile up as Panama had no answer to the British offense.

The Canalera defense was caught napping as they stayed back while Stones headed the ball into the net. Keeper Jaime Penedo did as much as he could but the football still went in. The score was 4-0 at the 40th minute.

The CONCACAF team conceded another silly foul as they gave England another penalty which was converted by Kane. It was now a beating by the English.

Both teams headed for the showers with a lopsided 5-0 lead for England.

Second Half

The second half started in similar fashion to the first one. England dominated the opening minutes.

Harry Kane scored yet another goal for the English cause. A couple of minutes after the hour mark the scoreboard read 6-0.

England’s XI eventually lowered down the pace of play as there was no need to risk anything at that point in the game.

Panama then started creating some chances. This brought some life to the game and showed Panama’s offense quite well. Even though the generated dangerous chances, they had no finish whatsoever. It looked like a shutout for England.

Felipe Baloy Scored the first ever Panamanian goal at a World Cup putting his country finally on the scoreboard at the 78th minute.

Group G will host their final matches this upcoming Thursday. Panama and Tunisia will go head to head for no other thing than national pride while Belgium and England will decide the first place of the group.

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