England served notice that it is a serious contender to win the World Cup after a 4-2 defeat of Croatia, a finalist in 2022 and entering Wednesday's match as the 11th ranked team in the world, in the first game of Group L play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.
It was a physical game, as one would expect the referee to allow between two top European sides, and the first half was a back-and-forth affair. Harry Kane scored in the 12th minute off the spot — his second penalty attempt after his first was saved, but waived off because the keeper moved early off the line. Martin Baturina leveled the match in the 42nd minute on a rocket from just outside the box, only to see Kane secure his brace with an unmarked header in the 42nd minute. Again, Croatia responded, leveling before half off a set piece just before time expired.
England manager Thomas Tuchel, tired of exchanging chances, made some tactical changes that led to a dominant second half. He pushed the front line forward and closed the gap between his midfield and defense to take away Croatia's midfield transition. To shore up the defense, he had right back Reece James slide left to center back, but Tuchel still supported the attack by activating left back Nico O'Reilly up the wing.
Combined with a directive to get on the front foot, the Three Lions dominated the final 45 by disrupting Croatia's possession and getting the ball forward quickly, resulting in dangerous chances nearly every possession. Jude Bellingham's goal in the 47th minute provided the confidence in the plan and Tuchel supported the aggressive attack by subbing in fresh legs. Marcus Rashford, who entered in the 71st minute, rewarded the move by scoring in the 85th minute.
My take: There have been many exciting matches, for various reasons, since the World Cup began, but this one was the best so far in excitement and quality. Terrific match that one would expect in the later, single-elimination rounds. Group L is tough, having Ghana and Panama in the mix. Ghana's Caleb Yiernkyi scored at the death at 90+5' to win 1-0, tying England in points atop the table.
THE ASYLUM
England serves notice
England served notice that it is a serious contender to win the World Cup after a 4-2 defeat of Croatia, a finalist in 2022 and entering Wednesday's match as the 11th ranked team in the world, in the first game of Group L play at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex.
It was a physical game, as one would expect the referee to allow between two top European sides, and the first half was a back-and-forth affair. Harry Kane scored in the 12th minute off the spot — his second penalty attempt after his first was saved, but waived off because the keeper moved early off the line. Martin Baturina leveled the match in the 42nd minute on a rocket from just outside the box, only to see Kane secure his brace with an unmarked header in the 42nd minute. Again, Croatia responded, leveling before half off a set piece just before time expired.
England manager Thomas Tuchel, tired of exchanging chances, made some tactical changes that led to a dominant second half. He pushed the front line forward and closed the gap between his midfield and defense to take away Croatia's midfield transition. To shore up the defense, he had right back Reece James slide left to center back, but Tuchel still supported the attack by activating left back Nico O'Reilly up the wing.
Combined with a directive to get on the front foot, the Three Lions dominated the final 45 by disrupting Croatia's possession and getting the ball forward quickly, resulting in dangerous chances nearly every possession. Jude Bellingham's goal in the 47th minute provided the confidence in the plan and Tuchel supported the aggressive attack by subbing in fresh legs. Marcus Rashford, who entered in the 71st minute, rewarded the move by scoring in the 85th minute.
My take: There have been many exciting matches, for various reasons, since the World Cup began, but this one was the best so far in excitement and quality. Terrific match that one would expect in the later, single-elimination rounds. Group L is tough, having Ghana and Panama in the mix. Ghana's Caleb Yiernkyi scored at the death at 90+5' to win 1-0, tying England in points atop the table.
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