Brazil, France, Spain and Portugal are doing what I had expected, and now top the group (or second as in the case of Spain, behind Portugal). Worryingly enough for their fans though is the plight of Germany and Argentina. The South Americans struggled to qualify so maybe that's not a great surprise but the defending Champions, Germany, are in danger of continuing a recent tradition. In the last few campaigns, the holders have failed to get out of the groups. Now the Germans are in danger of keeping with this unwanted tradition.
So how did week two play out?
Day One:
A) The hosts Russia continued their winning ways against Egypt. Despite a returning Mo Salah scoring, the hosts were too much for their opponents. After the opening game I had said, despite the score line, I wasn't entirely impressed with their performance. This game, against a slightly better opponent, I thought they played better.
They will qualify if Uruguay, as expected, would beat Saudi Arabia. That sees my pre tournament prediction of Russia qualifying second with Uruguay top still on course. I do think Russia would have to be better than even these two games to get anything from Cavani and Suarez.
Day Two:
A) Uruguay did beat the Saudi's, and Suarez got on the score sheet. That's as close the game got to my prediction. When the ex Liverpool man netted after 23 minutes the script said the flood gates could open. In fact that would be the only goal in the game with Saudi Arabia enjoying more possession, and only one less shot on target than their opponents.
That makes me concerned for Egypt now, who could find themselves bottom of the Group if they are not careful. Meanwhile Uruguay and Russia will now battle it out to see who goes top, and who is second.
B) Portugal and Spain both were expected to dominate their remaining two games. After facing each other I thought it would be goal difference to separate the two rivals come the end of group play. Match day two for both saw Iran and Morocco hold them to just a 1-0 win each.
This was especially a good result for Morocco who, despite Portugal going ahead after only four minutes, kept it a game for the full 90. Heading into the final game Iran, although an outside bet, can still progress. Usually I would say it would be unlikely but in this World Cup there could be a big slip.
Day Three:
C) The Danes and Australia draw in their game after a VAR decision awards the Aussies a penalty. In this week of Group play we saw six penalties, but only this one made a difference to the points a side picked up. Taking two away from Denmark and giving Australia their first.
It sees Australia with a slim chance of qualification but essentially my pre tournament prediction of Denmark and France battling out on the final day for spots one and two is looking more likely.
C) Speaking of France, they only just got their victory with an Mbappe tap in. Again we saw an example of a side who was expected to just be making up the numbers actually making a game of it. Undecided as to whether it is a case of the 'bigger' nations not performing to their ability or the 'lesser' sides stepping up. Either way, it's exciting.
D) An example of a side not playing to their ability, is Argentina. Embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Sweden with two late goals and a Willy Caballero howler. Now in danger of not qualifying pressure is on the boss. Later the Argentine Federation would show their support of the Manager, but where does that leave the players?
Day Four:
D) Nigeria keep the pressure on Argentina the following day as they finish 2-0 winners over Iceland. Two points clear of Messi and co it's them up next and a win is all that will stop the Argentinian side from dropping out.
Of course, despite Iceland losing, they could still qualify with a win in their final day and a defeat of Nigeria. I did say that Argentina would stumble through the group, although I still had them finish top. This cannot happen after this round of games, although the stumble is real!
E) Serbia did well in their first game and managed that 1-0 victory over Costa Rica and started well in their second game. However, Switzerland would pull level early in the second half before putting in the winner in the 90th minute.
Again we saw a decent amount of late goals, 80th minute or later. Of the nine scored this week this was one of three which made a difference. The other game in the Group also saw late drama, but that's for later. Swiss player celebrations could land them in trouble, which the authorities will have to address.
E) In the other game, Brazil were looking at their second tied game before Coutinho and Neymar both scored in stoppage time. Two late goals, although only one I credited for being a game changer, saw the Brazilians top the table on goal difference.
That put the Costa Ricans out of the World Cup, and Serbia on the outside looking in. All they have to do is defeat Brazil in the final game, or hold them to a draw and hope Costa Rica go out with a bang.
Day Five:
F) The surprise package of this World Cup would be Mexico. Defeating Germany in the opening game, they also beat South Korea in the second game to all but secure progression. Managed by ex Manchester City assistant coach, Juan Carlos Osario, El Tri are slowly making themselves an outside bet to win the whole thing.
For me I think it's a bit premature, and can see them dropping off as the tournament goes on. Pre tournament I had said they would finish top of the Group with Germany second. That could certainly be the case, and you certainly cannot ask more than two wins from two.
F) Meanwhile Germany are still struggling in this World Cup. A late goal securing all three points against Sweden keeping the Germans alive in the Group. A draw would have meant Sweden just had to tie in their final game to secure progression while seeing the Germans eliminated.
As it is, the Germans late goal could be vital to their progression to the knockout stage. Although it is still clear they are missing a pacy winger who can unlock a packed defence....wonder who they could have selected?
G) Belgium put the pressure on England with a 5-2 victory over Tunisia. Two goals from Hazard, two from Lukaku and one from Batshuuayi sees KDB's side move into pole position. Pre tournament expectations were that both European sides would go through comfortably, and that looks to be the case.
Day Six:
G) England took to the field a day after the Belgium result and raced to a massive lead. We should not that at half time, and 5-0 up, England only had one goal from open play, and six shots on goal. Two penalties from incidents in the area, a corner and a well worked free kick gave England four of the five goals. Raheem Sterling's header from that free kick, parried by the Panamanian keeper being the sixth of those shots on target.
There was a fantastic strike from Jesse Lingard after a quick one two with Sterling which could be a candidate for goal of the tournament but realistically the score line hides the fact England conceded against a side to give them their first World Cup goal, and scored goals a better defensively organized side wouldn't. Next up, Belgium and the first real test for both.
H) Japan comes from behind twice to get a draw against Senegal in the penultimate game of the week, That leaves the sides joint top, with the same goal difference and goals scored. I said this would be the tightest of groups heading into the final round of games.
H) To an extent that is still correct, although Poland and Lewandoski failed to play their part. Disappointing in the opening game against Senegal and another defeat against Colombia, the Poles are heading home.
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