Soccer

Responsible for the Netherlands and Italy’s absence in the World Cup, Sweden’s comprehensive win over Mexico in their final group game was a critical factor in defending champions Germany’s surprise exit. The Swedes have been quietly efficient, with their...

The newly confirmed favourites for the tournament, Brazil, face Mexico for the 5th time in World Cup competition, though their last win over their North American neighbours in this tournament was way back in 1962 when a certain Pele...

Despite three very tentative and largely unsatisfying performances (especially against the less-fancied Morocco and Iran), European champions Portugal managed to escape Group B and find themselves facing 2010's overachievers, Uruguay in the Round of 16. The South Americans were...

Of all the sides at the World Cup thus far, it’s Croatia who have looked superb most of all in their setup, performances and pacing. The team swept their group effortlessly, produced a famous win over Argentina, and were...

Despite the off-field interferences with former coach Julen Lopetegui’s unceremonious departure, Spain were an efficient winner of Group B, even if, like Portugal, much was left to be desired of certain performances. The hosts, meanwhile, set the tone for...

The first Round of 16 encounter throws up two heavyweights who both have flattered to deceive at Russia 2018. France’s performances have been unconvincing, their team selections inconsistent, and in some cases inherently bizarre (central midfielder Blaise Matuidi on...

By contrast to some of the other groups, the only surprises in Group H at this point are the mirror images of the thumping goalfests exacted upon Tunisia and Panama by the group favourites Belgium and England. Both sides...

The presence of both Serbia and Switzerland, along with 2014 World Cup surprise package Costa Rica, made Group E a potentially tricky section for Brazil, but they were still expected to progress with reasonable comfort to the Round of...

At the time of the World Cup draw, Group C looked like a relatively straightforward section for France, and so it has proven, although they have had to work hard to pick up their two wins against Australia and...

Hosts Russia will kick off the 2018 World Cup finals against Saudi Arabia in Moscow, while defending champions Germany will start against Mexico. Here are some interesting facts about the soccer World Cup. Facts and Trivia of the Soccer World Cup ...