Pottis World Cup Diary #11: Group Victory Sealed, Scots Ahead?

The second match day delivered. The Netherlands freed itself from the dark horse status by defeating Sweden 5-1, Japan knocked Tunisia out of the tournament with a 4-0 scoreline, and Curaçao earned a historic point thanks to goalkeeper Eloy Room – and Germany finally secured the group victory after a wobbly first half.It’s also time for our popular World Cup game “What would it look like if the group stage ended now?” As of today, Germany would meet Scotland in the first round of the playoffs. This sounds doable on paper, but in practice, it likely means 90 minutes of bagpipes, kilts, and Scottish fans who celebrate even better than most champions, even after a loss. Currently, only 36 out of 72 group stage matches have been completed. It feels like just one match day is enough to completely reshuffle the knockout phase.Group F: Netherlands vs. Sweden 5:1 The Netherlands convincingly proved that a 2-2 draw against Japan doesn’t automatically push you into a crisis. Against the previously strong Sweden, Oranje celebrated a surprisingly dominant 5-1 victory and came back into the race for group victory. Sweden, which still seemed like a dark horse after its 5-1 win against Tunisia, received a proper lesson this time. The Scandinavians had their chances but were continually challenged by the Dutch offense. For the Netherlands, it was a clear statement. For Sweden, a reminder that sometimes, only 90 minutes separate “dark horse” from “We should just forget that quickly” in a World Cup. However, according to my calculations, both teams should already be almost safely qualified for the knockout round.Group E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast 2:1 Germany stands at two wins after two matches and has secured group victory early. It sounds more convincing than it looked at times. The Ivory Coast led 1-0 at halftime and could have even extended their lead. However, after the break, the German team significantly improved and turned the match around. Once again, Deniz Undav made an impact as a substitute. He comes off the bench, scores important goals, and is slowly building a case for significantly more playing time. What I especially like: This team remains calm. No chaos, no finger-pointing, no wild gesturing. The team seems to simply click well together. That’s definitely a good foundation for a longer stay in the USA. With the 0-0 draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, the group victory is already secured. Germany thus lands on the seemingly tougher half of the tournament bracket. But honestly: I like that. Germany sends a first statement to the rest of the World Cup. Now the others have to think about it.Group E: Ecuador vs. Curaçao 0:0 Curaçao caused the surprise of the day and managed a goalless draw against Ecuador. The South Americans fired nearly 30 shots on goal but repeatedly failed to get past one man: Eloy Room. The Curaçao goalkeeper had an absolute stellar day and saved practically everything that came his way with incredible stops. When he finally seemed beaten shortly before the end, the post and luck saved him. The historic point also means early group victory for Germany. And perhaps Curaçao has even provided the DFB team with a small tactical hint: defend compactly, close the flanks, and force Ecuador to take long shots. This strategy worked excellently against Curaçao. Both teams need a win in their last group match to advance to the knockout stage. Otherwise, it’s back home.Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan 0:4 Sometimes in football, it is claimed that a change of coach can work wonders. Tunisia proved otherwise at this World Cup. After the 1-5 loss against Sweden, the coach was replaced – yet the result against Japan was still 0-4. The Japanese made it clear from the very beginning that they had little interest in a thrilling match. Tunisia fell behind early and spent most of the time chasing the game. Japan played quickly, precisely, and significantly more efficiently than their opponent. In the end, it was a dominant rout that could have been even more lopsided. For Tunisia, this already means elimination. They cannot leave fourth place in the group. The Japanese are safely into the playoffs, and we can look forward to more appearances from this lively team.

Upcoming Matches

Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia – 6:00 PM Spain is still waiting for their first win in this World Cup. After the surprising 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, the Furia Roja is likely to come out highly motivated today. Saudi Arabia also had a respectable 1-1 draw against Uruguay and is dreaming of another surprise. Normally, this would seem straightforward. But that’s exactly why we watch World Cups. My guess: Spain wins 3-0. If that doesn’t happen, there probably won’t be any more discussions about football in Spain tomorrow – but rather what exactly is wrong with this coach and this team.Group G: Belgium vs. Iran – 9:00 PM Belgium probably expected their World Cup start to be a bit more glamorous than a 1-1 draw against Egypt. Iran, on the other hand, also drew 2-2 against New Zealand, proving that you better not underestimate them. For the Belgians, the equation today is simple: win and the discussions fade away. If they drop points again, the conversation at home will likely revolve around whether this golden generation has now turned more bronze. The Red Devils win 2-0.Group H: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde – 12:00 AM Uruguay is already feeling some pressure after the surprising 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde, after a respectable 0-0 draw against Spain, arrives with the confidence of a team that seems to have decided not to care about expert opinions. On paper, Uruguay is the clear favorite. However, on paper, Spain was also the clear favorite against Cape Verde. My prediction: Uruguay wins 2-0. If Cape Verde manages to score points again, dream writers will have to work overtime. I would be very happy about that.Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt – 3:00 AM New Zealand and Egypt both have one point and know: Whoever wins today will advance to the knockout round. Whoever loses should start looking up flight prices. Egypt boasts Mohammed Salah, the biggest star on the field. New Zealand has the advantage that nobody really knows what New Zealand does in a World Cup. My prediction: Egypt wins 2-1. And while Europe sleeps peacefully, somewhere in the world, a World Cup Round of 16 dream will either be born – or buried.