The first games of the World Cup have provided some surprises, including a 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco. Brazil had to battle back after Morocco stunned them with a goal before the first hydration break.
Other Matches
Switzerland and Qatar also played to a 1-1 draw, with Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi scoring a stoppage-time goal. The Socceroos stunned Turkey with a 2-0 win in Vancouver.
On Sunday, there are several matches scheduled, including a World Cup debutant, Curaçao, taking on Germany in Houston. Curaçao is the smallest nation by population to ever play in a World Cup and has a squad capable of qualifying for the tournament by tapping into the Dutch diaspora.
The Netherlands and Japan will also meet in Texas, with both teams considered dark horses in the tournament. The Dutch may not have a superstar, but they have a squad with experience and technical ability. Japan has a host of gifted players who can trouble any team.
Ecuador will face an African nation, with Ecuador’s squad built to keep clean sheets and boasting defenders such as PSG’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié. The African nation has a team brimming with attacking flair, including Nicolas Pépé, Amad Diallo, and Yan Diomandé.
Local Angle
Some of the World Cup matches will be played in the United States, including in Texas. The tournament is expected to bring in large crowds and provide a boost to the local economy.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
