Zhipan Sport

First Round of World Cup Group Stage Ends: Which Team Is Most Disappointing?

Jun 18, 12:19 PM

The first round of the World Cup group stage concluded with Germany thrashing Curaçao 7-1, while Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde was the only match without a goal. Several traditional powerhouses underperformed, raising questions about their form.

The first round of the World Cup group stage concluded on June 18 Beijing time. Among the 24 matches, the biggest margin was Germany's 7-1 victory over Curaçao, while the only goalless draw was Spain 0-0 Cape Verde. Germany's dominant performance was impressive, as they crushed Curaçao 7-1, showcasing their attacking prowess. However, not all traditional powerhouses fared well. Spain's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde was the only match without a goal, and despite dominating possession, they failed to convert, raising concerns. Besides Spain, several other teams disappointed. Brazil narrowly beat Costa Rica 1-0, lacking the flair expected of Samba football. Argentina drew 1-1 with Iceland, exposing defensive vulnerabilities. France, the defending champion, also drew 1-1 with Australia, with Mbappé failing to spark the attack. England edged Tunisia 2-1, but needed a late winner from Kane. Asian teams had mixed results. Japan beat Colombia 2-1 for a historic win, but South Korea lost 0-1 to Sweden, Iran edged Morocco 1-0, and Saudi Arabia suffered a 0-5 thrashing by Russia. After the first round, some traditional powers face tough paths to the knockout stage. Spain, Argentina, and France must improve quickly to avoid early exits. Meanwhile, Germany and Belgium look like strong contenders. Overall, the first round was full of surprises, with many favorites underperforming. Teams need to adjust swiftly, as the World Cup offers no second chances. Fans expect more exciting matches, and the disappointing teams must prove their worth.