Onana makes World Cup bow in narrow Belgium win

23/11/2022 125comments  |  Jump to last
World Cup Day 4

Everton's Amadou Onana made his first appearance in the World Cup Finals, coming off the bench as a half-time substitute for Belgium as they edged a plucky but profligate Canada team in Qatar.

In the final game of the day, Michy Batshuayi made the Canadians pay for Alfonso Davis's earlier penalty miss to give the Red Devils a half-time lead with a smart first-time finish.

Onana picked up a nonsense yellow card for an out-stretched arm that accidentally connected with a Canadian player's throat and almost had a chance to double Belgium's lead but couldn't keep his feet in the box following contact from an opponent.

Today's games were the first in Groups E and F and the day started with another 0-0 draw between Croatia and Morocco but the second game brought a tremendous shock for the Germans, who saw Japan turn their match on its head to win 2-1.

Article continues below video content


In the later game, Spain tore Costa Rica to shreds ahead of Belgium's bow in Qatar 2022 against Canada who are back on the game's biggest stage for the first time since 1986.

10:00 Morocco 0 - 0 Croatia – ITV 1
13:00 Germany 1 - 2 Japan – ITV 1
16:00 Spain 7 - 0 Costa Rica – ITV 1
19:00 Belgium 1 - 0 Canada – BBC 1
 

 

Reader Comments (125)

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Tony Abrahams
1 Posted 23/11/2022 at 12:06:30
First game nil - nil, with my thoughts being that football has changed so much, because nearly every single player at this tournament, is now a pure athlete. Well drilled physical teams are hard to break down, and most teams are now very well drilled, and also very physical.
James Hughes
2 Posted 23/11/2022 at 12:16:36
Comment taken from BBC feed on the match, Glad to see it's not just Everton suffering from this

In the majority of matches so far, the lack of quality in the final third has been painful to watch

Kevin

Tony Abrahams
3 Posted 23/11/2022 at 12:48:58
Listening to the German super kid, who grew up playing in the Chelsea academy, then it's very interesting what he's just said. He said he's learned a lot since he went to Germany, but the coaching is different, and in England it was more about technique, and they also work a lot more on one v one situations.

I don't know where else he played in England but maybe it's a little look at the way Chelsea coach their kids, and maybe why they're producing a lot of good young footballers. But the thing he said he learned the most in England was that he was constantly told to play free.

Danny O’Neill
4 Posted 23/11/2022 at 13:37:08
I caught glimpses of the Morocco v Croatia match. Seemed a bit dull. I don't think Croatia are near the level they were a couple of tournaments ago, but may come good and do okay.

Likewise, the Germans seem to be transitional just as they were after France 98 after two Quarter-Final finishes. They went on to be Runners Up followed by two 3rd place finishes before winning it for the 4th time in 2014.

They tend to be masters of tournament football. Not always easy to watch, particularly in the Group stages.

Interesting that Tony, without researching I wonder why that is. Chelsea do seem to be producing high-quality players. I think it coincided with them moving to Cobham and totally restructuring their academy.

Rob Halligan
5 Posted 23/11/2022 at 13:44:41
Tony, do you mean the first 0-0 today?
Tony Abrahams
6 Posted 23/11/2022 at 13:47:23
Germany look like Germany, and are mostly controlling this game against Japan. I’ve always liked watching Japan, because I think they play with fantastic energy, but it’s the very efficient Germans, who are playing the better football, and are using the much great methods, so far, imo.

Yes Rob, I meant the first game today was a goalless draw mate!

Kieran Kinsella
7 Posted 23/11/2022 at 13:52:15
Danny

It seems like quality skipped a generation in Germany. They’ve got old timers like Muller and Neuer then kids like Musiala and the two teens from Dortmund. Not so much in between. Actually I can’t remember a World Cup with so many “star” old timers Ronaldo, Pepe, Messi, Di Maria, Modric etc obviously Messi and Ronaldo are all time phenoms but it does seem generally there’s a bit of a dearth in talent between the Messi generation and the Foden, Musiala, Pedri etc England are probably the team with the most quality players in their mid to late 20s

Brian Harrison
8 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:14:50
I have only watched the England game and the 2nd half of the France v Australia game. I thought England played well and, if we had decent back-up strikers to Kane, we might have been in with a chance. I thought Mbappe was very impressive and currently must be amongst the top 4/5 in the World.

But I just love watching Antoine Greizman, what an artist. I can't understand why some of our top Premier League clubs didn't move for him when he left Barca.

Danny O’Neill
9 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:17:23
Kieran, Tony,

Musiala looks a great player. If he can keep those shots down!! Great feet.

19 years old, product of Chelsea's academy and could have played for England but chose the country of his birth and his mother.

Paul Kossoff
10 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:37:43
Japan yeeees!!!

Wir fahr'n, fahr'n, fahr'n, nakt der Autobahn!

Japan 2 1 yeeesss! Eat sausage krouts!😀

Rob Halligan
11 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:44:32
Oooooeeeerrrr!

Can Japan hold out for a famous win?

Neuer beaten at his near post. Pickford would be murdered for that.

Actually, after seeing the replay, I think any goalkeeper would rightfully be murdered for conceding that goal. Very poor by Neuer.

Steve Brown
12 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:45:03
Wow!
Michael Kenrick
13 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:50:32
Rob,

Tremendous goal – on one shot, it looks like Neuer twist his shoulder out the way. but an absolutely fantastic finish.

Bobby Mallon
14 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:50:59
James at 2 what games are they on about it’s been brilliant especially now with Japan beating the Germans
Bobby Mallon
15 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:52:07
Why don’t we buy some Japanese players they run their balls off
Rob Halligan
16 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:53:16
Brilliant first time touch to bring the ball under control, Michael, but when I played in goal I would have been very disappointed to concede that goal. Will have to get another look, but did the ball fly over Neuer’s head?
Bobby Mallon
17 Posted 23/11/2022 at 14:56:34
Honestly, there is nothing better than seeing sad faced Germans and Argentinian fans 😂😂😂
Bobby Mallon
18 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:00:06
Brilliant
Paul Kossoff
19 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:01:07
Ludwig van Beethoven, Einstein, Gerd Muller, can you hear me? Jurgen Klop, jars of sour krout,
Otto von Bismark, The Von Trap family, Kraft Work, Julie Andrews, cabbage,(pickled) can you hear me? Your boys took a hell of a beating!😀😀😀
Rob Halligan
20 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:03:32
Paul, Bingo will be crying into his schnapps tonight! 😂😂😂
Paul Kossoff
21 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:09:54
Rob 😀😀😀😀😀
Rob Halligan
22 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:09:58
You’re right Michael, Neuer did twist his shoulder away from the shot, but was also going down far too early, as the ball crept in between him and the post. When I say crept, it was more like an Exocet missile, but Just take the ball smack in the face if you have too. Very poor all round by Neuer.
Andrew McLawrence
23 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:11:19
Neuer pulled away from that second goal.
Peter Carpenter
24 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:14:21
Julie Andrews?
Mike Gaynes
25 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:21:11
Julie was playing the offside Trapp in the movie.
Lee Courtliff
26 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:24:41
I thought the same thing when I was watching...why don't we sign some Japanese players? They can run and run.

But, that just shows how poor we've been and how desperate we are becoming!

We'll beat Wolves, though. COYB!

Brian Murray
27 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:27:22
Datsun is how you finish
Kieran Kinsella
28 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:32:41
Neuer taking his chances running upfield at a the end. He did that in 2018 against Korea and got burnt. So Japan win the Axis derby. Even if Germany recover from this they don’t look like a balanced unit to seriously compete for the trophy. Brazil presumptive favorites to me. I’ve been burnt too many times by England to date to even think past a tough game on Friday. But Portugal and Uruguay could be dark horses. France if they can manage their injury ravaged squad, not sure if Spain are fully cooked yet.
James Flynn
29 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:35:47
That was a fun game.

The Japanese must train in the mountains. They just wore the Germans down.

Mike Gaynes
30 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:35:54
No Saudi Arabia bet, Kieran?

"Axis derby" is a good one.

I'm not totally shocked by Japan -- they took the USA apart in a pre-tournament friendly, and they're the best-pressing team in the tourney.

Kieran Kinsella
31 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:37:31
Two days ago after Qatar and Iran the consensus was the Asian confederation was crap. Saudi and Japan suddenly turning that in its head
Darren Hind
32 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:37:56
Oviedo baby up next.

Not an Everton Legend, but like Dan Gosling. You only have to mention his name to make any blue smile.

Kieran Kinsella
33 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:42:58
Mike

Their coach was astute too changing things up at half time

Tony Abrahams
34 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:43:15
I stopped watching at half time, then started watching from the 65th minute, and saw a big difference in the game when I started watching again. I was admiring the German efficiency, but suddenly they started playing like Everton, and couldn’t pass it out from the back.

I love watching Japan though, because their honest endeavor, makes me understand why I fell in love with the game of football at a very early age. They put their heart and soul into the game, and they never stop running, and although I admire the Germans, I was made up for the Japan, in the end.

Funny Darren, I’m 53, in a couple of weeks, but when I heard Oviedo’s name, I couldn’t help myself, and started singing his song,

Mike Gaynes
35 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:45:30
Ear-to-ear for me, Darren. One of my all-time favorite Blues. So happy for him to be starting in another WC at 32.
Kieran Kinsella
36 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:48:38
German tabloids not impressed “Debacle” “national team make fools of themselves.”
Great week with Argentina, Germany, Trump and Putin losing plus an Everton win
Peter Carpenter
37 Posted 23/11/2022 at 15:51:59
and their fans clear up their mess after the game too
Ajay Gopal
38 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:02:53
Interesting to see Oviedo still playing at the highest level. Remember THAT goal against Man United? Seems like such a long time ago.
Kieran Kinsella
39 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:07:43
Oviedo getting more screen time than John Wayne
Tony Abrahams
40 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:12:30
Spain = mesmerizing. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant, football of the highest scientific order!
Mike Gaynes
41 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:12:42
He's better-looking, Kieran.

Ajay, it's one of my greatest memories ever. He's now playing in MLS.

Christy Ring
42 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:14:37
Who’ll ever forget Oviedo scoring the winner at Old Trafford in the 85th minute, nearly 9 years ago. A great win for Martinez especially against Moyes. I remember Barry, McCarthy and Barkley in midfield that day and Lukaku upfront. Imagine having them in the team now
Ajay Gopal
43 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:15:47
Mike, if he hadn’t suffered that horrific injury, he might have had a good career with Everton.
Paul Kossoff
44 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:16:53
Julie Andrews, guilty by association 😀
Kieran Kinsella
45 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:22:17
Spain looking to out do England here.
Mike Gaynes
46 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:31:17
Christy, that was his second and last goal for us -- scored both in the same week I believe.

I'm still absolutely convinced that I got Moyes to sign him. After seeing him in a WC qualifier I came on here and said he'd be the perfect backup for Bainesy. Of course Moyes was a regular TW reader, and a couple months later, he signed Baby. Coincidence? I think not.

Danny O’Neill
47 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:34:12
Likewise for the first goal Rob. Some would say a great save initially and let down by his defence. If that's Pickford, he's getting hammered for a "Pickford Parry" back into the danger area. In fairness, I don't think he could have done much else for that first one, but overall, unusually poor by Neuer's standards. One of the best keepers of his generation. If not the best. Saying that, Japan's keeper played a blinder and kept them in it.

I said before the tournament, that Germany are a shadow of themselves at the moment. Obviously these things can turn around quickly and how often do we see teams who get off to a racing start flag and falter? Wide open though.

Credit to Japan. Absolute energy and commitment. Relentless.

I know it's one match and he only came on as a sub, but Asano changed it. He's been a bit of a journeyman and ironically playing in the Bundesliga. A club that has over the past few decades been a bit "bouncy" between Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2. In fact they're in they played their first season back in the top flight last season after almost a decade's absence.

Again, not getting carried away after a match, but if you consider the energy Son at Tottenham plays with (yes South Korean) and watching Japan play today, maybe that's something about players from that geographical region.

Get our scouts on a plane and start looking.

Watching the Spain match out of the corner of my eye, they're cruising. Germany could be in trouble.

Darren Hind
48 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:38:43
Mike

You did Moyes no favors. You probably got him the sack at United.

I think Oviedo's winner at OT was the beginning of the end for him.

Rob Halligan
49 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:40:04
Half time teaser………..how many former Everton players are there at this World Cup? I can think of at least six.
Kieran Kinsella
50 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:43:49
Oviedo Klaasen Valencia Stones Lukaku Richarlison
Rob Halligan
51 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:44:34
Make that seven, Kieran. I forgot about Stones.
Mike Gaynes
52 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:45:03
Another upside to that signing, Darren!
Kieran Kinsella
53 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:45:59
Eric Dier
Rob Halligan
54 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:46:19
Make it eight!
Kieran Kinsella
55 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:46:39
Robinson
Rob Halligan
56 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:47:16
Make it nine……FFS! 😂😂
Dale Self
57 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:50:05
I should have known better than to claim I would not watch. Put that down as retarded. I'm looking at this like it's a decent party that happens to be at a reprehensible host's big ass house. I won't leave an upper decker when I leave but there is no chance I warm to that vile shit's agenda.

That out of the way, Hell yeah Japan!!! That was a fine and determined comeback from what is perennially a well organized and spirited side. Disciplined with a well drilled sense of how many to commit forward and always keeping form to maximize the effectiveness of their runs.

Kieran Kinsella
58 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:50:08
Vlasic
Mike Gaynes
59 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:50:32
With Gana, Onana, Coady and Picks also there, we could have had a full WC starting 11.
Kieran Kinsella
60 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:50:45
I think that’s the lot Rob
Kieran Kinsella
61 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:51:33
How many players at the World Cup have ever been linked with as transfer targets? 500 at least
Mike Gaynes
62 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:55:19
Pickford

Dier - Stones - Coady - Robinson

Gana - Onana - Klaassen - Oviedo

Lukaku - Richarlison

Subs - Valencia, Vlasic

Darren Hind
63 Posted 23/11/2022 at 16:58:52
Souness has robbed Coco the clowns jacket
Rob Halligan
64 Posted 23/11/2022 at 17:13:13
Yep, Vlasic was one of my “Original Six”.
Danny O’Neill
65 Posted 23/11/2022 at 17:44:54
No one talking about Spain much prior to the tournament. I know Costa Rica haven't exactly proven to be the strongest opposition, but they've been fantastic. The football great to watch.
Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
66 Posted 23/11/2022 at 17:50:20
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/columnists/2022/11/23/world-cup-qatar-nothing-just-wait-fifa-heads-mordor/

Strewth - the Telegraph are saying FIFA are planning on the 2030 World Cup to be held at that hole over the park from us.


P.S. It is a sarcastic piece.

Danny O’Neill
67 Posted 23/11/2022 at 18:05:17
Well if you theoretically consider that Costa Rica on paper were stronger opponents than Iran, then Spain have just put the marker out there.

France last night looked impressive and strong.

England have a buzz about them.

Argentina and Germany for different reasons fluffed their lines.

But this is tournament football. Watch England draw against USA and lose against Wales. Germany beat Spain and France suffer a shock. Yet to see Brazil.

Fantastic by Spain. Great to watch.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
68 Posted 23/11/2022 at 18:07:25
World Cups are won by those who start slowly and finish strong.

Rare is it a team plays a whole month on the top of their game.

Probably live to regret this prediction, but a Germany v Argentina would not be a surprise to me.

Tony Abrahams
69 Posted 23/11/2022 at 18:13:15
I think Europe is the strongest football continent Danny, and I think Spain where the best team at the Euro’s last summer. They murdered Italy, before losing on penalties, and because they never won that tournament, it does seem that a lot of people have forgotten about them?

It’s only football insider, who are up there with Goodison news, and a couple of others, for being the worst website on football, but they are currently claiming that Moshiri, is close to selling his stake in Everton. We will see🤞

Kieran Kinsella
70 Posted 23/11/2022 at 18:17:07
Phil

Fair point I remember 86 Denmark and USSR putting six psst Uruguay and Hungary. Both went out in round two

Peter Carpenter
71 Posted 23/11/2022 at 18:52:37
Put a fiver on it, Phil. I'm going to.
Jeff Armstrong
72 Posted 23/11/2022 at 18:54:16
No Lukaku for Belgium
Kieran Kinsella
73 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:07:04
Pet peeve about American World Cup coverage.

I realize light moves faster than sound but why is it the American commentators raise their voice excitedly well after a shot has gone wide or over?

Ian Darke, even the verbal-diarrhoea-afflicted Peter Drury seem to react as near to simultaneous as possible to the action.

But you've already heard the crowd groan before the American commentators go falsetto and remark on something that might happen after it's already happened.

I say it's a pet peeve but actually it's so annoying I keep switching to the Spanish commentary

Jeff Armstrong
74 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:14:20
Belgium's average age must be 36!

The linesman on the far side doesn't have a clue, he keeps looking at the ref for guidance before raising his flag.

Kieran Kinsella
75 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:17:05
Davies misses a penalty.

Where I've heard that before?

Bill Gall
76 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:33:16
Canada giving Belgium a tough game.

Poor penalty by Davies too far from the corner, easy save for the keeper.

Jeff Armstrong
77 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:34:31
Trossard is surely a better forward than Batshuyi.

Charles Barrow
78 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:35:48
Let's buy the whole Canadian team and their manager. Fast skilful intelligent play. Gives the lie to the notion you have to play top class football to be an excellent coach.
Kieran Kinsella
79 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:38:32
Belgium ranked 2, Canada 41. Spain 7, Costa Rica 31.

FIFA rankings are garbage plus it's time to retire Alderwald, Albert, Scifo, Ceulemans.

Jeff Armstrong
80 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:41:26
Kieran, Iran 20, say no more.

Always said Batshuayi was class.

Bill Gall
81 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:42:15
Martinez got Belgium playing like Everton, pissing about around the back and unable to get the ball forward with Canada's high press.
Bill Gall
82 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:45:27
Belgium take the lead!

Long ball over the high press... Batshuyi!

Tom Bowers
83 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:48:08
Lucky Belgium!

Canada getting stiffed by the VAR and inept officiating. How did they not call that second penalty?

Ray Roche
84 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:48:35
The ‘penalty' decision that went against Canada… the ref looked like he'd just filled his kecks in case his shite decision was overturned and his Villa in Spain was evaporating in front of his eyes.
Barry Rathbone
85 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:51:42
Belgium look pants!
David Nicholls
86 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:52:11
John Herdman is a coach to watch!
Jeff Armstrong
87 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:52:38
Ray and Tom,

I'd said earlier that linesman was out of his depth, then when the ref looked at him for help on the second penalty claim, he didn't have a scooby.

The VAR should have given it.

Joe McMahon
88 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:54:14
Bill @81, its just phenomenal.

Not about football (I know), but sad day for music today, Wilco Johnson sadly died.

Dale Self
89 Posted 23/11/2022 at 19:56:13
Ahem, Joe, I know you know your stuff so take this lightly...

It wasn't Jeff Tweedy that kicked.

Brian Wilkinson
90 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:01:40
Mike @62, good 11 picked out, you having Bobby as Manager.

Anyone else feel sick when the camera went onto Collina, the frog-eyed robbing bastard?

Bill Gall
91 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:04:16
When you see the interference from the VAR against England, it seems those on it are useless.

Canada should have had 1 or 2 more penalties if they looked at them correctly in slow motion like they normally do. But I guess FIFA have their favorites.

Kieran Kinsella
92 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:05:22
Brian

Yes. Firstly he was talking to himself secondly he looks even more like Mikon from Dan Dare then he used to

Danny O’Neill
93 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:07:36
I think Belgium are a team that have possibly peaked a tournament or so back.

At the same time, some of these so-called lesser footballing nations are really rising to the occasion. And more than just trying hard, which they are. They are actually playing decent, energetic and exciting football.

Onana on.

Christy Ring
94 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:08:11
Martinez still hasn't a clue about defence. How Wout Faes of Leicester who has been a superb signing and only 24, is still on the bench, and 2 pensioners who are so slow shows Roberto' s has learned nothing.
Bill Gall
95 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:11:35
Onana on at half time for Belgium
Jeff Armstrong
96 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:14:06
Buchanan of Canada looks useful.
Joe McMahon
97 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:15:17
Christy correct, and they are faffing about at the back. This is why Klopp stands out, fast and attack.
Kieran Kinsella
98 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:15:45
Christy

Remember Brendan Galloway? Martinez said you had to play 150 games as a left-back to develop before he could play at centre-back. How does that work out?

He inherited a good team but he's allowed them to become Dad's Army though Pike and Walker are too young to get on the pitch. Godfrey and Jones have the all important experience...

Fran Mitchell
99 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:17:40
Martinez playing favourites.

Hazard, the two central defenders, Witsel Belgium have a huge production line of talent and the same players for the last 3 tournaments.

Onana has had a shakey start.

Canada walk through their midfield very easily, the press is very poor.

James Flynn
100 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:18:46
Dave (86) - Yes, and interesting career path so far.
Jeff Armstrong
101 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:23:15
Fran 99 Re Onana, to both his Everton career and tonight.
Ray Roche
102 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:26:04
Jeff @87,

You're right, the VAR should have seen it, just as the VAR should have seen countless other errors in the last year, but until we have competent officials in the TV room we'll carry on getting the mistakes and corrupt decisions that have plagued the VAR since its inception.

Fran Mitchell
103 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:26:28
Onana could have seen red there. lacking in composure, which has been a trait for his form with Everton.

But his for Everton I can forgive. he's not the reason for our woes, the fact that we a relying on such a raw 21-year-old in a new league is the club's issue.

Almost a very good piece of play from him there.

Kieran Kinsella
104 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:31:18
Trivia. Which three teams have had the most shots so far this World Cup?
Bill Gall
105 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:50:47
Can not see why Belgium are rated so highly.

Lukaku can't make that much of a difference as Belgium seem to be on the defense mostly.

Onana looks lost he is just marking space.

Kieran Kinsella
108 Posted 23/11/2022 at 20:58:35
Most shots:

Germany 26
France 23
Canada 21

But only 3 of Canada's on target. England only had 13 total shots and scored 6. Efficiency.

Neil Copeland
109 Posted 23/11/2022 at 21:04:30
“Incredible” is the new “phenomenal”
Will Mabon
111 Posted 23/11/2022 at 21:09:19
Neil, that was always one of his go-to words - both often combined with "moment".

A PR god, he was.

Neil Copeland
112 Posted 23/11/2022 at 21:11:31
Will, ha ha, still is judging by his post match interview
Neil Tyrrell
113 Posted 23/11/2022 at 21:27:28
Harsh result for Canada, deserved at least a point there. We can still get something out of Croatia and Morocco and go through though. Hate to say it from an Everton point of view but Onana looked like he should be wearing clown shoes instead of football boots.
Andy Finigan
114 Posted 23/11/2022 at 21:46:35
Neil 113 harsh on Onana, I thought he made a big difference for Belgium.
Julian Wait
115 Posted 23/11/2022 at 22:00:19
@Mike #62

You forgot the manager:

Manager:
R. “BBS” Martinez

Pickford
Dier - Stones - Coady - Robinson
Gana - Onana - Klaassen - Oviedo
Lukaku - Richarlison

Subs - Valencia, Vlasic

Bill Gienapp
116 Posted 23/11/2022 at 23:49:34
Interesting that everyone's slating Onana when the American announcers were raving that his substitution made all the difference for Belgium's midfield.

Belgium still has talent, but it does kind of feel like their window has closed. As long as you have players like De Brunye, Courtois and even a half-speed Hazard, you'll have a chance... but I'm surprised there hasn't been a greater influx of young talent to refresh the squad. I mean, they're still peddling Vertonghen and Alderweireld as their CB duo. And they should really have a better striking alternative to Lukaku than Batshuayi, goal notwithstanding (I guess that'll eventually be Doku).

Alan J Thompson
117 Posted 24/11/2022 at 05:45:19
The one thing that stands out (or not) for me is the lack of players who want to take defenders on, one on one, and can only recall Sarr for Senegal, the Mexican winger Lozano and the two Saudi goals. Perhaps, as some body said, it is an indication of the fitness of players but there seems a lack of innovation. No Colombian free kicks and defensive walls, Pele overstepping the ball and running around the keeper or "Hand of God". If there is anything it is that VAR adds little to the game other than making Linespersons late almost to the point of redundancy.

Anyone know if Frank or Thelwell have asked Onana to tap up those centres of transfer speculation Hazard and Lukaku, after all isn't it de rigueur at these competitions?

Danny O’Neill
118 Posted 24/11/2022 at 06:39:50
I keep saying it, but we need to be patient with Onana.

Otherwise, we'll ruin another young 21 year old player.

And I don't care if he's from Kirkdale or was born in Senegal and plays for Belgium.

It's a bit like some of the knives coming out for Anthony Gordon recently.

I get criticism on form or a poor performance. That's natural and we all see it as well as comment on it. But no need to bring the voodoo dolls and pins out just now.

Onana has potential. As does Gordon. As does Patterson. As does Mykolenko. As does McNeil. As do the other young players.

But it's potential that is still developing right now and there will be mistakes made along the way.

Danny Baily
119 Posted 24/11/2022 at 07:28:09
Danny 118, I'm not sure there's a great deal more to come from McNeil. Agree with the rest though.
Geoff Trenner
120 Posted 24/11/2022 at 07:28:48
Commentators seemed impressed with Onana. I couldn’t watch as I was driving but they suggested that he added energy and urgency to a subdued Belgian team.
Gerry Quinn
121 Posted 24/11/2022 at 08:07:36
It was not just the German team that Japan cleaned up...

https://www.givemesport.com/88087577-japan-dressing-room-samurai-blue-clean-up-brilliantly-after-beating-germany-at-world-cup

...and the fans cleaned up after themselves in the stadium too.

Wish our country had the same attitude and respect for others property and stop ditching rubbish anywhere!

Danny O’Neill
122 Posted 24/11/2022 at 09:09:17
The footage made me smile, Gerry. I have OCD so it was good to see!!

I'd like to see what McNeil could do with a fully fit Calvert-Lewin as he certainly has a delivery on him.

I'll get ridiculed, but even though he's 36, an audacious bid to bring Giroud back to the Premier League? If there were any legs in those rumours a few seasons back, we should have gone for it.

Give players like McNeil something to aim for and you might see a different player. And he is only 21.

Dave Abrahams
123 Posted 24/11/2022 at 10:30:30
I only watched the last 20 minutes of the Belgium game. In that time, I noticed when Onana appeared on the screen, he did next to nothing, so he is consistent at least.

He said a few weeks ago that he thinks a lot of players will have one eye on the World Cup and will be frightened of getting injured, well it's here and he's part of it so what has he got his eye on now?

Trevor Peers
124 Posted 24/11/2022 at 10:39:37
Most will scream "Give him time", Dave.

To me, he has most of the characteristics of GomeS about him, and as usual, we've paid way over the odds for an average player.

Dave Abrahams
125 Posted 24/11/2022 at 10:51:41
Trevor (124),

Well, I understand that he needs time but he's 21, young and ambitious, so he should be trying to show what he's all about now. He plays well in very short spells, really short spells… then goes missing.

It's like one of those trailers they used to show on the pictures when they advertised next week's attractions and showed you all the best bits, then when you went next week to see the full film it was bleedin' crap.

Come on, lad, time doesn't stand still, it waits for no man.

Tony Abrahams
126 Posted 24/11/2022 at 11:10:04
I've only seen headlines, but it sounds like a lot of the world's press have gone mad for Onana nanananananananana, Dave?

I don't think there's any excuses for midfield players being out of the game for long periods, and especially not now that a manager can make 5 subs.

Barry Rathbone
127 Posted 24/11/2022 at 11:50:35
I don't know anything about the players we sign but they all have YouTube showreels and an awful lot is obvious from snippets of their "best".

Onana is massively limited.

Danny O’Neill
128 Posted 24/11/2022 at 12:00:46
I'm more in the see how he develops camp. Early days, early years of his career.

Mykolenko was written off after a match, Patterson before he'd barely kicked a ball because unfounded rumours surfaced that Duncan didn't rate him.

He's settling into an underperforming team with limited options in front of the midfield.

No excuses and he needs to stop going missing, that's a valid point.

I think he'll come good.


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