On day seven of this summer's FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, here is all you need to know on how things went for Real Madrid players
Although day seven of this summer’s FIFA World Cup in North America was less eventful for Real Madrid players than others, there are still a couple of games for us to sink our teeth into. Let’s have a look.
To begin, another technicality - for want of a better word - Bernardo Silva, who was announced by the club earlier in the day, started for Portugal in their clash with unfancied DR Congo in Group J. He began the game as the nominal right winger, a position he often played for Manchester City over the years.
However, it proved to be a disaster day at the office, collectively and individually. The 32-year old was hooked by manager Roberto Martinez at half time, and Portugal could only draw the game 1-1.
Their goal, which was scored after just six minutes, proved to be their only shot on target of the entire game. They accumulated just 0.08xG before the 68th minute, and a paltry 0.65 all game. They were quite fortunate DR Congo did not take all three points in all honesty.
Next up for Silva and Portugal is a showdown with tournaments Uzbekistan of Central Asia, with that game taking place on Tuesday at 19:00 CET. That game already feels like a must win, even at this early stage of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and England faced Luka Modric’s Croatia later on. Despite fellow number ten Morgan Rogers being shorter odds to start the game, the Real Madrid number five was given the nod in the ten role by Thomas Tuchel. Modric started for Croatia.
An unbelievably intense first half saw the sides trade goals twice, going into the break at 2-2. England had played well in periods, but looked way too open at the back. At one point Bellingham essentially made a goal preventing intervention.
Then, in the second half, England turned it up. Within two minutes, Bellingham latched onto a ball in the channel. Despite close attention from team mates and opponents, his exceptional close control saw him keep the ball, run into the box and score from a tight angle. Incredible goal from an incredible player.
The Three Lions continued to create a sea of chances after the goal, and it felt like not scoring a fourth to get a two goal lead would cost them. However after eighty five minutes, that fourth finally came. Six minutes before, Tuchel had given his number ten some well earned rest.
An outstanding win for England, and an imperious display from the Real Madrid star, who recorded; 41 touches, 1/1 dribbles, 5/6 ground duels won, five recoveries, 3/3 tackles, five defensive contributions, and of course the fantastic goal.
Next up for the 1966 winners is a game with Ghana next Tuesday, the 23rd, at 22:00. Meanwhile, as a quick aside- Modric played 58 minutes, being replaced by another former player in Mateo Kovacic. He gave away the penalty early on and perhaps is finally beginning to look his age. Legend all the same.
