One of the battles within the World Cup is between the continents.
Not only is pride at stake, but a good showing by African (CAF), Asian (AFC) or North American (CONCACAF) sides can increase the number of places allocated to them in future World Cups. Needless to say, the Europeans (UEFA) and South Americans (CONMEBOL) guard their disproportionate numbers jealously.
So in this recurring column, we are going to look at which of the continents is pressing its case and which is failing abysmally. And we’re going to ask, is Europe’s perceived supremacy still holding up as we measure Europe v the Rest of the World?
Europe v the Rest of the World (the Ryder Cup of Football)
| Matches v other Confederations only | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts | Pts Per Game |
| Europe | 36 | 22 | 6 | 8 | 63 | 38 | 72 | 2.000 |
| S. America | 21 | 11 | 2 | 8 | 29 | 20 | 35 | 1.666 |
| Asia | 16 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 15 | 24 | 15 | 0.938 |
| Africa | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 26 | 11 | 0.733 |
| N & Central America | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 7 | 0.700 |
*Table excludes matches between teams from the same continent. Points per game is followed by GD and GF as deciders. Points are not considered. Wins and losses awarded after extra time score and penalties where applicable to reflect overall winner. Goals in penalty shoot outs not included.
DAY 23 – JULY 6
After two rest days, the quarter files came upon us and some big names faced elimination. Two fascinating Europe v South America ties both ended for European victories and ended all non European involvement in the competition.
The table at the top of the page is the final one and records an overwhelming European supremacy in this tournament,
France 2 : 0 Uruguay
A Raphael Varane flicked header from a st piece gave France a first half lead. On the hour Antoine Griezmann tried a long range effort which looked to be nothing out of the ordinary but it took a vicious late swing when just inched from Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera and he could only palm int into the net behind him. To make that harder for him,, his French counterpart Hugo Lloris had made an outstanding save from Martin Caceres to deny Uruguay an equaliser in the 43rd minute.
France held on comfortably to give Europe a decisive step towards winning the Battle of the Continents.
Belgium 2 : 1 Brazil
Belgium v Brazil was a great advert for football. An unfortunate Fernandinho own goal gave Belgium a 13th minute lad as a corner bounced off his arm. The Red Devils doubled their lead 18 minutes later when a Kevin De Bruyne howitzer left Alisson flailing. The second half belonged to Brazil but despite an overwhelming possession superiority then could muster only one goal after Renato Augusto headed home a Coutinho cross. Thibault Courtois made a number of fine saves to keep Brazil out and Belgium used up every last sinew of energy to hold on.
Belgium will play neighbours France in the semi final.
DAY 20 – JULY 3
Sweden 1 : 0 Switzerland
The loss of too many key players through suspension probably tilted the balance of quality in this game to the Scandinavians. Emil Forsberg scored a deflected goal in the 66th minute to give the Swedes their win and a place in the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years.
Colombia 1 : 1 England (England win 4-3 on penalties)
A poor game, characterised by petulant undisciplined behaviour by both sides, was on its way to England as the game entered stoppage time. Harry Kane had scored his third penalty of the tournament in a scrappy second half, when out of nowhere Yerry Mina headed in the leveler from corner.
England held out in extra time and won the shoot out despite going a goal behind in it early on. They will play Sweden.
DAY 19 – JULY 2
Brazil 2 : 0 Mexico
Mexico gave it a good go and refused to sit back and admire their illustrious opponents. Brazil however are a better defensive unit than people give them credit for and withstood everything El Tri threw at them. Second half goals from Neymar (51′) and Roberto Firmino (88′) were both well worked and cut through the Mexican defense. Mexico will have to wait another four year to end their round of 16 jinx.
Brazil were deserved winners with ten shots on target to one. CONCACAF will finish with just seven points from ten games and last place in what has been a vastly disappointing World Cup. Brazil will play Belgium next.
Belgium 3 : 2 Japan
Five second half goals, some spectacular goalkeeping and a great comeback doesn’t even begin to sum up how good this game was.
Genki Haraguchi (48′) and Takashi Inui (52′) scored within seven minutes of the interval to give Japan what was a well deserved lead with two splendid goals, the latter an almighty strike from distance. Down and out, the Red Devils finally found some luck, after Eden Hazard had hit the post, when in the 69th minute, Jan Vertonghen’s header looped into the Japanese net as he intended to head the ball merely back into the danger zone.
Five minutes later, Marouane Fellaini headed the equaliser from a corner to set up a tense finale. With full time seconds away, Belgian keeper Thibault Courtois chanced on a quick release that sent Belgium haring up the field. After an incredibly timed Romelu Lukaku dummy, substitute Nacer Chadli knocked in the winner.
DAY 18 – JULY 1
Two all European encounters both ended 1-1 and both went to penalties. Croatia and Russia advanced at the expense of Denmark and Spain in what was a good day for Eastern Europe over the west.
Russia 1 : 1 Spain aet
Russia advance on penalties
Croatia 1 : 1 Denmark aet
Croatia advance on penalties
DAY 17 – JUNE 30
France 4 : 3 Argentina
Kylian Mbappe became the second youngest player to score twice in a World Cup game, after Pele, as his brace pulled France from 2-2 to 4-2, a lead that proved unassailable. Antoine Griezmann put France ahead with a penalty but Angel Di Maria equalised with a long range effort before half time.
Three minutes after halftime, Seville’s Gabriel Mercado deflected a Messi shot goalwards and in. France leveled it at 2-2 in 58′ when VfB Stuttgart’s Benjamin Pavard hit a shot first time with amazing pace and accuracy. Then Mbappe took over and delivered France a win with two goals in four minutes, the second the result of an incredible passing move that started with the keeper Hugo Lloris. Segio Aguero’s late goal was no more than a consolation.
France will now play Uruguay or Portugal.
Uruguay 2 : 1 Portugal
Two moments of brilliance from Edison Cavani put paid to Portugal’s attempt to add the World Cup to their European Championship. Portugal had monumental possession especially in the second half but Cavani’s 62nd minute effort was the only goal of the second half. Although Uruguay shipped their first goal of the Finals, they retain the 100% record. Pepe scored for Portugal in the 55th minute.
Europe v the Rest of the World (the Ryder Cup of Football) – Group Stages only
| Matches v other Confederations only | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts | Pts Per Game |
| S. America | 15 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 20 | 10 | 29 | 1.933 |
| Europe | 30 | 17 | 6 | 7 | 50 | 29 | 57 | 1.900 |
| Asia | 15 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 21 | 15 | 1.000 |
| N & Central America | 9 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 20 | 7 | 0.777 |
| Africa | 15 | 3 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 26 | 11 | 0.733 |
*Table excludes matches between teams from the same continent. Points per game is followed by GD and GF as deciders. Points are not considered.
DAY 15 – JUNE 28
Poland 1 : 0 Japan
Southampton’s Jan Bednarek scored the only goal in the 59th minute to at least give Poland their first points of a disappointing tournament. Japan were saved from elimination by that Colombia goal in the other game. They advance on Fair Play points.
Colombia 1 : 0 Senegal
Barcelona’s Yerry Mina scored the winner with a header from a corner, the second of the tournament for the centre half. Senegal had less of the ball but were probably the better side. Sadly for Colombia, James Rodriguez was taken off injured in the first half and the country will hold its breath on his fitness for the next game. His replacement Luis Muriel missed several chances.
England 0 : 1 Belgium
Real Sociedad’s Adnan Januzaj scored the only goal of the game which secured a match with Japan for the Red Devils. The sides made 17 changes overall but the match understandably never really caught fire. England will play Colombia who are sweating on the fitness of James.
Panama 1 : 2 Tunisia
The Carthage Eagles came back from a half time deficit to record just Africa’s third win of the Finals against the statistically worst side in the Cup. Panama didn’t actually manage a goal. Their opener was an own goal scored by Yassine Meriah in the 33rd minute. After the interval Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (51′) and Wahbi Khazri (66′) secured the win for Tunisia.
Despite the win, CONCACAF will finish above Africa after the group stages although Mexico could change that if they lose to Brazil.
DAY 14 – JUNE 27
A bad day for Europe has nearly seen them lose the top spot in the Continental Table they have held since the opening day. If three of the four lost and Brazil won, South America will go top of the league. That so nearly happened and only the sole point Switzerland picked up against Costa Rica kept Europe at the top
Germany 0 : 2 South Korea
Shock of shocks, Germany are out of the World Cup. There will be new World Champions. They pummeled the previously pointless South Koreans for most of the match and conceded two late goals as they committed men forward. Kim Young-Gwon (90’+2′) and Son Heung-Min (90’+6′) scored the two stoppage time gals that sent Germany to the bottom of the group, the latter into an empty net with Manuel Neuer way up field.
Both sides are eliminated.
Sweden 3 : 0 Mexico
Sweden recovered from the late defeat to Germany with an authoritative win over Mexico. Three second half goals from Ludwig Augustinsson (50′), another Andreas Granqvist penalty twelve minutes later and an own goal from Edson Álvarez in the 74th minute ended Mexico’s 100% record. Nonetheless, both these sides qualified following the German defeat in the other game.
Sweden will play Switzerland in an all European tie and Mexico will face Brazil.
Serbia 0 : 2 Brazil
Marcelo came out of the game in the first half with an injury to add to Brazil’s defensive shortfall. He was replaced by Filipe Luís. Despite that early setback, Barcelona midfielder Paulinho put Brazil ahead from a Coutinho long ball in the 36th minute at the Otkrytie Arena in Moscow. Thiago Silva added the second in the 68th. The loss ended Serbia’s World Cup after such a good first half in which they beat Costa Rica and led Switzerland, all for it to go wrong in the latter 135 minutes.
Brazil win the Group and have an intriguing tie against Mexico to come in the last 16.
Switzerland 2 : 2 Costa Rica
A quite mad ending long after the result could influence anything characterised this game. Switzerland were home and dry with Serbia losing heavily. Despite that, they managed to accrue yellow cars that would see two of their players suspended for the next round, score a winner they didn’t need and conceded an equaliser from a late penalty.
Blerim Džemaili was the goalscorer who put Switzerland ahead against the run of play. Costa Rica started the game on fire and Yann Sommer had made four saves in the first twenty minutes and Saprissa’s Daniel Colindres hit the bar before the game calmed down a little. In 56 minutes, Vancouver’s Kendall Waston rose delightfully to head the equaliser, los Ticos’ first goal of the Finals. In doing so he ensured that every team scored at least once. As the game closed, Josip Drmic scored a winner but a late Ruiz penalty hit the bar and then Yann Sommer’s head before dropping over the line for a second equaiser.
Lichtsteiner and Schar were booked an will miss the next match in the round of sixteen against Sweden.
DAY 13 – JUNE 26
Australia 0 : 2 Peru
A splendid first half volley from André Carrillo put Peru ahead. Paulo Guerrero added a second in 50 minutes against a lacklustre Australia team who had a considerable possession advantage. Australia had 14 shots but few looked like troubling Peru who were content to allow their humdrum opponents to batter at them without an overwhelming sense of danger.
Both these side are heading home at the first hurdle and in truth both do so deservedly. Peru despite a massive support have been the worst of the South American sides and that has not exactly, Uruguay apart, been tough competition.
France 0 : 0 Denmark
The Cup’s first goalless game got Denmark the point they really didn’t need anyway. It might be kindest to say that both aides had done enough work in their first three hours and took the day off.
Iceland 1 : 2 Croatia
Three second half goals ensured that already qualified Croatia kept their 100% record and shut down any chance Iceland had of qualifying. Fiorentina’s Milan Badelj scored in the 3rd minute before yet another penalty allowed Iceland to level, Gylfi Sigurdsson being the taker, despite missing one against Nigeria. Dejan Lovren’s handball rather than a foul was the cause.
As the match was approaching stoppage time though, Ivan Perisic who plays his club football at Inter, gave the Croats their second Milan themed goal and the win. To cap it, it was Badelj who provided the assist. He also hit the Icelandic crossbar for a Croatia side that made nine changes and rested first choice players.
Argentina 2 : 1 Nigeria
The nerves were jangling throughout this match. A superb ball through by Ever Banega set up Leo Messi for the opening goal. Argentina looked relaxed and in control of the game. However a moment of utter stupidity threw that all into doubt. Javier Mascherano gave a way the most needless and potentially damaging penalty of the cup by having his arms all around and over Leon Balogun at a set piece in full view of the referee. Victor Moses scored the penalty.
Argentina looked to be heading out of the World Cup until a Marcus Rojo volley settled the tense and wonderful affair minutes from the end to the relief of massive Argentinian support inside the stadium.
DAY 12 – JUNE 25
Uruguay dished out South America’s second consecutive win over Europe to narrow the gap at the top today. Europe’s ugly day continued later as neither Spain or Portugal managed to win their third game over African and Asian opposition. Saudi Arabia hauled Asia off the bottom of the table with a 2-1 win over Egypt.
Russia 0 : 3 Uruguay
Luis Suarez gave Uruguay the lead direct from a free kick. Later on in the first half, Denis Cheryshev deflected the ball into his own net from a Diego Laxalt effort. Russia were reduced to ten men in the 28th minute when Igor Smolnikov was shown a second yellow card. Cavani added a late third.
Egypt 1 : 2 Saudi Arabia
Mo Salah gave Egypt the lead, but the oldest player in World Cup history Egyptian keeper Essam El-Hadary saved a Saudi penalty. A second Saudi penalty by Salman Al-Faraj in the sixth minute of first half stoppage time, leveled the affair. In the fifth minute of stoppage time in the second half, Salem Al-Dawsari gave Saudi Arabia a winner, and Asia a vital win over Africa.
Spain 2 : 2 Morocco
Morocco took the lead twice in this absorbing game. A rare Andres Iniesta mistake allowed Khalid Boutaïb through on goal in the 14th minute. Isco pulled Spain level five minutes later. However, Spain got a real fright in the 81st minute when already eliminated Morocco took the lead courtesy of Malaga’s Youssef En-Nesyri. By the time Iran had scored the goal that would have spelled real problems for Spain though, Celta Vigo’s Iago Aspas had pulled Spain level and ensured their progress.
Portugal 1 : 1 Iran
Portugal controlled this game with 73% of the possession. Ricardo Quaresma put them ahead with a superb effort before Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty, which was saved splendidly by Alireza Beiranvand. In stoppage time though, the VAR awarded Iran a penalty which Karim Ansarifard converted to secure a point.
It was not enough though to prevent Portugal and Spain qualifying. Ronaldo was extremely fortunate to only get a yellow for an elbow which the VAR adjudged to be not quite worthy of a red.
DAY 11 – JUNE 24
South America finally recorded a win over Europe and what a win it was. Colombia were impressive and exuberant in their demolition of sad Poland. With Uruguay facing Russia tomorrow, could it be the start of a CONMEBOL fight back?
England 6 : 1 Panama
A Harry Kane hat trick highlighted this easy win. England will get too much credit in their own media while the US media will ponder just how the USMNT failed to qualify over the very weak opposition in CONCACAF. In between, savvy folk will say that England and Belgium passed a test as they should have in this group, will hide their best in the now irrelevant rubber match in the group, and will probably enjoy the somewhat soft opposition that awaits them in the quarters, from Japan and Colombia’s group.
Japan 2 : 2 Senegal
A fascinating and pulsating game which saw Asia and Africa split the points. They have both played ten games and Asia marginally lead Africa by eight points to seven. Senegal took the lead twice through Sadio Mané (11′) and Moussa Wagué (71′) but their leads lasted 23 and seven minutes respectively. Takashi Inui (34′) and Keisuke Honda (78′) scoring the levelers.
Poland 0 : 3 Colombia
Goals fromYerry Mina (40′), Radamel Falcao (70′) and Juan Cuadrado (75′) secured a well deserved win for Colombia over Poland, who are the first European side to be eliminated.
DAY 10 – JUNE 23
Belgium 5 : 2 Tunisia
An impressive win for Belgium despite the loss of two goals. Belgium took the lead early with an Eden Hazard penalty, before Romelu Lukaka doubled the lead in 16. Tunisia hit back through Dylan Bronn two minutes later, but their hopes were dashed by a second Lukaku goal on the stroke of half time.
In the second half, the Red Devils, playing in yellow ran away with it and Chelsea players Hazard and Michy Batshuayi made it 5-1 before a late consolation for the Carthage Eagles from Wahbi Khazri,
Mexico 2 : 1 South Korea
A Carlos Vela penalty awarded for handball gave Mexico a 26th minute lead. Chicharito doubled the lead and it was only in injury time that Son scored a consolation goal for a disappointing South Korea., who committed 24 fouls, one more than their total against Sweden.
Germany 2 : 1 Sweden
This all European match won’t affect our table but it was crucial to the Group. Sweden socred fist through Toivonen but the Germans equalised after half time. Then Boateng was rightfully red carded, meaning the Germans were a man down and badly needed a goal. It came of course deep into injury time.
DAY 9 – JUNE 22
A day without a 1-0 win produced three very good games. Costa Rica survived 90 minutes against Brazil and folded in stoppage time. Nigeria inflicted a well earned defeat on a European side, Iceland and the all European affair saw Switzerland beat Serbia.
Brazil 2 : 0 Costa Rica
It took till injury tie for Philippe Coutinho to score the only goal against a brave and resistant Costa Rica who are now eliminated. An atrocious backward flip by Neymar for which he was initially awarded a penalty, until referee Bjorn Kuipers looked at the VAR, was the other talking point. Neymar added a very late second to give Brazil a scoreline that reflected their domination.
Iceland 0 : 2 Nigeria
Nigeria inflicted Europe’s third defeat of the Finals. In the 48th minute, Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa hammered home the opener with Nigeria’s first shot with a great first controlling touch and shot from a Victor Moses cross. He doubled the lead in the 74th minute and it looked to be over. However a needless penalty for a foul on Alfred Finnbogason in the 80th minute led to a penalty which Gylfi Sigurdsson blasted over the bar. After two games, all sides can still qualify from this fascinating group.
Serbia 1 : 2 Switzerland
Arsenal’s Grant Xhaka and Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri scored second half goals to give the Swiss the Cup’s first come from behind victory. Whereas Serbia were very impressive in the first half, the second belonged to the Alpine men with Shaqiri being outstanding even before his goal. Newcastle United’s Aleksandr Mitrovic had put Serbia ahead in the fifth minute.
It won’t affect our table but this was one of the tournament’s better matches. Serbia are capable of upsetting Brazil nonetheless. but Costa Rica are eliminated.
DAY 8 – JUNE 21
A terrible day for South America with two straight losses, however Australia prevented Europe’s clean sweep gaining Asia’s seventh point.
Denmark 1 : 1 Australia
Christian Eriksen opened the scoring in the 7th minute but a Mile Jedinak penalty given by the VAR gave Australia a deserved point.
France 1 : 0 Peru
France managed their second win and condemned Peru to their second loss in Ekaterinburg. Kylian Mbappé gave France the lead in the 34th minute. Peru are out and South America slips to a negative win/loss record.
Croatia 3 : 0 Argentina
Ante Rebic (53′), Luka Modric (80′) and Ivan Rakitic (90’+1′) scored three superb goals for a superb Croatia. The press will talk about Argentina but Croatia were simply fantastic in all departments of the game.
DAY 7 – JUNE 20
A bad day for Asia as two of their sides went down to defeats. Morocco became the first team eliminated and Europe managed two more wins.
Portugal 1 : 0 Morocco
A tired and below par Portugal survived incessant Moroccan pressure after a Ronaldo header gave the Iberians a 4th minute lead. Africa’s 6th defeat in seven games but this was probably the least deserved.
Uruguay 1 : 0 Saudi Arabia
Luis Suarez scored the only goal here in a poor Uruguay performance, eliminating Saudi Arabia.
Spain 1 : 0 Iran
A Diego Costa goal just after half time separated the sides. Spain, like the two winning sides above, looked very unimpressive.
DAY 6 – JUNE 19
Two shocks kicked off the day with Japan defeating Colombia 2-1 before Senegal beat Poland by the same margin. A win for Russia over Egypt prevented a shocking day for Europe and an even greater one for Africa,
Japan 2 : 1 Colombia
Colombia played the final 87 minutes with ten men after a 3rd minute red card. Japan took full advantage to give Asia its second win and South America its first defeat. The best was yet to come however in Group H, the group of upsets.
Poland 1 : 2 Senegal
Senegal finally break Africa’s duck, albeit with a weird second goal. M’Baye Niang was waved back onto the field during play but behind the backs of the Polish players. He ran upfield onto a backpass and rounded the keeper. A Thiago Cionek own goal had given them the lead in the 37th minute. Krychowiak scored a late consolation for Poland, his third for his country.
Russia 3 : 1 Egypt
All the goals came in the second half. An own goal, and one each for Denis Cheryshev and Artem Dzyuba out the hosts 3-0 up, before a Mo Salah penalty suggested late drama.
DAY 5 – JUNE 18
Three straight wins for Europe today over three different continents. Only Belgium however were remotely impressive. Sweden needed a penalty and England a stoppage time goal to win.
Sweden 1 : 0 South Korea
A 65th minute penalty by Andreas Granqvist settled this dull affair.
Belgium 3 : 0 Panama
Romeo Lukaku scored twice for the Red Devils after Dries Mehrtens broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half.
England 2 : 1 Tunisia
Harry Kane headed the winner in injury time after giving England an early lead. Ferjani Sassi scored for Tunisia from the penalty spot
DAY 4 – JUNE 17
After a momentous day, CONCACAF has actually overtaken South America as measured by points per game. Panama are in action tomorrow against Belgium.
Serbia 1 : 0 Costa Rica
A goal direct from a free kick from the left foot of captain Aleksandar Kolarov settled this in Serbia’s favour.
Germany 0 : 1 Mexico
Mexico came out the traps superbly in the first half and deservedly led 1-0 at half time through Chucky Lozano’s goal. They withstood German pressure to hold on for a famous win.
Switzerland 1 : 1 Brazil
A Steven Zuber header equalised a superb curler from Philippe Coutinho and the Swiss held on, making Brazil look fairly pedestrian in the process.
DAY 3 – JUNE 16
A good day for Europe with three wins and a draw. Africa now has three straight defeats. A draw and a defeat is an inglorious return for South America.
The CONCACAF region enters tomorrow with games for Costa Rica (v Serbia) and Mexico (v Germany).
France 2 : 1 Australia
An unimpressive France won courtesy of a late Paul Pogba goal after the teams had traded penalties. Asia move to one win and two losses.
Iceland 1 : 1 Argentina
Hannes Halldórsson saved a Leo Messi penalty in the 64th minute as Iceland withstood a torrent of possession. Sergio Aguero had given Argentina the lead but it lasted just four minutes until Alfred Finnbogason equalised in the 22nd minute.
Denmark 1 : 0 Peru
Peru like Argentina missed a penalty kick, when Christian Cueva blasted over the bar. Yurury Poulsen scored Denmark’s winner in the 59th minute.
Croatia 2 : 0 Nigeria
A comfortable win for the Balkan side via an own goal and a penalty. Nigeria complete a hat trick of losses for Africa without a goal scored. With those three losses already, Africa has made a terrible start to the Cup.
DAY 2 – JUNE 15
Spain drew with Portugal, and the other ties saw (Uruguay) CONMEBOL and Iran (AFC) beat Egypt and Morocco (both CAF). A very bad day for Africa.
DAY 1 – JUNE 14
Russia 5 : 0 Saudi Arabia
A good start for Europe with Asian qualifiers Saudi Arabia ensuring a poor start for the Asian Federation (AFC). 1-0 to the Euros.
