Players of Belgium greet supporters

by
Austin Ditlhobolo

Monday Jun 18, 2018. 22:34


The 2018 World Cup matchday five saw European side Sweden take on Asian giants Korea Republic in the first game of the day.

Sweden’s Blue-Yellow were making their return to the global tournament after failing to qualify for the 2010 and 2014 tournaments, while the Taegeuk Warriors of Korea were making their ninth consecutive appearance in the competition.

Andreas Granqvist proved to be the hero for the Blue-Yellow as the defender scored the only of the match five minutes after hour-mark, as Sweden edged out Korea 1-0 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod.

The second game of the day featured Europe’s Belgium and Central American side Panama, who were making their debut appearance in the prestigious tournament, after stunning Costa Rica and Trinidad and Tobago during their qualifying campaign.

The Red Devils of Belgium, who are making their second successive appearance in the World Cup, proved too strong for Panama’s Canal Men. Romelu Lukaku (brace) and Dries Mertens both scored as Belgium beat Panama 3-0 at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in the Russian city of Sochi.

The 1966 World Cup champions England locked horns with the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winners Tunisia, who were making their return to the finals after failing to qualify for the last two tournaments, which were hosted by Germany and South Africa.

Nicknamed Three Lions, England, who were making their sixth consecutive appearance in the World Cup, secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles at the Volgograd Arena in the Russian city of Volgograd. England captain Harry Kane grabbed a brace, while Ferjani Sassi netted Tunisia’s consolation goal.

Monday’s results saw Belgium move to the top of Group G standings – only ahead of second-placed England on goal-difference – while Tunisia and Panama are placed third, and fourth respectively. Sweden joined Mexico at the top of Group F standings, with the latter having stunned third-placed Germany 1-0 on Sunday, while Korea are placed fourth on the table.

Matchday 5, Monday 18 June – Results

Group F – Sweden 1-0 Korea Republic

Group G – Belgium 3-0 Panama

Group G – Tunisia 1-2 England


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