Feeling better in Valletta.
Tħossok aħjar fil-Belt Valletta.
I left Bari in a happier state than when I arrived but my flu was no better as I flew to the Mediterranean island of Malta, another new country, my 65th.
The seed of thought of visiting Malta had been planted months ago when my plan was being formed and as I was regularly meeting Ramon Falzon, the great coach (maybe the greatest) in WA NPL history who, after winning the state league four times in six years was inexplicably sacked by incoming chairman Jason Marrocchi for "a change of direction".
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| Ramon Falzon - A great coach, treated terribly by Perth Soccer Club |
Ramon is always telling me about his parents, for whom he obviously has the greatest love and respect, so it didn't take long to hatch a plan to pay them a visit so they could show me Ramon's old stomping ground at Hibernian FC.
After the bad accommodation experience in Bari I was determined to indulge in a bit of luxury and I managed to find a bargain hotel in St Julian with an indoor heated swimming pool. Coincidentally I'd already booked it when I received Ramon's advice that this would be a good bet to go for. So, this would be the perfect place to recover.
I missed the first game of the day which was still going on as I was arriving in Malta and getting a taxi to my hotel (the driver knew his football!) It looks like it was a classic, a 3-3 draw in Group G between Cameroon and Serbia.
Game #29 Cameroon 3 Serbia 3 (1 pm)
Cameroon took the lead on half an hour with a goal from Castelletto but two quick goals in injury time , from Pavlovic and Minkovic-Savic, for Serbia meant they went in 2-1 up at half time.
A third, from the Fulham striker, Aleksandar Mitrovic, seemed to signal that Serbia were on their way to victory but two quick goals from Aboubakar and Choupo-Moting mid way through the second half, both where long balls sprung Serbia's off-side trap, brought the game to a fascinating climax.
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| Aboubakar's deft lob over the Serb goalie to make it 2-3 |
Games 29, Goals 73, Goals/Game 2.52
Day One in Malta: Monday 28th November
This was my first ever visit to Malta, my 65th country visited, making me two above target on my Jody's Curve bucket list - to go to as many countries as your age.
I had originally planned to make Malta a stepping stone in the Mediterranean. I thought I'd pop into Sicily before, and then onto Tunisia afterwards, but there wasn't time. So I decided to go into 'relaxation mode' and spend a profligate four days here instead. With a rich history spanning over 7,000 years, there are lots of historical sites and, of course there was the Falzon connection. There are actually three islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino. If the weather had been nicer I might have gone exploring around looking for snorkel sites as Malta has a reputation for beautiful beaches and clear blue waters. The Maltese language is fascinating too, being a kind of cross between Arabic and other tongues.
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| Malta - Country 65 |
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| Two ahead of target on the Jody's Curve Bucket List |
I was impressed with my hotel choice even before I entered, as it was so close to the sea.
Uruguayan sub, Maximaliano Gomez Gonzalez crashed one against the post later on but then Portugal were awarded a dubious looking penalty after a VAR appeal in the 3rd minute of stoppage time and Fernandes stepped up to slot it past Rochet to make sure of the victory.
After getting quite depressed at the prospect of Maltese bars being owned by Russian oligarchs, it was good to see at least one Ukrainian flag being proudly displayed.
In the Word Cup, today was the start of the final group matches. The stage where both games are played simultaneously so that one team cannot benefit from knowing what they need to do to qualify. It's usually one of the most exciting phases of the tournament and this year would prove no different.
Holland were almost there, of course. Only an unthinkably terrible defeat by the wooden spooners Qatar could jeopardize their place in the knock out round but the other tie was quite fascinating. Ecuador needed 'only' to draw with Senegal to qualify but if Senegal could win they'd take the spot instead.
I had a light brunch at a café by the bay to escape the rain for half an hour.
... after which it all brightened up as I headed towards Sleima.
Of course, once I'd spotted the Sliema Wanderers club, I had to go in for a quick beer.
Australia really only needed a draw with Denmark to qualify, who definitely needed to win their game at the futuristic looking Al Janoub stadium.
Tunisia were all but gone, but theoretically could still qualify if they beat France at the "Education (but not for women) City Stadium", and the other game ended in a draw.
A draw for Poland against Argentina would see them through and a big win for Mexico against Saudi Arabia could see them overtaking Argentina if that happened.
Poland v Mexico was played at the ridiculous (and ugly) "Stadium 974". A stupid name for a stadium because it was designed to be dismantled straight after the tournament. Oooh, how eco-friendly the Qataris are, right? Why 974? Because it was made from 974 recycled shipping containers, and because the dialing code for Qatar is (+974).
After visiting Valletta we had a very important stop - Hibernians FC, the club Charles and his son Ramon played for and coached.
Luxury!
I must admit, as soon as I dumped my bags in my room, I had to crash out. I put my head down to get some sleep but my ten minute knap turned into two hours.
Unfortunately, when I woke up I realised I'd missed the next match too, which was (as Murphy's Law dictates) another high scoring classic by all accounts.
Game #30 South Korea 2 Ghana 3 (4 pm)
Ghana took the lead on 24 minutes with a tap in from close range by Mohammed Salisu. Ten minutes later, it was 2-0 when Kudus glanced in a curling header to the far post. Cho pounced to pull one back for South Korea in the 57th minutes and then, on the hour, equalised with a powerful header. But Mohammed Kudus clinched the winner eight minutes later. Despite late pressure from South Korea, Ghana clung on to win.
Kudos to Kudus as he slots in the winner
Games 30, Goals 78, Goals/Game 2.60
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| Kudos to Kudus as he slots in the winner |
Games 30, Goals 78, Goals/Game 2.60
Once I'd woken up there was only just time to jog up the road to the nearest sports bar Google maps knew about. It was literally 150 meters away.
Game #31 Brazil 1 Switzerland 0 (7 pm)
The bar seemed good at first with attentive waiters delivering bottles of the local CISK beer without delay but the burger and chips was not, shall we say, the best quality.
Settling down to Brazil v Switzerland
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| Settling down to Brazil v Switzerland |
The Black Bull had a distinctive British feel to it but I quickly became more than a little disturbed by the sight of a Russian flag prominently displayed.
Russians, here in Malta... not a pleasant thought, I must admit. Why weren't they protesting against their fascist tyrant? Probably because they approve.
Слава Україні !!
The Black Bull had a distinctive British feel to it but I quickly became more than a little disturbed by the sight of a Russian flag prominently displayed.
Russians, here in Malta... not a pleasant thought, I must admit. Why weren't they protesting against their fascist tyrant? Probably because they approve.
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| Слава Україні !! |
The Russian flag put me in a bad mood
The game itself wasn't the best. With few chances carved out before Casemiro struck home a late winner past the unsighted Yann Sommer in the Swiss goal to ensure that Brazil were not going to be another team slipping on a banana skin.
Casemiro, 1-0!
Games 31, Goals 79, Goals/Game 2.55
The result left Group G looking like this...
After finishing my beer I headed off for a quick explore of St Julian's.
St Julian's Bay looked rather stunning at night...
Sparkling St Julian's Bay
On the way to the bay I found an Irish pub, (apparently owned by Serbs though) called Cork's, where there were a very vociferous group of Brazilian fans celebrating their victory and looking forward to watching Portugal.
I stayed for a quick half before heading off again to find another proper Irish pub, called The Dubliner, by Spinola Bay, where I settled at the bar to watch the first half of the next match. There was a nice Irish chap sat there to keep me company. He was another one of that growing band of young men who had broken his wrist after having fallen off one of those electronic scooters.
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| The Russian flag put me in a bad mood |
The game itself wasn't the best. With few chances carved out before Casemiro struck home a late winner past the unsighted Yann Sommer in the Swiss goal to ensure that Brazil were not going to be another team slipping on a banana skin.
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| Casemiro, 1-0! |
After finishing my beer I headed off for a quick explore of St Julian's.
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| Sparkling St Julian's Bay |
On the way to the bay I found an Irish pub, (apparently owned by Serbs though) called Cork's, where there were a very vociferous group of Brazilian fans celebrating their victory and looking forward to watching Portugal.
I stayed for a quick half before heading off again to find another proper Irish pub, called The Dubliner, by Spinola Bay, where I settled at the bar to watch the first half of the next match. There was a nice Irish chap sat there to keep me company. He was another one of that growing band of young men who had broken his wrist after having fallen off one of those electronic scooters.
Game #32 Portugal 2 Uruguay 0 (10 pm)
This was another tight affair. It always is when Uruguay play.
I ended up watching the second half in the very trendy and packed Balluta Bar on the other side of St Julian's Bay.
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| FYI: I didn't ever swim across the bay! |
The great Ronaldo made some sparkling twinkle-toe contributions in the first half before almost scoring with a slight glancing header just after half time to put the Portuguese in front. Actually he missed the ball it was assigned to Bruno Fernandes who made the curling cross.
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| Ronaldo almost glanced it in |
Uruguayan sub, Maximaliano Gomez Gonzalez crashed one against the post later on but then Portugal were awarded a dubious looking penalty after a VAR appeal in the 3rd minute of stoppage time and Fernandes stepped up to slot it past Rochet to make sure of the victory.
Games 32, Goals 81, Goals/Game 2.53
The result meant Portugal were top of Group H and pretty much bound to qualify for the knock out stages. Uruguay would need to beat Ghana comfortably in the last game to progress.
After the match, it was back to the hotel for a good sleep.
Day One in Malta
After the match, it was back to the hotel for a good sleep.
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| Day One in Malta |
So, endeth another great day in the trip. Mood Score 8-0.
Day Two in Malta. Tuesday 29th November
It did feel like being on holiday as I woke up in Malta. It wasn't particularly warm, but compared to Rzeszow and Lviv, it was positively balmy. For those of us living in Perth, I couldn't help thinking that Malta was perhaps a bit like going to Rotto (Rotnest Island) but there really aren't many similarities other than the climate and the fact that they're both islands. Malta is almost 17x bigger than Rotto and has a population thousands of times bigger. And, of course, whereas there are almost no tourist places to stay or eat or drink etc. on Rotto, Malta is packed with them.
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| Malta is small, but much bigger than Rotto |
One of the reasons for choosing the Golden Tulip was the fact it has a nice heated swimming pool and so having bought a pair of trunks the day before, I was set to go for a relaxing swim first thing in the morning.
The breakfast was very nice too with one of those handy chefs ready to make fresh omelettes to order. There was a lovely view over the bay too.
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| Special omelette |
After breakkie, I had a stroll around St Julian's.
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| Слава Україні !! |
In the Word Cup, today was the start of the final group matches. The stage where both games are played simultaneously so that one team cannot benefit from knowing what they need to do to qualify. It's usually one of the most exciting phases of the tournament and this year would prove no different.
Later on, it was England's final Group B tie with Wales so I decided to put my luck Forest socks on - the ones that had been so important in Nottingham to help turn the tide against relegation. I wore them for England's opener against Iran, but not against the USA. I wasn't going to make that mistake again.
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| Lucky Forest socks... On! |
The end of group matches
6 pm Group A deciders: Ecuador v Senegal & Netherlands v Qatar
The situation in Group A was pretty tight. Apart from the knowledge that hosts Qatar were already out, the two qualification places were all to play for.
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| Group A |
Holland were almost there, of course. Only an unthinkably terrible defeat by the wooden spooners Qatar could jeopardize their place in the knock out round but the other tie was quite fascinating. Ecuador needed 'only' to draw with Senegal to qualify but if Senegal could win they'd take the spot instead.
Game #33 Ecuador 1 Senegal 2 / Game #34 Netherlands 2 Qatar 0
One these occasions it's always quite tricky finding the right bar to watch the matches in. They have to be showing them both and they must be visible simultaneously from some convenient spot.
Now, my little tour last night did identify a few options but Murphy's Law struck and it started pouring down with rain so I swallowed my pride and headed back to the nearest one, the Black Bull. At least the beers and the service were good.
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| Back to the Black Bull, despite the Russian Flag |
I got a good view of both games at the same time.
On 26m, Cody Gakpo put Holland ahead 1-0. Could this be the beginning of the rout everyone (or was it just me?) was hoping for?
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| Gakpo, 1-0 |
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| Holland looking good for the top spot already. |
On 44m, Ismaila Sarr scored a well struck penalty for Senegal to put them into a well deserved lead against Ecuador, a result that could pit them against England in the Round of 16.
Senegal jump above Ecuador in second place
Senegal Celebrations
On 49m Frenkie de Jong made it 2-0 to the Netherlands with a simple tap in from close range.
On 67m, Moises Caicedo equalised for Ecuador with an even simpler tap in from even closer range.
Holy Moises! a simple tap in for the equaliser
The impetus swings back to Ecuador
On 70m, an unmarked Kalidou Koulibaly smashed in from close range to put Senegal back in front, 2-1.
Koulibaly about to strike.
Netherlands almost made it 3-0 in the dying moments...
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| Senegal jump above Ecuador in second place |
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| Senegal Celebrations |
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| Holy Moises! a simple tap in for the equaliser |
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| The impetus swings back to Ecuador |
On 70m, an unmarked Kalidou Koulibaly smashed in from close range to put Senegal back in front, 2-1.
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| Koulibaly about to strike. |
Berghuis hits the bar for Holland in injury time
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| Berghuis hits the bar for Holland in injury time |
... but that was all the scoring in Group A, so it would be Holland to go through as group winners to play the second place team from Group B - probably Iran or the USA, whilst Senegal would play Group B winners, probably England.
Holland and Senegal through. Ecuador out.
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| Holland and Senegal through. Ecuador out. |
Games 34, Goals 86, Goals/Game 2.53
So, with the first places in the Round of 16 decided, all I had to do now was to find a pub to watch England v Wales and Iran v USA.
I headed for The Dubliner again but the downpour was torrential and I turned back.
10 pm Group B Deciders: England v Wales / Iran v USA
Game #35 England 3 Wales 0 / Game #36 Iran 0 USA 1
After England's massive win in the opener against Iran, winning the group seemed to be in the bag for England. Despite that excruciating draw against the USA, England had the top spot in their own hands as long as they could beat the plucky Welsh in the Ahmad Bin Ali stadium. From Wales' point of view only a big win gave them any chance of proceeding.
England v Wales @ Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium
With the greatest respect to Wales, who I love of course for many reasons (Elaine Morgan and The Manic Street Preachers being just the two biggest), Michael Sheen's emotional rallying call wasn't going to be enough here today... surely.
The other game, at the admittedly beautiful Al Thumama Stadium, was USA v Iran. This one, frankly, looked more intriguing. Assuming England beat Wales, a draw would be sufficient for Iran to qualify. The Yanks needed to win.
USA v Iran @ Al Thumama Stadium
With the downpour going on, I opted for the safe local bet again with the Black Bull where there were a fair few punters with the same idea and, unsurprisingly considering the name of the pub, quite a few England fans too.
The screens weren't ideally placed to see both at the same time, but it was good enough.
Forest boy, Neco Williams started the game for Wales against England, but he didn't last long. In the 3rd minute he took a blow to the face and had to go off with concussion. Connor Roberts was the sub.
Neco Williams, Nottingham Forest and Wales
Both games were tense affairs in the first half with the USA creating all the chances against Iran and England having the better of it against Wales.
Around 38 minutes Phil Foden almost scored a great goal for England, while in the the other game Christian Pulisic bravely met a cross to force the ball over the line and give the USA a deserved lead.
Pulisic, 1-0
With the scores like this, USA would join England in the knock out stages but even a 0-0 would keep England in top spot, unless the USA could score three more goals.
At half time, Wales took off their super star, Gareth Bale and replaced him with another young Forest boy, Brennan Johnson.
Johnson on for Bale
Just after half time England were awarded a free kick and Marcus Rashford fired in a beauty to put England 1-0 up.
Rashford, 1-0
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| England v Wales @ Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium |
With the greatest respect to Wales, who I love of course for many reasons (Elaine Morgan and The Manic Street Preachers being just the two biggest), Michael Sheen's emotional rallying call wasn't going to be enough here today... surely.
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| USA v Iran @ Al Thumama Stadium |
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| Neco Williams, Nottingham Forest and Wales |
Both games were tense affairs in the first half with the USA creating all the chances against Iran and England having the better of it against Wales.
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| Pulisic, 1-0 |
With the scores like this, USA would join England in the knock out stages but even a 0-0 would keep England in top spot, unless the USA could score three more goals.
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| Johnson on for Bale |
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| Rashford, 1-0 |
Just time to blink, and Foden made it 2-0.
Foden, 2-0
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| Foden, 2-0 |
Phil Foden
That, surely, would put this game to bed and England in the knock out stages with a fixture against Senegal.
Meanwhile, in the other game's second half, Iran came back strongly and created several chances to equalise but they couldn't quite do it, so it was the USA that ended up in the second slot in Group B, qualifying them for a Round of 16 match against Group A winners, Netherlands.
In the 68th minute Marcus Rashford jinked his way into a great position in the box and fired in to make it 3-0.
Rashford 3-0
And that was how the matches ended. So the first two round of 16 games were decided: Netherlands v USA and England v Senegal.
Games 36, Goals 87, Goals/Game 2.42
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| Phil Foden |
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| Rashford 3-0 |
And that was how the matches ended. So the first two round of 16 games were decided: Netherlands v USA and England v Senegal.
That was it for me. Another great day. England safely through, topping the group. Tomorrow we'd see if the "socceroos" could join them... Mood Score 15-0.
Day Three in Malta. Wednesday 30th November
After another nice early morning dip in the pool and another deliciously spicy omelette breakfast I was feeling "reight as rain" as we used to say in Kirkby.
I decided to walk to the next town of Sliema, taking the long coastal path as the forecast was for a beautiful day. Although it was raining again when I set off. The target for the day was to go the Step Down bar, where the Irish guy had advised me to watch the Australia match when I met him in The Dubliner the other night.
Looking back towards St Julian's, the view was magnificent.
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| Torri ta' San Gilian |
Having walked almost as far as Sliema beach, I turned right and south towards the next inlet that would look over towards Valetta.
This part of Malta is really quite built up and has the feel of a big Mediterranean city.
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| Looking over to Valetta |
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| Sliema Wanderers - famous Maltese football club |
Thinking of football, time was ticking closer to kick off and as I'd made a little promise to myself to watch the match in the "Step Down" bar, I had to say goodbye to Sliema Wanderers' bar and head off again.
Malta is full of so many attractive old streets.
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| Malta was a British colony from 1814 until 1964 - and you can still see bits of blighty |
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| Arriving at the Step Down Bar |
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| An attractive part of town |
So, having arrived at my next destination, exchanged a few pleasantries about the progress of Newcastle United with the Geordie owner and bought a beer, I sat down ready for the next feist of World Cup action and the Group D deciders.
There was a Geordie, an Aussie and a strange half-Lithuanian, half German-Romanian, born in England but now living in Australia... that went into a pub. That was the situation I found myself in, anyway. The geordie was the owner, as I've already said, and the aussie was a bit of an alcoholic, from what I could gather, but he was a typically confident "say it like it is" kind of bloke. The three of us sat back and enjoyed the football. The owner originally had France v Tunisia on as the main match - presumably thinking that Denmark would win easily - but we managed to get that altered for the second half.
Later on, we were joined by a German, who never stopped looking at his computer - obviously working.
6 pm Group D matches Australia v Denmark / Tunisia v France
The situation in Group D was basically an open battle for the second qualifying slot as France had already grabbed first place, baring a miracle.
Australia really only needed a draw with Denmark to qualify, who definitely needed to win their game at the futuristic looking Al Janoub stadium.
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| Al Janoub Stadium |
Tunisia were all but gone, but theoretically could still qualify if they beat France at the "Education (but not for women) City Stadium", and the other game ended in a draw.
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| Education City Stadium |
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| The steps down to the Step Down Bar |
Game #37 Australia 1 Denmark 0 / Game #38 Tunisia 1 France 0
The two games were tight affairs in the first half. Denmark broke free and forced a good save from Matt Ryan in the 11th minute in the best chance of the first 45. Meanwhile, a very much weakened French team seemed to be merely going through the motions against a Tunisia side desperately trying to win. The North Africans created a few half chances in the first half but couldn't score.
Then, in the 58th minute, Tunisia's Wahbi Khazri broke clear and slotted in past France's reserve goalkeeper, Mandada to put them in front and gave their fans a definite sniff of a chance in the last 16.
Khazri, 1-0
Were Tunisia going through?
Almost on cue, a brilliant breakaway goal by Matthew Leckie put Australia 1-0 up to change the group table straight away.
Leckie, 1-0
Kasper Schmeichel beaten
Harry Souttar - blady Aussie hero!
Denmark huffed and puffed (a little) but a strong Australian defence marshalled by Harry Souttar, kept them out and Australia were heading for the knock out stages.
In the other game, France brought on four substitutes, including Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, in quick succession, but despite creating a number of chances, they couldn't equalise, so Tunisia notched up a famous win at least - despite being knocked out of the tournament.
But "Et alors?" - the French won the group anyway.
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| Khazri, 1-0 |
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| Were Tunisia going through? |
Almost on cue, a brilliant breakaway goal by Matthew Leckie put Australia 1-0 up to change the group table straight away.
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| Leckie, 1-0 |
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| Kasper Schmeichel beaten |
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| Harry Souttar - blady Aussie hero! |
Games 38, Goals 91, Goals/Game 2.39
I then trundled off back towards St Julian's where I had booked a place at an authentic Maltese restaurant (or so they said) where I was told both matches would be shown at the same time too.
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| The Gozitan |
10 pm Group C deciders: Poland v Argentina / Saudi Arabia v Mexico
Group C had seen the biggest shock of the tournament when Saudi Arabia had beaten Argentina 2-1. Since then, form had returned to what one might expect as normal but the group was in a precarious state where pretty much any two teams could still go through, although Poland and Argentina were favourites.
A draw for Poland against Argentina would see them through and a big win for Mexico against Saudi Arabia could see them overtaking Argentina if that happened.
Saudi Arabia v Mexico was played at the magnificent Lusail "Iconic" Stadium - where my ticket was for in the round of 16.
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| Lusail: Mexico v Saudi Arabia |
Poland v Mexico was played at the ridiculous (and ugly) "Stadium 974". A stupid name for a stadium because it was designed to be dismantled straight after the tournament. Oooh, how eco-friendly the Qataris are, right? Why 974? Because it was made from 974 recycled shipping containers, and because the dialing code for Qatar is (+974).
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| Stadium 974: Argentina v Poland |
Game #39 Poland 0 Argentina 2 / Game #40 Saudi Arabia 1 Mexico 2
There were no goals in either first half, although Mexico came close on a couple of occasions and it was Messi v Szczesny in the other match. The Polish goalkeeper made a great save from the great man early on and kept Poland in the game on another occasion after that before a dubious penalty was awarded against him.
I was enjoying myself though. A lovely bottle of rich red wine and the Maltese signature dish of rabbit stew.
I must admit, I wasn't a fan of the rabbit stew
Messi fired in a pretty well placed and powerful penalty but Szczesny saved magnificently to keep Poland in the game at half time.
Szczesny - brilliant save to keep it 0-0
Straight after the restart the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder, Alexis MacAlister, knocked in off the post from near the penalty spot to put Argentina in the lead.
McAlister, 1-0
That scoreline knocked Poland off pole position in the group...
Seconds later, in the match at Lusail, Henry Martin knocked in a cross from the left to put Mexico in the lead in their match.
47m. Martin, 1-0
This didn't have an affect on the table but put Mexico level on points with Poland, giving them the incentive to score more.
And, just four minutes later, score they did. And what a beauty! Luis Chavez struck a beautiful free kick from 25 meters flying up and over the wall into the top corner.
52m. Chavez, 2-0.
This didn't change the group positions either, but Mexico were now breathing down Poland's necks.
Three minutes later, Lozarno struck the ball in the net to make it 3-0, a score that would have put them into second place, but Martin, who laid the final pass to him, was marginally off side when the ball was passed through to him so the "goal" was chalked off.
Mexico were on fire and a couple of minutes later, almost scored again but the Saudi goalkeeper, Al Owais, made a great save to his right.
Argentina peppering the Polish goal @974
The drama continued back at Stadium 974 as Julian Alvarez gave Argentina a deserved 2-0 lead against Poland.
67m. Alvarez, 2-0
Now, the table was getting very interesting with Poland and Mexico tied on points, goal difference, goal scored and they'd drawn their match together 0-0.
Two minutes later, at Lusail, Martin missed a great opportunity to put Mexico 3-0 up, a score that would definitely have seen them in second place.
And Mexico's World Cup curse continued in the 87th minute when another goal was rubbed away through another close off side decision.
Another of side
Meanwhile, at 974, Szczesny made another great save against Messi to deny Argentina a third, another event that would have put Mexico through at Poland's expense.
But this was going to be Poland's lucky night as back in the other match, Salem Aldawsari scored for Saudi Arabia in the 5th minute of injury time to break Mexican hearst yet again.
Poor Mexico. I feel so sorry for them. Maybe next time...
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| I must admit, I wasn't a fan of the rabbit stew |
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| Szczesny - brilliant save to keep it 0-0 |
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| McAlister, 1-0 |
Seconds later, in the match at Lusail, Henry Martin knocked in a cross from the left to put Mexico in the lead in their match.
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| 47m. Martin, 1-0 |
This didn't have an affect on the table but put Mexico level on points with Poland, giving them the incentive to score more.
And, just four minutes later, score they did. And what a beauty! Luis Chavez struck a beautiful free kick from 25 meters flying up and over the wall into the top corner.
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| 52m. Chavez, 2-0. |
This didn't change the group positions either, but Mexico were now breathing down Poland's necks.
Three minutes later, Lozarno struck the ball in the net to make it 3-0, a score that would have put them into second place, but Martin, who laid the final pass to him, was marginally off side when the ball was passed through to him so the "goal" was chalked off.
Mexico were on fire and a couple of minutes later, almost scored again but the Saudi goalkeeper, Al Owais, made a great save to his right.
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| Argentina peppering the Polish goal @974 |
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| 67m. Alvarez, 2-0 |
Now, the table was getting very interesting with Poland and Mexico tied on points, goal difference, goal scored and they'd drawn their match together 0-0.
Two minutes later, at Lusail, Martin missed a great opportunity to put Mexico 3-0 up, a score that would definitely have seen them in second place.
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| Another of side |
Meanwhile, at 974, Szczesny made another great save against Messi to deny Argentina a third, another event that would have put Mexico through at Poland's expense.
Poor Mexico. I feel so sorry for them. Maybe next time...
Games 40, Goals 96, Goals/Game 2.40
Aah... what a great day. Lovely and warm and my cold definitely gone too. A great walking adventure of Sliema, four great World Cup group deciders and a nice Maltese meal to wrap it all up.
How lucky am I!?
Mood Score 16-0
Day Four in Malta. Thursday 1st December
For my last full day in Malta I was treated to a personalised tour of some carefully selected sites by the perfect guides, two very experienced and knowledgeable Maltese citizens, Ramon Falzon's parents, Stella and Charles.
The plan to visit Malta was only hatched a few weeks earlier and I certainly didn't know how long I'd be staying until just a few days ago. It was so kind of them to take me under their wing and show me around.
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| Streets of Valletta |
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| Hibernians Football Club |
This is where little Ramon Falzon started his footballing career...
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| Maltese Championship 2021-22 |
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| Hibernians FC, Champions 2021-22 |
Malta is such a beautiful island, with a perfect mixture of traditional old towns and cities surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The view on the south coast was stunning. Imagine, 200km further over the horizon was the Libyan capital Tripoli.
Even the name, Ħaġar Qim, looks weird to English eyes. The "Ħ" is a unique consonant sound found in the Maltese language, which is pronounced as a voiceless pharyngeal fricative - I guess that means an "H" sound. The "Ġ" is another unique consonant sound in Maltese, which is pronounced as a voiced velar fricative, a guess a kind of voiced "g" sound. Whereas "Qim" is pronounced kind of like "Kim."
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| Ħaġar Qim |
It's one of the oldest surviving religious structures in the world. The site consists of several interconnected temples, constructed from large limestone blocks, and adorned with intricate carvings and decorative motifs. It features several unique architectural features, such as the elliptical forecourt and the porthole entrance. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Malta's most important historical and cultural treasures.
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| Thank you Stella and Charles! |
After After the ancient megalith temple we set off along the coast and then inland to the even older fortified city of Mdina, located in the heart of Malta. It is apparently called the "Silent City" and I could see why with it's maze of narrow streets and alleyways, lined with limestone buildings and palaces. It's surrounded by high walls and a moat, and is dominated another cathedral, St. Paul's. The city has been inhabited by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Knights of St. John.
It was our last real stop and Charles and Stella treated me to a lovely dinner at a nice restaurant there. Try as I did, Charles would not let me pay a cent.
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| The quiet streets of Mdina |
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| The view back toward Valletta |
After a quick stop to buy a pastizzi, apparently a Ramon favourite, we drove past the Maltese national stadium before heading back to Sliema where I was very kindly dropped off just in time for the next set of football matches.
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| Time for a Pastizzi - a cheesy savory pasty |
6 pm Group F matches Croatia v Belgium / Canada v Morocco
So, to the Group F deciders, where another intriguing situation awaited resolution.
Croatia were in pole position but faced the pre-tournament favourites to win the group, Belgium. If only they could finally find the form their talented squad promised, maybe Belgium could win and still top the group. That match would take place in the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
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| Croatia v Belgium @ Ahmed Bin Ali |
In the other match, in the Al Thumama Stadium, Canada were definitely out but this fact might give them the freedom to play well against Morocco, who certainly fancied themselves to top the group the group with a win after their fantastic win against Belgium and draw against Croatia.
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| Morocco v Canada @ Al Thumama |
So, this was the table before the games started..
I found a bar in Sliema, near the south-easterly facing waterfront, just where Charles and Stella dropped me off.
Game #41 Croatia 0 Belgium 0 / Game #42 Canada 1 Morocco 2
At Ahmen Bin Ali, Croatia started the strongest and Perisic had an early shot that flew just wide but at Al Thumama, Morocco showed no mercy and punished a terrible mistake at the back for Canada . Hakim Ziyech coolly chipped the shame faced goalie from distance to put Morocco in the lead and well on their way to the round of 16.
4m. Ziyech, 1-0 Morocco
With the scores like this, Morocco were now in top spot. All to play for in Belgium v Croatia, then.
Belgium seemed to respond when, in the 13th minute, a great chance was carved out by Kevin De Bruyne but Mertens missed a sitter and the chance for Belgium to leapfrog Croatia into second spot had gone.
Nine minutes later, Youssef En-Neyri burst through the Canadian defence to put Morocco 2-0 up and seemingly end the contest as they now had a superior goal difference over Croatia too.
23m. En-Neyri, 2-0.
But the spirited Canadians weren't about to quit and just before half time and a own goal by Nayef Aguerd deflected in after a dangerous cross from Mazraoui, brought them back into it. In the second half at Ahmed Bin Ali, Kovacic nearly put Croatia ahead before Romelu Lukaku, who had been brought on at half time for Dries Mertens, hit the post.
If that had gone in, Belgium would have topped the group, but it wasn't to be.
59m. Lukaku hits the post.
Lukaku missed another sitter just before the end to add to Belgium's growing agony.
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| 4m. Ziyech, 1-0 Morocco |
Belgium seemed to respond when, in the 13th minute, a great chance was carved out by Kevin De Bruyne but Mertens missed a sitter and the chance for Belgium to leapfrog Croatia into second spot had gone.
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| 23m. En-Neyri, 2-0. |
But the spirited Canadians weren't about to quit and just before half time and a own goal by Nayef Aguerd deflected in after a dangerous cross from Mazraoui, brought them back into it.
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| 59m. Lukaku hits the post. |
So, it would be Morocco through, as group leaders and Croatia in second place. Who they'd play would be decided next.
Games 42, Goals 99, Goals/Game 2.40
On my way back to the hotel I watched a bit of water polo...
10 pm Group E matches Japan v Spain / Costa Rica v Germany
So, to my last matches in Malta and the Group E deciders.
I chose to watch them at The Long Hall Irish Pub 230m away at the end of Triq id Dragunara, the street the Golden Tulip Vivaldi hotel was on.
I got a good view, sat at the bar, with two screens right in front of me.
Qualification from this group was on a knife edge. A victory for Spain at the Khalifa International Stadium would see them confirmed as group winners, as they were always expected to be, especially after their sensational 7-0 blitz of Costa Rica in the opening match. But Japan had their own plans. After beating Germany they inexplicably then lost to Costa Rica leaving us wondering which Japan would turn up tonight. A draw would be enough as they had beaten Germany so would finish above them on the that fact alone.
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| Spain v Japan @ Khalifa International |
In the other match, at the Al Bayt Stadium, although Germany were currently bottom, the expectation was that they'd overcome Costa Rica and end up on 4 points and end up taking the second qualifying spot as long as Spain beat Japan.
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| Germany v Costa Rica @ Al Bayt |
It would turn out to be one of the most dramatic nights in World Cup history.
Game #43 Japan 2 Spain 1 / Game #44 Costa Rica 2 Germany 4
It didn't take long for the evening to start to take on a familiar look when Germany took a simple early lead against Costa Rica. Serge Gnabry nodded home, unmarked, beating Navas with a well placed header just inside the post.
10m. Gnabry 1-0 Germany
The table now looked like this, with Germany still in third place despite scoring more goals than Japan.
Then, a minute later, Spain obliged the German narrative when Alvaro Morata rose head and shoulders above the Japan defence to nod home the easiest goal imaginable.
11m Morata 1-0 Spain
Now the table did change, giving it an inevitable look in favor of Germany...
That's the way it stayed until half time with Germany, apparently, on their way to another World Cup knock out tournament.
But the Japanese coach, Hajime Moriyasu, had other ideas and made a couple of brilliant substitutions at the break. Ristu Doan came on for Takefusa Kubo and Kaoru Mitoma came on for Yuta Nagatomo.
Within three minutes of the restart the tactical change had paid off with a brilliant goal from sub Doan. He equalised for Japan putting them back in the qualifying slot.
48m Doan, Japan, 1-1
Three minutes later, Doan was involved again, playing a wonderfully enticing cross to the far post which seemed to have gone out of play. It was somehow pulled back and headed in by Ao Tanaka. Emotions rang ragged for a few seconds as the automated VAR system agonised whether the whole ball had crossed the line. It looked live that it had gone well out but the replay seemed to suggest that a small slither of the ball was still in line with the goal line, technically keeping the ball in play.
The ball was IN!
51m. Tanaka, Japan, 2-1
The goal stood!
This now put Japan in top spot and lined up to play Croatia in the Round of 16.
But wait! More drama at Al Bayt as Costa Rica equalised. The usually excellent German goalkeeper, Neuer fumbled a shot straight at him and Yeltsin Tejeda struck home the rebound.
58m. Tejeda, Costa Rica 1 Germany 1
Now, Costa Rica jumped above Germany and were contesting second place from Spain!
Germany didn't take this lying down and within four minutes they'd hit the post not once but twice! But still the score stayed 1-1 and Germany were bottom.
Then, Germany made two substitutions, putting Kai Havertz on for Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze for David Raum. A minute later, they hit the post... again - the same post for the third time in eight minutes.
German fans must have thought that the "Gods" were very much against them at this point because just a couple of minutes later Juan Pablo Vargas had the temerity to put Costa Rica ahead against Germany with a very much scrambled effort.
70m. Vargas, Costa Rica 2-1.
Now this was outrageous. Costa Rica now jumped above Spain. Could it really be that the Round of 16 game would be Costa Rica v Morocco?
Alas Navas' dream only lasted about three minutes. Kai Havertz found himself in front of goal and chipped Navas to equalise.
73m. Havertz, Germany 2-2.
So, Spain were back...
The final five minutes at Al Bayt produced two more goals for Germany. Havertz scored again to put them ahead.
85m. Havertz, Germany 3-2
So now it was Germany knocking on the door again. But they needed a hatful of goals to overtake Spain.
Germany seemed to be running through the Costa Rica defence and scoring at will now as Niclas Fullkrug made it 4-2 with seconds on the clock.
Alas, nowhere near enough. Another five goals and then Spain might have got nervous.
So, in the end it was Japan who won the group with Spain going through with them, destined to play Morocco the Group F winners.
What a night of football!
Games 44, Goals 108, Goals/Game 2.45
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| 10m. Gnabry 1-0 Germany |
The table now looked like this, with Germany still in third place despite scoring more goals than Japan.
Then, a minute later, Spain obliged the German narrative when Alvaro Morata rose head and shoulders above the Japan defence to nod home the easiest goal imaginable.
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| 11m Morata 1-0 Spain |
Now the table did change, giving it an inevitable look in favor of Germany...
That's the way it stayed until half time with Germany, apparently, on their way to another World Cup knock out tournament.
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| 48m Doan, Japan, 1-1 |
Three minutes later, Doan was involved again, playing a wonderfully enticing cross to the far post which seemed to have gone out of play. It was somehow pulled back and headed in by Ao Tanaka. Emotions rang ragged for a few seconds as the automated VAR system agonised whether the whole ball had crossed the line. It looked live that it had gone well out but the replay seemed to suggest that a small slither of the ball was still in line with the goal line, technically keeping the ball in play.
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| The ball was IN! |
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| 51m. Tanaka, Japan, 2-1 |
But wait! More drama at Al Bayt as Costa Rica equalised. The usually excellent German goalkeeper, Neuer fumbled a shot straight at him and Yeltsin Tejeda struck home the rebound.
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| 58m. Tejeda, Costa Rica 1 Germany 1 |
Now, Costa Rica jumped above Germany and were contesting second place from Spain!
Germany didn't take this lying down and within four minutes they'd hit the post not once but twice! But still the score stayed 1-1 and Germany were bottom.
Then, Germany made two substitutions, putting Kai Havertz on for Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze for David Raum. A minute later, they hit the post... again - the same post for the third time in eight minutes.
German fans must have thought that the "Gods" were very much against them at this point because just a couple of minutes later Juan Pablo Vargas had the temerity to put Costa Rica ahead against Germany with a very much scrambled effort.
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| 70m. Vargas, Costa Rica 2-1. |
Now this was outrageous. Costa Rica now jumped above Spain. Could it really be that the Round of 16 game would be Costa Rica v Morocco?
Alas Navas' dream only lasted about three minutes. Kai Havertz found himself in front of goal and chipped Navas to equalise.
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| 73m. Havertz, Germany 2-2. |
So, Spain were back...
The final five minutes at Al Bayt produced two more goals for Germany. Havertz scored again to put them ahead.
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| 85m. Havertz, Germany 3-2 |
So now it was Germany knocking on the door again. But they needed a hatful of goals to overtake Spain.
Germany seemed to be running through the Costa Rica defence and scoring at will now as Niclas Fullkrug made it 4-2 with seconds on the clock.
What a night of football!
Games 44, Goals 108, Goals/Game 2.45
Wow! Another fabulous day...
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| My Falzon Guided Maltese tour on 1st December 2022 |
Mood Score 20-0!
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