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Real Madrid World Cup Spotlight: Standing ovation for Modric, Courtois has a stinker
Sunday was the penultimate day of the second round of group stage fixtures in Qatar and it brought with it some of the most shocking results of the tournament.
The first game saw Japan take on Costa Rica. The Asians were the clear favourites heading into the game but came out second-best after conceding a late goal.
The most unexpected result of the day came when Morocco outclassed Belgium and put two goals past them to take all three points. The result could spell the end of the tournament for Roberto Martinez’s side.
Croatia then pummelled Canada by scoring four goals and stamped their authority in the World Cup as the former runners-up.
The highlight of the day came in the form of Spain vs Germany, a game that was arguably the biggest clash in the group stages. The two teams shared the spoils in a closely-battled encounter, however, as the game ended 1-1.
Madrid Universal brings you an overview of the performances of Real Madrid players on the day.
Luka Modric (Croatia vs Canada)
The 37-year-old started his nation’s second World Cup game and was once again the one casting the spells in the middle of the park. Alongside Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic, he took charge of creating chances on the day and wreaked havoc.
In 86 minutes on the field, Modric had 68 touches and 41 accurate passes with a completion rate of over 85%. Further, he recorded two key passes and created two big chances.
Despite being the oldest player on the field, he actively contributed to defence too with two interceptions, three tackles and four duels won, leaving the pitch with a standing ovation from fans.
Eden Hazard (Belgium vs Morocco)
Watching Eden Hazard’s evident regression from his status as an elite player is not easy. His intention to make a difference is visible, but his boots lack the same quality they used to possess.
The Belgian played until the hour mark against Morocco but barely contributed in the final third. He completed just 26 passes, made one key pass and had just one shot on target. His xG for the entire game was a mere 0.05, and that reflects the minimal level of threat he posed.
Thibaut Courtois (Belgium vs Morocco)
On Sunday, the world witnessed what was perhaps Thibaut Courtois’ career-worst performance. The Belgian was the worst player on the field and is one of the biggest reasons why his side lost the plot in the second half.
He conceded cheaply in the first half via a well-taken freekick but was lucky that the goal was disallowed for offside.
Yet, Belgium conceded a carbon copy of the disallowed goal again in the 73rd minute, only that the Morocco players timed their run well the second time. Courtois let the ball slip past his hand at the near post, a mistake unacceptable at his level.
He made himself small for the second goal too and put up a helpless figure. Clearly, his confidence has taken a blow and it will be up to Roberto Martinez to fix the same. Nevertheless, the goalkeeper made two saves including one from inside the box.
Marco Asensio (Spain vs Germany)
After an explosive start to his World Cup campaign against Costa Rica, Marco Asensio faced a tough test against Germany on Sunday and he struggled to influence the game with the same effect.
He failed to take a shot on target and had just one key pass in his 66 minutes on the field. In terms of the buildup play too, Asensio was barely involved and will hope to bounce back stronger against Japan.
Dani Carvajal (Spain vs Germany)
Dani Carvajal received his first start in Qatar on Sunday and made a mixed impression.
On one side, the veteran did not make any glaring errors and was relatively safe in possession. Yet, it seemed like the Germans found it easier to foray into Spanish territory through his flank and easily exploited the spaces behind him.
He had just three defensive actions against Germany and was dribbled past twice. Nevertheless, the silver lining of his performance was that he completed 100% of the long balls he attempted.
Antonio Rudiger (Spain vs Germany)
The Real Madrid defender seemed to be the early hero on the night for Germany as he sent a powerful header past Unai Simon in the first half. However, his goal was instantly ruled out for offside.
Defensively, the game was far from his best. He had six defensive actions on a night when his partner registered 16. Moreover, he completed less than 85% of his attempted passes.
Real Madrid made a mess of their game against Elche last night, and it is clear that the men in white have several flaws with no answers at the moment.
From being 2-0 up, the men in white bottled their lead and threw the game into jeopardy by permitting Elche to score two goals. The result, as many saw it, was set to end in a draw.
With some persistent attacks in the dying minutes, however, Real Madrid managed to build pressure on Elche and eventually scored one more goal at the death to take home the three points.
Needless to say, however, the negatives from the game far outweigh the positive news of the three points.
Madrid Universal brings you three takeaways from Elche 2-3 Real Madrid.
Another second-half collapse
After Real Madrid’s win over Rayo Vallecano at the weekend, Jose Mourinho stressed the fact that Real Madrid actually played only one half and that the fatigue began showing after the break.
On the night, the opposition began to enjoy more dominance and create chances after half-time as they outran and outpressed Los Blancos to good effect.
Last night was no different, and the second half went completely awry.
The men in white entered the half-time break cruising with a 2-0 lead and significant dominance over the proceedings. They had a massive xG, with Elche barely creating any chances of note.
After the break, however, the entire dynamic of the game changed as Real Madrid took a step back and handed the impetus to the hosts. Pressing high and attacking without fear, Elche dominated Real Madrid for most of the second half and had a staggering 60% of possession.
They scored twice – in the 71st and 83rd minutes – and equalised Real Madrid on the night. Given the visitors’ shambolic display, it was deserved for Elche.
At this point, the constant second-half collapses and fatigue struggles of the team after just 45 minutes of action must worry Jose Mourinho immensely. Heading into a derby away from home, Real Madrid have to do much better.
The away curse continues
While Real Madrid’s form at home has been imperious this season, their form away from home has been equally shocking.
They began their season with a last-minute win over Espanyol, and their second league game of the season on the road came against Real Betis and ended in defeat.
Heading into their third away game last night, there was an element of worry about how they would perform, and the trend continued once more.
Real Madrid did well to take the lead on the night, but they made the second half a massive war and far more difficult than it should have been.
At this point, serious questions have to be raised about Real Madrid’s form on the road and their inability to keep games under control when playing in away stadiums.
Heading forward in the season, Los Blancos have some massive away games coming up against far more difficult opposition. The Madrid derby is up next, and the team’s form is nothing promising heading into that fixture.
Carlos Espi saves the day… again!
Real Madrid are currently on 15 points after six games in the league, but Carlos Espi has directly contributed to a massive chunk of that.
If not for the new Spanish striker’s ability to come up clutch in big moments, Real Madrid could well have been on just 11 points at this stage in the season, and the four points he has added are absolutely crucial.
Against Espanyol, it was Espi who scored a stoppage-time winner to hand Real Madrid all three points after a complicated match. Last night, he repeated the same heroics once more.
With the team staring at a draw, the new signing was at the right place at the right time to bury Kylian Mbappe’s assist in stoppage time, handing Real Madrid all three points at the death.
He may not have played a large part on the night, but his cameo was again powerful and it is clear that he elevates the team’s attack and provides new solutions in front of goal. Espi has already proven his talent, and his ability to perform under pressure is what makes him special.
