Standings · Ninety XI

Group A

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Mexico	2	2	0	0	+3	6
2	South Korea	2	1	0	1	0	3
3	Czechia	2	0	1	1	-1	1
4	South Africa	2	0	1	1	-2	1

Group B

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Canada	2	1	1	0	+6	4
2	Switzerland	2	1	1	0	+3	4
3	Bosnia & Herzegovina	2	0	1	1	-3	1
4	Qatar	2	0	1	1	-6	1

Group C

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Brazil	2	1	1	0	+3	4
2	Morocco	2	1	1	0	+1	4
3	Scotland	2	1	0	1	0	3
4	Haiti	2	0	0	2	-4	0

Group D

#	Team	P	W	L	GD	Pts
1	USA	2	2	0	+5	6
2	Australia	2	1	1	0	3
3	Paraguay	2	1	1	-2	3
4	Türkiye	2	0	2	-3	0

Group E

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Germany	2	2	0	0	+7	6
2	Ivory Coast	2	1	0	1	0	3
3	Ecuador	2	0	1	1	-1	1
4	Curaçao	2	0	1	1	-6	1

Group F

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Netherlands	2	1	1	0	+4	4
2	Japan	2	1	1	0	+4	4
3	Sweden	2	1	0	1	0	3
4	Tunisia	2	0	0	2	-8	0

Group G

#	Team	P	D	Pts
1	Iran	1	1	1
2	New Zealand	1	1	1
3	Belgium	1	1	1
4	Egypt	1	1	1

Group H

#	Team	P	D	Pts
1	Saudi Arabia	1	1	1
2	Uruguay	1	1	1
3	Cape Verde Islands	1	1	1
4	Spain	1	1	1

Group I

#	Team	P	W	L	GD	Pts
1	Norway	1	1	0	+3	3
2	France	1	1	0	+2	3
3	Senegal	1	0	1	-2	0
4	Iraq	1	0	1	-3	0

Group J

#	Team	P	W	L	GD	Pts
1	Argentina	1	1	0	+3	3
2	Austria	1	1	0	+2	3
3	Jordan	1	0	1	-2	0
4	Algeria	1	0	1	-3	0

Group K

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Colombia	1	1	0	0	+2	3
2	Congo DR	1	0	1	0	0	1
3	Portugal	1	0	1	0	0	1
4	Uzbekistan	1	0	0	1	-2	0

Group L

#	Team	P	W	L	GD	Pts
1	England	1	1	0	+2	3
2	Ghana	1	1	0	+1	3
3	Panama	1	0	1	-1	0
4	Croatia	1	0	1	-2	0

Results & fixtures

Bosnia & Herzegovina1

Bosnia & Herzegovina1

ResultArgentina (pens)

Top Players

1L. MessiArgentina30 a
2F. BalogunUSA20 a
3E. HaalandNorway20 a
4Y. AyariSweden20 a
5Kylian MbappéFrance20 a
6E. JustNew Zealand20 a
7H. KaneEngland20 a
8K. HavertzGermany20 a
9D. UndavGermany12 a
10A. IsakSweden12 a
11N. BrownGermany11 a
12Hwang In-BeomSouth Korea11 a
13V. GyökeresSweden11 a
14R. RezaeianIran11 a
15L. DíazColombia11 a

Latest news

Preview

Argentina vs. Austria: Tactical Test in World Cup Group Stage

The second round of World Cup group stage fixtures brings Argentina and Austria together in a pivotal encounter. For Argentina, this match presents an opportunity to solidify their position and build momentum after their initial outing. Austria, meanwhile, will be aiming to demonstrate their credentials and secure crucial points in what promises to be a challenging group. Argentina enters the tournament as a formidable contender, their squad depth and tactical flexibility often providing an advantage. Their approach typically involves patient build-up play, aiming to dislodge defensive structures before unleashing their array of attacking talent. The focus will be on controlling the midfield and dictating the tempo of the game, creating avenues for their forwards to operate. Austria, under their astute management, has cultivated a reputation for disciplined, high-intensity football. Their system often prioritizes aggressive pressing and quick transitions, looking to disrupt opponents' rhythm and exploit turnovers. Against a possession-oriented side like Argentina, Austria's ability to execute their pressing traps and transition swiftly will be paramount. They will likely aim to deny Argentina space in central areas and force play wide, hoping to win the ball in dangerous zones. Key Tactical Battle: Austrian Press vs. Argentine Build-Up The central tactical conflict will undoubtedly revolve around Austria's capacity to effectively press Argentina's deep-lying midfielders and defenders. Argentina's ability to bypass this initial pressure through quick passing combinations and intelligent movement will determine their control of the match. If Austria can consistently win the ball high up the pitch, they will create genuine scoring opportunities and significantly frustrate their South American opponents. Conversely, if Argentina's midfielders can withstand the Austrian press, they will find considerable space behind the initial wave of pressure, allowing their creative players to operate with greater freedom. The success of Argentina's full-backs in providing width and acting as outlets will also be crucial in stretching Austria's defensive lines. This match is poised to be a tactical chess match, with both teams understanding the importance of securing points at this stage of the competition. Argentina will seek to assert their dominance through possession and precision, while Austria will look to disrupt and counter with their characteristic intensity. The outcome will likely hinge on which side can impose its tactical will more effectively over the ninety minutes.

Ninety XI/26m ago

Recap

Japan delivers a commanding 4-0 rout against Tunisia in World Cup Group Stage

Japan delivered a comprehensive performance in the World Cup Group Stage, securing a dominant 4-0 victory over Tunisia. The scoreline accurately reflected Japan's superiority throughout the match, leaving Tunisia with little room to manoeuvre or create meaningful chances. Early Dominance Sets the Tone From the initial whistle, Japan established control, exhibiting a disciplined structure and sharp attacking intent. Their early pressure paid off quickly when Daichi Kamada opened the scoring in the 4th minute, setting an assertive tone for the match. Japan maintained a high tempo, disrupting Tunisia's attempts to build play from the back and forcing them into uncomfortable situations. Tunisia struggled to gain a foothold, often losing possession in midfield and failing to link up effectively with their forwards. Japan's tactical cohesion, particularly in their midfield pressing and swift transitions, consistently overwhelmed their opponents. This sustained pressure led to the second goal in the 31st minute, with Ayase Ueda finding the net. The half-time whistle saw Japan comfortably ahead 2-0. Unwavering Control and Clinical Finishing The second half began much as the first ended, with Japan dictating play. Their statistical dominance was stark; Japan generated 2.07 expected goals (xG) compared to Tunisia's mere 0.05, highlighting the significant disparity in offensive threat. Tunisia found it nearly impossible to penetrate Japan's organised defence, resorting largely to speculative long balls that were easily dealt with. Japan's attacking impetus did not wane. Junya Ito extended their lead further in the 69th minute, capitalising on another well-worked offensive sequence. This goal solidified Japan's unassailable position, effectively ending any lingering hopes for Tunisia. The final whistle confirmed a 4-0 scoreline, a clear demonstration of Japan's tactical execution and clinical finishing. Key Performers Underline Japan's Strength Several Japanese players stood out for their contributions. Ayase Ueda earned the top match rating of 9.70, a reflection of his impactful presence and goal-scoring contribution. Midfield general Kaishu Sano (7.70) controlled the tempo, while Keito Nakamura (7.70) provided consistent threat on the wing. At the back, Ko Itakura (7.60) anchored a defence that conceded virtually nothing of note, ensuring a clean sheet and allowing the attackers to play with freedom.

Ninety XI/5h ago

Injury

Nico Williams Suffers Hamstring Injury, Out for Remainder of La Liga Season

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams has sustained a hamstring injury. This setback means Williams will miss the remaining fixtures of the current La Liga season. Despite the immediate absence from domestic league play, medical assessments indicate the young forward is expected to recover in time for the upcoming World Cup.

Ninety XI/8h ago

Recap

Ecuador Dominates, Room Stands Tall as Curaçao Secures World Cup Group Stage Draw

Ecuador and Curaçao concluded their second World Cup group stage fixture in a goalless stalemate, a result that belied the flow of the contest. Despite Ecuador's relentless attacking pressure and significant statistical advantage, Curaçao's defensive resolve and outstanding goalkeeping ensured the points were shared. From the outset, Ecuador asserted control, dictating terms and pushing forward with intent. Their tactical approach involved sustained periods of possession, aiming to dislodge Curaçao's compact defensive block. This proactive strategy translated into a host of dangerous situations, reflected starkly in their expected goals (xG) figure of 3.06. Midfielders like Moisés Caicedo and Pedro Vite were central to this offensive effort, consistently driving play and creating avenues into the final third, performances recognized by their high match ratings. However, for all their offensive endeavors, Ecuador found themselves repeatedly frustrated. The final pass often lacked precision, or more critically, their finishing touch eluded them in crucial moments. Curaçao, meanwhile, adopted a pragmatic, disciplined defensive posture. They absorbed pressure, maintained their structural integrity, and relied heavily on individual brilliance to repel Ecuadorian advances. The undisputed standout performer was Curaçao's goalkeeper, Eloy Room. His perfect 10.00 match rating underscores a performance defined by critical saves and unwavering composure under a sustained barrage. Room proved to be an insurmountable obstacle, denying Ecuador clear-cut opportunities and ensuring his side held firm through both halves. Though Hernán Galíndez in the Ecuadorian goal also recorded a strong rating, his involvement was comparatively limited given Curaçao's modest 0.48 xG. The half-time whistle offered no respite from the pattern of play, with the second period continuing in a similar vein. Ecuador pushed for a breakthrough, adjusting their attacking angles and increasing the tempo, yet the decisive moment never arrived. Curaçao, while offering little in terms of offensive threat, executed their defensive plan with remarkable tenacity. Ultimately, the 0-0 draw represents a valuable point for Curaçao in a challenging World Cup group stage, a testament to their resilience. For Ecuador, it will feel like two points dropped, an outcome that highlights the fine margins in tournament football where dominance in chance creation does not always guarantee victory.

Ninety XI/9h ago

Injury

Raphinha Reportedly Ruled Out of World Cup Due to Injury

Sources indicate that Barcelona's Raphinha is reportedly practically ruled out for the remainder of the FIFA World Cup due to an injury.

Ninety XI/9h ago

Injury

Raphinha Sustains Injury, World Cup Participation Now Uncertain

Winger Raphinha has sustained an injury. This development casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming World Cup, according to reports.

Ninety XI/13h ago