World Cup round-up: First goal contributions and setbacks

There were highs and lows for Mainz’s World Cup contingent during the second round of group games in Canada, Mexico and the USA. Three wins were accompanied by two defeats, although all six 05ers still have a strong chance of reaching the knockout stages. Nadiem Amiri has already booked his place in the round of 32 after playing a decisive role in Germany’s memorable 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.

• Silvan Widmer started Switzerland’s second group game against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being substituted in the 86th minute with his side leading 2-0. The full-back had watched the opening 1-1 draw with Qatar from the bench. Following their 4-1 victory in game two, Switzerland are well placed to secure their progress when they face Canada in their final group match on Wednesday at 21:00 CEST.
• Jae-sung Lee and South Korea followed up their opening 2-1 win over Czechia with a 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico. The Mainz midfielder was taken off shortly before the hour mark. South Korea’s fate nevertheless remains in their own hands ahead of their final group game against South Africa on Thursday at 03:00 CEST.
• Nadiem Amiri enjoyed his first big World Cup moment in Germany’s meeting with Ivory Coast. Introduced on the hour mark, the Mainz midfielder set up Deniz Undav’s equaliser just a few minutes later, before joining the wild celebrations when Germany snatched victory in stoppage time through another Undav goal. The result also secured top spot in the group, with Julian Nagelsmann now likely to rotate against Ecuador in their final group game on Thursday at 22:00 CEST. The night in Toronto was made even more special for Amiri, who had arranged 25 tickets for family and friends. He celebrated with them in the stands after the final whistle before describing the occasion as a “dream World Cup debut”.
• Kaishu Sano continues to rack up the minutes even after the end of the Bundesliga season. Just like in Japan’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, the midfielder played the full 90 minutes against Tunisia, helping his side cruise to a 4-0 victory and registering his first assist of the tournament. A draw against Sweden in their final group game on Friday at 01:00 CEST would guarantee Japan’s place in the knockout stages.
• The second round of group games proved less successful for Stefan Posch, Phillipp Mwene and Austria. Lionel Messi scored both goals in their 2-0 defeat to Argentina to overtake Miroslav Klose as the leading goalscorer in World Cup history. Posch wore a protective mask after fracturing his jaw in the 3-1 win over Jordan and was substituted after 67 minutes, while Mwene remained on the bench. Despite the defeat, a draw against Algeria on Sunday at 04:00 CEST would be enough to send Austria through to the round of 32.