Devotee of the religion of football
Freelance Journalist/Analyst/Consultant covering the game around the globe. Featured on Al Jazeera, Forbes.com, FourFourTwo, Analytics FC, FotMob, World Soccer, The Blizzard, SCOUTED, The Transfer Flow, Gløry & more
Neel Shelat
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That equalizer would be crushing for Saudi Arabia if they hadn’t all gone home an hour ago
Sarpreet Singh has been lovely in a free-roaming #10 role today. Hasn't always had it all going smoothly in the club game, but he looks nice for New Zealand whenever I tune in. #IRNNZL
Ramin Rezaeian has been a standout for Iran for about a decade, and was particularly excellent at the last World Cup. At 36, his involvement this time wasn't so clear coming in, but what a moment that is for him! #IRNNZL
I know they make it clear that they prefer to be called by the full name of Islamic Republic of Iran in these competitions but usually the commentators shorten it to Iran after the first instance. They're only using the full name on the world feed so far, which is quite a mouthful. #IRNNZL
Most entertaining opening to a game at the World Cup so far I think. It's been so open as both teams are going for it, and the crowd is definitely the loudest I've heard on the TV. #IRNNZL
Definitely been Iran's best player today. Some time yet but I think Elijah Just shades player of the match so far.
There you go. Can't see them winning from here, but the other two results are possible.
Elijah Just has been fantastic with his forward runs through the middle. Fantastic brace from him. #IRNNZL
Saudi Arabia are playing a dangerous game here, because their low block certainly isn't infallible. Uruguay looked get-at-able in the first half so I don't see a reason to completely stop trying to release the forwards in transition at least. #KSAURU
On this evidence it should be an easy seven points and almost certain first place for Spain still. Increasingly optimistic about Cabo Verde's chances of getting at least a point against both of these too. #KSAURU
