Russia's Vtoroy (read: Second) round of World Cup Football!

Saudi's tryst with a failed engine, Argentina's reality check & the flight of Kroos.

Even 'Salah' couldn't save Egypt.
Credit: Google

After a resounding victory over the Arabs, the hosts Russia made light work of the challenge posed by an Egyptian side, motivated by the return of Mohammed Salah, buoyed by a brilliant English season at Liverpool. The other team from the opening day, the Saudi Arabian team had a mid-air scare on their way to Rostov, Russia. One of their flight engines caught fire while landing on the runway. A  scare indeed. Alas! Their own engines refused to get started in the match against Uruguay. A customary Luis Suarez world cup goal ensured 'La Celeste' would make their final match against Russia, a game for the top spot. 

The youngest football dancer(I mean, Scorer) ever.
Credit: Google

Diego Costa ricochet & a diving Ronaldo header ensured Spain & Portugal had their destinies firmly in their hands. Iran & its World cup luck (lack of luck, precisely) continued from South America to Russia. Kylian Mbappe, became the youngest goal scorer in the history of World Cup football with his strike against Peru ensuring top spot in the group for France. Australia & Denmark kept their hopes alive with a 1-1 draw in front of an audience of 40000 supporters.

Will he retire again?
Credit: Google.

Luka Modric, had Lionel Messi's number since the day he joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspurs. He chose to dial the same when Argentina faced Croatia in the 2nd round of Group D matches. Rebic, Modric & Rakitic (Messi's Barcelona teammate) ensured the finalists of 2014 will have their task cut-out against a rampaging Nigerian side. Little Iceland couldn't replicate their performance from the last round and lost 2-0 to the Super Eagles led by a soaring Ahmed Musa brace.

And the ball 'KROOSed' into the net.
Credit: Google

Brazil and Switzerland had drawn their opening matches. Brazil seemed to be heading on a similar path again before Coutinho & Neymar rescused Brazil with two goals in extra time. While, Costa Rica suffered at the hands of Brazilian resilience, a fast Xherdan Shaqiri counter-attack ensured three points for Switzerland against the powerful Serbians. Group F, had the Mexicans sailing to a comfortable victory over the South Koreans. While the Mexicans had it easy, the Germans had to rely on the genius of Tony Kroos to escape the Swedish maze. All 3 teams have a chance to progress from the Group of Death.

Artificial Intelligence in Football?
Credit: Google

Harry Kane & Romelu Lukaku had contrasting seasons domestically. While Kane chased the Golden boot till the very end, Lukaku had his share of injuries hindering his pursuit. But now, both prolific strikers are at their best, ensuring England & Belgium leave their tag of Dark horses behind and start counting themselves as contenders for the World Cup. Group H is also evenly poised with Japan needing a point to qualify from their last match against Poland. Meanwhile, Columbia & Senegal will participate in a "Winner takes it all" match in their last match.

With the VAR in action, this World Cup has become the most controversial of all time. With 20 awarded penalties till date, most in any World Cup, the football fans are having their best time ever. It remains to be seen if any more upsets will be recorded before the World cup moves in to the Knockout stages. For neutral football fans, the more the better!

From India, in Russian, "Dasvidaniya"

P.S: The words are mine, the pictures aren't.