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World Cup: John Stones shines in Round Two

By James Fudge

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: John Stones of England celebrates with Kyle Walker after scoring his team's fourth goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: John Stones of England celebrates with Kyle Walker after scoring his team's fourth goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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We are now getting a clearer picture of who will be advancing past the group stages and who will be heading home from the World Cup for their early holidays.

As we enter the business end in the tournament, Manchester City players will be featuring heavily in the latter stages.

All players have an opportunity of reaching past the group stages and then an opportunity of lifting the golden trophy.

The most impressive City player featuring in matchweek two was John Stones, who became the first English City player to score at a World Cup since Trevor Francis against Czechoslovakia and Kuwait at the 1982 World Cup.

His first goal was from an excellent set piece from former graduate, Kieran Trippier, with the centre-back steering his header into the far corner.

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He doubled his account before halftime after Raheem Sterling was denied at close range by Panama’s goalkeeper, with Stones scoring on the rebound with another header. The centre-back wheeled away in celebration and was impressive in 6-1 victory. The downside not being able to secure a clean sheet.

Kyle Walker and Raheem Sterling both played the full game and gave solid performances in an outstanding team effort. Fabian Delph came on for Jesse Lingard, however, failed to impress enough to earn a starting place against Belgium.

With England advancing to the second round, group opponents Belgium also made it to the knockout stages with a 5-2 victory over Tunisia. Kevin De Bruyne starred for the Red Devils as he instigated and created a number of attacks for the Europeans.

Vincent Kompany sat out and has failed to feature in this year’s tournament after he suffered an injury in the warm-up friendly against Portugal.

Another one who sat out of their second group game was Danilo, with the right-back missing the win against Costa Rica with a thigh problem. He will not feature against Serbia as the South Americans now look to win the group.

One person who did feature was Gabriel Jesus. His touch assisted Philippe Coutinho to break the deadlock in second-half stoppage time. Fernandinho came on for his second substitute appearance, while Ederson sat the game out.

From one South American country to another, Argentina’s troubles deepen as they were woeful against Croatia, losing 3-0. Sergio Aguero led the line, however, he failed to find the space and the players lacked any creativity to find the striker and Lionel Messi to score the goals.

Nicolas Otamendi flopped and was unable to replicate his Premier League performances, with a booking for a lunge only worth getting a mention.

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David Silva and Bernardo Silva were victorious in Group B as they both took a big step in advancing. Silva improved on his performance against Portugal, while Bernardo Silva was unable to shine against Morocco.

Benjamin Mendy failed to get off the bench, while Ilkay Gundogan did as he played his part in getting Germany’s tournament back on track. Toni Kroos’ last-minute goal resurrected their defence of the World Cup.

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