World Cup group stage day 1

On the first day of the world cup Russia defeated Saudi Arabia Five (5) Nil (0). In the sport of soccer that is a blowout. After only one game the Saudis have all but eliminated themselves. Teams get three points for a win one for a tie but none for  loss. there are four teams in a group and every team plays three games in a round ribbon tournament. The top two teams advance to the elimination round. The bottom two teams go home. The most they can now get if they win both games is six. to be assured advancement you need at least seven points. teams can advance with some help with at least two points. That is because the tiebreaker for the group stage is first goal differential and second goals scored. They are down five goals in goal differential and want to be at least even to have a good tiebreaker. For goals scored they have none. The third tiebreaker is head to head record and they will lose it against Russia for there other two opponents we will see but it looks like a short tournament for them. 

Even though Russia got three points with the win they are in no way assured of advancement. Russia will have to play a good Egypt squad in the second game and a great Uruguay squad in the third game. Russia will most likely need to get at least a tie against Egypt to advance for there third game will be difficult. If they lose to Egypt then they they need to beat Uruguay. With two wins they should advance but it is not guaranteed. If they get two draws over the next two games then they will most likely advance also. with only four points they will need some help. with only three points Russia will need major help. 

These two examples show you how important each games is for every team in the world cup. Get nine points and you win your group and are through to the next round .Get seven points and you are though to the next round. Get six points and you are through to the next round unless you are unlucky and lose tiebreakers in a three way tie where two of those tied teams advance. Get five points and you will advance unless you are unlucky and lose a tiebreaker. with four points you can advance if you get some help from your opponents. With three points you can advance if you get help and win some tiebreakers. With two points you can advance by winning tiebreakers and getting lucky. With one point you will be eliminated for sure. With zero points you will be eliminated and will be guaranteed to finish last place.