In Morocco’s all-time challenge to raise the trophy in the World Cup, they have only participated five times, with their first appearance being made in 1970. The Atlas Lions have only made it out of the group stage one of those five times. Set to face 2018 finalists Croatia, Morocco was ready to do whatever it took to get a result out of the game. Croatia dominated Morocco for a majority of the game, having 65% of possession, as well as dominating in passing, 642 to 348 completed passes. Despite such a dominant performance from Croatia, Morocco’s work paid off, helping them manage to hold Croatia level all game. The first round of group stage play for these two teams ended 0-0.

Next to kick off their World Cup campaign was Japan, also known as the Samurai Blue, against four time World Champions, Germany, also known as Die Mannschaft. In the history of their World Cup participation, these two teams have had distinctly contrasting results. Japan has made 6 appearances prior to this year’s World Cup, exiting three times in the group stage, and three times in the round of 16. In Germany’s World Cup run, they have only missed out on the Cup twice in their entire history as a team. In their 19 runs excluding their qualification this year, they have been crowned champions four times, and have made eight appearances in the World Cup final. In all of their campaigns excluding their appearances in 1938, 1978, and 2018, Die Mannschaft has advanced as far as the quarter finals in 16 of 19 of their prior appearances to this year’s World Cup.

The first half was in Japan’s defensive end for what seemed like the entirety, with Germany having 74% of ball possession. Despite such a dominant performance in their first half, Japan capitalized on two chances that they put away in the second half, resulting in a 2-1 win over Germany. After the game, as a thank you from the entire team, Japan left their dressing room spotless, and left Origami birds on the table in the middle of the dressing room. They also left a note, saying thank you in both Arabic and Japanese.

The third set of teams to open play was Spain and Costa Rica. Spain has made 16 appearances in the World Cup, while Costa Rica has only made 6. With a wide variety of goalscorers in this matchup, Spain overthrew Costa Rica 7-0, with a wide variety of goal scorers for the Spanish side. 

Last on the list  of day three matchups was Belgium, also known as the Red Devils, and Canada, also known as the Maple Leafs. For the Red Devils, after participating in 13 World Cups prior to this year’s campaign, Belgium has only come as close to lifting the trophy as a third place finish. For the Maple Leafs, they have only made one appearance since being declared  a FIFA Member in 1948. Their single appearance came this year, after being CONCACAF’s leading qualifiers for their World Cup qualification matches. Despite their efforts against the old but golden generation of the Belgian side, the Maple Leafs fell in their first round 1-0 with a 44th minute goal from Belgian forward, Michy Batshuayi.