Armada Talks Russia: Group Stage Week Two

Alexis Curry, ArmadaFC.com

Along with the rest of the world, the Armada FC has been diligently watching the World Cup. Coach Mark Lowry, Armada FC midfielder, Giovanny Vasquez and forward, Derek Gebhard sat down and gave their opinions on the first round of matches.

What are your thoughts on the World Cup opening game, Russia vs. Saudi Arabia?

Gebhard: I think Russia had control pretty much the whole game, other than maybe the first five to ten minutes. Russia had a couple of nice goals.

Lowry: The first game of the World Cup is always more of an event than an actual game. There is so much excitement around the stadium and the host country. They have the opening ceremonies to get through and the game is usually a hundred miles an hour with tons of energy. Russia winning wasn’t really a surprise.

Vasquez: In the first game with Russia, I thought the goal scored by Denis Cherysev (90’) was incredible.

It is predicted that Russia, the host country, will not make it past the Round of 16. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?

Gebhard: Russia has a chance to make it past the Round of 16 since it is a game between the two groups top teams.

Lowry: Russia have some talent and will have the whole country behind them. Playing on home soil is also a big advantage. However, there is no easy game in the Round of 16, so they will find it tough to progress further.

How has the team you are rooting for faired so far in this tournament?

Gebhard: My team is Germany. So far, they lost their first game to Mexico (1-0).

Lowry: Obviously England is my team, and we won the first match which is the most important thing. It is a young team so I expect them to relax now after getting the first game under their belt, and their level of performance to get better. I’m also secretly pushing for Argentina, as I want Messi to get the reward that his ability and career deserves.

Vasquez: I’m rooting for Mexico. They did very well against Germany, the reigning champions, and got a win.

It is Iceland’s first ever appearance in the World Cup and they tied Argentina 1-1. What are your thoughts on the game?

Gebhard: I thought Iceland played really well defensively. It is not easy going against a team with talent like Argentina has.

Lowry: Iceland are a very strong team. They have unity and desire that is probably unrivaled across the world. Anytime they get a positive result, it doesn’t surprise me.

Vasquez: I think Iceland is all passion. It was fun to watch them leave everything they had on the field.

What has been the best game you have watched so far, and why?

Gebhard: The best game, in my opinion, was the Spain vs. Portugal game. It was high scoring and the way that Spain plays is beautiful, then Ronaldo getting a hat trick was amazing, especially against a team like Spain.

Lowry: I really enjoyed the Germany vs. Mexico game. I thought tactically it was the best match yet. Both teams structured their positioning and play with a purpose. Mexico deserved the win in the end, but you can’t bet against Germany possibly winning the whole thing.

Vasquez: The best game was Spain vs. Portugal. Spain plays amazing soccer and Portugal has Ronaldo, who is hungry for a World Cup to complete his legacy.

This is the first World Cup they are using VAR Referee technology. How do you think this will impact the games played and the future of technology in the Cup?

Gebhard: The technology will definitely change the game because it will take away some of the human error, which we have been so used to seeing.

Lowry: I think the VAR system has been used well. I really hate how it is probably over-used in the MLS. I want the referees to make decisions and trust themselves a bit more. Mistakes will happen, but it is part of the game. Only go to VAR if you are 100% unsure on your decision. Other than that, let the game play. I have been happy with not seeing VAR used that much. 

Vasquez: I’m a fan of VAR. Now, I think that a referee won’t make or break a game. I think they still need a better system to make it more fluid.

The second round of matches kicked off on Tuesday, June 19 with Russia vs. Egypt. Russia secured their spot in the top two of Group A with their 3-1 win over Egypt. Russia’s Denis Cherysev is currently tied with Portugal’s Christiano Ronaldo for most points scored so far in the World Cup.

Armada FC fans are encouraged to wear their favorite World Cup team’s jersey to the game at Hodges Stadium on Saturday, June 23 against NPSL rival, Miami United FC. The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Buy tickets now on JacksonvilleArmada.com/Single-Match.