Solo Survivor (6/8)

B1-Germany struggled but eventually gained control in a 1-0 win over B2-China PR.  GER had 62% possession and outshot CHN 18-4.  GER also extended a streak to 18 matches without allowing a first half goal in the WWC ('03 Final vs SWE).  CHN committed 19 fouls and had 4 yellow cards.  B3-Spain found themselves down 1-0 to B4-South Africa at the half but used their 72% possession advantage in creating 2nd half chances, including two that led to penalty kicks.  The rally for the 3-1 win puts ESP on top of Group B for now.

Both PK calls are probably what differentiates recreational players from professional players.  I can see myself flying with my hands slightly up and saying it was an incidental handball on the first PK foul and getting to the ball first but having the player run into me and saying it wasn't my fault on the second PK foul (called by VAR).  However, in a professional setting, players know to have their hand near their body or even behind their backs when attacking a cross to avoid the incidental handball and a players know to clear the ball and not completely follow through to avoid unnecessary contact to the onrushing player (that looked painful and would've been doubly so if it was against a male).  VAR was needed to call the foul and penalty (and doubly bad for RSA as the foul was the second yellow on the player) on the second PK which ESP converted for a 2-1 lead.  VAR was earlier used to confirm no foul in the box that would've gave ESP a PK while down 1-0.

A3-Norway scored early