Another World Cup-themed exercise for non-native speakers and writers of English. Complete the ten sentences below by choosing between the three options in each case. One option is correct, while the other two might cause momentary confusion in a football-themed conversation with a native speaker.
The answers are given at the end.
1. Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup when they lost their fourth-final / quarter-final / quart-final to Belgium.
2. It was an exciting game in which Belgium counter-attacked brilliantly and Brazil missed a lot of chances / occasions / scores.
3. The Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, made some great defences / preventions / saves.
4. Brazil's goal was scored by Renato Augusto, a substitute who turned up / came on / stood up in the second half.
5. The four teams to qualify / classify / pass for the semi-finals were France, Belgium, England and Croatia.
6. Croatia beat Russia on / over / above penalties after a 2-2 draw.
7. Russia's first goal in that game was a brilliant kick / shoot / shot by Denis Cheryshev.
8. The second Russian goal was a head-ball / head-on / header by Mario Fernandes.
9. In their 2-0 victory against Uruguay, the French team wore an all-white uniform / dress / kit rather than their usual blue shirts and white shorts.
10. In England's 2-0 victory against Sweden the first goal was scored by a back / defender / rearguard, Harry Maguire.
Answers below...
So, how did you do?
1. Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup when they lost their quarter-final to Belgium.
2. It was an exciting game in which Belgium counter-attacked brilliantly and Brazil missed a lot of chances.
3. The Belgian goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, made some great saves.
4. Brazil's goal was scored by Renato Augusto, a substitute who came on in the second half.
5. The four teams to qualify for the semi-finals were France, Belgium, England and Croatia.
6. Croatia beat Russia on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
7. Russia's first goal in that game was a brilliant shot by Denis Cheryshev.
8. The second Russian goal was a header by Mario Fernandes.
9. In their 2-0 victory against Uruguay, the French team wore an all-white kit rather than their usual blue shirts and white shorts.
10. In England's 2-0 victory against Sweden the first goal was scored by a defender, Harry Maguire.