Sunday, 29 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Costa Rica 1 : 1 Greece 

A huge game for both Costa Rica and Greece with the quarter final against Holland waiting for them. 

With so much at stake for both teams, tactics were more on the cautious side. No one wanted to concede the first goal. Costa Rica did look the more likely to score but the Greek defence was solid. Between the sparing Greece were unlucky not to take the lead. A guided cross found Salpingidis who volleyed from close range, and the great save ensured that the scores remains level. No water breaks were needed during the first half and both teams left the field at half time to a chorus of boos from the fans who are looking for a more attack minded game which has come to be expected in this World Cup.  

Both teams know that they had to change their tactics in the 2nd half if either of them wanted to win. Greece were the more direct, looking to open the scoring as early as possible but it was Costa Rica who actually beat them to it. A quick passing move on the left, found Ruiz to place the ball (albeit a miss hit) into the corner of the goal. This obviously resulted in Greece having to change their approach and go more attack minded. This however left them more open and gave Costa Rica the opportunity to press and increase their lead. There was more twists to the game as a red card was shown and Costa Rica now down to 10 men. Could they hold on? Greece threw everything and everyone forward. This game has come to life. 

Would you Adam and Eve it, again, in added on time. GOAL!! Greece equalised and the celebrations followed. There was still time for a winner and Greece, with their tails up  nearly got it but another fine save prevented them stealing the win. 

Into extra time for the second time this tournament. Costa Rica are now just hanging on. They are now running on empty and Greece are looking for the win.  The first half of ET started in the same way as the match ended, with full on Greece offence. No breakthrough came. The remaining 15 minutes were frantic, like a pair of boxers trading blows. It could have gone either way. No goals scored, penalties again. 

Costa Rica - OOOOO
Greece - OOOX

Costa Rica reach their first ever World Cup quarter finals winning 5/4 on penalties. They have Holland in the next round but need to be tactically aware to stop a fast flowing  Dutch team. 

My World Cup Review

Holland 2 : 1 Mexico

An exciting game predicted between two teams who have been performing well at this years tournament. 

Both teams have been very positive in their approach to each game and in the opening 30 minutes they seemed to cancel each other out after each attack, neither really had that clear cut chance. We also had the first 'cooling break' where both teams were able to rehydrate mid way through the half as the players were in the very uncomfortable playing conditions as temperatures were exceeding 30 degrees and 70% humidity. Though vital for a players health some may feel it could disrupt a teams momentum. In the heat both teams continued to try and take advantage but no one found that opening. The half finished 0-0 and both teams felt as though they should have had a penalty each. 

The second half started and temperatures were confirmed at 38 degrees! No wonder the players were looking lethargic. I would not cope at all. Mexico knew that Holland would struggle in the heat the more the game progressed, so they hit Holland at the beginning of the half with another wonderful long distance goal from Dos Santos.  Holland though still looked dangerous on the counter attack and from a corner the Mexican 'keeper Ochoa produced another great saves to add to the collection he has made during this World Cup. And his work hadn't stopped there as again he was called upon and another  save to deny Robben. Corner after corner Holland started to dominate and Sneijder thundered in the equaliser. With the water break in the second half 6 minutes extra time was added and in the 93rd minute a penalty was award and cooly dispatched by Huntelaar. A cruel end to the game for Mexico as their road in this completion comes to an end. 

Holland progress and their hopes of a World Cup win still look likely. For Mexico, heartache in the way they lost the game. 

Saturday, 28 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Columbia 2 : 0 Uruguay

The winner of these two take on Brazil in the quarter final. Columbia who have become a fans favourite through their style and celebrations take on a Suarez-less Uruguay. 

A very attack minded Columbia set out what they had in mind for this game. They drove at the Uruguayan goal with jinxing runs. The only way Uruguay could stop them was to take them out. Uruguay struggled to get into the game and the absence of a Mr Suarez was an obvious factor to their lack of creativity as it was his goals that took them through. The opening goal will be considered for goal of the tournament as the highly rated James Rodriguez controlled a ball on his chest, spun and struck a sweet volley which rocketed off the bar, into the goal. GOALLLLLLL! This goal sparked Uruguay into life and they finally forced themselves on the Columbia's goal but with no end result. 

At the start of the second half Uruguay started in a more positive manor and had a few half chances. Columbia did well to shut them out and on the 50th minute they extended their lead with a lovely team goal. Cute passing, and unselfish attitude lead to a tap in for Rodrigeuz for his second. From that moment Columbia eased off the gas which allowed Uruguay to attack more. There where numerous opportunities for Uruguay but they could not convert any chances. They were running out if ideas and could not make that crucial break to give them any chance to get back into the game. 

So the first game of the quarter final is Brazil and Columbia. The way Columbia have been playing this should turn out to be a great game. And wear your sun glasses as it going to be yellow. 

My World Cup Review

Brazil 1 : 1 Chile

It's the first round of the knockouts. Hosts Brazil take on Chile, who Scolari quoted as saying he didn't want to play. 

This game was always going to be fast, fiery, exiting. The atmosphere that greeted the players was electrifying. If any players needed any more motivation then they got it during the national anthems. Inspiring. 

The games started as we all expected. With tempo. Both teams wanted to stamp their authority on the game and quickly. With end to end attacks. Both also put in some heavy challenges just to ensure that no one was taking this lightly. The breakthrough came early on with Luis in the right spot to flick in a nod on header from a Brazilian corner. The hosts lead. Neymar was playing with a target on his back as he was the victim of a few tasty challenges. Chile continued to apply pressure and some careless defending from Brazil allowed Chile in and the reliable Sanchez equalised.  Many more chances fell to both teams but none took their opportunity to take advantage. All square at half time. 

The second half continued as the first left off. Lots of pace, but it brought with it errors. Both teams were careless in their passing with their eagerness to attack. A diagonal pass found Hulk who controlled on his chest, and sliced a shot in. However his celebrations were cut short as he was booked for handball ball in his control. No goal. From there on Brazil lost some of their swag as Chile tried to take advantage and bombarded the Brazilian goal. They very nearly got their reward if it wasn't for Ceasar who produced a wonder save to keep the game 1-1. Towards to end of the game the tempo fell (who could blame the players), and another world class save prevented Hulk getting the goal he thought he should have in this game. 

Into extra time. 30 more minutes of game play for someone to find a winner. Most players will be running on empty but will be carried on with pure adrenaline. 

Brazil were the strongest of the two in the fist half of ET but could not break a solid Chilean defence.  Into the last 15 minutes of open play in extra time and Brazil where the team who looked as though they could snatch the win and prevent the game going to penalties. Chilean tactics were to defend, and defend well. The bar was rattled, and it was Chile who NEARLY scored. A matter of inches kept Brazil in the competition.  

Penalties will decide who progresses...

BRAZIL - OXOXO
CHILE - XXOOX

Brazil progress, heartache for Chile. 


Thursday, 26 June 2014

World Cup Review - Suarez bite ban

So the breaking news today was that Suarez was given 9 game ban and no football activity for 4 months. 

Now is this the punishment a footballer (professional) should be given for biting another footballer? BITING! And this is the 3rd time he has been punished for it. 

Now correct me if I'm wrong but why should he still be given the opportunity to serve his ban, and then return the 'job' that everyone dreams of? I mean, if I was to bite someone, unprovoked, I would be arrested, fined, sued, given a sentence for GBH, sacked. An endless list. But as he is a 'sportsman' who is on a worldwide stage, and all he is technically getting is a slapped wrist. 

I know there have been bans for players who have spat, fought each other, drug use but this man is a serial offender; banned for 3 biting offences, racial remarks, gestures towards fans. No saint. 

Suarez though has no one to blame other than himself, and the fact that he is trying to blame others is not helping his case. Again, on the biggest stage as a footballer, World Cup South Africa 2010, he was sent off for handling the ball on the line stopping it going in. Only to celebrate when the penalty was missed like he had 'saved' Uruguay's World Cup hopes. Is this the sign of a true, honest professional? To cheat his way to get success? Alarm bells started ringing in many peoples minds.

To give an indication of how damaging the Suarez name is now becoming here is a stat no one wants to see: Since 2010, Luis Suarez has been banned for 34 games, without ever receiving a red card. 

The recent act of controversy has now unfortunately tarnished what is an amazing World Cup. There has been fantastic games, goals and samba, but will always be the World Cup that had 'the bite' in it. Just like Zidanes head but. FIFA had an opportunity to make themselves be respected again, what with the corruption allegations that have come to light, by implementing a lengthy, tough punishment for a dangerous player who is in danger of bringing the game into a bad place. If they had given him 12 month ban, the majority of the footballing world would have welcomed it. The fact he will be playing agin in October is not really a punishment where he will turn around and say "you know what, I've learned my lesson". The only way he will ever learn or learn to control his actions was if he was to be punished like any other person. 

FIFA didn't do what we were expecting. 

It's this sorted of action/reaction that drives people away from this sport. The fact that these individuals are actually being (over)paid to play football every week is, well, pushing even the most hardcore fan away. But knowing that when an act of stupidity, madness happens and to be 'punished' in this way sums up what is wrong with the beautiful game. With the amount of television rights, sponsorships, image rights there will never be an end to the high demand of sport celebrities, and with that, the divide between the real world and the fantasy world of the footballer will continue to grow. 

My World Cup Review

South Korea 0 : 1 Belgium

The very last games of the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. South Korea take on Belgium in what everyone thought would be a one way game. 

The first half was very open with neither side being the dominant team. S.Korea defended resolutely against a quick Belgium attacking formation and even created a few chances of their own. That lack of composure was the Koreans downfall. Mertens for Belgium, who has been one of their better players so far had a glorious chance to give his team the lead, but he rushed his shot and blazed over from 6yrds. Just before half time, Belgium was reduced to 10 men as Defour was shown a straight red for a needless tackle where he stamped on the shin of Kim Shin-wook. Belgium had a poor first half, but it was the result of a well structured S.Koren tactics. 

The second half was an opportunity for S.Korea to take advantage of the extra man they had. They started well, strongly but could not break through the Belgium defence. Belgium, who had already qualified to the knockout rounds sat back and soaked up the constant pressure. They even pushed on themselves with counter attacks of their own, unable to break Korean hearts. More possession and more chances to take the lead the fell to S.Korea but on the 77th minute Vertonghen did crush the hearts of the Koreans as another quick break from Belgium resulted in a shot from distance being saved and pushed into the path of Vertonghen to pass into the Korean goal. Even after the goal Belgium continued to be a threat, now that Hazard was brought on. The last few minutes of the game Korea were unlucky not to equalise after some well struck shots. 

Belgium held on to take the win and the group as winners with Algeria taking the runners up spot with a draw against Russia. 

BELGIUM - group winners
ALGERIA - runners up 
Russia
South Korea

Wednesday, 25 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Ecuador 0 : 0 France

Everything was to play for in the last group E game as all 4 teams had a chance of progressing. 

Ecuador played France in their final game and had to beat them to guarantee their position in the knockouts. France made numerous changes but they still looked threatening with Benzema looking to increase his impressive start to the competition. There was the odd attack from Ecuador but they could not unlock the French defence. As the half progressed the Ecuadorian defenders were working tirelessly to halt any dangerous advances from the French and a good save from the 'keeper (one for the cameras) tipped over a clever header from Pogba. Around the 40th minute Ecuador sparked into life and launched a dangerous attack which was well saved by Lloris. 

A 1-0 win was all that was needed for Ecuador to progress ahead of Switzerland, but that task was made even harder after Antonio Valencia was shown a straight red card for a stamp tackle, and though he did connect with the ball first, his momentum took him onto the shin of Digne and the referee deemed the tackle as dangerous. This left Ecuador with 10 men for the last 40 minutes of the game. But going down to 10 men boosted Ecuador's mentality and they nearly scored from a swift counter attack. They tried and tried but could not get that goal they needed. France had opportunity after opportunity to score themselves but Domingez was not letting anything past. The score in the other game increased to 3-0 which meant that Ecuador had to score 2. Into the last 10 minutes and even though Ecuador had plenty of desire and courage, their chances faded and the match ended goalless. 

FRANCE - group winners
SWITZERLAND - runners up
Ecuador
Honduras 

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Greece 2 : 1 Ivory Coast 

Final group game between Greece and Côte d'Ivoire turned out to be an roller coaster of emotions. 

A result for either team would take them through to the knockout stages of the World Cup. The first half was cagey, as both dreams looked nervous. There were chances here and there and Greece almost took the lead after rattling the bar. As it was heading for the end if the first half Greece did get their lead after a cool finish after a direct passing movement. As it stood, they were going through. 

In the second half Ivory Coast had to attack and attack they did. They continued to knock at the Greek door but they were not getting through. With the constant pressure it left them susceptible to the counter attack and time and time again Greece could have/should have extended their lead. Wilfred Bony was brought on and with an attacking formation that include Drogba, Toure, Kalou, Bony, Gervinho surely Côte d'Ivoire would get that equaliser? It was Bony who did get what they wanted after some basic defending let them in and now with the score at 1:1 it was Ivory Coast who would progress. Time to get nervous. The last 10 minutes was constant Greek pressure and into added time (90+3), PENALTY. Could Samaras keep his cool to take Greece through for the first time in their history..? Yes he could. With the final kick Greece won the game and into the knockouts. 

This is what makes the World Cup special. Games like this with a mixture of emotions in 90 minutes. Congratulations Greece. 

COLUMBIA - group winners
GREECE - runners up
Ivory Coast
Japan

My World Cup Review

England 0 : 0 Costa Rica 

Shit. Just utter shit 

Monday, 23 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Cameroon 1 - 4 Brazil

We are into the final week of group games and Cameroon take on hosts Brazil. 

One thing is for sure, the atmosphere when Brazil play is electric.  The passion and emotion expelled from the fans singing the national anthem would give you goose bumps, just like the watching the Haka in New Zealand. Powerful. The first 20 minutes was somewhat of a stalemate. No one giving any room to each other, but Brazil took the lead from Neymar after a low cross found him in the box to slot home. Cameroon though were being party poopers. After conceding the goal they became more aggravated (in a positive way) and went on the offensive and after a corner which was headed against the bar, they broke down the left to play a ball right across goal and all that was left to do was to tap the ball in. 1-1. There was more pressure from Cameroon but they could not take advantage and Brazil made them pay as Neymar again got on the score sheet after a direct run, who was left was unopposed, ended up giving Brazil the lead. 

The samba beat was running through the veins of the Brazilians as they erupted onto the scene in the 2nd half as they scored a 3rd goal through Fred. Who hasn't been praised so far in this competition but Scolari has stuck by him and he returned the faith with a simple nod in (though there was a hint of offside about it). Once Brazil had scored their third they reduced their urgency and became more comfortable on the ball and some showboating was bring displayed. Cameroon unfortunately could not respond to what Brazil were bringing to the game and they became a little heavy handed (well, footed) in their tackling. Now Mexico in the other game in group A had scored a 3rd goal, filtered through to the ground and the atmosphere dropped. Could they steal top spot on goal difference and set up a game between Brazil and Holland? Some very careless defending as Cameroon tried to take a quick free kick on the edge of their own box was intercepted and poked in from Fernandinho. And top spot was confirmed when Croatia scored against Mexico. 

Group A finished with excitement as it was so very close to being a twist in the tale of the World Cup. 

BRAZIL - group winners
MEXICO - runners up 
Croatia
Cameroon

Sunday, 22 June 2014

My World Cup Review

S.Korea 2 : 4 Algeria

Group H game between South Korea and Algeria. 

An open and exciting game between two teams that have been dubbed the teams to make up numbers. Algeria did not let off the gas from the first minute as the pressed towards to the S.Korean goal and created numerous chances. S.Korea however, didn't just lie down and role over as the also attacked with pace. Algeria took the lead on 25 minutes and quickly doubled their lead from a well worked set piece.  After the second goal S.Korean heads dropped and they struggled to string more than 5 passes together. Algeria took advantage of this and they scored their 3rd and controlled the game up to half time. 

What ever was said to S.Korea during the team talk worked as they scored after a number of promising attacks from kick off. There was always going to be danger with constant pressure from S.Korea, as it left them light at the back and Algeria took advantage of this to scored their 4th. There was still plenty of time for more goals in this game and we weren't disappointed as S.Korea scored again to make it 4-2 and they still pushed on. No more goals were scored however we were treated to a very good, quick, open game. 

Algeria won to give themselves the best ever chance to progress and they will be taking on Russia in their final game. 

My World Cup Review

Belgium 1 - 0 Russia

Belgium against Russia in group H's second game. A win for Belgium would take them through to the knockouts. 

After Belgium's opening game victory they should have brought a confidence into this game which would have been no match for Russia, considering after their opening performance against South Korea and a 'keeper who was looking nervous every time the ball went near him it was the opposite. Belgium, even with the majority of the possession could not take advantage and as the first half progressed Russia looked comfortable with anything that the Belgium's threw at them and even looked like punishing them on the counter. 

The second half started in the way the first half finished. Lacklustre and stale. There was no tempo, no drive, do none of these teams want to progress? It was looking to be heading for a bore draw but around the 60th minute an inspired substitution form Belgium seemed to lift their spirits. A young 19 year old Origi, full of pace and confidence dragged Belgium back up towards their best and gave the neutrals who have Belgium as the dark horses of the competition reason why they have been tipped as the 'maybes'. Hazard slipped down the left to cooly play a pass back to Origi to smash home an 85th minute winner. 

Belgium through (just) needing the Algeria - South Korea game to do them a favour. 

Saturday, 21 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Germany 2 : 2 Ghana

Germany face Ghana for the 2nd game in group G

In this game we all presumed that this again would have been a walk over for the Germans who looked so comfortable in their victory over Portugal in their first game. Both teams though produced a great first half which would have brought concern to the Germans as they couldn't break down Ghana. The first half ended with both teams equal and all to play for in the second half. 

The second half turned out to be a more memorable half. Both teams wanted to take all 3 points away from the game and the way both teams played, it could have gone to either team. The Germans took the lead from a well placed cross which found Gozte who somehow found the net after heading the ball onto his knee. The lead only lasted 3 minutes when Ghana equalised from another header from a well placed cross. To everyone's surprise Ghana took the lead through a Gyan well struck goal. 2-1! Tactical substitutions from the Germans was key to their equaliser as Klose scored another World Cup goal equaling Brazilians Ronaldo's total tally of World Cup goals. Could he break that that? Both teams huffed and puffed but no one could break the door down to grab that 3rd goal and after lots at German pressure it could have been Ghana who could have taken the win. 

In the end a very entertaining game for us neutrals and this leaves group G open with still everything to play for in the final game  

Friday, 20 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Switzerland 2 : 5 France 

France and Switzerland kick off the 8pm game tonight. 

Both teams started the game with 3 points from their first match of the group games so both were full of confidence. France soon took control and stamped their authority on the game and hit Switzerland hard with 2 goals in the first 20 minutes. They could have made it 3 from the penalty spot but Benzema's shot was well saved, fell kindly to Cabaye who's volley hit the bar. Switzerland had opportunity to attack the French on the counter attack but could not take any chances. France scored their 3rd with a counter attack of their own following a Swiss corner. 

Switzerland would have had the team talk from hell after that first half and they would have wanted to start in the best way possible. They did come close but if it wasn't for Hugo Lloris they may have found a way through. A sublime pass from a rising star Pogba with the outside of the boot fell to Bezema to sweep home. France could have had 5 in the first half, but it took them 73 minutes to get there with another sweet passing movement ending in a slotted finish from Sissoko into the corner of the Swiss goal. A consolation goal was scored by Dzaimali from a free kick, which was some distance out, somehow went through the wall, cut daisies, found its way into Lloris' goal. A little late from Switzerland as they scored their 2nd on the 87th minute with another well taken goal. A pass over the French defence was hit first time from Xhaka. The greatest comeback? Surely not. 

The final whistle blew just as Benzema scored a wonder goal, shame, but he wouldn't mind as another 3 points gained. The Swiss however wishing they could turn the clocks back (sorry) after that poor performance. 

Thursday, 19 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Uruguay 2 : 1 England

The second group game for Uruguay and England with a potential exit for the loser. 

England kept the same team that lost to Italy except for a position swap between Rooney and Sterling. Uruguay welcomed back Suarez after his knee operation. England again brought an positive attacking mentality into this game and a free kick from Rooney miss by inches. Uruguay were patient and created one or two chances themselves. A quick break from Uruguay caught England off guard and a well floated cross found Suarez to head back across Hart for the opening goal. Game on!  England tried to fight back and a number of successive lead to nothing corners. 

Uruguay were unlucky not to increase their lead as they straight after kick off they had 3 glorious chances which they couldn't take. A brilliant save denied Rooney a close range effort which then sparked England into life. As the game progressed England's possession increased but that dominance had no end product. On the 75th minute England produced a wonderful passing movement resulting in an equaliser from Rooney who was desperate to get himself a World Cup goal. A miss guided header from Gerrard fell kindly to Suarez and again a lethal finished gave Uruguay their lead and the victory. 

A tough tough task ahead for England to remain in the World Cup. Uruguay tactics (not approved by everyone) worked as they look to progress. 

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Spain 0 : 2 Chile 

An important game in waiting for Spain as they took on Chile knowing that if they lost, they would be exiting the World Cup. 

An electric start to the game gave us an indication into how this game would be pan out. Spain were hoping to put on a performance that erased the memories from their opening game against Holland whereas Chile were brimming with confidence after their first game. It was Chile who opened the scoring this evening with a goal at the end of a slick passing movement. A hot knife through butter springs to mind. Spain found it difficult to break down Chile's defence and they looked one dimensional. Espanyol were dealt a psychological blow as Chile scored right before half time. A free kick, palmed away, fell kindly to Aranguiz to toe poke back at goal catching Casillas off guard. 

Facing the prospect of an early flight home, Spain had to go full steam at Chile to have any chance of staying in Brazil. They passed the ball quicker, slicker, but just could not find a way through. Having seen some spectacular goals this tournament we may have seen the miss of the World Cup. An over-head kick from Costa across goal fell to Busquets who was left with the simple task of tapping the ball in. Right? Wrong. He shinned it wide. And in that moment, it kind of summed up Spain's tournament. Chile had their own chances to kill of the game but that lack of quality and composure just kept Spain's hopes alive. Unfortunately for Spain, their super sub Torres couldn't inspire them as they continued to look like a team fresh out if ideas. 

Defending champions OUT of the World Cup. 

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

My World Cup Review

Brazil 0 : 0 Mexico 

Latin football meets for the first time as Brazil play Mexico 

As the players walked into the pitch they were welcomed by a hypnotic roar from the crowd and a sea of yellow shirts. This was set up to be a compelling game. 

A fast and fiery start as both teams wanted to stamp their authority on the game resulted in both teams exchanging possession, but over time Brazil started to gain control. Lots of sharp passing kept the tempo high and Neymar produced a good save from the Mexican 'keeper.  Towards the end if the half Mexico, who absorbed a lot of pressure, forced the game their way but again couldn't take any chances. Not the most free flowing football we all were expecting at the start but still a fascinating match so far. 

After the break Brazil came within inches to open the scoring as a great long ball from Alves found Bernard on the right to zip in a cross for Neymar to nod in, apart from great defending it would have been 1 great goal. But as the game continued Mexico were looking like the team likely to win the game and as they continued to press,frustration grew in the Brazil camp. Into the last 20 minutes the game finally sparked into life and the expectations of what this game should have been from the beginning finally started to show as both Brazil and Mexico both could have won the game. 

The match finished goalless with Mexico deserving everything they got out of the game after the frustrated Brazil. Both team looking like progressing to the knockouts. 

Monday, 16 June 2014

World Cup Review 2014

Iran 0 - 0 Nigeria

Iran and Nigeria, entered the field to a full, atmospheric stadium and produced a show (somewhat disappointing) for those who showed their support

The game was a little slow in getting started for both teams but it was Nigeria who looked the most threatening. They had a goal disallowed for a challenge on the goal keeper but on review looked to be a bit harsh. Iran found it difficult in keeping regular possession and Nigeria continued in their domination of the half, but were lacking that quality where it counted. 

The quality of both teams seemed to deteriorate in the 2nd half. Again it was Nigeria who applied to most pressure to no avail. Poor set pieces and lack of quality in the final third unfortunately contributed to the first poor match of the tournament and the first goalless game. 

All of the other groups have thrown surprises into the mix with teams who were destined to lose picking up a shock result, but for both Iran and Nigeria I can safely say that neither of these teams are looking likely to progress in Brazil 2014. 


Sunday, 15 June 2014

World Cup Review 2014

France 3 : 0 Honduras 

France took on Honduras in the opening game of group E. 

In a physical battle, France had to endure tactics that they will probably  not face again for some time. Honduras set out to leave their mark (literally) on the French by trying to break up the play and unsettle the game. There were many opportunities for the French to take the lead but could not find a way through. Play was halted after the two sets of teams clashed after an off the ball incident. A petulant stamp on Pogba, resulted in him kicking out. Both players were lucky not to have been sent off. Palacios however did end up being sent off for another needless tackle which resulted in a penalty cooly dispatched by Benzema.  

The tactics didn't change in the 2nd half for Honduras as they continued to take chunks out of the French and another red card was certain to happen (thankfully it didn't). France applied more pressure and early in the 2nd half a sweet cross and volley ricocheted off the post, across the line, hit the keeper which he scooped away. Hawkeye was used to confirm the ball did actually cross the line after hitting the goalie. More tackles flew in, and the French thankful that no one got seriously injured. A set piece whipped in fell to Benzema to rifle in his 2nd and France's 3rd. 

The odd chance here and there for Honduras but in the end a comfortable win for France. 

World Cup Review 2014

Switzerland 2 : 1 Ecuador 

Another close and exciting opening game fro group E as Switzerland played Ecuador. 

It was a game which again, people had Switzerland down as the runaway winners. But it was the underdogs that took the lead. From a set piece the defence of Switzerland lost concentration and Ecuador headed in from close range. The first had lost a little in creativity but both teams continued to try and dominate. 

The second half started in blistering form as Switzerland scored straight after kick from a corner. From the equaliser both teams increased their tempo looking for the winning goal. Switzerland increased their pressure but could not find a way through. 

As it was looking as though it was going to be honours even. Ecuador launched a dangerous attack, only for a last ditch tackle halting what was a sure winner. And from that tackle Switzerland countered their own attack. The referee also needs to be credited with playing a critical advantage play on as Switzerland drove forward after a malicious challenge on the half way line. A low driven cross into the box was met by Stefelociv who roofed the ball into the Ecuadorean goal with the last kick of the game. 

Saturday, 14 June 2014

World Cup Review 2014

England 1 : 2 Italy 

England against Italy. A tough opening game for both of these teams. After the result from the earlier game in the group, both teams wanted to get off the the best of starts. 

In a very humid stadium both teams exploded into action, and England went straight on the front foot with a thunderbolt from Sterling just inches wide. Italy controlled the main possession throughout the half and their anchor Pirlo proved why he is still the main catalyst of the Italian side. From a quick corner Italy scored a stunning goal from outside of the box, but they always say the worst time to concede is straight after you score and it was proved right with England's equaliser from close range. Italy hit the post in the last seconds of the half just to ensure that they remained on top for the 1st half. 

Not the best of starts for England in the 2nd half as Italy punished them with a quick break down the right for Balotelli to nod in from close. England again nearly responded. The three lions tried to force the equaliser, and their possession increased, however a solid defence proved difficult to break.  As the 90 minutes came to a close Italy soaked up more England pressure and very near snatched a 3rd from a brilliant free kick from Pirlo. 

Another fantastic group game for the neutrals and if this continues, we are all in for a treat. 

World Cup Review 2014

Uruguay 1 : 3 Costa Rica 

Uruguay and Costa Rica, on paper, had Uruguay ease their way to a win, but luckily for us, it's played on grass. 

Costa Rica started the game very lively and had a few chances to open the scoring. Uruguay took their time in building momentum and it took just under 30 minutes, and another penalty, for them to get on the score sheet. At first it looked like another contentious decision but on replays, turned out to be a great call by the ref. Costa Rica didn't buckle and continued with applying pressure of their own.  And this continued right up to half time, and if it wasn't for a spectacular recovering save from the Costa Rican keeper Navas,Uruguay would have extended their lead. 

As the teams returned to the field, there was something about Costa Rica that made you think they could get back into this game. They started sharper and quicker than Uruguay and the passed the ball around well creating chances. They got their reward as Campbell cooly volleyed home another smooth passing move. And on the hour the team everyone thought as being the whipping boys took the lead from a set piece with a header from close range. Uruguay tried to get back into the game but Costa Rica were too good. They pushed and pressed and punished Uruguay again with another beautifully crafted goal. 

The first red card of the World Cup was shown after a frustration set in right at the end of the game. Costa Rica ended with the first 'upset' of this competition. 

World Cup Review 2014

Columbia 3 - 0 Greece

Opening game of group C saw Columbia take on Greece. 

This was Columbia's first World Cup since 1998 and they were in the party mood. A very loud and lively atmosphere was infectious as Columbia applied immediate pressure and opened the scoring with a goal in the first 5 minutes (and a contender for celebration of the tournament). Greece however, who do have a major tournament title under their belts nearly pulled one back after the restart. As the game continued the tempo slowed with some chances for both counties to score. Kone forced a great save (albeit one for the cameras) right at the end of the half which ended with Columbia taking a slender lead into half time. 

Both teams needed to/wanted to improve from the first half and it was Greece who started the better team. A few attacks came to nothing as Columbia were just strong for any Greek advances, then a moment of honesty from Samaras as he went over in the box only to turn to the ref and indicate that it was not a foul. Columbia doubled their lead from a scruffy corner (they all count). We also may have had the miss of the tournament as Gekas headed onto the bar from 5yrds with the open goal in front of him.  As the game drew to a close, Columbia finished as they started, strong and confident with Greece running out of stamina and ideas and a late late goal from Rodriguez made sure they take 3 points into their next game. 

This is going to be a tough group for Greece if they do not improve, whereas Columbia, even without the injured Falcao, could qualify into the knockouts after this display. 

Friday, 13 June 2014

World Cup Review 2014

Chile 3 - 1 Australia

The final opening game in group B saw Chile take on Australia. It was alway going to be a tough ask for Australia who are the lowest ranked team in this years World Cup, and it didn't take long for an attack minded Chile to open up their campaign with a goal in the first 11 minutes, shortly followed by their 2nd, four minutes later. The dominance continued and every man and his dog assumed it was going to be a cricket score, but this is the World Cup, it's not meant to be as straight forward as we all believe as the 'Socceroos' got their first goal of the competition through Timmy Cahill. Slowly but surely Australia gained confidence and composure and threatened to upset the Chilean party just before half time. The 2nd half was a complete contradiction of the 1st with Australia applying constant pressure on the Chilean goal and Bravo making a stunning save to deny a the volley from Bresciano. As the game continued it became more open with attack after attack for both team and the tournaments organisers finally got some use out of the 'goal line' technology system being used (ironically made by a German company) after a goal line clearance from Australia.  The tempo did not drop right up to the final whistle and Chile hung on to take the 3 points as Beausejour scored a 3rd Chilean goal in injury time. One thing is for sure though is that the Aussies will have gained many fans after this opening game and shouldn't be labeled a team making up numbers. 

World Cup Review 2014

Spain 1 - 5 Holland

In a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final, Holland got their revenge in an epic opening game between two of the potential European winners of this years cup. 

In a game which The Chuckle Brothers would be proud of, both teams traded blows. An early chance for Holland easily kept out, followed by a few half chances for Spain. However, another contentious decision paved way for the opening goal with another soft penalty awarded to the current World Cup holders, cooly dispatched by the consistent Alonso. More blows were traded and on the stroke of half time a moment a brilliance from Van Persie who dared to Zlatan with a beautifully guided diving header from the edge of the area. This even resulted from a "now that was a goal" by the non-football loving Kate. The second half started in the heavy rain in Salvador and the orange men (though wearing blue) took an early lead with another well taken goal and the pattern of the 1st half continued. Holland increased their lead from a set piece and with Spain pressing for the equaliser, a costly error from the most decorated Spanish player Casillas gifted RVP his second. To add salt into the wound, Holland kicked the Spanish while they were down to make it 5 and completed in what was an total brilliant 2nd half display.