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

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