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

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.