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  

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.