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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.