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. 

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

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. 

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.