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World Cup 2014 Day 13 Preview
Today Italy face Uruguay in a crucial game in Group D. Both sides need to win following defeats to Costa Rica and wins over England. A great game lies in store but Italy will need to improve as Luis Suarez is on fire currently. I can see a 3-2 win for Italy but Suarez could easily upset Italy’s hopes.
England face Costa Rica. England need to win for their pride and Costa Rica are safely through to the last sixteen already. England to win this in my opinion 3-1.
Columbia have already sealed a place in the last sixteen but Japan need to win and hope for Greece to cause an upset vs the Ivory coast. Columbia should have little trouble here and a 3-1 win is well within the Colombians reach. The Ivory Coast must not lose today a defensive Greece should prove to be a test but the Africans fire power should eventually break down the defense. 1-0 win here which should see the Africans progress to the next round.
The key players of today’s games.
World Cup 2014 Day 12 Review- Brazil and Mexico qualify from Group A and Netherlands seal Group B.
Yesterday Brazil got the win they needed to seal a first place finish in Group A. Neymar lead the Brazilian romp and scored two goals. Fred and Fernandinho got the other goals that helped Brazil finish first on goal difference. Cameroon got a conciliation goal from Matip who scored following poor Brazilian defending. This sets up a last 16 clash with Chile which will be a brilliant game!
Neymar celebrates yet another goal for his country.
Mexico knew that a win against Croatia would see them into the last 16. Mexico never gave up and the Croatians could do little to stop the Mexican charge. Goals from Marquez, Guardado and Hernandez were enough to see the Mexicans through and Perisic got a goal back for Croatia’s efforts.
Mexico’s veteran captain celebrates his opening goal.
Group B:
Spain finally won a World Cup match but it was too late. The retiring David Villa scored on his last international appearance. Fernando Torres and Juan Mata picked up goals to clinch a victory for Spanish pride. Australia couldn’t recreated the form they showed against Holland last week.
Mata celebrates his goal.
The Netherlands beat Chile to seal the top position in Group B. Chile put up a strong fight but in the 77th minute Leroy Fer scored putting the Dutch ahead. Memphis Depay scored his second World Cup goal. The Dutch will face Mexico in the last 16 and Chile face a strong Brazilian side.
Leroy Fer celebrates his goal with his teammates.
World Cup 2014- Nigeria knock Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nigeria vs Bosnia Match Report
Last night Nigeria picked up their first win of the 2014 World Cup when they defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0. The game was under Nigerian control for the most part and the Africans looked likely to score first. There was controversy however. Early on in the game the side were still level. Dzeko picked up a lovely pass and finished it into the back of the Nigerian net. The linesman signaled for offside quite late and the goal was disallowed. Replays showed Dzeko was onside. Nigeria took the lead in the 29th minute when Peter Odemwingie scored.
Odemwingie celebrates his goal.
While Nigeria were in control this win will be marred by a controversial refereeing decision.Bosnia’s goalkeeper Asmir Begovic took the law into his own hands when he pulled the injured Nigerian Babatunde off the pitch to resume play. Babatunde was stretchered and substituted off.
Nigeria’s Michael Babatunde leaves the field on a stretcher following an injury
Nigeria are now second in the group and only Iran can prevent them from qualifying on goal difference.
Match Facts:
Goals-Nigeria- Peter Odemwingie 29th minute (Also awarded Man Of The Match)
Bookings- Nigeria- John Obi Mikel 81st minute yellow. Bosnia and Herzegovina- Haris Medunjanin 6th minute yellow card
Substitutions- Nigeria- Shola Ameobi on for Ahmed Musa 65th minute and Ejike Uzoenyi on for Michael Babatunde 75th minute. Bosnia and Herzegovina- Vedad Ibisevic on for Izet Hajrovic 57th minute, Sejad Salihovic on for Senad Lulic 58th minute and Tino-Sven Susic on for Haris Medunjanin 64th minute.
World Cup 2014 Day 11 Preview: Belgium vs Russia- South Korea vs Algeria and USA VS Portugal
Day 11 of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil sees two games in Group H and one game in Group G. Lets begin with Group H:
Belgium vs Russia
Belgium escaped a loss in their opening game vs Algeria thanks to a Fellaini header and a Dreis Mertens strike. Belgium looked poor and struggled to beat a defensive Algerian side. Russia drew with South Korea so a win today will greatly boost their chances of qualification. Belgium are stronger in my opinion and I can’t help but see them winning their match. 2-1 win for Belgium is my prediction but expect Fabio Capello’s Russia to give a good fight.
South Korea vs Algeria
South Korea’s draw with Russia was thanks to a goalkeeping error on Russia’s side. The Koreans were very physical and lacked a goal poacher to finish chances. Algeria lead most of their encounter with Belgium but failed to hold out. A strong defensive side need a win today but I believe the Koreans will not allow that to happen easily. A 1-1 draw is on the cards here today I believe.
Group H
USA Vs Portugal
America got off to a dream start by beating Ghana 2-1 in a thrilling encounter. Clint Dempsey lead the American charge and can boast the fastest goal in the 2014 World Cup when he scored after just 29 seconds. Portugal were humiliated by Germany on Monday when Mueller and co. demolished them 4-0. Pepe will miss this game following his red card and Cristiano Ronaldo will have to show up today. America have confidence going into this match but they should fear a Portuguese retaliation to a large loss. I see Portugal winning 2-1 or 3-1 but if the Americans can hold their own a draw could easily happen.
Theses games are bound to provide some goals and some drama too! Lionel Messi saved Argentina yesterday so can Ronaldo do the same for a Portuguese side in difficulty?? We will soon find out!
World Cup 2014- Germany stuck by Ghana- Match Report Germany vs Ghana
A strong German side took on a Ghana side who needed to get points out of this game. Germany were of course expected to walk all over Ghana following their first win over Portugal. The sides both had good chances in the first but failed to capitalize on them. Germany looked certain to score but a strong Ghanaian defense lead by Jonathan Mensah kept the Germans out for the first half.
Mario Goetze of Germany battles for the ball against Sulley Muntari of Ghana.
The Germans were struggling with the intense heat but a defensive lapse in the 51st minute saw Thomas Mueller play a over the top pass right into club mate Mario Goetze who headed the ball on to his knee and into the back of the Ghanaian net. Ghana could have given up and played for a one nil loss but three minutes later André Ayew headed Ghana level. Germany looked rocked and the heat was clearly a challenge for them. That is when a Ghanaian interception allowed Asamoah Gyan to give Ghana the lead with a well taken goal.
Captain Gyan celebrates his goal with team mates.
Germany’s manager Joachim Loew was forced to bring on veteran striker Miroslav Klose and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Klose broke the heats of a nation when he got a touch on the ball from a corner which beat the Ghanaian defense. Both sides now attacked but Klose’s 71st minute goal sealed the match. This goal sees him go level with the Brazilian Ronaldo on most World Cup goals,one more and he will have the title all for himself. The Black Stars have proved that Germany are beatable and their defensive play clearly frustrated German management. There was concern at the final whistle when Thomas Mueller collided with the shoulder of a Ghanaian defender. He was bleeding heavily and I wish him a speedy recovery. Mario Goetze collected the Man Of The Match award.
Match Details:
Goals- Germany- Mario Gotze 51st minute and Miroslav Klose 71st minute. Ghana- André Ayew 54th minute and Asamoah Gyan 63rd minute.
Bookings- Ghana- Sulley Muntari 94th minute yellow.
Substitutions- Germany- Shkodran Mustafi on for Jerome Boateng 46th minute, Miroslav Klose on for Mario Goetze 69th minute and Bastain Schweinsteiger on for Sami Khedira 70th minute. Ghana- Jordan Ayew on for Kevin Prince Boateng 52nd minute, Mubarak Wakaso on for Christain Astu 72nd minute and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu on for Mohammed Rabiu 78th minute.
World Cup 2014- Magical Messi saves Argentina- Match Report Argentina vs Iran
Argentina escaped a draw with Iran yesterday in their second group game in the hot Belo Horizonte. Argentina knew that Iran would play a very defensive game which was clear from kick off. Argentina failed to break through the defense despite good attempts from Segio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. Argentina always threatened from corners and Garay missed the target on one occasion. The pitch conditions certainly didn’t suit the Argentinian’s, the pitch was sticky and the ball was getting caught in their feet. This caused frustration on counter attacks when players such as Higuain failed to pass the ball quickly enough.
Angel di Maria controls the ball in the first half vs Iran.
Carlos Queiroz’s changed Iran’s tactics at half time which saw the Iranian’s go on counter attacks. Despite the pitch being watered at half time Argentina struggled to pass smoothly. Argentina’s goalkeeper Romero was called in to action on several occasions stopping almost certain goals for Iran keeping his team in the game. I felt four players let Argentina down yesterday. Sergio Aguero has done very little in this World Cup and should be providing move support to Lionel Messi. Gonzalo Higuain started the match but his height was not utilized and he made little impact. Angel di Maria was surprisingly poor yesterday his passing wasn’t smooth and his efforts at crossing were not the best he can provide. Gago in midfield was also included he failed to impress and his passes were not creative. Argentina brought of Lavezzi and Palacio with 14 minutes to go. Lavezzi tried his best as for Palacio he was asleep out there. He failed to control a perfect pass from Messi which could have provided a goal for his team. In the end the little genius Messi didn’t give up and the captain scored a sublime goal from outside the box curling it into the back or the net with his left foot.
Messi celebrates his stunning winner in the 91st minute.
Argentina failed to support Messi and expected him to do it all for them. If his team mates do not improve Messi alone will not win the World Cup. Argentina now have 6 points and are safely through to the last 16.
Match Facts:
Goals- Argentina- Lionel Messi 91st minute
Bookings- Iran- Javad Nekonam yellow 53rd minute. Masoud Soleimani Shojaei yellow 73rd minute.
Substitutions- Argentina- Rodrigo Palacio on for Gonzalo Higuain 76th minute, Ezequiel Lavezzi on for Sergio Aguero 76th minute and Lucas Biglia on for Angel di Maria 90+4 minute.
World Cup 2014 Day 10 Preview: Argentina vs Iran – Germany vs Ghana and Nigeria vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Day ten of the 2014 FIFA World Cup sees two games in Group F and one in Group G. Lets begin with Group F:
Argentina vs Iran
Argentina won their first group game against Bosnia but failed to impress many in a 2-1 win. Star player and captain Lionel Messi got a monkey off his back by scoring his first World Cup goal in eight years. I can only hope he continues to score goals on a World Stage. Being the captain Messi’s solo run spurred on his team who seemed much better in possession and should have scored another goal. Poor defending allowed Bosnia to get back one goal so Argentina’s weakness is clearly in defense. Goalkeeper Romero saved some strong shots and kept Argentina in the game. Iran played out the first draw of this World Cup in a scoreless draw with Nigeria on Monday. Iran will defend well but I cannot help but see Argentina’s strong attack beating this and picking up the three points. A 3-0 or 4-0 win could be on the cards or Iran could lock the Albiceleste out and play for a draw.
Nigeria vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nigeria and Bosnia are both second favorites to qualify from Group F behind Nigeria. Bosnia look to be ahead in performances currently even though they lost Nigeria failed to beat Iran. With it all to play for Bosnia will look to beat the Nigerian’s at all costs. Edin Dzeko will have to preform along with Pjanic who will have to control the midfield. Nigeria will put up a challenge but Bosnia are favorites for me in this one. A 2-1 win for Bosnia could easily happen.
Group G
Germany vs Ghana
Germany got off to a dream start in the so called “Group Of Death” when they beat a Cristiano Ronaldo lead Portugal. The 4-0 demolition on Monday shocked many and Thomas Muller’s hat trick showed that the Germans will be a force to reckon with. Ghana lost 2-1 to America in a hard match and will have to win this match to stay in contention of going through. It was Ghana’s defense that cost them the second and winning goal and Germany will expose and take advantage of this. Ghana are unlikely to win and another 4-0 win could happen. I would hope Ghana could put up a fight but this is unlikely.
The games kick off at 5pm ( ARG VS IRN) 8PM (GER VS GHA) and 11PM (NGA VS BIH) all times GMT. I hope we seem some great goals and players such as Messi shining on the world stage in Brazil. Follow the blog to be notified of new posts such as tomorrows match report and match previews!
World Cup 2014- Ecuador get past Honduras
Ecuador last night boosted their chances of qualification for the last sixteen by beating Honduras 2-1. It will remain a memorably night for Honduran player Carlo Costly as he scored his nations first World Cup goal since a 1-1 all draw with Northern Ireland in 1982. However his goal was not enough to stop a strong Ecuador squad.
Costly celebrates a memorable goal.
Ecuador however replied within three minutes when Enner Valencia score the equalizer. It was level at half time but Ecuador were always looking the strongest. This strength paid off in the 65th minute when Valencia scored his second goal of the match. Honduras couldn’t reply and their shots never challenged the keeper. The referee’s decisions were questionable and both side could have been awarded penalties. Ecuador must avoid defeat if Switzerland beat Honduras to go through on goal difference. There is still a lot to play for in this Group so a lot lies ahead for us football fans!
Enner Valencia celebrates scoring.
Match Details:
Goals- Honduras- Carlo Costly 31st minute. Ecuador- Enner Valencia 34th and 65th minutes.
Bookings- Honduras- Victor Bernárdez 7th minute yellow and Jerry Bengtson 45+3 minutes yellow. Ecuador- Antonio Valencia 57th minute yellow, Enner Valencia 73rd minute yellow and Jefferson Montero 80th minute yellow.
Substitutions- Honduras- Juan Carlos Garcia on for Emilio Izaguirre 46th minute, Mario Martinez on for Luis Garrido 71st minute and Marvin Chávez on for Óscar García 83rd minute. Ecuador- Edison Méndez on for Felipe Caicedo 82nd minute, Carlos Armando Guezo Arboleda on for Oswaldo Minda 83rd minute and Gabriel Achilier on for Jefferson Montero 90+2 minutes.
World Cup 2014- France Steamroll Swiss
A strong French squad last night demolished Switzerland in a demoralizing 5-2 victory. Switzerland were hit with an early injury when Steve von Bergen was forced off with a facial injury following a collision with Oliver Giroud’s boot. Giroud was the first goal scorer from a corner his strong header found the top corner of the net despite Benaglio’s best efforts in goal. Things went from bad to worse when France stole the ball from kickoff and Matuidi made it 2-0 in the space of a minute. The Swiss were rocked and omens were not looking good for the rest of the match.
Blaise Matuidi finishing off a fine French counter attacking move.
France were awarded a penalty in the 32nd minute. Karim Benzema stepped up to take the penalty which was saved well by Benaglio and Valbuena missed the rebound. Mathieu Valbuena made up for this miss in the 40th when he bagged France’s third goal. Switzerland had a lot of work to do to come back into the game and when Karim Benzema scored the fourth goal in the 67th minute the match seemed all but over. Moussa Sissoko had other ideas as he scored a fifth goal in the 73rd minute. France then became complacent and a long range free kick from Blerim Dzemaili went through the wall and into the back of Hugo Lloris’s net. The game wasn’t over there how ever as Granit Xhaka bagged Switzerland a second goal. Benzema put the ball into the back of the net just after the final whistle which should have stood in my opinion. Nevertheless France still earned 3 points in an impressive victory. Switzerland look to be in a good position to qualify unless France loose to Ecuador.
Blerim Demaili’s free kick on route to the French goal.
Karim Benzema was once again awarded the Man Of The Match Award and looks to be in good form, Switzerland will need to pick themselves up following this trashing.
Benzema with his Man Of The Match award.
Match Details:
Goals- France- Oliver Giroud 17th minute, Blaise Matuidi 18th minute, Mathieu Valbuena 40th minute, Karim Benzema 67th minute and Moussa Sissoko 73rd minute. Switzerland- Blerim Dzemaili 81st minute and Graint Xhaka 87th minute.
Bookings- France- Yohan Cabye 88th minute
Substitutions- Switzerland- Philippe Senderos on for Steve von Bergen 9th minute, Blerim Dzemaili on for Valon Behrami 46th minute and Josip Drmic on for Haris Seferovic 69th minute. France- Paul Pogba on for Oliver Giroud 63rd minute, Laurent Koscielny on for Mamadou Sakho 66th minute and Antoine Griezmann on for Mathieu Valbuena 82nd minute.
Total Football 