Tag Archives: Algeria

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June 22, 2014

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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

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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

Image                                             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

Image                                             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!

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June 18, 2014

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World Cup 2014 – Belgium’s Golden Generation get off to a shaky start

Belgium began their World Cup campaign yesterday evening as they faced Algeria in the first Group H match. Conditions were idea in a dry Belo Horizonte with the sun shining down on the stadium. Belgium fans were expecting an easy game but little did they know that Algeria would make life very difficult for their team. Belgium controlled much of the early play but failed to make any real chances. A moment of madness from defender Jan Vertonghen saw him receive a yellow card and a penalty for Algeria. Sofiane Feghouli slotted home the spot kick past the inform Courtois.

Feghouli slots home Algeria’s penalty in the 25th minute.

Belgium now pressed hard to find an equalizer and apart from a poor shot from Chadli they had very little actual goal attempts. Algeria defended well for the remainder of the first half and Nabil Bentaleb picked up a yellow card in the 34th minute.

Wilmots sent out an inspired side in the second half who were determined to win. He took off Chadli at half time for Napoli starlet Dries Mertens. The Belgians passed well but lacked a finishing touch for much of the match. Striker Romelu Lukaku was substituted for Divock Origi. Lukaku struggled on his own up front and was clearly missing the support that was available when Christain Benteke was playing injury prevented him from traveling to the world cup. Moussa Dembele was switched from Maroulane Fellaini on the 65th minute. Five minutes later Fellaini headed home Belgium’s equalizer from a cross supplied by brilliantly by Kevin De Bruyne.

 

 Algeria’s Mbolhi looks on as Fellaini’s header beats him in goals.

Just ten minutes later the comeback was complete. A strong Belgian counter attack saw Mertens fire home a storng shot into the top corner.Belgium then defended their lead and ran down the clock for some time.

 

 Dries Metens celebrates his winning goal with Romelu Lukaku.

Overall a team tipped to be dark horses for this tournament were pushed hard by a surprisingly strong Algerian side. The Golden Generation will have to show more class and improve their finishing touches in attack. Kevin De Bryune was awarded man of the match for his superb passing and effort across the field.

 

Match Details :

GOALS: Sofiane Feghouli penalty 25 minutes Algeria

                Marouane Fellaini 70 minutes  Belgium

                 Dries Mertens     80 minutes   Belgium

Bookings: Jan Vertonghen Belgium 24 minutes – Yellow

                  Nabil Bentaleb Algeria   34 minutes  – Yellow

Substitutions: Dries Mertens on for Nacer Chadli 46 minutes Belgium

                        Divock Origi on for Romelu Lukaku 58 minutes Belgium

                        Marouane Fellaini on for Moussa Dembele 65 minutes Belgium

                        Islam Slimani on for  El Arabi Soudani 66 minutes Algeria

                        Medhi Lacen on for Riyad Soudani 71 minutes   Algeria

                        Nabil Ghilas on for Carl Medjani 84 minutes Algeria.

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June 18, 2014

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World Cup 2014 Day 6 Preview : Belgium vs Algeria – Brazil vs Mexico and Russia vs South Korea

Tuesday sees three World Cup matches take place as usual. The games will begin at 5pm, 8pm and 11pm. Lets start by looking at Group H.

Belgium vs Algeria:

A much anticipated game this evening will see Belgium’s young squad take on Algeria’s semi-decent side. Belgium’s side boasts players such as Thibaut Courtois, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku among others. The game is widely seen as a formality for the Belgians but don’t be surprised if the Algerians put up a fight. Match kicks off at 5pm so make a note. I fancy a strong Belgian squad to make an impressive performance my prediction is a 3-0 win for them. The loss of Christian Benteke is substantial but I believe they can compensate.

 

 Russia vs South Korea

 

Russia take on South Korea at 11pm GMT. While it mightn’t be the most exciting game both squads seem fairly level on paper. Players such as Aleksandr Kerzhakov, Alan Dzagoev and experienced goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev all front Russia’s main team. South Korea have a team of unknowns to many but some hidden gems may cause difficulty for the Russians. I can’t help but see a hard fought win for the Russians. My prediction is a 2-1 win for Russia.

 

 Group A:

Group A sees hosts Brazil in action again. The match kicks off at 8pm and many eyes including my own will be on this interesting encounter. Brazil were underwhelming in their opener against Croatia. A controversial penalty decision saw Neymar and Brazil take the lead. Oscars late strike sealed a 3-1 win for the Brazilians.

The Brazilian team boasts strength in both defense and attack. Key players such as Thiago Silva, David Luiz and Neymar will have to bring their A games. Mexico had two goals disallowed for offside which were onside. A Peralta strike saw Mexico get a deserved win over Cameroon. Mexico impressed many and rightly feel hard done by some questionable calls. Giovani dos Santos was a key player who played very well in Mexico’s opener. Neymar will be expected to score and has a lot of pressure on him once again. I cannot help but see a win for Brazil but it will not come easy. My prediction is a 2-1 win for the Selecao. Mexico present a challenge for the hosts who will feel the pressure once again.

 

 I hope these games will provide some entertainment and a little bit of drama! I will see you again tomorrow to review each of these games! Enjoy the beautiful game.