XX WORLD CUP (BRAZIL 2014)

FINAL STAGE — GAME DETAILS

(From 12-06-2014 to 13-07-2014)

 

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Corinthians (São Paulo)

DATE: 12-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 62.103

REFEREE: Yuichi Nishimura (JAP)

GOALS: 0-1 (Marcelo [o.g.] 11’); 1-1 (Neymar 29’); 2-1 (Neymar [p.] 71’); 3-1 (Oscar 90+’)

BOOKED: Neymar (27’), Luiz Gustavo (88’) / Ćorluka (66’), Lovren (69’)

[Incidents: Opening game of the World Cup, preceded by an inaugural ceremony.]

BRA

Brasil

Brazil - Croatia

Hrvatska

CRO

3-1 (1-1)

BRAZIL

Júlio César

Dani Alves, Thiago Silva (c), David Luiz, Marcelo

Oscar, Paulinho (Hernanes 63’), Luiz Gustavo, Hulk (Bernard 68’)

Neymar (Ramires 88’), Fred

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

CROATIA

Pletikosa

Srna (c), Ćorluka, Lovren, Vrsaljko

Perišić, Modrić, Kovačić (Brozović 61’), Rakitić

Jelavić (Rebić 78’), Olić

COACH: Niko Kovač

GAME SUMMARY

Host and favorite Brazil got off to a shaky start in their World Cup after a hard-fought (and controversial) victory over Croatia in the opening match. Neymar, with his quick pace and moves, was instrumental in the Brazilian win. After equalizing the early Croatian advantage (a Marcelo’s own-goal, the first in the World Cup history of the Canarinha), FC Barcelona’s attacker converted a dubious penalty won by Fred. In the dying minutes of the game, a third goal by Oscar secured all three points for Brazil.

 

Taking advantage of the hosts’ nervy start to the game, Croatia, inspired by Modrić, had by far the better of the opening exchanges. The red-white checkered players, with technical skills matching those of their Brazilian rivals, gave fair warning in minute 7, when Perišić’s cross was met by his Wolfsburg teammate Olić with a powerful downward header that bounced up past the angle. However, the Brazilian fan’s relief turned to dismay four minutes later, as Olić took advantage of the open space left by Dani Alves down the left to fire in a cross that nicked off Jelavić’s instep and bounced off the bewildered Marcelo to roll into the goal. The Brazilian players seemed electrified by the challenge, and launched an onslaught on the Croatian area, with Oscar and Neymar at the center of the action. In minute 15, a dangerous cross by the Chelsea’s midfielder reached Neymar at the far post, but his acrobatic attempt failed to make the right contact. Oscar then tried himself in minute 22, bringing a terrific save from Pletikosa as the ball seemed to be curling into his top right-hand corner. However, near the half-hour mark, Neymar struck the equalizer after receiving a pass from Oscar, skipping free of a Perišić’s challenge and firing hard and low with his left foot through the legs of another Croatian defender; the ball went past a stretching Pletikosa and in off the post. As the Brazilian fans in Arena Corinthians noisily celebrated the equalizer, Scolari’s men piled up the pressure. Croatia, who had attacked and defended orderly until then, seemed to lose their touch for some minutes, but soon recovered their calm. The remainder of the first half saw Brazil dominate possession, with Croatia looking dangerous on the counterattack.

 

After the break, Brazil took a more patient approach to the game, putting Croatia under increasing pressure. However, the second half was a rather uneventful period until minute 67, when Dani Alves fired a free-kick too high after Ćorluka had crudely chopped down Neymar. Then, in minute 69, controversy struck in the World Cup: Fred, with his back to goal, went down in the box under minimal pressure from centre-back Lovren, who had barely laid a finger on the Brazilian attacker’s shoulder. The Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura immediately pointed at the penalty spot, among the angry protests of the Croatian players. Neymar stepped up and converted the penalty kick, despite Pletikosa getting his fingers to the ball. The Europeans tried to respond, although it was Brazil who came closer to make it 3-1 in minute 77, when Oscar picked out David Luiz in the area, but the Chelsea’s defender couldn't keep his diving header down. Six minutes later, Croatia had the ball in the net, only for Olić to be penalized for a hefty challenge on keeper Júlio César. In injury time, Oscar made sure of the Brazlian victory after surprising Pletikosa with a steered finish with the toe of his boot from the edge of the box.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena das Dunas (Natal)

DATE: 13-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.216

REFEREE: Wilmar Roldán (COL)

GOALS: 1-0 (Peralta 61’)

BOOKED: Moreno (57’) / Nounkeu (77’)

MEX

México

Mexico - Cameroon

Cameroun

CAM

1-0 (0-0)

MEXICO

Ochoa

Aguilar, Rodríguez, Márquez (c), Moreno, Layún

Herrera (Salcido 90+’), Vázquez, Guardado (Fabián 69’)

Peralta (“Chicharito” Hernández 74’), Giovani

COACH: Miguel Herrera

CAMEROON

Itandje

Djeugoué (Nounkeu 46’), N’Koulou, Chedjou, Assou-Ekotto

Moukandjo, M’Bia, Song (Webó 79’), Enoh, Choupo-Moting

Eto’o (c)

COACH: Volker Finke

GAME SUMMARY

Olympic champion Mexico got their Worl d Cup campaign under way with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon. Under a pouring rain in Natal, Oribe Peralta struck in the second half to earn a well-deserved win for the American team, who played the more enterprising football and had two Giovani dos Santos goals controversially disallowed for offside in the first half. Cameroon, after a rather disappointing performance, almost snatched a last-gasp equalizer, but goalkeeper Ochoa saved well from a firm Moukandjo header.

 

Mexico quickly made an impression in the game, with Layún and Héctor Herrera shooting from distance. In minute 10, the first moment of controversy came when Giovani brilliantly volleyed home a cross from Herrera, only to see a flag raised for a marginal offside. At the other end, Choupo-Moting also put the ball in the net, but this time there was little doubt about the offside decision that denied his goal. Then came a good spell for the African team, who was close to opening the score in minute 20, when Assou-Ekotto charged down the left to tee up Eto'o, whose shot grazed the post. Choupo-Moting was unlucky again when he headed straight at Ochoa and the defenders eventually scrambled clear. However, it was Mexico who was denied a second controversial goal in minute 28, when Giovani stooped to head in from a Layún corner: although the Mexican player was in an offside position, the ball was diverted into his path by Choupo-Moting and not flicked on by a teammate.

 

Mexico maintained their tempo after the break, and within minutes Peralta was denied by a good Itandje block. Cameroon's next chance came from a set piece, as Assou-Ekotto had a free kick deflected narrowly wide. Mexico deservedly made their breakthrough just after the hour, when Giovani raced through and was denied by Itandje, but Peralta seized on the rebound to push the ball into the empty net. Cameroon tried to get back into contention, but Mexico put the game to sleep with their experience. In the dying minutes, the Indomitable Lions came close to an equalizer, but Ochoa did well to keep out Moukandjo's header. “Chicharito” Hernández should have wrapped the game for Mexico in injury time, but he blazed over from short range.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

DATE: 13-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 48.173

REFEREE: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Xabi Alonso [p.] 27’); 1-1 (Van Persie 44’); 1-2 (Robben 53’); 1-3 (De Vrij 65’); 1-4 (Van Persie 72’); 1-5 (Robben 80’)

BOOKED: Casillas (65’) / De Guzmán (25’), De Vrij (41’), Van Persie (66’)

SPA

España

Spain - Netherlands

Nederland

NED

1-5 (1-1)

SPAIN

Casillas (c)

Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Piqué, Jordi Alba

Xabi Alonso (Pedro 62’), Xavi, Busquets

Silva (Fàbregas 78’), Diego Costa (Torres 62’), Iniesta

COACH: Vicente del Bosque

NETHERLANDS

Cillessen

Janmaat, Vlaar, De Vrij (Veltman 77’), Martins Indi, Blind

De Guzmán (Wijnaldum 62’), De Jong, Sneijder

Robben, Van Persie (c) (Lens 79’)

COACH: Louis van Gaal

GAME SUMMARY

In a replay of last World Cup final, Holland, inspired by Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben, took revenge on defending champions Spain with a stunning 5-1 victory. Although Del Bosque's side took the lead when Xabi Alonso converted a disputed penalty on Diego Costa, Van Persie's instinctive flying header levelled matters just before the break. The Oranje then avenged their defeat by the same opponents in the 2010 final in outrageous style, with four unanswered goals in an irresistible second half display in Salvador. This resounding victory means a huge step into qualification for the Dutch, whereas Spain will have to win their two remainding games to stay in contention, facing a probable showdown with Brazil in the second round.

 

Although La Roja began the game in a classical way, monopolizing possession, it was Van Gaal’s side who created the first clear chance after just eight minutes following a Spanish defensive disarray, but Sneijder botched a wonderful through-ball from Robben. Spain rallied quickly from that scare and soon began to stamp themselves on the game. After twenty minutes, Xavi, Iniesta, Silva and Xabi Alonso started to dictate the tempo, and Holland began to suffer in defense. In minute 27, Diego Costa latched onto a a beautifully weighted pass from Xavi. The Brazilian-born Spanish striker surged into the area and took two touches before turning De Vrij, who appeared to trip him in real time (although replays showed minimal contact). Xabi Alonso scored from the penalty spot, despite Cillessen getting a hand to the ball. Instead of falling prey to the Spanish tiqui-taca, Holland responded positively and piled the pressure on Casillas’ goal. However, it was La Roja who should have doubled their lead in minute 43, when a glorious pass from Iniesta set Silva clear in front of Cillessen, who pawed away his instinctive lob. Spain payed dearly for this miss, as a Blind’s hanging cross from the left exposed once more the defensive weakness in Del Bosque’s side: Van Persie read the space perfectly as he leapt to head high over the helpless Casillas.

 

Eight minutes into the second half, a piece of Robben magic gave Holland the lead and the Bayern München player his revenge for his miss four years ago: Van Persie's chip picked out his teammate, who controlled the ball brilliantly with the outside of his boot before turning Piqué and Sergio Ramos and converting with a slight deflection off the latter. With the Dutch threatening to run riot on the Spanish defense, Van Persie cracked a volley against the crossbar on the hour mark. In minute 65, Casillas failed to clear Sneijder's curling free kick and De Vrij bundled home at the far post to make it 3-1 for Holland. Spain tried to react, but Silva's close-range finish chalked off for offside. In minute 72, Holland put the game beyond contention when Casillas turned a harmless back pass into one dreadful touch that gave an open goal for the alert Van Persie. Robben completed Spain's misery with ten minutes left, collecting Sneijder's pass and then reducing Casillas and his defenders to a floundering mess as he made room for an emphatic finish. Holland might have scored two more goals had Wijnaldum, Robben, Lens and Sneijder been more clinical. At the other end, Torres made a woeful blunder from close range in injury time.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Pantanal (Cuiabá)

DATE: 13-06-2014 (18:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 40.275

REFEREE: Doué Noumandiez (CIV)

GOALS: 1-0 (Alexis Sánchez 12’); 2-0 (Valdivia 14’); 2-1 (Cahill 35’); 3-1 (Beausejour 90+’)

BOOKED: Aránguiz (86’) / Cahill (44’), Jedinak (58’), Milligan (67’)

CHI

Chile

Chile - Australia

Australia

AUS

3-1 (2-1)

CHILE

Bravo (c)

Isla, Medel, Jara, Mena

Aránguiz, Díaz, Valdivia (Beausejour 68’), Vidal (Gutiérrez 60’)

Alexis Sánchez, Vargas (Pinilla 88’)

COACH: Jorge Sampaoli

AUSTRALIA

Ryan

Franjić (McGowan 49’), Wilkinson, Špiranović, Davidson

Leckie, Jedinak (c), Bresciano (Troisi 78’), Milligan, Oar (Halloran 68’)

Cahill

COACH: Ange Postecoglou

GAME SUMMARY

Chile started their participation in the World Cup with a hard-fought victory over Australia. The South Americans had threatened a rout after goals from Alexis Sánchez and Jorge Valdivia in a whirlwind opening 15 minutes, but the Socceroos showed fighting spirit to reply through inspirational veteran Tim Cahill and went close to equalizing before Jean Beausejour secured the points for Chile in injury time.

 

Spain's surprise defeat earlier in the day opened up a route through the group for the highly rated Chileans, and they began as if it was all too easy. Australia, by contrast, were ragged and cut open with regularity in the early stages. In minute 12, Aránguiz crossed for Vargas, who failed to make clean contact with his header, although the Australian defense cleared poorly and Alexis Sánchez calmly picked his spot and lashed home from close range. Chile doubled their lead less than two minutes later when the active Alexis Sánchez brilliantly turned Jedinak and raced into space as Vargas drew the defense with a well-timed run. The Barcelona attacker picked out Valdivia on the edge of the box, who finished with a clinical lobbed effort into the roof of the net. The game seemed beyond Australia at that early stage and Chile looked likely to increase their lead as they maintained their tempo for much of the opening half-hour. But the Socceroos gradually began to settle and Cahill dragged them back into the game with a trademark header, outjumping Medel to meet a superb deep cross from Franjić. Within two minutes, Australia almost equalized as Leckie's cute pass found Cahill again, although Bravo was ready to save well with his feet. At the other end, Isla was released by a fine pass from Vidal but was denied by a superb challenge from Davidson.

 

Early in the second half, Cahill headed past Bravo once again from a Leckie cross, only to be frustrated by an offside flag. As outsiders Australia began to gain confidence, Bravo produced a brilliant save to keep out a powerful first-time shot of Bresciano from a Davidson cross. Play switched quickly to the other end, where Wilkinson cleared off the line after Vargas dinked the ball over Ryan from another defense-splitting Alexis Sánchez pass. Bresciano continued to get forward from midfield in search of an equalizer and fired wide. Cahill's presence in advanced positions also gave Chile continuing problems. However, in injury time, substitute Beausejour wrapped up the game for Chile after Ryan saved from Pinilla.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Mineirão (Belo Horizonte)

DATE: 14-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 57.174

REFEREE: Mark Geiger (USA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Armero 5’); 2-0 (Teo Gutiérrez 58’); 3-0 (James Rodríguez 90+’)

BOOKED: Carlos Sánchez (26’) / Papastathopoulos (52’), Salpingidis (55’)

COL

Colombia

Colombia - Greece

Ελλάδα

GRE

3-0 (1-0)

COLOMBIA

Ospina

Zúñiga, Zapata, Yepes (c), Armero (Arias 74’)

Cuadrado, Aguilar (Mejía 69’), James Rodríguez, Carlos Sánchez, Ibarbo

Teo Gutiérrez (Jackson Martínez 76’)

COACH: José Pékerman

GREECE

Karnezis

Torosidis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Cholebas

Maniatis, Katsouranis (c), Kone (Karagounis 78’), Samaras

Salpingidis (Fetfatzidis 57’), Gekas (Mitroglou 64’)

COACH: Fernando Santos

GAME SUMMARY

Despite the absence of talismanic striker Radamel Falcao, Colombia confirmed the positive feelings during their preparation for the World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Greece. Pablo Armero gave the South Americans a dream start with a deflected opener after just five minutes. Teo Gutiérrez struck a close-range second on 58 minutes, then James Rodríguez wrapped it up for Colombia in injury time. Greece missed a number of chances to haul themselves back in the game and could have reduced the deficit on the hour when Fanis Gekas headed against the bar from point-blank range.

 

Given the Greeks' reputation for frustrating their opponents with defensive tactics, Colombia's early breakthrough was celebrated wildly by the vast majority of supporters in Mineirão. Armero met Cuadrado's low cross with a right-foot drive which took a slight deflection off Manolas on its way into the net. The Europeans almost obtained an immediate equalizer when Samaras squeezed a pass to the unmarked Kone in the box, whose right-foot shot went just off the mark. Greece gradually gained a foot-hold in the game, although Colombian goalkeeper Ospina had almost nothing to do in the opening half-hour. In minute 28, Torosidis flashed a header just wide from a Cholebas free kick. James Rodríguez and Cuadrado spurned half-chances for Colombia before Kone had his side's best opportunity on the stroke of halftime, firing a rising right-foot effort which was superbly saved by Ospina.

 

Greece went out in the second half with more urgency, but despite the best efforts of Samaras it was the Colombians who eventually extended their lead near the hour mark, when a corner from the right was flicked across the face of goal by Aguilar and Teo Gutiérrez stuck out a leg to push the ball into the net. Gekas missed a golden chance to reduce the deficit in minute 63, when his diving header from Kone's deep cross struck the bar and rebounded to safety. As the pressure began to ease on the Colombians, they looked to take advantage of the counterattack. In injury time, James Rodríguez grabbed the goal he deserved when he picked up a neat lay-off from Cuadrado to slide the third past the hapless Kamezis.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Castelão (Fortaleza)

DATE: 14-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 58.679

REFEREE: Felix Brych (GER)

GOALS: 1-0 (Cavani [p.] 24’); 1-1 (Campbell 54’); 1-2 (Duarte 57’); 1-3 (Ureña 84’)

BOOKED: Lugano (50’), Gargano (56’), Cáceres (81’), Maxi Pereira (RC 90+’)

[Incidents: Maxi Pereira was sent off (min. 90+).]

URU

Uruguay

Uruguay - Costa Rica

Costa Rica

CRC

1-3 (1-0)

URUGUAY

Muslera

Maxi Pereira, Lugano (c), Godín, Cáceres

Stuani, Gargano (Á. González 60’), A. Ríos, C. Rodríguez (Hernández 76’)

Cavani, Forlán (Lodeiro 60’)

COACH: Óscar Tabárez

COSTA RICA

Keylor Navas

Gamboa, Duarte, Giancarlo González, Umaña, Júnior Díaz

Tejeda (Cubero 74’), Borges, Bolaños (Barrantes 89’)

Bryan Ruiz (c) (Ureña 83’), Campbell

COACH: Jorge Luis Pinto

GAME SUMMARY

Costa Rica produced the first major World Cup shock after defeating Uruguay in Fortaleza. With star attacker Luis Suárez sidelined, as he was still recovering from knee surgery, fellow striker Edinson Cavani gave the South Americans the lead midway the first half by converting a penalty kick. However, Tabárez’s side failed to capitalize on their lead, and the Ticos seized their chance with two goals within three minutes early in the second half. A late counterattack goal by Ureña completed the Costa Rican surprise. Maxi Pereira's wild swing at Campbell in added time summed up Uruguay's frustration and earned him the first red card of the competition.

 

Uruguay posed problems for the Costa Rican defense early on. After fifteen minutes, Godín, at the back post, turned home a Cavani flick, only to be denied by an offside flag, and seconds later the PSG attacker sliced a volley wildly wide with the goal at his mercy. In minute 23, a rugby challenge from Júnior Díaz on Lugano in the area was punished, allowing Cavani to slot home from the spot. Costa Rica's response saw Campbell's audacious left-footed distant effort whizz just past Muslera's left-hand post and Giancarlo González fire into the side-netting via a deflection. Near halftime, Muslera failed to clear an inswinging corner but, fortunately for him, Giancarlo Gonzalez also missed at the far post, while at the other end Forlán's deflected shot looped up wickedly, although Keylor Navas got back on time to tip it over the crossbar.

 

For all Uruguay's supposed power up front, they were made to pay for not providing their feared strikers with enough chances as Costa Rica turned the match around in three second-half minutes. After Muslera had denied Duarte’s close-range header at the back post, wing-back Gamboa's cross picked out Campbell, who fired home past a motionless Muslera from inside the area for the equalizer. Then, Duarte got his reward in a carbon-copy move of the glorious chance he had missed minutes before, this time beating the goalkeeper with his diving header. The Uruguayan coach Tabárez sent on midfielders Lodeiro and Álvaro Gonzalez to try to get a hold in a game that had turned awkward, but Uruguay rarely troubled the Ticos defense. In fact, it was Campbell who came close to extend the Costa Rican lead in minute 65, when he sent a superb long-range effort just wide. With the Central Americans looking the most likely side to score on the counterattack, substitute Ureña latched onto a surgical through-ball from Campbell to slot coolly past the advancing Muslera. To compound the Uruguayan misery, a frustrated Maxi Pereira was sent off in injury time after a wild hack at Campbell.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena da Amazônia (Manaus)

DATE: 14-06-2014 (18:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.800

REFEREE: Björn Kuipers (NED)

GOALS: 0-1 (Marchisio 35’); 1-1 (Sturridge 37’); 1-2 (Balotelli 50’)

BOOKED: Sterling (90+’)

[Incidents: England physiotherapist Gary Lewin dislocated his ankle after landing on a water bottle while celebrating Sturridge’s equalizer, and will miss the rest of the tournament.]

ENG

England

England - Italy

Italia

ITA

1-2 (1-1)

ENGLAND

Hart

Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines

Welbeck (Barkley 61’), Gerrard (c), Sterling, Henderson (Wilshere 73’)

Sturridge (Lallana 80’), Rooney

COACH: Roy Hodgson

ITALY

Sirigu

Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini

Candreva (Parolo 79’), Verratti (Motta 57’), De Rossi, Pirlo (c), Marchisio

Balotelli (Immobile 73’)

COACH: Cesare Prandelli

GAME SUMMARY

In the best game of the tournament so far, England and Italy offered a monument to football in which both teams deserved to win. In the draining heat of Manaus, the Azzurri won 2-1 in their World Cup opener thanks to Mario Balotelli's winner early in the second half, after Daniel Sturridge had cancelled out a Claudio Marchisio effort. A rejuvenated English side (with Raheem Sterling impressing with his quick feet and moves) went boldly and brightly for Italy from the first whistle, with Sterling, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson all coming close in the first half), but a more experienced Prandelli’s team took advantage of some defensive shortcomings to make the English pay dearly. Ten minutes from halftime, an inexplicably unmarked Marchisio drove Italy ahead from outside the box. Although Sturridge equalized quickly following a brilliant counterattack, Balotelli escaped the watch of Gary Cahill at the back post to restore his side’s lead. Despite the English brave efforts, the Italian defense stood firm to claim a prestigious victory.

 

Four minutes into the game, Sterling blasted a right-footed shot from outside the box which rippled the side-netting past the flying Sirigu (who was standing in for the injured captain Gianluigi Buffon). England's explosive start continued moments later, when Henderson unleashed a low shot that Sirigu scrambled across his line to save. In minute 11, as Italy was struggling to keep pace with England's electric attack, Welbeck let fly another low drive which skimmed the turf and flew inches wide. The Azzurri had their first approach to goal in minute 19, when Candreva smashed a shot from distance which dipped just in front of Hart and rebounded off the English keeper’s chest. Then it was England's turn to threaten again as Welbeck got in on the right side of the box and saw his low cross deflected off Barzagli. In minute 35, Pirlo dummied Verratti's corner to let the ball roll on to Marchisio who, unmarked on the edge of the box, shot past three defenders into the net. England responded immediately though, when an excellent pass from Sterling released Rooney down the left-hand side behind the Italian defense, and the Manchester United attacker sent an inviting cross towards the far post, where the unmarked Sturridge hit a first-time side-foot past Sirigu. The England bench celebrated the equalizer a little too hard, and physio Gary Lewin had to be carried off on a stretcher with a dislocated ankle. Near halftime, the impressive Italian right-back Darmian cut inside through the England midfield before blazing his left-footed effort over the bar, then Jagielka cleared Balotelli's chip off the line and Candreva hit a post.

 

Hodgson’s men started the second half as they did the first, and Sturridge pelted a low drive which Sirigu pushed away. However, another slack marking by the English defense allowed Italy to retake the lead five minutes from the restart, when a clever cross from Candreva to the far post found Balotelli in the right spot to score with a downward header. England pressed hard for the equalizer and had two fair penalty appeals turned down: first Chiellini swept Welbeck's legs from beneath, then Paletta knocked Gerrard over. In minute 62, Baines slided a pass into the left side of the box to Rooney, who cut back on to his right foot but dragged his shot wide of the post. Then it was substitute Barkley who darted into the box and cut onto his right foot before seeing his low, curling attempt pushed away by Sirigu. As the heat started taking its toll on the players, the game turned into an open contest, with chances on both ends. In the last ten minutes, while England's passing started to go awry, the Italians kept the ball well until the final whistle blew.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Pernambuco (Recife)

DATE: 14-06-2014 (22:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 40.267

REFEREE: Enrique Osses (CHI)

GOALS: 0-1 (Honda 16’); 1-1 (Bony 64’); 2-1 (Gervinho 66’)

BOOKED: Bamba (54’), Zokora (58’) / Yoshida (23’), Morishige (64’)

CIV

Côte d'Ivoire

Ivory Coast - Japan

日本

JAP

2-1 (0-1)

IVORY COAST

Barry

Aurier, Zokora, Bamba, Boka (Djakpa 75’)

Kalou, Tioté, Yaya Touré (c), Die (Drogba 62’), Gervinho

Bony (Konan 78’)

COACH: Sabri Lamouchi

JAPAN

Kawashima

Uchida, Morishige, Yoshida, Nagatomo

Yamaguchi, Honda, Hasebe (c) (Endo 54’), Kagawa (Kakitani 86’)

Okazaki, Osako (Okubo 67’)

COACH: Alberto Zaccheroni

GAME SUMMARY

Ivory Coast got off to a winning start at the World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Japan. Although the Blue Samurais took an early lead thanks to an impressive strike by star midfielder Keisuke Honda, the Elephants, with the influential arrival off the bench of captain Didier Drogba, rallied with two consecutive headers by Wilfried Bony and Gervinho, who converted crosses from the impressive right-back Serge Aurier.

 

Japan’s incisive passing caused Ivory Coast problems early in the match. After some quick exchanges between Kagawa, Honda and Okazaki, the latter forced a corner with his goalbound header on the quarter-hour. The kick was taken short and Kagawa laid the ball on for Honda inside the penalty area, who shifted the ball from his right to left foot before drilling a shot inside the right-hand post. Japan should have doubled their advantage five minutes later when Uchida cut in from the right but opted to go for goal and shot straight at the goalkeeper with teammates well placed in the middle. Ivory Coast stepped up the pressure but failed to test goalkeeper Kawashima, with Kalou heading over from close range just before the break.

 

Ivory Coast continued their quest for an equalizer early in the second half. Kalou threatened with runs inside from the left and the Japanese were forced further and further back into a defensive posture. After the hour mark, following a penalty claim when Yaya Touré appeared to be brought down by Yoshida, Ivorian coach Sabri Lamouchi finally brought on Drogba, and the talismanic captain made an immediate impact in the game, stretching the Japanese defense. Only two minutes after his introduction, the African team equalized thanks to a glancing header by Bony. Seconds later, another inch-perfect cross from Aurier picked out Gervinho, whose racing header at the near post beat Kawashima. The Japanese looked physically and mentally deflated after the Ivorian goals, and were unable even to create chances to restore parity.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Nacional de Brasília (Brasília)

DATE: 15-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 68.351

REFEREE: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB)

GOALS: 0-1 (E. Valencia 22’); 1-1 (Mehmedi 48’); 2-1 (Seferović 90+’)

BOOKED: Djourou (84’) / Paredes (53’)

SWI

Schweiz / Suisse

Switzerland - Ecuador

Ecuador

ECU

2-1 (0-1)

SWITZERLAND

Benaglio

Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Von Bergen, Rodríguez

Shaqiri, Behrami, Xhaka, İnler (c), Stocker (Mehmedi 46’)

Drmić (Seferović 75’)

COACH: Ottmar Hitzfeld

ECUADOR

Domínguez

Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, W. Ayoví

A. Valencia (c), Gruezo, Noboa, Montero (Rojas 77’)

Caicedo (Arroyo 70’), E. Valencia

COACH: Reinaldo Rueda

GAME SUMMARY

An injury-time goal by Haris Seferović snatched a dramatic win for Switzerland and avoided the first draw in the World Cup. The Real Sociedad striker got on the end of a late counterattack to convert Ricardo Rodríguez's low cross at the near post and make it 2-1. This late goal was a kind of poetic justice for the Swiss, who had a second-half goal by Josip Drmić wrongly ruled out for offside.. Ironically, the winner came right after Ecuador had spurned a golden opportunity at the other end: Michael Arroyo delayed his shot on target and was dispossessed by Valon Behrami, who launched a swift break to seal the fate of the game. Before this dramatic end, poor defending had resulted in the first two goals, with Enner Valencia heading Ecuador in front in the first half, then Admir Mehmedi equalizing after nodding home a corner just two minutes after his halftime introduction.

 

After a cagey start, the Swiss had the better of the first half. Shaqiri’s quick feet allowed him space to test goalkeeper Domínguez on a number of occasions. In minute 22, however, Ottmar Hitzfeld's side were made to pay for sloppy defending, when Walter Ayoví's free kick on the left flank saw Xhaka and Djourou both get the wrong side of Enner Valencia, who easily converted his header from close range. The Ecuadorian goal didn’t change the pattern of play, and Switzerland resumed their dominance, although the South Americans always hinted a threat on the break. Despite consistent pressure and countless crosses, the Europeans couldn’t find an equalizer before halftime.

 

The introduction of Mehmedi for Valentin Stocker payed instant dividents for Switzerland in the second half, as the former headed home Rodríguez's corner to level matters. Ecuador hit back with Enner Valencia firing just over after a lateral run across the edge of the penalty area, then Montero's driving run down the left ended with goalkeeper Benaglio deflecting his shot to corner. With twenty minutes to go, Drmić had a goal ruled out despite the touch from Rodríguez's ball coming from Guagua after Xhaka had dummied the ball. Moments later, Shaqiri fired into the side-netting and Von Bergen frustrated Enner Valencia after the Ecuadorian striker was presented with an open goal following miscommunication between Benaglio and Djourou. With the game getting stretched and pointing at the first draw of the competition, Arroyo's hesitation in dealing with Antonio Valencia's cross proved disastrous for Ecuador in injury time, as Behrami blocked his shot and broke downfield to set up the winner: Rodríguez charged on the left, and his near-post cross was netted by substitute Seferović into the roof of the net for a dramatic winner.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

DATE: 15-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 43.012

REFEREE: Sandro Meira Ricci (BRA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Benzema [p.] 45’); 2-0 (Valladares [o.g.] 48’); 3-0 (Benzema 72’)

BOOKED: Evra (7’), Pogba (28’), Cabaye (45+’) / W. Palacios (28’), W. Palacios (43’ > RC), Boniek García (53’), Garrido (83’)

[Incidents: Wilson Palacios was sent off (min. 43).]

FRA

France

France - Honduras

Honduras

HON

3-0 (1-0)

FRANCE

Lloris (c)

Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra

Pogba (Sissoko 57’), Cabaye (Mavuba 65’), Matuidi

Valbuena (Giroud 78’), Benzema, Griezmann

COACH: Didier Deschamps

HONDURAS

Valladares (c)

Beckeles, Bernárdez (O. Chávez 46’), Figueroa, Izaguirre

Najar (Claros 58’), W. Palacios, Garrido, Espinoza

Bengtson (Boniek García 46’), Costly

COACH: Luis Fernando Suárez

GAME SUMMARY

An outstanding display of Karim Benzema helped France to a clear victory in their opening game in the World Cup. With Franck Ribéry missing the tournament through injury, the Real Madrid attacker showed he’s the new rooster by scoring twice and forcing an own goal as Les Bleus beat 10-man Honduras 3-0. Although France was by far the better side throughout the match, it took them a Wilson Palacios’ penalty near halftime (which also earned the Honduran player a second yellow card) to open the score, as Benzema converted from the spot. Right after halftime, the Real Madrid striker's first-time shot smashed the woodwork only to be fumbled on the rebound by goalkeeper Noel Valladares, and the new goalline technology was used for the first time in the World Cup to validate the goal. Midway the second half, Benzema rifled home to wrap up a clear victory for his team.

 

France wasted no time setting the pace early in the game, with Griezmann and Valbuena both impressive. The Real Sociedad striker had a fine chance to open the scoring in the sixth minute, when he took a poor clearance on the chest and saw his goalbound effort blocked. Honduras invited pressure with a series of fouls that allowed Valbuena to send testing free kicks into the danger area. After fifteen minutes, Matuidi nearly scored from a half-cleared Valbuena delivery, controlling with his thigh then seeing his powerful shot brilliantly pushed against the bar by Valladares. France went closer yet in the 23rd minute, when Griezmann beat Figueroa to an Evra cross and headed against the crossbar. The game could have changed moments later when Wilson Palacios tussled with Pogba and the French midfielder retaliated by rashly flicking a leg out. Both players saw yellow cards, with Pogba particularly relieved not to have seen other color… After play resumed, France's flow seemed to desert them, with Benzema beginning to show frustration at his lack of clear opportunities. Near halftime, however, Wilson Palacios barged through the back of Pogba as the French player shaped to shoot, earning a second yellow card and conceding a penalty. Benzema fired into the top left corner to make it 1-0 and calm France’s nerves.

 

Three minutes into the second half, the new FIFA goalline technology was called into action when Benzema's powerful shot bounced back across goal off the inside of the post. Goalkeeper Valladares, who looked like he had prevented the ball from going over the line, was in fact adjudged responsible of an own goal. In minute 54, Griezmann sent an intelligent ball into the box to Benzema, whose effort was palmed away by Valladares to deny the French striker his second goal of the game. Amid repeated nasty challenges by the Honduran players, a third seemed inevitable, but Matuidi spurned a glorious chance shortly after the hour by slotting Evra's pinpoint cross into the side netting. Down one man and limited both physically and technically, Honduras could only offer a series of late tackles and intimidation to try to stop France from scoring a third time. However, with eighteen minutes left, Debuchy's long-range drive fell kindly for Benzema, who hammered home an unstoppable shot at the near post.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)

DATE: 15-06-2014 (19:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 74.738

REFEREE: Joel Aguilar (SLV)

GOALS: 1-0 (Kolašinac [o.g.] 3’); 2-0 (Messi 65’); 2-1 (Ibišević 85’)

BOOKED: Rojo (25’) / Spahić (63’)

ARG

Argentina

Argentina - Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bosna i Hercegovina

BIH

2-1 (1-0)

ARGENTINA

Romero

Zabaleta, Campagnaro (Gago 46’), Fede Fernández, Garay, Rojo

Maxi Rodríguez (Higuaín 46’), Mascherano, Di María

Messi (c), Agüero (Biglia 87’)

COACH: Alejandro Sabella

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Begović

Mujdža (Ibišević 69’), Bičakčić, Spahić (c), Kolašinac

Hajrović (Višća 71’), Pjanić, Misimović (Medunjanin 74’), Bešić, Lulić

Džeko

COACH: Safet Sušić

GAME SUMMARY

The much anticipated debut of Leo Messi in the World Cup didn’t disappoint, as the Argentine star scored a sublime goal after a brilliant run and finish. Despite an early lead through Sead Kolašinac’s own goal, Argentina struggled to impose themselves against World Cup debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina, who justified their presence in the final stage with a forceful (if unspectacular) display. 64 years later, Maracanã witnessed a world-class goal by a world-class player: Picking up the ball with Bosnian players blocking his path, Messi played a one-two with Gonzalo Higuaín and then embarked on one of his trademark runs across the area, leaving defenders flailing in his wake before slotting a low shot in off the post. Although Messi's goal midway the second half seemed to secure all three points for the South Americans in their opening game, Bosnia rallied late on with substitute Vedad Ibišević sealing his own place in the history books by scoring his country's first ever World Cup goal.

 

Bosnia, playing in their first major tournament as an independent nation, could not have had a tougher start to their World Cup debut when, only two minutes and ten seconds into the game, they found themselves trailing: a Messi free kick from the left was flicked on by Rojo, an the ball skidded off Kolašinac’s shin into his own goal. Newcomers Bosnia, though, refused to be demoralized by that early blow, and within minutes threatened an equalizer, with Romero racing quickly from his line to save at the feet of the onrushing Hajrović. While Messi had a dreadful first half, conceding possession too often and appearing lethargic off the ball, Bosnia stepped up to the occasion and were unlucky not to equalize in minute 40, when Lulić’s superb header was well saved by Romero low to his left.

 

As a sign of how well Bosnia had played during the first half, Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella made a double substitution at halftime, changing from the experimental 5-3-2 initial formation to a more positive 4-3-3 with the introduction of Gago and Higuaín. This had an immediate impact, and what had been a dull, defensive game opened up. Messi appeared to relish the extra support, setting up Agüero only for the Manchester City striker to slice the ball embarrassingly high and wide. More quick feet after a loose Hajrović pass saw Messi set up Agüero again: this time he was on target, but Begović was barely tested. In minute 65, Messi scored a contender for goal of the tournament: Bursting forward from midfield, the Argentina captain worked an incisive one-two with Higuaín, skipped around Bičakčić and curled a perfect left-foot shot low into the net off the inside of Begović's right-hand post. As Messi revelled in the extra space and Argentina started to find their usual attacking pace, Agüero and Higuaín came close to killing the game within the last fifteen minutes. However, Bosnia did at least ensure a dramatic finale when Ibišević raced through and squeezed a left-foot shot between the legs of Romero with five minutes remaining.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

DATE: 16-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 51.081

REFEREE: Milorad Mažić (SER)

GOALS: 1-0 (Müller [p.] 12’); 2-0 (Hummels 32’); 3-0 (Müller 45+’); 4-0 (Müller 78’)

BOOKED: João Pereira (11’), Pepe (RC 37’)

[Incidents: Pepe was sent off (min. 37).]

GER

Deutschland

Germany - Portugal

Portugal

POR

4-0 (3-0)

GERMANY

Neuer

Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels (Mustafi 73’), Höwedes

Khedira, Lahm (c), Kroos

Özil (Schürrle 63’), Müller (Podolski 82’), Götze

COACH: Joachim Löw

PORTUGAL

Rui Patrício

João Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fábio Coentrão (André Almeida 65’)

João Moutinho, Miguel Veloso (Ricardo Costa 46’), Raul Meireles

Nani, Hugo Almeida (Éder 28’), Cristiano Ronaldo (c)

COACH: Paulo Bento

GAME SUMMARY

Germany started their campaign in the World Cup with a thrashing 4-0 victory over Portugal, thanks to a hat-trick by Thomas Müller. The Germans showed all their potential and confirmed they are among the favorites to win the tournament, whereas for the Portuguese the game was a fado: their star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, failed to live up to expectations, two key players (Hugo Almeida and Fábio Coentrão) suffered injuries, and Pepe was sent off before halftime.

 

Strangely, Portugal dominated the opening exchanges and Cristiano Ronaldo inspired the first real chance of note after three minutes, as he played in Hugo Almeida after a swift counterattack, but the moustachioed striker's effort was weak and easy for Neuer to claim. The excellent German keeper came to the rescue again as Cristiano Ronaldo threatened once more with a low drive from a tight angle. After this early Portuguese scare, Germany assumed control of the game, thanks partly to some shocking defense. Khedira missed a golden opportunity when Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patrício cleared the ball straight to his feet, but the Real Madrid midfielder missed his distant shot with the empty goal beckoning. In minute 10, João Pereira pulled back Götze as he twisted in the box and the Serbian referee Milorad Mažić (in line with other such decisions in the tournament) called a penalty. Müller, full of confidence, buried his kick emphatically to put the Germans ahead. Nani sent a shot skimming over the crossbar as Portugal tried to respond, but it was Germany who struck again. After the half-hour mark, Götze was denied by a last-ditch block by João Pereira after excellent work by Özil, but from the ensuing corner, taken by Kroos, Hummels crashed home a powerful header after climbing above Pepe. Éder, who had just replaced the injured Hugo Almeida, headed over from a corner as Portugal tried desperately to get back into the game, but then came Pepe's moment of self-destruction: Müller went down claiming he had been caught in the face by Pepe's arm, and the Real Madrid defender reacted by trying to headbutt the German forward. Slightly as this contact was, Pepe’s reputation did the rest and he was sent off with a straight red card, leaving his team in tatters. To add insult to injury, Müller effectively ended any contest just before the break, firing in off Bruno Alves’ deflection as Portugal's defense was exposed once again.

 

Five minutes into the second half, Özil was denied a one-on-one with the keeper, and Müller missed a hat-trick chance with a header from the rebound. In the next Portuguese attack, Paulo Bento’s side showed an alarming lack of communication when Nani ran across Fábio Coentrão’s path on the edge of the German box to ruin a golden chance. In minute 69, Götze missed the fourth goal for Germany after receiving a through-ball from Schürrle on the edge of the box, cutting inside and shooting on goal, only to see his effort blocked by Raul Meireles. Portugal had a penalty claim turned down after Höwedes appeared to catch Éder as they challenged for the rebound from Nani's shot. However, it was Germany who finally wrapped it up in minute 78, when Schürrle crossed low and Rui Patrício merely palmed the ball to Müller, who poked it from close range to claim the first hat-trick of the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo, very inactive during all the game, tried to leave his mark in injury time with a blistering free kick, but his shot was brilliantly saved by Neuer.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

DATE: 16-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.081

REFEREE: Carlos Vera (ECU)

GOALS: -

BOOKED: Teymourian (75’)

IRN

ایران

Iran - Nigeria

Nigeria

NIG

0-0 (0-0)

IRAN

A. Haghighi

Montazeri, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Pouladi

Heidari (Shojaei 89’), Teymourian, Nekounam (c), Dejagah (Jahanb. 73’)

Hajsafi, Ghoochannejhad

COACH: Carlos Queiroz

NIGERIA

Enyeama (c)

Ambrose, Omeruo, Oboabona (Yobo 29’), Oshaniwa

Musa, Onazi, Azeez (Odemwingie 69’), Mikel, Moses (Ameobi 52’)

Emenike

COACH: Stephen Keshi

GAME SUMMARY

Iran and Nigeria provided the first goalless draw of the 2014 World Cup after a disappointing game. The point will undoubtedly make the Asians happy, but much more was expected from the Super Eagles, who presented a powerful attacking line but produced a performance riddled with errors and few clear-cut chances. Iran, one of the least fancied teams in the final stage, arguably had the best chance of an otherwise dull game when Reza Ghoochannejhad brought a fine save out of keeper Vincent Enyeama in the 34th minute. Until that point, Nigeria had dominated possession but were hampered by a woeful final ball which kept their clear-cut chances to a minimum.

 

Moses had Nigeria's first chance in the third minute when he hit a poor shot at keeper Alireza Haghighi. The Iranian guardian looked uncomfortable when pressured by the Nigerian attackers, and was lucky that Mikel had fouled him after flapping at a corner and conceding a goal in the seventh minute. Emenike was having some success down the Nigerian left, with Iranian right-back Montazeri struggling to contain the speed of the Fenerbahçe striker. In minute 31, Musa tried to cut a clever free kick inside Alireza Haghighi’s left-hand post, but the keeper reacted quickly to send the ball to corner. However, Nigerians' lack of cutting edge began to instill the Iranians with confidence, and they had their big chance three minutes later, when Ghoochannejhad met a Dejagah corner with a header which brought an excellent reflex save out of Enyeama.

 

Iran continued to grow in confidence early in the second half when Ghoochannejhad screwed a long-range shot wide of target. However, the game had developed into a largely dismal affair with neither side looking capable of challenging group rivals Argentina or Bosnia. Ameobi, who had just replaced Moses, immediately came close to connecting with a cross from the left by Azeez. After Onazi drilled a low shot straight at Alireza Haghighi, the Nigerians came close to grabbing a scarcely deserved victory in the final minute, when Ameobi met an Oshaniwa cross with an effort which was superbly intercepted by Pouladi. The final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos, fair reward for the poor game offered by Nigeria and Iran.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena das Dunas (Natal)

DATE: 16-06-2014 (19:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.760

REFEREE: Jonas Eriksson (SWE)

GOALS: 0-1 (Dempsey 1’); 1-1 (A. Ayew 82’); 1-2 (Brooks 86’)

BOOKED: Rabiu (30’), Muntari (90+’)

GHA

Ghana

Ghana - USA

United States of America

USA

1-2 (0-1)

GHANA

Kwarasey

Opare, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah

Atsu (Adomah 78’), Rabiu (Essien 71’), J. Ayew (P. Boateng 59’), Muntari

Gyan (c), A. Ayew

COACH: Kwesi Appiah

USA

Howard

Johnson, Cameron, Besler (Brooks 46’), Beasley

Bedoya (Zusi 77’), Beckerman, Bradley, Jones

Altidore (Jóhannsson 23’), Dempsey (c)

COACH: Jürgen Klinsmann

GAME SUMMARY

The United States earned a crucial 2-1 victory over Ghana and avenged their elimination at the hands of the African team in World Cups 2006 and 2010. The game looked set to end in a draw after Clint Dempsey's early goal (the fifth-fastest in the history of the World Cup finals, only 29 seconds after kick-off) was cancelled out by André Ayew, but substitute John Brooks' late header secured Jürgen Klinsmann's side three vital points.

 

Less than one minute after kick-off, Jones assisted Dempsey in the left side of the box and the Seattle Sounders attacker showed neat footwork to jink past Boye and crash an unstoppable left-foot shot in off the far post. Stunned after this early disadvantage, Ghana struggled to establish a rhythm, and it took until late in the first half for the African team to seriously test American goalkeeper Howard. Altidore wasted a great chance to double the US advantage in minute 19, when his right footed shot from the center of the box was blocked. Moments later, he had to leave the field on a stretcher with a hamstring strain. In minute 33, Ghana had their first clear opportunity, but Howard dived low to his left to push away a ferocious, low shot from Asamoah Gyan.

 

The US started the second half without central defender Besler, who joined Altidore after suffering a similar hamstring injury. These changes seemed to disrupt the North Americans, who suffered an onslaught by the Black Stars. Muntari was only inches away from finding the target with a trademark left-foot drive from long range, then Gyan headed over from an unmarked position. The US was being pegged back at this stage, and the African equalizer came as no surprise: With eight minutes to go, Gyan and André Ayew linked up, and the latter’s left-footed shot from the center of the area beat Howard. However, four minutes later, Brooks was left unmarked in a corner and the defender duly headed home to secure victory for his team.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Mineirão (Belo Horizonte)

DATE: 17-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 56.800

REFEREE: Marco Antonio Rodríguez (MEX)

GOALS: 0-1 (Feghouli [p.] 25’); 1-1 (Fellaini 70’); 2-1 (Mertens 80’)

BOOKED: Vertonghen (24’) / Bentaleb (34’)

BEL

België

Belgium - Algeria

الجزائر

ALG

2-1 (0-1)

BELGIUM

Courtois

Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany (c), Vertonghen

De Bruyne, Witsel, Chadli (Mertens 46’), Dembélé (Fellaini 65’), Hazard

Lukaku (Origi 58’)

COACH: Marc Wilmots

ALGERIA

M’Bolhi

Mostefa, Bougherra (c), Halliche, Ghoulam

Feghouli, Taïder, Mejani (Ghilas 84’), Bentaleb, Mahrez (Lahcen 71’)

Soudani (Slimani 66’)

COACH: Vahid Halilhodžić

GAME SUMMARY

The much-hyped Belgium started their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory against Algeria. Les Diables Rouges, who were losing to Sofiane Feghouli's first-half penalty, came from behind with second-half goals by substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens.

 

Algeria began the brighter of the two teams. After forcing a few early set pieces and pinning the Europeans back in their own half, Vahid Halilhodžić’s men carved out their first big chance in minute 18, when an off-balance Riyadh Mahrez sliced wide from the angle of the box after bursting through in the left channel. Although wingers Hazard and De Bruyne saw plenty of the ball, they struggled to break down an organized Algeria, leaving Lukaku isolated up front. With Bougherra and Halliche confidently marshalling the penalty area, Belgium began to rely on long-range attempts, like that of Witsel in minute 21. However, it was Algeria who made the most of their breaks, and midway the first half they won a penalty with their first serious foray: Bentaleb released Ghoulam on the left, and his whipped cross was heading for Feghouli, who was felled by Vertonghen. Feghouli converted the penalty with a right footed shot to the center of the goal. Belgium tried to respond, but the Algerian defense was solid. De Bruyne and Vertonghen wasted a pair of promising free kicks, and Witsel saw his decent strike saved after taking the ball down on his chest. Hazard's line-break gave Chadli a sight of goal before the interval, but he shot tamely at M'Bolhi.

 

Early in the second half, both sides exchanged half-chances from corners, Witsel heading over and Mejani flicking past the far post. Substitute Origi had the best chance of the game, going one-on-one with M'Bolhi only to see his low effort well stopped by the advancing keeper. However, it was another substitute, Fellaini, who made the difference in minute 70, rising to head De Bruyne's curling cross in off the underside of the bar. Wilmots' changes continued to reap benefits when Mertens put his side ahead ten minutes later, rifling home after the active Hazard had drawn the defense in a counterattack.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Castelão (Fortaleza)

DATE: 17-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 60.342

REFEREE: Cüneyt Çakır (TUR)

GOALS: -

BOOKED: Ramires (45’), Thiago Silva (79’) / Aguilar (59’), Vázquez (62’)

BRA

Brasil

Brazil - Mexico

México

MEX

0-0 (0-0)

BRAZIL

Júlio César

Dani Alves, Thiago Silva (c), David Luiz, Marcelo

Ramires (Bernard 46’), Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo, Oscar (Willian 84’)

Neymar, Fred (Jô 68’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

MEXICO

Ochoa

Aguilar, Rodríguez, Márquez (c), Moreno, Layún

Herrera (Fabián 76’), Vázquez, Guardado

Peralta (“Chicharito” Hernández 74’), Giovani (Jiménez 84’)

COACH: Miguel Herrera

GAME SUMMARY

A spectacular display by “Memo” Ochoa helped Mexico earn a deserved draw against hosts Brazil. The result leaves both sides with four points on top of their group. Scolari’s side was denied by a combination of solid Mexican defense and their own inability to hit top gear and produce the level of performance needed to meet the more demanding tasks they will find later in the tournament.

 

Fred, who was largely ineffective and was replaced by Jô midway through the second half, set the tone for what proved to be a largely frustrating match as he saw his early effort hit the side-netting. Brazil were again left empty-handed shortly afterwards, when Paulinho was unable to control Marcelo's cut-back from the left by-line. Brazil were, however, in control of the ball in midfield despite being unable to find an early breakthrough, although Fred did not help their cause as he was caught offside three times in quick succession. Mexico midfielder Herrera then tested Júlio César with a blazing shot that was tipped away by the Brazilian keeper on its way over the bar. In minute 26 came the best chance of the game so far, when Dani Alves crossed the ball from the right and Neymar produced a great header which was denied by an even better save from Ochoa to claw away the ball at his right-hand post. Marcelo then got a shot away from range with Neymar lurking on the edge of the box. Just before halftime, Brazil missed another great chance to break the deadlock as Thiago Silva chested the ball into the path of Paulinho, who saw his close-range effort superbly kept out by Ochoa’s chest.

 

Bernard came on for Ramires at the start of the second half and he came close to setting up Neymar with a wicked cross after Dani Alves fired a fantastic long ball up the right flank. Neymar was unable to finish it off though, and another chance went begging for Brazil. Mexico then seemed to take something of the upper hand as they mounted several attacks, with Herrera again shooting over Júlio César’s bar as Brazil's defending left a lot to be desired. Just after the hour-mark, Neymar sent another free kick whistling past Ochoa's post, as frustration continued to grow amongst the partisan crowd, who were expecting Brazil to dominate their Central American opponents. Ochoa made another good stop to deny Neymar in a goalmouth scramble before Brazil started to liven up as the second half progressed, with Bernard and Neymar getting the ball quickly to Jô, who flashed a strike across the face of goal. In minute 86, Ochoa again was the thorn in Brazil's side with a fantastic reaction save to keep out Thiago Silva's header from Neymar's corner. As the clock ticked down, Brazil had calls for a penalty waved away when Marcelo went down easily in the box. In injury time, Guardado landed the ball on the roof of Júlio César’s net before Jiménez forced a save from the Brazilian goalkeeper.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Pantanal (Cuiabá)

DATE: 17-06-2014 (18:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 37.603

REFEREE: Néstor Pitana (ARG)

GOALS: 0-1 (Lee Keun-ho 68’); 1-1 (Kerzhakov 74’)

BOOKED: Shatov (49’) / Son Heung-min (13’), Ki Sung-yong (30’), Koo Ja-chul (90’)

RUS

Россия

Russia - South Korea

한국

SKR

1-1 (0-0)

RUSSIA

Akinfeev

Eshchenko, Berezutskij (c), Ignashevich, Kombarov

Samedov, Glushakov (Denisov 72’), Fajzulin, Zhirkov (Kerzhakov 71’)

Shatov (Dzagoev 59’), Kokorin

COACH: Fabio Capello

SOUTH KOREA

Jung S.R.

Lee Y., Hong J.H. (Hwang S.H. 73’), Kim Y.G., Yoon S.Y.

Lee C.Y., Han K.Y., Koo J.C. (c), Ki S.Y., Son H.M. (Kim B.K. 84’)

Park J.Y. (Lee K.H. 56’)

COACH: Hong Myung-bo

GAME SUMMARY

Russia and South Korea shared points after a disappointing match, only noticeable for Igor’ Akinfeev’s blunder, who capped an error-strewn performance by somehow allowing Lee Keun-ho's speculative effort to squirm through his grasp—an incident that will have given Russia's former England boss Fabio Capello flashbacks of Robert Green's mistake in 2010 against the USA. Nevertheless, Russia grabbed an important point in their opening game when substitute Aleksandr Kerzhakov took advantage of a goalmouth scramble.

 

In energy-sapping conditions, the game began at strolling pace. Son Heung-min was the first to inject some energy, bursting at the Russian defense and finding room only to blow it with a poor shot. Fajzulin almost opened things up at the other end in minute 21, cutting inside from the wing and aiming for Samedov at the far post, but his cross ran just too long and the best Samedov could do was hook the ball back into the area, where the chance fizzled out. With little else happening by the half-hour mark, center back Ignashevich tried his luck with a distant free kick, that Jung Sung-ryong unconvincingly parried away with his chest. Although both sides created more openings in the last ten minutes of the first half, the deadlock remained at the interval: first Zhirkov wasted Russia's best break when his scuffed shot undid Kokorin's hard work, then Koo Ja-chul’s deflected effort snaked just wide with Akinfeev rooted.

 

Russia started the second half with an early corner that Vasilij Berezutskij should have headed on target, but otherwise South Korea made the running. Twice in the space of seven minutes, the Asian Tigers drew spills from the shaky Akinfeev with distant shots, first Ki Sung-yong and then Kim Young-gwon. On both occasions, the Russian goalkeeper fumbled the ball back into the danger area before smothering it ahead of the strikers. However, Akinfeev’s luck ran out eventually when substitute Lee Keun-ho broke quickly and, having feigned to pass, shot at goal; the keeper was placed to make a simple save, but made a woeful hash of it as he flapped it over the line. Capello responded by sending on Kerzhakov, and within three minutes the Zenit attacker equalized. Fellow substitute Dzagoev provided the spark with an awkward strike that Jung Sung-ryong could only palm away inside the danger area, where Kerzhakov converted a simple finish. The game ended at its most open, both sides sniffing a late winner, but with a lack of cutting edge in either box, a point apiece represented a fair result.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

DATE: 18-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 42.877

REFEREE: Djamel Haimoudi (ALG)

GOALS: 0-1 (Robben 20’); 1-1 (Cahill 21’); 2-1 (Jedinak [p.] 54’); 2-2 (Van Persie 58’); 2-3 (Depay 68’)

BOOKED: Cahill (43’) / Van Persie (47’)

AUS

Australia

Australia - Netherlands

Nederland

NED

2-3 (1-1)

AUSTRALIA

Ryan

McGowan, Wilkinson, Špiranović, Davidson

Leckie, Jedinak (c), Bresciano (Bozanić 51’), McKay, Oar (Taggart 77’)

Cahill (Halloran 69’)

COACH: Ange Postecoglou

NETHERLANDS

Cillessen

De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi (Depay 45+’)

Janmaat, De Guzmán (Wijnaldum 78’), Sneijder, De Jong, Blind

Robben, Van Persie (c) (Lens 87’)

COACH: Louis van Gaal

GAME SUMMARY

Australia became the first team eliminated from the World Cup after losing 2-3 against Holland in a thriller. The Socceroos surprisingly dominated the Dutch for long spells of the game, but Louis van Gaal’s men were very effective in attack. The Oranje, after beating defending world champions Spain 5-1 in their opening match, survived a scare and had to come from 2-1 down. Arjen Robben had put Holland ahead midway the first half with a trademark run and finish, but within 60 seconds a sensational volley from Tim Cahill, a serious contender to best goal of the tournament, brought Australia level. In the second half, Mile Jedinak's penalty gave an unexpected lead to the Socceroos, but Robin van Persie swiftly cancelled it out, then substitute Memphis Depay put Holland ahead in the strike which proved decisive.

 

A slow start to the game was ignited by Robben in minute 20: the Bayern München winger received the ball just inside his own half, swerved past Wilkinson at the halfway line and burst into the box to despatch a clinical finish across goal. The Socceroos responded almost immediately with a goal reminiscent of that memorable strike from Marco van Basten in the Euro 1988 final: Right-back McGowan drilled a cross-field pass over the Dutch defense and Cahill's exquisite left-footed volley went in off the bar in what is sure to be one of the goals of the tournament. Bresciano had the chance to convert a ball pulled back from the right soon afterwards, but could not keep his shot down.

 

Eight minutes into the second half, Bozanić (who had come on moments earlier for Bresciano) had a cross blocked by Janmaat’s reflex handball, and Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi, in line with the harsh penalty calls during the tournament, pointed at the spot. Captain Jedinak sent Cillessen the wrong way to give Australia a surprising 2-1 lead. This time it was Holland who quickly responded, as Van Persie was played onside by Depay's pass, turned and found the roof of the net. Tempers frayed following a challenge from the already booked Van Persie on Jedinak before Leckie spurned a great chance after chesting a cross from Oar towards goal, only to steer it straight to Cillessen. Seconds later, Australia paid dearly for this miss when Depay's long-range strike swerved away from goalkeeper Ryan. Holland was released after taking the lead, and De Jong had a point-blank shot blocked by Ryan. The game became an end-to-end contest in thei final minutes and Australia had opportunities too, but could not find a leveller.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)

DATE: 18-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 74.101

REFEREE: Mark Geiger (USA)

GOALS: 0-1 (Vargas 20’); 0-2 (Aránguiz 43’)

BOOKED: Xabi Alonso (41’) / Vidal (26’), Mena (61’)

SPA

España

Spain - Chile

Chile

CHI

0-2 (0-2)

SPAIN

Casillas (c)

Azpilicueta, Javi Martínez, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba

Pedro (Cazorla 76’), Busquets, Silva, Xabi Alonso (Koke 46’), Iniesta

Diego Costa (Torres 64’)

COACH: Vicente del Bosque

CHILE

Bravo (c)

Silva, Medel, Jara

Isla, Aránguiz (Gutiérrez 64’), Vidal (Carmona 88’), Díaz, Mena

Vargas (Valdivia 85’), Alexis Sánchez

COACH: Jorge Sampaoli

GAME SUMMARY

The most glorious generation of Spanish football came to an end in the temple of soccer: Maracanã. After a marvelous era starting in 2008, in which the Spaniards dominated world football (Eurocups 2008 and 2012 and World Cup 2010) with a trademark play, they suffered the humiliation of being the first reigning champions to be knocked out of the World Cup after just two matches (France and Italy also had early exits in 2002 and 2010, respectively, but it happened after their final group game). Worse than that, Del Bosque’s side offered very poor vibrations and were light-years away from the play and mentality that had put a star on their chest four years ago. Precise passes that the Spaniards used to send almost with closed eyes went astray, Casillas’ confident saves to corner bounced off into the danger area and clear opportunities in front of an open goal were missed. On the other hand, a tactical masterpiece from Chile's Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli laid the foundation for the South Americans to humble their more glamorous European opponents, with goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aránguiz securing a 2-0 win, which could have been even worse for the Spaniards had Chile been keener on attack.

 

With the painful 5-1 defeat handed out by Holland in the opening match still reverberating for Spain, the pattern of that nightmare continued against underdogs Chile. Del Bosque's side, who was expected to be more aggressive and take the upper hand, appeared frozen into inaction, and it did not help that they were playing a Chile side whose spirit was stoked by tens of thousands of fans bouncing off the stands of Maracanã. From the start, Chile were fired up for this fray. The South Americans served notice of their threat after just two minutes, when Jara headed over from a good position. Spain, in need of a win to stay in contention, responded in minute 15 through Xabi Alonso, but Bravo saved at his feet. Unfortunately for the Real Madrid’s midfielder and Spain, his next involvement in the game was to lose the ball in the move which saw Chile go ahead. Alexis Sánchez snapped up possession and played in Aránguiz, who picked out Vargas with a brilliant center. The Valencia forward kept his head while the Spanish defenders were losing theirs, and neatly sidestepped Casillas before sliding it home. Xabi Alonso attempted to make amends, but blasted high and wide from Diego Costa's lay-off before the striker scuffed a shot into the turf and side-netting as Spain's frustrations increased. Then, two minutes before halftime, La Roja’s looming crisis became a fully-fledged disaster after yet another defensive mistake. Casillas, heavily criticized after the Holland debacle and fortunate to keep his place in goal, failed to clear to corner an Alexis Sánchez’s gentle free kick; instead, he punched the ball back into the box, where Aránguiz controlled it and then toe-poked back past the keeper to make it 2-0 for Chile.

 

Another bad miss from Diego Costa was followed by Jordi Alba spraying his shot wide as desperation set in for Spain in the second half. Yet, nothing can compare to the glorious chance spurned by Busquets in minute 53, when Bravo punched clear a free kick by Sergio Ramos, Diego Costa sent the ball back with an overhead kick and the Barcelona midfielder, with an empty goal ahead, somehow managed to shoot wide from close range. Chile then turned rather wasteful themselves, failing to kill off the game completely with Vargas shooting straight at Casillas, Isla scooping over at full-stretch and Alexis Sánchez dallying too long when in space. Del Bosque sent on Torres and Cazorla to try a last-ditch rescue attempt, and the Arsenal midfielder came close to scoring, denied by a sprawling save low to his right by Bravo with ten minutes left. However, Spain was neither physically nor mentally ready to threaten Chile in the final stages, and Bravo made sure it remained that way with some top-class saves, notably from Cazorla's free kick in minute 88. The champion, helpless and defeated, had to bow out in a most embarrasing way. After the 2010 triumph, sandwiched by two European Championship wins , their reign has come crashing down.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena da Amazônia (Manaus)

DATE: 18-06-2014 (18:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.982

REFEREE: Pedro Proença (POR)

GOALS: 0-1 (Olić 11’); 0-2 (Perišić 48’); 0-3 (Mandžukić 61’); 0-4 (Mandžukić 73’)

BOOKED: Song (RC 40’) / Eduardo (89’)

[Incidents: Song was sent off (min. 40).]

CAM

Cameroun

Cameroon - Croatia

Hrvatska

CRO

0-4 (0-1)

CAMEROON

Itandje

M’Bia, N’Koulou (c), Chedjou (Nounkeu 46’), Assou-Ekotto

Moukandjo, Song, Matip, Enoh, Choupo-Moting (Salli 75’)

Aboubakar (Webó 70’)

COACH: Volker Finke

CROATIA

Pletikosa

Srna (c), Ćorluka, Lovren, Pranjić

Perišić (Rebić 78’), Modrić, Sammir (Kovačić 72’), Rakitić

Mandžukić, Olić (Eduardo 69’)

COACH: Niko Kovač

GAME SUMMARY

After their controversial loss to World Cup hosts Brazil in the opening game, Croatia responded with a 4-0 victory over 10-man Cameroon to keep their hopes of a place in the last 16 alive. The African team, plagued by problems outside the pitch (a long-running dispute with their Federation over bonus payments almost prevented them from travelling to Brazil), were a shadow of the Indomitable Lions they used to be and ended their participation in the World Cup in a very frustrating way (even showing their inner dissent when two players had a dispute on the field near the end of the game). An early goal from Ivica Olić put Croatia in command. After Alex Song was sent off late in the first half, Ivan Perišić extended the Croatian lead early in the second, then the returning Mario Mandžukić scored twice to complete the thrashing. Now Croatia will play Mexico with a place in the knockout stages at stake.

 

Cameroon were without talismanic striker Samuel Eto'o due to a knee injury, while Croatia had Mandžukić available again following his suspension for his dismissal in the play-off with Iceland last November. Little suspecting the line of refereeing during the tournament, Croatia believed they were the victims of an injustice when Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura awarded hosts Brazil a controversial penalty in the tournament's opening game, and started the game in an offensive fashion, knowing they needed a victory against Cameroon in order to keep their qualification hopes alive. Despite some early approaches, the Indomitable Lions were soon behind when they failed to clear Srna's cross towards Mandžukić. Perišić had the composure to deliver a finely-weighted diagonal pass across the area for Olić to simply tap in from the center of the box. Croatia took control of the contest, and the attacking duo Mandžukić-Olić had more chances to extend the Croatian lead. Cameroon’s hopes to equalize suffered a blow five minutes from the interval, when Song struck Mandžukić on the back and was shown an immediate red card.

 

Cameroon's woes deepened within three minutes of the restart as the impressive Perišić made it 2-0 for Croatia, after collecting Itandje's poor clearance at the halfway line, surging down the left and side-footing into the net at the near post after shaping to cross. Mandžukić should have netted a third after being played in, but N’Koulou applied enough pressure to put off the striker, who scooped his effort wide. Halftime substitute Nounkeu attempted a spectacular volley which flew well over as Cameroon tried to respond, but it was Mandžukić who wrapped it up for Croatia when he met a Pranjić’s outswinging corner with an unchallenged header into the net. Aboubakar shot narrowly over from long range before substitute Eduardo saw his shot saved weakly by goalkeeper Itandje, although Mandžukić was in the right place to tap the deflected ball in and make it 4-0 for Croatia. Moukandjo spurned the chance of a late consolation by curling wide with the goal gaping. Rakitić fluffed an opportunity for a fifth Croatian goal at the other end before Webó's header bounced up and clear off the bar following Assou-Ekotto's cross. In the closing moments, the Cameroonian frustration appeared to boil over when Assou-Ekotto and Moukandjo had a dispute on the field, with the full-back headbutting the striker (should he have been sent off for an aggresion on a teammate?).

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Nacional de Brasília (Brasília)

DATE: 19-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 68.748

REFEREE: Howard Webb (ENG)

GOALS: 1-0 (James Rodríguez 64’); 2-0 (Quintero 70’); 2-1 (Gervinho 73’)

BOOKED: Zokora (55’), Tioté (90’)

COL

Colombia

Colombia - Ivory Coast

Côte d'Ivoire

CIV

2-1 (0-0)

COLOMBIA

Ospina

Zúñiga, Zapata, Yepes (c), Armero (Arias 72’)

Cuadrado,Aguilar(Mejía 79’),J.Rodríguez,C.Sánchez,Ibarbo(Quintero 53’)

Teo Gutiérrez

COACH: José Pékerman

IVORY COAST

Barry

Aurier, Zokora, Bamba, Boka

Gradel (Kalou 67’), Tioté, Yaya Touré (c), Die (Bolly 73’), Gervinho

Bony (Drogba 60’)

COACH: Sabri Lamouchi

GAME SUMMARY

World Cup sensation Colombia qualified for the knock-out stages after beating Ivory Coast 2-1 in an entertaining game. James Rodríguez fired Los Cafeteros ahead just after the hour with a powerful header from a corner, then substitute Juan Fernando Quintero added a second on the break. However, a fine individual goal from Gervinho set up a tense finale, but the Elephants could not find an equalizer.

 

Colombia manager José Pékerman named the same starting eleven which helped defeat Greece 3-0. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, again left their talismanic captain Drogba on the bench (the striker carrying a thigh injury). It was the South Americans who made the more positive opening, with Teo Gutiérrez firing wide from the edge of the penalty area after six minutes, then Zokora needed to make an important block after the speedy Cuadrado had got away down the right. The first opening for the Elephants came in minute 23, when a powerful run from captain Yaya Touré released Gervinho, but he was quickly hustled off the ball. Colombia should have been ahead on the half-hour, when a counterattack down the left saw the ball played into the penalty area for Teo Gutiérrez, who broke the offside trap but made a complete hash of his close-range shot and stabbed the ball wide.

 

At the start of the second half, English referee Howard Webb waved away somewhat hopeful penalty appeals from Ivory Coast after Gervinho went down under a challenge from Yepes. An ambitious bicycle kick by Bony in minute 57 did not come off, while at the other end Cuadrado's shot was pushed onto the post by goalkeeper Barry. On the hour, Sabri Lamouchi sent talismanic captain Drogba in, but the Colombian defenders were not as impressed by the Ivorian striker as the Japanese, and in fact it was the South Americans who took the lead on 64 minutes, when James Rodríguez headed home from a corner. Even though the Ivorian manager added more power up front with the introduction of Kalou, Los Cafeteros doubled their lead on 70 minutes with a breakaway goal: Teo Gutiérrez sent a through-ball to Quintero, who drilled it past Barry with a left-footed shot. Ivory Coast responded almost immediately with some piece of magic by Gervinho, who collected the ball on the left, weaved into the penalty area and rode three challenges before smashing a shot inside the near post which Ospina got a hand to but could not keep out. The Africans were lifted by this goal and went in search of an equalizer. In the closing minutes, substitute Bolly was just unable to guide a diving header on target before Kalou shot straight at the goalkeeper. In injury time, Drogba almost got on the end of a long through-ball, but Ospina was out quickly to make a clearance.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Corinthians (São Paulo)

DATE: 19-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 62.575

REFEREE: Carlos Velasco Carballo (SPA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Suárez 39’); 1-1 (Rooney 75’); 2-1 (Suárez 85’)

BOOKED: Godín (9’) / Gerrard (68’)

URU

Uruguay

Uruguay - England

England

ENG

2-1 (1-0)

URUGUAY

Muslera

Cáceres, Giménez, Godín (c), Álvaro Pereira

Á. González (Fucile 79’), Arévalo Ríos, Lodeiro (Stuani 67’), C. Rodríguez

Cavani, Suárez (Coates 88’)

COACH: Óscar Tabárez

ENGLAND

Hart

Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines

Sterling (Barkley 64’), Gerrard (c), Rooney, Henderson (Lambert 87’)

Sturridge, Welbeck (Lallana 71’)

COACH: Roy Hodgson

GAME SUMMARY

The talismanic striker Luis Suárez, fit again after a knee injury, was instrumental for Uruguay as the South Americans defeated England 2-1 and increased their qualification options, leaving the Three Lions on the verge of elimination. Wayne Rooney thought he had snatched a draw after he cancelled out Suárez's opener in the first half with his first goal for England in the World Cup, but with five minutes left on the clock Steven Gerrard accidentally put his Liverpool teammate through to beat Hart with an emphatic finish and claim all three points. Although England still has mathematical options to advance to the next round, history is against them, as no team in the World Cup has ever gone through after two defeats.

 

Right from the onset, England started on the back foot. After four minutes, Suárez's cross deflected off Cahill's head for a corner, then Hart almost spilled the ball into his own net from Suárez’s kick on goal. However, in was Roy Hodgson’s side who came closer to score in minute 10, when Rooney bent a free kick round the wall towards the top-left corner, but the ball narrowly evaded the goal. Uruguay soon had England rattled again when Jagielka made a real hash of his clearance and the ball fell to Cristian Rodríguez, who belted a left-foot drive that flew just over the crossbar. As Uruguay continued piling on the pressure, Cahill had to put in a last-ditch tackle to deny Cavani, who clipped a shot just over the bar from the ensuing corner. After the half-hour mark Rooney had the best chance of the first half when he headed Gerrard's free kick against the bar. Six minutes from the interval, England was made to pay for their defensive sloppiness: Gerrard lost the ball on the halfway line and allowed Uruguay’s counterattack. Johnson gave Cavani enough time and space to loop the ball over Cahill's head for the unmarked Suárez, who headed confidently home past a sprawling Hart.

 

England's defense again switched off after the break, allowing Cavani through, but luckily for the Three Lions he shot wide. Rooney found space in the box at the other end of the pitch, but he could only fire at Muslera. Midway the period, Hodgson brought on Barkley, who immediately injected some life into the England midfield. Sturridge, Johnson and Barkley all entered the box, but they lacked the final touch. With fifteen minutes left, however, Johnson went on a run down the right flank, took one player on and slipped the ball through the legs of Álvaro Gonzalez to Rooney, who prodded home for the equalizer. Full of confidence, England went for the win. Sturridge broke into the box and was knocked to the floor by Álvaro Pereira, but the referee waved play on. However, five minutes from time Uruguay struck the decisive blow when Gerrard mistakenly flicked on a long punt from Muslera and Suárez smashed the ball high into Hart’s net. England threw everything they had at Uruguay—literally, as Hart even came up for a corner—but nothing worked and Suárez, the game’s hero, was held aloft by his jubilant teammates at the final whistle.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena das Dunas (Natal)

DATE: 19-06-2014 (19:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.485

REFEREE: Joel Aguilar (SLV)

GOALS: -

BOOKED: Hasebe (12’) / Katsouranis (27’), Katsouranis (38’ > RC), Samaras (55’), Torosidis (89’)

[Incidents: Katsouranis was sent off (min. 38).]

JAP

日本

Japan - Greece

Ελλάδα

GRE

0-0 (0-0)

JAPAN

Kawashima

Uchida, Yoshida, Konno, Nagatomo

Okubo, Hasebe (c) (Endo 46’), Honda, Yamaguchi, Okazaki

Osako (Kagawa 57’)

COACH: Alberto Zaccheroni

GREECE

Karnezis

Torosidis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Cholebas

Fetfatzidis (Karagounis 41’),Maniatis,Katsouranis(c),Kone(Salpingidis 81’)

Mitroglou (Gekas 35’), Samaras

COACH: Fernando Santos

GAME SUMMARY

Ten-man Greece held Japan to a goalless draw and kept their qualification hopes still alive. Greece captain Kostas Katsouranis was sent off on 38 minutes having picked up two quick yellow cards for some needless late challenges. However, despite enjoying plenty of possession, Japan were unable to find a way past Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis, who saved well from both Yuya Osako and Yoshito Okubo.

 

With so much at stake, after both teams had lost their opening games, it was perhaps understandable that the early stages were tense and largely forgettable, with little quality on show from either side. It was Japan though who had a more positive start, with Honda orchestrating from just behind the central striker position. However, it was Greece who had the first sight of goal after ten minutes, when Kone tested Japan goalkeeper Kawashima with a right-footed shot from outside the box. In minute 20, Osako almost curled in a fine effort after creating space outside the Greece penalty area. Japan pressed again when Greece goalkeeper Karnezis pushed away a dipping free kick from Honda, before Okubo sent a header high over the crossbar. Seven minutes before the break, the former European champions were down to ten men after captain Katsouranis tripped Hasebe and collected his second yellow card. However, the Greek rallied and had a great chance when full-back Torosidis forced a fine save from Kawashima with a low strike from the edge of a crowded penalty area.

 

Immediately at the restart, Samaras showed some quick thinking to try a lob over the Japan goalkeeper from kick-off, but the ball flew wide. The Blue Samurais’ coach, Alberto Zaccheroni, looked to freshen up the Japan attack and sent Kagawa on in place of Osako, but his team couldn’t penetrate the solid Greek defense. In fact, it was Fernando Santos’ side who came close to an opener in minute 60 when a downward header from Gekas was pushed around the post by Kawashima. On 67 minutes, Kagawa's ball across from the left was right into the path of Okubo arriving at speed at the far post, but he could only drill an angled effort into the side-netting. As Japan piled up the pressure, Papastathopoulos failed to clear the ball and Uchida right-footed shot from the center of the box went just wide. Karnezis then saved a long-range effort from Okubo before, in a rare moment of action at the other end, Samaras glanced a header just wide following a corner. In the dying minutes, Karnezis pushed away a curling free kick from Endo as Japan were left frustrated.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Pernambuco (Recife)

DATE: 20-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 40.285

REFEREE: Enrique Osses (CHI)

GOALS: 0-1 (Bryan Ruiz 44’)

BOOKED: Balotelli (69’) / Cubero (71’)

ITA

Italia

Italy - Costa Rica

Costa Rica

CRC

0-1 (0-1)

ITALY

Buffon (c)

Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, Darmian

Candreva(Insigne 57’),Motta(Cass. 46’),D.Rossi,Pirlo,Marchisio(Cerci 69’)

Balotelli

COACH: Cesare Prandelli

COSTA RICA

Keylor Navas

Gamboa, Duarte, Giancarlo González, Umaña, Júnior Díaz

Bryan Ruiz (c) (Brenes 81’), Borges, Tejeda (Cubero 68’), Bolaños

Campbell (Ureña 74’)

COACH: Jorge Luis Pinto

GAME SUMMARY

In the so-called “Death Group”, minnows Costa Rica surprisingly became the first team to qualify for the next round after defeating Italy 1-0. In doing so, they eliminated England from contention and set a final showdown between Italy and Uruguay: whoever wins that game will accompany the Ticos into the last 16 round. Bryan Ruiz's impressive header near halftime was enough for a Central American team who dominated the game and was physically fitter than their rivals.

 

Right from the start, Costa Rica showed that their 3-1 win over Uruguay was no fluke as they took the game to Italy in impressive style. Borges headed over from a corner early on, but it was Italy who enjoyed the best chance on the half-hour mark, when Pirlo's glorious ball over the top dropped perfectly for Balotelli, who controlled it with one touch and then lofted it over the onrushing keeper Keylor Navas, but the ball bounced wide of the target. Two minutes later Balotelli was in again, this time he went for power but too close to the Costa Rica keeper, who was able to claim at the second attempt. With halftime looming, the Ticos were denied a blatant penalty when Campbell intercepted a pass, surged into the penalty box and was knocked over from behind by Chiellini, but Chilean referee Enrique Osses inexplicably waved play on. Costa Rica did not let that put them off their stride however, and Júnior Díaz’s exceptional cross from the left saw captain Bryan Ruiz, leaving his marker Chiellini in no man's land, thump a far-post header in off the crossbar. Although the ball bounced a foot over the line, goal-line technology ensured there was not another “ghost goal” denied in the World Cup.

 

Italy upped their game after the break, realizing defeat would leave them vulnerable against Uruguay, with Parma striker Cassano coming on for defensive midfielder Thiago Motta. Balotelli claimed a penalty of his own under challenge from Duarte, but it was not nearly so clear-cut as Costa Rica's and the referee once again turned away. Italy mounted a series of attacks but Keylor Navas was having a blinder in the Costa Rica goal, first tipping over Darmian's angled drive, then turning aside Pirlo's free kick after Cassano had hurled himself to the floor to earn it. Costa Rica still looked dangerous on the break though, and Buffon had to be quick out of his goal to clear the danger with Campbell about to pounce. Italy continued to hustle and bustle, but the Ticos kept the danger away from their goal, while at the other end Chiellini's block denied substitute Ureña. With the Italian players exhausted and the Costa Ricans pressing all over the field, Brenes came close to scoring a sensational second goal in injury time, but his long-range shot whistled just past the top corner.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

DATE: 20-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 51.003

REFEREE: Björn Kuipers (NED)

GOALS: 0-1 (Giroud 17’); 0-2 (Matuidi 18’); 0-3 (Valbuena 40’); 0-4 (Benzema 67’); 0-5 (Sissoko 73’); 1-5 (Džemaili 81’); 2-5 (Xhaka 87’)

BOOKED: Cabaye (88’)

[Incidents: Benzema missed a penalty shot (min. 32), saved by Benaglio.]

SWI

Schweiz / Suisse

Switzerland - France

France

FRA

2-5 (0-3)

SWITZERLAND

Benaglio

Lichtsteiner, Djourou, Von Bergen (Senderos 9’), Rodríguez

Shaqiri, Behrami (Džemaili 46’), Xhaka, İnler (c), Mehmedi

Seferović (Drmić 69’)

COACH: Ottmar Hitzfeld

FRANCE

Lloris (c)

Debuchy, Varane, Sakho (Koscielny 66’), Evra

Sissoko, Cabaye, Matuidi

Valbuena (Griezmann 82’), Giroud (Pogba 63’), Benzema

COACH: Didier Deschamps

GAME SUMMARY

France continued their impressive start to the World Cup and ensured qualification for the next round with a comfortable 5-2 win over Switzerland. The recalled Olivier Giroud opened the scoring with a well-taken header before Blaise Matuidi slotted home a second almost immediately following the restart. Karim Benzema, very active again during all the game, missed a penalty before Mathieu Valbuena knocked home a third before the interval. In the second half, Benzema and Moussa Sissoko completed the French thrashing. With ten minutes remaining, Switzerland scored two consolation goals thanks to a Blerim Džemaili free kick and a Granit Xhaka fine effort.

 

Benzema, fresh from his brace in the victory over Honduras, curled a fifth-minute effort just wide of Benaglio's goal as he came in off the left side following Didier Deschamps' decision to play Giroud through the middle of the French attacking line. Switzerland were forced into an early defensive change as Von Bergen, who was left groggy and bloody as a stray Giroud boot caught him in the face, was replaced by Senderos. His central-defensive partner Djourou did well to clear a low cross away from the lurking Benzema, but France took the lead from the resulting corner. Valbuena's outswinging set-piece was met by Giroud, whose header was too strong for Benaglio to keep out as the Swiss goalkeeper could only get a despairing hand to the ball. The French lead was doubled just 13 seconds after the kick-off, as Behrami gifted possession to Benzema, who broke free and slid a pass into Matuidi, whose low shot was good enough to beat Benaglio at his near post. In minute 27, Switzerland thought they had pulled one back when Xhaka scored after a defensive clearance, but he was marginally offside and the goal was cancelled. Seferović was then inches away from turning in Shaqiri's cross. France should have gone three goals ahead on the half-hour mark, when Djourou was penalized for tripping Benzema in the box, but the Real Madrid forward's poor penalty was easily pushed away by Benaglio and Cabaye amazingly volleyed the rebound against the crossbar. But Deschamps' side did go three ahead before halftime as Giroud broke clear down the left and delivered a perfect cross for Valbuena to tap home at the far post. The Olympique de Marseille playmaker came close to adding a fourth goal shortly afterwards, but his volleyed effort was deflected by Benaglio.

 

The second half started at a slower pace, with Giroud firing wide on 55 minutes before Benzema saw an effort deflected over on the hour. Midway the second half, as the match seemed won by France, Deschamps made two changes, with Pogba and Koscielny replacing Giroud and Sakho. Pogba had an immediate impact in the game, as he lifted a perfect pass through to Benzema, who finally got on the scoresheet, finishing coolly as Senderos failed to clear. Evra incredibly missed a fifth French goal in minute 72, when he broke into the box but could only clip an effort high and wide, but moments later Sissoko made amends for his teammate’s mistake, after receiving a neat pass from Benzema on the right of the box and striking first time into the bottom corner of Benaglio's goal. With France unleashed, Benaglio denied Valbuena, Sissoko and Benzema within one minute. With ten minutes remaining, Switzerland scored a consolation goal courtesy of a long-range free kick by Džemaili which drilled the French wall. The Swiss finished strongly trying to reduce the deficit, and Xhaka added a second goal as he latched onto İnler’s pass to thrash a volley past Lloris. Benzema thought he had added a spectacular sixth to the French tally, but the referee had already blown for full-time before he swept home from the edge of the area.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

DATE: 20-06-2014 (19:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.224

REFEREE: Ben Williams (AUS)

GOALS: 1-0 (Costly 31’); 1-1 (E. Valencia 34’); 1-2 (E. Valencia 65’)

BOOKED: Bernárdez (7’), Bengtson (45+’) / A. Valencia (57’), E. Valencia (73’), Montero (80’)

HON

Honduras

Honduras - Ecuador

Ecuador

ECU

1-2 (1-1)

HONDURAS

Valladares (c)

Beckeles, Bernárdez, Figueroa, Izaguirre (Juan Carlos García 46’)

Boniek García(M. Chávez 83’), Garrido(M. Martínez 71’), Claros, Espinoza

Bengtson, Costly

COACH: Luis Fernando Suárez

ECUADOR

Domínguez

Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, W. Ayoví

A. Valencia (c), Minda (Gruezo 83’), Noboa, Montero (Achilier 90+’)

Caicedo (Méndez 82’), E. Valencia

COACH: Reinaldo Rueda

GAME SUMMARY

A brace from Enner Valencia propelled Ecuador to a 2-1 comeback victory over Honduras and kept their hopes of progressing alive. Honduras forward Carlo Costly opened the scoring following a lively start, but Ecuador soon equalized through Enner Valencia. With opportunities being spurned by both sides, the young Ecuadorian attacker was on hand again to put his team in charge with a second-half header.

 

After their opening defeats, Honduras and Ecuador were both in need of a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Both sides missed chances to take an early lead, but it was Enner Valencia who came closer in minute 19, when he was freed by an Erazo’s through-ball only to curl his effort wide off the post. A tremendous mistake by the Ecuador defense almost cost them a goal, but Bernárdez missed his free header at the far post. However, Honduras wouldn’t waste their next attack, when yet another defensive mistake by Ecuador allowed Costly to collect a loose ball and fire home to open the scoring. It was Honduras' first World Cup goal in 32 years, but their joy at leading the game was short-lived as the in-form Enner Valencia reacted quicker than any of the Honduras backline to convert Paredes' deflected shot just three minutes after Ecuador had fallen behind. Honduras came close to re-establish their lead in injury time, as Bernárdez saw a free kick well saved by Domínguez before Costly hit the bar with a close-range header and Bengtson bundled home the rebound (but the goal was rightly chalked off for handball).

 

The second half did not begin with the same vigor as the first, with only a wayward shot from Claros and a misplaced header from Erazo the chances of note for either side. Honduras once again had a goal ruled out for offside just after the hour-mark, as Costly strayed beyond the last man before pulling the ball across goal. Shortly afterwards it was Ecuador who were celebrating a second, as Enner Valencia continued his great form, rising above the Honduras defense to head home Walter Ayoví's accurate free kick. Honduras controlled possession thereafter, but they struggled to break down Ecuador’s firm defense. A long-range strike from Figueroa in minute 86 was the closest Honduras came to rescuing a point.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Mineirão (Belo Horizonte)

DATE: 21-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 57.698

REFEREE: Milorad Mažić (SER)

GOALS: 1-0 (Messi 90+’)

BOOKED: Nekounam (53’), Shojaei (73’)

ARG

Argentina

Argentina - Iran

ایران

IRN

1-0 (0-0)

ARGENTINA

Romero

Zabaleta, Fede Fernández, Garay, Rojo

Gago, Mascherano, Messi (c), Di María (Biglia 90+’)

Higuaín (Palacio 76’), Agüero (Lavezzi 76’)

COACH: Alejandro Sabella

IRAN

A. Haghighi

Montazeri, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Pouladi

Shojaei (Heidari 76’), Teymourian, Hajsafi(R.Haghighi 88’), Nekounam(c)

Ghoochannejhad, Dejagah (Jahanbakhsh 85’)

COACH: Carlos Queiroz

GAME SUMMARY

A stunning injury-time goal by Leo Messi took Argentina to the next round after defeating a resilient Iran side 1-0. The Asians looked to have gained a valuable draw, and even had opportunities to steal a win themselves, notably through a couple of Reza Ghoochannejhad’s efforts in the second half. Although La Albiceleste dominated the majority of the game, their star frontline of Messi, Ángel di María, Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuaín lacked their usual cutting edge in front of goal. But when it looked like Iran had grabbed a remarkable point, the Barcelona superstar curled in a trademark effort past a sprawling Alireza Haghighi to guarantee Argentina’s place in the last 16.

 

Iran had the first chance of the game after just four minutes of play, when Dejagah whipped in a superb free kick onto the head of an unchallenged Hosseini, who glanced his header wide of Romero’s goal. Argentina’s first major opportunity came when Gago slipped the ball through to an onrushing Higuaín, but the Napoli striker hit it straight at goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi from close range. The South Americans continued their pressure, but were denied once again when Agüero’s goalbound effort was palmed away by the Iranian goalkeeper. Iran spent most of the first-half camped in their own half and were seemingly delaying the inevitable, with Rojo spurning another Argentine chance after heading wide from close range in minute 24. Continuing to dominate possession, Messi dinked a free kick towards Fede Fernández, but the ball was taken off his head by teammate Garay, who headed it high over the bar. With just five minutes remaining in the first half, Dejagah’s corner found Hosseini once again and the right-back was agonizingly close to giving his side a shock lead after drilling his header over the bar.

 

After the restart, La Albiceleste continued their onslaught on the Iranian backline, and after Messi fed through Zabaleta, the right-back scooped his effort high and wide of Alireza Haghighi’s goal. Iran then broke on the counterattack with Montazeri, who delivered a wonderful ball into the area which was met by an unmarked Ghoochannejhad, but the striker’s header was stopped comfortably by Romero. Carlos Queiroz’s side then had a huge shout for a penalty after Dejagah was brought down in the area by Zabaleta, but referee Milorad Mažić waved play on. Having spent a large majority of the game absorbing pressure, Iran’s confidence visibly grew as Argentina’s nerves began to show, with Garay almost diverting an Iranian cross into his own net. Moments later, Montazeri delivered a sumptuous cross into the heart of the Argentine area and Dejagah’s looping, goalbound header was magnificently tipped over by Romero to spare Alejandro Sabella’s blushes. Argentina’s frustrations grew as Messi’s free kick crashed into the side-netting, while Di María drilled a close-range shot straight into the grasp of Alireza Haghighi. In minute 86, Iran could have snatched a surprising win when substitute Jahanbakhsh broke on the counterattack and clipped the ball in behind the back-pedalling Argentine defense to release Ghoochannejhad, who held off two defenders before firing in a left-foot shot, but Romero tipped the ball away to corner. However, in injury time, Messi was given room to manoeuver and cut in from the right-hand side before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the bottom left corner to break Iranian hearts and send the Argentinian fans into delirium.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Castelão (Fortaleza)

DATE: 21-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 59.621

REFEREE: Sandro Meira Ricci (BRA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Götze 51’); 1-1 (A. Ayew 54’); 1-2 (Gyan 63’); 2-2 (Klose 71’)

BOOKED: Muntari (90+’)

[Incidents: Miroslav Klose equalled Ronaldo’s record of 15 goals in the final stage of the World Cup.]

GER

Deutschland

Germany - Ghana

Ghana

GHA

2-2 (0-0)

GERMANY

Neuer

Boateng (Mustafi 46’), Mertesacker, Hummels, Höwedes

Khedira (Schweinsteiger 70’), Lahm (c), Kroos

Özil, Müller, Götze (Klose 69’)

COACH: Joachim Löw

GHANA

Dauda

Afful, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah

Atsu (Wakaso 72’), Rabiu (Badu 78’), Muntari, A. Ayew

Prince Boateng (J. Ayew 52’), Gyan (c)

COACH: Kwesi Appiah

GAME SUMMARY

Germany and Ghana shared the spoils after a back-and-forth thriller, in which all goals came in the second half. It looked like Joachim Löw's men were set for a second straight win after Mario Götze put Germany in front soon after the restart, but André Ayew headed Ghana level before Asamoah Gyan completed a sensational turnaround. It was Germany's turn to respond, and they did with Klose netting a historic 15th goal in World Cup finals (equalling Ronaldo’s record) with his first touch after a corner. Germany will now face the USA in their final group game still needing a positive result to secure a place in the last 16, while Ghana will need to beat Portugal no matter what if they are to make it through.

 

Confident after their emphatic 4-0 victory in the opening game, Germany set about breaking down Ghana with their usual flowing attacking football. Götze and Müller both threatened to put Low's men in front as Ghana sat back and invited the pressure on them, showing moments of danger on the break. The Africans’ speed and agility caused the Europeans problems throughout the first half, as it became clear that Ghana would be a far tougher opposition to Germany than Portugal. Götze and Müller were active in the German attack, but the elastic Ghanaian central defensive pairing, Boye and Mensah, kept the danger away. At the other end, Atsu and Muntari tested Neuer's alertness in the Germany goal.

 

The game then came to life in the second half when Ghana allowed their guard to drop once, and Götze pounced, heading the ball down against his knee to give Germany the lead in minute 51. The Africans responded with the best possible defense: attack. Within three minutes, André Ayew equalized after meeting a sweeping cross from the right, beating Mustafi in the air and steering a powerful header beyond the reach of Neuer. Ghana continued to push men forwards, catching Germany somewhat by surprise, and taking a deserved lead in the 63rd minute, when Muntari bisected the Germany defense with a killer pass into the path of Gyan, who raced through and provided a composed finish into the far corner of Neuer's goal. Germany were forced to chase the game, and who better than Klose to level matters, like he did with his first touch after only two minutes into the game, when he stretched to ensure Höwedes' goalbound header found the back of the net. It was the 15th World Cup goal for Klose, taking him level with Brazil's Ronaldo in the all-time World Cup scoring charts and onto a record-breaking 70 for his country. The game then entered into its most interesting stage, with chances on both ends, but there were no more goals as Germany and Ghana had to settle for one point apiece.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Pantanal (Cuiabá)

DATE: 21-06-2014 (18:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 40.499

REFEREE: Peter O’Leary (NZL)

GOALS: 1-0 (Odemwingie 29’)

BOOKED: Mikel (81’) / Medunjanin (6’)

NIG

Nigeria

Nigeria - Bosnia-Herzegovina

Bosna i Hercegovina

BIH

1-0 (1-0)

NIGERIA

Enyeama

Ambrose, Yobo (c), Omeruo, Oshaniwa

Odemwingie, Onazi, Babatunde (Uzoenyi 75’), Mikel, Musa (Ameobi 65’)

Emenike

COACH: Stephen Keshi

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Begović

Mujdža, Šunjić, Spahić (c), Lulić (Salihović 58’)

Hajrović (Ibišević 57’), Medunjanin (Sušić 64’), Pjanić, Bešić, Misimović

Džeko

COACH: Safet Sušić

GAME SUMMARY

Nigeria has taken a great step forward to qualify for the last 16 round after beating Bosnia-Herzegovina, who collected their second defeat after once more showing a positive display and were eliminated. Peter Odemwingie's smart first-half finish gave a sharper Super Eagles side a crucial 1-0 victory against a Bosnian team who might think they deserved much more in this game, after Edin Džeko saw an earlier effort wrongly chalked off for offside before hitting a post in second-half injury time.

 

Bosnia started on the back foot and Emenike was gifted the ball by a poor Spahić pass, with Medunjanin hauling down the forward and Odemwingie striking the resulting free kick only centimeters wide. Bešić bent a shot over Enyeama's crossbar as the fast pace continued for the early stages, with Musa then unable to control a perfect pass from Emenike. As Nigeria began to take control of the game, Mikel was the next man to come close on target, but the Chelsea midfielder dragged a low shot wide, with Onazi forcing a save from Begović from a similar effort soon after. As Bosnia looked to enjoy a spell of sustained pressure, Misimović could not test Enyeama when well placed on the edge of the Nigeria box. In minute 21, that new-found pressure should have led to an opening goal as Džeko appeared to have scored, but the striker was flagged offside as he rifled home a weighted through-ball by Misimović, with replays showing that the Manchester City attacker was well onside. Hajrović finally worked Enyeama as he cut inside and let off a decent effort, with Džeko set free again moments later, but his right-footed shot from the center of the box was saved by the Nigerian goalkeeper. With Bosnia starting to grow into the game, Nigeria struck a blow near the half-hour mark, when Emenike was too strong for Spahić on the right wing and his low cross was tucked away by Odemwingie. As Nigeria looked to build on their lead, Musa stung the palms of Begović later, but Bosnia still held a threat as Medunjanin’s long-range shot flew wide before Džeko thrashed an effort past the post in first-half injury time.

 

The second half did not start with the same vigor as the first, with Nigeria unsurprisingly doing a better job at containing the Bosnian attacks while at the same time threatening on the counterattack. In minute 55, Babatunde worked Begović with a left-footed shot from outside the box. Coach Safet Sušić introduced Ibišević to give his side more attacking options, but the Super Eagles looked stronger. In minute 61, Begović was forced to keep out another Babatunde strike, then the Bosnian goalkeeper made himself big to block Emenike's close-range chance and was kept busy as the same player drilled in a near-post effort on 65 minutes. Ibišević should have levelled the game with 15 minutes remaining, but could only head Misimović’s corner over despite little defensive pressure. Nigeria began to sit back as they looked to close out the win, although Pjanić sent Enyeama sprawling as the impressive midfielder looked to level the game. With less than ten minutes remaining, the Super Eagles threatened again with long-distance shots from Onazi and Emenike. There was still time for two chances to fall to Džeko to salvage a point for Bosnia in injury time: first a downward header that was easily saved by Enyeama, then a shot diverted onto the post by the goalkeeper's boot.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)

DATE: 22-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 73.819

REFEREE: Felix Brych (GER)

GOALS: 1-0 (Origi 88’)

BOOKED: Witsel (54’), Alderweireld (73’) / Glushakov (38’)

BEL

België

Belgium - Russia

Россия

RUS

1-0 (0-0)

BELGIUM

Courtois

Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany (c), Vermaelen (Vertonghen 31’)

Mertens (Mirallas 75’), Witsel, De Bruyne, Fellaini, Hazard

Lukaku (Origi 57’)

COACH: Marc Wilmots

RUSSIA

Akinfeev

Kozlov (Eshchenko 62’), Berezutskij (c), Ignashevich, Kombarov

Samedov (Kerzhakov 90’), Glushakov, Fajzulin, Kanunnikov

Shatov (Dzagoev 83’), Kokorin

COACH: Fabio Capello

GAME SUMMARY

Belgium secured a place in the last 16 round with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Russia, thanks to a goal by substitute Divock Origi. After a rather disappointing match (especially on the Belgian side, who once again failed to live up to expectations), Eden Hazard finally turned on the style to set up 19-year-old Origi for a first-time finish two minutes from time.

 

Russia could count themselves unfortunate after matching Belgium until the final minutes, and nearly drew first blood in minute 12, when Fajzulin fired in a low curling shot with his left foot, but Courtois was able to get a strong hand to it and parry the ball away to corner. Two minutes later, De Bruyne's scorching run took him past three challenges before he laid the ball off perfectly for Mertens, who tried to find Lukaku rather than shooting and allowed Ignashevich to clear the danger. Mertens then ran at the Russian defense himself twice in as many minutes, but on both occasions he sent his shot whistling just off target. Russia showed they were also in the game when, in minute 26, Alderweireld tried to clear the ball in the Belgian area but instead tripped Kanunnikov in what looked like penalty, then the Russian attacker cut in from the left and brought a decent save out of Courtois. Mertens, the most active man on the field, once again beat Kombarov, this time via a nutmeg, but once again Lukaku could not get on the end of his cross. After being pinned back for a lengthy period, the Russians ended the first half on top. Fajzulin volleyed over from a corner before Kokorin missed the best chance of the half when he headed wide from close range after Glushakov had picked him out beautifully.

 

The second half drifted ever further into the doldrums, with Russia having half chances when Ignashevich flicked a header over and substitute Eshchenko fired in a shot from the right that just missed the far post. Just when Belgium seemed to settle for a tie, the introduction of Mirallas for Mertens changed the course of the game, and Les Diables Rouges suddenly looked more ambitious. After the Everton winger rattled the post from a free kick, with two minutes to go Hazard weaved his way down the right for substitute Origi to slam home. In injury time, Mirallas should have made  it 2-0 for Belgium, but Akinfeev denied him from inside the area after more good play from Hazard.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

DATE: 22-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 42.732

REFEREE: Wilmar Roldán (COL)

GOALS: 0-1 (Slimani 26’); 0-2 (Halliche 28’); 0-3 (Djabou 38’); 1-3 (Son Heung-min 50’); 1-4 (Brahimi 62’); 2-4 (Koo Ja-chul 72’)

BOOKED: Lee Yong (54’), Han Kook-young (69’) / Bougherra (67’)

SKR

한국

South Korea - Algeria

الجزائر

ALG

2-4 (0-3)

SOUTH KOREA

Jung S.R.

Lee Y., Hong J.H., Kim Y.G., Yoon S.Y.

Lee C.Y.(Lee K.H. 64’),Han K.Y.(Ji D.W. 78’),Koo J.C.(c),Ki S.Y.,Son H.M.

Park J.Y. (Kim S.O. 57’)

COACH: Hong Myung-bo

ALGERIA

M’Bolhi

Mandi, Bougherra (c) (Belkalem 89’), Halliche, Mesbah

Feghouli, Mejani, Brahimi (Lahcen 77’), Bentaleb, Djabou (Ghilas 73’)

Slimani

COACH: Vahid Halilhodžić

GAME SUMMARY

Algeria took a great step towards qualification after a thrilling 4-2 victory over South Korea. Islam Slimani set the African team on the way to just their third World Cup finals victory with the opening goal, quickly followed by strikes from Rafiq Halliche and Abdelmoumene Djabou to race into a comfortable 3-0 lead by halftime. Although Son Heung-min pulled one back for South Korea early in the second half, Yacine Brahimi’s calm finish ensured that there was no late drama, in spite of captain Koo Ja-chul scoring a second for the Asian Tigers. A draw in their final group game against Russia could be enough to send Algeria through, with South Korea needing to beat group leaders Belgium to stand any chance of progressing.

 

Algeria's Bosnian coach Vahid Halilhodžić made five changes to the team who started against the Belgians, and he could hardly have reaped greater reward, as the Africans showed more ambition and strength throughout the first half. Feghouli fired wide only two minutes into the game, and Slimani might have done better with a free header seven minutes later. However, Algeria did not have to wait long to take the lead when Mejani played a ball over the top and Slimani squeezed between central defenders Hong Jung-ho and Kim Young-gwon to lift the ball over advancing goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong. The North Africans extended their lead just two minutes later, when defender Halliche beat the Korean keeper to Djabou's corner to power home a header. The Asians tried to react, but their interpassing game proved useless against the orderly Algerian defense. Seven minutes before the break, however, there was worse to come for South Korea—who did not muster a single shot on target in the first half— when Slimani's square ball presented Djabou with the chance to sweep the ball past the helpless Jung Sung-ryong and make it 3-0.

 

Hong Myung-bo’s men gave themselves hope within five minutes of the restart when Son Heung-min ran onto a raking pass out of defense and, after accidentally controlling the ball with his back, turned Bougherra to drill a left-footed shot through keeper M’Bolhi’s legs and into the net. South Korea could have been right back in the game on the hour had M’Bolhi, who had earlier been grateful to defender Mandi for a goalline clearance from Park Joo-young, not pulled off a stunning save to keep out Ki Sung-yong’s right-footed shot from outside the box. However, their hopes were dashed within two minutes, when Brahimi exchanged passes with Feghouli before nutmegging the hapless Jung Sung-ryong from the center of the box. Koo Ja-chul reduced the deficit once again with 18 minutes remaining when he bundled substitute Lee Keun-ho’s cross past M’Bolhi, but the South Koreans rarely looked like making it a nervy finale and Algeria saw out time to claim the points.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena da Amazônia (Manaus)

DATE: 22-06-2014 (18:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 40.123

REFEREE: Néstor Pitana (ARG)

GOALS: 0-1 (Nani 5’); 1-1 (Jones 64’); 2-1 (Dempsey 81’); 2-2 (Varela 90+’)

BOOKED: Jones (75’)

[Incidents: Due to extremely high temperature and humidity in Manaus, the referee called a “cooling break” in the first half (the first time this new FIFA regulation is applied in the World Cup).]

USA

United States of America

USA - Portugal

Portugal

POR

2-2 (0-1)

USA

Howard

Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley

Bedoya (Yedlin 72’), Jones, Bradley, Beckerman, Zusi (González 90+’)

Dempsey (c) (Wondolowski 87’)

COACH: Jürgen Klinsmann

PORTUGAL

Beto

João Pereira, Ricardo Costa, Bruno Alves, André Almeida (William C. 46’)

João Moutinho, Miguel Veloso, Raul Meireles (Varela 69’)

Nani, Hélder Postiga (Éder 16’), Cristiano Ronaldo (c)

COACH: Paulo Bento

GAME SUMMARY

An injury-time goal by substitute Silvestre Varela avoided Portugal's early elimination in the World Cup, however slim their qualification hopes still are. The USA were just seconds away from securing a place in the last 16 round when Cristiano Ronaldo’s perfect cross into the box found Varela to head past goalkeeper Tim Howard and force a 2-2 draw. Early in the game, Portugal had taken the lead when Nani punished a poor defensive clearance by Geoff Cameron, but the North Americans drew level with a superb long-range strike from Jermaine Jones after the hour mark (a serious contender to best goal of the tournament). USA captain Clint Dempsey then gave Jürgen Klinsmann's side a 2-1 lead nine minutes from time, before Portugal snatched a point that seemed more useful for the Americans than the Portuguese, who will need to win Ghana in the last game by an improbable goal difference and hope that Germany and the USA won’t play a draw.

 

Portugal coach Paulo Bento introduced four changes to the team that crashed to a heavy defeat to Germany, with Beto, André Almeida and Hélder Postiga replacing the injured Rui Patrício, Fábio Coentrão and Hugo Almeida (respectively), whereas Ricardo Costa came in for suspended defender Pepe. Jürgen Klinsmann, on the other side, without injured striker Jozy Altidore, only introduced Zusi in midfield and left Dempsey as lone attacker. The Portuguese dominated early possession and were gifted an early goal in minute 5 when Miguel Veloso's cross into the area was poorly cleared by Cameron and the ball fell into the path of Nani, who slammed the ball past a helpless US keeper Howard from close range. The Americans had their first chance in the 12th minute, when Dempsey's free kick went just over the crossbar. Paulo Bento was forced to make his first substitution after just 16 minutes, when injury-ridden Portugal lost yet another man: Lazio striker Hélder Postiga. Dempsey then twice had the chance to level matters for the United States: first Bradley sent his captain through and Dempsey's right-footed shot was kept out by Beto, then the American attacker got behind a corner kick and lobbed the ball just over the bar. In minute 27, Ricardo Costa made a vital block on Dempsey's goalbound attempt. As the Americans got closer, Bradley dragged a left-footed shot wide of the far post from outside the area. On the half-hour mark, a fast counterattack saw Dempsey set up Johnson on the right, and the full-back found enough space to blast a left-footed shot that curled just past the top right corner. Cristiano Ronaldo struggled to find his usual pace in the game, and his first attempt on goal came in minute 36, with a bullet strike that went straight into Howard's arms. After a rare time-out called by the referee, as the temperature in Manaus rose over 32º C, the Portuguese captain fed Nani on the right of the box and the Manchester United winger drilled a right-footed shot that was parried away by Howard. Portugal should have made it 2-0 before the break when Nani's right-footed effort hit the near post and the rebound fell to Éder, whose effort on target was desperately deflected over the bar by Howard, who was falling to his right.

 

Early in the second half, Beto produced a good save to clear Johnson's effort that had been deflected by Miguel Veloso. The USA should have equalized in minute 55 when Johnson served up a perfect ball from the right side to Bradley and the midfielder, with Beto out of position, hit the ball right-footed towards goal but straight into Ricardo Costa, who saved on the goalline. Klinsmann's side were finally rewarded in the 64th minute when Jones drilled a right-footed shot from outside the area into the lower left corner with Beto rooted to the spot. Portugal reacted and, two minutes later, Howard had to make a great save to parry Raul Meireles' powerful shot. With less than ten minutes to go, the USA went in front when Bradley's attempt was deflected to the left and into the feet of Zusi, whose cross was pushed into the net by Dempsey with his stomach. But there was further drama to come: five minutes into injury time, substitute Varela equalized after a bullet header into the top corner from Cristiano Ronaldo's inviting cross from the right following a fast break.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

DATE: 23-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.375

REFEREE: Nawaf Shukralla (BHR)

GOALS: 0-1 (Villa 36’); 0-2 (Torres 69’); 0-3 (Mata 82’)

BOOKED: Špiranović (88’), Jedinak (90+’) / Sergio Ramos (62’)

AUS

Australia

Australia - Spain

España

SPA

0-3 (0-1)

AUSTRALIA

Ryan

McGowan, Wilkinson, Špiranović, Davidson

Leckie, Jedinak (c), Bozanić (Bresciano 72’), McKay, Oar (Troisi 61’)

Taggart (Halloran 46’)

COACH: Ange Postecoglou

SPAIN

Reina

Juanfran, Albiol, Sergio Ramos (c), Jordi Alba

Koke, Xabi Alonso (Silva 83’), Iniesta

Cazorla (Fàbregas 68’), Torres, Villa (Mata 56’)

COACH: Vicente del Bosque

GAME SUMMARY

Spain—in a symptomatic black uniform—put an end to their golden era with a 3-0 victory over Australia which at least spared the current champion the blushes of finishing at the bottom of their group. It was also the last international game for David Villa, one of a number of stars from an historic generation, who scored his 59th and final international goal with one last touch of class, before Fernando Torres and substitute Juan Manuel Mata completed a comfortable win after the break.

 

With the absence of captains Casillas (dropped) and Xavi (injured), Spain made seven changes to their starting eleven, whereas Australia was missing suspended talisman striker Cahill. A match in which both sides had nothing but pride to play for began at a leisurely pace, and it took until the 23rd minute for the first chance to arrive, when Villa’s clever backheel teed up left-back Jordi Alba to fire straight at goalkeeper Ryan. That backheel was employed to more devastating effect in the 36th minute though, when Iniesta sent right-back Juanfran racing to the touchline and, although his cut-back fell slightly behind, the unmarked Villa diverted in the ball around his standing leg. Atlético de Madrid midfielder Koke, expected to be a key figure in Spain's future rebuilding, had a low long-range drive tipped wide by Ryan five minutes later.

 

The second half started at a quicker pace than the first had, but both sides struggled to carve out a meaningful opportunity until the 69th minute, when Iniesta, one of the Spanish “old-stagers,” unlocked the Socceroos defense with one of his trademark through-balls, which Torres took in his stride to beat Ryan for his first World Cup goal since Germany 2006. With eight minutes remaining, Fàbregas chipped the ball into Mata who, from an acute angle, nutmegged Ryan to make it 3-0.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Corinthians (São Paulo)

DATE: 23-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 62.996

REFEREE: Bakary Gassama (GAM)

GOALS: 1-0 (Fer 77’); 2-0 (Depay 90+’)

BOOKED: Blind (64’) / Silva (25’)

NED

Nederland

Netherlands - Chile

Chile

CHI

2-0 (0-0)

NETHERLANDS

Cillessen

Blind, Vlaar, De Vrij

Kuijt (Kongolo 89’), De Jong, Sneijder (Fer 75’), Wijnaldum, Janmaat

Robben (c), Lens (Depay 69’)

COACH: Louis van Gaal

CHILE

Bravo (c)

Silva (Valdivia 70’), Medel, Jara

Isla, Díaz, Aránguiz, Gutiérrez (Beausejour 46’), Mena

Vargas (Pinilla 81’), Alexis Sánchez

COACH: Jorge Sampaoli

GAME SUMMARY

With both teams already qualified for the next stage, Holland secured top spot in World Cup Group B after a clinical 2-0 victory over Chile, who dominated for long spells of the game as only a victory would put them ahead of the Dutch and avoid a probable pairing with Brazil in the last 16 round. Less than two minutes after coming on, Leroy Fer headed the ball in from Daryl Janmaat’s cross, then fellow substitute Memphis Depay wrapped it up for Holland in injury time after finishing a Dutch break by converting Arjen Robben's tee-up.

 

Chile showed more attacking intent in the early stages, although without truly threatening the Dutch goal. Vargas headed wide after twelve minutes, then Aránguiz's dangerous ball was cleared by Vlaar before Alexis Sánchez delivered a corner to the feet of Gutiérrez, who sent his shot off-target. Holland's first real attempt came in minute 26, when Sneijder struck a free kick towards the near post, but goalkeeper Bravo had it covered. Blind made a sliding challenge in the Holland area on Aránguiz, prompting some calls for a penalty from the stands, but play continued and the Dutch then went close as De Vrij sent Robben's wonderfully-delivered free kick wide with a diving header. After another Chile penalty claim went unheeded—this time with Alexis Sánchez claiming he had been pushed by Kuijt—Robben, clearly growing into the game, surged from the halfway line to the box, evading a couple of challenges along the way, before sending a shot across the face of Bravo's goal. One minute before halftime, Chile passed up their best opportunity yet as Gutiérrez was presented with a free header from Marcelo Díaz's free kick, but diverted it the wrong side of the post.

 

The match continued to struggle to really spark into life after the break, with Alexis Sánchez lashing an early effort too high. The Barcelona attacker was then sent tumbling in the box by the outrushing Dutch goalkeeper Cillessen, but Gambian referee Bakary Gassama was again unmoved (although replays suggested that Chile should have at least had a corner). In minute 65, Alexis Sánchez, very active during the game, outwitted Lens in the box and fired in a shot from a tight angle which Cillessen parried, then Robben's relatively tame effort was dealt with by Bravo at the other end. As Holland looked to increase the pressure, Kuijt headed a Robben corner wide with just over a quarter of an hour to go, then Depay unleashed a shot from outside the box that Bravo tipped over the bar at full stretch. Moments later, the Dutch made the breakthrough as Robben's corner was collected by Janmaat and his delivery came to Fer, who had the space to power a header past Bravo. The Chilean claims for penalty were once again ignored when the ball appeared to strike De Vrij's arm on the line and Alexis Sánchez again went down in the area under a De Jong challenge. In injury time, the committed Chileans were caught on the counterattack as the ball came to Robben and his pass was prodded in by Depay from close range.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Nacional de Brasília (Brasília)

DATE: 23-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 69.112

REFEREE: Jonas Eriksson (SWE)

GOALS: 0-1 (Neymar 17’); 1-1 (Matip 26’); 1-2 (Neymar 35’); 1-3 (Fred 49’); 1-4 (Fernandinho 84’)

BOOKED: Enoh (11’), Salli (75’), M’Bia (80’)

CAM

Cameroun

Cameroon - Brazil

Brasil

BRA

1-4 (1-2)

CAMEROON

Itandje

Nyom, N’Koulou (c), Matip, Bédimo

Moukandjo (Salli 58’), Enoh, M’Bia, N’Guémo

Aboubakar (Webó 72’), Choupo-Moting (Makoun 81’)

COACH: Volker Finke

BRAZIL

Júlio César

Dani Alves, Thiago Silva (c), David Luiz, Marcelo

Paulinho (Fernandinho 46’), Oscar, Luiz Gustavo

Hulk (Ramires 63’), Fred, Neymar (Willian 71’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

GAME SUMMARY

A superb brace by Neymar inspired Brazil to claim top position in group A, ahead of Mexico on goal difference, after defeating Cameroon 4-1. Given the Indomitable Lions’ dismal showing at this tournament, there was little expectation that this would be anything other than a Brazil win, and so it proved as the hosts dominated from start to finish. The young and talented Barcelona forward scored two first-half goals to put Brazil on their way to qualification, and although Joël Matip’s first-time finish initially pulled Cameroon level, Fred and substitute Fernandinho put a gloss on the scoreline.

 

Buoyed by a partisan crowd, the hosts were fast and direct from the onset, causing troubles to the African side by moving the ball to their frontline as quickly as possible. Just two minutes into the game, Luiz Gustavo looked certain to score with the keeper beaten, but a defender got in a last-ditch block. Fred, who had had a wretched first two matches himself, somehow contrived to miss a great opportunity after good work from Hulk, allowing Matip to block. In minute 10, however, Marcelo crucially blocked a goalbound piledriver from Aboubakar after excellent work by Choupo-Moting down the left. Cameroon did then enjoy a period of good possession, but it all went wrong in minute 17, when Luiz Gustavo took out two defenders with a curving ball from the left and Neymar just guided it into the net with Itandje rooted to the spot. The Cameroon keeper had to fist out a thunderous volley by the Barcelona attacker before the African team managed to expose Brazil's fragility at the back. From a corner, skipper Thiago Silva nearly headed the ball into his own net, but it thumped back off the angle. From the follow-up, however, Nyom beat Dani Alves twice and crossed low to leave Matip with a simple finish for the equalizer. Hulk, whose World Cup has also yet to get going, had a low shot saved before Neymar once again proved unstoppable, as he surged forward into the area from the left channel after Marcelo's pass, came inside N’Koulou and fired home low with his right foot. The best move of the half involving Neymar and Fred then ended with Hulk scooping over under pressure.

 

Four minutes into the second half, Brazil effectively put the game beyond contention when David Luiz curled over a cross to the far post and Fred headed home (although replays show that the Fluminense attacker might be in an offside position). Cameroon tried to react, but their direct football was no threat to Brazil. Marcelo then tried his luck with a fierce strike that was blocked before another intricate move saw some delightful one-touch play between Fred and Oscar set up Fernandinho, who stretched to poke home and spark another round of joyous celebrations in Brasília’s National Stadium.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Pernambuco (Recife)

DATE: 23-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 41.212

REFEREE: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB)

GOALS: 0-1 (Márquez 72’); 0-2 (Guardado 75’); 0-3 (“Chicharito” Hernández 82’); 1-3 (Perišić 87’)

BOOKED: Rakitić (9’), Rebić (RC 89’) / Márquez (39’), Vázquez (66’)

[Incidents: Rebić was sent off (min. 89).]

CRO

Hrvatska

Croatia - Mexico

México

MEX

1-3 (0-0)

CROATIA

Pletikosa

Srna (c), Ćorluka, Lovren, Vrsaljko (Kovačić 58’)

Perišić, Rakitić, Modrić, Pranjić (Jelavić 74’), Olić (Rebić 69’)

Mandžukić

COACH: Niko Kovač

MEXICO

Ochoa

Aguilar, Rodríguez, Márquez (c), Moreno, Layún

Herrera, Vázquez, Guardado (Fabián 84’)

Giovani (“Chicharito” Hernández 62’), Peralta (Peña 79’)

COACH: Miguel Herrera

GAME SUMMARY

Mexico joined Brazil in the last 16 round after defeating Croatia 3-1. Veteran captain Rafael Márquez, in his fourth World Cup and 123 international game, superbly marshalled the tournament's best defense and opened the scoring with a powerful header. With Croatia pushing even harder, El Tri added two more goals within ten minutes when Andrés Guardado expertly converted a counterattack move down the right and then substitute Javier “Chicharito” Hernández nodded in from close range. Perišić’s well-taken consolation three minutes from time came too late to save Croatia from a World Cup exit, which came slightly earlier for Ante Rebić, who was sent off for a high lunge at Carlos Peña.

 

Croatia dominated play in a very physical first half, but created little up front, and that was never going to be enough to threaten a defense with the indomitable Márquez at its heart and “Memo” Ochoa behind (the only goalkeeper not to concede a goal in the first two matches). Mexico midfielder Herrera had the best chance of the half in minute 16, smashing a left-foot effort against the angle of crossbar and post, then Peralta chased in a through-ball from Giovani but was unable to make clean contact with the ball when in front of Pletikosa. Near the half-hour mark, Perišić’s left-footed shot from outside the box missed the top left corner. In spite of the Croatian territorial control, the defensive display of El Tri frustrated the red-white checkered players.

 

While the first half was certainly no Mexican stand-off, the North Americans began to sense Croatia was weakening after the interval and they could have had a penalty in minute 64, when Guadardo's shot hit Srna's arm, but were awarded only a corner. As the match entered its final stage, Croatia knew they had to raise the stakes as a draw was not enough for them to go through. In minute 72, however, their plans backfired when Márquez headed in Herrera's corner at the far post to put Mexico ahead. With Niko Kovač’s men committed, a counterattack allowed Guardardo to clinically despatch first time Peralta's cross. Croatia came close to pulling one back when Moreno cleared from almost off the line after Ochoa had been beaten by Rebić’s shot at the end of a weaving run. Instead, it was “Chicharito” Hernández who wrapped it up for Mexico with a far-post header at a corner. Perišić’s goal after a left-footed shot from a difficult angle came too late, and frustration finally boiled over with a minute to go when Rebić threw a lunging challenge on Peña and picked a straight red card.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena das Dunas (Natal)

DATE: 24-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.706

REFEREE: Marco Antonio Rodríguez (MEX)

GOALS: 0-1 (Godín 81’)

BOOKED: Balotelli (22’), Marchisio (RC 59’), De Sciglio (77’) / Arévalo Ríos (46’), Muslera (90+’)

[Incidents: Marchisio was sent off (min. 59).]

ITA

Italia

Italy - Uruguay

Uruguay

URU

0-1 (0-0)

ITALY

Buffon (c)

Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli

De Sciglio, Marchisio, Pirlo, Verratti (Motta 75’), Darmian

Immobile (Cassano 71’), Balotelli (Parolo 46’)

COACH: Cesare Prandelli

URUGUAY

Muslera

Á. González, Giménez, Godín (c), Cáceres, Álvaro Pereira (Stuani 63’)

Lodeiro (Maxi Pereira 46’), Arévalo Ríos, C. Rodríguez (Ramírez 78’)

Cavani, Suárez

COACH: Óscar Tabárez

GAME SUMMARY

Diego Godín became the hero for Uruguay after his late header gave La Celeste the victory they needed to qualify ahead of Italy, who had played with 10 men since Claudio Marchisio's sending-off on the hour. The Uruguayan central defender, who was a key player for Atlético de Madrid at the end of the season, as another two of his headers had given the Spanish League and almost Champions League to his club, was decisive once again to undo the Italian defense with a trademark goal after a corner. On the other hand, the Uruguayan star attacker Luis Suárez found himself at the center of another biting accusation shortly before Godín's goal, after he clashed with Giorgio Chiellini and allegedly bit the Italian defender on his shoulder.

 

Despite the pressure being on Uruguay to attack, Óscar Tabárez's side barely managed to muster a single chance of note in a dismal first half, which was largely controlled by the Italians. In an opening spell constantly broken up by niggling fouls and over-reactions, Pirlo had the first sight on goal in minute 13, but his long-range free kick was pushed over the bar by Muslera. Balotelli, alfter earning an absurd yellow card for a raised foot challenge on Cristian Rodríguez, provided the most persistent threat on the pitch. Immobile should have put Italy ahead in the 29th minute, when he met De Sciglio's low cross into the box from the left but fired over the bar from just inside the box. Meanwhile Suárez, clearly struggling for match fitness, was largely anonymous for the opening half-hour, but had his first chance in the 33rd minute when he nipped in behind the Italian defense and saw his shot from a tight angle flapped away by Buffon, who also saved the follow-up from Lodeiro. The Uruguayan frustration was summed up towards the end of the first half when Cáceres attempted a ridiculous chip over Buffon from his own field which sailed well wide.

 

As the second half got under way, there were few signs of urgency on Uruguay's part, although Cavani claimed a penalty after falling theatrically in the box under a minor challenge from Bonucci. The South Americans gradually started to press and had their first real chance in the 58th minute, when Cristian Rodríguez played a sharp one-two with Suárez, cutting into the box from the left but sending his shot wide. Moments later, the Italians were reduced to 10 men when Marchisio was harshly sent off for a careless foul on Arévalo Ríos. However, despite the extra man advantage, Uruguay continued to struggle to create openings against an Italian defense ready to suffocate their opponents' attacking threat. The golden opportunity the Uruguayans were hoping for arrived in the 65th minute, when Cavani sent Suárez through but Buffon got down to his right superbly to palm away the Liverpool man's shot. Controversy raged in the 79th minute after Chiellini and Suárez fell after an off-the-ball clash in the Italian box (replays show that the Uruguayan attacker bit the Italian defender on his shoulder, and the latter replied by elbowing him away). Two minutes later, Uruguay grabbed the goal they needed when Godín rose highest to head home a Ramírez corner. The Italians then attacked in numbers (even with goalkeeper Buffon) trying to score the equalizer they needed, but it was Uruguay who came closer to double their advantage on the counterattack.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Mineirão (Belo Horizonte)

DATE: 24-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 57.823

REFEREE: Djamel Haimoudi (ALG)

GOALS: -

BOOKED: Giancarlo González (60’) / Barkley (53’), Lallana (57’)

CRC

Costa Rica

Costa Rica - England

England

ENG

0-0 (0-0)

COSTA RICA

Keylor Navas

Gamboa, Duarte, Giancarlo González, Miller, Júnior Díaz

Bryan Ruiz (c), Borges (Barrantes 78’), Tejeda, Brenes (Bolaños 59’)

Campbell (Ureña 65’)

COACH: Jorge Luis Pinto

ENGLAND

Foster

Jones, Cahill, Smalling, Shaw

Milner (Rooney 76’), Lampard (c), Barkley, Wilshere (Gerrard 73’)

Sturridge, Lallana (Sterling 62’)

COACH: Roy Hodgson

GAME SUMMARY

Costa Rica confirmed their fantastic campaign in the World Cup by claiming top spot in the so-called “Death Group” after a dull goalless draw against England, who in time ended their participation in the tournament in a fittingly underwhelming fashion, at the bottom of their group with a single point, in what has been the Three Lions’s worst result ever in the World Cup. Although almost nobody could have predicted that the Central American squad could finish ahead of former champions Uruguay, Italy and England, the Ticos showed all the weapons needed for success: tactical display, speed and effectiveness.

 

Costa Rica had ball control from kick-off, and within three minutes they almost took the lead when Brenes found Campbell on the edge of the box and his shot deflected off Cahill's backside and flew just past the post with Foster rooted to the spot. Costa Rica’s five-men defense left very little space for the English attacks, despite some efforts by Smalling and Cahill. In minute 12, England seemed to come into the game when Sturridge received the ball after a good run forward from Wilshere, composed himself with a first touch and curled a left-footed shot from outside the box just wide. However, it was Costa Rica who came closer to score the opener in minute 23, when Borges curled in a magnificent free kick that seemed destined for the top corner, but Foster matched the quality of the shot with a superb flying save, somehow tipping the ball onto the crossbar and over. After the half-hour mark, Sturridge was fed by Jones for a simple close-range header, but he sent the ball over.

 

Right after the break, Shaw's shot looped straight into the path of Sturridge in the box, but the striker miscontrolled, allowing Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas to smother the ball. After the hour mark, Jones gave possession away inside his own half, but luckily for England substitute Bolaños shot straight at Foster. In minute 65, Wilshere played a lovely one-two with Sturridge to set the striker free inside the box, but he curled his shot just off the far post. The introduction of Gerrard was cheered by the English fans, who suspected this might be the captain's last international appearance, and three minutes later Rooney also came in. The Manchester United striker attempted an audacious chip within minutes of his introduction, but Keylor Navas tipped the ball over the bar. England kept on trying, and near the end Rooney came within inches of turning home Lampard's cross, but it was not to be for the Three Lions, who had to say good-bye without knowing victory in Brazil.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Pantanal (Cuiabá)

DATE: 24-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 40.340

REFEREE: Pedro Proença (POR)

GOALS: 0-1 (Cuadrado [p.] 17’); 1-1 (Okazaki 45+’); 1-2 (Jackson Martínez 55’); 1-3 (Jackson Martínez 82’); 1-4 (James Rodríguez 90’)

BOOKED: Konno (16’) / Guarín (63’)

JAP

日本

Japan - Colombia

Colombia

COL

1-4 (1-1)

JAPAN

Kawashima

Uchida, Yoshida, Konno, Nagatomo

Aoyama (Yamaguchi 62’), Honda, Hasebe (c), Kagawa (Kiyotake 85’)

Okazaki (Kakitani 69’), Okubo

COACH: Alberto Zaccheroni

COLOMBIA

Ospina (c) (Mondragón 85’)

Arias, Valdés, Balanta, Armero

Cuadrado (Carbonero 46’), Guarín, Mejía, Quintero (James Rodríguez 46’)

Ramos, Jackson Martínez

COACH: José Pékerman

GAME SUMMARY

Colombia confirmed their place in the last 16 round after defeating Japan 4-1 and finishing their qualification group with a perfect record of three victories. Los Cafeteros were boosted by playmaker James Rodríguez, who was at the center of operations after he came into the game as a second-half substitute. Another of Colombia’s key performers in Brazil, Juan Cuadrado, converted an early penalty before James Rodríguez set up two goals for Jackson Martínez before scoring one himself. Japan's hopes of taking second place and sneaking into the last 16 were raised briefly when Shinji Okazaki equalized with the final touch of the first half, but the Blue Samurais lacked the threat of their opponents in the final third and it ultimately cost them.

 

Needing a win to stand a chance of progressing, Japan understandably began positively and created the clearest opening of the early exchanges when Hasebe's raking pass picked out Okubo, who turned Balanta inside out before snatching his shot into a crowd of bodies. However, Alberto Zaccheroni’s side found themselves behind after 17 minutes, when Jackson Martínez's through-ball sent Ramos running into the penalty area and Konno toppled him. Cuadrado smashed home the penalty to seemingly put his side in control, but Japan bounced back, and Kagawa forced Ospina into a low save after cutting back onto his right foot, then Honda whipped a left-footed free kick just past the goalkeeper's left-hand post. Just before halftime, Jackson Martínez had a chance to double Colombia’s advantage, but bundled a ball from Ramos wide, and that proved costly, as with the final touch of the half Okazaki headed in at the near post from Honda's cross.

 

James Rodríguez came in as substitute in the second half, an he had an immediate impact in the game, first with a shot deflected narrowly wide after a promising run, then with a free kick ballooned over by fellow halftime substitute Carbonero. James Rodríguez’s next contribution, however, was more telling, as his neat control and lay-off inside the penalty area took two Japan defenders out of the game to open the way for Jackson Martínez to fire past goalkeeper Kawashima. Japan tried to react, but the Colombian defense stood firm. In minute 66, Okubo blazed over from the center of the box after an Uchida cross. Japan were put out of their misery eight minutes from time, when James Rodríguez again provided the assist with a brilliant through-ball on a swift counterattack for Jackson Martínez to score his second goal with a left-footed shot. With the game safe, Colombia coach José Pékerman bowed to sentimentality and brought on 43-year-old goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón to beat the record of Cameroon's Roger Milla for being the oldest player in the history of the World Cup. James Rodríguez then capped a brilliant 45-minute display with a cute finish in added time, as he danced past Yoshida before elegantly chipping Kawashima.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Castelão (Fortaleza)

DATE: 24-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 59.095

REFEREE: Carlos Vera (ECU)

GOALS: 1-0 (Samaris 42’); 1-1 (Bony 74’); 2-1 (Samaras [p.] 90+’)

BOOKED: Drogba (37’), Kalou (62’), Die (70’)

[Incidents: The Ivory Coast players wore black armbands in memory of Ibrahim Touré, the brother of team members Yaya and Kolo Touré, who died last week following a battle with cancer.]

GRE

Ελλάδα

Greece - Ivory Coast

Côte d'Ivoire

CIV

2-1 (1-0)

GREECE

Karnezis (Glykos 24’)

Torosidis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Cholebas

Maniatis, Kone (Samaris 12’), Karagounis (c) (Gekas 78’), Christodoulop.

Salpingidis, Samaras

COACH: Fernando Santos

IVORY COAST

Barry

Aurier, Kolo Touré, Bamba, Boka

Kalou, Tioté (Bony 61’), Yaya Touré, Die, Gervinho (Sio 83’)

Drogba (c) (Diomandé 78’)

COACH: Sabri Lamouchi

GAME SUMMARY

A Greek drama turned into an epic thanks to an injury-time penalty converted by Georgios Samaras. In such a dramatic fashion did Greece snatch a place in the last 16 of the World Cup which looked destined to Ivory Coast, after substitute Wilfried Bony cancelled out Andreas Samaris’ first-half strike. But Fernando Santos’ side, who hit the woodwork three times during the game and showed considerable improvement on their earlier performances in the tournament, grabbed victory after Samaras was felled in the Ivorian area and took responsibility to convert his own penalty. It was no less than the Greeks deserved for an enterprising performance after a slow start.

 

Talismanic captain Drogba was included in the starting line-up, as Ivory Coast looked to his experience to help guide them into the last 16. However, the Elephants struggled to get into their stride, possibly hindered by the stop-start opening to the game that saw Greece lose two players to injury in the opening 25 minutes, first Kone with a hamstring injury, then goalkeeper Karnezis with problems in his back (probably exacerbated after cutting out a Yaya Touré’s cross for Drogba in minute 14). Greece suddenly burst into life just after the half hour, as they caught Ivory Coast with a swift break from deep, but Cholebas’ fierce shot from the edge of the area stroke the crossbar and Samaras was unable to latch onto the rebound as he lost his footing. Gervinho and Kalou combined to threaten for Ivory Coast four minutes before the break, but Greece crowd ed them out to avert danger. However, it was the Europeans who took the lead moments later when Tioté’s failed back-pass was intercepted by Samaris, who had a clear run on goal before he played a one-two with Samaras and calmly lifted a side-foot finish over the onrushing Barry. Yaya Touré tried to drag Ivory Coast back level before the break with a trademark strong run, but his final shot was blocked and the ball looped up nicely for substitute keeper Glykos to claim.

 

Greece dictated the tempo early in the second half, with Christodoulopoulos bending a shot narrowly wide and Salpingidis striking at Barry from distance. Karagounis then rattled the crossbar with a well-struck effort from long distance. Ivory Coast needed to respond, and after Bamba flashed a header narrowly wide the Elephants took the lead when Kalou slipped in Gervinho, who pulled the ball back neatly for Bony to finish with a first-time shot. Greece fought to the end, and a cross from Torosidis caused alarm in the Ivorian defense when it drifted against the post. Salpingidis also whipped in a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but it evaded everybody and rolled to safety. The greatest drama was still to follow in injury time, as Samaras went down under a challenge from substitute Sio and the referee pointed to the spot. Samaras himself stepped up and coolly fired home beyond Barry, who almost got a hand to the ball, to spark Greek celebrations.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

DATE: 25-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 43.285

REFEREE: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)

GOALS: 0-1 (Messi 3’); 1-1 (Musa 4’); 1-2 (Messi 45+’); 2-2 (Musa 47’); 2-3 (Rojo 50’)

BOOKED: Omeruo (49’), Oshaniwa (51’)

NIG

Nigeria

Nigeria - Argentina

Argentina

ARG

2-3 (1-2)

NIGERIA

Enyeama

Ambrose, Yobo (c), Omeruo, Oshaniwa

Odemwingie (Nwofor 80’), Onazi, Babatunde (Uchebo 66’), Mikel, Musa

Emenike

COACH: Stephen Keshi

ARGENTINA

Romero

Zabaleta, Fede Fernández, Garay, Rojo

Gago, Mascherano, Messi (c) (Ricky Álvarez 63’), Di María

Higuaín (Biglia 90+’), Agüero (Lavezzi 38’)

COACH: Alejandro Sabella

GAME SUMMARY

Argentina and Nigeria offered an enthralling match, highlighted by braces from Leo Messi and Ahmed Musa, after which both teams qualified for the knock-out stages. The Barcelona attacker set the tone of the game with an early opener in minute 3, crashing a first-time shot into the roof of the net, but Musa almost immediately cancelled it out with a brilliant curling shot into the far corner. Just before the break, Messi again put Argentina ahead with a sumptuous free kick, and once again Musa equalized right after the interval. However, it was La Albiceleste who had the last word soon after, when Marcos Rojo bundled a corner home with his knee, and this time Nigeria could not respond.

 

It took less than three minutes for Argentina to break the deadlock, when Mascherano fired an incisive pass to Di María, whose shot was deflected by Enyeama into the near post, bounced off his head against the post again and into the path of Messi, who shot high into the net. One minute and twenty seconds later, however, Nigeria were level after Babatunde broke from midfield and played the ball left to Musa, who skipped inside Zabaleta before curling the ball brilliantly past Romero and into the far corner. Argentina almost restored their advantage soon after, when Messi slid in Higuaín, but the Napoli striker could only find the side-netting from an acute angle after dribbling round the goalkeeper. After a pulsating opening ten minutes, the game eventually tightened up, with Nigeria successfully able to stifle Argentina's attacking talents with constant fouls. Just before the half-hour mark, as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, Di María skewed a shot wide from the edge of the area, Odemwingie fired a long-range shot over the bar, then Di María again unleashed an ambitious low effort which was tipped by Enyeama to corner. Two minutes before the break, Messi fired a bending free kick towards the top corner, but the Nigerian goalkeeper was able to dive across and push the ball behind the post. On the stroke of halftime, however, in a replay of the same kick from a similar position, Messi chipped the ball over the ball into the same corner, but this time Enyeama didn’t seem to guess his intention and was rooted to the spot.

 

The second period began just as frantically as the first, with two more goals in the opening five minutes. Nigeria drew level for the second time in the match and again it was Musa with the strike, as he ghosted through the Argentina defense before slotting past Romero to make it 2-2. The Super Eagles' parity was short-lived, however, as the lively Di María unleashed a fizzing shot from the edge of the area which Enyeama did well to palm behind, and from the resulting corner Argentina took the lead again as the Nigerian defense failed to clear and Rojo netted Garay's flick-on with his knee. In minute 54, Messi danced forward before poking Higuaín through on goal, but Enyeama rushed off his line to smother at the Napoli striker's feet. Just after the hour mark, Nigeria had a chance to equalize when Mikel found the ball at his feet at the back post with a clear sight of goal, but he could only find the arms of Romero with a weak effort. Messi was denied the chance to complete a hat-trick when coach Alejandro Sabella opted to rest his talismanic captain. Argentina almost extended their lead in the 78th minute, when Di María's dinked free kick allowed Lavezzi to volley from close range, but his shot was blocked by the feet of Enyeama. Nigeria then went close at the other end, as Musa again cut inside Zabaleta onto his right foot but this time the Argentina full-back read the move and was able to block the shot. Among occasions for both sides, an entertaining game came to an end with both teams booking their spots in the last 16 round.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

DATE: 25-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 48.011

REFEREE: Carlos Velasco Carballo (SPA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Džeko 23’); 2-0 (Pjanić 59’); 2-1 (Ghoochannejhad 82’); 3-1 (Vršajević 83’)

BOOKED: Bešić (77’) / Ansarifard (88’)

BIH

Bosna i Hercegovina

Bosnia-Herzegovina - Iran

ایران

IRN

3-1 (1-0)

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Begović

Vršajević, Šunjić, Spahić (c), Kolašinac

Bešić, Hadžić (Vranješ 61’), Pjanić, Sušić (Salihović 79’)

Džeko (Višća 84’), Ibišević

COACH: Safet Sušić

IRAN

A. Haghighi

Montazeri, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Pouladi

Shojaei(Heidari 46’),Teymourian,Hajsafi(Jahanbakhsh 63’),Nekounam(c)

Ghoochannejhad, Dejagah (Ansarifard 68’)

COACH: Carlos Queiroz

GAME SUMMARY

Bosnia-Herzegovina concluded their maiden World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Iran which was useless to them (already eliminated), but thwarted the Iranian dream of squeezing into the last 16 round, as they needed to win this game and hope for a defeat of Nigeria against Argentina in the other group game. Goals from Edin Džeko and Miralem Pjanić damped the Asian side’s hopes, and although Reza Ghoochannejhad pulled one back in the last stages of the game, Avdija Vršajević secured Bosnia’s victory.

 

Looking to score a goal in the World Cup, Manchester City attacker Džeko was very active from kick-off, and within four minutes he shot on target from the right side of the box, but his effort was deflected by Alireza Haghighi, then the Iranian goalkeeper saved again his header. So it was no surprise when Džeko opened the scoring after 23 minutes, when he was afforded too much space for a diagonal run from right to left before shooting past the Iranian keeper from outside the area. Iran almost produced the perfect immediate response with Shojaei's shot cannoning back off the crossbar with goalkeeper Begović beaten. Bosnia retained a degree of control, and late in the half right-back Vršajević scuffed a shot wide of the far post with Ibišević visibly annoyed he did not cross to him for an easy tap-in.

 

Fluidity and rhythm were at a premium for both sides at the outset of the second half. Just before the hour mark, Bosnia doubled their advantage when Hosseini gave away possession in his own half and Sušić threaded a perfectly weighted assist into the adjoining run in the left channel for Pjanić—who was bordering the offside—to curl a side-foot effort into the bottom right corner. Ghoochannejhad, having had one effort blocked and sent another wide, finally opened the tournament account for Iran by tapping home after being found completely unmarked at the back post by a Nekounam cross. There was not even time for Iran to consider an unlikely comeback before Vršajević drilled home Bosnia's third from a narrow angle.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena da Amazônia (Manaus)

DATE: 25-06-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 40.322

REFEREE: Néstor Pitana (ARG)

GOALS: 0-1 (Shaqiri 6’); 0-2 (Shaqiri 31’); 0-3 (Shaqiri 71’)

BOOKED: J. Palacios (66’)

HON

Honduras

Honduras - Switzerland

Schweiz / Suisse

SWI

0-3 (0-2)

HONDURAS

Valladares (c)

Beckeles, Bernárdez, Figueroa, Juan Carlos García

Boniek García (Najar 77’), W. Palacios, Claros, Espinoza (M. Chávez 46’)

Bengtson, Costly (J. Palacios 40’)

COACH: Luis Fernando Suárez

SWITZERLAND

Benaglio

Lichtsteiner, Schär, Djourou, Rodríguez

Xhaka (Lang 77’), Behrami, Shaqiri (Džemaili 87’), İnler (c), Mehmedi

Drmić (Seferović 73’)

COACH: Ottmar Hitzfeld

GAME SUMMARY

Xherdan Shaqiri's hat-trick fired Switzerland to a 3-0 victory over Honduras and secured a spot in the last 16 round for the Swiss as group runners-up. The talented Bayern München winger scored twice in a dominant first-half, and while Honduras rallied after the break, Shaqiri put the result beyond doubt with 19 minutes left to play. Ottmar Hitzfeld's side was especially impressive on the counterattack, with Shaqiri and Josip Drmić causing problems throughout.

 

Switzerland's first chance arrived in the fourth minute, when Drmić played a dangerous ball across the box and it was only an excellent reaction save from goalkeeper Valladares that prevented Shaqiri from breaking the deadlock. Two minutes later, Shaqiri again picked up the ball on the right-hand corner of the penalty area before drifting inside onto his left foot and unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner. The goal was no less than Switzerland deserved, with Honduras struggling to gain a foothold in the contest. However, the Central Americans were presented with a chance to equalize in minute 23 when the Swiss defense failed to clear a corner and the ball fell to Beckeles, but the defender sliced wide. Honduras were made to rue that miss shortly after the half-hour mark, when Drmić sent an incisive pass to Shaqiri, who broke through the defensive line before beating Valladares with a composed finish into the bottom corner. Honduras continued to give the ball away too easily and Switzerland could have made it 3-0 before the interval with a double chance: this time Shaqiri turned provider, slipping Drmić through on goal twice (first on the left side, then on the right flank), but on both occasions his shots were denied by the keeper.

 

Switzerland made a sluggish start to the second period and were fortunate not to concede a goal almost immediately when Bengtson was left free at the back post, but he failed to make contact with his diving header. Honduras continued to pour forward and carved out another chance moments later, as Juan Carlos García slid through Bengtson, who did well to round the keeper but saw his shot cleared off the line by Rodríguez with the goal gaping. Switzerland were riding their luck and, after Shaqiri’s point-blank shot was saved by Valladares, they were fortunate not to give away a penalty shortly after the hour-mark, when Djourou bundled Jerry Palacios to the ground in the area. For all their efforts and second-half pressure, Honduras gained no reward and were made to pay in minute 71, when a long ball forward found Drmić, who skipped past Bernárdez before teeing up Shaqiri to slide the ball home for his hat-trick. Honduras should have pulled a goal back with ten minutes to play when Bengtson directed a header straight at the goalkeeper. With the result secured and qualification guaranteed, Shaqiri was substituted to a standing ovation.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)

DATE: 25-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 73.749

REFEREE: Doué Noumandiez (CIV)

GOALS: -

BOOKED: A. Valencia (RC 50’), Erazo (83’)

[Incidents: Antonio Valencia was sent off (min. 50).]

ECU

Ecuador

Ecuador - France

France

FRA

0-0 (0-0)

ECUADOR

Domínguez

Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, W. Ayoví

A. Valencia (c), Minda, Noboa (Caicedo 89’), Montero (Ibarra 63’)

Arroyo (Achilier 82’), E. Valencia

COACH: Reinaldo Rueda

FRANCE

Lloris (c)

Sagna, Koscielny, Sakho (Varane 61’), Digne

Pogba, Schneiderlin, Matuidi (Giroud 67’)

Sissoko, Benzema, Griezmann (Rémy 79’)

COACH: Didier Deschamps

GAME SUMMARY

France secured top spot in their qualification group after a goalless draw with Ecuador, who was eliminated by a combination of this result and Switzerland's easy win over Honduras in the other group game. The South Americans were short one man after captain Antonio Valencia saw a red card for a two-footed lunge on Lucas Digne. However, things might have developed differently for Ecuador had the referee spotted Mamadou Sakho's nasty elbow on Oswaldo Minda earlier in the game, as no doubt France would have been reduced to ten men instead.

 

In a tightly-fought affair from the start, France shaded the first half and Ecuador were content to play on the break. Les Bleus, after escaping Sakho’s sending-off in minute 9 for elbowing Minda in a corner, had a series of half-chances early on, with Griezmann going narrowly wide with a low strike, then Sissoko sending a left-footed volley which was too easy for goalkeeper Domínguez. In minute 20, Ecuador’s top scorer, Enner Valencia, skewed off-target after racing onto a long ball along the edge of the French penalty area. The best chance of the half came in minute 38, when Griezmann floated a free kick over for Pogba to thump a header goalwards, but Domínguez was able to tip it over. Soon after, Arroyo picked up the ball on the left and sent a good cross to the back post, where Enner Valencia’s header was blocked by Lloris with his legs.

 

Right after the break, Sagna's cross was met by Griezmann with a powerful header, but the ball bobbled off Domínguez's hands and onto the bar before being cleared. Ecuador captain Antonio Valencia completed his miserable tournament with a nasty lunge, studs down, on Digne, which earned him a red card. Ironically, it was Ecuador who nearly caught France napping in the next attacking move after a terrific break by Enner Valencia, but Noboa sliced his shot well wide. Matuidi was next to threaten after a nice touch from Benzema, but Domínguez saved well again, before Pogba was horribly wasteful from a free header at the far post. Knowing they had to score to keep their qualification chances alive, and against all odds, Ecuador wasted two glorious chances within the last ten minutes, first Arroyo shooting wildly over after a quick break, then Ibarra with a powerful strike beaten away by Lloris. In the dying minutes there were more heroics from man-of-the-match Domínguez, who kept out Benzema, Rémy and Giroud.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Pernambuco (Recife)

DATE: 26-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 41.876

REFEREE: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB)

GOALS: 0-1 (Müller 55’)

BOOKED: González (37’), Beckerman (62’) / Höwedes (11’)

USA

United States of America

USA - Germany

Deutschland

GER

0-1 (0-0)

USA

Howard

Johnson, González, Besler, Beasley

Zusi (Yedlin 84’), Beckerman, Jones, Bradley, Davis (Bedoya 59’)

Dempsey (c)

COACH: Jürgen Klinsmann

GERMANY

Neuer

Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Höwedes

Schweinsteiger (Götze 76’), Lahm (c), Kroos

Özil (Schürrle 89’), Müller, Podolski (Klose 46’)

COACH: Joachim Löw

GAME SUMMARY

Germany and the United States qualified for the last 16 round, the former as group winners, the latter on goal difference ahead of Portugal, after a German 1-0 victory thanks to another impressive goal by top-scorer Thomas Müller. In a rainswept Recife, the Mannschaft controlled much of the game, deservedly taking the three points and casting away the rumors of a possible “non-aggression pact” between the Germans and the Americans (coached by old friends and co-workers Joachim Löw and Jürgen Klinsmann) resulting in a draw which would have qualified them both ahead of Portugal no matter what.

 

Straight into their possession-based game, Germany had the USA on the back foot for ten minutes before Klinsmann's men were finally able to get their feet on the ball for a prolonged spell. The respite was only brief, though, as Germany once again started to dictate proceedings. However, it was the Stars and Stripes who came closest to breaking the deadlock in minute 22, when Zusi sent a curling effort narrowly over the crossbar. Germany were unable to make the most of their apparent superiority, and their best chance of the first half didn’t come until minute 35, when Özil shot straight at goalkeeper Howard after good work by Müller on the right flank.

 

Germany's all-time top goalscorer Miroslav Klose was sent on at the start of the second half, and within seven minutes he stretched to connect with a Schweinsteiger's cross at the far post, but all he could do was flick the ball wide of Howard's upright. The Germans shifted up the gears to increase the pressure on the USA and, ten minutes into the second half, they got their reward when Mertesacker's header was pushed out instinctively by Howard and the ball fell out to Müller, who slammed home a clinical finish from the edge of the penalty area. The 1-0 lead was the ideal situation for Germany, who could dominate the game without risking a single pass and, most important, brush aside the rumors of a convenient draw between them and the USA. Joachim Löw’s men could not find the second goal they deserved though, and Lahm had to produce a last-minute block to preserve the win. However, with Portugal unable to wipe out their negative goal difference in the other group game against Ghana, the North Americans were also able to celebrate at the final whistle, joining Germany in the last 16 as group runners-up.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Estádio Nacional de Brasília (Brasília)

DATE: 26-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 67.540

REFEREE: Nawaf Shukralla (BHR)

GOALS: 1-0 (Boye [o.g.] 31’); 1-1 (Gyan 57’); 2-1 (Cristiano Ronaldo 80’)

BOOKED: João Moutinho (90+’) / Afful (39’), Waris (55’), J. Ayew (78’)

POR

Portugal

Portugal - Ghana

Ghana

GHA

2-1 (1-0)

PORTUGAL

Beto (Eduardo 89’)

João Pereira (Varela 61’), Pepe, Bruno Alves, Miguel Veloso

João Moutinho, William Carvalho, Rúben Amorim

Nani, Éder (Vieirinha 69’), Cristiano Ronaldo (c)

COACH: Paulo Bento

GHANA

Dauda

Afful, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah

Atsu(Wakaso 81’), Badu, Waris(J.Ayew 71’), Rabiu(Acquah 76’), A.Ayew

Gyan (c)

COACH: Kwesi Appiah

GAME SUMMARY

Portugal earned their first victory in the World Cup, but it was insufficient to qualify for the last 16 round as group runners-up, as they fell behind the USA on goal average. An own goal from John Boye and a second-half Cristiano Ronaldo strike, which sandwiched Asamoah Gyan’s equalizer for Ghana, were not enough to set Paolo Bento's men on their way to the win they needed, even though the United States were beaten by Germany in the other group match, and Portugal were left to rue their thrashing 4-0 defeat against Germany earlier in the competition. Ghana's hopes of advancing were also ended (although they came closer to qualification than Portugal, as a narrow victory would have been enough for them), to cap a day to forget for the Africans, who had expelled key players Sulley Muntari and Kevin Prince Boateng from the squad just hours before kick-off for disciplinary reasons and faced a possible strike of players unless they received immediately (in cash) their bonus payments.

 

Despite their World Cup fate being largely out of their hands, Portugal were determined to get the win they needed to keep their slim hopes alive and were unlucky not to be in front after five minutes, when Cristiano Ronaldo pumped in a cross-shot from the right wing which rattled the crossbar. The Real Madrid star threatened again seven minutes later from a free kick, which was lifted over the wall but punched away by goalkeeper Dauda. Ghana responded by launching a couple of attacks of their own, but attempts to get the ball to dangerman Gyan were dealt with by the Portuguese defense. It was Paulo Bento's men who seemed the more likely to score though, and another chance went begging for Cristiano Ronaldo after 19 minutes, when his point-blank header from João Pereira's cross was bettered by a class save on the line from Dauda. Ghana immediately worked the ball down the other end, where Gyan's shot was kept out by Beto's feet. The Portugal goalkeeper made another contribution minutes later, getting his hands to a header from Gyan again after the Ghanaian striker met a free kick from Asamoah. However, Portugal eventually found the goal they wanted after 31 minutes—although it was a fortunate one—when Miguel Veloso whipped in a cross from the left which bounced horribly for Boye and resulted in the defender slicing the ball into his own net. Ghana responded to the challenge, with Atsu's assist headed past the right post by Gyan before Atsu himself tried a curling effort from the left side of the area which fell just wide of the far post. As the Africans sought an equalizer, it was Boye nevertheless who almost added to his tally on the stroke of halftime, as the defender sliced a ball into the area from Nani narrowly over the bar.

 

The Black Stars came out stronger after the interval and were finally level after 57 minutes, when Asamoah sent a fantastic pass with the outside of his left boot to Gyan, who finished with a neat header. As the United States were losing in the other group game and Portugal were beginning to look vulnerable, a simple win would serve Ghana to qualify as runners-up. Waris should have put Ghana in front shortly after the hour when, completely unmarked at the far post, headed wide a floated cross from Gyan. Asamoah, Gyan and Badu all tried their luck with long-range shots, but it was Portugal who, much against the run of play, took the lead again ten minutes from time, when Nani's cross was headed high into the air by Mensah and Dauda flapped the ball into the path of Cristiano Ronaldo, who slammed home for his first goal in Brazil. With a score that served neither side, Portugal and Ghana had still chances to score, and it was Cristiano Ronaldo again who came closer, but he was denied twice by Dauda and also turned Nani's assist over the top of the net. Too little, too late for the Golden Ball, whose long season with Real Madrid and injury before the tournament proved fatal for Portugal.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena Corinthians (São Paulo)

DATE: 26-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 61.397

REFEREE: Ben Williams (AUS)

GOALS: 0-1 (Vertonghen 78’)

BOOKED: Hong Jung-ho (35’) / Defour (RC 45’), Dembélé (50’)

[Incidents: Defour was sent off (min. 45).]

SKR

한국

South Korea - Belgium

België

BEL

0-1 (0-0)

SOUTH KOREA

Kim S.G.

Lee Y., Hong J.H., Kim Y.G., Yoon S.Y.

Lee C.Y.,Han K.Y.(Lee K.H. 46’),Koo J.C.(c),Ki S.Y.,Son H.M.(Ji D.W. 73’)

Kim S.O. (Kim B.K. 66’)

COACH: Hong Myung-bo

BELGIUM

Courtois

Vanden Borre, Van Buyten, Lombaerts, Vertonghen (c)

Fellaini, Defour, Dembélé

Januzaj (Chadli 60’), Mirallas (Hazard 88’), Mertens (Origi 60’)

COACH: Marc Wilmots

GAME SUMMARY

10-man Belgium kept their perfect record at the World Cup with a third straight (yet unconvincing) win thanks to a late goal by defender Jan Vertonghen, whereas South Korea, needing a victory by al least two goals, crashed out of the competition in a very disappointing way. Les Diables Rouges lost Steven Defour to a red card just before halftime after a reckless tackle on Kim Shin-ook, but the Asian Tigers were unable to capitalize on their superior number during the second half. South Korea's best chance to score came before the hour mark, when Lee Chung-yong’s cross-cum-shot hit the crossbar with Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois already beaten.

 

With Belgium already qualified before the game, coach Marc Wilmots rested some key players and made seven changes to his starting line-up. They dominated possession in the early stages, but had to wait until the 25th minute to create the first real chance, when Mertens got behind a rebound but struck his close-range effort over the bar with only goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu left to beat. The Taeguk Warriors almost broke the deadlock on the half-hour mark, but Courtois dived to his right to clear Ki Sung-yong’s powerful drive from outside the area, and within seconds Defour made a goalline clearance from Son Heung-min’s close-range header with Courtois unable to get his hands on the ball. Mertens, very active in the Belgian attack, then tested Kim Seung-gyu with a right-footed volley from outside the area which the keeper saved. Just before halftime, Defour stamped on Kim Shin-ook’s right shin and was shown a straight red card for this uncalled foul.

 

South Korea, desperately needing a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, made a substitution at halftime, with striker Lee Keun-ho replacing midfielder Han Kook-young. The former almost made an immediate impact when he headed a cross from the right just over the bar. Before the hour mark, Lee Chung-yong surprised Courtois when his long-range attempt crashed off the crossbar. After Argelia’s equalizer in the other group game, Korea needed to win by a three-goal margin in order to qualify, and somehow the Asian players lost their boost, in which situation Belgium created some openings. With twelve minutes remaining, substitute Origi’s right-footed shot from just outside the area was kept out by Kim Seung-gyu, but the keeper could not hold onto the ball and Vertonghen was on hand to smash the ball into the back of the net (although replays show that he might be marginally offside). Despite their numerical disadvantage, Belgium held on for the win and secured a showdown with the United States, where Marc Wilmots’s side is expected to show all their potential.

 

GROUP STAGE

STADIUM: Arena da Baixada (Curitiba)

DATE: 26-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 39.311

REFEREE: Cüneyt Çakır (TUR)

GOALS: 0-1 (Kokorin 6’); 1-1 (Slimani 60’)

BOOKED: Mesbah (39’), Ghilas (87’), Cadamuro (90+’) / Kombarov (57’), Kozlov (59’)

[Incidents: The Algerian defender Liassine Cadamuro, sitting on the bench, was booked for unauthorized entry on the pitch (min. 90+’).]

ALG

الجزائر

Algeria - Russia

Россия

RUS

1-1 (0-1)

ALGERIA

M’Bolhi

Mandi, Belkalem, Halliche (c), Mesbah

Feghouli, Mejani, Brahimi (Yebda 71’), Bentaleb, Djabou (Ghilas 77’)

Slimani (Soudani 90’)

COACH: Vahid Halilhodžić

RUSSIA

Akinfeev

Kozlov, Berezutskij (c), Ignashevich, Kombarov

Fajzulin, Shatov (Dzagoev 67’), Glushakov (Denisov 46’), Samedov

Kerzhakov (Kanunnikov 81’), Kokorin

COACH: Fabio Capello

GAME SUMMARY

Algeria qualified for the first time for the last 16 round of the World Cup after a 1-1 draw against Russia. Although Aleksandr Kokorin gave Fabio Capello’s side an early lead, Islam Slimani equalized on the hour to ensure it was the North Africans who progressed ahead of Russia as group runners-up.

 

It did not look good for Algeria when they fell behind inside six minutes, as Kombarov advanced down the left and sent in an inviting cross which Kokorin headed into the top corner of the net past goalkeeper M’Bolhi. Vahid Halilhodžić’s side thought they should have had a penalty when Slimani was tugged in the box by Kozlov, but Turkish referee Cüneyt Çakır waved play on. Shatov then came close to doubling Russia's lead in minute 26 with a dipping shot that went narrowly off target, before Slimani brought a good save out of goalkeeper Akinfeev at the other end three minutes later. Brahimi tried his luck with a low drive in minute 35, but it did not carry enough power to seriously challenge Akinfeev, who gathered comfortably.

 

Algerian keeper M’Bolhi was soon called into action in the second half, making an excellent stop to deny Samedov within two minutes of the restart. However, Algeria threatened down the flanks, and both Russian full-backs, Kombarov and Kozlov, picked up bookings within the space of two minutes. It was precisely the free kick that followed the second of these yellow cards what brought about the equalizer, on the hour mark, when Akinfeev (heavily criticized for his display in the previous group games) failed to cut out Brahimi kick and Slimani took advantage of space at the back post to head home from close range. Russia, suddenly out of the last 16 stage, pressed hard to regain the lead. Kerzhakov tested M’Bolhi with a low shot in minute 70, then Kokorin saw a shot blocked soon after. However, the 2018 hosts created little in the closing stages of the contest, and when the referee blew his whistle the Algerian players and fans had plenty to celebrate.

 

1/8 FINAL

STADIUM: Mineirão (Belo Horizonte)

DATE: 28-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 57.714

REFEREE: Howard Webb (ENG)

GOALS: 1-0 (David Luiz 18’); 1-1 (Alexis Sánchez 32’)

BOOKED: Hulk (55’), Luiz Gustavo (60’), Jô (93’), Dani Alves (106’) / Mena (17’), Silva (40’), Pinilla (102’)

PK: 1-0 (David Luiz); 1-0 (Pinilla [saved]) / 1-0 (Willian [out]); 1-0 (Alexis Sánchez [saved]) / 2-0 (Marcelo); 2-1 (Aránguiz) / 2-1 (Hulk [saved]); 2-2 (Díaz) / 3-2 (Neymar); 3-2 (Jara [out])

BRA

Brasil

Brazil - Chile

Chile

CHI

1-1 (1-1;1-1) (pk: 3-2)

BRAZIL

Júlio César

Dani Alves, Thiago Silva (c), David Luiz, Marcelo

Oscar (Willian 106’), Fernandinho (Ramires 72’), Luiz Gustavo, Hulk

Neymar, Fred (Jô 64’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

CHILE

Bravo (c)

Silva, Medel (Rojas 108’), Jara

Isla, Aránguiz, Vidal (Pinilla 87’), Díaz, Mena

Vargas (Gutiérrez 57’), Alexis Sánchez

COACH: Jorge Sampaoli

GAME SUMMARY

Hosts Brazil qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup on penalty kicks after yet another unconvincing display against an accomplished Chile side. After a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation and extra time, Neymar's penalty in the shootout proved decisive when Chile's defender Gonzalo Jara smashed his kick against the post. Although the Canarinha imposed their high rhythm in the early stages of the game and took the lead through a goal officially awarded to David Luiz from a corner (replays show the ball mght have come off Jara), Chile netted a deserved equalizer through Alexis Sánchez before the break and then dominated for long spells of the second half. In extra time, fatigue took its toll on both teams, but it was Jorge Sampaoli’s side who nearly snatched victory at the death when Mauricio Pinilla's effort struck the crossbar. Brazil's win also saved English referee Howard Webb from becoming the country's public enemy number one after he found himself at the center of huge controversy when he disallowed a goal by Brazil forward Hulk for handball.

 

Neymar was the man at the center of most of the action for Brazil in the first half, but it was Marcelo who shone first with a skilful turn on the edge of the box that fooled his marker and earned the Real Madrid full-back space to send a low shot just wide off the post. Chile looked threatening on the break, but Brazil dominated possession and took the lead in minute 18, when Neymar's corner was flicked back by Thiago Silva and David Luiz pushed the ball in (although replays appeared to show that the ball was ultimately deflected into his own goal by Chile defender Jara). That should have been the signal for Brazil to assume total control of the game, and in fact Neymar almost doubled their lead on 26 minutes, outpacing Silva on a surge into the box only to drag his left-foot shot wide of the far post. Instead, it was Chile who pounced on a defensive mistake to equalize after the half-hour mark: Hulk messed up a return to Marcelo's throw-in by their own touchline, Vargas snapped up the ball and fed Alexis Sánchez, who neatly slotted home with a cross shot. Neymar continued to pose Brazil's biggest threat, and his goalbound header from Oscar's cross was deflected by Silva. Another brilliant cross-field pass from Oscar found Neymar again threatening, but he dallied, Chile scrambled the ball clear and Fred sent the follow-up over the bar. Just before the break, a dipping strike from distance by Dani Alves was turned over by goalkeeper Bravo. However, Brazil always looked vulnerable behind, and another error, by Luiz Gustavo this time, saw Alexis Sánchez threaten again, but David Luiz managed to hurl himself in to block for a corner after Aránguiz’s shot had been saved by Júlio César.

 

The Brazilian fans continued to roar their players forward in the second half, and nine minutes into the second half they thought they had a goal to celebrate when Hulk opened the scoring after latching onto Marcelo's long ball, but the English referee Howard Webb ruled it out for handball. Meanwhile, Scolari's decision to push Neymar further forward saw him drop out of the game. Chile then began to assume an air of superiority while Brazil looked worried. In minute 65, a wonderful reflex save by Júlio César somehow diverted behind an Aránguiz’s effort destined for the back of the net. Substitute Jô seemed certain to score at the back post, but he sent the ball wide under pressure from Mena. In the last stages of the game, Chile continued to make life difficult for Brazil and opportunities began to dry up, with Bravo saving well from Neymar and Hulk on the rare occasions when they did break through, but it was Brazil who were relieved to take the game to extra time.

 

Both teams looked exhausted and cautious during the additional thirty minutes period, and opportunities were at a premium. In the first half of extra time, Bravo again denied Hulk’s effort from outside the box, but it was substitute Pinilla who almost scored a dramatic winner in minute 120 with a blistering strike that rattled the crossbar. In the ensuing penalty shootout, both Júlio César and Bravo did their job saving shots, and it all came down to the last kick, with Neymar coolly slotting his and Jara hitting the post to spark celebrations in Mineirão among Brazilian players and fans.

 

1/8 FINAL

STADIUM: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)

DATE: 28-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 73.804

REFEREE: Björn Kuipers (NED)

GOALS: 1-0 (James Rodríguez 28’); 2-0 (James Rodríguez 50’)

BOOKED: Armero (78’) / Giménez (55’), Lugano (77’)

[Incidents: Uruguay’s captain Lugano, sitting on the bench, was booked for protesting (min. 77).]

COL

Colombia

Colombia - Uruguay

Uruguay

URU

2-0 (1-0)

COLOMBIA

Ospina

Zúñiga, Zapata, Yepes (c), Armero

Cuadrado (Guarín 81’), Aguilar, C. Sánchez, J. Rodríguez (Ramos 85’)

Teo Gutiérrez (Mejía 68’), Jackson Martínez

COACH: José Pékerman

URUGUAY

Muslera

Maxi Pereira, Giménez, Godín (c), Cáceres, Álvaro Pereira (Ramírez 53’)

Álvaro González (Hernández 67’), Arévalo Ríos, Cristian Rodríguez

Cavani, Forlán (Stuani 53’)

COACH: Óscar Tabárez

GAME SUMMARY

Colombia continued their magnificent campaign in the World Cup after defeating Uruguay 2-0 in the last 16 round. Propelled by playmaker James Rodríguez, who put up another complete display topped by a serious contender to best goal of the tournament, Los Cafeteros reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in history, booking a showdown with hosts Brazil. Uruguay, shaken after the expelling of star attacker Luis Suárez from the competition following his biting incident in the game against Italy, were helpless against the superior team play and skills of Colombia. Midway the first half, James Rodríguez stole the limelight with a superb volley of indescribable beauty, then scored his second goal early in the second half to claim top position in the scoring list (five goals) and emerge as one of the most outstanding players of the World Cup.

 

Initially, Uruguay broke up the game with some muscular tackling, often just over the line of legality, trying to intimidate their rivals. Colombia had the first chance of the game in minute 12, when Zúñiga broke forward on a lung-busting run from the halfway line and stroke a shot from distance, but goalkeeper Muslera saved low down to his left. The game started to look like a typical South American encounter: plenty of skill, crunching tackles, but little to shout about. At this juncture, many started to miss Luis Suárez, who could light up the game with his attacking talent. As Uruguay began to show more ambition in attack, Cavani put in a dangerous cross that Carlos Sánchez cleared just wide. Then, in minute 28, a unique moment of football magic came when James Rodríguez controlled Aguilar's pass on his chest and struck a stunning left-footed volley that bounced down in off the bar. Uruguay tried to enforce greater attacking impetus in the last fifteen minutes of the first half, but it didn’t yield a tangible response before the break: First Cavani struck a fierce free kick that sailed just over the bar, then Álvaro González tested goalkeeper Ospina with an angled drive, while an important, sliding interception by Zapata prevented Cavani from dashing inside the left channel towards goal.

 

Five minutes after the restart, James Rodríguez struck again. If his first goal had been all about individual excellence, the second was a wonderful team goal. The Monaco midfielder started the move and several passes saw the ball shifted out to the left flank, where Armero's cross to the far post found Cuadrado, who rose majestically to direct a classic header back to the danger area, where James Rodríguez was waiting to tap home. The game started to look desperate for Uruguay, even more so when Cristian Rodríguez found Ospina unbeatable after hitting a low, raking drive from outside the box. Cavani then found Stuani with a wicked delivery to the back post, but the substitute striker's header was wide. Maxi Pereira nearly bundled his way through to score, but Ospina again came charging out to block. Man of the match James Rodríguez was given a standing ovation when he was substituted with five minutes left. Much is expected from his duel with Brazil’s Neymar in the quarter-finals.

 

1/8 FINAL

STADIUM: Castelão (Fortaleza)

DATE: 29-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 58.817

REFEREE: Pedro Proença (POR)

GOALS: 0-1 (Giovani 48’); 1-1 (Sneijder 88’); 2-1 (Huntelaar [p.] 90+’)

BOOKED: Aguilar (69’), Márquez (90+’), Guardado (90+’)

[Incidents: Due to extremely high temperature and humidity in Fortaleza, the referee called two “cooling breaks” during the game: one in the first half, the other in the second half.]

NED

Nederland

Netherlands - Mexico

México

MEX

2-1 (0-0)

NETHERLANDS

Cillessen

Blind, Vlaar, De Vrij

Kuijt, De Jong (M. Indi 9’), Sneijder, Wijnaldum, Verhaegh (Depay 56’)

Van Persie (c) (Huntelaar 76’), Robben

COACH: Louis van Gaal

MEXICO

Ochoa

Aguilar, Rodríguez, Márquez (c), Moreno (Reyes 46’), Layún

Herrera, Salcido, Guardado

Peralta (“Chicharito” Hernández 75’), Giovani (Aquino 61’)

COACH: Miguel Herrera

GAME SUMMARY

Holland qualified for the quarter-finals in a dramatic fashion, after coming back from behind in the dying minutes. Mexico were within two minutes of an historic win, leading through Giovani dos Santos' excellent strike early in the second half. Then, Wesley Sneijder's blistering volley pulled the Oranje level before Arjen Robben won a penalty in injury time and substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar smashed it home to make it 2-1 and send the Dutch fans into ecstasy. It was familiar misery for Mexico, as it is now six consecutive World Cups where they have been knocked out at the last 16 stage of the tournament.

 

The elements seemed to be on the Mexican side, as it was 30º C and 70% humidity in Fortaleza, meaning that FIFA's limit had been passed, allowing for official cooling and drinking breaks midway through each half. Miguel Herrera’s side looked more comfortable with these extreme conditions and took the game to the Dutch, whose cause was not helped by defensive midfield De Jong going off after an injury only nine minutes into the game. Layún blazed over from distance twice within the first five minutes before skinning full-back Verhaegh, but his cross just evaded Giovani. Herrera was the next to threaten for the Mexicans in minute 18, but his effort from just inside the box drifted wide after some lovely build-up. Herrera again was involved in a penalty claim following Vlaar’s clearance with a high foot in his head. Near the half-hour mark, Giovani combined nicely with Oribe Peralta, but the Villarreal midfielder’s low shot was gathered by goalkeeper Cillessen. Holland were reliant on a flash of brilliance from Van Persie or Robben, who started to create some danger at the end of the first half. The Dutch captain was first into action, when he took the ball down and seemed poised for a trademark lash at goal but, off balance, sliced his volley badly wide. Aftter a “cooling break” called by Portuguese referee Proença in minute 32, another combination Peralta-Giovanni allowed the latter some space in the Dutch area, but his low-driven effort was well saved by the legs of Cillessen. Just before halftime, Márquez slipped to concede possession to Van Persie, who found Robben running into the area only to be taken down by a combination of Márquez and Héctor Moreno, in what looked like a clear penalty.

 

Mexico's dominance in the game paid off three minutes after the break, when Giovani fastened onto Vlaar's attempted headed clearance and, running across goal under pressure from Blind, smacked a low shot back inside the far post. Holland had to respond and they gave it everything, showing that they were physically fitter to the scorching conditions than the Mexicans. In minute 58, only an incredible point-blank save from “Memo” Ochoa kept the Dutch from equalizing after De Vrij arrived to thump in Robben's corner, but the ball was deflected by a combination of Ochoa’s reflex save and the post. Just after the hour mark, Robben worked the ball to Sneijder on the edge of the box and his goalbound effort was deflected to corner. Robben had another penalty appeal turned down before Ochoa bailed Mexico out again when one-on-one with the winger. Coach Louis van Gaal's last throw of the dice was to give Huntelaar his first chance of the tournament, in place of the tired-looking Van Persie, and this substitution (combined with a second “cooling break” to give instructions) proved decisive for Holland. In minute 88, Huntelaar won a header from a corner and Sneijder lashed in a volley with such power that Ochoa did not even move. Then, in injury time, Robben made the most of contact from captain Márquez inside the Mexican area to finally earn a penalty, which Huntelaar coolly converted, sending Ochoa the wrong way and bringing delirium to the Dutch fans.

 

1/8 FINAL

STADIUM: Arena Pernambuco (Recife)

DATE: 29-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 41.242

REFEREE: Ben Williams (AUS)

GOALS: 1-0 (Bryan Ruiz 52’); 1-1 (Papastathopoulos 90+’)

BOOKED: Duarte (42’), Tejeda (48’), Granados (57’), Duarte (66’ > RC), Bryan Ruiz (70’), Keylor Navas (90’) / Samaris (36’), Manolas (72’)

PK: 1-0 (Borges); 1-1 (Mitroglou) / 2-1 (Bryan Ruiz); 2-2 (Christodoulopoulos) / 3-2 (Giancarlo González); 3-3 (Cholevas) / 4-3 (Campbell); 4-3 (Gekas [saved]) / 5-3 (Umaña)

[Incidents: Granados, sitting on the bench, was booked for protesting (min. 57). Duarte was sent off (min. 66). At the end of extra time, Fernando Santos was sent off to the stands after a heated exchange with the referee (before he left the pitch, however, he had time to select the players for the penalty shootout).]

CRC

Costa Rica

Costa Rica - Greece

Ελλάδα

GRE

1-1 (0-0;0-0) (pk: 5-3)

COSTA RICA

Keylor Navas

Gamboa (Acosta 77’), Duarte, Giancarlo González, Umaña, Júnior Díaz

Bryan Ruiz (c), Tejeda (Cubero 66’), Borges, Bolaños (Brenes 83’)

Campbell

COACH: Jorge Luis Pinto

GREECE

Karnezis

Torosidis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Cholebas

Maniatis(Katsour. 78’),Karagounis(c),Samaris(Mitroglou 58’),Christodou.

Salpingidis (Gekas 69’), Samaras

COACH: Fernando Santos

GAME SUMMARY

Costa Rica advanced for the first time to the last 8 round of the World Cup after a thriller, overcoming a second-half red card, a late Greece equalizer and an extra-time barrage to progress 5-3 on penalties. The Ticos, one of the sensations of the tournament after qualifying in the so-called “Death Group” ahead of former world champions Uruguay, Italy and England, continued their dream as they rode their luck against Greece to set up a quarter-final clash with Holland. The hero for Costa Rica was goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who made some crucial saves during the game, especially the last Greek kick during the penalty shootout to former teammate Fanis Gekas.

 

The Central Americans came into this match in the unusual role as favourites, but looked to be wilting under the pressure. The Greeks, surprise qualifiers from the group stage, did all they could to slow the game down from the start, fearful of Costa Rica’s lightning counterattacks. In a cagey opening period, there were half-chances for both sides in the boots of Bolaños, Campbell and Samaras, but the best opportunity of the half fell to Greece on a sneaky break in minute 37, when a clever cross from the left picked out Salpingidis at the far post, but the PAOK striker was denied by the sprawling Keylor Navas, who made a miraculous save with a stretched leg.

 

The Ticos, struggling to replicate the form they had shown in the group stage, managed to open the scoring in minute 52 with their first shot on target, when Bolaños picked out Bryan Ruiz on the edge of the box and the Costa Rica captain side-footed the ball into the bottom corner. The Central Americans should have had a penalty soon after, when Torosidis deflected a cross with his hand in the Greek area, but what they got instead was Duarte’s second yellow card for a rash and needless challenge on Cholebas. Reduced to ten men, Costa Rica tried to defend their lead with all their heart. Samaras flashed a header wide almost immediately, then Keylor Navas flapped at his looped ball. Substitute Gekas turned wide, Manolas headed over and Karagounis wasted a free kick as the game looked to have got away from Greece. However, Papastathopoulos broke Costa Rica’s heart in injury time after hammering home a rebound from Keylor Navas at a close-range shot from Gekas. Things could have been much worse for the Central Americans moments later, but Keylor Navas was at his best again to tip over a powerful header from substitute Mitroglou.

 

Greece were the dominant side in extra time, but they couldn’t make their numerical advantage count. Mitroglou failed to get a telling touch to beat Keylor Navas again early in the additional period, then an unsighted Gekas shot wide and Katsouranis had a close-range effort blocked. Substitute Brenes came close for Costa Rica at the start of the second period of extra time, in which Christodoulopoulos stung the palms of Keylor Navas, who then denied Mitroglou as the match went to penalties. After Greece coach Fernando Santos was sent to the stands following a heated exchange with the referee, the match was decided on penalty kicks, where Keylor Navas saved Gekas' shot before Umaña scored the decider.

 

1/8 FINAL

STADIUM: Estádio Nacional de Brasília (Brasília)

DATE: 30-06-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 67.882

REFEREE: Mark Geiger (USA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Pogba 79’); 2-0 (Yobo [o.g.] 90+’)

BOOKED: Matuidi (54’)

FRA

France

France - Nigeria

Nigeria

NIG

2-0 (0-0)

FRANCE

Lloris (c)

Debuchy, Varane, Koscielny, Evra

Pogba, Cabaye, Matuidi

Valbuena (Sissoko 90+’), Giroud (Griezmann 62’), Benzema

COACH: Didier Deschamps

NIGERIA

Enyeama

Ambrose, Yobo (c), Omeruo, Oshaniwa

Odemwingie, Onazi (Gabriel 59’), Moses (Nwofor 89’), Mikel, Musa

Emenike

COACH: Stephen Keshi

GAME SUMMARY

France qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Nigeria. Les Bleus were given a tough time by the Super Eagles for much of the game, but after a few scares a late spell of intense pressure led to Paul Pogba opening the scoring, with Joseph Yobo's late own goal sealing the win. An unfortunate blunder by Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who had kept the French at bay with spectacular saves for much of the game, allowed Pogba to head home for the opener. With the Super Eagles committed in search of an equalizer, another unfortunate deflection from defender Yobo into his own goal secured the French victory in injury time.

 

High temperatures and an irregular pitch set the tone for a slow start to the game, with France trying to break the Nigerian defense down the flanks with Balbuena and Benzema. Didier Deschamps’ side created the first noteworthy opportunity of the game in minute 15, when Giroud twisted into space only to slice his left-foot shot wide. However, it was Nigeria who looked the sharper and more purposeful side for much of the first half, and they looked to have taken the lead after 19 minutes, when Emenike prodded into the net from Musa's inswinging right-footed cross, but the goal was chalked off for a marginal offside. Midway the first half, Enyeama started his heroic display with a brilliant reaction save after Valbuena had set Pogba for a powerfully-struck volley. Valbuena again conjured a neat lay-off into Debuchy's path, only for the full-back to send his drive wide when a goal looked odds-on. However, Emenike's power posed a constant threat to the French, and near the break he stung the hands of Lloris with a fizzing shot from distance.

 

In the second half, despite France’s ball domination, Nigeria still remained the most dangerous side, and they very nearly took the lead in minute 65 when Odemwingie crashed in a left-foot shot that Lloris did well to parry clear. As the game entered its final phase, France began to exert control, perhaps aided by midfielder Onazi departing on a stretcher after a nasty challenge by Matuidi. The introduction of Griezmann for Giroud had an immediate impact in the French attack: in minute 70, Benzema's one-two with Griezmann on the edge of the box came off perfectly, but Enyeama managed to take the pace out of the Real Madrid striker's shot and Moses hooked it clear off the line. France continued to press and Benzema's cross-shot was scooped clear before Cabaye came closest to scoring when his strike crashed back off the crossbar. Finally, the French made the breakthrough and it was hugely unfortunate for Enyeama that, having been so heroic, it was his flap at Valbuena's corner that saw the ball drop nicely for Pogba to direct a header into the unguarded net. The Nigerian goalkeeper made up for his mistake with another fabulous save to keep out Griezmann's fiercely-struck effort, but France were not to be denied in injury time, when Yobo diverted Valbuena's low cross into his own net under pressure from Griezmann.

 

1/8 FINAL

STADIUM: Estádio Beira-Rio (Porto Alegre)

DATE: 30-06-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 43.063

REFEREE: Sandro Meira Ricci (BRA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Schürrle 92’); 2-0 (Özil 120’); 2-1 (Djabou 120+’)

BOOKED: Lahm (107’) / Halliche (42’)

GER

Deutschland

Germany - Algeria

الجزائر

ALG

2-1 (0-0;0-0)

GERMANY

Neuer

Mustafi (Khedira 70’), Mertesacker, Boateng, Höwedes

Schweinsteiger (Kramer 109’), Lahm (c), Kroos

Özil, Müller, Götze (Schürrle 46’)

COACH: Joachim Löw

ALGERIA

M’Bolhi

Mandi, Belkalem, Halliche (c) (Bougherra 97’), Ghoulam

Feghouli, Mostefa, Taïder (Brahimi 78’), Lahcen, Soudani (Djabou 100’)

Slimani

COACH: Vahid Halilhodžić

GAME SUMMARY

Germany scraped through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a serious scare by Algeria, who forced the European giants into an extra time. In line with the rest of the tournament, minnows Algeria were not awed by their famed rivals and presented a serious opposition to former world champions. Before André Schürrle and Mesut Özil scored for Germany in extra time, it seemed that Joachim Löw's men were heading for what would have been the shock defeat of the tournament so far. Algeria spotted Germany's vulnerable high-line defense from the first whistle and took advantage with a series of long-ball counterattacks, with Islam Slimani posing a constant threat. However, their efforts to avenge the 1982 “Disgrace of Gijón”—when West Germany and Austria conspired to eliminate Algeria from the World Cup—were ultimately ended in extra time, despite Abdelmoumene Djabou’s late consolation goal.

 

Algeria's plan to hit Germany on the break was clear from the onset. In minute 9, Slimani sneaked in behind Mertesacker following a long punt up field, but Neuer was alert to sprint off his line and put in a superb sliding tackle well outside his area. Feghouli then turned Boateng in the German box, but he shot wide from an impossible angle. In minute 17, Algeria thought their counterattack tactic had paid off when Slimani headed Soudani's cross in, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Within one minute, Soudani fed Ghoulam into the area, but the full-back fired just wide off the far post with Neuer flying across his goal. Near the half-hour mark, Algeria once again punted the ball long, Mertesacker failed to control it and Feghouli raced free only for Neuer to dash out of his box and clear. In the last stages of the first half, Germany finally came into life, and five minutes from the break M’Bolhi had to save twice in quick succession from Kroos and Götze.

 

Schürrle came on in the second half and almost made an immediate impact, latching onto Müller's pass but firing just wide after the ball took a deflection on an Algerian defender. Germany were dominating possession, but they couldn’t beat M’Bolhi, who blocked a header from Mustafi and then pulled off an outstanding save to deny Lahm. The Algerians' pace still made them the most dangerous side in the second half. In minute 72, Neuer had to come racing out of his area once more to deny Slimani with his head. Germany had two great chances to win the game ten minutes from time, but M’Bolhi saved Müller's header and Schürrle's follow-up was blocked on the line. Neuer's sweeping skills were called on again with two minutes to go as he denied Feghouli. Schweinsteiger should have won the game in the final minute of normal time, but he fired a free header straight at the Algeria goalkeeper.

 

However, less than two minutes into extra time Germany took the lead when Müller pinched the ball off Algeria full-back Mandi and squared for Schürrle, who flicked the ball beyond M’Bolhi with his instep. The Algerians looked tired, but they kept looking for the equalizer. Mostefa shot just wide inside the area when he should have tested Neuer. Germany should have made it 2-0 in minute 117, when substitute Kramer fired a low strike on goal which M’Bolhi saved with his legs. In the final minute of extra time, however, Özil made sure of the German victory as he fired in from close range after Schürrle's effort was cleared off the line. Djabou then turned home Feghouli's cross to give Algeria a glimmer of hope, but there was no more time to find an equalizer and Germany booked a quarter-finals showdown with France.

 

1/8 FINAL

STADIUM: Arena Corinthians (São Paulo)

DATE: 1-07-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 63.255

REFEREE: Jonas Eriksson (SWE)

GOALS: 1-0 (Di María 118’)

BOOKED: Rojo (90’), Di María (120’), Garay (120+’) / Xhaka (36’), Fernandes (73’)

ARG

Argentina

Argentina - Switzerland

Schweiz / Suisse

SWI

1-0 (0-0;0-0)

ARGENTINA

Romero

Zabaleta, Fede Fernández, Garay, Rojo (Basanta 105+’)

Lavezzi (Palacio 74’), Gago (Biglia 106’), Messi (c), Mascherano, Di María

Higuaín

COACH: Alejandro Sabella

SWITZERLAND

Benaglio

Lichtsteiner, Schär, Djourou, Rodríguez

Xhaka(Fernandes 66’),İnler(c),Shaqiri,Behrami,Mehmedi(Džemaili 113’)

Drmić (Seferović 82’)

COACH: Ottmar Hitzfeld

GAME SUMMARY

A last-gasp extra-time goal by Ángel di María, with penalties looming, earned Argentina a place in the quarter-finals, after a hard-fought victory over Switzerland. The South Americans dominated possession throughout the game, but struggled to penetrate the Swiss defense and were ultimately denied by excellent goalkeeper Diego Benaglio. In fact, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side enjoyed several chances in the second half to snatch a surprise win. However, with two minutes of extra time left Argentina scored a dramatic winner after Leo Messi (otherwise “missing in action”) set “Fideo” Di María for a clinical instep finish. That was not the end of it though, as Blerim Džemaili had a glorious chance to re-take the game to penalties, but he hit a post and then missed a simple tap-in for the follow-up.

 

Before the game, Ottmar Hitzfeld had announced a special marking on Messi, but right after kick-off all his teammates also suffered the effects of an organized Swiss defense (combined with a few tackles). For all their ball possession, Alejandro Sabella’s side were unable to seriously threaten Benaglio. With the Argentine attacks blocked in the center and the flanks, the Swiss were beginning to look far more dangerous on the counterattack, and near the half-hour mark goalkeeper Romero dived to deny Xhaka with his feet, then saved the follow-up from Lichtsteiner. Argentina offered only weak threats at the other end, as when Lavezzi (starting ahead of the injured Agüero) shot straight at Benaglio. In minute 39 Switzerland had a glorious chance to take the lead when Drmić raced through on goal after a delightful one-two with the impressive Shaqiri, but the striker attempted a chip which landed straight into Romero's arms.

 

Romero frayed Argentinian nerves just after the break when he juggled Shaqiri's free kick on the line, but he collected the ball at the third attempt. Argentina increased the pressure for the rest of the second half, but whenever the Swiss defense failed, Benaglio prevailed. Near the hour mark, Rojo stung his palms with a fierce shot, then the Swiss goalkeeper stretched to tip over Higuaín's header. Messi hit a spectacular left-foot volley that flew just over the bar. Substitute Palacio missed a glorious chance with his first touch—a free header from Messi's cross that flew wide. In minute 78, Benaglio showed immense bravery to push the ball away from Palacio's feet as he followed up Messi's shot from the edge of the area. The Swiss keeper had to be alert for the final ten minutes of regulation, as Argentina launched attack after attack, but he held strong and the game went to extra time.

 

Benaglio remained the best man on the pitch in the additional period, saving from Di María and Palacio. But just when a penalty shootout seemed inevitable, the Swiss goalkeeper was finally beaten when Palacio won the ball on the halfway line and laid it to Messi, who squared for the onrushing Di María to curl a shot into the net. Wild celebrations ensued among the Argentine players and fans, but Switzerland piled forward and they inexplicably failed to equalize in injury time when Džemaili’s close-range header hit the base of the post before the ball bounced back off his foot and wide of the target.

 

1/8 FINAL

STADIUM: Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

DATE: 1-07-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 51.227

REFEREE: Djamel Haimoudi (ALG)

GOALS: 1-0 (De Bruyne 93’); 2-0 (Lukaku 105’); 2-1 (Green 107’)

BOOKED: Kompany (42’) / Cameron (18’)

BEL

België

Belgium - USA

United States of America

USA

2-1 (0-0;0-0)

BELGIUM

Courtois

Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany (c), Vertonghen

Mertens (Mirallas 60’), Fellaini, De Bruyne, Witsel, Hazard (Chadli 111’)

Origi (Lukaku 91’)

COACH: Marc Wilmots

USA

Howard

Johnson (Yedlin 32’), González, Besler, Beasley

Zusi (Wondolowski 72’), Jones, Bradley, Cameron, Bedoya (Green 105+’)

Dempsey (c)

COACH: Jürgen Klinsmann

GAME SUMMARY

In line with the rest of the 1/8 finals, Belgium were pushed to the limit by a brave USA team before they could grab a place in the quarter-finals after a thrilling 2-1 victory. Goalkeeper Tim Howard denied Les Diables Rouges time and again with effective saves (as many as 16 in all the game), but then substitute Romelu Lukaku was decisive to create the opening for Kevin de Bruyne's breakthrough early in the extra time before scoring the second himself. Teenager Julian Green gave the USA hope and they had chances to equalize, but Belgium just held on.

 

Marc Wilmots’ side set a very high rhythm from the beginning. Only two minutes into the game, Howard stood tall when Belgium's teenage sensation Origi caught Omar González flat-footed and only the keeper's outstretched foot prevented his team from going behind. It took some time for the USA to settle down, and when they did it they also started to threaten Courtois, as Dempsey did in minute 21 with a clipped shot. Almost immediately, De Bruyne was guilty of the most glaring miss of the half when he cut back inside but sent a tame shot rolling wide of the post. He then tried to make amends before the break with a first-time shot, but Howard held it easily.

 

The second half began with Belgium looking threatening and the USA relying on fortune and Howard. Mertens' looping header was flicked over the bar by the US keeper, then Vertonghen's left-wing cross evaded both De Bruyne (at the near post) and Origi (at the back). In minute 57, Origi sent in a good header which landed on top of the crossbar. It was not all one-way traffic though. Before the hour mark, the Belgium defense made a hash of dealing with Beasley's cross and Zusi lashed in a shot well blocked by Kompany. Witsel zipped a low shot not far off target before Howard once again came to the rescue to deny Origi, who might have done better than shooting straight at the keeper when he had a clear sight of goal. Dempsey produced an effort on target as the USA tried to respond, but it was Howard who was called into action again to save Mirallas’ shot with his feet. The goalkeeper kept the Stars and Stripes in the game with yet another inspirational save to deny Hazard. Besler produced an astounding block when Van Buyten looked threatening in the US area before Howard tipped over Origi's rising drive. With normal time running out, Kompany went very close to bundling it over the line, but Howard once again was equal to the challenge. Wondolowski could have snatched it for the USA in injury time, but sliced horribly wide.

 

Marc Wilmots gave Lukaku a chance to make up for his disappointing tournament, and within three minutes of extra time his strength and pace down the right opened up the USA. The defenders failed to clear his cut-back and De Bruyne pounced on the loose ball, spun neatly, and fired the ball across Howard and into the back of the net. Mirallas could have wrapped it up for Belgium, but was denied by another intervention by Howard. That was only putting off the inevitable though as, with the USA looking done in, De Bruyne this time played in Lukaku to fire home first-time at the near post. However, the game was not over yet, as substitute Green pulled one back with just about his first touch after volleying in a cross from Bradley. At the climax, Courtois denied Dempsey at point-blank range after a brilliantly inventive free kick by the Americans.

 

1/4 FINAL

STADIUM: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)

DATE: 4-07-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 74.240

REFEREE: Néstor Pitana (ARG)

GOALS: 0-1 (Hummels 13’)

BOOKED: Khedira (54’), Schweinsteiger (80’)

FRA

France

France - Germany

Deutschland

GER

0-1 (0-1)

FRANCE

Lloris (c)

Debuchy, Varane, Sakho (Koscielny 72’), Evra

Pogba, Cabaye (Rémy 73’), Matuidi

Valbuena (Giroud 85’), Benzema, Griezmann

COACH: Didier Deschamps

GERMANY

Neuer

Lahm (c), Boateng, Hummels, Höwedes

Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Kroos (Kramer 90+’)

Özil (Götze 83’), Klose (Schürrle 69’), Müller

COACH: Joachim Löw

GAME SUMMARY

The most reliable Germany reached their fourth World Cup semifinal in a row after a 1-0 victory over France. An early Hummels’ header was enough for the Mannschaft, who always looked comfortable with the slender lead. With only Karim Benzema posing a serious threat, Les Bleus had never enough power up front to seriously trouble Joachim Low's side, who came closest to extending their lead on the counterattack. Just as Algeria were not able to avenge the 1982 “Disgrace of Gijón”—when West Germany and Austria conspired to eliminate Algeria from the World Cup—, France also failed to repair the bitterness of the semifinal defeats by Germany in that tournament—with the infamous Harald Schumacher challenge on Patrick Battiston— and 1986. What seemed even stranger was the way Didier Deschamps' side showed little urgency to equalize, even towards the final whistle, when they should have charged with everything they had (even goalkeeper Lloris coming up, as in other tight games during the knock-out rounds).

 

The much anticipated clash between France and Germany failed to live up to expectations. Instead of the classic that had been hoped for, it was in fact one of the more tepid games in an otherwise consistently excellent tournament. The most significant move in Joachim Low’s side was captain Philipp Lahm returning to his usual right-back position instead of midfield. Germany dominated possession in the early stages, but the darting runs of Valbuena down the right flank began to make things uncomfortable for the German defense. In minute 7, the Olympique de Marseille playmaker found Benzema unmarked with plenty of time and space, but the French attacker sidefooted wide of the post. However, Germany proved once again that they don’t need many chances to score when Kroos’ free kick from distance was met by Hummels, who outjumped Varane and steered a header over Lloris. The Mannschaft then looked very comfortable defending this lead while threating on the counterattack. In minute 24, they had a big shout for a penalty as Klose went down when Debuchy held his shirt in the French area, but an over-dramatic fall by the German striker did not impress Argentinian referee Néstor Pitana. Germany failed to build on their lead however, and it was France who finished the half on the rise. In minute 34, goalkeeper Neuer produced an outstanding diving one-handed save from Valbuena, with Benzema unable to put home the rebound from close range as Hummels was in the way. Just before the break, the Real Madrid striker was denied again after cutting inside but shooting straight at Neuer.

 

In the second half, Germany seemed content to play on the break and contain a more adventurous-looking France. However risky this approach appeared, it almost paid off when Kroos and Özil combined but the Arsenal midfielder’s return ball was just cut out, then Kroos shot badly wide from distance after more neat approach play. On the hour mark, Debuchy's cross was met by Varane with a decent header, but Neuer held it comfortably enough. Midway the second half, as France failed to capitalize on their ball possession, Germany started to look more dangerous. In minute 70, Müller skimmed a shot just past the post, then substitute Schürrle sent a low drive straight at Lloris. A glimpse of goal for Benzema was shut down by Hummels, then Matuidi had an attempt from a narrow angle easily punched clear by Neuer. A quick break by Germany in minute 82 ended in a couple of terrible misses, as Özil put one on a plate for Müller but he completely missed his kick before Schürrle shot weakly straight at Lloris. In injury time, Benzema had a glorious chance to equalize, but his strike into the roof of the net was turned away one-handed by the unflappable Neuer.

 

1/4 FINAL

STADIUM: Castelão (Fortaleza)

DATE: 4-07-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 60.342

REFEREE: Carlos Velasco Carballo (SPA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Thiago Silva 7’); 2-0 (David Luiz 69’); 2-1 (James Rodríguez [p.] 80’)

BOOKED: Thiago Silva (64’), Júlio César (78’) / James Rodríguez (67’), Yepes (69’)

BRA

Brasil

Brazil - Colombia

Colombia

COL

2-1 (1-0)

BRAZIL

Júlio César

Maicon, Thiago Silva (c), David Luiz, Marcelo

Neymar (Henrique 88’), Fernandinho, Oscar, Paulinho (Hernanes 86’)

Fred, Hulk (Ramires 83’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

COLOMBIA

Ospina

Zúñiga, Zapata, Yepes (c), Armero

Cuadrado(Quintero 80’),Guarín,J.Rodríguez,C.Sánchez,Ibarbo(Ramos 46’)

Teo Gutiérrez (Bacca 70’)

COACH: José Pékerman

GAME SUMMARY

Two goals from central defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz from set pieces were enough to send Brazil through to the semifinals after defeating World Cup sensation Colombia 2-1. The Seleção’s captain defended superbly and opened the scoring inside seven minutes after poking in a corner. Brazil worked hard to extend their early lead, and midway through the second half David Luiz made it 2-0 with a thunderous free kick. James Rodríguez, the competition's top scorer, added to his haul with a late penalty, but Brazil rode out a nervy final ten minutes to progress and send a whole nation into delirium. However, the Brazilian victory was tinged with concern after Neymar left the field on a stretcher in the closing stages (after the game, it was known that the superstar playmaker suffered a fractured vertebra and will miss the remainder of the tournament). After the immense pressure of surviving a penalty shootout against Chile, the Seleção had a more fitting display for a host team who is heavily favored to win the World Cup, not only showing their true colors but cancelling the attacking threat of Colombia. However, Brazil will be given a serious test in the semifinal against a strong German team, especially considering that they will be missing key players Neymar and captain Thiago Silva (suspended on yellow cards).

 

Perhaps intimidated by the atmosphere in the stadium, with a sea of yellow covering the stands of Castelão, Los Cafeteros had a sluggish start. Seven minutes into the game, Neymar, a constant threat for the Colombian defense, swung a corner kick all the way over to the far post, where the unmarked Thiago Silva took advantage of ball-watching from Carlos Sánchez to bundle the ball home. Brazil captain’s main job, though, still was at the back, and he soon proved his worth there, getting the slightest deflection on a fierce Cuadrado shot to take it wide, as Colombia tried to respond. However, that turned out to be Los Cafeteros’ only chance of note in a poor first half. With Brazil in the ascendancy, in minute 20 goalkeeper Ospina had to be alert to deny two shots in quick succession, first parrying a Hulk effort and then denying Oscar's follow-up from the edge of the box. Hulk then wriggled free to force another save from Ospina before center-back David Luiz went on a typically unorthodox run, Fernandinho glanced wide and Hulk blazed over. Colombia improved towards the end of the first half, but it was not enough to seriously threaten a firm Brazilian defense.

 

James Rodríguez, very frustrated during the first half, tried to be the leader Colombia needed after the break, and earned two free kicks. José Pékerman's side began the second half brightly, but without creating any chances of note. As the game was marred by a series of fouls, Thiago Silva was foolishly booked for impeding Ospina’s kick, which meant he will be suspended for the semifinal. In minute 66, veteran Colombian captain Yepes thought he had scored the equalizer, but his goal was chalked off for offside. It was a pivotal moment in the match, as in the next attacking move James Rodríguez was cautioned for taking down Hulk well outside the area; David Luiz stepped up for the free kick and, after taking a big run-up, stroke a sensational right-footed shot over the wall and into the top-right corner, despite Ospina getting a touch to the ball. Neymar almost made it 3-0 for Brazil with a curling shot from just outside the area, but instead the hosts were in for a nervy final when, with ten minutes left, James Rodríguez sent a wonderful ball through to substitute Bacca, who was brought down by the onrushing Júlio César for a clear penalty. The tournament’s top scorer, James Rodríguez, stepped up and pulled one back by sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. Colombia came close to an almost instant equalizer with a header by Bacca from a set piece, but he was already flagged for offside. After a tearful Neymar left the field on a stretcher following a heavy challenge in the back by Zúñiga, and with Brazilian heart rates going up a notch, Ramos glanced a header wide of Júlio César’s goal in injury time, but Scolari’s men held on to keep an entire nation’s dream alive.

 

1/4 FINAL

STADIUM: Estádio Nacional de Brasília (Brasília)

DATE: 5-07-2014 (13:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 68.551

REFEREE: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Higuaín 8’)

BOOKED: Biglia (75’) / Hazard (53’), Alderweireld (68’)

ARG

Argentina

Argentina - Belgium

België

BEL

1-0 (1-0)

ARGENTINA

Romero

Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Basanta

Di María (Enzo Pérez 33’), Biglia, Messi (c), Mascherano

Higuaín (Gago 81’), Lavezzi (Palacio 71’)

COACH: Alejandro Sabella

BELGIUM

Courtois

Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany (c), Vertonghen

Mirallas (Mertens 60’), Fellaini, De Bruyne, Witsel, Hazard (Chadli 75’)

Origi (Lukaku 59’)

COACH: Marc Wilmots

GAME SUMMARY

24 years later, Argentina qualified again for a semifinal of the World Cup following a 1-0 victory against a disappointing Belgium side, who made a low-key exit from the tournament after all the expectation surrounding Les Diables Rouges. Gonzalo Higuaín's excellent early strike was enough for La Albiceleste, who resisted the Belgian siege for most of the game. Leo Messi didn’t shine as usual, but he provided a constant threat that kept Marc Wilmot's side on the back foot.

 

The Argentina captain started off playing deep, seeing plenty of the ball and creating some good positions for his teammates. Three minutes after kick-off, one such move put Lavezzi clear on the right, and only Kompany's alert intervention prevented a goal. It took less than eight minutes however for Argentina to take the lead when Messi again, after twisting and turning in midfield, sent an incisive pass to Di María which was diverted into the path of Higuaín, who swivelled and thumped a first-time shot low into the corner. Belgium attempted to make some headway, but Argentina immediately dropped back into defensive ranks whenever they lost possession, and when Les Diables Rouges did get into good positions they failed to make use of it. In minute 17, left-back Vertonghen put in a stunning cross, but not a single red shirt was there to reach the ball and Garay cleared it unchallenged. Midway the first half, De Bruyne nearly surprised goalkeeper Romero with a stinging shot, and the rebound from the save just eluded Origi. A dream of a pass from Messi sliced through the Belgian defense for Di María, but Kompany did brilliantly to get back to block him. The Real Madrid winger injured himself while taking the shot, and soon after had to be replaced by Enzo Pérez (it was later known that Di María will miss the rest of the tournament after tearing a thigh muscle). Messi was crudely halted when close to dribbling through a pack of red shirts on the edge of the Belgium area, and then fizzed the free kick over the top. Belgium's best chance of the first half came just before the break, when another Vertonghen cross this time found Mirallas, but his diving header bounced wide.

 

In the second half, Argentina was happy to keep things tight while Belgium failed to make much impression. The first chance feel on the Argentinian side within six minutes, when Higuaín cut in and drilled in a low effort that deflected off Van Buyten and past the near post, with Courtois stranded. Then the Napoli attacker came much closer when he sped into the Belgium half, nutmegged Kompany while at full speed and fired against the top of the bar. Just after the hour mark, Vertonghen whipped another pin-point cross but Fellaini headed over. Belgium desperately tried to restore parity, but their attacks never overwhelmed the Argentina defense. In minute 85, De Bruyne’s shot on target was deflected just wide. In the closing minutes, Marc Wilmots went for broke by pushing his tallest players, Fellaini and Van Buyten, up front as extra strikers, but Argentina held out against the aerial bombardment. In injury time, Messi was sent free in front of Courtois, but his attempted finish was brilliantly blocked by the keeper. Belgium wasted the last attack of the game when Witsel volleyed wide a Lukaku’s cross. With the final whistle, Argentina players celebrated on the pitch as if they had won the World Cup.

 

1/4 FINAL

STADIUM: Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador)

DATE: 5-07-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 51.179

REFEREE: Ravshan Irmatov (UZB)

GOALS: -

BOOKED: Martins Indi (64’), Huntelaar (111’) / Júnior Díaz (37’), Umaña (52’), Giancarlo González (81’), Acosta (107’)

PK: 0-1 (Borges); 1-1 (Van Persie) / 1-1 (Bryan Ruiz [saved]); 2-1 (Robben) / 2-2 (Giancarlo González); 3-2 (Sneijder) / 3-3 (Bolaños); 4-3 (Kuijt) / 4-3 (Umaña [saved])

NED

Nederland

Netherlands - Costa Rica

Costa Rica

CRC

0-0 (0-0;0-0) (pk: 4-3)

NETHERLANDS

Cillessen (Krul 120+’)

De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi (Huntelaar 106’)

Kuijt, Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Blind

Robben, Van Persie (c), Depay (Lens 76’)

COACH: Louis van Gaal

COSTA RICA

Keylor Navas

Gamboa (Myrie 79’), Acosta, Giancarlo González, Umaña, Júnior Díaz

Campbell (Ureña 66’), Tejeda (Cubero 97’), Borges, Bolaños

Bryan Ruiz (c)

COACH: Jorge Luis Pinto

GAME SUMMARY

Holland's substitute goalkeeper Tim Krul emerged as the unexpected hero as the Dutch edged Costa Rica on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. Dutch coach Louis van Gaal brought the Newcastle United keeper on for Jasper Cillessen late in extra time, and his decision paid off handsomely, as Krul made two vital saves in the penalty shootout to send Holland into the semifinals of the World Cup. The Oranje had numerous chances to score before the decisive spot-kicks, but were denied by Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas (who had recovered from a shoulder injury) and hit the woodwork three times (including in the last minute of normal time, when Robin van Persie's shot was deflected onto the crossbar by Yeltsin Tejeda on the goalline). The Ticos, reaching their first quarterfinal ever in the World Cup, can now return home with their heads held high after being one of the sensations of the tournament.

 

Holland dominated possession in the opening stages, but could not break through Costa Rica's firm defense, although Robben looked threatening every time he got the ball and started one of his electric darts. The Oranje almost broke the deadlock in minute 21, when Depay fed Van Persie in the left side of the box for a one-on-one with Keylor Navas, but the Costa Rica goalkeeper kept out the Dutch captain’s powerful shot and also saved Sneijder's follow-up. Near the half-hour mark, Keylor Navas was called into action once more to palm away Depay's left-footed effort towards the near post. In minute 38, the Costa Rican goalkeeper was outstanding again to save Sneijder's curled free kick towards the far post, then he rushed off his line to deny Van Persie following Robben's through-ball.

 

Holland kept up the pressure after the break, but the Ticos defended deeply and even started to create danger of their own. Near the hour mark, Campbell claimed a penalty after being nudged in the area by Martins Indi, but his appeal was waved away by Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov. Five minutes later, Giancarlo González's flying header from Bolaños' free kick went over the bar under pressure from Vlaar. Holland re-took control of the game in the last stages, and with sixteen minutes remaining Vlaar headed Sneijder's free kick just over the bar. Costa Rica then suffered a blow when Gamboa had to be stretchered off and replaced by Myrie. In minute 81, Holland came closer than ever when Sneijder's free kick hit the post with Keylor Navas beaten. Two minutes later, there was a scramble in the Costa Rica area and the ball fell to Van Persie, but his close-range effort was repelled by the ubiquitous Keylor Navas. The Dutch captain then missed a golden opportunity to put his team ahead when he failed to get a touch on Sneijder's fantastic cross towards the far post. The last chance of regulation fell again to Van Persie in injury time, after Blind's cross eluded three teammates, but his shot was diverted on the line by Tejeda onto the crossbar.

 

Holland continued to press forward in extra time, and three minutes into the additional period Vlaar’s header from Sneijder’s corner was saved by Keylor Navas. Trying to increase the pressure up front, Van Gaal brought on Huntelaar for Martins Indi at the start of the second period of extra time. Much against the run of play, Costa Rica could have snatched an unexpected victory in minute 116, when substitute Ureña skipped past a couple of challenges to get one-on-one with Cillessen, but the Dutch keeper got down well to save. At the other end, Holland were denied by the woodwork for the third time in the game when Sneijder's curled attempt hit the bar. At the end of extra time, Van Gaal made a surprising substitution (somehow similar to handball), bringing in goalkeeper Krul (who had been warming up on the sidelines) for Cillessen. Krul vindicated that substitution by denying Bryan Ruiz and Umaña in the ensuing penalty kicks to send Holland into the semifinals.

 

1/2 FINAL

STADIUM: Mineirão (Belo Horizonte)

DATE: 8-07-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 58.141

REFEREE: Marco Antonio Rodríguez (MEX)

GOALS: 0-1 (Müller 11’); 0-2 (Klose 23’); 0-3 (Kroos 24’); 0-4 (Kroos 26’); 0-5 (Khedira 29’); 0-6 (Schürrle 69’); 0-7 (Schürrle 79’); 1-7 (Oscar 90’)

BOOKED: Dante (68’)

BRA

Brasil

Brazil - Germany

Deutschland

GER

1-7 (0-5)

BRAZIL

Júlio César

Maicon, David Luiz (c), Dante, Marcelo

Bernard, Fernandinho(Paulinho 46’), Oscar, L.Gustavo, Hulk(Ramires 46’)

Fred (Willian 69’)

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

GERMANY

Neuer

Lahm (c), Boateng, Hummels (Mertesacker 46’), Höwedes

Khedira (Draxler 76’), Schweinsteiger, Kroos

Müller, Klose (Schürrle 58’), Özil

COACH: Joachim Löw

GAME SUMMARY

Brazil’s dream of winning the World Cup on national soil turned into a nightmare of dramatic proportions after suffering the worst ever defeat of the Seleção. Germany’s 7-1 victory was not only one of the most remarkable wins in the history of the competition, but the biggest goal margin in the knock-out rounds. Tears flowed like water in Belo Horizonte as, within just half an hour, Brazil were 5-0 down, and it could have been much worse for the hosts had Germany taken all their scoring opportunities (even Brazil’s late consolation goal was made on the counterattack after Özil had missed a glorious chance to make it 8-0 for Germany). Two goals apiece from Toni Kroos and André Schürrle, plus one each by Thomas Müller, Sami Khedira and Miroslav Klose (a record-breaking 16th World Cup goal), completed one of the most remarkable games in the history of the World Cup. Although the antiheroes of the “Maracanazo” (Juvenal, Bauer, Danilo, Friaça, Zizinho, Ademir, Jair) were not vindicated, at least now they won’t be haunted by ghosts from the past, as they will be replaced in the black books of Brazilian football by the likes of Júlio César, David Luiz, Marcelo, Hulk and Fred (Thiago Silva, suspended, and Neymar, injured, might even be spared). If Brazil wanted to erase the memories of that 1950 final defeat at Maracanã, they have done so: the pain of the “Mineirazo“ will be infinitely more excruciating. As for Germany, they will go into Sunday's World Cup final at Maracanã to face Argentina or Holland on the highest of highs.

 

Much was spoken before the game about the absence of talismanic striker Neymar in Brazil (his teammates even held his shirt as they belted out the national anthem), but once the game got underway Luiz Felipe Scolari’s men and the partisan crowd (who bayed every Brazilian touch and tackle) realized they had other problems to worry about—and the man the would miss most was Thiago Silva, Brazil's captain and defensive rock. Marcelo was cheered wildly after firing wide from outside the area, but the hosts’ high emotions into the game turned out to be fireworks. As the German midfield started to gain ball possession, the game tide suddenly went the other way. In minute 8, Khedira volleyed Özil's cross against the back of Kroos, who was standing inside the Brazil area. In their next attacking move, however, Joachim Löw’s side opened the scoring after Müller slotted home a Kroos’ corner under poor Brazilian marking. The hosts tried to react and Marcelo burst into the German penalty area, but a pinpoint sliding tackle by Lahm stopped him in full stride. However, Brazil's high tempo only served to make them vulnerable on the break, and Germany made them pay again in minute 23, when a delightful passing move saw Müller lay the ball off to Klose, whose first shot was saved by Júlio César but then buried the rebound. It was the 16th goal of Miroslav Klose in the World Cup, making him the new top scorer of the competition ahead of Ronaldo. This time, Brazil didn’t even have time to react, as they were torn to pieces by Germany, who scored four goals within six minutes to effectively close the game. Less than two minutes after Klose’s goal t was 3-0 for Germany after Lahm's cross went all the way across the area for Kroos to slam home left-footed. Then, from a goal kick, Fernandinho was robbed by Khedira, who unselfishly played in Kroos for a virtual tap-in. The flurry of German goals didn’t stop there. With less than half an hour gone, the hosts found themselves 5-0 down when Hummels strode forward and Özil set up Khedira for a first-time finish. By that time, Brazil fans were in tears (a few were even leaving their seats), but the German machine marched on mercilessly, as the world watched in sheer disbelief an incredible 5-0 thrashing of five-times champions Brazil, as a combined result of German effectiveness and dismal Brazil defending. After a shambolic first half, Brazil players were booed off at halftime.

 

With a mountain to climb, Scolari's halftime team talk must have been all about rescuing some pride, because it was a different Brazil who came out for the second half, with Paulinho on for Fernandinho and Ramires for Hulk, while Löw sent on Mertesacker for Hummels. Neuer, who had been barely tested in the first half, prevented Brazil from getting on the scoresheet by denying double shoots from Oscar and Paulinho. On the other side, Júlio César had to be at his best to tip over Müller's curling effort from just outside the area, but Germany were not to be denied in their next move, and Lahm's penetrating cross was struck home by substitute Schürrle. Amongst the general discontent in Mineirão, it was Fred who was at the center of the fans’ rage when he was replaced by Willian. It was Chelsea attacker Schürrle again who piled on the hosts’ agony by making it 7-0 (a record defeat at that moment for Brazil) after a breathtaking finish into the top corner from a tight angle. Özil should have made it an embarrassing eight in the last minute, but slid wide when through on goal, and in the ensuing counterattack Oscar's crisp finish provided little consolation.

 

1/2 FINAL

STADIUM: Arena Corinthians (São Paulo)

DATE: 9-07-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 63.267

REFEREE: Cüneyt Çakır (TUR)

GOALS: -

BOOKED: Martins Indi (45’), Huntelaar (105’) / Demichelis (49’)

PK: 0-0 (Vlaar [saved]); 0-1 (Messi) / 1-1 (Robben); 1-2 (Garay) / 1-2 (Sneijder [saved]); 1-3 (Agüero) / 2-3 (Kuijt); 2-4 (Maxi Rodríguez)

NED

Nederland

Netherlands - Argentina

Argentina

ARG

0-0 (0-0;0-0) (pk: 2-4)

NETHERLANDS

Cillessen

Martins Indi (Janmaat 46’), Vlaar, De Vrij

Blind, De Jong (Clasie 62’), Sneijder, Wijnaldum, Kuijt

Van Persie (c) (Huntelaar 96’), Robben

COACH: Louis van Gaal

ARGENTINA

Romero

Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo

Enzo Pérez (Palacio 81’), Biglia, Mascherano, Lavezzi (M. Rodríguez 101’)

Messi (c), Higuaín (Agüero 82’)

COACH: Alejandro Sabella

GAME SUMMARY

24 years later, Argentina made it to another World Cup final after edging past Holland 4-2 on penalties at the end of a dull, uneventful and goalless 120 minutes. Coincidentally, the hero was again the Argentine goalkeeper: just as Sergio Goycochea saved two shots during the penalty shootout in the semifinal against Italy in 1990, Sergio Romero also denied Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder to let La Albiceleste‘s fans keep singing. Their rival in the final will also be Germany, just as 24 years ago. However, Alejandro Sabella's side failed to impress once more in the tournament, with Leo Messi subdued by the Dutch defense, but Holland were also devoid of ideas in attack, so the 0-0 at the end of regulation and extra-time cama as no surprise. This time, Louis van Gaal may regret using all his substitutions to leave him unable to bring on goalkeeper Tim Krul, who was the Dutch hero in the quarterfinal against Costa Rica after saving two shots in the penalty shootout, as Jasper Cillessen was easily beaten from 11 meters.

 

Quite contrary to the other semifinal between Brazil and Germany, Holland and Argentina started cautiously on a cold night in São Paulo. It took fifteen minutes to see the first shot on goal, when Messi drilled a low free kick right at Cillessen. In minute 24, Garay headed just over for Argentina after a corner. Holland, for their part, struggled to get the ball to the dangerous Robben and failed to force goalkeeper Romero into a single save. With both Messi and Rooben effectively subdued, nothing else of note happened in the first period.

 

After the break, Argentina briefly upped the tempo. In minute 51, the onrushing Cillessen saved at Messi’s feet, but the ball bounced off the Argentine playmaker and went narrowly off target, then substitute Janmaat denied Higuaín’s header from close range. Both spectators and commentators thought that Argentina had finally broken the deadlock in minute 75, when Higuaín sent a first-time stab against the side netting after Enzo Pérez’s pinpoint low cross from the right (the ball rippled the outside of the net in a visual effect for goal, but the offside flag was up anyway). In injury time, Holland conjured up the best chance of an otherwise dismal game when Sneijder’s crafty flick sent Robben racing into the Argentinian goal, but he took too many touches before shooting and allowed Mascherano to get in a crucial block.

 

Six minutes into extra time, Louis van Gaal showed his desire to win the game before the penalty shootout by replacing Van Persie for attacker Huntelaaar, thus eliminating the possibility of quarterfinal savior Krul coming on for the spot-kicks. In minute 99, Holland mustered their first shot on target, an effort from Robben that flew into Romero's hands. Cillessen jangled the nerves of the Dutch fans when he performed an audacious turn to wriggle away from the advancing Agüero at the start of the second half of extra time (the goalkeeper had done the same before with Higuaín). In minute 115, Sabella was incensed with substitute Palacio when he tried—and failed—to head over Cillessen from close range. After Kuijt fluffed a good chance at the other end, the match went to penalties. With Krul missing, Argentine keeper Romero was the hero this time, turning the emotional balance of the shootout to Argentina’s side after saving the first kick from Vlaar. Then Messi, Garay and Agüero found the net, while Romero produced a superb stop to his right from Sneijder. Kuijt slotted Holland's fourth penalty away, but Maxi Rodríguez then beat Cillessen to send Argentina through to the final.

 

PLACES 3-4

STADIUM: Estádio Nacional de Brasília (Brasília)

DATE: 12-07-2014 (17:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 68.034

REFEREE: Djamel Haimoudi (ALG)

GOALS: 0-1 (Van Persie [p.] 3’); 0-2 (Blind 17’); 0-3 (Wijnaldum 90+’)

BOOKED: Thiago Silva (2’), Fernandinho (54’), Oscar (68’) / Robben (9’), De Guzmán (36’)

[Incidents: Sneijder was included in the Dutch line-up for this game, but he was injured during warm-up and was replaced by De Guzmán.]

BRA

Brasil

Brazil - Netherlands

Nederland

NED

0-3 (0-2)

BRAZIL

Júlio César

Maicon, Thiago Silva (c), David Luiz, Maxwell

Paulinho (Hernanes 57’), Willian, Luiz Gustavo (Fernandinho 46'), Oscar

Ramires (Hulk 73’), Jô

COACH: Luiz Felipe Scolari

NETHERLANDS

Cillessen (Vorm 90+’)

De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi

Kuijt, Clasie (Veltman 90’), Wijnaldum, De Guzmán, Blind (Janmaat 70’)

Robben, Van Persie (c)

COACH: Louis van Gaal

GAME SUMMARY

Holland ended the World Cup on a high after securing third place in the consolation final with a convincing 3-0 victory over Brazil, who composed their misery in the tournament with another very disappointing defeat. Thr Brazlian players, who were booed off the pitch by their own fans, produced another subpar display (even though Luiz Felipe Scolari fielded many reserves), riddled with defensive errors, allowing the Dutch (who went goalless in their last two games) score three goals by Robin van Persie, Daley Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum for an easy win.

 

Before kick-off, the presence of the injured Neymar as a spectator on the bench raised the spirits of the home fans, who were ready to forgive and support their players to claim some dignity at the end of the tournament. However, all their good will disappeared very quickly, as the match started in the worst possible way for the hosts, who went behind within three minutes. Van Persie’s pass inside the left channel allowed Robben a solo run until he was pulled down by returning captain Thiago Silva. Although the contact was cleary outside the box, the Dutch winger fell inside the area. The Algerian referee Djamel Haimoudi immediately pointed at the penalty spot, but inexplicably didn’t send off the Brazilian captain, who was the last defender. Van Persie stepped up and scored the penalty into the top right corner to let a stunned silence descend upon Mané Garrincha Stadium. Dismay turned to anger soon after as Holland doubled their lead thanks to some poor defending by David Luiz, who headed backwards into the danger area (rather than over his own goal for a corner) a cross by De Guzmán from the right, allowing the unmarked Blind to take one touch and lash the ball past Júlio César to register his first international goal. Oscar, one of the few Brazilian players who looked up to the task in the consolation final, emerged as Brazil's only hope of pulling a goal back. In minute 21, the Chelsea midfielder tested Dutch goalkeeper Cillessen with a long-range drive. On the half-hour mark, Holland almost made it 3-0 when De Guzmán clipped too high from a central position after being set up by the incisive Robben. In minute 38, Oscar produced a devilish free kick which somehow eluded Paulinho and David Luiz on the goalline following a Luiz Gustavo flick-on. When the referee whistled for halftime, the home fans booed loudly at their players.

 

After a poorly played first half, Brazil showed all their frustration in the second with a series a harsh challenges. Fernandinho, who had come in for Luis Gustavo, was booked within nine minutes of his introduction for a late tackle on Van Persie, who was left clutching his knee on the turf. Another substitute, Hernanes, slid in on Robben, but he escaped a booking. Oscar, the best Brazilian player throughout the game, found Ramires with a clever pass, but his Chelsea teammate dragged his shot wide under pressure from Vlaar. The Algerian referee was at the center of controversy again in minute 68, when he booked Oscar for diving in the Dutch area under pressure from Blind (although replays seem to indicate that the Dutch defender actually took him down, with a clash of knees so strong between the two players that Blind had to be carried off on a stretcher). With eight minutes left, Van Gaal thought his team should have had a penalty when Robben went down in the box under pressure from Fernandinho, but again the referee waved play on. The boos started five minutes from time as Brazil could not get the ball off the Dutch, and when Wijnaldum turned home at the near post Janmaat's cross in injury time the jeers became louder. There was no lap of honor for the hosts as they trudged off down the tunnel with their heads bowed in shame, after another humiliating defeat for Brazil.

 

FINAL

STADIUM: Maracanã (Rio de Janeiro)

DATE: 13-07-2014 (16:00 h)

ATTENDANCE: 74.738

REFEREE: Nicola Rizzoli (ITA)

GOALS: 1-0 (Götze 113’)

BOOKED: Schweinsteiger (29’), Höwedes (34’) / Mascherano (64’), Agüero (65’)

[Incidents: Khedira was included in the German line-up for this game, but he was injured during warm-up and was replaced by Kramer.]

GER

Deutschland

Germany - Argentina

Argentina

ARG

1-0 (0-0;0-0)

GERMANY

Neuer

Lahm (c), Boateng, Hummels, Höwedes

Kramer (Schürrle 31’), Schweinsteiger, Kroos

Müller, Klose (Götze 88’), Özil (Mertesacker 120’)

COACH: Joachim Löw

ARGENTINA

Romero

Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo

Biglia, Messi (c), Mascherano, Enzo Pérez (Gago 86’)

Lavezzi (Agüero 46’), Higuaín (Palacio 78’)

COACH: Alejandro Sabella

GAME SUMMARY

Germany added the fourth World Cup star to their badge after a 1-0 victory over Argentina. Mario Götze’s stunning goal in the second half of extra time, when the final looked set to go to a penalty shootout, made justice after the Mannschaft‘s excellent tournament (and also their impressive performance over the recent years). It is also the first time a European team wins the tournament on American soil. Joachim Löw’s side always looked in control of the game, but nevertheless might have fallen behind had the South Americans not wasted several clear chances (especially Gonzalo Higuaín, Leo Messi and Rodrigo Palacio). In similar circumstances to the 2010 World Cup final won by Spain in late extra time thanks to a goal by Iniesta, this time the German hero was Götze and the magic minute was 113, when the Bayern München attacking midfielder chested down André Schürrle's cross and volleyed home to cap a historic victory. On the other side of fortune, it will take a long time for the Argentine players—and the tens of thousands of fans who had flooded Rio de Janeiro—to forget this defeat, as they were presented with a unique opportunity to regain glory in the home of their fiercest rivals Brazil. It was also a bittersweet moment for Messi, who was awarded the Golden Ball trophy as the best player of the tournament, but failed to put himself on a par with legend Diego Maradona, who led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup.

 

Much was expected from this final, and it didn’t take long to produce the first moment of excitement after a frantic beginning. Just four minutes into the game, Argentina broke on the counterattack and Higuaín picked the ball up on the right-hand side of the area, but his low effort went wide of Neuer's goal. Messi then used his magic and speed to open the German defense, but Schweinsteiger was there to clear before Lavezzi could get to the ball. At the other end, Klose went “close” to heading home Lahm's cross. However, it was Higuaín who missed a glorious chance to open the scoring in minute 21, when Kroos headed the ball back towards his own goal and into the path of the Napoli attacker, who scuffed his effort wide when presented with a one-on-one with Neuer. On the half-hour mark, Higuaín thought he had made amends for his miss when he tucked away Lavezzi's cross, but he was in a cliear offside position. Kramer—who had taken the place of Khedira in the German eleven as the Real Madrid midfielder was unfit during the warm-up—hobbled off the pitch after he had taken a knock to the head earlier, and was replaced by Schürrle. The Chelsea attacker was involved almost immediately, controlling a Müller delivery and quickly blasting at goal only for goalkeeper Romero to pull off a save. However, it was Argentina who looked more dangerous on the counterattack, and five minutes before the break Messi burst past Hummels into the area and squeezed the ball past Neuer, but Boateng cleared off the line. In injury time, Höwedes could have done better when he hit a post with a header from Kroos' corner.

 

Less than 90 seconds after the restart, Higuaín produced a defense-splitting pass to set Messi for a one-on-one with Neuer, but the Barcelona playmaker dragged his shot just wide when he should have scored. Near the hour mark, the German goalkeeper had to revert to the sweeper role he performed against Algeria as he came right to the edge of his area to punch a long ball by Zabaleta, brutally hitting Higuaín’s head in the process with his knee (a flashback of the infamous 1982 Harald Schumacher challenge on Patrick Battiston was unavoidable, as the Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli not only didn’t call a penalty, but gave Germany a free kick instead, much to the amazement and fury of a dazed and injured Higuaín, who held his head in disbelief). With each passing minute, the match became increasingly stretched, with neither team yielding in their attacking ambitions. Özil and Schürrle lost control of the ball in the box with the goal gaping, while at the other end a moment of magic from Messi was foiled by Neuer, who came racing off his line to smother the ball after the Argentina captain had skipped past four defenders. As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, both teams started to take fewer risks. With nine minutes left, Özil cut inside from the right flank and set up Kroos, who sprinted towards the ball unopposed on the edge of the area but sent his effort wide of Romero's goal, much to the annoyance of Joachim Löw. Klose's record-breaking World Cup career ended when he was substituted for Götze in minute 88, who then sent a weak shot into Romero's arms just before the referee blew to signal the end of 90 minutes.

 

Alejandro Sabella tried to fire his men up with a motivational team-talk just before extra time, but it was Germany who came out stronger, and within the first minute Schürrle fired a firm drive which Romero did well to parry. However, it was Argentina who had their big chance moments later, when Hummels failed to clear a routine cross and the ball fell to Palacio, whose lob went wide. Then the magic moment came for Germany in the second half of extra time when Schürrle, one of the few men on the field with plenty of energy left in the tank, raced down the left-hand side past three Argentine defenders and crossed for Götze, who cushioned the ball on his chest before sweeping it past Romero from close range. It was a wonderful strike for the Bayern München player, worthy of winning the tournament and writing his name into German and World Cup football folklore.

 

 

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