The last four teams to play their first game at this World Cup (Group H) finally get to do so, and what promised to be another exciting encounter between CONCACAF (fallen?) giant Mexico and World Cup favorite (still?) and hosts Brazil started off the second batch of group stage matchups
Group H: Belgium vs. Algeria
Result: 2-1 win for Belgium
Goalscorers: 25' penalty Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), 70' Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), 80' Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Bookings: 24' Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), 34' Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham)
Lineups
Belgium (4-2-3-1)
Thibaut Courtois (Atletico Madrid); Toby Alderweireld (Atletico Madrid), Daniel Van Buyten (Bayern Munich), Vincent Kompany (Manchester City, captain), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham); Axel Witsel (Zenit), Mousa Dembele (Tottenham); Nacer Chadli (Tottenham), Kevin De Bruyne (Wolfsburg), Eden Hazard (Chelsea); Romelu Lukaku (Everton)
Subs:
Dries Mertens (Napoli) 46' for Nacer Chadli
Divock Origi (Lille) 58' for Romelu Lukaku
Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United) 65' for Mousa Dembele
Algeria (4-3-2-1)
Rais M'Bolhi (CSKA Sofia); Mehdi Mostefa (Ajaccio), Madjid Bougherra (Lekhwiya, captain), Rafik Halliche (Academica), Faouzi Ghoulam (Napoli); Saphir Taider (Inter), Carl Medjani (Valenciennes), Nabil Bentaleb (Tottenham); Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Riyad Mahrez (Leicester City); El Arbi Hillel Soudani (Dinamo Zagreb)
Subs:
Islam Slimani (Sporting CP) 66' for El Arbi Hillel Soudani
Medhi Lacen (Getafe) 71' for Riyad Mahrez
Nabil Ghilas (Porto) 84' for Carl Medjani
Fun fact: 50% of the Tottenham players that played today got yellow cards. Was Belgium's win expected? Yes. Was Algeria putting up a hell of a fight expected? Not quite. It's fair to say Algeria don't get enough credit. I mean Algeria did make life hell for England and USA at the last World Cup, who collectively only scored one goal against a sturdy and resilient Algerian defense (that one goal being Landon Donovan's awesome last minute winner that allowed USA to win their group and advance from the group stage), and even though they're lead by a man who plays for a Qatari (Qatar inexplicably being 2022 hosts for the World Cup) club, their defense is still solid as a rock. Even for a Belgian side with a lot of dangerous offensive players from the ones every knows like Eden Hazard to the lesser know talents like Axel Witsel and Kevin De Bruyne. What I found most interesting from the starting lineup Marc Wilmots was his decision to start Daniel Van Buyten, who hadn't appeared too frequently for Bayern Munich this season, over Thomas Vermaelen (a fair point: Vermaelen didn't get much more playing time for Arsenal). Also interesting is the fact that Van Buyten is the only player with World Cup experience for Belgium, who played alongside Marc Wilmots in 2002 South Korea/Japan. A poor challenge from Jan Vertonghen gave Algeria a penalty that Sofiane Feghouli converted to give Algeria a 1-0 lead that they defended until the subs came on and Fellaini and Mertens were the spark Belgium needed to take all 3 points in this match. Definitely not too convincing for Belgium but this is their first world cup game in 12 years. They're still a talented team, and time will tell if this match will ignite a fire in them to make a deep run in the tournament. But judging from this match, anyone who predicted Belgium to win the World Cup should feel pretty stupid. A personal victory for Algeria though: They scored their first World Cup goal since Djamel, not Zinedane, Zidane scored the equalizer against Northern Ireland in the group stage of the 1986 World Cup.
Group A: Brazil vs. Mexico
Result: 0-0
Bookings: 45' Ramires (Chelsea), 59' Paul Aguilar (America), 62' Jose Vazquez (Leon), 79' Thiago Silva (PSG)
Lineups
Brazil (4-2-3-1)
Julio Cesar (Toronto FC); Dani Alves (Barcelona), Thiago Silva (PSG, captain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Marcelo (Real Madrid); Paulinho (Tottenham), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg); Oscar (Chelsea), Ramires (Chelsea), Neymar (Barcelona); Fred (Fluminense)
Subs:
Bernard (Shaktar Donetsk) 46' for Ramires
Jo (Atletico Mineiro) 68' for Fred
Willian (Chelsea) 84' for Oscar
Mexico (5-3-2)
Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio); Franciscio Rodriguez (America), Rafael Marquez (Leon, captain), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Paul Aguilar (America), Miguel Layun (America); Hector Herrera (Porto), Jose Vazquez (Leon), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen); Giovani Dos Santos (Villarreal), Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna)
Subs:
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) 74' for Oribe Peralta
Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul) 76' for Hector Herrera
Raul Jimenez (America) 84' for Giovani Dos Santos
Hulk got injured in training so Ramires replaced him in the starting lineup, meaning Chelsea's Brazil quarter went 3 for 4 in starting, but the other member of the quarter Willian would come on as a substitute. A rematch from the 2012 Olympic Gold Medal game (Mexico won 2-1) and a match from the 2013 Confederations Cup (Brazil won 2-0), these two teams are familiar with one another, Mexico being the team Brazil has played against more than any other non-South American team in international soccer. Both teams were hoping for a win to practically seal the deal on their qualification for the 2nd round, and despite both teams playing with real attacking intent, this game ended up with the same scoreline as Nigeria and Iran (I know, weird right?) The main talking point though would be Guillermo Ochoa making some impressive saves to give Mexico a well earned point, who showed their talents across the pitch in both offense and defense against a quality opponent like Brazil. Mexico would certainly be more satisfied with the draw than Brazil did, whose fans seem displeased by Brazil's inability to beat a team who needed help from the USA to qualify. However, Mexico are playing like they deserve to be here, and if Mexico played this well throughout qualifying they certainly wouldn't have needed help from anyone to qualify. With 4 points from 6 games, Brazil and Mexico will like their chances of emerging victorious from the group unless either Cameroon or Croatia have a stellar two games.
Group H: Russia vs. South Korea
Result: 1-1
Goalscorers: 68' Lee Keun-Ho (Sangju Sangmu), 74' Aleksandr Kerzhakov (Zenit)
Bookings: 13' Son Heung-Min (Bayer Leverkusen), 30' Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland), 49' Oleg Shatov (Zenit), 90' Koo Ja-Cheol (Mainz 05)
Lineups
Russia (4-5-1)
Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow); Andrey Yeshchenko (Anzhi), Sergei Ignashevich (CSKA Moscow), Vasili Berezutski (CSKA Moscow, captain), Dmitri Kombarov (Spartak Moscow); Denis Glushakov (Spartak Moscow), Viktor Fayzulin (Zenit), Yuri Zhirkov (Dynamo Moscow), Aleksandr Samedov (Lokomotiv Moscow), Oleg Shatov (Zenit); Aleksandr Kokorin (Dynamo Moscow)
Subs:
Alan Dzagoev (CSKA Moscow) 59' for Oleg Shatov
Aleksandr Kerzhakov (Zenit) 71' for Yuri Zhirkov
Igor Denisov (Dynamo Moscow) 72' for Denis Glushakov
South Korea (4-4-2)
Jung Sung-Ryong (Suwon Bluewings); Lee Yong (Ulsan Hyundai), Kim Young-Gwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Hong Jeong-Ho (FC Augsburg), Yun Suk-Young (Queens Park Rangers); Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton Wanderers), Han Kook-Young (Kashiwa Reysol), Ki Sung-Yueng (Sunderland), Son Heung-Min (Bayer Leverkusen); Park Chu-Young (Watford), Koo Cha-Cheol (Mainz 05)
Subs:
Lee Keun-Ho (Sangju Sangmu) 56' for Park Chu-Young
Hwang Seok-Ho (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) 73' for Hong Jeong-Ho
Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City) 84' for Son Heung-Min
The most well payed manager in the world Fabio Capello went head to head with Hong Myung-Bo, a central figure to South Korea's best ever run at a World Cup back when they cohosted the tournament with Japan in 2002. Hong believes this is the strongest South Korean team since then, while Capello will hope that this campaign goes better than his adventure in South Africa as manager of The Three Lions. Interestingly 10 of the 14 players that featured in this match for Russia (and 14 of 23 in the squad) all play for a club based in Russia, and Russia is the only team completely composed of players from their domestic league. Ultimately these two teams cancelled each other out for most of the match, playing smart but safe for the most part. Then in the 68' minute Igor Akinfeev did something that certainly wasn't smart. He mishandled an "average" shot from Lee Keun-Ho, the ball slipped from his hands and went across the line to give South Korea the lead for 6 minutes before another substitute, Aleksandr Kerzhakov, struck back for the Russians. Funny how this sort of thing only happens to teams Fabio Capello coaches. First Robert Green screws up to cost England two points in a 1-1 draw to the USA in South Africa, and now here in Brazil Igor Akinfeev screws up to cost Russia two points in a 1-1 draw to South Korea. Both teams will like their chances of progressing to the group stage if they can take their chances in future games, but if I had to pick one of these two teams to go through assuming Belgium will no matter what (probably a dangerous assumption since Belgium looked vulnerable against Algeria), I'm liking Russia's odds, only by a little bit.
The next games
Cameroon vs. Croatia
Australia vs. Netherlands
Chile vs. Spain
At risk of elimination
Cameroon: If Croatia beat them
Croatia: If Cameroon beat them
Australia: If Netherlands beats them and Chile at least draws against Spain
Spain: If Chile beats them and Netherlands at least draws against Australia
We've know gone through 17 of 48 group matches at the World Cup, with 30 teams having played once and Mexico and Brazil having played twice. A lot more is at stake here and even though no team will be going home until at the earliest after their third match, these matches could paint a clearer picture of what is to come. Both Cameroon and Croatia are in need of a win, and such a result would wreck the loser's chances of progressing from the group stage. Croatia are the favorites to win due to having stronger players on paper, but Cameroon will believe they have just as good of a chance as Croatia. A draw won't eliminate either team but it doesn't help either team too much either, and gives more power to Mexico and Brazil in the final set of Group A games.
Spain will have had 5 days to get over their shocking and brutal 5-1 loss to the Netherlands against a familiar opponent at the World Cup: Chile. Spain beat this South American team 2-1 when they met in South America, but with Chile looking stronger and Spain looking a bit all over the place, this is the perfect chance for Chile to get revenge and to significantly boost their round of 16 prospects with a result from this match.
You certainly wouldn't want to be Australia right now. Upsets can and do happen, but it would be a huge miracle if Australia even tie against the Dutch. The Aussies will hope to channel their 2006 World Cup campaign which ended in a narrow defeat to eventual champions Italy to have any chance at a pleasant scoreline from this match. The Netherlands are expected to demolish the Aussies but not every giant has lived up to their expectations so far at this World Cup. In Netherlands's case, so far they have exceeded theirs.
Finally, a shout-out to all the substitutes who have scored in this World Cup so far: Jean Beausejour (Chile, vs. Australia). Marco Urena (Costa Rica, vs. Uruguay), Admir Mehmedi (Switzerland, vs. Ecuador), Haris Seferovic (Switzerland, vs. Ecuador), Vedad Ibisevic (Bosnia and Herzegovina, vs. Argentina), John Brooks (United States, vs. Ghana), Marouane Fellani, Dries Mertens, Lee Keun-Ho, and Aleksandr Kerzhakov. A lot of difference makers coming off the bench, making this World Cup even more interesting.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
2014 FIFA World Cup Day 5 Review Day 6 Preview
Group G: Germany vs. Portugal
Result: An impressive 4-0 for the Germans
Goalscorers: 12'(penalty), 45+1', 78' Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), 32' Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Bookings: 11' Joao Pereira (Valencia), 37' red card Pepe (Real Madrid)
Lineups
Germany (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich); Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke); Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich, captain), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich); Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Subs:
Andre Schurrle (Chelsea) 63' for Mesut Ozil
Shkordan Mustafi (Sampdoria) 73' for Mats Hummels
Lukas Podolski (Arsenal) 82' for Thomas Muller
Portugal (4-5-1)
Rui Patricio (Sporting CP); Joao Pereira (Valencia), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Pepe (Real Madrid), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid); Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kyiv), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Nani (Manchester United), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, captain); Hugo Almeida (Besiktas)
Subs:
Eder (Braga) 28' for Hugo Almeida
Ricardo Costa (Valencia) 46' for Miguel Veloso
Andre Almeida (Benfica) 65' for Fabio Coentrao
Despite the worrying Marco Reus injury lingering for Germany, they displayed their depth with a very convincing performance with a 4-0 battering of Portugal. Germany's World Cup squad in 2010 was entirely composed of players playing in the Bundesliga; this time of the 7 players in the German squad who don't play in the Bundesliga, 3 started and 3 came on as substitutes. The only one who didn't play was Miroslav Klose, the 36 year old forward from Lazio, with 14 FIFA World Cup goals to his name. 1 more to tie and 2 more to break the Brazilian Ronaldo's record of 15 goals as he is currently tied with German legend Gerd Muller. And other talented players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Julian Draxler not getting any playing time, reminding us just how stacked of a team we're dealing with. The Muller name continues to work its magic for Germany in the world cup as the scorer of 5 World Cup goals in South Africa (tied with David Villa, Wesley Sneijder, and Diego Forlan), Thomas Muller scores the first hat trick of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Along with an impressive striker from Mats Hummels, German domination is the only way to describe that performance. To make matters worse for Portugal, Pepe is suspended from the next game Portugal play against the USA due to earning a red card for a stupid confrontation with Thomas Muller, and Hugo Almeida (which prompted Eder's early introduction) and Fabio Coentrao left the game with injuries, to the dismay of Portuguese but delight of American fans, which should give the USA better chance to win or draw in that encounter. Add another disappointing game at the World Cup to Cristiano Ronaldo's surprisingly big collection. Portugal at times managed to show what they could do offensively when boasting talents such as Ronaldo, Meireles, and Nani, but Germany handled everything they threw at them, with a solid performance from Manuel Neuer and his backline. Howedes and Boateng played as full backs despite usually playing as center backs for their clubs. Germany, not to be upstaged by their Dutch rivals, confirmed their threat status at the World Cup. If there's any European side that can be the first to win a World Cup in South America, why not Germany? A very fair point, but now that they brushed Portugal aside, they must take care of business starting with Ghana in their next match. Portugal are well aware that anything less than a win against the USA could spell trouble for their chances of making it to the next round.
Group F: Iran vs. Nigeria
Result: 0-0
Bookings: 75' Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal)
Lineups
Iran (4-3-3)
Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha); Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir Sadeghi (Esteghlal), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal), Mehrdad Pouladi (Persepolis); Khosro Heydari (Esteghlal), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Javad Nekounam (Al-Kuwait, captain); Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton Athletic), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan)
Subs:
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC) 73' for Ashkan Dejagah
Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas) 89' for Khosro Heydari
Nigeria (4-3-3)
Vincent Enyeama (Lille, captain); Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough); Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Ramon Azeez (Almeria), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea); Victor Moses (Liverpool), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce)
Subs:
Joseph Yobo (Norwich City) 29' for Godfrey Oboabona
Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) 52' for Victor Moses
Peter Odemwingie (Stoke City) 69' for Ramon Azeez
Despite having a few talented players and both teams sporting underrated coaches in Carlos Quieroz and Stephen Keshi, this was always going to be the least interesting game of the day, and probably the most predictable too. All of Iran's players in European based clubs either play in lower divisions or in top division clubs that were relegated this season (though a few of Nigeria's players such as Joseph Yobo will understand that feeling). Most of us likely know more about certain Nigerian players, especially their BPL players but also the lukes of Musa and Ambrose, than the Iranians, though MLS and especially Earthquakes fans will be hoping Steven Beitashour makes an appearance before Iran make their exit at the World Cup, but it hasn't happened yet. Nigeria were favorites to win this match but are prone to wasting chances (remember Yakubu Aiyegbeni's shocking miss of an easy chance in Nigeria's final group game of the 2010 World Cup vs. South Korea?) so I definitely wasn't expecting a wide margin of victory. Despite both teams playing 4-3-3 type formations we ended up with our first goalless match of the 2014 World Cup and of course our first draw. Simply, neither team could get much going, but Iran did look sharp at times. Nigeria were wasteful and inaccurate, with a over 90% of their crosses not reaching an intended target. Both goalkeepers Haghighi and Enyeama did what they had to do when trouble came their way, but ultimately that was about it. Judging by the skill and intensity shown in the Argentina/Bosnia-Herzegovina game, it seems very likely Iran and Nigeria will be unable to make the grade and will be heading out of the World Cup after two more games if they can't shape up. Iran face the big boys Argentina in their next game with Nigeria against Bosnia-Herzegovina, a match both teams will be desperate to win.
Group G: Ghana vs. United States
Result: 2-1 victory for the Americans (finally)
Goalscorers: 1' Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), 82' Andre Ayew (Marseille), 86' John Brooks (Hertha BSC)
Bookings: 30' Mohammed Rabiu (Kuban Krasnodar), 90+2' Sulley Muntari (AC Milan)
Lineups
Ghana (4-3-3)
Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset); Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), John Boye (Rennes), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus); Mohammed Rabiu (Kuban Krasnodar), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Andre Ayew (Marseille); Jordan Ayew (Sochaux), Asamoah Gyan (Al-Ain, captain), Christian Atsu (Vitesse)
Subs:
Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke) 59' for Jordan Ayew
Michael Essien (AC Milan) 71' for Mohammed Rabiu
Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough) 78' for Christian Atsu
United States (4-3-1-2)
Tim Howard (Everton); Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla); Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas); Michael Bradley (Toronto FC); Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders, captain)
Subs:
Aron Johansson (AZ) 23' for Jozy Altidore
John Brooks (Hertha BSC) 46' for Matt Besler
Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City) 77' for Alejandro Bedoya
It's not every day where a World Cup forces fans to face their fears right away. Ghana had cost the USA progression in the World Cup in consecutive 2-1 defeats in Germany and South Africa, and the American fans most certainly did not want a threepeat to be completed in Natal, Brazil. Both sets of players themselves though were more concerned with obtaining what could very well be an important trio of points. After all, many of these players had not taken part in those previous encounters. Ghana's head coach James Kwesi Appiah left both Boateng and Essien on the bench but brought them in later on. Ghana certainly played their best football/soccer of the match when Kevin-Prince Boateng was on the field. USA were scored on in the opining 20 minutes 3 times at the last World Cup (thanks to England, Slovenia, and who else but Ghana) but this time it would be the Yanks who got off to a fast start with Dempsey netting a goal 32 seconds after the first whistle. It was an incredible dream start for American players and fans alike, with the Arena das Dunas mostly consisting of the American Outlaws and other USA fans. DaMarcus Beasley, playing as left back as opposed to a left midfielder from his earlier days in his career, would be playing in his 4th World Cup, but a lot of inexperience within the USA squad with everyone except Howard, Beasley, Bradley, Dempsey, and Altidore making their World Cup debuts. It's a similar story for Ghana, especially in goalkeeper with Adam Kwarasey in between the sticks, with big shoes to fill coming after the great Richard Kingson. All 3 of USA's substitutions had to do with injuries. Altidore pulled a hamstring forcing Johansson to come on early in this match. Besler and Bedoya were not in good shape when Brooks and Zusi respectively replaced them. It was a nervy match as USA desperately hung on to their 1-0 lead. They weren't simply pulling a Chelsea and parking the bus, they made decent attempts to extend their lead but no luck, while Ghana were especially wasteful with the chances they were given, but the likes of Gyan and Atsu forcing Howard to be the great goalkeeper USA and Everton fans have come to know and love. The older, Andre, of the two Ayew brothers equalized for Ghana with 8 minutes to go, but of all people it was Brooks, a player most fans thought undeservingly robbed Clarence Goodson of a place in the squad for the World Cup to save the day and reverse the scoreline. This time the USA would win 2-1. Netherlands avenged their World Cup final defeat to Spain, Costa Rica got their revenge on Uruguay for denying them passage to the 2010 World Cup, and now the USA got their revenge as well, but most importantly of course they got their 3 points. Up next USA will face Portugal with Pepe suspended and a few others potentially missing as they hope to continue to make their mark in this group of death. Despite Ghana coming up on the losing side of things, they showed they contribute to Group G's group of death reputation as much as any of the other teams do, and with a rematch against Germany up next for them, they'll look to impress once again.
Up next Belgium vs. Algeria, Brazil vs. Mexico, Russia vs. South Korea
How good are the Belgians? We know they have a bunch of individually talented players, but how will this team come together in the World's biggest stage? Algeria aren't the fiercest opponents around and even if Belgium do beat Algeria it won't sway too many opinions about this inexperienced but talented team, but it'll still be interesting to watch. Brazil very nervously came away with 3 points against Croatia, while Mexico feel like they can take on just about anyone. A match between these two Latin American teams is rarely ever boring, but the Brazil surely have to dispatch the CONCACAF team if they seriously are a favorite to win the World Cup. But even a point from Brazil could do Mexico wonders when it comes time to figuring out who gets out of the group. And the last two teams to play their first match in Brazil are Russia and South Korea, in a crucial match that could eventually prove to either seal or deny their chances of getting to the last 16. Which of these two decent teams will come out on top, or will they reach a stalemate?
Result: An impressive 4-0 for the Germans
Goalscorers: 12'(penalty), 45+1', 78' Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), 32' Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund)
Bookings: 11' Joao Pereira (Valencia), 37' red card Pepe (Real Madrid)
Lineups
Germany (4-5-1)
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich); Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Benedikt Howedes (Schalke); Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich, captain), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Mario Gotze (Bayern Munich); Mesut Ozil (Arsenal)
Subs:
Andre Schurrle (Chelsea) 63' for Mesut Ozil
Shkordan Mustafi (Sampdoria) 73' for Mats Hummels
Lukas Podolski (Arsenal) 82' for Thomas Muller
Portugal (4-5-1)
Rui Patricio (Sporting CP); Joao Pereira (Valencia), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce), Pepe (Real Madrid), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid); Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kyiv), Joao Moutinho (Monaco), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce), Nani (Manchester United), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid, captain); Hugo Almeida (Besiktas)
Subs:
Eder (Braga) 28' for Hugo Almeida
Ricardo Costa (Valencia) 46' for Miguel Veloso
Andre Almeida (Benfica) 65' for Fabio Coentrao
Despite the worrying Marco Reus injury lingering for Germany, they displayed their depth with a very convincing performance with a 4-0 battering of Portugal. Germany's World Cup squad in 2010 was entirely composed of players playing in the Bundesliga; this time of the 7 players in the German squad who don't play in the Bundesliga, 3 started and 3 came on as substitutes. The only one who didn't play was Miroslav Klose, the 36 year old forward from Lazio, with 14 FIFA World Cup goals to his name. 1 more to tie and 2 more to break the Brazilian Ronaldo's record of 15 goals as he is currently tied with German legend Gerd Muller. And other talented players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Julian Draxler not getting any playing time, reminding us just how stacked of a team we're dealing with. The Muller name continues to work its magic for Germany in the world cup as the scorer of 5 World Cup goals in South Africa (tied with David Villa, Wesley Sneijder, and Diego Forlan), Thomas Muller scores the first hat trick of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Along with an impressive striker from Mats Hummels, German domination is the only way to describe that performance. To make matters worse for Portugal, Pepe is suspended from the next game Portugal play against the USA due to earning a red card for a stupid confrontation with Thomas Muller, and Hugo Almeida (which prompted Eder's early introduction) and Fabio Coentrao left the game with injuries, to the dismay of Portuguese but delight of American fans, which should give the USA better chance to win or draw in that encounter. Add another disappointing game at the World Cup to Cristiano Ronaldo's surprisingly big collection. Portugal at times managed to show what they could do offensively when boasting talents such as Ronaldo, Meireles, and Nani, but Germany handled everything they threw at them, with a solid performance from Manuel Neuer and his backline. Howedes and Boateng played as full backs despite usually playing as center backs for their clubs. Germany, not to be upstaged by their Dutch rivals, confirmed their threat status at the World Cup. If there's any European side that can be the first to win a World Cup in South America, why not Germany? A very fair point, but now that they brushed Portugal aside, they must take care of business starting with Ghana in their next match. Portugal are well aware that anything less than a win against the USA could spell trouble for their chances of making it to the next round.
Group F: Iran vs. Nigeria
Result: 0-0
Bookings: 75' Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal)
Lineups
Iran (4-3-3)
Alireza Haghighi (Sporting Covilha); Jalal Hosseini (Persepolis), Amir Sadeghi (Esteghlal), Pejman Montazeri (Umm Salal), Mehrdad Pouladi (Persepolis); Khosro Heydari (Esteghlal), Andranik Teymourian (Esteghlal), Javad Nekounam (Al-Kuwait, captain); Ashkan Dejagah (Fulham), Reza Ghoochannejhad (Charlton Athletic), Ehsan Hajsafi (Sepahan)
Subs:
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (NEC) 73' for Ashkan Dejagah
Masoud Shojaei (Las Palmas) 89' for Khosro Heydari
Nigeria (4-3-3)
Vincent Enyeama (Lille, captain); Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor), Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough); Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio), Ramon Azeez (Almeria), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea); Victor Moses (Liverpool), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce)
Subs:
Joseph Yobo (Norwich City) 29' for Godfrey Oboabona
Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United) 52' for Victor Moses
Peter Odemwingie (Stoke City) 69' for Ramon Azeez
Despite having a few talented players and both teams sporting underrated coaches in Carlos Quieroz and Stephen Keshi, this was always going to be the least interesting game of the day, and probably the most predictable too. All of Iran's players in European based clubs either play in lower divisions or in top division clubs that were relegated this season (though a few of Nigeria's players such as Joseph Yobo will understand that feeling). Most of us likely know more about certain Nigerian players, especially their BPL players but also the lukes of Musa and Ambrose, than the Iranians, though MLS and especially Earthquakes fans will be hoping Steven Beitashour makes an appearance before Iran make their exit at the World Cup, but it hasn't happened yet. Nigeria were favorites to win this match but are prone to wasting chances (remember Yakubu Aiyegbeni's shocking miss of an easy chance in Nigeria's final group game of the 2010 World Cup vs. South Korea?) so I definitely wasn't expecting a wide margin of victory. Despite both teams playing 4-3-3 type formations we ended up with our first goalless match of the 2014 World Cup and of course our first draw. Simply, neither team could get much going, but Iran did look sharp at times. Nigeria were wasteful and inaccurate, with a over 90% of their crosses not reaching an intended target. Both goalkeepers Haghighi and Enyeama did what they had to do when trouble came their way, but ultimately that was about it. Judging by the skill and intensity shown in the Argentina/Bosnia-Herzegovina game, it seems very likely Iran and Nigeria will be unable to make the grade and will be heading out of the World Cup after two more games if they can't shape up. Iran face the big boys Argentina in their next game with Nigeria against Bosnia-Herzegovina, a match both teams will be desperate to win.
Group G: Ghana vs. United States
Result: 2-1 victory for the Americans (finally)
Goalscorers: 1' Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), 82' Andre Ayew (Marseille), 86' John Brooks (Hertha BSC)
Bookings: 30' Mohammed Rabiu (Kuban Krasnodar), 90+2' Sulley Muntari (AC Milan)
Lineups
Ghana (4-3-3)
Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset); Daniel Opare (Standard Liege), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), John Boye (Rennes), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus); Mohammed Rabiu (Kuban Krasnodar), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Andre Ayew (Marseille); Jordan Ayew (Sochaux), Asamoah Gyan (Al-Ain, captain), Christian Atsu (Vitesse)
Subs:
Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke) 59' for Jordan Ayew
Michael Essien (AC Milan) 71' for Mohammed Rabiu
Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough) 78' for Christian Atsu
United States (4-3-1-2)
Tim Howard (Everton); Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla); Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas); Michael Bradley (Toronto FC); Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders, captain)
Subs:
Aron Johansson (AZ) 23' for Jozy Altidore
John Brooks (Hertha BSC) 46' for Matt Besler
Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City) 77' for Alejandro Bedoya
It's not every day where a World Cup forces fans to face their fears right away. Ghana had cost the USA progression in the World Cup in consecutive 2-1 defeats in Germany and South Africa, and the American fans most certainly did not want a threepeat to be completed in Natal, Brazil. Both sets of players themselves though were more concerned with obtaining what could very well be an important trio of points. After all, many of these players had not taken part in those previous encounters. Ghana's head coach James Kwesi Appiah left both Boateng and Essien on the bench but brought them in later on. Ghana certainly played their best football/soccer of the match when Kevin-Prince Boateng was on the field. USA were scored on in the opining 20 minutes 3 times at the last World Cup (thanks to England, Slovenia, and who else but Ghana) but this time it would be the Yanks who got off to a fast start with Dempsey netting a goal 32 seconds after the first whistle. It was an incredible dream start for American players and fans alike, with the Arena das Dunas mostly consisting of the American Outlaws and other USA fans. DaMarcus Beasley, playing as left back as opposed to a left midfielder from his earlier days in his career, would be playing in his 4th World Cup, but a lot of inexperience within the USA squad with everyone except Howard, Beasley, Bradley, Dempsey, and Altidore making their World Cup debuts. It's a similar story for Ghana, especially in goalkeeper with Adam Kwarasey in between the sticks, with big shoes to fill coming after the great Richard Kingson. All 3 of USA's substitutions had to do with injuries. Altidore pulled a hamstring forcing Johansson to come on early in this match. Besler and Bedoya were not in good shape when Brooks and Zusi respectively replaced them. It was a nervy match as USA desperately hung on to their 1-0 lead. They weren't simply pulling a Chelsea and parking the bus, they made decent attempts to extend their lead but no luck, while Ghana were especially wasteful with the chances they were given, but the likes of Gyan and Atsu forcing Howard to be the great goalkeeper USA and Everton fans have come to know and love. The older, Andre, of the two Ayew brothers equalized for Ghana with 8 minutes to go, but of all people it was Brooks, a player most fans thought undeservingly robbed Clarence Goodson of a place in the squad for the World Cup to save the day and reverse the scoreline. This time the USA would win 2-1. Netherlands avenged their World Cup final defeat to Spain, Costa Rica got their revenge on Uruguay for denying them passage to the 2010 World Cup, and now the USA got their revenge as well, but most importantly of course they got their 3 points. Up next USA will face Portugal with Pepe suspended and a few others potentially missing as they hope to continue to make their mark in this group of death. Despite Ghana coming up on the losing side of things, they showed they contribute to Group G's group of death reputation as much as any of the other teams do, and with a rematch against Germany up next for them, they'll look to impress once again.
Up next Belgium vs. Algeria, Brazil vs. Mexico, Russia vs. South Korea
How good are the Belgians? We know they have a bunch of individually talented players, but how will this team come together in the World's biggest stage? Algeria aren't the fiercest opponents around and even if Belgium do beat Algeria it won't sway too many opinions about this inexperienced but talented team, but it'll still be interesting to watch. Brazil very nervously came away with 3 points against Croatia, while Mexico feel like they can take on just about anyone. A match between these two Latin American teams is rarely ever boring, but the Brazil surely have to dispatch the CONCACAF team if they seriously are a favorite to win the World Cup. But even a point from Brazil could do Mexico wonders when it comes time to figuring out who gets out of the group. And the last two teams to play their first match in Brazil are Russia and South Korea, in a crucial match that could eventually prove to either seal or deny their chances of getting to the last 16. Which of these two decent teams will come out on top, or will they reach a stalemate?
Monday, June 16, 2014
2014 FIFA World Cup Day 4 Review and Day 5 Preview
2 South American, 3 European, and 1 North American team played their first matches of the World Cup today. And the winners and losers were....you'll see.
Group E: Switzerland vs. Ecuador
Final Score: Switzerland win 2-1
Goalscorers: 22' E.Valencia (Pachuca), 48' Admir Mehmedi (SC Freiburg), 90+3' Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad)
Bookings: 53' Juan Carlos Paredes (Barcelona, Ecuador), 84' Johan Djourou (Hamburg)
Lineups
Switzerland (4-2-3-1)
Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg); Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Johan Djourou (Hamburg), Steve von Bergen (Young Boys), Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg); Valon Behrami (Napoli), Gokham Inler (Napoli, captain); Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich), Granit Xhaka (Bor.M'gladbach), Valentin Stocker (Basel); Josip Drmic (Nurnberg)
Subs:
Admir Mehmedi (SC Freiburg) 46' for Valentin Stocker
Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad) 75' for Josip Drmic
Ecuador (4-4-2)
Alexander Dominguez (LDU Quito); Juan Carlos Paredes (Barcelona, ECU), Frickson Erazo (Flamengo), Jorge Guagua (Emelec), Walter Ayovi (Pachuca); Antonio Valencia (Manchester United, captain), Carlos Gruezo (Stuttgart), Christian Noboa (Dynamo Moscow), Jefferson Montero (Morelia); Felipe Caicedo (Al-Jazira), Enner Valencia (Pachuca)
Subs:
Michael Arroyo (Atlante) 70' for Felipe Caicedo
Joao Rojas (Cruz Azul) 77' for Jefferson Montero
This group has been called the "group of life" because of how easy this group apparently is for France to dominate and how predictable the rest of the dominoes shall fall. The cookie cutter prediction being France 1st, Switzerland 2nd, Ecuador 3rd, and Honduras 4th. When you look at Ecuador, who only have 4 European based players in their squad (3 of them play for Barcelona, the club in Ecuador, not Spain), and then compare them to Switzerland when you see a higher frequency of strong or above average European clubs like Juventus and Napoli within the players' resumes, you think Switzerland have to win this. They may be the most undeserving seeded team (no offense), but they're still a good team. Well Ecuador won the battle of the first half with a goal from the lesser known of their Valencias, but Switzerland's subs saved the day, with Seferovic scoring 20 seconds before the final whistle to nab the 3 points for the Swiss and make us wait even longer for the first draw of the tournament. Ecuador join Croatia, Spain, Japan, and Uruguay on the list of teams who lost their opening game despite scoring first. They will surely be kicking themselves for that last minute goal that could be the death of their chances of making it out of the group, especially if Group E continues to follow the script with Switzerland beating Honduras and France beating both Switzerland and Ecuador.
Group E: France vs. Honduras
Final score: 3-0 win for France
Goalscorers: 45' Karim Benzema penalty (Real Madrid), 48' Noel Valladares own goal (Olimpia), 72' Karim Benzema
Bookings: 7' Patrice Evra (Manchester United), 28' Wilson Palacios (Stoke City), 28' Paul Pogba (Juventus), 43' Wilson Palacios (2nd yellow, sent off), 45+2' Yohan Cabaye (PSG), 53' Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo), 83' Luis Garrido (Olimpia)
Lineups
France (4-3-3)
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham, captain); Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Patrice Evra (Manchester United); Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Paul Pogba (Juventus); Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
Subs:
Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) 57' for Paul Pogba
Rio Mavuba (Lille) 65' for Yohan Cabaye
Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) 78' for Mathieu Valbuena
Honduras (4-4-2)
Noel Valladares (Olimpia, captain); Maynor Figueroa (Hull City), Bryan Beckeles (Olimpia), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic); Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Stoke City), Roger Espinoza (Wigan Athletic); Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution)
Subs:
Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo) 46' for Jerry Bengtson
Osman Chavez (Qingdao Jonoon) 46' for Victor Bernardez
Jorge Claros (Montagua) 58' for Andy Najar
The biggest question going into this match was "could Honduras pull a Costa Rica?". It's very tempting to assume another similar upset to happen just because one did happen. They're called upsets for a reason. They aren't expected or common. And unfortunately it just wasn't on the cards for Honduras today. They started off alright playing great defensively, because they had to with France dominating possession, who were unlucky to hit the crossbar twice early on. Honduran players were making some dangerous, untimely tackles that their CONCACAF rivals know all about which were concerning as Honduras conceded free kicks and got players booked. But then Wilson Palacios tackled Karim Benzema in the box, not only earning France a penalty but earning Palacios a 2nd yellow, which as we all know is a red and Honduras were reduced to 10 men in a game where they could've had 15 and still been declared the underdogs. Benzema successfully converting the penalty, giving France the lead at long last. France were starting to get worried until that goal came, which took the pressure off them and allowed them to play even better the 2nd half.
Palacios's sending off forced a tactical substitution to fill in the gap in midfield by sacrificing a striker (Bengtson) for a midfielder (Garcia). France got off to a fast start in the 2nd half with Benzema nearly scoring but it wasn't a goal until it hit Valladares just enough for the ball to completely cross the line. It was the first real test of goal-line technology at this World Cup and it passed with flying colors. That unfortunate moment for Valladares resulted in another goal for France. A 2nd goal for Benzema in the closing 20 minutes sealed what was an impressive, but more expected than convincing victory from France. Nonetheless, they already obtained 2 more points than they did in 2010, and France look completely different from that tragic and catastrophic team from 4 years ago. Honduras did what they could but it simply wasn't enough, but do they have what it takes to earn their first ever World Cup victory against either Ecuador or Switzerland?
Group F: Argentina vs. Bosnia Herzegovina
Final score: A 2-1 victory for Argentina
Goalscorers: 3' Sead Kolasinac own goal (Schalke), 65' Lionel Messi (Barcelona), 85' Vedad Ibisevic (Stuttgart)
Bookings: 25' Marcos Rojo (Sporting CP), 63' Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen)
Lineups
Argentina (5-3-2)
Sergio Romero (Monaco); Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marco Rojo (Sporting CP); Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid); Lionel Messi (Barcelona, captain); Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Subs:
Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli) 46' for Maxi Rodriguez
Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors) 46' for Hugo Campagnaro
Lucas Biglia (Lazio) 87' for Sergio Aguero
Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-2-3-1)
Asmir Begovic (Stoke City); Mensur Mujdza (SC Freiburg), Ermin Bicakcic (Braunschweig), Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen, captain), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke); Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray); Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhou Renhe), Senad Lulic (Lazio); Edin Dzeko (Manchester City)
Subs:
Vedad Ibisevic (Stuttgart) 69' for Mensur Mujdza
Edin Visca (Istanbul Basaksehir) 71' for Izet Hajrovic
Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor) 74' for Zvjezdan Misimovic
Between Manchester City strike partners Aguero and Dzeko duking it out and the debut of superstar Lionel Messi, both of these teams rich in offensive talent were locked and loaded but a defender broke the scoring in the 3rd minute. Unfortunately it was in the wrong goal as Kolasinac scored an own goal to give Bosnia and Herzegovina a nightmare start to their first World Cup match ever (B+H are the only debutants at this World Cup) but they held their own and played rather well throughout this match. Despite Lionel Messi not having too many fond personal memories from his previous World Cup adventures, he got off to a good start scoring what turned out to be the decisive goal of this match, much to the delight of Argentina and Messi fans around the globe. Substitute Ibisevic scored to make the scoreline a bit more nicer, which was well deserved for the Bosnians. However it happened in part by a mistake courtesy of Sergio Romero, which reminded everyone why he is the backup keeper at Ligue 1 giants Monaco. Despite the victory, Argentina will need to improve by some distance if they want to claim their 3rd World Cup this summer. And newcomers Bosnia-Herzegovina leave the match with a chip on their shoulder as they are eager to get a win in each of their remaining group games.
Up next
Germany and Portugal have a tough group this time around but are expected to progress from it. But a rematch of the 2012 UEFA Euro group stage will certainly be an exciting encounter. Every game matters and if everything goes according to script, this match will decide who wins Group G. Germany are heavy favorites but no one individual player is admired as much as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be fit to play against Germany after recovering from injury. Unfortunately Marco Reus had so such luck and had been ruled out of this tournament, much to the Germans' dismay, but they still have a wealth of talent to choose from.
Nigeria and Iran won't be the game most people are looking forward to but it will be both teams' best chance at picking up points, with Argentina and Bosnia Herzegovina looking very threatening. Nigeria, with such talents such as Victor Moses and Vicent Enyeama at their disposal, are very much favorites in this match but Iran will have nothing to lose and everything to prove.
USA's worst nightmare is coming back to haunt them: Ghana. Ghana are still a very powerful team, especially in midfield with players such as Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Michael Essien, and Kwadwo Asamoah, but even without Landon Donovan USA's midfield which has Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi, and Jermaine Jones among others look up for the challenge. Both teams have less than stellar backlines which will both have their hands full at times, as will goalkeeper Tim Howard. USA would love nothing more than to blow away their demons and earn 3 points against the Black Stars. If either team will have a chance to progress, they'll need to win this match. Netherlands and Costa Rica managed to get their payback against Spain and Uruguay already, is it USA's turn? Or will Ghana inflict more pain on a nation where passion for football, or as we call it soccer, is ever growing?
Group E: Switzerland vs. Ecuador
Final Score: Switzerland win 2-1
Goalscorers: 22' E.Valencia (Pachuca), 48' Admir Mehmedi (SC Freiburg), 90+3' Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad)
Bookings: 53' Juan Carlos Paredes (Barcelona, Ecuador), 84' Johan Djourou (Hamburg)
Lineups
Switzerland (4-2-3-1)
Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg); Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), Johan Djourou (Hamburg), Steve von Bergen (Young Boys), Ricardo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg); Valon Behrami (Napoli), Gokham Inler (Napoli, captain); Xherdan Shaqiri (Bayern Munich), Granit Xhaka (Bor.M'gladbach), Valentin Stocker (Basel); Josip Drmic (Nurnberg)
Subs:
Admir Mehmedi (SC Freiburg) 46' for Valentin Stocker
Haris Seferovic (Real Sociedad) 75' for Josip Drmic
Ecuador (4-4-2)
Alexander Dominguez (LDU Quito); Juan Carlos Paredes (Barcelona, ECU), Frickson Erazo (Flamengo), Jorge Guagua (Emelec), Walter Ayovi (Pachuca); Antonio Valencia (Manchester United, captain), Carlos Gruezo (Stuttgart), Christian Noboa (Dynamo Moscow), Jefferson Montero (Morelia); Felipe Caicedo (Al-Jazira), Enner Valencia (Pachuca)
Subs:
Michael Arroyo (Atlante) 70' for Felipe Caicedo
Joao Rojas (Cruz Azul) 77' for Jefferson Montero
This group has been called the "group of life" because of how easy this group apparently is for France to dominate and how predictable the rest of the dominoes shall fall. The cookie cutter prediction being France 1st, Switzerland 2nd, Ecuador 3rd, and Honduras 4th. When you look at Ecuador, who only have 4 European based players in their squad (3 of them play for Barcelona, the club in Ecuador, not Spain), and then compare them to Switzerland when you see a higher frequency of strong or above average European clubs like Juventus and Napoli within the players' resumes, you think Switzerland have to win this. They may be the most undeserving seeded team (no offense), but they're still a good team. Well Ecuador won the battle of the first half with a goal from the lesser known of their Valencias, but Switzerland's subs saved the day, with Seferovic scoring 20 seconds before the final whistle to nab the 3 points for the Swiss and make us wait even longer for the first draw of the tournament. Ecuador join Croatia, Spain, Japan, and Uruguay on the list of teams who lost their opening game despite scoring first. They will surely be kicking themselves for that last minute goal that could be the death of their chances of making it out of the group, especially if Group E continues to follow the script with Switzerland beating Honduras and France beating both Switzerland and Ecuador.
Group E: France vs. Honduras
Final score: 3-0 win for France
Goalscorers: 45' Karim Benzema penalty (Real Madrid), 48' Noel Valladares own goal (Olimpia), 72' Karim Benzema
Bookings: 7' Patrice Evra (Manchester United), 28' Wilson Palacios (Stoke City), 28' Paul Pogba (Juventus), 43' Wilson Palacios (2nd yellow, sent off), 45+2' Yohan Cabaye (PSG), 53' Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo), 83' Luis Garrido (Olimpia)
Lineups
France (4-3-3)
Hugo Lloris (Tottenham, captain); Mathieu Debuchy (Newcastle United), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Patrice Evra (Manchester United); Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Paul Pogba (Juventus); Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Antoine Griezmann (Real Sociedad)
Subs:
Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) 57' for Paul Pogba
Rio Mavuba (Lille) 65' for Yohan Cabaye
Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) 78' for Mathieu Valbuena
Honduras (4-4-2)
Noel Valladares (Olimpia, captain); Maynor Figueroa (Hull City), Bryan Beckeles (Olimpia), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic); Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Stoke City), Roger Espinoza (Wigan Athletic); Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution)
Subs:
Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo) 46' for Jerry Bengtson
Osman Chavez (Qingdao Jonoon) 46' for Victor Bernardez
Jorge Claros (Montagua) 58' for Andy Najar
The biggest question going into this match was "could Honduras pull a Costa Rica?". It's very tempting to assume another similar upset to happen just because one did happen. They're called upsets for a reason. They aren't expected or common. And unfortunately it just wasn't on the cards for Honduras today. They started off alright playing great defensively, because they had to with France dominating possession, who were unlucky to hit the crossbar twice early on. Honduran players were making some dangerous, untimely tackles that their CONCACAF rivals know all about which were concerning as Honduras conceded free kicks and got players booked. But then Wilson Palacios tackled Karim Benzema in the box, not only earning France a penalty but earning Palacios a 2nd yellow, which as we all know is a red and Honduras were reduced to 10 men in a game where they could've had 15 and still been declared the underdogs. Benzema successfully converting the penalty, giving France the lead at long last. France were starting to get worried until that goal came, which took the pressure off them and allowed them to play even better the 2nd half.
Palacios's sending off forced a tactical substitution to fill in the gap in midfield by sacrificing a striker (Bengtson) for a midfielder (Garcia). France got off to a fast start in the 2nd half with Benzema nearly scoring but it wasn't a goal until it hit Valladares just enough for the ball to completely cross the line. It was the first real test of goal-line technology at this World Cup and it passed with flying colors. That unfortunate moment for Valladares resulted in another goal for France. A 2nd goal for Benzema in the closing 20 minutes sealed what was an impressive, but more expected than convincing victory from France. Nonetheless, they already obtained 2 more points than they did in 2010, and France look completely different from that tragic and catastrophic team from 4 years ago. Honduras did what they could but it simply wasn't enough, but do they have what it takes to earn their first ever World Cup victory against either Ecuador or Switzerland?
Group F: Argentina vs. Bosnia Herzegovina
Final score: A 2-1 victory for Argentina
Goalscorers: 3' Sead Kolasinac own goal (Schalke), 65' Lionel Messi (Barcelona), 85' Vedad Ibisevic (Stuttgart)
Bookings: 25' Marcos Rojo (Sporting CP), 63' Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen)
Lineups
Argentina (5-3-2)
Sergio Romero (Monaco); Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marco Rojo (Sporting CP); Maxi Rodriguez (Newell's Old Boys), Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid); Lionel Messi (Barcelona, captain); Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Subs:
Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli) 46' for Maxi Rodriguez
Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors) 46' for Hugo Campagnaro
Lucas Biglia (Lazio) 87' for Sergio Aguero
Bosnia and Herzegovina (4-2-3-1)
Asmir Begovic (Stoke City); Mensur Mujdza (SC Freiburg), Ermin Bicakcic (Braunschweig), Emir Spahic (Bayer Leverkusen, captain), Sead Kolasinac (Schalke); Muhamed Besic (Ferencvaros), Izet Hajrovic (Galatasaray); Miralem Pjanic (Roma), Zvjezdan Misimovic (Guizhou Renhe), Senad Lulic (Lazio); Edin Dzeko (Manchester City)
Subs:
Vedad Ibisevic (Stuttgart) 69' for Mensur Mujdza
Edin Visca (Istanbul Basaksehir) 71' for Izet Hajrovic
Haris Medunjanin (Gaziantepspor) 74' for Zvjezdan Misimovic
Between Manchester City strike partners Aguero and Dzeko duking it out and the debut of superstar Lionel Messi, both of these teams rich in offensive talent were locked and loaded but a defender broke the scoring in the 3rd minute. Unfortunately it was in the wrong goal as Kolasinac scored an own goal to give Bosnia and Herzegovina a nightmare start to their first World Cup match ever (B+H are the only debutants at this World Cup) but they held their own and played rather well throughout this match. Despite Lionel Messi not having too many fond personal memories from his previous World Cup adventures, he got off to a good start scoring what turned out to be the decisive goal of this match, much to the delight of Argentina and Messi fans around the globe. Substitute Ibisevic scored to make the scoreline a bit more nicer, which was well deserved for the Bosnians. However it happened in part by a mistake courtesy of Sergio Romero, which reminded everyone why he is the backup keeper at Ligue 1 giants Monaco. Despite the victory, Argentina will need to improve by some distance if they want to claim their 3rd World Cup this summer. And newcomers Bosnia-Herzegovina leave the match with a chip on their shoulder as they are eager to get a win in each of their remaining group games.
Up next
Germany and Portugal have a tough group this time around but are expected to progress from it. But a rematch of the 2012 UEFA Euro group stage will certainly be an exciting encounter. Every game matters and if everything goes according to script, this match will decide who wins Group G. Germany are heavy favorites but no one individual player is admired as much as Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who will be fit to play against Germany after recovering from injury. Unfortunately Marco Reus had so such luck and had been ruled out of this tournament, much to the Germans' dismay, but they still have a wealth of talent to choose from.
Nigeria and Iran won't be the game most people are looking forward to but it will be both teams' best chance at picking up points, with Argentina and Bosnia Herzegovina looking very threatening. Nigeria, with such talents such as Victor Moses and Vicent Enyeama at their disposal, are very much favorites in this match but Iran will have nothing to lose and everything to prove.
USA's worst nightmare is coming back to haunt them: Ghana. Ghana are still a very powerful team, especially in midfield with players such as Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Michael Essien, and Kwadwo Asamoah, but even without Landon Donovan USA's midfield which has Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi, and Jermaine Jones among others look up for the challenge. Both teams have less than stellar backlines which will both have their hands full at times, as will goalkeeper Tim Howard. USA would love nothing more than to blow away their demons and earn 3 points against the Black Stars. If either team will have a chance to progress, they'll need to win this match. Netherlands and Costa Rica managed to get their payback against Spain and Uruguay already, is it USA's turn? Or will Ghana inflict more pain on a nation where passion for football, or as we call it soccer, is ever growing?
Saturday, June 14, 2014
2014 FIFA World Cup Day 3 Review Day 4 Preview
Another four matches in the books. The four matches in question being the debuts of the Group C and Group D teams.
Group C: Colombia vs. Greece
Final Score: 3-0 win for Colombia
Goalscorers: 5' Pablo Armero (Napoli), 58' Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate), James Rodriguez (Monaco)
Bookings: 26' Carlos Sanchez (Elche), 52' Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), 55' Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK)
Lineups
Colombia (4-4-2)
David Ospina (Nice); Juan Zuniga (Napoli), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Mario Yepes (Atalanta, captain), Pablo Armero (Napoli); Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina), Abel Aguilar (Toulouse), Carlos Sanchez (Alche), James Rodriguez (Monaco); Victor Ibarbo (Cagliari), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate)
Subs:
Alexander Mejia (Atletico Nacional) 69' for Abel Aguilar
Santiago Arias (PSV) 74' for Pablo Armero
Jackson Martinez (Porto) 76' for Teofilo
Greece (4-5-1)
Orestis Karnezis (Granada); Vasilis Torosidis (Roma), Kostas Manolas (Olympiacos), Jose Holebas (Olympiacos); Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna), Giannis Maniatis (Olympiacos), Giorgos Samaris (Celtic); Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor)
Subs:
Giannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa) 57' for Dimitris Salpingidis
Kostas Mitroglou (Fulham) 64' for Theofanis Gekas
Giorgios Karagounis (Fulham) 78' for Panagiotis Kone
A team that boasted a lot of offensive fire power vs. a team that has become famous for being organized and disciplined off the ball, the biggest question was who from Colombia would step up in Ramadel Falcao's place? The answer turned out to be just about everyone. From top to bottom their team looked in sync and they grabbed a lot of goals, spreading the wealth between a defender, striker, and a midfielder to show the world that they have plenty of attacking options. Sure, Greece isn't the strongest team in the World Cup, and considering they started a 34 year old as their lone striker up top that wasn't a promising sign for people who were hoping Greece could grab many goals. Every game in this group will be a test. So far Colombia pass and Greece flunked this one. If Colombia consistently play well in this fashion and the South American weather continues to take its toll on the foreign teams, they definitely look like the likely winner of this group and their slim chance of winning the World Cup after a 16 year absence would seem a bit more likely. Greece have to rethink their strategy fast unless they want to keep their record of never making it out of the group in a World Cup. Also, shoutout to Mark Geiger, the American MLS referee who was the ref of this game who did a good job unlike some of the other referees so far.
Group D: Uruguay vs. Costa Rica
Final Score: 3-1 win for Costa Rica
Goalscorers: 24' Edinson Cavani penalty (Paris Saint-Germain), 54' Joel Campbell (Olympiacos), 57' Oscar Duarte (Club Brugge), Marcos Urena (Kuban Krasnodar)
Bookings: 50' Diego Lugano (West Brom), 56' Walter Gargano (Parma), 81' Martin Caceres (Juventus), 90+4' Red Card Maxi Pereira (Benfica)
Lineups
Uruguay (4-4-2)
Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray); Maxi Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (West Brom, captain), Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Martin Caceres (Juventus); Christian Stuani (Espanyol), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Morelia), Walter Gargano (Parma), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid); Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka), Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)
Subs:
Nicolas Lodeiro (Corinthians) 60' for Walter Gargano
Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio) 60' for Diego Forlan
Abel Hernandez (Palermo) 76' for Cristian Rodriguez
Costa Rica (5-2-2-1)
Keylor Navas (Levante); Oscar Duarte (Club Brugge), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Cristian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Junior Diaz (Mainz 05); Celso Borges (AIK), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa); Bryan Ruiz (PSV, captain), Christian Bolanos (Copenhagen); Joel Campbell (Olympiacos)
Subs:
Jose Miguel Cabrero (Herediano) 75' for Yeltsin Tejeda
Marco Urena (Kuban Krasnodar) 83' for Bryan Ruiz
Michael Barrantes (Aalesund) 89' for Christian Bolanos
At least I didn't write Costa Rica off entirely like most people did. I knew Costa Rica were capable of causing problems and maybe sneaking away with some points before making an "inevitable" early exit. But now Costa Rica have transformed from 23 dead man walking to the biggest X factors of this World Cup? They played against Uruguay like they belonged, and that's a crucial part of any team's mentality. Whether you're Brazil, Germany, Costa Rica, or Honduras, if you make it to the World Cup you deserve to be there, and playing in the biggest stage tends to bring out the best in players, and it did just that for Costa Rica. Each of their goals in this match were a thing of beauty. Uruguay took the early lead thanks to a Junior Diaz foul, but Costa Rica were also denied a penalty after Lugano touched the ball with his hand in the box a few minutes after Uruguay were up 1-0. Fernando Muslera took a lot of heat in their defeat, not even moving during the first two goals from Los Ticos. The notable omission was Luis Suarez, the Liverpool star who couldn't recover completely from injury in time and could only sit by and watch as the unthinkable happened. It's a win that does wonders for CONCACAF's reputation that was already slowly on the incline, and it's a win that have at least 5 million people in Central America believing that their team can succeed in this World Cup. Players like Joel Campbell and Keylor Navas at their very best was incredible to watch. Well, I think success has already been achieved by obtaining 3 more points than most people expected them to at this World Cup (3 more than they earned against Ecuador, Poland, and Germany in Costa Rica's most recent prior World Cup, back in 2006), but they will want more. I think we've seen enough to be able to sanely consider Costa Rica a contender to make it out of Group D but the road ahead of them still remains a difficult one. Although La Celeste's morale will be very low after that loss, Oscar Tabarez's men will certainly not give up. They're down but not out, but it doesn't look good either.
Group D: England vs. Italy
Final Score: A 2-1 victory for the Azurri
Goalscorers: 35' Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), 37' Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Mario Balotelli 50' (AC Milan)
Bookings: Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) 90+2'
Lineups
England (4-2-3-1)
Joe Hart (Manchester City); Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Leighton Baines (Everton); Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, captain), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool); Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United); Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Subs:
Ross Barkley (Everton) 61' for Danny Welbeck
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) 73' for Jordan Henderson
Adam Lallana (Southampton) 80' for Daniel Sturridge
Italy (4-3-1-2)
Salvatore Sigiru (Paris Saint-Germain); Matteo Damian (Torino), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus); Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain); Andrea Pirlo (Juventus, captain); Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Mario Balotelli (AC Milan)
Subs:
Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain) 57' for Marco Verratti
Ciro Immobile (Torino) 73' for Mario Balotelli
Marco Parolo (Parma) 79's for Antonio Candreva
The heat and humidity of the Amazon took its toll on both Roy Hodgson and Cesare Prandelli's teams but Italy were the ones who adapted more effectively. Both evenly matched but strong teams (even if England haven't been convincing as of late and Italy did self-destruct pretty badly in 2010), it was surely a tactical battle, but it was a chess match that Prandelli and the Azurri came out on top thanks to brilliant goals from Claudio Marchisio and "Super Mario" Balotelli, cancelling out the other half of the Liverpool strike duo Daniel Sturridge's impressive goal as well. Due to Gianluigi Buffon (who also got injured at the last World Cup, but thankfully was a part of the 2006 World Cup squad that won Italy's 4th World Cup) getting injured in training, it was a rare opportunity for PSG's star shot-stopper Salvatore Sigiru to take the stage, carrying the flag for other great Italian goalkeepers from Christian Abbiatti to Federico Marchetti who have been unable to make a name for themselves in international football due to Gigi Buffon's awesomeness. And he did not disappoint. Both teams definitely with a fresh look as collectively only players in these squads played in 2010 South Africa (Johnson, Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, Milner, and Hart for England, Buffon, Chiellini, De Rossi, Marchisio, Pirlo, and Bonucci for Italy), and 4 Italian players remaining from the 2006 Champions of Germany (Buffon, De Rossi, Barzagli, and Pirlo). England didn't play bad but they didn't play smart. Italy did and that was enough to give Italy the 3 points. However if England can get results against Costa Rica and Uruguay in their remaining matches, all is not lost. However, much to the agony of English fans, that is still quite a big if. One thing's for sure: if England can score more goals, let it be scored by Sturridge, because he could use more practice dancing.
Group C: Cote D'Ivoire vs. Japan
Final Score: Les Elephantes coming out on top with a 2-1 victory
Goalscorers: 15' Keisuke Honda (AC Milan), 64' Wilfried Bony (Swansea City), 66' Gervinho (Roma)
Bookings: 23' Maya Yoshida (Southampton), 54' Sol Bamba (Trabzonspor), 58' Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor), 64' Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo)
Lineups
Cote D'Ivoire (4-2-1-3)
Boubacar Barry (Lokeren); Serge Aurier (Toulouse), Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor), Sol Bamba (Trabzonspor), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart); Cheick Tiote (Newcastle United), Serey Die (Basel); Yaya Toure (Manchester City, captain); Salomon Kalou (Lille), Wilfried Bony (Swansea City), Gervinho (Roma)
Subs:
Didier Drogba (Galatasaray) 62' for Serey Die
Constant Djakpa (Eintracht Frankfurt) 75' for Arthur Boka
Didier Ya Konan (Hannover 96) 78' for Wilfried Bony
Japan (4-2-3-1)
Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege); Atsuto Uchida (Schalke 04), Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter); Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka), Makoto Hasebe (FC Nurnberg, captain); Keisuke Honda (AC Milan), Shinji Okazaki (Mainz 05), Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United); Yuya Osako (1860 Munchen)
Subs:
Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka) 54' for Makoto Hasebe
Yoshito Okubo (Kawasaki Frontale) 67' for Yuya Osako
Yoichiro Kakitani (Cerezo Osaka) 86' for Shinji Kagawa
Both are better teams than most people give credit for, but unlike the best teams like Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, and Brazil who have a wealth of talent, teams like Japan and Cote D'Ivoire rely heavily on a few star players to carry most of the load. But Cote D'Ivoire coach Sabri Lamouchi didn't follow that script and left both Didier Drogba and Kolo Toure on the bench, preferring to keep the Trabzonspor center back duo of Zokora and Bamba together and going with in-form Swansea striker Bony. However, the nation that created Pokemon and made Pikachu their mascot this tournament went in front early on with some classic brilliance from Honda, the player that was instrumental in taking Japan as far as they did in South Africa. However Cote D'Ivoire had the bulk of possession and chances, which didn't mean much when Japan were focused, handling everything that came their way and with Kawashima making decent saves when needed. Then Didier Drogba came on. He didn't get on the score sheet but just Drogba's presence seemed to make a positive difference as minutes after him coming on his teammates Bony and Gervinho scored the goals Cote D'Ivoire needed to come from behind and claim victory. 100 seconds between the two goals made them the fastest scoring of two goals in World Cup history. After this impressive win, Cote D'Ivoire's hope of finally making it out of the group stage seems a bit justified but I doubt that they will be able to afford another slow start like that again. Unfortunately despite a great effort, Japan is unable to come away with anything from that game and their chances of getting out of the group stage for the third time in their World Cup history seem slim. But in Group C, every team looks like a threat (yes, even Greece, did we not learn anything from the Costa Rica-Uruguay game?) and things are certainly far from settled. It'll take more than Poke Balls and Badges for Japan to prove their worth in their next game.
Day 4 Matches
Group E: Switzerland vs. Ecuador
Group E: France vs. Honduras
Group F: Argentina vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Considered one of the weaker teams from their respective regions that qualified for the World Cup, this is a chance for Switzerland and Ecuador's players to make a name for themselves and also to get a good start to their World Cup campaigns, as the winner of this match should on paper be the runner up of Group E. However, Honduras will be looking to emulate the upset their Central American rivals pulled off, and the French will certainly have to be on their toes, as they, like Italy, are hoping to put the 2010 memories away for good. And the only debutantes in this World Cup couldn't have received a more fit welcome to the world's biggest stage than one from one of the world's best players. Lionel Messi for Argentina, Edin Dzeko for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and several other talented players along side them promise to make this match the best one of the day. But so far I don't think any of the matches have disappointed. Goals, drama, and tension galore, along with the passion of representing your nation, that is what the World Cup is all about.
Group C: Colombia vs. Greece
Final Score: 3-0 win for Colombia
Goalscorers: 5' Pablo Armero (Napoli), 58' Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate), James Rodriguez (Monaco)
Bookings: 26' Carlos Sanchez (Elche), 52' Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Borussia Dortmund), 55' Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK)
Lineups
Colombia (4-4-2)
David Ospina (Nice); Juan Zuniga (Napoli), Cristian Zapata (AC Milan), Mario Yepes (Atalanta, captain), Pablo Armero (Napoli); Juan Cuadrado (Fiorentina), Abel Aguilar (Toulouse), Carlos Sanchez (Alche), James Rodriguez (Monaco); Victor Ibarbo (Cagliari), Teofilo Gutierrez (River Plate)
Subs:
Alexander Mejia (Atletico Nacional) 69' for Abel Aguilar
Santiago Arias (PSV) 74' for Pablo Armero
Jackson Martinez (Porto) 76' for Teofilo
Greece (4-5-1)
Orestis Karnezis (Granada); Vasilis Torosidis (Roma), Kostas Manolas (Olympiacos), Jose Holebas (Olympiacos); Kostas Katsouranis (PAOK), Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna), Giannis Maniatis (Olympiacos), Giorgos Samaris (Celtic); Theofanis Gekas (Konyaspor)
Subs:
Giannis Fetfatzidis (Genoa) 57' for Dimitris Salpingidis
Kostas Mitroglou (Fulham) 64' for Theofanis Gekas
Giorgios Karagounis (Fulham) 78' for Panagiotis Kone
A team that boasted a lot of offensive fire power vs. a team that has become famous for being organized and disciplined off the ball, the biggest question was who from Colombia would step up in Ramadel Falcao's place? The answer turned out to be just about everyone. From top to bottom their team looked in sync and they grabbed a lot of goals, spreading the wealth between a defender, striker, and a midfielder to show the world that they have plenty of attacking options. Sure, Greece isn't the strongest team in the World Cup, and considering they started a 34 year old as their lone striker up top that wasn't a promising sign for people who were hoping Greece could grab many goals. Every game in this group will be a test. So far Colombia pass and Greece flunked this one. If Colombia consistently play well in this fashion and the South American weather continues to take its toll on the foreign teams, they definitely look like the likely winner of this group and their slim chance of winning the World Cup after a 16 year absence would seem a bit more likely. Greece have to rethink their strategy fast unless they want to keep their record of never making it out of the group in a World Cup. Also, shoutout to Mark Geiger, the American MLS referee who was the ref of this game who did a good job unlike some of the other referees so far.
Group D: Uruguay vs. Costa Rica
Final Score: 3-1 win for Costa Rica
Goalscorers: 24' Edinson Cavani penalty (Paris Saint-Germain), 54' Joel Campbell (Olympiacos), 57' Oscar Duarte (Club Brugge), Marcos Urena (Kuban Krasnodar)
Bookings: 50' Diego Lugano (West Brom), 56' Walter Gargano (Parma), 81' Martin Caceres (Juventus), 90+4' Red Card Maxi Pereira (Benfica)
Lineups
Uruguay (4-4-2)
Fernando Muslera (Galatasaray); Maxi Pereira (Benfica), Diego Lugano (West Brom, captain), Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid), Martin Caceres (Juventus); Christian Stuani (Espanyol), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Morelia), Walter Gargano (Parma), Cristian Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid); Diego Forlan (Cerezo Osaka), Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)
Subs:
Nicolas Lodeiro (Corinthians) 60' for Walter Gargano
Alvaro Gonzalez (Lazio) 60' for Diego Forlan
Abel Hernandez (Palermo) 76' for Cristian Rodriguez
Costa Rica (5-2-2-1)
Keylor Navas (Levante); Oscar Duarte (Club Brugge), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Cristian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Junior Diaz (Mainz 05); Celso Borges (AIK), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa); Bryan Ruiz (PSV, captain), Christian Bolanos (Copenhagen); Joel Campbell (Olympiacos)
Subs:
Jose Miguel Cabrero (Herediano) 75' for Yeltsin Tejeda
Marco Urena (Kuban Krasnodar) 83' for Bryan Ruiz
Michael Barrantes (Aalesund) 89' for Christian Bolanos
At least I didn't write Costa Rica off entirely like most people did. I knew Costa Rica were capable of causing problems and maybe sneaking away with some points before making an "inevitable" early exit. But now Costa Rica have transformed from 23 dead man walking to the biggest X factors of this World Cup? They played against Uruguay like they belonged, and that's a crucial part of any team's mentality. Whether you're Brazil, Germany, Costa Rica, or Honduras, if you make it to the World Cup you deserve to be there, and playing in the biggest stage tends to bring out the best in players, and it did just that for Costa Rica. Each of their goals in this match were a thing of beauty. Uruguay took the early lead thanks to a Junior Diaz foul, but Costa Rica were also denied a penalty after Lugano touched the ball with his hand in the box a few minutes after Uruguay were up 1-0. Fernando Muslera took a lot of heat in their defeat, not even moving during the first two goals from Los Ticos. The notable omission was Luis Suarez, the Liverpool star who couldn't recover completely from injury in time and could only sit by and watch as the unthinkable happened. It's a win that does wonders for CONCACAF's reputation that was already slowly on the incline, and it's a win that have at least 5 million people in Central America believing that their team can succeed in this World Cup. Players like Joel Campbell and Keylor Navas at their very best was incredible to watch. Well, I think success has already been achieved by obtaining 3 more points than most people expected them to at this World Cup (3 more than they earned against Ecuador, Poland, and Germany in Costa Rica's most recent prior World Cup, back in 2006), but they will want more. I think we've seen enough to be able to sanely consider Costa Rica a contender to make it out of Group D but the road ahead of them still remains a difficult one. Although La Celeste's morale will be very low after that loss, Oscar Tabarez's men will certainly not give up. They're down but not out, but it doesn't look good either.
Group D: England vs. Italy
Final Score: A 2-1 victory for the Azurri
Goalscorers: 35' Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), 37' Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Mario Balotelli 50' (AC Milan)
Bookings: Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) 90+2'
Lineups
England (4-2-3-1)
Joe Hart (Manchester City); Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Leighton Baines (Everton); Steven Gerrard (Liverpool, captain), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool); Danny Welbeck (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United); Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool)
Subs:
Ross Barkley (Everton) 61' for Danny Welbeck
Jack Wilshere (Arsenal) 73' for Jordan Henderson
Adam Lallana (Southampton) 80' for Daniel Sturridge
Italy (4-3-1-2)
Salvatore Sigiru (Paris Saint-Germain); Matteo Damian (Torino), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus); Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain); Andrea Pirlo (Juventus, captain); Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Mario Balotelli (AC Milan)
Subs:
Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain) 57' for Marco Verratti
Ciro Immobile (Torino) 73' for Mario Balotelli
Marco Parolo (Parma) 79's for Antonio Candreva
The heat and humidity of the Amazon took its toll on both Roy Hodgson and Cesare Prandelli's teams but Italy were the ones who adapted more effectively. Both evenly matched but strong teams (even if England haven't been convincing as of late and Italy did self-destruct pretty badly in 2010), it was surely a tactical battle, but it was a chess match that Prandelli and the Azurri came out on top thanks to brilliant goals from Claudio Marchisio and "Super Mario" Balotelli, cancelling out the other half of the Liverpool strike duo Daniel Sturridge's impressive goal as well. Due to Gianluigi Buffon (who also got injured at the last World Cup, but thankfully was a part of the 2006 World Cup squad that won Italy's 4th World Cup) getting injured in training, it was a rare opportunity for PSG's star shot-stopper Salvatore Sigiru to take the stage, carrying the flag for other great Italian goalkeepers from Christian Abbiatti to Federico Marchetti who have been unable to make a name for themselves in international football due to Gigi Buffon's awesomeness. And he did not disappoint. Both teams definitely with a fresh look as collectively only players in these squads played in 2010 South Africa (Johnson, Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, Milner, and Hart for England, Buffon, Chiellini, De Rossi, Marchisio, Pirlo, and Bonucci for Italy), and 4 Italian players remaining from the 2006 Champions of Germany (Buffon, De Rossi, Barzagli, and Pirlo). England didn't play bad but they didn't play smart. Italy did and that was enough to give Italy the 3 points. However if England can get results against Costa Rica and Uruguay in their remaining matches, all is not lost. However, much to the agony of English fans, that is still quite a big if. One thing's for sure: if England can score more goals, let it be scored by Sturridge, because he could use more practice dancing.
Group C: Cote D'Ivoire vs. Japan
Final Score: Les Elephantes coming out on top with a 2-1 victory
Goalscorers: 15' Keisuke Honda (AC Milan), 64' Wilfried Bony (Swansea City), 66' Gervinho (Roma)
Bookings: 23' Maya Yoshida (Southampton), 54' Sol Bamba (Trabzonspor), 58' Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor), 64' Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo)
Lineups
Cote D'Ivoire (4-2-1-3)
Boubacar Barry (Lokeren); Serge Aurier (Toulouse), Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor), Sol Bamba (Trabzonspor), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart); Cheick Tiote (Newcastle United), Serey Die (Basel); Yaya Toure (Manchester City, captain); Salomon Kalou (Lille), Wilfried Bony (Swansea City), Gervinho (Roma)
Subs:
Didier Drogba (Galatasaray) 62' for Serey Die
Constant Djakpa (Eintracht Frankfurt) 75' for Arthur Boka
Didier Ya Konan (Hannover 96) 78' for Wilfried Bony
Japan (4-2-3-1)
Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege); Atsuto Uchida (Schalke 04), Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Masato Morishige (FC Tokyo), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter); Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka), Makoto Hasebe (FC Nurnberg, captain); Keisuke Honda (AC Milan), Shinji Okazaki (Mainz 05), Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United); Yuya Osako (1860 Munchen)
Subs:
Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka) 54' for Makoto Hasebe
Yoshito Okubo (Kawasaki Frontale) 67' for Yuya Osako
Yoichiro Kakitani (Cerezo Osaka) 86' for Shinji Kagawa
Both are better teams than most people give credit for, but unlike the best teams like Germany, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, and Brazil who have a wealth of talent, teams like Japan and Cote D'Ivoire rely heavily on a few star players to carry most of the load. But Cote D'Ivoire coach Sabri Lamouchi didn't follow that script and left both Didier Drogba and Kolo Toure on the bench, preferring to keep the Trabzonspor center back duo of Zokora and Bamba together and going with in-form Swansea striker Bony. However, the nation that created Pokemon and made Pikachu their mascot this tournament went in front early on with some classic brilliance from Honda, the player that was instrumental in taking Japan as far as they did in South Africa. However Cote D'Ivoire had the bulk of possession and chances, which didn't mean much when Japan were focused, handling everything that came their way and with Kawashima making decent saves when needed. Then Didier Drogba came on. He didn't get on the score sheet but just Drogba's presence seemed to make a positive difference as minutes after him coming on his teammates Bony and Gervinho scored the goals Cote D'Ivoire needed to come from behind and claim victory. 100 seconds between the two goals made them the fastest scoring of two goals in World Cup history. After this impressive win, Cote D'Ivoire's hope of finally making it out of the group stage seems a bit justified but I doubt that they will be able to afford another slow start like that again. Unfortunately despite a great effort, Japan is unable to come away with anything from that game and their chances of getting out of the group stage for the third time in their World Cup history seem slim. But in Group C, every team looks like a threat (yes, even Greece, did we not learn anything from the Costa Rica-Uruguay game?) and things are certainly far from settled. It'll take more than Poke Balls and Badges for Japan to prove their worth in their next game.
Day 4 Matches
Group E: Switzerland vs. Ecuador
Group E: France vs. Honduras
Group F: Argentina vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Considered one of the weaker teams from their respective regions that qualified for the World Cup, this is a chance for Switzerland and Ecuador's players to make a name for themselves and also to get a good start to their World Cup campaigns, as the winner of this match should on paper be the runner up of Group E. However, Honduras will be looking to emulate the upset their Central American rivals pulled off, and the French will certainly have to be on their toes, as they, like Italy, are hoping to put the 2010 memories away for good. And the only debutantes in this World Cup couldn't have received a more fit welcome to the world's biggest stage than one from one of the world's best players. Lionel Messi for Argentina, Edin Dzeko for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and several other talented players along side them promise to make this match the best one of the day. But so far I don't think any of the matches have disappointed. Goals, drama, and tension galore, along with the passion of representing your nation, that is what the World Cup is all about.
2014 FIFA World Cup Day 2 review and Day 3 preview
Day 2 matches
Group A: Mexico vs. Cameroon
Final Score: 1-0 win for Mexico
Goalscorers: 61' by Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna)
Bookings: 57' Hector Moreno (Espanyol), 77' Danny Nounkeu (Besiktas)
Lineups
Mexico (5-3-2)
Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio); Francisco Rodriguez (Club America), Rafael Marquez (Club Leon, captain), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Paul Aguilar(Club America), Miguel Layun (Club America); Jose Juan Velazquez (Club Leon), Hector Herrera (Porto), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen); Giovani Dos Santos (Villarreal), Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna)
Subs:
Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul) 69' for Guardado
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) 74' for Peralta
Carlos Salcido (UANL) 90+1' for Herrera
Cameroon (4-3-3)
Charles Itandje (Konyaspor); Cedric Djeugoue(Coton Sport), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray), Nicolas N'Koulou (Marseille), Benoit Assou-Ekotto(Queens Park Rangers); Alex Song (Barcelona), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla), Eyong Enoh (Antalyaspor); Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy), Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Mainz 05), Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea, captain)
Subs:
Danny Nounkeu (Besiktas) 46' for Djeugoue
Pierre Webo (Fenerbahce) 79' for Song
While Mexico's lineup mostly consists of players from their domestic league, Djeugoue was the only one of the 2 Cameroonian league players that were called up to see playing time in this match (the other one being one of the backup goalies). Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, and Dos Santos also started in Mexico's first World Cup match in South Africa (Guardado and Hernandez appeared as subs in that game, while Salcido started in that game). MBia(as a defender), N'Koulou, Assou-Ekotto, Enoh, Eto'o, and Choupo-Moting started Cameroon's opening match in South Africa plus Webo, who made a sub appearance in this match. The Turkish league had the most representation from the Cameroon players in this match. Props to Ochoa for being starting keeper for Mexico in this match despite Jose Corona seeing more action in qualifying matches. Ochoa and Peralta starting instead of Corona and Hernandez respectively might've been shocking to some but those decisions paid off with Ochoa playing well to seal the victory and Peralta scoring the decisive goal. Dos Santos probably should've had a goal of his own but it was called offside for some reason. Thankfully the offsides didn't prevent Mexico from deservedly winning this match but could it come back to bite them in the ass if goal difference decides who goes through? Maybe. Well with this match out of the way Mexico and Cameroon will have trickier tasks ahead of them with Mexico the next opponent for hosts Brazil and Cameroon going against Croatia. It's a must win scenario for Cameroon and Croatia if they want a chance to qualify for the next round and for Mexico, if they can managed to hold Brazil to at least a draw it could mean all the difference in how the group plays out. Even if Brazil looked unconvincing against Croatia, Mexico were the definition of unconvincing in the last year or so so that remains a big if.
Group B: Spain vs. Netherlands
Final Score: Netherlands owning Spain 5-1
Goalscorers: Spain: Xabi Alonso 27' pen (Real Madrid)
Netherlands: Robin Van Persie 44', 72' (Manchester United), Arjen Robben 53', 80' (Bayern Munich), Stefan De Vrij 65' (Feyenoord)
Bookings: Jonathan de Guzman 25' (Swansea City), Stefan De Vrij 41', Iker Casillas 65' (Real Madrid), Robin Van Persie 66'
Lineups
Spain (4-3-3)
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, captain); Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona); Xavi (Barcelona), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid); David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
Subs:
Fernando Torres (Chelsea) 62' for Diego Costa
Pedro (Barcelona) 62' for Xabi Alonso
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) 78' for David Silva
Netherlands (5-3-2)
Jasper Cillessen (Ajax); Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Ajax), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord); Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray); Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Manchester United, captain)
Subs:
Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV) 62' for de Guzman
Joel Veltman (Ajax) 77' for de Vrij
Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kyiv) 79' for van Persie
One of the most anticipated group games going into the World Cup, few anticipated Netherlands to win, even fewer, probably only steadfast and/or drunk Dutch fans expected Netherlands to crush Spain 5-1. But that's exactly what happened. Despite being without Kevin Strootman and Rafael Van Der Vaart, despite a lot of these players playing for less prestigious clubs than the Spanish players play for, they played a fantastic game and got a fantastic result because of it. From Robin van Persie "The Flying Dutchman"'s goal to open the scoring to youngster Stefan de Vrij impressing, all around a good performance. With a high scoring game like this it's easy to forget about Jasper Cillessen. In one of the closest races for 1st keeper heading into the World Cup, you'd think a Premier League keeper like Swansea's Vorm or Newcastle's Krul would be higher on the pecking order than Ajax's Cillessen, but Cillessen was chosen to start and he justified his start with a great performance as well. It's very tough to look at the positives in Spain's performance in this match other than Xabi Alonso ending his scoring drought, albeit through a controversial penalty. The only Spanish players that could be happy are the players that didn't get playing time, especially David De Gea and Pepe Reina who could start in goal in the next match after a less than decent performance by Casillas. Only 3 of the 14 Spanish players that played in this match didn't play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona, neglecting all but 1 of the Atletico Madrid players. With the wealth of talent at Vicente Del Bosque's disposal, it's worth considering changing things up. This result gives Netherlands control over Group B's destiny and they look to be in a good position to win the group. Next up Netherlands face Australia and Spain take on Chile. Diego Costa, David Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Jordi Alba were the only players Spain used in this match that didn't participate in the 2010 World Cup Final (3 of them weren't even in the squad during that tournament), while Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, and Robin van Persie were the only Dutch players to compete in this match and the 2010 Final. Hint hint Spain. Hint hint.
Group B: Chile vs. Australia
Final Score: A 3-1 victory for Chile
Goalscorers: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) 12', Jorge Valdivia 14' (Palmeiras), Tim Cahill 35' (New York Red Bulls), Jean Beausejour 90+2' (Wigan Athletic)
Bookings: Tim Cahill 44', Mile Jedinak 58' (Crystal Palace), Mark Milligan 67' (Melbourne Victory), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional, Brazil)
Lineups
Chile (4-3-3)
Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad); Mauricio Isla (Juventus), Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Eugenio Mena (Santos); Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Arturo Videl (Juventus); Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Eduardo Vargas(Valencia)
Subs:
Felipe Gutierrez (Twente) 60' for Arturo Vidal
Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic) 68' for Jorge Valdivia
Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari) 88' for Eduardo Vargas
Australia (4-2-3-1)
Mathew Ryan (Club Brugge); Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney Wanderers), Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo); Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace, captain), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory); Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt), Mark Bresciano (Al-Gharafa), Tommy Oar (Utrecht); Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls)
Subs:
Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng Taishan) 49' for Ivan Franjic
Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf) 68' for Tommy Oar
James Troisi (Melbourne Victory) for Mark Bresciano
The Group B underdogs had a tough act to follow after an entertaining and nervy signal sending Spain-Netherlands match. Netherlands will look to repeat their performance against their other Group B rivals so Chile and Australia should be worried. Nonetheless this was still a good match with a reasonable outcome of Chile coming out on top 3-1. Thankfully Vidal was fit to start which is a good sign for Chile who won't have to go without one of, if not their best player. This young and unexperienced Australian team looked very inexperienced against a more composed Chilean team that wasted no time getting on the score sheet, scoring 2 of their 3 goals in the 1st 15 minutes but being made to wait for their last one until the end. Tim Cahill represented his nation, club, and league (Go MLS!) proud with a great goal but it wasn't enough to rescue a point for the Socceroos despite a great effort. Chile took care of business and got 3 points, and now they hope to get a similar result against the Spanish. Australia's next opponent is the Netherlands. Australia had an ok performance but against a team like Netherlands, it surely can't end well for them.
Coming up next
Group C and Group D will have their opening matches. Colombia vs. Greece, Japan vs. Cote D'Ivoire, Uruguay vs. Costa Rica, and England vs. Italy. In the most evenly matched group of the tournament, we'll see a bit more about the Group C teams after their first match. Colombia and Cote D'Ivoire are favorites, but not by much as Greece and Japan are decent teams as well. In a very tight group, Uruguay will hope to obtain 3 points against Costa Rica, while 1 point for this CONCACAF nation would make them happy. A lot is on the line for England and Italy who will compete in a rematch of the 2012 UEFA Euro Quarterfinal which ended 0-0 after 90 minutes and was eventually decided by penalties (which England shockingly lost). Which teams will rise to the occasion? I look forward to finding out and then telling you about it!
Group A: Mexico vs. Cameroon
Final Score: 1-0 win for Mexico
Goalscorers: 61' by Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna)
Bookings: 57' Hector Moreno (Espanyol), 77' Danny Nounkeu (Besiktas)
Lineups
Mexico (5-3-2)
Guillermo Ochoa (Ajaccio); Francisco Rodriguez (Club America), Rafael Marquez (Club Leon, captain), Hector Moreno (Espanyol), Paul Aguilar(Club America), Miguel Layun (Club America); Jose Juan Velazquez (Club Leon), Hector Herrera (Porto), Andres Guardado (Bayer Leverkusen); Giovani Dos Santos (Villarreal), Oribe Peralta (Santos Laguna)
Subs:
Marco Fabian (Cruz Azul) 69' for Guardado
Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) 74' for Peralta
Carlos Salcido (UANL) 90+1' for Herrera
Cameroon (4-3-3)
Charles Itandje (Konyaspor); Cedric Djeugoue(Coton Sport), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray), Nicolas N'Koulou (Marseille), Benoit Assou-Ekotto(Queens Park Rangers); Alex Song (Barcelona), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla), Eyong Enoh (Antalyaspor); Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy), Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Mainz 05), Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea, captain)
Subs:
Danny Nounkeu (Besiktas) 46' for Djeugoue
Pierre Webo (Fenerbahce) 79' for Song
While Mexico's lineup mostly consists of players from their domestic league, Djeugoue was the only one of the 2 Cameroonian league players that were called up to see playing time in this match (the other one being one of the backup goalies). Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, and Dos Santos also started in Mexico's first World Cup match in South Africa (Guardado and Hernandez appeared as subs in that game, while Salcido started in that game). MBia(as a defender), N'Koulou, Assou-Ekotto, Enoh, Eto'o, and Choupo-Moting started Cameroon's opening match in South Africa plus Webo, who made a sub appearance in this match. The Turkish league had the most representation from the Cameroon players in this match. Props to Ochoa for being starting keeper for Mexico in this match despite Jose Corona seeing more action in qualifying matches. Ochoa and Peralta starting instead of Corona and Hernandez respectively might've been shocking to some but those decisions paid off with Ochoa playing well to seal the victory and Peralta scoring the decisive goal. Dos Santos probably should've had a goal of his own but it was called offside for some reason. Thankfully the offsides didn't prevent Mexico from deservedly winning this match but could it come back to bite them in the ass if goal difference decides who goes through? Maybe. Well with this match out of the way Mexico and Cameroon will have trickier tasks ahead of them with Mexico the next opponent for hosts Brazil and Cameroon going against Croatia. It's a must win scenario for Cameroon and Croatia if they want a chance to qualify for the next round and for Mexico, if they can managed to hold Brazil to at least a draw it could mean all the difference in how the group plays out. Even if Brazil looked unconvincing against Croatia, Mexico were the definition of unconvincing in the last year or so so that remains a big if.
Group B: Spain vs. Netherlands
Final Score: Netherlands owning Spain 5-1
Goalscorers: Spain: Xabi Alonso 27' pen (Real Madrid)
Netherlands: Robin Van Persie 44', 72' (Manchester United), Arjen Robben 53', 80' (Bayern Munich), Stefan De Vrij 65' (Feyenoord)
Bookings: Jonathan de Guzman 25' (Swansea City), Stefan De Vrij 41', Iker Casillas 65' (Real Madrid), Robin Van Persie 66'
Lineups
Spain (4-3-3)
Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, captain); Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona); Xavi (Barcelona), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid); David Silva (Manchester City), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid)
Subs:
Fernando Torres (Chelsea) 62' for Diego Costa
Pedro (Barcelona) 62' for Xabi Alonso
Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) 78' for David Silva
Netherlands (5-3-2)
Jasper Cillessen (Ajax); Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Ajax), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord); Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray); Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Manchester United, captain)
Subs:
Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV) 62' for de Guzman
Joel Veltman (Ajax) 77' for de Vrij
Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kyiv) 79' for van Persie
One of the most anticipated group games going into the World Cup, few anticipated Netherlands to win, even fewer, probably only steadfast and/or drunk Dutch fans expected Netherlands to crush Spain 5-1. But that's exactly what happened. Despite being without Kevin Strootman and Rafael Van Der Vaart, despite a lot of these players playing for less prestigious clubs than the Spanish players play for, they played a fantastic game and got a fantastic result because of it. From Robin van Persie "The Flying Dutchman"'s goal to open the scoring to youngster Stefan de Vrij impressing, all around a good performance. With a high scoring game like this it's easy to forget about Jasper Cillessen. In one of the closest races for 1st keeper heading into the World Cup, you'd think a Premier League keeper like Swansea's Vorm or Newcastle's Krul would be higher on the pecking order than Ajax's Cillessen, but Cillessen was chosen to start and he justified his start with a great performance as well. It's very tough to look at the positives in Spain's performance in this match other than Xabi Alonso ending his scoring drought, albeit through a controversial penalty. The only Spanish players that could be happy are the players that didn't get playing time, especially David De Gea and Pepe Reina who could start in goal in the next match after a less than decent performance by Casillas. Only 3 of the 14 Spanish players that played in this match didn't play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona, neglecting all but 1 of the Atletico Madrid players. With the wealth of talent at Vicente Del Bosque's disposal, it's worth considering changing things up. This result gives Netherlands control over Group B's destiny and they look to be in a good position to win the group. Next up Netherlands face Australia and Spain take on Chile. Diego Costa, David Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Jordi Alba were the only players Spain used in this match that didn't participate in the 2010 World Cup Final (3 of them weren't even in the squad during that tournament), while Nigel de Jong, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, and Robin van Persie were the only Dutch players to compete in this match and the 2010 Final. Hint hint Spain. Hint hint.
Group B: Chile vs. Australia
Final Score: A 3-1 victory for Chile
Goalscorers: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona) 12', Jorge Valdivia 14' (Palmeiras), Tim Cahill 35' (New York Red Bulls), Jean Beausejour 90+2' (Wigan Athletic)
Bookings: Tim Cahill 44', Mile Jedinak 58' (Crystal Palace), Mark Milligan 67' (Melbourne Victory), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional, Brazil)
Lineups
Chile (4-3-3)
Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad); Mauricio Isla (Juventus), Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Eugenio Mena (Santos); Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Arturo Videl (Juventus); Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Eduardo Vargas(Valencia)
Subs:
Felipe Gutierrez (Twente) 60' for Arturo Vidal
Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic) 68' for Jorge Valdivia
Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari) 88' for Eduardo Vargas
Australia (4-2-3-1)
Mathew Ryan (Club Brugge); Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Alex Wilkinson (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Matthew Spiranovic (Western Sydney Wanderers), Jason Davidson (Heracles Almelo); Mile Jedinak (Crystal Palace, captain), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory); Matthew Leckie (FSV Frankfurt), Mark Bresciano (Al-Gharafa), Tommy Oar (Utrecht); Tim Cahill (New York Red Bulls)
Subs:
Ryan McGowan (Shandong Luneng Taishan) 49' for Ivan Franjic
Ben Halloran (Fortuna Dusseldorf) 68' for Tommy Oar
James Troisi (Melbourne Victory) for Mark Bresciano
The Group B underdogs had a tough act to follow after an entertaining and nervy signal sending Spain-Netherlands match. Netherlands will look to repeat their performance against their other Group B rivals so Chile and Australia should be worried. Nonetheless this was still a good match with a reasonable outcome of Chile coming out on top 3-1. Thankfully Vidal was fit to start which is a good sign for Chile who won't have to go without one of, if not their best player. This young and unexperienced Australian team looked very inexperienced against a more composed Chilean team that wasted no time getting on the score sheet, scoring 2 of their 3 goals in the 1st 15 minutes but being made to wait for their last one until the end. Tim Cahill represented his nation, club, and league (Go MLS!) proud with a great goal but it wasn't enough to rescue a point for the Socceroos despite a great effort. Chile took care of business and got 3 points, and now they hope to get a similar result against the Spanish. Australia's next opponent is the Netherlands. Australia had an ok performance but against a team like Netherlands, it surely can't end well for them.
Coming up next
Group C and Group D will have their opening matches. Colombia vs. Greece, Japan vs. Cote D'Ivoire, Uruguay vs. Costa Rica, and England vs. Italy. In the most evenly matched group of the tournament, we'll see a bit more about the Group C teams after their first match. Colombia and Cote D'Ivoire are favorites, but not by much as Greece and Japan are decent teams as well. In a very tight group, Uruguay will hope to obtain 3 points against Costa Rica, while 1 point for this CONCACAF nation would make them happy. A lot is on the line for England and Italy who will compete in a rematch of the 2012 UEFA Euro Quarterfinal which ended 0-0 after 90 minutes and was eventually decided by penalties (which England shockingly lost). Which teams will rise to the occasion? I look forward to finding out and then telling you about it!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
2014 FIFA World Cup: Brazil vs. Croatia review, 6/13 matches preview
The opening match for this year's World Cup between Brazil and Croatia didn't disappoint. Full of goals, drama, and controversy, stuff we've grown accustomed to in the past few World Cups. If you asked anyone who follows soccer who they thought was going to win, most likely they answered Brazil without hesitation. However Croatia put on quite a show that, for a short period of time, made us question how much we underrated this European side.
Brazil and Croatia were in the same group in the 2006 World Cup as well. In that tournament they were placed alongside Japan and Australia (remember at the time Australia was still a part of the OFC which is why a group containing both Japan and Australia was possible) and Brazil beat them 1-0 as Brazil would eventually win that group but Croatia would be knocked out in the group stage after only earning draws against the Socceroos and the Blue Samurai. Interestingly, every team from that group made it to Brazil this summer.
We all knew that Croatia were not without their offensive threats, with players like Luka Modric, Nikica Jelavic, and Ivan Rakitic, and had a decent back line as well that featured the likes of Darijo Srna, Dejan Lovren, and Vedran Corluka. Croatia had just as much of a chance, if not a bit better of a chance, as fellow group rivals Mexico and Cameroon did of reaching the knockout stage in 2nd place. Meaning this should've been a piece of cake for Brazil. Only it wasn't.
Right away Croatia were playing hard and it paid off when they managed to get a goal thanks to Marcelo's own goal. It was the first time ever the first goal scored at a World Cup was an own goal and it was Brazil's first ever own goal. Marcelo definitely was the weakest link in Brazil's lineup today. Aside from that big error, it seemed like the only other notable contributions he made to the game was his remarkable ability to be within 2 feet of the referee at all times, perfect for complaining about calls.
Both goalkeepers were well tested today with Julio Cesar and Stipe Pletikosa making some impressive saves, but Pletikosa would draw some criticism for being unable to save any of the goals Brazil scored on him, such as the penalty where Pletikosa managed to get both hands on it but STILL couldn't keep it out of the back of the net.
Despite Croatia looking impressive at times, Brazil dominated the possession stat and looked the more likely team to score more often than not. It's no surprise that Neymar saves the day for Brazil with his 2 goals, not to overlook Oscar's decent contribution to the scoreline as well.
Many would argue that the penalty call against Dejan Lovren was utter BS and that Fred dived. I saw some contact but it definitely looked fishy to me, but regardless of whether or not that call was justified I knew that penalty would've gutted Croatia, who had tried so hard to at least cost Brazil 2 points in this match. They still had a few good chances after Neymar scored the penalty, including a goal that was disallowed not because Julio Cesar was fouled but because the ball went out of play (I understand it was tough to see for some people).
Croatia's spirited effort was not enough to prevent Brazil from winning 3-1 in the opening match of the tournament, but I hope any other team considered an underdog in this tournament (such as the USA) take note of this game, because Croatia played great football/soccer despite being up against a more talented team, so that should be a source of inspiration.
Although Croatia did not earn any points, similar performances against Cameroon (their next opponent) and Mexico may well be enough to get 6 points at the end of the group stage. I hate to say Brazil got lucky because they played very well but they definitely got more than what they bargained for in this match and didn't look solid all the time. There's definitely room for improvement if they wish to win their 6th World Cup. Their next match against Mexico will show if Brazil learned from their mistakes from this match and if they deserve to be up there with Spain, Germany, Italy, and Argentina as true contenders to win the title. Another performance like this would only exponentially increase the question marks surrounding "A Seleção".
Up next, we have 6 teams competing in must win games. Croatia made it pretty clear that they don't plan on making it easy for either Mexico or Cameroon to qualify for the knockout stages, so 3 points from this match would definitely help either El Tri or Les Lions Indomptables out a lot. Mexico are slight favorites but Cameroon definitely have what it takes to be a worthy adversary for the CONCACAF side.
Netherlands would love to get some sweet revenge on Spain, and a win against Spain would definitely boost their chances of winning Group B, which would likely mean avoiding Brazil in the Round of 16. However, how much of an impact will injuries such as Rafael Van der Vaart and Kevin Strootman affect the Oranje? And which combination of Spanish players would be the right one to continue their international success?
If either Chile or Australia have a prayer of reaching the knockout stage, they'll need to deny the other team of 3 points in their first match. Chile are definitely the favorites but against a fearless Australian side with nothing to lose, they better bring their A game or possibly suffer an upset.
Should be great to watch! I'm hoping the World Cup will continue to produce entertaining matches such as the opening match, and it doesn't look like we'll be disappointed.
Brazil and Croatia were in the same group in the 2006 World Cup as well. In that tournament they were placed alongside Japan and Australia (remember at the time Australia was still a part of the OFC which is why a group containing both Japan and Australia was possible) and Brazil beat them 1-0 as Brazil would eventually win that group but Croatia would be knocked out in the group stage after only earning draws against the Socceroos and the Blue Samurai. Interestingly, every team from that group made it to Brazil this summer.
We all knew that Croatia were not without their offensive threats, with players like Luka Modric, Nikica Jelavic, and Ivan Rakitic, and had a decent back line as well that featured the likes of Darijo Srna, Dejan Lovren, and Vedran Corluka. Croatia had just as much of a chance, if not a bit better of a chance, as fellow group rivals Mexico and Cameroon did of reaching the knockout stage in 2nd place. Meaning this should've been a piece of cake for Brazil. Only it wasn't.
Right away Croatia were playing hard and it paid off when they managed to get a goal thanks to Marcelo's own goal. It was the first time ever the first goal scored at a World Cup was an own goal and it was Brazil's first ever own goal. Marcelo definitely was the weakest link in Brazil's lineup today. Aside from that big error, it seemed like the only other notable contributions he made to the game was his remarkable ability to be within 2 feet of the referee at all times, perfect for complaining about calls.
Both goalkeepers were well tested today with Julio Cesar and Stipe Pletikosa making some impressive saves, but Pletikosa would draw some criticism for being unable to save any of the goals Brazil scored on him, such as the penalty where Pletikosa managed to get both hands on it but STILL couldn't keep it out of the back of the net.
Despite Croatia looking impressive at times, Brazil dominated the possession stat and looked the more likely team to score more often than not. It's no surprise that Neymar saves the day for Brazil with his 2 goals, not to overlook Oscar's decent contribution to the scoreline as well.
Many would argue that the penalty call against Dejan Lovren was utter BS and that Fred dived. I saw some contact but it definitely looked fishy to me, but regardless of whether or not that call was justified I knew that penalty would've gutted Croatia, who had tried so hard to at least cost Brazil 2 points in this match. They still had a few good chances after Neymar scored the penalty, including a goal that was disallowed not because Julio Cesar was fouled but because the ball went out of play (I understand it was tough to see for some people).
Croatia's spirited effort was not enough to prevent Brazil from winning 3-1 in the opening match of the tournament, but I hope any other team considered an underdog in this tournament (such as the USA) take note of this game, because Croatia played great football/soccer despite being up against a more talented team, so that should be a source of inspiration.
Although Croatia did not earn any points, similar performances against Cameroon (their next opponent) and Mexico may well be enough to get 6 points at the end of the group stage. I hate to say Brazil got lucky because they played very well but they definitely got more than what they bargained for in this match and didn't look solid all the time. There's definitely room for improvement if they wish to win their 6th World Cup. Their next match against Mexico will show if Brazil learned from their mistakes from this match and if they deserve to be up there with Spain, Germany, Italy, and Argentina as true contenders to win the title. Another performance like this would only exponentially increase the question marks surrounding "A Seleção".
Up next, we have 6 teams competing in must win games. Croatia made it pretty clear that they don't plan on making it easy for either Mexico or Cameroon to qualify for the knockout stages, so 3 points from this match would definitely help either El Tri or Les Lions Indomptables out a lot. Mexico are slight favorites but Cameroon definitely have what it takes to be a worthy adversary for the CONCACAF side.
Netherlands would love to get some sweet revenge on Spain, and a win against Spain would definitely boost their chances of winning Group B, which would likely mean avoiding Brazil in the Round of 16. However, how much of an impact will injuries such as Rafael Van der Vaart and Kevin Strootman affect the Oranje? And which combination of Spanish players would be the right one to continue their international success?
If either Chile or Australia have a prayer of reaching the knockout stage, they'll need to deny the other team of 3 points in their first match. Chile are definitely the favorites but against a fearless Australian side with nothing to lose, they better bring their A game or possibly suffer an upset.
Should be great to watch! I'm hoping the World Cup will continue to produce entertaining matches such as the opening match, and it doesn't look like we'll be disappointed.
Friday, October 11, 2013
FIFA World Cup Qualifiers October 2013
Already qualified for Brazil 2013 as of last month:
-Argentina
-Australia
-Brazil
-Costa Rica
-Iran
-Italy
-Japan
-Netherlands
-South Korea
-United States of America
10 out of 32 spots filled
And the nations still fighting for the remaining 22 spots:
-Albania
-Algeria
-Armenia
-Austria
-Belgium
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Bulgaria
-Burkina Faso
-Cameroon
-Chile
-Colombia
-Cote D'Ivoire
-Croatia
-Czech Republic
-Denmark
-Ecuador
-England
-Egypt
-Ethiopia
-France
-Ghana
-Germany
-Greece
-Honduras
-Hungary
-Iceland
-Ireland
-Israel
-Jamaica
-Jordan
-Mexico
-Montenegro
-New Zealand
-Nigeria
-Norway
-Panama
-Poland
-Portugal
-Romania
-Russia
-Senegal
-Slovenia
-Spain
-Sweden
-Switzerland
-Tunisia
-Turkey
-Ukraine
-Uruguay
-Venezuela
Yeah that's a lot. 50 nations by my count. It's interesting to see such a variety of teams still in this category. From teams you'd expect to be at the World Cup no matter what (England, Spain, etc.) to teams that you thought would be written off long ago (Jordan, Ethiopia, etc.). It's a wonderful process but also an emotional one. Everyone dreams of representing their nation at the world's biggest stage. And that stage will seem even bigger when it takes place at arguable the biggest soccer/football nation next summer: Brazil. The stakes are quite high so let's see what matches will determine a lot of these nations' fates.
CAF
The first legs of the final round of African qualifying starts this month. Five pairs of two competing in a home and away series where the winner goes to the World Cup and the loser is out of contention. Here are the matchups
October 12: Senegal at Ivory Coast, Algeria at Burkina Faso
October 13: Nigeria at Ethiopia, Cameroon at Tunisia
October 15: Egypt at Ghana
The matchup to watch is Ghana vs. Egypt. Under Bob Bradley Egypt looks like a stronger team than they did in the last World Cup cycle, and Ghana will hope to make another memorable run at what would be their 3rd World Cup in a row and total. It'll be heartbreaking for whoever doesn't make it.
Nigeria are favorites against Ethiopia but they need to take care of business because Ethiopia has already surprised a few opponents on their path to get to this stage. Senegal and Ivory Coast looking like a good matchup. Cote D'Ivoire sporting a greater amount of famous players but Senegal are tricky. Algeria and Burkina Faso is a matchup I think defies prediction. It depends on which team we see more, the 2010 Algerian squad that made England struggle, or the 2013 Burkina Faso team that upset a few opponents and finished as runners up. I'd say Cameroon are favorites against Tunisia but they haven't been themselves lately. They'll need their stars such as Samuel Eto'o to be in top form. Eto'o has recently been added to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea squad but hasn't scored for Cameroon in over 6 months, despite having an impressive total of 55 goals for his team, making him the all time top scorer for Les Lions Indomptables.
CONMEBOL
The last two matchdays for the South Americans are here and here's how they look like
October 11: Chile at Colombia, Uruguay at Ecuador, Paraguay at Venezuela, Peru at Argentina (bye Bolivia)
October 15: Colombia at Paraguay, Ecuador at Chile, Argentina at Uruguay, Bolivia at Peru (bye Venezuela)
Venezuela are near the end of their rope. They have to beat Paraguay and hope EITHER Ecuador or Uruguay lose their remaining two matches and have a worse goal difference than Venezuela and that's just to qualify for the playoff against Jordan.
Colombia and Chile's missions are almost accomplished. One more point for Los Cafeteros and three more for La Roja means they're going to Brazil. And with one of Colombia's remaining opponents being Paraguay, they'll definitely get at least 1 of the remaining 6 points up for grabs. Uruguay and Ecuador have a bit more pressure. Their face off in Quito could determine which one of them goes directly to Brazil and which one has to deal with Jordan first. In the reverse fixture in September 2011 (quite a while back), the match ended in a 1-1 draw in Montevideo after Edison Cavani's goal helped Uruguay recover from an early spot kick by Felipe Caicedo. Since then Uruguay had an impressive showing at the Confederations Cup and are coming off a 2-0 win over Colombia, so even though Ecuador are at home, this match will definitely not be easy. And after their encounter with each other, Ecuador has to face Chile and Uruguay will host Argentina, so a lot remains to be said and done.
After Argentina face already eliminated Peru, Argentina and Uruguay will play in an important game. Argentina don't need to win this game to qualify but these two bordering nations have a bit of a rivalry and neither wants to lose.
CONCACAF
Jurgen Klinsmann, whose team is already in the world cup, still wants the Stars and Stripes to have a competitive and hungry attitude in hopes of getting 6 more points to add to their collection as they sit on top of the Hexagonal. Costa Rica are also good to go for the World Cup but wouldn't mind gaining some more points either. Honduras is pretty close while it looks like Mexico and Panama will struggle for the 4th spot for the playoff against New Zealand. Here are the matches
October 11: Honduras vs. Costa Rica, United States vs. Jamaica, Mexico vs. Panama
October 15: Costa Rica vs. Mexico, Jamaica vs. Honduras, Panama vs. United States
Jamaica could still finish in 4th in this group but it'll require Jamaica to win both games and for Mexico AND Panama to collapse which I don't see happening. Sorry Reggae Boyz. USA faces Jamaica for the 4th time in this WCQ cycle along with an encounter for a 2013 Gold Cup rematch with Panama. USA are favorites to win both games but in the last two years, both Panama and Jamaica got a surprise 2-1 win over the USA. However since then USA has redeemed themselves but they want their days of redemption to be over and they want to look like a team that deserves their FIFA Ranking (13).
What was once a prestigious fortress has figuratively been egged and TP'd. Mexico has not won a game in the Estadio Azteca in the Hexagonal. And following a new "Aztecazo" when losing to Honduras and a new edition of "Dos a Cero" at Columbus against the USA, Mexico have one last shot to scrap that statistic. Victor Manuel Vucetich, long time Mexican league coach of 11 different clubs, will hope to salvage Mexico's Brazil 2014 hopes.
A Central American derby between Costa Rica and Honduras looms and if Honduras wins that match along with if Panama and Mexico draw, they automatically qualify for the World Cup. With Panama having to face CONCACAF's traditional power couple in their final two matches, it'll take a great group performance from their entire team to pull this one off, but it's not impossible.
UEFA
In Group A, it's all a matter of which order Belgium and Croatia stack up in after 10 matches. Croatia have no choice but to beat Belgium on Friday if they want direct qualification. And even if they did pull that off, Belgium still have to lose to Wales and Croatia has to beat Scotland. Croatia's a good team and all with players like Mario Mandzukic but I don't see them getting out of this jam and they'll likely be settling for a playoff.
In a tight race for 2nd place, Czech Republic and Bulgaria are fortunate to no longer have to deal with confirmed winner of Group A, Italy. Denmark and Armenia however will have that big blue 11-man hurdle to overcome in an effort to keep pace in this race. Bulgaria's matches away at Armenia and at home to Czech Republic can also determine what happens. Currently Bulgaria leads with 13 points, Denmark following with 12, and Czech Republic and Armenia each have 9.
Sweden beating Austria on Friday at Solna would mean game over for both Austria and Ireland. Ireland are way down but not out yet, but unless every result in the group goes their way, it looks bleak. Germany beating Ireland means Joachim Low sends his German side to another World Cup.
Hungary have 14 pts and Romania and Turkey have 13 each as they fight for 2nd place in Group D, a group Netherlands is already confirmed to win. However with Romania facing Andorra and Estonia in their last two matches while Hungary and Turkey still have to face Netherlands means the situation might favor the Romanians.
Switzerland wins Group E, a.k.a. the "crazy group" (not necessarily as epic as a Group of Death, which would be Group C or Group H, but still) if they beat Albania. Switzerland finish their campaign at home to Slovenia. Iceland need to beat both Cyprus at home and Norway away to lock their position in the top 2 of this group. If Iceland won their last two matches and Switzerland lost, Iceland would end up winning the group. Norway and Albania cannot qualify directly. Slovenia will have to survive tricky tests against Norway and Switzerland but even then they might be out of the running depending on how other results end up.
2 matches left. Here's how Group F's better half looks. Russia 18, Portugal 17, and Israel 12 points. The next match is Portugal vs. Israel. Israel have a big mountain to climb to keep their World Cup hopes alive. If somehow Portugal lose and Russia beat Luxembourg, Russia will have automatically qualified for the World Cup by Friday. But Russia just need to get 6 of 6 remaining points (their final match is vs. Azerbaijan) and they're good to go to Brazil.
Neither Bosnia nor Greece can afford to drop a single point. More pressure is on Greece because if Greece isn't ahead by points, they sure as hell won't be ahead by goal difference. I see Greece dealing with a playoff in their near future. I don't see Bosnia-Herzegovina screwing up again. But this is soccer/football. You never know.
In Group H, England have yet to prove themselves against serious competition. Beating San Marino and Moldova is great and all, but if you can't beat Montenegro, Poland, or Ukraine, how can England expect to beat a Netherlands or an Italy in the World Cup? England face Montenegro and then Poland, both at home. If England win and Ukraine lose on Friday, England win the group and qualify. It's still a tight race though and every point will matter to these four teams. And it's really a tough one to call.
Mathematically this group isn't all locked up but Spain has a match in hand. They host Belarus and Georgia, then they're done. France just has one match left: at home to Finland. Assuming Spain and France meet their expectations and beat those teams, Spain will win this group. Yeah, that would be a shocker.
Limbo
Right now Jordan and New Zealand are standing by for their Intercontinental Playoff matches in November. Jordan will have the 5th place South American team and New Zealand will have the 4th place North America team. And both Jordan and New Zealand will likely look like underdogs.
Let the fun begin!
I've talked about all the Qualifying action of October. I'll keep you guys updated from time to time as the matches go down. Post your comments about your thoughts involving these World Cup Qualifiers and support your team(s)!
-Ivan Ornelas, soccer fan and blogger
Updated October 11th, 2013 11:30 AM Pacific Standard Time
The first few matches in Europe have already wrapped up. Armenia beat Bulgaria 2-1 which puts Armenia level on points with Denmark. This slip up could let Denmark catch up or over taken them but they have to get some kind of a result against Italy. Lithuania beat Latvia 2-0. A big result for Belgium beating Croatia 2-1 away from home which means Belgium wins Group A and will be going to their first World Cup in just over a decade. Belgium is the third European team to confirm their place in next summer's tournament following Italy and Netherlands. Azerbaijan beat Northern Ireland 2-0, Moldova beat San Marino 3-0, and these are the matches going on right now
Faroe Islands 1-1 Kazakhstan 80th minute
Malta 0-2 Czech Republic 47th minute
Ukraine 0-0 Poland 35th minute
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 Liechtenstein 34th minute
Denmark 0-0 Italy 21st minute
Albania 0-0 Switzerland 4th minute
Luxembourg 0-0 Russia 3rd minute
Netherlands 0-0 Hungary 4th minute
Estonia 0-0 Turkey 6th minute
Andorra 0-0 Romania 5th minute
Updated October 11th, 2013 7:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
There's only 1 match left to conclude for the day at the time of writing so let's see what happened.
It took nine matches but the Faroe Islands finally earned their first point in qualifying in a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan. I'm sure they will be happy with that result. Sometimes you have to take what you can get.
Czech Republic kept their chances alive with a 4-1 win over Malta. However it's over for Poland as Ukraine beat them 1-0, turning this 4-way rivalry into a 3-man race.
Not for long though. England's astonishing 4-1 victory over Montenegro kept England in 1st place and kept Montenegro at 15 pts. With Ukraine at 18 pts and a huge gap in goal difference, Ukraine would have to lose badly in their last match for Montenegro to have a chance. But guess who Ukraine play in their final match? SAN MARINO! So yeah saying Montenegro need a miracle at this point is an understatement. Goals from Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, and Andros Townsend, along with an own goal by Branko Boskovic gave England their 4 goals while Dejan Damjanovic denied Joe Hart a clean sheet.
With Bosnia-Herzegovina beating Liechtenstein 4-1 and Greece beating Slovakia 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Liverpool's Martin Skrtel, they remain even in points but the goal difference gap increases in favor of the Bosnians. Greece will likely have to settle for 2nd place in the group unless Lithuania causes Bosnia-Herzegovina to screw up in their final match.
Denmark's 2-2 draw against Italy ties them with Bulgaria in points but Denmark stays in third due to goal difference. Two goals from Nicklas Bendtner allowed Denmark to take a 2-1 lead after falling behind to a Pablo Osvaldo goal in the 28th minute. A stoppage time goal from Fiorentina's Alberto Aquilani tied it up in Copenhagen. While Bulgaria remain in front, Denmark have an easier opponent in their final match day in Malta, while Bulgaria's final test is against Czech Republic. Goals from Xherdan Shaqiri and Michael Lang provided Switzerland a 2-1 win over Albania which confirms that Switzerland qualified for the World Cup. The only other members of this group who still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup are Iceland and Slovenia, who each won their games today (Iceland beat Cyprus 2-0 while Slovenia beat Norway 3-0). Iceland is ahead by one point and their final match is away against Scandinavian rivals Norway. Switzerland host Slovenia that same day.
Russia eased past Luxembourg 4-0. Netherlands had an even easier time with a 8-1 victory against Hungary in the Amsterdam Arena. Lens, Van der Vaart, Robben, and Strootman all were on the scoresheet for the Dutch along with hat trick hero and Manchester United ace Robin Van Persie. Hungary received even more pressure as Turkey beat Estonia 2-0 and Romania beat Andorra 4-0. With Turkey hosting Netherlands next while Romania host Estonia, one can't help but think Romania will have the least laugh in this battle for 2nd place. But if they and Turkey lose and Hungary beat Andorra, Hungary could still finish in 2nd.
Simon Church helped an injury plagued Welsh side beat Macedonia 1-0 at Cardiff City Stadium, with Gareth Bale just one of the players that couldn't compete due to injury. The Group C picture looks crystal clear after Germany beating Ireland 3-0 (goals from Sami Khedira, Andre Schurrle, and Mesut Ozil) and Sweden recovering from a 21st minute Martin Harnik goal to win 2-1 thanks to Martin Olsson and Paris Saint Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Germany are confirmed to appear at the World Cup next summer while Sweden is confirmed to be in the playoffs next round. Austria and Ireland's World Cup dreams end here. Portugal had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against Israel. The good news is that Israel is now out of the qualification race so Portugal will at least finish in 2nd, but being 3 points behind Russia with 1 game left means they will likely be going to the playoff round. And wrapping up the UEFA action for today, Spain beat Belarus 2-1. Xavi and Alvaro Negredo scored for Spain while Sergei Kornilenko's goal for Belarus cost Victor Valdes a clean sheet. Both Spain and France are guaranteed playoff round spots as France can still mathematically win the group but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were them.
On to the Americas. Chile blew a huge half time lead. A penalty from Juventus's Arturo Vidal and a couple of goals from Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez put Chile up 3-0 by halftime. Everything changed in the 66th minute after Carlos Carmona picked up his 2nd yellow card of the match leaving Chile down with 10 men. Teofilo Gutierrez's goal and two penalties from Monaco's Falcao earned Colombia a crucial 3-3 draw. 10 yellow cards (6 of them toward Colombian players) were issued but it was all worth it for Colombia as they got the point they needed to ensure qualification to their first World Cup since 1998. Ecuador's big 1-0 win at home to Uruguay allowed them to catch up to Chile. Both Ecuador and Chile have 25 points with Ecuador having the superior goal difference. Venezuela's 1-1 tie against Paraguay wasn't good enough and their slim chances of making it to the World Cup faded away. Uruguay sits in 5th place with 22 points and it looks like they'll be heading for another intercontinental playoff. Despite falling behind early on due to a Claudio Pizzaro goal, goals from Ezequiel Lavezzi(2) and Rodrigo Palacio of Internazionale gave Argentina a 3-1 win.
In CONCACAF, Honduras bested their Central American rivals yet again with a 1-0 win at home thanks to a Jerry Bengtson goal in the 65th minute. This win ensures Honduras will at least finish in 4th place. And if neither Mexico or Panama win their match tonight, Honduras qualify for the World Cup. In the next update, I'll review the Mexico-Panama result and recap who's in, who's out, and who's still fighting for their spot in the World Cup in Brazil.
Updated 1:00 AM October 12, 2013 PST
40 minutes into this match, Oribe Peralta scored to give Mexico a valuable goal. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez had a great chance to get another goal for Mexico but his penalty was saved by LA Galaxy and Panamanian goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. Luis Tejada came on for Panama in the 2nd half and tied it up 1-1. This result would've meant Honduras secured automatic qualification. Well, thanks to Raul Jimenez's bicycle kick made the ball hit the post and bounce in which sealed a 2-1 victory for Mexico, their first and only win at home at the Hexagonal. CONCACAF standings
1st USA 19 pts (won the Hexagonal)
2nd Costa Rica 15 pts
3rd Honduras 14 pts (close but not qualified just yet)
4th Mexico 11 pts
5th Panama 8 pts
6th Jamaica 4 pts (Jamaica are out of the qualification race)
Honduras will hope to obtain an important away win against Jamaica to erase any doubts of qualification at this point, not that there are many. In the small chance Honduras do end up in 4th, they face New Zealand in the intercontinental playoffs, which Honduras would probably be favorites in that situation. Panama have a tough test ahead of them. They host the USA and they need to get a win. Mexico need a draw away against Costa Rica to secure 4th place but if Mexico and Jamaica both win their final matches (keep in mind Jamaica have drawn 4 times and lost 5 times in the hexagonal), Mexico could possibly finish in 3rd. This El Tri looks a bit closer to the one we saw in South Africa, the one that won the Gold Cup in 2011, and the one that went 6 wins in 6 games in the 3rd round of qualifying. But there's still much work to be done.
So 4 more spots in Brazil have been filled. 3 more European and 1 more South American team are confirmed to be at the next World Cup. 1 more direct spot left in North America. 2 more direct spots left in South America. The 5 in Africa and now 8 in Europe. And then the 2 Inter Continental playoff winners. Here's updated lists of teams already qualified and still in the hunt. Bold in the first list means they just qualified on October 11, 2013. Bold in the second list means the nation is no longer able to qualify
Qualified teams
-Argentina
-Australia
-Belgium
-Brazil
-Colombia
-Costa Rica
-Germany
-Iran
-Italy
-Japan
-Netherlands
-South Korea
-Switzerland
-United States of America
14 out of 32 spots filled
Nations still fighting for the remaining 18 spots:
-Albania
-Algeria
-Armenia
-Austria
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Bulgaria
-Burkina Faso
-Cameroon
-Chile
-Cote D'Ivoire
-Croatia
-Czech Republic
-Denmark
-Ecuador
-England
-Egypt
-Ethiopia
-France
-Ghana
-Greece
-Honduras
-Hungary
-Iceland
-Ireland
-Israel
-Jamaica
-Jordan
-Mexico
-Montenegro
-New Zealand
-Nigeria
-Norway
-Panama
-Poland
-Portugal
-Romania
-Russia
-Senegal
-Slovenia
-Spain
-Sweden
-Tunisia
-Turkey
-Ukraine
-Uruguay
-Venezuela
-Argentina
-Australia
-Brazil
-Costa Rica
-Iran
-Italy
-Japan
-Netherlands
-South Korea
-United States of America
10 out of 32 spots filled
And the nations still fighting for the remaining 22 spots:
-Albania
-Algeria
-Armenia
-Austria
-Belgium
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Bulgaria
-Burkina Faso
-Cameroon
-Chile
-Colombia
-Cote D'Ivoire
-Croatia
-Czech Republic
-Denmark
-Ecuador
-England
-Egypt
-Ethiopia
-France
-Ghana
-Germany
-Greece
-Honduras
-Hungary
-Iceland
-Ireland
-Israel
-Jamaica
-Jordan
-Mexico
-Montenegro
-New Zealand
-Nigeria
-Norway
-Panama
-Poland
-Portugal
-Romania
-Russia
-Senegal
-Slovenia
-Spain
-Sweden
-Switzerland
-Tunisia
-Turkey
-Ukraine
-Uruguay
-Venezuela
Yeah that's a lot. 50 nations by my count. It's interesting to see such a variety of teams still in this category. From teams you'd expect to be at the World Cup no matter what (England, Spain, etc.) to teams that you thought would be written off long ago (Jordan, Ethiopia, etc.). It's a wonderful process but also an emotional one. Everyone dreams of representing their nation at the world's biggest stage. And that stage will seem even bigger when it takes place at arguable the biggest soccer/football nation next summer: Brazil. The stakes are quite high so let's see what matches will determine a lot of these nations' fates.
CAF
The first legs of the final round of African qualifying starts this month. Five pairs of two competing in a home and away series where the winner goes to the World Cup and the loser is out of contention. Here are the matchups
October 12: Senegal at Ivory Coast, Algeria at Burkina Faso
October 13: Nigeria at Ethiopia, Cameroon at Tunisia
October 15: Egypt at Ghana
The matchup to watch is Ghana vs. Egypt. Under Bob Bradley Egypt looks like a stronger team than they did in the last World Cup cycle, and Ghana will hope to make another memorable run at what would be their 3rd World Cup in a row and total. It'll be heartbreaking for whoever doesn't make it.
Nigeria are favorites against Ethiopia but they need to take care of business because Ethiopia has already surprised a few opponents on their path to get to this stage. Senegal and Ivory Coast looking like a good matchup. Cote D'Ivoire sporting a greater amount of famous players but Senegal are tricky. Algeria and Burkina Faso is a matchup I think defies prediction. It depends on which team we see more, the 2010 Algerian squad that made England struggle, or the 2013 Burkina Faso team that upset a few opponents and finished as runners up. I'd say Cameroon are favorites against Tunisia but they haven't been themselves lately. They'll need their stars such as Samuel Eto'o to be in top form. Eto'o has recently been added to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea squad but hasn't scored for Cameroon in over 6 months, despite having an impressive total of 55 goals for his team, making him the all time top scorer for Les Lions Indomptables.
CONMEBOL
The last two matchdays for the South Americans are here and here's how they look like
October 11: Chile at Colombia, Uruguay at Ecuador, Paraguay at Venezuela, Peru at Argentina (bye Bolivia)
October 15: Colombia at Paraguay, Ecuador at Chile, Argentina at Uruguay, Bolivia at Peru (bye Venezuela)
Venezuela are near the end of their rope. They have to beat Paraguay and hope EITHER Ecuador or Uruguay lose their remaining two matches and have a worse goal difference than Venezuela and that's just to qualify for the playoff against Jordan.
Colombia and Chile's missions are almost accomplished. One more point for Los Cafeteros and three more for La Roja means they're going to Brazil. And with one of Colombia's remaining opponents being Paraguay, they'll definitely get at least 1 of the remaining 6 points up for grabs. Uruguay and Ecuador have a bit more pressure. Their face off in Quito could determine which one of them goes directly to Brazil and which one has to deal with Jordan first. In the reverse fixture in September 2011 (quite a while back), the match ended in a 1-1 draw in Montevideo after Edison Cavani's goal helped Uruguay recover from an early spot kick by Felipe Caicedo. Since then Uruguay had an impressive showing at the Confederations Cup and are coming off a 2-0 win over Colombia, so even though Ecuador are at home, this match will definitely not be easy. And after their encounter with each other, Ecuador has to face Chile and Uruguay will host Argentina, so a lot remains to be said and done.
After Argentina face already eliminated Peru, Argentina and Uruguay will play in an important game. Argentina don't need to win this game to qualify but these two bordering nations have a bit of a rivalry and neither wants to lose.
CONCACAF
Jurgen Klinsmann, whose team is already in the world cup, still wants the Stars and Stripes to have a competitive and hungry attitude in hopes of getting 6 more points to add to their collection as they sit on top of the Hexagonal. Costa Rica are also good to go for the World Cup but wouldn't mind gaining some more points either. Honduras is pretty close while it looks like Mexico and Panama will struggle for the 4th spot for the playoff against New Zealand. Here are the matches
October 11: Honduras vs. Costa Rica, United States vs. Jamaica, Mexico vs. Panama
October 15: Costa Rica vs. Mexico, Jamaica vs. Honduras, Panama vs. United States
Jamaica could still finish in 4th in this group but it'll require Jamaica to win both games and for Mexico AND Panama to collapse which I don't see happening. Sorry Reggae Boyz. USA faces Jamaica for the 4th time in this WCQ cycle along with an encounter for a 2013 Gold Cup rematch with Panama. USA are favorites to win both games but in the last two years, both Panama and Jamaica got a surprise 2-1 win over the USA. However since then USA has redeemed themselves but they want their days of redemption to be over and they want to look like a team that deserves their FIFA Ranking (13).
What was once a prestigious fortress has figuratively been egged and TP'd. Mexico has not won a game in the Estadio Azteca in the Hexagonal. And following a new "Aztecazo" when losing to Honduras and a new edition of "Dos a Cero" at Columbus against the USA, Mexico have one last shot to scrap that statistic. Victor Manuel Vucetich, long time Mexican league coach of 11 different clubs, will hope to salvage Mexico's Brazil 2014 hopes.
A Central American derby between Costa Rica and Honduras looms and if Honduras wins that match along with if Panama and Mexico draw, they automatically qualify for the World Cup. With Panama having to face CONCACAF's traditional power couple in their final two matches, it'll take a great group performance from their entire team to pull this one off, but it's not impossible.
UEFA
In Group A, it's all a matter of which order Belgium and Croatia stack up in after 10 matches. Croatia have no choice but to beat Belgium on Friday if they want direct qualification. And even if they did pull that off, Belgium still have to lose to Wales and Croatia has to beat Scotland. Croatia's a good team and all with players like Mario Mandzukic but I don't see them getting out of this jam and they'll likely be settling for a playoff.
In a tight race for 2nd place, Czech Republic and Bulgaria are fortunate to no longer have to deal with confirmed winner of Group A, Italy. Denmark and Armenia however will have that big blue 11-man hurdle to overcome in an effort to keep pace in this race. Bulgaria's matches away at Armenia and at home to Czech Republic can also determine what happens. Currently Bulgaria leads with 13 points, Denmark following with 12, and Czech Republic and Armenia each have 9.
Sweden beating Austria on Friday at Solna would mean game over for both Austria and Ireland. Ireland are way down but not out yet, but unless every result in the group goes their way, it looks bleak. Germany beating Ireland means Joachim Low sends his German side to another World Cup.
Hungary have 14 pts and Romania and Turkey have 13 each as they fight for 2nd place in Group D, a group Netherlands is already confirmed to win. However with Romania facing Andorra and Estonia in their last two matches while Hungary and Turkey still have to face Netherlands means the situation might favor the Romanians.
Switzerland wins Group E, a.k.a. the "crazy group" (not necessarily as epic as a Group of Death, which would be Group C or Group H, but still) if they beat Albania. Switzerland finish their campaign at home to Slovenia. Iceland need to beat both Cyprus at home and Norway away to lock their position in the top 2 of this group. If Iceland won their last two matches and Switzerland lost, Iceland would end up winning the group. Norway and Albania cannot qualify directly. Slovenia will have to survive tricky tests against Norway and Switzerland but even then they might be out of the running depending on how other results end up.
2 matches left. Here's how Group F's better half looks. Russia 18, Portugal 17, and Israel 12 points. The next match is Portugal vs. Israel. Israel have a big mountain to climb to keep their World Cup hopes alive. If somehow Portugal lose and Russia beat Luxembourg, Russia will have automatically qualified for the World Cup by Friday. But Russia just need to get 6 of 6 remaining points (their final match is vs. Azerbaijan) and they're good to go to Brazil.
Neither Bosnia nor Greece can afford to drop a single point. More pressure is on Greece because if Greece isn't ahead by points, they sure as hell won't be ahead by goal difference. I see Greece dealing with a playoff in their near future. I don't see Bosnia-Herzegovina screwing up again. But this is soccer/football. You never know.
In Group H, England have yet to prove themselves against serious competition. Beating San Marino and Moldova is great and all, but if you can't beat Montenegro, Poland, or Ukraine, how can England expect to beat a Netherlands or an Italy in the World Cup? England face Montenegro and then Poland, both at home. If England win and Ukraine lose on Friday, England win the group and qualify. It's still a tight race though and every point will matter to these four teams. And it's really a tough one to call.
Mathematically this group isn't all locked up but Spain has a match in hand. They host Belarus and Georgia, then they're done. France just has one match left: at home to Finland. Assuming Spain and France meet their expectations and beat those teams, Spain will win this group. Yeah, that would be a shocker.
Limbo
Right now Jordan and New Zealand are standing by for their Intercontinental Playoff matches in November. Jordan will have the 5th place South American team and New Zealand will have the 4th place North America team. And both Jordan and New Zealand will likely look like underdogs.
Let the fun begin!
I've talked about all the Qualifying action of October. I'll keep you guys updated from time to time as the matches go down. Post your comments about your thoughts involving these World Cup Qualifiers and support your team(s)!
-Ivan Ornelas, soccer fan and blogger
Updated October 11th, 2013 11:30 AM Pacific Standard Time
The first few matches in Europe have already wrapped up. Armenia beat Bulgaria 2-1 which puts Armenia level on points with Denmark. This slip up could let Denmark catch up or over taken them but they have to get some kind of a result against Italy. Lithuania beat Latvia 2-0. A big result for Belgium beating Croatia 2-1 away from home which means Belgium wins Group A and will be going to their first World Cup in just over a decade. Belgium is the third European team to confirm their place in next summer's tournament following Italy and Netherlands. Azerbaijan beat Northern Ireland 2-0, Moldova beat San Marino 3-0, and these are the matches going on right now
Faroe Islands 1-1 Kazakhstan 80th minute
Malta 0-2 Czech Republic 47th minute
Ukraine 0-0 Poland 35th minute
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-0 Liechtenstein 34th minute
Denmark 0-0 Italy 21st minute
Albania 0-0 Switzerland 4th minute
Luxembourg 0-0 Russia 3rd minute
Netherlands 0-0 Hungary 4th minute
Estonia 0-0 Turkey 6th minute
Andorra 0-0 Romania 5th minute
Updated October 11th, 2013 7:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
There's only 1 match left to conclude for the day at the time of writing so let's see what happened.
It took nine matches but the Faroe Islands finally earned their first point in qualifying in a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan. I'm sure they will be happy with that result. Sometimes you have to take what you can get.
Czech Republic kept their chances alive with a 4-1 win over Malta. However it's over for Poland as Ukraine beat them 1-0, turning this 4-way rivalry into a 3-man race.
Not for long though. England's astonishing 4-1 victory over Montenegro kept England in 1st place and kept Montenegro at 15 pts. With Ukraine at 18 pts and a huge gap in goal difference, Ukraine would have to lose badly in their last match for Montenegro to have a chance. But guess who Ukraine play in their final match? SAN MARINO! So yeah saying Montenegro need a miracle at this point is an understatement. Goals from Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, and Andros Townsend, along with an own goal by Branko Boskovic gave England their 4 goals while Dejan Damjanovic denied Joe Hart a clean sheet.
With Bosnia-Herzegovina beating Liechtenstein 4-1 and Greece beating Slovakia 1-0 thanks to an own goal from Liverpool's Martin Skrtel, they remain even in points but the goal difference gap increases in favor of the Bosnians. Greece will likely have to settle for 2nd place in the group unless Lithuania causes Bosnia-Herzegovina to screw up in their final match.
Denmark's 2-2 draw against Italy ties them with Bulgaria in points but Denmark stays in third due to goal difference. Two goals from Nicklas Bendtner allowed Denmark to take a 2-1 lead after falling behind to a Pablo Osvaldo goal in the 28th minute. A stoppage time goal from Fiorentina's Alberto Aquilani tied it up in Copenhagen. While Bulgaria remain in front, Denmark have an easier opponent in their final match day in Malta, while Bulgaria's final test is against Czech Republic. Goals from Xherdan Shaqiri and Michael Lang provided Switzerland a 2-1 win over Albania which confirms that Switzerland qualified for the World Cup. The only other members of this group who still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup are Iceland and Slovenia, who each won their games today (Iceland beat Cyprus 2-0 while Slovenia beat Norway 3-0). Iceland is ahead by one point and their final match is away against Scandinavian rivals Norway. Switzerland host Slovenia that same day.
Russia eased past Luxembourg 4-0. Netherlands had an even easier time with a 8-1 victory against Hungary in the Amsterdam Arena. Lens, Van der Vaart, Robben, and Strootman all were on the scoresheet for the Dutch along with hat trick hero and Manchester United ace Robin Van Persie. Hungary received even more pressure as Turkey beat Estonia 2-0 and Romania beat Andorra 4-0. With Turkey hosting Netherlands next while Romania host Estonia, one can't help but think Romania will have the least laugh in this battle for 2nd place. But if they and Turkey lose and Hungary beat Andorra, Hungary could still finish in 2nd.
Simon Church helped an injury plagued Welsh side beat Macedonia 1-0 at Cardiff City Stadium, with Gareth Bale just one of the players that couldn't compete due to injury. The Group C picture looks crystal clear after Germany beating Ireland 3-0 (goals from Sami Khedira, Andre Schurrle, and Mesut Ozil) and Sweden recovering from a 21st minute Martin Harnik goal to win 2-1 thanks to Martin Olsson and Paris Saint Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Germany are confirmed to appear at the World Cup next summer while Sweden is confirmed to be in the playoffs next round. Austria and Ireland's World Cup dreams end here. Portugal had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against Israel. The good news is that Israel is now out of the qualification race so Portugal will at least finish in 2nd, but being 3 points behind Russia with 1 game left means they will likely be going to the playoff round. And wrapping up the UEFA action for today, Spain beat Belarus 2-1. Xavi and Alvaro Negredo scored for Spain while Sergei Kornilenko's goal for Belarus cost Victor Valdes a clean sheet. Both Spain and France are guaranteed playoff round spots as France can still mathematically win the group but I wouldn't hold my breath if I were them.
On to the Americas. Chile blew a huge half time lead. A penalty from Juventus's Arturo Vidal and a couple of goals from Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez put Chile up 3-0 by halftime. Everything changed in the 66th minute after Carlos Carmona picked up his 2nd yellow card of the match leaving Chile down with 10 men. Teofilo Gutierrez's goal and two penalties from Monaco's Falcao earned Colombia a crucial 3-3 draw. 10 yellow cards (6 of them toward Colombian players) were issued but it was all worth it for Colombia as they got the point they needed to ensure qualification to their first World Cup since 1998. Ecuador's big 1-0 win at home to Uruguay allowed them to catch up to Chile. Both Ecuador and Chile have 25 points with Ecuador having the superior goal difference. Venezuela's 1-1 tie against Paraguay wasn't good enough and their slim chances of making it to the World Cup faded away. Uruguay sits in 5th place with 22 points and it looks like they'll be heading for another intercontinental playoff. Despite falling behind early on due to a Claudio Pizzaro goal, goals from Ezequiel Lavezzi(2) and Rodrigo Palacio of Internazionale gave Argentina a 3-1 win.
In CONCACAF, Honduras bested their Central American rivals yet again with a 1-0 win at home thanks to a Jerry Bengtson goal in the 65th minute. This win ensures Honduras will at least finish in 4th place. And if neither Mexico or Panama win their match tonight, Honduras qualify for the World Cup. In the next update, I'll review the Mexico-Panama result and recap who's in, who's out, and who's still fighting for their spot in the World Cup in Brazil.
Updated 1:00 AM October 12, 2013 PST
40 minutes into this match, Oribe Peralta scored to give Mexico a valuable goal. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez had a great chance to get another goal for Mexico but his penalty was saved by LA Galaxy and Panamanian goalkeeper Jaime Penedo. Luis Tejada came on for Panama in the 2nd half and tied it up 1-1. This result would've meant Honduras secured automatic qualification. Well, thanks to Raul Jimenez's bicycle kick made the ball hit the post and bounce in which sealed a 2-1 victory for Mexico, their first and only win at home at the Hexagonal. CONCACAF standings
1st USA 19 pts (won the Hexagonal)
2nd Costa Rica 15 pts
3rd Honduras 14 pts (close but not qualified just yet)
4th Mexico 11 pts
5th Panama 8 pts
6th Jamaica 4 pts (Jamaica are out of the qualification race)
Honduras will hope to obtain an important away win against Jamaica to erase any doubts of qualification at this point, not that there are many. In the small chance Honduras do end up in 4th, they face New Zealand in the intercontinental playoffs, which Honduras would probably be favorites in that situation. Panama have a tough test ahead of them. They host the USA and they need to get a win. Mexico need a draw away against Costa Rica to secure 4th place but if Mexico and Jamaica both win their final matches (keep in mind Jamaica have drawn 4 times and lost 5 times in the hexagonal), Mexico could possibly finish in 3rd. This El Tri looks a bit closer to the one we saw in South Africa, the one that won the Gold Cup in 2011, and the one that went 6 wins in 6 games in the 3rd round of qualifying. But there's still much work to be done.
So 4 more spots in Brazil have been filled. 3 more European and 1 more South American team are confirmed to be at the next World Cup. 1 more direct spot left in North America. 2 more direct spots left in South America. The 5 in Africa and now 8 in Europe. And then the 2 Inter Continental playoff winners. Here's updated lists of teams already qualified and still in the hunt. Bold in the first list means they just qualified on October 11, 2013. Bold in the second list means the nation is no longer able to qualify
Qualified teams
-Argentina
-Australia
-Belgium
-Brazil
-Colombia
-Costa Rica
-Germany
-Iran
-Italy
-Japan
-Netherlands
-South Korea
-Switzerland
-United States of America
14 out of 32 spots filled
Nations still fighting for the remaining 18 spots:
-Albania
-Algeria
-Armenia
-Austria
-Bosnia and Herzegovina
-Bulgaria
-Burkina Faso
-Cameroon
-Chile
-Cote D'Ivoire
-Croatia
-Czech Republic
-Denmark
-Ecuador
-England
-Egypt
-Ethiopia
-France
-Ghana
-Greece
-Honduras
-Hungary
-Iceland
-Ireland
-Israel
-Jamaica
-Jordan
-Mexico
-Montenegro
-New Zealand
-Nigeria
-Norway
-Panama
-Poland
-Portugal
-Romania
-Russia
-Senegal
-Slovenia
-Spain
-Sweden
-Tunisia
-Turkey
-Ukraine
-Uruguay
-Venezuela
Tomorrow will be a much slower day for the football world (definitely not a slow day for Pokemon world if you know what I mean) with only two matches being played: Ivory Coast vs. Senegal and Burkina Faso vs. Algeria. The first two of ten matches of the final round of African qualification. There will be one more update tomorrow concerning those two games. Until then, see you later. Post your thoughts on the comments below.
Update Sunday October 13th, 2013 12:40 AM
Cote D'Ivoire beat Senegal 3-1 and Burkina Faso beat Algeria 3-2. Interestingly both African Cup of Nations teams that made it at least to the quarter finals got their victories. So here are the scenarios heading into their 2nd leg.
-In order for Cote D'Ivoire to advance, any win or draw will do. They can afford to lose to Senegal only by a one goal margin.
-If Senegal wins by any two goal margin or a margin of three goals or greater, they advance.
-In order for Burkina Faso to advance, any win or draw will do.
-In order for Algeria to advance, they need to beat Burkina Faso. A win by 2 goals or more gives them the higher score and a win by a 1 goal margin that's either 2-1 or 1-0 will be enough. A 3-2 win forces extra time. a 4-3 win or greater means Burkina Faso advances by away goals.
The matches today are Ethiopia vs. Nigeria and Tunisia vs. Cameroon. I'll update this blog when both of those matches have concluded.
Update October 13th 10:30 PM
Nigeria scrapped a 2-1 win over the hosts Ethiopia while Cameroon played to a 0-0 draw in Tunisia. I'm not really shocked by either of these results. I knew Nigeria were a superior team to Ethiopia but I'm impressed Ethiopia kept it close. However they were at home. And I knew Cameroon and Tunisia would be one of the closer matchups in African qualification.
-In order for Ethiopia to advance, they must win by a 2-goal margin or by a 1 goal margin score of at least 3-2
-In order for Nigeria to advance, they must draw, win, or lose 1-0 (the last scenario would see Nigeria advance by away goals)
-In order for Cameroon to advance, they need a win or any draw 1-1 or greater.
-In order for Tunisia to advance, they need a win. A 0-0 draw would force extra time and any higher scoring draw would see Cameroon advance by away goals
So one more African 1st leg match to go and that will be on October 15th along with the conclusion of CONCACAF and CONMEBOL qualifying and the first round of UEFA qualifying
Updated October 15th, 12:15 AM PST
Ok so I'm going to list all the qualifiers and tell you my thoughts. The home side will be to the left of the "vs" and I won't say anything if the result of that match has no effect on qualification.
Ghana vs. Egypt
Arguably the most anticipated matchup in the final round of African qualification. A lot of football fans hoped they didn't have to meet each other so they could likely both make it to the World Cup, but now they stand in each other's way. Ghana has made it to the knockout stages of both World Cups they've appeared in and they're a legitimate force. Egypt has often between in the highest tier of the African soccer foodchain but after missing out on the World Cup in South Africa and a lot of political unrest, Egypt have made their way back to appearing like a strong team. This could really go either way but if I had to pick a team to have the edge, even just a slight edge, I'd say advantage Ghana.
Belgium vs. Wales
Scotland vs. Croatia
Serbia vs. Macedonia
Italy vs. Armenia
Armenia have improved a lot during this qualification but they're still definitely not on the same level as Italy. I think this is where their World Cup dreams are put to rest as the already qualified Azurri get a routine victory.
Denmark vs. Malta
If Denmark win and Bulgaria fail to win, they get 2nd place. Not sure if they have a good shot at making it to the playoffs though.
Bulgaria vs. Czech Republic
A key match to determine whose hopes of qualifying for the World Cup are still alive. However regardless of this result, both are unlikely to make the playoffs.
Sweden vs. Germany
Even though their positions are locked, this can be an exciting game. Who can forget when Sweden came back from 4-0 to finish the game 4-4 when these two sides faced off with the Scandinavians hosting?
Ireland vs. Kazakhstan
Faroe Islands vs. Austria
Hungary vs. Andorra
Hungary are expected to win against Andorra but their World Cup hopes will be shattered if at least one of Turkey or Romania win in the final match day.
Romania vs. Estonia
Romania appears to have Turkey and Hungary right where they want them. A Romanian win and a Dutch tie/victory sees them take 2nd place in the group.
Turkey vs. Netherlands
It's do our die for Turkey. Beating Netherlands is a big task but it's one they'll have to accomplish in order to make it to the World Cup. If Turkey do win, they advance unless Romania beats Estonia REALLY bad. If Turkey draws and Romania draws or loses, Turkey advance to the playoffs
Cyprus vs. Albania
Norway vs. Iceland
This Scandinavian derby will be an interesting matchup but an important one for Iceland, who need to win to ensure they finish in 2nd in this group.
Switzerland vs. Slovenia
Slovenia have a big task to accomplish if they are going to keep their World Cup 2014 dreams alive. Not only must they beat Switzerland but Iceland can't beat their Scandinavian foes, Norway. Switzerland have nothing to play for having already confirmed their #1 position in this group.
Israel vs. Northern Ireland
Azerbaijan vs. Russia
Fabio Capello and the Russian team have to love the position they're in. Knowing that a draw will be enough to send them to Brazil next summer, they will hope to have the best possible send off. That being a victory in Baku
Portugal vs. Luxembourg
Portugal will do what they can to get the victory against a team they should have no trouble beating, but they look like they'll be going to the playoffs since Russia just needs a draw against Azerbaijan.
Latvia vs. Slovakia
Lithuania vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Lithuania appear to be an easy opponent but Bosnia-Herzegovina just need to handle these final 90 minutes of qualification. A win means they're going to Brazil regardless of the result the Greeks end up with in their final match.
Greece vs. Liechtenstein
Greece will most certainly win this matchup but unless Lithuania avoid defeat, Greece will likely have to take the playoff route to qualification
England vs. Poland
England can win the group with a victory over Poland in Wembley Stadium. Can they keep their composure and do what they have to do against an opponent fans expect to be beaten?
Montenegro vs. Moldova
Montenegro's hopes are slim but they must beat Moldova to have any chance of qualification.
San Marino vs. Ukraine
This couldn't have worked out any better for Ukraine. Victory in Stadio Olimpico means Ukraine are in the top 2 of the group. And if Poland wins against England and Ukraine wins, Ukraine wins the group.
France vs. Finland
France will likely end up in 2nd place despite the result of this match. Hopefully they're ready for another playoff adventure and they don't cause too much drama (Thierry Henry's handball against Ireland last qualification cycle, for example)
Spain vs. Georgia
Very little doubt that Spain will beat Georgia and such a victory would finally mathematically and officially confirm Spain as winners of Group I and competitors in the global showpieces next summer.
Paraguay vs. Colombia
Uruguay vs. Argentina
Uruguay's chances of automatic qualification are slim to none but these two rivals always make for a good game. Neither team will want to lose. Uruguay can't afford to lose. And Argentina don't want to let their rivals rub it in their faces.
Chile vs. Ecuador
A draw would see both these teams automatically qualify so we'll see if this turns out to be a good match or a cagey match.
Peru vs. Bolivia
Costa Rica vs. Mexico
Mexico made life hard on themselves during the Hexagonal but there's just enough time to redeem themselves. A draw against Costa Rica locks up 4th place but a win and a Honduran loss could be enough for Mexico to even finish in 3rd place.
Jamaica vs. Honduras
Jamaica are definitely not the hardest opponents so if Honduras plays the way they have played all Hexagonal, they should be able to come up with the decisive win that secures automatic qualification.
Panama vs. United States
The last time USA came to Panama, the Stars and Stripes won 1-0 thanks to Graham Zusi's first ever goal for the United States. But that was a friendly. Much more is on the line, at least for Panama. Anything less than victory over the USA means Panama will not qualify for the World Cup. It would be a heartbreak for the Central American team who were completely disregarded 2 years ago that became a force in the region after a good showing at the 2011 Gold Cup. USA have already won the hexagonal but with the competition for spots in Brazil beginning to heat up, every member of that team will be hungry for victory.
I'll update throughout the day when results have been confirmed. A lot is going on so be sure to keep checking back :)
Updated 3 pm 10/15/13 PST
The European matches and African match have concluded so let's see where things stand.
In the heaviest blow of this current round of African qualification so far, Egypt got demolished 6-1 by Ghana. It started with Asamoah Gyan's goal in the 5th minute and an own goal by Egypt's Wael Gomaa made it 2-0 to the Black Stars by the 22nd minute. Mohamed Aboutrika score Egypt's only goal on a 41st minute penalty, but then Majeed Waris, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari(Penalty), and Christian Atsu scored the next 4 goals to give Ghana a big victory. Egypt need a 5-0 victory, or a victory of a 6 goal margin or higher to advance to the World Cup. It looks very likely that Ghana will advance though. With the performance they put on in this match, Ghana definitely deserve a spot.
In Group A, Serbia beat Macedonia 5-1, while Belgium tied Wales 1-1. Kevin De Bruyne gave Belgium the lead but a late goal from Aaron Ramsey made it a draw. This is only the 2nd of 10 matches that Belgium failed to win in this qualification cycle. Croatia still is going on to the playoffs but a lot more questions will be asked of them after losing to Scotland 2-0, with the goalscorers for the Scottish side being Robert Snodgrass and Steven Naismith. Final standings 1st Belgium 2nd Croatia 3rd Serbia 4th Scotland 5th Wales 6th Macedonia
An Italian side that was definitely not at full strength needed a Mario Balotelli 76th minute goal to salvage a 2-2 win against Armenia at home. I'm sure Italian fans will be disappointed about the result regardless of what players they used. But Italy already qualified so it didn't matter. Czech Republic beat Bulgaria 1-0 and Denmark beat Malta 6-0 but the only team in this group going to Brazil is Italy. No one else got enough points. Final standings 1st Italy 2nd Denmark 3rd Czech Republic 4th Bulgaria 5th Armenia 6th Malta. However this was an interesting group to watch. It was far from a predictable one.
Ireland and Austria ended a heartbreaking World Cup Qualification cycle on a high note with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan for the Irish and a 3-0 victory over Faroe Islands for the Austrians. Sweden and Germany had another thrilling 8-goal encounter. Tobias Hysen 6th minute 1-0 Sweden, Alexander Kacaniklic 42nd minute 2-0 Sweden, Mesut Ozil 45th minute 2-1 Sweden, Mario Gotze 53rd minute 2-2, followed by another goal from Tobias Hysen and a hat trick from Chelsea's Andre Schurrle ended it 5-3 in favor of Joachim Low's side. Sweden should be proud that on two occasions they've been able to hang in there with a talented team like Germany. If Sweden make it to the World Cup, they could be a team to watch. Final standings 1st Germany 2nd Sweden 3rd Austria 4th Ireland 5th Kazakhstan 6th Faroe Islands
In Group D, Hungary expectedly handled Andorra with a 2-0 win and Turkey fought hard but just couldn't do enough against the Netherlands who beat them 2-0. Cipiran Marica, who plays for Spanish side Getafe, is the hero for the Romanians whose 2 goals in Romania's 2-0 victory over Estonia were what confirmed Romania's second place finish in the group. Final standings 1st Netherlands 2nd Romania 3rd Hungary 4th Turkey 5th Estonia 6th Andorra
In a tight match, Granit Xhaka's goal in the later stages of the game was the difference in Switzerland's 1-0 victory over Slovenia. Iceland had to settle for a draw against Norway in Oslo, but Iceland were able to hang on to finish in 2nd and make it to the playoffs. Cyprus vs. Albania ended 0-0. Final standings 1st Switzerland 2nd Iceland 3rd Slovenia 4th Norway 5th Albania 6th Cyprus
Russia looked sure to beat Azerbaijan until Vagif Javadov scored a 90th minute goal that ended the match 1-1. The draw gave Russia the point they needed to finish 1 point ahead of Portugal and book their place in Brazil 2014. Portugal beat Luxembourg 3-0 and Israel tied with Northern Ireland 1-1. Final Standings 1st Russia 2nd Portugal 3rd Israel 4th Azerbjaijan 5th Northern Ireland 6th Luxembourg.
Greece expectedly got their win in a 2-0 fashion over Liechtenstein while Latvia drew at home to Slovakia 2-2. Bosnia and Herzegovina had to work extra hard to get a crucial goal that game in the 68th minute from Vedad Ibisevic to beat Lithuania 1-0, which means Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify automatically while Greece go to the playoffs. Final standings 1st Bosnia and Herzegovina 2nd Greece 3rd Slovakia 4th Lithuania 5th Latvia 6th Liechtenstein
Ukraine got a big win against San Marino 8-0 while Montenegro ended their qualification campaign in humiliating fashion in a loss against Moldova 5-2. England, who've been in good more as of late, managed to defeat Poland 2-0 with goals from some of their more well known players, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. So England are off to another World Cup while Ukraine will head off to the playoffs. Final standings 1st England 2nd Ukraine 3rd Montenegro 4th Poland 5th Moldova 6th San Marino
France beat Finland 3-0 with goals from Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema, and an own goal from Finland's Joona Toivio. Alvaro Negredo and Juan Mata gave Spain the 2-0 victory over Georgia needed to book their place in the World Cup. Final Standings 1st Spain 2nd France 3rd Finland 4th Georgia 5th Belarus
So along with Australia, South Korea, Iran, Japan, Costa Rica, United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, we have 9 of the 13 European countries participating in the next World Cup confirmed: Belgium, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Russia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, England, and Spain. Also, the following countries will compete in the European playoffs for the 4 remaining UEFA spots: Croatia, Sweden, Romania, Iceland, Portugal, Greece, Ukraine, and France. Greece, Ukraine, France, and Portugal all competed in the playoffs for the 2010 World Cup Qualification Cycle with all of them but Ukraine being successful (Ukraine lost to Greece 1-0). The Draw will be held on October 21st and the October rankings will be used to determine seeding. According to the September 2013 rankings, here's how the seeding currently looks
Top Seeds: Croatia(10), Portugal(11), Greece(12), Sweden(22)
Bottom Seeds: France(25), Ukraine(26), Romania(31), Iceland(54)
Each mathcup will consist of 1 top seed and 1 bottom seed. Alright so that will definitely be interesting when those teams meet in November. Now we await the matches from the Western Hemisphere.
Updated 5:40 PM PST
Alright so both North and South America wrapped up qualifying with these results
Uruguay 3-2 Argentina
Paraguay 1-2 Colombia
Chile 2-1 Ecuador
Peru 1-1 Bolivia
Jamaica 2-2 Honduras
Panama 2-3 United States
Costa Rica 2-1 Mexico
Argentina were missing a lot of key players but a loss against your rivals always sting, and Uruguay and the fans of La Celeste will be happy with their 3-2 win. However this didn't change the fact that Uruguay would have to settle for 5th place and a playoff against Jordan in November.
Chile ended their qualification campaign in a high note defeating Ecuador 2-1. However the result in combination with other results meant both of these teams automatically qualified for the World Cup.
Colombia already qualified, Paraguay already were done, but in a much tighter match that was anticipated, Colombia edged out a narrow win.
Peru and Bolivia ended what has been a long and ultimately disappointing campaign with a 1-1 draw in Lima.
1st Argentina (32 pts) 2nd Colombia (30 pts) 3rd Chile (28 pts) 4th Ecuador (25 pts) 5th Uruguay (25 pts) 6th Venezuela (20 pts) 7th Peru (15 pts) 8th Bolivia (12 pts) 9th Paraguay (12 pts)
So Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador are confirmed to be at Brazil 2014. Uruguay have to get past Jordan in order to join them. No World Cup for Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, or Paraguay.
In the Hexagonal finale, Jamaica and Honduras both fought hard in what turned into a 2-2 draw in Kingston. That result was good enough to lock Honduras in the 3rd and final automatic qualification spot for the region. Costa Rica rubbed more salt in the bounds for Mexico in a 2-1 victory, meaning Mexico have lost 3 of their last 4 World Cup Qualifying matches. Bryan Ruiz and Alvaro Saborio scored for Costa Rica while Oribe Peralta gave Mexico a bit of hope. But thanks to two late goals from Graham Zusi and Aron Johansson which contributed to USA's wild win over Panama in Panama City, Mexico were saved by their "Rivales Eternos" (Eternal Rivals). Panama are eliminated from World Cup Qualification after playing so well and getting so close. Likely one of the most heartbreaking exits in this entire WCQ cycle so far. It's been a roller coaster for Mexico but they hang on to face New Zealand in playoffs in November to potential nab a place at the World Cup next summer.
1st USA (22 pts) 2nd Costa Rica (18 pts) 3rd Honduras (15 pts) 4th Mexico (11 pts) 5th Panama (8 pts) 6th Jamaica (5 pts)
So here's an alphabetical list of every team that has qualified so far
Update Sunday October 13th, 2013 12:40 AM
Cote D'Ivoire beat Senegal 3-1 and Burkina Faso beat Algeria 3-2. Interestingly both African Cup of Nations teams that made it at least to the quarter finals got their victories. So here are the scenarios heading into their 2nd leg.
-In order for Cote D'Ivoire to advance, any win or draw will do. They can afford to lose to Senegal only by a one goal margin.
-If Senegal wins by any two goal margin or a margin of three goals or greater, they advance.
-In order for Burkina Faso to advance, any win or draw will do.
-In order for Algeria to advance, they need to beat Burkina Faso. A win by 2 goals or more gives them the higher score and a win by a 1 goal margin that's either 2-1 or 1-0 will be enough. A 3-2 win forces extra time. a 4-3 win or greater means Burkina Faso advances by away goals.
The matches today are Ethiopia vs. Nigeria and Tunisia vs. Cameroon. I'll update this blog when both of those matches have concluded.
Update October 13th 10:30 PM
Nigeria scrapped a 2-1 win over the hosts Ethiopia while Cameroon played to a 0-0 draw in Tunisia. I'm not really shocked by either of these results. I knew Nigeria were a superior team to Ethiopia but I'm impressed Ethiopia kept it close. However they were at home. And I knew Cameroon and Tunisia would be one of the closer matchups in African qualification.
-In order for Ethiopia to advance, they must win by a 2-goal margin or by a 1 goal margin score of at least 3-2
-In order for Nigeria to advance, they must draw, win, or lose 1-0 (the last scenario would see Nigeria advance by away goals)
-In order for Cameroon to advance, they need a win or any draw 1-1 or greater.
-In order for Tunisia to advance, they need a win. A 0-0 draw would force extra time and any higher scoring draw would see Cameroon advance by away goals
So one more African 1st leg match to go and that will be on October 15th along with the conclusion of CONCACAF and CONMEBOL qualifying and the first round of UEFA qualifying
Updated October 15th, 12:15 AM PST
Ok so I'm going to list all the qualifiers and tell you my thoughts. The home side will be to the left of the "vs" and I won't say anything if the result of that match has no effect on qualification.
Ghana vs. Egypt
Arguably the most anticipated matchup in the final round of African qualification. A lot of football fans hoped they didn't have to meet each other so they could likely both make it to the World Cup, but now they stand in each other's way. Ghana has made it to the knockout stages of both World Cups they've appeared in and they're a legitimate force. Egypt has often between in the highest tier of the African soccer foodchain but after missing out on the World Cup in South Africa and a lot of political unrest, Egypt have made their way back to appearing like a strong team. This could really go either way but if I had to pick a team to have the edge, even just a slight edge, I'd say advantage Ghana.
Belgium vs. Wales
Scotland vs. Croatia
Serbia vs. Macedonia
Italy vs. Armenia
Armenia have improved a lot during this qualification but they're still definitely not on the same level as Italy. I think this is where their World Cup dreams are put to rest as the already qualified Azurri get a routine victory.
Denmark vs. Malta
If Denmark win and Bulgaria fail to win, they get 2nd place. Not sure if they have a good shot at making it to the playoffs though.
Bulgaria vs. Czech Republic
A key match to determine whose hopes of qualifying for the World Cup are still alive. However regardless of this result, both are unlikely to make the playoffs.
Sweden vs. Germany
Even though their positions are locked, this can be an exciting game. Who can forget when Sweden came back from 4-0 to finish the game 4-4 when these two sides faced off with the Scandinavians hosting?
Ireland vs. Kazakhstan
Faroe Islands vs. Austria
Hungary vs. Andorra
Hungary are expected to win against Andorra but their World Cup hopes will be shattered if at least one of Turkey or Romania win in the final match day.
Romania vs. Estonia
Romania appears to have Turkey and Hungary right where they want them. A Romanian win and a Dutch tie/victory sees them take 2nd place in the group.
Turkey vs. Netherlands
It's do our die for Turkey. Beating Netherlands is a big task but it's one they'll have to accomplish in order to make it to the World Cup. If Turkey do win, they advance unless Romania beats Estonia REALLY bad. If Turkey draws and Romania draws or loses, Turkey advance to the playoffs
Cyprus vs. Albania
Norway vs. Iceland
This Scandinavian derby will be an interesting matchup but an important one for Iceland, who need to win to ensure they finish in 2nd in this group.
Switzerland vs. Slovenia
Slovenia have a big task to accomplish if they are going to keep their World Cup 2014 dreams alive. Not only must they beat Switzerland but Iceland can't beat their Scandinavian foes, Norway. Switzerland have nothing to play for having already confirmed their #1 position in this group.
Israel vs. Northern Ireland
Azerbaijan vs. Russia
Fabio Capello and the Russian team have to love the position they're in. Knowing that a draw will be enough to send them to Brazil next summer, they will hope to have the best possible send off. That being a victory in Baku
Portugal vs. Luxembourg
Portugal will do what they can to get the victory against a team they should have no trouble beating, but they look like they'll be going to the playoffs since Russia just needs a draw against Azerbaijan.
Latvia vs. Slovakia
Lithuania vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
Lithuania appear to be an easy opponent but Bosnia-Herzegovina just need to handle these final 90 minutes of qualification. A win means they're going to Brazil regardless of the result the Greeks end up with in their final match.
Greece vs. Liechtenstein
Greece will most certainly win this matchup but unless Lithuania avoid defeat, Greece will likely have to take the playoff route to qualification
England vs. Poland
England can win the group with a victory over Poland in Wembley Stadium. Can they keep their composure and do what they have to do against an opponent fans expect to be beaten?
Montenegro vs. Moldova
Montenegro's hopes are slim but they must beat Moldova to have any chance of qualification.
San Marino vs. Ukraine
This couldn't have worked out any better for Ukraine. Victory in Stadio Olimpico means Ukraine are in the top 2 of the group. And if Poland wins against England and Ukraine wins, Ukraine wins the group.
France vs. Finland
France will likely end up in 2nd place despite the result of this match. Hopefully they're ready for another playoff adventure and they don't cause too much drama (Thierry Henry's handball against Ireland last qualification cycle, for example)
Spain vs. Georgia
Very little doubt that Spain will beat Georgia and such a victory would finally mathematically and officially confirm Spain as winners of Group I and competitors in the global showpieces next summer.
Paraguay vs. Colombia
Uruguay vs. Argentina
Uruguay's chances of automatic qualification are slim to none but these two rivals always make for a good game. Neither team will want to lose. Uruguay can't afford to lose. And Argentina don't want to let their rivals rub it in their faces.
Chile vs. Ecuador
A draw would see both these teams automatically qualify so we'll see if this turns out to be a good match or a cagey match.
Peru vs. Bolivia
Costa Rica vs. Mexico
Mexico made life hard on themselves during the Hexagonal but there's just enough time to redeem themselves. A draw against Costa Rica locks up 4th place but a win and a Honduran loss could be enough for Mexico to even finish in 3rd place.
Jamaica vs. Honduras
Jamaica are definitely not the hardest opponents so if Honduras plays the way they have played all Hexagonal, they should be able to come up with the decisive win that secures automatic qualification.
Panama vs. United States
The last time USA came to Panama, the Stars and Stripes won 1-0 thanks to Graham Zusi's first ever goal for the United States. But that was a friendly. Much more is on the line, at least for Panama. Anything less than victory over the USA means Panama will not qualify for the World Cup. It would be a heartbreak for the Central American team who were completely disregarded 2 years ago that became a force in the region after a good showing at the 2011 Gold Cup. USA have already won the hexagonal but with the competition for spots in Brazil beginning to heat up, every member of that team will be hungry for victory.
I'll update throughout the day when results have been confirmed. A lot is going on so be sure to keep checking back :)
Updated 3 pm 10/15/13 PST
The European matches and African match have concluded so let's see where things stand.
In the heaviest blow of this current round of African qualification so far, Egypt got demolished 6-1 by Ghana. It started with Asamoah Gyan's goal in the 5th minute and an own goal by Egypt's Wael Gomaa made it 2-0 to the Black Stars by the 22nd minute. Mohamed Aboutrika score Egypt's only goal on a 41st minute penalty, but then Majeed Waris, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari(Penalty), and Christian Atsu scored the next 4 goals to give Ghana a big victory. Egypt need a 5-0 victory, or a victory of a 6 goal margin or higher to advance to the World Cup. It looks very likely that Ghana will advance though. With the performance they put on in this match, Ghana definitely deserve a spot.
In Group A, Serbia beat Macedonia 5-1, while Belgium tied Wales 1-1. Kevin De Bruyne gave Belgium the lead but a late goal from Aaron Ramsey made it a draw. This is only the 2nd of 10 matches that Belgium failed to win in this qualification cycle. Croatia still is going on to the playoffs but a lot more questions will be asked of them after losing to Scotland 2-0, with the goalscorers for the Scottish side being Robert Snodgrass and Steven Naismith. Final standings 1st Belgium 2nd Croatia 3rd Serbia 4th Scotland 5th Wales 6th Macedonia
An Italian side that was definitely not at full strength needed a Mario Balotelli 76th minute goal to salvage a 2-2 win against Armenia at home. I'm sure Italian fans will be disappointed about the result regardless of what players they used. But Italy already qualified so it didn't matter. Czech Republic beat Bulgaria 1-0 and Denmark beat Malta 6-0 but the only team in this group going to Brazil is Italy. No one else got enough points. Final standings 1st Italy 2nd Denmark 3rd Czech Republic 4th Bulgaria 5th Armenia 6th Malta. However this was an interesting group to watch. It was far from a predictable one.
Ireland and Austria ended a heartbreaking World Cup Qualification cycle on a high note with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan for the Irish and a 3-0 victory over Faroe Islands for the Austrians. Sweden and Germany had another thrilling 8-goal encounter. Tobias Hysen 6th minute 1-0 Sweden, Alexander Kacaniklic 42nd minute 2-0 Sweden, Mesut Ozil 45th minute 2-1 Sweden, Mario Gotze 53rd minute 2-2, followed by another goal from Tobias Hysen and a hat trick from Chelsea's Andre Schurrle ended it 5-3 in favor of Joachim Low's side. Sweden should be proud that on two occasions they've been able to hang in there with a talented team like Germany. If Sweden make it to the World Cup, they could be a team to watch. Final standings 1st Germany 2nd Sweden 3rd Austria 4th Ireland 5th Kazakhstan 6th Faroe Islands
In Group D, Hungary expectedly handled Andorra with a 2-0 win and Turkey fought hard but just couldn't do enough against the Netherlands who beat them 2-0. Cipiran Marica, who plays for Spanish side Getafe, is the hero for the Romanians whose 2 goals in Romania's 2-0 victory over Estonia were what confirmed Romania's second place finish in the group. Final standings 1st Netherlands 2nd Romania 3rd Hungary 4th Turkey 5th Estonia 6th Andorra
In a tight match, Granit Xhaka's goal in the later stages of the game was the difference in Switzerland's 1-0 victory over Slovenia. Iceland had to settle for a draw against Norway in Oslo, but Iceland were able to hang on to finish in 2nd and make it to the playoffs. Cyprus vs. Albania ended 0-0. Final standings 1st Switzerland 2nd Iceland 3rd Slovenia 4th Norway 5th Albania 6th Cyprus
Russia looked sure to beat Azerbaijan until Vagif Javadov scored a 90th minute goal that ended the match 1-1. The draw gave Russia the point they needed to finish 1 point ahead of Portugal and book their place in Brazil 2014. Portugal beat Luxembourg 3-0 and Israel tied with Northern Ireland 1-1. Final Standings 1st Russia 2nd Portugal 3rd Israel 4th Azerbjaijan 5th Northern Ireland 6th Luxembourg.
Greece expectedly got their win in a 2-0 fashion over Liechtenstein while Latvia drew at home to Slovakia 2-2. Bosnia and Herzegovina had to work extra hard to get a crucial goal that game in the 68th minute from Vedad Ibisevic to beat Lithuania 1-0, which means Bosnia and Herzegovina qualify automatically while Greece go to the playoffs. Final standings 1st Bosnia and Herzegovina 2nd Greece 3rd Slovakia 4th Lithuania 5th Latvia 6th Liechtenstein
Ukraine got a big win against San Marino 8-0 while Montenegro ended their qualification campaign in humiliating fashion in a loss against Moldova 5-2. England, who've been in good more as of late, managed to defeat Poland 2-0 with goals from some of their more well known players, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. So England are off to another World Cup while Ukraine will head off to the playoffs. Final standings 1st England 2nd Ukraine 3rd Montenegro 4th Poland 5th Moldova 6th San Marino
France beat Finland 3-0 with goals from Franck Ribery, Karim Benzema, and an own goal from Finland's Joona Toivio. Alvaro Negredo and Juan Mata gave Spain the 2-0 victory over Georgia needed to book their place in the World Cup. Final Standings 1st Spain 2nd France 3rd Finland 4th Georgia 5th Belarus
So along with Australia, South Korea, Iran, Japan, Costa Rica, United States, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia, we have 9 of the 13 European countries participating in the next World Cup confirmed: Belgium, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Russia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, England, and Spain. Also, the following countries will compete in the European playoffs for the 4 remaining UEFA spots: Croatia, Sweden, Romania, Iceland, Portugal, Greece, Ukraine, and France. Greece, Ukraine, France, and Portugal all competed in the playoffs for the 2010 World Cup Qualification Cycle with all of them but Ukraine being successful (Ukraine lost to Greece 1-0). The Draw will be held on October 21st and the October rankings will be used to determine seeding. According to the September 2013 rankings, here's how the seeding currently looks
Top Seeds: Croatia(10), Portugal(11), Greece(12), Sweden(22)
Bottom Seeds: France(25), Ukraine(26), Romania(31), Iceland(54)
Each mathcup will consist of 1 top seed and 1 bottom seed. Alright so that will definitely be interesting when those teams meet in November. Now we await the matches from the Western Hemisphere.
Updated 5:40 PM PST
Alright so both North and South America wrapped up qualifying with these results
Uruguay 3-2 Argentina
Paraguay 1-2 Colombia
Chile 2-1 Ecuador
Peru 1-1 Bolivia
Jamaica 2-2 Honduras
Panama 2-3 United States
Costa Rica 2-1 Mexico
Argentina were missing a lot of key players but a loss against your rivals always sting, and Uruguay and the fans of La Celeste will be happy with their 3-2 win. However this didn't change the fact that Uruguay would have to settle for 5th place and a playoff against Jordan in November.
Chile ended their qualification campaign in a high note defeating Ecuador 2-1. However the result in combination with other results meant both of these teams automatically qualified for the World Cup.
Colombia already qualified, Paraguay already were done, but in a much tighter match that was anticipated, Colombia edged out a narrow win.
Peru and Bolivia ended what has been a long and ultimately disappointing campaign with a 1-1 draw in Lima.
1st Argentina (32 pts) 2nd Colombia (30 pts) 3rd Chile (28 pts) 4th Ecuador (25 pts) 5th Uruguay (25 pts) 6th Venezuela (20 pts) 7th Peru (15 pts) 8th Bolivia (12 pts) 9th Paraguay (12 pts)
So Argentina, Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador are confirmed to be at Brazil 2014. Uruguay have to get past Jordan in order to join them. No World Cup for Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, or Paraguay.
In the Hexagonal finale, Jamaica and Honduras both fought hard in what turned into a 2-2 draw in Kingston. That result was good enough to lock Honduras in the 3rd and final automatic qualification spot for the region. Costa Rica rubbed more salt in the bounds for Mexico in a 2-1 victory, meaning Mexico have lost 3 of their last 4 World Cup Qualifying matches. Bryan Ruiz and Alvaro Saborio scored for Costa Rica while Oribe Peralta gave Mexico a bit of hope. But thanks to two late goals from Graham Zusi and Aron Johansson which contributed to USA's wild win over Panama in Panama City, Mexico were saved by their "Rivales Eternos" (Eternal Rivals). Panama are eliminated from World Cup Qualification after playing so well and getting so close. Likely one of the most heartbreaking exits in this entire WCQ cycle so far. It's been a roller coaster for Mexico but they hang on to face New Zealand in playoffs in November to potential nab a place at the World Cup next summer.
1st USA (22 pts) 2nd Costa Rica (18 pts) 3rd Honduras (15 pts) 4th Mexico (11 pts) 5th Panama (8 pts) 6th Jamaica (5 pts)
So here's an alphabetical list of every team that has qualified so far
- Argentina (CONMEBOL)
- Australia (AFC)
- Belgium (UEFA)
- Bosnia-Herzegovina (UEFA)
- Brazil (CONMEBOL)
- Chile (CONMEBOL)
- Colombia (CONMEBOL)
- Costa Rica (CONCACAF)
- Ecuador (CONMEBOL)
- England (UEFA)
- Germany (UEFA)
- Honduras (CONCACAF)
- Iran (AFC)
- Italy (UEFA)
- Japan (AFC)
- Netherlands (UEFA)
- Russia (UEFA)
- South Korea (AFC)
- Spain (UEFA)
- Switzerland (UEFA)
- United States (CONCACAF)
22 spots for the World Cup remain and they'll go to 1 team out of each of these matchups. Each of these teams play two matches home and away to decide who goes to the World Cup
AFC: Egypt vs. Ghana (Ghana lead 6-1)
AFC: Ethiopia vs. Nigeria (Nigeria lead 2-1)
AFC: Algeria vs. Burkina Faso (Burkina Faso lead 3-2)
AFC: Cote D'Ivoire vs. Senegal (Cote D'Ivoire lead 3-1)
AFC: Cameroon vs. Tunisia (tied 0-0)
CONCACAF vs. OFC: Mexico vs. New Zealand
AFC vs. CONMEBOL: Jordan vs. Uruguay
The UEFA matchups are yet to be announced but these 8 teams will be in the draw
Croatia, France, Greece, Iceland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine
So far only one team has qualified for what would be their first world cup (Bosnia-Herzegovina). If Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Iceland, and/or Jordan qualify, it would be their first world cup as well.
Thank you for reading this and I'll see you guys once again in November where we know all 32 teams going to Brazil for the next World Cup.
-Ivan Ornelas
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