The World Cup is in full swing and I make sure Greg knows it. We also talk some baseball as always, but it's mostly World Cup.
Sports Desk 83
Monday, June 23, 2014
World Cup Day 11: American Heartbreak
It was a thriller out in the jungle. An instant World Cup classic that will be replayed for years and years. For the USA, it is for all the wrong reasons. Sure, at the beginning of the tournament if you told me, and many others, the USA would beat Ghana and draw Portugal, I would be ecstatic. It wasn't the result, but the way it happened that crushed the spirits of American supporters.
Portugal took advantage of a mistake by the USA early on when Geoff Cameron flubbed a clearing attempt and it fell straight to Nani. The Manchester United forward had no trouble at all beating Tim Howard, and the excitement Americans had before kickoff was instantly swept away.
The thrill would take a while to return, but it eventually did. In the 64th minute, Jermaine Jones collected a carom off a USA corner and blasted home an absolute stunner low at the far post. Portuguese keeper Beto was frozen. There was nothing he could do to stop the fireball unleashed from Jones's right leg.
The energy of the Americans would only grow 17 minutes later when Clint Dempsey was barely onside to chest in a feed from Graham Zusi. America exploded. Twitter was alive with joy. The stadium in Manaus was jumping. Bars across the nation were nothing but incomprehensible screams. I was preparing my victory tweet.
All this until the final minute of stoppage time.
Christiano Ronaldo was mostly absent all game long. He waited until the very end to make a difference. After a Michael Bradley turnover, the ball came to Ronaldo and he lofted a perfect cross that found Varela sneaking past the USA defense for an open header. Tim Howard, who was outstanding all match long, had no chance at a save. It was the latest regulation goal in World Cup history. The hearts of the USA were crushed. Victory had been ripped away, violently. It made a draw feel like a loss. It made the future feel hopeless.
But things are hardly hopeless. Despite the crushing ending to last night's action, there is still a good chance for the USA to advance. They simply need to not get crushed by Germany. A draw or USA win makes it simple. One point and the USA is in. It is in defeat that things get complicated. From NBC Sports ProSoccerTalk USA still advance with a loss if:
None of that is too much to ask. Of course, we all would rather the USA and Germany sign The Secret Treaty of Recife and agree to kick the ball around the yard in boring fashion and both move on to the next round. Like that would happen.
In reality, as painful as last night's result was, things are far from bleak for the US Men's National Team. In fact, things still look pretty good.
Michael Bradley will take the goat label for the end result, and rightly so. He was severely tired by the end of the match. He look gassed and lazy in stoppage time, directly leading to the game tying turnover. He also missed a gift of a chance early in the second half when the ball found him with a wide open look at goal and he fired it right into a Portuguese defender. For someone who had been touted as America's best player, he has been pretty pedestrian in the World Cup, so far.
Elsewhere, in Group H, we saw Belgium squeak out a sloppy win over Russia to secure a place in the round of 16. Substitute Divok Origi, who came on for a lazy Romelu Lukaku in the 57th minute, nailed an 88th minute equalizer to save Belgium's fortune with a 1-0 win. In Algeria's first World Cup win since 1982, they scored three times in 12 minutes to bury South Korea by a 4-2 score. The victory puts them in a good place to advance past the group stage for the first time ever.
Today, we start the final round of group play. This is where things get really exciting, as if they haven't been already. We begin with the Group B final round, where the Netherlands and Chile are both guaranteed to advance. The two teams face each other and the winner takes the top spot. In the case of a draw, the Dutch win the group on goal difference thanks to their drubbing of Spain in the opener. Spain and Australia are both eliminated, and are thus facing each other in a meaningless game. Those matches kick off at noon. I am predicting a 2-1 Dutch win and, I guess, Spain gets a consolation 3 points over Australia by winning 2-1.
At 4pm, Group A kicks off. Brazil plays already eliminated Cameroon only needing a point to secure a spot in the round of 16. Mexico takes on Croatia in a winner advances match. In the event of a draw, Mexico advances since they come in with 4 points to Croatia's 3. A draw for Brazil and a non-draw in Mexico-Croatia sees the winner of that one on top of the group. I call for Brazil to handle Cameroon by a convincing 3-0 score while Mexico sees off Croatia into the round of 16 by winning 2-1.
Recover from last night's disappointment and enjoy today. Thursday will be here soon enough, America.
Portugal took advantage of a mistake by the USA early on when Geoff Cameron flubbed a clearing attempt and it fell straight to Nani. The Manchester United forward had no trouble at all beating Tim Howard, and the excitement Americans had before kickoff was instantly swept away.
The thrill would take a while to return, but it eventually did. In the 64th minute, Jermaine Jones collected a carom off a USA corner and blasted home an absolute stunner low at the far post. Portuguese keeper Beto was frozen. There was nothing he could do to stop the fireball unleashed from Jones's right leg.
The energy of the Americans would only grow 17 minutes later when Clint Dempsey was barely onside to chest in a feed from Graham Zusi. America exploded. Twitter was alive with joy. The stadium in Manaus was jumping. Bars across the nation were nothing but incomprehensible screams. I was preparing my victory tweet.
All this until the final minute of stoppage time.
Christiano Ronaldo was mostly absent all game long. He waited until the very end to make a difference. After a Michael Bradley turnover, the ball came to Ronaldo and he lofted a perfect cross that found Varela sneaking past the USA defense for an open header. Tim Howard, who was outstanding all match long, had no chance at a save. It was the latest regulation goal in World Cup history. The hearts of the USA were crushed. Victory had been ripped away, violently. It made a draw feel like a loss. It made the future feel hopeless.
But things are hardly hopeless. Despite the crushing ending to last night's action, there is still a good chance for the USA to advance. They simply need to not get crushed by Germany. A draw or USA win makes it simple. One point and the USA is in. It is in defeat that things get complicated. From NBC Sports ProSoccerTalk USA still advance with a loss if:
1. Ghana and Portugal draw; orFor the more graphically oriented of us, Deadspin has a wonderful graphic illustrating the advancement of the USA should they lose and Ghana win.
2. Ghana beats Portugal (a) by only one goal, and (b) the U.S. loses by only one goal, and (c) Ghana doesn’t outscore the U.S. by two or more goals on the day; or
3. Portugal beats Ghana and fails to make up the five-goal gap in difference (see more, below).
None of that is too much to ask. Of course, we all would rather the USA and Germany sign The Secret Treaty of Recife and agree to kick the ball around the yard in boring fashion and both move on to the next round. Like that would happen.
In reality, as painful as last night's result was, things are far from bleak for the US Men's National Team. In fact, things still look pretty good.
Michael Bradley will take the goat label for the end result, and rightly so. He was severely tired by the end of the match. He look gassed and lazy in stoppage time, directly leading to the game tying turnover. He also missed a gift of a chance early in the second half when the ball found him with a wide open look at goal and he fired it right into a Portuguese defender. For someone who had been touted as America's best player, he has been pretty pedestrian in the World Cup, so far.
Elsewhere, in Group H, we saw Belgium squeak out a sloppy win over Russia to secure a place in the round of 16. Substitute Divok Origi, who came on for a lazy Romelu Lukaku in the 57th minute, nailed an 88th minute equalizer to save Belgium's fortune with a 1-0 win. In Algeria's first World Cup win since 1982, they scored three times in 12 minutes to bury South Korea by a 4-2 score. The victory puts them in a good place to advance past the group stage for the first time ever.
Today, we start the final round of group play. This is where things get really exciting, as if they haven't been already. We begin with the Group B final round, where the Netherlands and Chile are both guaranteed to advance. The two teams face each other and the winner takes the top spot. In the case of a draw, the Dutch win the group on goal difference thanks to their drubbing of Spain in the opener. Spain and Australia are both eliminated, and are thus facing each other in a meaningless game. Those matches kick off at noon. I am predicting a 2-1 Dutch win and, I guess, Spain gets a consolation 3 points over Australia by winning 2-1.
At 4pm, Group A kicks off. Brazil plays already eliminated Cameroon only needing a point to secure a spot in the round of 16. Mexico takes on Croatia in a winner advances match. In the event of a draw, Mexico advances since they come in with 4 points to Croatia's 3. A draw for Brazil and a non-draw in Mexico-Croatia sees the winner of that one on top of the group. I call for Brazil to handle Cameroon by a convincing 3-0 score while Mexico sees off Croatia into the round of 16 by winning 2-1.
Recover from last night's disappointment and enjoy today. Thursday will be here soon enough, America.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
World Cup Day 10: Things Look Good For The USA
Things are set up well for the United States to advance to the knockout rounds today. Yesterday's draw between Germany and Ghana means that a USA win over Portugal will send them through. And such an occurrence is not as far off a possibility as originally thought. A weakened Portugal team due to a red card to Pepe, an injury to Fabio Contrao, and an uncertain Cristiano Ronaldo means the USA is not as outmatched by the European giants.
Before we delve deeper into that one, let's look into the Germany-Ghana draw. The Germans appeared on the front foot for the majority of the first half, but were unable to capitalize. Ghana played well defensively and we're rewarded for their trouble by keeping the favorites off the scoreboard.
It wasn't until the second half that the goals came in droves. Mario Gotze got things started in the 51st when the Germans finally had their breakthrough. A wonderful through ball found Gotze clear in front of the bet and he easily slotted home the first goal of the match. Just three minutes later Andre Ayew equalized for Ghana. In the 63rd, the Africans were actually ahead when Asamoah Gyan scored. Things were looking good for Ghana, and bleak for the USA, for all of eight minutes. In the 71st minute, Germany's Miroslav Klose put one in the ol' onion bag to tie the score at 2. It would end that way.
The result put Germany in front of Group G with four points, the USA in second with three, followed by Ghana with one, and pointless Portugal at the bottom. With a win today, the USA will hold the top spot in the group and a guaranteed place in the round of 16 for the third time in the last four World Cups.
Elsewhere, Lionel Messi once again proved he is the best player in the known universe by scoring a 91st minute winner for Argentina over Iran. Messi was given space over the top right corner of the box and fired a screamer passed the keeper into the top left corner. It was a shot only Messi could make, and one that was needed to prevent another massive upset level result. Argentina took the game 1-0, but it was far tougher than it should have been.
In the final match of the day, Nigeria took the step toward qualifying for the knockout rounds by taking care of slightly favored Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0.
Now, to the USA and their chances this evening against Portugal. As previously mentioned, the Portuguese are weakened due to injury and suspension. Even so, a not quite fit Ronaldo will still be difficult for DeMarcus Beasley to handle. On the other side of him will be the fully armed and operational Nani, who will also stretch the American defense.
The USA must know that they won't win by playing a passive, defensive game. They will have to take advantage of Portugal's missing defenders and attack. Clint Dempsey will play a key role here with Jozy Altidore gone with a hamstring strain. Chris Wondolowski figures to start in his place.
The other, probably over hyped, aspect of this one is the weather conditions in Manaus. The temperature is predicted to be in the low eighties with humidity just as high. This is actually not much different than the conditions faced in Natal on Monday night. If the USA could handle that, they can handle the rainforest humidity as well.
Things look good for the USA today, but I still have a hard time picking them to win. I expect a 1-1 draw against Portugal. That result would put them in a favorable spot to advance. Kickoff is at 6, and it can't come soon enough.
Other action today features Belgium and Russia at noon. A win sees the Belgians through to the knockout rounds after having missed the last two tournaments. I expect them too handle the Russians 2-1. In between that and the USA-Portugal clash, South Korea plays Algeria. Algeria played well with Belgium before the Red Devils brought their subs on to put them in front while Korea only scored because of a massive Russian goalkeeping error. It's not inconceivable for the north African side to get a point here, so I am calling for a 1-1 draw.
Today is the day we've been waiting for, enjoy the warm ups to the big one, and I'll tell you all about it tomorrow.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
World Cup Day 9: Another Giant Slain
Costa Rica have done nothing but shock the world at this year's World Cup. First, they took care of Uruguay by a fairly convincing scoreline of 3-1, although I wondered how Los Ticos would have fared had Luis Suarez healthy and in the lineup. Yesterday Costa Rica took down yet another world power in Italy. With the win, they qualified for the knockout rounds for the second time ever, the other time being in 1990.
Costa Rica's victory was stunning. However, this win was not without Italy's help. Italy missed many chances to score. Mario Balotelli being the biggest offender. They also had some weak performances from their back line, most notably Giorgio Chiellini. He consistently made poor decisions, and committed a should have been penalty shortly before Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz scored.
This cannot take away from the accomplishments of Los Ticos. They have done something nobody had even remotely expected and they have been one of the most exciting stories of the tournament so far. With their two more difficult game out of the way, it isn't inconceivable to think that they will take all three points against an already eliminated England in their third and final match.
In other action yesterday, France proved that they might be a serious threat to win the tournament. I expected their match against Switzerland to be a nail biter. Instead, we got a French goal fest and a 5-2 final. While their first game was, first of all, against Honduras, and, second, mostly the efforts of Karim Benzema, this time was a total team effort against a quality opponent. Five different players scored for France and all Switzerland got was two consolation efforts in the final ten minutes.
Now, Switzerland was likely the weakest of the seeded teams, but they are still a strong opponent. And if France can be as strong as they were yesterday, they can take out anyone in the knockout round. The Swiss will still more than likely join them there. They have Honduras next, a team they should beat fairly easily. France should handle Ecuador to ensure the Swiss make it through.
The other match saw some sloppy, but ultimately exciting play. Ecuador took out Honduras 2-1 in a game where neither team looked much like winning. Honduras in particular was very weak at the back. They were not marking well and got caught out of position often, thus leading to both Ecuador goals. Ecuador's ugliness manifested itself on attack. They missed open headers, flubbed shots, and overall made Honduras's defense looks somewhat adequate. With all the world class football going on, seeing a match where both sides were making mistakes was actually kind of fun.
It has been the upsets that have ruled this tournament. Yesterday was just the latest example, but we have seen smaller countries knock off large ones more often than usual this year. Whether it was Chile and the Netherlands unexpectedly beating Spain, Mexico holding on for a scoreless draw against Brazil, or either of Costa Rica's wins, it has been proven that no large team is safe in this tournament. Will these upsets continue to be the trend? I doubt today will see more of them, but, isn't that the point of these giant slayings?
First off today we are treated with Argentina playing Iran. Argentina came back to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in their first game and Iran failed to score against Nigeria. I expect a show from Messi and the boys on the way to a 3-0 victory. The middle game will probably be the best of them today, and the most important as far as the Americans are concerned, as Germany rides their blowout of Portugal into a match with Ghana. A win or draw for Germany would mean only a single point for the USA tomorrow can put them into the knockout rounds. I do expect a German victory by a 2-0 score. Finally, Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina face off in what could be Group F's most important match. The winner is likely to move on and I expect that to be Bosnia by a 2-1 score.
Enjoy today's warmup for tomorrow's big USA-Portugal game. That's the one we've all been waiting for. See you then.
Costa Rica's victory was stunning. However, this win was not without Italy's help. Italy missed many chances to score. Mario Balotelli being the biggest offender. They also had some weak performances from their back line, most notably Giorgio Chiellini. He consistently made poor decisions, and committed a should have been penalty shortly before Costa Rica captain Bryan Ruiz scored.
This cannot take away from the accomplishments of Los Ticos. They have done something nobody had even remotely expected and they have been one of the most exciting stories of the tournament so far. With their two more difficult game out of the way, it isn't inconceivable to think that they will take all three points against an already eliminated England in their third and final match.
In other action yesterday, France proved that they might be a serious threat to win the tournament. I expected their match against Switzerland to be a nail biter. Instead, we got a French goal fest and a 5-2 final. While their first game was, first of all, against Honduras, and, second, mostly the efforts of Karim Benzema, this time was a total team effort against a quality opponent. Five different players scored for France and all Switzerland got was two consolation efforts in the final ten minutes.
Now, Switzerland was likely the weakest of the seeded teams, but they are still a strong opponent. And if France can be as strong as they were yesterday, they can take out anyone in the knockout round. The Swiss will still more than likely join them there. They have Honduras next, a team they should beat fairly easily. France should handle Ecuador to ensure the Swiss make it through.
The other match saw some sloppy, but ultimately exciting play. Ecuador took out Honduras 2-1 in a game where neither team looked much like winning. Honduras in particular was very weak at the back. They were not marking well and got caught out of position often, thus leading to both Ecuador goals. Ecuador's ugliness manifested itself on attack. They missed open headers, flubbed shots, and overall made Honduras's defense looks somewhat adequate. With all the world class football going on, seeing a match where both sides were making mistakes was actually kind of fun.
It has been the upsets that have ruled this tournament. Yesterday was just the latest example, but we have seen smaller countries knock off large ones more often than usual this year. Whether it was Chile and the Netherlands unexpectedly beating Spain, Mexico holding on for a scoreless draw against Brazil, or either of Costa Rica's wins, it has been proven that no large team is safe in this tournament. Will these upsets continue to be the trend? I doubt today will see more of them, but, isn't that the point of these giant slayings?
First off today we are treated with Argentina playing Iran. Argentina came back to beat Bosnia-Herzegovina in their first game and Iran failed to score against Nigeria. I expect a show from Messi and the boys on the way to a 3-0 victory. The middle game will probably be the best of them today, and the most important as far as the Americans are concerned, as Germany rides their blowout of Portugal into a match with Ghana. A win or draw for Germany would mean only a single point for the USA tomorrow can put them into the knockout rounds. I do expect a German victory by a 2-0 score. Finally, Nigeria and Bosnia-Herzegovina face off in what could be Group F's most important match. The winner is likely to move on and I expect that to be Bosnia by a 2-1 score.
Enjoy today's warmup for tomorrow's big USA-Portugal game. That's the one we've all been waiting for. See you then.
Friday, June 20, 2014
World Cup Day 8: Sad England
England always come into the World Cup with high expectations. Almost always, they flounder out of the tournament in hilarious and sometimes embarrassing fashion. This time, England's demise was a little more predictable. With opening games against the likes of Italy and Uruguay, nobody would have been surprised if England dropped their first two and were eliminated from the tournament before it really got started.
That is exactly what happened. After losing 2-1 to Italy out in the rainforest, the Three Lions traveled to Natal to face a pretty much do or die game against Uruguay. Unfortunately for England, Luis Suarez was declared fit and in the starting XI. And Luis Suarez did not disappoint anyone. He got things started in the first half with a lovely header in the box the passed Joe Hart towards the far post.
Then he scored a beautiful goal to put the game to bed. Goalkeeper Fernando Musalera launched a long ball that was headed backward by England right to Suarez. A couple dribbles and a blast was all it took to make Hart look silly again. Suarez may not have been at 100% fitness, but he sure played like it.
In between the Suarez goals, Wayne Rooney, after getting denied twice before, finally netted his first career World Cup goal. The one he finally scored on was a gift. Rooney had an open net after a perfect sliding pass from Glen Johnson. Rooney wasn't going to miss that one, but the story will be the ones he did miss. First, he got an open header off a free kick that he clanged off the corner of the woodwork. Second, he had a shot from point blank range that went right into Musalera. Rooney will be more remembered for his inability to score at the World Cup, not for the one he eventually got. He would have loved to have the performance of Suarez, but Rooney only wishes he could be the Uruguayan striker.
England aren't technically eliminated, but they need a miracle. A Costa Rica win or draw sends England to an early shower today.
Elsewhere, we saw Columbia and Ivory Coast explode with some late goals after a scoreless first half. Columbia got things started with James Rodriguez in the 64th minute with a header off a corner. Six minutes later, Ivory Coast turned the ball over slightly into their own half and Columbia got a three on two break that ended in Juan Quintero putting Los Cafeteros up 2-0. Gervinho would add a consolation prize for the Elephants in the 73rd, but it would hardly be enough. Columbia would win 2-0 and seal a place in the knockout rounds.
Finally, Japan played a 10 man Greece to a scoreless draw. After the sending off of Kostas Katsouranis for a second yellow after a violent sliding challenge, Greece clearly played for the draw. Japan couldn't penetrate Greece putting all nine defenders in the box and the game ended 0-0 with any memorable chances. The game was, to be honest, quite boring.
The most exciting games in the World Cup have been when both teams play with an attacking punch. We have been thankful to see most of the games featuring two offensive minded teams. Today will see the possibility of more of each style. First, Costa Rica try and survive a match against Italy. Costa Rica are riding high after beating Uruguay, but between their willingness to settle for a draw and Italy's tendency to play down to their competition, we could see some fairly lax play. I am thinking a draw eliminates England, 1-1 the final. The 3pm game gives us Switzerland and France, one of my five games you must watch. This one should be fantastic. France, mostly Karim Benzema, lit up the scoreboard against Honduras and the Swiss got an exciting late winner against Ecuador. The winner of this one should win the group, and I like France to take home a 2-1 win today. In the nightcap, Honduras continues its Brazilian vacation against Ecuador. I expect Ecuador to come out with a 2-0 victory.
Let's hope this trend of goal scoring continues, enjoy the games everyone.
That is exactly what happened. After losing 2-1 to Italy out in the rainforest, the Three Lions traveled to Natal to face a pretty much do or die game against Uruguay. Unfortunately for England, Luis Suarez was declared fit and in the starting XI. And Luis Suarez did not disappoint anyone. He got things started in the first half with a lovely header in the box the passed Joe Hart towards the far post.
Then he scored a beautiful goal to put the game to bed. Goalkeeper Fernando Musalera launched a long ball that was headed backward by England right to Suarez. A couple dribbles and a blast was all it took to make Hart look silly again. Suarez may not have been at 100% fitness, but he sure played like it.
In between the Suarez goals, Wayne Rooney, after getting denied twice before, finally netted his first career World Cup goal. The one he finally scored on was a gift. Rooney had an open net after a perfect sliding pass from Glen Johnson. Rooney wasn't going to miss that one, but the story will be the ones he did miss. First, he got an open header off a free kick that he clanged off the corner of the woodwork. Second, he had a shot from point blank range that went right into Musalera. Rooney will be more remembered for his inability to score at the World Cup, not for the one he eventually got. He would have loved to have the performance of Suarez, but Rooney only wishes he could be the Uruguayan striker.
England aren't technically eliminated, but they need a miracle. A Costa Rica win or draw sends England to an early shower today.
Elsewhere, we saw Columbia and Ivory Coast explode with some late goals after a scoreless first half. Columbia got things started with James Rodriguez in the 64th minute with a header off a corner. Six minutes later, Ivory Coast turned the ball over slightly into their own half and Columbia got a three on two break that ended in Juan Quintero putting Los Cafeteros up 2-0. Gervinho would add a consolation prize for the Elephants in the 73rd, but it would hardly be enough. Columbia would win 2-0 and seal a place in the knockout rounds.
Finally, Japan played a 10 man Greece to a scoreless draw. After the sending off of Kostas Katsouranis for a second yellow after a violent sliding challenge, Greece clearly played for the draw. Japan couldn't penetrate Greece putting all nine defenders in the box and the game ended 0-0 with any memorable chances. The game was, to be honest, quite boring.
The most exciting games in the World Cup have been when both teams play with an attacking punch. We have been thankful to see most of the games featuring two offensive minded teams. Today will see the possibility of more of each style. First, Costa Rica try and survive a match against Italy. Costa Rica are riding high after beating Uruguay, but between their willingness to settle for a draw and Italy's tendency to play down to their competition, we could see some fairly lax play. I am thinking a draw eliminates England, 1-1 the final. The 3pm game gives us Switzerland and France, one of my five games you must watch. This one should be fantastic. France, mostly Karim Benzema, lit up the scoreboard against Honduras and the Swiss got an exciting late winner against Ecuador. The winner of this one should win the group, and I like France to take home a 2-1 win today. In the nightcap, Honduras continues its Brazilian vacation against Ecuador. I expect Ecuador to come out with a 2-0 victory.
Let's hope this trend of goal scoring continues, enjoy the games everyone.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
World Cup Day 7: The End of an Era
Spain are done. They are eliminated from the World Cup after a week's worth of competition. This coming after winning the last World Cup in South Africa and each of the last two European Championships. And it could not have been a more unceremonious exit.
Spain could not have played two worse games on the big stage. They got smacked by the Netherlands 5-1 to get things started. Then, yesterday, they were on the wrong end of a 2-0 score against Chile. Granted, neither of these teams are exactly slouches. Both are highly talented sides with aspirations of success in this tournament. But, for the defending champions to go out being outscored 7-1 over two games to any opposition is embarrassing.
While goal scoring was clearly an issue, the main scapegoat for this pitiful display would have to be goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The once great backstop was routinely off his lines and making poor decisions throughout the two games. No better example could be found then on Chile's second goal yesterday. Chile had a free kick just to the right of the box. Alexis Sanchez blasted it right into Casillas, who promptly punched it away. The punch was, first off, not the best idea. The shot probably should have been caught. Secondly, the punch was ill placed and went right to Charles Aranguiz. After the punch, Casillas was way off his line and Aranguiz slotted an easy shot to put the game seemingly out of reach for Spain.
Other things went wrong too, of course. The backline play was lazy in both games. Defenders Jordi Alba and Sergio Ramos were showing their age. The midfield passing was not the tiki-taka that we are used to seeing from Spain. Their finishing was very poor. They missed a lot of chances that the old Spain would bury like nothing. They looked like an old team the could no longer compete at the World Cup.
All the talk about Spain cannot dismiss the success of Chile. The South Americans played a wonderful attacking game in front of a ruckus crowd. They seem to have played themselves into being the underdog choice to make a run at the title. And I can't say I blame anyone for that line of thinking. They have played well, and are a lot of fun to watch. What more can you ask for in a darling championship pick?
Elsewhere in yesterday's action, Australia proved that they might have been in Brazil for more than just a glorified vacation. Although they lost to the Netherlands 3-2 and were eliminated from play, they made a real threat to take down the 2010 runners up. Tim Cahill gave us another candidate for goal of the tournament when his equalized on a perfect volley off a long ball. Cahill's perfect placed shot rang in under the crossbar less than a minute after Arjen Robben opened the scoring with a beautiful run.
The Socceroos would even take the lead on a penalty given for a handball in the box, but that advantage would not last long before Robin van Persie put the Dutch level again. Substitute Memphis Depay put them ahead for good ten minutes later on a goalkeeping error by Maty Ryan.
Croatia closed out yesterday by taking care of business against Cameroon 4-0. The Indomitable Lions are now eliminated from the tournament, ending who I thought would be the dark horse second place finishers in Group A. Croatia's victory also sets up a winner take all match between them and Mexico.
Today we see three more intriguing affairs. First, at noon, we see Colombia take on the Ivory Coast. Both these teams won their openers and hope to keep their hot start going. Both sides can make a run at victory and I think both will come up short. I am thinking a 2-2 draw. The middle game gives us Uruguay ave England, two teams looking to recover from disappointing losses. This is another tough one to call, so I am picking another draw. This time 1-1. Finally, Japan and Greece try to stay alive. These two sides are known for their defensive play, so I am calling for a scoreless draw, and probably not the exciting kind like Brazil-Mexico was.
Gong to be another fun day of action today, one with possibly few winners. Enjoy, and be back tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
World Cup Day 6: No Goals, No Problem
Yesterday afternoon, I watched what was probably the most exciting scoreless game I have ever seen. Mexico and Brazil bathed hard to a 0-0 draw that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
The result can be pinned down to the heroics of one man, and one man alone. That man was Mexican keeper Guillermo Ochoa. Ochoa was nothing short of perfect in goal for El Tri. He made six saves in all, but all six required beyond world class skill.
The most impressive of them came midway through the first half when wonder kid Neymar found an open header and fired it towards the goal. Ochoa dove hard to his right and got one hand on the ball as it was even with the goal line. It was as if his hand were made of granite at that very moment. The power Neymar put behind his shot should have flown right through any keepers single hand, but not Ochoa's.
The goal line technology animation showed just how close the ball came from being counted. Parts of the ball did cross, but not even close to the whole thing required for a tally.
Ochoa also made great saves against Fred and Thiago Silva on open headers in the second half. Had Ochoa had any less than a perfect game, Brazil would have all three points and Mexico would be staring down a win or go home game with Croatia in a few days.
Mexico were not without their chances on the attack, but most were long range efforts that would have been spectacular goals on their own. Mexico was more interested in staying back and defending, going for the draw, and taking their chances against a more beatable Croatian side. Can't say I can argue with that line if thinking.
Brazil and Mexico now sit tied atop the group and most likely only needing one point in their final match to see their way through to the knockout round.
Elsewhere, we saw the conclusion of the first round of action in couple of great matches. First, Belgium got off to a horrible start against Algeria. They committed an obvious penalty midway through the first half when Jan Vertonghen pulled down Algeria's Sofiane Feghouli in the box. Feghouli converted the ensuing penalty kick and Algeria had its first World Cup goal in 28 years.
Algeria would play stout defense until Belgium brought on subs that should probably have been in the starting XI. The most important of these was Marouanne Fellaini. The afroed attacking midfielder buried a header for the equalizer and was a brutal force up top for the remainder of the match. The second sub to come on was Dries Martens, who buried the winner on a beautiful three on two break ten minutes later. The 2-1 final have Belgium all three points in their opener. With the way they played after the insertion of Fellaini, I'd be shocked if Belgium kept him on the sidelines when they face Russia on Sunday afternoon.
The final match of the day saw Russia overcome a massive goalkeeping error by Igor Akinfeev. Korea's Lee Keun-Ho fired a prayer from far outside the box that landed right in the arms if the Russian keeper. Akinfeev let the shot slip his grip and it bumbled into the net to give Korea a 1-0 lead.
A mad scramble on the Korean six yard box allowed Russia to equalize shortly after, thus preserving the point.
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The real takeaway from today's action was the state of the Brazilian team. They came in as favorites to win it all, but they aren't playing up to that expectation. They are playing like they are entitled to winning the World Cup. This is evident in their lackadaisical warm up routines and their lack of finishing punch to their scoring opportunities. Had it not been for some host country officiating in the opening match, we might be talking about Brazil only having two points and, after tomorrow, on the outside looking in at the knockout rounds heading into the final round of group play.
Brazil need to start playing like a team that wants to earn themselves a championship, instead of a team that expects it handed to them in a silver platter
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Today sees Group B play their second round of action. First, at noon, the Netherlands look to build on their thumping of the defending champs when they take on Australia. I'm sure they will have no issue doing this and all but ensure their advance with a 3-0 win. At 3pm, Spain looks to rebound from that drubbing against a difficult Chile side. Can Chile and their controlled chaos find a result against the champions? I doubt it. An angry Spain wins 2-1. Finally, at 6pm, the conclusion of round two in Group A. Croatia looks to earn three points against Cameroon. I think they are up to the task and will see a 2-1 victory.
Enjoy another fay of action folks and see you next time.
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