Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Akinfeev-er almost costs Russia

A goalkeeping blunder ensured South Korea took a share of the spoils against Russia as the final teams completed their opening match of this summer's World Cup.

The group H clash was expected to be a tight affair so it was no surprise to see the score end 1-1 in Cuiaba.

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, who was once linked with a move to Manchester United, is highly rated by many and once went over 350 minutes without conceding a goal in the Champions League - an impressive feat!

But he certainly did not cover himself in glory, spilling some of the shots that came his way before being at fault for the goal. Lee Keun-ho's long-range effort squirmed through the hands of Akinfeev to give South Korea the lead after 68 minutes.

Luckily for Akinfeev, substitute Aleksandr Kerzhakov spared his and Russia's blushes as a loose ball fell kindly to him to give him an easy finish.

Former England boss Fabio Capello probably wouldn't have been too disappointed to see his Russia side claim a point, but they will have to up their game against fellow European side Belgium as they continue their bid to qualify for the knockout stages.

So, with all the teams having played one game in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, what is the verdict so far?

I always look forward to any World Cup and this one has been no exception. Plenty of drama, entertainment, shocks, great football, silly errors and special moments already in the first week of the tournament.

After 12 games full of goals, there was finally a draw at the World Cup as neither Iran or Nigeria could find the net. There have only been two draws since as the tournament continues to deliver top quality entertainment.

The second round of games is where things really start to hot up as some side's know defeat could spell exit from the competition. If Cameroon lose their upcoming game against Croatia, they will be the first nation to crash out of the 2014 World Cup. There is no margin for error and nobody wants an early exit!

Our beloved England will be hoping to avoid just that when they take on Uruguay in a vital Group D clash. Both side's lost their opening group game and another defeat could mean an abrupt end in either's bid to qualify for the knockout stages.

Luis Suarez looks like he may be back to boost Uruguay's attacking options but we may still have a chance of beating them. If we can hit top form and, exploit the same weaknesses Costa Rica managed earlier in the competition, we are more than capable of getting the result.

We need 11 huge performances and we all need to get behind the boys and sing COME ON ENGLAND!

QUE SERA SERA

EN-GER-LAND


No comments:

Post a Comment