Substitute Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored a last-gasp penalty to send Holland into the World Cup quarter-final with a 2-1 win over Mexico.
Holland were the clear favourites to win after having cruised through Group B with maximum points, including a 5-1 hammering of Spain. But the Dutch knew Mexico would be hard to break down as their opponents had only conceded one goal so far in the tournament.
Mexico looked on course for a shock victory when Giovani Dos Santos, who had unfairly had some goals disallowed earlier in the tournament, scored with a sublime long-range effort within three minutes of the restart.
Holland came close to equalising through Stefan de Vrij but Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, who has been one of the stand-out players of the tournament, produced a stunning save to keep him out.
With two minutes left on the clock Mexico looked on course for the quarter finals, but instead they ended up dramatically crashing out of the tournament in the round of 16 stage for the sixth successive year. The ball was headed back out from a corner and Wesley Sneijder was on hand to rifle the ball home, sending the Dutch fans into raptures.
It looked like Mexico would be forced to be content with playing extra time but they didn't even get that. Arjen Robben has a reputation for theatrically going down in the box and he had already had more than one penalty claim turned down in this match.
Although there did appear to be some contact from Mexico's Rafael Marquez, it didn't appear to be enough to warrant a tumble from Robben nor a penalty to have been awarded by the referee. But when the referee pointed to the spot Mexico fans were left praying for a miracle.
It didn't happen for them and Huntelaar coolly dispatched his penalty to keep Holland's World Cup dream alive. Mexico's World Cup was now over but they can leave Brazil with their heads held high as they gave it everything and it just wasn't to be.
But who would Holland play in the quarter finals? Surprise package Costa Rica and the scorers of late goals Greece faced off in Recife to decided that one!
Costa Rica have become a favourite among the neutrals as they continue to surprise, while also proving their results thus far have been no fluke. When Jorge Luis Pinto's men beat Uruguay in their opening group game most people undoubtedly thought it was a one-off shock result. But after a win over Italy and a goalless draw with England, Costa Rica finished unbeaten at the top of Group D. A truly remarkable achievement and thoroughly deserved.
But the Greeks wouldn't go down lightly. With their World Cup dream within seconds of being ended against Ivory Coast they scored a last-gasp penalty to put them into the knockout stages.
There was little to separate the sides over 120 minutes but goalkeeper Keylor Navas proved to be his nation's hero once again as his save in the penalty shootout put Costa Rica into the quarter finals for the first time in their history. Pinto undoubtedly believe in the potential of his players but even he must be pinching himself that his side have made the last eight of a World Cup.
Costa Rica could've fallen behind in the first half had it not been for the heroics of Navas, who produced a top class instinctive save to keep out Dimitris Salpingidis. That missed proved costly as Bryan Ruiz side-footed the ball beyond Greece goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis after 52 minutes.
The task became harder for Costa Rica when Oscar Duarte was sent off for a second bookable offence, although it was easy to forget at times that they were actually playing with 10 men.
Greece, who had scored a late goal to quality for the knock out phases, produced some more drama in Recife as Sokratis Papastathopoulos scored from a rebound in the final minute of normal time.
There have now been as many goals in this World Cup as there was during the entire tournament in 2010 and the drama didn't show any signs of letting up in this match.
Navas did superbly to tip over substitute Kostas Mitroglou's header in extra time before later denying Lazaros Christodoulopoulos. The tension became too much for Greece boss Fernando Santos who was sent to the stands late on.
Navas produced more heroics to keep out Theofanis Gekas' penalty before Michael Umana scored a historic goal from the spot to win it for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica will face the Dutch in the quarter finals and once again will go into the game as huge underdogs. But if this World Cup has taught me anything it is, underestimate the underdogs at your peril!
Let the drama continue!
Come on you underdogs!
Sunday, 29 June 2014
Chile pay the penalty
Penalties are the cruellest way to lose a match but that is what happened to Chile in their round of 16 clash against hosts Brazil.
Many had expected Brazil to walk away with this one but Chile, who beat holders Spain to help them progress to the knockout phase, can be proud of their efforts as they refused to give up in this nail-biting and entertaining contest.
When captain Thiago Silva headed on for David Luiz to flick in his first goal for his country after 18 minutes it seemed the game would be going according to the script, but Chile had other ideas.
Alexis Sanchez, who is on the radar of a number of clubs this summer, levelled matters after 32 minutes when the hosts gifted possession to Eduardo Vargas who set up the Barcelona man to drill the ball home. Game on!
All the pressure was on Brazil and anything other than lifting the trophy is likely to be considered a failure for the hosts this summer.
Brazil thought they had taken the lead in the second half went Hulk put the ball in the net but England's sole representative left in the tournament, Howard Webb, disallowed the goal for handball. It was a tough one to call for Webb, especially in real time without the benefit of the replays we could see, and opinions seemed divided among those watching the game.
Julio Cesar, who fell down the pecking order to third choice at QPR before being loaned out, and his Chilean counterpart Claudio Bravo were in fine form and produced some stunning saves to keep the scores level and force extra time.
Hulk looked lively for the hosts and forced another save from Bravo in extra time, while Mauricio Pinilla smashed an effort against the crossbar in the dying seconds of the match. So onto the dreaded penalties!
Such a cruel way to decide a game, could there be a better way? This is often questioned but, although it is horrible to watch when your own team is involved, as a neutral it is a truly great way to see a game end. It is pot luck, anything can happen, and you literally have no idea what is about to unfold! Such great drama.
QPR's third choice goalkeeper Cesar proved to be the hero, saving two spot-kicks, before Gonzalo Jara hit a post to break Chilean hearts and keep hosts Brazil on course for the trophy.
Chile were never expected to get out of a group including Holland and Spain so to reach the knockout stages and then run hosts Brazil all the way is something the whole nation can be proud of.
But who would be playing Brazil in the quarter final? In another all South American tie, Colombia faced Uruguay with several neutrals routing for the team in yellow due to Luis Suarez's recent biting incident.
Colombia progressed with a 2-0 victory and once again James Rodriguez was the star of the show. The winger has been one of the best players at this tournament, scoring in every game so far, and as an Arsenal fan I'd love to see Arsene Wenger bring him to the Emirates this summer. In fact, he would be top of my shopping list for sure, but any move is unlikely. No harm dreaming though!
When it looked like Tim Cahill was an almost certainty to get goal of the tournament, Rodriguez produced something special from his bag of tricks.
Rodriguez, who is currently the tournament's top scorer with five goals, cushioned the ball expertly before turning to execute a thunderous volley that crashed in off the crossbar. An astonishing goal and a truly remarkable tournament so far for that man Rodriguez!
Uruguay tried to get back in the game and Alvaro Gonzalez forced a fine save from David Ospina before the break. That missed proved costly as Colombia doubled their advantage within five minutes of the restart. A fine attacking move ended with Pablo Armero crossing for Juan Cuadrado to head the ball onto Rodriguez to fire home from close range.
Uruguay could have got back into the game had it not been for the fine reflexes of Ospina who produced another stunning performance for Colombia.
Ospina has been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament and Colombia, who have been the stand-out team so far, fully deserved their win.
The quarter final will be another all South American affair as Colombia attempt to cause an upset against hosts Brazil. Brazil will be the clear favourites but if Colombia can maintain their fine form they are capable of pushing them all the way and possibly claiming a result.
In a tournament where expecting the unexpected is becoming more and more normal, who knows what might happen. The passion of the tournament will continue to live on as long as Brazil remain in the tournament but, at the same time, it would be fantastic to see the underdogs progress.
Let the drama continue!
Come on you underdogs!
Many had expected Brazil to walk away with this one but Chile, who beat holders Spain to help them progress to the knockout phase, can be proud of their efforts as they refused to give up in this nail-biting and entertaining contest.
When captain Thiago Silva headed on for David Luiz to flick in his first goal for his country after 18 minutes it seemed the game would be going according to the script, but Chile had other ideas.
Alexis Sanchez, who is on the radar of a number of clubs this summer, levelled matters after 32 minutes when the hosts gifted possession to Eduardo Vargas who set up the Barcelona man to drill the ball home. Game on!
All the pressure was on Brazil and anything other than lifting the trophy is likely to be considered a failure for the hosts this summer.
Brazil thought they had taken the lead in the second half went Hulk put the ball in the net but England's sole representative left in the tournament, Howard Webb, disallowed the goal for handball. It was a tough one to call for Webb, especially in real time without the benefit of the replays we could see, and opinions seemed divided among those watching the game.
Julio Cesar, who fell down the pecking order to third choice at QPR before being loaned out, and his Chilean counterpart Claudio Bravo were in fine form and produced some stunning saves to keep the scores level and force extra time.
Hulk looked lively for the hosts and forced another save from Bravo in extra time, while Mauricio Pinilla smashed an effort against the crossbar in the dying seconds of the match. So onto the dreaded penalties!
Such a cruel way to decide a game, could there be a better way? This is often questioned but, although it is horrible to watch when your own team is involved, as a neutral it is a truly great way to see a game end. It is pot luck, anything can happen, and you literally have no idea what is about to unfold! Such great drama.
QPR's third choice goalkeeper Cesar proved to be the hero, saving two spot-kicks, before Gonzalo Jara hit a post to break Chilean hearts and keep hosts Brazil on course for the trophy.
Chile were never expected to get out of a group including Holland and Spain so to reach the knockout stages and then run hosts Brazil all the way is something the whole nation can be proud of.
But who would be playing Brazil in the quarter final? In another all South American tie, Colombia faced Uruguay with several neutrals routing for the team in yellow due to Luis Suarez's recent biting incident.
Colombia progressed with a 2-0 victory and once again James Rodriguez was the star of the show. The winger has been one of the best players at this tournament, scoring in every game so far, and as an Arsenal fan I'd love to see Arsene Wenger bring him to the Emirates this summer. In fact, he would be top of my shopping list for sure, but any move is unlikely. No harm dreaming though!
When it looked like Tim Cahill was an almost certainty to get goal of the tournament, Rodriguez produced something special from his bag of tricks.
Rodriguez, who is currently the tournament's top scorer with five goals, cushioned the ball expertly before turning to execute a thunderous volley that crashed in off the crossbar. An astonishing goal and a truly remarkable tournament so far for that man Rodriguez!
Uruguay tried to get back in the game and Alvaro Gonzalez forced a fine save from David Ospina before the break. That missed proved costly as Colombia doubled their advantage within five minutes of the restart. A fine attacking move ended with Pablo Armero crossing for Juan Cuadrado to head the ball onto Rodriguez to fire home from close range.
Uruguay could have got back into the game had it not been for the fine reflexes of Ospina who produced another stunning performance for Colombia.
Ospina has been one of the best goalkeepers in the tournament and Colombia, who have been the stand-out team so far, fully deserved their win.
The quarter final will be another all South American affair as Colombia attempt to cause an upset against hosts Brazil. Brazil will be the clear favourites but if Colombia can maintain their fine form they are capable of pushing them all the way and possibly claiming a result.
In a tournament where expecting the unexpected is becoming more and more normal, who knows what might happen. The passion of the tournament will continue to live on as long as Brazil remain in the tournament but, at the same time, it would be fantastic to see the underdogs progress.
Let the drama continue!
Come on you underdogs!
Saturday, 28 June 2014
World Cup 2014: It's a knockout
With some people claiming this could be the best ever World Cup, and the knockouts just around the corner, it is time to look back at the group stages.
Luis Suarez may have slightly tainted the greatness of the tournament when he bit Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, while England's disappointing early exit means it can't truly be the greatest ever World Cup for Three Lions' fans.
But if you hide behind England's winless tournament and look at it from a purely neutral point of view, the global spectacle in Brazil deserves all the plaudits coming its way.
Personally, France 1998 and the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan are the tournaments that stick the most in my mind. Although England's performances on those occasions were better, Brazil 2014 seems to have that extra special something.
But what is that special thing?
The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has so far been a tournament where expecting the unexpected has almost become the norm and writing off teams is a thing only done at your peril! Although some results have gone to the script, there has been enough drama and surprise to keep fans on their edge of their seats. When you seem certain of something, boom, something else is around the corner.
So what has been the highlight of the World Cup so far?
Without of shadow of a doubt the performances of the underdogs have been the best thing about the tournament for me. Costa Rica have been a breath of fresh air and, although their qualification from Group D was among the reasons for England's exit, it would be great to see them continuing to push on in Brazil. How often can any fan say that a team tipped to finish bottom and be the whipping boys would go on to top the group? Probably, very rarely! But Costa Rica defied the odds to beat both Uruguay and Italy before claiming a goalless draw with England to finish with seven points out of a possible nine. A truly remarkable story and, with a round of 16 tie with Greece next on the horizon, who knows how far they can go. It would be amazing, and rather fitting, if they went onto win the tournament. Although this seems very unlikely, with the likes of Brazil and Argentina still clear favourites, it also cannot be 100% ruled out. Nothing is certain in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil this summer.
Spain, Italy, England and Portugal all exited at the group stages. Who'd have thought it? Although England were expected to struggle in a tough Group D, which proved correct, barely anyone could have predicted all four sides going out so early. The manner of Spain's exit was the most surprising, with the holders being thumped 5-1 by Holland and winning just one of their three group games, and all four sides dropped points to at least one underdog.
The drama seems to be never ending in Brazil, as do the goals, with the first draw of the tournament not happening until the 13th match (a goalless draw between Iran and Nigeria).
So, what has been the best goal of the tournament so far?
There are so many great goals to choose from but, for me, there can only be one winner. Holland were 1-0 up against Australia and looked like they would go on to record a heavy victory. Tim Cahill had other ideas! A high ball flew into the box and the former Everton man met it with the sweetest of volleys and forever left his mark on the 2014 tournament. The Netherlands were also involved in another of the tournament's best goals as Robin Van Persie scored a delightful looping header against holders Spain.
James Rodriguez's scored a stunning chip in Colombia's 4-1 win over Japan, while Lionel Messi has proved himself as one of the World's greatest with four well-taken goals in Brazil including a stoppage-time curler against Iran. USA's Jermaine Jones and Japan's Keisuke Honda also scored goals to remember in Brazil
For all these great goals you need a quality assist. Although it is often only the goalscorer that is remembered, there are some assists that stick in my mind.
So what have been the greatest passes of the World Cup?
Serge Aurier produced two stunning crosses to set up both goals in Ivory Coast's 2-1 win over Japan. It may not have led to a goal but Andres Iniesta's pass to release David Silva in Spain's 5-1 defeat by Holland had a really touch of class about it. It is hard to choose between the assists I consider to have been the best so far. Kwadwo Asamoah produced a stunning inch perfect curling cross to set up a goal for Asamoah Gyan as Ghana exited the tournament with a 2-1 defeat by Portugal. But the one that just edges it out as pass of the tournament for me so far is James Rodriguez's perfectly timed pass to set up Jackson Martinez in the 4-1 thumping of Japan. Not only was it a delightful assist but Rodriquez has been one of the players of the tournament, scoring in every game so far.
With so much great attacking play and plenty of goals on show it would be easy to ignore the defenders.
Not too many moments spring to mind but does any touch of defensive class spring to mind?
The one that stands out to me is Portugal's Ricardo Costa, who produced a superb goal-line block to keep out USA as the side's drew 2-2.
So onto the goalkeepers, what has been the greatest save of the tournament?
There have been several decent saves in the tournament and too many to remember them all but, in that same game between USA and Portugal, American Tim Howard did superbly to react and push over Eder's follow up after Nani had struck a post. But I think the award has to go to Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, whose stunning display ensured his country picked up a valuable point in a goalless draw with hosts Brazil. Ochoa put himself firmly in the shop window with a series of stunning saves. When he dived to his right to save Neymar's header, Ochoa gave himself a great chance of coming out of the tournament having made the best save in Brazil. The save itself was even likened to the memorable moment when England's Gordon Banks kept out Pele. It's almost as if Brazilian strikers bring the best out of goalkeepers!
With so many great moments in the group stages, nobody will want it to end. So much drama, surprises and entertainment, long may it continue. With the knockout stages on the horizon, the football is likely to go up another level. It may be cagey at times with no side wanting their journey to end, but players will up their games in their bid to claim the ultimate prize.
So what is my prediction for the round of 16?
I don't have the best of luck with predictions. I am having a competition with a friend during this World Cup where we take it in turns to pick a winner from each game and the loser buys the winner a pint. I am 28-13 down and now have to be victorious in all the remaining games of the World Cup or I have lost the competition. My predictions may not be the best but I'll make them anyway! When predicting it is often best to stick to the logical outcome but in a World Cup where expecting the unexpected has happened on a fair few occasions already, nothing is certain!
Brazil vs Chile
It seems unthinkable that this can end in anything other than a Brazil win. All the pressure is on Brazil and anything other than lifting the trophy could be seen as a failure, while Chile have already proved they can match the best with a 2-0 win over Spain. I think it will be closer than many probably expect but I'll go for Brazil to edge this one 2-1.
Colombia vs Uruguay
It is hard to look at this fixture without any bias. After Luis Suarez's tournament ended following his decision to tuck into an Italian during the match, Uruguay's chances became more difficult. Although they still have great players and could yet win this one, many neutrals are now anti-Uruguay and I can't even bring myself to predict anything other than a Colombia win. Take nothing away from Colombia, they have been excellent so far and impressed with their attacking play, so I'm predicting them to win 2-1 for Jose Pekerman's men(probably after extra time).
France vs Nigeria
Nigeria ran Argentina close recently, but this should be a routine win for France. Before the tournament began I predicted France to have a rather special tournament in which they could go a long way. I was going to say 4-1 but I'll be kind to the African side and go for a 3-1 victory for Les Bleus.
Germany vs Algeria
Algeria did superbly to reach the round of 16 for the first time, but I think the three-time winners will prove too hot to handle for the Africans. Germany are experienced at knockout football but this may be closer than people expect. I'm going to go for a rather random prediction of a 4-2 win for Germany.
Holland vs Mexico
One of the toughest round of 16 clashes to call. Mexico have been defensively superb and if Ochoa produces another world class performance Mexico could prevail. But Holland are not going to want their top start to the tournament to get ruined by a dodgy display. It will be tight but I think Holland will just about edge through 2-1 (maybe after extra time).
Costa Rica vs Greece
Since Costa Rica beat Uruguay and Italy, I joked with people about how Costa Rica will go all the way. It is not likely but you just never know and, no disrespect to Greece, but out of the teams left this is the ideal tie for Jorge Luis Pinto's men. I'm going to go for a 3-0 win for Costa Rica.
Argentina vs Switzerland
Do I go with my head or my heart here? My head says don't be silly it is going to be a routine Argentina win with Messi the star of the show. My heart says if Switzerland can pull out all the stops and, if Xherdan Shaqiri has another blinder of a game, they could prevail. Oh, I really can't decide! Most of me thinks Argentina are going to win but I'm just going to bite the bullet and go with one hell of a bold prediction - Switzerland to win 3-2.
Belgium vs USA
Another tough one to call. Belgium were considered the darkhorse for the tournament expected to go far. They didn't produce their best football in the group stages but still finish top of Group H with a maximum of nine points. USA escaped from the group of death in second place, beating off competition from Portugal and Ghana. I think this one is going to be goalless and will need a late goal to settle it. I'll go for 1-0 to the Americans.
So with all the predictions done and dusted all that remains to say is let's hope the second half of the World Cup is as good as the first!
Let the drama continue!
Come on the underdogs!
Luis Suarez may have slightly tainted the greatness of the tournament when he bit Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, while England's disappointing early exit means it can't truly be the greatest ever World Cup for Three Lions' fans.
But if you hide behind England's winless tournament and look at it from a purely neutral point of view, the global spectacle in Brazil deserves all the plaudits coming its way.
Personally, France 1998 and the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan are the tournaments that stick the most in my mind. Although England's performances on those occasions were better, Brazil 2014 seems to have that extra special something.
But what is that special thing?
The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has so far been a tournament where expecting the unexpected has almost become the norm and writing off teams is a thing only done at your peril! Although some results have gone to the script, there has been enough drama and surprise to keep fans on their edge of their seats. When you seem certain of something, boom, something else is around the corner.
So what has been the highlight of the World Cup so far?
Without of shadow of a doubt the performances of the underdogs have been the best thing about the tournament for me. Costa Rica have been a breath of fresh air and, although their qualification from Group D was among the reasons for England's exit, it would be great to see them continuing to push on in Brazil. How often can any fan say that a team tipped to finish bottom and be the whipping boys would go on to top the group? Probably, very rarely! But Costa Rica defied the odds to beat both Uruguay and Italy before claiming a goalless draw with England to finish with seven points out of a possible nine. A truly remarkable story and, with a round of 16 tie with Greece next on the horizon, who knows how far they can go. It would be amazing, and rather fitting, if they went onto win the tournament. Although this seems very unlikely, with the likes of Brazil and Argentina still clear favourites, it also cannot be 100% ruled out. Nothing is certain in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil this summer.
Spain, Italy, England and Portugal all exited at the group stages. Who'd have thought it? Although England were expected to struggle in a tough Group D, which proved correct, barely anyone could have predicted all four sides going out so early. The manner of Spain's exit was the most surprising, with the holders being thumped 5-1 by Holland and winning just one of their three group games, and all four sides dropped points to at least one underdog.
The drama seems to be never ending in Brazil, as do the goals, with the first draw of the tournament not happening until the 13th match (a goalless draw between Iran and Nigeria).
So, what has been the best goal of the tournament so far?
There are so many great goals to choose from but, for me, there can only be one winner. Holland were 1-0 up against Australia and looked like they would go on to record a heavy victory. Tim Cahill had other ideas! A high ball flew into the box and the former Everton man met it with the sweetest of volleys and forever left his mark on the 2014 tournament. The Netherlands were also involved in another of the tournament's best goals as Robin Van Persie scored a delightful looping header against holders Spain.
James Rodriguez's scored a stunning chip in Colombia's 4-1 win over Japan, while Lionel Messi has proved himself as one of the World's greatest with four well-taken goals in Brazil including a stoppage-time curler against Iran. USA's Jermaine Jones and Japan's Keisuke Honda also scored goals to remember in Brazil
For all these great goals you need a quality assist. Although it is often only the goalscorer that is remembered, there are some assists that stick in my mind.
So what have been the greatest passes of the World Cup?
Serge Aurier produced two stunning crosses to set up both goals in Ivory Coast's 2-1 win over Japan. It may not have led to a goal but Andres Iniesta's pass to release David Silva in Spain's 5-1 defeat by Holland had a really touch of class about it. It is hard to choose between the assists I consider to have been the best so far. Kwadwo Asamoah produced a stunning inch perfect curling cross to set up a goal for Asamoah Gyan as Ghana exited the tournament with a 2-1 defeat by Portugal. But the one that just edges it out as pass of the tournament for me so far is James Rodriguez's perfectly timed pass to set up Jackson Martinez in the 4-1 thumping of Japan. Not only was it a delightful assist but Rodriquez has been one of the players of the tournament, scoring in every game so far.
With so much great attacking play and plenty of goals on show it would be easy to ignore the defenders.
Not too many moments spring to mind but does any touch of defensive class spring to mind?
The one that stands out to me is Portugal's Ricardo Costa, who produced a superb goal-line block to keep out USA as the side's drew 2-2.
So onto the goalkeepers, what has been the greatest save of the tournament?
There have been several decent saves in the tournament and too many to remember them all but, in that same game between USA and Portugal, American Tim Howard did superbly to react and push over Eder's follow up after Nani had struck a post. But I think the award has to go to Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, whose stunning display ensured his country picked up a valuable point in a goalless draw with hosts Brazil. Ochoa put himself firmly in the shop window with a series of stunning saves. When he dived to his right to save Neymar's header, Ochoa gave himself a great chance of coming out of the tournament having made the best save in Brazil. The save itself was even likened to the memorable moment when England's Gordon Banks kept out Pele. It's almost as if Brazilian strikers bring the best out of goalkeepers!
With so many great moments in the group stages, nobody will want it to end. So much drama, surprises and entertainment, long may it continue. With the knockout stages on the horizon, the football is likely to go up another level. It may be cagey at times with no side wanting their journey to end, but players will up their games in their bid to claim the ultimate prize.
So what is my prediction for the round of 16?
I don't have the best of luck with predictions. I am having a competition with a friend during this World Cup where we take it in turns to pick a winner from each game and the loser buys the winner a pint. I am 28-13 down and now have to be victorious in all the remaining games of the World Cup or I have lost the competition. My predictions may not be the best but I'll make them anyway! When predicting it is often best to stick to the logical outcome but in a World Cup where expecting the unexpected has happened on a fair few occasions already, nothing is certain!
Brazil vs Chile
It seems unthinkable that this can end in anything other than a Brazil win. All the pressure is on Brazil and anything other than lifting the trophy could be seen as a failure, while Chile have already proved they can match the best with a 2-0 win over Spain. I think it will be closer than many probably expect but I'll go for Brazil to edge this one 2-1.
Colombia vs Uruguay
It is hard to look at this fixture without any bias. After Luis Suarez's tournament ended following his decision to tuck into an Italian during the match, Uruguay's chances became more difficult. Although they still have great players and could yet win this one, many neutrals are now anti-Uruguay and I can't even bring myself to predict anything other than a Colombia win. Take nothing away from Colombia, they have been excellent so far and impressed with their attacking play, so I'm predicting them to win 2-1 for Jose Pekerman's men(probably after extra time).
France vs Nigeria
Nigeria ran Argentina close recently, but this should be a routine win for France. Before the tournament began I predicted France to have a rather special tournament in which they could go a long way. I was going to say 4-1 but I'll be kind to the African side and go for a 3-1 victory for Les Bleus.
Germany vs Algeria
Algeria did superbly to reach the round of 16 for the first time, but I think the three-time winners will prove too hot to handle for the Africans. Germany are experienced at knockout football but this may be closer than people expect. I'm going to go for a rather random prediction of a 4-2 win for Germany.
Holland vs Mexico
One of the toughest round of 16 clashes to call. Mexico have been defensively superb and if Ochoa produces another world class performance Mexico could prevail. But Holland are not going to want their top start to the tournament to get ruined by a dodgy display. It will be tight but I think Holland will just about edge through 2-1 (maybe after extra time).
Costa Rica vs Greece
Since Costa Rica beat Uruguay and Italy, I joked with people about how Costa Rica will go all the way. It is not likely but you just never know and, no disrespect to Greece, but out of the teams left this is the ideal tie for Jorge Luis Pinto's men. I'm going to go for a 3-0 win for Costa Rica.
Argentina vs Switzerland
Do I go with my head or my heart here? My head says don't be silly it is going to be a routine Argentina win with Messi the star of the show. My heart says if Switzerland can pull out all the stops and, if Xherdan Shaqiri has another blinder of a game, they could prevail. Oh, I really can't decide! Most of me thinks Argentina are going to win but I'm just going to bite the bullet and go with one hell of a bold prediction - Switzerland to win 3-2.
Belgium vs USA
Another tough one to call. Belgium were considered the darkhorse for the tournament expected to go far. They didn't produce their best football in the group stages but still finish top of Group H with a maximum of nine points. USA escaped from the group of death in second place, beating off competition from Portugal and Ghana. I think this one is going to be goalless and will need a late goal to settle it. I'll go for 1-0 to the Americans.
So with all the predictions done and dusted all that remains to say is let's hope the second half of the World Cup is as good as the first!
Let the drama continue!
Come on the underdogs!
Friday, 27 June 2014
USA-mazing
USA negotiated their way out of the group of death and into the knockout stages despite a 1-0 defeat by Germany.
When the draw was made last year Germany and Portugal were clear favourites to battle it out for the top two places, but the Americans had other ideas.
After opening their Group G account with a 2-1 win over Ghana, USA gained an impressive 2-2 draw against Portugal to put them level on points with leaders Germany going into the third round of matches.
What more to get the mouth-watering in a vital round of group matches than seeing USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann pitting his wits against his native Germany. It was set to be a cracking match!
In the end there was only one goal between the sides with Thomas Muller, who scored a hat-trick against Portugal, netting his 9th goal in a World Cup in as many games after 55 minutes.
Mesut Ozil's cross found the head of his Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker and USA goalkeeper Tim Howard did well to push the shot away. But the ball fell to Muller on the edge of the box and the Bayern Munich man rifled home a lovely first-time shot into the bottom corner of the net.
USA had a great chance to equalise but Clint Dempsey sent his header over the bar as Germany finished top of the group, leaving Klinsmann's men anxiously waiting on the result of the other group game.
Portugal and Ghana only had slim chances of progressing with both needing a win, coupled with a heavy victory for either USA or Germany. With Germany only beating USA 1-0, Portugal's 2-1 victory over the Africans was meaningless as the European side exited the tournament on goal difference.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 51 goals in 47 appearances from Real Madrid last season, had not been at his best so far in the tournament but was at the centre of most of Portugal's best work in Brasilia. He saw an exquisite chip smash against the crossbar before seeing a header kept out by a top class save from Fatau Dauda in the Ghana goal. Ronaldo had plenty time and space to power a header goalwards but Dauda produced one of the saves of the tournament, and his gesture of delight afterwards showed just how good a stop it was. But Portugal were not to be denied too much longer as Ghana defender John Boye acrobatically sliced the ball into his own net on the half hour mark.
The Africans kept alive their slim hopes of qualification when Kwadwo Asamoah delivered one of the crosses of the tournament for Asamoah Gyan to head home the equaliser after 57 minutes. Gyan then turned provider for Majeed Waris but his team-mate could only head wide of goal.
That miss proved costly as Portugal hit the winner, from that man Ronaldo, ten minutes from time. After producing one of the saves of the tournament earlier in the match, Dauda poorly beat away a high ball straight into the path of Ronaldo who had the simple task of shooting into an empty corner of the net.
Portugal were finally in front but a win alone would not be enough and, ultimately, the frustrating heavy 4-0 defeat by Germany in their opening game proved costly as goal difference put them out and the Americans through. USA will be underdogs for their round of 16 clash against Belgium but if they continue to produce gutsy performances they could yet pull of a shock.
In Group H, Belgium had already secured qualification so it was up to Algeria, Russia and South Korea to battle it out for the other spot.
It seemed likely that the outcome of the game between Algeria and Russia would decide who finished in second spot and there was little to separate the sides in their 1-1 draw in Curitiba.
Russia, who had failed to win any of their opening two games, propelled themselves up to second place when Aleksandr Kokorin headed home Dmitri Kombarov's cross after just six minutes.
Islam Slimani headed home Yacine Brahimi's free-kick to level matters on the hour mark, but the goal caused a lot of controversy. In the build up to the goal a laser was shone from the crowd into the face of Igor Akinfeev, totally distracting the Russia goalkeeper. It was out of order and unfair on the Russians, but they can't solely blame that for their exit as Fabio Capello's men have failed to really find their feet in this tournament.
Algeria, on the other hand, have reached the round of 16 for the first time in their history and this was a truly proud moment for the African side. They fully deserve their place in the knockout stages although they will need to be on top form, and produce one of the best ever performances in a World Cup, if they are to stand any chance of beating three-time winners Germany. But stranger things have happened in this World Cup, so you can't fully rule it out!
Belgium continued their 100% start to the tournament with a 1-0 win over South Korea, sending the Asian side out of the tournament.
The European side may not quite have hit top form in the tournament yet but they are now unbeaten in their last nine World Cup group stage matches.
Although it wasn't all plain sailing for the Belgians as Steven Defour was dismissed for a reckless two-footed challenge before half-time.
This could've been the chance for South Korea to take advantage and book an unlikely spot in the round of 16 but they were unable to find a way beyond Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The 10 men of Belgium clinched all three points as Kim Seung-gyu could only parry Divock Origi's effort and Jan Vertonghen was on hand to score from close range.
Marc Wilmot's men will now face USA in the first round of knockout games, in a game that is going to be incredibly hard to call. Before the tournament Belgium were fancied as a potential darkhorse and, although their points tally of nine out of nine is one to be admired, their performances haven't been quite the greatness we expected. Belgium will still be favourites but if USA can produce something special on the day they may well get something out of the tie.
All the fixtures for the knockout stages have now been decided in what has been, in most parts, a truly immense World Cup. Most of it has been about high drama and surprises so it is just a shame that it has been tainted somewhat by one terrible act. No, I don't mean England's elimination from the group stages! More the moment Uruguay striker Luis Suarez bit Italy's Giorgio Chiellini...a truly disgusting act that has now been punished!
The Liverpool striker is now banned from all footballing activity for four months, as well as for nine international matches meaning his time in Brazil is over. Several people have said the player clearly needs professional help and he has unsurprisingly come in for huge criticism following the incident. But for some reason the Uruguay FA will not only appeal the decision but have reportedly also claimed that images of the incident were doctored. How can anyone back Suarez this much? It is not like this is the first time - he has bitten an opponent on three occasions, it wasn't a one-off act of madness! So, while Suarez is mooching around finding things to do, during what looks like being a four-month paid holiday, maybe he needs to spend some serious time reflecting on what he has done.
But enough about Suarez, the striker has dominated the headlines enough! Although what he has done is totally unacceptable I do not want to see it ruin what has been arguably the best ever World Cup (if you can forget England's early exit). So much entertainment, plenty of surprises and lots of top goals, saves and moments to savour have happened in Brazil so let's hope it continues!
Now that England are out, fans may adopt a different nation, not for patriotism but more so they have someone to follow the fortunes of. Maybe it could be time to lend our backing to the underdogs, who have performed so admirably thus far in the World Cup, but that's up to you!
Let the drama continue!
Come on you underdogs!
When the draw was made last year Germany and Portugal were clear favourites to battle it out for the top two places, but the Americans had other ideas.
After opening their Group G account with a 2-1 win over Ghana, USA gained an impressive 2-2 draw against Portugal to put them level on points with leaders Germany going into the third round of matches.
What more to get the mouth-watering in a vital round of group matches than seeing USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann pitting his wits against his native Germany. It was set to be a cracking match!
In the end there was only one goal between the sides with Thomas Muller, who scored a hat-trick against Portugal, netting his 9th goal in a World Cup in as many games after 55 minutes.
Mesut Ozil's cross found the head of his Arsenal team-mate Per Mertesacker and USA goalkeeper Tim Howard did well to push the shot away. But the ball fell to Muller on the edge of the box and the Bayern Munich man rifled home a lovely first-time shot into the bottom corner of the net.
USA had a great chance to equalise but Clint Dempsey sent his header over the bar as Germany finished top of the group, leaving Klinsmann's men anxiously waiting on the result of the other group game.
Portugal and Ghana only had slim chances of progressing with both needing a win, coupled with a heavy victory for either USA or Germany. With Germany only beating USA 1-0, Portugal's 2-1 victory over the Africans was meaningless as the European side exited the tournament on goal difference.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 51 goals in 47 appearances from Real Madrid last season, had not been at his best so far in the tournament but was at the centre of most of Portugal's best work in Brasilia. He saw an exquisite chip smash against the crossbar before seeing a header kept out by a top class save from Fatau Dauda in the Ghana goal. Ronaldo had plenty time and space to power a header goalwards but Dauda produced one of the saves of the tournament, and his gesture of delight afterwards showed just how good a stop it was. But Portugal were not to be denied too much longer as Ghana defender John Boye acrobatically sliced the ball into his own net on the half hour mark.
The Africans kept alive their slim hopes of qualification when Kwadwo Asamoah delivered one of the crosses of the tournament for Asamoah Gyan to head home the equaliser after 57 minutes. Gyan then turned provider for Majeed Waris but his team-mate could only head wide of goal.
That miss proved costly as Portugal hit the winner, from that man Ronaldo, ten minutes from time. After producing one of the saves of the tournament earlier in the match, Dauda poorly beat away a high ball straight into the path of Ronaldo who had the simple task of shooting into an empty corner of the net.
Portugal were finally in front but a win alone would not be enough and, ultimately, the frustrating heavy 4-0 defeat by Germany in their opening game proved costly as goal difference put them out and the Americans through. USA will be underdogs for their round of 16 clash against Belgium but if they continue to produce gutsy performances they could yet pull of a shock.
In Group H, Belgium had already secured qualification so it was up to Algeria, Russia and South Korea to battle it out for the other spot.
It seemed likely that the outcome of the game between Algeria and Russia would decide who finished in second spot and there was little to separate the sides in their 1-1 draw in Curitiba.
Russia, who had failed to win any of their opening two games, propelled themselves up to second place when Aleksandr Kokorin headed home Dmitri Kombarov's cross after just six minutes.
Islam Slimani headed home Yacine Brahimi's free-kick to level matters on the hour mark, but the goal caused a lot of controversy. In the build up to the goal a laser was shone from the crowd into the face of Igor Akinfeev, totally distracting the Russia goalkeeper. It was out of order and unfair on the Russians, but they can't solely blame that for their exit as Fabio Capello's men have failed to really find their feet in this tournament.
Algeria, on the other hand, have reached the round of 16 for the first time in their history and this was a truly proud moment for the African side. They fully deserve their place in the knockout stages although they will need to be on top form, and produce one of the best ever performances in a World Cup, if they are to stand any chance of beating three-time winners Germany. But stranger things have happened in this World Cup, so you can't fully rule it out!
Belgium continued their 100% start to the tournament with a 1-0 win over South Korea, sending the Asian side out of the tournament.
The European side may not quite have hit top form in the tournament yet but they are now unbeaten in their last nine World Cup group stage matches.
Although it wasn't all plain sailing for the Belgians as Steven Defour was dismissed for a reckless two-footed challenge before half-time.
This could've been the chance for South Korea to take advantage and book an unlikely spot in the round of 16 but they were unable to find a way beyond Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The 10 men of Belgium clinched all three points as Kim Seung-gyu could only parry Divock Origi's effort and Jan Vertonghen was on hand to score from close range.
Marc Wilmot's men will now face USA in the first round of knockout games, in a game that is going to be incredibly hard to call. Before the tournament Belgium were fancied as a potential darkhorse and, although their points tally of nine out of nine is one to be admired, their performances haven't been quite the greatness we expected. Belgium will still be favourites but if USA can produce something special on the day they may well get something out of the tie.
All the fixtures for the knockout stages have now been decided in what has been, in most parts, a truly immense World Cup. Most of it has been about high drama and surprises so it is just a shame that it has been tainted somewhat by one terrible act. No, I don't mean England's elimination from the group stages! More the moment Uruguay striker Luis Suarez bit Italy's Giorgio Chiellini...a truly disgusting act that has now been punished!
The Liverpool striker is now banned from all footballing activity for four months, as well as for nine international matches meaning his time in Brazil is over. Several people have said the player clearly needs professional help and he has unsurprisingly come in for huge criticism following the incident. But for some reason the Uruguay FA will not only appeal the decision but have reportedly also claimed that images of the incident were doctored. How can anyone back Suarez this much? It is not like this is the first time - he has bitten an opponent on three occasions, it wasn't a one-off act of madness! So, while Suarez is mooching around finding things to do, during what looks like being a four-month paid holiday, maybe he needs to spend some serious time reflecting on what he has done.
But enough about Suarez, the striker has dominated the headlines enough! Although what he has done is totally unacceptable I do not want to see it ruin what has been arguably the best ever World Cup (if you can forget England's early exit). So much entertainment, plenty of surprises and lots of top goals, saves and moments to savour have happened in Brazil so let's hope it continues!
Now that England are out, fans may adopt a different nation, not for patriotism but more so they have someone to follow the fortunes of. Maybe it could be time to lend our backing to the underdogs, who have performed so admirably thus far in the World Cup, but that's up to you!
Let the drama continue!
Come on you underdogs!
Thursday, 26 June 2014
Messi tidies up for Argentina
Lionel Messi struck twice to continue his blistering start to the World Cup as Argentina edged out Nigeria 3-2 in Porto Alegre.
Argentina finished the group as expected on maximum points but the clash against the Africans was much tougher than most had anticipated.
Messi, who has now scored four goals in three games in Brazil, took just three minutes to get off the mark when he smashed home the rebound after Angel Di Maria's shot had cannoned back off a post.
Nigeria hit back almost instantly when Ahmed Musa skipped inside his marker before curling a wonderful effort beyond Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal.
Remarkably, this was the first time ever in a World Cup that both sides had scored inside the opening five minutes. Maybe it wasn't going to be the easy game many had expected it to be for Argentina.
But with Messi in their side anything can happen. The Barcelona forward is regarded as one of the world's greatest players at club level, although some have previously criticised how he had failed to transfer this onto the international stage. Not anymore! This is fast becoming Messi's tournament and he is really enjoying life at this summer's tournament. So it was no surprise to see him put Argentina back in front with a delightful free-kick just before the break.
Things were going in Nigeria's favour in the other match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran but they still had to make sure they did their own job. The Africans refused to give up and were back on level terms within two minutes of the restart. Musa doubled his tally when he coolly slotted home from close range following a neat one-two with Emmanuel Emenike. But Argentina ensured they would end the group stages top of Group F and on maximum points after Marcos Rojo saw the ball go in off his knee just three minutes later.
Argentina held on for the win to set up a round of 16 clash with Switzerland, while Nigeria will now face 1998 champions France.
Nigeria's main rivals for the runners-up spot in Group F were Iran, but they were eliminated and ended bottom of the group following a 3-1 defeat by World Cup debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Edin Dzeko set Bosnia-Herzegovina on their way to their first ever World Cup victory when he rifled in a long-range effort after 23 minutes. Miralem Pjanic beat the offside trap to score from close range and double his side's advantage shortly before the hour mark.
Reza Ghoochannejad tapped in to set up a nervy finish with just eight minutes remaining, but Iran's World Cup dream was over when Bosnia-Herzegovina full-back Avdija Vrsajevic scored his first international goal moments later as both sides exited the competition.
Xherdan Shaqiri was the star of the show in Group E as his stunning hat-trick saw Switzerland thump bottom-of-the-table Honduras 3-0 and progress into the knockout stages. The Bayern Munich man scored the pick of his three goals when he unleashed an unstoppable curling shot from outside the box after just six minutes.
Shaqiri doubled his advantage shortly after the half hour mark when poor defending from Honduras allowed Josip Drmic to square the ball for him to calmly slot beyond Noel Valladares.
Honduras almost reduced the deficit but a goal-line clearance from Ricardo Rodriguez and a turned down penalty appeal kept Switzerland in control.
Shaqiri completed his treble, and the World Cup's 50th hat-trick, after 71 minutes. Rodriguez's long ball found Drmic, who beat his man before setting up Shaqiri to fire home.
Switzerland were still sweating on the result of the other match in their group as if Ecuador were to beat France they would be going home. But, luckily for Ottmar Hitzfeld's men, Ecuador could only manage a goalless draw against Les Bleus.
Ecuador may feel slightly hard done by as France's Mamadou Sakho stayed on the field unpunished despite appearing to elbow Oswaldo Minda. Ecuador's luck went from bad to worse when their captain Antonio Valencia was dismissed for a clumsy challenge on Lucas Digne in the early stages of the second half.
Both goalkeepers had to be alert to keep the scores goalless as Ecuador were sent crashing out of the tournament.
France finished as Group E winners to set up a round of 16 tie against Nigeria, while Switzerland will be huge underdogs when they face one of the tournament favourites Argentina. It is now up to Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld to find a way of stopping Lionel Messi from destroying his side. Do that and they might, just might, stand a chance but it is a very tough ask. But in a World Cup where it is becoming very dangerous to write any team off, who knows what might happen.
Let the drama continue!
Come on the underdogs!
Argentina finished the group as expected on maximum points but the clash against the Africans was much tougher than most had anticipated.
Messi, who has now scored four goals in three games in Brazil, took just three minutes to get off the mark when he smashed home the rebound after Angel Di Maria's shot had cannoned back off a post.
Nigeria hit back almost instantly when Ahmed Musa skipped inside his marker before curling a wonderful effort beyond Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal.
Remarkably, this was the first time ever in a World Cup that both sides had scored inside the opening five minutes. Maybe it wasn't going to be the easy game many had expected it to be for Argentina.
But with Messi in their side anything can happen. The Barcelona forward is regarded as one of the world's greatest players at club level, although some have previously criticised how he had failed to transfer this onto the international stage. Not anymore! This is fast becoming Messi's tournament and he is really enjoying life at this summer's tournament. So it was no surprise to see him put Argentina back in front with a delightful free-kick just before the break.
Things were going in Nigeria's favour in the other match between Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran but they still had to make sure they did their own job. The Africans refused to give up and were back on level terms within two minutes of the restart. Musa doubled his tally when he coolly slotted home from close range following a neat one-two with Emmanuel Emenike. But Argentina ensured they would end the group stages top of Group F and on maximum points after Marcos Rojo saw the ball go in off his knee just three minutes later.
Argentina held on for the win to set up a round of 16 clash with Switzerland, while Nigeria will now face 1998 champions France.
Nigeria's main rivals for the runners-up spot in Group F were Iran, but they were eliminated and ended bottom of the group following a 3-1 defeat by World Cup debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Edin Dzeko set Bosnia-Herzegovina on their way to their first ever World Cup victory when he rifled in a long-range effort after 23 minutes. Miralem Pjanic beat the offside trap to score from close range and double his side's advantage shortly before the hour mark.
Reza Ghoochannejad tapped in to set up a nervy finish with just eight minutes remaining, but Iran's World Cup dream was over when Bosnia-Herzegovina full-back Avdija Vrsajevic scored his first international goal moments later as both sides exited the competition.
Xherdan Shaqiri was the star of the show in Group E as his stunning hat-trick saw Switzerland thump bottom-of-the-table Honduras 3-0 and progress into the knockout stages. The Bayern Munich man scored the pick of his three goals when he unleashed an unstoppable curling shot from outside the box after just six minutes.
Shaqiri doubled his advantage shortly after the half hour mark when poor defending from Honduras allowed Josip Drmic to square the ball for him to calmly slot beyond Noel Valladares.
Honduras almost reduced the deficit but a goal-line clearance from Ricardo Rodriguez and a turned down penalty appeal kept Switzerland in control.
Shaqiri completed his treble, and the World Cup's 50th hat-trick, after 71 minutes. Rodriguez's long ball found Drmic, who beat his man before setting up Shaqiri to fire home.
Switzerland were still sweating on the result of the other match in their group as if Ecuador were to beat France they would be going home. But, luckily for Ottmar Hitzfeld's men, Ecuador could only manage a goalless draw against Les Bleus.
Ecuador may feel slightly hard done by as France's Mamadou Sakho stayed on the field unpunished despite appearing to elbow Oswaldo Minda. Ecuador's luck went from bad to worse when their captain Antonio Valencia was dismissed for a clumsy challenge on Lucas Digne in the early stages of the second half.
Both goalkeepers had to be alert to keep the scores goalless as Ecuador were sent crashing out of the tournament.
France finished as Group E winners to set up a round of 16 tie against Nigeria, while Switzerland will be huge underdogs when they face one of the tournament favourites Argentina. It is now up to Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld to find a way of stopping Lionel Messi from destroying his side. Do that and they might, just might, stand a chance but it is a very tough ask. But in a World Cup where it is becoming very dangerous to write any team off, who knows what might happen.
Let the drama continue!
Come on the underdogs!
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Rampant Rodriguez shines again
James Rodriguez scored his third goal in as many games as Colombia cruised into the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 4-1 rout of Japan.
Colombia, who are one of the dark horses of the tournament, finished top of Group C with a maximum 9 points with an impressive nine goals and Rodriguez contributing to the tally in every game.
If Colombia can maintain their impressive form they will certainly give their South American rivals Uruguay a run for their money in the round of 16. Uruguay will no doubt be considered the favourites but in reality it is a very tough one to call! Everyone always talks about the likes of Brazil and Argentina, so why not give Colombia a chance! After all this World Cup is already becoming known for being one where we can expect the unexpected.
As if the game was played to a script, Colombia unsurprisingly took the lead when Juan Cuadrado fired home a penalty after 17 minutes but Japan kept alive their slim hopes of qualifying with a header from Shinji Okazaki in the dying seconds of the first half.
Normal service was resumed within 10 minutes of the restart as Jackson Martinez scored from close range with the first of his two goals. Then came a pass I could watch again and again and again, as Rodriguez's sublime assist released Martinez to put Colombia in total control with eight minutes remaining.
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman then added his own touch of class to the occasion. With the result already beyond doubt he decided to give substitute goalkeeper Faryd Mondrago a run out for the final five minutes, allowing the 43-year-old to become the oldest player at a World Cup finals. Maybe not quite the record you want if you could take your pick of any, but a great landmark all the same and one the shot stopper can be proud of.
The goals weren't finished yet either as Rodriguez continued his fine run of goal scoring form with an exquisite chip a minute from time. The 22-year-old looks set to be a global star and will no doubt be wanted by many top clubs, although Monaco will not want to lose their star winger.
BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson said: "If he'd had a blue and white Argentinian shirt on everyone would be raving about that," and he has a point. Whilst he may not have reached the heights of Messi just yet, he could get there one day if his performances at this tournament are anything to go by. I'm not saying he will become Messi but he certainly has the potential to be a World beater and many will no doubt follow his career with increased interest from now on.
With Colombia safely through as group winners, and Japan crashing out at the bottom, it was up to Ivory Coast and Greece to battle it out for the runners up spot.
Before kick-off Ivory Coast seemed to be the favourites to progress as they needed just a point to reach the knockout stages, but Greece had other ideas. Greece haven't hit the dizzy heights that saw them win Euro 2004, neither have they done much to particularly impress in Brazil. The Greeks were also bottom of Group C going into the game and, after being forced to make two substitutions inside the first 25 minutes luck certainly looked against them. Yet here we are talking about them reaching the round of 16 of a World Cup for the first time in their history.
It's not all about flashy football, it's about results and the Greeks have done just about enough. Greece had failed to score a goal at the 2014 World Cup before substitute Andreas Samaris made the most of a poor touch by Cheick Tiote to put them ahead three minutes before the break.
Gervinho set up Wilfried Bony to level the scores after 74 minutes and, with the game entering injury-time, Greece were actually set to exit the tournament. That was until Georgios Samaras fired home a controversial late penalty to break Ivorian hearts and send Greece into a dreamland.
Does a team that failed to score in two of their three group games really deserve to be in the knockout stages of a major tournament? The answer doesn't really matter because they are and nothing can change that fact, although they will have to dramatically up their game against Costa Rica.
Ivory Coast, on the other hand, will feel hard done by as there didn't appear to be too much wrong in the incident that led to the penalty which ultimately cost them a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Ivory Coast are undoubtedly bitterly disappointed and have now gone out in the group stages in each of the last three World Cup, while their coach Sabri Lamouchi has resigned from his post.
It was a truly dramatic end to Group C and again it was a tale of expecting the unexpected. How Greece came from bottom of the group to sneaking into the round of 16 with a last-gasp goal I'll never know but it is a truly remarkable story. It is unlikely the Greeks will progress too much further but it would also be dangerous to write them off...we have already spoken about what happened in 2004!
Let the drama continue!
Come on the underdogs!
Colombia, who are one of the dark horses of the tournament, finished top of Group C with a maximum 9 points with an impressive nine goals and Rodriguez contributing to the tally in every game.
If Colombia can maintain their impressive form they will certainly give their South American rivals Uruguay a run for their money in the round of 16. Uruguay will no doubt be considered the favourites but in reality it is a very tough one to call! Everyone always talks about the likes of Brazil and Argentina, so why not give Colombia a chance! After all this World Cup is already becoming known for being one where we can expect the unexpected.
As if the game was played to a script, Colombia unsurprisingly took the lead when Juan Cuadrado fired home a penalty after 17 minutes but Japan kept alive their slim hopes of qualifying with a header from Shinji Okazaki in the dying seconds of the first half.
Normal service was resumed within 10 minutes of the restart as Jackson Martinez scored from close range with the first of his two goals. Then came a pass I could watch again and again and again, as Rodriguez's sublime assist released Martinez to put Colombia in total control with eight minutes remaining.
Colombia coach Jose Pekerman then added his own touch of class to the occasion. With the result already beyond doubt he decided to give substitute goalkeeper Faryd Mondrago a run out for the final five minutes, allowing the 43-year-old to become the oldest player at a World Cup finals. Maybe not quite the record you want if you could take your pick of any, but a great landmark all the same and one the shot stopper can be proud of.
The goals weren't finished yet either as Rodriguez continued his fine run of goal scoring form with an exquisite chip a minute from time. The 22-year-old looks set to be a global star and will no doubt be wanted by many top clubs, although Monaco will not want to lose their star winger.
BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson said: "If he'd had a blue and white Argentinian shirt on everyone would be raving about that," and he has a point. Whilst he may not have reached the heights of Messi just yet, he could get there one day if his performances at this tournament are anything to go by. I'm not saying he will become Messi but he certainly has the potential to be a World beater and many will no doubt follow his career with increased interest from now on.
With Colombia safely through as group winners, and Japan crashing out at the bottom, it was up to Ivory Coast and Greece to battle it out for the runners up spot.
Before kick-off Ivory Coast seemed to be the favourites to progress as they needed just a point to reach the knockout stages, but Greece had other ideas. Greece haven't hit the dizzy heights that saw them win Euro 2004, neither have they done much to particularly impress in Brazil. The Greeks were also bottom of Group C going into the game and, after being forced to make two substitutions inside the first 25 minutes luck certainly looked against them. Yet here we are talking about them reaching the round of 16 of a World Cup for the first time in their history.
It's not all about flashy football, it's about results and the Greeks have done just about enough. Greece had failed to score a goal at the 2014 World Cup before substitute Andreas Samaris made the most of a poor touch by Cheick Tiote to put them ahead three minutes before the break.
Gervinho set up Wilfried Bony to level the scores after 74 minutes and, with the game entering injury-time, Greece were actually set to exit the tournament. That was until Georgios Samaras fired home a controversial late penalty to break Ivorian hearts and send Greece into a dreamland.
Does a team that failed to score in two of their three group games really deserve to be in the knockout stages of a major tournament? The answer doesn't really matter because they are and nothing can change that fact, although they will have to dramatically up their game against Costa Rica.
Ivory Coast, on the other hand, will feel hard done by as there didn't appear to be too much wrong in the incident that led to the penalty which ultimately cost them a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Ivory Coast are undoubtedly bitterly disappointed and have now gone out in the group stages in each of the last three World Cup, while their coach Sabri Lamouchi has resigned from his post.
It was a truly dramatic end to Group C and again it was a tale of expecting the unexpected. How Greece came from bottom of the group to sneaking into the round of 16 with a last-gasp goal I'll never know but it is a truly remarkable story. It is unlikely the Greeks will progress too much further but it would also be dangerous to write them off...we have already spoken about what happened in 2004!
Let the drama continue!
Come on the underdogs!
Luis-ing it!
Luis Suarez dominated the headlines for all the wrong reasons as Uruguay secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Italy.
Suarez is accused of having bitten Giorgio Chiellini, a truly disgusting act if true. All the video and photo evidence is very damning, although the Uruguayan FA are reportedly claiming that pictures have been doctored and are adamant their striker didn't do it!
The worst part about the whole thing isn't what he has actually done. It was a truly horrific act of stupidity from the Liverpool striker and deserves a lengthy punishment, but what stunned me even more than that is the fact it is the third time he has committed this same offence.
Once is already disgusting but could, at a push, be forgiven as a one-off act of stupidity, a moment of madness. But three times, what is he thinking? Suarez has some serious deep rooted issues to make him do such a thing, maybe he actually needs professional help! He really has bitten off more than he can chew this time and if, he gets a two-year ban as has been suggested by some media, I am not even sure that would be enough!
It is such a shame for a player of such world class ability to continue to ruin his own reputation. On the pitch very few could argue about Suarez being among the world's best, his talent is second to none. But three acts of biting, racism and a deliberate handball make it hard to forgive him! Each time neutral fans give him another chance, because he really is a joy to watch on the pitch, he goes and does something like this! Enough is enough this has to stop!
In fact, enough is enough talking about Suarez too. Whilst it was a disgusting unforgivable act from the striker, there were actually four matches of FOOTBALL played yesterday that deserve to be a decent chunk of this blog and I am not going to let Suarez ruin anything else.
Suarez totally took the shine of the fact that his country qualified for the round of 16. Uruguay deserve credit for having secured second place in Group B and, although Suarez has tarnished it, we shouldn't let him grab all the headlines.
Shortly after the incident Diego Godin did just as he did in the Champions League final by scoring the opener. Only this time it was the winning goal as Suarez's cross went in off the defender's back nine minutes from time to send Uruguay's fans into raptures.
For Italy, who saw Claudio Marchisio sent off, it was a second successive World Cup where they failed to get out of the group stages. After lifting the coveted trophy in 2006, their World Cup luck really has diminished and questions will no doubt get asked about why they have performed so poorly in the last two World Cups.
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli only signed a new deal in May but has already offered his resignation following Italy's poor showing and the four-time World Cup champions will be keen to rebuild quickly. Uruguay march on into the knockout stages where they will face Colombia but this Group D match is unlikely to be remembered for its football.
Such was the controversy in Natal that it overshadowed England's disappointing World Cup campaign. It may have almost done Roy Hodgson a favour as the talk of the day was not about his under-performing side, although the England boss seemed to think we played well in the goalless draw against group winners Costa Rica. Daniel Sturridge looked lively but failed to make the most of the opportunities that came his way and England were unable to find a goal.
England had started the tournament positively and showed a lot of hunger and desire in their 1-0 defeat by Italy. But a sub-standard performance against Uruguay and a draw against the World Cup's surprise package Costa Rica left England with just a single point to show for their World Cup efforts.
When the groups were first drawn many people were saying how we would struggle to get out the group. We did just that so maybe it is a bit unfair how harsh some people are being on the players. But at the same time, this is a World Cup, nobody likes going home early and fans would've been expecting more than just one measly point. There were some positives on show during the group stages but there is certainly a lot of improvement needed as we get ready for the next task - qualifying for Euro 2016.
Praise must go to Costa Rica though! For all the criticism of England, Uruguay and Italy, Costa Rica haven't fluked their way through this group. They finished as group winners fair and square, take nothing away from them, and they fully deserve their place in the knockout stages.
Costa Rica have been a breath of fresh air in Brazil and definitely cannot be underestimated as they prepare for a round of 16 clash against Greece. Jorge Luis Pinto's men began the World Cup as the minnows, seemingly there just to make up the numbers, in Group D. This couldn't have been further from the truth as Costa Rica finished with a well deserved seven points out of a possible nine to finish top of the group.
Who knows how far they can go but if this World Cup has taught us anything it is, underestimate teams at your peril!
Let the drama continue!
Come on the underdogs!
Suarez is accused of having bitten Giorgio Chiellini, a truly disgusting act if true. All the video and photo evidence is very damning, although the Uruguayan FA are reportedly claiming that pictures have been doctored and are adamant their striker didn't do it!
The worst part about the whole thing isn't what he has actually done. It was a truly horrific act of stupidity from the Liverpool striker and deserves a lengthy punishment, but what stunned me even more than that is the fact it is the third time he has committed this same offence.
Once is already disgusting but could, at a push, be forgiven as a one-off act of stupidity, a moment of madness. But three times, what is he thinking? Suarez has some serious deep rooted issues to make him do such a thing, maybe he actually needs professional help! He really has bitten off more than he can chew this time and if, he gets a two-year ban as has been suggested by some media, I am not even sure that would be enough!
It is such a shame for a player of such world class ability to continue to ruin his own reputation. On the pitch very few could argue about Suarez being among the world's best, his talent is second to none. But three acts of biting, racism and a deliberate handball make it hard to forgive him! Each time neutral fans give him another chance, because he really is a joy to watch on the pitch, he goes and does something like this! Enough is enough this has to stop!
In fact, enough is enough talking about Suarez too. Whilst it was a disgusting unforgivable act from the striker, there were actually four matches of FOOTBALL played yesterday that deserve to be a decent chunk of this blog and I am not going to let Suarez ruin anything else.
Suarez totally took the shine of the fact that his country qualified for the round of 16. Uruguay deserve credit for having secured second place in Group B and, although Suarez has tarnished it, we shouldn't let him grab all the headlines.
Shortly after the incident Diego Godin did just as he did in the Champions League final by scoring the opener. Only this time it was the winning goal as Suarez's cross went in off the defender's back nine minutes from time to send Uruguay's fans into raptures.
For Italy, who saw Claudio Marchisio sent off, it was a second successive World Cup where they failed to get out of the group stages. After lifting the coveted trophy in 2006, their World Cup luck really has diminished and questions will no doubt get asked about why they have performed so poorly in the last two World Cups.
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli only signed a new deal in May but has already offered his resignation following Italy's poor showing and the four-time World Cup champions will be keen to rebuild quickly. Uruguay march on into the knockout stages where they will face Colombia but this Group D match is unlikely to be remembered for its football.
Such was the controversy in Natal that it overshadowed England's disappointing World Cup campaign. It may have almost done Roy Hodgson a favour as the talk of the day was not about his under-performing side, although the England boss seemed to think we played well in the goalless draw against group winners Costa Rica. Daniel Sturridge looked lively but failed to make the most of the opportunities that came his way and England were unable to find a goal.
England had started the tournament positively and showed a lot of hunger and desire in their 1-0 defeat by Italy. But a sub-standard performance against Uruguay and a draw against the World Cup's surprise package Costa Rica left England with just a single point to show for their World Cup efforts.
When the groups were first drawn many people were saying how we would struggle to get out the group. We did just that so maybe it is a bit unfair how harsh some people are being on the players. But at the same time, this is a World Cup, nobody likes going home early and fans would've been expecting more than just one measly point. There were some positives on show during the group stages but there is certainly a lot of improvement needed as we get ready for the next task - qualifying for Euro 2016.
Praise must go to Costa Rica though! For all the criticism of England, Uruguay and Italy, Costa Rica haven't fluked their way through this group. They finished as group winners fair and square, take nothing away from them, and they fully deserve their place in the knockout stages.
Costa Rica have been a breath of fresh air in Brazil and definitely cannot be underestimated as they prepare for a round of 16 clash against Greece. Jorge Luis Pinto's men began the World Cup as the minnows, seemingly there just to make up the numbers, in Group D. This couldn't have been further from the truth as Costa Rica finished with a well deserved seven points out of a possible nine to finish top of the group.
Who knows how far they can go but if this World Cup has taught us anything it is, underestimate teams at your peril!
Let the drama continue!
Come on the underdogs!
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