2014 World Cup 7 Day Update
So far, Costa Rica, Chile and Mexico delightfully "surprise". Spain,
Portugal, Greece, Uruguay and most CAF teams disappoint.
Since the opening fiasco, the FIFA "home town fix" has yet to raise its ugly head again. In respect to Brazilian player shenanigans, the officials could have called Brazil vs Mexico tighter, but it was an improvement on the fiasco vs Croatia. We are skeptical but for FIFA and the sport, lets hope this trend continues to improve. On to the results...
Brazil 3 - Croatia 1 - See previous post for our comments on this latest FIFA fiasco. Brazil were outplayed and overmatched at midfield and on the backline, FIFA officials came to the rescue and "fixed" the problem. Croatia can recover with wins over Cameroon & Mexico. Brazil? We suspect they are soft from not having to qualify. TBD
Mexico 1 - Cameroon 0 - #4 CONCACAF qualifier via playoff Mexico showed strength by controlling midfield, backline, attacking and creating space vs a lame and listless CAF side from Cameroon. Ivory Coast aside, CAF teams (Ghana, Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon) will face much stiffer competition in this cup.
Spain 1 - Netherlands 5 - coming off a World Cup title sandwiched by Euro 2008 - 2012 titles, the Spanish side were dismantled by the flying Dutchmen. In UEFA group I Spain only had to contend with France & "powerhouses" Finland, Georgia & Belarus. Spain can still recover but are the Dutch that good or are the Spaniards that bad? TBD
Chile 3 - Australia 1 - overmatched Oceania Roos get a very Chile reception from #3 CONEMBOL qualifier. Chile look solid at midfield, attacking and creating space up front, backline may have issues. Should they finish ahead of Spain (jury still out), they will likely face Brazil in quarterfinal.
Colombia 3 - Greece 0 - Greeks played like they got a bowl full of Colombian when they needed only a hot cup from #2 CONEMBOL side. After allowing 4 goals in 10 qualifying games vs Group G UEFA (Bosnia & "powerhouses" Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Liechtenstein), the Greek D mailed it in from the Brazilian beach. Are Colombia that good or is Greece that bad? TBD
Uruguay 1 - Costa Rica 3 - 1st "upset" of Cup as #5 CONEMBOL Uruguay needed a playoff win to arrive. #2 CONCACAF Costa Rica finished 2pts behind US. It showed, after trailing 1-0 the Costa Ricans blitzed Uruguay's weak backline. Italy and others beware, CONCACAF teams in order US, Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico are not all patsies.
England 1 - Italy 2 a tough game between two tough sides, Italy showed backline strength while controlling midfield. Showing a typical Italian strategy, they rarely and only when needed, attacked and created space. English backline has issues, Brits can recover, but must down Costa Rica & Uruguay. Italy cannot take holiday refuge on the beach vs Costa Rica & Uruguay.
Ivory Coast 2 - Japan 1 two feisty sides, #1 Asia qualifier Japan looked fluid, but lacked back and midline support. Ivory Coast were also fluid with midline support. Predominately French Ligue 1 side (best in CAF) could be Group C surprise. TBD
Switzerland 2- Ecuador 1 Suspect UEFA group E winner (Iceland, Slovenia, Norway, Albania, Cyprus) showed how "tough" qualifying was, by needing two 2nd half goals to pull through vs #4 CONEMBOL Ecuador who had its moments. Swiss may have come back but can they "cheese" their way to knockout round for an early Argentine grating? TBD
France 3 - Honduras 0 #3 Honduras officially checked out at the beach as the first CONCACAF disappointment. France #2 to Spain UEFA Group I, needed a playoff to arrive and showed up today on all fronts, we suspect their qualifying strength. TBD
Argentina 2 - Bosnia 1 Although Messi finally got a WC goal, he was completely disrupted as Bosnia controlled the backline, midline and tempo. Were it not for the Bosnian own goal, #1 CONEMBOL qualifier Argentina might not have gained a draw. Are Bosnia this good or are the Argentine's that banal? TBD
Germany 4 - Portugal 0 Against Group F UEFA "powerhouses" (Israel, Azerbaijan, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg) Portugal finished behind Russia and needed a playoff win to arrive. It showed as the German's, who were an absolute pleasure to watch, attacking and creating space, put a thorough and complete ass whipping on the Portuguese. Are Germany this good or are Portugal that bad? TBD
Iran 0 - Nigeria 0 Asia Group A winner Iran (ahead of S. Korea) couldn't manage a goal vs Nigeria who squeaked through with 3 wins & 3 draws to qualify from CAF. I don't know which team is worse, worry not, as neither should advance, thankfully.
Ghana 1 - USA 2 Despite scoring early (35 seconds) and late (86') to put down a young inexperienced Ghanan team, the #1 CONCACAF team looked horrible. In between two moments of brilliance, ball handling skills and passing were atrocious as the US gave up possession like a high school team. Had they been playing a seasoned team, there would have been no happy ending. With Portugal's spanking, missing Pepe (red card), a lame Ronaldo, can the US pull it together for a draw and perhaps advance to the knockout round? TBD
Belgium 2 - Algeria 1 UEFA Group A winner made ale with (Croatia, Serbia, Scotland, Wales Macedonia), but needed an extra time goal to pull by CAF Group H "powerhouse" (Mali, Benin, Rwanda) and playoff (vs Burkina Faso) winner Algeria. How this pack of Belgian Utes finished ahead of Croatia is a mystery to me, but this group is wide open as Russia and S.Korea await. TBD
Brazil 0 - Mexico 0 Second "upset" of the cup as host nation, FIFA's favorite son's didn't have to qualify, and it shows. Without help from FIFA officials, #4 CONCACAF via playoff Mexico controlled midfield and backline, while attacking, creating space vs Brazil's expensive but soon to be exposed backline. Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa (six saves) was spectacular and even the Brazilian fans were cheering Mexico at the finish. If Mexico beat Croatia, a Dutch prize awaits in the knockouts.
Russia 1 - South Korea 1 UEFA Group F winner had a tough time with feisty Asia Group A 2nd place team. Both teams had moments, but weakness in both backline's were exposed. This group is wide open (Belgium, Algeria) and we expect the cream to rise the top in the end.
Spain 0 - Chile 2 It all came crashing down on the Spaniards, they are that bad. Chile showed mid/backline strength, attacked and created space while dismissing the defending Champions from this Cup. Chile advance, with win vs Netherlands, knockout prize is Croatia/Mexico, should they draw/lose, Brazil and FIFA officials await. TBD
Australia 2 - Netherlands 3 Dutchman Robben struck first, within seconds Oceania Roos Cahill put in a spectacular goal on the fly. An unintentional handball (bad call) put the Roos up 2-1 on penalty. The flying dutchmen made hay of the adversity by answering with two of their own to deservedly come out on top. The Dutch showed they are afterall human, the Roos showed they can play. Questions: Will the Dutch miss VanPersie (out on 2 bookings) vs Chile? With the goal diff. advantage will they draw or win to take the Group? The prize would be Croatia as opposed to Brazil in knockouts. TBD.
Cameroon 0 - Croatia 4 With suspended (vs Brazil) Mandzukic back, and not having to play against the FIFA officials, Croatia slathered it on thick vs the listless bunch from Cameroon. Can Croatia complete the rebound and come up big vs "surprise" Mexico? Croatia have goal differential in a tie with the winner getting Chile/Netherlands in the knockouts.
Enjoy and stay thirsty my friends.
Since the opening fiasco, the FIFA "home town fix" has yet to raise its ugly head again. In respect to Brazilian player shenanigans, the officials could have called Brazil vs Mexico tighter, but it was an improvement on the fiasco vs Croatia. We are skeptical but for FIFA and the sport, lets hope this trend continues to improve. On to the results...
Brazil 3 - Croatia 1 - See previous post for our comments on this latest FIFA fiasco. Brazil were outplayed and overmatched at midfield and on the backline, FIFA officials came to the rescue and "fixed" the problem. Croatia can recover with wins over Cameroon & Mexico. Brazil? We suspect they are soft from not having to qualify. TBD
Mexico 1 - Cameroon 0 - #4 CONCACAF qualifier via playoff Mexico showed strength by controlling midfield, backline, attacking and creating space vs a lame and listless CAF side from Cameroon. Ivory Coast aside, CAF teams (Ghana, Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon) will face much stiffer competition in this cup.
Spain 1 - Netherlands 5 - coming off a World Cup title sandwiched by Euro 2008 - 2012 titles, the Spanish side were dismantled by the flying Dutchmen. In UEFA group I Spain only had to contend with France & "powerhouses" Finland, Georgia & Belarus. Spain can still recover but are the Dutch that good or are the Spaniards that bad? TBD
Chile 3 - Australia 1 - overmatched Oceania Roos get a very Chile reception from #3 CONEMBOL qualifier. Chile look solid at midfield, attacking and creating space up front, backline may have issues. Should they finish ahead of Spain (jury still out), they will likely face Brazil in quarterfinal.
Colombia 3 - Greece 0 - Greeks played like they got a bowl full of Colombian when they needed only a hot cup from #2 CONEMBOL side. After allowing 4 goals in 10 qualifying games vs Group G UEFA (Bosnia & "powerhouses" Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Liechtenstein), the Greek D mailed it in from the Brazilian beach. Are Colombia that good or is Greece that bad? TBD
Uruguay 1 - Costa Rica 3 - 1st "upset" of Cup as #5 CONEMBOL Uruguay needed a playoff win to arrive. #2 CONCACAF Costa Rica finished 2pts behind US. It showed, after trailing 1-0 the Costa Ricans blitzed Uruguay's weak backline. Italy and others beware, CONCACAF teams in order US, Costa Rica, Honduras and Mexico are not all patsies.
England 1 - Italy 2 a tough game between two tough sides, Italy showed backline strength while controlling midfield. Showing a typical Italian strategy, they rarely and only when needed, attacked and created space. English backline has issues, Brits can recover, but must down Costa Rica & Uruguay. Italy cannot take holiday refuge on the beach vs Costa Rica & Uruguay.
Ivory Coast 2 - Japan 1 two feisty sides, #1 Asia qualifier Japan looked fluid, but lacked back and midline support. Ivory Coast were also fluid with midline support. Predominately French Ligue 1 side (best in CAF) could be Group C surprise. TBD
Switzerland 2- Ecuador 1 Suspect UEFA group E winner (Iceland, Slovenia, Norway, Albania, Cyprus) showed how "tough" qualifying was, by needing two 2nd half goals to pull through vs #4 CONEMBOL Ecuador who had its moments. Swiss may have come back but can they "cheese" their way to knockout round for an early Argentine grating? TBD
France 3 - Honduras 0 #3 Honduras officially checked out at the beach as the first CONCACAF disappointment. France #2 to Spain UEFA Group I, needed a playoff to arrive and showed up today on all fronts, we suspect their qualifying strength. TBD
Argentina 2 - Bosnia 1 Although Messi finally got a WC goal, he was completely disrupted as Bosnia controlled the backline, midline and tempo. Were it not for the Bosnian own goal, #1 CONEMBOL qualifier Argentina might not have gained a draw. Are Bosnia this good or are the Argentine's that banal? TBD
Germany 4 - Portugal 0 Against Group F UEFA "powerhouses" (Israel, Azerbaijan, Northern Ireland, Luxembourg) Portugal finished behind Russia and needed a playoff win to arrive. It showed as the German's, who were an absolute pleasure to watch, attacking and creating space, put a thorough and complete ass whipping on the Portuguese. Are Germany this good or are Portugal that bad? TBD
Iran 0 - Nigeria 0 Asia Group A winner Iran (ahead of S. Korea) couldn't manage a goal vs Nigeria who squeaked through with 3 wins & 3 draws to qualify from CAF. I don't know which team is worse, worry not, as neither should advance, thankfully.
Ghana 1 - USA 2 Despite scoring early (35 seconds) and late (86') to put down a young inexperienced Ghanan team, the #1 CONCACAF team looked horrible. In between two moments of brilliance, ball handling skills and passing were atrocious as the US gave up possession like a high school team. Had they been playing a seasoned team, there would have been no happy ending. With Portugal's spanking, missing Pepe (red card), a lame Ronaldo, can the US pull it together for a draw and perhaps advance to the knockout round? TBD
Belgium 2 - Algeria 1 UEFA Group A winner made ale with (Croatia, Serbia, Scotland, Wales Macedonia), but needed an extra time goal to pull by CAF Group H "powerhouse" (Mali, Benin, Rwanda) and playoff (vs Burkina Faso) winner Algeria. How this pack of Belgian Utes finished ahead of Croatia is a mystery to me, but this group is wide open as Russia and S.Korea await. TBD
Brazil 0 - Mexico 0 Second "upset" of the cup as host nation, FIFA's favorite son's didn't have to qualify, and it shows. Without help from FIFA officials, #4 CONCACAF via playoff Mexico controlled midfield and backline, while attacking, creating space vs Brazil's expensive but soon to be exposed backline. Mexican goalkeeper Ochoa (six saves) was spectacular and even the Brazilian fans were cheering Mexico at the finish. If Mexico beat Croatia, a Dutch prize awaits in the knockouts.
Russia 1 - South Korea 1 UEFA Group F winner had a tough time with feisty Asia Group A 2nd place team. Both teams had moments, but weakness in both backline's were exposed. This group is wide open (Belgium, Algeria) and we expect the cream to rise the top in the end.
Spain 0 - Chile 2 It all came crashing down on the Spaniards, they are that bad. Chile showed mid/backline strength, attacked and created space while dismissing the defending Champions from this Cup. Chile advance, with win vs Netherlands, knockout prize is Croatia/Mexico, should they draw/lose, Brazil and FIFA officials await. TBD
Australia 2 - Netherlands 3 Dutchman Robben struck first, within seconds Oceania Roos Cahill put in a spectacular goal on the fly. An unintentional handball (bad call) put the Roos up 2-1 on penalty. The flying dutchmen made hay of the adversity by answering with two of their own to deservedly come out on top. The Dutch showed they are afterall human, the Roos showed they can play. Questions: Will the Dutch miss VanPersie (out on 2 bookings) vs Chile? With the goal diff. advantage will they draw or win to take the Group? The prize would be Croatia as opposed to Brazil in knockouts. TBD.
Cameroon 0 - Croatia 4 With suspended (vs Brazil) Mandzukic back, and not having to play against the FIFA officials, Croatia slathered it on thick vs the listless bunch from Cameroon. Can Croatia complete the rebound and come up big vs "surprise" Mexico? Croatia have goal differential in a tie with the winner getting Chile/Netherlands in the knockouts.
Enjoy and stay thirsty my friends.
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