World Cup begins!!!

[FlyJ]

 

Despite widespread protests and violence the 20th edition of the FIFA World Cup begins in Brazil on Thursday with the hosts taking on Croatia in the opening match in Sao Paulo.

 

It is the second time Brazil will be hosting the competition, the previous being in 1950, when they endured a heartbreaking defeat to Uruguay in the final.

 

African representatives

 

African champions Nigeria, who are in Group F alongside two-time champions Argentina, Iran and debutants Bosnia, lead four other countries namely Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Algeria as the continent’s representatives at this edition of the Mundial.

 

Nigeria will open their tournament campaign against Iran on Monday.

 

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has kept faith with the majority of the players that won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, bringing in the experienced striker Osaze Odemwingie and Joseph Yobo, who returns as team captain.

 

Youngsters Uche Nwofor and Ramon Azeez have also been brought in as Keshi aims to blend experience and youth in the squad while best player at January’s African Nations Championship, Ejike Uzoenyi, was a late replacement for injured Monaco left-back, Elderson Echiejie.

 

Cameroon are making a record seventh appearance while captain Samuel Eto’o will be making his fifth appearance at the finals.

 

Group A

 

Brazil, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the last two tournaments, have won 15 of their last 16 matches, but a below par outing against Serbia in their last preparatory game before the World Cup, has raised questions about the ability of Felipe Scolari’s squad to deliver when the chips are down.

 

Barcelona 22-year-old forward Neymar has the huge burden of leading the squad to a sixth triumph on home soil. He would be complemented by other youthful players Oscar, Willian, while captain Thiago Silva will lead from behind.

 

Croatia, led by Real Madrid playmaker Luka Modric, will hope to pull off a monumental upset today but coach Niko Kovac’s side won’t be at full strength against the hosts.

 

Forward Mario Mandzukic, who was red-carded in the team’s final qualifier, will miss the crucial opener while the experienced Niko Kranjcar was dropped from the squad because of a late hamstring injury.

 

The other teams in the group Cameroon and Mexico will take to the field in Friday’s only game but while the hosts are huge favourites, it would be difficult to pick who joins them in the next round of the competition.

 

Group B

 

Defending champions Spain will play Holland in a replay of the 2010 final. Both sides are favoured to advance ahead of Chile and Australia.

 

Group C

 

Colombia and Greece will open hostilities in Group C on Saturday before Ivory Coast and Japan take to the field next day. This is probably the last chance for the underperforming golden generation of Ivory Coast footballers like Didier Drogba, Emmanuel Eboue, the Toure brothers Kolo and Yaya, and others to create a positive impact on the international scene

 

Group D

 

This is a very tough group with all the four teams standing a chance of moving ahead to the Round of 16. The group promises to be explosive as three-time champions Italy, two-time champions Uruguay, 1966 champions England and Costa Rica all jostle for a knockout ticket.

 

Group E

 

France are overwhelming favourites here but Switzerland and Ecuador are two teams that can test the might of Les Bleus. Honduras are the outsiders.

 

Group F

 

Once again the Super Eagles are drawn against Argentina. Both teams have met thrice in the competition (1994, 2002 and 2010) and the South Americans triumphed on all occasions. Nigeria begin their campaign on Monday against Iran while Bosnia Herzegovina engage the Argentines in the other group game.

 

Group G

 

Tagged the Group of Death, analysts pick Germany and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal as the two teams who will advance to the next stage of the competition while Ghana and USA, despite their fighting spirits, will battle for the scraps.

 

Group H

 

Belgium are the hottest team going into the World Cup. The group, which also parades South Korea, Russia and Algeria, looks relatively soft, with Russia as the main competition for the Belgians but South Korea could be the banana skin in this group though.

 

Past winners

 

Year Winners

 

1930 Uruguay

 

1934 Italy

 

1938 Italy

 

1950 Uruguay

 

1954 W’Germany

 

1958 Brazil

 

1962 Brazil

 

1966 England

 

1970 Brazil

 

1974 W’ Germany

 

1978 Argentina

 

1982 Italy

 

1986 Argentina

 

1990 W’ Germany

 

1994 Brazil

 

1998 France

 

2002 Brazil

 

2006 Italy

 

2010 Spain

 

2014 ???

 

Source

 

[M2DD]

Spain

[Abystacy]

Brazil remain favourites. .leggo soccer lovers

[Iris]

Brazil. Thats where I have my chelsea pple. My Oscar, my David Luiz....Ohhh Lamps, Terry, Cech and my darling Ivanovic, why are u all not from the same country. And my gentlemanly Cahill..i miss u guys o..chai. Dnt care much for Spain. All 'em Barca players. Even if i can stand Fabregas, wat will i be doing with Xavi's face, Iniesta's, Pedro's, Pique...

[FlyJ]

 

Opening Match :

 

Brazil *** Croatia 1

 

Neymar rescued a nervy Brazil in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, scoring two goals in a ***-1 comeback win over Croatia.

 

An own goal by Marcelo gave the Croatians a shocking 1-0 lead early on, but Neymar evened the score in the first half and scored the winner off a penalty kick in the 71st minute. Oscar added an insurance marker in injury time to cap an excellent performance of his own.

 

Key play

 

A frantic Brazil threw men forward after Marcelo’s unlucky own goal in the 11th minute, and finally gained the lead 20 minutes from full-time, when Neymar scored his second goal of the match.

 

Croatia has a right to feel slighted. It was a dubious call from Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura. Croatian defender Dejan Lovren was jostling with Brazil’s Fred when the latter seemed to fall of his own accord. But Nishimura pointed to the spot, gave Lovren the yellow card, and Neymar cooly blasted the ball past Stipe Pletikosa for the match winner.

 

Man of the match

 

Neymar. The man with the most pressure on his shoulders at the World Cup delivered when his country needed him the most, and that means good things for the hosts.

 

It was a good day for…

 

Oscar. It was a magnificent performance by the Brazil midfielder, who nearly overshadowed Neymar. He set up Neymar’s first goal, regularly barrelled his way through several Croatian defenders at a time, and scored a deserved insurance marker.

 

It was a bad day for…

 

Marcelo. The Brazilian defender has the dubious distinction of scoring Brazil’s first own goal ever at the World Cup. You read that right. Ever.

 

Overall entertainment rating

 

4/4. We knew Brazil would come out firing, but full marks to Croatia for coming right at the Selecao with furious counterattacks. The Croatians’ opening goal ensured the match had a massive amount of tension. Brazil had the run of play, but both teams had chances moving forward, and Croatia had great opportunities to tie the match in the final 10 minutes.

 

 

 

 

Source

[Iris]

Now i like that. 'Oscar nearly overshadowed Neymar'.

[FlyJ]

Mexico 1 - Cameroon 0

 

Mexico overcame driving rain and dubious officiating for a fully-deserved 1-0 win over Cameroon in their Group A clash at the FIFA World Cup on Friday.

 

Oribe Peralta put a dominant Mexico ahead in the 61st minute, after a couple blown offside calls in the first half cost El Tri two good goals.

 

Peralta’s goal fully justified coach Miguel Herrera's controversial decision to leave star striker Javier Hernandez on the bench.

 

Key play

 

Mexico finally got its deserved breakthrough in the 61st minute. A surgical pass from Héctor Herrera sprung Giovani Dos Santos for a clear break, which was stopped by Alfredo Talavera.

 

But Peralta was there to pounce on the rebound, and he put the ball in the back of the net. This time, the flag stayed down.

 

Man of the match

 

Dos Santos. The Mexican striker should have had a brace by halftime if not for those two blown offside calls by Colombia linesman Humberto Clavijo.

 

It was a good day for…

 

Miguel Herrera. The Mexican manager was taking a lot of heat for leaving Hernandez on the bench, but El Tri’s strong play ensured that he'll be hailed for his decision-making.

 

It was a bad day for…

 

The referees. The Colombian officiating crew ensured that poor refereeing would continue to be a talking point on Day 2 of the World Cup. Both Mexican first-half goals were clearly not offside, and referee Wilmar Roldan never fully had a handle on the match.

 

Overall entertainment rating

 

***/4. Mexico’s attacking flair ensured that the game had plenty of chances, while the officials did their part to stir up some talking points.

 

What does this mean?

 

Mexico needed a win against Cameroon to remain in contention for second spot in Group A, and El Tri delivered. A positive showing on the pitch, if not on the scoreboard, against Brazil on Tuesday will put Mexico in good shape heading into a crucial clash against Croatia.

 

For Cameroon, this makes things all the more difficult. The Indomitable Lions needed a positive result here to play spoiler against the stronger Mexicans and Croatians, but were run off the pitch by speedy Mexico.

 

 

 

 

 

Source

[FlyJ]

World Cup match report: Netherlands 5, Spain 1

Van Persie, Robben both score 2 for Netherlands

 

 

The victory was not a shock. But the scoreline? That’s a different story. The Netherlands rocked the title holders 5-1 in their Group B opener on Friday, gaining a measure of revenge against Spain for the 2010 final and putting La Roja’s title defence in serious doubt.

 

Down 1-0, Robin van Persie sparked the whitewash with one of the goals of the tournament, and it was all Netherlands after that. Van Persie ended up with a brace and so did a scintillating Arjen Robben.

 

Key play

 

One of the finest headers you’ll ever see turned the match on its head. Spain was up 1-0 and in control of the match when Van Persie came out of nowhere to score the equalizer right before halftime.

 

A magnificent long pass from midfielder Daley Blind from the halfway line picked out a streaking Van Persie, who managed to fully stretch out and put a perfect header past Iker Casillas to even the score.

 

Man of the match

 

Van Persie. How can you give it to anyone else after that goal?

 

It was a good day for…

 

Vengeance. The Netherlands had to wait four years for another shot at Spain, after coming oh-so-close to winning the World Cup. The Dutch didn’t waste their chance this time around.

 

It was a bad day for…

 

The Spanish defence. The back line that only gave up one goal in Spain’s entire World Cup run in 2010 was ripped to shreds against the Dutch, who made them look their age. Not good for a team trying to defend their title.

 

Overall entertainment rating

 

4/4. Six goals, shocks galore, and plenty of hatred. What more can you ask for a rematch between heavyweights?

 

What does this mean?

 

The Netherlands might have gone from “dark horse” to “contender” in just 90 minutes. No doubt that Spain is on the decline, but La Roja’s defence was still seen as solid. The Oranje made it look pedestrian and slow with their speed. And the win means the Dutch are in great shape to avoid a clash with the hosts in the round of 16. Next up is Australia on Wednesday.

 

On the flip side, Spain has major worries. La Roja’s defence was woefully exposed and they were uncharacteristically wasteful with possession as the match wore on. That doesn’t bode well with a speedy and dangerous Chile side waiting on Wednesday. If Spain’s defence doesn’t come together for that game, La Roja could be out after two matches.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source

[FlyJ]

World Cup match report: Chile ***, Australia 1

Alexis Sanchez produces dynamic performance

 

 

Alexis Sanchez produced a dynamic performance to lead Chile to a ***-1 win over Australia in the World Cup on Friday, scoring one goal and setting up another for one of the dangerous outsiders in the tournament.

 

Chile threatened to run away with the game in muggy Cuiaba when Sanchez poked home from close range in the 12th minute, before setting up Jorge Valdivia barely a minute later for the playmaker to finish from the edge of the area.

 

But Australia recovered well, responding with a trademark headed goal by star forward Tim Cahill in the 35th and giving the Chileans a string of scares in the second half. However, Jean Beausejour put the game away for Chile in injury time to help the South Americans level on three points in Group B with the Netherlands, which thrashed Spain 5-1 earlier Friday.

 

Boasting its best ever squad for a World Cup, Chile has been strongly tipped by many — including Pele — to go far in Brazil despite being thrown in the same group as two of Europe's top teams.

 

And the Spanish, ripped apart by the Dutch in Salvador, will not be relishing playing Chile in their next game on Wednesday, with the holders' title defense on the line.

 

Spain's players will know all about Sanchez as he has spent the last three years at Barcelona, and the sprightly forward carried over his most prolific season at Camp Nou here against a flimsy Australia defense.

 

Sanchez was on hand to guide in a close-range finish inside the near post after Australia captain Mile Jedinak failed to head clear Charles Aranguiz's cross. The celebrations had hardly died down when Sanchez span his marker and laid the ball across for Valdivia to finish high into the net from 20 yards (meters).

 

"It's gut wrenching to be honest," Australia coach Ange Postecoglou said. "In the end, we gave away a two-goal start and that's what killed us."

 

It was already looking like a damage-limitation exercise for the beleaguered Socceroos, the lowest-ranked nation in Brazil. The raucous Chilean fans were regaling their team's crisp passing with chants "Ole" and a no-look backheel from Sanchez highlighted his confidence.

 

But Chile's momentum was punctured when Cahill, renowned for his tremendous jumping ability, leapt above diminutive marker Gary Medel to thump home a header from a right-wing cross.

 

"They got in twice," Cahill said. "(But) after that you could see their legs were going. We knew we could get something out of this game. We stood up strong. It's just unfortunate, not a lot went our way tonight, and it showed."

 

The New York Red Bulls star then squandered chances either side of halftime before another fine header was ruled out for offside.

 

Chile still looked dangerous going forward — Eduardo Vargas had a shot cleared off the line — but Australia remained in the game right until the end, when Beausejour drilled in a low shot from 30 yards in the second minute of injury time. Fireworks exploded after being thrown onto the pitch.

 

Arturo Vidal started and played 59 minutes for Chile on his return from injury.

 

 

 

Source

[FlyJ]

World Cup Match Report: Colombia beat Greece ***-0 to show they don't need Falcao to be dangerous

 

 

Instant Analysis

 

Colombia scored a fortunate goal early against Greece and didn't look back, winning their first group-stage match ***-0. The deflected goal in the 8th minute was a confidence blow to Greece that was compounded by several near misses and great saves by Colombia keeper David Ospina. Making the situation even worse for the Euro 2004 winners was the fact that the stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil had the deafening, vibrant feel of a Colombia home game. It was just too much to overcome.

 

Man of the Match

 

James Rodriguez, Colombia — He scored Colombia's final goal in the third minute of injury time and was an integral part of their attack throughout the match, as per usual.

 

Buzzy Moment

 

Colombia's team celebration after their first goal will have a place in montage packages throughout the tournament.

 

Top Photo

 

 

What's Next

 

This was a very important performance for Colombia going forward. The three points might have been predicted, but to show they can score goals and control a match without injured talisman Falcao was an important precedent to set right from the start. The Ivory Coast could provide a better test for Colombia, but as long as they have the massive crowd support they did in this match (which might have been even more impressive than Brazil's in the opener), they will maintain a distinct advantage.

 

Greece, meanwhile, will need a win against Japan to keep their hopes of advancing out of the group realistic.

 

Source

[FlyJ]

Costa Rica score twice in three minutes to mount amazing comeback win against Uruguay

 

 

Costa Rica were thought of as the least intimidating team in the Group of Death that is World Cup group D with Italy, Uruguay and England. Dangerous if underestimated, but not at the level of the three past winners in their midst, despite Uruguay's struggles in qualifying. And Uruguay found out the "dangerous if underestimated" part the hard way in their first match, losing ***-1 in remarkable fashion.

 

With Luis Suarez on the bench, Uruguay took a 1-0 lead in the first half from a 24th-minute Edinson Cavani penalty after teammate Diego Lugano was hauled down in the box with an American football tackle. With that lead, Uruguay seemed to get a little bit too comfortable and Costa Rica took advantage in stunning fashion.

 

Arsenal striker Joel Campbell struck first for Los Ticos in the 54th minute with a shot that completely froze goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

 

Then, before Uruguay could even process what had happened, Costa Rica scored again with a low header from Oscar Duarte just three minutes later.

 

 

Finally, Costa Rica struck one more unexpected blow with a goal in the 84th minute from substitute Marco Urena, who entered the match just a minute earlier. And to ensure the match couldn't have gone any worse for the 2011 Copa America winners, defender Maxi Pereira was shown a straight red (the first of the tournament) deep into injury time for a sweeping kick at Campbell's legs.

 

This marked the first time Costa Rica have scored three goals in a World Cup match and the first time since 2002 that they've won a game in the tournament.

 

Man of the Match

 

Joel Campbell, Costa Rica — He scored that first goal for his side and reminded England and Italy why they should be wary of him going forward. He's prove to be a danger man in the Champions League and now he's continuing that here.

 

What's Next

 

In a group where every point is vital, this does severe damage to Urugay's hopes of advancing and gives Costa Rica a suddenly not unthinkable shot at mounting a challenge for a top two finish of their own.

 

 

Source

[FlyJ]

World Cup Match Report: Super Mario Balotelli scores the winner as Italy beat England 2-1

 

 

Instant Analysis

 

Italy beat England 2-1 in a match that lived up to every bit of the hype it had coming in. The heat and humidity in Manaus had the players looking like human sprinklers and cramping up left and right, but instead of sitting back and letting it drag to a scoreless draw, both sides fought hard for the win. Italy's Claudio Marchisio opened in the scoring in the 35th minute, but Daniel Sturridge equalized just two minutes later off a perfect cross from Wayne Rooney. But it was Mario Balotelli's 50th minute header that proved to be the difference, as England just couldn't find another goal and paid for their defensive errors. Italy were deserving winners, but England can't be counted out.

 

Man of the Match

 

Mario Balotelli, Italy — He scored his first World Cup goal to win his first World Cup match. He said England wouldn't be a problem for Italy before it started and he made sure that was the case.

 

Buzzy Moment

 

Either England's physio dislocating his ankle while celebrating their goal or Wayne Rooney's horrible corner kick. Take your pick.

 

Best Photo

 

What's Next

 

England will face Uruguay next with both sides looking for their first points, as Italy take on unexpected group leaders Costa Rica. Because of Uruguay's loss, this group is wide open, but the next round could decide it.

 

 

 

 

Source

[FlyJ]

World Cup Match Report: Ivory Coast come from behind to beat Japan 2-1

 

 

Instant Analysis

 

The Ivory Coast started off disjointed and out of sorts, but their wealth of talent in attack eventually came through to beat Japan 2-1. The Blue Samurai opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a powerful shot into the top of the net from Keisuke Honda. But as the match wore on, the Ivory Coast fixed their defensive problems and began to mount a consistent attack. As soon as Didier Drogba came off the bench, Serge Aurier set up a goal from Wilfried Bony in the 64th minute and Gervinho two minutes later. For the brief time the trio of Drogba, Bony and Gervinho shared the pitch, the Ivory Coast looked like a side that could win this group.

 

Man of the Match

 

Yaya Toure, Ivory Coast — Perhaps this award will make up for Man City not giving him a birthday cake to his liking?

 

Best Photo

 

 

What's Next

 

The Ivory Coast will next face Colombia in perhaps the best fixture of this group, while Japan and Greece will fight over who is the bluest.

 

 

 

 

 

Source

[FlyJ]

World Cup Match Report: Switzerland steals a 2-1 win over Ecuador

 

 

Instant Analysis

 

Defense was entirely optional and often ignored in this one. Enner Valencia put Ecuador up thanks to a header across the face of the goal in the 22nd minute after Switzerland failed to mark him. Switzerland returned the favor when Sub Mehmedi went unmarked on the first corner of the second half and scored on a header of his own in the 48th minute. Haris Seferovic ripped Ecuadorian hearts out when he scored the game-winner at the death for the Swiss.

 

Man of the Match

 

Xherdan Shaqiri got the nod after wreaking havoc for much of the match, despite not scoring. Ricardo Rodriguez would have been a good pick with two assists for Switzerland.

 

Buzzy Moment

 

Had to be the game-winner by Seferovic with just 20 seconds left in stoppage time. Though, honorable mention goes to countless rants on social media about the lack of defense being played by both sides.

 

 

What's Next

 

The last-gasp winner is a huge lift for Switzerland, who now has a strong advantage in the group as they should be highly-favored over Honduras, and could push France. Ecuador has some steep climbing to do, definitely needing a win over Honduras in their next match and hoping France doesn't have much to play for by the time they meet in their third match of group play.

 

 

 

Source

[daftpunk]

I heard the world cup is making roads freer in lagos.

[FlyJ]

LOL

[FlyJ]

World Cup Match Report: France overwhelms Honduras ***-0

 

 

Instant Analysis

 

Les Bleus relentlessly knocked on the door throughout the first half of play, but it was a blunder by Honduras that opened it up. Wilson Palacios, already sitting on one yellow card, collided with France's Paul Pogba in the box to earn a PK and a red card via his second yellow. Karim Benzema buried the penalty, and with a man up on Honduras, France cruised from there. Benzema forced an own goal in the 48th minute and scored again in the 72nd.

 

Man of the Match

 

Karim Benzema: The Real Madrid striker signaled France's intent with a relentless assault on Honduras's goal.

 

Buzzy Moment

 

A shot fired off the right post by Benzema bounced back across goal, hitting Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares and seemingly eeked across the goal line before Valladares swiped it back out. The close call ushered in the first meaninful use of goal-line technology at the 2014 World Cup. It was ruled an own goal, but not everyone was convinced.

 

Best Photo

 

 

FIFA's goal-line technology confirms a Noel Valladares own goal.

 

 

 

 

What's Next

 

It only gets tougher for France, as Les Bleus take on Switzerland, which dramatically beat Ecuador 2-1 to open Group E play. Honduras and Ecuador now square off in what has to be a must-win.

 

Source

[FlyJ]

Messi strike lights up Maracana as Argentina sink Bosnia 2 - 1

 

 

Lionel Messi struck a trademark wonder goal as Argentina edged to a 2-1 win over a plucky Bosnia in their Group F opener at the Maracana.

 

The mercurial Barcelona forward put what appeared to be a laboured performance behind him to slalom past a number of challenges and place a brilliant finish into the corner on 65 minutes.

 

It brought a disappointing game to life after La Albiceleste had gone ahead courtesy of an unfortunate own goal from Sead Kolasinac on three minutes.

 

Bosnia were hoping to make a good impression on their finals debut and edged the first half with Izet Hajrovic going close and Senad Lulic forcing a stunning save out of Sergio Romero with a bullet header from a right-wing corner.

 

However, they struggled to cope with Argentina following Messi's effort and Sergio Aguero fizzed just wide of the upright before substitute Vedad Ibisevic made it interesting with six minutes to go when he squeezed a shot under Romero - a historical goal for Bosnia as it was their first at a major tournament.

 

TALKING POINT: Will that goal ignite Messi's tournament? The Barcelona forward had a poor season by his own incredible standards and many felt he could have been saving himself for this World Cup on South American soil. The diminutive attacker was struggling to produce his best for the majority of the game, but came good with that sensational solo goal and can also claim an assist for his troubles. It's early days, but it's a good start and should breathe confidence into future displays.

 

MAN OF THE MATCH

 

Lionel Messi (Argentina): It wasn't exactly vintage Argentina but they did the job and it was largely down to the number 10. A wonderful individual goal and a hand in the opener were key moments in a game that never truly hit the heights of the tournament's previous matches.

 

 

 

Source

[FlyJ]

World Cup match report: Germany 4, Portugal 0

 

 

Portugal fell apart, and a cool Germany took full advantage.

 

The Germans went up 2-0 before Pepe lost all control of his emotions in the 37th minute. The Portuguese defender headbutted Muller after the Germany striker went down under his challenge.

 

Pepe was sent off, Muller scored shortly after, and it was pretty much over at halftime.

 

Things began to unravel for Portugal when Germany scored its first goal. Portuguese defender João Pereira pulled German striker Mario Götze down in the box, conceding a penalty. Angry Portugal players immediately swarmed Serbian referee Milorad Mazic to no avail.

 

Muller scored from the spot to give Germany a 1-0 lead, and a frustrated Portugal would soon get into worse trouble when Pepe was sent off.

 

Thomas Muller. The German midfielder looks keen to become the first player in history to defend his Golden Boot at the World Cup.

 

Efficiency. Germany was predictably clinical, cool, composed, and deadly in dispatching its most difficult opponent of the group. This is a bad thing for anyone else who wants to win the World Cup.

 

Pepe. Cristiano Ronaldo. Fábio Coentrao. Rest of Portugal. Pepe got a red card. Ronaldo was ineffective, probably still hurt. Coentrao pulled a groin muscle and might be out of the tournament. And Portugal’s World Cup hopes are in shambles.

 

49. Number of hat tricks in the history of the World Cup, after Muller’s performance.

 

Germany looks scary as usual, but Portugal didn’t give Die Mannschaft too much of a test. Now the Germans may not see a true challenge until the knockout round. Ghana is Germany’s next potential victim on Saturday

 

 

Source

[FlyJ]

World Cup Match Report: U.S. counter late Ghana equalizer in stunning fashion to win 2-1

 

 

Instant Analysis

 

The U.S. beat Ghana 2-1 in wildly entertaining fashion, first scoring just 29 seconds into the match thanks to captain Clint Dempsey and then responding to Ghana's 82nd minute equalizer with a goal off a corner kick from one of the most unexpected of sources in defender John Brooks. Because of the early goal, Ghana were on the attack for the vast majority of the game, maintaining possession and firing shot after shot. They finally broke through with Andre Ayew's late goal, but the U.S kept their composure and Brooks became the U.S.'s first substitute to score in the World Cup just four minutes later.

 

It was revenge for the U.S. after Ghana beat them in each of the last two World Cups and a massive statement at the start of a tournament where the deck was stacked against them.

 

Man of the Match

 

Clint Dempesy, USA — When you score your country's fastest ever World Cup goal and then get kicked in the face, you better win Man of the Match.

 

Buzzy Moment

 

Brooks' late goal had U.S. fans feeling pretty buzzy.

 

What's Next

 

This was an imperative three points for the U.S., as they will now face Portugal and then Germany. Hamstring injuries to Jozy Altidore and defender Matt Besler will need to be monitored, but Portugal had injury problems of their own — losing striker Hugo Almeida and defender Fabio Coentrao for the rest of the group stage, as well as defender Pepe to a one-match red card ban, in their 4-0 loss to Germany. Given that, the U.S. now has an undeniable shot at advancing to the knockout stage, although Portugal will likely still be favorites to finish behind Germany and advance. Ghana will next face a formidable looking German side and risk going into their final group match with zero points.

 

After this first round of results, Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight.com suddenly gives the U.S. a 63 percent chance of advance.

 

 

 

 

Source