2022 World Cup – Friday 02 December 2022

Group F:

Croatia 0 (0) – (0) 0 Belgium (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

 

Canada 1 (1) – (0) 2 Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Canada scorer: Aguerd (40’og). Morocco scorers: Ziyech (4′), En-Nesyri (23′)

 

Going into the last games in Group F, 2018 runners-up Croatia were top with four points, with Morocco second on goal-difference, Belgium in third and Canada already out with nil point.

Yesterday I said how the World Cup hadn’t really sparked into life and boy this was about to change. The story of the day from this group was the elimination of FIFA ranked #2 Belgium and Morocco finishing top of the pile. Much has been made of Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’, its lack of delivering major titles and recently internal rumblings within the dressing room. They had to beat Croatia to progress and knew that a single goal would be enough. Romelu Lukaku had been injured prior to the World Cup with virtually no playing time under his belt but Belgium brought him on in the second half. A number of chances came his way, but his rustiness showed as he was unable to convert any. He was distraught at the whistle as assistant coach Thierry Henry tried to console the striker. Head Coach Roberto Martínez confirmed later that this was his last game in charge and whoever comes in has a rebuilding job to do with The Red Devils.

Morocco saw off a spirited Canada to clinch top-spot and seal a place in the last sixteen, equalling their achievement in 1986 when they lost to a late Lothar Matthaus goal against West Germany. The Atlas Lions have been impressive in Qatar and their tie with Spain will be an interesting one.

Group E:

Japan 2 (0) – (1) 1 Spain (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Japan scorers: Doan (48′), Tanaka (51′). Spain scorer: Morata (11′)

 

Costa Rica 2 (0) – (1) 4 Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Costa Rica scorers: Tejeda (58′), Neuer (70’og). German scorers: Gnabry (10′), Havertz (73′, 85′), Fullkrug (89′)

This was a group that was expected to see Germany and Spain made it through. However, with 71 minutes gone with Japan 2-1 up in Al Rayyan and Germany losing by the same score to Costa Rica in Al Khor, it was the Spanish and the Germans who were heading for an early exit. And whilst Die Mannschaft recovered to win the game 4-2, Japan held on to ensure they topped the group with Spain going through on goal-difference to the last sixteen.

The major talking point now and since has been Japan’s second goal which was only given after VAR intervention. Depending on the angle various people have either made a case for the ball being in or out. The official view is that is you drew a line up vertically from the by-line then a small part of the ball was still in play and therefore as VAR indicated the goal was valid. Germans and controversy about the ball crossing the line – now where have I heard about that before…

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2022 World Cup – Monday 28 November 2022

Group E: Japan 0 (0) – (0) 1 Costa Rica (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Ecuador scorer: Fuller (81′)

 

Group F: Belgium 0 (0) – (0) 2 Morocco (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Morocco scorers: Sabiri (73′), Aboukhlal (90’+2’)

 

Group F: Croatia 4 (2) – (1) 1 Canada (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Croatia scorers: Kramaric (36′, 70′), Livaja (44′), Majer (90’+4). Canada scorer: Davies (2′)

 

Group E: Spain 1 (0) – (0) 1 Germany (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Spain scorer: Morata (62′). Fullkrug (83′)

 

Yesterday started with two shocks results, had a shock start in game three, with the last of the day seeing two former World Cup winners play out a draw.

Whether Japan or Belgium had Lionel Ritchie’s Easy Like Sunday Morning, playing in the dressing room rooms before their respective matches, we will never know. However, the players of The Blue Samurai and The Red Devils certainly had something spinning around in their heads as both lost in games they were expected to win.

Having stunned Germany in their opener and Costa Rica having shipped seven goals against Spain, this looked on paper a cert for a Japanese victory. They made five changes for the game, and it didn’t do them any favours. As with so many fixtures to date half time arrived goal-less. The second half was just as tight but with nine minutes remaining Costa Rica broke the deadlock, with Keysher Fuller curling home a winner. In truth though Gonda in goal for Japan should have possibly done better getting two hands to the effort.

Next up were Belgium who despite having just squeezed past Canada were still favourites to beat Morocco who had opened with a 0-0 draw with Croatia. Belgium were decidedly sluggish in the first half and the disallowed goal in the first half should have been a warning as to Morocco’s threat. Instead they sleep walked into a bad dream as Thibaut Courtois made a hash of a free kick from Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal added a second in time added on. Credit to Morocco but a decidedly rocky display from Belgium.

Could game three continue the trend of the day? Well after two minutes Canada went ahead through a cracking header from Alphonso Davies against Croatia, and it looked possible. The Croats however didn’t panic and by the break were 2-1 up with smart finishes from Kramaric (36′), Livaja (44′). Canada though continued to create chances in what was an open game,  and it wasn’t until Kramaric’s second twenty minutes from time that finally broke the Canadians resistance. The last period was all Croatia as their class told and it was no surprise when added a fourth in time added on. Shock result avoided and Canada off to the departure lounge.

Into the last game of Sunday and was there an exit for Germany in the making in their game against Spain? These two last met in the 2010 finals in South Africa, when a Puyol goal in the second half was enough to send the Spanish through to their first ever World Cup Final. Another game, another first forty five minutes goal-less although an entertaining half, nonetheless. Spain though went ahead as substitute Alvaro Morata brilliantly flicked home from inside the box just after the hour and Germany were looking at a second loss. However, the Germans kept pushing and got their leveller seven minutes from time, as Fullkrug smashed home from inside the box. No one in the group eliminated and all to play for in the last round to come.

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2022 World Cup – Thursday 24 November 2022

Thursday 24 November

GROUP F: Morocco 0 (0) – (0) 0 Croatia (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

 

GROUP E: Germany 1 (1) – (0) 2 Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Germany scorer: Gundogan (33′ pen). Japan scorers: Doan (75′), Asano (83′)

 

GROUP F: Spain 7 (3) – (0) 0 Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Spain scorers: Olmo (11′), Asensio (21′), F Torres (31’pen, 54′), Gavi (74′), Soler (90′), Morata (90’+2)

 

GROUP E: Belgium 1 (1) – (0) 0 Canada (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Belgium scorer: Batshuayi (44′)

 

Another quartet of games on a day which started with a 0-0 included another major shock, a goal-fest and ended with nearly a second shock of the day.

2018 beaten finalists Croatia were first on Wednesday morning against Morocco and was as the cliché goes a bit of a bore draw. The less sad the better. Thankfully up next was a slow burner which turned into the surprise result of the day as Japan came from behind to beat Germany 2-1. Before kick-off Germany took their positions for the traditional team photo and then the players covered their mouths, with manager Hansi Flick saying it was “to convey the message that FIFA is silencing” teams. An interesting start to proceedings. Germany dominated the first half and got their reward when a penalty from Gundogan just after the half hour mark put them ahead. It was though to be a game of two-halves as Japan got at the Germans time and time again and were rewarded with an equaliser fifteen minutes from time. Then to cap it off, substitute Takuma Asano, who plays for German club VfL Bochum scored seven minutes from time slotting home from an acute angle. Understandably at the whistle the Japanese celebrations were a joy to behold. Is another German wobble on the cards?

Spain then took on Costa Rica in what turned out to be a pasear por el parque. As with the England game earlier in the week its difficult to make too much of the result when a side is hammered 7-0. Of course it’s a confidence booster for a team but can equally give a false impression especially when there are harder challenges to come in the later stages of the competition.  The pick of the goals came from Gavi, Spain’s fifth and their last in time added on from Morata.

The day ended with what on paper looked like a no contest, as Belgium ranked number two in the World took on Canada ranked forty-first. The North American side pushed Belgium all the way and had a glorious chance to go ahead in the first half, but Alphonso Davies saw his spot-kick saved by Belgium ‘keeper Thibaut Courtois. They came to rue that miss and the many other chances they created as shortly before the break as Michy Batshuayi finished clinically from a long ball. Canada were the better side throughout as acknowledged by the Belgian manager Roberto Martinez in a post-match interview and in reality deserved at least a point. This could yet turn out to be an interesting group and on this performance Canada will be tough opposition for both Croatia and Morocco.

 

Group G: Switzerland v Cameroon (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

The opening game of the day sees Switzerland who were winners of UEFA Group C, going unbeaten with five wins and three draws, take on Cameroon who qualified as CAF third round winners. The Swiss are in the finals for the twelfth time reaching the Quarter Finals in 1934, 1938 and in 1954 when they hosted the tournament. Familiar faces within the squad to English fans will be Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), Fabian Schar (Newcastle United), Denis Zakaria (on loan at Chelsea from Juventus), Remo Freuler (Nottingham Forest) and Granit Xhaka (Arsenal). Cameroon are in the finals for the eighth time, with 1990 their further progression to date when they were beaten in the Quarter Finals by England. A couple of players in the English leagues are Swansea City’s Olivier Ntcham and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Their captain is the experienced striker Vincent Aboubakar, and the Les Lions Indomptables (The Indomitable Lions) will need him to be firing if they are to make any impression in this group. Is a 0-0 on the cards?

Group H: Uruguay v South Korea (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

These sides have previously met in the World Cup. First in 1990 in a Group E game where a Daniel Fonseca goal in time added on was enough to see Uruguay progress from the group. Eight years later in South Africa they played each other in the last sixteen with two Luis Suarez goals either side of Lee Chung-yong’s equaliser saw Uruguay through 2-1. Suarez is still with the Uruguayan squad in what will surely be his last hurrah at the World Cup finals. Battling for the scoring spotlight on the day could be Spurs Son Heung-min and Wolves Hwang Hee-chan. Uruguay to make it three wins against the South Korean’s in World Cup finals tournaments.

Group H: Portugal v Ghana (Stadium 974, Doha)

The story that has dominated ahead of this fixture is the ending of the second spell of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. It’s been a traumatic time since he gave his explosive interview with Piers Morgan which has resulted in him leaving Old Trafford. You have to ask did he see the open criticism of the management and owners of the club as the best way to get a move away or was this a genuine insight into life under Erik ten Hag and the Glazers. Portuguese fans will hope that it leaves Ronaldo with a clear head for international duty, but there will be the lingering doubts and indeed the impact it may have on the dressing room. Ghana will be hoping to take advantage of any discord that may be lingering within the Portuguese ranks, with Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew looking to add to his international tally of 19 goals. An upset could be in the making.

Group G: Brazil v Serbia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

If you talk World Cup’s you talk Brazil, although the five times winners last triumph was twenty years ago. With panto-villain Neymar up front, the born-again Gabriel Jesus and the enigmatic Richarlison, there are undoubtedly goals in the side. They are on a decent inbeaten run coming into these finals and with two great ‘keepers in Alisson (Liverpool) and Ederson (Manchester City) the perceived concern about the weakness of Brazil’s last line of defence is no longer there. They will be a threat. Serbia have their own threat though in Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic who now has 50 goals for his country from seventy six internationals, although there are concerns about a recent injury. Whilst ‘Mitro’ is the only English based player, eleven of the Serbian squad play their trade in Italy. No doubt The Eagles of Serbia will battle hard but expect the class of the boys from Brazil to come through.

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2022 World Cup – Wednesday 23 November 2022

GROUP C: Argentina 1 (1) – (0) 2 Saudi Arabia (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorer: Messi (10’ pen) Saudi Arabia scorers: Al-Shehri  (48′), S. Al-Dawsari  (53′)

 

GROUP D: Denmark 0 (0) – (0) 0 Tunisia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

 

GROUP C: Mexico 0 (0) – (0) 0 Poland (Stadium 974, Doha)

 

GROUP D: France 4 (2) – (1) 1 Australia

France scorers: Rabiot  (27′), Giroud (32′, 71′), Mbappe (68′). Australia scorer: Goodwin  (9′)

 

Four games, two goal-less, a win for the current World Champions and the first big shock of the tournament.

In a day of four games, it was an early start for those in the UK with the Argentina game starting at 10:00 and La Albiceleste quickest out of the blocks. Messi had an early effort after two minutes saved but had put Argentina ahead just eight minutes later. Again you have to question the VAR decision. From a free-kick, Leandro Paredes was pulled down and the spot-kick awarded after a check. Please can someone tell me how this was different to the Harry Maguire incident in the England v Iran game…Anyway Argentina didn’t capitalise on their first half dominance with VAR doing its best to ensure it was 1-0 at the break. Out came the Saudis who were level within three minutes of the restart and ahead on fifty-three minutes with a superb strike from Al-Hilal  forward Salem Al Dawsari. The South Americans huffed and puffed and even with fourteen minute of time added on couldn’t find an equaliser. Credit to Saudi Arabia, but don’t write off Argentina just yet.

Group C’s other game between Mexico and Poland ended 0-0 where the crucial moment came on fifty-eight minutes as Polish captain Robert Lewandowski had his penalty saved.

Group D also saw a 0-0 with Denmark and Tunisia with Danes having the best chances in the second half.

The final game of the day for anyone still gorging on the fourth fixture saw Australia give World Cup holders a bloody nose with a Craig Goodwin goal after nine minutes. Two quickfire goals after twenty seven minutes and thirty two minutes saw the French go 2-1 ahead. First Rabiot headed home and them Oliver Giroud scored his fiftieth international goal after Australia gave the ball away at the back. France could have been out of sight at the break as they created further decent chances. Into the second half and the French eased to a 4-1 win with the ever busy and creative Mbappe heading in on sixty-eight minutes and then turning provider three minutes later as he delivered the perfect cross for Giroud to score with a header, equalling Henry’s record of 51 France goals in the process. France looking ominously good.

 

GROUP F: Morocco v Croatia (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Morocco qualified as CAF third round winners so making it to the finals for the sixth time. Nayef Aguerd (West Ham), Ilias Chair (QPR), Hakim Ziyech (Chelsea) and Anass Zaroury (Burnley) will be familiar to English fans and are part of a squad who didn’t concede in their last three games before Qatar with wins over Chile (2-0) and Georgia (3-0) and a draw with Paraguay (0-0). Croatia of course put pay to the Three Lions hope of a final appearance in 2018 winning 2-1 in the Semi-Final clash. The side is led by the mercurial Luka Modric supported by the vastly experienced squad members Domagoj Vida, Dejan Lovren, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric. I really can’t see anything other than a victory for Kockasti (The Checkered Ones).

GROUP E: Germany v Japan (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Four-times World Cup winners strolled through qualification from UEFA Group J with nine wins and a surprise 2-1 loss to North Macedonia. Die Mannschaft like England were far from convincing in their recent Nations League campaign and at the 2018 finals in Russia failed to make it out of the Group Stages, whilst at the Euros exited in the last sixteen to England. Will this be another tournament of frustration? Certainly their opening game against Japan will be a tester. Previous to 2022 the Blue Samurai have appeared at the last six finals reaching the last sixteen in 2002, 2010 and 2018. The Japan forward line looks short on goals at international level and this will be a concern.

GROUP F: Spain v Costa Rica (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Spain had a fairly comfortable passage to the finals as UEFA Group B winners, whilst Costa Rica were the last side to qualify back in June after beating New Zealand 1-0 in the CONCACAF–OFC play-off final held in the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Qatar. The Spanish side looks light on goals as this level with only Alvaro Morata and Ferran Torres in double figures, 27 and 13 respectively and the feeling is that it is a side very much in transition. This is Costa Rica’s sixth appearance at the finals, reaching the Quarter Finals in 2014 before going out on penalties to the Netherlands. They have an experienced squad with four players over the 100 caps mark, including, Keylor Navas (107), Celso Borges (155), Bryan Ruiz (146) and Joel Campbell (119). This could be a stalemate, although don’t be surprised if Spain pinch it by a single goal.

GROUP E: Belgium v Canada (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Belgium won UEFA Group E going unbeaten with eight wins and two draws and were third place winners in the 2018 World Cup. A vastly experienced and talented squad, the criticism of Belgium teams down the years is that they have always underachieved. Certainly 2022 will be the last chance of World Cup glory for a number of the squad echoed in a recent interview by captain Eden Hazard, who also reflected that his own level is not what it was. Canada qualified as CONCACAF third round winners and last appeared in the finals in 1986 losing all three Group games to France, Hungary and the Soviet Union. They are coached by John Herdman an Englishman who moved to New Zealand in 2001 and coached the New Zealand women (2006–2011), the Canadian women (2011-2018) and the Canadian men from 2018. Within their squad is St Johnstone’s David Wotherspoon and Reading’s Junior Hoilett and eleven squad members playing in the MLS. Belgium to get off with a win must be on the cards.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Thursday 28 June

Going into yesterday’s fixtures there was the possibility that both Germany and Brazil could have exited the competition at the group stage. The South American’s progressed with a goal in each half, through Paulinho (36′) and Thiago Silva (68’), although Mitrovic had two decent headed chances that the Serbian couldn’t convert when the score was still at just 1-0. In the other Group E game, Switzerland took on Costa Rica, knowing that a point would be enough to take them through. Costa Rica dominated the opening half-hour and but for the woodwork and some fine saves from Swiss ‘keeper Yann Sommer, would have been comfortably ahead. However, somewhat against the run of play, Switzerland went in front when Dzemali smashed home a knock-down in the box on thirty-one minutes. Costa Rica though got back in the game after the interval with a smart header from Waston and then followed a dramatic last few minutes. First with just two minutes of normal time left. Drmic swept home sweetly to restore the Swiss advantage at 2-1. Almost immediately, Costa Rica were awarded a penalty, which was then overruled by VAR for offside. However, they weren’t to be denied the chance of an equaliser as on ninety- three minutes they were awarded another penalty. Up stepped captain, Bryan Ruiz who crashed the ball against the crossbar but as it bounced out it rebounded off the back of ‘keeper Sommer’s head and into the net to secure a 2-2 draw and a point for Costa Rico. In terms of the final placings, it meant Brazil topped Group with Switzerland in second place.

The real drama of the day though was to be in Group F. Sweden dispatched Mexico with three second-half goals from Augustinsson (50′), Granqvist (62′ pen) and Alvarez (74′ own-goal), leaving both sides with six points. It meant that Germany had to beat South Korea to advance. The 2014 Champions huffed and puffed with late pressure creating a couple of decent chances. However, as the game went into stoppage time it was the South Koreans who made the breakthrough, with Kim Young-Gwon having all the time in the world to control and slot into the German net. As Germany looked for a consolation with time running out, ‘keeper Manuel Neuer was caught in possession in midfield. Korea pumped the ball goal-wards, where Son Heung-Min gleefully slotted into an empty German goal to record an improbable 2-0 victory.

Two of the most interesting facts to emerge from this result were:

 

  1. The Champions curse – Germany fell in the Group stages four years after lifting the trophy, as did France in 2002, Italy in 2010 and Spain in 2014.
  2. It is only the second time that Germany have been eliminated from the first round at the World Cup, with 1938 the last occasion.

 

What all the results from Group E and F meant was that the last 16 games are as follows:

July 02 Brazil v Mexico   July 03 Sweden v Switzerland

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World Cup diary 2018 – Saturday 23 June

Friday’s games could all have been labelled as the ‘late, late show’ starting with the Group E encounter between Brazil and Costa Rica. VAR once again had its part to play twelve minutes from time, thankfully reversing the on-field decision of the referee to award Brazil a penalty after a theatrical collapse from Neymar. With ninety-minutes up, the score was 0-0 and a frustrated and petulant Brazilian team looked to be heading for a second successive draw at these Finals. However, in the first minute of stoppage time, Coutinho fired home after a knockdown in the box to save his teams blushes. Then just five minutes later, Neymar got a less than deserved second for the five-times World Cup winners. As with the Brazil squad in 2014, I just can’t warm to them and have fingers crossed that another beating a la Germany four years ago is waiting in the wings for Neymar and his chums.

Iceland were next up against Nigeria in Volgograd, and despite starting well, lost out to a brace from the Leicester City striker Ahmed Musa (49′ & 75′) who is currently on loan with CSKA Moscow. Despite the fantastic support of their fans, Iceland couldn’t handle Nigeria in the second-half and even a penalty ten minutes from the end, which would have given them a lifeline was blazed high and wide by Everton’s Gylfi Sigurdsson. It was a result that gave fresh hope to Argentina being able to now make the knock-outs.

The final game turned out to be controversial for a number of reason. Serbia were good value for their 1-0 lead at the break courtesy of on-loan Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after five minutes. However, the Swiss were significantly better in the second-half and an absolute screamer from Granit Xhaka. Despite that Mitrovic continued to be a threat and should have had a penalty mid-way through the second period, as when he attempted to get his head on a cross, he was in what only be described as a two-man rugby tackle was hauled down. Now you don’t need VAR to see that it was a blatant penalty, so quite what German referee Felix Brych was thinking goodness only knows. The Serbs were then punished again as in the final minute Stoke’s Xherdan Shaqiri broke from the half-way line to score the winner. As with Xhaka, Shaqiri celebrated with a gesture that had political significance.

As the BBC explained: Serbia has hit out at a “provocative” double eagle celebration by two ethnic Albanian goalscorers in the World Cup…Their gesture is a nationalist symbol representing the double headed eagle on Albania’s national flag. Critics say it could inflame tensions among Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians… Xhaka and Shaqiri’s families are from Kosovo, where a Serbian crackdown on the Albanian population only ended with NATO military intervention in 1999…Xhaka’s father spent three-and-a-half years as a political prisoner in Yugoslavia for his support for Kosovan independence. Shaqiri was born in Kosovo and his family fled to Switzerland as refugees…Kosovo’s ethnic Albanian majority declared independence in 2008 but Serbia, its ally Russia and most ethnic Serbs inside Kosovo do not recognise it.”

Many say that sport and politic shouldn’t mix, but history is littered with examples of the when tournaments are used as propaganda or provocation by countries and their governments. And when the world is watching it is the biggest free advertisement going.

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Friday 04 July 2014

Friday 04 July 2014

France v Germany

As West Germany these two teams have met in three World Cup tournaments. The first was in 1958 when in the Third Place Play-off game France emerged winners 6-3. The next encounter in 1982 was perhaps the most memorable and not only for a dramatic game that after finishing 3-3 saw West Germany win 5-4 on penalties, but for an unpunished ‘assault’ by German keeper on Patrick Battiston that saw the Frenchman injured suffering two missing teeth, three cracked ribs, and damaged vertebrae. The last encounter was in 1986 when in a Semi-Final Germany emerged 2-0 winners with goals from Brehme and Voller.

This could be close encounter and maybe goes all the way to penalties. With my sweepstake money riding on Germany, its Deutschland gehen!

Brazil v Colombia

In their fourteen international meetings, Brazil have won seven, Colombia just the once and the remaining six games have been draws. In fact the last four meetings have been drawn. They have never met in the Finals of the World Cup.

During this tournament both teams are unbeaten, with Columbia still boasting a 100% record with four wins out of four. Despite the number of draws between these South American neighbours this one will be settled in normal time and could be a battle between the respective No: 10?s. For Brazil there is Neymar, whilst Colombia have James Rodríguez who currently plays his club football at Monaco. Rodriguez is the leading scorer with five goals having score in every game so far. Neymar is just behind with four goals and also handled the pressure in slotting home the winning penalty against Chile in the last round.

As Brazil progress the pressure intensifies so the expectation of a nation grows. Is this the round where it all goes wrong for the hosts? Will it be James who’ll be making the Brazilian fans sit down?

 

Saturday 05 July 2014

Argentina v Belgium

Only two meetings between the teams and both at World Cup tournaments. In 1982 they were drawn together in Group 3 and in the opening game in that group, Belgium emerged winners 1-0 win a goal from Erwin Vandenbergh. Both qualified from the group but then finished bottom of their second round groups after losing both games. In 1986 they played in the Semi-Final where two goals from Maradona put Argentina on their way to the Final and a second World Cup title.

Argentina came under massive criticism for their lacklustre win over Switzerland, when Messi seemed to be the only player for the South Americans to put in a performance. Belgium have quietly gone about their business, with coach Marc Wilmots getting the most out of a squad that seems to have a strong unity and work ethic.

Messi to be the difference between the teams.

Netherlands v Costa Rica

These two have never played each other. Costa Rica the surprise package, against a Netherlands team epitomised by Arjen Robben. A man who has such talent, but prone to a spot of diving and more than happy to have a moan at the officials.

Surely the Costa Rican run will come to an end? Their captain Bryan Ruiz made his name at Gent and FC Twente in the Netherlands and it would be ironic if he could put out the Dutch.

Looking across the fixtures, it’s interesting to note that the most influential players often wear the No: 10 shirt. England’s wearer of that shirt? Rooney. No don’t get me started…

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Wednesday 02 July 2014

In the office World Cup predictions competition I had the following as the Quarter-Final line-up:

Brazil v England

France v Portugal

Netherlands v Italy

Argentina v Belgium

The reality as we now know after yesterday’s final last sixteen games is:

Brazil v Colombia

France v Germany

Netherlands v Costa Rica

Argentina v Belgium

63% success rate – not bad. However, looking back the selection of England to make it this far was at best blind faith and at worst delusional. It also puts into perspective how well Costa Rica have done in getting this far at the expense of Italy.

Overall the last sixteen games have reflected the tournament’s group fixtures with late drama, goals and open play. There have been exceptions though and Argentina v Switzerland last night only sparked into life in the last five minutes of extra-time. However, there was also a great couple of minutes when the Brazilian fans in the crowd got behind the Swiss with chants of “ole, ole” as they strung together a few passes.

I honestly don’t think there is an obvious favourite to win the competition as all the teams have had some inspirational wins and some when they have looked very, very ordinary.

For me though the word of the last sixteen has been ‘plucky’. The reason being that the ‘big’ sides have emerged over the less fancied teams, but they have all been made to battle hard for a result. So although Chile, Nigeria, Algeria, Mexico, Switzerland and USA have now departed, they have done so with honour intact.

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Sunday 29 June 2014

I opted for the Brazil v Chile game yesterday and for once my TV choice proved to be a good one. It helps when you have a bit of an interest in the fixture and don’t mind admitting I was totally on the side of underdog Chile. Even sitting at home the passion of the crowd, the players and coaches was evident as the national anthems were belted out with an intensity that bordered on frightening.

And it was a level that translated onto the pitch in a frenzied, end-to-end opening forty five minutes. However, to think that it was just a game played at breakneck speed would be unfair as there was skill aplenty on both sides. Goals from David Luiz and Sanchez saw the teams go in level at the break enabling everyone to draw breath.

The second-half continued in the same manner although Brazil got the upper hand and Hulk for Brazil was single-handedly trying to drag his country through as Neymar was quiet. Extra-time came and nearly had a dramatic end as Chilean substitute Pinalla smashed a shot against the crossbar.

And so the drama continued into the penalties. With Brazil 2-0 to the good the result seemed a formality, but misses from Hulk and Willian allowed Chile to level. At 2-2 the pressure was all on the hosts and Neymar was next up. However he displayed great nerve in putting Brazil ahead and suddenly Chile knew that a miss and they were out. As in extra-time the woodwork was no friend of Chile as Gonzalo Jara’s penalty struck the post and bounced away.

As the Chilean players slumped in exhaustion and despair, the country of Brazil let out a huge sigh of relief and celebrated as if they had won the World Cup. This had been some game and some test of nerve, even as a supposed neutral I was drained, but understood once again why I love the game.

Hopefully providing more drama to come are the following fixtures:

Netherlands v Mexico

Only four international fixtures between these two teams, with Mexico yet to register a win. They were in the same Group at the 1998 World Cup in France, and both team qualified after a 2-2 draw. The Dutch were seemingly cruising after twenty minutes when two goals up from Cocu and Ronald de Boer, but Mexico hit back with two goals in the last fifteen minutes from Ricardo Pelaez and Luis Hernandez. Both teams emerged from their groups in Brazil unbeaten, but something has to give today. Netherlands to continue their 100% record in this World Cup.

Costa Rica v Greece

These two have never met in an international fixture, so what a time to play each other with a Quarter-Final spot up for grabs. Before the tournament Costa Rica were viewed as the team likely to finish bottom of the group containing England, Italy and Uruguay but instead finished unbeaten. Greece meanwhile just continue to find ways to win games and progress in competitions – England take note. This time having not scored in their two opening fixtures, they managed two when it counted most and it was enough to clinch the runners-up spot. It might not be pretty, but it works for them. And that will worry Costa Rica as they know the Greeks will be hard to break down. Will this be a victory for flair or attrition?

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FIFA World Cup 2014 – Saturday 21 June 2014

So (thankfully) that’s it. England are definitely out and we won’t have to suffer the media carrying on about the miracle required to make it through to the last 16.

Our fate was sealed by Byran Ruiz who as a Fulham player looked like a delicate flower in the ‘hot-house’ of the Premier League. Yet here on the World’s biggest stage, the Costa Rican captain led his team to victory as he headed home in the first-half in a game where the Italians looked strangely out of sorts. Yet again the standard of officiating was variable and how Chilean referee Enrique Osses didn’t award a penalty to Costa Rica just before half-time I’ll never know. Costa Rica incredibly through and Italy faced with the prospect of an early plane home if they lose to Uruguay.

The second game yesterday saw France play Switzerland. The French have gone about their business in a quietly efficient manner, seeing off the physical Honduras and now an accomplished win over the Swiss. France’s cause was helped though in the opening ten minutes by a nasty injury to the face of Steve Von Bergen which saw him replaced by the lumbering frame of Philippe Senderos. The substitute showed all his usual flair in defence, so familiar to those at the Emirates and Craven Cottage, as the Swiss conceded five goals. Keeper Benaglio also had a poor game, although he did save a penalty. France were 5-0 up at one stage, but conceded two late goals to give the scoreline a touch of respectability for the Swiss.

Completing the day was the other game in Group E which saw Honduras take on Ecuador. This was never going to a classic display of flowing football, but their there is something satisfying every now and again about a physical encounter. As Gordon Strachan observed, with challenges flying about, he felt like he’d got into a time-machine and travelled back to the 70s. Indeed it was a good old-fashioned punt down the field that saw Honduras take the lead, as Carlo Costly collected and blasted home from just outside the area. Ecuador levelled quickly though as Enner Valencia poked in a cross at the far-post after creeping behind a slumbering Honduras defence. Valencia got the winner on sixty five minutes to put Honduras all but out of the Finals, whilst giving Ecuador a shot at progress to the last sixteen.

England? Who?

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