Arthur's Football Comments

FIFA World Cup 2014: The analysis

2014-07-15T16:01:00.002+02:00

Germany

– Argentina 0-0 (1-0 et):

Germany

deservedly wins the World Cup!

Defence: 1,5 – 1,5

Midfield: 2 – 2

Attack: 1.5 – 1

Interplay: 2 – 2

TOTAL: 7 – 6,5

7. Schweinsteiger (GER) – 1,5

14. Mascherano (ARG) – 1,5

1. Neuer (GER) – 1,5

10. Messi (ARG) – 1,5

20. Boateng (GER) – 1,5

16. Lahm (GER) – 1,5

4- Howedes (GER) – 1

18. Kroos (GER) – 1

9. Schuerrle (GER) - 1

Most goals scored:

Germany

(18 goals)

Least goals scored: Cameroon, Honduras,

Iran

(1)

Most conceded: Brazil (14)

Least conceded:

Costa Rica

(2)

Topscorer: James Rodriguez (COL) (6)

Most assists: Cuadrado (COL) (4)

Top three most beautiful goals:

3. Tim Cahill (AUS) Australia –

Netherlands

2:3, 21’

2. Robin van Persie (NED) Spain –

Netherlands

1:5, 44’

1. James Rodriguez (COL) Colombia – Uruguay 2:0, 28’

The following 10 players have earned the highest marks for their performances:

11. Robben (NED) – 9,0
10. Messi (ARG) – 6,5
7. Alexis Sanchez (CHI) – 6,5

10. James Rodriguez (COL) – 6,5

1. Neuer (GER) – 6,0
2. Vlaar (NED) – 6,0

14. Macherano (ARG) – 5,5

18. Kroos (GER) – 5,0
13. Mueller (GER) – 5,0

10. Neymar (BRA) – 5,0

The team of the World Cup 2014 is the following:

GOALKEEPER: Neuer (GER)

DEFENDERS: Boateng (GER), Vlaar (NED), Manolas (GRE), Mehrdad Pooladi (IRI)

MIDFIELDERS: Mascherano (ARG), Kroos (GER), James Rodriguez (COL), Mueller (GER)

FORWARDS: Messi (ARG), Robben (NED)

SUBSTITUTIONS: Howard (USA), Moreno (MEX), Schweinsteiger (GER), Alexis Sanchez (CHI).

Overall, the best football of the tournament was played by Germany (42,0).

The full table of marks:

1. Germany	42
2. Netherlands	38
3. Argentina	35,5
4. France	26,5
5. Colombia	25,5
6. Brazil	25,5
7. Belgium	23,5
8. Mexico	20,5
9. Chile	20
10. Costa Rica	19,5
11. Uruguay	17,5
12. England	15,5
13. Algeria	15
14. USA	14,5
15.Nigeria	13,5
16. Switzerland	13
17. Bosnia-Herz.	12,5
18. Greece	12,5
19. Italy	12
Spain	12
21. Croatia	11,5
22. Ghana	11
Iran	11
24. Russia	10,5
25. South Korea	9,5
Ecuador	9,5
27. Portugal	9
28. Japan	8,5
29. Ivory Coast	8
30. Australia	7
31. Honduras	6
32. Cameroon	5,5

The full table of the official ranking of the teams, based on points.

1. Germany	-
2. Argentina	-
3. Netherlands	-
4. Brazil	-
5. Colombia	12
6. France	10
7. Belgium	10
8. Costa Rice	9
9. Chile	7
10. Mexico	7
11. Switzerland	7
12. Uruguay	6
13. Algeria	5
14. USA	5
15. Greece	5
16. Ecuador	4
17. Nigeria	4
18. Portugal	4
19. Croatia	3
20. Bosnia-Herz.	3
21. Ivory Coast	3
22. Italy	3
23. Spain	3
24. Russia	2
25. Ghana	1
26. England	1
27. South Korea	1
28. Iran	1
29. Japan	1
30. Australia	0
31. Honduras	0
32. Cameroon	0

FIFA World Cup 2014: The final between Germany and Argentina

2014-07-13T01:33:00.000+02:00

Brazil

– Netherlands 0-3: Brazil conceded its 10^th goal in the last two matches.

Defence: 0 – 1,5

Midfield: 0 – 1,5

Attack: 1 – 1,5

Interplay: 0 – 1,5

TOTAL: 1 – 6

11. Robben (NED) – 1,5

2. Vlaar (NED) – 1,5

20. Wijnaldum (NED) – 1

11. Oscar (BRA) – 1

A final is a single match, where the motivation and the playing circumstances can do extraordinary things to players. Therefore it is pointless to discuss who is better or who deserves more. Anything can happen in the final, and both teams have 50% chances to win it.

Here are five reasons why the winner could be Germany:

The best attacking team of this World Cup is Germany. Argentina has scored 8 goals in the whole tournament, while Germans scored 7 to Brazil, and another 10 to the other four opponents they met on the road to the final.

The team has played together for a very long period of time. Joachim Loew has had almost the same players in the starting line-up four years ago in South Africa and two years ago in Poland and Ukraine. Half of the team has been playing together even before, representing youth national teams of Germany.

The German players have got more top-clash experience, most of them being Champions League winners. Argentina has got Messi, Di Maria, Mascherano and Higuain. The rest of the team has not even been closer to winning the biggest trophy of the club football.

Psychological advantage is on the German side. Destroying Brazil by a humiliating 7-1 score gives a huge boost to self-confidence. Don’t forget the quarrterfinals of the South African World Cup, where Germany defeated Argentina 4-0.

Bookmakers think it will be Germany.

And here are five reasons why the winner could be Argentina:

Argentina

has got the best defence in the tournament. Although the team has conceded three goals, all of them have been scored in the group stage. Since the Play-off has started the team has played 330 minutes, scoring twice and not conceding at all. Adopting the 4-3-3 formation during the group stage, Alejandro Sabella has surely made the right decision. He introduces four defenders that have a main task of containing the opponent’s attacks. Garay has been more than reliable. His partners in the centre, either Fernandez or Zabaleta, have been solid, too. Sabella moved Zabaleta away from the centre, where the mistakes of the Manchester City defender don’t affect the game so badly. The left back is Rojo, who has also been useful when joining the attackers. His crosses are full of quality. Whenever anything goes wrong, there is the great anchorman Mascherano to save the situation, as he did on the 91^st minute of the semi-final against Netherlands.

Loew’s Germany has always been very close to win trophies, but lost to Spain in 2008 and 2010, then to Italy in 2012. In all three cases there was an opponent with a solid defence, which hadn’t conceded a single goal during the Play-off. In all of the three matches Germany faced the same scenario: the team was prevented of organizing quick counterattacks, the opponent’s main task was to neutralize German attackers, and somehow score a goal after a counterattack (Fernando Torres 2008), set piece (Puyol 2010) or a genius touch (Balotelli 2012). A very similar scenario is likely to happen on Sunday, taking into account that Loew has got back to the same 4-5-1 in the last two matches.

Argentina is captained by Lionel Messi. The Barcelona-man is one of the few players in the world capable of changing the outcome of any match.

A World Cup in

Americas

has always been won by a South American team – 1930, 1950, 1962, 1970, 1978, 1986, 1994.

There have been two Italian referees in the history of World Cup finals: 1978 (Argentina’s victory) and 2002 (

Germany

’s defeat).

FIFA World Cup 2014: 7 reasons why Brazil conceded 7 goals from Germany

2014-07-11T02:06:00.004+02:00

So much has been told about this extraordinary match between Brazil and Germany, that it is hard to say anything new. The match ended with a German devastating victory of 7-1. To be honest, it has been coming. Here are the reasons why:

The Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Fact File

Reason 1, named after Thomas Mueller:

Brazil

had been a mediocre team up until the semi-finals. Its

first match ended with a 3-1 win over Croatia, achieved thanks to a controversial penalty when the score was 1-1. The team had huge problems against

Mexico

and never managed to score. Arguably the weakest team of the tournament, Cameroon, created some trouble for the hosts, too. Then Chile was very close to eliminate Brazil, but Pinilla’s shot seconds before the end of the extra time was saved by the woodwork, and Brazilians missed two after-match penalties. Chileans were even worse, though. The quarterfinal match against Colombia was also full of controversy, as the referee responded by only two yellow cards to the 31 committed fouls by Brazilians. All of this makes one assume, that Brazilians had been marginal winners in their matches up until the semi-final. This small margin can be written on the account of great Brazilian fans and poor refereeing. Germany scored so many goals, that even 200 million Brazilians in the stadium and a committed referee could do nothing.

Reason 2, named after Miroslav Klose:

David Luiz, Maicon and Marcelo are defenders. Their primary task is to defend against the opponent’s attacks. It is fine to join the teammates when attacking, if there is a confidence that there is no need to defend

with so many players, there are others to cover the positions or a last-minute goal is required. In fact, already before the first goal it was clear that these three were to bring a trouble for Brazil. The wingbacks had already lost their positions a couple of times and unnecessarily joined the attackers by the time Sami Khedira’s shot was blocked by Toni Kroos’s back. In the episode where Germans earned a corner after 10 minutes of play, there were two German players running in the right wing, where Marcelo had to be facing them, but was not doing so for some reasons. It was mainly Marcelo’s mistakes that brought the majority of goals, but why did defenders run forward rather than not doing that? This picture was witnessed over and over again and Scolari was unable to do anything with it.

Reason 3, named after Toni Kroos: Neymar’s and Thiago Silva’s absence played its role. Neymar was the only one to jeopardize the opponents with his unpredictable moves. Fred and Hulk are not better than Greece’s or

Costa Rica

’s forwards, with all respect to those. Thiago Silva is the captain and the most balanced defender of the squad. He would never let David Luiz and Marcelo lose their heads and get lost in the opponent’s half, had he been among the eleven in yellow shirts that evening.

Reason 4, named after Toni Kroos: The psychological situation had been extremely vulnerable within the

team. The team had been crying after singing the national anthem, after scoring, after winning or after picking up an injury. There have been psychologists actively involved in the team. Getting along with the loss of Neymar and Thiago Silva was impossible for a team in such circumstances. They never forgot about these two when preparing for the semi-final. Brazil started to think of eccentric methods like appealing against Thiago Silva’s yellow card, the rejection of which made the morale condition even worse. Bearing caps and t-shirts with Neymar’s name when the guy is still alive sounds way too much to me.

Reason 5, named after Sami Khedira: The incredible pressure from the tribunes, streets and screens, confirming that anything but the gold will be a failure, played its role. Any team is expected to succeed at home. Italy and Germany were also expected to win the World Cup respectively 24 and 8 years ago, but Brazil was required to do so. These are unique circumstances in football, previously not experienced by any team in the world.

Reason 6, named after Andre Schuerrle: This might sound as an unorthodox opinion, but the horror of repeating Maracanazo, the disaster of 1950, where Brazil was beaten by Uruguay in the final of the first World Cup on the home soil, surely lived deep inside every player included in the 23-man squad. Pele, whose words are sacred for Brazilians, said that he didn’t want to cry as his father did that day 64 years ago.

Reason 7, named after Andre Schuerrle: Finally! Germany is strong! Very strong! Neuer, Lahm,

Mertesacker, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Oezil, Mueller and Klose have played under Joachim Loew’s commando for a long period and have been close to win titles in every tournament they have been involved. The starting eleven of the Germans that evening represented Bayern (6 players, winners of the Champions League 2012-13), Borussia Dortmund (1 player, finalist of the Champions League 2012-13), Real Madrid (1 player, winner of the Champions League 2013-14). No one had ever scored more goals in the World Cup than Miroslav Klose. Add Hoewedes and Oezil, two players with some great experience in European top leagues. Brazil’s starting line-up included Fred from Cruzeiro, Bernard from Shakhtar Donetsk, Hulk from Zenit St. Petersburg, and Toronto’s Julio Cesar with only 7 appearances for his club this season. It is useless to compare the experience and cooperation rate of the two teams.
2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Official Book

FIFA World Cup 2014: Analysis after the semi-finals

2014-07-11T01:41:00.000+02:00

Netherlands

– Argentina 0-0 (2-4 pen): Netherlands lost the after-match penalty shoot-out with goalkeeper Cillessen instead of Krul.

Defence: 1,5 – 1,5

Midfield: 1 – 1

Attack: 0,5 – 0,5

Interplay: 1 – 1

TOTAL: 4 – 4

2. Vlaar (NED) – 2

14. Mascherano (ARG) - 2

3. De Vrij (NED) – 1

15. Kuijt (NED) – 1

7. Janmaat (NED) – 1

15. Demichelis (ARG) - 1

11. Robben (NED) – 0,5

10. Sneijder (NED) – 0,5

9. Higuain (ARG) – 0,5

22. Lavezzi (ARG) – 0,5

There are two matches left to be played in the 20^th FIFA World Cup. For the third time in the history the

final match will witness Germany and Argentina. Germany will challenge its 4^th World Cup title, while Argentina will equal to Germans, if they end their World Cup campaign with a win. Brazil, the 5-time World Champions and hosts of the tournament was smashed and thrown away by Germany. Netherlands, the current vice-champion of the world, attempted to enter its fourth World Cup final, but was stopped by Argentina after a penalty shoot-out drama.

We had historical
semi-finals, where the first one broke dozens of the records, and the second one was the first ever match of this stage, which didn’t register a single goal.

Most goals scored: Germany (17 goals)

Least goals scored: Cameroon, Honduras,

Iran

(1)

Most conceded: Brazil (11)

Least conceded:

Costa Rica

(2)

Topscorer(s): James Rodriguez (COL) (6)

Most assists: Cuadrado (COL) (4)

Top three most beautiful goals:

3. Tim Cahill (AUS) Australia –

Netherlands

2:3, 21’

2. Robin van Persie (NED) Spain –

Netherlands

1:5, 44’

1. James Rodriguez (COL) Colombia – Uruguay 2:0, 28’

The best players of the round were 2. Vlaar (NED), despite missing the first after-match penalty for

Netherlands

, and 14. Mascherano (ARG) – both getting the highest mark of 2,0.

The following players have earned the highest marks for their performances so far:

11. Robben (NED) – 7,5

7. Alexis Sanchez (CHI) – 6,5

10. James Rodriguez (COL) – 6,5
13. Mueller (GER) – 5,0

10. Messi (ARG) – 5,0

10. Neymar (BRA) – 5,0

The best team of the round was Germany, getting a mark of 8,0 out of 8,0. Germany, Netherlands and France had deserved 7,0 earlier in the tournament, but no team had been better than that until the semi-finals.

Brazil

get 0,5. Cameroon twice and Honduras once received 1,0, but no team had been worse until Brazil’s terrible show against

Germany

Overall, the best football of the tournament is played by

Germany

(35,0).

The full table of marks after the semi-finals (the quality of play comprised of defence, midfield, attack and interplay in all matches taken into account):

1. Germany	35
2. Netherlands	32
3. Argentina	29
4. France	26,5
5. Colombia	25,5
6. Brazil	24,5
7. Belgium	23,5
8. Mexico	20,5
9. Chile	20
10. Costa Rica	19,5
11. Uruguay	17,5
12. England	15,5
13. Algeria	15
14. USA	14,5
15.Nigeria	13,5
16. Switzerland	13
17. Bosnia-Herz.	12,5
18. Greece	12,5
19. Italy	12
Spain	12
21. Croatia	11,5
22. Ghana	11
Iran	11
24. Russia	10,5
25. South Korea	9,5
Ecuador	9,5
27. Portugal	9
28. Japan	8,5
29. Ivory Coast	8
30. Australia	7
31. Honduras	6
32. Cameroon	5,5

The full table of the official ranking of the teams, based on points.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5. Colombia	12
6. France	10
7. Belgium	10
8. Costa Rice	9
9. Chile	7
10. Mexico	7
11. Switzerland	7
12. Uruguay	6
13. Algeria	5
14. USA	5
15. Greece	5
16. Ecuador	4
17. Nigeria	4
18. Portugal	4
19. Croatia	3
20. Bosnia-H.	3
21. Ivory Coast	3
22. Italy	3
23. Spain	3
24. Russia	2
25. Ghana	1
26. England	1
27. South Korea	1
28. Iran	1
29. Japan	1
30. Australia	0
31. Honduras	0
32. Cameroon	0

Chances to win the World Cup

Argentina	50,00%	(+22,47%)
Germany	50,00%	(+23,78%)

FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina and Netherlands

2014-07-09T22:00:00.001+02:00

Brazil

– Germany 1-7: Miroslav Klose breaks Ronaldo’s record in the most shameful evening in Brazil's history.

Defend: 0 – 2
Midfield: 0 – 2

Attack: 0,5 – 2

Interplay: 0 – 2

TOTAL: 0,5 – 8

18. Kroos (GER) – 1,5

8. Oezil (GER) – 1,5

13. Mueller (GER) – 1,5

1. Neuer (GER) – 1,5

16. Lahm (GER) - 1

6. Khedira (GER) - 1

9. Schuerrle (GER) - 1

7. Schweinsteiger (GER) – 0,5

Argentina

Belgium

was not the easiest team to beat, but
the early goal of Higuain made Argentina turn to defensive mode. There was almost nothing happening on the pitch, as Belgians were trying to come up with any creative idea to equalize, and Argentineans were not letting them do this. Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina has been so unfancy that only a win in the World Cup can justify such boring performance.

Now there is only one South American team that can lift the World Cup. And the team is least welcome in Brazil. However, the day when Argentina celebrates its Independence Day might by no means be spoiled by a defeat in the semi-final of the World Cup. Argentina has already shown that its defence can be reliable when it matters. A scoring might come at any time, when there is a player called Lionel Messi on the pitch. Alejandro Sabella’s tactics is surely going to become more and more defensive as the time passes by. It will be important to contain the dangerous counterattacks of Robben and friends and Argentina is going to be careful, especially in the second half. However, they are the more likely of the two teams to score earlier. The squad will include Marcos Rojo, who is back after serving his quarantine. Angel Di Maria is injured, which is the second worst news Argentina would expect to hear.

Matches played: 5

Goals scored - conceded: 8 - 3

Topscorer (s): Messi (4)

Team marks: 5,5 + 4,5 + 6,5 + 4,0 + 4,5 = 25,0
Average mark: 5,0
Best players: Messi (5,0)

Final place among 32: 2

Chances to win the World Cup: 27,53%

Netherlands

Louis van Gaal is a genius. At least his substitutions are so. Of course, Netherlands was expected to smash Costa Rica. The Oranje had plenty of chances to score, and Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Navas was awesome, but this was not the case, when experts talk about a total domination. Netherlands was not in a hurry, so the match remained goalless after the first half. The second half was the time, where the Ducth simply had to make the crucial touch. It never happened. Neither in the extra time. And only after van Gaal introduced his reserve goalkeeper Tim Krul to save after-match penalties the team earned a place among the last 4.

The chance to appear in the second World Cup final in a row might not be missed. We expect a much more tactical battle rather than the shocking performance in the first semi-final between Brazil and Germany. And we expect Louis van Gaal to make his next extraordinary decision. However, the South Americans are the favourites in this match, mostly thanks to the great support they will get in Brazil. Netherlands is never in a hurry. They will not be looking for an early goal, but try to wait until Argentina gets tired or loses concentration for a second. They are not afraid of after-match penalty shoot outs either.

Matches played: 5

Goals scored - conceded: 12 - 4

Topscorer (s): van Persie, Robben (both - 3)

Team marks: 7,0 + 4,5 + 5,5 + 6,0 + 5,0 = 23,0
Average mark: 5,6
Best players: Robben (7,0)

Place among 32: 1

Chances to win the World Cup: 22,53%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Brazil and Germany

2014-07-08T12:08:00.002+02:00

Brazil

Arguably the bets match of the tournament took place in Fortaleza. As always, Brazilians started with great passion, inspired by the 12^th player. They got an early goal thanks to Thiago Silva, who joined the team for a corner kick. Both teams were showing some quick moves and anything could happen in such a typical South American match. However, although the tempo of the match was very high, and the teams were determined to score goals as soon as possible, the early goal played its huge role. Brazilians were more attentive in the back, understanding that even a 1-0 win will be fine for them. The result of this was that the Colombians, despite the great football shown by James Rodriguez, weren’t able to create any danger for Julio Cesar. Thiago Silva and David Luiz, helped by Fernandinho, were solid in defending the lead. The picture changed after David Luiz’s incredible free kick, which made the score 2-0. Colombians had no other tasks than attacking. This earned a penalty for James Rodriguez, but the score never changed any more. Everyone claiming that Falcao’s absence didn’t affect Colombia’s play in the World Cup turned wrong. Pekerman’s team needed him in this match.

But now it is time to meet Germany. The tough match against Colombia was won, but the price was too high. The best two players of the quad, Neymar and Thiago Silva, will not play in the semi-final, which automatically leaves Germans in the role of marginal favourites. The chance for Scolari’s team is to start aggressively and score an early goal. Defending it might not be that difficult, considering the fact that
Bayern’s Dante will be commanding the Brazilian defence against his club teammates Mueller, Kroos, Schweinsteiger and others. David Luiz is expected to show his leadership skills in this vital day in Brazil’s history.

Matches played: 5

Goals scored - conceded: 10 - 4

Topscorer (s): Neymar (4)

Team marks: 3,5 + 4,5 + 5,5 + 5,5 + 5,0 = 24,0
Average mark: 4,8
Best player: Neymar (5,0)

Place among 32: 5
Chances to win the World Cup: 23,72%

Germany

Joachim Loew finally introduced the so-much-missed 4-5-1 with Lahm as a wingback, Schweinsteiger and Khedira as defensive midfielders, and Klose as a lone striker. The quality of attack didn’t improve much, but the defence was perfect, containing the dangerous French attackers. In fact, the early goal scored after a free kick didn’t leave Germany any other choice than defending the lead. Neuer had yet another great evening.

The 4^th World Cup semi-final in a row must be played against hosts from Brazil. The confident play of the Germans in the quarterfinal and the absence of Brazilian leaders might make the German task easier. Loew will most probably play the same tactics as against France, although Klose didn’t perform as expected, and Oezil is yet to find his form. And again, an early goal might kill the game, but Germans are not going to be hurrying to score. They have Manuel Neuer, whose role gets bigger and bigger as the World Cup developes.

Matches played: 5

Goals scored - conceded: 10 - 3

Topscorer (s): Mueller (4)

Team marks: 7 + 5,5 + 4,5 + 6,0 + 4,0 = 27,0
Average mark: 5,4
Best players: Mueller (3,5)

Final place among 32: 4

Chances to win the World Cup: 26,22%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Analysis after quarterfinals

2014-07-08T12:08:00.000+02:00

Argentina

– Belgium 1-0: An early goal sent

Argentina

back to defend the lead and enter the last 4.

Defence: 1,5 – 1

Midfield: 1 – 1

Attack: 1 – 0,5

Interplay: 1 – 1

TOTAL: 4,5 – 3,5

2. Garay (ARG) – 1,5

14. Mascherano (ARG) - 1

10. Messi (ARG) - 1

9. Higuain (ARG) – 0,5

4. Kompany (BEL) – 0,5

15. Van Buyten (BEL) - 0,5

Netherlands –

Costa Rica

0-0 (4-3 pen): Van Gaal’s yet another substitution won the match: now the goalkeeper Krul!

Defence: 1 – 1,5

Midfield: 1,5 – 1

Attack: 1,5 – 0,5

Interplay: 1 – 1

TOTAL: 5 – 4

1. Navas (CRC) – 1,5

11. Robben (NED) – 1,5
10. Sneijder (NED) – 1
2. Acosta (CRC) - 1
16. Gamboa (CRC) - 1
3. Gonzalez (CRC) - 1

15. Kuijt (NED) – 0,5

2. Vlaar (NED) – 0,5

Three former World Cup winners and a three-time finalist is the starting line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2014 semi-finals. As it was the case in the Round of 16
, all of the favourites went through again. There are two South American and two European teams left. This is the first time for Brazil and Argentina to be in the semi-finals at the same time. There are four possible finals, and all of them are classics of the world football.

Brazil – Netherlands: The Brazilians never forget the World Cups, where their team loses. And especially the last one is still too fresh to forget. It was the Netherlands that defeated Dunga’s Brazil in the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2010. A possibility for revenge!

Germany – Argentina: 1986 and 1990 World Cups ended with a final having the same participants – Argentina and Germany. These two matches were remarkable thanks to the level of tension. No couple has ever met in the World Cup final three times. Argentina will be more than motivated to get the Germans in the final, as they can get a chance to remind them Andreas Brehme’s controversial penalty of the 1990 World Cup final. Argentina can win its third World Cup title, thus getting equal to Germany.

Germany – Netherlands: This was Europe’s hottest rivalry after the World War II up until about twenty years ago. Writing poems, punching each other on the pitch, cleaning ass with rival’s shirt and spitting on each other have been part of the rivalry between Netherlands and (West) Germany national football teams. In 1988 European Championship the Dutch not only equalized but also scored the matchwinner on the 88th minute of the semi-final in Hamburg, entering the final. They went on to win the tournament, but the trophy was hardly worthier than eliminating the Germans in their own turf. This historical match is considered to lessen the war-related anti-German sentiment in the Dutch society.

Brazil

– Argentina: exactly what the whole South America dreams about. There is nothing sweeter than beating the archrivals, and doing this in the World Cup final is the biggest achievement in the history. This is why this final might become the most memorable in the World Cup history. Brazilians love to hate Argentineans, and Argentineans hate to love Brazilians.

Most goals scored: Netherlands, Colombia (12 goals)

Least goals scored: Cameroon, Honduras,

Iran

(1)

Most conceded: Cameroon,

Australia

(9)

Least conceded: Costa Rica (2)

Topscorer(s): James Rodriguez (COL) (6)

Most assists: Cuadrado (COL) (4)

Top three most beautiful goals:

3. Tim Cahill (AUS) Australia –

Netherlands

2:3, 21’

2. Robin van Persie (NED) Spain –

Netherlands

1:5, 44’

1. James Rodriguez (COL) Colombia – Uruguay 2:0, 28’

The best teams of the round were Netherlands and Brazil, getting a mark of 5,0.

Overall, the best football of the tournament is played by Netherlands (28,0).

The top 10:

Netherlands

– 28,0

2. Germany – 27,0

3. France – 26,5

4. Colombia – 25,5

5. Argentina – 25,0

6. Brazil – 24,0

7. Belgium – 23,5

Mexico

– 20,5

Chile

– 20,0

10. Costa Rica – 19,5

The teams getting the lowest marks for the round are France and Belgium (both - 3,5).

The best player of the round was 10. James Rodriguez (COL).

The following players have earned the highest marks for their performances in the first three matches:

11. Robben (NED) – 7,0
7. Sanchez (CHL) – 6,5

10. J. Rodriguez (COL) – 6,5

10. Messi (ARG) – 5,0
10. Neymar (BRA) – 5,0

Chances to win the World Cup

Argentina	27,53%	(+6,16%)
Germany	26,22%	(+11,81%)
Brazil	23,72%	(+0,75%)
Netherlands	22,53%	(+9,38%)

FIFA World Cup 2014: Netherlands and Costa Rica

2014-07-05T14:47:00.001+02:00

Netherlands

This strange team of Louis van Gaal doesn’t stop surprising. The match against Mexico was almost lost, when a corner on the 88^th minutes brought an equalizer and a hope to continue staying in Brazil. The goal was scored by the most anonymous of all the Dutch players – Wesley Sneijder. Up until this point the heat and the well-organized Mexican team gave no chances for the Dutch to perform. Van Gaal was even ought to take the captain van Persie out, to substitute him with the eventual hero of the match Huntelaar. However, the things did not go that strange at all. After the Mexicans had opened the score, they were thrown to defend the lead. More than half an hour of only attacking tasks was a luxury for the Netherlands, and the team found its play after 15 minutes of such circumstances. Since the second cooling break the Dutch, commanded by Arjen Robben and Memphis Depay, were very close to score. After the equalizer the psychological picture of the match was drastically changed, and it was a matter of time for the Netherlands to score the winner. It happened right before the extra time.

Netherlands is lucky to get the weakest team of the quarterfinals. Although Louis van Gaal keeps on saying that the Netherlands is not the favourite in this match, Costa Rica has not got the quality to show anything troublesome for the vice-champions of the world. The Netherlands has got two options: either wait and take the victory in the end of the match, as they did against Chile and Mexico, or smash the opponent from the beginning, not giving them a chance to increase their selv-confidence. I reckon Louis van Gaal chooses the second option.

Matches played: 4

Goals scored - conceded: 12 - 4

Topscorer (s): van Persie, Robben (both - 3)

Team marks: 7,0 + 4,5 + 5,5 + 6,0 = 23,0
Average mark: 5,75
Best players: Robben (5,5)

Place among 32: 2

Chances to win the World Cup: 13,15%

Costa Rica

’s story has become a famous fairy tale among neutral fans. The team got

Greece

as an opponent, and managed to beat this European side. It was a battle of two teams that suddenly had appeared in the Round of 16. None of them was ready to take the initiative and get the winning goal. The second half got more intriguing, as Costa Ricans managed to score a goal in a situation, where no one, including the Greek goalkeeper and defenders, were expecting this to happen. And right after this the team remained with 10 men. For 30 minutes the Central American team was trying to defend the lead, but at last Greeks equalized and sent the play into extra time. And for another 30 minutes Costa Ricans were trying to take the game into after-match penalties. This time they made it, but only thanks to disastrous attacking abilities of Fernando Santos’s team. Greece missed lots of chances. The culmination took place in the second half if the extra time, as Greeks managed not to score after a counter-attack of five against two. Costa Ricans scored all of their five after-match penalties and are newcomers in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

The fairly tail is now very close to its end. With all respect to Jorge Luis Pinto’s work, Costa Rica is by far the weakest side in the quarterfinals. Their hero-defender Duarte was expulsed in the last match, so he will not be there to stop the “flying Dutch”. The only way to win the match is to stay firm in the back and not concede for the first 70-80 minutes. Then a quick counterattack by Joel Campbell might help them beat Louis van Gaal’s side. Of course, it is easier to say than to do. The chances of doing so are very low. Underestimating of opponents takes place in the group stage, but never in Play-offs.

Matches played: 4

Goals scored - conceded: 5 - 2

Topscorer (s): Ruiz (2)

Team marks: 4,0 + 4,5 + 4,0 + 3,0 = 14,5
Average mark: 4,13
Best players: Campbell (2,5)

Final place among 32: 8

Chances to win the World Cup: 3,45%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina and Belgium

2014-07-05T14:46:00.000+02:00

France

– Germany 0-1: Germany gets back to 4-5-1 and leaves

France

speechless.

Defence: 1 – 1,5

Midfield: 0,5 – 1

Attack: 1 – 0,5

Interplay: 1 – 1

TOTAL: 3,5 – 4

1. Neuer (GER) – 1,5

5. Hummels (GER) – 1

20. Boateng (GER) – 0,5

7. Schweinsteiger (GER) – 0,5

1. Lloris (FRA) – 0,5

19. Pogba (FRA) – 0,5

8. Valbuena (FRA) – 0,5

11. Griezmann (FRA) – 0,5

Brazil

– Colombia 2-1:

Brazil

is in the semi-finals, after winning in arguably the most exciting match of the World Cup, and losing Thiago Silva and Neymar on the way.

Defence: 1,5 – 1

Midfield: 1,5 – 1,5

Attack: 1 – 0,5

Interplay: 1 – 1,5

TOTAL: 5 – 4,5

10. James Rodriguez (COL) – 2

3. Thiago Silva (BRA) – 1

4. David Luiz (BRA) – 1

5. Fernandinho (BRA) – 1

7. Armero (COL) – 1

10. Neymar (BRA) – 0,5

7. Hulk (BRA) – 0,5

1. Ospina (COL) – 0,5

Argentina

The first 117 minutes of the

Argentina

’s first Play-off match were only producing negative thoughts about Alejandro Sabella’s team, including stars like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria. The Swiss were not eager to create any danger in front, so Argentina had freedom in the middle of the pitch. Switzerland was fighting to get a clean sheet for their great goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, and maybe a win for their manager Ottmar Hitzfeld, who had to retire as soon as the Swiss team was beaten in the World Cup. The South Americans had simply no idea how to beat Inler, Djourou and Benaglio. The players were tired, the crosses didn’t pass, the shots were being saved and Messi’s dribbling didn’t work. And only once did the Swiss lose the concentration and it was enough for a pale Messi to send the ball to Di Maria, who had a really bad game, but looked to be the only one not wanting to shoot an after-match penalty.

Belgium is much stronger than Switzerland. Messi and friends have to be not only creative in front, but also attentive in the back. Belgium is going to look for a goal from the beginning. And although the teams have some amazing attackers in their squads, the goals might not come easily. Argentina will be the favourite to win, thanks to the next-to-home atmosphere, and, surely, the Messi-factor. But even if Argentina scores early, this will by no means become the end for Belgians. Let’s see how solid Argentina’s defence is.

Matches played: 4

Goals scored - conceded: 7 - 3

Topscorer (s): Messi (4)

Team marks: 5,5 + 4,5 + 6,5 + 4,0 = 20,5
Average mark: 5,125
Best players: Messi (4,0)

Final place among 32: 4

Chances to win the World Cup: 21,37%

Belgium

The United States defended well for 90 minutes, as Belgium was determined to play much better and score earlier than usually. Fellaini, Hazard, De Bruyne and especially the young Origi demonstrated what was expected from the “Red Devills” since the start of the World Cup. But as their captain Kompany mentioned after the match, “two words – Tim Howard”. The US goalkeeper broke the record of most saves during a World Cup match. But as soon as Romelu Lukaku entered the pitch right from the beginning of the extra time, Tim Howard’s magic touch disappeared. The Belgian number 9 and the great Kevin de Bruyne scored once each, assisting to each other, to enter the most difficult part of their World Cup so far – 15 minutes of endless US attacks. The Americans managed to score once pretty soon, thus getting a real chance to equalize, but the great spell for Juergen Klinsmann’s team, where the Belgian defenders were absolutely exhausted, didn’t bring more. USA leaves home proudly.

USA didn’t try to initiate many attacks until conceding a couple of goals, but Argentina is going to do so, to say the least. Lionel Messi is probably the worst opponent to have, so Kompany, van Buyten and Witsel have to learn a lot from the Swiss team, which contained the Argentines for almost two hours. But Argentina will also have its defence tested after Marc Wilmots’s both strikers have hit the form. Belgium never scores in the first 70 minutes in this World Cup. Conceding will not close the door to the semi-finals, so Belgium will have to be fighting during the whole match, if the victory is going to come for them.

Matches played: 4

Goals scored - conceded: 6 - 2

Topscorer (s): Vertonghen, Origi, Mertens, Fellaini, De Bruyne, Lukaku (all - 1)

Team marks: 4 + 4 + 6 + 6 = 20,0
Average mark: 5,0
Best players: Origi (2,5)

Final place among 32: 5

Chances to win the World Cup: 8,82%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Brazil and Colombia

2014-07-04T12:19:00.001+02:00

Brazil

Scolari’s team is in a big trouble. The team is unable to play against strong sides and Brazil is already aware of this. The hosts have never showed any great football so far. The morale hasn’t been high either. This is why the coaches have decided to invite psychologists to help the team before the quarterfinal stage. Chileans had problems in the back, as Brazil started the match aggressively, however, lack of
quality within the Brazilian attackers made Chile understand that this was a different Brazilian side, not equal to the ones Chileans were used to be beaten by. The score became 1-1 and Chile could have scored more. Brazil’s link between the midfield and attack was Neymar, but the Barcelona star got an injury in the beginning of the match. There was not much happening after an intriguing first half.

Brazil

was really lucky to go through, after missing whole two after-match penalties.

Colombia

is more dangerous in the attack, so if Brazilians conceded once from

Chile

, they will have to expect more from the other South American team. The beginning of the match is going to be as electric as any other Brazil-match. But Colombia is the quickest team in the World Cup, so counterattacks must be defended well. The problems of the wingbacks aren’t solved yet. And again, the whole team will depend on Neymar’s actions.

Matches played: 4

Goals scored - conceded: 8 - 3

Topscorer (s): Neymar (4)

Team marks: 3,5 + 4,5 + 5,5 + 5,5= 19,0
Average mark: 4,75
Best player: Neymar (4,5)

Place among 32: 6
Chances to win the World Cup: 22,97%

Colombia

Now Jose Pekerman’s team is in the quarterfinals, winning all of its matches and arguably showing the best football among all the World Cup participants. Colombians had no problems containing Uruguay. Good defensive work by Yepes and his colleagues, technically rich midfield lead by Cuadrado, and the fantastic goals by James Rodriguez are the reason why Colombia is among the best eight teams in the world.

The team enters the pitch to score immediately. They will not change this mentality in the match against Brazil. They haven’t conceded first in this tournament, but there is no doubt that Pekerman’s side is ready for this. James Rodriguez – Juan Cuadrado couple will distract the Brazilian midfield, while Jackson Martinez will be there to take the advantage of some realitive freedom. A lot will depend on the defence this time, as the Greek, Ivorian, Japanese and Uruguayan attacks are not the same as the Brazilian one. Pekerman’s team is not famous for being reckless, but Chile showed, that offensive play against Neymar brings success.

Matches played: 4

Goals scored - conceded: 11 - 2

Topscorer (s): James Rodriguez (5)

Team marks: 5,0 + 3,5 + 6,0 + 6,5= 21,0
Average mark: 5,25
Best players: James Rodriguez (4,5)

Place among 32: 1

Chances to win the World Cup: 8,82%

FIFA World Cup 2014: France and Germany

2014-07-04T12:18:00.001+02:00

France

Didier Deschamps’s France was not expected to have many problems against Nigeria. However, the team had problems when trying to cope with the enthusiastic Africans. The team used its 4-3-3 formation, introducing Koscielny instead of Sakho as a centre-back. Not making mistakes was
the priority number 1 for the French in the first half. The second half strategy was different though, and the team decided to go forward and get the winner in the last 20 minutes. After missing several good chances, where Enyeama was confidently making saves after saves, Valbuena crossed from a corner and Pogba sent the ball into the Nigerian net. These two were the best players for France, doing their best during the whole match. They scored the second in the last minute of the match, as Nigerians were up in front to get the equalizer. The match showed that there are other players in the French squad who can perform and get the winner, if Matuidi and Benzema are having a quiet day.

Germany

is the strongest team for France to meet in this World Cup. France has been able to score 10 goals and conceded only 2, but it is going to be another story with the Germans. Extreme concentration in the back is required to avoid a crucial German attack. Deschamps is not going to risk and will surely trust the same tactics as in the encounter against Nigeria. The worst that might happen for the team is conceding a goal in the first half. France has never conceded first in this tournament and the team will have to show its best to come back in such a match. But if Lloris approaches the last part of the match with a clean sheet, the confidence will increase within the team and a quick counterattack might seal the victory.

Matches played: 4

Goals scored - conceded: 10 - 2

Topscorer (s): Benzema (3)

Team marks: 6,5 + 7 + 4,5 + 5,0= 23,0
Average mark: 5,75
Best players: Benzema (4,0)

Final place among 32: 3

Chances to win the World Cup: 7,01%

Germany

Joachim Loew’s team is under a huge portion of criticism. The way they played against Algeria has not been acceptable in Germany. Now it is time to show the attractive football

Germany

has been famous for in the last 5-6 years. In fact, two problems were obvious: the lack of wingbacks and strikers. Apparently Loew is not going to use his lone striker Klose in the starting line-up. Then he has to find a solution, which will make the team score as many goals as they did in the quarterfinal of last World Cup. The only reason why Germany is in this stage is the great physical form of theirs. Algerians were done after 90 minutes.

France

is not going to be easier to beat. Making the right conclusions after the Round of 16 is the crucial part of the preparation to this quarterfinal. Germany will be looking for the winner since the beginning of the match, but will not risk. The way Neuer was left alone in the previous match is not going to happen anymore. Mueller and Co. will become more and more nervous as the time passes, but the German willpower has never been under doubt.

Matches played: 4

Goals scored - conceded: 9 - 3

Topscorer (s): Mueller (4)

Team marks: 7 + 5,5 + 4,5 + 6,0 = 23,0
Average mark: 5,75
Best players: Mueller (3,5)

Final place among 32: 7

Chances to win the World Cup: 14,41%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Analysis after the Round of 16

2014-07-04T00:35:00.001+02:00

Argentina

– Switzerland 0-0 (1-0 et): 3 minutes of football after 117 minutes of struggling sent Messi’s

Argentina

to the quarterfinals.

Defence: 1 – 1,5

Midfield: 1 – 1

Attack: 1 – 0,5

Interplay: 1 – 0,5

TOTAL: 4 – 3,5

1. Benaglio (SUI) – 2

20. Djourou (SUI) – 2

8. Inler (SUI) – 1,5
11.Behrami (SUI) – 1
10. Messi (ARG) – 1

16. Rojo (ARG) - 1

13. Rodriguez (SUI) – 1

22. Schaar (SUI) – 0,5
23. Shaqiri (SUI) – 0,5

7. Di Maria (ARG) – 0,5

Belgium

– USA 0-0 (2-1 et): The incredible saves of Tim Howard weren’t enough for USA not to lose to Belgium.

Defence: 1,5 – 1

Midfield: 1,5 – 1

Attack: 1,5 – 1

Interplay: 1,5 – 1,5
TOTAL: 6 – 4,5

1. Howard (

USA

) - 2

7. De Bruyne (BEL) – 1,5

17. Origi (BEL) – 1,5

9. Lukaku (BEL) – 1

2. Yedlin (

USA

) - 1
11. Mirallas (BEL) – 0,5

1. Courtois (BEL) – 0,5

7. Beasley (

USA

) – 0,5

Only eight teams are left in the tournament – all of them
winners of their groups. All eight matches of the first Play-off round turned into some extremely stressful fights. The winner was not decided after 90 minutes in five of these matches, while two of them went into aftermatch penalty shoot-outs. No team scored more than two goals. Colombia and Costa Rica are newcomers in this stage of the World Cup quarterfinals. Former World champions Brazil, France, Germany and Argentina are still in the tournament, while Uruguay was the next former champion to leave the World Cup.

Half of the eight teams left come from Europe. Greece and Switzerland weren’t expected to reach heights in this World Cup and they were beaten in the Round of 16. Netherlands, France, Germany and Belgium had difficulties, but were stronger than their opponents in the end of the day. France and Germany will meet each other in the quarterfinals. This means that Europe will be represented by minimum one and maximum three teams in the semi-finals.

The number of South American teams in the World Cup was reduced into two, as Brazil and Colombia defeated Chile and Uruguay respectively. Argentina was the third team to appear in the quarterfinals. Minimum one and maximum two teams from this continent are going to be in the World Cup semi-finals. Either Brazilians or Colombians will have to leave the tournament after the first quarterfinal match on Saturday. Argentina will meet Belgium.

There is still a team from the Central and North America as late as World Cup quarterfinals. And it is not Mexico or USA, but Costa Rica. The other two were narrowly beaten by their opponents from Benelux.

The last two African teams had to leave Brazil after Nigeria lost to France, and Algeria was defeated by Germany.

Most goals scored: Netherlands (12 goals)

Least goals scored: Cameroon, Honduras,

Iran

(1)

Most conceded: Cameroon,

Australia

(9)

Least conceded: Costa Rica, Belgium, Colombia, France (2)

Topscorer(s): James Rodriguez (COL) (5)

Most assists: Cuadrado (COL) (4)

Top three most beautiful goals:

3. Tim Cahill (AUS) Australia –

Netherlands

2:3, 21’

2. Robin van Persie (NED) Spain –

Netherlands

1:5, 44’

1. James Rodriguez (COL) Colombia – Uruguay 2:0, 28’

The best team of the round was Colombia, getting a mark of 6,5.

Overall, the best football of the tournament is played by three teams: France, Germany and Netherlands (all – 23,0).

The top 10:

1-3. France – 23,0
Germany – 23,0

Netherlands

– 23,0

4. Colombia – 21,0

5-6. Argentina – 20,5

Mexico

– 20,5

7-8. Chile – 20,0

Belgium

– 20,0

9. Brazil – 19,0

10. Uruguay – 17,5

The team getting the lowest mark for the round is

Costa Rica

(3,0), which managed to qualify for the quarterfinals anyway.

The best players of the round were 10. James Rodriguez (COL), 23. Rais (ALG), 1. Benaglio, 20. Djourou (both - SUI), 1. Howard (USA) (all – 2,0).

The following players have earned the highest marks for their performances in the first four matches:

7. Sanchez (CHL) – 6,5

11. Robben (NED) – 5,5
10. Neymar (BRA) – 4,5
10. J. Rodriguez (COL) – 4,5

10. Benzema (FRA) – 4,0
10. Messi (ARG) – 4,0
1. Howard (

USA

) – 4,0

Chances to win the World Cup

1. BRA	22,97% (+3,8%)
2. ARG	21,37%(+4,06%)
3. GER	14,41%(+0,48%)
4. NED	13,15%(+0,37%)
5. COL	8,82%(+0,62%)
6. BEL	8,82%(+4,23%)
7. FRA	7,01%(+1,31%)
8. CRC	3,45%(+1,34%)

FIFA World Cup 2014: Belgium and USA

2014-07-01T00:40:00.002+02:00

Belgium

Slow start didn’t assume bad results for Belgium. The European “dark horses” of the World Cup played

three matches, in each of them being accurately a goal better than the opponents. Marc Wilmots’s team never showed the football which would scare their upcoming opponents. However, the fact that the team scored all of its goals
not earlier than 20 minutes before the end talks about the huge undiscovered potential of Belgium. A team, where every young player seemed to be scrutinized long before the World Cup, the 19-year-old striker Divock Origi surprised the world, delivering some significant performance, worthy to be become the breakthrough of the tournament.

The United States is the next opponent of Belgium. The group H winners will look fresher after the main players took a rest in the last group match. A new stage and new challenges will simply make Wilmots show us what his team is really capable of. The whole world looks forward to see the renaissance of Belgian football and the demonstration of exciting play by the “golden generation”, lead by Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 4 - 1

Topscorer (s): Vertonghen, Origi, Mertens, Fellaini (all - 1)

Team marks: 4 + 4 + 6 = 14,0
Average mark: 4,67
Best players: Mertens, Courtois (both – 1,5)

Final place among 32: 4

Chances to win the World Cup: 4,59%

USA

Juergen Klinsmann can consider himself as a lucky manager. Playing three matches and not demonstrating

any unbeatable power, the team was able to score four lucky, though well-deserved, goals against Ghana and Portugal. These two teams had problems with concentration during the whole group stage, and USA was there to punish them. Four points before the last group match had almost guaranteed Klinsmann’s team a place in the round of 16.

The main weapon of the US team is Tim Howard. The experienced goalkeeper has been reliable and has to remain so, if the team is meant to beat the Europeans. A typical characteristic of the team is that there are no superstars. None of the players is significantly better than the others. So this means that the danger can come from anywhere, as it has already happened in this World Cup. Klinsmann will surely fill the midfield, to be able to prevent the talented Belgians of showing any sign of creativity.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 4 - 4

Topscorer (s): Dempsey (2)

Team marks: 3,5 + 4 + 2,5 = 10,0
Average mark: 3,34
Best players: Howard, Jones (both – 2,0)

Final place among 32: 14

Chances to win the World Cup: 0,52%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Argentina and Switzerland

2014-07-01T00:39:00.002+02:00

France

– Nigeria 2-0: France showed Nigeria where the exit door is as soon as the African team was done demonstrating its skills.

Defence: 1,5 – 1

Midfield: 1 – 1

Attack: 1,5 – 1

Interplay: 1 – 1

TOTAL: 5 – 4

19. Pogba (FRA) – 1

1. Enyeama (NGA) - 1

8. Valbuena (FRA) – 1

2. Debuchy (FRA) – 0,5

21. Koscielny (FRA) – 0,5
8. Odemwingie (NGA) – 0,5

Germany

– Algeria 0-0 (2-1 et): 90 minutes of heroic performance by Algeria was enough to win sympathy, but not entrance to the quarterfinals.

Defence: 1,5 – 1,5

Midfield: 1,5 – 1,5

Attack: 1,5 - 1

Interplay: 1,5 – 1

TOTAL: 6 – 5

23. Rais (ALG) – 2
5. Halliche (ALG) – 1,5
22. Mostefa (ALG) - 1
1. Neuer (GER) – 1
13. Mueller (GER) – 1
6. Khedira (GER) – 1
9. Schurrle (GER) – 1
20. Boateng (GER) – 1
13. Slimani (ALG) – 1
10. Feghouli (ALG) - 1
15. Soudani (ALG) – 0,5

17. Mertesacker (GER)- 0,5
18. Kroos (GER) – 0,5

Argentina

The first three matches were won thanks to Lionel Messi’s talent. The

Argentina

captain scored 4 of the

team’s 6 goals. Alejandro Sabella’s side never demonstrated anything extraordinary; however, the quality of the play has been getting better. There was much more
confidence and better interplay in the last match against Nigeria, compared to the first two. Hopefully for the Argentine fans, this improvement was not related to the fact that the team had already earned a place in the next round and was playing for fun.

Making the necessary formation changes during the group stage, Sabella concluded that 4-3-3 is a much productive formation rather than 5-3-2. Leo Messi will be assisted by Higuain and Lavezzi in front. The PSG-man was impressive against Nigeria and is surely going to be in the starting line-up instead of the injured Aguero. This attacking trio has got all the chances to torture the Swiss defence, as France did in the group stage. The threat of Shaqiri might not be underestimated though. Defender Zabaleta and colleagues haven’t been perfect so far.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 6 - 3

Topscorer (s): Messi (4)

Team marks: 5,5 + 4,5 + 6,5 = 16,5
Average mark: 5,5
Best players: Messi (3,0)

Final place among 32: 3

Chances to win the World Cup: 17,31%

Switzerland

In 2006 Switzerland registered a unique achievement – left the tournament without conceding a single goal. In 2010 the team defeated the eventual champions Spain. 2014 expectations were not less, but Ottmar Hitzfeld’s last mission hasn’t been a success so far in this World Cup. The team was lucky with a last-minute scoring against Ecuador in the first match, which basically decided the destiny of the second Play-off ticket from group E. The team then got humiliated by France, demonstrating incredibly weak play at the back. The good news about Switzerland is that the team managed to score whole five goals in their last 100 minutes of the group stage.

The injury of Steve von Bergen, the rock in the Swiss defence, has been a massive blow for Hitzfeld’s team. Neither Senderos nor Schaer have been able to fully replace him. So Leo Messi’s job has become easier here. But we the Europeans will deal with an opponent under a huge pressure, which might underestimate the abilities of young Swiss attackers, commanded by a hat-trick hero Xherdan Shaqiri.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 7 - 6

Topscorer (s): Shaqiri (3)

Team marks: 3,5 + 1,5 + 4,5 = 9,5
Average mark: 3,13
Best players: Shaqiri (2,5)

Final place among 32: 11

Chances to win the World Cup: 1,46%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Germany and Algeria

2014-06-30T17:29:00.001+02:00

Germany

Joachim Loew’s team is determined to win every single match in this tournament. This was obvious during their last group match against

USA

, where even a draw would win the group for

Germany

. The coach was so nervous, as if the team was losing a semi-final. And, of course, there could be no talk about a stalemate with the former

Germany

coach Juergen Klinsmann.

Germany

had already destroyed

Portugal

and tied with

Ghana

by then. An interesting issue for the three-time World champions is Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals, which is very close to become a reality.

Semi-finalists of the last three World Cups have no intention to leave the tournament, and not by losing to

Algeria

in any case. Loew has surely watched Algeria’s group stage performance and knows how big a hurdle its defence can be to overcome. But there is no doubt about the German plan – switch at least six players into attacking mode, and Mueller will surely score.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 7 - 2

Topscorer (s): Mueller (4)

Team marks: 7 + 5,5 + 4,5 = 17
Average mark: 5,83
Best players: Mueller (2,5)

Final place among 32: 6-7

Chances to win the World Cup: 13,93%

Algeria

When Algeria was close to take points away from Belgium it seemed to be because of a weak start of Belgium. The defence was solid enough to hold the 1-0 score, but it didn’t happen. The opinion about Algeria changed when the coach Halilhodzic decided to throw an attacking team in against South Korea. The four scored goals spiced with passion and emotions made them a candidate to join the Play-off participants. Russians were close to sink the North African ship, but the same passionate attitude helped

Algeria

equalize and defend the score successfully.

They have their loud fans and quick attackers to suggest the German team. However, the most important factor is going to be the experience from the first match against Belgium, where they didn’t manage to keep the net untouched, as well as the last match, where they did manage to keep it.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 6 - 5

Topscorer (s): Slimani (2)

Team marks: 2,5 + 4 + 3,5 = 10,0
Average mark: 3,34
Best players: Slimani, Rais (both – 1,5)

Final place among 32: 13

Chances to win the World Cup: 0,26%

FIFA World Cup 2014: France and Nigeria

2014-06-30T17:25:00.000+02:00

Netherlands

– Mexico 2-1: Miguel Herrera’s change into ultra defensive tactics already after 60 minutes left Mexico out of the World Cup.

Defence: 1,5 – 1,5

Midfield: 1,5 – 1,5

Attack:1,5 – 1,5

Interplay: 1,5 – 1,5

TOTAL: 6 – 6

13. Ochoa (MEX) – 1,5
11. Robben (NED) – 1,5

6. Herrera (MEX) – 1,5

4. R. Marquez (MEX) – 1

7. Layun (MEX) – 1

20. Aquino (MEX) – 0,5

10. Dos Santos (MEX) – 0,5

21. Depay (NED) – 0,5

Costa Rica

– Greece 1-1 (5-3 pen.):

Greece

’s passive football in the extra time prevented the team from earning a quarterfinal-place.

Defence: 1 – 1

Midfield: 0,5 – 1

Attack: 0,5 - 1

Interplay: 1 - 1

TOTAL: 3 – 4

20. Cholebas (GRE) – 1,5

4. Manolas (GRE) – 1

1. Navas (CRC) - 1
19. Sokratis (GRE) - 1
9. Campbell (CRC) - 1

10. Ruiz (CRC) – 0,5

7. Bolanos (CRC) – 0,5

7. Samaras (GRE) – 0,5

France

One of the most impressive teams of the group stage was Didier Deschamps’s France. Easily beating Honduras and smashing Switzerland, the team played the last match using the reserve. A very young and enthusiastic team of France uses an attacking 4-3-3 formation, where wingbacks turn into wingers, central midfielders are also forwards, and the winger Valbuena is the playmaker. But everything turns around
Matuidi in the middle and Karim Benzema in front, who is surely the biggest star of the team in the absence of Franck Ribery.

Deschamps will have to use some tactical tricks to cheat Nigeria. He tested an unusual 4-5-1 in the match against Ecuador, but will most probably drop experiments. The team will dictate the tempo all the way until they score their third. But there has to be some form of caution, knowing how dangerous

Nigeria

’s counterattacks can be.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 8 - 2

Topscorer (s): Benzema (3)

Team marks: 6,5 + 7 + 4,5 = 18,0
Average mark: 6,0
Best players: Benzema (4,0), Matuidi (2,5)

Final place among 32: 5

Chances to win the World Cup: 5,7%

Nigeria

Showing some helpless performance in the first group match against Iran made many pundits think that this World Cup would turn into yet another failure for Nigeria. The second match changed everything. Stephen Keshi’s side demonstrated that it is much better when in the role of a sudden killer. Counterattacking tactics and a well-organized defence, accompanied with an incredibly confident goalkeeper, helped Nigeria win the most important match in the group, and was also close to surprise Argentina. Nigerians are the most tactically aware team of Africa.

The France – Nigeria Play-off encounter will mostly look like that last group match against Argentina. Nigeria is an impossible team to confuse. Even if France scores early in the match, the comeback might come at any point. Vincent Enyeama, the captain and the hero, will not only demonstrate his fabulous saves in this match, but also his knowledge to French football. The Lille goalkeeper is the key, if Nigeria has ever got a chance to beat France.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 3 - 3

Topscorer (s): Musa (2)

Team marks: 1,5 + 4 + 4 = 9,5
Average mark: 3,13
Best players: Enyeama, Emenike (both – 2,5)

Final place among 32: 15-16

Chances to win the World Cup: 1,08%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Costa Rica and Greece

2014-06-29T11:47:00.002+02:00

Costa Rica

The biggest surprise of the World Cup 2014 is surely the team of Jorge Luis Pinto. Given no chance to earn a single point in a group full of former World champions, Costa Rica not only managed to qualify to the next round, but also win the group. They didn’t give up after they lost the first half to Uruguay in the first match, coming out of the dressing room and utilizing their chances. Their greatly organized tactics is based on

a disciplined defence. The technically strong dispatcher Bolanos, alongside with the captain Ruiz in the midfield, and the quick striker Campbell are always there to bite when a chance for a set piece or a counterattack is there. To be fair, the first two matches against Uruguay and Italy were won predominantly thanks to lousiness of the arrogant opponents, who surely had underestimated Costa Rica. The last match didn’t decide anything for

England

, so Costa Ricans, didn’t struggle much holding a goalless draw.

A huge self-confidence built after the group stage is going to be the biggest advantage in the match against Greece. The fans and a negative pattern for European teams make Costa Rica a favourite to win this match. Against such an opponent as Greece the team will have to take the initiative and create danger. This might be something new for the team used to be an underdog.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 4 - 1

Topscorer (s): Campbell, Duarte, Urena, Ruiz (all - 1)

Team marks: 4 + 4,5 + 4 = 14,5
Average mark: 4,13
Best players: Bolanos (2,0)

Final place among 32: 8-9

Chances to win the World Cup: 2,11%

Greece

started the tournament with a hard 0-3 defeat from Colombia, and then played more than half of the

match with 10 men against Japan. Only one point and no scored goals was the starting point before the third group match. It became one of the most dramatic one in the tournament, as Fernando Santos had to make two substitutes already in the beginning of the match. However, the teams scored its first goal against an Ivorian team, which was determined to defend a draw, but not good at it at all. After conceding the equalizer on 74^th minute, Greeks were almost
out of the tournament, and especially when the team hits the bar three times during a match, there is not much else left to do but dream. And the Greek players kept on dreaming and got a chance to win on 93^rd minute. Samaras scored from the spot and brought joy to his nation.

Earning the Play-off ticket only deep inside the injury time in the last match is an occasion that might take a team really far. Greeks restored their self-confidence and are ready for more. Despite the fact that the opponent is Costa Rica and not a former World champion, Greece is surely going to put the main accent on defence. However, the team has been pretty good in attacking, as we saw in the last match, where only a win mattered. Let’s see how long a 0-0 score can be held.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 2 - 4

Topscorer (s): Samaris, Samaras (both - 1)

Team marks: 2 + 2 + 4,5 = 8,5
Average mark: 2,83
Best players: Manolas (2,0)

Final place among 32: 17

Chances to win the World Cup: 2,58%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Netherlands and Mexico

2014-06-29T11:24:00.000+02:00

Brazil

– Chile 1-1 (3-2 pen.):

Chile

– a proud way to leave the World Cup

Defence: 1 – 1

Midfield: 1,5 – 1,5

Attack: 1,5 – 1
Interplay: 1,5 – 1,5

TOTAL: 5,5 - 5

1. Bravo (CHI) – 1,5

7. Alexis Sanchez (CHI) – 1,5

10. Neymar (BRA) - 1

12. Julio Cesar (BRA) - 1

21. Diaz (CHI) – 1

8. Vidal (CHI) - 1

7. Hulk (BRA) - 1

4. David Luiz (BRA) – 0,5

Colombia

– Uruguay 2-0: Colombia beat toothless Uruguay

Defence: 1,5 - 1

Midfield: 1,5 - 1

Attack: 1,5 – 0,5

Interplay: 2 - 1

TOTAL: 6,5 – 3,5

10. James Rodriguez (COL) - 2

11. Cuadrado (COL) - 1

2. Zapata (COL) – 1

3. Yepes (COL) - 1

1. Ospian (COL) – 0,5

3. Godin (URU) – 0,5

Netherlands

The fabulous start of the World Cup with a 5-1 win over the champions of the World makes the Netherlands big favourites in the eyes of many experts. The interesting tactics by Louis van Gaal, where he fills the defence with many inexperienced players who fight for the ball and send it to the great
trio Sneijder-Robben-van Persie, has been much better than expected. We saw hunger in the first match, willpower in the second, and patience in the third.

The match against Mexicans is going to be a big demonstration of tactical play. The Dutch are surely not going to risk from the beginning of the match. The Mexicans have nowhere to hurry either. This will be the most difficult match for the Netherlands so far, with the stadium full of Mexican supporters, unusual weather conditions, and Mexico having at least 4-5 players focused on the Dutch attackers. Luckily for van Gaal, the team has got some talented youngsters like Memphis Depay and Giorginio Wijnaldum ready to enter the game and score for their national team.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 10 - 3

Topscorer (s): van Persie, Robben (both - 3)

Team marks: 7 + 4,5 + 5,5 = 17
Average mark: 5,67
Best players: Robben (4,0), van Persie (3,0)

Place among 32: 1

Chances to win the World Cup: 12,78%

Mexico

There are no teams in the tournament that haven’t conceded yet. Mexico is the one that conceded latest –

after almost 267 minutes of play. Miguel Herrera’s team was not expected to do so well, but they were much stronger in two of their group matches, and at least not weaker than Brazil. A great goalkeeper, three strong defenders behind a creative midfield trio, good wingbacks, and a classical duo of forwards, make

Mexico

look like a typical successful Italian team. They even have a joker named Javier Chicharito Hernandez, who always comes in when it is time to score.

The first round of Play-offs will see Vazquez suspended. Herrera should be able to find a substitute for him in the middle of the pitch. The way Mexico patiently fought Cameroon, Brazil and Croatia, makes one assume that Netherlands is not going to have an easy match. And if Mexico manages to score first, Louis van Gaal has to dig really deep in his managerial archive to find a weapon to equalize.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 4 - 1

Topscorer (s): Pinilla, Rafa Marquez, Guardado, Hernandez (all - 1)

Team marks: 4 + 4,5 + 6 = 14,5
Average mark: 4,83
Best players: Moreno (3,0)

Final place among 32: 8-9

Chances to win the World Cup: 5,07%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Colombia and Uruguay

2014-06-28T15:52:00.003+02:00

Colombia

Without Radamel Falcao Jose Pekerman’s team was surely expected to qualify from a relatively easy group,

but not play so well. The way the team won all of its three matches makes many pundits put their money on Colombia’s advancement. Despite the fact that Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan showed their best against Colombia, the South Americans were always ahead of their opponents. Especially impressive was
the last group match, where most of the team leaders had a chance to rest. The team under no pressure enjoyed playing football, showing some extreme pace in counterattacks and a killer-instinct in finishing. Juan Cuadrado, the player with the most assists in the World Cup so far, and James Rodriguez, already the topscorer of Colombia in the World Cup history, are on their way to appear on the top shelf of the world football.

The first Play-off opponent, if not the last, is going to be another South American team. This means that the teams have nothing to hide from each other. A European side would have been a more suitable team to beat for Colombians. However, the absence of Luis Suarez gives a big advantage to Colombia. Pekerman’s team is going to be the one to attack during the whole match. The match will test how good Colombians are in positional attacks. As soon as they score the opener, they will be able to use their quick counterattacks and bury Uruguay’s hopes for advancement.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 9 - 2

Topscorer (s): James Rodriguez (3)

Team marks: 5,0 + 3,5 + 6,0 = 14,5
Average mark: 4,83
Best players: James Rodriguez (2,5), Cuadrado (2,0)

Place among 32: 2

Chances to win the World Cup: 8,2%

Uruguay

An unbelievable comeback after a sensational loss to Costa Rica in the first match makes Uruguay an unpredictable team. The lousy match, where they conceded three after leading 1-0 before the break, made Oscar Tabarez find a better solution concerned to the team tactics. Especially defence got more solid, while Luis Suarez’s return increased the team’s attacking potential. Killing England, Suarez and friends appointed a big group final with European vice-champions Italy, a team needing a draw and traditionally being famous for winning in such type of matches. Uruguay was on its way to desperately open up and try to get the needed victory, when the destiny gave them three presents in a row: the sudden expulsion of Marchisio, the sudden non-expulsion of Suarez, and finally Godin’s goal from a corner.

Now there is no Suarez for the rest of the tournament. The team morale is smashed after its topscorer was humiliated so badly by FIFA’s decision to ban him from every football-related activity. The impressive performance of South American rivals from Colombia doesn’t make things better for the semi-finalists of the last World Cup and South American champions. They are going to enter this Play-off as underdogs. The only way to restore the confidence is a quick successful counterattack or a 0-0 draw for at least 70 minutes. The experience and proficiency of Muslera, Godin, Caceres, Forlan and Cavani can never be taken away, and this is the sole advantage of Uruguay compared to Colombia.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 4 - 4

Topscorer (s): Suarez (2)

Team marks: 3,0 + 7,0 + 4,0 = 14,0
Average mark: 4,67
Best players: Godin (2,5)

Place among 32: 12

Chances to win the World Cup: 1,94%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Brazil and Chile

2014-06-28T15:45:00.001+02:00

Brazil

The hosts won their group and are in the 1/8 finals, as projected. Not everything has been perfect so far. The

tournament started with an own goal by Marcelo in a match where only a controversial penalty gave them a lead. Then it was the time for a goalless draw, and finally a bright match against Cameroon. The overall impression is that
the team is progressing, as it was expected. However, this play is by far not a victorious demonstration of the champion’s power. If not Neymar, who has scored more than half of the team’s goals so far,

Brazil

could have had big problems in attack. If the biggest hero of the Brazilians gets booked in the next round or in the quarterfinal, he will not take part in the next game, if that next game is there to come for Brazil. Another headache for Scolari is the problem of wingbacks Marcelo and Dani Alves, who have been fine when attacking, but terrible when defending.

In the match against Chile Brazil will have to pay attention to the attackers, mainly Alexis Sanchez, who operates all over the pitch. If one of the midfielders is busy with containing him, then the midfield will have only two players to face Arturo Vidal and friends.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 7 - 2

Topscorer (s): Neymar (4)

Team marks: 3,5 + 4,5 + 5,5 = 13,5
Average mark: 4,5
Best player: Neymar (3,5)

Place among 32: 6-7
Chances to win the World Cup: 19,17%

Chile

It seemed like Chile beat Spain way too easily after the World champions had received such a shocking blow from the

Netherlands

. But Sampaoli has got a really strong attack-minded team, full of technically strong quick players. The passes always go forward, they have to be quick, and players have to run all over the pitch. They tactically lost the battle for the first place, but it was not the battle for survival. It is now.

It will be interesting to see whether the Argentine specialist faces Brazil by using 3-5-2 or 4-4-2. In either case they are going to use the wings and try to catch Brazilians in a quick counterattack. A lot will depend on Vidal and Sanchez, the players responsible for containing Neymar, those who will not forget the other Brazilians when containing Neymar, and… refereeing.

Matches played: 3

Goals scored - conceded: 5 - 3

Topscorer (s): Alexis Sanchez, Valdivia, Beausejour, Vargas, Aranguiz

Team marks: 4,0 + 7,0 + 4,0 = 15,0
Average mark: 5,0
Best players: Alexis Sanchez (5)

Place among 32: 10

Chances to win the World Cup: 3,3%

FIFA World Cup 2014: Analysis after the group stage

2014-06-28T00:26:00.000+02:00

Time to say goodbye to half of the 2014 FIFA World Cup participants! 16 teams were not good enough to continue the fight for the most valuable trophy in the world of football. The pairs of 1/8 finals are known, the bracket is filled. Now we know that a Brazil-Argentina final is possible, but Germany cannot meet Brazil in the final. Maximum two South American teams can reach semi-finals. Only one of former World champions Brazil, Uruguay, France and Germany can
reach the final.

The pattern of continental failure for Europe and continental success for Americas continued. Whole seven European teams leave the tournament after the group stage, which is more than half of the initial participants. This shameful list includes former World champions Spain, Italy and England. Another heavyweight leaving

Brazil

so early is the team of the best player in the world Cristiano Ronaldo. All European teams will meet contenders from other continents. This means that all six can go further to the quarterfinal, as well as that all of them can be eliminated in the worst case. Participants of the 1/8 finals from Europe: France, Germany, Netherlands, Greece, Switzerland and Belgium.

South America can be proud of its performance. Five out of six participants continue the fight for the World Cup. Only Ecuador leaves home. According to the bracket, Brazil will meet Chile, and Colombia will meet Uruguay in the round of 16. The winners of these encounters will meet each other in the quarterfinal. This means that only one of these teams will reach the semi-finals. Argentina is the only South American team situated in the opposite side of the bracket, which means that Messi and Co. will have to become the winner among eight teams, including four from Europe and three from Central and North America.

Mexico

, Costa Rica and USA are the three teams left from the Central and North America, losing Honduras on the way. This is a great achievement for the continent. The three teams will meet European opponents in the next round and might not be hot favourites to get to the quarterfinals. However, these teams have got some great support here in Brazil and in the best case they can all be among the last 8.

Africa, despite the countless internal problems within the teams, has secured two places in the round of 16. Losing Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana, the continent will now cheer for Nigeria and Algeria, who will meet France and Germany respectively. Ironically, if these two beat their European opponents, they will face each other in the quarterfinals and guarantee a place for an African semi-finalist for the first time in the World Cup history.

Asia has had a tournament to forget. Australia, Japan, Iran and South Korea lost nine and tied three matches in aggregate, not winning a single match. Time to make conclusions for Asians!

Most goals scored: Netherlands (10 goals)

Least goals scored: Cameroon, Honduras,

Iran

(1)

Most conceded: Cameroon, Australia (9)

Least conceded: Mexico, Costa Rica,

Belgium

(1)

Topscorers: Mueller (GER), Neymar (BRA), Messi (ARG) (4)

Most assists: Cuadrado (COL) (3)

Top three most beautiful goals:

3. Arjen Robben (NED) Spain – Netherlands 1:5, 80’

2. Tim Cahill (AUS) Australia – Netherlands 2:3, 21’

1. Robin van Persie (NED) Spain – Netherlands 1:5, 44’

Best team of the round was

Argentina

getting a mark of 6,5.

Overall, the best football of the tournament is played by France (18,0), Germany and

Netherlands

(both – 17,0)

The team getting the lowest mark for the round is

Australia

(1,5).

The teams with least points after the group stage are Cameroon (5,5), Honduras (6,5) and Australia (7,0).

The best player of the round was 22. Alexander Dominguez (ECU) – 2,0.

The following players have earned the highest marks for their performances in the first three matches:

7. Sanchez (CHL) – 5,0

11. Robben (NED) – 4,0

10. Benzema (FRA) – 4,0

The team of the group stage:

Goalkeeper: Enyeama (NGA)

Defenders: Caceres (URU), Godin (URU), Moreno (MEX), Mehrdad Pooladi (IRI)

Midfielders: Andranik Teymourian (IRI), Matuidi (FRA), Iniesta (ESP), Shaqiri (SUI)

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (CHI), Benzema (FRA)

Substitutes: Howard (USA), Vlaar (NED), Cuadrado (COL), Robben (NED)

Chances to win the World Cup (%):

1. BRA	19,17
2. ARG	17,31
3. GER	13,93
4. NED	12,78
5. COL	8,2
6. FRA	5,7
7. MEX	5,07
8. BEL	4,59
9. CHI	3,3
10. GRE	2,58
11. CRC	2,11
12. URU	1,94
13. SUI	1,46
14. NGA	1,08
15. USA	0,52
16. ALG	0,26

FIFA World Cup 2014: Climax day in Group G and Group H

2014-06-27T12:23:00.000+02:00

USA

– Germany 0-1: In a match, where both of the teams only needed an official confirmation of their advancement, there was not much happening on the pitch. The teams had their main players to start the match. The clash between two former allies, Jurgen Klinsmann and Joachim Loew, looked like a friendly match. Germany would be happy with a draw, which would win the group for them, and USA would be happy to leave Portugal and

Ghana

behind. Miroslav Klose was given a half to find his record-breaker, but it was
Tomas Mueller who scored, thus getting level with Neymar and Messi. The young German has already scored 9 in World Cups. Such a tempo can be a threat for Klose’s record, if it takes place at all.

Defence: 1 – 1

Midfield: 1 – 1,5

Attack: 0 – 1

Interplay: 0,5 – 1

TOTAL: 2,5 – 4,5

1. Howard (

USA

) – 0,5
7. Schweinsteiger (GER) – 0,5

Portugal

– Ghana 2-1: The match where both of the teams were most probably going to play for the last time in this World Cup saw two hardly broken teams. Portugal had not only suffered from the German domination, but also the countless injuries they collected during this short spell of time they were in Brazil. That is the reason why midfielder Miguel Veloso had to operate as a left back. For the first time in the tournament Paulo Bento introduced the promising midfielder William Carvalho from Sporting in the starting line-up. Ghana had other type of problems. Two of the team leaders, Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng, were thrown out of the team’s World Cup squad for undisciplinary behaviour towards the coaches. The teams had huge problems connecting their passes during the whole match. The game ended 2-1 in Portugal’s favour. Cristiano Ronaldo could only use one of his many chances to score. So did Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan, however, Appiah’s team was way too unstructured when it came to organizing attacks. Both of the teams will watch the rest of the World Cup at home.

Defence: 1 – 0,5

Midfield: 1 – 0,5

Attack: 1 – 0,5

Interplay: 0,5 – 0,5

TOTAL: 3,5 – 2

7. Ronaldo (POR) – 0,5

16. Dauda (GHA) – 0,5

3. Gyan (GHA) – 0,5

Group G

1. Germany 7 (+5)

2. USA 4 (0)

--------

3. Portugal 4 (-3)

4. Ghana 1 (-2)

Algeria

– Russia 1-1: In a fight between academical football against passionate the second one won. Algerian players, coach, reserves and fans looked much more interested in a Play-off participation than the Russians. The coach Halilhodzic had decided to leave captain Bougherra on the bench for this group final. At first it seemed to be a wrong decision, as Russians managed to open the score very early in the game. However, as the game developed Algerian defenders got more and more confident and didn’t make vital mistakes any more. Wherever the ball passed by the defenders, the brave goalkeeper Rais was there to prevent another goal. Algerians were determined to equalize after the break, so they made use of the opportunity and scored after a cross from a free kick. Slimani’s goal turned to be the last one in the match and brought the Algerians their first ever ticket to the World Cup round of 16. Fabio Capello’s side,mainly comprised of players from the local league, was the last team to find a place in the plane home to Europe. Capello looked like a man having a plan for every situation, but it was never that smooth. The Italian specialist introduced Dzagoev and Kanunnikov in the end of the match, but those were not able to increase the level of passing and crossing. A disastrous tournament for Russia and Capello personally! Congratulations to the second team of Africa in the next round.

Defence: 1 – 1

Midfield: 1 – 1

Attack: 0,5 – 0,5

Interplay: 1 – 0,5

TOTAL: 3,5 – 3

23. Rais (ALG) – 0,5

11. Brahimi (ALG) – 0,5

13. Slimani (ALG) – 0,5

South Korea – Belgium 0-1: The Belgians, already Play-off participants, had changed half of their starting line-up compared to their earlier matches. Marc Wilmots gave a chance to many reserve players, who might not have got another opportunity to show their skills in Brazil any more. Manchester United’s Adnan Januzaj was among them. And there was Porto’s Steven Defour, too. The midfielder got a straight red card right before the break, leaving its team with ten men for a whole half. But this didn’t prevent the Belgians score against a South Korean side under pressure. Belgians joined Colombia, Argentina and neighbours Netherlands and became the fourth team in the tournament with a 100% result. And again, the scoring came not earlier than 20 minutes before the final whistle. The substitute Origi, the author of the matchwinner against Russia, made an industrious impact in the second half and, together with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, fully deserved to become Belgium’s favourite. South Korea had almost the same destiny as Japan. They woke up not earlier than their last match, but despite the expulsion of opponent’s player and Lee Chung-Yong’s inspiring performance, it was impossible to take what was needed. The last Asian team can also book the tickets and leave

Brazil

Defence: 1 – 1,5

Midfield: 1 – 1,5

Attack: 1 – 1,5

Interplay: 0,5 – 1,5

TOTAL: 3,5 – 6

1. Courtois (BEL) – 1,5

19. Origi (BEL) – 1

17. Lee C. Y. (KOR) – 1

15. Van Buyten (BEL) – 1

5. Vertonghen (BEL) - 1

9. Son (KOR) – 0,5

11. Lee K. H. (KOR) – 0,5

14. Mertens (BEL) – 0,5

8. Fellaini (BEL) – 0,5

Group H

1. Belgium 9 (+3)

Algeria

4 (+1)

-----------

3. Russia 2 (-1)

4. South Korea 1 (-3)

FIFA World Cup 2014: Will Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal be eliminated?

2014-06-26T17:19:00.003+02:00

Group G

1. Germany 4

2. USA 4

3. Ghana 1

4. Portugal 1

Last matches: USA – Germany, Portugal – Ghana

Germany

will qualify a) if the team doesn’t lose, b) if the team loses to USA, and the parallel match ends in a draw, c) if the team loses to USA, and still has got a better goal difference than the winner of the parallel match. The current goal differences: Germany +4, Ghana -1, Portugal -4. A scenario, where Germany can advance could be: USA – Germany 2-0,
Ghana – Portugal 1-0 (or 0-1).

USA

will qualify a) if the team doesn’t lose, b) if the team loses to Germany, and the parallel match ends in a draw, c) if the team loses to

Germany

, and still has got a better goal difference than the winner of the parallel match. The current goal differences: USA +1, Ghana -1, Portugal -4. A scenario, where USA can advance could be: USA – Germany 0-1, Ghana – Portugal 0-2.

Ghana

will advance, if the team wins, and the parallel match doesn’t end in a draw. In this case Ghana will need to have a better goal difference than the loser of the parallel match. The current goal differences: Germany +4, USA +1, Ghana -1. Examples: USA – Germany 2-0, Portugal – Ghana 0-3, or USA – Germany 0-1, Portugal –

Ghana

0-2.

Portugal

will advance, if the team wins, and the parallel match doesn’t end in a draw. In this case Portugal will need to have a better goal difference than the loser of the parallel match. The current goal differences: Germany +4, USA +1, Portugal -4. Examples: USA – Germany 2-0, Portugal – Ghana 7-0, or USA – Germany 0-1, Portugal – Ghana 5-0.

Group H

1. Belgium 6

2. Algeria 3

3. Russia 1

4. South Korea 1

Last matches: South Korea – Belgium, Algeria – Russia

Belgium

is already in the Play-offs.

Algeria

will qualify in case of a win, and will only need a draw, if Belgium doesn’t lose to

South Korea

Russia

will only qualify in case of a victory. Meanwhile Belgium will have to hold and not to lose them.

South Korea

will not qualify, if Algeria wins. The last Asian team remaining in the World Cup has to win and match its goal difference with either Algeria (if the parallel match ends in a draw), or Russia (if Russia wins). Current goal difference: Algeria +1, Russia -1, South Korea -2. A scenario, where South Korea advances could be: Algeria – Russia 1-1, South Korea – Belgium 4-0.

FIFA World Cup 2014: Climax day in Group E and Group F

2014-06-26T17:08:00.001+02:00

Bosnia and Herzegovina

– Iran 3-1: Only Iran had chances to appear in the next round, however, the team had to beat the Bosnians and Argentina had to beat Nigeria in the parallel match for this to happen. Carlos Queiroz didn’t change the starting line-up, which got famous for its solid defensive work. The Asians turned to be much weaker, when in need to take the initiative and create chances. The defence was also harmed by a more attacking mentality. The result was a quickly conceded goal, then another one later in the second half, and then finally the third one right after Reza Ghoochannejhad, or simply Gucci,
as he is called in England, managed to score the only Iranian goal in this World Cup. Bosnians looked pretty fine, on the other hand. Susic’s side had to restore its damaged pride, and they enjoyed their last match of the first ever World Cup adventure. Dzeko, Pjanic and friends had a really good match and didn’t let

Iran

to qualify.

Defence: 1 – 0,5

Midfield: 1,5 – 1

Attack: 1,5 – 0,5

Interplay: 1 – 0,5

TOTAL: 5 – 2,5

8. Pjanic (BIH) – 1

11. Dzeko (BIH) – 1

7. Besic (BIH) – 0,5

14. Andranik (IRI) – 0,5

Nigeria

– Argentina 2-3: An entertaining match, where both of the teams were almost sure of qualification, but used their strongest starting line-ups. Argentina showed the football, which is closer to what fans expect from the team. Alejandro Sabella’s team, a big candidate to lift the trophy, goes hand in hand with the hosts Brazil. They do improve their play match after match, showing some weaknesses in the defence, while their leaders Messi and Neymar, two Barcelona-teammates, have already scored 4 goals each. In this particular match against Nigeria the Argentine side showed a better pace and understanding between Di Maria and Messi. Aguero and Higuain are still falling back. The substitute Lavezzi was brilliant, too. If not the Nigerian goalkeeper Enyeama, the score could have been much more embarrassing for the African contenders. But Stephen Keshi’s team was not just a spectator in this match, as the score suggests. Scoring twice in the beginning of both halves, and looking for the third one in the final part of match, Nigeria showed why exactly the team became the only team from Africa to go further in the tournament so far. Emenike and Musa understood each other better, and if it develops like this, France will have some trouble containing these two. As for Enyeama, the last goalkeeper in the tournament to concede a goal, he was the inspiration of the Nigerian team during the whole group stage. He couldn’t do much not to concede the three goals scored by Messi and Rojo, though.

Defence: 1 – 1

Midfield: 1 – 1,5

Attack: 1 – 2

Interplay: 1 – 2

TOTAL: 4 – 6,5

10. Messi (ARG) – 1,5

22. Lavezzi (ARG) – 1,5

7. Di Maria (ARG) – 1,5

1. Enyeama (NGA) – 1

7. Musa (NGA) – 1

9. Emenike (NGA) – 1

10. Mikel (NGA) – 0,5

14. Mascherano (ARG) – 0,5

1. Argentina 9 (+3)

2. Nigeria 4 (0)

----------

3. Bosnia and Herzegovina 3 (0)

Iran

1 (-3)

Honduras

– Switzerland 0-3: Both teams had chances to qualify to the next round, but they not only had to do their best and win the match, but also hope for a helping hand from France, the team they both suffered from earlier in the tournament. After conceding 5 from France, the defender Philippe Senderos was substituted by Fabian Schaer in the starting line-up. The Swiss defence didn’t get better after this, but the team didn’t concede, anyway. Honduras turned to be unable to organize more than a couple of dangerous moves in front of Benaglio’s goal. But Ottmar Hitzfeld’s team took its chances, as Xherdan Shaqiri confirmed a fine hat-trick, scoring his first already after 5 minutes of play. This was the first time in the tournament, where the Swiss midfielders got more free space to operate, and hence, the many nice passes from behind, the excellent cooperation between Shaqiri and the sole forward Drmic, who was back in the starting line-up. Knowing that it is Argentina waiting for them in the next round, Switzerland has to pay more attention to cooperation both in the back and in front. Honduras is the first team from Central and North America to go home.

Defence: 0,5 – 1

Midfield: 0,5 – 1

Attack: 0,5 – 1,5

Interplay: 0,5 – 1

TOTAL: 2 – 4,5

23. Shaqiri (SUI) – 1,5

19. Drmic (SUI) – 1

8. Inler (SUI) – 1

Ecuador

– France 0-0: As Didier Deschamps was sure of his team chances to qualify, the former World champions decided to change half of his main starting line-up. Benzema was in, however, and was never substituted. But the Real Madrid forward didn’t use his chance to reach Neymar and Messi with the number of goals scored in this World Cup. The French were the team more interested to score, although it was Ecuador that needed to win the match. The South American team managed to hold a goalless draw until the second half, where Reinaldo Rueda counted on risking and getting the winning goal. But the things didn’t develop according to Rueda’s plan. First Ecuador’s captain Antonio Valencia got expulsed, and afterwards Switzerland scored the third goal to Honduras. Scoring twice and not conceding was an
impossible mission for Ecuadorians to complete. The second part of the mission was, however, easier, as they had the fantastic goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez saving all the balls flying towards his goal.

Ecuador

became the first and only South American team to be sent home already after the group stage.

Defence: 1,5 – 1,5

Midfield: 1 – 1

Attack: 0,5 – 1

Interplay: 0,5 – 1

TOTAL: 3,5 – 4,5

22. Dominguez (ECU) – 2

10. Benzema (FRA) – 0,5

3. Erazo (ECU) - 1,5

19. Pogba (FRA) – 0,5

11. Griezmann (FRA) – 0,5

13. E. Valencia (ECU) - 0,5

15. Sagna (FRA) - 0,5

21. Koscielny (FRA) - 0,5

Group E

1. France 7 (+6)

Switzerland

6 (+1)

-----

3. Ecuador 3 (0)

4. Honduras 0 (-7)

FIFA World Cup 2014: Will Ecuador make it 6 out of 6 for South America?

2014-06-25T19:59:00.000+02:00

Group E

1.

France

2. Ecuador 3

3. Switzerland 3

Honduras

Last matches: Honduras – Switzerland, Ecuador – France

The French team will qualify to the next round if the team a) doesn’t lose the match against Ecuador, b) loses to Ecuador, but Switzerland doesn’t win in the parallel match. If France loses, and Switzerland wins, three teams will have 6 points. The team with the worst goal difference will leave the tournament. Currently France is the leader with a goal difference of +6, Ecuador has got 0, and Switzerland has got -2. So France will leave the tournament
, if Ecuador and Switzerland win by a margin of at least 4 goals. An example of a scenario in which France leaves the World Cup: Ecuador – France 4-0, Honduras –

Switzerland

1-5.

Ecuador

will qualify to the next round, a) if the team defeats France by a margin of at least 4 goals, b) if the team defeats France by a smaller margin, then Switzerland’s victory has to be a minimal, too. En example: Ecuador – France 1-0, Honduras – Switzerland 0-1 (or 0-2), c) if the team doesn’t lose to France, and Switzerland fails to defeat Honduras, d) if the team loses to France, and Honduras defeats Switzerland. Three teams will have 3 points, so the team with the best goal difference will qualify. Current goal differences: Ecuador 0, Switzerland -2,

Honduras

-4.

Switzerland

will qualify to the next round, a) if the team wins over Honduras, and Ecuador fails to win, b) if the team wins over Honduras, and Ecuador wins over France. The team with the worst goal difference will leave the tournament. Currently France is the leader with a goal difference of +6, Ecuador has got 0, and

Switzerland

has got -2. Switzerland will need a victory with a difference of at least 3 goals, if Ecuador wins minimally, c) if the team wins over Honduras, while Ecuador fails to win, d) if the team ties, and Ecuador loses, e) if both Switzerland and Ecuador lose. Three teams will have 3 points, so the team with the best goal difference will qualify. Current goal differences: Ecuador 0, Switzerland -2,

Honduras

-4. So for Switzerland to qualify, Ecuador needs to lose by a margin of at least 3 goals, if Honduras wins minimally.

Honduras

will qualify only if the team defeats Switzerland by at least two goals. Meanwhile Ecuador will have to lose to France by at least three goals.