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This cup is providing all the reasons why we love the game.
Mexico 2 v South Korea 1
The energy levels where kept high for at least the first 25 minutes as El Tri was ever on the attack while South Korea was quick on the counter. Ochoa on goal was brilliant with the support of his defenders who threw their bodies into the fray. At 26’ Mexico earned a penalty off a handball in the box which Vela finished for the 1-0 lead. Mexico continued to sustain possession against a physical Korean team which never hesitated to shoot the times they took charge. At 66’ Mexico countered with the ball finding the boot of Chicharito and into goal for a 2-0 lead. At 93’ Son left foots a beauty into the upper left corner of the net to erase the clean sheet. Mexico has now won two matches playing opposite roles: countering against Germany and dominating possession against Korea. My rank: Mexico two thumbs up.
Spain 2 v Morocco 2
At 14’ lax passing amongst the Spanish defense allowed Boutaib an easy goal to put Morocco up early. But it would not last as Iniesta found Isco in the box who filled the roof with Spain’s first tally at 19’. The remaining half saw much Moroccan fouls (4 yellows) but little Spanish progress.
The second half saw Morocco come close with a bending shot that hit the post. Likewise a header by Isso was deftly defended. Typically, Spain dominated possession (69%) out passing Morocco nearly 4 to 1 and coming closer to goal on each attack. Alas, at 81’ Morocco finally earned a corner kick which was expertly headed by En Nesyri for the lead.
Spain thought they had the equalizer at 91’ as Aspas back tapped a score only to be denied by a tight offside whistle. And yet, upon further review, VAR found Aspas onside to count the goal. With Portugal drawn against Iran (Ronaldo missed a penalty) Spain tops the group. My rating: Spain thumbs up.
Why this matters: Spain’s equalizer gave it the edge to meet Russia whereas Portugal must play Uruguay. Russia scares no one. Uruguay on the other hand won all three of its games without allowing a goal. In theory Spain should move forward with little difficulty and either Suarez or Ronaldo will get an early flight home.
Nigeria scares the poo out of Argentina, as the rest of the world realizes just how hot a mess La Albiceleste are, despite being now entirely Messi-led. They're mortal. Very, very mortal.
Watching the operations unfold in Boston, it seems a brown shirt-Lord of the Flies Child's Crusade has descended on Bean Town. The kids have padlocked the smoking husk of the region, punted all the remaining natives they could find, and are now strutting up and down the hallways doing their best Mussolini impressions. They appear to be aware they are the subject of a Lib, although they also seem to have no idea what it means. Despite that, they've launched their lobbying ground-game by sending-in a batch of rather woefully unprepared, seemingly uneducated and clearly ignorant delegates to the WASC to lobby for their occupational rights as National Socialist enthusiasts. Their approach: insult the moderators.
Now, straight-up, that's a bold strategy Cotton. It hasn't been tried for awhile, so as they say, let's see if it pays off.
That said, I'm rather hoping this little adventure in Boston implodes nicely. While we support all raiders across JenGuvLand, we draw the line on gameplay that worships national socialism and nations that like to dress-up as Hermann Goering.
Maybe next time try going after a nice, quiet beer hall.
Argentina 2 v Nigeria 1
What hope Argentina had built over the last 8 years were upset in their first two group games which disappointed at all levels. How an Association (AFA) can have arguable the best player in the game and not find supportive players is the mystery of the ages. Messi has been tasked to play both midfield and striker on a team that seems incapable of finding or setting a pass ~ until the 14’ when Banega found Messi streaking down the right center for first goal. At 27’ Messi sent a nice ball into the box onto Higuain’s boot only to be denied by the Nigerian keeper. Argentina’s next opportunity came at 32’ with Di Maria being taken down from behind just outside the box. Messi’s subsequent free kick glanced off the right post. Thus, after dominating play throughout the first half, Argentina looked far closer to its 5th world ranking.
But possession is but only one statistic and off a Nigerian corner Mascherano got suckered into a penalty in the box resulting in a Moses strike at 51’ to even the match. Nigeria played tougher in the second half, blocking passes and striving for the counter attack missing net at 71’. The next counter found a ricochet off head to hand which could have been a penalty for Nigeria that might have sealed the game. At 80’ Higuain skied a perfect shot into the stratosphere further dashing the hopes of what could have been. After a close call free-kick attempt from Nigeria, Argentina’s desperation resulted in a cross by Mercado which had Rojo finding the net at 87’. And thus the ultimate disappointment is averted at the last moment. My rank: Argentina thumbs up.
Mexico 0 v Sweden 3
Mexico, needing a Win or a Draw to see through, met a team of Nordic giants (Sweden averaging +6’ a man) with early difficulty tallying a yellow in the first 13 seconds and getting a bad call from the referee at 4’. While Mexico played the game of possession, Sweden took every counter shot available with Ochoa making two super saves. And though much energy was expended, the teams were level at the half 0-0.
The second half began with Mexico in charge until Sweden’s first counter which found Augustinsson firing off the left side past an Ochoa deflection and into the net for the first score. With the momentum shift Sweden began pushing forward while Mexico fell back on its heels leading to a penalty by Moreno at 61’. Granqvist converted the penalty 2-0 bringing Mexico even closer to crashing out of the World Cup despite6 points. It got uglier at 74’ as a throw-in was headed and then muffed into the net for an own-goal (Alvarez) to drop Mexico to 0-3. All that was left was to pray South Korea kept Germany from scoring. Time after time Mexico had opportunities and found ways to shoot off target.
At 93’ Mexico are saved as South Korea scored against Germany and then added an empty net at 96’. Defending champions Germany crashes out and Mexico is in. My rank: Mexico thumbs down.
With all respect, Messi is actually being tasked to play both midfield, striker and manager currently. That's not a formation he's used to.
I'm still looking at Argentina as a thumbs-down, and frankly felt the wrong side went out. Relying on luck and with the manager an invisible bystander, I do not expect their cup to last much longer. They're as flawed as Germany, just not as lucky.
I can agree that overall Argentina is a thumbs down and despite their well played Nigeria match they are likely to go out against a very underrated French eleven.
I also think Brasil is playing well (to my chagrin) and should eliminate Mexico.
Having not seen Uruguay, I can only hope they send that peacock of Portugal home.
Spain should dispatch Russia and seem to have the easiest path to the final.
Argentina 3 v. France 4
Argentina began the game with Agüero, Higuain, and Dybala on the bench: a tactic which baffled this spectator and many experts.
The game began with a subdued energy with the first action coming at 9’ when Greizmann hit the crossbar on a set-piece kick from the right-center. Minutes later (11’) Rojo mugged a streaking Mbappé in the box for the Yellow and the penalty kick which Greizmann converted for the first score. Mbappé again incites a Yellow by Tagliafico (19’) just outside the box which Pogba sent over the net. Messi finally got the ball in the box at 37’ but the French defense immediately extinguished the threat. At 41’ Di Maria rocketed a direct shot from distance to meet the back of the right-corner net for the equalizer.
To open the second half DiMaria got fouled off the left box and on the resulting set-piece the ball fell to Messi whose shot was redirected by Mercado for the Argentine lead (48’). The French retaliated with greater intensity to nearly score on a defensive miscommunication and then a great shot from Pavard from upper left box to right back of the net (57’). At 64’ Mbappé dribbled to the left side and powered a shot past Armani for the 3rd goal for Les Bleus. Minutes later (68’), Mbappé strikes from the right against an invisible defense to up the score to 4-2. A desperate Albiceleste couldn’t manage a shot on goal until a weak tap by Messi at 85’. Then at 93’ Messi roped a pass to Agüero who came in at 66’ and headed in a third goal.
And it was over. But we knew this inevitability given the incompetent AFA who could never create a direction as seen with multiple coaching changes and questionable personnel decisions.
Uruguay 2 v. Portugal 1
I would like to admire Ronaldo. I really would as he is easily one of the best built, most productive of footballers. But his incredible narcissistic ego combined with flops, cries, and unsportsmanship, has me despising him.
A Suarez left cross finds the head of Cavani on the right for the first goal of the match at 7’. Each team would press in the midfield with nary a shot on goal. Ronaldo’s first free kick at 32’ was into the wall that had to witness his ridiculous pull of his shorts to expose his thighs. The balance of the half added a shot or two on goal and some theatrics at the level of Serie A.
The second half found more activity by Portugal resulting in a corner kick which Pepe headed in for the equalizer (55’). At 62’ Bentacur passed from top center to Cavani who again found goal bending a shot from the top left into the right side of the net. Seven minutes later Portugal had a great opportunity at an open-net goal when Goalie Muslera muffed a ball after a scrum only to find Bernardo Silva skying the shot into the stands. Cavani then left the game due to a calf injury.
With ten minutes left in the match Portugal had the lead in possession (67%), corners (9-2), and shots (16-5) but only three on goal. A shot by Fernandes at 86’ went directly into Musera; his next skied over goal. At 91’ Ronaldo shoots wide and at 94’ gets booked for dissent. A few messy minutes later and the match ends with CR7 and the defending European Champions out.
Spain 1 v. Russia 1 (3-4 PK)
On paper it is the technically astute and 10th ranked former champions Spain against the 70th ranked host team Russia who benefitted from an easy group. But matches aren’t won on paper and so the game is played.
The game began with typical Spanish ball possession dominance sufficient to create a free-kick from left of the box. Nacho’s ensuing cross toward the back post rebounded off Ignashevich’s calf as he was tackling Ramos and into net for the own-goal (12’). Until Ramos’ foul at 22’ Spain had all zeros on the stat board (no shots, corners, cards, saves or offsides) despite the lead. Russia managed three shots; the third at 36’ came closest to goal but bent outside right. Russia continued and at 39’ a corner-kick resulted in a Russian header onto Piqué’s extended arm for the penalty. Dzyuba converted at 41’ to equalize the score. Shortly before the half, Spain managed their first shots on goal without success.
The beginning of the second half saw more chances from Spain handled by the Russian defense whilst the hosts gambled on counters but resulted in no shots. At 85’ Spain had two good looks which were saved by Akinfeev. A minute later a Russian counter was botched to the relief of Spanish fans. A series of corners late gave Spain hope but for naught. Russia’s first shot of the second half came at 93’ and floated past goal. And to extra time.
In extra time possession and shots on goal remained with Spain where each chance was defended well by a collapsing Russian defense holding onto to the hope of victory in the penalty kick round. Attack after attack was accented by the rain. At the end Spain had 24 shots ~ 9 on goal while Russia’s only shot on goal was the penalty kick at 41’. The match thus revolved on the goaltenders De Gea and Akinfeev.
And as penalty kicks go so does Spain who see Russia through 3-4.
Man of the match, Igor Akinfeev who saved 9 Spanish shots in time and two superb blocks in the penalty round (especially the last one).
Croatia 1 v. Denmark 1 (3-2 PK)
Despite fielding marquee names such as Mandzukic (Juve), Modric (Real), and Rakitic (Barca), Croatia surprised in the group stage with three victories and now faced a Denmark eleven ranked 12th by FIFA but a mystery to this spectator.
And yet is was the mystery men who managed in the first goal at 57 seconds as a throw in fell onto the pitch and eventually off Mathias Jørgensen’s boot. Croatia’s Mandzukic answered at 4’ taking advantage of a ricochet off the defense to find the back of the net. Croatia next had a chance on a freekick from just outside the right top box which was headed away. The match then settled with Croatia on attack and Denmark on defense. Denmark got their next shot in at 27’ to be followed by a flurry of shots at 29’ by Croatia. The next close call came off a Rakitic shot scooped up by Schmeichel before the half.
The second half saw more possession and attempts from Denmark though continuing their physical defensive play while Croatia dominated the midfield. For ten minutes I got distracted by politics on FB only to return to the match noticing no difference in play. A brief Danish foray at 63’ resulted in no shot. Again the Danes found themselves in range at 73’ and at 74’ with no result. The next great activity came during the water break at 80’ only to continue the monotonous play once hydrated. For a moment Croatian energy increased though they seemed to hesitate in search for the perfect shot. At 92’ Rakitic took a shot from deep which missed the mark. A last minute corner by Denmark produced another off target strike to end full time.
Denmark began the extra time with greater energy than Croatia controlling possession and field position. In time the roles reverted to the uninspirational play of the first 90’ before a brief Croatian opportunity. Finally, at 114’, a Croatian counter found Ante Rebic clear in the box and fouled from behind by Mathias Jørgensen for the penalty. Modric’s resulting penalty attempt was smothered by Schmeichel for the save. And so to penalties.
In the penalty stage Croatian goalkeeper Danijel Subasic blocked three penalties while Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic buried the third for Croatia to go through 3-2.
Mexico 0 v. Brazil 2
After two brilliant games Mexico crashed in the third match returning them to underdog status against the highly talented Brasil eleven. One wonders if the start of 39 year old Marquez is a tactical or emotional decision as a last hurrah.
Neymar plays the first shot on goal at 5’ and Mexico counters with a corner-to-header in the box at 9’. At 15’ Chucky slid a pass across goal which barely missed the boot of Chicharito and at 21’ Brasil closed down another Mexican attempt. Brazil came alive at 25’ with Neymar dribbling and shooting from the left base line and continued the attack until Coutinho’s shot over goal at 27’. Ochoa at 33’ blocked a rocket hit from Gabriel Jesus. Mexican defender Alvarez received the first yellow card fouling Neymar whose free kick sailed high (40’). With the half time whistle both teams had provided far more energy and activity than yesterday’s two games combined.
Brazil opened the second half as the aggressor with an attack on goal by Coutinho which Ochoa saved. A Mexican counter was taken by Jesús Gallardo who probably should have laid off to Chucky. Immediately after, Willian crossed a shot in front of Ochoa which found Neymar at 51’ for the easy goal. With Mexico in disarray Paulinho’s shot at 59’ resulted in another Ochoa save. A Mexican counter at 61’ found Alisson saving a curving shot by Vela. 63’ Willian fired from the right; save Ochoa as the intensity of the match continued. Back and forth they fought with each team getting more and more physical as each ball was contested. For a moment Neymar writhed about in pain on the sideline garnering much attention but no Oscar was given despite video indicating a gift of cleat by Layún. With the clock striking 83’ the Brazilian time-wasting flop was in grand form this time featuring Thiago Silva. At 89’ Brazil took advantage on transition with Neymar dribbling down the left side and easily finding Firmino (who had just entered in place of Coutinho) for a second score.
In the end both teams played valiantly the difference being that Brazil got multiple shots on goal while Mexico managed only one. Brazil thus emerges as the favorite for their 6th title.
Belgium 3 v. Japan 2
The match is being held at Rostov-on-Don which makes me wonder if there is a Rostov-off-Don? Or should I add a location for my musings as Austin-on-Colorado? ~ the river natives call a lake.
The first 10 minutes saw #61 Japan and #3 Belgium exchange possession with two awry shots by Japan but no real threats. Belgium’s first attempts came at 16’ by Witsel and 17’ by Lukaku, each resulting in corner kicks intended for Kompany. Lukaku is again blocked at 21’ and then shoved out of the way at 23’ as the momentum is all Belgique. Japan’s first shot on goal was a weak header after a defensive lapse at 31’. At 44’ a weak Japanese push was muffed by Courtois for a near goal.
Opening the second half Japan’s Shibasaki threaded a pass through the defense to Haraguchi who fired from the right to the far post unopposed that shocks Belgium. Moments later Hazard responds with a shot that hits the right post. Undeterred Inui rifled a shot past Courtois’ left for the two goal lead at 52’. Ten minutes later a Lukaku header fell wide. After numerous opportunities by both sides Vertonghen skied a header at just the right trajectory to tally Belgium’s first (69’). Fellaini then tied the match at 74’with a textbook header off a cross from Hazard as the energy levels from both team remained frantic. Two consecutive point blank saves by Japan’s Kawashima at 86’ and a 3rd save moments later deny Belgium the winner. For his part Courtois added two saves at 91’ and 93’ before initiating a counter that saw Chadli tap in the winner at 95’ to end one of the more exciting matches of the cup.
And yes, there is another Rostov, 804 miles due north.
France and Uruguay both looked like they could win it all. Havent seen much of brazil and Belgium this cup, but england has such a baby path to the finals
Sweden 1 v. Switzerland 0
I picked up today’s match at the 25’ mark with no score. According to the statistics at this point Switzerland had taken one shot on goal and controlled possession. From an amateurs point of view I considered this as a match of the tall guys as both teams are known for their height. I know nothing about the Swiss but I have admired the Swedes who have seemed to coalesce as a team now that Ibrahimavic is no longer on the team or the focal point.
Sweden did get a shot on goal as I made my coffee and then a silly yellow. At 38’ the Swiss connected on a nice combination that was booted into the stands. Sweden’s combination at 40’ is bungled even worse and already I began dreading extra time and penalties.
Sustained activity was had by Switzerland at the 52’ with multiple corners which produced one save but nothing else. The ten minutes were droll but at 62’ Sweden got a set-piece on the corner left box and into the two-man wall the ball was placed further extinguishing any hope of exciting football. Thus, at 66’ a shot from Forsberg set to be saved by the goalie gets deflected by Akanji for the own-goal wrongly credited to Forsberg. In the late 70’s the Swiss again pressed for goal each wave well defended by Sweden. A final chance at 91’ by the Swiss was saved. In desperation, a break-away by Sweden resulted in a red card foul just outside the box with the resulting kick into the wall the final act.
And though I am critical of the two teams play I am reminded that Italy, Netherlands, Chile and the USA didn’t even qualify so kudos to Switzerland on one level and to Sweden who continue to play while Portugal, Spain, Argentina, Mexico and Germany relax at home and contemplate new tatoos.
England 1 v. Colombia 1 (4 - 3 PK)
The Three Lions, a feline never native to the Isle, has Harry Kane as captain of the nation that originated the game of football (played with the feet) and enter hopeful after witnessing the fall of giants and reports that Colombia’s most know player, James, is out for the game.
An inadvertent hand-ball by Mina at 5’ began the action and granted England a set piece from the left side of the box that Ospina fisted away. England would manage three corners and another shot before Kane’s header attempt just above the net at 16’. Without James Rodriguez Colombia could not penetrate the English defense and seemingly waited for quick counters. A foul, set-piece, corner, triple action for the Lions came to naught around 27’. Until 33’, Colombia provided no offense inside the 30 yard mark when their first shot dribbled far wide of the goal. Kane got fouled at 38’ at the top left of the box leading to a free kick. In the creation of the wall Barrios got a yellow rather than a red for head-butting as Colombian emotions continued to percolate. Yet, for all the drama, Trippier bent the ball far left. At 47’ Quintero provided the Latins first shot on goal easily smothered by the Pickford. At the half England was in control with Colombia fuming, a moot point with no score.
The second part was much like the first with Arias getting yellow on a hard foul on Kane at 52’. The ensuing set-piece was headed-out by Colombia resulting in a corner. The scrum during the corner kick saw Sanchez tackle Kane for a penalty shot. After much stupidity and Colombian complaints (which saw Henderson from England tally a yellow), Kane converted the penalty with a direct shot at 57’. More Colombian emotions after a combination of English attacks saw Falcao get booked for dissent. Not a minute later Bacca gets booked for a hard foul. (65’). With yellow cards at the ready, the referee next booked Lingard at 68’. Dele Alli got the next opportunity in the box at 72’ resulting in a corner crossed to center and headed just onto the roof of the net. An English breakaway found Lingard down in the box with no foul rightly called and Mojica getting a shot easily managed by the defense. Colombia’s best opportunity of match came at 82’ off a defensive lapse by the Lions finding three opponents at the ready and Cuadrado skying an open shot into the stands. At 92’ Uribe rocketed a shot from deep which Pickford deflected for a corner. Mina converted with a header into the pitch that bounced over Trippier and Pickford for the leveling the score (94’). Alas, England played a great 94’ in a 95’ match.
The last minute goal seemed to have taken all of the energy out of the English sails both physically and psychologically. Colombia looked to have gained the momentum into extra time controlling the action whereas English legs appeared tired and their passes lacked crispness. Two Colombia passes resulted in headers toward goal and one corner. At 106’ Vardy with fresh legs got open, but alas offsides, and then was well defended a minute later. A nice play at 112’ found Rose’s shot from left to right just miss the post reinvigorating the Lions. Again England shot, gained a corner, but saw the cross headed over the net. In the end the clock struck and the penalty round beckoned.
In the penalty round both Pickford and Ospina made great saves but the Uribe miss and Dyer conversion gave England ticket forward.
england almost blew the one of the easiest paths to the finals lol
France 2 v Uruguay 0
Uruguay enter the quarter-final matchup undefeated but without Cavani while France has become more popular given the recent play of Mbappé. I find it hard to pick a favorite as I respect both sets of eleven though I lean more toward Les Bleus and their layers of quality players at each position.
Suarez provided the first shot albeit wide of goal at 5’ and Lloris of France saved another header which just missed the boot of an attacking Stuani at 14’. France also had two opportunities early before Mbappé headed a ball onto the top of the net. With the pacing slow France gained a corner at 21’ which was rather easily defended. A corner and two long shots by France impacted the statistics more than the game as France began to control possession. Meanwhile Cáceres took a look from midfield which hit the stands at 31’. Hernandez of France earned the first yellow trying to rip the shirt off Nández. When Uruguay got the ball they looked lethal with a Vecino attempt at 36’ saved. At 38’ Bentancur got booked on a bad foul and will miss the next match. The resulting freekick (40’) from the top right box by Greizmann was glanced by Varane into the left corner of the net for the first goal. Uruguay got aggressive with Nández firing a direct shot at Lloris followed a bit later by a freekick that Cáceres headed and saved again by Lloris (44’).
A set piece by France began the second half with Greizmann booting to Muslera. A second set piece by Mbappé was fisted away by Muslera at 50’. France continued the wave of attack with a corner at 53’ and a wide shot. Uruguay’s opportunities were well defended as they seemed unable to create combinations or connect with Suarez though Betancur and Cáceres got off wide shots. As such they substituted two at 59’. Off a counter Greizmann rocketed a shot from 24 yards off the top left box that blows through Muslera’s hands into the net for the second goal at 61’. Urugauy’s Rodriguez managed a shot but again wide left.
I was about to comment on how well the teams were playing from a sense of sportsmanship when Mbappé flopped to the ground causing heightened emotions by both squads stopping play for at least three minutes before Mbappé and Rodriguez were given yellows.
Returning to the game Uruguay still couldn’t get combinations and France’s Tolisso nearly sealed the match with a shot from distance that missed the right corner net at 73’. With the two goal lead Les Bleus played with confidence on offense and determination on defense against the ever pressing Albiceleste. The next 15minutes were basically a stalemate culminating in a Greizmann set piece at 89’ over the net. After five minutes of stoppage time France emerged victorious due mostly to a suffocating defense. As such my man of the match is Lloris who saved four shots.
Belgium 2 v. Brazil 1
As usual, Brazil enters highly rated to defeat a workman Belgium who have scored 12 but ceded 4 goals. The other big question is will Neymar be remembered for his soccer brilliance of theatrical flops? As one with ties to Argentina I cannot find myself rooting for Brazil despite the logic that they have the tools for their 6th World Title.
De Bruyne opened the statistical action with a wide shot left at 2’ followed by a weak Neymar boot from the left to Courtois at 4’. Brazil earned the first corner with Neymar crossing to Silva that bounce off the left side post s fell in front of Courtois who then began a counter which saw Hazard and Chadli each getting shots. Brazil saw much action in the box resulting in another corner this time by Willian which found Paulinho misfiring 10’. A Fellaini attempt was deflected out and the ensuing corner had Kompany heading with a deflection off Fernandinho for the own goal at 13’. Immediately back on offense, Brazil took a number of shots all smothered by the Red Devils defense. Coutinho took a shot from distance at 20’ which Courtois caught clean. At the quarter mark each team had tallied 5 shots and 2 corners as the frantic pace continued.
Marcelo blasted a rocket shot from top left that Courtois blocked at 25’. A foul near the corner set up a freekick by Willian and then a corner by Neymar were well defended. Lukaku then led a counter which found De Bruyne who slammed in the shot from the top of the box to the left back post for Belgium’s second at 32’. Brazil then sustained an attack which saw Jesus misdirect a header at 36’; Coutinho take another distance shot at 37’that Courtois again saved; and Fernadinho get blocked. A Brazil foul at 40’ gave De Bruyne a freekick from the top left of the box which Alisson had to tip over the net. Chadli’s corner cross to Kompany was caught by Alisson. A final run by Neymar in stoppage time was deemed offside and the half concluded with 18 shots, 6 on goal, and 8 corners between the two teams.
Firmino replaced Willian to start the second half while Belgian defender Alderweireld got a quick yellow stopping a counterat 47’. At 51’ Marcelo on the left flank did some brilliant dribbling to cross a shot just wide. A Coutinho shot blocked and then a Neymar flop inside the box almost got Neymar a yellow for simulation. Jesus made a hard run into the box from theright gaining a shot and then again from the left Jesus is defended with the announcer crying for a penalty while the referee warded a goal kick. After two Brazilian waves Belgium on the counter had Hazard on the left shooting wide at 61’. Costa, in for Jesus, got a shot off from the right handed away by Courtois. With 22 minutes left the pressure on Brazil heightened in hopes the Red Devil defense would break.
Meunier received a yellow shutting down a Neymar run at 70’. Costa subsequently shot from distance into Courtois. At 75’ Costa rocketed another shot the Courtois this time falling to Neymar who missed. A minute later Coutinho crossed into the box that Augusto headed passed Courtois for a Brazilian score at 76’. Brazilian waves are countered twice by Belgium with weak final passes ending the run indicating the Red Devils may be fatigued. An open opportunity for Augusto at 81’ is booted wide left. Neymar has the ball in the box at 84’ but his layoff to Coutinho finds the shot sailing wide right. Fernandinho got a yellow for denying a Hazard run at 85’as Belgium desperately seeks possession. Again Hazard begins a counter with Fagner getting the yellow on the foul at 90’. Moments later Fagner crossed into the box missing Neymar. Courtois made a great save finger-tipping of a Neymar direct shot over the goal post at 94’ while the resulting corner went for naught.
And then the whistle came ending easily the best played match of the tournament as both teams gave every measure but only one could be crowned victor.
Man of the match: Courtois and his impeccable goaltending.
England 2 v. Sweden 0
For years we have been told that the best football in the world is played in England and though they seldom show such promise as a National team, we find them our favorites not only as the originators of the game but as a country still passionate 52 years since their lone title.
"One thing is for sure, a World Cup without me is nothing to watch." These were the words of Zatlan Ibrahimovic when Sweden failed to qualify in 2014 and yet without him the Swedes play more as a team and are on the verge of the final four despite backing in to the tournament over Netherlands and Italy.
It took until 12’ before the first action of any measure occurred when Sweden’s Claesson shot from 25 yards floated wide left, the slow pace a far cry from the frantic activity of yesterday’s games. Meanwhile Kane got his first look at 20’ with a center ball shot wide left. Four minutes later Trippier’s shot from the right goal line is smothered by Olsen as England sustained possession. England contributed multiple crosses into the box the last resulting in a corner kick Young arcs from the left to the penalty spot where Maguire heads past Olsen for the first score (30’). Henderson hit the stat sheet at 35’ with a shot helplessly into the stands at 35’. Sweden’s few opportunities were harmless never penetrating the Three Lions box. At 45’ Sterling got free one-on-one with Olsen with a great pass over the defense that earlier resulted in an offsides, but he couldn’t manage to score.
Sweden entered the English area to start the second period with Berg striking a hard header from the right at 47’ blocked away by Pickford. The Three Lions pressed the box with Lingard taking three shots resulting in corners and throw-ins. In time they were rewarded as Dele Alli received the ball off the left post which he headed in for England’s second (58’). Sweden got numbers in the box with Pickford blocking a sweet direct shot by Claesson at 62’. At 65’ Young earned a corner the resulting corner pin-balling in the box until Maguire played it wide. The pressure continued with Alli and Lingard getting shots. Berg found England on their heels at 72’ but Pickford finger-tipped his shot from the penalty dot over the goal. Trippier nearly found Sterling in front of goal at 78’ that the defender blocked. The first yellow card of the match was shown to Maguire at 87’ for tactically denying a Swedish counter. Guidetti for Sweden received a yellow for some reason while a freekick was earned above the top right box that Augustinsson sent awry, Sweden’s final play. Another yellow was shown to Larsson battling Kane on the left side as the minutes ticked away ending with England victorious.
My man of the match: England’s midfield who controlled the match.
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