Selecao Suffer More Humiliation In Brasilia

World Cup ·

An early breakthrough from the Dutch attackers and a late dagger to the chest from Giorgino Wijnaldum proved to be enough to end the hosts’ own World Cup in pain.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

BRAZIL 0 – 3 NETHERLANDS

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

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Brazil 0 – 3 Netherlands

Robin van Persie (3′) Daley Blind (16′) Giorgino Wijnaldum (91′)

Saturday 12 July 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST / 4pm ET

Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Third-Place Playoff, World Cup Game #63

Going into this bronze medal decider, neither side was particularly willing to play out another testing 90 minutes of pointless football.

However, an energetic Arjen Robben, as he has been all summer, was sent clear after 80 seconds and was hauled down by the returning captain Thiago Silva. Replays, however, showed that initial contact was made outside the box, there were also strong calls for Silva to be sent off. Up stepped Robin van Persie to smash his penalty into the top corner for his fourth goal of the tournament, level with Lionel Messi and Neymar. Again in quick succession, David Luiz made a terrible defensive mistake, his weak headed clearance landed at the feet of left back Daley Blind, who duly fired in for his first ever international goal, cueing thousands of Brazilian tears. The Selecao grew into the game though, as Oscar and Maxwell tried and failed while Jonathan de Guzman and van Persie had similar cases at the other end.

After the half time break, Arjen Robben was again at the centre of the action, his shot deflected over while Ramires and David Luiz had close attempts on goal. Oscar and Hulk tried numerous more times while Arjen Robben and co attempted to unlock the yellow line of defence again. Luiz Felipe Scolari cut a frustrated and troubled figure on the touchline and Holland rubbed salt in the Brazilian wounds as Giorgino Wijnaldum fired in from close range in stoppage time to secure the bronze medals.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match: Thiago Silva
Possession: Brazil 57% Netherlands 47%
Shots: Brazil 10 Netherlands 8

Robben proves his class
After a controversial but promising and explosive World Cup, it certainly seems like the rapid winger is one of the favourites for the Adidas Golden Ball award.

So after a promising but cautious start to the tournament, pressure finally caught up with Brazil as their World Cup ended in disaster following successive losses. As for the Dutch, it was another brave and exciting performance as they dazzled under Louis van Gaal for the final time.

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Defining Moments From Brazil’s World Cup Campaign

World Cup ·

While a somewhat meaningless third-place playoff remains to be played, the dream is over for Brazil. It’s been a rollercoaster ride though, and here are the best (or worst) moments from the Brazilian journey.

BY NISAR KHAN

Brazil couldn’t get the job done this time. Dreams are over. FOX NEWS

Brazil’s World Cup campaign ended in devastating fashion in the World Cup semi-finals in Belo Horizonte as they lost 7-1 to Germany. Read the match report here.

Formalities aside, let’s get stuck in..

Marcelo’s Shocking Own Goal

Brazill’s World Cup campaign didn’t exactly get off to the right start. Mere minutes into the opening game in São Paulo against Croatia, running the ball into his own goal from a troubling Croatian cross. It shifted the hosts to the backfoot from the start.

Watch the own goal here »

Clumsy and comical, really. It was all rather symbolic though, don’t you think? It set up for a very uneasy ride.

Neymar Steps Up

Neymar proved from the outset that he is capable of carrying Brazil’s hopes on his shoulders. His magnificent double turned the game around for Brazil and Neymar showed what Brazil were all about. 

Rising potential? »

Neymar, Oscar Rescue Brazil in Opener »

Neymar was ready to take the World by storm.

Hino Nacional Brasileiro

The Brazilian anthem captured the imagination of World Cup watchers around the Globe. Captivating players and fans with unmatched emotion and passion, they belted their hearts out to get ready for the game. Tears would pour at times, but more often than not, it all paid off. 

PHOTO: Neymar in tears while signing the Brazil national anthem. True, and pure passion for the game. #BRAvsMEX pic.twitter.com/5A8lYXrTcz
— TheSportMatrix (@_TheSportMatrix) June 17, 2014

After the first, instrumental-backed anthem was sung, they continued with another A cappella version was truly breathtaking. 

Anthem Sung Out Passionately vs. Mexico »

Ready For Round of 16

As Brazil prepared for their final group game, the ever-daunting yet unlikely possibility of elimination remained. There were some jitters when they were on level terms with Cameroon until Neymar’s double and additional assurances would rise as Fred dismissed critics and Fernandinho scored. They would cruise past Cameroon.

Cameroon 1-4 Mexico Match Report »

Nerves of Steel

An incredible Round of 16 battle between Chile and Brazil in Belo Horizonte would eventually lead to penalties to provide the ultimate culmination. Neymar converted the pivotal penalty before Gonzalo Jara missed to send the Brazilians through.

Brazil Keep Dream Alive Against Chile »

As calm as ever, Neymar stepped up and coolly scored. A remarkable young talent hoisted the nation on his shoulders once more.

Free-Kick Frenzy

Colombia were on a roll going into their Quarter-Final clash with Brazil in Fortaleza. Thiago Silva’s header provided a lift-off for the Brazilians before David Luiz doubled the scoring.

Luiz, Silva Guide Brazil Past Colombia »

Emotions were running high after he smashed in an incredible free-kick from far out and his celebrations evoked that of a nation whose dream was in full flow.

Neymar Ruled Out

Brazil’s triumph over Colombia was overshadowed by an injury to Neymar. Zúñiga kneed him in the back and caused a broken vertebra in the Brazilian’s back – just 2.3cm higher and Neymar would have been paralysed for the rest of his life.

A few hours after the injury and Brazil’s worst nightmare came true – Neymar was out of the World Cup.

Dreams Crushed

Brazil were dominated against Germany – a horrific opening half-an-hour saw them go five goals behind. They would eventually lose by 7-1. Dreams were crushed. Their homecoming trip to the Maracana was no more.

Brazil’s Day of Disaster »

Scolari’s Huddle

After the game, Felipe Scolari gathered his players and tried to get them back together in the right frame of mind. They all knew that it was a day of change for Brazilian football.

Tears

Tears were pouring from the very first anthem, to the end when they crashed out. It’s fitting that they started, how they ended.

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Germany Personify Footballing Perfection Over Brazil

World Cup ·

Germany ran riot in Belo Horizonte as they demolished Brazilian dreams with an extraordinary 5-1 win in the World Cup semi-final. Joachim Löw’s side demonstrated true footballing perfection.

BY NISAR KHAN

A German wrecking machine thumped seven goals past Brazil in Belo Horizonte. GETTY

Four straight World Cups and four straight semi-finals. It’s a complicated problem, or at least it was a complicated problem for Germany. That was until they hammered Brazil in Belo Horizonte. 

Many big contenders in their tournament rely on one player as the focal point of the game – if he has a good game, his team has a good game, and if its bad, his team do bad. Argentina have their Messi and Brazil had their Neymar. For Germany, its an irresistible catalogue of World class talent that, most importantly, works well together and has excellent chemistry.

Against Brazil, André Schürrle, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos, Miroslav Klose and Thomas Müller banked their name on a specially-long scoresheet. While at times Müller is the main source of goals – that’s what you need from your centre forward – he’s not having to do everything else on the pitch.

They have such adaptable footballers among their squad that makes it such a formidable lineup. The most prime example in this case is Philip Lahm, who indeed holds his own in defence (when put there) but can also play the midfield role well, hence covering the most distance in possession out of anyone in the tournament and completing most passes for the Germans. He provided an excellent assist to André Schürrle for the sixth goal.

Joachim Löw is spoilt for choice when it comes down to midfielders, yet turning to Philip Lahm to takeover midfielding duties is a testament to his managing capabilities. Likewise, instead of using traditional full-backs he often reverts to Boateng and Höwedes to take over those at times. It’s all about successful adaptation, indeed a captivating chronicle.

Further up the pitch we have Miroslav Klose. To make matters worse for Brazil he broke Ronaldo’s record of all-time goals in the World Cup. Although overshadowed by the standout scoreline, he shows that a traditional #9 provides the helping hand for any side that loves to add quality and just needs the final finish. Muller can even do that to. 

Let’s take it back to the other end then, with Manuel Neuer. In my eyes he is the greatest goalkeeper on the planet today. Rushing forward when needs be to sprawl an onrushing striker allows more freedom from the back. Even when he had a 5+ goal cushion, he still made emphatic saves to stop Oscar. The one occasion by which he did concede was followed up by a livid reaction – a suitable mentality for the Germans.

Sometimes they are portrayed as villainous in football – but there non-sympathetic total-football approach is thrilling to watch. They are the best footballers by far, now its about wrapping up the result.

Germany are just another sublime performance away from reliving a glory that they have waited and deserved for years. Is it finally the time?

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Where Do Brazil Go From Here?

World Cup ·

A catastrophic 5-1 loss to Germany in the World Cup semi-final will go down as the darkest day in Brazil’s sporting history. Undoubtedly, it will take some time for the Brazilians to recover, but what steps must they take first to get there?

BY NISAR KHAN

David Luiz is consoled by Thiago Silva following a devastating loss to Germany in Belo Horizonte. SQUAWKA

Read the match report for Brazil 1-7 Germany here

Belo Horizonte witnessed a devastating and drastic deterioration of Brazil’s homecoming dream as they were wrecked by Germany in the World Cup semi-final. The possibility of plummeting into depressing and dark times are well and truly alive. With so much expectation on their shoulders, an already-herculean loss like this is further multiplied.

Everyone in Brazil, every 200 million of them, was dreaming, expecting and believing that they would return to the Maracanã and lift the World Cup trophy. They fell one hurdle short, but it was one devastating fall.

With a third-place playoff game looming, Brazil can’t hide either. They have mere days to improve and steady the course. Another mass failure like we saw at Germany would spark furore and even more depression.

It’s as easy as ever to point out the third place playoff’s importance, and Brazil winning would be ideal, and so on, and so forth… But, for Brazil this game will act as a transition, almost an apology, for their failure to succeed. Will Brazil fans even come out and support?

Shouting “Ole” for the Germans, applauding them and turning their backs on their own nation – it was an embarrassing 90 minutes for Brazil to endure. The ultimate humiliation was clear though when Brazil seemed to be endorsing Germany. They had given up – yes, the Brazilians had given up.

Expectations were through the roof thanks in part to the national anthem also. Truly speaking, it’s a thing of passion and that’s admirable – but it puts emotion in front of reality – a fatal error in football.

They must avoid excuses. Felipe Scolari appeared to be pinning the blame on himself when he huddled his dejected players after the full-time whistle. This is the tone they need to follow. Pinning it on the absences of Neymar and Thiago Silva could create a vicious stigma against the national team.

Finishing third will mean little to Brazil, even if they manage the feat. Thiago Silva will be available, that’s if they do select him. This is an opportunity to bring out an entirely new side. There’s no point bringing out the ones who lost for a meaningless vengeance.

The unity of Brazil’s team is ever-present. That’s why you shouldn’t expect a scapegoat to emerge (unless the media have their way). Everyone was to blame. 

Maybe mostly, perhaps, is Scolari. After the World Cup he surely is on his way out. Brazil saw his 2002 win as a guarantee of emulating that success in Brazil. There will be a big backlash for sure. Media will feast. And that’s why there will be a big change around.

Players like Fred, with a lot of criticism coming his way, may never where the Brazil strip again. 

The worst fear is the backlash from the fans. 200 million dreams have been shattered from the abysmal performance. Should this overshadow the tournament then the impact on the Brazil team will be even worse.

Everything needs to be examined. Was this just a bad day in the office, or is it a sign that Brazilian football needs something changed? What is most worrying for the South Americans is their previous performances that hardly convinced.

Brazillian football is poised to undergo it’s most significant change in decades. Dreams are shattered, hearts are broken and the time for change is now.

Read the match report for Brazil 1-7 Germany here

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Germany Wreck Hosts and Crush Dreams in Brazil’s Day of Devastation

World Cup ·

Germany shockingly dismantled Brazil to destructively crush the dreams of the country, thumping seven goals past a horrific Brazillian performance in the World Cup Semi-Finals.

BY NISAR KHAN

BRAZIL 1 – 7 GERMANY

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Brazil 1 – 7 Germany

Thomas Muller (11′), Miroslav Klose (23′), Toni Kroos (24′ & 26′), Sami Khedira (29′), André Schürrle (69′ & 79′), Oscar (90+1′)

Tuesday 8 July 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST / 4pm ET

Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Semi-Final, World Cup Game #61

Belo Horizonte was bolstering as it reached fever pitch when the players entered the arena. As ever, the Brazilian anthem was brimming with pure passion and emotion. Julio Cesar and David Luiz held Neymar’s shirt during the anthem following his absence due to injury. 

Spearheaded by the prolific presence of David Luiz, Brazil attacked early and pressed with an early corner. Soon after, a fired-up Marcelo smashed wide and then Neuer gratefully grasped on to Hulk’s cross.

It took some five minutes for Germany to really indulge in a trademark German possession spell. They neared the final third but failed to really connect. Then, Sami Khedira made a clean connection onto a volley, although blocked well by Dante.

Marcelo conceded Germany’s first corner in the game after 10 minutes. Testament to Germany’s set-piece execution, they would make a mark through Toni Kroos’ corner.

The Bayern man whipped in a ball towards Thomas Müller, unmarked and uncontested, allowing him to sidefoot into goal and hurl the Germans in front. The hosts had no-one to blame but themselves for gifting Müller a goal out of dismal defending.

Germany manage to take the sting out of what had been a lively start to the match, but Brazil weren’t holding back. Things would boil over slightly following Lahm’s challenge on Marcelo in the box. Replays showed it was an inch-perfect challenge although that wouldn’t halt the tension that was diffused by the referee, eventually.

Miroslav Klose would become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer as he scored following his initial shot being saved. Brazil had a mountain to climb.

That mountain would get bigger minutes later, as Toni Kroos hammered in a half-volley on the edge of the box. Then, seconds after scoring, he would be gifted by Klose to tap it in. In the first 25 minutes, Germany were leading 4-0.

Scratch that! Why? Germany added another almost instantly through Sami Khedira. Linking up with Ozil, a fake shot allowed him to adjust and fire at goal for the fifth.

Brazil were lifeless, deflated and humiliated.

Boos filled Belo Horizonte as halftime ensued.

Germany were cruising for the second half, but Neuer wasn’t letting up. He made superb saves to deny any chance of a comeback.

Not too long after being subbed on, André Schürrle added to the devastating tally with an easy tap-in after Lahm squared the ball in.

Fred’s image went around the stadium and was met with a barrage of boos. To mark the ultimate humiliation, Brazilian fans were applauding the Germans and even responding with “Ole” when they passed the ball. That’s a first.

Andre Schurrle added another with a sublime strike. Breaking through to the left of the box, he smashed it past Julio Cesar, off the bar and in. So good that the Brazilian fans applauded it.

Ozil’s shot travelled wide but Germany were not done.

Oscar gave the Brazilians something to cheer about as he escaped Boateng and smashed it past Neuer to provide a stoppage time consolation. Germany were livid that they had conceded, it just tells you what they’re about.

At full-time, a barrage of boos dominated the stadium. Brazil’s performance was unforgivably bad. Brazil 1, Germany 7 – that is NO error.

The worst day in Brazilians football history.

Brazil, yes BRAZIlL, have lost 7-1.. in the World Cup semi-final.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Thomas Muller
Flop of the Match: Every Brazil player
Possession: Brazil 51% – 49% Germany
Shots: Brazil 18 – 14 Germany

Where Do Brazil Go From Here? »

Germany Personify Footballing Perfection »

We’ll be bringing you some more analysis articles in reaction to this game very soon on TSMBrazil.com

Brazil’s dream has not just ended, it has been absolutely destroyed.

Germany are into the final of the World Cup – they were not only the better team on the day, but they thrashed Brazil on what could be one of the worst days in their history. There will be no homecoming triumph for Brazil, but the Germans could be getting their hands back on the trophy.

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Silva and Luiz Stop Colombians as Brazil Samba to Semis

World Cup ·

Brazil toppled Colombia in another dramatic instalment to the World Cup, as David Luiz and Thiago Silva’s goals were enough to see the Brazilians through in Fortaleza.

BY MATT LYNCH

BRAZIL 2 – 1 COLOMBIA

An elated David Luiz embraces the winning goal

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Brazil 2 – 1 Colombia

Thiago Silva (7′), David Luiz (69′), James Rodriguez (80′ penalty)

Friday 4 July 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST / 5pm ET 

Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Quarter Final 2, World Cup Game #58

Arguably the best two teams in the tournament so far going head to toe it was sure going to be a classic encounter between Brazil and Colombia. 

Scolari rang the changes before the game with Dani Alves surprisingly dropped and Maicon being thrown into the ring. Despite this Brazil showed no signs of stuttering as on 7 minutes Thiago Silva, who will miss the semi final through suspension, hit the ball in with his knee from a Neymar corner. 

 Brazil soon settled into their samba with the football free flowing and enigmatic. The goal never really flung Colombia into action until the ever influential Rodriguez played in Cuadrado, only to scuff his effort. 

From the outset Brazil had the tactic of disrupting play, hardly the samba way. This was shown on 25 when Fernandinho hacked down Rodriguez. The referees in this World Cup have been accused of being biased the decision not to book Fernandinho argued this. In a busy time between 20-30 minuted Hulk became Hulk for the first real time in the tournament flashing a shot at Ospina, stinging his ever so safe hands. 

Going into the second half, the foul play continued indefinitely. Rodriguez again the target by a nasty Fernandinho challenge. Soon, the Fortaleza turned into chaos, when on 69 minutes David Luiz scored a ”worldie” as Paul Merson would say. Taking the ball off Neymar to take the free-kick, Luiz hit it pure and sweet from 30 yards past the despairing Ospina. It was a true shine of quality and how Brazil could do anything. 

Colombia looked dead and buried but on 78 minutes they were handed a key back in. Cesar fouled the tormentor, Rodriguez. Following this Rodriguez comfortably despatched the penalty. Arguably Cesar could of been sent walking for the tackle… 

In the closing stages there was immense worry for Brazil when Neymar was hacked into. Neymar went off in obvious pain on a stretcher crying. It wasn’t the ending Brazil fans or him wanted. 

Brazil were in third gear and never really pushed on like they could of. Yet they are through. Colombia deserved more this tournament. On the end of some dodgy decisions it was curtains for them today.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: David Luiz
Just WOW… only he could of scored that.
Flop of the Match: Thiago Silva
Stupid booking overshadowed his decent performance. He’ll miss the semi-final.
Possession: Brazil 51% – 49% Colombia
Shots: Brazil 12 – 11 Colombia

Brazil are now setup for a Semi-Final clash with Germany in Belo Horizonte. As for Colombia, their incredible run ended, with their talisman James Rodriguez in tears – we can be expectant that they will come again.

The Brazilian dream continues as more remarkable moments are added to the growing backlog in this amazing World Cup.

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Can Brazil Handle the Pressure?

World Cup ·

A whole nation expects as Brazil search for an extraordinary World Cup triumph on whole soil. But, with emotions running high and challenges getting harder, it ponders the question – can they handle the pressure and go all the way?

BY NISAR KHAN

The magnitude of their challenge increases by the day. GETTY IMAGES

With a population of over 200 million, Brazil’s football fanaticism sees no boundaries, meaning a World Cup on home soil will bring only the highest of expectations.

As a very young side, Scolari relies on the likes of Neymar to hoist those expectations upon his shoulders – and as we saw against Chile, Neymar could deal with the pressure to convert the penalty.

We know that it’s been far from a steady course on Brazil’s path to home triumph. Marcelo’s own goal minutes into the opening game was a telling sign. Brazil were able to save themselves though, as Neymar and Oscar stood up to sink the Croatians.

One reality must be considered however – that there are limits. 

Tears after tears were embraced by the Brazilians following their win over Chile, suggesting that the whole course is becoming more of an ordeal. For them to be so emotional after a last-sixteen game could indicate that they are on the brink.

What’s most worrying for Brazil is that their Quarter-Final opponents are on an absolute roll. Colombia picked apart heavyweight South-Americans Uruguay on Saturday. Brazil will require much more structure and may be on the backfoot considerably more than usual.

Through the eyes of their energetic fanbase, expectations have not been decreased despite their previous performances. Brazil surely now that not getting to the final will be unacceptable.

There’s also the matter of the rioting and unrest in regards to the hosting of the tournament – will many sustain their motive to watch and support the tournament if the hosts are out?

Many still have a lot to prove in the side. There’s a contrasting mixture of players developed and others with a few more steps to take. For instance, there’s Fred, who has been subject to a lot of criticism for his lack of movement and conversion as his forward role. Then you have Neymar, a 22-year-old who can carry the team. This contrast could lead to unrest.

There’s just so much emotion fuelled by the heaps of pressure that make Brazil’s challenge so much harder. It looks like a long journey away from a World Cup trophy at the moment.

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Brazil Keep Nation’s Hopes Alive to Shatter Chilean Dreams On Penalties

World Cup ·

Brazil salvaged the hopes of their nation as they knocked out Chile on penalties to conclude an incredible encounter in Belo Horizonte.

BY NISAR KHAN

BRAZIL 1 – 1 CHILE
Penalties: Brazil 3-2 Chile

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Brazil 1 – 1 Chile

David Luiz (18′), Alexis Sanchez (32′)
Penalties: BRA 3-2 CHIBraz

Saturday 28 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Round of 16, World Cup Game #49

A spine-tingling atmosphere descended in Belo Horizonte as thousands of fans packed the stadium for an all South-American encounter for the first knockout game of the tournament. We’d soon reach a fever pitch when the Brazilian anthem was belted out with pure passion.

Chile’s setup indicated that Brazil were in for a tough afternoon’s work. Pushing out wide, with free-kick attempts early, Brazil weren’t on a prolific outburst which they desired. Marcelo soon smashed wide though, before Neymar had to receive some treatment for a knee problem.

Renowned South American play emerged, with full-fledged challenges in a very high speed game. Hulk’s penalty appeal was waved off before Neymar’s free-kick was snatched away after Gustavo was fouled outside the box.

Brazil’s brilliance was clear for all to see when Neymar broke through and was almost on goal, but a defender restricted movement for Neymar, forcing him to pass it across the box, failing to meet any forthcoming Brazilian attackers.

Hulk’s free-kick from the right quadrant of the box forced Chilean keeper Claudio Bravo to punch it out for a corner. Neymar whipped in the ball, headed on towards David Luiz who helped it in from close range, scoring his first ever goal for the Brazilian national side.

Neymar continued to urge Brazilian attack, but at the expense of numerous fouls on him as Chilean-after-Chilean clattered him.

Brazil made a woeful error to gift Chile for the second. Marcelo picked up the ball from a throw-in in Chile’s attacking third, passing it towards the box. It fell to Alexis Sanchez who smashed it past Julio Cesar. 

Fred squandered a golden chance to put Brazil back ahead. Neymar once again probed in the box, drawing in defenders allowing Fred to glance a shot past the keeper, but way over the bar too.

Dani Alves then stung the hands of Claudio Bravo as his shot from outside the box packed power and deception, almost moving past the keeper.

Aranguiz almost got on to the end of a scramble but Julio Cesar and other defenders rushed in front to restrict.

The half-time interval provided an opportunity to reflect on a frantic, intense 45 minutes. Brazil and Chile were on level terms.

Chile were slightly forced on the backfoot as the second half began. Fernandinho smashed wide after a few minutes before Chile were back in the game and threatening.

Brazil thought they were leading after Hulk finished beautifully, controlling a long ball and tapping in at the edge of goal. Celebrations were cut short after Hulk was booked for an alleged handball in the touch to control the ball.

For the minutes that followed, the game was subdued. Both sides were affected before the intensity was racked up.

Julio Cesar made an excellent save to deny a Chilean equaliser from Aranguiz, out for a corner. Brazil diffused pressure by passing the ball in their half.

90 minutes were approaching. It was evenly poised but the atmosphere was extraordinary.

Sanchez was sublime as he troubled the Brazilians, but still 90 minutes were played. No one was leading.

No one could score. The full-time whistle was blown. 30 more minutes to enjoy.

Hulk looked to escape down the right early but was fouled. In reaction, he was pumped up and waved on the crowd to get behind Brazil. Neymar’s free-kick was blocked.

After 15 minutes, Brazil still lost the ball to Chile who were bossing it, damaging Brazil’s pass accuracy. There were 15 minutes left, or penalties would come.

In the 119th minute, Pinilla was milimetres from knocking Brazil out. His bullet of a shot hit the woodwork.

That would be the closest. Penalties it is.

David Luiz stepped up and scored the first, and Brazil would maintain their lead after Pinilla was denied.

Willian failed to double the lead as he dragged it wide, and Brazil breathed a sigh of relief when their lead was sustained by Alexis Sanchez missed.

Marcelo smashed home, Aranguiz did too, but Hulk was saved allowing an opportunity for Chile to equalise. Marcelo Diaz did just that.

It was down to Neymar. The nation on his shoulders. Nerves of steel, he hit home.

Gonzalo Jara’s penalty hit the crossbar. Brazil had escaped through.

There was absolute heartbreak as the players consoled each other, two hours of pulsating football got the knockout stages on a roll.

Brazil’s hopes are intact, while Chile’s are no more. What a way to start the knockout phase.

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Brazil Vanquish Cameroon in Capital to Top Group A

World Cup ·

Neymar scored twice, Fred disproved critics and Fernandinho added a fourth – as Brazil overcame some first half jitters to cruise past Cameroon.

BY NISAR KHAN

CAMEROON 1 – 4 BRAZIL

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

Cameroon 1 – 4 Brazil

Neymar (17′ and 35′), Joël Matip (26′), Fred (49′), Fernandinho (83′)

Monday 23 June 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Group A, World Cup Game #35

A highly emotionally charged Brazil, pumped up from their anthem, would see an early free-kick fizzle out as Hulk was fouled by Bedimo. Soon after, Paulinho pulled back a shot that was blocked. There was an electric atmosphere as the Brazilians began with one-way traffic.

Cameroon were able to survive the early wave of attack, with a corner kick obtained. They pressed Brazil, at times though too physical with early fouls called. David Luiz looked concerned after clearing Aboubakar’s troubling through ball into the box. Cameroon held their own.

After Allan Nyom shoved Neymar to the ground at the end of a footrace towards the corner flag, Brazil would reopen themselves with their own positive spell.

Near to the left touchline, Luis Gustavo opened up down the left, navigating around defenders, and crossing it low to Neymar, who’s sidefooted attempt went straight past Itandje into goal. Cameroon were still reeling two minute later, when Neymar perfected a volley but went straight at the keeper.

There was no light at the end of the tunnel for Cameroon, just yet. Paulinho’s low cross to Fred was taken down by a tackle, but almost trickled into goal, although Itandje safely collected the ball. The Cameroonian keeper then scrambled onto Hulk’s troubling cross.

Thiago Silva got in the way of Eyong’s shot, and it almost was diverted into his own goal. Then, Cameroon struck the woodwork from the corner kick.

For all that pressure, Brazil would be punished.

Failing to pick up on any defenders, Joël Matip got on the end of a low driven cross, tapping in from close range to stun the Brazilians. Cameroon scored their first World Cup goal against Brazil, no wonder… Brazil’s defending was horrific.

Brazil would expose Cameroon’s biggest weakness – a long pass from Marcelo found Neymar in enough space to deceive two defenders, onto his right and driving it low into goal, putting Brazil back in the lead. 

Hulk was unable to complete a beautiful buildup that saw Neymar’s turn eventually lead to Hulk, but he scooped it towards the defender. The corner would not materialize and Brazil went into the interval in charge.

Brazil were quick out of the blocks for the second. First, Hulk was excellently tackled on his charge into the box, before Fred’s shot from outside the box stung the keeper’s hands, out for a corner.

Fred would deter critics after he extended Brazil’s lead with a free header. After a blocked shot, he got on the end of the cross to put Brazil in a comfortable position.

With news of Mexico increasing their goal difference, Brazil’s top spot in the group was in jeopardy.

But Fernandinho, surging into the box pocketed it past the keeper to make sure that Brazil would top the group.

Brazil would finish top of the group.

Questions are asked of Brazil, and the questions are answered. Neymar and Co. help to ease past Cameroon as they breach into the Round of 16.

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Kerzhakov Rescues Russia to Salvage Draw After Akinfeev Blunder

World Cup ·

Russian substitute Alexander Kerzhakov salvaged a draw for Russia after their goalkeeper Akinfeev made a horrendous blunder on a hot, humid night in Cuiaba.

BY NISAR KHAN

RUSSIA 1 – 1 SOUTH KOREA

Mexico 1 – 0 Cameroon

Oribe Peralta (62′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group A, World Cup Game #2

– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf

RUSSIA 1 – 1 SOUTH KOREA

Lee Keunho (68′), Alexander Kerzhakov (74′)

Tuesday 17 June 2014

11pm BST (UK time)

Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá

Group H, World Cup Game #17

Son Heung Min had the chance to convert all the early optimism from South Korea, as he broke away with a few other options, but instead went towards the right of the box and his shot blazed over.

Russia tested, including a shot straight at keeper Jung S. but it was the Korea Republic who emerged early on with their pace and energy.

J.C. Koo’s long range shot took a conflicting deflection that almost beat keeper Akinfeev, after a Zhirkov-inspired break would lapse due to snatching at the chance.

The game was much more livelier in the second half.

A blunder from keeper Akinfeev in the 70th minute would put Korea ahead. Lee Keun-Ho shot from long-range at what would seem to be a simple save, but the Russian keeper made a mess of it and it rolled into goal.

But, Russia would come out all guns blazing, and it would be the Russian substitute, Kerzhakov, prevailing from a scramble, drove it home on the turn to equalise.

Both teams saw 3 points ready for the taking. Conditions were playing effect but players were driven. End-to-end stuff.

Russia were slower though as the night drew to a close. Chances were ruined and both teams could not seize the opportunity to back three points.

Either side had their big spells but in a night of challenging conditions, the few times of tempo would offer goals.

A point well deserved.

That’s the end of the first round in the group stage. Russia and South Korea take many lessons away from the game.

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