Los Ticos Brave the Penalty Shoot-Out and Make History

World Cup ·

Costa Rica reached the quarter finals of the FIFA World Cup Finals for the first time in their history as they beat Greece on penalties following a frantic finsh to matters in normal time.

BY NISAR KHAN / WAQAR HUSSAIN

COSTA RICA 1 – 1 GREECE
Costa Rica won on penalties (5-3)

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

Costa Rica 1 – 1 Greece

Bryan Ruiz (51′) Sokratis (91′)
Penalties: CRC 5-3 GRE

Sunday 29 June 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST (UK time)

Arena Pernambuco, Recife

Round of 16, World Cup Game #52

A turgid first half saw Dimitrios Salpingidis register the most significant chance on goal, denied by the onrushing Keilor Navas who kept things goalless. There were half chances scattered around the course of the initial 45, but none would prove to sustain the conviction to threaten goal.

Greece were employing the counter attack as their primary source of goalscoring – as the Caribbeans looked to dominate in possession.

From the set-pieces Greece were posing the largest threat with Samaras’ header being thwarted moments after the interval. It would however be the Costa Ricans that opened the scoring.

Bolanos picked out the captain, Bryan Ruiz, to net his second goal of the tournament as his side-footed attempt bulged in from the perimeter of the box.

However, it would appear to be an unfortunate descent thereafter. Oscar Duarte was sent off, leaving the Group D winners defensively vulnerable.

In stoppage time, Costa Rica had just held on – but it would not be enough, as Sokratis got on the end of a parried shot to equalise and book 30 more minutes in Recife.

Greece were unusually attacking as extra-time commenced. Threatening and forcing Costa Rica on the backfoot, they did everything but score, forcing penalties.

There was some immaculate penalty taking, with everyone successfully converting until an amazing save by Costa Rica keeper Keilor Navas, emphatically keeping out Gekas’ penalty.

It was all poised for Michael Umana to score the final penalty that would seal the win, continuing the Costa Rican dream.

Netherlands now await Costa Rica, who will be touted as the outsiders to make the semi finals.

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Netherlands Great Escape Sees Them Through

World Cup ·

Giovani dos Santos’ thunderous strike was not enough to help Mexico shock Netherlands and reach the last eight as a late escape from Holland capped off a captivating encounter.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

NETHERLANDS 2 – 1 MEXICO

Klaas Jan Huntelaar euphoric as Netherlands thwart Mexico GETTY IMAGES

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

Netherlands 2 – 1 Mexico

Giovani (48′) Sneijder (88′) Huntelaar (94′)

Sunday 29 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Round of 16, World Cup Game #51

Netherlands were heavily tipped to be the winners at the end of the match, while Mexico were hoping for a giant killing in a boiling hot Fortaleza.

The North American side were the brighter starters, while Netherlands dawdled in the heat, Layun twice shot off target and sent in a teasing cross which couldn’t find a man. The impressive Hector Herrera also shot just wide when he was afforded too much time and space by the Dutch defence. 

Netherlands appeared to grow into the game, as Kuyt’s cross was headed weakly at Ochoa by Wijnaldum. Veteran Carlos Salcido then tested Jasper Cilessen with a shot that was too hot to handle and Robin van Persie scuffed his lines at the other end after great close control. Oribe Peralta also shoot low at the keeper before we saw the first ever official FIFA Cooling Break to help revitalise both the players and the officials in the scorching temperatures. 

The final action of the first half saw Giovani Dos Santos fire straight at the goalkeeper as the Mexicans took control again.

The second half started as the first had ended, Giovani this time holding off a crowd of Dutch defenders to rifle in to the bottom corner from 25 yards out. Mexico were not done yet though, as Rafa Marquez and Peralta went close. 

We then saw arguably the save of the tournament, as Guillerme Ochoa superbly blocked Stefan de Vrij’s shot from point blank range. Wesley Sneijder’s miserable tournament continued, as he twice wasted good opportunities and Arjen Robben’s blast was saved superbly by the mercurial Ochoa. 

We saw another FIFA Cooling Break before Klaas Jan Huntelaar replaced a frustrated Robin van Persie and Carlos Salcido fired over for Mexico. The Dutch were pressing heavily but still inevitable to the counter attack with little over 10 minutes left. Ochoa then produced another unbelievable save to keep the Dutch onslaught at bay.

Wesley Sneijder, subject of another abject performance, silenced his critics and forced extra time with a thunderbolt into the corner from 18 yards out after a clearance fell to him. 

Moments later, 90 seconds into the 6 minutes of stoppage time, Rafa Marquez commited footballing suicide as he brought down a vibrant Arjen Robben after he had jinked away from a pair of defenders. 

Did Robben dive?

So then, Huntelaar vs Ochoa for the match. The Schalke striker coolly striking home to send Ochoa the wrong way and Netherlands into delirium following a thrilling finish to a greatly entertaining match.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Guillerme Ochoa
Flop of the Match: Robin van Persie
Possession: Netherlands 54%  Mexico 46%
Shots: Netherlands 14  Mexico 12

Key Headline: Dutch Recreate Man United Miracle Of ’99

We saw perhaps the most thrilling game of the tournament yet, as a resilient and energetic Mexico side ended up unlucky against a powerful Netherlands side that was ultimately too good.

Netherlands now have a favourable draw against either Costa Rica or Greece to reach the semi finals of the tournament, something very few would have seen prior to the tournament.

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Germany GK Manuel Neuer Almost Commits Blunder

World Cup ·

During Germany’s Group G game against the Black Stars, Ghana, on Saturday, Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer almost gave the ball away in a poor clearance.

BY TSM EDITORIAL-STAFF

VINE: #GER Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer almost commits blunder >> | https://t.co/MlVSYfRlgd | #WorldCup #TSMBrazil

— TheSportMatrix (@_TheSportMatrix) June 21, 2014

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A Fan in Brazil Meets the Entire Argentina World Cup Squad in an Elevator

World Cup ·

Now this is cool. A fan in Brazil stumbles across the whole Argentine squad in an elevator, and they find him hilarious.

BY TSM-EDITORIAL STAFF

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

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Wayne Rooney Takes the Worst Corner You’ll Ever See

World Cup ·

It doesn’t get worse than this. During the 2nd half of England’s game with Italy, Wayne Rooney… well just see for yourself.

That could be the worst corner we’ve seen in World Cup history. Ever. Oh, and he is getting paid £300K a week. Wow.

BY ÂDIL. K

Wayne Rooney with possibly the worst corner in the history of football. https://t.co/iVjCzgPiaB
— World Cup 2014 (@Brazil14WC) June 14, 2014

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Dutch Masterclass Destroys World Champions in Salvador

World Cup ·

A Dutch masterclass tore apart the European and World champions in Salvador as goals from Robin van Persie, Stefan de Vrij and Arjen Robben sealed an emphatic win for Oranje.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

Simply unbelievable.

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

Spain 1 – 5 Netherlands

Xabi Alonso (penalty 27′), Robin van Persie (44′ & 72′), Arjen Robben (53′ & 80′), Stefan de Vrij (64′)

Friday 13 June 2014

Kick-off: 8pm BST (UK time)

Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Group B, World Cup Game #3

The match was expected to be a tight affair, just like the final four years ago in Soccer City. However, after the first half, it was anything but.

There were early warning signs as Arjen Robben slipped a pass through for Wesley Sneijder after eight minutes who shot straight at Iker Casillas. Then Spain took control of the game as Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa both blazed off target. In the 27th minute, Xavi passed through the Netherlands defence to Diego Costa, who was adjudged to be fouled by Stefan de Vrij. Replays showed, however, that the striker trod on the defenders leg. Xabi Alonso stepped up to calmly slot past an otherwise impressive Cilessen, becoming the first Real Madrid player to score in the World Cup for Spain since 2006 in the process.

Nigel De Jong and David Silva both had decent efforts saved at either end before the goal of the tournament so far took place. The ball was picked up by Dutch left back Daley Blind on the halfway line, who threaded a 45 yard inch perfect cross to Robin Van Persie, the skipper superbly lobbing Casillas with his head from 16 yards out, an incredible goal.

Andres Iniesta started the second half by testing a busy Cilessen before Arjen Robben superbly controlled a lobbed through pass and twisted inside Gerard Pique to smash into the net. A minute later, Chelsea striker Diego Costa was very lucky to have his headbutt on Bruno Martins Indi go unseen by the referee. Robin van Persie then struck the crossbar with a sublime weak foot volley in the 60th minute. Spain ringed the changes, bringing on Fernando Torres and Pedro Rodriguez for Diego Costa and scorer Alonso. The Dutch replaced the already booked Jonathan de Guzman with Wijnaldum. 

The Netherlands then extended their lead when Stefan de Vrij headed in at the back post from a Wesley Sneijder free kick. Moments later, Spain had the ball in the net but David Silva was offside when he tapped in. Robin van Persie was hungry for a second goal of the night, and tested Casillas in the 69th minute before Casillas inexplicably miscontrolled a backpass to a rampaging van Persie, who poked in from in the area to seal Spain’s fate. Arjen Robben then put the icing on the cake in the 80th minute when he beat Raos for sheer pace to latch on to a pass and round an embarrased and desperate Casillas to grab his second of the tournament. Robben could have had a hat-trick when he exquisetly blasted a goal bound volley from 25 yards out which Casillas saved in the 87th minute.

To rub salt in the wounds for Spain, a distracted and depressed Fernando Torres miskicked an open chance with the net at his mercy from a yard out in the closing stages.

Match Breakdown 

Possession: Spain 64% Netherlands 36%
Shots: Spain 10, Netherlands 14

Man of the Match – Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match – Iker Casillas
Spain Defence a Real Worry for Del Bosque
Can Holland Go All The Way This Time

Possession: Mexico 62%, Cameroon 38%

Shots: Mexico 9, Cameroon 13

Stalemate first half: Flat first half, Mexico coming closest to breaking the deadlock.

Dos Santos misery: Giovani Dos Santos’s disallowed goals misery was secured by late Peralta strike.

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

Personal Verdict: “This is the best football match I have seen in months. I absolutely loved it and was priveleged to be chosen to report on this game, Let’s hope for many more like this. Over to to you England.” 

This Group B opener sees Netherlands to the top of the table while Spain are rock bottom with a horrible -4 goal difference.

If Netherlands and other underdogs keep providing us with such treats, this will be the greatest World Cup of recent memory.

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FIFA Warns of Fake Tickets Being Sold in Brazil

World Cup ·

FIFA have said that they had rejected approximately 50 ‘fake’ tickets to the Thursday’s World Cup Opener in Sao Paulo, where Brazil beat Croatia 3-1.

FIFA marketing director Thierry Weil said the tickets for Thursday’s game were ”an example of real professional fakes, not the poor imitations made in a copying machine.”

Weil held up a ticket that looked identical to an authentic ticket. He said it might even include the electronic chip – although a chip that would not work and would be detected when it was scanned entering the stadium.

And apparently there are much more in circulation.

BY ÂDIL. K



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Peralta Strike Sinks Cameroon in Controversial Game in Natal

World Cup · 

In a closely contested and controversial game throughout, Mexico were able to kick off their World Cup campaign with a bang as they defeated Cameroon 1-0, thanks to a second half goal from Oribe Peralta in Natal. 

BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK



Mexico overcame the adversity for a triumphant win. FIFA.COM

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

In the second World Cup game of 2014, Mexico saw off Cameroon with Oribe Peralta struck home after Giovani Dos Santos’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Itadje. 

Overall, many people thought this was a very controversial game, as not one, but two of Giovani Dos Santos’ goals were disallowed due to the offside flag. When the replay showed, it looked like the linesman may have got it wrong, leaving Dos Santos and Mexico hard done by. 

Football fans packed the beautiful Stadium in Natal, awaiting the second game of the greatest football spectacle in the world. 

After the wait, Mexico and Cameroon finally got it on, and the first 15 minutes of the game was very even, as both sides were trying hard to get the opening goal.

Just around the 20 minute mark, Cameroon came really close to taking the lead, as Samuel Eto’o’s header hit the post, and went out. The only real chance or opportunity for Cameroon to shout about.

After the Eto’o missed chance, Mexico were next to pose a threat as they THOUGHT they broke the deadlock with a beautifully timed strike by Dos Santos, disallowed due to the offside rule. 

Not too long after the disallowed goal, Mexico put pressure on Cameroon and won a corner. A great corner that Dos Santos got on the end of again, was also disallowed. This angered and frustrated the Mexicans and their coach, and understandably so, because when the replay was shown, the ball actually deflected off the head of a Cameroon defender, proving that Dos Santos was onside and the goal should have counted. 

Cameroon were looking good on their set pieces and corners., as they put Mexico under a little bit of pressure, but no Cameroon player was able to shield the ball into the goal. 

With not many chances or goals in the first half, the fans in attendance hoped for a better second period. 

Mid way through into the second half, the deadlock was finally broken, and it was broken by the side that was the more threatening throughout, Mexico. After Giovani Dos Santos’ shot was parried by Cameroon goalkeeper Itadje, the ball fell to Oribe Peralta and the Mexican struck home to ensure his team got the well deserved goal, and edge them closer to a victory. 

The second half wasn’t that better than the first, but as the match went into stoppage time, Cameroon had a marvelous chance, as Moukandjo’s powerful header was firmly saved by Ochoa, keeping the Mexicans in front, and leading them to victory against Cameroon.

Match breakdown

Possession: Mexico 62%, Cameroon 38%

Shots: Mexico 9, Cameroon 13

Stalemate first half: Flat first half, Mexico coming closest to breaking the deadlock.

Dos Santos misery: Giovani Dos Santos’s disallowed goals misery was secured by late Peralta strike.

The win for Mexico may give them a chance of beating the Group Stages, but it’s sadness for Cameroon as they lose out on points.

After the controversy, Mexico still get the job done thanks to Oribe Parelta’s 61st minute strike.  

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Neymar’s Potential Skyrockets on Home Soil

World Cup · 

Neymar’s brace in the World Cup opener was a crystal clear sign that he can hoist the nation on his shoulders and perform in this year’s World Cup. With potential already being fulfilled, how high can Neymar go in his career?

BY NISAR KHAN

Neymar showed against Croatia that he can handle the pressure. ESPN FC

Plentiful in youth, flare and determination, Brazil’s lineup of youngsters have a heap of pressure on them as their footballing-enthusiast nation await glory.

However, Marcelo’s own goal, that caused short-term calamity for Brazil, showed the waste products that can have a fatal blow. Their reaction to the early blunder was imperative.

In his first season at Barcelona, Neymar settled in well, but still had a lot of critics to answer, especially when trophies and chances were frustratingly missed. His limelight in this tournament increases by tenfold. 

At the age of just twenty-two years old, Neymar has already equalled the goalscoring of the illustrious Ronaldinho. There was no escaping that statistic, which speaks volumes of Neymar’s big steps. 

Reliance on Neymar turned out to produce the all important goals. The opener was a sign of big things to come.

For his first World Cup game, the Barcelona forward ended up being the most important player of the pitch. He could have many more World Cups too. 

Brazil really set the tone for their campaign with the opener – overcoming adversity, powering through and embracing the sweet taste of glory when the dust had settled.

Against Croatia one could observe Neymar and others thriving under the pressure. After the win, more will be expected of the Brazilians, but this could convert to the all important wins and progression. 

The World Cup will provide the platform to show that Neymar can be one of the World’s best. Barcelona may be valuing him even further after he personifies the nation. 

Neymar can just get better and better. I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him becoming one of the finest Brazilian legends in history.

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Mexico Star Striker Benched for Friday’s Clash vs. Cameroon

World Cup • 

Mexico star striker Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez has been relegated to the bench for Mexico’s opening World Cup Group A tie with Cameroon on Friday, adding to his frustrating past year.

BY ÂDIL. K

Hernandez only started 6 games for a United this season, managing just 4 goals in 24 appearances in the BPL.

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