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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Belgium Dispatch South Korea to Set Up Last-16 Tie Against United States

World Cup ·

Jan Vertonghen scored late to finally break through a resistance South Korea and secure a last-16 tie with the United States.

BY MATT LYNCH

SOUTH KOREA 0 – 1 BELGIUM

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

South Korea 0 – 1 Belgium

Jan Vertonghen (78′)

Thursday 26 June 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST (UK time)

Arena Corinthians, São Paulo

Group H, World Cup Game #48

With South Korea gunning for a win they needed to attack from the first whistle. With the blue print set out Son Heung-Min cross hit the Belgium crossbar proving to be one of few Korean efforts. 

However, the Asian side might have conceded a spot-kick when a Korean defender cynically blocked Vanen Borre, but luckily the protests were waved away.
South Korea’s pressure built but it was Belgium who had the first clear cut chance when Kevin Mirallas shot fell to Mertens, only for the Napoli man to hit it high over the from eight yards with just the keeper to beat. 

Korea didn’t light up the game much but soon prosperity looked to be around the corner when Defour scooped the ball of the line from a powerful header from a corner. Prosperity further when Defour saw red for a dangerous high tackle on Kim.
With the game balanced on a knife edge for most of the second half until Vertonghen broke the deadlock when he cleverly latched onto Origi shot. 

Belgium looked comfortable but no read threat of winning the World Cup. There wasn’t much to commentate on with opportunities spurned and Korea rarely moving forward with menace.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Origi provided a new dimension for Belgium
Flop of the Match: Detour played well but made a stupid tackle to see red.
Possession: Korea 51%, Belgium 49%
Shots: Korea 18, Belgium 16

It’s the final group game in the books. Thought you’ve seen drama? Think again – knockouts will bring more, much more.

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Colombia Side Step Past Japs to Top Group

World Cup ·

Columbia steamrolled into the knockouts with a 100% win record after they powered through Japan in Cuiabá.

BY MATT LYNCH

JAPAN 1 – 4 COLOMBIA

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

Japan 1 – 4 Colombia

Juan Cuadrado (17′ penalty), Shinji Okazaki (45+1′), Jackson Martinez (55′ and 82′), James Rodriguez (90′)

Tuesday 24 June 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST (UK time)

Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá

Group C, World Cup Game #40

With Colombia making eight changes it was expected to be a fairly equal game but that was far off the make with Colombia throughout looking more dangerous.

After 15 minutes of toying with the Japanese defence, Ramos was sent sprawling by the defender to win a penalty, that was cooly put away by one of Colombia’s big stars so far Cuadradro. 

The Japanese rarely threatened up until 25 minutes when the recalled Manchester United man Kagawa forced a good save out of Ospina. Soon after they threatened again when Honda saw his sweetly struck free kick over the bar.

With the pressure building on Colombia and the half time whistle looming Honda sent in a delightful ball to the middle of the area where Okazaki put his head to the ball and placed it beyond Ospina.

Out for the second half and Colombia looked reinforced. With Jackson Martinez on he soon struck. Beating the defenceless Japan goalkeeper with a low shot from a astute Rodriguez pass. Rodriguez continued to pull the strings for the puppet you could say, as on 83 minutes he carved open a weak Japanese defence allowing Martinez to get his second and Colombia’s third. 

With the game dead and buried The Colombia manager made a magical moment in the World Cup history bringing on 43 year old substitute keeper Faryd Mondragon to become the oldest goalkeeper at a World Cup. Finally on the 89th minute James Rodriguez the main tormentor added Colombia’s fourth with a finely worked goal.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: James Rodriguez, the main tormentor
Flop of the Match: Shinji Kagawa, should have stepped up more than he did
Possession: Japan 56% – 44% Colombia
Shots: Japan 23 – 13 Colombia

Colombia will join Greece in the Round of 16.

With yet another superb performance, can we start to ask if Colombia can go all the way?

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Ecaudor’s Valencia Double Topples Hondurans

World Cup ·

Enner Valencia scored twice in response to Honduras’ earlier goal to put Ecuador back in contention for second round progression.

BY MATT LYNCH

HONDURAS 1 – 2 ECUADOR

Valencia has emerged as the frontrunning scoring supply for the Ecuadorians FOX SOCCER

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

Honduras 1 – 2 Ecuador

Carlo Costly (31′), Enner Valencia (34′, 65′)

Friday 20 June 2014

11pm BST (UK time)

Arena da Baixada, Curitiba

Group E, World Cup Game #26

A game between the bottom two sides in group E never really looked like a game to stay up for on paper. But in reality it turned out to be a tasty contest. 

In the early exchanges Caicedo Manchester City legend… Let fly twice in the opening minutes with one strike being well saved by Dominguez the other deflecting of a Honduras man. Honduras looked on edge with Bernadez going into the referee’s book after only eight minutes for hammering into the Ecuadorian man. 

Momentum kept with Ecuador with Enner Valencia wasting a good opportunity after latching onto a quick ball by his goalkeeper.

This proved to be costly, quite literally when the Honduras keeper played a long ball straight onto the chest of Carlo Costly who finished with great composure against the scrambled Ecuador keeper on 31 minutes.

The Honduras lead did not last long as on 34 minutes they were punished where Enner Valencia was saved more embarrassment by slotting home a wayward Paredes slice of a shot. The bombardment of the Honduras goal soon happened after the goal with the power certainly in Ecuador’s favour.

On the stroke of half time Bengtsons bundled in goal was disallowed rightfully by the Australian referee. 

Going into the second half Ecuador scorned some vital set pieces. But soon made Honduras pay with the red alert coming before the winning goal when once again Bengtson was a goal disallowed. But soon after Enner Valencia made it a brace for him and Ecuador with a world class header from a pin point cross from a free-kick. 

With the game flung open, Valencia was denied his hat trick in stoppage time with the flag once again ruling another Ecuador goal out. Ecuador could of had a bag full, in a game that was like a rugby match. Physical, feisty, and aggressive.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Enner Valencia, 5 goals in his past 5 games his confidence is rocketing.
Flop of the Match: Honduras were very poor in general. But for an individual it has to be Bengtson, having a goal disallowed once is understandable but twice is not right.
Possession: Honduras 16 – 9 Ecuador
Shots: Honduras 47% – 53% Ecuador

Ecuador pick up a big win in Group E elevating them to possibly challenge Switzerland.

Ecuador express their character through Enner Valencia’s double that turns their game around – and puts them back in contention.

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Cameroon Demolished as Croatia Reinvigorate Qualification Chances

World Cup ·

Mario Mandžukić scored a double as Croatia thumped four past a mundane Cameroon to send the Africans out of the tournament and reinvigorate their own chances of qualification.

BY MATT LYNCH

CAMEROON 0 – 4 CROATIA

Croatia bounced back after an opening day loss to Brazil. 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

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

Cameroon 0 – 4 Croatia

Ivica Olić (11′), Ivan Perišić (48′), Mario Mandžukić (61′ & 73′)

Wednesday 18 June 2014

11pm BST (UK time)

Arena Amazônia, Manaus

Group B, World Cup Game #20

With the game billed to be a do or die game in group A Cameroon seemed to realise this first with some early chances and good pressure placing Croatia on the back foot. But after 11 minutes the game was turned on its head when the instrumental Luka Modric played a fine ball from deep inside his own half to Perisic who played a delightful cross into the penalty area where the ever so reliable Ivica Olic finished comfortably passed Itanje the ex Liverpool man. 

 With the game going dull Alex song decided to change this when he lashed out at Bayern Munich striker Mandzukic which led to a straight red card for him. 

After this Croatia rallied with Ivan Perisic punishing the Cameroon defence with a tidy finish just after half time after a mistake by the Cameroon goalkeeper.

Cameroon perished further after the sending off with Mandzukic scoring a great quick brace first heading home before soon joining in with his second goal after a good Eduardo run and strike which was parried into the feet of Mandzukic. 

Cameroon were poor throughout and face deep inquisition after such a game. Croatia meanwhile seem buoyed and on a good run. 

Man of the Match: Mandzukic class was the order of the day. 
Flop of the Match: Charles Itanje flapped at everything

Cameroon plummet out of the tournament while Croatia bounce back and thrive, re-opening the possibility of second round qualification.

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Another South American Masterclass: Colombia Fire Past Greece

World Cup ·

Colombia thrived in their element in Belo Horizonte as they cruised past former European Champions Greece to get their campaign off to a flyer.

BY MATT LYNCH

COLOMBIA 3 – 0 GREECE

Eccentric, euphoric Columbia FOX SOCCER

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

Colombia 3 – 0 Greece

Pablo Armero (5′), Teófilo Gutiérrez (58′), James Rodriguez (93′)

Saturday 14 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte

Group C, World Cup Game #5

Another South American masterclass. 

With 99% of the fans packed inside the Belo Horizonte Colombia almost seemed like the home side. With all the pre-match talk about Jackson Martinez not starting the pressure was put onto the shoulders of Gutiérrez of River Plate. With three minutes on the clock Colombia showed how comfortable they were with a scruffy, but incise finish by Pablo Armero from the instrumental Juan Cuadrado who showed great trickery on the right before playing a low ball for Pablo Armero who finished well. 

In the first 25 minutes Colombia were aggressive causing great issues, but for the rest of the first half they found themselves on the back foot. Greece improved after with Georgios Samaras as he darting towards the area from the left before letting fly with an effort that Colombia keeper Ospina did well to keep hold of. This proved to be one of few clear cut opportunities Greece had. On 43 minutes Greece threatened again when Panagiotis Kone let fly from 18 yards to only see his shot well saved by Ospina. 

Moving into the second half Colombia came out with real intention and aggression. Samaras was lucky not get booked after taking an obvious tumble in the penalty area after losing the ball. After that, Colombia turned on the swagger on 50 minutes with the Greek goalkeeper lucky to keep out a blistering James Rodriguez effort. The Greek tactic throughout seemed to be disruptive with fouls common. On 57 minutes Colombia doubled their lead. Gutierrez, leading Colombia’s attack touched in from a James Rodriguez that was poorly defended. 

With the game growing old, Greece were denied an oppurtunity to get back in the game with Mitroglou denied a penalty when Yepes handled in the area. Again on 80 minutes Greece were denied when Samaras shot wide which summed up his poor performance. Just before the referee blew for full time, James Rodriguez sealed victory with a excellent finish from a typical South American goal with quick, silky interchange from Cuadradro and Zuñiga. Colombia were good for most parts and reigned in practically a home game for them.

Match Breakdown

Man of the match: Cuadradro – He was excellent in every good piece of build up by Colombia and involved in all things good for Colombia. 
Flop of the match: Samaras – Failed to deliver and typically a flop when it comes to the important stuff.
Possession: Columbia 46%, Greece 54%
Shots: Columbia 12, Greece 12

What a performance.

Columbia hit the ground running to start their World Cup campaign. It could be a big tournament for the South Americans who kick off with huge momentum.

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