Super Rodríguez Nets Double as Colombia Dump Uruguay Out

World Cup ·

A stunning double from James Rodriguez was enough to send a miserable Uruguay team home and for Colombia to go marching on to a crucial knockout match against Brazil.

 BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK

COLOMBIA 2 – 0 URUGUAY

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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Colombia 2 – 0 Uruguay

Rodriguez (28′), (50′)

Saturday 28 June 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Round of 16, World Cup Game #50

Colombia and Uruguay passionately sung their national anthems, and then the Round of 16 battle was on. Uruguayan star striker Luis Suarez misses this vital game after being banned for four months of any football action after biting an Italian defender. For Colombia, they have a great team who have amazing passion and skill. But don’t forget destructive force of James Rodriguez who has scored in his last three games. It truly is all to play for in Rio de Janeiro. 

The first 15 minutes of the game was more in Colombia’s hands as they were the team getting forward more, having a go at goal and convincingly dominating possession. COL 71% – URU 29%.

After a great piece of passing play, the ball fell to none other than James Rodriguez and the Colombian chested it up and fired a tremendous rocket shot at goal, and it shattered off the cross-bar and went in. Absolutely fantastic volley by Rodriguez, he has now scored in every game he’s been in for Colombia. Surely some big clubs are looking to get his signature, because this man is one of a kind. 

The dance after was just as good:

Uruguay have a little spell going forward which includes a shot from Gonzales that tested the Colombian keeper but wasn’t enough to draw Uruguay level. 

Half time in Rio de Janeiro and Colombia go into the break holding a 1-0 lead after a sublime volley from James Rodriguez. Uruguay hardly threaten to score but there was a penalty shout when Diego Forlan was allegedly blocked off by a Colombia defender as a cross came in but nothing was given. So nothing really for Uruguay to shout about and Colombia have a deserved lead. 

Only a few minutes after half time and Colombia strike again. Great team play sees a run from the right hand side switch over to the left. A cross launched in falls to a Colombian player at the back post and he heads it down for James Rodriguez. The star midfielder taps home to grab his second goal of the night. 

Uruguay had a decent spell of play 60-70 minutes in as Cavani, Gonzales, Ramires had respective cracks at goal but were unable to convert anything. It seems as if Uruguay are already missing Luis Suarez. They lack the killer instinct. 

Maxi Perrera was denied after he was half put through on goal but he strikes the ball straight at Colombian goalkeeper Ospina. Uruguay would have been right back in the game but frusttrtinglry it wasn’t to be. 

Uruguay were threatening more towards the latter stage of the game. Edinson Cavani’s low strike is saved by Ospina. 

Full time in Rio de Janeiro and Uruguay’s defeat marks the end to their World Cup campaign as James Rodriguez’s double gives Colombia a 2-0 victory.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: James Rodriguez scores a tremendous volley along with a tap in.
Flop of the Match: Maxi Pereira fails to score after he was put through on goal.
Possession: Colombia 55% – 45% Uruguay
Shots: Colombia 10 – 16 Uruguay

Uruguay unable to stop Colombia’s counter attacks
With the rampant pace of Colombia and James Rodriguez, it was always going to be hard for Uruguay to cope with it and this showed as Uruguay are knocked out.

Uruguay go home but Colombia march on to a Brazil showdown, is it the hosts next on the way out?

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Godin Header Settles Ugly Encounter In Natal

World Cup ·

In the ugliest and most foul match of the tournament, Uruguay prevailed, however not without controversial circumstances.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

ITALY 1 – 0 URUGUAY

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

Italy 1 – 0 Urugay

RED CARD Marchisio (60′) Diego Godin (82′)

Tuesday 24 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Estádio das Dunas, Natal

Group D, World Cup Game #38

In the match to decide which team would join Costa Rica in the round of 16, there was a fiery start as 13 free kicks were awarded in the first 20 minutes, one of which Andrea Pirlo had tipped over the bar. Edison Cavani wasted two good opportunities after good work down the flanks by both Pereira and Cristian Rodriguez. Then, as Italy grew into the match and the temperatures on the field continued to rise, Italy frontmen Balotelli and Immobile both fired off target. Uruguay countered with attempts by Luis Suarez and Lodeiro fired at Buffon.

After the break, the physical element was still there as Uruguay had penalty appeals waved away and Cristian Rodriguez drilled a shot wide. Moments later, Italy were down to 10 men as Claudio Marchisio was sent off for an ugly challenge on Egidio Rios. Andrea Pirlo again shot from distance, this time firing well over from 25 yards. Luis Suarez had his first good chance of the game as he jinked past 2 defenders to poke towards the bottom corner before Buffon stopped it in time.

Luis Suarez, then was at the centre of controversy again, as he appeared to bite Giorgio Chiellini in a physical altercation in the penalty area. Uruguay then took the all important lead from a corner as captain Diego Godin headed in a vital goal for the South American side. Andrea Pirlo then tested with a free kick that flew wide of the post late on.

But the task was complete, Uruguay held on to reach the last 16 in exceptionally controversial circumstances.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Diego Godin
Flop of the Match: Mario Balotelli
Possession: Italy 53% Uruguay 47%
Shots: Italy 9 Uruguay 12 

Suarez Is In Big Trouble
Godin: Captain Fantastic!

A very physical encounter, marred by controversy as Luis Suarez’s Uruguay overcame Andrea Pirlo’s Italy in Natal

Costa Rica and Uruguay go through from Group D, probably to face Colombia and Ivory Coast.

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Suarez Could Emerge as Ballan d’Or Frontrunner After World Cup

World Cup ·

A brace from the sensational Uruguayan Luis Suarez put England’s World Cup hopes on the ropes on Thursday, and it looks like this World Cup could prove the vital element that includes him in the discussion for the best footballer in the World.

BY NISAR KHAN

Prolific for club and country, Suarez has dismissed critics time and time again. FIFA.COM

Being an England fan myself, it was heart-breaking to see the Liverpool striker cut through Hodgson’s side as he did. However, I can’t help but admit that his striking abilities are unprecedented.

It was a poetic tale for Luis Suarez in Sao Paulo. After all the critics that he has been subject to from the Premier League, he fought back to make a statement. Luis Suarez scored twice to all but end England’s World Cup hopes.

Over the course of the season for Liverpool, Suarez has simply focused on his football – and it shows, topping the scorers despite missing the opening handful of games.

A shared concern would also erupt from the game – Suarez was able to break England apart when he wasn’t fully fit, so what would have happened if he was?

As much as England fans will hate to say, Luis is an incredible talent. This season has been his best and a remarkable World Cup could add to it. But for some reason, many still maintain their adoption of Suarez playing a villainous role for his incidents in the seasons prior, and worryingly the underlying sense of resentment doesn’t look to subduct any time soon.

The amplitude of his presence was so substantial after Uruguay slipped to 1Costa Rica on Saturday, with the goals he scored he showed that the team needed him.

Personally, I disagree with all the criticism. Its of course, understandable, considering Suarez most likely has lead to their elimination from the FIFA World Cup, but I think its unfair if it jeopardizes his play on the pitch.

Optimism of England’s World Cup qualification was dampened because one clause was Italy beating Uruguay. With Luis Suarez poised to run wild again, it may be much less straightforward.

Luis Suarez proved in Sao Paulo that he can lead the charge for the Uruguayans in the World Cup. Added with his contributions to Liverpool on what could be either side of the World Cup, the illustrious trophy may not be going into the hands of Ronaldo or Messi this time.

What made me reach such a conclusion in the title was prompted by watching Suarez play. Considering his fitness, lack of action and pressure on him, he dealt with it well to bag a double. He is a true striker.

The altercations in the past, like the infamous biting incident, may come to haunt Suarez’s overall image – it will be a real shame if it compromises his chance to be titled the best player in the World.

Controversial? Yes.
Sudden conclusion? Maybe.
Impossible? No.

I do agree that I could be jumping the boat early here but Suarez could emerge as the Ballan d’Or frontrunner – Uruguay progressing may be a key clause to that. 

But what do you agree, or disagree, with? Get involved in the comments box below and get your opinion heard.

Also, check out the rest on TSMBrazil.com, for full coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. 

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Suarez Double Puts England World Cup Hopes In Jeopardy

World Cup ·

A hero to many, Luis Suarez hit home not once, but twice to cancel out a late Wayne Rooney equalizer as Uruguay thwart England in Sao Paulo.

BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK

URUGUAY 2 – 1 ENGLAND

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

Uruguay 2 – 1 England

Luis Suarez (39′) (85′) Wayne Rooney (75′)

Thursday 19 June 2014
8pm BST (UK time) 

Arena Corinthians, São Paulo

Group D, World Cup Game #22

The sides sung their nation anthems and the game was underway! Two nations come together to support their team. 

A first glimpse of Luis Suarez as the Liverpool striker did a cheeky one-two then entrerd the box but Gary Cahill headed the ball out. 

Nearly 10 mintues in and a Wayne Rooney free-kick just crept wide of the post. A great chance after Godin conceded the kick with a hand-ball and the Uruguay defender was also booked. 

Uruguay come close as Glen Johnson sloppily knocks the ball to Christian Rodriguez on the left and he hits it with force but it travels over the cross bar. Near chance for Rodriguez and Uruguay. 

27 mintues in the game, a low corner boxed in outside the area and Edinson Cavani gets on the end of it but blasts the ball just over Joe Hart’s crossbar. 

The first 30 mintues of the match was fairly even as both sides had plenty of possession but it was Uruguay who enjoyed having a few more chances. They weren’t able to convery them but they are definitely looking better than they were in their game against Costa Rica which they shockingly lost 3-1. Possession stats for first half an hour and 7 minutes were URU 41%, ENG 59%.

Wayne Rooney’s header strikes the cross bar as a looping free-kick from Steven Gerrard beats the Uruguay keeper at the back post. Rooney comes so close to getting his first World Cup goal but the cross bar denies him. 

Uruguay were the team that struck first as a counter attack that saw England’s defence flop, it was none over than Luis Suarez who headed home a world class Edinson Cavani cross from close range. Nonetheless, a great header by Suarez who directed it straight past Joe Hart, giving Uruguay a 1-0 lead just 6 minutes from half time. Uruguay 1-0 England. 

It was a shaky start to the second half for England, as Uruguay picked and poked at their defence. In the first half, Luis Suarez nearly ciahgt out England goalkeeper Joe Hart with a low corner and it happened again The ball almost crossed the line but Hart patted it away. Awful defending from England. 

Some awful England defending comes to show as Uruguay rip through the back four. Edinson Cavani was played in one on one at a slight angle but a goalscoring postiton. The Uruguay striker put the ball wide and England survive the additional onslaught. 

After a shaky start to the second half, England were just able to get forward as a low cross into the box finds Wayne Rooney but the Manchester United striker thumps the ball at the Uruguayan keeper. Very, very close to an equalizer. Some good play by England. 

75 minutes gone and an England goal finally got a well deserved goal. After a great run from right back Glen Johnson, twisting and turning past the Uruguay defence he slid the ball into Wayne Rooney and the Man Utd star struck home from close range. What a moment for England as they get themselves back in the game. 

About 8 or so minutes after Rooney’s equalizer, Uruguay hit back after the goalkeeper’s long kick forward, Edinson Cavani heads on to Luis Suarez and the striker for Liverpool blasts home past Joe Hart. A true hero for Uruguay and their supporters as he takes them into a 2-1 lead. 

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Luis Suarez, two great goals to salvage URU win.
Flop of the Match: Edinson Cavani misses a golden opportunity.

After defeat, England now have to beat Costa Rica and rely on two Italy wins. Can they do it?

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Costa Rica Stun Sloppy Uruguay

World Cup ·

Costa Rica came from a goal behind to stun Uruguay and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with, as Campbell was among the top performers who struck home.

BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK

Costa Rica left Uruguay shocked

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

Uruguay 1 – 3 Costa Rica

Edison Cavani (penalty, 24′), Joel Campbell (54′), Oscar Duarte (57′), Marco Urena (84′)
Kick-off: 8pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Group D, World Cup Game #6

As the sun started to set and glow down in Fortaleza, a big turnout of passionate football fans turned up to witness the first game of Group D, Uruguay vs Costa Rica.

The first 10 minutes of the game was quite even in both sides as only a few chances were created, and one of them was a header from Fulham player and Costa Rica captain, Bryan Ruiz which just went over the top of the cross bar. Costa Rica arguably get the better first half.

20′, Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell strikes a left footed rocket shot towards the Uruguay goal, nearly grabbing Costa Rica an equaliser, but it drifted just past the post

22 minutes gone and Uruguay knocked the ball into the box and a Costa Rica defender sort of ‘rugby tackles’ a Uruguay player down to the floor, and without hesitation, the referee blowed his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot. Just what the underdogs didn’t need. The man taking the penalty kick was highly rated striker, Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan perfected a beautiful penalty, with plenty of pace, directed straight into the bottom right hand corner, making it 1-0 to his team.

Half an hour gone, and Uruguay were dominating the possession and match play, not allowing Costa Rica to pose any real threats

Two minutes away from half time, Diego Forlan crosses in a great set piece ball, with comes off a Costa Rica player, dropping to Edison Cavani, but the Uruguayan scuffs the shot and the ball goes well wide of the goal.

It’s half time, and Uruguay have a 1-0 lead thanks to Edison Cavani’s peach of a penalty. Scoreline shows that there’s hardly anything between the two sides, but the possession and match play will tell you different as Costa Rica were unable to seriously challenge the Uruguayan goalkeeper.

Gamboa does brilliant to keep the ball in for Costa Rica, as he crosses in, deflects off a Uruguay player, falls to Joel Campbell, and the youngster fires the ball straight past a motionless Uruguay goalkeeper. Costa Rica equalize, to the shock of many.

58 minutes gone, and Costa Rica STUN Uruguay and the world as a freekick knocked in the box is headed in by Costa Rica centre back, Duarte.

This goal finished off a miserable, flat Uruguayan side as Joel Campbell slips through a great pall, giving substitute Urena a chance to wrap the game up, and he does just that, stroking the ball into the net. Pure SHOCK and delight at the same time around the stadium.

Joel Campbell was in the corner, and frustration grew and Uruguay defender Maxi Peirera, kicks Campbell in the leg, sending him to the floor, giving the referee no choice but to give him a red card, wrapping off a terrible night for Uruguay.

 Match breakdown  

Man of the Match: Joel Campbell
Flop of the Match: Edinson Cavani misses a great chance just yards out from goal

Personal Verdict: I’m in shock, but Costa Rica were the better the win!

Costa Rica shock the world and slam Uruguay down, how will they recover from this?

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Confederations Cup 2013: Italy Snatch Third Place From Penalties

Penalties would ultimately decide the Third Place for the Confederations Cup, and following a goalkeeping masterclass by Gianlugi Buffon, Italy would prevail over the South Americans.
 

It was a great starter in the evening dish of Confederations Cup latter stages with the final between World champions and hosts Spain and Brazil.

David Astori slotted in for the Italians to give them a deserved lead and then wanted boy Edinson Cavani equalised, his first of the night. Alessandro Diamanti curled a spectacular free kick in after  heavy Uruguayan pressure in which Suarez, Pereira and Forlan all tested Buffon with strikes. With twelve minutes remaining, and Italy on course for a third place finish, Cavani coolly smashed in a free kick to take the game to extra time.
 

Ricardo Montolivo was sent off during extra time for a second yellow card after a foul on Luis Suarez and the Uruguayan crowd erupted, the initiative was there for the taking. Suarez and co, though could not muster a winning goal and so it went to penalties.

Diego Forlan, Martin Caceres and Walter Gargano all had their spot kicks saved in a shootout masterclass from one of the world’s toughest ‘keepers to beat from 12 yards and Alberto Aquilani, Stephan El Shaarawy and Emanuele Giaccherini scored their spot-kicks to spare the blushes of  Mattia De Sciglio who missed but the result is all that mattered in the end.

Italy now claim Third Place in the Confederations Cup. A bigger question however, who will be first place?

Confederations Cup 2013: Group Stage Week One round-up

The Confederations Cup 2013 kicked off with Brazil taking on Japan on Saturday. Below, we review the first week of the tournament.

Brazil 3 : 0 Japan



A spectacular third minute goal by Barcelona new-boy Neymar set the tone for Brazil to romp to an easy victory over a Japan side featuring Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda. Dani Alves crossed for Paulinho and Jo was sent clear by Oscar to add the finishing touches.

With less than a year to go until Brazil hosts the World Cup finals, this is a tournament that will act as a dress rehearsal for the South Americans – on and off the pitch with protests taking place in Brazil recently.

Japan had a few chances of their own with Honda and substitute Ryoichi Maeda but the result was never in doubt for the hosts. 

 
Italy 2 : 1 Mexico



Andrea Pirlo’s 100th cap was marked with the perfect start to the Confederations Cup in the Azurri’s first win over Mexico in 20 years. 

Pirlo himself got on the scoresheet after he smashed in a typical free-kick in the 27th minute. Javier Hernandez equalized for the Mexicans with a penalty seven minutes later but, unlike Hernandez, it was Mario Balotelli who took the headlines as he coolly fired in the winner in the 78th minute and was subsequently booked for removing his shirt in the celebration.

Uruguay 1 : 2 Spain



World and European champions Spain kicked off their Confederations Cup tournament with a masterclass win over Uruguay which was much more one sided than the scoreline suggests.

Cesc Fabregas struck the post before a deflected Pedro shot bobbled in after 20 minutes. Fabregas then set up Roberto Soldado to slot home with a magical pass before Liverpool striker Luis Suarez floated in a wonderful free-kick as a consolation for the fans in Recife.

Spain largely dominated the match with 92% possession after nine minutes gone and Suarez’s goal at the end was the only piece of quality that the Copa America 2011 winners showed.

Tahiti 1 : 6 Nigeria




Nigeria may have outclassed Tahiti on the field, but the South Pacific islanders were celebrating a historic goal scored by defender John Tehau.

Nigeria sprinted into a 3-0 lead with less than half an hour gone, Tahiti captain Nicolas Vallar scoring an own goal and Nnamdi Oduamadi grabbed a couple. The result was no doubt settled before a ball was even kicked as Tahiti, ranked 138th, made their Confederations Cup debut marked with a goal. John Tehau nodded in from a corner and it sparked wild celebrations in Tahiti and in the stadium for the fans. Oduamadi grabbed his third before Tehau scored at the other end and Echiejile added the sixth.