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

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

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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Hummels Heads Germans Through to Semi-Finals

World Cup ·

A thirteenth minute header by Mats Hummels was enough to send Germany through to the last four of the World Cup 2014 and derail fellow European heavyweights France at the Maracana.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

FRANCE 0 – 1 GERMANY

Mats Hummels’ header was the key difference as Germany topped France in Rio. SOCCER.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

France 0 – 1 Germany

Mats Hummels (13′)

Friday 4 July 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST / 12pm ET

Estádio Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro

Quarter Final B, World Cup Game #57

This game was billed as the game of the round, two of the top-scoring nations in this World Cup so far from Europe going head to head at the Estadio Maracana for the right to face Brazil or Colombia in the semi finals. 

The match started at a high tempo, with Karim Benzema having the first crack at goal, a volley which fizzed wide from six yards. 

This is what you call true beauty. #FRAvsGER pic.twitter.com/PIlbdSipOt
— TheSportMatrix (@_TheSportMatrix) July 4, 2014

Then Germany won a free kick from a Pogba foul, and Toni Kroos’ majestic cross was met by the powerful head of Mats Hummels, the ball crashed in of the crossbar to give the Germans the lead. France then grew into the game, as they had a plethora of good chances through Mamadou Sakho, Mathieu Valbuena and Benzema twice before the half ended.

The second half started at a much lower pace, as the first chance came from a Varane headed effort straight at Manuel Neuer. 

Ten minutes later, the game sprung into life again as Schurrle and Griezmann both shot wide. Blaise Matuidi then had a brilliant effort parried by Neuer and at the other end, the substitute Schurrle fired straight into Lloris’ legs after a rapid German counter caught Les Bleus napping. 

In the late stages, we saw a familiar frantic finish as Germany tried to find the killer goal and the French were desperate to stay in the competition, Andrei Schurrle thought he had done what was needed, save for an outstanding block by the impressive Varane. 

A late, late effort from Benzema was nonchalantly parried one handed by the tall, intimidating figure of Neuer.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Andre Schurrle
Flop of the Match: Karim Benzema

Possession: France 49% – 51% Germany
Shots: France 12 – 7 Germany

Deschamps’ Boys Fail To Deliver
Didier Deschamps’ team are used to playing 4-3-3 in this tournament so far, but we saw that it proved ineffective against Die Mannschaft

Hummels Scores More Than Rooney
On a comic note, German centre back Mats Hummels has now scored more World Cup goals than England Striker Wayne Rooney, in less matches.

So Germany are now through to their 4th consecutive World Cup semi finals – a record and will be hoping to finally end their long quest for glory.

Germany will face either Brazil or Colombia in the next round, who will no doubt be a banana skin, stick with TSM for the rest of the World Cup coverage including that game.

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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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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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Depay And Fer Header Ensures Netherlands Are Top Dogs

World Cup ·

Goals from Memphis Depay and Leroy Fer were enough to see Holland past a resilient Chile Side to top Group B.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

CHILE 0 – 2 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

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

Chile 0-2 Netherlands

Leroy Fer (77′), Memphis Depay (91′)

Monday 23 June 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST (UK time)

Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

Group B, World Cup Game #34

The match was the one that would decide to which side Group B belonged to both sides had won against Australia and Spain in the previous matches.

Chile began the match as the brighter of the two, Vargas and Aranguiz hitting over before Aranguiz was hacked down by Daley Blind. Holland grew into the match, a Robben free kick finding the head of Stefan de Vrij who directed the header wide. The Netherlands talisman Robben was at it again moments later, as he blitzed past the entire Chilean midfield from his own half into the opposite penalty area to cut inside Gary Medel and fire wide of the far post.

Straight from the restart after half time, substitute Wijnaldum headed just wide from 7 yards out and a low shot tested Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. Into the last 20 minutes of the match, both Dirk Kuyt and Stefan de Vrij steered headers off target and Memphis Depay struck the ball well to force Bravo into a spectacular save. The deadlock was broken moments later, as Janmaat’s teasing cross was headed in by Norwich man Leroy Fer in the 77th minute.

Chile had several penalty appeals in the next 10 minutes before a classy run from Arjen Robben ended with a cross to substitute Depay to tap in and seal the win.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Ron Vlaar
Flop of the Match: Gary Medel
Possession: Chile 68% – 32% Netherlands
Shots: Chile 8 – 13 Netherlands

Dutch Steal The Show Through Robben, Fer And Depay

Resilient Chile Unable To Hold Out

With Chile now expected to face Brazil in the second round, it is a match which I will be expecting to be one of the shows of the tournament.

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James And Quintero’s Goals Enough For Colombia In Brasilia

World Cup ·

Colombia’s attacking prowess saw them past a resilient Ivory Coast in the first match in the Brazilian capital.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

COLOMBIA 2 – 1 IVORY COAST

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 2 – 1 Ivory Coast

James (64′) Quintero (70′) Gervinho (73′)

Thursday 19 June 2014
11pm BST (UK time) 

Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Group C, World Cup Game #21

This was a match I was really looking forward to watching as a neutral, two big powerhouses who can punish on the counter locking horns in Group C for the first match in the Brazilian capital.

The match saw a very open and pacy start, with Teofilo Gutierrez firing wide from the edge of the box for Colombia and Newcastle hardman Cheick Titote blasting just over the crossbar for Ivory Coast. Minutes later, Gutierrez was found all alone six yards out from goal in an offside position (for which the flag stayed down), and somehow managed to get his footing all tangled up. The first half saw little action in the latter stages, Serge Aurier’s low bobbling shot the final effort of note in the first 45 minutes.

The second half took a while to get started properly, but the teams were still playing at a very quick tempo and providing real entertainment for the neutral fans. On the hour, JUan Cuadrado turned inside his marker and fizzed a shot against the far post via the hand of Boubacar Barry from an acute angle. A bullet header from Cuadrado’s corner was scored by James moments later. Then, after a poor Ivorian attack, substitute Juan Quintero was sent scampering away to slot in for a 2-0 lead. The lead was short lived though, as an exceptional piece of skill saw Gervinho beat 3 defenders and then blast low and hard under Ospina to set up a tense finale. Bundles of pressure from the Elephants saw chances for Kalou, Bony and Drogba all go to waste, and Colombia’s progression to the next round was all but confirmed.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: James
Flop of the Match: Mario Yepes

Colombia Win Battle Of Counter Attack

Ivorian Big Name Players Too Little, Too Late


Colombia will almost certainly face Italy or England in the knockout stages, but can Ivory Coast join them? To find out stay with TSM Brazil throughout the summer for all the best coverage.
 

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Superb Ochoa Keeps Out Hosts

World Cup ·

A superb string of saves from Mexican goalkeeper Guillerme Ochoa helped keep the hosts at bay in Fortaleza.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

BRAZIL 0 – 0 MEXICO

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 0 – 0 MEXICO

Tuesday 17 June 2014

8pm BST (UK time)

Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza

Group A, World Cup Game #16

A dull opening in which both sides had their fair share of possessio>n finally sprung into life when Hector Herrera’s shot was tipped over the bar by Julio Cesar. Moments later, Dani Alves curled in an exquisite cross which Neymar could not head in thanks to the fantastic Ochoa’s heroics.

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

Layun, Marcelo and Vazquez all had shots of target from distance before the interval and Luiz Gustavo poke from 10 yard out was blocked by the body of Ochoa once again.

After the break, there was a lot more action from both sides as they searched for the goal to open up the contest. Oscar and Neymar both sliced shots off target for Brazil, while Vazquez and Guardado did the same for El Tri. Neymar was then unmarked in the six yard box with 21 minutes remaining and his shot appeared to hit the post, on second viewing though, it was confirmed that free agent Ochoa made another fine stop.

Substitute Bernard slid through a perfectly weighted pass for ex-Manchester City striker Jo, who skewed it horribly wide of the far post. With 5 minutes remaining, the Fortaleza crowd became even more unncomfortable as Thiago Silva’s thumping header was met by the equally super Mexican Ochoa. Then, in injury time, Mexico had two opportunities to steal the game from their rivals as Guardado curled a shot over the bar and Raul Jimenez’s dipping shot was just about saved by Julio Cesar, Chicharito Hernandez almost smashing in the rebound. However, it was not to be the fairytale ending that we were all hoping for Mexico, and so they, and Brazil dropped their first points of the tournament.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Guillerme Ochoa
Flop of the Match: Fred
Possession: Brazil 53% Mexico 43%
Shots: Brazil 15 Mexico 13

Ochoa Puts Himself On European Wanted List
After his fine performance, could the big Mexican goalkeeper be set for a big move?

Brazil Fail To Deliver Again
After just about scraping a win against Croatia, Brazil failed to make a mark in this tournament again and their position as favourites is under scrutiny.

Mexico’s final clash with Croatia looks all set to be a mouth-watering encounter, follow that match and all the rest right here on TSM Brazil.

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Which France Will We See In Brazil?

FIFA World Cup •

Runners up 8 years ago in Germany followed by a disastrous tournament in South Africa, what can we expect from France this summer? Read on to see what TSM’s analyst Waqar Hussain believes about les Bleus’ chances.

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN



The Squad

Goalkeepers
Hugo Lloris
Stephane Ruffier

Mickael Landreau
 
Defenders
Bacary Sagna

Mathieu Debuchy

Laurent Koscielny

Patrice Evra
Raphael Varane
Elaquim Mangala
Lucas Digne
Mamadou Sakho

Midfielders
Yohan Cabaye
Remy Cabella
Mathieu Valbuena
Blaise Matuidi
Rio Mavuba
Moussa Sissoko
Paul Pogba
Morgan Schneiderlin
Loic Perrin

 
Forwards 
Antoine Griezmann
Loic Remy
Olivier Giroud
Karim Benzema

Key Players

Mathieu Valbuena

Club: Marseille
He is Worth: £12m
Position: Midfielder
World Cup Goals/Games:0/2

Karim Benzema
Club:Real Madrid
He is Worth: £28m
Position: Forward
World Cup Goals/Games: 2/1

Raphael Varane
Club: Real Madrid
He is Worth: £20m
Position: Defender
World Cup Clean Sheets/Games: 1/1

Verdict

“The French side is not expected to challenge for the World Cup itself but it remains to be seen if they can have a decent campaign. In their opening match they thrashed a stubborn and rigid Honduras side so it shows they can pull it out of the bag when it matters. I’m expecting them to top the group undefeated, then face Bosnia and Germany in turn. A last eight finish will do the world of good for this young, dynamic side who I feel are being overlooked as dark horses.”
Waqar Hussain, TSM Brazil Chief Analyst 

More FIFA World Cup Coverage on TSM Brazil >>

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Germans Assault On Portugal In Salvador

World Cup ·

For the second time in 4 days, the Salvador crowd saw a blistering counter attack performance blow away an Iberian team. Germany thrashed Portugal with goals from a Thomas Muller hat trick and Mats Hummels showing just why they are my favourites for the tournament

BY WAQAR HUSSAIN

GERMANY 4 – 0 PORTUGAL

Thomas Muller fired a hat-trick in search for more success like 2010 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

Germany 4 – 0 Portugal

Thomas Muller (13′ penalty, 46′, 78′), Mart Hummels (32′)

Monday 16 June 2014

5pm BST (UK time)

Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Group G, World Cup Game #12

Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo went into their World Cup opener hoping to match the Germans and Ronaldo’s fellow rivals Neymar and Messi in getting off to a good start. However, few would have predicted this match to be anything like this.

Germany were on the front foot from the start and almost took an early lead after goalkeeper Rui Patricio misguided a clearance which found Sami Khedira with an awkward chance from 30 yards out with the goal gaping. Thankfully for Patricio, the Real Madrid man shot just wide. Germany were at it again a few minutes later, as they took the lead from a penalty scored by Thomas Muller after Joao Pereira felled Mario Gotze.

Portugal grew into the game momentarily before striker Hugo Almeida was brought off after aggravating a hamstring injury. A blistering German counter attack which saw Mesut Ozil tee up Gotze led to a corner from which Mats Hummels thumped in the second goal of the evening.Portugal again responded to a German goal by having a few chances of their own, most notably from Fabio Coentrao and substitute Eder.

A moment of madness from Pepe earned him a red card after Thomas Muller had made the most of a hand to the face and Pepe responded with a headbutt. The game resumed and the Germans were still probing, Mario Goetze wasting two chances before Muller again was at the centre of attention after he smashed in from 14 yards to make it 3-0 before half time. Eder headed over from a corner before the interval.

Germany started the second half as they ended the first, a swift counter attack finding Ozil with a shooting opportunity, Patrico saved with his legs and the ball bobbled up for Mueller to head over from 6 yards. Eder was still looking like the biggest threat for Portugal as he hit over again. A cause for concern for Germany came when Mats Hummels was brought off after picking up a knock, Shkodran Mustafi making his World Cup bow. Nani tested an otherwise quiet Manuel Neuer with a shot from distance and there were roars of appeal from Portugal for a penalty after Eder went for the rebound. 

With 12 minutes of time left, Muller capped off an eventful match for himself by tapping in from Andre Schuerrle’s low cross come shot. Cristiano Ronaldo tried to grab a consolation goal as his 40 yard free kick fizzed towards the top corner, only to be parried away by Neuer.

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Thomas Muller
Flop of the Match: Nani
Possession: Germany 57% Portugal 43%
Shots: Germany 13 Portugal 13

Muller Can Become A World Cup Great

Pepe Lets Himself Down On The Biggest Stage Of All

Germany Prove They Are Serious Contenders

Personal Verdict: “I was thoroughly entertained by the performance from Germany and was lucky enough to report on another goal fest after Netherland’s heroics. My tips for the tournament off to a blistering start.”

Germany get Group G underway in style, stick with TSM thorughout the World Cup this summer.

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