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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Argentina Through to Final In Dramatic Penalty Shootout

World Cup ·

After a goalless 0-0 draw, Argentina thwarted Netherlands on penalties to set up a World Cup final showdown with Germany.

BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK

NETHERLANDS 0 – 0 ARGENTINA

Netherlands 0 – 0 Argentina
(Argentina won 4-2 on penalties)

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

Wednesday 9 July 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST / 4pm ET

Arena Corinthians, São Paulo

Semi-Final, World Cup Game #62

In a cloudy atmosphere in São Paulo, the passionate football fans were awaiting a highly anticipated match-up in this Semi-Final clash. The winners go on to meet Germany in the final. 

The opening 10 minutes were very even as both theams were trying to hold on to possession and slowly break the opposition down. Javier Mascherano was seen being very tight especially with Robben to stop the Dutchman getting in on the defence. 

A low, fast free kick from Lionel Messi is saved by Jasper Cillessen. 

Nearly 20 minutes and no major chances were created but Argentina were just getting forward a bit more with Higuain, Lavezzi and Perez trying hard to create chances and break through the Netherlands defence. 

Argentina had a good shape when attacking and especially defending as they weren’t allowing Van Persie and Robben run at them or get any decent shots on goal. Still mostly even though.

Argentina fired a corner in and it was centre back Garay who got on the end of it but he put just a bit too much on the header and went over the bar. Good corner, it beat most defenders.

Javier Mascherano suffers a knock to the head and may of lost a few seconds of conciousness but he opted to stay on. 

Half an hour in and no real chances were created. Garay’s header was probably the most threatning of the game and for Argentina. Nothing really for Netherlands to shout about as they only put away one shot, that being Sneijder’s which was put wide. 

15 minutes after half time and a good and a good run and cross from Lavezzi meets the head of Gonzalo Higuain but the Napoli striker was unable to get full contact on the ball and guide it into the goal. 

Another 15 minutes after that and Higuain had another good chance. A low, dangerous cross fell to him but he clipped the ball against the side netting. Argentina looking most likely to take the lead. 

Netherlands were trying hard to create chances as Arjien Robben was running down the left flank but still nothing was that good enough to scrape a goal past the Argentinians. 

Just a few minutes from time and Robben had a huge chance to steal it as the Bayern Munich man dribbled through into the box only to be denied by a sensational sliding tackle from Javier Mascherano. Best chance of the game.

The full 90 minutes were played and nothing could sepererate the two teams. Extra Time was needed. 

Arijen Robben sweetly struck a shot on target but it went right into the grasp of Romero. 

Argentina’s best chance came when a lovely chip over the Netherlands defence saw Rodriguez in on goal. He tried heading past the keeper but Cillessen kept it out. 

Netherlands were forward again and a Dirk Kuyt strike was hit with power but was deflected. 

Extra Time was played and still nothing could separate the teams. Penalties it missed

Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder missed their penalties, with Argentina scoring all theirs. For the match point, Maxi Rodriguez smashed his away to send Argentina through to the final! 

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Javier Mascherano, he made sensational, match saving tackles
Flop of the Match: Airjen Robben fails to put away a great chance when in or goal.
Possession: Netherlands 53%, Argentina 47%
Shots: Netherlands 7, Argentina 8

Argentina defence too strong and tight for Netherlands
A strong and tight Argentinian defence as Van Persie, Robben were unable to really test them.

Netherlands will now face the might challenge of Germany in the final.

After a dullish match, with late penalty drama, who do you think will win the final – Germany or Argentina?

GET INVOLVED with your opinions. Use the comments section at the bottom of the article, send us an email, Tweet us your views or post thoughts to our Facebook page.

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MORE World Cup articles are available – here’s a selection of reports and fallout from the other World Cup semi-final, and to say the least, it was a shocker.

Germany Wreck Hosts in Brazil’s Day of Devastation »

Why Germany Will Win the World Cup »

Defining Moments of Brazil’s World Cup Campaign »

Where Do Brazil Go From Here? »

Germany Personify Footballing Perfection »

Complete Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup »

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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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Netherlands Derail Dreams Of Costa Rica and Book Date With Argenitina

World Cup ·

The Dutch end Costa Rica’s dream run, and book a second straight World Cup semifinal spot.

BY @ROCKBOTTOM88

NETHERLANDS 0 – 0 COSTA RICA
 (Penalties: 4 – 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

Netherlands 0 – 0 Costa Rica

(Penalties 4 – 3)

Saturday 5 July 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST / 4pm ET

Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Quarter Final C, World Cup Game #60

Man of the Match: Keylor Navas / Arjen Robben
Flop of the Match: Robin Van Persie
Possession: Netherlands 67% – 33% Costa Rica
Shots: Netherlands 20 – 6 Costa Rica

In the last semifinal match, European powerhouse Holland took on massive underdogs and fighters, Costa Rica. 

The first half of the match was mostly balanced, as both teams had their chances at goal, but favorites Netherlands became more commanding as time went by. They had several great shots and opportunities, but Costa Rican goalkeeper dealt with them impressively. The La Liga star has been the hero for Costa Rica’s Cinderella campaign, and he certainly didn’t let them down here either.

The same story followed in the second half with the sides balanced, and the Netherlands trying to break down Costa Rica’s organized defense and Navas between the post, but a goal just didn’t come. The match headed into extra time to many surprises, but not shock, considering Costa Rica’s fighting campaign. 

Despite Netherland’s massively dominant possession stat, a goal didn’t come in extra time either. Great chances at both ends saw both keepers make huge saves to keep their sides in it, and the match was headed for a penalty shootout. Right before the whistle of extra time, Hollands manager Louis Van Gaal opted out and replaced starting goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for the slightly more experienced, Tim Krul. Krul made two great saves, and overall, was well positioned for all saves to book the Netherland’s second straight World Cup semifinal spot.

It was a heartbreak for Costa Rica who truly put in a shocking and amazing World Cup campaign. They can exit with their heads held high. As for the Dutch, they face Lionel Messi and Argentina up next, as their dream for World Cup glory continues.

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Higuain Strike Fires Argentina Through to Semi Finals

World Cup ·

A superb strike from Gonzalo Higuain inside 10 minutes was enough for Argentina to edge past Belgium in a hard-fought quarter final showdown in Brazília. 

BY @SUPPORTINGBROCK

ARGENTINA 1 – 0 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

Argentina 1 – 0 Belgium

Higuain (8′)

Saturday 5 July 2014

Kick-off: 5pm BST / 12pm ET

Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília

Quarter Final, World Cup Game #59

As the sun glared down in Brazília, a highly anticipated quarter final match between Argentina and Belgium was apon us.

Just 7 minutes in and the Argentinians struck. Some great play in midfield and the ball fell to Gonzalo Higuain and the Napoli striker turned and speared it right into the bottom left hand corner. A fantastic strike on the turn draws Argentina first blood in this quarter final clash. 

A few chances were created as Angel Di Maria and Kevin De Bruyne came close for their respective teams but both efforts were saved. 

Kevin Mirallas put a fast moving header just past the post. Good chance for Belgium but they still trail. 

After being fouled, Lionel Messi won a free kick just outside the penalty area. 

After a magnificent run which saw Vincent Kompany left for dead, Gonzalo Higuain found himself in on goal with Belgian keeper, Courtois. The Napoli striker was looking to double his goal count and Argentina’s lead but he thumped the ball right off the cross bar and out. Belgium were helpless at this point, they are very lucky not to be 2-0 down. 

A chance falls for Belgium after another great cross from Jon Vertonghen sees Manchester United midfielder Maroune Fellaini head the ball over the cross bar. Should have done better there, good chance for Belgium which haven’t come easily in this game. 

Full time and Argentina’s victory marks an end to Belgium’s World Cup campaign. Many thought they were the dark horses but instead it’s the Argentinians who make a statement and prove they could well go on to win the 2014 World Cup. 

Match breakdown

Man of the Match: Gonzalo Higuain after he fires Argentina through to the Semis.
Flop of the Match: Maroune Fellaini fails to put a header on target after a great cross.
Possession: ARG 51% – 49% BEL
Shots: ARG 8 – BEL 10.

Belgium needed more pace down flanks.
The Belgians just lacked pace and range down the wings as the strikers were unable to get the ball in dangerous areas to really test Argentina’s defence and goalkeeper.

Belgium lack killer instinct and needed energy as Argentina edge past the dark horses.

After a good team performance from Argentina sees them through, are they good enough to go all the way and win World Cup glory?

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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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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.

GET INVOLVED with your opinions. Use the comments section at the bottom of the article, send us an email, Tweet us your views or post thoughts to our Facebook page.

WRITE FOR US as we are now recruiting more writers. If you are interested in showcasing your sports writing / journalism skills, and have a passion in writing in our wide range of sports, learn more at this page.

Complete Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup »

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Belgium Break Past USA, Howard in Extra-Time Thriller

World Cup ·

Romelu Lukaku scored the pivotal goal in extra-time that would grind Tim Howard’s record-breaking goalkeeping performance to a halt and end the USA’s World Cup dream.

BY NISAR KHAN

BELGIUM 2 – 1 USA 

An Evertonian embrace after an epic game in Salvador. SQUAWKA

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

Belgium 2 – 1 USA

Kevin De Bruyne (93′), Romelu Lukaku (107′), Julian Green (107′)

Tuesday 1 July 2014

Kick-off: 9pm BST, 4pm ET

Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador

Round of 16, World Cup Game #56

Divock Origi forced the first of Tim Howard’s 16 saves, the most in World Cup history for 50 years, as he broke away within 40 seconds and forced the American to stop at the near post.

Moments later, Dempsey’s shot would fall swiftly into the hands of Courtois, after a mesmerizing build-up by him and Bradley, after Jones catalysed the counter.

Although goalless after the opening 45 minutes, it was a remarkable game thus far. Chances on either side, plenty of space to exploit and keepers busy as the attempts totted up.

Belgium clearly had the skill to infiltrate behind the US defence, but Howard was there to stop them. In the second half, Divock Origi needled through Kevin Mirallas, whose attempt to fire it across him was stopped by Howard’s foot.

As the Belgians upheld a larger influence on the game, the chances continued to flow and Tim Howard’s work load increased. Next time round, Vincent Kompany was denied after Kevin De Bruyne picked him out. 

Geoff Cameron blasted over a gift of a chance, even though it wouldn’t have counted. It caused a furore on the touchline as he appeared to be well onside.

Ninety minutes were not enough. Neither team could score. USA had been forced on the backfoot, but never trailing thanks to an emphatic performance by Tim Howard. Thirty more minutes were prescribed for the enthralling game.

Belgium finally scored three minutes into extra-time. Romelu Lukaku escaped from Beasley to explode into the box from the right. He passed it towards De Bruyne, who made his way round three American defenders and smashed it far into goal past Tim Howard. 

In the same period, De Bruyne orchestrated the move for Romelu Lukaku to smash it past Tim Howard. USA were caught up and it allowed De Bruyne to slip a pass through to Lukaku, who thumped it home. Inverse goalscoring and assists between the two.

With fifteen minutes left, USA would make a statement early that they weren’t going down easy. Julian Green was picked out perfectly with a lofted ball in the box by Bradley, and his beautiful volley was out of Courtois’ range. USA were back in it.

Jones was agonisingly close from the equaliser when the header from Yedlin’s cross trickled out to him. Head in hands, he knew that his nation had missed a huge chance.

In the final few minutes, another golden chance was denied. Belgium were left baffled with a beautiful free-kick set up that saw Bradley’s pass ricochet to Dempsey, but the sprawling Courtois sustained Belgium’s lead for good.

Belgium crash the American Dream but it takes some doing to thwart an incredible Tim Howard and passionate football team. One of the best World Cup games of the tournament.

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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

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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

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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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