Match 12 : Germany vs Portugal

Muller's hat-trick helps Germany crush 10 man Portugal.

Germany 4-0 Portugal

Muller hit the first hat-trick of the 2014 FIFA World Cup to help Germany give a crushing defeat to 10 man Portugal. Muller started the proceedings for Germany by scoring off a penalty in 12th minute. Pereira fouled the Gotze in the penalty area and Muller converted the penalty in to good shot to bottom left corner, putting Germany in the lead. Germany started troubling Portugal with their attacks and were able to extend their lead in the 32nd minute. Gotze and Ozil attacked the Portugal's defence and Gotze shot was deflected to a corner. Germany were able to convert this corner into their second goal. Kroos delivered a got cross from the corner and Hummels leaped high and headed the ball into the net.

Within 5 minutes Portugal's situation began to get more worse when Pepe got sent off the field for collision with Muller. Pepe appeared to have shoved his hand in Muller's face and leant his head on the fallen Muller. Referee showed a red card and sent Pepe off the pitch and adding to the worries of Portugal. Muller scored yet again just before half time and putting Germany in a commanding position. Germany sealed their victory with another goal from Muller in the 78th minute.

Ronaldo started the match positively for Portugal by attacking the German defence. He made his presence felt by assisting Almeida to create a chance for Portugal. Within couple of minutes Ronaldo troubled the keeper yet again but wasn't able to provide the lead. Germany took control of the match and Khedira missed a open chance at goal after poor clearance by Portuguese goalkeeper.

Germany got an penalty in 11th minute when Gotze got twisted and fell after being pulled by Pereira. Muller took the penalty with ease and put the Germans in the lead. In the 30th minute Ozil started a brilliant run and passed the ball to Gotze whose shot was blocked off to a corner. The Germans corner was taken by Kroos who delivered a good cross to Hummels , who found the net with a brilliant header and extending the Germans lead. Portugal got their chance in the 36th minute from a corner but Eder's header was little high and didn't find the net. Portugal's hope of recovering was completely ruined by Pepe. Muller fell down claiming he was hit in the head by Pepe's arm but Pepe reacted by planting his head on Muller and getting sent off by the referee. 

Muller very much sealed the Germans victory by scoring the third goal just before half time. Kroos tried a chance at goal and Alves didn't manage to clear the ball properly. Muller scored his second from the ball that bounced off Alves straight into top left hand corner. Clearly all chances for Portugal comeback were ruined going into half-time. Germany attacked Portugal early in the second half and Gotze's good pass to Ozil threatened Portugal once again, but Ozil shot was saved. Germany looked threatening and looked for a fourth goal which was finally provided by Muller. Schurrle's attempted cross was saved by Patricio but Muller who was nearby fired a close range shot into goal. Germany clearly dominated Portugal throughout the match. Portugal's star player Ronaldo's presence in the field was very limited and only time he really threatened the goalkeeper is off a free kick at time of final whistle.

Portugal clearly weren't at their best form and Ronaldo wasn't able to get any clear chances and didn't have much impact in the match. Germany was able to give crushing defeat to Portugal and be hoping for a win in their next match against Ghana. Portugal has to regroup and fight or else Americans can upset their chances at World Cup. Germany's crushing victory against Portugal helps them to gain huge momentum and making them a serious competitor for the title.    

Match 11 : Argentina vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

Messi helps Argentina to start their World Cup campaign with a win over the debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina

Argentina 2-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina

Argentina starts off the world cup with a hard earned victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Even though Argentina won the match their performance was not their usual standards. Thanks to an unfortunate own goal early in the game started their proceedings for Argentina. Messi's beautiful goal in the second half sealed their victory. Bosnia-Herzegovina came back with a goal in the 84th minute but they weren't able to score the needed equalizer in last 6 minutes. Messi's magic goal and an early own goal may have helped Argentina today but if they plan on winning the tournament their big players should step up.

Bosnia-Herzegovina's chance of winning the match went off in the first three minutes when Sead Kolasinac scored an own goal. Mujdza fouled Aguero in the left wing and it led to a free kick for Argentina. Free kick from Messi saw Rojo flick the ball which hit the defender Kolasinac and went into the net. The own goal was also the fastest ever in the World Cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina attacked the Argentinian defence and threatened them win their free kicks. Their major chances in the first half was created early by Pjanic and Hajrovic. Argentina was not able to move the ball freely as they hoped. There were couple of moments were the Bosnia-Herzegovina scared the Argentinian players. Argentina wasn't comfortable in taking clear shots at goal. Their efforts was blocked by Bosnia-Herzegovina's defence. Bosnia-Herzegovina almost scored the equalizer when Lulic went past his marker and headed the ball towards the goal, Romero got down and pushed the ball out to keep the Argentina in the lead at half time.

Sabella made two changes during the half time and bought Higuain and Gago to boost the Argentinian attack. But Bosnia-Herzegovina was the one to attack after half time forcing Romero to make couple of saves early in the second half. Hajrovic troubled Romero with a free kick in the 50th minute. Aguero tried his luck at the goal after a good assist by Messi. Argentina lost another chance to score when Messi hit an easy free kick over the bar. They weren't able to find the net until a beautiful goal by Messi in 65th minute. Messi got the ball at halfway line and started to dribble towards the goal and exchanged passes with Higuain ,went past the defenders and finished with a low shot in the bottom left hand corner.

With Messi's goal all looked over for Bosnia-Herzegovina but it was not. Ibisevic went through Argentinian defence and poked the ball through Romero's legs after a good assist by Lulic. Both the team had nervous moments in the remaining time but Argentina was able to hold onto the lead. The early own goal and Messi's beauty sees Argentina home this time, but they have to strengthen the game if they were to win the cup. Bosnia-Herzegovina played a good game with Argentina and with this form they can create an upset in the group. 

Match 10 : France vs Honduras

Benzema strikes two goals as France beats Honduras

France 3-0 Honduras

Benzema scored twice to ensure that France beats the 10 man Honduras. Benzema surely was star player who had help the Frenchmen to beat Honduras and top the league table.This dominant win for France surely help them in their next game against Switzerland.

France had started attacking from the start and looked to dominate their opponent. France looked strong throughout the game. Karim Benzema was the first to score in the French dominant match. The first goal came off a penalty just before the half time. Pogba was fouled in the penalty area by Palacios and got a second yellow card and was sent off. Benzema took the penalty and calmly placed it in the bottom left corner and put the French in the lead before half time whistle. Honduras clearly withstood the French attack in the first half and the goal which was conceded was due to a bad foul.

At end of first half France was leading by one goal.

France started to dominate the 10 man Honduras even more in the second half. The second goal was created by Benzema which caused a confusion in the stadium and to the coaches. At first Benzema took a left footed shot at the goal which hit the post and deflected of Valladares and went over the line. First the goal line technology had ruled it as no goal and called it as a goal creating confusion among the fans and the managers. The no goal was called when the ball hit the post but it seems that when Valladares made contact with the ball it hit him and went over the line, so it was called as a goal as the replays suggested. The Honduras manager still had a lot of confusion even after the end of the match.

France's attack was also very dominant in the second half, attacking at every opportunity. Finally, Benzema scored his next goal in the 72nd minute to completely seal the match. Valbuena takes the free kick and passes to Debuchy. Debuchy's drive wasn't able to break through the defence and got deflected to unmarked Benzema who fires it in the net and giving the France 3-0 lead in the game.

With that aggressive start from France they can easily top the table and be a serious competitors. Honduras was in deep trouble when they were reduced to 10 men by the end of first half. Their hope of winning or even a draw wasn't possible with 10 men. They weren't able to get possession or even control the play for small period. Honduras would be hoping to improve their next performance against Ecuador and fight for their place in the cup. 

Match 9 : Switzerland vs Ecuador

Seferovic's stoppage time goal helps Switzerland overcome Ecuador after conceding early goal.

Switzerland 2-1 Ecuador

Substitute Seferovic's goal in the 3rd minute of stoppage time helps Switzerland beat Ecuador.Switzerland came from behind to win the match in a dramatic way. Ecuador had drawn the first blood thanks to a Valencia's header from a dipping cross from Ayovi. Switzerland came back after the half time when substitute Mehmedi scored their first goal.Switzerland's substitutes won the match for them.

Ecuador's start to the match was rather impressive as they attacked the Swiss time after time.Within 5 minutes into the game they had got two corners.Switzerland came back with their own attack in the

12th minute Drmic almost had a chance to score their first goal. Xhaka and Shaqiri tried their chances from outside the box but weren't able to get the much needed  first goal.Ecuador's breakthrough came in the 21st minute when Switzerland's Lichtsteiner fouled Montero on the left wing.The free kick was taken by Ayovi who did a good cross to unmarked Valencia who scored the first goal for Ecuador with a header. As part of their celebrations Valencia players pointed to the sky as a tribute to their forward Christian Benitez who died last summer as a result of heart failure.

Ecuador's goalkeeper Dominguez was kept rather busy in the first half due to Swiss attacking the goal very often.Their many close chances for Switzerland but they weren't able to score their equalizer.Ecuador too had some chances to double their lead but they couldn't get the much needed finishings from their attackers.At half time Ecuador still had the lead by one goal.

Switzerland substituted Mehmedi for Stocker in order to increase their attack. It proved to be a good move and provided the much needed equalizer by their substitute Mehmedi.  Switzerland got a corner early in second half. Rodriguez took the corner by hitting a good cross to the substitute Mehmedi who headed the ball into tthe net. Both the teams were not ready to settle for a draw and they started to attack fiercely looking for a winner.

Both the teams looked threatening on their counter-attacks. Ecuador's Montero was sprinting towards the goal and it looked like their lead would have extended but thanks to good keeping by Benagilo saved the match for Swiss. Drmic was on attack on the other side had scored the goal but the goal was disallowed due to an offside. Both the teams missed quite a few chances at the goal. the final breakthrough came for Switzerland in the stoppage time thanks to their substitute Seferovic who scored their winner. Ironically opportunity came for Switzerland when Arroyo the Ecuador sub delayed his shot at goal, which Switzerland used to score their winner. Behrami steals the ball from Arroyo and starts the Swiss attack. Rodriguez puts a good cross to Seferovic who managed the score the winner for Switzerland.

Switzerland's next match against France would be a good fight and their opponents would definitely be hoping to get three points in their next game against Honduras on Friday.The match was fast paced throughout and Ecuador would be disappointed with themselves for allowing a late goal.    

Match 8 : Japan vs Ivory Coast

Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 Japan

Late headers from Bony and Gervinho brings victory for Cote d'Ivoire

Brilliant second half attack helps Cote d'Ivoire to seal their victory in their first group game against Japan.Cote d'Ivoire came from behind thanks to Bony and Gervinho's brilliant headers.

Honda put Japan in the lead early in the first half. But Drogba's arrival boosted the spirits of Cote d'Ivoire leading to two quick goals.The arrival of Drogba certainly changed the match for them.

This is the first time where Cote d'Ivoire had won their opening fixture of the World Cup.This win puts them in the lead along with Colombia whom they will face in their next match.

Cote d'Ivoire started the game by challenging Japan's defence which proved to be tough. Japan defended their side nicely and didn't give their opponents many opportunities.In the 16th minute Japan took the lead thanks to brilliant shot by Honda. Japan's Nagatomo collected the ball and passed it to Honda who was standing just outside the box, and Honda collected the ball cleanly and strikes with an unstoppable shot, thus putting Japan in the lead.

Japan had a chance to increase their lead in the 20th minute when Uchida shot a powerful drive which the Cote d'Ivoire's goalkeeper
Barry parried and Honda's shot forced Barry to make a diving save.
Ivory Coast had missed two free kicks due to immense pressure and tight defence from Japan. Ivory Coast had most of the possession in the first half but weren't able to score.At half time Japan were leading by one goal.

The second half started a bit slow and wasn't much chance for the teams. In the 62nd minute Drogba came onto the field and was fouled immediately. Ivory Coast scored the equaliser in the 64th minute thanks to a brilliant cross from Aurier which Bony headed into the net.Within two minutes another goal was scored by Ivory Coast thanks to another beautiful cross by Aurier ,this time to Gervinho who heads the ball into net even though Japan's goalkeeper Kawashima was able get both hands to the ball.

Japan were definitely pushed back after those two quick goals and they weren't able to recover from it. Their attack was not so good as it was in the first half. They definitely got shattered by those two quick goals which turned around. Ivory Coast had done a good job and are in top of the table. Their next match against Colombia is a tough one. Japan needs to bounce back quickly and come back with a win against Greece in their next game.    
    

Match 7 : England vs Italy

Balotelli's header wins it for Italy.

Italy 2-1 England

Italy beats England thanks to Balotelli's winner in the 50th minute.
This win gives Italy three points and they are tied with Costa Rica who picked up a surprising win over Uruguay in their first match.
Italy started the proceedings when Marchisio scored of the corner.England scored the equalizer immediately thanks to Sturridge's close range shot.Both the teams were tied once again. Balotelli put the Italians back in the lead thanks to a brilliant header. England tried to come back into the game but thanks to super keeping by Sirigu and good defence, Italy were able to hold onto lead and join Costa Rica at the top of the table.

England started to attack from the beginning when Sterling's shot missed the target and Henderson's shot was saved. England attacked looked good from start. Their defence was weak leading to the two goals. Welbeck, Henderson and Sterling were all good on attack. Italy were trying to keep up with England's fast paced attack. But their defence which left Marchisio unmarked led to their first goal. Pirlo dummied the corner from Verratti's and the unmarked Marchisio hit ball past three defenders into the net.

England came back immediately with a goal of their own. Sterling passes the ball into Italy's defence and a good cross from Rooney to Sturridge who finds the goal from close range.The score was tied once again.England were troubled by Italy couple of times but they were able to clear it.

Sturridge started the second half for England by attacking the goal once again, but it was cleared by Sirigu. Within couple of minutes Italians broke free and scored for the second time in the match.
Candreva hit a beautiful cross to Mario Balotelli who heads the ball past Joe Hart and putting them in the lead once more.

Rooney missed a couple of chances for England.Their penalty shouts had been turned down by the Referee.They were in control of possession till the last 10 minutes or so.They were under pressure and passing got affected.The Italians had some chances in the second half but they were able to produce only one goal.The Italians kept the lead till the end and got away with three points.
England should improve its  defence and big players missing easy chances is sure a concern for them.Italy played well, their attack was good and they utilised their chances well.Overall a good performance by both the teams.England need a win in their next match against Uruguay.Italy would definitely be hoping to continue their winning ways.

Uruguay vs Costa Rica 2014 FIFA World Cup

Fascinating Costa Rica stuns former champs Uruguay

Costa Rica 3-1 Uruguay

Costa Rica beats Uruguay after conceding the first goal of the match via a penalty. Costa Rica were trailing during the half time. Early in second half Costa Rica came back with an equalizer and 2 more goals leading to a victory over the former champs.This is one of the biggest upset of this World Cup.Their next match against England could go either ways.Costa Rica was in Group of death after being put among England, Uruguay and Italy.They weren't expected to win a match against these former champs but they overcame the odds.

Uruguay started the match positively and took the lead via penalty kick by Cavani. Costa Rica came back and scored early in the second half.

Within minutes second goal was scored by Duarte leading to a massive turnaround in the game.Uruguay tried their best to score the equalizer but Costa Rica completely sealed the game with a third goal in the 84th minute by Urena, thus securing three points in their first game.  

Uruguay nearly scored in the 15th minute when Cavani flicked the ball which was put inside the net by Godin, but it was ruled off side.They got their chance in the 24th minute when Lugano was fouled inside the box by Diaz and was awarded a penalty. Cavani converted the penalty easily, putting Uruguay in lead. Costa Rica almost got the equalizer when Cambell's shot just went wide of the post.Just before half time Costa Rica's goalkeeper Navas bailed them out when he stopped Forlan's deflected shot at the crossbar.Going into half time Uruguay were leading by one goal.Apart from the penalty game was balanced throughout.

Costa Rica started the second half positively when Gamboa's cross found Cambell who netted the ball past Uruguay's goalkeeper and tied the game.Costa Rica got a free kick in the next couple of minutes. Bolanos put the free kick to good use and Duarte managed to head the ball into the goal and putting Costa Rica in lead.Costa Rica almost got the third goal when Cambell's shot went off target.  

Uruguay tried to score an equalizer but they weren't able to break through the defence of Costa Rica.And finally in the stoppage time Costa Rica sealed of the match when the substitute Urena who scored with his first touch of the ball.

Uruguay's night was over and Costa Rica completes one of the biggest upset of the tournament.Costa Rica tops the table with 3 points allowing a good chance for them to qualify.Uruguay would be hoping a win in the next two matches so that they are able to make into round of 16. 

    

Match 6 : Colombia vs Greece

Colombia returns to World Cup with huge win over Greece.

Colombia 3-0 Greece

Colombia opens up their World Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over Greece.Colombia qualified to the World Cup after 16 years and made an impressive start by outclassing their opponents.

Colombia had a good start when Pablo Armero scored their first goal within 5 minutes of play.They had momentum on their side and doubled the lead in the 58th minute. They scored again in the stoppage time  to put an end to a good contest.With an impressive start Colombia would be hoping to continue their winning ways.

Barely 5 minutes would have gone by but the Colombians already was leading by one goal. Cuadrado started the proceedings by going through Greece defence and a giving a low cross to Armero who netted the ball leading to early celebrations for the Colombians. 

Within a minute Greece had almost scored the equalizer when Samaras hit a cross to Kone whose shot went wide.Not many good chances were created for both the teams in the first half. At half time Colombia were leading by a goal though Greece had most of the possession. Within 15 minutes into second half Gutierrez doubled the lead for Colombia with a close range goal of a corner.

Greece came close once again but no avail.This time the ball was passed by Torosidis to Gekas whose header hits the crossbar and goes away.Luck was definitely not on Greece's side.

Greece tried to get atleast goal by keeping most of the possession but weren't able to create much opportunities.Colombia countered their attacks in the stoppage time via free kick when Cuadrado's flick found Rodriguez who fired the ball into bottom corner of the net, thus completing a 3-0 victory over Greece.

This victory puts Colombia in the race for final 16.Greece would try to overcome this loss and fight for their place in the next match.   

Match 4: Chile vs Australia

Sanchez too much for Socceroos

Chile 3-1 Australia

Sanchez helps Chile to start their World Cup campaign with a victory over Australia. The victory gives them a fighting chance in Group B. Their next match is against Spain who lost against Netherlands with humiliating score of 5-1.

Sanchez scored the first goal for Chile in 12th minute followed by Valdivia who scored the next goal couple of minutes later.The first 15 minutes was horrific for the Socceroos. Australian forward Cahill gave them a fighting chance scoring just before half time.

Australians looked for an equalizer in second half, but third goal from Chile in stoppage tie sealed the match.

Australia's next match is against Netherlands where Australia would want a favourable result to keep their chance alive.

Chile dominated early in the match scoring two goals in less than 15 minutes. In the 12th minute Aranguiz put a cross in front of Sanchez who nets the ball giving them early lead. Couple of minutes later second goal came for Chile thanks to Sanchez though he provided only an assist this time.Sanchez rips through Australian midfield and passes the ball to Valdivia who has plenty of space to adjust. Valdivia aims and strikes the ball past Ryan's glove.

Chile were in control until the 35th minute where Cahill jumped of the back post and nets the header giving the Australia's first goal of the match.No good chances were created until half time.At half time Chile were leading 2 - 1.

After the break Australia found their rhythm and almost got the equalizer.Tim Cahill heads another into the net but was called off side.It was a good call from the referee.

Chile and Australia battled in the second half.Bravo saved a good volley from Bresciano.Chile had their chance to score the third goal and seal the victory.It was a good second half for the Australians, definitely much better than the first half.Chile sealed their victory with a goal from Beausejour in the stoppage time.Australia lost a hard fought match but two early goals is definitely difficult to overcome.Chile's attack was just too much for them.

Chile's next match is against a mentally wounded Spain. A win for Chile is their ticket to the next round.Both Spain and Australia would be hoping for a win to stay in this competition.    

Spain vs Netherlands 2014 World Cup Group Stage

Netherlands vs Spain 13th June 2014

Netherlands thrashes Spain thanks to Robben and Van Persie.

Netherlands 5-1 Spain

Netherlands had their revenge against Spain for the loss in 2010 World Cup final. Robben and Van Persie helped Netherlands to exact their revenge on Spain in fascinating fashion.

Impressive second half performance by Netherlands stunned the defending champions.Two goals each from Van Persie and Robben destroyed Casillas.

Spain scored the first goal of the match via Xabi Alonso's penalty.Netherlands were trailing after the penalty.

Spain were given penalty after Costa was fouled inside penalty area in 26th minute. Xabi Alonso scored , giving Spain the lead early in the match.In the 43rd minute they had chance to double their score when Iniesta passed the ball to Silva who tried to chip the keeper. But it was saved by the keeper.This was start of Netherlands's counter attack.It started with David Blind's pass which flew over Ramos and reached Van Persie. Van Persie spotted Casillas was out of the box was too forward. So Van Persie hit a beautiful 15 yard header which went past Casillas's head into the net.At half time scores were tied.

Early in the second half Blind provided an another assist, this time it was to Robben, who after avoiding a weak challenge from Pique fired the ball past the Spanish goalkeeper.They almost scored a third when Van Persie's shot hit the crossbar.

The third goal eventually came after a free kick was awarded to them. Sneijder hit a inswinging free kick which was put inside the net by De Vrij who was couple of yards away from goal.Spain protested against the goal saying Casillas was fouled by Van Persie.

But Casillas was the one to be booked for the yellow card for protesting.

Silva netted the ball giving Spain a chance but the goal was ruled off side.The remaining time became more tragic for Spain. Casillas was given a backpass from Ramos. A slight miscontrol made the ball roll a few yards from him,Van Persie stole the ball in a flash and netted his second goal of the night.Netherlands were leading by 3 goals.

Robben ended the proceedings with an another goal. He ran and got the through ball from Sneijder ,went past Ramos who was no match for his speed and went around Casillas and finally fired the ball past the two Spanish defenders.Torres came close but couldn't score.Double save by Casillas stopped a 6-1 defeat.

Spain was completely torn apart in this match.This was humiliating loss for them.They would hope recuperate and be lot better in their next match.

   

Match:2 Mexico vs Cameroon

MEXICO VS CAMEROON 13th JUNE 2014

MEXICO 1-0 CAMEROON

Peralta's strike brings home the first win for El Tri.

Peralta scored the winner of a rebound in the 61st minute as Mexican team overcame two controversial decisions and pouring rain.

Peralta scored after a rebound when initial shot made by Giovanni Dos Santos was saved.The victory puts them in a race to qualify for Round of 16.

First of the game was filled with controversies.Mexico's Dos Santos scored 2 goals in first half which was both ruled out as off side.The replays clearly suggested the opposite.

First one came in the 11th minute where Dos Santos volleyed a cross which came from Herrera.The replays suggested that the player was clearly on side but the goal was disallowed.

Again during the 30th minute Mexico was ruled out a second goal of the game.This time it was corner.The ball deflected of Cameroon's defender and Dos Santos headed it to the net.It was again ruled off side which was tight decision.

Earlier, in the 16th minute Etoó's goal was ruled offside.But this time the replays showed that he was clearly on a off side position. 

Mexico dominated the match and was a constant threat to Cameroon.In the 27th minute free kick which was curled towards the back post where Moreno and Marquez was just watching .Both the team went into the half time goalless.

Early in the second half chances came or both the teams.Cameroon just missed a free kick which went wide of the target.

In the 61st minute finally a breakthrough came for Mexico.Herrera passed the ball to Dos Santos who nearly scored.The ball was saved by the goalkeeper but Peralta scored the ball of rebound.This time there was no chance of being called off side. 

Mexican kept attacking in the remaining time,trying to extend their lead.Mexico weren't able to get another goal.Cameroon threatened them one more time when Benjamin hit the ball from Etoó but it was blocked by Rodriguez.In the stoppage time Mexico had the chance to extend their lead but Hernandez missed an easy shot.Cameroon didn't hit an equalizer till the end.Mexico comes out on top with 3 points.Their next match is against Brazil on 17th June.

Brazil vs Croatia:FIFA World Cup 2014

BRAZIL VS CROATIA 12th JUNE 2014

Brazil 3-1 Croatia

Neymar's double brings first win for Brazil against Croatia.

Man of the Match Neymar scored twice as hosts bounced back from behind after a own goal from Marcelo in opening game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Brazil were pushed back early in the match with an own goal from Marcelo in the 11th minute.They came back with Neymar's low shot from edge of the box leading to his first goal of the match.

Neymar scored the winner in the 71st minute after converting a controversial penalty.Then Oscar scored the 3rd goal for the hosts in the stoppage time.

The Brazilian team's next match against Mexico where an easy victory can be expected had ensured a smooth qualifying to the next round.

Croatian team started strongly and had the first chance of the day when Olic's header missed the goal by whisker.But they took the lead in the 11th minute after an own goal by Marcelo.

Croatia's Rakitic led the attack , and passed the ball to Olic on the left. Olic delivered a wonderful low cross inside the Brazil's defence where the ball scuffed of Jelavic  and rolled to Marcelo who directed the ball into his own net to give Croatia the early lead.

Croatia continued their attack on Brazil and posed a threat.The hosts drew level after a goal from their star player Neymar who got a yellow card earlier when his elbow hit Modric .

Neymar gets the ball in the midfield and dribbles to the left before completing with a low controlled drive.The ball went past the Croatian goalkeeper Pletikosa hits the post and goes inside the net.

With the scores levelled up both the teams were unable to score any more goals in the first half.The match was tied up 1-1 going into half time.

Brazil were unable to create any chances early in the second half.
Their first chance was a free kick taken by Dani Alves which went over the bar. Couple of minutes later Brazil got a penalty after Fred went down after trying to turn and make a shot.This controversial penalty changed the match.The replays showed very minimal contact.

Neymar took the penalty.The ball went past the fingertips of the goalkeeper.This goal puts the host in the lead 2-1.They almost got an another goal when Oscar hits a beautiful cross to the right flank but Luiz failed to convert it into goal.

Croatia had eventually hit the ball in net in 83rd minute but the goal was disallowed because of a foul committed by Olic on Cesar in the build up.Within the next three minutes Cesar dived to his right to stop the equalizer from Modric's low drive from a distance.

Cesar made another save at start of the stoppage time.Brazil started their attack immediately and within a minute Oscar scored the 3rd goal for Brazil and sealed their victory.Brazil had won their match against Croatia 3-1.

Brazil were indeed lucky to get the penalty which changed the game in their favour.This was a decent first match and Croatia would be hoping to bounce back on their next match against Cameroon on 18th June 2014. 

Introduction:2014 FIFA World Cup

With the world cup mere less than 24 hours away the Brazilian fans are eagerly waiting for their home team's first match against Croatia. Sao Paulo ,Brazil is ready to host the first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
The biggest question is whether the champions Spain would be able to retain their crown.The competition is very tough this year for the defending champs.Let us now look how the teams are placed:


The hosts Brazil are in Group A along with Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon. Neymar the Brazilian forward is definitely a player to watch out for in this group.Brazilian team is full of big names such as Hulk ,Jo,Oscar,Dani Alves ,Silva,Marcelo,Luiz ,Paulinho and others.The first match between Brazil and Croatia is a must watch.Croatia packs up a punch with Modric and Rakitic. They are a good team and clearly go to Round of 16,unless and until any upsets caused by Mexico or Cameroon.The teams likely to qualify for next round would most possibly be Brazil and Croatia.


The Group B consists of the defending champions Spain and the runner ups Netherlands.Spain packs up lot of big names and their one touch foot football is a clear entertainer.Netherlands would be hoping to get revenge on the defending champions.Their star studded team consists of  Robin Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder.These are the teams that are likely to go into next round.The other two teams in this group are Australia and Chile.



The Group C consists of Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, and Japan.Most likely top 2 in this group would be Colombia and Ivory Coast.This group does not consist of powerhouses of football but it would be great to see if Japan or Greece try to upset these teams. Colombian midfielder Rodriguz would be key for them.Likewise Drogba and Etoó will be players to watch out for Ivory Coast.



The Group D can also be said as Group of Death would be the toughest group for the teams.It consists of Italy, England, Costa Rica and Uruguay.This is the toughest group.All the group members except Costa Rica are former winners.The two time champions Uruguay will be hoping for a fit Suarez.Other key players for them would be Godin, Rios and Jose Maria.They would be hoping to improve their form in the tournament.Costa Rica would be trying to cause an World Cup upset like they did in 1990.England team are strong contenders.Their attacking is very strong and their long way goals would help a lot against Italy.Their main concern would be not to let their lead slip away.Italian team has good defence but the definitely have to protect their weaker right side.They had scored 40% of goals with headers which affects their chance of scoring long shots.



The Group E consists of Switzerland, Honduras, France and Ecuador.Switzerland has the easy way out with their good defence in qualifying matches and their set pieces which can trouble the other teams.Ecuador will definitely find it difficult as all the teams in this group are good against defending headers.France are force to be reckoned with.They are strong from scoring outside the box and also very strong in defence.So the best chances in this group are for France and Switzerland.



The Group F consists of Iran,Argentina,Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Nigeria.Argentina are one of clear favourites in this tournament.Most of their attacks came from the centre and are most likely to top the group.Bosnia and Herzegovina have impressed many in the qualifying where they scored minimum of 3 goals in most of their matches.However their lack of variety can affect them.Most goals are scored only by three of their players.It would be nice to see what this emerging team is capable against Argentina.Iran has scored more goals from set pieces and haven't let long range goals in qualifying.They would be a tough team to resist especially with their attack from wide positions.Nigeria has utilised most of their free kicks opportunity and scored from outside the box more often.They had scored every match in qualifying.Their match against Iran would be good.



The Group G consists of Germany, Portugal, USA, Ghana.This is also a tough group.Germany scored 3 goals or more during qualifying in most of their matches.This is a very good team which is capable of winning the cup.Their match against Portugal is must watch.Portugal's Christiano Ronaldo is one of the problem causers for opponents and also Bruno Alves is good percentage of converting their corner kicks.Their lack of goals from outside the box is a slight concern.Ghana has a good scoring rate.They have displayed a lot of attacking force in qualifying.Their defence might be a concern against Argentina and Portugal.USA has a good record for scoring close range shots during qualifying.Their defence against free kicks is on the lower side.But their placement in group G affects their chance of qualifying.USA's chance of getting point against other teams would be slightly difficult.



The Group H consists of Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea.Belgium is one of the underdogs who has a great chance of winning.Their tight defence display during qualifying would be tough to overcome.They have all round attack and their defence would be difficult for the other teams in group.Algeria has scored lot of goals from wide area which gives them a fighting chance in the tournament.Algeria's early goals would definitely affect the teams.

Russia hasn't let one goal from outside the area.They usually start strong but their difficulty is catching up once they conceded a goal.Their goals from centre wouldn't have much impact on the other teams.South Korea have depended largely on goals from long shots.Their late goals might prove effective against Belgium and Russia.


The first match begins on 12 June at Sao Paulo. Thus the battle for cup begins today.Germany are looking strong and has good chance of winning the cup.The host would also have chance but clearly their are not the favourites.

Defending champions has to work hard to retain the cup.


Let us see what this World Cup has to offer.