India vs England 1st Test Day 2

Indian tail frustrate England and puts India in a commanding position.

India recovered from post lunch collapse thanks to 111 run partnership for the tenth wicket between Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. India seemed to have lost their advantage in the match when 4 wickets fell quickly after lunch. But thanks to Kumar and Shami who rescued the Indian team by scoring their maiden fifties in Test cricket and helped India to post a respectable score of 457 in their first innings. Shami impressed with ball early on by dismissing Cook cheaply in the 4th over of England's innings. Robson and Ballance guided England to 43 with the loss of one wicket at stumps.

 India resumed their innings from first day's score of 259/4 and had almost lost their skipper in the 13th ball of the day. Dhoni played a loose shot off Broad early in the session and nicked the ball but Prior was unable to grab the early chance. Vijay and Dhoni continued to extend the lead before Vijay was dismissed by Anderson. Vijay played a good innings but had gotten out to a bad decision by the umpire. Anderson angled the ball towards Vijay and it struck him in thigh pad. Oxenford raised his fingers after some thought but Hawk-Eye suggested it was going over the stumps. By the time Vijay got out India reached the 300 mark which they were able to achieve only once in 2011 tour to England. Jadeja joined Dhoni and they together put up an unbroken 38 run stand before lunch. Jadeja attacked Moeen Ali and displaced him for two sixes in an over and was unbeaten on 24 at lunch. Indians reached 342-5 at lunch after Vijay's dismissal on 146. Dhoni had reached 80 by lunch and was eyeing a ton after Prior dropped the one handed catch early in the day.

 Indians lost 4 wickets in quick succession in the post lunch session.
India who were 342-5 at lunch were struggling at 346-9, five overs later. Jadeja was the first one to be dismissed after lunch. Ben Stokes provided the breakthrough when Jadeja tried to rush a shot over covers but got a thick edge and Prior grabbed the ball. Dhoni got out on 82 thanks to a brilliant direct hit by Anderson who was at mid-off. Dhoni tried to get a risky single by pushing the ball softly to mid-off, but Anderson was quick enough to gather the ball and effect a direct hit to dismiss the Indian skipper. Binny got out three balls later by playing a needless shot straight to the hands of Root at point. Ishant Sharma got out in the next over when he shouldered arms to a straight delivery from Broad which clipped his off-stump. It seemed that Indian innings were coming to an end but thanks to Kumar and Shami's unbroken partnership of 87 at tea helped India to go past 400. Kumar started the partnership and Shami joined him by playing some cultured shots. Some runs were expected from Kumar who has scored a first class century but Shami whose batting average before this match was 3.33 surprised everyone. Shami played some beautiful strokes and almost nicked one in the penultimate over before tea. As India had lost 9 wickets England were forced to take 30 minute extension but they were unable to take the final wicket. By tea Shami was unbeaten on 39 while Kumar got to 46. The 87 run partnership for the 10th wicket was the highest by an Indian pair against England in Test cricket. India reached 433-9 at tea.

 Kumar reached his maiden Test fifty after tea followed by Shami who got his fifty the very next ball by hitting a straight six off Anderson. The two put up 111 run partnership for the 10th wicket before Kumar got out to Ali while trying to go for a big one. India were bundled out for 457 with Kumar dismissed on 58 while Shami was unbeaten on 51. Cook and Robson opened the innings for England. Things got even worse for England when Cook got out in the 4th over of the match. Shami provided the early breakthrough for India when Cook opened his leg stump when attempting a flick but the ball nicked the pads and went on to hit the stumps. Cook got out on 5 and extended his run without a century to 25 innings. England were 9/1 when Ballance came on to join Robson in the middle. England were able to end the day without losing any more wickets. Ballance and Robson put up an unbroken stand of 34 to bring England's score to 43/1 at the end of Day 2. Ballance was not out on 15 while Robson was on 20 at the end of second day's play.  

1st Test : India vs England, Day 1

Vijay's 122* puts the visitors in commanding position

 India were 259/4 at the end of day one of the 1st Test at Nottingham. Vijay scored his maiden overseas hundred and put India ahead on a lifeless pitch. India was put in the backfoot after losing Dhawan early but came back after Vijay and Pujara put up good partnership for the 2nd wicket. India were again dominated by England after loss of two quick wickets of Pujara and Kholi early in the 2nd session. India bounced back and didn't lose another wicket till end of 2nd session. India lost Rahane early in the 3rd session after which the Indian skipper and Vijay put up an unbeaten stand of 81 for the 5th wicket ending India's good start to the 1st Test.

 India took a gamble and picked debutant Stuart Binny in place of Rohit Sharma to give them an extra bowler whereas England brought in Ben Stokes in place of Jordan. Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat on a dead pitch. Vijay got off to a good start scoring three boundaries in the first over of the match, out of which two came off the edge and the third one clipped off his pads. Vijay played calmly in the first session and started playing flawless drives covers and mid on region. India lost Dhawan early after a brilliant take by Prior. Anderson got his 50th Test wicket at Trent Bridge when the ball clipped the outside edge of Dhawan's bat and was caught by Prior who took the catch one handedly diving to his left. India recovered from the early loss thanks to good innings by Vijay and Pujara. The pair put together 73 runs before lunch and took India to 106 at loss of 1 wicket at lunch. Pujara looked fluent with his shots while Vijay played cautiously and got to his fifty. India scored at rather slow pace in the first session after a quick start. India dominated the first session after the early loss and went to lunch with a good score on the board.

 India's progress was derailed by Anderson and Broad who picked up the key wickets of Pujara and Kohli early in the 2nd session. First, Pujara was dismissed on 38 by Anderson and in the next over Broad got the wicket of Kohli and pushed India to the backfoot once again. Pujara chipped Anderson's delivery and Bell who was placed at silly mid-on took a beautiful one-handed catch diving to his right. In the next over Kohli was troubled by beautiful delivery by Broad which straightened after pitching and clipped the shoulder of the bat and finds Ian Bell in the second slip. India once again had to build a partnership and did so thanks to Rahane and Vijay. India scored slowly in the first hour of the second session, getting only 18 runs in 14 overs. Vijay and Rahane calmly played the rest of the session and put up an unbroken partnership of 70 runs. India added 71 runs in the session and lost 2 key wickets. At tea India was 177/3 with Vijay being unbeaten on 92 and Rahane on 32.

 Rahane got dismissed in the first over after tea without adding any more to his score of 32. It was Plunkett who provided the breakthrough this time with a short ball which hits the toe of Rahane's bat straight to Cook who was at silly point. Vijay maintained his cool and got to his fourth Test century after staying on 99 for 13 balls. Vijay and Dhoni continued to pile up the runs and an attacking 50 by the skipper really troubled the English seamers. Vijay and Dhoni shared an unbroken partnership of 81 for the 5th wicket after the early wicket of Rahane. Vijay batted throughout the day and was unbeaten on 122 while his skipper managed to score his fifty in the last over of the day. At the end of day 1 India managed to put 259 runs on the board at the loss of 4 wickets. Dhoni and Vijay were settled and would most likely put up a big 1st innings total on the next day. 

Russia vs Korea Republic

Russia came back from behind to draw South Korea

Russia 1-1 South Korea

Russia had fallen behind in the second half after a terrible mistake by their goalkeeper Akinfeev. Akinfeev fumbled and dropped the ball into his own net conceding the lead to the Koreans in the 68th minute. Kerzhakov who came into the match couple of minutes earlier was able to provide the needed equaliser by scoring off a loose ball in the 74th minute. The draw puts these teams tied in the 2nd place with Belgium topping the table.

 The first half provided opportunities for both the teams but any good chances to score. Russia got couple of free kicks early in the game but couldn't utilise them fully. And Korea's best chances were provided by Son Heung-min who wasted early opportunity by taking the shot when his team mates were in better position to score. Russia wasn't able to get any chances that would really trouble their opponents. Russia's best chance of the half came in the 31st minute when Ignashevitch tried to score from a 35 yard free kick, but the Korean goalkeeper pushed it away. Son Heung-min wasted another opportunity at the closing stages of half time. Russia didn't make much meaningful effort to score a goal in the first half. Both the teams were goalless at end of half time.

 Russia's second half start was impressive and their captain Berezutskiy almost scored with his header, but the ball went inches off target and hit the side net instead. South Korea responded with their own attack Koo's long range shot troubled the goalkeeper who punched the ball. And Ki came back with another shot but it was saved by the goalkeeper. The Russian keeper couldn't gather a free kick in first attempt, only to have the ball bouncing off him and gathering just before attackers arrive. Russian goalkeeper made the greatest mistake of the night when he failed to gather Lee's long range shot and fumbled the ball into his own net. It could have cost Russia the match but substitute Kerzhakov scored in the 74th minute, bringing back Russia into the game. Dzagoev made a good attempt to score but Korean goalkeeper Jung made a fine save. Korean defender messed up the clearance by shooting straight to Eschenko, the ball bounces off him straight into the feet of Kerzhakov who nets the ball calmly. Both the teams try to get into lead in the remaining time but settled for draw.

 The draw places them in the 2nd place. Russia would be hoping to solve their goalkeeper problem in their next match and Korea would be wanting to improve their overall performance. The Koreans got heir goal thanks to blunder by the Russian goalkeeper. They would be trying to improve their finishes in their next match against Algeria.         

Match 16 : Brazil vs Mexico

Mexico holds the hosts to a goalless draw.

Mexico 0-0 Brazil

Ochoa the Mexican goalkeeper held Brazil with his sparkling performance. Ochoa spoiled the dreams of the host nations consecutive victory in the World Cup. The draw puts them in 4 points each with Brazil ahead on goal difference. Ochoa made some superb saves to deny another victory for the hosts and also raising the Mexicans chance of qualifying. Mexico plays Croatia in their next and final group game while Brazil faces off against Cameroon. A draw for the Mexicans against Croatia would ensure its qualification to the next round. Both the group matches will take place on Monday, simultaneously.

Ochoa made some crucial saves to deny Neymar's goal in the first half and minutes before end of second half denied kept out Silva's header with a beautiful save.

Both the teams started to attack early in the match. Brazil got a good chance with Oscar's through ball but Fred was caught offside. Mexican waited for good chance to counter-attack and did so in 24th minute with Herrera but his shot just went over the bar. In the 26th minute Brazil got their best chance to score when Alves produced a good cross to Neymar who headed the ball brilliantly at goal. It should have gone in but Ochoa made a brilliant effort to push the ball away and keeping Mexico in the game. Both the teams had few chances before half time but neither can score. One minute before the end of first-half Brazil had another very good chance of scoring when Silva provided a good assist to Paulinho. Paulinho's close range effort was saved by the brilliant Ochoa and keeping the scores level at half time.

Early in the second half Mexico went on to attack the hosts and came close to scoring when Vanquez's  long range shot went just over the bar. Couple of minutes later Herrera missed his chance at goal after a good team play. Neymar's free kick in the 63rd minute went just wide off target. Ochoa made another stunning save by pushing away Neymar's low shot. Mexican goalkeeper made one more remarkable save to deny Silva's header. In the 86th minute Neymar curled a free kick to the centre where Silva connected with a powerful header from close range but Ochoa blocked the ball miraculously. Mexico came back with their own attack trying to score a late winner but were unable to score. Both the teams played brilliantly but they had to settle for a goalless draw.

Mexico in current form are definitely be threatening to Croatia in their next game. Mexico's goalkeeper Ochoa played a game of his life and bought Mexico one step closer to qualifying. Brazil played a good game but were held by brilliant keeping. Both these teams just need a draw in their next game to qualify to Round of 16.       

Match 15 : Belgium vs Algeria

Fellani and Mertens helped Belgium to come from behind and beat Algeria in their Group opener.

Belgium 2-1 Algeria

Substitutes Fellani and Mertens scored two goals in the last 20 minutes to help Belgium seal their first victory in this World Cup. Belgium who are among the favourites to win this World Cup were stunned by an early 25th minute goal by Feghouli. But Belgium coach Wilmots turned the match around with second half substitutions. Fellani equalised with a header in the 70th minute followed by Mertens who scored after a brilliant assist from Hazard.

The win puts Belgians at top of the table after an bumpy start. Belgium faces Russia in their next group game and Algeria will play the South Koreans on same day. 

Belgium start to the World Cup would definitely be unforgettable especially after the first half scare. Belgians dominated possession early in the match but they weren't able to break through Algerian defence. Algeria tried their luck several times early in the game but they couldn't find the net. Algeria got their chance in the 23rd minute when Vertonghen pulled down Feghouli in the penalty area and conceding a penalty. Feghouli calmly converted the spot by low shot onto to the middle of the net. With an early goal Algeria stunned the Belgians and held onto lead till half-time. Belgians tried to equalise in the first half but were unable yo break through an organised Algerian defence. Their long range shot proved to be ineffective and only time it troubled the goalkeeper was a shot from Witsel in the 34th minute. Belgium was trailing by one goal at the end of first half.

Belgium bought Mertens at the start of second half. Early in the second half Belgium almost scored when Witsel's header attempt from a corner went off target. Medjani missed a chance for Algeria when he missed a header in the 56th minute. Substitute Origi got a chance to equalise for Belgium but his low shot from outside the box was stopped brilliantly by the advancing keeper. And finally Belgium had their chance to equalise in the 70th minute by Fellani. de Bruyne provided a beautiful cross to Fellani who flicked the ball underside the crossbar and into the net. Within 10 minutes Belgium went ahead with another goal from Mertens. It was de Bruyne again who started the attack for Belgium and Hazard assisted with a good cross to Mertens who fired the ball into net putting Belgium in the lead. Belgium almost got the third goal when Fellani's powerful header at goal but was by the keeper. 

 Belgium's victory was not easy and Algeria almost caused an upset. With current form Algeria can surely trouble the South Koreans in their next encounter. Algeria are becoming favourites in qualifying from this group after an impressive performance against Belgium. The next round of matches in this group would definitely entertain us if the teams play in a similar fashion.

Match 14 : Ghana vs USA

Late header by Brooks gives USA their first win against Ghana in the 2014 World Cup.

USA 2-1 Ghana

Clint Dempsey's early goal and a late header from Brooks ensures USA their first win. Substitute Brooks's header in the 86th minute sealed a priceless victory for USA against Ghana. With this win USA's hope of qualifying increases and they need another upset either against Germany or Portugal to ensure their qualifying. USA are in top of the table along with Germany who crushed Portugal earlier. With Portugal not in good form, USA sure has a chance of qualifying to round of 16.

Earlier in the game USA were put in lead by Dempsey's first minute goal. The game had barely started and fans haven't settled down when Dempsey found the net just 29 seconds into the match. But Ghana tied the score with a goal from Ayew in the 82nd minute. With both teams looking for a win Brooks converted the corner into a goal with only four minutes left. USA held on to the lead and defeated Ghana the team which eliminated them in the last two World Cups.

After receiving ball from Jones Dempsey went through Ghana's defence and past Boye before netting the ball in the far right hand corner. The goal is the fifth fastest in the World Cup history. USA looked to double in the 19th minute but Altidore's attempt at goal was blocked. This was the last contribution from Altidore when he was stretchered off the field with a hamstring. Ghana came back into the match and started to trouble the USA's defence. In the 29th minute Atsu's curved shot went off target and Gyan forced the US goalkeeper to make a diving save 3 minutes later. Ghana had another chance to equalize just before half time, but Ayew messed his shot leading to an easy clearance. USA still held onto lead going into half-time.

 Brooks replaced Besler in the second half as later had a hamstring problem. Ghana continued their pressure on USA with Muntari whose long shot missed the target and Gyan wasted an easy header chance at goal. Gyan continued his effort and troubled the US goalkeeper forcing him to save a long range header. Ghana were surely looking to dominate the Americans but they just couldn't find the back of the net. Ghana continued to trouble the US's defence, but were unlucky. Just when it seemed it all ended Ghana came back to tie the score in the 82nd minute. Gyan cleverly back heeled to Ayew who controlled the ball and finished off by firing a shot from outside of his left foot. Americans were struggling and Ghana looked for sealing point in this match. But their hopes were short lived when USA equalised four minutes later. In the 86th minute Zusi took the corner and gave a good curling cross to Brooks who jumped high and headed the ball into the net. USA held onto their lead and exacted their revenge on the team that sent them home in the last two World Cups.

USA are ahead in the group with 3 points and an upset against not in form Portugal in their next match can ensure their ticket to the next round. Ghana's bad defending at the head cost them the match but their attacking was good and lacked only a good finish. Ghana would be hoping for a draw or even upset Germany with a win and keeping their hopes alive. 

Match 13 : Iran vs Nigeria

Iran and Nigeria played to a goalless draw in their World Cup opener.

Iran 0-0 Nigeria

Iran and Nigeria played out to the first draw in this World Cup and that to a goalless draw.The draw places them ahead of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Nigeria  were the favourites in the match but weren't able to go through the Iran's disciplined defence.

 Nigeria enjoyed most of the possession in the match but weren't able to create many chances. Nigeria had the early chance in the game when Moses tries his chance at goal in the 2nd minute. Five minutes later Nigeria had the ball inside the net but the goal was disallowed as Mikel had fouled the Iran goalkeeper. Nigeria was fully attacking the Iran defence to get an early goal in the game. In the 8th minute Onazi  was the one to try his luck at the goal but his shot went off target. Iran clearly improved their defence after those first few minutes and didn't open up easily. Nigeria lost their momentum when Oboabona had injured his ankle and had to be substituted. No major chances were created by both the teams. Nigeria's attack seemed to have weakened after those early attempts. Nigeria weren't able to get clear chances at goal. All their attempts were foiled by brilliant defending. Iran's major chance in the first half came in the 34th minute when Ghoochanneijhad's header from close range troubled the goalkeeper. Iran and Nigeria went into half time goalless. With 41 goals in the last twelve games it was really disappointing not to see a goal in the first half.

Early in second half, Nigeria was down in spirits and they weren't able to execute their passes rightly. Ironically in this half it was Iran who started attack but weren't able to score. Couple of shots were blocked and Ghoochanneijhad attempts went off target. Nigeria lost their momentum and their passes were inaccurate. There was not much happening for either team and wasn't any good opportunities at goal. Nigeria lost their way in the match and lost ball more often. Iran's counter-attack amounted to nothing as their long shots mostly went off target. Iran's Ghoochanneijhad helped them with their counter-attack but wasn't able to provide the finish. Only 5 shots in the entire match was hit on target. Nigeria's last chance came just before stoppage time but Ameobi's header was blocked off by Pooladi. Iran got last chance with a free kick but can't do much with that.Despite having control of the ball so much the Nigeria lacked the finishing they needed. Iran were putting pressure on Nigeria making them lose focus and make mistakes but they too weren't able to get the needed finishing touch.the entire match was slow paced and both the teams played to a boring draw.

  Nigeria's streak of not being able to win a match in the World Cup now extends to nine with this goalless draw. Iran would definitely be happy with this result and would be hoping to upset another big team in their next match against Argentina. Nigeria should regroup and improve their strategy if they want to qualify to the next round.