Belgium 2 - Algeria 1

Photo by Paul Gilham

Belgium played Algeria in both teams' Group H opener in Belo Horizonte. The field was very crowded in the middle of the park for the first quarter hour with neither team really looking to attack via the flanks in the early going. The first notable chance of this encounter came off a booming punt from Algeria goalkeeper Rais M'bolhi that landed within thirty yards of the Belgian goal. Riyad Mahrez gathered the ball, held off the only defender with him before crushing a shot wide of the near post. Faouzi Ghoulam sent in cross from the left flank that was allowed to bounce inside the Belgian six-yard box by Belgian centerback Vincent Kompany. The ball bounced toward the path of the run from Sofiane Feghouli, so Belgian left back Jan Vertonghen tugged on Feghouli's arm to prevent the scoring chance. Algeria were awarded a penalty kick and converted it for a shock 1-0 lead. Algeria had gone scoreless during their three games at South Africa 2010. Axel Witsel settled a bouncing ball twenty-six yards from the Algerian goal and then cracked a dipping shot on frame, but M'bolhi was able to push the ball aside off the half-volley mid-dive. Algeria held a 1-0 lead as the teams left the pitch.

There must have been inspiring words spoken in the Belgian locker room, for they came out in the second half with a renewed vigor. Still, it took them half a period to create a dangerous chance. Substitute forward Divock Origi won a loose ball with space to run. He was alone with only the keeper to beat, but M'bolhi made the kick save to preserve the lead for the Fennec Foxes. With only twenty minutes to play, Les Diables Rouges found their long-awaited breakthrough. Kevin de Bruyne picked up a loose ball. No Algerians closed his space, so he picked out a cross to ten yards from goal. Marouane Fellaini got his forehead on the ball and knocked it in off the underside of the crossbar for the equalizer. Belgium sprung the prototypical counteract to steal the match away from Algeria. de Bruyne slide-tackled Feghouli, and the ball rolled out beyond Eden Hazard (pictured, red), who dummied at the ball and then turned to lead a three-on-two fast break. He picked out the uncovered run of Dries Mertens, who then blasted the ball into the net gloriously. Fellaini nearly had his second headed goal off a whipped in cross from the right flank, but M'bolhi was able to fly up to his crossbar and tip the ball over. Algeria could no longer muster anything offensively, so Belgium escapes with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Goals
Belgium
Marouane Fellaini 70
Dries Mertens 80

Algeria
Sofiane Feghouli 25 PK

Match Reports:
http://soccer.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/06/17/belgium-algeria-world-cup-commentary-recap-group-h?eref=sihp
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/17/belgium-algeria-world-cup-2014-group-h-match-report

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186479/index.html

United States of America 2 - Ghana 1

Photo by Alex Livesey

United States of America were looking to avoid becoming the first side to lose to the same opponent in three straight FIFA World Cup finals as they took on rivals Ghana in Natal today. The Yanks got off to a dream start. Off a throw-in play, American captain Clint Dempsey shook Ghanaian centerback John Boye and then sprinted into the box before Boye could recover. Dempsey finished with his off-foot off the inside of the far post to give the Americans a 1-0 lead after just thirty seconds of play. After the first five minutes of the game, Ghana were in complete and utter control of the match. United States lost their starting forward Jozy Altidore to hamstring injury twenty minutes into the game, not that the American forward would have received much service on this night. Ghanaian right winger Christian Atsu was having a field day against American left back DaMarcus Beasley, and left centerback Matt Besler was miserable today in support. Atsu had multiple wide-open thirty-yard shots on this day, but somehow none went into the back of the net. Just beyond the half hour mark, Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan ripped a ball from just outside the box, but United States goalkeeper Tim Howard was able to push the ball to safety and protect the lead. There was a dangerous moment when Boye challenged Dempsey for a header. Boye was pushed in midair by Dempsey, causing him to land on his back, but Boye managed to kick Dempsey in the face. Dempsey appeared to have suffered a broken nose, but he remained in the match. More out of sheer luck than actual merit, United States led 1-0 at halftime.

In the second half, nothing changed. Ghana were still dominant, and the Americans were forced to play ten men behind the ball. Still, Ghana were finding seams in the defense. Any time the Yanks gained possession, they failed to string together passes and the Black Stars would be back on the offensive. The only saving graces on this day for the Americans were defensive midfielders Kyle Beckerman (pictured, red) and Jermaine Jones, who continually won crucial tackles and made crucial blocks throughout the match. Ghanaian left back Kwadwo Asamoah had freedom to overlap during the entire game, and he picked a good spot with less than ten minutes to go. He caught substitute right winger Graham Zusi tucked too far inside and made the run up the sideline to receive a pass in space. Zusi caught up, but Asamoah cut inside and then played the ball forward to Gyan. American right back Fabian Johnson turned his back on Andre Ayew to go double-team the ball. Gyan backheeled to Ayew, who finished with the outside of his foot to level the match at 1-1. United States only managed three attempts on goal during the course of the match. Somehow, they scored on two of those chances. A Zusi corner kick went over the first line of Ghanaian defenders and came to the head of substitute centerback John Brooks's head. Brooks had beaten Boye to the spot, so he headed into the ground to cause the ball to bounce up and into the net. Some more desperate defending coupled with poor Ghanaian finishing allowed United States to win 2-1 in completely undeserved fashion. Brooks's first international goal proved to be the game-winner.

Germany 3 pts +4
USA 3 pts +1
Ghana 0 pts -1
Portugal 0 pts -4

Goals
United States of America
Clint Dempsey 1
John Brooks 86

Ghana
Andre Ayew 82

Match Reports:
http://soccer.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/06/16/usa-ghana-world-cup-commentary-recap-group-g-klinsmann
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=avenged-americans-beat-black-stars-2373427.html
http://soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/06/16/john-brooks-usa-world-cup-ghana-winning-goal-dream
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2014/06/17/world-cup-2014-group-stage-day-5/ (Daily Summary)

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186512/index.html

Iran 0 - Nigeria 0

Photo by Mike Hewitt

Iran and Nigeria kicked off their Brasil 2014 campaigns today in Curitiba. This would be one of three matches in the group stage featuring an African side against an Asian side. Nigeria were living up to their label as favorites in the early going. Emmanuel Emenike dispossessed Jalal Hosseini in the right corner of Team Melli's defense. He pushed a ball across that face of goal, but a desperate sliding block by Mehrdad Pooladi maintained the early parity on the scoreboard. Ahmed Musa caught Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi cheating to the far post on his free kick, so he snuck a lopping hit toward the near post, but Haghighi was able to scramble back into position to knock the ball off frame. It took more than a half hour, but Iran finally produced a dangerous attack. Off a corner kick, Reza Ghoochannejhad caught a header flush, but a quick reaction dive by Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama prevented the score. No Iranian was able to pounce on the rebound. In spite of dominating possession, Nigeria found themselves in a scoreless draw heading back to the locker room.

Try as they might, Nigeria could not quite manufacture the probing pass nor the class finish they needed in the second period to break down the Iranians. Iran were content to stay back and rarely ventured forward. In the final minute of regulation, Ahmed Musa hit a cross destined for Shola Ameobi at the back post, but Pooladi was there to head the ball out for a corner kick. On the resulting corner kick, Ameobi powered a strong header, but Pooladi was there again to clear the ball off the line. The final whistle blew on the first draw of the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals. The teams tie 0-0.

Argentina 3 pts +1
Iran 1 pts 0
Nigeria 1 pts 0
Bosnia 0 pts -1

Match Reports:
http://soccer.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/06/16/nigeria-iran-world-cup-commentary-recap-group-f

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186505/index.html

Germany 4 - Portugal 0

Photo by Phil Walter

Salvador was the site for the opening match in Group G between Germany and Portugal. Portugal were attacking the right side of the German defense from the opening whistle, with German right centerback Per Mertesacker unable to cope with the pace of Portuguese left winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo first created a shot for his center forward Hugo Almeida. Next time around, Ronaldo had a heavy shot on target, but Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was able to get his body in front of the ball. Portuguese centerback Pepe got his goalkeeper Rui Patricio (pictured, green) in severe trouble, and Patricio had to blindly hit a ball upfield. Sami Khedira intercepted the pass and first-timed a shot at the empty net, but he shot curled wide of frame. Portugal did not take advantage of their good fortune. Soon thereafter, Joao Pereira (pictured, red) was beaten inside his own box off the dribble Mario Gotze (pictured, white in background), so he had to take Gotze down to prevent a clean shot at goal. The result was a penalty kick that Germany converted for a 1-0 lead. The game's place slowed significantly. A quarter hour after the goal, Portugal had a chance when Nani hit an inside-out shot just over the crossbar. Mesut Ozil had sprinted behind the Portuguese defense on a through ball. He laid off for Gotze, but a tackle from Pereira sent the ball out for a corner kick. Toni Kroos put in a great cross, and German centerback Mats Hummels outjumped Pepe to power the header home for a 2-0 lead. Portugal were surprised by their own successful passing on a play with ten minutes left. Fabio Coentrao had beaten an offside trap and had the ball seven yards from goal, but he chose to forgo the shot and pass to a completely unaware Ronaldo. Pepe was shown a straight red in minute 37 for touching heads with a seated Thomas Muller (pictured, white #13) while accosting Muller for pretending to be hurt. The harsh punishment all but sealed Portugal's fate in this match. In stoppage time, Muller stole a clearance from Bruno Alves and then immediately shot and scored. Germany left the pitch ahead 3-0.

Five minutes into the half, Germany were still looking to add to their lead. Ozil was onside from a pass from Gotze, but Patricio made the save. Muller's header after the fact missed the open net. Things went from worse to worst for Portugal when the lost Coentrao to an injury. Nani was onside and in the box off a Ronaldo through ball, but Mertesacker blocked his shot to avert the danger for Germany. On the counteract, Andre Schurrle received a forty-yard pass from Muller and then played for Gotze in the box, only for Raul Meireles to block his shot at goal. Schurrle hit a ball across the face of goal. Patricio tried to parry the ball to safety from the ground but failed miserably. Muller finished his hat trick with a tap-in rebound to give Germany a four-goal advantage. In stoppage time, Ronaldo absolutely drilled a free kick on frame, but Neuer palmed the ball aside to preserve his clean sheet. Germany win 4-0 to leap enthusiastically atop Group G.

Goals
Germany
Thomas Muller 12 PK, 45+1, 78
Mats Hummels 32

Match Reports:
http://soccer.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/06/16/germany-portugal-world-cup-commentary-recap-ronaldo-group-g
http://www.espnfc.us/team/portugal/482/blog/post/1887846/brassell-portugal-must-regroupnot-panic

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186475/index.html

Argentina 2 - Bosnia and Herzegovina 1

Photo by Mike Hewitt

Group F favorites Argentina began their tournament finals campaign in Rio de Janeiro at the famed Maracana Stadium against finals debutants Bosnia and Herzegovina. It took less than three minutes for the Dragons to experience pain on the international stage for the first time. An innocuous mishit header from Marcos Rojo caught Sead Kolosinac off-guard, and the ball ricocheted off Kolosinac and into his own net to put Argentina ahead 1-0. After a quiet ten minutes, Bosnia awoke from their slumber. Zvjezdan Misimovic noticed a potential for a run in between the Argentine centerbacks. He hit a twenty-five yard cross into Izet Hajrovic behind the Argentine backline, but Hajrovic could not settle the ball in time to get a shot away. From here on out, both teams had decent chances, but no really dangerous ones appeared until only five minutes remained in the period. Senad Lulic attacked a corner kick and pounded it with his head to the near post, but a desperate dive from Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero pushed the ball to safety. Argentina left the pitch with a 1-0 lead in hand.

A tough, inswinging ball from Hajrovic was cleared by the head of Argentina centerback Federico Fernandez on the doorstep of Argentina's goal to keep the Bosnians at bay a little longer. Lionel Messi provided a moment of genius to extend Argentina's lead. He started his run just shy of midfield. Once he was closed down, he passed to Gonzalo Higuain for a give-and-go play. Messi got the ball back and drove into the half circle and lost his marker Muhamed Besic before firing off the inside of the far post for 2-0. Just when it seemed Argentina would be able to coast to the finish, Bosnia found a higher level of play with under ten minutes to go. They decided to attack the right side of Argentina's defense, and they finally broke the seal on the goal. Vedad Ibisevic had only Romero to beat, but Romero closed him out well. Ibisevic pulled the rabbit out of the hat by hit a supremely accurate slow roller between Romero's legs as the keeper tried to close his 5-hole. Down by only one goal, Bosnia continued to press forward but their efforts were not enough. Argentina win 2-1.

Goals
Argentina
Sead Kolosinac 3 OG
Lionel Messi 65

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Vedad Ibisevic 84

Match Reports:
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1885135/messi-prevails-but-more-tests-ahead
http://soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/06/15/lionel-messi-world-cup-argentina-higuain-sabella-bosnia-Herzegovina
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1885225/argentina-do-enough-to-beat-bosnia
http://www.espnfc.us/blog/marcotti-musings/62/post/1885181/sabellas-tactics-need-a-rethink
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2014/06/16/world-cup-2014-day-four/ (Daily Summary)

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186477/index.html

France 3 - Honduras 0

Photo by Ian Walton

Porto Alegre, the southernmost site for Brasil 2014, was the site of the clash between Honduras and France. This was by far the testiest match so far at Brasil 2014, with both teams incurring multiple card-worthy offenses. The first flashpoint came when Paul Pogba of France(pictured, navy) and Wilson Palacios of Honduras got tangled. Palacios appear to step on Pogba's leg in a play where the ball was caught underneath Pogba's body. Pogba retaliate with a kick out at Palacios from the floor. Both men were shown yellow cards. Honduras were resolute in defense, but made little inroads toward the French goal. Blaise Matuidi came close to opening the scoring for France, but Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares was able to leap just high enough to tip the ball off his crossbar. The Honduran commitments to defense and aversion toward going up the pitch were remarkable. Once again, the crossbar saved Honduras when Antoine Griezmann had a go at goal. However, while centerback Victor Bernardez was off the pitch receiving treatment for a leg tweak, France drew a penalty. Palacios crashed into the back of Pogba as he readied to shot. For some reason, the referee decided to award a yellow card on the play, Palacios's second, so he was sent off the pitch in minute 43. France converted the penalty and took the 1-0 lead with them into the break.

In the first instance of use of goal-line technology, France were awarded their second goal of the match. Benzema latched onto a ball and then shot across his body. The ball ricocheted off the far post and would not have gone in but for the fact that it caromed off Valladares and back into the goal. It looked as though Valladares managed to stop the ball with his hand on the line, but the technology deemed it a goal. France were now up 2-0 and were looking to bury Honduras under a heap of goals. Benzema should have completed his brace, but after receiving a pass at the penalty spot, he could not make clean contact, and Valladares parried the ball away. Mathieu Valbuena nearly had their third soon thereafter, but his driven ball zoomed wide of the far post. Honduras had no way back at this point and were simply fighting to maintain pride for the rest of the second half. With just under twenty minutes to go, Benzema finished off the match. He gathered the ball after a teammate's shot deflected wildly into his path. He had plenty of time to gather himself before smacking the ball in at the near post for a three-goal lead. France coasted to the finish line with little trouble, and they win 3-0 to jump atop Group E.

France 3 pts +3
Switzerland 3 pts +1
Ecuador 0 pts -1
Honduras 0 pts -3

Goals
France
Karim Benzema 45 PK, 72
Noel Valladares 48 (OG)

Match Reports:
http://www.espnfc.us/team/france/478/blog/post/1884589/benzema-from-belarus-to-brazil
http://soccer.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/06/15/france-honduras-world-cup-commentary-recap-group-e
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1884336/france-overcome-Honduras
http://www.espnfc.us/team/france/478/blog/post/1885268/mature-france-performance-sees-honduras-off

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186496/index.html

Switzerland 2 - Ecuador 1

Photo by Phil Walter

The capital city Brasilia finally hosted it first match of Brasil 2014, the Group E opener between Switzerland and Ecuador. Both teams appeared to dedicate the opening minutes to acclimatizing themselves to the atmosphere of a FIFA World Cup finals. Ecuador seemed readier earlier. The only offense Switzerland were mustering came from right back Stephan Lichtsteiner. However, Lichtsteiner was guilty of a decisive foul near his own area when beaten by Jefferson Montero. Walter Ayovi sent in a short side-of-the-box free kick over the two-man wall and into the Swiss six-yard box. For some reason, absolutely no defender made the run with Enner Valencia (pictured, blue), who then finished an easy point blank header to put Ecuador ahead 1-0. Johan Djourou (pictured, red) appeared to be most at fault on the play as he pulled out of Valencia's area as the ball came. Ecuador were ahead 1-0 after the first forty-five.

Switzerland pulled even early in the second half. Ricardo Rodriguez misplaced his corner kick for Switzerland. He was aiming for the runners in the box, but his ball straightened out. Luckily for him, Admir Mehmedi was paying attention even though his job was merely to provide traffic in front of the goalkeeper. The ball came to Mehmedi, and he held off his marker, Ecuadorian centerback Jorge Guagua to nod the equalizer into the goal. The Swiss looked to have nudged ahead through a goal with just over twenty minutes left in the game. However, Josip Drmic was called offside on the play because it seemed that Granit Xhaka had made a touch on the pass, but replays showed that Xhaka in fact hopped completely over the ball. Drmic was onside when the initial pass was released, but his goal was disallowed. Ecuador nearly nosed back in front when Valencia beat Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio to a ball twenty-one yards away from goal, but Steven von Bergen in defense for Switzerland cleared the mess away. Both teams were going for glory in stoppage time. Ecuador were caught with too many men up the pitch when Valon Behrami tackled Michael Arroyo in the Swiss box and then broke off on a last-minute countreract. Behrami take a hard tackle at midfield and got up to keep running. The referee played advantage, giving Behrami a chance to pass to Rodriguez up the field. Rodriguez flew down the left side of the pitch and picked out the run of Haris Seferovic to the near post. The ball evaded the only two men defending on the break, so Seferovic popped an easy finish into the roof of the net. Switzerland win the match 2-1 in this most dramatic of finishes to claim the full three points.

Goals
Switzerland
Admir Mehmedi 48
Haris Seferovic 90+3

Ecuador
Enner Valencia 22

Match Reports:
http://soccer.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/06/15/switzerland-ecuador-world-cup-commentary-recap-group-e
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=schweizer-siegermentalitat-von-der-bank-2372800-2373038.html

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186494/index.html

Cote d'Ivoire 2 - Japan 1

Photo by Clive Rose

Cote d'Ivoire, having finally avoided drawing two world powers in their FIFA World Cup finals group, were finally a popular pic to advance to a knockout stage. Their first opponents were Japan, a team that made the knockout stage in 2010 and won the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. Les Elephants were the first team to make inroads at the other's goal in rainy Recife as Gervinho curled a ball around a defender to find Wilfried Bony. Atsuto Uchida provided the timely block, and the danger was averted by Japan. At the quarter hour mark, Japan kicked into gear. Off a throw-in deep in Ivoirian territory, the Japanese worked a three-pass combination for a goal. Keisuke Honda rolled around Yaya Toure and fired a superb shot at high speed into the Ivoirian net to give Japan a 1-0 lead. The Ivoirian defense looked porous for the next five minutes, and Uchida had a clear shot from an angle seven yards out, but his shot went straight into the body of Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Boubacar Barry. Cote d'Ivoire decided to start driving at high velocity up the center of the pitch, and soon enough they were regularly drawing free kicks in scoring range. Arthur Boka curled in a ball from such a position that just barely did not get down in time to get under the crossbar. From thirty yards out from a half-clearance, Boka unleashed a laser shot that took quite an effort Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima to keep out of the goal. On the other end, a timely block from Souleymane Bamba was all that prevented a dangerous Honda shot from reaching its target from nineteen yards out. By the end of the half, Japan had lost all momentum and Cote d'Ivoire were playing brightly. Boka again tested Kawashima with a shot that went through the legs of a Japanese defender with power, but Kawashima made the catch. Japan escaped the first half with a 1-0 lead.

Cote d'Ivoire continued on the front foot to start the second half. Serge Aurier found himself in the box after a good run-up by Gervinho, but his shot was partially blocked, and Boka's header attempt was woefully wide of target. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Les Elephants had yet to find the equalizer, so they turned to talismanic striker Didier Drogba off the bench. His first touches led to a run own the right flank and a pass to Gervinho that almost resulted in a tap-in for a third teammate, but Gervinho's ball was cut out by the Japanese defense. Finally, the defense of Samurai Blue broke. Aurier swung in a whipped cross and Bony was able to beat Masato Morishige to the header. Bony redirected it to the far side netting, and the onslaught seemed imminent. The very next minute, Aurier sent in a cross from the exact same position. This time, Gervinho sent in a header ahead of the mark of Japanese centerback Maya Yoshida. The Drogba effect turned the score from 0-1 to 2-1 in the space of six minutes on the pitch. With less than ten minutes to go, Drogba drew a foul in a dangerous position off a goal kick. Kawashima was made to dive to save Drogba's free kick attempt. Three minutes on, Drogba nearly scored on a four-versus-four situation off a pass from Gervinho, but Morishige's ankle provided enough of a block to send the shot just wide. Cote d'Ivoire did enough to see the game out, and they win 2-1 to set up a top-of-the-table clash with Colombia in their next game.

Colombia 3 pts +3
Cote d'Ivoire 3 pts +1
Japan 0 pts -1
Greece 0 pts -3

Goals
Cote d'Ivoire
Wilfried Bony 64
Gervinho 66

Japan
Keisuke Honda 16

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2014/m=6/news=elephant-charge-flattens-japan-2371013.html
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1882517/ivory-coasts-inspired-comeback
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2014/06/15/world-cup-2014-group-stage-day-3/ (Daily Summary)

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186507/index.html

Italy 2 - England 1

Photo by Adam Pretty

England faced off against Italy in the Amazonian city of Manaus. England started off much more brightly. Raheem Sterling as given way too much time by Italian left back Giorgio Chiellini, but his well-hit shot sailed just wide of the post. A couple minutes later, Jordan Henderson was firing from distance off the half-volley, but Italian goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu was able to keep it out of his net. A few minutes after that, Italian centerback Gabriel Paletta gave a pass away from the half circle straight to Danny Welbeck, but Welbeck fired well wide. England clearly had the upper hand, but they could not manufacture a goal from their early superiority. Italy's inexperienced back four was being tested early and often. Welbeck sent a roller across the six-yard box with Sterling looming for the tap-in. Andrea Barzagli had to go for the sliding tackle facing his own goal, and he just narrowly avoided an own goal on his clearance. On a corner kick, Italy rolled the ball out to the top of the box. Andrea Pirlo dummied over the ball, leaving Claudio Marchisio wide open from distance. He smacked the ball through four English defenders, including through one's legs, to put Italy ahead 1-0. England struck back immediately. Wayne Rooney ran up the left side of the box and then played a beautiful one-bounce pass, allowing Sterling to kick the ball in from four yards away without breaking stride to level the affair at one goal apiece. Italy nearly had their second goal in stoppage time. Mario Balotelli (pictured, blue) dragged England goalkeeper Joe Hart (pictured, yellow) wide and then chipped Hart when he refused to rop back and cover his line. Luckily for the Three Lions, centerback Phil Jagielka was able to clear the danger off the line with his head. The first period ended 1-1.

Welbeck continued his brilliant play after the second half whistle. He hit a curling shot that forced a diving block from Sirigu. Italy somehow shook off another slow start to a half, this time more quickly. Antonio Candreva bamboozled English left back Leighton Baineswith a faked cross, allowing him to cut back and drive by him before playing a perfect cross just beyond the far post to a place where only Balotelli could reach the ball. His header was pure, and Italy were ahead 2-1. Baines nearly equalized off a curling shot from the top of the box, but Sirigu again was ready to parry the ball to safety. A frustrated England produced little else of note for the remainder of the match. Pirlo nearly cored on a knuckling swerving free kick, but the crossbar denied him. Hart was relieved for he had completely misread the shot. Italy escape with a 2-1 victory.

Costa Rica 3 pts +2
Italy 3 pts +1
England 0 pts -1
Uruguay 0 pts -2

Goals
Italy
Claudio Marchisio
Mario Balotelli

England
Daniel Sturridge

Match Reports:
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1882019/three-points-by-john-brewin-on-italy-2-1-win-over-England
http://soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/06/14/italy-england-world-cup-three-thoughts-pirlo-rooney-buffon-balotelli?eref=sihp
http://www.espnfc.us/blog/world-cup-central/59/post/1881900/italys-andrea-pirlo-brilliant-against-england-in-world-cup

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186513/index.html

Costa Rica 3 - Uruguay 1

Photo by Jamie McDonald

The affair between Costa Rica and Uruguay in Fortaleza was played at a quite relaxed pace in the early going. Both sides were missing big players in this match through injury. Uruguay were without forward Luis Suarez; Costa Rica lacked strker Alvaro Saborio and left back Bryan Oviedo. Neither side was managing any sort of offense aside from set pieces in the earl stages of the match. Midway through the period, Uruguay capitalized on a set piece to snatch the lead. Junior Diaz was whistled for hugging Diego Lugano inside the penalty box as Lugano tried to leap for a header on a set piece. Uruguay converted the penalty kick to give Uruguay the opening goal. That goal appeared to open up the game as both teams looked more willing to attack. Ticos forward Joel Campbell (pictured, white) found himself with time and space to fire from distance, but his missile just flew wide of target. A Costa Rican corner kick from late in the half was allowed to bounce in the six-yard box, but Giancarlo Gonzalez was unable to put a head on the bounce. Uruguay nearly pulled a miraculous second moments later when Diego Forlan's effort on goal took a heavy deflection and looped toward the top corner. Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas sprinted and leapt with his right arm over his left shoulder to tip the ball away at the final moment. Uruguay led 1-0 at intermission.

A Cristian Bolaños free kick nearly the impetus for the equalizer. He found Oscar Duarte at the far pot, but Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera had the near post covered. Duarte skied the rebound well off frame. Pure hustle created the equalizer for Costa Rica moments later. Cristian Gamboa sprinted to the endline to prevent a goal kick and managed to whip in a fast cross. Campbell ended up with the ball in the box with no defenders in his area, so he decided to strike the ball into the net for 1-1.  Three minutes later, yet another set piece came Costa Rica's way, and they finally made good on this type of chance. Oscar Duarte bravely dove with his head to get a touch ahead of Cristian Stuani's outstretched foot. Duarte's header was brilliant, and it found the side netting at the far post to give the Ticos a 2-1 lead. Campbell hit another missile just wide of target, and suddenly Uruguay looked very much like the inferior side. A quickly chipped cross in from Cebolla? found Cavani ten yards out, but Navas made a diving save to parry the ball to safety. Campbell decided to cement his place as man of the match. With under ten minutes to go, he pushed a through ball in from the right flank. Recent substitute Marcos Ureña ran onto the ball, and with no help coming, he decided to go for the sharp-angled rolling shot. He executed it to perfection, avoiding the slide tackle of the goalkeeper as he pushed into the vacant net for a 3-1 lead. In stoppage time, Maxi Pereira drew the first red card of the tournament for clipping Campbell in frustration. Costa Rica win 3-1 after completely outclassing Uruguay in the second half.

Goals
Costa Rica
Joel Campbell 54
Oscar Duarte 57
Marcos Ureña 84

Uruguay
Edinson Cavani 24 PK

Match Reports:
http://www.espnfc.us/team/costa-rica/214/blog/post/1882888/costa-ricas-success-against-uruguay-only-one-step-in-right-direction
http://www.espnfc.us/blog/the-match/60/post/1881614/uruguay-loss-means-they-must-win-their-next-two-world-cup-games

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186489/index.html

Colombia 3 - Greece 0

Photo by Paul Gilham

Greece were looking to use their counterattacking style to place pressure on Group C favorites Colombia in their opening group match in Belo Horizonte. However, Colombia quickly put Greece on the back foot early. Attacking midfielder James Rodriguez was the dominant player on the pitch. Guillermo Cuadrado shook his marker, Jose Holebas, drove the ball up the right flank for Colombia, and then sent a ball into the box. Rodriguez was making the run to the near post, but he decided to dummy over the ball after seeing that he had taken both Greek defenders with him on the run. Left back Pablo Armero (pictured, yellow #7)  was waiting behind him for the ball. Armero's shot was heading into the goal when it was deflected by Konstantinos Manolas. The ball still made its way into the net to give Colombia a 1-0 lead. The very next minute, the Greeks nearly pulled level. Panagiotis Kone shot off the bounce from his first touch after receiving a pass from the left flank sent in by Georgios Samaras. Kone's shot curled toward the back post but sailed just wide. The rest of the half was rather subdued, but Colombia looked the stronger side. Los Cafeteros took their 1-0 lead with them into their locker room.

Rodriguez played a corner kick to the near post. Abel Aguilar beat everytime reek to the near post and flicked the ball onto the back post for Teofilo Gutierrez to apply the finishing touch. Greece tried to get back in the game, but were unable to manufacture enough chances. Their best came from a two pass sequence. Kone swung a ball to the far post which was volleyed across the six-yard box by advanced right back Vasileios Torosidis. Theofanis Gekas smashed his open header into the crossbar, and Greece's chances sailed back up the pitch with the ball. Late in stoppage time, Rodriguez scored a goal of his own. Cuadrado hit a backheel pass inside the box to Rodriguez, who then maneuvered onto his favored left foot inside the Greek penalty area and finished with aplomb. Colombia win 3-0 to stake their claim of supremacy in Group C.

Goals
Colombia
Pablo Armero 5
Teofilo Gutierrez 58
James Rodriguez

Match Reports:
http://soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/06/14/colombia-world-cup-falcao-james-rodriguez-jose-pekerman-greece?eref=sihp
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1880938/three-points-by-andy-mitten-on-colombias-3-0-win-over-greece

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186471/index.html

Chile 3 - Australia 1

Photo by Cameron Spencer

Chile opened their Brasil 2014 campaign in Cuiaba against the team picked nearly unanimously to finish last in Group B, Australia. Perhaps the combination of retirements in the past year after qualifying (Mark Schwarzer, Harry Kewell, Brett Holman) and the cuts of both starting centerbacks (Sasa Ognenovski, captain Lucas Neill) would galvanize the remaining Socceroos. Chile were buoyed by the healthy return of Arturo Vidal for the start of the tournament finals.  The divide in quality between the two sides was apparent from the opening whistle. Chile were simply too much for Australia to handle with their inexperienced side. Alexis Sanchez drove up the middle and laid the ball off for Charles Aranguiz. Aranguiz maneuvered by Jason Davidson (pictured, yellow) on the right flank and got right to the goalmouth, drawing Australia goalkeeper Maty Ryan out of position. A quick pass back up the field led to a goal by shot. The rebound found its way back to Sanchez, and he pounced on the chance to give Chile the game's first goal. A couple minutes later, the lead was two. Sanchez again spliced the defense apart and then laid a ball off for Jorge Valdivia in the half circle. Valdivia cracked a shot off the underside of the crossbar to make it 2-0. At this point, Chile put on a display of arrogant football, making superfluous passes in the final third in order to increase their "wow" factor. They soon were punished for their hubris. Chilean left back Eugenio Mena could not be bothered to defend a run up the left side of his defense, so he simply allowed Ivan Franjic to hit an unguarded cross. The cross found the head of the best header of the ball in world football: Tim Cahill. Cahill made no mistake with the finish after outleaping Chilean centerback Gary Medel, and suddenly Australia were within one. The scoreboard at the half read Chile 2, Australia 1.

Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo mad an absolutely spectacular save on a low shot from Mark Bresciano, stabbing the ball off the line with his hands though the ball had gotten behind his body. Sanchez made a cutting run through the middle of the Australian backline and then pushed a ball across for Eduardo Vargas. Vargas toe-poked a shot around the onrushing Ryan and the ball was slowly heading into the open net until Alex Wilkinson made a clearance off the line to keep Australia within striking distance. In stoppage time, Chile flattered themselves by scoring a third goal. Charles Aranguiz passed across to substitute Mauricio Pinilla, whose saved was well saved by Ryan. However, the rebound came out to the top of the eighteen-yard box, and substitute Jean Beausejour hit a remarkable rolling strike into bottom corner at the far post. Chile win 3-1.

Netherlands 3 pts +4
Chile 3 pts +2
Australia 0 pts -2
Spain 0 pts -4

Goals
Chile
Alexis Sanchez 12
Jorge Valdivia 14
Jean Beausejour 90+2

Australia
Tim Cahill 35

Match Reports:
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1879232/three-points-chile-edge-Australia
http://www.espnfc.us/team/australia/628/blog/post/1879662/new-wave-of-aussies-growing-up
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2014/06/14/world-cup-2014-group-stage-day-2/ (Daily Summary)

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186473/index.html

Netherlands 5 - Spain 1

Photo by Paul Gilham

In the much anticipated rematch of the 2010 FIFA World Cup final match, defending champions Spain took the field in Salvador to combat Netherlands. The Oranje, wearing blue today, were heartbroken before the tournament by the dual losses of midfielders Rafael van der Vaart and Kevin Strootman. A misplayed chest trap by Spanish left back Jordi Alba (pictured, white #18) sprung a quick through ball from Arjen Robben (pictured, blue). Wesley Sneijder was in behind the Spanish defense, but his effort was struck directly at Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas for a simple save. Spain, as always, hogged the majority of the possession, but Netherlands were keen to catch the champions on the break. Netherlands were made to pay for their risky three-man backline time and again by well-placed through ball from Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta. He found Brasil-born, Brasil-capped striker Diego Costa, who feinted and got Stefan de Vrij to slide at the ball. When Costa cut back, he was tripped inside the box. The fans were already booing Costa's every touch, and the penalty call he drew only exacerbated the derision. Spain converted the penalty kick for a 1-0 lead. Iniesta again picked the Dutch backline apart with a through ball with less than five minutes left in the opening period. David Silva tried to chip Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen. but was denied by his fingertips. The Oranje immediately made Spain pay for their profligacy. An exceptional long cross from just inside midfield from Daley Blind found a streaking Robin van Persie. Launching his head forward like a guided missile toward the ball, van Persie popped a beautiful header over an off-his-line Casillas to even the score at one goal apiece. The halftime score was Netherlands 1, Spain 1.

By the second half, the rain was pouring hard in Salvador. Another lovely lofted cross from Blind this time found itself in the path of Robben. Patience was a virtue for the virtuoso inside the penalty area. He cut back off his right foot and shook his marker Gerard Pique, opening up a left-footed shot that he buried in spite of the challenge from Sergio Ramos (pictured, white #15) to give Netherlands a 2-1 lead. The Dutch counterattack was quite impactful on this night. van Persie had another shot at glory, this time smashing the crossbar from the top right side of the penalty area.  Within ten minutes, the lead was doubled. A Sneijder free kick from the left flank sailed to the back post. Casillas could not punch the ball as van Persie blocked his path. de Vrij rose above the challenge of Cesar Azpilicueta to head the ball down off his own foot and into the goal as he crashed into the far post with his body. The champions were down 3-1. Netherlands defender Bruno Martins Indi used his body to block a shot from Silva, but in the scramble, a cross came into to Pedro Rodriguez. Cillessen dropped down quickly to block the shot, and Silva was offside on the rebound. Casillas's nightmare continued as he got caught in possession by van Persie, who then slotted home into an open net for a 4-1 lead. Netherlands found a fifth as Sneijder sent a booming clearance turned through ball from his defensive third that led to Robben latching on and running out ahead of Ramos in the open field. Robben then cut back, got Casillas on the ground, and then rocketed the ball into the net for 5-1. Casillas made a world-class double save on Giorginio Wijnaldum and Robben with five minutes to go, but by then his defenders had little to no motivation to try and prevent the side from hemorrhaging more goals. Rodriguez worked hard for a late two-on-one against Cillessen, but he passed across the face of goal to Fernando Torres. Instead of tapping in first time with his left foot, Torres foolishly try to take a touch and tap in with his right, giving Cillessen time to recover and prevent a second goal.  Netherlands win the match in absolutely shocking fashion 5-1 to grab a hold atop Group B.

Goals
Netherlands
Robin van Persie 44, 72
Arjen Robben 53, 80
Stefan de Vrij 65

Spain
Xabi Alonso 27 PK

Match Reports:
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1879099/van-gaal-makes-del-bosque-suffer
http://soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/06/13/netherlands-spain-world-cup-three-thoughts-rvp-casillas-robben-costa
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1879614/renovation-work-needed-for-sorry-spain

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186510/index.html

Mexico 1 - Cameroon 0

Photo by Julian Finney

Rainy Natal was the site for the first match of three on this day. The two less heralded teams from Group A were facing off as Cameroon took on Mexico. Both teams were lackluster in qualifying. Cameroon likely were the tenth or eleventh best side in Africa, but they navigated a soft draw to make it to Brasil 2014. Mexico stumbled often at home but won an intercontinental playoff.

On this afternoon, Mexico took the game to Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions had all but one man behind the ball to defend from the opening whistle and still Mexico stretched them easily via flank play. Hector Herrera whipped in an unguarded cross, and Giovanni Dos Santos beat the offside trap to smash home the opening goal off a beautiful volleyed finish. Somehow, the assistant referee decided to make the wrong call and raise his flag, so Mexico were not credited for the score. Cameroon finally started establishing a rhythm after the quarter hour mark. A sneaky dribbling move up the left sideline by Cameroon left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto left Francisco Rodriguez in his wake. A low cross was hit first-time by Samuel Eto'o, whose shot grazed the outside of the near post. Etc. Eric Choupo-Moting was held down and pushed to the ground by Mexico centerback Hector Moreno as he tried to head off a corner, yet no penalty kick was given. In yet another controversial decision, Dos Santos again had a goal taken off the board for offsides. This time, he was ruled offside when Choupo-Moting deflected a Mexican corner kick backwards into his path just before his headed finish. The referee decided to continue his poor performance, failing to produce a yellow card to Cameroon's Stephane Mbia even though he extended his arm through Andres Guardado's face. The teams went into their dressing rooms after a puzzling 0-0 half.

Mexico were in with a chance early in the half. Dos Santos toe-poked a through ball to Oribe Peralta, but an oncoming Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje came out to make the sliding block. At the hour mark, Mexico finally were allowed to have a goalstand. Cameroon's centerbacks split apart so wide that the entire half circle was open, and Hector Herrera rolled a simple through ball into the gaping hole. Itandje made the initial save on Dos Santos, but Peralta was there to clean up the mess and put Mexico ahead 1-0. Jose Vasquez had a fantastic game at defensive midfield for Mexico, completing over fifty passes with nary a turnover. However, in stoppage time, Vasquez's turnover at the top of the box led to a quick cross in from Assou-Ekotto. Benjamin Moukandjo headed at the top corner, but a flying catch by Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa preserved the lead. Mexico right back Miguel Layun ran all the way up the pitch and stripped Dany Nounkeu (pictured, yellow) in possession. His cross found a wide-open Javier Hernandez, but Hernandez could not manufacture a goal with his knee. Mexico hang on to win 1-0 in a match where they scored three legitimate goals.

Brasil 3 pts +2
Mexico 3 pts +1
Cameroon 0 pts -1
Croatia 0 pts -2

Goals
Mexico
Oribe Peralta 61

Match Reports:
http://www.espnfc.us/team/mexico/203/blog/post/1879363/ramos-mexico-beat-the-odds
http://www.espnfc.us/team/mexico/203/blog/post/1878170/carlisle-three-points-from-el-tris-win

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186492/index.html

Brasil 3 - Croatia 1

Photo by Dimitar Dilkoff

Finally, in the 821th match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, tournament finals hosts Brasil made their long-awaited debut in the tournament. They opened the final stage at home to Croatia in Sao Paulo amid protests that were sweeping the country. Mario Mandzukic was suspended for the first match, and still the visitors came out in an attacking formation. The side had been directed to attack the space behind Brasil's overlapping fullbacks, and boy did Croatia do this well at the start of the match. Ivica Olic (pictured, red) was giving freedom to roam down the left sideline, let vacant but the forward runs of right back Dani Alves (pictured, yellow), and he had meters of open space before him as he whipped in a cross. Croatia striker Nikica Jelavic nodded the cross just off frame to let Brasil off the hook early on. Olic continued to probe, and he hit a low cross into the box. Jelavic tipped the ball ever so slightly, and Brasil defender Marcelo had no time to get out of the way of the ball, leading to an own goal. The home crowd was stunned to silence, but the dormant Brazilian attack finally awoke. Neymar, poised to be the breakout star of the tournament in attack for Brasil, took the ball up the sideline from the right flank and pushed the ball to the top of the box. From there, Oscar banged a curling ball at the far post from twenty yards out, but an unsighted Croatia goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa made a diving stop to his right. Neymar took a yellow card before the half hour mark for a backhanded slap to the face of Luka Modric as they fought to win a header. However, two minutes later, Neymar was given too much space on a run up the center of the pitch, and Croatia were made to pay. Neymar hit a left-footed roller that banked in off the post past a slow-reacting Pletikosa to even the score. The sides went into halftime all square at one goal apiece.

Croatia left their magical attack somewhere in the locker room, for they certainly did not bring it with them onto the pitch for the second half. Brasil were a more relaxed, patient side in the second period. Brasil were drawing fouls in the final third, and it seemed inevitable that they would cash in eventually. Fred flopped in the penalty area, drawing a weak penalty kick for Brasil under minimal contact from Croatia centerback Dejan Lovren. Neymar converted for a 2-1 lead. Croatia had appeared to tie the game late in the match, but Olic was ruled to have fouled Brasil goalkeeper Julio Cesar, causing him to drop the ball that was later scrambled into the goal by Croatia. Modric then shot from distance, but Brasil goalkeeper Julio Cesar fell back to his right to make the parry to safety despite having leaned the wrong way with the shot. Cesa made another save from distance off an Ivan Perisic shot. Croatia looked as dangerous as they did to begin the match at the tail end, but they had to push numbers up field to search for the draw. In stoppage time, Ivan Rakitic was caught in possession by a tackle from late Brasil substitute Ramires. Oscar picked up the loose ball and scored off a slow-rolling toe-poke strike from outside the box, somehow bamboozling Pletikosa to make the final scoreline extremely flattering to the hosts. Brasil win 3-1 and jump to the top of Group A.

Goals
Brasil
Neymar 29, 71 PK
Oscar 90+1

Croatia
Marcelo 11 (OG)

Match Reports:
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2014/06/13/world-cup-2014-day-1/
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/match/383303/brazil-croatia/report
http://soccer.si.com/soccer/planet-futbol/2014/06/12/brazil-croatia-world-cup-three-thoughts-neymar
http://www.espnfc.us/fifa-world-cup/4/blog/post/1875415/three-points-brazil-vs-Croatia
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jun/12/brazil-croatia-world-cup-2014-group-a-match-report

Highlights:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/videos/highlights/match=300186456/index.html

Brasil 2014 Schedule

The 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brasil will feature sixty-four matches and will take place over the course of thirty-two days in June and July 2014.  The group stage features forty-eight matches.  The knockout stage features fifteen matches, and there is a third-place match as well.

Match times are given in Central Time (GMT-5).

12 June 2014
Croatia at Brasil 15:00 Sao Paulo

13 June 2014
Mexico vs. Cameroon 11:00 Natal
Spain vs. Netherlands 14:00 Salvador
Chile vs. Australia 17:00 Cuiaba

14 June 2014
Colombia vs. Greece 11:00 Belo Horizonte
Uruguay vs. Costa Rica 14:00 Fortaleza
England vs. Italy 17:00 Manaus
Cote d'Ivoire vs. Japan 20:00 Recife

15 June 2014
Switzerland vs. Ecuador 11:00 Brasilia
France vs. Honduras 14:00 Porto Alegre
Argentina vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 17:00 Rio de Janeiro

16 June 2014
Germany vs. Portugal 11:00 Salvador
Iran vs. Nigeria 14:00 Curitiba
Ghana vs. United States of America 17:00 Natal

17 June 2014
Belgium vs. Algeria 11:00 Belo Horizonte
Mexico at Brasil 14:00 Fortaleza
Russia vs. South Korea 17:00 Cuiaba

18 June 2014
Australia vs. Netherlands 11:00 Porto Alegre
Spain vs. Chile 14:00 Rio de Janeiro
Cameroon vs. Croatia 17:00 Manaus

19 June 2014
Colombia vs. Cote d'Ivoire 11:00 Brasilia
Uruguay vs. England 14:00 Sao Paulo
Japan vs. Greece 17:00 Natal

20 June 2014
Italy vs. Costa Rica 11:00 Recife
Switzerland vs. France 14:00 Salvador
Honduras vs. Ecuador 17:00 Curitiba

21 June 2014
Argentina vs. Iran 11:00 Belo Horizonte
Germany vs. Ghana 14:00 Fortaleza
Nigeria vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 17:00 Cuiaba

22 June 2014
Belgium vs. Russia 11:00 Rio de Janeiro
South Korea vs. Algeria 14:00 Porto Alegre
United States of America vs. Portugal 17:00 Manaus

23 June 2014
Netherlands vs. Chile 11:00 Sao Paulo
Australia vs. Spain 11:00 Curitiba
Croatia vs. Mexico 15:00 Recife
Cameroon at Brasil 15:00 Brasilia

24 June 2014
Italy vs. Uruguay 11:00 Natal
Costa Rica vs. England 11:00 Belo Horizonte
Greece vs. Cote d'Ivoire 15:00 Fortaleza
Japan vs. Colombia 15:00 Cuiaba

25 June 2014
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Iran 11:00 Salvador
Nigeria vs. Argentina 11:00 Porto Alegre
Ecuador vs. France 15:00 Rio de Janeiro
Honduras vs. Switzerland 15:00 Manaus

26 June 2014
United States of America vs. Germany 11:00 Recife
Portugal vs. Ghana 11:00 Brasilia
South Korea vs. Belgium 15:00 Sao Paulo
Algeria vs. Russia 15:00 Curitiba

28 June 2014
Winner Group A vs. Second Group B 11:00 Belo Horizonte (49)
Winner Group C vs. Second Group D 15:00 Rio de Janeiro (50)

29 June 2014
Winner Group B vs. Second Group A 11:00 Fortaleza (51)
Winner Group D vs. Second Group C 15:00 Recife (52)

30 June 2014
Winner Group E vs. Second Group F 11:00 Brasilia (53)
Winner Group G vs. Second Group H 15:00 Porto Alegre (54)

1 July 2014
Winner Group F vs. Second Group E 11:00 Sao Paulo (55)
Winner Group H vs. Second Group G 15:00 Salvador (56)

4 July 2014
Winner Match 53 vs. Winner Match 54 11:00 Rio de Janeiro (QF1)
Winner Match 49 vs. Winner Match 50 15:00 Fortaleza (QF2)

5 July 2014
Winner Match 55 vs. Winner Match 56 11:00 Brasilia (QF3)
Winner Match 51 vs. Winner Match 52 15:00 Salvador (QF4)

8 July 2014
Winner QF2 vs. Winner QF1 15:00 Belo Horizonte (SF1)

9 July 2014
Winner QF4 vs. Winner QF3 15:00 Sao Paulo (SF2)

12 July 2014
Loser SF1 vs. Loser SF2 15:00 Brasilia

13 July 2014
Winner SF1 vs. Winner SF2 14:00 Rio de Janeiro

Brasil 2014 Draw

The draw for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals was held today in Bahia.  The thirty-two qualifiers have been split into eight groups of four.  Each team will play the other three teams in its group one time each for a total of three matches in the group stage.  The top two finishers in each group advance to the knockout stages of Brasil 2014.

Italy were the European team drawn into Pot 2 and were then matched up with Uruguay from Pot X.  The draw out of Pot 2 was jagged, with Chile being drawn first and getting shoved into Group B with Brasil preventing them from Group A.  Next, Cameroon, the third team drawn from Pot 2, found themselves in Group A.  Ecuador came next out of the magically bowl, but with Group C occupied by Colombia and Group D already having its second team in Italy, Ecuador bounced all the way to Group E.  Whoever predicted the groups would be filled in the order D-B-A-E-C deserves a cookie at the very least.  The rest of the draw provided less confusion but just as much drama.

Group A
Brasil
Croatia
Mexico
Cameroon

Brasil will be expected to ease into the knockout stages against three underperforming sides that all managed barely to squeak into the finals.  Croatia will be without the suspended Mario Mandzukic in their opening match, but they were unlikely to grab points against Brasil in any case.  Cameroon's own former players are not optimistic about their chances, as seen in this interview with former captain Patrick Mboma (http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2225545/index.html).  Can Mexico become the dominant side they were in 2011 and 2012 or will they remain the paper giants we saw in 2013?  The crucial match will be between Croatia and Mexico, though Mexico will now be favored with Croatian captain Josip Simunic suspended for the entire tournament.

Group B
Spain
Netherlands
Chile
Australia

An Australia side that has been in turmoil since qualifying in June will be put out of their misery quickly in this section.  Three teams from the top 10 in the ELO rankings are present in this group.  Netherlands disappointed at their last major tournament, the UEFA Euro 2012, but they had an undeniable offense in qualifying for Brasil 2014.  They flattened Hungary 8-1 in one match.  Spain have lost only three competitive matches since the UEFA Euro 2008 finals.  Chile were the second-best side in South American qualifying, and the standings would have reflected that had they just been able to avoid red cards in two matches against Colombia.  If Chile behave themselves and finish matches with eleven players on the pitch, there is no reason that they should not expect to go far.

Group C
Colombia
Greece
Cote d'Ivoire
Japan

This group is so even that all four sides must be at once celebratory and wary.  Cote d'Ivoire finally miss taking part in the Group of Death, and the golden generation will be looking to right the wrongs of major tournaments and opportunities passed with a berth in the knockout stages for the first time at a FIFA World Cup.  Ultra defensive Greece, who unlike Cote d'Ivoire actually won their continental title in the past decade, are also looking for a first round of 16 berth in a third appearance at the finals.  Japan are the class of Asia, but they looked outclassed at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.  Colombia are glad to be placed in a group with teams of such pedigree as Colombia will be making their first appearance on the global stage since 1998.  Colombia will be looking to wipe the disappointments of their quarterfinal exit to Peru at 2011 Copa America away.  Freddy Guarin is suspended for Colombia's opener against Greece.

Group D
Uruguay
Costa Rica
Italy
England

Uruguay were perhaps the team least deserving of a seed based on the fact that two teams below them in the CONMEBOL standings were not seeded, yet here Uruguay find themselves amongst the seeds.  Perhaps it is fitting that they were the team dealt the most difficult group of the opening round.  Uruguay's 1-0 victory at Venezuela in June began the resurgence that saw them catapult back into playoff contention, and after thrashing Jordan on the road they are back at the site of their triumph at Brasil 1950.  Italy tied Uruguay at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and qualified with games to spare, but sadly for the Azzurri, they failed to win either of their final two qualifiers, preventing them from obtaining a seed.  Italy also managed only a draw against England when the teams met at the UEFA Euro 2012.  Costa Rica are a team that deserve respect, a team which won all five home matches in the CONCACAF Fourth Round to finish second in that group.  Note that the Ticos, the side most used to warm weather, will be playing all three of their group matches outside of the four southernmost (and coldest) cities.  Note that the Ticos also earned a draw at Uruguay in qualifying for South Africa 2010 after losing the first leg of their playoff at home.

Group E
Switzerland
Ecuador
France
Honduras

How easily the world forgets that Switzerland are the only team to have defeated both Brasil and Spain in the past four years, otherwise known as the two top-ranked outfits in the ELO rankings.  Ecuador have home continent advantage, but it is unknown whether the emotions that will swirl as they play to honor the late Cristian Benitez will boost or hinder their performance at Brasil 2014.  France scraped by Ukraine in the UEFA Playoffs to get in, but this team is likely to be more united than the French side that fell to pieces in the dressing room at South Africa 2010.  Honduras, playing in their third finals, will perhaps never see a clearer path to the knockout stages and will be relishing their chances to get through.  Honduras and Ecuador will get a rematch of their ill-tempered 2-2 draw in a friendly last month that saw each side reduced to ten men.

Group F
Argentina
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Iran
Nigeria

Argentina, the power team in qualifying out of the power continent playing a tournament on the power continent, will be heavy favorites to get out of this group.  Argentina just beat Bosnia in a friendly last month.  Iran are a team that legitimately should not even be at Brasil 2014 given that but for egregious refereeing errors against Uzbekistan in 2012, Uzbekistan would have qualified in their place.  However, as Uzbekistan, a much stronger and more entertaining side are undeservedly not going to Brasil, the least Iran can do to honor them is to play decent football.  Bosnia are a joy to watch in attack, but they are unproven and appear much more susceptible to being dealt an early exit than they did early in 2013.  Home losses to Slovakia in qualifying and to the United States of America in a friendly, plus their difficulty in scoring one goal against Lithuania to qualify on the final matchday may have shaken their confidence.  They are the only side making a debut at a FIFA World Cup finals at Brasil 2014.  Nigeria, the 2013 African Cup of Nations winners, played three matches at Brasil this past summer at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.  With a healthy Emmanuel Emenike returning to guide them past Ethiopia in the final round of qualifying, the Super Eagles look poised to swoop into the knockout stages.

Group G
Germany
Portugal
Ghana
United States of America

The overblown Ghana-United States rivalry is back in full force.  Nevermind that Ghana failed to score from open play in the group stage of South Africa 2010 or that Germany crushed them 4-0 in their third match.  Somehow, Ghana actually created its first deserved goals of the tournament in their Round of 16 victory against the Yanks.  This after defeating the United States in the group stage at Germany 2006.  This after United States defeated Portugal at Korea/Japan 2002 in the group stage.  This after Germany defeated United States in the quarterfinals of Korea/Japan 2002.  This after Germany defeated Portugal for third place at Germany 2006 and in the group stage at the UEFA Euro 2012.  To say these teams are familiar with one another would be rather truthful.  Ghana finally have the Ayew brothers Jordan and Andre back in the fold, as well as Asamoah Gyan and Kevin-Prince Boateng, both of whom have returned from international retirement.  The Yanks won the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup and finished first in qualifying.  Portugal were miserable in qualifying, failing to beat Israel in two matches, but they found out that Cristiano Ronaldo has the capability of carrying them through two matches against Sweden.  Can he do it for three matches at Brasil 2014?  Germany, perhaps the best footballing country in the history of football with five FIFA World Cups to their name (three men's, two women's) always go deep in tournaments, and their current youth movement has advanced at a stellar rate.  It is no coincidence that two teams from the German domestic Bundesliga advanced to the 2013 UEFA Champions League final.

Group H
Belgium
Algeria
Russia
South Korea

Belgium, making their first appearance at a major tournament since Korea/Japan 2002, will be absolutely delighted with their group stage draw.  Les Diables Rouges are heavy favorites to advance out of this group because the outbreak of young Belgian talents in the past three years has astronomical.  South Korea did not even celebrate their qualification as they lost their final qualifier at home to Iran and backed into the finals on goal differential against the aforementioned unlucky Uzbekistan side.  Do not expect them to celebrate at Brasil either.  Russia are the clear favorites to come out of the group alongside Belgium, having just pipped Portugal to win their qualifying group, but disturbing results like the loss away to Northern Ireland should prevent people from being overly confident in the Russian team.  Algeria were fortunate to get through their equal in Burkina Faso on the most controversial of tiebreakers: the away-goals rule.  For a team that sat back and played for a draw in their final group match of South Africa 2010 when a win was needed, it is tough to see enough ambition to push them into the knockout stages.

As always, I am contractually obliged to give ridiculously early predictions about who will advance.  Let's go with Brasil and Mexico, Spain and Chile, Colombia and Cote d'Ivoire, Italy and Uruguay, Switzerland and Ecuador, Argentina and Nigeria, Germany and United States, and Belgium and Russia.  Very astute observation: I did include all six CONMEBOL teams.

Group Analyses:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/final-draw/news/newsid=2240026/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_1

A: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1637698?cc=5901
B: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1640340?cc=5901
C: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1640367?cc=5901
D: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1640368?cc=5901
E: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1640369?cc=5901
F: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1640370?cc=5901
G: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1640371?cc=5901
H: http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1640372?cc=5901