World Cup 2014 review: German pride delivers

By Simon and Jason Wright – Follow us on Twitter @Siwri88 and @JDBWright91

After 64 years, the World Cup returned to one of its spiritual homes in Brazil. Despite all the concerns over protests, transport issues and lack of stadium planning, the 2014 FIFA World Cup will go down as one of the greatest ever.

The group stages saw the likes of Spain, Italy, England and Portugal all plan for early journeys home, whilst Costa Rica had won the hearts of many and Algeria and Greece were experiencing knockout football at the World Cup for the first time.

The second part of this review takes a look at the knockout stages, starting with some energetic round of 16 matches all the way to the final, where the pride of Germany would ultimately win through.

Round of 16

FINAL RESULTS: Brazil 1-1 Chile (Brazil win 3-2 on penalties), Colombia 2-0 Uruguay, Netherlands 2-1 Mexico, Costa Rica 1-1 Greece (Costa Rica win 5-3 on penalties), France 2-0 Nigeria, Germany 2-1 Algeria (AET), Argentina 1-0 Switzerland (AET), Belgium 2-1 USA (AET)

The last 16 matches began with a familiar encounter, as Brazil battled it out with Chile. The Chileans had frozen at this hurdle against their opposition in both France 98 and four years ago in South Africa, but the Chile class of 2014 was a far tougher nut to crack. The game in Belo Horizonte began at breakneck speed, as both teams showed immense passion and determination to come out on top. David Luiz scrambled the hosts infront from close range, but that lead was a short one, as new Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez smashed in an equaliser after Brazil was caught napping from a quick throw-in. As the game progressed, the pace slowed but both teams still had chances. Referee Howard Webb correctly ruled out Hulk’s second half goal after he chested the ball with the top of his arm, whilst Chile hit the crossbar in the closing stages of extra time. After two hours of gruelling action, the first penalty shootout beckoned. Chile’s first two penalties were saved by Julio Cesar, but Willian dragged his horribly wide and when Claudio Bravo’s mind games with Hulk saw him crack and hit his penalty straight at Bravo, the penalties were level at 2-2 after four kicks. As you would expect, Neymar made no mistake with his kick, which left Gonzalo Jara with the pressure to score to keep Chile in the World Cup. He couldn’t; striking the post and the hosts survived by the skin of their teeth. It was third time unlucky for Chile, but once again, they showed why they are considered as one of the world’s emerging elite.

If that had drama, the second clash in Rio lacked it. Colombia v Uruguay wasn’t quite the festival of attacking football expected, but it did produce a real moment of brilliance. 25 minutes were on the clock when James Rodriguez collected the ball from around 30 yards out. The midfield wizard took a deft look over his shoulder to see where the goal was, then turned around, collected the ball, lifted it into the air and struck an unstoppable volley which gave Fernando Muslera no hope of saving. Tim Cahill’s heart would have sank. His mesmerising goal against the Dutch in the group stages had just been bettered in some style. Rodriguez added a second early on after the restart to complete a routine 2-0 victory, sealing Colombia’s place in the quarter-finals for the first time. Uruguay’s tournament had been a rollercoaster, but ultimately a disappointment and they lost both matches the naughty boy Suarez didn’t feature. 

Sunday, 29 June began with Netherlands facing Mexico in sweltering temperatures in Fortaleza. So hot that this game made history in being the first World Cup match to institute “cooling breaks,” a decision reserved for matches that are played in temperatures exceeding 30°C. Giovani dos Santos gave the Mexicans the lead at the start of the second half but it all went wrong for the Azteca in the closing minutes. First, Wesley Sneijder struck an equaliser with two minutes to go before stoppage time saw Arjen Robben go to ground, suspiciously easily, to win a penalty for the Dutch, converted by Klass-Jan Huntelaar. The Dutch had survived an almighty scare to go through and for Mexico; it was last 16 and bust again for the sixth consecutive finals.

The tournament’s major surprise package Costa Rica played Greece in Recife. In a game that lacked attacking flair, Bryan Ruiz put Costa Rica infront before Oscar Duarte was sent off for a second bookable offence. Greece waited until stoppage time to take the extra man advantage, as Sokratis Papastathopoulos forced extra time. No goals in the extra 30 minutes meant a penalty shootout, in which both sides successfully scored their first three penalties before the Greeks missed their crucial fourth spot-kick, allowing Michael Umana to score and send Costa Rica to their first ever World Cup quarter-final. Greece coach Fernando Santos was sent to the stands before the shootout for arguing with the officials, ending his tenure of the team on a rather low note.

In Brasilia, France made heavy weather of the game against Nigeria. Both teams had fleeting opportunities, but it was the French who made it count in the last 15 minutes. The excellent Vincent Enyeama flapped at a corner, missed the ball and Paul Pogba gleefully did the rest. Antoine Griezmann thought he had got the second in injury time, although his goal later went down as an own goal off Joseph Yobo. France were through and looked set for a European showdown with old rivals Germany. Germany did complete that quarter-final, but only after dogged Algeria took them all the way in Porto Alegre. No goals after 90 minutes, as the Algerians had the best of the play, but weren’t clinical enough when it mattered. In the opening moments of extra time, Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle flicked in the opening goal – underlining his presence as an outstanding impact player. He also set-up the second too, crashed in by Mesut Ozil, masking the fact that he had an absolutely dreadful match. Algeria nicked a deserved consolation right at the end but bowed out bravely. Once again, the challenge from Africa hadn’t seriously materialised. Their wait goes on, as Germany reached the last eight again since quarter-finals were reintroduced into the format in 1986.

Tim Howard was in outstanding form against Belgium, but it wasn't quite enough

Both of the matches on the final day of the first knockout round needed to be settled in extra time. In Sao Paulo, Argentina were again pushed all the way by their opposition, as Switzerland simply refused to cave in. Eventually, Angel di Maria’s goal in the 118th minute kept the dream alive for Messi & co and ensured Ottmar Hitzfeld’s swansong as a coach would be a miserable one. The game in Salvador was to be more thrilling. After no goals in 90 minutes, both Belgium and USA went for hammer and ton in the following half-hour of play. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku put the Belgians 2-0 to the good, despite the heroics of Tim Howard (pictured above) who set a new record for amount of saves in a World Cup match. Howard’s performance was so good, even President Obama telephoned him a day later. Julian Green’s goal ensured a nervy final 13 minutes but Belgium held on for the win and progression to the quarter-finals. However the Americans had certainly won over plenty of new supporters for their never give up approach in all four of their matches. For the first time since 32 teams qualified in 1998, all eight group winners had progressed to the quarter-finals.

Quarter-Finals

FINAL RESULTS: France 0-1 Germany, Brazil 2-1 Colombia, Argentina 1-0 Belgium, Netherlands 0-0 Costa Rica (Netherlands win 4-2 on penalties)

Less than 96 hours after finishing their Algerian examination, Germany were back in action in the first quarter-final against France in Rio. Mats Hummels returned after missing the last match through injury and the tall Borussia Dortmund defender proved to be the difference. His header in the 13^th minute settled a tight and tense encounter that didn’t quite live up to its expected billing. Benzema aside, France looked nervy and didn’t push players forward when they needed to the most. Nevertheless, Les Bleus’ standing as a strong international side has fully recovered and they will fancy their chances with more experience gained for Euro 2016, a tournament to be played on home soil. Germany marched into a fourth successive World Cup semi-final.

They would face Brazil, but it was to be a painful night for them despite beating Colombia 2-1 in Fortaleza. Skipper Thiago Silva gave them the best start with a tap-in after seven minutes and with around 20 minutes left, his centre-back partner, David Luiz hit a blockbuster of a free-kick to double their lead. Colombia pulled a goal back in the last 10 minutes. A foul by Julio Cesar led to a penalty, coolly dispatched by Rodriguez for his sixth goal of the finals which meant the 22-year-old was going to win the Golden Boot. The big story of this game came even later though. Camillo Zuniga’s crude challenge into the back of Neymar left Brazil’s golden boy in lots of pain on the field. He was stretchered off in tears and hours later, it was confirmed that his tournament was over with a fractured vertebra. With him out and Silva suspended for a needless yellow card in the second half, Germany would fancy their chances in their semi-final showdown. Colombia had entertained many but were going home without the silverware they believed they might have won.

Those in attendance for the Argentina v Belgium match-up in Brasilia would have been left feeling extremely short-changed. Argentina took the lead from an early Gonzalo Higuain strike and the game pretty much went downhill after that. Argentina had very few shots on target and typically didn’t take advantage of the ones they had whilst Belgium never registered a decent shot on goal in the entire match. The Argentines had once again scraped through and it ended Belgium’s rather hit and miss campaign. Though they had reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986, the absence of Christian Benteke certainly had a major impact on the team’s overall style of performance.

The last quarter-final pitted Netherlands against surprise package Costa Rica in Salvador. The Dutch were expected to make short work of their opponents and they did indeed dominate with the lion’s share of shots and ball possession. However, Costa Rica’s goalkeeper Keylor Navas was in top form, denying every single Dutch shot that came his way. With penalties looming, Dutch coach Louis van Gaal made a rather bizarre decision, by substituting number one goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen for Tim Krul, Newcastle’s regular GK. This was made because they believed Krul had an excellent penalty saving record, although he had only saved 2 from 20 in his Newcastle days. He turned out to be the hero though. Despite some unimpressive mind games, Krul saved two Costa Rican spot-kicks and the Dutch were through to another World Cup semi-final. Costa Rica though rightfully went back home as national heroes for their resilient efforts.

Semi-Finals

FINAL RESULTS: Brazil 1-7 Germany, Netherlands 0-0 Argentina (Argentina win 4-2 on penalties)

The quality of the final four was impeccable. What we got over two nights was one of the worst semi-finals the World Cup has ever seen, and one of the most extraordinary results in football history. First up, it was Brazil v Germany in a replay of the 2002 final.

Without Neymar and Thiago Silva, Brazil were perhaps slight underdogs, but no-one could have predicted what was to come. When Thomas Muller fired Germany ahead after 11 minutes, an interesting question was asked of the hosts. The answer they provided was to suffer a complete meltdown infront of millions of home fans and viewers across the globe. 

First, Miroslav Klose produced a bit of history. He made it 2-0 on 22 minutes, converting at the second attempt after Julio Cesar parried his first shot. That was Klose’s 16^th goal at World Cup finals, surpassing the record of the great Brazilian striker, Ronaldo. Moments later, it was 3-0 as Toni Kroos smashed in after the defending went walkabouts again. The game was as good as over but the ruthless Germans were not finished. Not even a minute later, Fernandinho was horribly caught in possession and Kroos helped himself to another. Then when David Luiz attempted to do a Usain Bolt and outrun his opposition, he was caught out and with no cover; Sami Khedira had an easy tap-in. In eight minutes, the scoreline had gone from 1-0 to 5-0! Words failed a lot of the journalists inside Belo Horizonte, as fans cried their eyes out. Some even left and started to humiliate their own teams, cheering the Germans ‘Ole’ when they kept possession. Substitute Schurrle added another two goals in the second half to make it 7-0! Luiz’s defensive performance must have given PSG’s owners concern – they’ve just paid Chelsea £50m for his services! Others like Fred and Hulk strolled around without a care in the world and Marcelo put in one of the worst performances ever seen by a full-back. Not even a late consolation from Oscar could cover over the cracks. It was the biggest ever defeat for Brazil (players pictured below) at a World Cup and also in any semi-final at a major international tournament. Germany were heading to the Maracana in real knockout form. Things though could get potentially worse for the Brazilians. Their long-standing rivals Argentina could now reach the final on their own backyard. To do so, they needed to get past the Dutch in Sao Paulo.

Sombre Brazil applaud their support after their semi-final humiliation 

This game might have begun with attacking flair but as the minutes ticked on, it was a match where you would have struggled to stay awake. Both teams began putting cautious emphasis on their gameplay. As extra-time was needed, it was clear that this one was going to end goalless and go all the way to penalties, the first time since 1998 that a World Cup semi-final had to be settled that way. Back then, Netherlands lost to Brazil on penalties and on this occasion, lightning would strike twice. Without their skipper Robin van Persie, substituted during the game through illness, and having used all three of their subs, meaning Van Gaal was unable to make the goalkeeping change that won his side the quarter-final, it proved to go against the Dutch. Argentina’s goalie Sergio Romero saved two Dutch penalties from Ron Vlaar and Sneijder. Argentina scored all four of theirs, Maxi Rodriguez with the winning spot-kick. For the third time in World Cup history, Germany and Argentina would face each other in the final.

Third Place Play-Off

FINAL RESULT: Brazil 0-3 Netherlands

Netherlands’ latest penalty shootout loss left them to face a rather wounded Brazil in Brasilia to dispute the bronze medals of the tournament.

Brazil’s collapse in the semi-final seemed to continue in the early stages of this game. Thiago Silva was very lucky to stay on the pitch after fouling Robben inside of two minutes, with Van Persie converting the subsequent penalty. Then on 18 minutes, David Luiz made another terrible blunder. Instead of heading the ball out of play, he headed it back into the path of Daley Blind! Blind took his chance and made it 2-0. Though Brazil had chances, they came very few and far between, and their fate was sealed through Georgino Wijnaldum scoring a third for the Dutch in injury time. It was so easy, that third choice goalkeeper Michel Vorm got a chance to play for a minute or so at the end of the game. Netherlands took a deserving third place and if proof was needed, Brazil are just poor without Neymar’s presence, if this World Cup was in Europe they would have struggled to get out of the group stage. Since 1998, only three teams have conceded more than 10 goals at a World Cup. They are Saudi Arabia (2002), North Korea (2010) and now Brazil in 2014. Not the company they were hoping to keep when the finals began.

As Van Gaal heads for pastures new in trying to resurrect the fortunes of Manchester United, Luiz Felipe Scolari was heading for the job centre. He announced his resignation three days later, jumping before being pushed by the Brazilian Football Federation.

2014 WORLD CUP FINAL

FINAL RESULT: Germany 1-0 Argentina (AET)

So after 63 games, the World Cup final in 2014 was to be between Germany – the best team of the tournament against Argentina, led by one of the greatest players of his generation in Lionel Messi. Who was going to win out – the team or the individual?

There was an early blow for Germany when Khedira was injured in the warm-up. He was replaced by the unheralded Christoph Kramer, who had only made his national team debut in May. Kramer wouldn’t last too long though. He went off with concussion before the interval and was replaced by Schurrle.

Argentina matched their opponents throughout and had the best opening. Kroos’ misjudged back header put Higuain in on goal in the 20^th minute. He fluffed his lines though and missed the target comprehensively. There were no goals in the first half and as the second half wore on, a mistake or a moment of genius was going to be the difference. Messi was largely kept quiet but he did have a half chance after the restart that went narrowly wide. For Germany, Benedikt Howedes hit the post from a header but neither goalkeeper was being heavily overworked. There was good build-up play but the final ball or big chance was being denied by either great defending or woeful finishing.

0-0 after normal time, the 11^th time this occurred at the finals (a new record), extra time dawned. It might have lacked the style of the Mexico 86 final but was far better than the dismal showing the Italia 90 showpiece produced. Argentine substitute Rodrigo Palacio missed a great chance in the first period of extra time, before another sub, Sergio Aguero was lucky to stay on, after smashing Bastian Schweinsteiger in the face with an elbow. Time was beginning to run out until in the 112^th minute, Schurrle found some space, got a decent ball into the box and Mario Gotze (pictured) produced a brilliant finish. It was a moment that fitted the occasion – a piece of skill that deserved to win the World Cup.

Mario Gotze celebrates with his teammates after he scores the winner at the World Cup final

Argentina couldn’t muster anything in the final eight minutes. Messi ballooned a free-kick into the stands was their final opportunity. They had come up short against Germany again. After near-misses in Euro 2008, World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012, this was Germany’s time again. It was their first major trophy in 18 years and their first World Cup in 24 years; a fourth in total which equals Italy’s number.

Messi was the rather strange selection of Player of the Tournament, whilst Manuel Neuer was a more overwhelming winner of the Golden Glove. Finally, it was left to the retiring skipper Philippe Lahm to join the likes of Zoff, Maradona, Moore, Matthäus and Cannavaro to hold aloft the greatest prize in football.

Congratulations Germany on a fitting triumph and thank you Brazil for producing a special World Cup that we will remember for years to come.  

Categories: 2014, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, David Luiz, FIFA, Germany, James Rodriguez, Lionel Messi, Mario Gotze, Netherlands, World Cup

World Cup 2014 review: Goals, glory & greatness in group stage

By Simon and Jason Wright – Follow us on Twitter @Siwri88 and @JDBWright91

After 64 years, the World Cup returned to one of its spiritual homes in Brazil. Despite all the concerns over protests, transport issues and lack of stadium planning, the 2014 FIFA World Cup will go down as one of the greatest ever.

We saw the end of the Spanish armada, Luis Suarez perform his traditional signature move, England’s worst ever showing on a global scale and the rise of the unfancied nations like Algeria and Costa Rica. There were 171 goals in total and whilst part two will focus on the gripping knockout stages, part one looks back at a memorable opening fortnight of the tournament as the games and stories never ended in the group stages.

Group A

FINAL POINTS: Brazil 7, Mexico 7, Croatia 3, Cameroon 0

After a strange opening ceremony, the festival of football began with the hosts opening up in Sao Paulo against Croatia. There would be an opening night win, but not without a huge slice of luck. The first goal of the 2014 tournament was an own goal, as Marcelo put through his own net after 11 minutes. It was left to Brazil’s golden boy to rescue them as Neymar (pictured below) scored twice, having been slightly fortunate to survive with a booking for a first half elbow into the face of Luka Modric. Seconds later, he had levelled the scores, and then converted from the penalty spot after a dubious spot-kick was given when Dejan Lovren ‘fouled’ Fred. A stoppage goal strike from Oscar sealed a positive, if slightly unconvincing start for Brazil.

Neymar starred on opening night as Brazil nervously topped Group A

On day two, Mexico beat Cameroon in a deluge in Natal. Oribe Peralta scoring the only goal midway through the second half as Mexico dominated; the scoreline only finishing 1-0 after two efforts from Giovani dos Santos in the first half were controversially ruled out for offside. Fresh from that success, Mexico managed to frustrate Brazil in their second match. A magnificent goalkeeping performance from Guillermo Ochoa kept the Brazilians out. It finished 0-0. Over in the Amazonia rainforest, Croatia eliminated Cameroon with an easy 4-0 stroll as the Africans lost control. Alex Song was stupidly sent off for swiping out at Mario Mandzukic off-the-ball and Benoit Assou-Ekotto head-butted one of his own teammates close to the end. Since then, the Cameroon FA are investigating this game, with seven players being accused of possible match-fixing, although the outcome of this is not clear at the time of writing.  

Going into the final round of matches and Brazil still needed a point; always looked achievable against a desperately poor Cameroon side. Neymar added another double in a 4-1 rout and even Fred managed to score. Cameroon’s tournament was nothing more than desperate. So, that left Croatia and Mexico to scrap it out for second spot. The Croats started well but wilted in the humid temperatures of Recife. Mexico scored three times in the space of 15 second half minutes to win 3-1 and joined Brazil in the last 16.  

Group B

FINAL POINTS: Netherlands 9, Chile 6, Spain 3, Australia 0

Reigning champions Spain began the defence of their title against beaten finalists from 2010, Netherlands in Salvador. A Xabi Alonso penalty gave Spain the lead just before half an hour of play. However, Holland equalised on the stroke of half-time, when Daley Blind played a long ball to Robin van Persie and he executed a magical diving header to score. Arjen Robben then put the Dutch into the lead eight minutes into the restart and Spain slowly began to collapse. Stefan de Vrij made it three from a Wesley Sneijder free-kick before Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas was horribly caught in possession, allowing Van Persie to score his second. The 5-1 rout was complete when Robben punished the lax Spanish defence to score his second. It was a result that stunned world football.

Australia had been expected to be the whipping boys of the group, but they showed a lot of courage to push Chile all the way after falling two goals behind in the first 15 minutes. Tim Cahill pulled a goal back before the Chileans were able to seal a 3-1 win in second half stoppage time. The Aussies then gave Netherlands a close game, Cahill cancelled out Robben’s opener within sixty seconds with a sensational volley from the edge of the box. It was one of the goals of the tournament. Mile Jedinak gave the Socceroos the lead from the spot before goals from Van Persie and Memphis Depay saw the Dutch recover to win 3-2.

At the Maracana, a wounded Spain faced a determined Chile. Within 20 minutes, the defending champions were behind again through Eduardo Vargas’ neat finish. Then just before half-time, Casillas bizarrely parried an Alexis Sanchez free-kick back into danger and it gave Charles Aranguiz a simple tap-in to make it 2-0. Spain suffered the indignity of being the first ever holders to be the first team to be eliminated at subsequent World Cup finals. The result also confirmed Australia’s exit as well and in a dead rubber encounter between the two sides, Spain won 3-0 to save some grace, with David Villa scoring in his last ever international match.

Netherlands and Chile thus met to settle top spot in the group. Second half goals from Leroy Fer and Depay sealed a 2-0 win for the Dutch ensuring they went through as top dogs. Meanwhile, the Spanish were left to quietly exit for home, their reputation ruined, their era of domination over.

Group C

FINAL POINTS: Colombia 9, Greece 4, Ivory Coast 3, Japan 1

Group C always looked like another tough group to predict, with all four sides having achievable aims of progressing past the group phase. Colombia were seen as narrow favourites considering their high FIFA ranking and they proved their worth with some attractive performances.

The South Americans had little trouble in dispatching all three group opponents to grab maximum points and allow others to sit up and take notice of their presence. They beat Greece 3-0 in their opener, edged out Ivory Coast 2-1 and then turned on the style in a 4-1 win over Japan.

The Blue Samarai had been considered potential dark horses by many but they disappointed. After a narrow defeat to the Ivory Coast in a 2am UK kick-off, they failed to beat a 10-man Greece in a forgettable goalless draw. The hefty loss to Colombia ensured their early passage home with just a single point to their name. That left the Greeks and the Africans to fight it out for second spot in Fortaleza.

The Africans only required a point and looked like they were going to achieve it when Wilfried Bony grabbed an equaliser to cancel out Andreas Samaris’ first half effort. The big drama came in stoppage time.

Giovanni Sio caught the standing foot of Georgios Samaras in the box in the 90^th minute and a penalty was awarded. Samaras, now a free agent after leaving Celtic, kept his cool in high pressure circumstances and calmly dispatched the spot-kick to take Greece into the last 16 for the first time in their history. For Ivory Coast, it was another competition they had flattered to deceive.

In Colombia and James Rodriguez, who had scored in every game, a new force in world football was starting to emerge.

Group D

FINAL POINTS: Costa Rica 7, Uruguay 6, Italy 3, England 1

The ‘Group of Death’ brought together former champions Uruguay, England and Italy, along with so-called misfits Costa Rica. What happened in this group was to astound everyone.

Without star striker Luis Suarez for their first match against Costa Rica, Uruguay struggled badly. Edinson Cavani did give them the lead from the penalty spot but second half goals from Joel Campbell, Oscar Duarte and Marco Urena gave Costa Rica a shock 3-1 win. Uruguay’s problems worsened when Maxi Pereira was sent off at the end of the match for a reckless foul on Campbell.

Meanwhile, England and Italy faced off in Manaus. Both sides exchanged early chances before Claudio Marchisio fired Italy infront on 35 minutes. England quickly responded with Daniel Sturridge equalising two minutes later. Sturridge’s goal though was overshadowed by a nasty injury to England physio Gary Lewin in the celebrations. A dislocated ankle ended his involvement in the tournament. Five minutes after the restart, Mario Balotelli put the Italians back ahead and they held on to win 2-1.

Despite the loss, England’s performance was encouraging, so confidence was still high against a Uruguay side that had looked very suspect without Suarez. As predicted, the ex-Liverpool striker returned from injury to the Uruguay fold in Sao Paulo, and as widely feared by the English media, he ran England ragged, giving Uruguay the lead in the 39th minute. 15 minutes from the end, Wayne Rooney finally scored his first goal at a World Cup finals but it wasn’t meant to be. Five minutes from time, Steven Gerrard’s horrendous header played Suarez in. He made no mistake to give Uruguay all three points. The next day, a goal from Bryan Ruiz gave Costa Rica a marvellous 1-0 success over Italy, sending them through to the last 16 and confirming England’s painful exit.

The final round of group games saw Costa Rica and England play out a dull 0-0 draw in Belo Horizonte. England coach Roy Hodgson fielded a reserve side for the game and it wasn’t a great spectacle. Costa Rica had the best of the few chances but opted to play cautiously; knowing their place in the knockout stage was safe. The main drama though was over in Natal.

A draw for Italy would be enough for them to go through whilst Uruguay needed to win. Diego Godin’s header with nine minutes to go settled a bad tempered encounter in favour of the South Americans. Marchisio was sent off for Italy but the headlines were dominated by another moment of madness. Shortly before Godin’s winner, Suarez and Giorgio Chiellini collided in the box. It was only when Chiellini’s protests to the referee and close-up TV replays confirmed what had happened. Suarez had bitten into the Italian’s shoulder. The referee, Mexico’s Marco Rodriguez, missed the incident but it was rightfully referred to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee. Suarez was fined $119,000, thrown out of the tournament immediately, banned for nine international matches, and furthermore, suspended from all football-related activity for four months, including entry into any stadium. It would take a further week before Suarez confessed to his disgraceful actions. Recently, he left a disgusted Liverpool, completing a £74m switch to Barcelona.

Cahill, Baines and Gerrard ponder an early flight home after more England tournament misery

Costa Rica had defied the odds to not only qualify but as group winners, Uruguay had more questions to answer now that the bad boy was gone but it was hugely disappointing for two European heavyweights. Italy left to reflect on their shortcomings, with boss Cesare Prandelli tendering his resignation to the Italian FA following the Uruguay match. For England, Brazil 2014 will go down as their worst performance at a major tournament since the 1988 European Championships and their worst ever showing at a World Cup. The result was not surprising, as it was always going to be a difficult group but it was the manner of how it happened that had shocked and appalled everyone. There is a lot of work ahead for Hodgson and co (pictured above) after another major tournament failure.

Group E

FINAL POINTS: France 7, Switzerland 6, Ecuador 4, Honduras 0

Group E was expected to be a cruise for France, but following their meltdown four years ago in South Africa, nothing was ever certain.

Due to their consistency in friendlies and top eight FIFA ranking, it was actually Switzerland who were top seeds in this group and they began with a nervy 2-1 triumph over Ecuador in the Brazilian capital, Brasilia. Substitutes Admir Mehmedi and Haris Seferovic made the difference after the interval, both scoring to prove legendary coach Ottmar Hitzfeld still had plenty of class in what was his managerial swansong.

In the cool temperatures of Porto Alegre, a storm brewed up between France and Honduras. Paul Pogba was lucky to stay on after lashing out at Wilson Palacios. Palacios got his marching orders before half-time and then, goal-line technology made its first mark at this tournament when Karim Benzema’s early second half effort hit the post but crossed the line according to officials. TV replays shortly afterwards indicated his shot hadn’t crossed the line, but the ball bounced off the back of Honduran goalkeeper Noel Valladares and across the line. It was the right call, but the initial ‘No Goal’ Aston left some confused and flabbergasted. Benzema did get the other two in a routine 3-0 victory.

Honduras did score against Ecuador; their first World Cup goal in 32 years when Carlo Costly scored but two goals from the impressive West Ham-bound striker Enner Valencia ensured an emotional win for the Ecuadorians, playing in the memory of their star striker Christian Benitez who had sadly died last summer from a cardiac arrest whilst playing in the Middle East. Earlier that evening, France blitzed Switzerland in another memorable encounter in Salvador. The French stormed into an unbelievable 5-0 lead, before Switzerland gained some respectability on the scoreline with a couple of late efforts. Benzema was unplayable. He scored once, had another disallowed, missed a penalty and played a part in two other goals. English-based Olivier Giroud and Moussa Sissoko were among the Les Bleus scorers.

So, Switzerland had to win in Manaus to stand any chance of overhauling Ecuador. Luckily, they were playing a dismal Honduras team. Xherdan Shaqiri scored a hat-trick on a great night for him, but it won’t be remembered too fondly by many looking back at the competition. The 3-0 win took the Swiss through, as Ecuador failed to break down France in Rio. The goalless stalemate ended the South Americans’ competition. France had shown plenty of potential though for this tournament and beyond.

Group F

FINAL POINTS: Argentina 9, Nigeria 4, Bosnia-Herzegovina 3, Iran 1

If France had got an easy draw, it seemed Argentina received the same treatment. Matches against Iran and Nigeria were to come, but they kicked off proceedings inside the Maracana, as tournament newcomers Bosnia-Herzegovina began with a huge baptism of fire.

After conceding an early own goal, the Bosnians more than matched Argentina but ultimately, the encounter was settled by a moment of brilliance from Lionel Messi. A late Bosnian goal served only as a consolation as the Argentinians clung on to win 2-1. The following night saw Iran and Nigeria play out a dreary goalless draw.

Lionel Messi broke Iran's resistance with a stunning late winner in Belo Horizonte

Argentina were of course expected to make short work of Iran, though under the management of former Portuguese boss Carlos Queiroz, they had been tipped to be a potential surprise package. A great result was nearly pulled off, before Messi (pictured above) popped up yet again in injury time to deny the Iranians a famous draw in an evenly fought contest. Sadly, Bosnia’s debut World Cup was to be brief. A 1-0 win for Nigeria, their first at a World Cup since 1998, sent them packing though Edin Dzeko had a goal wrongfully disallowed for offside which would have kept them in the tournament.

A point for Nigeria in their final game against Argentina would see them through, although they could also advance if they lost and Iran failed to beat Bosnia. An entertaining encounter in Porto Alegre ended 3-2 in Argentina’s favour as Messi again stated his intentions for star billing in the competition with another two goals. In the end, the defeat still sent Nigeria through, as Iran were beaten 3-1 by Bosnia.

So despite making rather heavy work at times, Argentina had got through with the expected maximum points, Nigeria progressed out of the group stage for the first time since 1998. Bosnia and Iran were left to reflect on what might have been.

Group G

FINAL POINTS: Germany 7, USA 4, Portugal 4, Ghana 1

Considered as one of the favourites to win the entire World Cup, Germany started brilliantly in Salvador, on a day when Portugal hit the self-destruct button. Thomas Muller scored a hat-trick and a bullet Mats Hummels header helped the Germans to a dominant 4-0 win. It was a negative goal difference Portugal never recovered from. They lost Fabio Coentrao to a nasty calf injury, and Pepe was sent off for a stupid head-butt into the face of Muller who did make the most of it. Even Cristiano Ronaldo had an off-day.

The late night drama came between Ghana and USA in Natal. It took the Americans just 30 seconds to open the scoring as Clint Dempsey drilled home from close range. Ghana dominated the second half and drew level with Andre Ayew’s tidy equaliser but with four minutes left, centre-back John Anthony Brooks headed home from a corner to give Jurgen Klinsmann’s Stars and Stripes a popular win and claim partial revenge for elimination at the hands of the Ghanaians in 2010.

That gave the Americans plenty of confidence and also gave the fans masses of belief. In Manaus next against a scarred Portugal, another goal for Dempsey and a wonderful curling shot by Jermaine Jones had them 2-1 up going into stoppage time. With seconds left though, Ronaldo’s delicious cross was met by the head of Silvestre Varela to keep the Portuguese just about alive in the tournament. A day earlier, Miroslav Klose had scored his 15^th World Cup finals goal as Germany recovered from a shaky second half period to draw 2-2 in a pulsating contest with Ghana.

Going into the final round of matches, all four teams could still go through, although Germany and the US were hefty favourites. They met in the rain of Recife where one goal from Muller settled an unattractive match ruined by the conditions. Ghana’s tournament went into chaos when Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were sent home on the eve of the Portugal game for incidents at the team’s training base. Portugal went on to win 2-1, with Ronaldo grabbing the winner. However, their negative goal difference counted against them, meaning despite the loss in Recife to his homeland nation, Klinsmann could rejoice in USA escaping this tricky group.

Germany and USA advanced then. For the world’s greatest player, Brazil 2014 would go on without him. Ronaldo probably wishing he hadn’t even bothered as the lack of contribution from his lower quality teammates spelt Portugal’s downfall at this World Cup.

Group H

FINAL POINTS: Belgium 9, Algeria 4, Russia 2, South Korea 1

Group H was favoured to fancy Belgium. After being in the doldrums through much of the past decade, Marc Wilmots had a squad full of emerging young talent, many of whom play their trade in the Premier League.

The absence of star striker Christian Benteke was partially felt in their first game against Algeria. They fell behind to an Algerian penalty, converted by Sofiane Feghouli, the Algerians first World Cup goal in 28 years after failing to hit the net back in 2010. Belgium had to rely on substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens to bail them out to a 2-1 victory.

Having won a tight qualifying group, Russia, under the management of ex-England coach Fabio Capello, were expected to make a good impression. The first match though against South Korea didn’t go to plan. Russia’s goalkeeper, Igor Akinfeev committed (pictured below), for a man of his experienced calibre, a horrendous howler. Parrying a weak shot from Lee Keun-Ho, the ball slid over his gloves and went over the line before he could control it. Embarrassing! Aleksandr Kerzhakov was able to rescue a point for the below-par Russians.

Igor Akinfeev committed a blunder of the first magnitude against South Korea

The distinctly average performances from both Belgium and Russia were carried through into their meeting against one another. Very few scoring chances were created before Divock Origi, a second half substitute for the out-of-form Romelu Lukaku, sealed a 1-0 win for the Belgians, enough to secure their last 16 berth. If that match lacked entertainment, South Korea v Algeria defied all expectations in Porto Alegre. A six-goal thriller was settled 4-2 in Algeria’s favour, putting them in pole position for progression to the knockout stages for the first time.

Belgium managed to progress from the group stages with maximum points after Jan Vertonghen’s second half strike was enough to see off South Korea 1-0. Algeria and Russia met to dispute who would take the final last 16 place. For a while, it looked to be going to Russia, with an early goal from Aleksandr Kokorin but on the hour mark, Islam Slimani equalised for Algeria but the goal came in controversial circumstances. TV replays showed Akinfeev being distracted by a laser pen being shone in his eyes before the free-kick was taken. The goal was allowed to stand and Akinfeev won himself no friends by throwing a tantrum like a schoolboy. Russia squandered more opportunities and Algeria were able to hold on for the draw required to secure qualification to the knockout stages, making up for it being taken cruelly away from their own hands back in 1982.  

Belgium hadn’t played brilliantly at all but had seen off their meagre opponents whilst Algeria had definitely defied expectations. It had been a miserable tournament for Asia, compounded by South Korea’s exit. In fact, the Korean team bore the brunt of the nation’s anger, as they were pelted with toffee sweets on their return home! As for Russia, Capello underlined his determination to make all World Cup matches involving him just dire. He did even worse than four years ago with England and has been called by Russia’s sporting powers to explain their failings in South America.

So, 48 games down and 16 left. The group stages had been truly magnificent and the knockout rounds were to produce more incredible drama.

Categories: 2014, Algeria, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cristiano Ronaldo, England, Karim Benzema, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Neymar, Spain, World Cup

FIFA 14 - Is it still the king of football games?

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

This article was written for TheRankTank

While the obsessive fans of the Grand Theft Auto series drool over the new game that came out recently, another iconic brand made a quieter but just as productive release last week.

FIFA 14 went on sale at midnight on Friday, 27 September in game shops such as Game and HMV and on many online stores.  The latest version in the popular franchise seems to have got some of the best reviews of its long life, but is it still the king of football games?

A week earlier, Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 made its debut in the shops to almost unnoticed knowledge, such was the widespread talk of GTA as it came out just a few days earlier.  Konami have official licenses to the two European club competitions, the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League but it is letdown by the lack of official club licenses.  Unless readers are fans of Manchester United, English clubs are not licensed.  There are only three German clubs and many other European sides have been removed in recent years as Konami shifted its market more towards Asian and South American outfits.

What is letdown in the license department, Konami have listened to feedback from last year’s lamentable game which was their worst in the current console generation.  The game engine has been radically improved and there is more of a challenge this year, even if the commentary is as basic and bland as ever from Jon Champion and Jim Beglin.

However Pro Evolution Soccer 2014 is a decent game, and arguably has made some ground up after having taken a battering in recent years by its EA counterpart.  Once a competitive battle has become as dominant as Sebastian Vettel has in Formula One, or Usain Bolt in track sprinting.

Nevertheless it meant EA were under pressure to deliver, and they have come up with the most realistic and playable football SIM in the business.  While I will save the more technical gameplay aspect explanations to the expert gamer reviewers, wise and useful changes have been made to allow tempo of a match to be dictated more by the user, team-mates have become smarter in off-the-ball movement and ball physics have become far more realistic.

FIFA's gameplay has improved once again on the latest edition

EA have also been helped by landing two of arguably the best three players in the world on the cover in Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and new Real Madrid signing Gareth Bale, complete in the £85m shirt that was quickly altered after his early September transfer.  The trailer (video below) also features the likes of Stephan El Shaarawy (pictured in the game), Javier Hernandez and Tim Cahill.  Any game with Messi and Bale on the front cover must be worth giving it a try for keen football enthusiasts. 

Other improvements include better updates to the popular FIFA 14 Ultimate Team mode for online users with more formation combinations and stronger team chemistry attributes.  33 leagues have been licensed in over 600 clubs with all the major teams from England, Spain, Germany, France, Italy and Portugal covered.  Lastly there are major updates to the transfer networks, Co-Op seasons and new licensed stadiums such as Goodison Park for Everton FC and Shakhtar Donetsk’s often intimidating Donbass Arena.

When it comes to football games, FIFA 14 isn’t always the king, particularly when you throw management simulations like Football Manager 2014 into the mix but it is still the leader in playable terms, and is likely to be for some time to come.  FIFA 14 is the most authentic game of its generation, but don’t spend an entire weekend infront of the TV screen.  Enjoy playing this challenge in good moderation.

Categories: Barcelona, EA Sports, England, FIFA, Game, Gareth Bale, Grand Theft Auto, HMV, Lionel Messi, September

Respecting the underdog

The underdog should never be discounted.  It doesn’t matter in any form of life what that could be. 

It could be someone who defeats all the odds to achieve a massive win on the bookies, get an important University assignment in on time against all adversity, or overcoming many hurdles thrown at you to achieve the goal you set out to achieve in life.

Oldham's players celebrate after their historic victory

The message is crystal clear.  Never underestimate the underdog or you could feel the force of it.  And in the world of football as an example, it has to go down as ‘Underdog Weekend.’

Not since 1994 has there been a weekend like it in the FA Cup.  Five Premier League sides have been dumped out of the greatest cup competition in the world by lower league outfits, ranging from play-off contenders in the Championship to non-league footballers – who probably earn a tenth of what the likes of Lionel Messi and John Terry earn in a week.

Supporting the underdog…unless it is your team

Footballers are generally overpaid; there is no getting way around it.  It means some people struggle to respect the game in general, and that is understandable.  In such economic hardship, the sport seems to defy all with more inflated transfer fees, and crazy wages being belted out to players – some who simply have no brains to play the game.

So it is these kinds of weekends that makes the neutral fall in love with football and by supporting the underdog, it makes you feel a lot better.  That is of course unless your team is on the wrong end of a classic cup upset.

I felt that this afternoon.  Sitting down to watch Oldham Athletic v Liverpool on ITV today, I wanted my side to be tested, but to avoid the banana skin upset.  From the moment Oldham took the lead in the second minute, a shock was on.

This is a side in League One in the bottom seven, attracting gates of no more than 10,000 – in a stadium which is classic but certainly outdated.  Yet they put the likes of Luis Suarez, Steven Gerrard and co to the sword.  Liverpool are seventh in the Premier League but over 90 minutes, anything can happen and it usually does.

Oldham thoroughly deserved their 3-2 victory and advanced into the fifth round.  I’m hurting, because deep down, I knew this was a competition Liverpool could have realistically won, and the effort from some players today (I won’t mention names) was absolutely abysmal.

However take nothing away from unfancied Oldham.  They had a gameplan, rattled the Premier League giants and scored at crucial moments of the game to keep themselves in the ascendancy.  I wish them all the best and they deserve all the credit.

Outwitted and outfought

It wasn’t just Oldham who were upsetting the formbook.  Mighty Tottenham Hotspur – fourth place in the Premier League couldn’t cope with the intimidating atmosphere of Elland Road, Leeds.  The inconsistent Championship side outfought and outwitted their better opponents to win 2-1. 

While Liverpool’s demise to smaller opposition will take most of tomorrow morning’s headlines, Spurs should be ashamed of themselves.  Their team couldn’t be bothered; they underestimated Leeds and paid the price. 

Reigning European champions Chelsea were very fortunate to leave Griffin Park with a replay, after drawing 2-2 with Brentford.  Their performance was again one where they seemed to think they could coast through with something to spare.  

Well if these players in these clubs do not want to give 100 per cent effort for the crest on their shirt, then they know where the door is.  There are plenty of other people who’d love to do the ‘job’ these so-called Premier League megastars do.

Sometimes, the game of football annoys me massively.  Talking about ball boys, diving and the power of infidelity is not what it is all about, it is these moments that bring a smile to the face of many up and down the land.

Vast differences

As a prime example, take Bradford City from League Two.  Their starting 11 for Tuesday’s Capital One Cup semi-final at Aston Villa was a value total of just £10,000.  Compare that with a Manchester City squad and a total valuation of over £500million.

The differences are vast, and we all want to find magnificent stories that we can treasure forever.  Bradford’s remarkable journey to the final of the League Cup is one that should never be forgotten.

Villa faced up to that humiliation with another shock defeat on Friday night, going down 2-1 at Millwall which started this dramatic weekend.

Premier League no-hopers QPR were caught napping by Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday, trailing 4-0 at one point before losing 4-2 at home.  The Dons have made the last 16 for the first time, and Harry Redknapp’s response afterwards said it all.

He said: “It was disgusting!”

And perhaps the story of the weekend was Luton Town’s amazing victory at Premier League Norwich City.

Scott Rendell scored the only goal as the non-league side won 1-0 at Carrow Road.  They became the first side from the non-league to knock out top-flight opposition since Sutton United from the GM Vauxhall Conference beat Coventry City from Division One 2-1 in 1989.

Upsets aplenty

I will leave you now with highlights of some of the biggest giant-killing upsets in FA Cup history.  Supporters of big teams should look away now.

Congratulations to Oldham Athletic, Luton Town, Bradford City, Milton Keynes Dons, Brentford, Millwall and Leeds United on their incredible results in the last seven days.

You have proven that the romance in cup competitions is very much still alive. 

Football….some game.  Never underestimate the power of the underdog!

Categories: 1994, Brentford, Championship, FA Cup, Lionel Messi, Liverpool, Oldham Athletic, Tottenham Hotspur, Underdog, Wages