19.6.14 World Cup Results - Tue & Wed

Belgium v Algeria

After a very dodgy start, Belgium finally decided to try a bit harder, and eventually overturned Algeria to win 2-1 after going a goal down.  For possibly the first time ever, I saw Marouane Fellaini participate in a game without elbowing anyone in the jugular, cheekbone or mouth.  In fact he scored a goal! Algeria will be disappointed with the outcome, and it was a close call as to whether they were worth a point.

Brazil v Mexico

Well, what a poor outcome for Brazil.  Well done to the Mexican goalkeeper, who played exceptionally well.  As for the Brazilians, I would a rather embarrassing effort and a limp 0-0 performance for a team with so much hype associated with it.  The main attraction was off the pitch.

Russia v South Korea

Fabio Capello

The Russians were simply pathetic, and offered so little invention, while the South Korea team worked like buggery to get somewhere.  The extra effort made up for the lack of footballing skill and experience, and with the Russians not bothering to display any enthusiasm or decent input for ages, I felt the players were possibly as interested in winning as their manager, Fabio Capello, was interested in England during the South Africa World Cup four years ago. In the end, the 1-1 draw was fair enough, and the last 20 minutes because watchable after the first have was simply dire.

Spain v Chile

Spain contrived to lose 2-0 to Chile, and seal an exit from the competition - the first team to go out, and a bit of a shock.  Chile simply outplayed Spain and deserved to win.  There will have to be a massive rethink, and perhaps a big swap-out of players for the next competition, or Spain will become a spent force.

Netherlands v Australia

The Dutch managed to win 3-2 but overall were rather lucky to win.  Australia were better in the first half, and although the Aussies got a penalty for handball that was never warranted, it was a shame to see a goalkeeping error that allowed RVP to get a second goal.  I reckon a draw would have been a fairer result.

Cameroon v Croatia

Mbia thought he was in the World Wrestling Championships, as he brought down a Croatian ahead of a corner being taken, and trod on him for good measure.  So by six minute into the game, I could see some argy-bargy was likely.  With both teams having lost their first game, this was even more likely to be a desperate and contentious affair.  On 35 minutes, the Cameroon number 3, N'Koulou, decided to target a Croatian who was taking a throw in and just push him in the chest, followed by another push on another player four seconds later, to put him on the ground; the referee did fuck all!  Finally the ref woke up to things, and pulled out a red card for Alex Song on 40 minutes having noticed him lashing out.  Twat - Song, not the ref.

1-0 at half time became 2-0 to Croatia within 2 minutes of the restart, and 3-0 on the hour.  At 72 minutes, it was 4-0.  Assou-Ekotto should have been sent off on 90 minutes, for a headbutt on his own team mate.  Croatia must beat Mexico to go through now, though.

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