Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Football news, match reports and fixtures | theguardian.com

06:07

By: TBMU Admin On: 06:07   In:   No comments

Football news, match reports and fixtures | theguardian.com

Croatia v Mexico: World Cup 2014 live!

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:47 PM PDT

World Cup Group A updates live from Recife
Follow Cameroon v Brazil live with Scott Murray
Latest standings: full tables, fixtures and more
Send sweet nothing to ian.mccourt@theguardian.com
Or do them the Twitter way @ianmccourt

Perisic started the moved and Perisic ended it. He picked the ball up midway inside the Mexico half and careered towards the goal. He played the ball to Rakitic who returned the favour. From a tight angle, he tucked the ball into the net.

A touch of pride restored by Perisic.

86 mins Guardado goes. Fabian comes.

85 mins Scrap that last entry. Brazil have got another.

84 mins If the Brazil scoreline stays the same and Mexico manage to find one more goal, then Mexico will top the group.

Another corner, another simple goal. The ball is sent to the front post, Moreno heads it on to the back one and Hernandez has time to learn Russian and read War and Peace in its original language before heading the ball home unmarked.

It's party time for Mexico.

81 mins Definitely higher, much higher.

@ianmccourt Pletikosa is so poor you have to ask where Croatia would've finished in the table had they used a different keeper.

79 mins Some sub news. Jelavic has come on for Pranjic and Peña replaces Peralta.

This is nice, very nice. Mexico won possession just inside their own half. Hernandez and Peralta exchanged lightening-quick passes and the Manchester United was given the space to head for goal. On the edge of the box, he returned the ball to Peralta who swept it across the goal and into the path of Guardado and his first-time effort from inside the box left Pletikosa with no chance.

Game over.

74 mins Just seen a replay of the goal. Pletikosa should have done better, much better. He was far too slow to get down and dirty with it.

That was too easy. A simple corner (from Herrera), some simple loose defending and a simple downward header for the Mexican captain. It was really no more that they deserved.

It's been coming.

71 mins Here's picture of that handball by Srna:

Srna forgets the first rule of #WorldCup: you CAN'T use your hands. #MEXvsCRO pic.twitter.com/prM37nbhig

69 mins Olic goes off and is replaced by Rebic. Lots of tired legs out there. Lots of tired Croatian legs out there.

67 mins Right after those controversial calls, Mexico won themselves a corner. That was swung into the back post by Herrera where Corluka was forced to clear it off the line. Elsewhere, Vazquez has been given a yellow card for back chat I think and he will miss Mexico's next game.

64 mins Mexico are furious and so they should be. weaved his way down the right-hand side and put a dangerous ball into the box. Hernandez is about to head it home but Srna puts an arm in his back to knock him off balance. Penalty? You've seen 'em given. But that's not the only reason they are angry. right after that, the ball fell to Guardado at the back post and his lashed the ball goalwards only for Srna to get his hand in the way. Definite penalty.

62 mins Off with Dos Santos. On with Hernandez. He hasn't scored in 11 games for Mexico.

61 mins Lovren goes over the top and gives away a free-kick near the corner flag on the right. The defenders run up and immediately run right back as Herrera's completely overhits his effort.

59 mins "My irrational, but ever-more-intense, disliking of Neymar has pushed me in to the arms of this match, but somehow, Danny Higginbotham's extra vowels (Mod-er-ic in particular) are possibly even more frustrating" says an angry Matt Dony. "I'm embarrassingly fickle and tetchy. Maybe it's the realisation that we're over half way through the World Cup. I don't want it to end! I'm going to go and pour a whiskey."

58 mins Vrsaljko goes off and on comes Inter's (highly-rated) Kovacic.

57 mins A corner to Mexico. It lands on the head of Peralta and makes its way over the bar.

55 mins Pranjic picks the ball up wide on the left. He looks up and sees that Mandzukic has made an intelligent run into the box away from the defenders. Despite being under little pressure, Pranjic completely overhits his pass. Mandzukic looks angry, like an old man trying to send back soup at a deli, as George Louis Costanza might say.

53 mins This is Photoshopped, right?

Aquí @miseleccionmx viendo el partido como buen mexicano. pic.twitter.com/B6aUbdCfCE

52 mins Normal service resumed.

50 mins Modric picks the ball up from deep and weaves his way into the Mexico box. He swings his leg over the ball but Mexico swing it out for a corner. Into the box it goes but Olic throws Layun to the ground the side in green have possession once more.

48 mins Modric pumps his way down the right-hand side until Vazquez gets his hands all over him and gives away a free-kick. It fails to find its way past the first man and it is eventually hacked away by Moreno.

46 mins From our man on and in the ground:

Have to feel for Croatia fans here. Not only are they massively outnumbered by Mexicans, they are a distant second in the fancy dress too.

45 mins And we are back. No subs to tell you about just yet.

Lost indeed. He is also dropping far too deep, far too often.

9 - Mario Mandzukic had nine touches in the first half, nine fewer than the Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa (18). Lost. #CROvsMEX

Some half-time tactics talk:

HT #CRO 0-0 #MEX Foul count rising, a great deal at stake in this game & both teams know it: http://t.co/E45ot5WmV2 pic.twitter.com/6mvPIjm9Ck

45 mins Croatia get a late fre-kick wide on the right. Rakitic swings it in and Mexico swing it out for a corner. Aguilar and Corluka challenge for that but the referee reckons Corluka has used his elbow and Mexico are awarded a free-kick. Ochoa boots it out and it's half time. Back in a few moments folks.

43 mins And another one.

41 mins By the way, Mexico were furious with the referee after that counterattack. Not for the yellow card given to Marquez but for the fact that he failed to spot Pranjic's out-stretched arm that clearly stopped the flight of the corner and started the Croatia attack.

40 mins Srna took that free-kick and put it a few inches over the bar.

38 mins Guardado wins another corner from the same side. He puts his hand up to signal something or other. Vrsaljko andPranjic combine to give away another one. It come to nothing but a Croatia counterattack which ends with Marquez hacking down Perisic about 30 yards outside the Mexico box. Marquez got a yellow card for his efforts.

36 mins Mexico get a free-kick on their right-hand side, midway inside the Croatia half (Modric got a bit too shirty with Dos Santos). The delivery is a little flat and the danger is dealt with. Mexico reclaim the second ball and eventually earn a corner on the left. Guardado takes it but Mandzukic gets rids of it.

33 mins Croatia play keep ball. Their game eventually comes to an end when Herrera goes down a little too easily under the challenge of Vrsaljko and Mexico are awarded a free-kick.

31 mins "Can't understand those USA folks against Mexico," says a bemused Gene Rochlin. "Perhaps they are not from California where we gladly cheer for Mexico unless they are playing the USA. We are all Norte Americanos, after all. Now, if only Canada could put down their curling stones for a bit and try soccer."

29 mins Eh, this wasn't in the script.

27 mins Srna, wide on the right and near the corner flag, pokes the ball across the box. Mexico clear it but only as far as Pranjic who is holding court just outside the area. He takes control of the ball and aims to beat Ochoa. His effort goes well over.

25 mins So far, Mexico have had the better chances but Croatia are dominating possession. Modric has been quiet so far, very quiet. It's odd that they are playing him so high up the pitch when the world and its mother knows that it's not his best position.

22 mins Olic works hard and wins a throw deep in the Mexico half on the right-hand side. From that Croatia retain possession and pin-ball the football around the edge of the Mexico area. It comes to nothing.

20 mins Peralta is slipped into the box behind the Croatia defence. He is about to blast his side into the lead but just as he swings his good foot he loses his grip on the ground and the ball ends up hitting his wrong leg and going out for a goalkick.

18 mins Gooooooooooooooooooooal! But not here. Here.

16 mins Oh my! What a goal this would have been. Herrera picked the ball up in the middle of the park and drove forward. He played a delicious one-two and kept on going. He then unleashed an abolsute belter of an effort from at least 30 yards out. That beat Pletikosa but could not beat the post.

14 mins Mandzukic drops deep and turns over possession just inside the Mexican half. He takes a step or two and then slides Perisic into some space. He canters his way down the right hand side and into the box. He could shoot from a tight angle but he squares the ball acorss the box looking for the run of Olic. Olic can't quite keep up with the pace of the attack but the Mexican defence take no chances and clear the ball for a corner. That is well worked but comes to nothing.

12 mins The crowd are doing a Mexican wave. Yeah, there's been that much action.

11 mins "I'm not very up on US/Mexican soccer politics," concedes Robin Hazlehurst. "But Daniel Strauss's approach does sound a bit like a Manchester United fan saying 'well if Liverpool win the Champions League it'll be good for the Premier League'. Which sounds a little unlikely I'd have thought."

9 mins Speaking of Rakitic. He has gone in high and late on Vazquez and deservedly earned himself a yellow card. The resulting free-kick from the half-way line finds Herrera in space at the back post but he fails to control the ball and it runs out of play.

7 mins Another Croatia attack, another corner earned. Pranjic pretends to do the same as before until Rakitic comes short. He then swings it in the box and although Perisic gets his toe on it, he hits it miles over the bar. Like Michael Jackson's crib, it will never land.

5 mins The first corner of the game. And it's Croatia's, after some good running from Mandzukic. Pranjic swings in and in-swinger but Mexico deal with it easily enough.

4 mins Croatia knock it about a bit and then knock it right out of play. Bah!

3 mins Kinda.

@ianmccourt I'm an American rooting for Mexico because it'll make a lot of people in the neighborhood happy. I'm doing it wrong, aren't I?

2 mins Mexico dominate the early moments of the game. Layun gets the ball wide on the left and steps inside. He tries to play a pass into Croatia's danger zone but a red and white clad defender it looked like Lovren but Brazil is far away and my eyes ain't that good any more so it's hard to see whacked it away.

1 min Off we go then. The unchanged Mexicans are in their unchanged green number and it is they who get the party started. They are playing right to left in the first half. Croatia are in their red and white stuff.

Out go the teams and soon after the anthems and the respective hands of footballers follow them. For a moment or two, it sounded like some of the fans in the stadium tried to boo the Croatia one. If that is the case, then they are very silly boys and girls. We all still remember what happened when the England fans did that in Wembley a few years ago, right?

"Frankly I don't give a damn what various USA supporters' feelings are about the game" Clarke-Gables Jamie Cooke-Sosa. "This Mexico supporter is really looking forward to the match and thinks we'll just squeeze through with a draw. Chicharito to finally end his goal drought tonight. Vamos!"

"A few weeks ago on ESPN at a round table all the commentators were trying to look magnanimous about rooting for Mexico" reminisces Dave Hill. "Kasey Keller looked straight at them and said this is Mexico were talking about, and then said something about hoping they get squashed. If Kasey Keller can feel that way, who am I to try to get magnanimous?"

"Re Daniel Stauss, I'm also a fan of the USA, and therefore I am cheering against Mexico," tuts Clare Wuerker. "There should be no doubts about that in any of the USA fans' minds. You don't see Brazil and Argentina cheering for each other for CONMEBOL's sake." Well maybe not Clare but there are certain South American countries who cheer each other on, as Stuart James discovered in a Brazilian steakhouse recently.

"I'm a fan of the USA," states Daniel Stauss, "and so this match leaves me conflicted. On the one hand, I want CONCACAF to have a good tournament (the rising tide lifting all boats and all), but on the other hand, it's Mexico. It's Mexico captained by Rafa Marquez. I'm conflicted." Can anyone out there offer Daniel some advice on how to feel about his or, indeed, offer him a way out of his quandary?

In modern football, amid all the money and greed, there is something wonderfully appealing about Ivica Olics old-fashioned attitude and style of play, reckons Marcus Marcus Christenson.

In many ways, it was Ivica Olic who set the tone for this wonderfully rumbustious World Cup. Sure, Oscar was doing his fancy stuff at the other end of the pitch, as was Neymar, but it was the 34-year-old Croat and his galloping runs down the left who made the biggest impression at the start of the opening game just over a week ago.

There was no messing around, just straightforward, glorious wing play. It was as if he had been flung in from a different era an era before Arsène Wenger decided that all attacking players (bar one perhaps) should be short, nimble-footed midfielders who pass the ball around beautifully and parachuted in behind the space left behind by the Brazil right-back Dani Alves.

Apparently there is another match going on tonight. Cameroon and some team or other. Scott Murray can tell you more.

Mexico: Ochoa, Rodriguez, Marquez, Herrera, Layun, Dos Santos, Moreno, Guardado, Peralta, Aguilar, Vazquez. Subs: Corona, Talavera, Salcido, Reyes, Fabian, Jimenez, Pulido, Hernandez, Ponce, Brizuela, Aquino, Peña.

Croatia: Pletikosa; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Corluka, Pranjic; Srna, Rakitic, Modric, Perisic; Mandzukic, Olic. Subs: Zelenika, Subasic, Vukojevic, Jelavic, Schildenfeld, Brozovic, Badelj, Rebic, Sammir, Kovacic, Vida, Eduardo.

La alineación de México #MEX para el #CRO Vs. #MEX #CROvsMEX http://t.co/kYUvrKNnO9 pic.twitter.com/ljVZXREHaR

La alineación de Croacia #CRO para el #CRO Vs. #MEX #CROvsMEX http://t.co/kYUvrKNnO9 pic.twitter.com/tpEsVjCexf

You probably want to know what can and what cannot happen tonight, right? Right. Well, with the exception of the Cameroon who have already booked their flights home, everyone has a chance of making it into the next round of this here World Cup. Brazil will go through if they take a point or three from their match against the domitable Lions in Brasilia. Check that optimism in at the door though fans of Brazil, for if Croatia and Mexico draw, and Brazil lose to Cameroon by two goals or more then it is third place for them and a whole lot of Hell to pay. Of course, Brazil could lose and still qualify but that would require Mexico taking Croatia to the cleaners. Such a result would mean Mexico top the group with Brazil in second. Does that all make sense?

It's 1999 and the Ireland Under-20s are at the World Cup finals in Nigeria. There are no mobiles; there are no laptops; there is no Twitter; there are no english-speaking channels on the TV. Security tells them they can't leave the confines of the hotel. Some of the players amuse themselves by practicing their putting, others are gathered in a room shooting the breeze. One thing leads to another and one player leads the way in suggesting a competition to end the tedium. 'Why don't we see who can be first to treat his body like a rollercoaster and finish the ride?' says he. There were seven in the room. Two walked out and the other five stayed. Presumably boredom was, eh, relieved.

That Ireland side may have been beset with boredom but that has certainly not been the case with this World Cup. Thrills, spills, glorious goals, ignominious errors, headbutting team-mates, coruscating cards, cussin' pundits, brilliant bum-rushes, this tournament has had it all and much, much, much more besides. And so tis a shame that some squads, like a teenager with box-square parents that just don't get it ('Dad, it's so not like when you were a teenager. IT'S DIFFERENT NOW!!!'), have to go home early, not least the two sides strutting their stuff this evening in the Arena Pernambuco in Recife, Mexico and Croatia. (Yeah, yeah, Cameroon could beat Brazil and pigs, flying, aunties, uncles etc ...)

Given that a place in the next round is riding on this game these teams could be forgiven for going into this game shaking like a toothache. Although out of the two, Mexico should be shaking just a little less. Thanks to their victory over Cameroon a game which they dominated and should have won by many more goals were it not for some retched refereeing as well as their impressive draw with Brazil, they have a point more than their Croatian counterparts. In both of these games, one of their strongest assets has been their mental fortitude. When they had those two perfectly fine goals by Giovani dos Santos chalked off against Cameroon, Miguel Herrera was on the sideline boiling like an angry kettle. But his side kept their cool and their composure and they finished the job.

Twas the same, but different, against Brazil. For most of the match, they found themselves under some heavy-duty pressure from the hosts, their twinkle-toed stars and their fan base. And yet they did not crumble. They remained disciplined and diligent from start to finish and put together some nice moves in between. (Heck, they could have even won late on had Raúl Jiménez been a bit more composed in front of goal.) Of course, against Brazil, they were aided by Twitter's Guillermo Ochoa. Twas an incredible performance, of that there is no doubt, (though that save was not even on the same continent as Banks'), but the fact that he was called upon so often against an under-performing Brazil side, must have Mexican sweaty of palm, especially when they witnessed Croatia carving open Cameroon.

And carve them open they did. With ease. Without pain. With ataraxia. Without agitation. And with the help of Alex Song, whose elbow-led brain implosion was almost as comical as it was crazy. His early shower made things much, much easier for Croatia, of course, and if they had any manners about them, they'd send him a nicely-worded thank you card with a funny message on the front. While they are at it, they should also send a thank you note to Ivan Perisic. Perisic's perfectly precise pass set up the first goal and his rampaging romp down the wing saw him score the second and settle the tie as a contest. He also put in some decent and dangerous passes into the enemy box, did his fair share of defensive duties and should be a real treat for Everton should they can convince Wolfsburg to let him go. And sure while they have the pen out just let Mario Mandzukic know how glad you are to have him back.

"I am not responsible for this victory," puffed Mandzukic afterwards, "the whole team played superbly." He was right too. Perisic and Mandzukic have been singled out but the entire Croatian team were on point without or without the ball at their feet. If Croatia were to take three points from Mexico, they would be through to the second round for the first time since 1998. They famously finished third that time. No one in their right, or indeed wrong, mind expects them to repeat those heroics. But this is the World Cup and funny things happen at World Cups. Just ask those lads in Irish squad.

Continue reading...

Cameroon v Brazil: World Cup 2014 live!

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:47 PM PDT

World Cup Group A updates live from Brasília
Follow Croatia v Mexico live with Ian McCourt
Anyone for an MBM of the 1950 Maracanaço 'final'?
Latest standings: full tables, fixtures and more
And feel free to email scott.murray@theguardian.com

88 min: A long Cameroon punt down the middle. Webo troubles Luiz a bit, though the Brazilian defender eventually mops up.

86 min: Top spot's a done deal for Brazil. Croatia have themselves a consolation goal against Mexico: 3-1.

The pressure's off Brazil, too. Mexico had just gone 3-0 up against Croatia. One more goal for them, and they'd top the group! But suddenly relief. A loose Cameroon pass from a quickly taken free kick deep in their own half. Some rat-a-tat triangulation, and Fernandinho's clear in the box down the left! He sends a laser-guided effort across Itandje and into the bottom right! Surely the Brazilians will have top spot now. And they'll avoid the Dutch, which is good news for the hosts because I'd imagine this defence wouldn't hold up too brilliantly against Arjen Robben.

82 min: Anyway, after a lengthy stoppage for running repairs to Gustavo, and that Cameroon sub, the free kick, 35 yards out, down the left channel. Dani Alves blasts a fairly witless effort straight into the wall. Deflected. From the corner, Webo is clattered on the lug by Luiz. The pressure's off Cameroon.

81 min: Choupo-Moting is replaced by Makoun.

80 min: Mbia is booked for upending Gustavo, who was making good along the inside-left channel with some haste.

79 min: Willian tries to find Fred in the middle, but the cross is deflected and the striker's offside.

77 min: It's just a pleasant kickabout now, this. Mbia threatens to break down the inside-left channel, but there's no real purpose in his romp.

74 min: Salli is booked for toe-punting Dani Alves on the instep. Ooyah, oof.

72 min: A change for Cameroon, too, with Aboubakar - a player who's put in a decent shift in this game, his last act a delightful little backheel from the centre circle that sent Salli into acres of space down the left and momentarily wrongfooted the hosts - being replaced by Webo.

71 min: Neymar jars his knee a little, and Scolari is taking no chances. The striker looks fine, in that he's wandering off the field without limping or grimacing, but he's instantly replaced by Willian. Precautionary, and very sensible. Neymar has been excellent this evening.

70 min: It's end to end, if we don't count either final third. First Salli has a probe down the left, then Neymar embarks on a skitter down the middle. But both young men are soon stopped in their tracks.

68 min: Neymar should be clear in the Cameroon area, straight down the middle. But he's overly eager to reach Ramires's low crossfield pass from the right, and is rightly flagged offside. The hat-trick will have to wait.

66 min: Brazil would obviously like another goal or two, but there's a sense that everyone's happy enough at the moment. Brazil are back in winning ways, while Cameroon have put on a decent show. No real urgency being shown by either side.

63 min: Ramires comes on for Hulk.

62 min: Neymar attempts to burst past Nyom down the left with a sassy snatch of skill, gripping the ball between his feet and jumping. But instead of attempting a simple Cuauhtemiña, the rabbit hop patented by Mexico's Cuauhtémoc Blanco back in the 1990s, he looks to run the ball up the back of his heel while in mid-air and flick it over his head. It doesn't come off, and Nyom rather refreshingly clips him round the lug for his cheek as the two jog back upfield. Neymar doesn't look happy about it, but if you try these things, this is what's going to happen.

60 min: Fernandinho is spoken to by the referee after a little tug on Salli's shoulder. He's in real danger of going in the official's little book soon, if he's not careful.

59 min: Cameroon make a change: Moukandjo is replaced by the Lens winger Edgar Salli.

56 min: Brazil are stroking it around the back. The jangling nerves seem a long time ago now. Contentment reigns.

54 min: Fernandinho clatters into Bedimo, as the busy left back looks to make ground down the wing. Not the greatest challenge you'll ever see. Bedimo does an awful lot of rolling around.

52 min: Brazil appear to be in the mood to blow away a few cobwebs. They're coming forward in waves. Waves. Anyone for more Tom Jobim?

Space for Gustavo down the left. The ball's clipped to the right post, where Fred slaps a header home from six yards! He's a yard offside, but the decision goes his way. As the ball nestles into the right-hand side of the net, Fred goes off on a bomb around the stadium. Relief? I should say so.

48 min: A fast start to this half all right. Fred has a whack from distance, his low fizzer going in at the bottom left but palmed out of play by Itandje. Brilliant save. Then from the corner, Enoh body checks Neymar down the left and should see his second yellow, but the ref is lenient. From the free kick, Neymar's dipping shot from the wing is tipped over. And from the resulting corner ...

47 min: Two early chances for Hulk. He kicks the ball against his own ankle and out of play when clear down the right. Then moments later he's free down the middle, but Bedimo tackles him in the penalty box brilliantly. If that was mistimed, Cameroon were in all sorts of trouble.

We're off again! A change for Brazil. Fernandinho is on for the very poor Paulinho. Cameroon get the ball rolling again, and then test it for pressure by blasting it into orbit. After 10 seconds, it falls back to earth, and is gathered by Julio Cesar. Meanwhile for those of you who like bowing, scraping and furiously tugging your forelock celebrity spotting, Prince Harry's in the crowd at this game. Here he is behind a balcony, striking the sort of stiff-backed pose favoured by your old-fashioned despots. I'm sure he'll look more relaxed when he rocks up at Wimbledon in a few days, as part of what must be a very gruelling schedule.

The Guardian half-time spa: I recommend a little reset and relaxation during the break, as that was rather more hectic than anyone could have reasonably anticipated. Kári Tulinius has sent in his favourite version of the aforementioned Águas de Março, and very calming it is too. Listen to Elis Regina do her silky thing ...

An absurd, topsy-turvy half ends with Neymar, Oscar and Fred ripping Cameroon open down the left with pretty little first-time triangles. They feed Hulk, who's clear in the area, down the left. But he's close to goal, there's not much time or room to play with, and his clumsy scuff is parried by Itandje. The corner's wasted, and that's the end to the opening 45.

43 min: Paulinho misplaces another pass, and Enoh is able to make good for the Brazilian box, down the middle of the park. Luiz is forced to cynically hack him down. That should be a yellow, but there's no card. It is a free kick, though, 30 yards from goal. Moukandjo pitching-wedges the ball into the area, whereupon a minor stramash breaks out. Eventually Dani Alves blooters clear, but once again the home defence didn't look particularly secure.

41 min: The Brasilia crowd are much happier right now. There was some genuine concern back there, with Cameroon briefly in the ascendency. Cameroon don't appear to be in any sort of mood to give up the ghost quite yet, mind you, despite going behind again. What a dismal showing in their first two games, a shame they didn't perform like this earlier. They're demob happy today, anyway.

39 min: Nyom embarks on what can only be described as a Garrinchian wander down the right. It's a baroque ramble, beating four men! Then he blooters a deep cross to the far post, where Dani Alves is forced to dispatch the ball behind for a corner. Moukandjo has a dig from distance at the taking of the resulting set piece, billowing the side netting, Julio Cesar always covering.

37 mins: Hulk has a batter towards goal from 25 yards. It's heading into the bottom left, a really decent whack, but Itandje is down well to parry round the post. From the resulting corner, Luiz can't guide the header goalwards.

They might not be so worried now. And this is brilliant. A long rake down the left for Brazil, and the ball eventually breaks to Neymar. He drifts inside, a dip of the hip and some glide in his stride, and upon reaching the left-hand side of the D, fires a low shot into the bottom left-hand corner of the net, Itandje wrongfooted, everyone expecting the striker to continue on his way to the right. Another world-class finish, and that's four in three games for Neymar!

33 min: Not exactly. Moukandjo's delivery ends up at the feet of Mbia, on the edge of the area, to the left of goal. Mbia looks for the top right, and that was whistling goalwards in a very dangerous manner. Fortunately for Brazil, the ball's deflected out, and the next corner comes to naught. But these are very worrying signs for the hosts.

32 min: Nyom and Mbia triangulate down the right, forcing a panicked Luiz to intercept. But he can only slice out for a corner. Can Brazil deal with this one better?

29 min: Bedimo is in space down the left, and he's released towards the box by a lovely sliderule pass from Moukandjo. But he went too soon. Offside. Brazil are very worried, and all over the shop at the back. Have they started thinking the unthinkable?

The ball's shifted right to left. Nyom is allowed to break through a pathetic tackle by Dani Alves down the wing. He's in acres of space! He romps into the box and fires a low cross through the six-yard box, where Matip sidefoots home from close range!

24 min: Cameroon were looking good for a while before the goal, and they make it upfield again, Enoh jigging down the inside-right and shooting, the ball deflecting off Dani Alves and out for a corner. From that corner, Matip sees a header deflected onto the right-hand angle of crossbar and post, off Luiz for another corner. From which ...

21 min: This is also in danger of turning into a masterclass of comedy from Fred. Paulinho enters the Cameroon box down the left. He's in acres. A low ball towards the big striker, six yards out. Fred falls over. He first tries to nudge the ball goalwards with his buttocks, then lunges to nut it over the line while on all fours. But Itandje, in a DH Lawrence style tangle with him on the floor, gets to the loose ball first. What slapstick nonsense. I'm beginning to feel for Fred now, he's so desperate to score and get his critics off his back, his motor skills have gone.

20 min: This is already in danger of turning into a masterclass from Neymar, who meets a dropping ball on the edge of the Cameroon area, just to the left of the D. He swings a lazy left leg, and volleys gorgeously goalwards. The ball's going to crash into the net, just under the bar, but Itandje parries into the air, and Cameroon clear.

Brazil pressurise Cameroon down the left wing. Gustavo takes up possession and romps down the touchline. He whips a low ball into the area. Neymar opens up his body and guides a first-time sidefoot into the bottom-right corner, Itandje rooted to the spot! Such a delicate, precise finish! That's a lovely touch. Note to Cameroon: do not irritate Neymar.

15 min: Haw. Some old-school tactics from Nyom. He's chasing a long Brazilian punt down the left, with Neymar. The ball goes out of play. Nyom shoves Neymar into the bank of photographers behind the goal, just because he can, and to show him who's boss. Bad idea, though, because ...

14 min: A free kick for Cameroon, in the middle of the Brazilian half. Moukandjo launches it into the Brazil area. He very nearly finds the head of Aboubakar, six yards out, but the ball flies through to Julio Cesar, on the line. Any touch there, and it was an opening goal, because the Brazilian defence were sleeping there. Where were Thiago Silva and Luiz? Not anywhere near making a clearing header, that's for sure.

13 min: The Estadio Nacional in Brasilia is a fairly quiet and anxious place right now. Because Cameroon are on top right now. Aboubakar rolls a pass down the left for Choupo-Moting, who fires low into the area from near the byline. Luiz is forced to hack clear. Brazil started very strongly indeed, but they're looking nervous at the moment.

11 min: Enoh is booked for a pretty damn clumsy scissor challenge on Luiz. It wasn't full-blooded, and there seemed no malice. But it deserved censure.

9 min: Brazil don't look particularly solid at the back. Enoh goes on a wander down the left, and sends a low cross into the area. It's deflected back to Aboubakar, on the edge of the box. He's got time to take a touch and lamp a shot towards the right-hand side of the Brazilian goal. Not totally sure Julio Cesar would have got to it, but fortunately for Brazil, Thiago Silva is there to block. The resulting corner is a waste of time, but that will worry the Brazilians.

7 min: In between those two Fred chances, a half-chance for Cameroon to break clear on the Brazilian goal. Paulinho misplaces a pass in the midfield, and for a second it looks like Aboubakar will have a clear run down the inside-left channel from the centre circle! But the ball gets caught between his boots, and he can't get a steam on. Brazil got away with that one.

5 min: Another Fred shot, another one that's blocked, as he's sent into the area down the right channel by Hulk. But he's getting into positions. It only needs one to go in, doesn't it. The corner's swallowed up by an unchallenged Itandje. "Nice that you mentioned that match in 1975, that Cubillas goal still bring chills in my spine, specially since there's so little to cheer about Peruvian football now," writes Eduardo Villanueva of Lima. "But Brazil didn't play with a full squad in the Copa America that year. For reasons I'm no longer recall, they decided to use only players from Minas Gerais; the match itself was in Belo Horizonte. The reverse fixture in Lima was 2-0 for Brazil and Peru only went through the finals thanks to cheating by Peruvian officials during the drawing of lots."

3 min: Fred's misery continues. Neymar and Hulk combine down the right, the latter sprung free into the area. Hulk, to the right of goal, cuts the ball back for Fred, who should send a first-time slapshot into the net, Itandje having followed the ball when Hulk had it down the right. But his shot is snuffed out at source, blocked immediately by Matip.

2 min: Neymar takes, Brazil having loaded the box. The execution is appalling, chipped over every single yellow shirt and cleared easily by N'koulou.

And we're off! Brazil get the ball rolling. And within five seconds launch a Watford-esque long ball down the middle. Cameroon clear. But Brazil are soon coming back at Cameroon, Hulk racing down the right. Bedimo hauls him back by the face, and this is a free kick in a very dangerous position, just outside the Cameroonian area.

The teams are out! Brazil should be wearing the most evocative ensemble in world sport, their famous yellow shirts with green trim and blue shorts. But they're not. White shorts today. NOT ACCEPTABLE. Cameroon meanwhile are resplendent in their lovely green tops, a design classic in its own right, although one that looked even better when an absurdly oversized lion motif took up the entire left tit.

Three changes for Cameroon. One enforced: after raking his elbow down the back of Croatia striker Mario Mandzukic and getting himself sent off, Alex Song misses out. Another's sort of enforced: Benoit Assou-Ekotto also sits on the naughty step after planting the nut on his team-mate Benjamin Moukandjo. Aurelien Chedjou also drops to the bench. Henri Bedimo, Allan Nyom and Landry N'Guemo get the call.

Brazil recall Hulk, but that doesn't mean Fred's been packed off to the glue factory. He replaces Ramires, and we're back to the same team Scolari sent out to face Croatia. And didn't that go well. Time for the Fluminense striker to repay his manager's faith. He could do worse than take a little advice from When Saturday Comes illustrator Tim Bradford. [Warning: link contains dangerous earworm that eats into middle of head and refuses to come back out. The Guardian accepts no responsibility for etc., and so on, and so forth]

Cameroon: Itandje, Nyom, Matip, N'Koulou, Bedimo, Enoh, Moukandjo, Mbia, N'Guemo, Choupo-Moting, Aboubakar.
Subs: Feudjou, Assou-Ekotto, Djeugoue, Nounkeu, Eto'o, Makoun, Chedjou, Webo, Fabrice, Salli, N'Djock.

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho, Gustavo, Hulk, Oscar, Neymar, Serginho Fred.
Subs: Jefferson, Fernandinho, Dante, Maxwell, Henrique, Ramires, Hernanes, Willian, Bernard, Jo, Maicon, Victor.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil has been a thing of wonder so far. Robin van Persie's header. Lionel Messi's goals. Algeria's first win since 1982. John Brooks's celebration. Andrea Pirlo's crossbar-bothering free kick. Cristiano Ronaldo's neck-saving cross. Thomas Muller's hat-trick. Karim Benzema's futile on-the-stroke-of-full-time stunner. The relentlessness of Alexis Sanchez. The emergence of James Rodriguez. Iran's determination. Guillermo Ochoa's saves. Ghana's quick breaks and spurned chances. Luis Suarez's miracle recovery. Bryan Ruiz, the Pak Doo Ik and Ahn Jung-hwan de nos jours. A stick. A stone. The end of the road. It's a sliver of glass. It is life. It's the sun. And the riverbank talks of the waters of March. It's the end of all strain! It's the joy in your heart!

Continue reading...

Frank Lampard not ready to bring down curtain on England career

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:39 PM PDT

Stand-in captain for final World Cup game against Costa Rica says young players must learn to develop a thick skin

Frank Lampard had moved to nip all talk of farewells in the bud. The midfielder who turned 36 last Friday deemed the buildup to Englands final group game of a desperately anticlimactic World Cup campaign hardly the time to reminisce over a 15-year career at this level. Besides, even if his 106th cap proves to be his last, his duties will extend into the summer regardless.

After all, there may be some counselling services to offer once home. Ill happily talk to the boys and let them know that, at a young age, you have to take things on the chin, he said, when asked about the anticipated reaction to elimination and how it may affect the juniors in this squad.

Continue reading...

Roy Hodgson tells Gary Neville to continue as pundit and England coach

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:30 PM PDT

Hodgson warns against quick route into management
Id say to him: dont be in too much of a rush to do anything

Roy Hodgson has urged Gary Neville to continue combining his duties as an England coach and pundit for Sky Sports rather than seeking an immediate route into club management.

Neville has played a hands-on role over the past month, from Portugal to Florida to Rio, and his influence within the England set-up increased after Hodgsons assistant, Ray Lewington, required knee surgery following the squads arrival in Brazil. That restricted Lewingtons input on the training ground and allowed Neville, who was always considered a fine conduit between the coaching and playing staff, to take up the reins and enjoy the daily work with the squad that tournament football brings.

Continue reading...

World Cup 2014: Germany confident ahead of group decider with Klinsmann's USA video

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:30 PM PDT

Germany assistant coach Hans-Dieter Flick praises his team's fightback against Ghana ahead of their final group game against the USA on Thursday. The United States are managed by former Germany manager Jürgen Klinsmann and if the teams draw, both will progress to the next round. Flick insists that the Germans won't play for a draw and will treat the match as a play-off. Continue reading...

Sunderland interested in taking Chelseas Kurt Zouma on seasons loan

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:29 PM PDT

Teenage centre-half signed from Saint-Etienne for £12m
Chelsea have allowed Tomas Kalas to join Cologne on loan Continue reading...

Roy Hodgson in a realm of despair as England aim to avoid whitewash

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:07 PM PDT

When asked for clues to his team to face Costa Rica, the manager was happy to rattle off the names one to 11

Once again England find themselves in one of their looking-forward phases, just earlier than normal and with enough deja vu for it to feel as uncomfortable as wet trousers. After the recriminations, public apologies, and an early hotel check-out, Roy Hodgsons team return to the business of playing football matches Tuesday and promising, just for a change, that it can be different next time. There is no point dressing it up: it feels flat in the extreme.

Hodgson does not usually name his team before England matches and has employed security from the Escola Superior de Guerra to ensure total privacy for his training sessions back in Rio de Janeiro, so there was something revealing about his response when he was asked for clues about his selection and proceeded to rattle off the names, one to 11, and even divulge what formation they would play.

Continue reading...

Hollands Arjen Robben looks like a player fulfilled at World Cup

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:05 PM PDT

It is a sign of the way the winger has matured that, at the age of 30, captaincy suited him during the victory over Chile

The expression on Arjen Robbens face as he led his country out on to the pitch, navy armband wound around his left biceps, suggested this was not a moment he would take lightly. Captain of Holland at a World Cup finals: he looked like a footballer on top of his game and utterly fulfilled. He gave the impression that this was a sporting experience he never imagined possible.

In fairness, electric wingers who by their very nature play with speed and guile and a maverick spirit that does not tally with the traditional qualities required for the leader of a teams strategy and spirit tend not to make authentic captains. Before this, Robben had one opportunity to start with the armband before, for a friendly against Japan when Robin van Persie was injured. A handful of times he has taken over during a game when the first choice has been substituted.

Continue reading...

Favela residents make World Cup work for them with home stays for fans

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 02:00 PM PDT

Some supporters are shunning Brazils expensive hotels and say they feel safer in the favela than they do on Copacabana beach

Of the many advantages Maria Claras house offers, accessibility is not among them. First, you have to take a moto-taxi aka, risk seemingly certain death on the back of someones motorcycle which will race through the winding and chaotic streets of Rocinha, Brazils biggest favela. Then you walk up a perilous cobble path that at times appears to be almost entirely vertical. About halfway up the path, you might spot a house on your right that, from the outside, looks like nothing much. At this point, you have to shout out to Maria Clara and, if she hears you, after several shouts, shell peer over the roof and throw over the key to the door. At this point, you and maybe your luggage, maybe not have arrived at your hotel.

Well, hotel is not quite the right word. Not a bed and breakfast either we are a republic here, says the grinning Maria Clara, a smart and wiry grandmother who plies visitors with sweet coffee and biscuits, and she has many visitors these days. Since January, she has opened up her deceptively spacious house to guests, who live there with her and her family. She is completely booked up during the World Cup, mainly with American and Mexican fans who sleep on bunk beds in her back rooms and eat supper with her and her family on the roof terrace.

Continue reading...

World Cup: USA v Portugal the most-viewed soccer match ever in the US

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 01:48 PM PDT

Neilsen company says more than 24.7 million viewers watched USA's thrilling draw with Portugal on ESPN and Univision

World Cup fever grips America

Continue reading...

Roy Hodgson urges Englands younger players to shine against Costa Rica

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 01:44 PM PDT

Hodgson hopes Lallana and co can lift realm of despair
Tells players they have a great opportunity to prove their worth

Roy Hodgson has admitted Englands premature elimination from the World Cup had plunged him and his squad into a realm of despair as he urged the teams youngsters to restore some measure of pride with victory in their final group game against Costa Rica on Tuesday.

The manager has named a radically changed selection for the game at Estádio Mineirão, with Luke Shaw and Ross Barkley to gain their first competitive starts and Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Ben Foster drafted into the defence.

Continue reading...

World Cup 2014: Vicente del Bosque is optimistic over Spains future

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 01:11 PM PDT

Consolation win over Australia gives coach breathing room
Del Bosque will decide his future on return to Spain

In consolation victory, some breathing room. Vicente del Bosque, who has spent much of the past few days refusing to commit to the national team beyond the disaster of this World Cup, appeared to take some solace from what was a relatively comfortable 3-0 win over Australia by deflecting the decision over his future until the team returns to Spain.

I will speak to my president and general secretary and we will decide whatever is best for Spanish football with no drama, just making the decision rationally, he said.

Continue reading...

Costa Rica living the dream as they prepare for Englands final scene

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 01:06 PM PDT

Jorge Luis Pinto aims to prove his Group D leaders are crystalline and pure after Fifa slighted them by having seven players drug-tested following victory over Italy Continue reading...

Luis Suárez: English press spurred me on to enact revenge for Uruguay

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 12:35 PM PDT

Suárez claims the English media made fun of me
Striker determined to play in deciding Italy match

Luis Suárez has once again railed at his treatment at the hands of the English media, saying that he felt under attack in the newspapers before Uruguays World Cup tie against England last Thursday, which he would settle with two outstanding goals.

The Liverpool striker is preparing for the decisive Group D fixture against Italy, which Uruguay must win if they are to progress to the last 16, and he admitted that his battle for 100% fitness continues. Suárez, who had knee surgery on 22 May, said he had pushed himself to the very limit in his comeback game against England to help his country to the 2-1 victory that meant so much to him.

Continue reading...

Roy Hodgson gives Englands youngsters a chance against Costa Rica

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 12:28 PM PDT

Shaw, Wilshere and Barkley named in World Cup lineup
Cahill and Sturridge the only survivors from defeat by Uruguay Continue reading...

Jürgen Klinsmanns progress with USA has fans now expecting success

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 12:03 PM PDT

Fans dejection shows how far USA have come when a draw against Portugal is seen as a failure

The departure hall in Manaus was awash with red, white and blue. Just hours after Silvestre Varelas late header had denied the USA a famous victory over Portugal, several hundred members of the American Outlaws supporters group poured into the citys airport to prepare for the next leg of their World Cup voyage. Some were headed straight for Recife, where their team will face Germany in a decisive last group game on Thursday. But most were returning to temporary bases in Natal.

They curled up in corners and on benches to while away the hours before their early morning flights. The mood was distinctly subdued. Just imagine how different this place would have looked if we hadnt conceded that goal, said one supporter, as he and a friend discussed their teams chances of making it through to the last 16.

Continue reading...

World Cup diary: Maracanãs bare pitch raises worries for future games

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 11:23 AM PDT

Belgium and Russia have complained about the surface at Brazils iconic venue, which has five more matches to host Continue reading...

Holland top Group B after Leroy Fer header helps break Chiles resolve

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 11:20 AM PDT

Louis Van Gaal put his match-winning double substitution down to luck but his smile betrayed the fact he thought otherwise. A second-half header from Norwich Citys Leroy Fer only two minutes after coming on ensured Holland topped the group with maximum points in front of Chile and booked a theoretically easier passage to the semi-finals.

The decisive corner had been won by another substitute, Memphis Depay, and it was Fer who was left in the space created by a Ron Vlaar run to score with a muscular, stooping header. Depay, expected to start instead of the suspended Robin Van Persie but left on the bench in favour of underwhelming Jeremain Lens, added a second at the end from a rapier-like Arjen Robben run and cross.

Continue reading...

David Villa helps Spain salvage some pride with victory over Australia

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 11:12 AM PDT

Spain attended their own funeral dressed in black. They came not to mourn their passing but to commemorate their life but there will be no evading the melancholy, nor the recriminations, and this was no celebration. It felt like it would be a game to endure not to enjoy. Spain departed Brazil to whistles and boos from Brazilian supporters who have been against them throughout this tournament and there were tears too, but they departed with a win.

Goals from David Villa, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata defeated Australia, prevented Spain from finishing bottom of Group B, and momentarily recalled a time when they were world champions, not the first team out. But there is no going back.

Continue reading...

World Cup 2014: Brazil's Luiz Felipe Scolari and Thiago Silva are wary of complaceny against Cameroon - video

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 11:10 AM PDT

Brazil manager Luis Felipe Scolari warns his team against complacency before their final match in Group A against Cameroon. Their captain Thiago Silva urges the Seleção to take Cameroon seriously. The hosts need just a point from the game to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition. Cameroon have already been eliminated after defeats to Mexico and Croatia Continue reading...

Australia v Spain: World Cup 2014 as it happened

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 11:07 AM PDT

Spain finally won a game while Australia will be heading home without a win, but much to be proud about from the World Cup

Continue reading...

Ivory Coast given incentive to transform Elephants forgettable record

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 11:07 AM PDT

Nations president offers Ivory Coast players double bonuses
Aim to go beyond World Cup group stage for first time

Sabri Lamouchi may have resisted pleas to start Didier Drogba but the Ivory Coast have not abandoned time-honoured tactics completely. The countrys president has made the tried but not always trusted offer to double players bonuses should they beat Greece on Tuesday and take the Elephants beyond the World Cups group stage for the first time. It is a reputation for choking, not their bank balances, they need to improve in Brazil.

Africas representatives have begun to restore pride and hope after a worrying start to the tournament, exemplified by Cameroon. Algeria and Nigeria have their first wins, Ghana stretched Germany to the limit and now it falls to Ivory Coast to finish what they started against Japan by accompanying Colombia out of Group C. The problem is not simply an obstinate Greek opponent with a knack of scraping through but Ivory Coasts record of folding when expectations are high. We need to be stronger mentally, Gervinho admitted before the decider here.

Continue reading...

Holland 2-0 Chile: World Cup 2014 as it happened

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 11:01 AM PDT

Late goals from Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay sealed top spot in Group B for Holland
Latest standings: check out the full tables from Brazil

Continue reading...

Portugals Cristiano Ronaldo: I never thought we could be world champions

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 10:38 AM PDT

Im here, Im fighting, Im trying to do my best
Im here body and soul to help the national team

Portugals captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has said after their last-gasp draw against USA he is giving his all to the team but revealed he never anticipated he would be lifting the World Cup this summer.

The Real Mardrid forward had been labelled as Portugals big hope heading into the finals but a long-standing knee injury has meant his contribution in the first two Group G fixtures has been curtailed. They play Ghana on Thursday in their final group game.

Continue reading...

Helena Costa will not after all take over as Clermont Foot coach

Posted: 23 Jun 2014 10:07 AM PDT

Costa made sudden decision not to join club, says president
Portugueses initial appointment was hailed as new era

Helena Costa, who was announced as the first female coach of a French professional club in May, will now not take over at Clermont Foot according to a statement on the clubs website.

Clermont Foots president, Claude Michy, who initially said Costas appointment as the clubs coach was a new era in football, has said he was surprised by the decision.

Continue reading...

Written by TBMU Admin

We are Manchester United Fan located around the World which provides user friendly, effective and easy to browse info regarding our Team. Each support/info is free. Support us by clicking the ads located in this site. Thanks

0 comments :

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )
Click Picture Below for More Info

Popular Posts

Share

 





© 2013 TBMU . All rights resevered. Published by The Best Manchester United Admin Blogger

Back To Top