Fourteen goals in four matches today. Who said this was boring? Even if the majority of matches were dead rubbers.
Brazil qualified with a solid victory over Cameroon inspired by Neymar. Unfortunately my prediction of a final with Brazil beating Chile will not be fulfilled as Chile are the team that stands between the illustrious hosts and a berth in the quarter finals. After rather indifferent performances in their prior group matches, Brazil really kicked into gear against Cameroon and took them to pieces. The last sixteen beckons.
As it does for Mexico, who beat Croatia in the only match today that meant anything. If Croatia had won, they would have gone through. It was a tempestuous match with a late red card for Croatia showing their desire to qualify. Mexico, to their credit, showed that they will be formidable opponents when they face the Netherlands in the next round. That will be an interesting match to watch.
Having already qualified, neither Chile nor the Netherlands needed to play their strongest sides against each other in their final group match. The Dutch showed their strength in depth by brushing aside Chile and ensuring they topped the group. They next face Mexico and, with a full strength team, you fancy them to go far in this World Cup. Chile face Brazil and will need everything they possess to progress further. If they beat Brazil, the locals will not be pleased.
Spain have won a match! It was against Australia in a dead rubber of a game, but that won't deter them from saying that they have a great team, which they don't. Australia have looked decent but they came up against an attack that needs no introduction. There was even a goal for Torres too. He must be delighted.
So, we wait on the outcome of the rest of the matches and see how the knockout phase falls into place. There are more goals to come, and more incredible football.
No comments:
Post a Comment