Posted on 06/14/2014 12:15:55 AM PDT by nickcarraway
Host Brazil kicked off the 2014 World Cup on Thursday with a 3-1 win over Croatia. Three more matches took place today (with four slated for Saturday, including Costa Rica vs. Uruguay at 1 p.m.). Here are the best shots from all of Friday’s games.
See the full schedule for the group stage of the World Cup here.
Group A: Mexico vs. Cameroon
After having their first two goals disallowed, Mexico finally got one that counted in the second half against Cameroon. El Tri then held on for the 1-0 victory.
Group B: Spain vs. Netherlands
The Netherlands got their revenge on Spain in this rematch of the 2010 World Cup final. While Spain struck first on a penalty, the Dutch responded with five unanswered goals to take the 5-1 victory. Netherlands’ first goal, an astounding diving header by Robin Van Persie, might be the best goal anyone will see all tournament.
Group B: Chile vs. Australia
Chile came out with two quick goals in the first half, but then the Chileans found themselves having to hang on against the lowest ranked team in the World Cup. Australia got one goal back, and missed a few chances to equalize before Chile broke through again late to finish off the Socceroos, 3-1.
and just as I type that....
I admire his reasons for cheering for Italy, but there are a few holes in his article.
He can spell insouciance, but he can’t spell Lineker.
When did that journalist last see England play? To describe them as a ‘long-ball team’ is so lazy. Graham Taylor isn’t manager any more, and it isn’t 1993.
We’re approaching kick-off, and the pre-match nerves have kicked in. I’m getting tetchy, clearly.
Costa Rica are hurling the cat amongst the pigeons in this group!
Last 15 minutes, hold on CR.
England seem due, have played relatively well lately. They have some speedy youngters, if they can keep the Italian offense and Pirlo, Balotelli in check, England can win.
But if this result holds up, group D is really anyone. I’ve got to cheer on Costa Rica if they pull this off.
Don’t blame you BeadCounter. Costa Rica have been excellent so far. And there will be no Suarez tonight.
UPSET in the making, the Univision, Spanish-language announcers were calling the Uruguayan’s challenge, Caceres on Gamboa, studs up, “criminal”. I’ve been watching this in English, just checked in on the Spanish-language coverage.
I was just thinking, Isn’t it great to hear the crowds singing again at World Cup games?
3!!!!!!!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOL, nice! 3-1, wow.
I love this World Cup already. I love it.
I was writing, before the CR goal, that Italy is already difficult to read.
We’ve seen it before...They look average in Group Play, then next thing you know, they are in the finals.....Mainly because they seem to be Germany’s Kryptonite.
Elsewhere, someone wrote this World Cup is already better than South Africa, this is the 2nd very fine game imho of the World Cup, the first being Holland/Spain. So, now it’s rolling alright.
Wouldn’t it be ironic if CR, the only team in their group without a World Cup title, won the group.
For obvious reasons, like I can actually have the sound ON while watching the games.
Two of the 2010 Final Four teams (Spain and Uruguay) off to poor starts.
2 teams advance. I’d like for it to be England and Costa Rica.
Who knows, this World Cup could be a changing of the guard.
Red for Perriera.
CONCACAF now 2-0, can the US make it 3-0 on Monday?
Ironic, yes, but I wouldn’t bet against it. This World Cup is certainly not following the script.
This is what we call a “Bracket Buster.”
I think what we’ve seen is, just relying on veterans won’t cut it. That’s why I think Klinsi snubbing Donovan might have been the right call. Got to have youth and speed along with experience.
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