USA still has to start against Ghana...
GHANA!
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.
Too bad the game was played in Manaus; England seemed to lose their steam towards the end because the heat seemed to get to them.
Pirlo was definitely the Man of the Match.
Crazy humid condition.
Grass hand a nice even paint spray to it.
Pirlo is a real trickster.
England goal was super.
Looked to be even but Italy edged it.
Need more candy!
Congrats. to Italy.
There you go, Japan, everyone always thinks Ivory Coast will be the one who will excel. I wouldn’t mind it if they or some other African nation did make a splash.
Exactly. Disappointing. Left the computer for awhile, it was frustrating. But so it goes.
Sounds like a MAN U Comment to me. LOL - I don’t know why you think he has to - they were my comments - diving is a scourge on the game and to the greater extent is frowned upon here “Downunda” as cheating. I used to play both field hockey and soccer - we didn’t know what shin pads etc were and I never once went down rolling on the floor. It would not have been considered manly to go down even if you were a little hurt and we would have subbed anyone who we thought was cheating.
I never would be a plastic fan of “MAN U”. Might as well like Real Madrid or someone because they win.
Drogba comes off the bench, Ivorians get 2 goals quick to take lead on Japan, 2-1.
YEah I know it was an unfair dig - just ribbing ya!
Mixed emotions tonight. Am glad that Hodgson was quite bold in his team selection. Sterling played very well, the Italians were never comfortable with him running at them. Welbeck worked hard. Sturridge looked lively. I feel sorry for Rooney. Despite his assist, he is clearly not happy playing out wide, and it was his lack of defensive nous, that exposed England on that flank.
I’m disappointed but not disheartened. This is an England team that can grow. The potential is there. The question is: can they grow quickly enough in this tournament?
Uruguay on Thursday is massive now. For both nations.
I’m a fan of Roy. Such a gent. Loved him wishing all the Italians the best, in Italian, before the game.
Most likeable boss England have had since Sir Bobby Robson.
GHANA!
A bad case of Ghanaria!
England largely played an exciting attacking game, compare that to the last 2 World Cups, 2006 and 2010.
It’s been reported in the news that since 1998, only 4 teams have advanced after losing their 1st game. So we will see. I know in 1994, Italy lost their opener to Ireland, then Italy defeated Norway and in their 3rd group stage game, only drew Mexico but Italy still made the World Cup final.
So, I’m getting use to the idea that even if England were not to advance, they’ve still played an entertaining attacking style. That’s not all bad.
2 more matches and I don’t have it in for Costa Rica or Uruguay. The teams that advance obviously, will be earning it.
Honduras goes against France first. I'd love to see CONCACAF go 4-0 to start. If I can't see Mexico lose, that is, and it's too late for that.
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