World Cup Final

GERMANY V ARGENTENA

MAGIC OF GOTEZ

The word cup final was a game of decisions more so than anything else in my opinion. The first one was the off side decision, which was right as he was clearly offside. The second was the volley hit by Gotez from a difficult angle in extra time.

The match itself was a game where there were a lot of balls going into the box but no one being able to get the touch on it to pull it away.

Mascarano was the defensive rock for Argentena as he was having a lot of quality clearances that no one could get near as the Germans had attacking shots and he was always wanting to get back and clear and as a midfielder he did more defensive work  than some quality defenders.

The Argentines where having the better of the chances during normal time but it did look like Germany were the better team.

BRAZIL V NETHERLANDS

SHOW THE DUTCH OF CLASS

Brazil had another bad night at the office and it all started at the start of the match as they conceded a bad penalty.  Scored by Van Persie.

The second goal was a quality volley by Blind that came in from a corner and Brazil did not know what to do with it so they got the ball out and Blind hit the volley to make it 2-0.

Brazil did have their chances during the match but there was nothing there that said to me that they could score and with players like Fred and Jo up front you can see why.

GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT

James Rodregez last 16 Colombia

DECISION OF THE TOURNAMENT

Replacing Tim Kruel with on 120 minutes for penalties

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

Klose for breaking Ronaldos record and winning world cup

TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT

Costa Rica such a small country losing to The Netherlands on penalties

10-07-14 world cup semi final 2

FIFA WORLD CUP SEMI FINAL

NETHERLANDS V ARGENTINA

The very first chance was a half chance by the Netherlands from Snider outside the box. Messi then had Argentina’s first chance a free kick which was saved by the keeper. Could Argentina have had a penalty from a corner and nit looked like the Dutch man kicked his head.  In the second half a perfect pass from Perez into Higuaim but he couldn’t put it in the net. Roho takes a shot from distance and the keeper does not catch it. Extra time Beautiful ball into Robben but Mascerano is able to put the ball away for a corner. Robben then has the Netherlands first shot on target from distance. Palaciuo has a clear shot on goal where there is no one near him and does not have the power.

Full time Argentina 0-0 Netherlands

Penalties

Ron Vlar for Netherlands low centre Saved                                           Lionel Messi middle left scored

Robben bottom right scored                                                                     Gurai Top centre scored

Snider centre left saved                                                              Sergio Aguerio bottom left just                                                                                                                            under keeper scored

Dirk Kuit bottom right scored                                                         Maxi Rodregez right middle keeper                                                                                                 gets a hand on it but goes into net

Argentina win 4-2 and will play Germany in the final a final that I think Germany will win as they will be on a football high

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

09-07-14 world cup semi 1

BRAZIL V GERMANY

 

This was one of the worst results in Brazilian history as they lost a home semi final of the world cup by 7 goals to 1. The time that killed off this game was between the 23^rd and 29^th minute when Klose, Kroos scoring 2 goals and Khedira scoring on the 29^th minute. This completely killed of any Brazilian challenge as Muller had the goal in the 11^th minute.

 

Shurrle then scored 2 goals in the second half to put any hope of anything happening to bed.   This was not the performance that we expected from Brazil or any team in a world cup semi final loosing 7 goals and Germany look ready for anything.  But Brazil did get one goal for respect from Chelsea man Oscar in the last minute.

This shows that Brazil do not have a defence without Thaigo Silva and cant really attack without Neymar but it does make me think what Brazil would have been like without Neymar from the start as fans we thought that this was an incredible Brazil team.

Martin O Neill and Gordon Stracken must worry very much as both teams have to play this team in order to qualify for the Euros. Germany will definitely be a tough team to play against in the final  

08-07-14 world cup semi final predictions

SEMI FINALS

Brazil v Germany

I feel that Brazil have got a few problems as they without Thigo Silva star defender and captain and Neymar who has had all of the pressure on them. If there is a Brazil win there has to be another hero and I can see some players making a difference like Oscar. Sometimes you do wonder what hulk does. I would be looking at Jo.

For the Germans they have got players like  Ozil and Shurrle but the Germans are traditionally known for playing a very solid type of match not letting too many in and that is how I think this game will work

My prediction is 2-0 Germany as I do not think that Brazil will be able to attack correctly.

Argentina v Netherlands

The Netherlands have got players that can make a difference in a game like Robben or Van Persie or Snijer. Or Blind at the back. If they can get there defence right they can do a lot of things very well. With the penalty decision made against Costa Rica you do think that there might be something here for the Dutch.   

 Argentina has got the top class players like Messi and Di Maria who can make a difference in the game. But I wonder where this will be settled with the secondary players like Zabaleta who has not shone as much as he should but it might be also about the defences  

I predict 3-2 Argentina

05-07-14 sat world cup

SATURDAY

NETHERLANDS 0-0 COSTA RICA NETHERLAND WIN 4-3 ON PENALIES

This quarter final was a tale of two goalkeepers. The Netherlands seemed to want to start off patiently and it seemed to be working very well as Depay had an early shot on goal Costa Rica then seemed to get into the match with a couple of counter attacking moves. Costa took a piece of the match with. The Netherlands then show that they are getting control of the match for the next 30 minutes and no goals.

Costa Rica has a huge claim for a penalty as Martin shoulders Campbell and is given a shout but the ref says no. Costa Rica then finds a way back into the match and takes control. Holland then gets back on track with a few shots but there are no goals. The Netherlands then take control of the game with Robben and Snieder having shots during this period.  During the main parts of the match it was the Costa Rica goalkeeper who was the star. But the replacement of Tim Krul with Callessen is a surprise to everyone as no one expects the goalkeeper to be replaces for the shootout.

It’s a shoot out

Borgans to seep up scores low to the right 1-0 Costa Rica

Van Persie takes and equalises straight to the right

Ruiz to take and saved by Krul

Robben takes high to the left scores 2-1 Netherlands

Gonzalez scores high to the right corner 2-2

Snieijer shoots scores sends keeper wrong way and tucks ball into the left corner 3-2 Netherlands

Bolanos scores mid height left corner 3-3 Netherlands

Kuyt scores straight to the left 3-4 Holland

Umama saved Krul dives low as the penalty is hit towards the right corner. All of the Dutch players are shouting Kruls name 

 

ARGENTINA 1-0 BELGIUM

Argentina show at the start of this match that they are controlling it until on 8 minutes. Kompany lost the ball in midfield. Messi showed why he is the best in the world as he was able to control the ball through the centre circle and tapping it out wide where Di Maria was who passes to the by-line and takes a lucky deflection and Higguain who takes a shot and it goes past Courtois at an angle 1-0 Argentina.

It takes the goal to get Belgium to waken up. As straight after Belgium have a few chances that go on goal as Garay and Hazzard have chances. The goal scorer’s first chance left Kompany astounded on the half hour and this was Argentines first real chance since their goal. A couple of minutes later Di Maria has to be taken off who pulls a ham string. Messi then has an 18 yard free saved. Half time Argentina 1-0 Belgium. Belgium then take control of the start of the second half as they are having the creativity to know what is needed to get into the box but are not getting good chances. Belgium’s final big chance cane just before the end as the ball is fed into the box and Lukaku is penalised for fouling the goalkeeper.  

 

 

 

fridays wc quarters 04-07-14

FRIDAY

BRAZIL 2-1 COLOMBIA

Colombia have an early chance before Brazil score from a corner that no one gets near and Thiago Silva has a free run. Sanchez has lost his man and it is a very simple goal as it goes in off his shin.

Colombia has another shot at goal Cuadrado has the shot but Colombia do not look like they are giving in as he runs past defenders.  You feel in the next 10 minutes that a Brazil goal is coming as Brazil seem to have control of the rest of the half with shots from Neymar and Hulk. Half time Brazil 1-0 Colombia

Brazil seems to have control of the start of the second half so much pressure but no goal. They finally get the goal that they deserve as a Brilliant free kick from Luiz as the Colombians think that it is unfair.

 

Julian Ceasar brings James with a wild challenge down for a penalty. James scores the penalty 2-1 Brazil. Colombia does want to get back into this match but there are no real big opportunities for that to happen 

 

FRANCE 0-1 GERMANY

At the start of the game France looks to be off the pace and this is shown by an early Germany goal. A bad foul by Pogba leaves Germany a free kick. Hummels gets the better of Varine at the far post and put in the header 1-0.

 

France seems to be starting moves at the start of the match but there being no hope of them getting near the Germans. Klose had a chance to give the Germans a penalty but decides to stay on his feet. Frances first real chance comes on 35 as Neyer has to save from a very tight angle from a Valbuna shot. France also had a claim for a penalty but it was never near as Bensema connects with a header and the French think Hummels is supposed to have handled it but there was nothing there. Half time France 0-1 Germany.

Evra gets a half chance down the left hand side on 60 but Lahm clears it away. On 80 the Germans could have had a disaster og as the ball goes into the box and the Germans don’t know how to clear it. Shurrle had a dream chance to kill the game off just before full time but as the game ends you have to ask where the French challenge is.    

 

 

 

3-7-14 fifa world cup

My quarter final prediction

Brazil v Colombia

I feel that Brazil have that piece of magic needed to reach the semi finals as they have got players like Neymar and I feel that thy have got the crowd to take them home. But this could be close and I feel Colombia will score 2-1 Brazil

France v Germany

I think that this could go either way I am looking at players like Muller and Ozil for Germany  and Giroud for the French but I feel that this game will be s score draw and go to penalties which Germany will win.

Netherlands v Costa Rica

I feel that the Netherlands will have much too much in this match as I see it as a 3-0 to the Dutch with people like Van Persie and Robben two of the best players in the world however Joel Campbell the main Costa  Rica  forward can not get in the Arsenal side

Argentina v Belgium

This is one of the toughest ones to predict but I think that Messi will have a moment of magic and score the goal that reaches the semi final. Belgium can outplay them

2-7-14 world cup

ARGENTENA V SWIZERLAND

 

DI MARIA AND MESSI SAVE ARGENTENA

Switzerland had a very good chance early on to take the lead as the player gets to a one on one with the keeper but pushes it away. Lionel Messi had a shot from just outside the box. Should Argentina have had a penalty just before half time? A quality saves by the swizz goalkeeper of a Di Maria shot. In extra time Messi has the ball and runs at the defence and passes to Di Maria who is at the right side and shoots towards the left and it goes beyond the keeper and into the net. Shaquiri has the chance to score for the Swiss but he hits the post.  

USA V BELJIUM

 

USA VERY UNLUCKY BUT ITS LUKAKUS NIGHT

Both teams have had their chances in this match. Belgium seem to have more control of this match especially with the stat they had 18 corners in the match. Origi with the chance of the match one on one with the keeper but Howard gets down to save it. Lukaku wins  gets the ball just beyond the half way line and runs with it to just inside the half way line where he does an amazing pass back to De Bruyne who gets away from his defender and gets the ball into the net from an impossible angle to score. Belgium’s second was where De Bruyne gets the ball just ahead of the half way line and passes to Lukaku 2-0 Belgium. The USA do pull one back as Bradley passes to Jones and back again and there looks like there is nothing on but he puts this amazing ball through to Green who is one on one with the keeper one touch and scores. The USA should have equalised with the chances they have had but they could not.    

1-7-14 fifa world cup

GERMANY V ALGERIA

 

GERMANY MUST BE A LITTLE WORRIED

Algeria and Germany had chances at the start of the game the Algerian chance where the goalie came out was the biggest chance. Algeria has the ball in the net but as the perfect cross comes in the Algerian is offside. Muller should have put away a simple chance in the last couple f minutes but the score is 0-0 at full time. Extra time Muller puts the ball in the box and Schurle gets ahead of 3 Algerian defenders to score. A great passing move for Germany as Schurle passes to Ozil who passes back to Schurle who shoots and Ozil takes the rebound and scores. The perfect cross by Feghouli and volleyed by Djbou from centimetres out

FRANCE V NIJERIA

FRANCE SHOW POGBA CLASS

A great cross by Musa put into Demenice which is offside. Both teams have had there chances in this match. Good corner the keeper comes out to claim it but Paul Pogba gets the header to give France the lead. A short corner or France and the little pass from Feghouli for Yobo who puts it in the net but where was the defence

BARRYS PREDICTIONS

ARGENTENA V SWIZERLAND

I feel that Argentina have tot much too much to beat Switzerland but I do think that Switzerland can make it interesting by slowing them done. I feel this as Argentina 2-0 Switzerland  

BELJIUM V USA

I want the USA to win this match but I think that Belgium have too much to control this match in any way shape or form. I see this as a 3-0 to Belgium

 

30-6-14 world cup blog

In the first of the knockout matches on Saturday Brazil got through after winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Chile with Neymar saving the day. In the other round of the knockouts Cameroon beat Croatia 2-0 with goals from James Rodriguez and Brazil will play Cameroon in the quarter final?  

NETHERLAND V MEXICO

Both teams had had their chances before the first water break of the tournament. Dos Santos scores at the start of the second half a long ball in a nice little flick back and it falls to Dos Santos who was time to control the shot and hit it beyond the keeper. 1-0 Mexico. A beautiful corner as the lay back comes onto Sniders foot and he puts it in the net 1-1. Robben gets the ball and is at the bottom of the box he is fouled there and Netherlands get the penalty. Huntalar scores and Netherlands go through to the quarter finals.

COSTA RICA V GREECE

Greece seem to have more of the game than Costa Rica. Polanios his ball into Brian Ruis as he takes the ball from the cross and hit it like he scuffed it but the ball goes into the bottom corner. Oscar Duarte is sent off for a double booking. Samaras puts the ball into the box the keeper saves a Greek shot and Papasthopolos gets the reaction shot and puts it in the net with seconds to spare Greece equalise. It all goes to a shoot out. Greese had their chances to score in extra time. Fernando Santos the Greek coach had been sent off  

All 7 penalties were scored in this penalty shoot out Gegas shoots for Greese ands Navas saves. Michael Umana scores to put Costa Rica through into the quarter final of the    

 

 

27-6-14 world cup blog

PORTUGAL V GHANA

RONALDO KNOWS THAT THEY ARE OUT

It does look like Ronaldos chance to win this with a few chances for him. Mountinho passes the ball to Coentrao on the wing and the ball is put into his own net by Boye Portugal lead 1-0. A peach of a cross from Ghang leaves Gyan on his head puts him on top of the table for African goals scorers at the world cup. Nani puts in a cross not delt with by the keeper and just falls to Ronaldo who volleys it into the net to get his 50^th goal but he doesn’t celebrate.

Portugal wins 2-1 but are in third on goal difference

USA V GERMANY

KLINSMAN IS VERY HAPPY AS BOTH HIS TEAMS ARE THROUGH

Germany has had a few shots in the first half. The USA has had a few chances later in the first half. Germany take the lead when they get a corner and Mertesacker takes a header and Muller takes the volley which gives him the leading goal scoring record on his own. 

KOREA V BELGIUM

DEFOUR RUINS HAPPY DAY FOR BELGIUM

Belgium player Defour being sent off for a 2 footed tackle. Origi gets the shot which is reaction saved by the keeper and put into the net by Vertonghen.

ALGERIA V RUSSIA

SIMINI HAS MAGIC LIGHT IN HIS EYES

Gluskakov with a perfect cross onto the head of Kokerin 1-0 Russia. Russia did look much the stronger at the start of the match. Russia definitely had a big chance at the start of the second half as they had a one on one opportunity with the Algerian keeper. Brahini hit the ball into the box and Slimani gets the header to score the equaliser but you do wonder if the referee would have done better if the laser was not shone on his face. Algeria have gone out of the group stage for the first time.

BARRYS HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GROUP STAGE  

This is the first time at a world cup that 2 African teams have reached the last 16 it is also the first time since 1998 that no Asian team have reached the last 16.

As much as England would wish that it was them, my failure of the world cup goes to Spain so much expectation such a surprise that they did not win.

My surprise team of the group is Costa Rica.

Player of the group is Lionel Messi or Nemar as they are the teams that look best placed.

Goal of the group stage goes to Dutch man Robin Van Persie.

LAST 16 PREDICTIONS

Brazil v Chile

The Brazil team I feel is too strong to loose this match but I do think that it will be an interesting moment possibly won by a moment of Neymar magic.

Netherlands v Mexico

The Mexicans I think have an advantage in this match but I feel that the players that the Dutch have had is much stronger I say 2-1 Netherlands.

Costa Rica V Greece

I do not think either team expected this but I feel that Costa Rica will be the stronger team as they are on more of a roll.

Colombia v Uruguay

I would see this game as a draw and it being settled by penalties which I think Colombia will win as I do not think Uruguay have that piece of magic from Suarez to win this.

26-6-14 world cup

ARGENTENA V NIJERIA

 

MESSI SHOWS HE IS ONE OF THE GREATS

Lionel Messi get a goal but it should have went to Di Maria as he hit the ball off the post and Messi puts it into the net. 1-0 Argentina Babatunde runs down the wing and finds Musa on the wing and hits a shot which goes beyond the goalkeeper to the opposite side of the goal 1-1 Nigeria. Messi hits a perfect free kick but one of the things was it a free I am not that sure. The perfect 1,2 between Echejile and Mussa  allowed Mussa to put the ball in for the equaliser. Good corner from Messi and Rojo bounces the ball off his knee to get the direction to put it in the net Argentina lead 3-2.

BOSNIA V IRAN

DJECKO SHOW HE CAN CONTROL THINGS

Dzeko gets the ball and is able to run with it and control it before taking a perfect shot into the bottom corner of the goal 1-0 Bosnia. Iran loose possession before Dzeko gets the ball and feeds it to Pjanic to make 2 for Bosnia. Iran create a goal from a corner that Bosnea get away from danger twice but it falls for a cross and Goochamannejahd to give Iran some hope. Saihovic lays the perfect pass to Vrajevic who kills of Iranian hopes.

This Puts Argentina on top with Nigeria in second spot.

EQUADOR V FRANCE

HUGE FRENCH DISAPOINTMENT

This was the game that France never really got started from but they did have their chances to win this match. Ecuador had a couple too but the French coach should be disappointed with this

SWIZERLAND V HONDURAS

A DAY OF SHAQRI AS THIS IS HIS PERFECT DAY

The ball was on the left as this all started from a throw in and passed around before Shaqri who takes on and beats his defender who is right beside him got the ball controlled it and hit it into the opposite corner I wouldn’t mind seeing that again. A quality Swiss break and a 1, 2 with another attacker left Shaqri one on one with the keeper and he puts it in the net. Rodriguez gets the ball down the opposite wing Vermich gets it and puts in the lay back and Shaqri taps in the ball to make it 3.   

BARRY PERDICTIONS

USA V GERMAMY

I would like to see the USA win this as for people like Kinsman but do feel that Germany will win but the USA will score maybe 3-1 Germany   

PORTUGAL V GHANA

I think that this will be an entertaining score draw 2-2 as I think both teams have got the quality to score but rely too much on Ronaldo

ALGERIA V RUSSIA

This could be a bit of a boring game with few chances

SOUTH KOREA VBELGIUM

If South Korea scores on this match I will be surprised I see this as a 3-0 to Belgium

  

25-6-14 world cup day

ENGLAND V COSTA RICA

 

ENGLAND GET RESULT BUT DESERVED MORE

England got a 0-0 draw but they should be more satisfied with this match than any of the others. They had chances created by Rooney, Sturridge and Shaw and had most of the big chances in this match. Costa Rica have had a couple but seemed quite satisfied with the draw that they got. From an English perspective they should be happy.

URUGUAY V ITALY

 

SUAREZ BIT URUGUAY INTO LAST 16

 In the play off between Italy and Uruguay. Mario Balotelli was booked for kicking a defender which meant he would not play in the last 16 tie.  Claudio Marcisio was sent off for a hard tackle on the Uruguay defender which looks harsh to me .Suarez had bitten Ciol but the referee did not see it. Perfect corner and perfect header from Godin to make it 1-0 to Uruguay.  

GREECE V IVORY COAST

THE DEATH OF ZEO

Tyote looses possession for Ivory coast a quality 1,2 and Samaras gets the goal that gives Greese the lead. Gervinio lays the ball back to Wilfred Bony the Swansea city player who equalises for the Ivory Coast. Samaras goes down from a tackle from Zeo and he puts the penalty away right at the death final score 2-1 Greece.

COLOMBIA V JAPAN

RODREGEZ THE STAR OF THE DAY

Marnez into Ramos in a position where nothing can happen Penalty Cuadrado puts it away on 7 minutes. Ozakaki gats the goal from a wonder cross from Honda Japan equalise on the last moment of the half. Rodriguez lays it off to Martinez who puts Colombia into the lead again. Rodriguez gets the ball beyond the halfway line and passes to Martinez just inside the box that shoots from an angle and scores. A great pass into Rodriguez who takes on and dummies the Japan defenders before putting the ball in the net Colombia win 4-1.

BARRY PREDICTIONS

NIJERIA V ARGENTENA

In my opinion Argentina are one of the teams that can win this world cup and a win over Nigeria will help in their momentum. I feel that Argentina will win 3-1.  

BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA V IRAN

This is the match of the mimeos and I would think that Bosnia would have more but would not be surprised with a draw.

EQUADOR V FRANCE

France looks to be the man on form so I feel that this could be a simple win for them.

HONDURAS V SWIZERLAND

I feel that this will be a score draw 2-2 as there is not that much difference and does look like the tournament of the Americans.

24-6-14 world cup blog

BRAZIL V CAMEROON

 

NEYMAR SITS ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Brazils tie with Cameroon is their 100^th tie in the world cup and Brazil have never gone out of the world cup since 1966.  Gustavo wins the ball off the Cameroon defender and puts in a cross to Nemar who has a simple tap in1-0 Brazil. Cameroon definitely had their chances to get back into it and they took one as a quality ball came in and Joel Matip was able to get his boot onto it. Nemar puts himself on top of the goal scoring charts a beautiful kick pass by Marcello and Neymar gets the ball controls it and runs before taking the shot and scoring. Fernandinho getting the ball for the cross into Fred who should be offside. What a passing move finished off by Fernandinho who makes it 4-1 to Brazil.

Neymar scored the 100^th goal of the tournament this year.

MEXICO V CROTIA

 

MEXICO HAVE DISAPOINTMENTMENT IN THE AIR

Rafael Marquez gets the perfect header from the perfect corner to make it 1-0. Hernandez to Peralta expecting the 1,2 but Guradado gets the shot to make it 2-0 Mexico. Good corner and good flick by Heralta to Hernandez 3-0 Mexico. Good ball into Ratatich who lays it off to Peratich to make it 3-1 and Croatia get a red card also which did not help there cause as it was in the 90^th minute but it was not that important.

NETHERLANDS V CHILE

 

IT’S TIME TO GET THE FER

Yan Martin puts in the cross to Leroy Fer who gets the goal that the Dutch attack deserved. Chile deserved a penalty when ball was in the box and a poor tackle on Sanchez. Beautiful breakaway pass to Robben who crosses to Depay who gets ahead of the Chillan defender to score with seconds to spare.

AUSTRILIA V SPAIN

 

SPAIN SHOW THAT THEY STILL GAVE CLASS

There was nothing on this game except pride for Spain as they had never lost all 3 games at a world cup. Iniesta gets the ball down the wing Guan Fran crosses to Villa who scores to make it 1-0 to Spain. Juan Matta to Inesta who gets a beautiful pass into Fernando Torrez 2-0 Spain. Cesc Fabrigas gets the ball to a wide unmarked Juan Matta who puts it in the net.

LAST 16 MATCHES

 

These are now guaranteed last 16 matches

BRAZIL V CHILIE I feel that a good Chile team could beat Brazil and this is a tie that would suit them best

NETHERLANDS V MEXICO Anything can happen in this match

BARRYS PREDICTIONS

COSTA RICA V ENGLAND

Any person who follows football knows that the best case scenario for England here is a draw as Costa Rica has got momentum 1-0 Costa Rica

ITALY V URUGUAY

This is a match between 2 quality players Balotelli and Suarez to look at it but I think that Italy will have more in defence to win this match 2-1

GREESE V IVORY COAST

I feel that the Ivory Coast will win this match as they have too much quality 2-0

JAPAN V COLOMBIA

This match I feel could be a draw and I think that it will be but I can see goals 2-2