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.