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.
The Aussies showed a lot of character. I thought they would fold.
And props to ex-Toffee Tim Cahill for getting a goal.
Hoop. ti. doo.
The only reason Spain will make it out of the Group, is because their group is so weak, but I don’t see them making it out of the Group of 16. They look old.
All team sports are un-American.
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The photos on the source you linked are all copyrighted photos from Agence France Presse (AFP) and none of them are permitted to be posted on Free Republic.
Thanks.
I deliberately didn’t post the pictures for that reason.
Loved watching Holland wipe the field with Spain.
Cool, thanks for your understanding and cooperation.
I can, however, enjoy the World Cup.
I think Chile will do well in the Olympics if they decide to use their soccer players in the diving events!
ping
True. But like so many other things, we will take soccer and Americanize it. It is what we do.
American Football is gay.
There you go. That’s what your attack on this thread deserved.
Spend the rest of your life futilely attacking real Football. Nobody cares.
At the final whistle Daryl Janmaat fell to the turf and kissed it, lying there in disbelief. This was astonishing, barely believable. Four years ago, Holland had lost the World Cup final to Spain. Now, they had humiliated them. They had scored five; they could have scored more.
Spain 1:5 Netherlands Match Highlights
Mexico overcome heavy rain, Cameroon
Mexico got just rewards for their attacking intent when Oribe Peralta's 61st minute strike gave them a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their World Cup opener at a rain-saturated Dunas arena on Friday (local time).
The Mexicans had two Giovani dos Santos efforts controversially disallowed in the first half but Peralta's goal means they will now feel they have a good chance of progressing from Group A, which also includes hosts Brazil and Croatia.
Mexico 1:0 Cameroon Match Highlights
Chile cheats says Australia's Cahill
A Chilean player admitted to cheating as star-struck Australia suffered stage fright in a galling opening World Cup loss.
Australian striker Tim Cahill says Chile's 3-1 win in Cuiaba came down to respect: the Socceroos showed their opponents too much and their opponents showed soccer none.
Sadly, I’m on a project that has me working 1800-0600 everyday. If I’m not working, I’m sleeping. I’m hoping to catch some of next weekends games..
The third game at the World Cup Friday was a rematch for the ages. The 2010 champion Spain met with runner-ups the Netherlands and what was initially a good match up quickly turned into a 5-1 massacre.
Scoring Onslaught Does In Defending Champions
“In his life, he has done amazing things,” Kuyt said of van Persie. “But to score this goal for his country was very special. It was an amazing pass and an even better finish. It’s a great start to the tournament, two goals against the world champion. It is amazing for him and it is amazing for the team. Hopefully, this is the start of a great tournament.”
It was a result as surprising as it was emphatic. Few could have predicted such a lopsided win for the 2010 runners-up
Is Netherlands defeat the end of Spain reign?
Walking alone with slumped shoulders, a bowed head and weary eyes, Xavi exited Arena Fonte Nova wearing the look of a man who knew exactly how profound Friday's 5-1 defeat by Netherlands could prove.
None of the assembled journalists even attempted to pose a question; there was no point.
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