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.
Yes, we get it. You have Goal Line technology now. Stop using it on every goal that is obvious.
One For The Ages!
Not his fault, though, you could argue. He should not have come into this World Cup as Spain’s main goalkeeper. He lost his confidence, timing and technique some time back. He was sometimes poor for Real Madrid this past season, and not their first choice in league games. And before that again, when José Mourinho was in charge there, he recognized that Casillas was fading and dropped him. There was controversy in Madrid at the time over that. But Mourinho was correct.
And here’s the thing: Finger-pointing at Casillas actually reveals a truth about Spain, not the ’keeper. Spain’s reign isn’t over, but Casillas’s is. With another goalkeeper in place, Spain can flourish once again.
There are four matches on a jam-packed day three at the World Cup, with Group C and Group D taking centre stage.
Colombia v Greece
Uruguay v Costa Rica
England v Italy
Ivory Coast v Japan
http://www.sportsinteraction.com/fifa-2014-schedule-results-calendar/?date=20140614
If there is a better goal scored in this tournament than Van Persie’s first, then I really hope I’m watching when it happens.
Going to be a beautiful day today. We plan on getting some yardwork done, then settling in for the England/Italy game. woo-hoo!
Awesome? I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate.
Luis Suárez left out of Uruguay team
• Óscar Tabárez picks Diego Forlán and Edinson Cavani
• Suárez could feature as substitute against Costa Rica
Saturday Game of the Day: England vs. Italy
The Azzurri will be led by dynamic striker Mario Balotelli. Gianluigi Buffon, the hero of 2006, is still in goal, making his fifth World Cup team. England, champions at home in 1966, is led, once again, by Wayne Rooney who has yet to produce anything but a red card in two previous World Cups. In 2010, England tied the United States in group play, and finished second, going on to lose to Germany 4-1 (a game remembered by the English for a disallowed equalizing goal). Aside from Rooney and Steve Gerrard, the Three Lions are relying on youth. The last time England made it past the quarterfinals was in 1990.
Ivory Coast vs Japan: All the stats, facts and team news for the second game in Group C
My pleasure, really looking forward to England v Italy!
"It is here now. All the distances and the miles we have covered, the heat preparation - we have done all that. There are no excuses now."
England v Italy: Manaus World Cup pitch 'painted green' amid fears over condition
Fifa refused to answer questions about the apparent dying, but did say the pitch is receiving "treatment" ahead of its first-ever international fixture.
England staff are thought to have commissioned their own investigations, receiving assurances from the Sports Turf Research Institute that while the turf may not be nice to look at, playing on it should be fine.
"It is here now. All the distances and the miles we have covered, the heat preparation - we have done all that. There are no excuses now." - GerrardEngland must use counter-attack against Italy
"We're not sure, but I think at the end of the day it's the same for ourselves and Italy so we'll both have to deal with that," he said.
His words were echoed by England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who said: "We've both got to play on it, whatever it is. I think they've worked day and night over here to make it the best it can be.
"We've got to appreciate we're playing in the jungle, so we'll take anything."
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