2014 World Cup day 2: Match Reports
The Matches
There were three matches played on day two of the World Cup.
Day Two was set to be a thriller with three games being played. One of which which involved raining champions Spain.
Team
| Team
| |
---|---|---|
Mexico
| Vs
| Cameroon
|
Spain
| Vs
| Netherlands
|
Chile
| Vs
| Australia
|
My Predictions
Mexico
| Cameroon
| Draw
|
Spain
| Netherlands
| |
Chile
| Austraila
|
Mexico Vs Cameroon
These are the group A underdogs and both of them need to start the tournament with a win to give themselves a chance of progressing out of the group stage.
Cameroon are no stranger to the competition having qualified more times than any other African nation. However they often struggle to make it out of the group stage. They are however no stranger to winning competitions with four African Cup of Nations Titles under their belts.
Mexico have won nine CONCACAF organized championships making them the most successful team in CONCACAF.
Both teams should be able to cope with the heat better than some of the Northern European teams. They are also both capable of winning matches on the big stages.
The Match
The game got underway on a rainy Friday afternoon in Natal.
First Half
The first half ended 0-0 after a few controversial decisions from a linesman that denied Mexico 2 legitimate goals.
At the other end Eto'o hit the post with a great shot that could have gone in if it had just been a little more to the right.
Second Half
Mexico get the Goal they deserve at the 60 minute mark. They are 1-0 up at this point, but it should be 3-0.
Full Time
Game finishes Mexico 1-0 Cameroon.
Post Match Analysis
After a first half filled with controversial decisions the second half was a little better
Spain Vs Netherlands
This is set to be the match of the day as Spain start their Title defense against what could turn out to be tough opposition.
I think the Netherlands will find it tough if its to hot and as the game is being played at about 4pm out there the temp could go either way.
The Match
First Half
Spain went ahead with a penalty then Holland equalized meaning the first half finished all square at 1-1.
Second Half
2 more goals for Holland and lots of fouls. It has become a disastrous match for Spain. When they do get a goal the player is deemed to be offside.
Holland go 4-1 up to put the game out of Spain's reach when Van Persie puts the ball into an open goal.
This is not the Start the raining champions would have been looking for.
Robben makes it 5 for Holland. They have totally ripped the holders apart and it looks like they have given up with 10 minutes left to play.
The Spanish Goalie makes a great save but its just a little to late for the team who just have not defended well.
Into added time and Torres should have scored at the other end but he fumbled and lost the ball.
Post Match Analysis
This match will be up for game of the tournament. What a thriller all be a little one sided. Spain need to go back to the drawing board when it comes to their tactics. Or maybe just turn up to the next match as it felt like they weren't even on the pitch at times.
Chile Vs Australia
This is a must win game for both teams and I believe Chile may well have the edge. Both teams can play in the heat but for Chile its closer to home.
Although they are two of the teams that are used to the heat they get the late cooler kick off of around 7pm Brazil time.
The Match
First Half
Chile take the lead after 11 minutes of play and with less than 15 minutes played they are 2-0 up. Its looking like another good match full of great goals there is still 75 minutes lest to play.
With just over 10 minutes left of the first half Tim Cahill pulls one back for Australia. Then they get the back and he tries for another but sends it straight at the Goalkeeper.
At the other end of the pitch Chile have another chance but it comes to nothing.
First half ends with Chile leading 2-1.
Second Half
At around the hour mark, Chile have a great chance that gets passed the Goalie but it is cleared off the line.
4 minutes of time added
Chile finish the match with one last goal in the first minute of added time.
