World Cup 2014 Notes II

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worldcupbrasil2014Colombia 3-0 Greece
Pablo Armero 5 Teofilo Gutierrez 58 James Rodriguez 90

MOTM James Rodriguez

Of course no Radamel Falcao for Colombia however in pace and attacking movement Colombia seemed to be just fine, perhaps over relaying on fast breaks though. Kone had a good shot saved by Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina late in the first half. Greek defence a bit late to react to situations for all three goals. Greece’s Gekas missed an open header as it came off the crossbar.

Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica
Edinson Cavani 24P –  Joel Campbell 54 Oscar Duarte 57 Marco Urena 84

MOTM Joel Campbell

Another early surprise result! Poor set piece defending a feature of this match and not long before first Costa Rica goal Muslera had to save a set piece almost identical to the first goal, a ball dropping into the far side. Marco Urena’s goal was a very good piece of shooting the ball from a tight angle in full speed, it featured a good Joel Campbell assist as well. Late in the game Maxi Pereira hacked Campbell’s leg and got himself sent off.

England 1-2 Italy
Sturridge 37 – Marchisio 35 Balotelli 50

MOTM Matteo Darmian honourable mention Antonio Candreva

Speedy and youthful England team especially with 19 year old Raheem Sterling starting in place of presumed starter Adam Lallana. Even more evidence of Roy Hodgson’s trust in youth in bringing on 20 year old Ross Barkley later in the game . Salvatore Sirigu starting in place of Buffon who had sprained his ankle in training, delivered a solid performance. Matteo Darmian solid and reliable right back. Some goalkeepers’ habit of making short clearances add undue pressure on defenders and Sirigu is one of those goalies.

Ivory Coast 1-2 Japan
Honda 16 – Bony 64 Gervinho 66

MOTM Didier Drogba!

Early pressure was soon replaced by more Japanese control and possession. It paid dividends when Honda ran in between two defenders and shot straight and hard in this rainy game. Wilfried Bony starting in place of the not 100% Didier Drogba missed a few too many good chances. Drogba came on and credit to coach Sabri Lamouchi for keeping Wilfried Bony on with him. The effect was immediate eventhough Drogba himself wasn’t the scorer or assist man on either goal. Assists for both goals go to Serge Aurier the promising young fullback. Precise crosses in both cases.