Recaps
Mexico vs Cameroon
This game started out like Brasil vs Croatia in that Mexico had the run of play and most of the possession but didn’t score early. Cameroon via Samuel E’too looked dangerous on their few trips up the field. Mexico was denied two legit goals with bad calls from the referee, but managed to score in the 61st minute on a great build-up. Dos Santos made a great run up the middle into the box, took a great shot, saved wonderfully by the keeper, and the rebound put in by Peralta. Well done all-round.
Video Highlights (fifa.com)
Spain vs Netherlands
“Hands-down the match of the day. I expect goals, and I expect LOVELY soccer.” –> Well, now… isn’t this a little awkward. The Netherlands absolutely rofl-stomped Spain.
“I feel terrible but brave enough to take this defeat on the chin without getting depressed about it,”
Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach.
I think you’re going to need a bigger chin….
Video Highlights (fifa.com)
Chile vs Australia
Chile go up early and easily 2-0 and look in complete control. Then, little by little the Aussie’s fight back and then Cahill does what Cahill does. 2-1 and we have a match again. Chile had several opportunities in the second half to seal the deal, but got too cute around the goal. Cahill almost punished them for it. The Aussies showed they won’t just roll over and Cahill is a guy you need to watch. Chile needs to be a little greedier when they get close to the box and finish their chances, they need to step on the opponents neck and not let up.
“We were not at our best. We didn’t play as well as we can – and with the calibre of our next two opponents, we will have to give a more complete performance,”
Jorge Sampaoli, Chile coach.
Couldn’t agree more.
Video Highlights (fifa.com)
Preview
Colombia vs Greece
This is my personal match of the day. NO ONE BOTHER ME from noon until 2pm. I will stab a mofo in the face, possibly repeatedly sound very disgruntled depending on how well or poorly the match is going…
When: Noon. EST
Where: Estádio Mineirão, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
TV: ABC (English), Univision and ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)
Uruguay vs Costa Rica
Uruguay is probably favored, but Costa Rica is no slouch. I’m hoping for an open entertaining game.
When: 3PM. EST
Where: Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza, Brazil
TV: ABC (English), Univision and ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)
England vs Italy
This is probably everyone else’s match of the day. I’m rooting HARD for Italy in this one. England is always an enigma in the World Cup. I’m hoping this does not turn into a 1-0 grind…
When: 6PM. EST
Where: Arena Amazônia, Manaus, Brazil
TV: ESPN (English), Univision and ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)
Ivory Coast vs Japan
Japan plays a nice open style, but they can’t finish inside the box even if it meant they’d save their country from being overrun by Godzilla yet again. Ivory Coast I haven’t ever seen play so no comment there.
When: 9PM. EST
Where: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
TV: ESPN (English), Univision and ESPN Deportes (Spanish)
Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)