Argentina vs Iran
Argentina came into the game knowing a win would put them into the round of 16, but Iran was determined to make it difficult for the Argentines. The Iranians came out to defend for 90 minutes, they invited Argentina to come and try to break them down. Missed opportunities plagued the South Americans, they just couldn't find the net in the first half. In the second half it was more of the same. Argentina had the ball for 70% of the game but they couldn't make it count. Iran actually had the better of the chances in the 2nd half, and probably should have taken the lead. Still tied 0-0 Argentina forced the issue and finally found their goal. In the 91st minute Messi lined himself up on the right hand side hand curled a shot to the far post. His curling effort beat the keeper and landed in the side netting (http://gfycat.com/VastWellinformedKoi). Messi finally found his moment of brilliance in a game where it was needed against a very defensive Iranian side. With the win Argentina qualified themselves for the next round. Iran will need a win in their final game against Bosnia, as well as a Nigerian loss to Argentina in the final games to advance.
Germany vs Ghana
The match of the day coming in lived up to its billing, but not in the way you would expect. Neither team could find the back of the net during the first half, but the game exploded in the second half. In the 51st minute a cross from the right side played Gotze in on goal. His mis-hit header bounced of his knee and in for the opening goal (http://gfycat.com/SelfreliantVigilantLcont). It finally seemed as if Germany were going to take hold of the match, but Ghana found an answer just 4 minutes later. A cross from the right side found the head of Ayew whose header beat Neuer to the far post (http://gfycat.com/AncientResponsibleDwarfmongoose). Ayew's second goal of the tournament gave his team a huge boost of confidence against the Germans. In the 63rd minute Ghana took a surprise lead. A takeaway in the midfield by Muntari led to a break for Ghana. His brilliant pass to Gyan sent him 1 on 1 with Neuer. Gyan hit his shot back across the goalie and into the side netting (http://gfycat.com/SadOblongDorking). After conceding first Ghana took a surprise lead, but they couldn't hang on. Germany attacked with everything they had for the last 30 minutes. Subs Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose came on for Germany and the game changed instantly. Just a minute after being subbed on Klose made history. A Toni Kroos corner was flicked on by Howedes to Klose at the far post, where he had the simple task of just tapping it home (http://gfycat.com/InfiniteIdolizedGalapagostortoise). The goal was Klose's 15th all time in World Cup competitions, now tied for the most ever with the Brazilian Ronaldo. A game that seemed like one Germany should have won ended up being their toughest yet. Germany will need at least a draw with the US in order to advance. Ghana will need a win against Portugal as well as a little bit of help.
Bosnia vs Nigeria
Coming into the game Bosnia knew that a loss would knock them out of their 1st World Cup. The team pegged as the 2nd best in the group lost their opener against Argentina, and struggled to control this game against Nigeria. Despite not playing their best Bosnia should have been up 1-0 in the 21st minute. A wonderful pass played Dzeko through on goal but he was wrongly called for offside. 7 minutes later it was Nigeria who opened the scoring, but not without controversy. Emenike powered down the right side but was shielded off well by Spahic. In my opinion Emenike tripped up Spahic during the play but the ref didn't make the call. Emenike continued his run and found Odemwingie in front of goal and he turned it in past Begovic (http://gfycat.com/CluelessVagueBoubou). The goal opened up the game, because now Bosnia had to score to stay in the competition. Enyeama in the Nigerian net put in a man of the match performance. Time and time again he kept the Bosnians out, most notably in second half stoppage time a was able to save a point blank shot from Dzeko just 10 yards away. The match ended 1-0 and eliminated Bosnia. Nigeria need at least a point from the match with Argentina to guarantee qualification. They could also qualify if Iran lose to Bosnia.
Group F Standings
Group G Standings
Do they have to check the bottom of they're shoes before they're allowed to play?
ReplyDelete