World Cup Opening Round thoughts
Now every team has played their opening group match of the 2014 World Cup Finals, we’ve been able to see just how they compare to the months (or even years) of pre-Cup coverage. I’ve been lucky enough to catch most of the games, and I’ll share some observations below.
#BRAvsCRO
Brazil’s World Cup could not have gotten off to a worse start, with an own goal by Marcelo to go down early. But a brace from star-in-the-making Neymar got them the vital three points. If they can keep scoring, Brazil should easily progress, but after first-viewing I’m not sure they’re finals material. Croatia didn’t impress, and I don’t see them getting out of the group stage.
#ESPvsNED
The most shocking result of the round – especially as all I’d heard pre-tournament was low Dutch expectations in a side that had seen better days. Yet the ‘Golden triangle’ came through in a big way, shocking the reigning Champions and putting themselves in a great situation to finish first. Spain need to forget this game ever happened, and focus on a must-win game against Chile. They definitely need Costa to do more up front.
#AUSvsCHI
Australia was unlucky to lose this match, and they weren’t able to dig themselves out from a horrible 15 minutes. Could Postecoglou have been more aggressive? Perhaps, but it likely won’t matter anyway with the Netherlands and Spain next up on the docket. Chile achieved the expected result, but will need to play much better and prove their worth against the Spanish.
#ENGvsITL
The English have the most press coverage in the World Cup, but were unable to eek out a victory. Hodgson’s side played well, but the bad result and lack of defensive discipline may just have cost them a chance at the next stage. Italy are an aging side, and even if they qualify for the next round, don’t strike me as contenders for another title.
#JAPvsCIV
The Japanese got the early goal, but went into a shell early and put themselves into a real tough place to qualify for the knockout stages. Cote d’Ivoire was impressive in attack and I thought were the best African side in the first round. They’ll hope that Bony can continue his stellar Premier league form.
#ARGvsBOH
Messi finally gets his goal, and is the story of this game. He played excellently, and they would’ve had this game comfortably if some of his teammates had stepped up their game. Bosnia & Herzegovina aren’t pushovers – I fully expect them to come second in this group.
#GERvsPOR
I guess you don’t really need forwards after all! The fluid German side were incredibly dangerous because Portuguese defenders never knew who they should be marking. Germany looked poised to go deep into the competition once more. Portugal looked impatient, and there’s now some doubt over their chance of progression. Ronaldo needs to act more like a captain than a star.
#USAvsGHA
The States lift their curse, but Ghana was the more interesting side. If only they had shown more composure in front of goal, instead of blazing shots from well outside an effective distance. USA gave up possession far too easily and I don’t think they’ll be formidable in the remaining games.
#BELvsALG
Fellaini gets a crucial goal, and somewhere in the world David Moyes must feel exasperated. Belgium was hot favourites coming into the competition, and passed a stiff test from the Algerians. Algeria played excellently on defense, just coming undone in the last 20 minutes. I think they’ll be able to handle the other two sides.
#RUSvsKOR
Two fairly tame sides, both a few years from posing a threat. Russia couldn’t come up with any creative options, and looked old and tired, while the Koreans were fitter but equally boring to watch.
