World Cup 2014 Brazil (Page 1 of 6)

Preliminary reports from the local scene state a sense of confusion and dismay among the locals. Not the normal joyous state we've known from Brasil. Seems the planning didn't work as planned with national strikes right up to the start. I hope for the best.
As to the teams, US will be very lucky to make it past the group. Our coach stated they aren't good enough to go far which was a shocker to the fans here, and thoughts of a sandbag ploy still remain. It is the "group of death" though and some strong team will be headed home from it with dashed hopes. I too think we will see the usual suspects with a cinderella or two in the round of 8.
Best of luck to all the countries participating with hopes of a peaceful and joyous event.
Rick

I too thought Croatia gave a good account of themselves. If they had a failing it was a lack of ambition to shoot from outside the area. Modric particularly guilty of this and as a result Cesar was never properly tested. That said Ratukic and Modric were very effective.

Brazil were intense at times but were slow starting. I think they deserved to win but 3-1 wasn't a fair refelection. I would have gone with 2-1. The penalty decision was very poor. It was about the only thing Fred contributed towards the game and then it was a 'cheat'. No wonder he thanked the heavnes after it was awarded. Neymar was lucky to stay on the field but no doubt the Japanese ref shied clear of sending off Brazil's superstar. He needs to watch himself though.

Overall, I think Brazil's future opponents learnt a lot about them. From what I could see they have no definitive 'leader' on the pitch. Lots of talent but no one pulling the strings. Maybe it is enough, but Croatia gave them a lot of problems so Brazil have a lot to take on board.

On the one hand it was interesting to see, but I have never seen a Brazil side so intent on using the long ball as this one. Plus, I noted defensively they are pretty agricultural as well. The tactic seems to be "yes we are going to lose the ball a lot, but when we get it back we attack like hell............"

From what I saw last night they will be no match for Spain anytime. But this group will at least give them time to improve.

One thing I really liked though is the free kick wall marking. Super and simple idea. Maybe linesman should use it on where throw ins should be taken from. The encroachment here is at ridiculous levels.

One thing to do away with is the 'Technical area'. I really don't want to see trainers like Scolari complaining about every kick and every throw.

Bring on the next game!

Good first game i thought.  2 - 1  would have been a fairer result - the penalty? Soft... no, more like squidgy! and Neymar nearly ::""?>? it up! Maybe he should have!

  yep, me too. Nice to see some Low tech being introduced in a increasingly Hi-Tech game.

Van Persie and Robben - just WOW!

Really enjoying watching, for a dude who never gave it much thought growing up, totally caught up.....300 million peeps in the US and we cant compete with the best, so sad

Australia gave a good account of themselves. Full bloodied and brave hearted. Cahill is a nutter though and was lucky to stay on the pitch. But they through Chile a bit. The end scoreline was correct given Chile should have been the far better side. Can't see either bothering Holland unless they implode like they can do.

Just watching closing minutes of Columbia-Greece. Somehow Greece manage to make every game a bore, The Columbians have made hard work of it. A poor performance in my opinion. Perfect start with an early goal and then they have just sat on that until the second goal. Not good enough. They should have closed the game out in the first half already.

I didn't,t count the Greek passes that went backwards but it is well over a hundred I should think. Thank goodness for the early goal or the Greeks would have parked the bus, Mourinho style.

Yes! Columbia just got the third goal. Finally!

I,ve watched every game live so far. Holland by a long way the most impressive. Mexico look good too. Croatia will need to be at their best to overcome them and go through.

Tonights the big one for we English. I don't,t feel optimistic. I,ll settle for a committed performance, whatever the score. I am pleased there are younger players in the side now. It will be a learning experience for them.

That's Uruguay 1 up. Absurd penalty for Costa Rica to give away. Both arms around the players midriff!
It looks hot where they are playing. I hope Uruguay go on to get a few more. I tipped them to win 4-1!

Flipping between the match and the 24 hours at LeMans. Already 1 Audi out. A monsoon early on with people off all over.
Toyota looking good, with Audi and Porsche in it. Long long way to go there.

Back to Brazil.....

Could be an upset on the cards. Costa Rica are more direct, but at the moment their passing and possession is better. Looks like they need Luis Suarez, bad knee or not