Yesterday we wrapped up the second round of group games with France getting into all kinds of trouble by losing to Argentina. However, a poor Polish performance (albeit not as bad as real Poland's) means France still have a decent chance of qualification. We also had another 0-0 draw, putting us two ahead of Russia (THANKS AMERICA).
Anyway, it means that today is the start of the final round of group games! These are always exciting, and we will be covering each group's games simultaneously to add to the drama.
Final matches of Group A
The holders Germany fittingly became the first side to qualify for the second round, courtesy of wins over Croatia and Ghana. Brazil have a 3 point lead over Croatia thanks to one of the most bizarre own goals I've ever seen, securing a draw between the two sides. This is how the table looks:
Anyway, it means that today is the start of the final round of group games! These are always exciting, and we will be covering each group's games simultaneously to add to the drama.
Final matches of Group A
The holders Germany fittingly became the first side to qualify for the second round, courtesy of wins over Croatia and Ghana. Brazil have a 3 point lead over Croatia thanks to one of the most bizarre own goals I've ever seen, securing a draw between the two sides. This is how the table looks:
Basically, Croatia need to wallop Ghana and hope Germany do the same to Brazil. The Brazilians just need a draw to progress, but a win would see them pip Germany to top spot.
Team news: Croatia vs. Ghana
Croatia are without their goalkeeper and striker as Lovakovic and Soudani are unable to play. Malencia and Majer come in, with Gavranovic moving up front. Ghana captain Sulley Muntari has got himself suspended, so Sekyere comes in. They also replace Telfer and Nuhu with Agyemang and Ahmed.
Team news: Croatia vs. Ghana
Croatia are without their goalkeeper and striker as Lovakovic and Soudani are unable to play. Malencia and Majer come in, with Gavranovic moving up front. Ghana captain Sulley Muntari has got himself suspended, so Sekyere comes in. They also replace Telfer and Nuhu with Agyemang and Ahmed.
Team news: Brazil vs. Germany
Barbosa is ruled out with pulled knee ligaments, so Kannemann comes in. As a more defensive full back (in fact a centre back), this might not be a bad outcome. Otherwise, Brazil remain unchanged. Germany are missing 2014 World Cup winning goalscorer Mario Gotze, but he should be back for the knockout stages. As they are already through, Germany make a few changes, with Keita, Rudy, Papastathopoulos, Martinez and Muller getting their first starts of the tournament.
Barbosa is ruled out with pulled knee ligaments, so Kannemann comes in. As a more defensive full back (in fact a centre back), this might not be a bad outcome. Otherwise, Brazil remain unchanged. Germany are missing 2014 World Cup winning goalscorer Mario Gotze, but he should be back for the knockout stages. As they are already through, Germany make a few changes, with Keita, Rudy, Papastathopoulos, Martinez and Muller getting their first starts of the tournament.
Kick-off
[As it stands: GER 7, BRA 5, CRO 2, GHA 1]
CROvGHA (1 min): Croatia push up quickly, but Ghana suddenly counter, and Bekoe is through into the box. He selfless squares it to Asamoah, whose shot is tame and just parried by a diving Malencia. Croatia bite back, and Majer’s shot from the edge of the box is narrowly wide. Ghana have started better, though, and a huge goalmouth scramble in the 18th minute should bring them the opening goal, but the ball hits everything except the back of the net.
[As it stands: GER 7, BRA 5, CRO 2, GHA 1]
CROvGHA (1 min): Croatia push up quickly, but Ghana suddenly counter, and Bekoe is through into the box. He selfless squares it to Asamoah, whose shot is tame and just parried by a diving Malencia. Croatia bite back, and Majer’s shot from the edge of the box is narrowly wide. Ghana have started better, though, and a huge goalmouth scramble in the 18th minute should bring them the opening goal, but the ball hits everything except the back of the net.
BRAvGER (19 mins): Everton Ribeiro goes on a mazy run, and Neuer spills his shot, but the German keeper is able to collect at the second attempt. However, Germany have generally been the better side, and they make the breakthrough when Vanderlei comes out to stop a Reus cross but can’t reach it, allowing Arjen Robben to nod into an empty net.
[As it stands: GER 9, BRA 4, CRO 2, GHA 1]
CROvGHA (33 mins): Ghana’s strong start has slightly faded, and Croatia are having the odd chance of their own. Gorgon’s effort from out wide is just over. Croatia are struggling to just get into the lead, let alone win this game by the margin they need to put Brazil under pressure.
BRAvGER (33 mins): Vidal whistles a fine shot from outside the box just past the top corner. Germany are looking very assured, but they are suddenly unnecessarily under pressure when Thomas Muller hacks down Fagner and earns himself an early bath. That came from nowhere, and Brazil will be emboldened to see if they can get anything from this match now.
CROvGHA (half time): Ghana rally again to end the half as the stronger side. Sekyere wastes a one-on-one chance, before Asamoah hits a long shot just over. It’s goalless at the break.
BRAvGER (half time): Brazil are largely failing to make their numerical advantage count, and we reach the interval with Germany still leading 1-0. From the restart Robben runs at Brazil, forcing them back and playing in Reus, whose shot is well-saved by Vanderlei. Brazil have been poor going forward, but they are level in the 63rd minute when substitute Elias’ pass plays Ribeiro in perfectly, and the winger slams it high beyond Neuer. All-square, and this scoreline would secure Brazil’s qualification regardless of Croatia’s score. But they now have their eyes on top spot.
CROvGHA (33 mins): Ghana’s strong start has slightly faded, and Croatia are having the odd chance of their own. Gorgon’s effort from out wide is just over. Croatia are struggling to just get into the lead, let alone win this game by the margin they need to put Brazil under pressure.
BRAvGER (33 mins): Vidal whistles a fine shot from outside the box just past the top corner. Germany are looking very assured, but they are suddenly unnecessarily under pressure when Thomas Muller hacks down Fagner and earns himself an early bath. That came from nowhere, and Brazil will be emboldened to see if they can get anything from this match now.
CROvGHA (half time): Ghana rally again to end the half as the stronger side. Sekyere wastes a one-on-one chance, before Asamoah hits a long shot just over. It’s goalless at the break.
BRAvGER (half time): Brazil are largely failing to make their numerical advantage count, and we reach the interval with Germany still leading 1-0. From the restart Robben runs at Brazil, forcing them back and playing in Reus, whose shot is well-saved by Vanderlei. Brazil have been poor going forward, but they are level in the 63rd minute when substitute Elias’ pass plays Ribeiro in perfectly, and the winger slams it high beyond Neuer. All-square, and this scoreline would secure Brazil’s qualification regardless of Croatia’s score. But they now have their eyes on top spot.
[As it stands: GER 7, BRA 5, CRO 2, GHA 1]
CROvGHA (79 mins): Brazil are much more secure in attacking Germany because Croatia are still struggling. They are no longer conceding chances to Ghana, but they can’t create anything themselves. That is, until Tomasov’s smart cross is poked in by Lovro Majer. But it’s surely too little too late.
CROvGHA (79 mins): Brazil are much more secure in attacking Germany because Croatia are still struggling. They are no longer conceding chances to Ghana, but they can’t create anything themselves. That is, until Tomasov’s smart cross is poked in by Lovro Majer. But it’s surely too little too late.
[As it stands: GER 7, BRA 5, CRO 4, GHA 0]
BRAvGER (84 mins): The game appears to be heading towards a stalemate, with both teams getting their minimum required scoreline, until Paolo Guerrero muscles in and steals the ball from Martinez. He shoots surprisingly early, but it’s a great shot and it’s in – Brazil take the lead!
BRAvGER (84 mins): The game appears to be heading towards a stalemate, with both teams getting their minimum required scoreline, until Paolo Guerrero muscles in and steals the ball from Martinez. He shoots surprisingly early, but it’s a great shot and it’s in – Brazil take the lead!
[As it stands: BRA 7, GER 6, CRO 4, GHA 0]
CROvGHA (84 mins): Ghana aren’t going anywhere. Idrissu is played through twice and both times is denied by Malencia, whilst Bekoe has a shot fly just wide. But then another ball cleaves Croatia’s vulnerable defence open, and Bekoe this time makes no mistake, placing the ball home to get Ghana back level.
CROvGHA (84 mins): Ghana aren’t going anywhere. Idrissu is played through twice and both times is denied by Malencia, whilst Bekoe has a shot fly just wide. But then another ball cleaves Croatia’s vulnerable defence open, and Bekoe this time makes no mistake, placing the ball home to get Ghana back level.
[As it stands: BRA 7, GER 6, CRO 2, GHA 1]
Immediately from kick-off Croatia burst forwards, and they are awarded a penalty after Ahmed was adjudged to be holding sub Ejupi. Majer steps up, and places it into the bottom-right corner to reassert Croatia’s (ultimately futile) lead.
[As it stands: BRA 7, GER 6, CRO 4, GHA 0]
BRAvGER (90+5 mins): The Germans just cannot get any kind of attacking momentum going – their players are clearly too tired, and they fail to prevent a 2-1 defeat.
CROvGHA (90+5 mins): Ghana had flurries of serious pressure, but this appears to have expended their energy, and like Brazil they cannot prevent a 2-1 defeat. It’s a bittersweet victory for Croatia, though, as they are eliminated anyway.
Analysis: Croatia 2-1 Ghana
It’s hard not to feel sorry for Ghana, who improved dramatically throughout the tournament, but are still left without a point after late drama. The map of scoring chances below shows how many chances were wasted by Ghana. On another day they could have racked up about five goals.
Immediately from kick-off Croatia burst forwards, and they are awarded a penalty after Ahmed was adjudged to be holding sub Ejupi. Majer steps up, and places it into the bottom-right corner to reassert Croatia’s (ultimately futile) lead.
[As it stands: BRA 7, GER 6, CRO 4, GHA 0]
BRAvGER (90+5 mins): The Germans just cannot get any kind of attacking momentum going – their players are clearly too tired, and they fail to prevent a 2-1 defeat.
CROvGHA (90+5 mins): Ghana had flurries of serious pressure, but this appears to have expended their energy, and like Brazil they cannot prevent a 2-1 defeat. It’s a bittersweet victory for Croatia, though, as they are eliminated anyway.
Analysis: Croatia 2-1 Ghana
It’s hard not to feel sorry for Ghana, who improved dramatically throughout the tournament, but are still left without a point after late drama. The map of scoring chances below shows how many chances were wasted by Ghana. On another day they could have racked up about five goals.
Analysis: Brazil 2-1 Germany
Oh, Thomas Muller, what have you done? A red card from nowhere, and now your side might well play Spain in the next round. The player he fouled, Fagner (who is part of the real-life Brazilian squad in Russia), was exemplary, winning the ball back countless times for Brazil. His eight tackles (shown below with interceptions) was more than anyone else on the pitch.
Oh, Thomas Muller, what have you done? A red card from nowhere, and now your side might well play Spain in the next round. The player he fouled, Fagner (who is part of the real-life Brazilian squad in Russia), was exemplary, winning the ball back countless times for Brazil. His eight tackles (shown below with interceptions) was more than anyone else on the pitch.
Final Group A table:
Final matches of Group B
Strictly speaking, no team is through or eliminated from this group, although Spain are as good as through - particularly after their heavy win over South Africa. However, South Africa's first match, a tight 3-2 win over Colombia, may yet be enough to help them qualify.
Strictly speaking, no team is through or eliminated from this group, although Spain are as good as through - particularly after their heavy win over South Africa. However, South Africa's first match, a tight 3-2 win over Colombia, may yet be enough to help them qualify.
Spain take on Colombia, making it quite difficult for the South Americans to progress. Assuming Spain win, then just a point for South Africa will see them through - but a defeat would open the door for a shock Trinidad & Tobago qualification.
Team news: Colombia vs. Spain
Colombia move to a more defensive 4-4-1-1, with Hernandez replacing Omar Perez. Additionally, Teofilo Gutierrez is surprisingly excluded at the expense of Cristian Martinez Borja. Spain may be virtually through, but that isn’t good enough – they make no changes from the side which thumped South Africa.
Team news: Colombia vs. Spain
Colombia move to a more defensive 4-4-1-1, with Hernandez replacing Omar Perez. Additionally, Teofilo Gutierrez is surprisingly excluded at the expense of Cristian Martinez Borja. Spain may be virtually through, but that isn’t good enough – they make no changes from the side which thumped South Africa.
Team news: Trinidad & Tobago vs. South Africa
Trinidad & Tobago’s best-rated player (by a long way) Kenwyne Jones is ruled out of the rest of tournament after his injury against Colombia. It was apparently caused by “miskicking the ball”. What a wally. So Jamal Gay comes into the side, Trinidad & Tobago’s only change. South Africa’s changes are at full back, with Matlaba and Coetzee replacing Modiba and Mphahlele.
Trinidad & Tobago’s best-rated player (by a long way) Kenwyne Jones is ruled out of the rest of tournament after his injury against Colombia. It was apparently caused by “miskicking the ball”. What a wally. So Jamal Gay comes into the side, Trinidad & Tobago’s only change. South Africa’s changes are at full back, with Matlaba and Coetzee replacing Modiba and Mphahlele.
Kick-off
[As it stands: ESP 7, COL 4, RSA 4, TRI 1]
COLvESP (21 mins): It’s been a slow start by Spain, but they spark into life in spectacular fashion as Lionel Messi plays it to Cristiano Ronaldo 25 yards from goal. Ronaldo takes a touch, looks up and belts the ball into the back of the net to put Spain ahead.
[As it stands: ESP 7, COL 4, RSA 4, TRI 1]
COLvESP (21 mins): It’s been a slow start by Spain, but they spark into life in spectacular fashion as Lionel Messi plays it to Cristiano Ronaldo 25 yards from goal. Ronaldo takes a touch, looks up and belts the ball into the back of the net to put Spain ahead.
TRIvRSA (half time): It has also been a quiet start here, with Trinidad & Tobago sticking to their defence-first tactics, as goal difference is actually in their favour, should they win. Gay has the game’s first chance halfway into the half, a volley from just inside the box that Khune gathers at the second attempt. Just before half time South Africa get it forwards and Jeremy Brockie finds a pocket of space. His low shot from just inside the box beats Phillip and goes in off the post! Half time, and the score is 1-0.
[As it stands: ESP 9, RSA 6, COL 3, TRI 0]
COLvESP (half time): Colombia cannot get forwards, as Spain dominate possession. We reach the break with no more real chances, and the Spanish are cruising through to win the group as it stands. At the interval Colombia bring Hernandez off for Gutierrez, with Martinez Borja moving to the wing. Soon after the second half begins a long ball from ter Stegen is behind Armero, and Messi is through. Instead of shooting he squares it to Griezmann, who finishes it to double Spain’s advantage.
COLvESP (half time): Colombia cannot get forwards, as Spain dominate possession. We reach the break with no more real chances, and the Spanish are cruising through to win the group as it stands. At the interval Colombia bring Hernandez off for Gutierrez, with Martinez Borja moving to the wing. Soon after the second half begins a long ball from ter Stegen is behind Armero, and Messi is through. Instead of shooting he squares it to Griezmann, who finishes it to double Spain’s advantage.
TRIvRSA (60 mins): Trinidad & Tobago are trying to get back level, but they just don’t have enough threat about them. Winchester’s shot from range is parried behind by Khune. The corner is headed away... but the referee is pointing at the spot! Tshabalala (a real-life World Cup hero) shoved da Silva, and centre-back Yohance Marshall has the chance to get Trinidad & Tobago (and Colombia) back into this. It’s a good shot, but it’s a better save from Khune! The score stays 1-0, what a wasted chance.
And to rub salt into the wound, South Africa double their lead soon after when a corner falls to Eric Mathoho to slam home. South Africa are now closing in on their second successive DWC knockout-stage.
COLvESP (68 mins): Colombia just cannot cope with Spain’s range of passing, and Ronaldo has two good chances to get his second, but both times his headers fly over the bar.
TRIvRSA (74 mins): It’s all over now, as Brockie nods a high ball down to Tshabalala, who gains redemption by putting the volley away. Four minutes later Trinidad & Tobago finally get on the scoresheet when da Silva releases Gay, whose first-time shot past Khune is excellent.
COLvESP (68 mins): Colombia just cannot cope with Spain’s range of passing, and Ronaldo has two good chances to get his second, but both times his headers fly over the bar.
TRIvRSA (74 mins): It’s all over now, as Brockie nods a high ball down to Tshabalala, who gains redemption by putting the volley away. Four minutes later Trinidad & Tobago finally get on the scoresheet when da Silva releases Gay, whose first-time shot past Khune is excellent.
COLvESP (90+3 mins): There has been very little incident in this second half, as Colombia are incapable of putting Spain under pressure and the Spanish are happy to see out the win. And so the game ends 2-0, and securing Spain’s status as the first side to win all three group games in a DWC.
TRIvRSA (90+4 mins): Trinidad & Tobago seemed to get a bit carried away with the idea of a late resurgence, and overly-attacking football just led to several chances for South Africa on the break. However, they couldn’t take them and the game finishes to confirm South Africa through in second place.
Analysis: Colombia 0-2 Spain
Spain’s win means they will indeed face 2017 DWC champions Germany in the second round. What a tie that promises to be! Anyway, here their superiority can be shown by Colombia’s heat map. The ball barely reached the Spanish goal, and in fact Colombia’s busiest area of the pitch was their own 6-yard box.
TRIvRSA (90+4 mins): Trinidad & Tobago seemed to get a bit carried away with the idea of a late resurgence, and overly-attacking football just led to several chances for South Africa on the break. However, they couldn’t take them and the game finishes to confirm South Africa through in second place.
Analysis: Colombia 0-2 Spain
Spain’s win means they will indeed face 2017 DWC champions Germany in the second round. What a tie that promises to be! Anyway, here their superiority can be shown by Colombia’s heat map. The ball barely reached the Spanish goal, and in fact Colombia’s busiest area of the pitch was their own 6-yard box.
Analysis: Trinidad & Tobago 1-3 South Africa
With five key passes, it was an excellent game for Khama Billiat, who was also credited with both of South Africa’s assists. It’s Brazil next for South Africa, and that battle of recent World Cup hosts could go either way.
With five key passes, it was an excellent game for Khama Billiat, who was also credited with both of South Africa’s assists. It’s Brazil next for South Africa, and that battle of recent World Cup hosts could go either way.
Final Group B table
Tomorrow's schedule
Mexico vs. Tunisia
Thailand vs. Netherlands
Venezuela vs. Morocco
Turkey vs. Greece
Mexico vs. Tunisia
Thailand vs. Netherlands
Venezuela vs. Morocco
Turkey vs. Greece