Cameroon 1-4 Brazil

Brazil will play Chile in the last 16 of the World Cup after beating Cameroon 4-1 in Brasilia tonight. The result means that Luiz Felipe Scolari's side won group A on another night when Neymar was the inspiration behind the victory.

The host nation started very brightly and nearly took the lead in the second minute. Neymar played it to his right to Hulk who pulled it back for Paulinho but his shot was cleared off the line by Allan Nyom.

Cameroon's first effort on goal arrived in the 9^th minute. Enon's deflected cross reached Vincent Aboubakar whose shot looked to be heading in but was blocked by Marcelo.

Brazil went in front in the 17^th minute. Luiz Gustavo won the ball back just inside the halfway line. The Wolfsburg midfielder's excellent cross picked out Neymar who was unmarked in the area and the golden boy of Brazilian football side footed into the corner of the net past Charles Itandje.

Cameroon equalized in the 26^th minute. Allan Nyom got the better of Dani Alves down the left hand side. His precise cross picked out Joel Matip unmarked at the back post. David Luiz was ball watching and Matip was there to put it into an empty net.

The five time winners went back in front in the 34^th minute. After Allan Nyom's clearance went straight to Marcelo the Real Madrid full back played it first time to Neymar. Brazil's number 10 advanced towards the edge of the area and his right foot shot sent Itandje the wrong way. It was his 4^th goal of the tournament and once again the home side were back in control of the group.

It was was almost like watching Brazil on the stroke of half time when the host nation should have increased their lead. Neymar and Oscar combined superbly down the left before Paulinho set up Hulk who looked certain to score but hesitated before his shot was deflected for a corner.

Fred finally got in on the scoring act four minutes into the second half. Substitute Fernandinho played it to his left to David Luiz. The defender who will play for Paris St-Germain next season crossed for Brazil's number 9 , who looked offside but he didn't hang around and headed it into the empty net.

Neymar was replaced by Willian with 20 minutes to go presumably with the second round in mind. Brazil showed that they can score without their star player in the 85^th minute. Cameroon gave the ball away deep in their own half. Oscar who had a quiet game played it into the path of Fernandinho and the Manchester City midfielder who impressed after coming on finished neatly into the far corner.

After four minutes of injury time Brazil's four goals were enough to win the the match and the group. The party will continue until the weekend at least for the host nation. They will be joined in the last 16 by Mexico after their 3-1 victory over Croatia means that they finish second in the group and will now play The Netherlands in Fortaleza on Sunday.

Cameroon; Charles Itandje; Allan Nyom, Nicholas Nkoulou, Henri Bedimo, Stephane Mbia, Joel Matip, Enoh Eyong, Laudry Nguemo, Benjamin Moukandjo (Edgar Salli 59), Vincent Aboubakar (Pierre Webo 72), Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting (Jean Mokun 81).

Booked; Enoh Eyong (11), Edgar Salli (75), Stephane Mbia (80),

Brazil; Julio Cesar; Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo, Paulinho (Fernandinho 46) Luiz Gustavo, Oscar, Hulk (Ramires 63), Fred, Neymar (Willian 72).

Referee; Jonas Eriksson (Sweeden).

© Seamus Egan 2014

Spain 0-2 Chile

Chile joined Holland in the last 16 of the World Cup after they beat Spain 2-0 in Rio tonight. The result also means that the defending champions are out of the competition. Goals from Eduardo Vargas and Charles Aranguiz gave Jorge Sampouli's side the points.

Chile who were all in white on the night started the better and they came close to scoring in the first minute. After Jordi Alba's deflection nearly went into his own net Gonzalo Jara headed the corner which followed just wide.

Spain created their first real chance on the quarter hour mark. After Chile gave the ball away in midfield, Diego Costa who had another poor game at the World Cup, advanced towards the opposition's penalty area. His shot across goal was gathered by Iniesta. The Barcelona player's cross eventually broke to Xabi Alonso who tried to place the ball int the net but Claudio Bravo got down sharply to save.

A fine team move led to the opening goal for Chile in the 20^th minute. After Alonso lost possession an excellent passing move involving four players ended with Alexis Sanchez passing to Charles Aranguiz whose cross picked out Eduardo Vargas. The Valencia striker controlled it on his left foot and finished with his right past Iker Casillas.

Diego Costa missed a great chance to level the scores in the 27^th minute. Andres Iniesta, who was among Spain's better players tonight, took a quick free kick. David Silva headed it into the path of Costa who could only scuff his shot into the side netting from 6 yards out.

The 2010 winners were made to pay for that miss as things went from bad to worse for Spain just before half time. After Xabi Alonso committed a foul about 25 yards from goal, Alexis Sanchez stepped up to take the free kick. His shot was only parried away by Casillas straight into the path of Charles Aranguiz. Aranguiz struck a perfect right foot shot into the corner of the net to put the Spainards on the brink of elimination.

Vicente Del Bosque's team had an excellent chance to get back into it early in the second half. Andres Iniesta picked out Diego Costa with a sublime through ball. The Athletico Madrid striker looked certain to score but Mauricio Isla deflected his effort away.

Sergio Busquets missed a sitter soon afterwards. After Chile failed to properly clear a free kick Diego Costa's bicycle kick found Busquets who somehow side footed wide from inside the six yard box.

Chile should have gone three nil up midway through the second half. Eduardo Vargas was involved again on the counter attack before the ball reached Mauricio Isla at the back post. However the Juventes defender could only put it over the bar from six yards out.

Spain who were all in red nearly pulled one back in the 80^th minute. Iniesta plyed it to substitute Santi Cazorla. Cazorla's shot from the edge of the area was heading to the corner of the net but was pushed away for a corner by the outstanding Bravo.

Iniesta and Carzola again were denied by fine saves from the Chile goalkeeper late on. Following six minutes of injury time Chile's victory guaranteed that along with Holland their six points from their first two group games guaranteed qualification for the last 16. Spain's defeat means that one of the pre tournament favourites will not be in contention to claim football's ultimate prize this year.

Spain; Iker Casillas; Cesar Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Javi Martinez, Jordi Alba; Xabi Alonso (Koke 46), Sergio Busquets; Pedro (Santi Cazorla 76), David Silva, Andres Iniesta; Diego Costa (Fernando Torres 64).

Subs not used; Pepe Reina, David De Gea, Gerard Pique, Raul Albiol, Juanfran, Xavi, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, David Villa.

Booked; Xabi Alonso (40).

Chile; Claudio Bravo; Mauricio Isla, Gary Medal, Gonzalo Jara, Eugenio Mara; Charles Aranguiz (Felipe Gutierrez 65), Marcelo Diaz, Francisco Silva, Arturo Vidal (Carlos Carmona 88); Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas (Jorge Valdivia 86).

Subs not used; Johnny Herrera, Cristopher Toselli, Jose Rojas, Jose Pedro Fuenzalida, Miiko Albornoz, Esteban Paredes, Jean Beausejour, Mauricio Pinilla, Fabian Orellana.

Booked; Arturo Vidal (26), Eugenio Mara (61).

© Seamus Egan 2014

France 3-0 Honduras

France went to the top of Group E after they beat Honduras 3-0 in both side's opening match of the 2014 World Cup at Porto Alegre tonight. Two goals from Karim Benzema, and an own goal from Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares guarenteed the French three points.

It wasn't until the 15^th minute that France created their first opportunity. Mathieu Valbuena who started brightly took a free kick on the right hand side. Jerry Bengston headed it clear but only as far as Blaise Matuidi whose shot was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Noel Valladares.

Les Bleus came close again in the 23^rd minute. Manchester United's Patrice Evra broke down the left and picked out Antoine Griezmann with a precise cross. Griezmann's goalbound effort came back off the crossbar.

The first half's major talking point occured in the 43^rd minute. Paul Pogba controlled the ball in the penalty area and went down under a challenge from Wilson Palacois. Referee Sandro Ricci awarded the penalty and gave the Stoke City player a second yellow card. Karim Benzema scored from the spot to give Didier Deschamp's side the lead.

France doubled their lead early in the second half. Yohan Cabaye picked out Karim Benzema with an excellent crossfield pass. Benzema hit it first time on the half volley from a narrow angle. The ball hit the post and came back off Vallarades. Despite the best efforts of the Honduras goalkeeper to keep it out goal line technology showed that the whole of the ball crossed the line.

It was almost three in the 64^th minute. Good posession and build up play ended with Evra picking out Blaise Matuidi. Matuidi struck first time from six yards out but he could only find the side netting.

Honduras managed to get their first and only shot on target midway through the second half. Oscar Boniek Garcia seized on a mistake from Antonio Mabuva. Boniek got his shot away but there wasn't enough power behind it to trouble Hugo Lloris.

Benzema got his second and France's third of the night 18 minutes from time. The ball broke to him on the right hand side of the area and he hit a powerful right foot shot which found it's way into the top of the net.

Benzema would have got had a hat trick but was denied by the Honduras goalkeeper from close range. The 1998 champions saw the game out comfortably and they will seldom have an easier game than this in World Cup football.

France; Hugo Lloris; Mathieu Debuchy, Raphael Varane, Mamadou Sakho, Patrice Evra; Blaise Matuidi, Paul Pogba (Moussa Sissoko 56), Mathieu Valbuena (Olivier Giroud 78), Yohan Cabaye (Antonio Mabuva 65); Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema.

Subs not used; Stephane Ruffier, Mickael Landreau, Lucas Digne, Barcary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny, Eliaquim Mangala, Morgan Schneiderlin, Loic Remy, Remy Cabella.

Booked; Patrice Evra (7), Paul Pogba (27), Yohan Cabaye (45+2).

Honduras; Noel Valladares, Brayan Beckeles, Victor Bernardez (Osman Chavez 46), Maynor Figueroa, Emilio Izaguirre; Andy Nagar (Jorge Claros 58), Wilson Palacois, Luis Garrido, Roger Espinoza; Jerry Bengston ( Oscar Boniek Garcia 46), Carlo Costly.

Subs not used; Donis Escober, Luis Lopez, Juan Carlos Garcia, Juan Pablo Montes, Edder Delgado, Mario Martinez, Marvin Chavez, Jerry Palacios, Rony Martinez.

Booked; Wilson Palacois (27), Boniek Garcia (53).

Sent off; Wilson Palacois (43).

© Seamus Egan 2014

England 1-2 Italy

Italy beat England by 2 goals to 1 in their opening match in group D of the World Cup in Manaus tonight. Goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli gave Cesare Prandelli's side victory.

Roy Hodgson's team started brightly and very nearly took the lead in the 4th minute. Liverpool's Raheem Sterling gathered possession in the Italian half. He went around the former Liverpool player Gabriel Paletta. Sterling shot from about 25 yards out. It was an excellent effort which hit the side netting. Soon after his Liverpool teammate Jordon Henderson was denied by a fine save from Salvatore Sirgiu in the Italian goal.

A long range shot from Antonio Candreva in the 19th minute caused Joe Hart some problems. The England goalkeeper could only parry Candreva's effort but there was no Italian nearby to take advantage of the rebound.

England came close again in the 24th minute. Glen Johnson found Danny Wellbeck down the right hand side. Wellbeck got round Paletta and looked to play in Daniel Sturridge but Andrea Barzagli made an excellent intervention to prevent an almost certain goal.

Italy took the lead somewhat against the run of play in the 35th minute. They worked a short corner on the right hand side. The ball found its' way to Andrea Pirlo who dummied it. Claudio Marchisio picked up possession and his right foot shot from about 25 yards out went into the corner of the net.

However England deservedly got back on level terms just a couple of minutes later. Raheem Sterling played a wonderful ball down the left hand side to release Wayne Rooney. Rooney's brilliant cross picked out Daniel Sturridge who finished expertly on the half volley from 6 yards out.

Italy nearly went back in front just before half time. Andrea Pirlo picked out Mario Balotelli. Hart came out to narrow the angle. However the AC Milan striker managed to chip the ball over his former Manchester City teammate. It was going in but Phil Jagielka got back to head it off the line.

Sirgiu was busy again early in the second half. He dived low to his left to deny Sturridge who struck from outside the area. That save looked even more important shortly afterwards. The impressive Candreva cut inside Leighton Baines  and crossed left footed from the right hand side. He picked out Mario Balotelli at the back post and Balotelli got away from Gary Cahill to head the Italians back in front.

Italy defended for the majority of the match thereafter and Wayne Rooney missed a terrific chance to equalize in the 62nd minute. Leighton Baines played a pass in behind the Italian defence and picked out Rooney. The England striker controlled it and shot from about 8 yards out but put it wide.

Midway through the second half Chillieni foulded Sturridge about 25 yards from goal.  Baines took the resultant free kick. It beat the wall but Sirigu dived low to his left to push it away for a corner.

England had another chance from a dead ball 6 minutes before the end of normal time after Daniele De Rossi fouled Adam Lallana close to the edge of the area. Steven Gerrard took the set piece but it was too high.

Italy captain Pirlo nearly wrapped it up in injury time. He struck a beautiful free kick from well outside the area which beat the wall swerved and beat Hart but came back off the crossbar.

Italy went on to win the game and are now second in the group behind Costa Rica on goal difference. It was a brave performance from England who came close to getting a result but just fell short. Pirlo was excellent once again for Italy.


England; Hart, Johnson, Jagielka, Cahill, Baines; Gerrard (c), Henderson (Wilshire 73), Wellbeck (Barkley 61), Sterling, Rooney; Sturridge (Lallana 79). 


Italy; Sirigu; Darmian,  Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini;  De Rossi, Pirlo (c); Candreva (Poarolo 79)  Veratti (Thiago Motta 57), Marchisio; Balotelli (Immobile 73).

© Seamus Egan 2014

The Greates Show On Planet Earth.

The greatest show on earth will begin tomorrow. The first game of the 2014 Fifa World Cup between the host nation Brazil and Croatia will kick off at 9.p.m Irish time in Sao Paulo. Over the next month, 64 games will be played to decide who will claim football's greatest prize.  The Final will take place on Sunday July 13th at 8.pm Irish time in Rio. I believe that the World Cup is the best sporting event on the planet. So obviously I am really looking forward to the next month and watching as much football as possible. I will also be providing reports on some of the games throughout the competition.

For the purposes of this blog I sought the views and opinions of some other football fans regarding the World Cup. 14 people in total answered 3 questions. Thanks to everybody who contributed. 

1: Who do you think will win the World Cup?

4 people went for defending champions Spain. The same number tipped two time winners Argentina to triumph again. 4 people also fancy hosts Brazil to emerge victorious for the first time since 2002. 2 people think that Germany will be champions this year.
The history books tell us that no team since Brazil in 1962 have defended the title, while the last host nation to win it were France in 1998. 

2: Who do you believe will be top scorer?

Argentina's Lionel Messi was top choice here with 5 individuals opting for the Barcelona player. 3 people believe that another South American player, Luis Suarez of Uruguay will top the scoring charts in Brazil. Messi's team mate Sergio Aguero and Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo have been tipped by 2 people to score most goals during the tournament.  Fred and Neymar from the host nation were also tipped to finish as leading goalscorer.

3: How far will England go in the Tournament?

7 people believe that England will reach the quarter finals, while the other 7 do not think that England will get out of their group. In the last 4 World Cups that they have played in England have reached the 2nd round twice and the quarter finals twice.

All these questions and more will be answered over the next month. Good luck to all of the 32 teams taking part. Enjoy the football.

© Seamus Egan 2014.