If the amount of goals scored in the opening contest is anything to go by, we are in for a mesmerizing month of soccer with flair, charisma, and enterprise, possible anecdote to resist sleep. The barometer reading suggested intense pressure on top of the heat as the hosts started their campaign with a come from behind defeat of a spirited Croatia. Their poster boy Neymar Junior scored a well taken brace, to stake and early claim for the Golden boot. But it was Oscar dos santos, who terrorized Sime Vrsalkjo and wipping in dangerous crosses. How fitting was it for him to toe post that late shot past stipe? Superbly placed from the diminutive playmaker. Hulk and Fred were disappointing and they have to step up in the games to come. As predicted, the brazilian full backs marauded forward and were vulnerable on the croatian counter. It proved deadly as Rakitic, Vrsalkjo and finally Olic drilled a cross across the back line and Marcelo Viera was surprised to put it past his own goalie JC. Croatian wingers on the day, Wolfsburg duo Ivica Olic and Ivan Perisic whipped the ball in with pace. I think the Croats missed Bavarian giant Mario Mandzukic and his aerial prowess. Nonetheless, Selecao werent convincing but theyll take plently of positives as theyll believe they can come back even if the go behind in the comingg games. Now, theyll be playing their natural game, after a huge burden is no more there. For croatia, its back to the drawing board and couple of crunch affairs next. Theyll believe afetr their spirited opening performance. Matchday2 of the biggest sporting festival of the year. CONCACAF power houses El tri, Mexico take on the Indomitable lions from the african continent, Cameroon. With precious 3 points on offer, both teams know that maximum points would place them firmly placed to advance through to the R-16. With Croatia losing by a two goal margin, landslide victory either way could prove to be a decider. Cameroon advanced to the finals via a playoff, dismantling rivals Tunisia 4-1. There were as much pressure, if not more, for their today-s opponents Mexico as they relied upon arch rivals USA to do them a big favor and continue their good run of qualifying. The US soccer team defeated Panama in the deciding affair to ensure El tri progress to the playoffs. Mexico eventually thrashed New Zealand to book their place. Mexico arrived here without their influential forward, Real Sociedad hitman Carlos Vela, a former Gunner, as hes on a self imposed exile from the national side. He was offered a chance to come back into the side, but humbly allowed the group of players who worked hard during the qualifiers,a chance to shine. There are doubts over Manchester united Striker Jav Hernandez as boss Miguel Herrera is said to opt with former Blaugrana and current Villareal frontman Oficial Giovani Dos Santos . Hes my man to watch out for. After years of frustration at club level hes finally hitting form for his club side on a regular basis and hes known to be a brilliant performer for el tri. I think that a striker of Hernandezs stature should start this crunch affair whether hes on hot form or not. Little pea has a great goalscoring record for el tri and wont miss out any rebounds in and around the box. Their experienced/veteran defender Rafa Marquez will once again lead the north American troops. This is his 4th world cup, i guess. And after a turbulent last year or so, with a total of 4 coaching changes, Mexico are in need of a valiant performance to silence critics. On the other hand, Indomitable lions Cameroon are struggling with off field issues, pointing to unpaid bonuses. Captain Samuel Etoo has his differences with his teammates, but he needs to sort those resentments aside as he aims to take Cameroon to old heroics, after 24 difficult years on the world stage. He will be raring to go and imitate national hero, Roger Millas feat of 1990. Fenerbache forward, Pierre Webo will be his support line and as will be Lorient man Vincent Aboubakar. They have ball winners in the midfield like Stephane mbia, Jean II Makoun, Joel matip . But lack creative talents and will depend upon Alexander song Billong to provide groundworks for attack. Joel MAtip, the Schalke04 star will be an interesting option. In the defence, Merseilles outgoing skipper, Niko Nkolou will partner Galas Chejdou and they will be joined by full backs enoh and QPR FCs Benoit assou ekoto, on loan from Spurs. May the best team win. A win for either side will multiply their chances of qualifying as an underdog. A draw will bring Croatia firmly back into the contention. Watch me live on G tv, 8pm nst
Posted on: Sat, 14 Jun 2014 13:24:24 +0000
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