BRAZIL VS CROATIA
TALKING POINT Controversial penalty decision by referee Yuichi Nishimura
WHAT HAPPENED Croatia drew first blood in the 11th minute courtesy of an own goal by Brazilian defender Marcelo. Brazil equalised in the 29th minute through a long-range strike by Neymar.
With the game possibly going either way, Japanese referee Nishimura awarded Brazil a controversial penalty in the 71st minute, judging that Dejan Lovren had fouled Fred in the penalty area. Replays, however, showed very little contact, and many were outraged by the decision.
Brazil would go on to score another goal in added time when Croatian goalkeeper failed to keep out a toe poke attempt by Brazilian midfielder Oscar.
FINAL SCORE 3–1
AFTERMATH Nishimuru faces scrutiny from FIFA over the penalty decision. If the decision is judged to be a mistake, Nishimuru is unlikely to referee another game at the World Cup.
For pictures of the game, see here
SPAIN VS NETHERLANDS
TALKING POINT The Spanish getting trounced by the 2010 finalists
WHAT HAPPENED Defending champions Spain took the lead in the 27th minute after their striker Diego Costa was brought down in the penalty box. Midfielder Xabi Alonso converted the penalty accordingly. Dutch striker Robin Van Persie equalised for his country just before half time.
The Netherlands were clearly superior after the break, with Stefan de Vrij scoring once and both Van Persie and compatriot Arjen Robben grabbing a brace each by the end of the game.
Match statistics showed that while Spain had the majority of possession (58 per cent to 42 per cent), the Dutch were much more clinical with more shots made and more attempts on target. Spain’s captain Iker Casillas had a bad day with several blunders – one of which led to Van Persie’s second goal.
Netherlands avenged their 1-0 defeat to Spain at the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As commentator Jon Champion correctly said: “Revenge is a dish best served cold”.
FINAL SCORE 1-5
AFTERMATH This was the biggest loss for a defending champion at the FIFA World Cup. Casillas apologised for the defeat as well as his poor performance, calling the match “the worst in my career”.
More questions were raised about the effectiveness of the Tiki-taka style used by the Spanish. While the system had previously proven very successful for not only the Spanish national team but for Barcelona FC as well, opponents have began to find weaknesses in the style.
For pictures of the game, see here
ENGLAND VS ITALY
TALKING POINT The English were actually adventurous in going forward, and played some genuinely attractive attacking football
WHAT HAPPENED Unlike the Capello squad back in 2010 that seem terrified of getting forward, Roy Hodgson’s men faced Italy with enthusiasm and spirit.
Italy took the lead in the 35th minute when playmaker Andrea Pirlo assisted Claudio Marchisio in scoring a long range shot from outside the penalty box. Undeterred, England equalised two minutes later when Raheem Sterling fed a through ball to Wayne Rooney on the left, who crossed it into the feet of Daniel Sturridge. The Liverpool FC striker scored accordingly.
While Italy would get the final laugh in the 50th minute when striker Mario Balotelli headed a ball past Joe Hart into the net, England should be very proud of their overall performance. Both teams had relatively the same amount of possession (48 per cent for England), but the English had the lion share of chances with a total of 18 shots taken, and eight of those on target. The Italians had 12 shots with five on target.
FINAL SCORE 1–2
AFTERMATH Whilst undeniably disappointed with the final result, England manager Roy Hodgson expressed great pride in the way his team played, calling it the best performance of his time in charge.
Italy’s manager, Cesare Prandelli also praised the tenacity of his opponents by stating that unlike the “long ball” tactics used previously, England showed capability in making incisive passes to create chances.
For pictures of the game, see here
ARGENTINA VS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
TALKING POINT A potential candidate for Goal of the Tournament by Lionel Messi
WHAT HAPPENED Arguably the best player of the game today, Lionel Messi has been scintillating for FC Barcelona, having scored 243 league goals for the club.
However, the record four-time FIFA/Ballons d’Or winner has been struggling to emulate his club form for his country at the World Cups. His only goal at the tournament came in the 6-0 demolition of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.
After eight years he finally scored his second goal at this year's World Cup, and it was an absolute stunner! In the face of immense pressure, Messi dribbled past three opposition players before shooting from the edge of the penalty box.
FINAL SCORE 2–1
AFTERMATH Prior to the tournament, there were reports that Messi suffered from nervousness during big games. Argentina’s captain has had the immense pressure of leading his country to the World Cup on his shoulders. Having given a Man of the Match performance in the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Messi and his team will face Iran on June 21 with the belief that they can win all three points.
For pictures of the game, see here
Passing through Changi Airport in Singapore? Be sure to catch all the World Cup matches at the live screening zones set up in the departure transit areas (see here).
For more information, visit fifa.com
Clement Huang
