There were three matches today, and the first draw this World Cup came against Iran vs. Nigeria (0-0). First was Germany vs. Portugal. Many predicted a tight match but in the 12th minute Thomas Mueller scored on a penalty when Mario Gotze got pushed down by Portuguese defender Joao Pereira. Four minutes before, Sami Khedria missed wide on a wide open net. The lead doubled in the 32nd when Toni Kroos sent in a corner that Mats Hummels headed in for a second goal. Portugal got worse when defender Pepe pushed Mueller to the ground and then headbutted him. It resulted into a red card, leaving Portugal with ten men. Germany scored in the 45+1' minute when Mueller scored again when his shot from inside the box hit off Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio into the net. Fabio Coentro injured his leg and left in the 65th minute on a stretcher. It was 4-0 in the 78th minute when sub Andre Schurrle shot it from the right. Patricio blocked it but Mueller tapped it in for the hat trick and the 4-0 win.
Next match was Iran vs. Nigeria. This was the first draw this World Cup, and the first 2014 World Cup game that was scoreless. Chances were little because of Iran`s defense and Nigeria had bad ability to score goals. After one half, there was very little to no chances from both teams. In the 34th minute Ashkan Dejagah of Iran crossed it to Reza Ghoochanneijhad, whose header was stopped by Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama. in the 71st, Shola Ameobi of Nigeria headed in a ball that went wide of the post. Ameobi tried again stoppage time, but Iran defender Mehrdad Pooladi blocked it off the line. This match was probably one of the worst I have ever seen.
The last match today was USA vs. Ghana, the team that eliminated them from the last two World Cups. The 6th fastest goal in World Cup history came when Clint Dempsey scored 34 seconds in when he shot it low, hitting off the right post. Jozy Altidore almost doubled the lead in the 18th minute, but the shot was blocked. Altidore then got injured in the 23rd and pulled a hamstring while running for the ball. Aron Johansson came in for him. Tim Howard blocked a header from Asamoah Gyan by diving in the 32nd. After the first goal, Ghana dominated in possession, shots, and chances. John Brooks came in for Matt Besler, who was also injured. Sulley Muntari of Ghana missed a shot high from long distance and a minute later Gyan headed one off target. Finally, Ghana scored in the 82nd when Andre Ayew got a heel flick from Gyan and shot it passed Howard with his left foot to tie it at one. But four minutes later, USA got revenge. Graham Zusi kicked in a cross and Brooks headed it in for the win. Ghana`s chances after Brooks` goal were wide of the goal, and the US held on for three points.
No comments:
Post a Comment