WC 2014 Knockout - QF ARG vs BEL, CRC vs NED

[al-Sagar]

looks like CRC will shoot first ...

[al-Sagar]

the no 5 for CRC Borges ........ against greek GK karnezis ....... scores

[al-Sagar]

now for the greek it is the no 9 mitrioglu ............ left footed ...... cool ..... sores

1-1

[al-Sagar]

Ruiz, the captain, for the 2nd CRC shot ....... another wonderful penalty ........

and the no 16 for Greece also scores

2-2 after 2 shots each

[al-Sagar]

3rd shot for CRC the no 3 and scores again ... .... no isses so far

for Greece ........ the no 20 scores .......


3-3 after 3 shots

[al-Sagar]

4th shot ..... j Campbell scores ..................

4th shot ....... Greece saved .......................

4-3

[al-Sagar]

5th kick ...... CRC wins if they score ................ Greece GK must save this .......

the CRC no 4 on the ball ....... scores

Costa Rica's RUN continues ..... in to the Quarters ........

[al-Sagar]

so it shapes up ..... NED to play CRC

[Sohel]

Los Ticos were down to 10 men but their character, resilience and one Senor Navas pulled them through. Now avenge your CONCACAF rivals and beat the Dutch in the quarterfinals!

[reverse_swing]

Arjen Robben could face retrospective punishment from Fifa after the Netherlands winger admitted diving in their 2-1 World Cup win over Mexico.
The 30-year-old said he did not cheat to win a decisive injury-time penalty but told Dutch TV: "I apologise. In the first half I took a dive."
Furious Mexico coach Miguel Herrera accused Robben of diving three times.
Fifa, world football's governing body, states it can "sanction those who violate the principles of fair play".

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28089487


Update: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28089487

[Tigers_eye]

10 men Costa Rica finished off in style. Bye Bye Greece.

[cluster11]

That was a heartbreaking loss for Mexico yesterday but I'm glad Costa Rica kept the CONCACAF flame on! Mexico lost at the end by it's own failure to defend till the last minute. Until the second water-break they were sort of even with the Dutch while holding the lead. A great team like Netherlands will always change strategy when things are not working and that's what their coach did after that 2nd drinks break (as he mentioned today). The last 15 mins all Mexico was doing was kicking the ball away and letting Netherlands bring in waves and waves of attack without doing a good job of defending. I know Robben is known for diving but there was no reason for Marquez to charge when 2 other defenders are on Robben and that too inside the D-Box as Robben is running away from the goal.
As for Costa Rica, they pretty much ran out of game plan after going down to 10-men and had same psychological breakdown like Mexico. It is only because Greece has an incompetent offense that they (Costa Rica) managed to hold on for a while and finally got their groove back. They will not have that kind of luck against Netherlands so need to change that strategy.
On a separate note, this is the most lively fast-paced World Cup I have seen in the past 30 years that I've been following this event. Just the sheer number of goals and late goals are amazing. But also in low scoring match there is so much drama. For example, the first 5 matches of round-2 all looked on paper to be one-sided for the favorite team. But only Columbia managed to beat Uruguay convincingly. All others (even France today), had to wait at least till final 10-15 mins of the match to get a result.

[Sohel]

The Swiss seem to be focused on Messi, knowing full well that you cannot stop the man. You can only hope to contain his impact by double or even triple teaming him. This will create opportunities for Higuain, the massively talented finisher who has yet to apply himself in the tournament. I see a comfortable win for the Argentines with a couple of late goals if the Swiss try and defend the whole time. I reckon they'll have a better shot with a more positive approach. The Argentine defense has been suspect and needs to be run at. Not sure if the Swiss tactics in the game will allow them to come forward, keep possession in the Argentine zone, and make those runs. Being tactically fixated on counterattack alone won't do the trick.

[Sohel]

Jozy Altidore comes back for the USA. If the timing of his pacy runs is there, then the Belgians should fear his finishing ability. He and Dempsey constitute our 1-2 punch provided they get the service. Sadly, Bradley has very little creative vision, so Jones will need to come forward with his. I think our defense led by Gonzalez is solid in front of Howard, one of the best shot stoppers in the world bar none. I hope Brooks also starts today to further strengthen our D. Julian Green should also be worth a try in place of Zusi. There's a good chance Fellaini suit up for Belgium and that's good news for the USA defending corner kicks. I think the USA will prevail in a close match and advance. Let's Go USA!

[One World]

Switzerland 1-Argentina 0 (Extra Time)
USA 3-Belgium 2
__________________

[Tigers_eye]

Well the first half ends with 0-0.

Swiss are playing in more of an aggressor. 13 fouls with an yellow card. Possession is in Argentina's favor. We all know these stats matter very little. It is the goals that count.

[Sohel]

Man, the Swiss are reaping the rewards of their immigration policy. Four Albanians, two Turks, one Chilean, one Ivorian, one from Cape Verde, one Bosnian, and one Croat in the lineup. That's ELEVEN players guys!

[Sohel]

Swiss finishing leaves a lot to be desired. Drmic is especially painful to watch.

[Sohel]

Disappointing last ball in from Di Maria. Always dangerous with space. Classic winger. The Argentine Garrincha.

[al-Sagar]

an hour gone .... and still deadlock

[al-Sagar]

fine save ...... that looked tp be heading the target

[Sohel]

Gago: nothing to go gaga over. Redondo and Riquelme were much better. What a header from Higuain! Free header forces a good save.

[Sohel]

Messi's being double and triple teamed as expected. They need to be a little quicker on the ball and with their passes but the defense is pretty solid.

[al-Sagar]

granit XHAKA off ... gaston FERNANDEZ on .....

[al-Sagar]

Originally Posted by Sohel
Gago: nothing to go gaga over. Redondo and Riquelme were much better. What a header from Higuain! Free header forces a good save.

Redondo .... riquelme .......

I miss Martin EL LOCO Palermo .... and Juan Pablo Sorin