IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
South Korea 2-4 Algeria: Fennecs on brink of last-16 after six-goal thriller
By Alec Fenn
Jun 22, 2014 9:52:00 PM
The African nation raced into a three-goal in the first half and, though they were made to work in the second period, sealed a crucial victory
Algeria moved to within touching distance of reaching the last-16 of the World Cup for the first time after beating South Korea 4-2 in a six-goal thriller in Porto Alegre.
Vahid Halilhodzic's men ran riot in the opening 45 minutes as the South Korea defence was found wanting time and again.
Islam Slimani opened the scoring midway through the opening period by lifting the ball over goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong from a long-range pass, before Rafik Halliche doubled the advantage and Abdelmoumene Djabou made it three.
Son Heung-min stopped the rot by slotting the ball between the legs of Rais M'Bolhi to reduce the deficit just after the interval, but it proved to be brief respite for the 2002 World Cup co-hosts.
Yacine Brahimi appeared to put the result beyond doubt in the 62nd minute, but a Koo Ja-cheol strike 10 minutes later kept the match alive as a contest.
However, Korea were unable to set up a nervy end to the game as Algeria went two points clear of Russia in second place in Group H with one game left to play.
Algeria - a team who failed to score a single goal in South Africa in 2010 - become the first African nation to score four goals in a World Cup fixture.
While South Korea were unchanged from their 1-1 opening draw with Russia, Halilhodzic made five changes to the Algeria side that started the 2-1 defeat to Belgium.
Sofiane Feghouli, who scored from the spot in Algeria's curtain-raiser, blasted over on the turn in the opening two minutes before Brahimi joined him in clearing the crossbar following a goalmouth scramble moments later.
Algeria had appeals for a penalty turned down in the build-up to Brahimi's effort, after Feghouli appeared to be felled by Kim Young-gwon, but the men from north Africa continued to look the more threatening.
Slimani – one of those brought into the starting XI - headed narrowly wide of the left-hand post from a corner 10 minutes in, and the Sporting forward should have done better when he failed to direct the ball goalwards from a delightful Aissa Mandi cross.
But the 26-year-old justified his selection in the 26th minute when he latched onto a Carl Medjani punt from the back to clip the ball over Jung, who was in no man's land as Algeria doubled their advantage less than two minutes later.
Halliche was given too much space by the Korean defence and rose highest to power home a thunderous header from a Djabou corner and punish the flapping Jung.
South Korea's vulnerable backline was exposed once more, seven minutes before the break, as Djabou had the time to slot into the bottom right-hand corner as puzzled defenders stared at each other blankly.
Half-time will have been welcomed by the Asian nation, for whom the match was turning into a horror show, but Hong Myung-bo's men emerged for the second 45 minutes with renewed energy.
And they pulled one back in the 50th minute. Son controlled the ball somewhat fortuitously in the penalty area after it bounced off his back before firing between the legs of Algeria keeper M'Bolhi, who then had to be alert to tip over a long-range effort from Ki Sung-yueng.
Brahimi exchanged passes brilliantly with Slimani and buried Algeria's historic fourth just after the hour mark, but captain Koo bundled home from a Lee Keun-ho cross to keep South Korea's hopes alive.
The two-goal advantage was untroubled for the remainder of the encounter,though, as Algeria clung on for their first World Cup win since 1982.
Jun 23, 2014 12:37:00 AM
Netherlands and Chile go head-to-head on Monday knowing that defeat will leave them facing the prospect of taking on Brazil in their own back yard
By Kris Voakes in Sao Paulo
The hordes of yellow shirts fill the crowd, the players and fans belt out the national anthem in unison, the spirit envelopes everybody in close proximity. And then, of course, there is Neymar.
There is something special about Brazil inviting the rest of the world to see what can become of football when a whole country pulls in one direction for a couple of hours. The hairs on the back of the neck have rarely been more alert, even for neutrals.
But it is hardly the most mouth-watering of prospects for an opposing national team and, for one of Netherlands and Chile, it will almost certainly become a reality at the weekend.
Brazil will probably qualify from Group A as winners, while it would take a pair of freak results on Monday evening to knock out the Selecao and spare both Louis van Gaal and Jorge Sampaoli from having to plot a route past the host nation on the way to the quarter-finals.
The probability is that the early kick-off at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo has become a play-off for the right to avoid Brazil. With both nations having already qualified, such a fixture might normally be expected to be a non-event. But given the apparent booby prize awaiting the loser, this one suddenly takes on another guise.
“It is going to be a final,” claimed Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal in a press conference on Sunday. “Both teams want to win the group, and it is certainly going to be difficult to play Brazil in their own country in the World Cup.
“But we are not concentrating on that, only on trying to beat Netherlands.”
There was a lot of that. Both coaches added their own line regarding the need not to focus on Brazil, but the reality is that the final group game has a raised importance entirely because of the home side. If the rhetoric about this game being like a final is true, then that is exactly because Brazil are likely to await the losers.
For Chile in particular, the sight of their name alongside that of the five-time winners is not one they will relish. Three times they have reached the knockout stages in previous World Cup finals tournaments, and all three times they have been sent packing by Brazil.
But while in 1962 they were hosts, in 1998 they had the likes of Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas in their ranks, and four years ago they were led by the legendary Marcelo Bielsa, this time around they feel they have something more in their favour, boasting probably the best ever generation of Chilean footballers.
“It’s difficult to talk about Brazil and what has happened before,” says Vidal. “On Monday we will just have to play to win and we will go step by step, but we do believe in ourselves.
“I guess this is Chile’s best generation. We have a lot of players playing outside of Chile and when we come back together we are very strong.”
But the Dutch side they face have quality too, and they will surely fancy their chances more against Brazil based on previous history. In four World Cup meetings, the Oranje have a 2-2 record against the Selecao, and even then one of their two defeats came only after a penalty shootout, in the 1998 semi-final in Marseille.
But if there was a clear motivation in Louis van Gaal’s anti-Fifa rant on Sunday, in which he claimed there was "unfair play" in the scheduling of Brazil’s fixtures, it was because he knows as well as anyone how tough they will be to knock off their perch in their homeland.
With the nation behind them last year Brazil became unstoppable, sweeping all-comers aside to win the Confederations Cup. They could quite easily do the same again this month, and neither Netherlands nor Chile will want to be stood in their path too early in the competition.
It is not winner takes all in Sao Paulo on Monday, but it sure does feel like it.
By Kris Voakes at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo
Jun 22, 2014 6:46:00 PM
The Chile coach says he has the team to make the most of Oranje's deficiencies and secure top spot in Group B
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli believes his side have the quality to make the most of Netherlands' weaknesses when the two sides face off for top spot of World Cup Group B on Monday.
While both countries have already qualified for the round of 16, the winners of the clash in Sao Paulo are likely to avoid Brazil in the next phase of the tournament.
And Sampaoli says his men are more than equipped to find their opponents' weak spot.
"It will be a strategically difficult match for us because we have a coach against us who looks at different variables and they will try to control us," Sampaoli told a pre-match press conference.
"But we have the power to uncover certain Dutch deficiencies. The team that wins will be the one who has the necessary will.
"We are modest, but we have qualities, and the collective is more important than the individual player. We are moving forward as the matches go by, the team is maturing and we are growing up to being one of the best in the world."
Chile have been eliminated by Brazil in all three of their previous appearances in the knockout stages of the World Cup, but Sampaoli insists that the prospect of a fourth meeting with their bogey team is not central in his mind and he will not rest players on yellow cards for the final group fixture.
"We cannot decide whether we play Brazil, the qualification decides. The next opponent is always the most difficult and we will play as we can no matter who it is [in the last 16].
"Our priority is this game. We will have to win this group and we need players that will help us develop the play and we will see if the game demands that they play. We will treat it as if it is a final."
Chile face Netherlands at the Arena Corinthians at 18:00CET, with the winners topping Group B. A draw will see the Dutch qualify in first place.
Pictures showing fans wearing all-black make-up circulated on social media following the clash with Ghana and a spokesperson has confirmed the evidence will be looked into
Fifa is set to examine suggestions of alleged discrimination carried out by Germany fans during their 2-2 draw with Ghana on Saturday in Fortaleza.
Photographs showing certain supporters with black make up on their faces circulated on social media, sparking suggestions that a minority of the European team's fans were displaying racist behaviour.
Adding weight to these claims were the actions of one fan, who invaded the pitch with Nazi messages written on his body during the second period.
A spokesperson from Fifa told a media briefing that the claims will be investigated.
"We always take any evidence or submissions to our disciplinary committee. It is the disciplinary committee that will meet," she explained. "If they see any grounds they will open proceedings. Then it is up to the disciplinary commission to take the decision."
Prior to the match, there were reports that some German fans were asked to take down banners that displayed political messages, although these were of an undetermined nature.
Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare), which was established in 1999, had previously expressed concerns over certain banners displayed by fans from Russia and Croatia during this competition, and Fifa has confirmed that they will act against perpetrators of such incidents.
"If something like a banner is spotted, it will be removed. If something is not spotted and someone has images of it, then if anyone submits evidence of those things then our disciplinary committee will consider it. We clearly have zero tolerance of any form of discrimination."
USA 2-2 Portugal: Varela denies America with 95th minute equaliser
Jun 23, 2014 12:57:00 AM
The forward headed home with just seconds remaining to deny the Stars and Stripes back to back victories
A 95th minute equaliser from Silvestre Varela saw Portugal salvage a 2-2 draw with USA and deny Jurgen Klinsmann's men immediate qualification to the last-16.
The USA had come from behind to lead 2-1 on Sunday and looked to have ended Portugal's World Cup campaign in Manaus, before Cristiano Ronalo got free on the right in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time and picked out Varela, who powered a header past Tim Howard.
An early Nani goal saw Portugal respond well to their devastating 4-0 loss to Germany last week, but second-half strikes from Jermaine Jones and captain Clint Dempsey put the USA in front and on the verge of the last-16.
But Varela's late header ensured the top two positions in Group G remain up for grabs with Germany (four points) on top, level with the USA, while Ghana and Portugal both have slim chances of advancing with one point each.
Despite speculation that a knee injury would keep him out of Portugal's line-up, Ronaldo started, while Helder Postiga, Ricardo Costa, Andre Almeida and Beto replaced the unavailable quartet of Hugo Almeida (thigh), Pepe (suspension), Fabio Coentrao (groin) and Rui Patricio (thigh).
Klinsmann picked Graham Zusi to replace the injured Jozy Altidore (hamstring), with the Sporting Kansas City midfielder lining up on the left and Dempsey moving into a lone striker's role.
The match started horribly for USA with Nani opening the scoring in just the fifth minute.
Miguel Veloso's poor cross bounced in front of Geoff Cameron and the central defender sliced his clearance to the back post, where Nani took a touch and then smashed his shot high into the net with Howard stranded.
Scolari: Match-fixing claims are disrespectful toward Cameroon
Jun 23, 2014 1:09:00 AM
The Selecao boss does not believe the Indomitable Lions will throw the game, while hitting out at those who have claimed Brazil get to pick their opponents for the next round
By Stefan Coerts in Brasilia
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has laughed off rumours that his side's Group A game against Cameroon at the Estadio Mane Garrincha on Monday could be targeted by match-fixers.
Fifa's head of security Ralf Mutschke stated ahead of the World Cup that certain teams have been identified as being vulnerable to fixers, before adding that the last round of group games carries a greater risk as some teams have nothing left to play for.
Cameroon's World Cup comes to an end on Monday after they lost their opening two games against Mexico and Croatia, yet Scolari has stressed that it would be an insult to the African country to suggest they could throw the game.
"Match-fixing claims? It seems that Fifa has already made a statement on this," Scolari said at a press conference when questioned about the matter.
"Cameroon supposedly have nothing to lose, but they have their honour to protect. They have the opportunity to fight and do their country proud.
"These claims are a lack of respect toward Cameroon. There are a lot of games with teams that are already out, like Spain and England..."
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal suggested earlier on Sunday that Brazil can pick out their own opponent for the round of 16 as the matches in Group A kick-off once Group B is already finished, but Scolari has voiced his dismay with any comments suggesting Fifa is biased toward the hosts.
"People are wrong when they think we are able to choose our next opponent. Either they’re stupid or ill-intended.
"We have to play to qualify. Fifa decided our schedule. This has got nothing to do with us. We have to qualify first.
"People put us in a difficult position when they say we can choose our opponent. It’s disrespectful towards Cameroon."
Scolari then went on to stress that he does not plan to make any changes to his starting XI as he intends to play the same players who started their opening game against Croatia, with the recovered Hulk set to return at the expense of Ramires.
"I am not going to change my team. I trust in the squad that I played in the first game. This is how I work. If I have to make changes during the game, I will do that.
"We are a group and are in this together. I will continue with the line-up that I started with in the first game.
"I am satisfied with our performances so far. We are not at the same level yet as during the Confederations Cup last year, but this is a World Cup, it’s different."
Brazil have collected four points from their opening two games and need a win or a draw to book their ticket for the round of 16.
The highest-ranking member of the country's football organisation has called for an explanation after seven of the national team's players were tested after beating Italy
By Kris Voakes in Sao Paulo
The president of Costa Rica's national football team commission has demanded that Fifa explains itself for drugs testing seven of the country's players following their victory over Italy on Friday.
Adrian Gutierrez was left seething after the game’s global governing body chose to take away almost a third of the 23-man squad following the World Cup Group D clash in Recife for drug monitoring, a move which is at odds with usual testing procedure.
Requirements normally deem that two players from each team be asked to take a test following games, but Fifa maintain the change of approach was due to some of the Costa Ricans having been unavailable to provide samples during the mandatory pre-tournament process.
“We would like an explanation from Fifa,” said Gutierrez. “We believe in, accept, and trust the doping controls that Fifa carried out.
“What caused the surprise was that they took seven players and that raised the suspicion of Costa Rican players doping.”
Such heightened suspicion has caused consternation among the team’s ranks, with coach Jorge Luis Pinto insisting there is no need to question the secret behind Costa Rica’s fantastic form in the competition so far.
“I don’t mind them doing it, but it was the way they did it,” Pinto said of the drug testing.
“We can’t worry about it though. People ask us how we can run as much as we did. Well, it is because Costa Ricans run.”
The Ticos beat Italy by a single Bryan Ruiz goal, and the Fulham striker was one of the seven called in immediately after the game for testing. Keylor Navas, Christian Bolanos, Celso Borges and Marco Urena were also tested, while non-playing substitutes Michael Barrantes and Diego Calvo were asked for samples, too.
Gutierrez has insisted his players will always be made available for tests, but says there is a time and a place for them to be carried out.
“We are willing to give Fifa’s Anti-Doping Control, four, eight or 23 players if necessary. It just didn’t suit us that this was done after a game when it could have been done at any time.”
Spain players only think of themselves - Del Bosque
By Pilar Suarez in Curitiba
Jun 22, 2014 7:43:00 PM
The Roja boss responded to reports of a training ground bust-up with Cesc Fabregas and revealed he is unsure whether Xavi will retire from international football
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque claims his players "only think of themselves" following suggestions of a training-ground bust-up with Cesc Fabregas.
La Roja were eliminated after only two matches at the World Cup, enduring dismal defeats to Netherlands and Chile in their opening group stage matches.
Spain's dispirited squad was once again in the headlines earlier on Sunday after rumours of an argument between Del Bosque and Fabregas over the new Chelsea signing's work-rate, with the coach appearing to take away the midfielder's bib.
However, the former Real Madrid boss insists he was simply balancing out teams in the training session and stressed he has to be concerned with keeping the entirety of his squad content - unlike the players themselves.
"I didn't take away the vest," Del Bosque said to Cuatro Television. "It was a minor issue. One team was outnumbered and the team were still behind. I sought support from Xabi Alonso. Nothing happened.
"I'm grateful to all the players. I think of them. But they only think of themselves."
Although his side have experienced a dreadful World Cup campaign, Del Bosque is hesitant to ditch the likes of Barcelona veteran Xavi and suggested that those who are not fans of the Catalunya club should stop seeking his banishment.
"People say we must do a revolution, but we all losers in this the World Cup," he said. "Our recognition for Xavi is huge - if someone does not recognise how good he is then it is because they are permanently wearing their club t-shirt, even to go to bed.
Del Bosque also stressed he had no further updates to give on his future and claims he is unaware of the plans of veterans Xavi and Iker Casillas in terms of their own international careers.
"I can understand that you, the press, want to know what will happen but everything has a process. We have to make many considerations before any decisions are taken - for the good of Spanish football.
"We don't know whether he will continue or not. I sincerely don't know. Nobody has told me directly that these will be their last games with Spain."
Looking ahead to Spain's final game, against Australia, Del Bosque spoke of a desire to end a disappointing summer on a high note.
"We want to go out in the best way possible. I would have liked this game to come earlier; we've been waiting for it since the Holland game.
"Now, after three days, we have begun to understand the situation. We've all worked together and that has made it more manageable."
Del Bosque confirmed that Andres Iniesta will get his 100th cap for la Roja by featuring on Monday against the Socceroos, ruled out David de Gea and Xavi due to injury, and said that Pepe Reina will start in goal.
'Crumbled' defence left us with too much to do - Hong Myung-Bo
By Kris Voakes
Jun 22, 2014 11:33:00 PM
The South Korea boss admitted his side's defending left a lot to be desired as they slumped to a crucial defeat against Algeria on Sunday
South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo has blamed his "crumbled" defence for the 4-2 loss to Algeria that leaves them on the verge of World Cup elimination.
The Taegeuk Warriors quickly found themselves 3-0 down in the Group H clash in Porto Alegre, and the defeat means that even a victory over Belgium in their final group game may not be enough to see them progress.
And Hong was hugely disappointed that his side made a series of mistakes to hand Algeria such a sizeable half-time lead.
“The result speaks for itself, we made mistakes today. We tried to change it up at half-time, but since we had conceded so many, it was difficult to turn it around,” Hong told reporters after the match.
“Our defence crumbled in the first half, we weren’t well organised. I tried to change that in the second half, but it didn’t work out.”
The result represented a first World Cup finals win for the Fennecs in 32 years, but Hong insists his side had not underestimated their opponents.
“No, we did not underestimate them, we knew they were strong all along,” he added.
“I think they were very well organised in defence, and our players weren’t up to the standard. Now the match is over, we have to prepare better the next time, that’s what is left for us to do.
“We still have a game to play, so I want my players to make a quick recovery and be better in the last match.”
That final fixture is against Belgium, but South Korea must hope that Algeria do not beat Russia, and that goal difference takes a swing in their favour, if they are to progress with a victory.
“We have to recover very quickly, and we have to make sure that our players calm down, and prepare for the next match.
“In the stadium today we saw a lot of Korean fans, and I would like to apologise to them. And for the next match, I promise we will do our best to achieve a better result.”
By Luis Herrera in Brazil
Jun 22, 2014 11:17:00 PM
The midfielder thinks his team-mate will succeed where Brazil and Cameroon failed by getting on the scoresheet when the Group A opponents meet in Monday's decider
Croatia star Luka Modric has backed Mario Mandzukic to score past Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa because the Bayern Munich striker "has scored past better goalkeepers".
The forward missed the opening World Cup game when the Balkan side were beaten 3-1 by hosts Brazil but came back from suspension in style by scoring a double when they defeated Cameroon 4-0.
Modric, who was present in both matches in the heart of midfield, hopes to send Mexico's vocal fanbase home miserable by beating them in Monday's crucial final game, casting doubt on whether Ochoa is good enough to keep Mandzukic off the scoresheet.
"Mexico will have extraordinary support from their fans, but this is not an advantage for them and it's not an obstacle for us," the Real Madrid man told reporters on Sunday. "We will try to disappoint them.
"Mexico are a great team, they have shown a high level football, they have an aggressive style, but we are a better team and we have better individuals than Mexico.
"With all due respect to Ochoa, Mandzukic has scored against better goalkeepers than him."
If Mexico win or draw, they are guaranteed to go through to the last 16. Croatia will go out if they lose, while a draw would only see them go through if Cameroon, who are out, beat Brazil (who would immediately have a worse goal difference).
The two teams that qualify from Group A will face one of Netherlands or Chile, whose crunch clash to decide the group winner kicks off four hours beforehand.
Mexico's knees will be shaking, taunts Croatia boss Kovac
By Luis Herrera in Brazil
Jun 22, 2014 11:40:00 PM
The 42-year-old has a plan up his sleeve to get the better of the South American side, but has refused to reveal exactly what he has planned until the game kicks off
Mexico's knees will be trembling with fear ahead of Monday's crunch World Cup match against Croatia, according to coach Niko Kovac.
Both teams harbour hopes of reaching the round of 16 at the other side's expense, although it remains possible that both can progress should Brazil unexpectedly lose to already-eliminated opposition Cameroon.
Kovac's men know that a win is the only way to guarantee progress to the knockout stages and is fully focused on avoiding leaving Brazil early. He has devised a secret plan to see Croatia become the first team to score past Mexico and in-form goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa in this tournament.
“It wouldn’t be a failure not proceeding to the round of 16, but I’m not even thinking about that," he told reporters. "We will enjoy or football tomorrow.
"Mexico have played very well since Miguel Herrera took charge, but we have a formula for them, although I’m not going to reveal it yet.
"Ochoa is a great goalkeeper, but we have good forwards who will be a menace for him. If anyone have their knees shaking, it's Mexico."
Mexico were drawn in the same group as Croatia in 2002 and a 1-0 defeat to the Concacaf nation helped to seal their elimination at the group stage although Kovac, who played in that clash, insists revenge is not on his mind.
"I remember that game clearly," he added. "I remember Rafa Marquez who is still playing now and played then too, but this is not a revenge game because it’s been 12 years since then."
The final Group A clashes kick off in Recife at 22:00CET, with the two qualifiers to face either Chile or Netherlands in the last 16.
Herrera: Kovac will need to be a cook to have recipe to beat Mexico
Jun 23, 2014 1:49:00 AM
The El Tri boss has dismissed his opposite number's mind games and is hoping his country's boisterous supporters can help his side get the point they require against Croatia
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera has laughed of claims from Croatia counterpart Niko Kovac that he has a "recipe" to cope with the Central Americans in Monday’s crunch Group A fixture.
Mexico go into the game a point clear and requiring just a draw to advance to the last 16 alongside hosts Brazil.
Kovac says he knows what tactics to employ to get the win his side needs but, in response, Herrera joked: "Only if he is a cook will he have the recipe."
Herrera believes talk is cheap ahead of the meeting in Recife.
"We can say 20,000 things but what matters is what we do on the field. We have proven our determination and attitude," he added.
"These are two teams that will play at their best. We are going to run and play hard."
Mexico will again be roared on by a large and vociferous support, and Herrera admits it is a help having so many countrymen in attendance.
“We are motivated about being the home team, we will hear the support of Mexico and we will do our best on the field,” he said.
“We want our fans to keep dreaming with the goal we have.”
Herrera confirmed he will keep the same side which drew 0-0 with Brazil last time out.
USA's draw against Portugal shows just how brutal World Cup can be
By Ives Galarcep
Jun 23, 2014 1:29:00 AM
COMMENT: The Americans put in a solid performance, but a last-second equaliser from Varela means all four teams in Group G are still alive
By Ives Galarcep in Arena da Amazonia, Manaus
It was a performance worthy of a victory but for the USA, seeing Portugal score a heartbreaking equaliser in the final seconds of Sunday night's Group G showdown had to feel every bit like a loss.
The Americans got off the mat after surrendering an early goal and played a great game. It wasn't perfect by any means; wasteful finishing and sloppy passes didn't help matters, but the USA took on Portugal toe-to-toe and even grasped control of the match in the second half as the European nation appeared to tire.
Sunday's 2-2 draw was a lesson in how brutal the World Cup can be. Two lapses, one in the fifth minute and the other in the fifth minute of stoppage time, saw the USA go from being in the World Cup round of 16 to being thrown into a blender with Germany and Ghana for the two places in the knockout round.
It was a night for heroes and scapegoats. Heroes like Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey and scapegoats like Geoff Cameron and Michael Bradley, who will do their best to erase the memories of Sunday's draw before Thursday's crucial clash against Germany in Recife.
Cameron had a hand in both Portugal goals. His scuffed clearance gifted Nani a fifth-minute opener, then was beaten by Varela for the game-levelling header.
Ultimately, fatigue ruined the storybook ending for the Americans, who had nothing left in the final minutes after exerting so much energy to take over the match. You could see players staggering and struggling in the closing minutes, but so were Portugal. At least before Cristiano Ronaldo produced his only bit of true magic of the night to deliver a pin-point cross to the head of Varela, who timed his run perfectly to catch the U.S. defense sleeping.
It wasn't all bad for the Americans. On this night, they were forced to play and attack and push for a goal and it produced much better football than we saw against Ghana. Whether it was Fabian Johnson's surging runs or Jones' perfect blast of an equaliser, there were positives.
We kept hearing all week about how they had a game plan for Portugal and Klinsmann and his players were confident in it. They had reason to be. They limited Ronaldo's looks, cut off Joao Moutinho's passing lanes and handed target forward Eder very well.
Unfortunately, there was one minute of stoppage time too much, just enough time for Ronaldo to muster one moment of brilliance for a Portugal team that is all but assured of an early exit from the World Cup, doomed to that inevitability by the 4-0 loss to Germany that cost the Portuguese any chance of winning tie-breakers against Group G's other combatants.
Now there are realistically only three teams alive in the Group of Death, and the Americans aren't in bad shape heading into the group finale against Germany. Both teams are on four points, and a draw sends them through. There will be plenty of talk about the teams being likely to settle for a draw, but given Germany's attacking quality, the Americans can't take any points for granted from Friday.
If we've learned anything about this World Cup it is that you can't assume you know what will happen. What we do know is that this team has impressed, exceeding expectations and giving all the Americans here reason to be excited.
It might not feel that way immediately after Sunday's draw, but it will eventually settle in. The USA can match anyone in this tournament.
Bento downcast despite last-gasp Portugal equaliser
By Miles Chambers
Jun 23, 2014 1:54:00 AM
The Seleccao need to beat Ghana and hope Germany defeat USA by a significant margin to have any hopes of progress, and the coach is realistic about their chances
Portugal boss Paulo Bento is extremely pessimistic about his team's chance of making the World Cup's last 16 after failing to beat USA on Sunday.
The Seleccao went ahead through a close-range Nani goal but second-half strikes from Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey left Jurgen Klinsmann's side heading for the Round of 16 with a game to spare.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo whipped an inch-perfect cross into the box in the last minute of stoppage-time for Silvestre Varela to head home, preventing USA from immediate qualification and Portugal from imminent elimination.
But Portugal have to win their final game against Ghana and hope that Germany defeat USA by at least three goals to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages this summer, and Bento is realistic that his team look set to be dumped out of the tournament on Thursday.
"It is a result that is bad, that's obvious," he told RTP. "It does not put us out of the World Cup but it leaves us in a very precarious situation.
"We started well, with getting the goal, but then had great difficulty in holding off the right flank of USA. We tried to change this situation in the first half and the remainder in the second but we could not.
"The 2-2 result was representative of what we did with our last effort, an effort that was great considering the difficult conditions in Manaus.
"Now we have to play the last game and exhaust all of the possibilities we have, though there are few at this time."
Klinsmann: No time for friendship in Germany clash
Jun 23, 2014 2:24:00 AM
The two sides meet in Recife on Thursday knowing a draw will see them both progress to the round of 16 but the USA coach insists his team are gunning for the win
By Sam Lee in Manaus
USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann insists there will be no friendship when he takes on former assistant and current Germany coach Joachim Low in Thursday's Group G crunch clash.
Both sides know a draw will be enough to progress to the World Cup's round of 16 after USA were denied a famous win over Portugal by Silvestre Varela's later header on Sunday.
The match will also be the first time Klinsmann faces his home nation - and the team he managed from 2004 to 2006 - but the 49-year-old is adamant there will be no time for sentiment.
"Jogi [Low] is doing his job, I’ll do mine," he said. "My job is to do everything to get us in the round of 16. There is no time for friendship calls, it's business.
"The USA is known to give everything in every game. We have that fighting spirit and energy and determination. We will go to Recife with ambition to beat Germany, that’s our goal. I’m pretty confident."
USA were moments away from heading clear at the top of Group G when Varela equalised, but Klinsmann remained philosophical about the moment of brilliance which denied them victory.
"People who were here will talk about this game for a long time," he added. "We would have been happy to get four points from the first two games, so to concede a goal in the last second is a bummer we have to swallow.
"It was an outstanding game, we discussed it at half-time and said 'It's all good fellas'. We could have added a third or fourth goal with the chances we had and it ended in a tie. Overall it has been an amazing day.
"We are not made for draws unless it happens like this. Both [Germany and USA] want to win the group, so we want to go into this game, recover fast and get three points, and that would put us in the driving seat for the round of 16.
"Our goal is to go in the next round so we will do everything in our capabilities to do that. We are going to take our game to Germany and give them a real fight. We are capable of surprising even more teams in this tournament."
The 49-year-old feels the World Cup schedule is designed to benefit the biggest teams after a last-minute Portugal equaliser set up a Group G showdown against Germany
USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann says "everything was done to help the big favourites" after Portugal snatched a late 2-2 draw and denied his side last-16 qualification.
The Americans fell behind to an early goal by Nani, but second-half strikes from Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey put them ahead.
Had the result stayed the same, the Stars and Stripes would have gone through and eliminated the Portuguese in the process, only for the late drama to ensue.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s cross was converted by Silvestre Varela in the fifth minute of stoppage-time to ensure a dramatic contest finished all square at 2-2.
“We have one less day to recover than Germany – they played yesterday and we played tonight,” Klinsmann said to the BBC at full-time.
“We have played a match in the Amazon while they have played in a better location where it is easier to travel around.
“Everything was done to help the big favourites so we have to do it the hard way now, but we will.”
The USA boss, who will lead his side into battle against the nation of his birth and the team he coached to third-place at the 2006 World Cup, had nothing but praise for his players despite the heartbreak of conceding a late equaliser.
Klinsmann continued: “Obviously to lose a goal in the last second is unfortunate but it was an amazing game. We put in an amazing performance and there was nothing more we could have asked for from our guys.
“We just have to do it in a tougher way now by beating Germany or at least getting a result against them. Now we have to do that and we take more confidence into the last game.
“Everything we have talked about and planned in recent weeks came into play during the game. We lost an early goal which was unfortunate but I felt we were in control of the game. We were setting the tempo and possession and could have had three or four goals.
“We have to build on those positives. We have another game that is like a final now but that is what the World Cup is all about.
“We scored two fantastic goals. The players absolutely played to their limits. In games like this you have to prove your quality and show the world that you are one of the best players in your country and we did that. It was an amazing job.
“We were very close in the end. We didn’t quite make it so now we have to do it against Germany.
“We have to move on and not dwell on it. We will of course analyse a couple of things but we are already looking to the next game.”
Germany and USA are in pole position at the top of Group G on four points, with Portugal and Ghana trailing with just one point apiece.
A draw in the last match in Recife on June 26 would see both teams progress, with Joachim Low’s men as group winners due to their superior goal difference.
Following Klinsmann's criticism of the schedule, former England striker Gary Lineker said: "He didn't complain in 1990 when Germany had an extra day of rest before the semi-final!"
Ghana FA reports duo to police over match-fixing attempts
By Kris Voakes
Jun 23, 2014 2:06:00 AM
The country's governing body has reacted to reports of collusion with fixers by distancing itself from two men caught by undercover journalists
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has reported two men to police after they made an approach to buy rights to friendly games which a media investigation has since claimed to be vehicles for match-fixing.
An undercover operation by The Telegraph alleged that Fifa-registered agent Christopher Forsythe and Obed Nketiah, who pretended to be acting on behalf of the GFA, promised that friendly games involving Ghana could be sold for around €130,000.
The pair reportedly boasted they could “grease the palms” of referees and introduced an undercover journalist to the GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi.
The GFA responded with a statement in which it distances itself from the pair and denied any knowledge of wrongdoing.
“[Forsythe and Nketiah] last month approached the President of the GFA Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi with a proposal to buy the rights to friendly matches for the Black Stars on behalf of a company they claim to be representing in England,” said the statement.
“They approached the GFA President to have a conversation with their boss on Skype and subsequently travelled to Miami - where the Black Stars were camping, without a prior appointment - to meet Mr Nyantakyi to discuss their proposal.
“They were subsequently asked to submit their proposal for consideration which they did and was duly submitted to the Legal Committee of the GFA for perusal and advice.”
The statement continues: “According to the queries from the media, the draft contract sent included a clause that the appointment of referees would be held by the company which sought to buy the rights for the Black Stars friendlies…
“We wish to state that the GFA did not sign the contract as we waited for the response from the Legal Committee and that the two gentlemen did not make such corrupt offers to the GFA or its officials.
“As such we have reported Messrs Christopher Antoh Forsythe and Obed Nketiah to the Ghana Police to investigate them whether they made such claims to the media and whether they were seeking to influence the results of Black Stars matches.”
As well as alerting the police, the GFA has also reported the matter to both Fifa and the African confederation body Caf.
Cruyff: Netherlands must play like Germany and produce better football
By Vaishali Bhardwaj
Jun 23, 2014 1:10:00 PM
The Dutch legend says his country need to play more attractive football, although he admits their results in Brazil have been impressive
Johan Cruyff has called on Netherlands to emulate Germany and start playing more attractive football.
Louis van Gaal’s team qualified for the knockout stages of the competition after they thrashed World champions Spain 5-1 before earning a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Australia.
Cruyff praised the side for their impressive results at the tournament so far but the Netherlands legend has insisted that they need to emulate Joachim Low’s Germany side by playing more attractively.
"When we analyse the two matches of the Oranje, we see two things: one is that we've qualified for the next round and that's a success,” Cruyff wrote in his column for De Telegraaf.
“But, the other thing is that the football isn't that good. That's why I am really looking forward to Netherlands-Chile.
"I liked the way that Germany kept playing in their own style – even during the moments when things weren't going well against Ghana. That's the way Netherlands should be playing as well. The results are good, now we have to start playing good football."
Van Gaal’s side will attempt to top Group B when they take on Chile - who have also qualified for the next stage of the tournament - in Sao Paulo on Monday.
Should they win the clash, the Dutch will advance as winners of the group but a draw would also suit the Oranje as Van Gaal's men boast a slightly better goal difference than the South Americans.
Mexico chief defends use of gay slurs at the World Cup
By Vaishali Bhardwaj
Jun 23, 2014 8:11:00 AM
The chief operating officer of El Tri says that Fifa can do nothing about the slurs that fans have used at the World Cup in Brazil
The chief operating officer of the Mexico national team has defended the use of gay slurs by the country's fans, saying that nothing can be done about it.
Mexican supporters who have travelled to watch their side compete in the World Cup in Brazil have been heard shouting a derogatory term each time an opposing goalkeeper takes a kick – a common practice in Mexico.
Four days ago, football’s world governing body, Fifa, announced they had begun disciplinary proceedings in response to the chants.
However, the COO of the Mexico team, Héctor González Iñárritu, defended the fans and explained that it was part of the country’s culture.
"The [Mexican] Federation is unable to restrict this expression. We cannot do anything legally or administratively,” he stated.
"It is not aggression – it is something that we’ve had for a long time in the Mexican League and in international matches.
"The people of Brazil were also yelling 'wh**e' at Guillermo [Ochoa] and it’s the same. Fifa would have to punish all federations.”
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera backed the use of the slur recently when he said: “We’re with our fans. It’s something they do to pressure the opposing goalkeeper.”
But, Piara Powar - a member of FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) and the Committee Against Racism – condemned the behaviour.
"The homophobic chants are totally unacceptable. There must be action quickly before it starts to run out of control,” he said.
“Fifa have strong regulations in this regard. Zero tolerance is what is required here.”
Under Fifa’s regulations, supporters could face punishments such as suspensions or expulsions from grounds if they are found guilty of breaching the rules.
"The sporting sanctions are the only effective punishment," Fifa president Joseph Blatter said.
