Despite all the rumors of a strike being held in Brazil and any protests from the locals, the 2014 FIFA World Cup kicked off with only a couple of hitches today in Sao Paulo as host nation Brazil kicked off their campaign against European side Croatia. Besides the little problems in the stadium, Brazil had a problem of it's own in the first 15 minutes of the first half as Croatia were finding spaces and were creating chances thanks to the play of Ivica Olić and Luka Modrić who were constantly pressing against the Brazilian defense. In the 11TH Minute of play, Brazil's worst nightmare would happen as Marcello was credited with an own goal after a ball sent in by Ivica Olić found Marcello's foot. Here was a team that promised that they were the best team in the competition, were now starting to look average. The tables would eventually turn in the game as Brazil were finally starting to find their feet.
In the 28TH Minute of play, Croatia would mishandle the ball and it would find Neymar who drove the ball towards the box. Neymar kind of takes an awkward shot, but somehow the ball beats Croatian goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa for the equalizer. We wouldn't get a goal for a very long time after that one and in fact the second goal comes with a little bit of controversy attached to it. Dejan Lovren would get called for a penalty as Fred fell to the ground. After watching the replay, it was clear that Loveren had nothing to do with Fred who seems to fall on his own omission. Nevertheless, Neymar would step to the penalty spot and the rest is history as he buries it for the go ahead goal. In the 91ST minute, Croatia's defense forgot how to play defense as they allowed Oscar to drive the ball and you had to wonder how Pletikosa didn't stop the toe poke shot by Oscar. Brazil would escape with a 3 to 1 win, but I was definitely not impressed at all with how this team played. If I was the rest of the competition, I would not be afraid of this team moving forward in the competition.
No comments:
Post a Comment