Japan - Greece

Having watched Colombia beat Ivory Coast earlier in the day, both teams knew that a draw would hand the South Americans qualification bar a miracle. This billed for an exciting an exciting end-to-end thriller with both teams desperate for the win following their opening game defeat.

The pattern of the game was set early on. Japan moved the ball around diligently but without any great sense of urgency. Japan dominated possession.  Japanese star Kagawa watched on as Honda and co were unable to find a break through.

Greece were rarely able to attack, then Katsouranis’s was dismissed for a tackle on Makoto Hasebe that warranted a second yellow card just before half time. Despite being reduced to 10 men Greece fashioned a few chances but were unable to nick a goal.

Katsouranis sees red

There were more chances at either ends. Japan were wasteful and could have taken the lead on numerous occasion but were unable to beat the Greece goalkeeper. The biggest cheer of the evening was the introduction of little Shinji Kagawa. These teams could have played all week and there wouldn't have been a goal, so after 90 minutes the referee gratefully blew for full time.

 Japan 0 – 0 Greece 

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Colombia - Ivory Coast

Colombia met Africans Ivory Coast in an exciting encounter for the fight for first place as both these teams were expected to progress from Group C. Colombia beat Greece convincingly in their first game, while Ivory Coast came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in their opening game. Colombia-Ivory Coast was a highly anticipated game, with a lot of goals expected.

Colombia started brightest, and controlled the game. Ivory Coast struggled to get a foothold and could have found themselves a goal down after a quick flowing counter attack from the South Americans but Gutiérrez was unable to convert the cross from close range.

It wasn’t until the second half when the deadlock was broken by Monaco and Colombia superstar James Rodriguez. He got on the end of a corner to head into the Ivorian goal. It was his second goal of the tournament.

Rodriguez celebrates his opener. 

Soon Colombia doubled their lead. Ivorian midfielder Die, who had broken into tears during the national anthems, was caught in possession by Gutierrez with few defenders ahead of him. His perfect ball drew Zokora out of position and found substitute Quintero who finished was sublime.

Ivory Coast pulled one back just three minutes later. Gervinho’s magnificent jinking run saw him dance past three tackles before smashing home for The Elephants to set up a nervy finish. A stunning piece of individual skill; one of the best to have graced Brazil so far. Ivory Coast nearly got the equaliser but Drogba was unable to capitalise on veteran Mario Yepes’ mistake and David Ospina was on fine form to keep the ex-Chelsea forward at bay to give Colombia the victory.

Colombia have all but qualified while Ivory Coast probably need to beat Greece to progress past the group stages for the first time.

 Colombia 2 – 1 Ivory Coast 

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Cameroon - Croatia

A must win game for both sides if they are to progress beyond the group stage. Brazil’s earlier draw with Mexico showed that they weren’t the irresistible force people may have thought before the beginning of the tournament. Cameroon are the real underdogs of the group, the unfavoured, and they were missing star man, ex-Barcelona striker, Samuel Eto’o. Croatia knew that a win against Cameroon and Mexico is a must having been defeated by Brazil in their opening game as Mexico picked up four points in their two games.

Croatia were boosted by the return of Bayern Munich forward Mario Mandzukic who missed the opening game against Brazil through suspension. But it was former Munich striker that grabbed the opening goal. Ivica Olic sneaked in at the back post to latch onto Perisic’s through ball after just 11 minutes. It was all downhill from there for the Africans.

Alexander Song let his country down when he through an elbow into Mandzukic’s back as the Croatia tried to start a counter attack. Unfortunately for the fiery Barcelona midfielder the referee saw his off-the-ball antics and reduced the Indomitable Lions to 10 men just minutes before half time.

Song elbows Mandzukic before receiving a red card

With Song off, Croatia found their voice and their star midfielders, Modric and Rakitic were able to control proceeding in the space left vacant by Song. Within 3 minutes of the restart Croatia had double their lead.

Perisic collected a poor clearance from ex-Liverpool stopper Charles Itandje and broke down the left wing leaving defender, and half time substitute Dany Nounkeo in his wake before smashing past the vulnerable Itandje at his near post.

Mandzukic then got off the mark, and put himself in the shop window with many believing his time in Munich is up. An outswinging corner from Pranjic was met powerfully by the big Croat forward, leaving Itandje picking the ball out of his net for the third time. The three goal lead allowed Croatia to freshen things up and rest a few key players, such as the inspiring Perisic who was a threat all night, as was Olic, who was replaced by Eduardo, once of Arsenal.

Mandzukic finished off proceedings reacting first to Eduardo’s shot that was spilled by Itandje to the feet of Croatia’s number 17. He happily slotted it home. Itandje should really have been doing better with that effort though.

The drama was not over for Cameroon as the pineapple-haired Assou Ekotto threw a head butt at team mate Moukandjo in the closing moments to round things off. Eto’o was seen calming Assou Ekotto in the tunnel at the end of the game to prevent a major World Cup inter squad fall-out.  

 Cameroon 0 – 4 Croatia 

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Spain - Chile

The battle of Los Rojos. World Champions and double European Champions Spain faced the South American Reds, Chile. Spain were looking to bounce back from their embarrassing 5-1 defeat against Holland in their opening game of the campaign, while Chile looked to build on their victory over Australia. Following Holland’s win over Australia earlier in the day, a Chilean victory would condemn Spain to the pits of despair and throw them out of the competition.

Both teams started brightly and the game was a lively affair. Spain wore their red kit, hoping to banish the demons of the white kit they wore against Holland. Chile dressed in all white. The stadium was awash with red, from both sets of fans supporting their own favoured rojo. Barcelona midfielder and Spanish superstar Xavi was dropped to the shock of many. It looked to have paid off as Spain were on the ascendency but were unable to convert from the errors that Chile were forced into. Diego Cost hit a wayward shot, while Claudio Bravo was equal to Xabi Alonso’s close range effort. But this was as good as it got for Spain.

Chile found their feet, and over powered their opposition. They counter attacked quickly and Spain’s lack of pace was exposed. Vidal and Alexis Sanchez neatly worked the ball through to Charles Aránguiz. His cut back found the composed Vargas who took a touch to fool the panicking Casillas and placed it past him before Ramos recovered. It was no less than Chile deserved.

Vargas wheels away to celebrate his opener as Casillas despairs

Spain got worse from then on in. Alonso couldn’t find a pass, Diego Costa struggled up front and Javi Martinez and Sergio Ramos got in one another’s way. That’s not even considering the decline of Casillas in goal.

Chile capitalised on Casillas’ dreadful form. Alexis Sanchez curled a free kick toward Spain’s goalkeeper, but he decided on punching the ball clear when it was easier to catch. The punch fell to the feet of Chilean Charles Aránguiz . He hit a right footed shot that swerved away from the keeper into his net to put the underdog South Americans 2 – 0 up, and the World Champions 2 – 0 down.

Chile were more hungry, and you would be too if you’d been trapped in a mine for 69 days. This match and the tournament in general is a chance for Chile to pay tribute to those miners that were trapped in 2010. The whole country is urging them to do well and the passion in the stands and on the field shows the unity of the nation. Spain on the other hand were slow, lax and uninterested. The majority of the squad have won the World Cup and the Euros (twice). They’ve been playing every summer since 2008, except for 2011. One must wonder whether they have lost the drive and hunger to play for their country. Maybe a more youthful, less capped squad - or starting 11 - would have provided more fight. There was no hunger, no desire; no fight. The Spanish were there for a siesta rather than a fiesta.  

Del Bosque soon brought on Torres for Chelsea-bound Diego Costa, but he was unable to score for the Spaniards either. £80 million worth of Chelsea strikers were kept quiet by a Cardiff City midfielder playing centre back (Gary Medel) and a right back released by Nottingham Forest (Gonzalo Jara). Mr Mourinho will sort that you’d hope.

So defeat saw Spain go crashing out, having conceded 7 goals in 2 games, and only scoring once –a stark contrast to four years ago when they only conceded twice in the entire competition en route to lifting the trophy in South Africa. The Spanish reign has fallen. Chile are the real Los Rojo’s.

 Spain 0 – 2 Chile 

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Brazil - Mexico

The hosts Brazil starred in their second game, knowing victory would all but guarantee their progression into the last 16 of the competition. A progression that is highly expected. They faced fellow South Americans, Mexico in the Fortaleza cauldron. It was an emotional affair, with Neymar breaking into tears during a rousing rendition of the Brazil national anthem.

Brazil’s golden boy, Neymar was involved in the thick of the action, sambaing around Mexican defenders. He was also on the end of a few opportunities. Dani Alves found his Barcelona team mate but Ochoa threw himself across the goal to produce a famous save from Neymar’s goal bound header. It was a sign of things to come.

Mexican Goalkeeper, Guillermo Ochoa

Brazil continued to pepper the Mexicans goal but Ochoa, who is without a club having left French club Ajaccio, was more than a match for efforts from Paulinho, Neymar and David Luiz.

Mexico were not afraid to attack either though. Peralta, Hector Herrea and Vazquez all came close. Julio Cesar tipped one over the bar. Fred (yeah he was play) was soon replaced by ex-Manchester City striker after having an absolutely dreadful game. “The corner flag moved better than he did”. Jo provided a much better performance upon his entrance.

Neymar, and Brazil continued to threaten ‘El Tri’ after the break but they held firm. Ochoa made more fine saves, making good use of a rumoured extra finger on his right hand. This later turned out to be false. The Mexican made a point blank save from a thunderous header from Brazilian captain Thiago Silva. Either side and it would certainly have been a goal, but Ochoa still produced a fine save to thwart the powerful effort in the dying minutes of the second half.

Brazil found themselves with one more chance. Marcelo found himself in behind Aguilar in the penalty area but flung himself to the ground in the hope of winning a penalty, The referee waved play on and it was a wasted opportunity and disgraceful play by the Real Madrid man. It was behaviour that deserved a booking, at least.

The game ended in a stale 0 – 0, a result that won’t have pleased the Brazil nation.

 Brazil 0 - 0 Mexico 

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Belgium - Algeria

Belgium began their campaign against African side Algeria. Belgium were tipped as the dark horses for this tournament. Boasting a squad full of Premier League quality, from Kompany of Man City in defence alongside Spurs’ Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelan missed out on a starting 11 place. In midfield they have Chelsea’s Eden Hazard, Tottenhams Moussa Dembele and Nacer Chadli while Man United’s only signing last summer, Maroune Fellaini found himself on the bench alongside Vermaelan. Lukaku leads the line while Benteke missed out on the tournament through injury. They also have highly rated goal keeper Thiburt Courtois just finished winning La Liga and runners up in the Champions League. On the other hand, Algeria possess err... Bentaleb of Spurs, Feghouli of Valencia and Madjid Bougherra, once of Rangers.

The Belgium team line up at kick off.

Despite the obvious gulf in quality, Algeria were not easily overrun and were able to hold their own against the Europeans. In fact, Algeria took an early lead when spurs defender clumsily hauled down his opposition in the box and the referee awarded a penalty to the African nation.

Feghouli calmly dispatched the spot kick, and Belgium now faced a real test. Up to this point they had looked lethargic and uncreative but if they were to win this game something was going to need to change. They persisted until half time before Wilmots made a change, replacing Chadli with speedster Dries Mertens.

With no goals for the chocolate eating Europeans, they took off Chelsea forward, Lukaku and brought on virtually unknown youngster Origi. Wilmots also brought on Fellaini of Manchester United to add a different dimension to their attack. It paid off. Fellaini had his best game of the season, and connected with De Bruyne’s cross and scored with a looping header shortly after coming on. Moyes could be seen seething with anger and lambasting the Belgian in broken, drunken Glaswegian slurs.

Algeria was clearly tiring from their stubborn efforts to keep the Belgian’s at bay, but they could hold out no longer. Premier League’s PFA Young Player of the Year, Eden Hazard collected the ball on the half way line and began to run at the defence. His dribbling and Origi’s off the ball movement sucked two defenders out of position giving Mertens space to break into. Hazard was able to find him and Mertens fired home the winner on 80 minutes. Credit has to go to the Belgian coach who made inspired substitutions who all had positive impacts on the result. Fellaini and Mertens both grabbed a goal while Origi’s pace was a constant threat and a thorn in the Algerian side that Lukaku just didn’t offer. It will be interesting if Origi keeps his place for their next game. His contribution certainly warrants it

Belgium gained a valuable three points and the win will have boosted their confidence even if it did come with an early scare. They will have harder games than this, against stronger sides, but this game gives them the knowledge that they have a good enough squad to make changes if things aren’t going to plan, and the ability and patience to turn things around if they go behind.

 Belgium 2 – 1 Algeria 

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Iran - Nigeria

In contrast to the previous game, Iran versus Nigeria was likely the least anticipated game of this World Cup, and maybe even the least anticipated game of the last decade of World Cup games. Regardless, it had to be played anyway. Seriously, Iran, Nigeria though.

Nigeria started well. Out of form winger, Victor Moses skipped away from his marker but his shot was saved by the Iranian goalkeeper. Moses had already contributed more to this game than he did for his full season at Liverpool. Nigeria continued to have a number of attacks in the opening stages of the game but were unable to convert any of their chances.

They actually did have the ball in the goal, but it was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

The Iranians seem nervous, and disjointed. Their passes were astray and their positioning poor but they soon began to sort themselves out but they were far from threatening. It took all of 34 minutes for them to register a corner. The resulting header from Charlton Athletic’s Ghoochannejhad was well kept out by the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The game was just as dull and uneventful after the break as well. Moses hit a corner that was as awful as ‘that’ corner by Iago Aspas for Liverpool. Moses came off soon after.

Then it happened, the moment we had all been waiting for happened. The Nigerian Prince,  Shola Ameobi came off the bench and made his World Cup debut, at the age of 31. He did score against Barcelona all those years ago, so it was expected he would score here against the dire Iranian outfit.  He did have a few headed chances but none changed the score line.

Very little continued to happen for the rest of the game, the Super Eagles tried their best to take the lead. Nigeria dominated possession; the stats showed a 63%-37% split in the Africans favour. Iran - under the guidance of ex-Portugal and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz - were happy to settle for a draw and contain the luminous green shirts.

Finally the referee put this game out of its misery.  The only shining light in this otherwise dire game was the appearance of legendary striker Shola Ameobi. Shola Ameobi at a World Cup though.

These teams should not expect to progress from this group and both their next two games should end in defeat. Hopefully Ameobi nicks a goal though. That’s the dream.

 Iran 0 – 0 Nigeria 

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Ivory Coast - Japan

The Elephants faced The Samurai’s late on Saturday night (GMT). The Elephants boasted a strong team filled with familiar premier league faces including Manchester City’s Yaya Toure who captained the side as Drogba didn't make the starting line-up.

It was Japan who started off the brightest. Japanese superstars Shinji Kagawa and Keisuke Honda pulled the strings in midfield. It was the AC Milan midfielder who made the biggest impact early in the first half thumping home a left footed drive from inside the area past the helpless Ivorian in goal.

The Ivory Coast beast was awakened and the boys in orange continued to stomp forward looking for an equaliser only to see chance after chance fail to bring them level. Stars such as Gervinho, Yaya Toure, Bony and Solomon Kalou all looked on despairingly as each miss threatened their world cup progression.

The introduction of national heartthrob, Didier Drogba, coincided with the breakthrough. Although the experienced forward did not get on the score sheet himself he distracted the Japanese enough for his team-mates to score. Swansea’s Wilfried Bony glanced his header from Arsenal target Aurier’s cross past the flailing Japanese goalkeeper to open the Africans World Cup account.

Ivorian goalscorers, Bony and Gervinho celebrate their second.

Aurier was again the architect just 90 seconds later as the Japanese saw their lead to into a deficit in the blink of an eye. Aurier's cross this time found the fivehead of ex-Arsenal winger Gervinho. His header sneaked in at the front post to put the Elephants ahead. Gervinho wheeled off to celebrate closely followed by Ivorian stalwart Drogba.

Japan were unable to find a way back into the game but gave a good account of themselves. Their coach still believes they have a chance of qualifying for the latter stages of the competition but it’s clear they are going to need a bit of luck if they are to progress ahead of Ivory Coast or group leaders Colombia.

Ivory Coast 2 - 1 Japan 

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England - Italy

Finally the game all the pundits had been waiting for. England versus Italy. All White versus All Blue. The Three Lions versus The Azzurri. Fish and Chips versus Pizza and Pasta.  Gerrard's beard versus Pirlo's beard.

All the pre-match talk had been about where Manchester United's Wayne Rooney would start and his form. Roy Hodgson opted to start the scouser on the left, with young Raheem Sterling in the middle ahead of club team-mates Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard and behind Daniel Sturridge. Danny Wellbeck completed the attacking line up. If the talk wasn't about Rooney, the other topic of conversation was how to stop the incredible handsome Andrea Pirlo from controlling the game. 

England started brightly, the fearless Sterling almost repaid his managers faith early in the game when an effort from outside the box narrowly went wide of Salvatore Sirugu's goal. He replaced Buffon who had injured himself prior to the game. It was so close the commentators celebrated and the score board changed.

Jordan Henderson also hit an impressive drive forcing a save from the PSG goalkeeper as the Liverpool boys continued on from their excellent league campaign. Italy had plenty of possession, but their impact was limited in the early exchanges. England had the better of the chances but were unable to capitalise as Sterling, Sturridge and Wellbeck all seen chances go begging. It was costly.

Italy broke the deadlock just after the half hour mark when the bearded master, Pirlo allowed the ball to go through his legs and fool the young Raheem Sterling. The pass found Claudio Marchisio outside the box and his shot evaded a crowd of players and nestled into the bottom corner of Joe Hart's goal to put the Italians ahead.

They weren't ahead for long however. The fast footed Sterling, who was having a stunning game released Rooney down the left. Rooney had not been having a good game at all, but his left footed loft found the prolific Daniel Sturridge in the middle who volleyed it home just two minutes after Italy took the lead. Strangely and somewhat ironically, England's physio, Gary Lewin, injured himself during the celebrations. It is believed he tripped over a water bottle and broke his ankle.

Italy nearly took the lead again, but Phi Jagkielka was on hand to nod a cheeky audacious chip by Mario Balotelli over former team mate Joe Hart. Andrea Pirlo continued to stroll around controlling proceedings on the green grass of Manaus like a man 10 years his junior.

England started brightly again after the restart but it was Italy who took the lead again. Candreva, who provides width and pace to his team, delivered an exceptionally accurate cross that eliminated Chelsea defender Gary Cahill and allowed Mario Balotelli to nod past England's number 1 at the back post. "Why always him?", Joe Hart thought.

England attempted to draw level again. A quick neat exchange between Gerrard and Sterling saw the captain burst into the box and get clattered into by Italian and ex-Liverpool defender, Gabriel Paletta. The referee pointed for a goal kick and deemed the contact as just a coming-together.

Rooney also had a golden chance to equalise, and shut the critics up but he dragged his shot wide when it was easier to hit the target. A sign of a man low on confidence, with diminishing talent.

Andrea Pirlo had a final scene in this game stepping up to hit a free kick that thundered against the bar much to the relief of stricken stopper, Hart. Pirlo returned to his wine garden immediately after.

The game ended, and Italy claimed a vital 2 - 1 victory. England face Uruguay whilst Italy meet surprise package Costa Rica next. Pirlo was also on the victorious side in the Battle of the Beards.  His experience and hold on the game was more influential than his opposition, Gerrard, who had unfortunately shaved. While Italy sported seven beards, Engand only mustered one. Wellbeck who had been selected to stop Pirlo had not had the desired result. England can look to Raheem as he produced a sterling performance despite his tender years. Roy Hodgson must seriously consider dropping Rooney for Lallana or Barkley, particularly if they can produce a performance equal to that of Sterling's.

England 1 - 2 Italy 

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Uruguay - Costa Rica

Dark horses Uruguay and unfavoured Costa Rica kicked off Group D. Uruguay began the game without star forward and national hero Luis Suarez following a recent surgery.


The sky blues started off the better team, and showed why they were considered to be a potential surprise winner. Even without Suarez, they sliced through their underdog opponents finally taking the lead before the half hour mark. A swinging free kick from ex-Manchester United flop Diego Forlan found his captain Diego Lugano who was bundled to the ground by an overly-enthusiastic Costa Rican defender. The referee awarded a penalty and the long-haired Edison Cavani stepped up to put his team ahead. The experts locked the door on Costa Rica and wondered how many would Uruguay rack up. But football is a funny old game.


Uruguay lumbered on, the typical lazy South American attitude shone through as they rested on their laurels. Costa Rica took advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell, who scored against Moyes' Manchester United for Olympiakos earlier this season, scored again. His left footed volley from inside the box levelled the scoring as he wheeled off to celebrate, sucking his thumb.

Costa Rican star man, Joel Campbell celebrates his equaliser

Minutes later the little Costa Ricans had cause to celebrate again as a free kick found defender Óscar Duarte creeping in round the back. His diving header sneaked in and put the Central Americans ahead in a frantic 3 minute flurry. Suddenly things without Liverpool's Suarez didn't look so rosy as he looked on from the sidelines. He'll be chomping at the bit for his return against England on Thursday...


Costa Rica weren't finished yet as they continued to shock the world. A perfect through ball found substitute Urena who had replaced Bryan Ruiz - arguably Los Ticos' most well known player, after the retired Paolo Wanchope. Urena finished beautifully with his first touch as he nicked the ball past the onrushing Muslera to make it 3 - 1 in the 84th minute.


The Uruguians were to suffer more misery, their feisty characteristics got the better of Maxi Pereira as he scythed down Campbell in the corner. The German referee showed the bald defender a straight red card following his brutal attack on the Man Of The Match.


This result certainly spices things up in this group that also consists of England and Italy. Costa Rica could well surprise these giants of football too and slink into the last 16. Certainly the biggest shock of the tournament so far.

Uruguay 1 - 3 Costa Rica

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Chile - Australia

Chile began their campaign against the Socceroos, Australia. It has been mentioned that Chile could be considered dark horses of the competition, their tolerance to the south American weather helps but also their strength in attack boasting the quality of Barcelona’s Alexis Sanchez, and Juventus’ Vidal in midfield partnering the feisty Gary Medel.

They attacked with pace and built up a quick two goal lead. Sanchez scored the first, and set up the second against the vulnerable men from down under. Australia are the lowest ranked team in Brazil and their defensive frailties certainly showed as they found themselves sinking without trace after only 15 minutes. It looked as though the score line could end up more like a rugby score, which is much more familiar to the Aussies.

Chile's Alexis Sanchez celebrates his opener.

But the Chileans took their foot off the pedal and got complacent. Their exciting attacking style turned lumbered and content with their performance thus far. This allowed the barbecuing surfers to gain a foothold in the game and their main man, Tim Cahill sprung up, soared like a salmon and headed home. Soon after he headed home again, only to see it correctly ruled offside. Chile were rattled. Australia took a more physical approach to dominate over Chile’s superior skill and it seemed to work.

An Australian equaliser looked more and more likely, Cahill was waiting to pop up to be the hero his country needed, whilst veteran Bresciano tried his best to drag his team level. The Chilean players were stuck, like their miner counterparts. Chile couldn't get out of the rut and it looked as though another Australian goal was imminent, but it wasn't to be. Chile eventually responded, they saw an attempt cleared off the line before Wigan’s Jean Beausejour wrapped it up with a strike from outside the box to make it 3 – 1.

Chile 3 – 1 Australia 

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Spain - Holland

Next up, the holding champions, Spain, faced the boys in Orange, Holland. Few people gave Holland a chance, their young squad doesn’t possess the great quality known by the Dutch teams of the past, no Van Nistelrooy, Seedorf, Jaap Stam, Bergkamp or Van der Sarr. Instead they start Ron Vlaar of Aston Villa, and Swansea’s De Guzman. Meanwhile Manchester United fans eagerly waited to see what Van Gaal could do.

Spain started off well, as expected. Free-flowing tika-taka football at it’s finest. The battering ram, Diego Costa started up top for the Spanish, and he was involved in the first goal. Xavi slid a neat through ball in behind the defence to Costa who shimmied and turned the onrushing Dutch defender, de Vrij, who caught the attacker and brought him down for a penalty. Xabi Alonso, and his glorious beard stepped up to the spot kick and smashed it home. The spectators assumed that was it, that Spain would win this easily now.

And when David Silva broke through, one on one with Ajax keeper Cillessen, it would be hard to think of anything other than a goal would occur, but Silva tried a cheeky trademark chip only to have it easily collected by the keeper. At this stage the Dutch were beginning to find their feet, or clogs… Could that miss be costly?

Yes, it could. Within a few minutes the Dutch equalised. A long cross field pass found the prolific Van Persie who flopped a looping header over the on rushing Iker Casillas from just inside the box. A magnificent goal. Man united fans will have been delighted to see their man score, and more delighted to see his rapport with Van Gaal, albeit via the worst high five in history.

The Flying Dutchman, Robin Van Persie equalises for Holland

Spain would up the ante after the break surely and the Dutch would be defeated as expected. But they didn't read the script. The dutch defence held strong, Vlaar proving me wrong and kept Costa quiet. Blind dispossessed Xavi and played a long ball and picked out Robben, who turned Ramos and smashed home to put Holland ahead. And it wouldn't end there.

Sneijder whipped in a free kick to the back post and the victim became the hero as de Vrij made the score 3 – 1. Although it is argued that it should have been ruled out for a foul on Spanish captain Casillas. It was more of a foul than the one that seen Croatia’s ruled out on the opening day.

The most capped player at this world cup, Iker Casillas made a huge mistake, another high profile mistake following his error at the Champions League final. Sergio Ramos laid an innocent back-pass to the goalkeeper who took a very heavy touch which saw it roll toward the pressing Van Persie who nicked it away from the Spanish keeper and passed his second, and Holland’s fourth into the empty net.

Holland weren’t done. They craved blood, a team clearly seeking revenge for their World Cup Final defeat in South Africa against the same opponents four years ago.  Robben picked the ball up at the half way line and burst passed Ramos leaving him in his wake, before turning Casillas and left him scrambling before cooly slotting it home. Five – one. An absolute hammering and a master class from Van Gaal. If you listened closely you could hear the red half of Manchester growling in anticipation of what this man could bring to them.

An obligatory open-goal miss from only a few yards out by Fernando Torres finished proceedings and the Dutch skipped off delighted with their performance whilst the Spanish slumped away to begin an inquisition.

Probably the best game of the World Cup, so far, and certainly the biggest shock so far.

 Holland 5 – 1 Spain 

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Mexico - Cameroon

It was end to end, it was fast, it was frantic, it was everything you want from a football match. The feisty Mexicans faced the strong Cameroonians in the second game of Group A. The rain poured out of the heavens, and made the pitch slick.  The Mexicans swarmed forward with pace at every opportunity, whilst the Cameroonians tried their best to support the lone pension Eto’o as much as they could, but to no avail.

The Mexicans were much better, as expected. Cameroon were dismal and could have been beaten more significantly, but the officials had other ideas. They ruled out two first half goals, for mexico. First dos Santos’ volley was judged to be offside but the replays showed otherwise. Feeling robbed, the Mexicans tried again and continued to press forward with intent looking to break the deadlock. Just a few minutes later Cameroon allowed the man with fantastic hair, Assou-Ekotto to whip in a few kick, up popped Chopou-Moting who stroked the ball into the net and wheeled away to celebrate. Unfortunately it was not to be for the Africans as Eto’o was deemed correctly to be offside. Two offside goals, that’s enough surely. But wait, there’s more. Dos Santos cursed his luck again, the former Spurs attacker nodded home from a corner, only for the officials to rule it out again, incorrectly after judging that the ball was headed on by a Mexican rather than a Cameroon player. The thousands of Mexican wrestlers in the crowd struggled to prevent themselves from giving the referee a 619. The rain continued to pour down. An appropriate pathetic fallacy for the Mexicans luck.

After halftime the Cameroonians came out looking for war, a few rather ferocious tackles went unpunished and wound up the Mexicans further. A few of them were ready to set the cartel on them, but justice was served and Mexico opened the scoring.

Oribe Peralta was the scorer. After a nice flowing Mexican move, Peralta slotted home from the rebound of Dos Santos’ shot after Charles Itandje, arguably the worst keeper at the games, judging by his performances for Liverpool a few years back, failed to hold. His coach Herrara went wild. Meanwhile at the other end, Cameroon superstar, Samuel Eto’o remained a lonely figure.

Obita Peralta sent Mexico loco

The rain continued to pour down, even harder than before, this time mocking Cameroon’s chances of winning the game – even harder than before.

Peralta, the goalscorer, was replaced by Mexico’s little pea, Javier Hernandez stepped off the bench, as the coach handed Peralta a celebratory taco (probably) and covered him in a rain poncho. Cameroon continued to be average but showed slight improvements and in the dying minutes forced Ochoa into an incredibly impressive acrobatic save from a header from Moukandjo. One for the cameras, of course from the flying Mexican.

And it finished 1-0, Mexico deserved to win, but by a far bigger margin. Cameroon could go home now. It won’t be worth their while playing the other two. They’ll be humiliated. Watch this space. Mexico can waltz away with their Mariachi bands.

Cameroon 0 – 1 Mexico 

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Brazil - Croatia

How dull was that opening ceremony? So, so dull. For a country with such a carnival atmosphere it was disappointing. Anyway, I'm here to talk about the football. Brazil v Croatia; the opening game of the 2014 World Cup.

It was clear from kick off that Croatia were not going to go all out attack. They sat off the Brazilians, and allowed them to have the ball. Going toe-to-toe with the hosts was not going to have the outcome they desired. Niko Kovac opted to play on the counter, drawing in the Brazilians and then releasing Olic and Perisic on the gung-ho minded Brazil defence. Their two centre midfielders, Modric and Rakitic are their star men and play at the very highest level. Modric for Real Madrid and Rakitic just signed for rivals Barcelona. They had the quality to pick out the spaces left behind by Marcelo, David Luiz and Dani Alves, all who love to maraud forward. It worked to great success in the beginning, as the Croats broke down the left with Olic numerous times and this is also where their goal came from. Rakitic laid it off to Olic, he broke down the left wing and his low cross found Jelavic whose weak shot went through the legs of David Luiz and bounced off the unlucky Marcelo into Julio Cesar’s net. Defeat for the hosts and favourites on opening day? Surely not.

The rigidity of the Croatian tactics and formation required Brazil to be patient. David Luiz and Thiago Silva patiently played the ball along the half way line while Croatia stationed all 11 men inside their own half, and rarely pressed. Despite Niko Kovac’s pre-match press conference stating that ‘Croatia won’t park the bus’, he did.

Unfortunately the Croatian bus wasn't locked and the Brazilians got in. Neymar, the host’s poster boy and shining light, repeatedly found space despite the tight Croatian set-up and eventually he popped up with the equaliser. Although he was lucky to still be on the pitch after an elbow on the baby-faced Modric. Neymar danced in to the space between Croatia’s midfield and defence. He skipped away from Perisic and let fly. His left footed drive bobbled awkwardly before glancing off Pletikosa’s post and into the net. The stadium exploded, the fans went mad and the players let out a huge sigh of relief after opening their account. Neymar stepped up when his country needed him, and the carnival began.

Neymar, Brazil's saviour

He stepped up again, this time to hit a controversially awarded penalty after Lovren was punished for allegedly bundling the burly Fred to the ground in the penalty area. At this stage the game was a bit more open which suited the Brazilians. Neymar slotted the spot kick to his left. Pletikosa guessed right and got a hand to it, but it still ended up in his net. He should have done a lot better, but his chocolate wrists melted in the pressure.

Croatia scored again! But the Japanese official ruled it out for a foul by Olic on Cesar. It was soft, it was wrong. The referee bottled it. The Croats had every right to feel aggrieved but they continued to pile on the pressure firing men forward. Brazil sent on Ramirez for Neymar to help weather the storm, and it proved effective.

Ramirez nicked the ball off Modric in the dying minutes and set free young Oscar who toe-poked it in to make it 3 – 1 to the home country. The samba was in full flow. Pletikosa should maybe have been expected to do better with that too, he must of had his eye on a busty Brazilian beauty. 

The referee ended it soon after. A final score of 3 – 1 seems harsh on Croatia as the game was much tighter than it suggests, Brazil escaped unscathed, but there were some worrying signs that could be exploited by better teams. Especially if the referee doesn't have a Brazil shirt on too. 

Brazil 3 - 1 Croatia 

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