Italy - Costa Rica

This match would decide which team would go be the first to progress from Group D. England looked on, hoping Italy would win so they still had a slim chance to qualify. Balotelli demanded two kisses from the Queen if he scored and Gary Lineker donned his Italy t shirt on BBC to show his support. Unbiased punditry at its finest.


Costa Rica started better. They played with a composure and disruption that prevented Italy from finding rhythm and discouraged Engand fans hopes of an Italian win. The Italians were flustered and couldn't cope with the Costa Rican set up. 5 strong defenders and 4 energetic midfielders controlled the game for the Central Americans.


But Balotelli broke in behind, on more than one occasion. The first time he was able to nick it over the keeper but the ball bounced to safety. The second time his volley from outside the area was well saved by the Costa Rican goalkeeper.

Balotelli grimaces after his chip

Los Ticos had chances of their own, and worried Italian captain Buffon. It was they who opened the scoring just before half time. Firstly Joel Campbell was barged off the ball in the penalty area. A blatant penalty but the referee never awarded it. Much to the outrage of commentator Robbie Savage. Justice was done though when Diaz fizzed in a tantalising cross from the left and found Fulham's Bryan Ruiz. His header crashed off the bar and into the net before bouncing out. It was over the line, and the referee awarded the goal. He then checked the goal line technology just to be sure. Tears for heroes back in the England hotel as their doom drew closer with no plans for final day.


The Costa Ricans continued to be the better team. Italy just couldn't get started. They were slow and uncreative, repeatedly playing the 'round the corner' ball to try release the uninterested Balotelli. Although they had improved on their first half performance. Balotelli was non-existent. Costa Rica began to look comfortable, Italy rarely threatened. England prayed for something from the Europeans as they stayed in bed, drifting away. It finished 1 - 0 and the underdogs of the group that no one considered qualified for the last 16. They began the World Cup 28th in the word rankings and now have easily walked into the knock out stages at either Italy or Uruguay's expense. England are out, with a game to play.

 Italy 0 - 1 Costa Rica 

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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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England - Uruguay

Liverpool superstar Luis Suarez returned for South American outfit Uruguay. He faced club team mates Gerrard, Henderson, Sterling and Sturridge but who would come out on top was too difficult to call.

England found themselves under the cosh at the beginning. Joe Hart scrambled across his goal to keep out a cheeky corner from the genius Suarez while Uruguayan Rodriguez smashed a left footed effort just over the bar. England began to find their feet and Gerrard found Rooney’s head at the back post. Unbelievably to Manchester United striker was unable to find the back of the net when it was easier to score. The ball cannoned off his head onto the bar from just two yards out. Rooney remained goalless on the World Cup stage.  

And then, as many expected, Luis Suarez marked his return with a well-placed header over the head of England Lionheart - Joe Hart. The Liverpool hero ghosted in past England’s defenders and Cavani’s delicate chip found him in space from where he put Uruguay ahead in this crucial encounter. In a manner all too familiar to his opposition Luis Suarez rushed off to celebrate his opener.

Super Suarez shoots Uruguay ahead

Suarez again attempted to catch Joe Hart out by again attempting to score directly from a corner at the near post in an exact replica of the previous attempt. Joe Hart was equal to it and managed to claw it away. Suarez was at the heart of everything. He set Cavani through one-on-one with Joe Hart but the PSG forward put it wide and should have done a lot better.

Rooney continued to desperately search for his first ever world cup goal and he nearly got it when a Leighton Baines crossed found its way to the England talisman inside the area. His left footed shot was too close to the keeper who managed to palm it to safety as Rooney looked miserably on.

He finally came good with 15 minutes left to go. Rooney scored the equaliser when Glen Johnson’s cross found him free at the back post. Rooney made no mistake with the easy tap in and he levelled the score line. England looked good for another too.

However a long punt from Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera beat the English defence – like it did against Germany in South Africa 2010 -after coming of the head of England Captain Steven Gerrard. Luis Suarez had gambled and found himself behind the England defenders through one-on-one with Joe Hart. It was all too obvious what the outcome would be. The net bulged and the little magician wheeled away for the second time as Joe Hart lay helplessly in the dirt. Steven Gerrard picked up another assist for a Luis Suarez goal, although he won’t want it. Gerrard, who has had a fine season, must be cursing his luck after his slip against Chelsea, and now his accidental assist to arguably the best striker in the world at this time.

England were unable to find another equaliser and Uruguay held on for a vital victory. England know they are all but out, although can still qualify, on goal difference, if Italy win both their games, and England beat Costa Rica in their final game by 2 goals.

 England 1 – 2 Uruguay 

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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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Australia - Holland

On form Holland lined up against lowly Australia. Many expecting a heavy defeat for the men from down under, especially after the drubbing Spain received from the Dutch.

Holland took an early lead. Robben, who had been magnificent against Spain, opened the scoring. The Bayern Munich attacker picked the ball up on the half way line and sped his way into the Australian box. His low, hard left footed drive nestled nicely into the Aussies net past the helpless Ryan. It would be the opening of the floodgates, though many people. But they were wrong.

Immediately after, Australia pegged the Dutch back. Tim Cahill scored his second of the tournament, and he won’t score a better. Comparisons were made to that famous goal by Dutch legend Marco Van Basten. A long ball over the head of de Vrij, found Cahill, who first time on the volley, with his weaker, left foot smashed it off the bar and in, past the flailing Cillessen. Easily goal of the tournament, so far.

Cahill strikes against Holland to equalise

A short time later, Cahill received a booking that rules the talismanic Aussie out of their final group game against Spain. Van Persie joined him in the book, and he too will miss Holland’s final game, against South Americans, Chile.

The Socceroos fought on. Bresciano and Spiranovic missed good opportunities to take the lead before Leckie had a goal disallowed for a foul on Daley Blind.

Australia continued piling forward and it finally paid off. Substitute Bozanic’s cross came off the hand of Daryl Janmaat who was unlucky to see the incident awarded as a penalty. Mile Jedinak of Crystal Palace put the ball in the net from 12 yards.

Like the Dutch lead, Australia’s lead didn't last long either. Van Persie, not to be outdone on the scoring charts by compatriot Robben, found himself in space in the box and leathered the ball into the roof of Ryan’s net to equalise. The Dutch upped the tempo, but Australia continued to get forward looking for a win.

It was Memphis Depay that found the breakthrough though. His long range strike bounced awkwardly in front of Aussie ‘keeper Ryan and slipped through his hands into the goal. Australia found themselves behind.

There was still plenty of time for another goal, but neither team were able to make the breakthrough. The Dutch couldn't increase their lead, nor could Australia find the equaliser.

A stern, noble effort from Australia who can be pleased with their performance in this game. It would take something of a miracle for Australia to progress mpw.

 Australia 2 – 3 Holland 

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