Groups A and B have finished their first set of matches in the World cup and already there have been some surprising results.
The biggest news was the Netherlands 5 – 1 defeat of Spain. The result means that Spain must beat Chile next week if they are to progress to the next round. Furthermore, thanks to the huge score line; a simple win may not quite be enough for Spain. All of a sudden things are looking extremely tough for Spain who are likely to struggle against the pace and movement that Chile demonstrated in the first half of its opening match. Nonetheless, some feel that Australia was unlucky not to draw given the way Chile performed in the second half. Considering the range in performances seen in the first two games, it is hard to call exactly what kind of football will be produced for Wednesday’s games.
The Group A matches were dominated by officiating controversies. From the penalty fiasco in Brazil’s opening game to two wrongly disallowed goals in Mexico’s match against Cameroon; the opening of this World Cup was certainly not without drama. Nonetheless, most agree that both matches ended with the results that were expected, whether they were fairly achieved is another question. Brazil and Mexico play each other on Tuesday and with both teams searching to get ahead in the group it will be an essential game. Cameroon and Croatia play on Wednesday and it is also sure to be an extremely competitive match.
Results
- Brazil vs Croatia – 3-1
- Mexico vs Cameroon – 1-0
- Spain vs Netherlands – 1-5
- Chile vs Australia – 3-1
GROUP A
Upcoming Group Stage matches for Brazil:
- Brazil vs. Mexico – Tuesday, 17 June 2014 Match Preview
- Cameroon vs Brazil – Monday, 23 June 2014, Match Preview
Upcoming Group Stage matches for Croatia:
- Cameroon vs. Croatia – Wednesday, 18 June 2014 Match Preview
- Croatia vs Mexico – Monday, 23 June 2014, Match Preview
Upcoming Group Stage matches for Mexico:
- Brazil vs. Mexico – Tuesday, 17 June 2014 Match Preview
- Croatia vs Mexico – Monday, 23 June 2014, Match Preview
Upcoming Group Stage matches for Cameroon:
- Cameroon vs. Croatia – Wednesday, 18 June 2014 Match Preview
- Cameroon vs Brazil – Monday, 23 June 2014, Match Preview
GROUP B
Upcoming Group Stage matches for Netherlands:
- Australia vs. Netherlands – Wednesday, 18 June 2014 Match Preview
- Netherlands vs Chile – Monday, 23 June 2014, Match Preview
Upcoming Group Stage matches for Chile:
- Spain vs. Chile – Wednesday, 18 June 2014 Match Preview
- Netherlands vs Chile – Monday, 23 June 2014, Match Preview
Upcoming Group Stage matches for Australia:
- Australia vs. Netherlands – Wednesday, 18 June 2014 Match Preview
- Australia vs Spain – Monday, 23 June 2014, Match Preview
Upcoming Group Stage matches for Spain:
- Spain vs. Chile – Wednesday, 18 June 2014 Match Preview
- Australia vs Spain – Monday, 23 June 2014, Match Preview