Spanish buried like a Chilean miner! Tiki-Taka: Ta-Ta!
19/06/14 01:45
Day 7 in the Footcall house...
A decisive day in Group B as some big footballing nations were fighting for survival. The Dutch were up first after dusting off Spain in the first game we were expecting big things against Australia in this game. They didn't disappoint as the ultra one-footed broke free and put Holland one up. You could have forgiven the Socceroos for dropping their heads as they knew they needed a win and were trailing to arguably one of the best teams in the tournament. But we all know how resolute those Southern Hemisphere boys can be and barely a minute after the opening goal we were treated the tastiest goal of the World Cup so far. This strike was more delicious than a Cadbury's Curly Wurly dipped in Hershey's Strawberry Syrup! The ball was pumped high into the Dutch goal area as the former Everton frontman (and team-mate of Fellaini - apologies for thinking the fro used to play for Chelsea) Tim Cahill watched it like a hawk. As it dropped into his front office his left peg perfectly met the Brazuca and powered over the top of the Netherlands' keeper and straight in off the crossbar. OMG! this was one to savour, this wasn't out of the top drawer it was out of the one above that. He couldn't have struck it harder, he couldn't have struck it sweeter. This was van-Basten-esque, maybe even better as this was on Cahill's wrong foot. This one rivalled Tony Yeboah's wonder strike for Leeds v Liverpool in 95. Suddenly the Aussies were back in it. After the break the unthinkable happened as Australia went ahead as they won a penalty in the 54th. But you can't discount the Dutch Masters as they might be a pony at the back they are formidable up top and four minutes later RVP beat the offside trap and forced an equaliser. Then another ten minutes after Holland went 3-2 up with a Depay long distance strike. That's how it finished, Holland are through but they had to work for it and it was sad to see the Aussies sent home as it was one of the best games of the tournament.
Next up another critical match between Spain and Chile. The World Cup holders needed a win here after losing their first to Holland. Chile however are a solid unit with a strong work ethic. They rode their luck and the Chileans were rewarded with a Vargas goal and suddenly the Spanish started to look nervous. Just before half time Chile doubled their lead with a tidy Aranguiz toe poke past the outstretched Casillas. The second half was a game of attack and defend and Chile had to preserve their lead and soak up the pressure. But preserve they did despite some golden opportunities for Spain. So once again the defending champion is sent home early, adios Spana, leave the trophy on the side and get your coats!
Final game matched up Cameroon and Croatia. The tablecloth top boys started very strongly and old timer Olic caught the Cameroon defence napping and put Croatia ahead. A moment of madness from Alex Song as he decided run his elbow down Mandzukic's spine. Now one thing you need to know is that it doesn't take much contact to knock a Croatian off his feet, you'd be forgiven for thinking they were playing in roller skates the amount they went down, it's a terrible part of the game and the Croats not only exploit it, they abuse it (rant over). Well Song went for a song into an early shower and from then on it was one way traffic. Croatia added three more goals in the second half to leave the Cameroons to fight among themselves, that win bonus they argued for before the cup started was not worth the paper it was written on. Croatia now have a good chance of progressing if they can get a favourable result in their final game against Mexico.
And so to the Footcall league...
Without doubt the results today gave up the least amount of Footcall points we've had so far. Tons of you had Holland to win so there were a plethora of ones including John (i'm not sure where Neil is) Dawson, Ryan Smith, Simon Dyson, Adam Botting, Mick (two time winner lads) Mallion, Dean Baker, Eleanor Fairman and David Newton all picking up a point. On the flipside the Spain result did not go the way of the Footcall masses. Only six players picked Chile to win this match and they were Lauren Morris, Simon Clark, Paul Wakefield, Patrick Ferguson and finally Joseph Conlan. A hard earned point there for their Footcall standing. Finally Croatia to win was a popular prediction but nobody had 4-0 but those collecting a point included Teresa Elliott, Manoj Gupta, Lee Baker, Richard Goodwin, Paresh Tailor, Matthew Young, Mark Mandry, Nigel Mirza and Martin Cox. Once again Jo picked up two more points to stay a point clear at the top.
However prediction of the day must go to Dan Wilks who corrected guessed Holland would beat Australia 3-2 and his red square has boosted him right up into fourth.
The big one tomorrow, England vs Suarez.
Until then...
David