☆☆☆ FIFA World Cup 2014 ☆☆☆

[Leona]

Vidal: Spain will have watched us win

Jun 14, 2014 4:30:00 AM

The South American side are in with a chance of eliminating the defending champions and the talismanic Juventus midfielder believes his side can triumph

By Peter Staunton in Cuiaba

Arturo Vidal believes that his Chile side are equipped to knock Spain out of the World Cup.

The defending champions were routed 5-1 by the Netherlands in their opening Group B fixture and will face Chile on Wednesday June 18 in the Maracana.

Vidal's side defeated Australia in a pulsating encounter in Cuiaba on Friday night to move level with the Dutch on points and Jorge Sampaoli's men now face a crucial second game against the holders.

If the Spaniards are defeated then their World Cup defence will end after only two matches, and the Juventus midfielder believes that Chile are up to the challenge after goals from Alexis Sanchez, Jorge Valdivia and Jean Beausejour downed the Socceroos.

"Spain will have watched our game today," Vidal told Goal. "They know it will be always difficult for them to play against us."

Chile raced into an early two-goal lead with Sanchez right at the heart of the action. He fired Chile ahead with a smart finish following strong play by Charles Aranguiz before laying on an assist for Jorge Valdivia's brilliant contribution.

The South Americans threatened at that stage to overwhelm the Socceroos but a moment of laxity brought the underdogs right back into the game.

An Ivan Franjic cross was met by a characteristic Tim Cahill header, who left Claudio Bravo with no chance. Cahill could have levelled moments later when Matthew Leckie found him with a through pass but Bravo was equal to the task on that occasion.

Australia had the better of the chances thereafter, if not all the play, and Chile in the second half had Bravo to thank for ultimately preserving all three points.

"It was a very difficult game," Vidal admitted afterwards.

The threat of Sanchez on the break remained throughout and he occupied the Australian defence with his ability to turn quickly and find passes behind the lines.

On one occasion in the second half, his dexterity won him space away from the Aussies and he slipped a hidden pass into the path of Eduardo Vargas. The Valencia man's effort was goal-bound but tame and Alex Wilkinson was able to clear off the line before the goal-line technology system was needed.

Chile finally quenched the Australian challenge in injury time when Jean Beausejour struck a left-footed shot across Mat Ryan for 3-1.

Vidal played the best part of an hour in his comeback from knee surgery which limited his participation in Chile's build-up to the tournament. The Juventus midfielder is confident that his knee will stand up to the rigours of tournament football.

"The knee is fine," he said. "Every day I give everything so I am able to play."

 

[Leona]

Cristiano Ronaldo sparks injury scare by cutting short participation in Portugal training session

Portugal captain hobbles off from training session with ice pack strapped to his left knee, with Monday's World Cup 2014 game against Germany looming

Dodgy knee: Cristiano Ronaldo departs leaves Portugal training session early with a big ice pack strapped to his leg Photo: AFP / AP

By Telegraph Sport
10:15AM BST 13 Jun 2014

Cristiano Ronaldo cut short a training session with Portugal on Thursday, leaving the field with an ice pack over his left knee – indicating that his tendinitis may still be bothering the star forward.

The 29-year-old captain trained with the rest of the team for about 15-20 minutes doing physical exercises but then did not take part in the rest of the session with full ball drills.

Instead, he stretched on his own and signed a few shirts for fans before going to sit on the bench. When he left, he had an ice pack over his left knee.

Ronaldo, whose country take on Germany on Monday in their first game of the tournament, has been bothered by left leg injuries ahead of the World Cup, and was sidelined for two weeks with tendinitis in the knee and a thigh problem.

However, Portugal midfielder Joao Moutinho said there was nothing to worry about concerning Ronaldo's health.

"Ever since he started to train with us he has been 100 per cent like the rest of us," Moutinho said. "Everything is fine with him but there is some caution, not only with him. Today many other players were using ice as well. There is nothing to worry about. The ice is normal after training."

 

[Leona]

Give Brazil the World Cup now, say Croatia after being robbed by Japanese referee who 'didn't speak English'

Vedran Corluka says referee Yuichi Nishimura only spoke with the Croatia players in Japanese as they sought explanation for key call that turned the match

No explanation: Croatia's players said Yuichi Nishimura only spoke Japanese to them Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Ben Rumsby and Jeremy Wilson, in Sao Paulo
11:10AM BST 13 Jun 2014

Yuichi Nishimura was under siege on Friday night after Fifa was urged to axe him and other blundering referees or risk the trophy being handed to Brazil on a plate.

Players, fans and media queued up to attack the man who awarded Fred the softest of penalties in Thursday night’s curtain-raiser in Sao Paulo, helping the hosts beat Croatia 3-1.

The backlash was led by the losing side, with former Tottenham Hotspur defender Vedran Corluka also accusing the Japanese official of either refusing to or being unable to explain his decision in English.

“If this continues then no-one should play against Brazil,” said Corluka. “We should just give them the World Cup and everyone can go home. I think it is embarrassing.

“I have never seen a referee in a World Cup that doesn’t speak English. He was trying to speak to the players in Japanese. It is ridiculous.”

Nishimura also gave Neymar a yellow card for using his elbow to fend off Luca Modric and disallowed what would have been an equalising goal for Croatia.

Asked if Nishimura favoured Brazil, Corluka said: “Everyone saw that, not just Croatian players. Every 50/50 decision went to Brazilian players and I think Neymar elbowed Luca. After that, he gives the penalty. We scored a goal, he disallowed a goal.

"It was quite embarrassing. It was the opening of the World Cup and you expect something more. He was keen to give the penalty. After that, he wanted to give something to us. It was quite funny. I don’t think he should be allowed to referee another game.”

Fred won the penalty after throwing himself to the turf theatrically under the slightest contact from Southampton defender Dejan Lovren.

Lovren said: “It is not just difficult for me to take, but for everyone who watched this game – I think it was two billion people. Of course I am angry. I want to cry now. I was asking the referee 'How can you do this to us’? He didn’t know what to say. The problem is that the referee doesn’t speak English.

“It is a shame that he cannot explain to me or to anyone else in English. How can any referee be in the World Cup for that? It is like when a player gets a red card and he will be out for two or three games. I think it [should be] the same.”

Asked if Brazil were favoured, the Southampton defender added: “Maybe yes, maybe no. If it is like this then we can give the World Cup directly to Brazil.”

The fury of Croatia’s players was echoed in the country’s media, whose front-page headlines raged: “Injustice!” and “Shame!” against the "invented penalty". The influential Jutarnji List slammed an "inexcusable mistake by the referee at the World Cup opening match" by which he "pierced Croatia’s heart with a sword".

Even Brazil’s press acknowledged their heroes’ large slice of good fortune, Globo acknowledging Nishimura’s contribution to their win with a headline that read simply: "Arigato!" [thank you in Japanese]. But the official’s performance was seemingly not well received by his compatriots, with Japanese football fans taking to social media on Friday to express their regret and shame.

Some Twitter posts featured mocked-up photos of Nishimura wearing a Brazil jersey, while popular singer Hikaru Utada tweeted that she hoped Croatians would not dislike all Japanese people because of Nishimura’s performance.

His display followed calls from Fifa president Sepp Blatter 24 hours earlier for football to adopt a challenge system similar to that successfully deployed in tennis.

It also came hours after the general secretary of the Football Association, Alex Horne, a member of the International FA Board which rules on law changes, admitted a high-profile blunder in Brazil could provide impetus for Blatter’s proposal.

He said: "If we get something happening in the next three or four weeks that is blindingly obvious - like Frank Lampard’s 'goal that wasn’t a goal' in Bloemfontein - then that could give this real momentum."

Nishimura, named Asian referee of the year in 2012, is no stranger to controversy either.

At the African Cup of Nations in 2008, he failed to dismiss Angolan players for pushing him during the quarter-final between Egypt and Angola and did not officiate any further matches in the tournament.

He was involved in four games at the last World Cup - including as fourth official in the final - but was best known before Thursday night for sending off Brazil defender Felipe Melo against Holland in the quarter-finals.

His penalty decision was defended on Friday by Fifa’s referees chief, Massimo Busacca, who also said no decision had been taken about whether he would be given more matches.

Busacca insisted there had been contact between Lovren and Fred, even if it was minimal, but angrily rejected any accusations of bias.

He said: “You dont have time to think 'Ah, I am in Brazil'. This is fantasy, we have to believe the referees are honest and respect them. Maybe there will be mistakes but we must respect them."

 

[Leona]

Brazil gets in World Cup swing as goals fly in, protests ease

By Brad Haynes and Mary Milliken
SAO PAULO/CUIABA Sat Jun 14, 2014 1:51am BST

Brazilian fans celebrate after Brazil scored against Croatia during their 2014 World Cup opening match, at a FIFA event in Manaus June 12 2014. REUTERS-Siphiwe Sibeko

(Reuters) - World Cup fever intensified across Brazil on Friday as violent protests subsided, fans streamed to a second day of riveting matches and a crushing defeat for defending champions Spain set the tournament alight.

Despite a last minute scramble to get some venues ready and heavy rains in northeastern cities that hosted two of the day's three games, dramatic on-the-field action eclipsed most of the concerns outside stadiums.

Raucous fans watched the Netherlands humiliate Spain, the team that beat the Dutch for the title four years ago, with a 5-1 pummeling.

A plucky Mexican team coped with having two goals controversially disallowed and went on to beat Cameroon 1-0 under a downpour. Chile then defeated Australia 3-1 in the third fast-paced match of the day.

After years of construction delays, alleged corruption and sometimes violent protests over the $11 billion spent by Brazil to host the World Cup, the tournament has had a good start.

Widely-fancied Brazil won the opening game against Croatia 3-1 on Thursday and, with 15 goals in the first four games and Spain unexpectedly demolished, no one was complaining about a dull start.

A lack of major problems or street demonstrations on Friday also helped organizers breathe easier. Still, security forces remain on the alert after a year of protests contrasting the high cost of the tournament with the poor state of public services and investments in Brazil.

Although demonstrations have progressively grown smaller since mass protests last June, small but more radical groups of activists continue efforts to disrupt the tournament and they have planned marches for the weekend.

Brazil's opening victory unleashed celebrations into early Friday, with fireworks and car horns echoing for hours as fans got into the spirit of the first World Cup on Brazilian soil since 1950. (Full Story)

Shopkeepers in Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte on Friday cleaned up storefronts that they had boarded up for opening day, when some protests broke into scattered clashes with police.

About 100,000 police are patrolling Brazil's 12 host cities during the month-long tournament, complemented by nearly 60,000 soldiers.

After police used teargas, stun grenades and rubber bullets against protesters in some cities on Thursday, especially Sao Paulo, Amnesty International said they deserved a "yellow card."

President Dilma Rousseff, who is running for a second term in October and was loudly jeered at the opening game in Sao Paulo, told supporters from the ruling Workers' Party that the derisive chants "will not intimidate me." (Full Story)

Most soccer fans said they now want to enjoy the Cup even if they agree with the grievances raised by protesters.

"They won't stop us having our fun, especially when Brazil win!" said Pedro Ribeiro, 29, a businessman in Belo Horizonte.

"People have a right to complain. There are lots of problems in Brazil. But they don't have the right to be violent or to spoil the World Cup," he added.

LAST-MINUTE SCRAMBLE

Hours before Friday's games, questions still hung over finishing touches in some host cities.

In the northeastern city of Natal, pouring rain, striking bus drivers and lingering safety questions about the stadium marked the run-up to the Mexico-Cameroon match.

Temporary new bleachers only cleared 90 percent of a safety check on Wednesday, officials told Reuters, and inspectors were barred from entering the stadium on Friday while world soccer body FIFA prepared for the match.

As many as 100 fans were moved to alternative seating due to safety concerns about the new bleachers, a FIFA spokesman said.

Natal also resorted to using school buses and vans to keep public transportation flowing after a bus drivers' union voted to strike over a wage dispute.

Making it more difficult, days of sunshine in Natal gave way to driving rain that flooded city streets and drenched fans in the Dunas arena. The downpour knocked out some of the stadium's security scanners.

Rain in Porto Alegre also interrupted construction around the World Cup arena, which remains a muddy work site just two days before hosting France vs Honduras.

In Cuiaba, a dry heat cooked the dusty roads around the Pantanal arena. Workers were still scrambling on Friday morning to install air conditioning and carpets, just hours ahead of the Chile vs Australia match.

Across the country, however, Brazilians' good cheer was already overwhelming the rocky preparations in the minds of visiting fans.

Just before kickoff of the day's last game, Christian Reilly, an Australian business executive, made light of the fact that much of the infrastructure promised in Cuiaba, including a light rail system and an airport upgrade, is still not finished.

"We were surprised our hotel was there," he joked. "But it’s good. We are just having a good time."

(Additional reporting by Andrew Cawthorne in Belo Horizonte, Michael Kahn in Natal, Steve Keating in Porto Alegre,; Philip O'Connor in Recife, Mary Milliken in Cuiaba and Brian Winter in Sao Paulo; Editing by Paulo Prada and Kieran Murray)

 

[Leona]

FIFA referee chief defends contentious penalty in World Cup opener

RIO DE JANEIRO Fri Jun 13, 2014 10:17pm BST

Referee Yuichi Nishimura (C) of Japan gestures for a penalty during the 2014 World Cup opening match between Brazil and Croatia at the Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo June 12, 2014. REUTERS-Murad Sezer

(Reuters) - The head of refereeing at FIFA on Friday defended a contentious penalty decision during the opening game of the 2014 World Cup between host nation Brazil and Croatia.

At Thursday's match at Corinthians arena in Sao Paulo, Japanese referee Yuichi Nishimura ruled that Croatia's Dejan Lovren had fouled Fred when the Brazilian fell to the floor with 20 minutes remaining and the score at 1-1.

Neymar converted the penalty for his second goal of the game and Brazil went on to win 3-1 in the Group A match, but the spot kick decision dominated debate after the game and drew condemnation from Croatia's players, coach and further afield.

Massimo Busacca, in charge of refereeing for world soccer's ruling body, told reporters in Rio De Janeiro that Nishimura appeared to be justified in awarding a penalty.

"The referee was in a very good position," he said of the 42-year-old match official.

He said a photograph of the incident showed that there was contact between the two players in the area, and that Lovren touched Fred not only with his left hand but also his right.

"If you make contact you permit the referee to go in one direction," he added.

Busacca declined so say whether Nishimura would officiate at other matches during the World Cup, as he and his team had yet to make a full analysis of the referee's performance over the full duration of the opening game.

When one reporter suggested that Nishimura's decision was a mistake, Busacca replied: "A mistake? It's you're opinion and I'll let you think it if you want."

Nishimura showed Felipe Melo a red card as Brazil crashed out of the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010, effectively ending Brazil's hopes of coming back from 2-1 down and their dreams of a sixth world title.

Fierce debate over refereeing decisions was unlikely to end with Nishimura's intervention.

One of the main talking points after Friday's game between Mexico and Cameroon at a rain-soaked Dunas arena in Natal was the officiating, after two Giovani dos Santos efforts were controversially disallowed in the first half.

Mexico went on to win 1-0, however, thanks to a Oribe Peralta goal.

FIFA is using goal-line technology for the first time at this World Cup, and FIFA president Sepp Blatter this week suggested introducing a television referral system allowing managers to challenge up to two refereeing decisions per match.

(Reporting by Mike Collett-White in Sao Paulo, Editing by Nigel Hunt)

 

[Leona]

Factbox- Netherlands beat World Cup holders Spain 5-1

Fri Jun 13, 2014 10:44pm BST

(Reuters) - Netherlands beat Spain 5-1 in their opening World Cup Group B match on Friday. Here are some facts.

- First time a defending champion has conceded five goals in their World Cup opening match.

- First time Spain conceded more than five goals in an international since losing 6-2 to Scotland in 1963.

- Netherlands have not lost their opening match at a World Cup since 1938.

- Spain lost their opening match for the second consecutive World Cup after going down to Switzerland in 2010 before winning the title.

- Netherlands striker Robin van Persie became the first Dutch player to score in three World Cups.

- This was Spain's heaviest defeat under coach Vicente Del Bosque who took over in 2008. Previous worst result was a 4-0 friendly defeat by Portugal in November 2010.

- It was only the fourth competitive defeat for Spain under Del Bosque. The other three losses were to the United States, Switzerland and Brazil.

- This was Spain's second heaviest World Cup defeat ever after losing 6-1 to Brazil in 1950.

- Spain conceded more goals in one match than in their last 10 games at World Cups and European Championships combined.

- The only goal Euro and World Cup holders Spain conceded in their previous 10 matches was against Italy in the Euro 2012 group stage.

- Spain keeper Iker Casillas was 40 minutes away from breaking former Italy keeper Walter Zenga's record of keeping a clean sheet for 517 consecutive minutes in World Cup finals matches.

(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann, editing by Ed Osmond)

 

[Leona]

Factbox - World Cup holders' opening games at next finals

Fri Jun 13, 2014 10:56pm BST

(Reuters) - Here is a list of World Cup holders' first matches at the next tournament, after Spain, who won in 2010, were trounced 5-1 by the Netherlands in Salvador, Brazil, on Friday.

Uruguay won the first World Cup in 1930, but declined to take part in the next competition in 1934. The list therefore starts with 1934 winners, Italy.

Year Previous winners Opening Game

1938 Italy (1934) Italy 2-1 Norway (aet)

1950 Italy (1938) Sweden 3-2 Italy

1954 Uruguay (1950) Uruguay 2-0 Czechoslovakia

1958 W.Germany (1954) Argentina 1-3 W.Germany

1962 Brazil (1958) Brazil 2-0 Mexico

1966 Brazil (1962) Brazil 2-0 Bulgaria

1970 England (1966) England 1-0 Romania

1974 Brazil (1970) Brazil 0-0 Yugoslavia

1978 W.Germany (1974) W.Germany 0-0 Poland

1982 Argentina (1978) Argentina 0-1 Belgium

1986 Italy (1982) Bulgaria 1-1 Italy

1990 Argentina (1986) Argentina 0-1 Cameroon

1994 Germany (1990) Germany 1-0 Bolivia

1998 Brazil (1994) Brazil 2-1 Scotland

2002 France (1998) France 0-1 Senegal

2006 Brazil (2002) Brazil 1-0 Croatia

2010 Italy (2006) Italy 1-1 Paraguay

2014 Spain (2010) Spain 1-5 Netherlands

(source: FIFA website)

(Compiled by Mike Collett-White; Editing by Ken Ferris)

 

[Muslera]

Buffon ruled out of Italy-England game

By Alec Fenn
Jun 14, 2014 4:02:00 PM

The veteran hurt his ankle in training and has failed to recover in time to face Roy Hodgson's men in the two sides' opening World Cup fixture

Italy have been dealt a severe blow ahead of their World Cup opener against England after goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was ruled out with an ankle injury.

The 36-year-old left training early on Friday with the problem, but it was hoped he would recover in time to take his place on Saturday evening, with coach Cesare Prandelli describing it as "nothing serious".

However, Buffon confimed on his official Facebook page on Saturday that he would not be fit to start the game.

"Good day everyone... Life is beautiful and I am still in your debt... It will take more than one missed game or one missed World Cup to change my mind!" wrote the 140-capped international.

"There are still ways to be important, even if you are not a protagonist on the field... so... Forza Great Salvatore... Forza magic boys... FORZA ITALIA, my great love."

Paris Saint-Germain keeper Salvatore Sirigu is expected to start in his absence as the Azzurri look to get off to a flying start in Group D.

One positive for Prandelli, however, was the condition of the playing surface in Manaus, with a close inspection arresting fears of an uneven pitch that had been reported in the days leading up to the game.

"Regarding the pitch, the grass was described to me as being in very bad condition, but when I got here it was actually very good," said the 56-year-old.

Prandelli will keep his formation and selection a secret until the last minute, hoping to keep players competing for places.

He believes Roy Hodgson's England are a different prospect to the one Italy overcame on penalties in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals.

"Two years ago we won on penalties but England are a different team, they have changed their system, their style of play," Prandelli said.

"We have to remember the good things we did in the past but we are facing a new team. Especially in attack, they have four players who are very, very good."

 

[Muslera]

Forlan: Uruguay have regained their aura

By Alvaro Jimenez
Jun 14, 2014 10:42:00 AM

The experienced forward says that his side's performance in the 2010 World Cup was a catalyst for improvement and they are now confident they can take on the best in Brazil

Diego Forlan believes that Uruguay are ready to face the top teams in this summer's World Cup as they prepare to begin their campaign against Costa Rica.

The 35-year-old won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player in South Africa in 2010 as his side went on to finish fourth, before he enjoyed success at the Copa America just a year later.

Despite a formidable group including Italy and England in 2014, Forlan believes la Celeste have regained a sense of pride in their play not seen since their title-winning campaigns more than 60 years ago and is confident they can challenge the best in Brazil.

"We have an aura," the former Inter, Atletico Madrid and Manchester United forward told Goal.

"Uruguay historically has won many titles [winning the World Cup in 1930 and 1950] but in recent decades was lost that aura. After how the World Cup in South Africa turned out, we gained belief in the team and reaffirmed the following year with the Copa America title.

"In South Africa we had a tough group. We were with the hosts, as well as France and Mexico, two very strong teams. This group is also strong, but we are in a World Cup and we have to play against the best.

"Playing a World Cup is spectacular. You remember when you were little. When you sing the anthem, when you see people in the stands or your friends at home getting ready to watch the game, it's something unique."

Forlan, who now plays for Japanese side Cerezo Osaka, has scored 36 times in 107 games for his country, revealed that Luis Suarez - who is set to be rested for the Costa Rica clash - is progressing well, though refused to be drawn on rumours the player may leave Liverpool.

"Luis Suarez is much better," he said alluding to the attacker's recent knee injury.

"He is taking steps to recover well and hopefully he recovers well and will be ready to play.

He also commented on his experiences in Japan, having arrived in the J-League in January, where he has already scored seven times in 15 games.

"The Japanese league is very good," he summised.

"Technically they play very well and are very fast."

 

[Muslera]

Fifa to punish Argentina over Malvinas flag

By Alec Fenn
Jun 14, 2014 3:04:00 PM

The national side could face sanctions for breaching two counts of the governing body's disciplinary code

Fifa have opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina after its players unfurled a political banner prior to last week's friendly against Slovenia.

The banner read 'Las Malvinas son Argentinas', which translates as 'the Falkland Islands belong to Argentina', with the players holding it in front of them in an act of support before kick-off.

The actions of the national side are in direct breach of two counts of Fifa's disciplinary code and the governing body have now confirmed they will open an investigation.

A statement read: "The chairman of the Fifa disciplinary committee has decided to open disciplinary proceedings [against Argentina] based on an apparent breach of art. 60 of the Fifa stadium and security regulations (‘prevention of provocative and aggressive actions’) and art. 52 of the Fifa disciplinary code (‘team misconduct’).”

Argentina's FA will have the opportunity to explain their stance and provide any footage or material to support their case.

Alejandro Sabella's side open their World Cup 2014 campaign with a clash against Iran at the Estadio do Maracana on Sunday.

 

[Muslera]

Lovren's wife mocks referee Nishimura with Brazil shirt pic

By Andrew Wychrij
Jun 14, 2014 12:40:00 PM

Anita Lovren took to Instagram to make her feelings clear following the official's controversial award of a penalty in the opening World Cup match

The wife of Croatia centre-back Dejan Lovren mocked referee Yuichi Nishimura for his performance in the 3-1 loss to Brazil by posting a picture of him wearing a Selecao shirt.

The Croatians felt aggrieved by a number of decisions made by the Japanese official in their 3-1 defeat, particularly the awarding of a 71st-minute penalty as a result of Fred's tumble in the box under pressure from Lovren.

The Southampton man's wife Anita took to social media to make her feelings over the incident clear, posting a mocked-up photo of Nishimura in a Brazil shirt on her Instagram account.

Alongside the image of Nishimura in the style of a Panini World Cup sticker was a still of Ivica Olic's challenge on Brazil keeper Julio Cesar that led to Croatia being denied an equaliser with the score at 2-1.

Croatia boss Niko Kovac has since branded the referee's display as "shameful," while Lovren himself described the penalty he conceded as "a scandal."

Croatia have two games remaining in Group A, facing Cameroon on June 18 and Mexico on June 23.

 

[Muslera]

Casillas: Blame me for Netherlands thrashing

By Andrew Wychrij
Jun 14, 2014 9:27:00 AM

The Spain shot-stopper admits he was well below par as Louis van Gaal's side crushed the world champions 5-1 on Friday

Iker Casillas believes he must shoulder much of the blame for Spain's humbling 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands.

Louis van Gaal's side recovered from falling behind to a first-half Xabi Alonso penalty, with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie both scoring twice and Stefan De Vrij adding another to avenge the 1-0 defeat the Dutch suffered in the final of the 2010 World Cup.

Casillas, whose heavy touch allowed van Persie to nip in and score the Oranje's fourth goal on the night after he had earlier missed the cross for De Vrij's tap-in, acknowledged that he was below the standard expected of him and apologised to the Spain supporters.

"It's time to be quiet, to reflect and think about the next match against Chile as a final," the 33-year-old was quoted as saying by Marca.

"We apologise, and I am the first in line. Our fans must give out the criticism that comes to us and forget what happened soon.

"I have not been up to par and I accept that. We have not been fortunate, starting with me. Now only we think about the next game.

"I have to take the blame. All we could do is think about the next game when they scored the third goal and went further behind. I am mature enough to receive all criticism. We must sort ourselves out."

La Roja boss Vicente Del Bosque, however, insisted that no one player should shoulder the burden of responsibility for the loss, especially not their goalkeeper.

"When a team loses a match it's not just the performance of one single player, its a weakness in the total squad," the 63-year-old said.

"We can't blame anyone, least of all Iker Casillas."

Spain, who sit bottom of Group B after the first round of games, face Chile on June 18, who beat Australia 3-1 in their first match.

 

[Muslera]

Hitzfeld: Switzerland as good as France

Jun 14, 2014 4:26:00 PM

The 65-year-old is confident his men can reach the knockout stages and feels they share the favourites role in their group alongside France

By Stefan Coerts from Brasilia

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is optimistic about his side's chances of qualifying for the knockout stages of the World Cup and feels they are as good as group rivals France.

The Swiss kick off their Group E campaign with a match against Ecuador at the Estadio Mane Garrincha on Sunday and Hitzfeld cannot wait to get started, having set his sights on a spot in the round of 16.

"France and Switzerland are both favourites in this group. We have done better than France in the past few years when you look at results and we have been slightly more consistent, but they have a lot of potential and should be regarded as favourites, too," the Switzerland boss said at a press conference.

“I am optimistic that we can show what we can do at the World Cup. We are a disciplined team and everybody wants to work hard. We are stronger than in 2010.

"We started a new project in 2011 with young players and have some experienced players as well. We have the perfect mix and the atmosphere within the team is very good.

"Three finals await and Ecuador are the first up. They’re a strong team. There's more to Ecuador than Antonio Valencia and Felipe Caicedo. They are very strong on the counter-attack. And they have two superb centre-backs and fast wing-backs. Switzerland must be at their best to win this game."

"After that we have France, who are favourites as well. And in the end we want to seal qualification against Honduras. We will take each opponent seriously and will prepare in the best way possible."

Switzerland were eliminated in the group stages at the 2010 World Cup, despite a 1-0 win over eventual winners Spain.

 

[Leona]

Colombia 3-0 Greece: Armero, Gutierrez & Rodriguez give Pekerman's men perfect start

Jun 14, 2014 6:53:00 PM

The South American side opened their World Cup account in style with an ultimately comfortable win over Fernando Santos' men

Colombia marked their long-awaited return to FIFA World Cup action with an entertaining 3-0 win over Greece on Saturday.

Jose Pekerman's men, making a first appearance at the World Cup since 1998, produced a strong showing to enhance their hopes of qualifying for the last 16.

Star striker Radamel Falcao's omission from the squad through injury had dominated the build-up to the tournament for Colombia.

However, backed by a vast and vociferous travelling support at the Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Colombia showed they could perform without the Monaco forward.

Defender Pablo Armero opened the scoring early on, before Teofilo Gutierrez - the man tasked with leading the line in the absence of Falcao - doubled his side's advantage just before the hour mark.

James Rodriguez added a third in injury time seal the victory for Colombia in Group C's opening game.

Colombia's next match comes against Ivory Coast on Thursday, while Greece will bid to bounce back on the same day versus Japan.

The South American outfit made the most of a fast start to proceedings, moving ahead after just five minutes in somewhat fortuitous circumstances.

Armero latched on to a low right-wing cross from Juan Cuadrado, and his seemingly tame effort deflected off Greece defender Kostas Manolas, deceiving goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis and nestling in the bottom-left corner.

Greece could have levelled immediately if not for the disappointing finishing of Panagiotis Kone, who fired wide from the edge of the area.

Colombia, with their pacy and exciting forward line, continued to offer more of a threat, although Greece spurned another chance to level in the 28th minute as Vasilis Torosidis headed off target from a free-kick.

Fernando Santos' Greece began to dictate matters towards the end of the first half and were unfortunate not to equalise when Kone forced a fine save from David Ospina with a curling 20-yard effort.

However, Pekerman was evidently able to re-energise his side during the half-time interval and Colombia pushed for a second goal after the break.

They were rewarded for their industry in the 58th minute, Gutierrez turning the ball into an unguarded net after Abel Aguilar had flicked Rodriguez's near-post corner into his path.

Fortune favoured Colombia throughout and Greece's bad luck was encapsulated after 63 minutes, striker Theofanis Gekas rattling the crossbar when he met Torisidis' knock back from a deep far-post cross with a powerful diving header.

Gekas was immediately replaced by Kostas Mitroglou, but the change had little effect.

And Colombia duly put the gloss on a fine win in injury time as the influential Rodriguez sent a cool finish beyond a despairing Karnezis.

 

[Leona]

Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica: Los Ticos prove they're no whipping boys

Jun 14, 2014 9:54:00 PM

Jorge Pinto's men showed they shouldn't be underestimated as they overturned a one goal deficit to go on and pick up all three points from their opening game

Uruguay failed to overcome the absence of Luis Suarez as a shock 3-1 loss to Costa Rica left their World Cup dream in tatters.

With Italy and England completing a strong-looking Group D, Costa Rica were expected to be the whipping boys even with Uruguay's star striker Suarez - still recovering from a knee injury - unable to take the field in Fortaleza on Saturday.

The game followed the script initially as Costa Rica's defensive gameplan was ruined by Edinson Cavani putting Uruguay ahead from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.

However, the two-time world champions were then left stunned as their opponents counter-attacked with purpose and scored three second-half goals to spring a major surprise.

Joel Campbell and Oscar Duarte found the net in a stunning three-minute period, before substitute Marco Urena made the game safe in the closing stages.

With talisman Suarez seemingly too unfit to leave the bench, a stunned Uruguay were unable to avoid a loss that leaves their hopes of progressing bleak. An injury-time red card for Maxi Pereira only served to compound their misery.

There were plenty of early warning signs as Uruguay struggled to break down their opponents' 4-5-1 formation; the first time they did, Diego Godin saw his stabbed finish ruled out for offside.

Their annoyance grew stronger soon after, too, as the usually-reliable Cavani missed a golden opportunity when volleying wide from a deflected Diego Forlan free-kick.

Costa Rica's failure to heed that warning proved costly as Junior Diaz hauled down Diego Lugano in the box from an identical Forlan set-piece.

Cavani made no mistake this time as he arrowed a penalty beyond the dive of Keylor Navas.

Yet Jorge Luis Pinto's side found a response, showing they had the attacking capabilities to match their defensive nous in a promising spell highlighted by Campbell firing narrowly wide with a fizzing strike from distance.


The underdogs were soon indebted to a stunning save from Navas, though, as he turned Forlan's deflected effort over just before half-time.

It was Navas' opposite number Fernando Muslera who had to be alert immediately after the break, keeping out Duarte's header from point-blank range.

He could do little moments later, however, as Campbell fired home a half-volley after fine work from Cristian Gamboa.

Things soon went from bad to worse for Uruguay, with Duarte stealing in at the back post, albeit with a suspicion of offside, to head home another fine Gamboa delivery.

Dangerous pot-shots from Campbell and Bryan Ruiz threatened further damage, yet there was soon a warning flash at the other end Cavani forced a good reactionary stop from Navas.

Hopes of a Uruguay comeback were ultimately extinguished with six minutes remaining as Campbell's wonderful throughball freed Urena, who belied the tight angle by superbly sliding beyond the onrushing Muslera.

If that goal added further gloss for Costa Rica, the game's last flashpoint summed up Uruguay's evening as Pereira was sent off for a wild hack at the impressive Campbell.

 

[Leona]

Uruguay without Suarez flatter to deceive as World Cup dark horses

Jun 14, 2014 10:00:00 PM

The Celeste showed they are not currently a team capable of great things after being outplayed by the Central

For a team regarded by many as potential title challengers, Uruguay must go back to the drawing board following a dismal display against Costa Rica.

They may have claimed to be taking the Central Americans seriously before the Group D clash but there was little evidence of that as they were deservedly on the end of a 3-1 upset.

Uruguay, without Luis Suarez from the outset, scarcely looked a team capable of going deep in the competition, let alone being cast as dark horses to win.

Though they took the lead when Edinson Cavani converted a penalty after a rugby tackle on Diego Lugano as he sought to get on the end of a cross, there was little to admire from Oscar Tabarez’s side offensively.

The injured Suarez may have been absent - in his place came the ageing Diego Forlan, who provided experience but little dynamism - yet the absence of the Liverpool attacker was not the root cause of the problem. Had he been fully fit, he may only have masked deeper issues in a side which finished fourth in the previous World Cup.

Asked to make the play against opponents who simply had to be beaten, the South Americans proved incapable. Their midfield did not retain possession to allow attacks to be constructed, while it lacked any purpose in its play, leaving the wandering Edinson Cavani to act as a link with the veteran Forlan, who failed to reprise his status as the Golden Ball winner from South Africa.

Once Uruguay had edged ahead, there was little sign of a desire to further profit. Opportunities at the end of the first half were scarce, aside from a fine Keylor Navas save to athletically turn over a deflected Forlan shot, and at the start of the second period Uruguay were punished.

Joel Campbell was a menace to the South Americans from the outset, and it was the Arsenal striker who levelled with a vicious shot. Still, it was a goal that should not have come about, with the momentum of the break seemingly lost when play was held up in midfield. Nevertheless, the Ticos were still able to shuffle the ball to their right in sufficient time to outmanoeuvre an immobile defence.

Shortly afterwards, Uruguay were caught out once more as a free-kick to the back post saw Oscar Duarte dive bravely to head home.

Now, surely, Suarez would make an entrance. Tabarez claimed the forward had “no problems” in his press conference on Friday, yet he failed to emerge, raising further questions over his ability to face Italy and England.

Marco Urena deftly clipped a third past Fernando Muslera before the end as the Ticos provided the kind of offensive craft the match favourites could not.

Uruguay showed an inability to be able to play proactively, which they will need to do if they are to somehow win through to the knockout stages.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, have a reputation as quick starters, having won two of their previous three opening World Cup games, and though they have only once qualified, their smart counterpunching style may well trouble their other rivals in Group D.

 

[Leona]

Colombia's collective strength suggests a bright future - even without Falcao

Jun 14, 2014 10:20:00 PM

COMMENT: Jose Pekerman's men beat Greece 3-0 in their World Cup opener on Saturday - despite the absence through injury of their star striker

By Ben Hayward in Belo Horizonte

No Radamel Falcao, no problem. All of the talk before this match was about how Colombia would cope without their best player, sidelined since January with a cruciate ligament problem. The answer was emphatic.

As it turned out, coach Jose Pekerman opted not to replace Falcao, but to tweak his team instead. The South Americans' 4-2-2-2 became more of a 4-2-3-1 as Teo Gutierrez played further forward, flanked by exciting wingers Victor Ibarbo and Juan Guillermo Caudrado. All pace and power.

Greece came into the competition with the best defensive record in European qualifying, but even in Falcao's absence, Fernando Santos' side were blown away. Pablo Armero made it 1-0 after just five minutes to become only the fourth West Ham player ever to score at a World Cup, and after Greece briefly threatened a revival, Teo made it two from a corner just short of the hour.

Colombia and Greece had only met once previously and that game - a friendly in the lead-up to the 1994 World Cup - had finished 2-0. History looked like repeating itself here, but James Rodriguez added another in the dying seconds following a wonderful move which saw Juan Zuniga and Cuadrado combine and the Monaco man make it three with a fine finish.

In the absence of Falcao, James enjoyed more freedom and popped up all over the place. "I wanted to score and it means a lot," the forward told Goal after the game. "We all worked hard for each other in attack and we got our rewards."

Coach Pekerman was also asked about Falcao. "I'll repeat what I said before," he explained. "It's s shame Falcao is not here. We really miss him."

But the former Atletico and Porto forward wasn't far away, watching from the sidelines with friends and family at the Estadio Mineirao.

"We spoke to him before the game and afterwards too," Teo told media in the mixed zone. "We are a big family."

And he added: "Falcao is a great player and we miss him, but he's not able to play so we all work together to do as well as we can. Today it worked out well."

Of the 57,000 crowd present in Belo Horizonte, around 40,000 must have been Colombian and Pekerman's players ensured those fans return home - or to their hotels - happy after what was the nation's most emphatic World Cup victory. They will face stronger sides than Greece in this competition, but Friday's showing suggested there is a bright future for them at the World Cup - even without Falcao.

 

[Leona]

Vidal: Chile will match 'angry' Spain

By Miles Chambers
Jun 14, 2014 11:11:00 PM

The midfielder expects the Roja to be foaming at the mouth after being embarrassed by Netherlands on Friday and admitted his fitness is frustrating him

Arturo Vidal thinks that Spain will be fuming after being trounced 5-1 by Netherlands but hopes Chile can match them on Wednesday.

The world and European champions were favourites to repeat the 2010 final by beating the Dutch on Friday, but doubles from Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben and a Stefan de Vrij goal saw Louis van Gaal's men spring a shock with a 5-1 victory.

Afterwards, Chile opened their tournament with a 3-1 win over Australia. Alexis Sanchez and Jorge Valdivia scored in the early stages of the game and, although Tim Cahill pulled a goal back for the Socceroos, Jean Beausejour capped the win with a late effort.

And the Juventus midfielder is aware that Vicente del Bosque's men will be looking to turn around their fortunes with a vengeance in the next World Cup match.

"We know that they will play with great anger, we hope to rise to the occasion," he told

"Nobody could expect a defeat like that."

Vidal, who recovered from surgery in May to be fit to start in Chile's opener and then threw a water bottle when he was substituted after 60 minutes, also admitted that his depleted fitness after playing for the first time in a month was incredibly frustrating.

"I have gone a while without playing," he said. "You always want to get in the best shape, but I have not had the right conditions.

"The important thing is that I played."

Chile know that a win over Spain in their second match of the group stage will see them qualify for the last 16 should Australia fail to beat Netherlands.

 

[Leona]

Del Bosque promises Spain changes

By Pilar Suarez in Curitiba
Jun 14, 2014 8:22:00 PM

The coach will bring fresh faces into the Roja's starting line-up for Wednesday's clash with Chile following their humiliation at the hands of Netherlands

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has promised to make changes to his starting line-up for their second group game against Chile after they were thrashed 5-1 by Netherlands on Friday.

Two strikes apiece from Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie and a close-range goal from Stefan de Vrij secured a 5-1 win to Louis van Gaal's men, despite Xabi Alonso putting the reigning champions ahead from the spot in the first half.

Spain now cannot afford to lose again in the group, with Chile next up on Wednesday, and Del Bosque is desperate for his players to bounce back and is not afraid to freshen the XI up after the humiliation against the Dutch.

"It was a hard defeat," he told reporters on Saturday, "but step by step we are accepting that it isn't a crucial loss.

"We hope to move on for the next match with all respect to Chile, who also want to qualify for the next stage.

"Of course there will be some changes, but I don't want to make any rash decisions, I have until Wednesday to decide who will be dropped. There's no need to single anybody out, we have 23 players available and we'll find the best possible solution."

Diego Costa's performance was not hugely impressive, despite him winning the penalty which Alonso scored, and Del Bosque doubts the boos from the Brazil fans, the country he was born in, are harming his form, but stressed the pressure from fans back home could become poisonous.

"I don't think Diego Costa was affected by the atmosphere in the stands," he added. "Spain are with him and he's motivated for being here.

"This team has a lot of pressure that could become suicidal to our chances, we have to perform to stop that pressure becoming overwhelming. We deserve the criticism, but we also deserve respect."


Nobody expects the Spanish abolition | Casillas looks to the skies as Netherlands run rampant

There has been a lot of criticism aimed at goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who made a key mistake late on which gifted Van Persie his second goal, following Friday's loss.

Del Bosque admitted that the Real Madrid man is blaming himself heavily for the defeat, but backed him to remain as the nation's skipper.

"Iker showed proof of his captaincy with the national team yesterday," he said. "When I arrived in the dressing room he was talking to all the team - who were in a solemn silence - and he blames himself but at the same time he knows that all of us are guilty.

"Iker knows there's a lot of people in Spain behind us, he acted as a captain, he gave a positive and useful speech."

 

[Leona]

Arsenal understudy Campbell steals centre stage from Cavani

Jun 14, 2014 10:15:00 PM

COMMENT: The 21-year-old has once again alerted Arsene Wenger to his abilities after a fine individual display against Uruguay that left the Paris Saint-Germain man in the shade
By Chris Myson

After all the pre-match talk of Luis Suarez's fitness and Edinson Cavani's ability to take centre stage, it proved to be Joel Campbell who thrust himself into the limelight to blow World Cup Group D wide open.

The Costa Rica forward provided a goal and an assist as the largely written-off Central Americans came from behind to leave Uruguay - touted as tournament dark horses by some - very much second best.

Few would have expected the starlet, who is owned by Arsenal and spent last season on loan at Olympiakos (his third temporary home in as many seasons), to be the talking point. But his virtuoso display will not only have alerted Italy and England, who he will face in his next two matches, to his abilities but also Arsene Wenger, who may be keen to give him the opportunity to provide back up to Olivier Giroud next season.

Lest we forget that Campbell was the man that almost masterminded a humiliating Champions League exit for Manchester United back in February. The 21-year-old tormented David Moyes’ side in Athens, capping his display that night with an arched left-footed shot from distance that swerved around Rio Ferdinand and into the bottom corner.

And against Uruguay he proved equally decisive. After rocketing a long-range sighter just wide in the first half, in the second period he was insatiable, and unstoppable.

With his side trailing 1-0, he controlled a lofted ball into the box on his chest and despatched his finish, unnerringly, past Fernando Muslera and into the net. From there, he displayed drive, close control, and powerful running, and after Oscar Duarte put his side ahead, he slid in Marcos Urrena with a neat through ball to clinch the result.

Campbell can expect his movements to be heavily scrutinised from now on, but he has quietly been growing in stature and influence as a player ever since he was plucked from relative obscurity by Arsenal in 2011.

The Premier League side paid just over €1 million to sign the youngster, who had only just turned 19 and never played outside of his homeland. Wenger admitted he was taking a gamble but his gut instinct was that this was a deal which would pay off in the long-term.

The Frenchman said at the time: "Joel is a young prospect. He has talent and he can play on the right, on the left or more centrally. We have taken a gamble on him but, from what we have seen so far, it is one that is worth taking."

Until his recent breakout displays, though, Campbell had been on an unconventional career journey. Immediately after signing for Arsenal without a British work permit, the wide attacker’s first move was to France, where he joined top-flight outfit Lorient for a battle against Ligue 1 relegation.

Campbell did not make an immediate impression and endured a mixed campaign. His whole spell yielded just four goals in 27 appearances but he did grow in stature as the season progressed, producing some effective performances. His pace and direct style meant he was often a particularly useful weapon when he came off the bench.

"Joel is a young prospect. He has talent and he can play right, left or centrally. We have taken a gamble on him but, it is one worth taking"

- Arsene Wenger

The following year saw Campbell take another step up the ladder. He was sent out on loan again, this time to Real Betis in Spain, providing him with a chance to sample La Liga.

His season in Seville followed a familiar trend but by the second half of the campaign, he had become a crucial component of the side that impressively finished seventh under Pepe Mel.

Campbell was eligible for a work permit to play in England in 2013-14 but Wenger decided another loan stint was required, though the striker is adamant he has all the attributes to succeed at the Emirates.

"As soon as Arsenal came in I wanted to join them and I believe I am ready to play for Arsenal next season," he said after his impressive display against United in the Champions League.

"I know I have the capacity to play there. I am only waiting for the opportunity. With hard work I know I can get there."

Campbell's flashes of talent are now being honed into more consistent displays and now the world at large have been made well aware of what he is capable of. His exploits may well persuade Wenger that the time has come to judge first-hand whether his gamble really will pay off, by giving Campbell the chance to star in Arsenal’s first-team squad.