Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
IP addresses are NOT logged in this forum so there's no point asking. Please note that this forum is full of homophobes, racists, lunatics, schizophrenics & absolute nut jobs with a smattering of geniuses, Chinese chauvinists, Moderate Muslims and last but not least a couple of "know-it-alls" constantly sprouting their dubious wisdom. If you believe that content generated by unsavory characters might cause you offense PLEASE LEAVE NOW! Sammyboy Admin and Staff are not responsible for your hurt feelings should you choose to read any of the content here. The OTHER forum is HERE so please stop asking.
The Euro 2012 semi-finalists - and one of the the favourites to win the World Cup - struggled to defeat Algeria and their coach admits it was sheer desire which saw them through
Joachim Low has conceded that Germany put in a dismal first-half performance as they edged past Algeria 2-1 after extra-time on Monday to set up a World Cup quarter-final clash with France.
Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil scored in the additional 30 minutes for the pre-game favourites, ensuring that Abdelmoumene Djabou's goal in the dying seconds was just a consolation after a battling display from the north Africans.
Low was disappointed that makeshift centre-back pairing of Per Mertesacker and Jerome Boateng were exposed by Algeria's long passes from deep and admitted his frustration at his side's poor opening period on the whole.
"It was a victory achieved by our strength of will," he told ZDF. "But the first half was bad. During the second half and extra-time we were the better team and had the better chances. We should have decided it during the second half.
"We gave away an awful lot of passes. This was unusual. And we had problems in getting behind their defenders.
"We had to switch our line-up again as Mats Hummels was not fit to play. Per Mertesacker and Jerome Boateng have played together many times and they know each other - normally they are very good. But Algeria played these long balls very well, they are very good at that.
"In a match like this you have to see how it develops. We need players we can bring into that match and who can make the difference. Today we brought in Sami Khedira and Andre Schurrle and they provided us with a boost.
"Now we have to calm down after this match and see what happens, how the players relax from it. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Khedria have not played for 90 minutes often lately.
"Matches like these happen during a tournament but we have to power through them. We saw it with Brazil against Chile on Saturday for example. It can happen that you have to go into extra-time."
Manuel Neuer essentially played as a makeshift sweeper throughout the last-16 tie in Porto Alegre and came to the side's rescue on a number of occasions when Algeria broke through the Germany back four, but the goalkeeper insisted his performance was nothing unusual.
"I played no different to how I usually play at Bayern Munich or in the national team," he said. "The pitch was wet and that made it a little easier for me."
Germany will face France on Friday and, if they win that last-eight match, they will come up against Brazil or Colombia in the semi-finals.
I don't think Argentina will end my career - Hitzfeld
Jun 30, 2014 9:20:00 PM
The Switzerland boss announced in October that the 2014 World Cup will be his last tournament as a coach, but he is confident his side can progress best Lionel Messi and Co.
By Kris Voakes at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo
Retiring Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld is confident he has more than one day of his career left as his side get to face Argentina in a do-or-die World Cup round of 16 encounter on Tuesday.
The 65-year-old announced after the Swiss qualified for the finals in October that he would retire as soon as his side are eliminated from the competition in Brazil.
But as they prepare to take on the in-form Lionel Messi and his colleagues, Hitzfeld is bullish about his chances of still being an international coach come the quarter-finals.
“I always prepare so that we can continue, and I am looking forward to this huge challenge,” the German told a pre-match press conference on Monday.
“With this Switzerland national team we have got together with the staff and thought about how we can go on. I don’t think this is going to be my last match.”
The prospect of facing Messi, who has netted four goals in three games so far in this World Cup, is not daunting Hitfeld. Indeed, he is bullish about his tactical plan for dealing with the Barcelona star.
“I think any defence will have problems facing Messi, but I trust not just my defence but the entire team,” the Swiss coach added. “The entire team will have to perform and I am optimistic.
“I believe the neutral Brazilians will support Switzerland because of the sporting rivalry that exists between Argentina and Brazil. But as for stopping Messi, we will show you tomorrow how will do that.”
Switzerland have been boosted themselves by the performances of Xherdan Shaqiri, who has picked up two Man of the Match awards so far. His most recent star showing came in bagging a hat-trick to see off Honduras.
And midfielder Gokhan Inler told the media he is pleased to have such a talented individual ahead of him in the team.
“He is an important player. He’s short, he’s fast and he’s mobile,” stated Inler. “He needs a good team backing him up, with technicians giving him the liberty by feeding him.
“He does well for us up front and he cannot be figured out that easily. We need to have him playing freely.”
The Round of 16 match kicks off at 18:00CET at the Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo on Tuesday, with the winners going on to face the victors in the later Belgium v USA clash.
Klinsmann questions appointment of Algerian referee for Belgium clash
By Mark Doyle in Salvador
Jun 30, 2014 8:48:00 PM
The German is not pleased that his team will have a French speaker from the same country that the Americans eliminated from South Africa 2010 as their match official
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann has questioned Fifa's decision to select an Algerian referee for Tuesday's World Cup 2014 last-16 showdown with Belgium at Arena Fonte Nova.
The German hailed Djamel Haimoudi for the way in which he handled his two games in Brazil to date, Netherlands' 3-2 win over Australia and the scoreless draw between Costa Rican and England.
However, Klinsmann is concerned by the fact that not only is the 43-year-old official is a native French speaker, he hails from the same African nation that the Americans defeated 1-0 in a crunch group-stage clash in South Africa four years ago.
"We hope it's not an issue," the USA boss told reporters in Salvador on Monday.
"We know that he's done two games [at World Cup 2014] and he did them very well, so we hope he continues in the perfect manner in which he's performed so far.
"But is it a good feeling [having an Algerian referee]? No. He's able to speak with them [in his native language], but not with us. He's also from the country that we eliminated from the last World Cup with a last-minute goal.
"I know it's tricky for Fifa to choose the right referee for the right games but ... look, it is what it is. We accept it and we're going to be respectful during the game. We're just going to hope that everything goes well."
Klinsmann's Belgium counterpart, Marc Wilmots, was reluctant to be drawn on the issue but still argued that the identity of the man in the middle will have no influence on the outcome of the game at Arena Fonte Nova.
"I never talk to the referees," the former midfield ace stated. "They're not there to talk; they're there to referee.
"I liked seeing Howard Webb's performance in the Brazil-Chile game, when he disallowed a goal [for Hulk]. I know what the pressure is like on them.
"I played three times in the last 16 [of the World Cup] and the decisions were not always good. But I don't like speaking about the referee. Talking about this stuff is just about finding excuses before the game. Mistakes are made; that's football."
Meanwhile, Klinsmann confirmed that striker Jozy Altidore is ready to make his return to action after recovering from the hamstring injury he sustained 23 minutes into USA's tournament opener against Ghana.
"We don't know how much [of the game against Belgium] he can play but he's available and this is what we had been hoping for," the former Germany international enthused.
"The medical staff have done a tremendous job with him and just having him with us now is huge. But as to how many minutes he can play, we'll have to wait and see. He's been with the team for two or three days and been working day and night but I can't really say how match fit he is."
Regardless, Klinsmann is confident that the US, who pipped Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to second place in Group G, are capable of upsetting the heavily-fancied Belgians.
"The knockout stage obviously has a completely different dynamic but we made it very through a difficult pool," the ex-Inter forward reasoned.
"We're very hungry. We have a lot of respect for the Belgium side but we have no fear at all.
"I'm very positive that we have a great foundation for giving everything against Belgium. We feel free. We're recovering quickly after game and we've great team spirit.
"We feel like we've just started this adventure. It feels like the first week again. The people have welcomed us so well everywhere we've gone in Brazil.
"Everyone's so super positive with us and that's how our environment is now right now. We're looking forward to this game so much."
Indeed, Klinsmann says that he and his players are determined to provide football in the States with an even bigger boost, in light of the the unprecedented levels of support the national team is already enjoying both in Brazil and back home.
"Advancing to this stage means the world to me," he confessed. "I started this job three years ago and we've seen many things develop on many fronts, not just at the national team.
"But you get judged on what you do in the World Cup. So, for all of us, this is huge. This only comes along every four years. We don't want to wait another four years to get into this position.
"So, now it's about understanding the moment and doing everything to reach the last eight. We're going head to head with a very good team but, for these players, the sky's the limit.
"This is a big deal; there's no doubt about it. The players have it communicated to them through their families and the energy that comes from the States and the thousands of fans is great.
"You can see how the game is going in the States now. You can't stop it any more. It's growing on every level.
"Obviously, though, the national team is the pinnacle and we want to do well. We want to inspire them.
"We want to prove how good we are to them. Even when we lost against Germany [in the group stage], the American fans were everywhere; all over the stadium.
"They've given us such a buzz, so it's a cool moment right now and we want it to continue."
I’m ready to emulate Messi, Neymar & James – Hazard
By Kris Voakes in Mogi das Cruzes
Jun 30, 2014 6:17:00 PM
The Belgium forward hopes he can step up his game to match the World Cup’s star men and fire the Red Devils into the quarter-finals
Eden Hazardsays he is ready to become one of the World Cup’s biggest stars by drawing inspiration from the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and James Rodriguez.
His Belgium side face USA in Salvador on Tuesday with the reward a place in the quarter-finals, and Hazard insists he will deliver his best form in a bid to match what he has seen from the star trio so far.
“I have looked at what the other stars have done and try to take as much inspiration from them as possible,” Hazard told reporters at Belgium’s training base, just outside Sao Paulo.
“Have I been impressed by Messi, Neymar and Rodriguez? Of course I have been, and I know there are many good players in my position.
“As for my tournament so far, I rate it at 50-50. I have been decisive for the group, but in terms of consistency I can do better.
“I hope it will be the case from now on, but I know you will see the best Eden.”
While Hazard has not been on top form to this point, he delivered match-winning assists in his two starts in Group H, and he says that is partly down to his cool head in all situations.
“Do I feel the pressure? No, it remains the same. I know there are a lot of people watching me but I will deal with that in the same way I approach all the other games, and just make sure I give the best of myself.
“I have no idea what people think of me and my performances in the tournament so far, but I always try to give the maximum I can to the team.
“I just want to be good so that our team can continue our adventure together.”
Jurgen Klinsmann’s USA were one of the surprise qualifiers for the Round of 16, and Hazard is certain that they carry a threat for the Red Devils.
“It is true that a lot of people thought we would play Portugal, or perhaps Ghana. But USA have shown they are a very good team.
“They have a lot of qualities and we know we will have to be serious and show our best.
“They are a very physical team, but if they foul me a lot it means I am having a good day – and I hope they do because it will mean we get lots of free-kicks and scoring opportunities.
“They are a great team but we will carefully analyse their strengths and weaknesses – and we will win.”
The Round of 16 clash kicks-off at 22:00CET on Tuesday at the Arena Fonte Nova, with the winner meeting Argentina or Switzerland in the last eight.
The Argentina captain thinks the knockout stages of the tournament in Brazil represent a different level of competition and wants his country to achieve something special
Lionel Messi believes Argentina’s real World Cup challenge starts now as they prepare to face Switzerland in the round of 16.
Argentina claimed wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria to ease into the knockout stages as Group F winners, but Messi says his side’s path to glory is only just beginning.
"I'm happy to have qualified for the second round as group winners, but another World [Cup] now begins," he wrote on his Facebook page.
"We really want to achieve something big."
Messi shook off a disappointing Barcelona season to plunder four goals in the group stages – with match-winning goals in all three of Argentina’s games so far.
Should Argentina beat Switzerland, they will face the winner of Belgium and the USA in the last eight, although a potential clash with rivals Brazil can only occur if both sides reach the final.
The Switzerland boss says his team will not man-mark the Argentina captain, who proved decisive in each of his side's group games in the World Cup
Switzerland have planned no special measures to deal with Lionel Messi when they meet Argentina on Tuesday, according to coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.
The Albiceleste captain made the difference for his side in each of their World Cup group stage games and is second only to Colombia's James Rodriguez in the World Cup scoring charts.
However, Hitzfeld is confident that his team, as a collective, can deal with the 27-year-old and says they aren't planning especially for him.
"Man-to-man marking against Messi? No," he is quoted as saying by Blick, "[We'll use] a very well-functioning network.
"In this way each player needs his concentration and attention levels to be extremely high.
"We must correctly take care of all our essential [roles], be ready to anticipate and be error free.
"And in this way, we can stop Messi.
"I don't dream about Messi. I enjoy him when I see him play football. I am a fan of him, like everybody who likes football.
"However, nothing he does on Tuesday will be able to inspire me, regardless of how successful he is."
The Belgium coach has called for more from his star performer as the Red Devils approach their second-round match against the United States on Tuesday
Marc Wilmots has called on Eden Hazard to be a leader for Belgium in their second round tie with United States.
Hazard entered the tournament off the back of an excellent season with Chelsea and is considered one of the most talented players in a Belgium squad full of highly-regarded individuals, but the young attacker has never been able to replicate his club form for his national team.
Wilmots sees Hazard as a potentially-decisive figure for Belgium against the USA, but only if he can reveal some of his undoubted quality.
"Eden wants to do more, he can bring us more," the coach said. "Everyone knows that. So now I'm just waiting to see it and I'm not trying to put any pressure on him. I would like him to be a leader on the pitch even if he is just 23."
Belgium were occasionally lacklustre in attack during the group stage, but Wilmots is confident that Hazard can inject some much-needed quality to the Europeans’ attack.
"He can dictate the game, find the overlaps and score goals," Wilmots said.
"That's what he told me when we talked about it. But between saying and doing there is always a gap. And there is the opponent: will he leave you enough space?
"He was very dangerous against Algeria. I'm counting on him - and so is Belgium - but I think it's all together that we will find the solution."
By Stefan Coerts in Brasilia
Jun 30, 2014 7:32:00 PM
The Juventus star was delighted with his goalscoring role in France knocking out the Super Eagles and says he has dreamt of this World Cup moment
France star Paul Pogba has stressed that Didier Deschamps' men don't fear anyone ahead of a potential quarter-final match against Germany.
Les Bleus booked their ticket for the final eight following a 2-0 win over Nigeria at the Estadio Mane Garrincha on Monday - with Pogba opening the scoring before Joseph Yobo beat his own goalkeeper to make it two - and the Juventus star is brimming with confidence.
“Why should we be afraid of Germany? We are not afraid of anyone. We are the national team of France. We will play whoever we get and play to win. We will always give everything," Pogba said at a press conference, before going on that he would like to meet hosts Brazil at some point in the tournament.
“Of course we would love to play Brazil. I remember watching France-Brazil when I was a kid in 1998. There’s a nice rivalry. It would be great to meet them again. But we have to take things one step at a time."
The midfielder picked up the man of the match award following his fine outing and he was immensely pleased with his role in the victory over Stephen Keshi's men, while he hopes that any doubts about the national team have been obliterated with progress to the quarter-finals.
"I knew there was a whole country that would support us - scoring that goal has freed us," the Juventus star told TF1.
"I am very happy for the team and for the whole of France. Playing in the last eight of the World Cup has always been a dream of mine.
"I am really happy that we won. I was man of the match, but it was a team effort. I wouldn’t have been here without my team-mates.
"This is one of the proudest moments of my life.”
France will face either Germany or Algeria in the last eight of the World Cup, with Brazil or Colombia waiting in the semi-finals for the victor.
The former Real Madrid boss made no secret of his desire to see one of the tournament's traditional heavyweights fall, but warned that those teams will always have an advantage
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says he would love to see an underdog reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
The Portuguese named Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Netherlands as his favourites for the trophy, but is eager to see an unfancied side like quarter-finalists Costa Rica upset the odds in South America.
“Semi-finals between Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Netherlands could be perfectly normal semi-finals,” he said to Eurosport.
“But I would love to see something not normal, and to see something not normal is to see one of these outsiders playing so well.
“They have fantastic spirit and I would like to see one of them break this dominance and be in the semi-finals at least. Let’s see what is waiting for us.”
Both Brazil and Costa Rica needed a penalty shootout to reach the last-eight of the World Cup and Mourinho believes the more talented teams will always be favoured in such high-pressure situations.
“Normally the players at the highest level are the players more ready to cope with these moments of pressure,” he added.
“That’s why Germany always reach the latter stages of competitions and why Argentina and Brazil also reach the last four or sometimes the finals. It’s because of the individual talent that they have.”
Brazil and Costa Rica will square off against Colombia and Netherlands respectively in the quarter-finals, with the other last-eight participants yet to be determined.
The Mannschaft boss is determined to stay on until the end of Euro 2016 at least, a statement that was supported by DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach
Joachim Low is determined to see out his contract as head of the Germany national team regardless of their fortunes in the World Cup.
Germany are set to square off against Algeria in the round of 16 after topping Group G and Low, whose current deal expires in 2016, maintains that he has the support of the German Football Association (DFB).
“I am convinced [I will] fulfil my contract until 2016,” he said to reporters. “Both the [football] association and I want to continue our co-operation. This is our common goal.”
Low also seemed focused on ignoring “exaggerated” criticism of his management, having failed to win any honours with Germany after eight years in charge.
“If you differ [from winning titles], you will be questioned and be criticised. But over the course of time I find it [the criticism] exaggerated and shameful,” he added.
DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach backed Germany’s standing under Low and rejected the suggestion that his continued appointment was based on his results at the helm.
“We extended the contract of Joachim Low with the clear intention that he stays until 2016,” he said.
“There is a very clear agreement [between me and Low]. There are no clauses included in the deal that hinge on results. Our team still has bright prospects, especially for Euro 2016.”
The veteran coach revealed that he accepted an offer for the vacant position at the helm of the Elephants, but dismissed suggestions of a role as the Italian FA president
Giovanni Trapattoni has announced that he is set to take the reins as the new coach of Cote d’Ivoire, nine months after his departure from Republic of Ireland.
The Elephants endured a disappointing World Cup, losing a dramatic game to Greece to crash out of the group stages, which prompted previous coach Sabri Lamouchi to resign from his position.
The highly-decorated Italian coach has since revealed that he turned down Morocco to take over the Cote d'Ivoire post and sang the praises of leading scorer Didier Drogba.
"I'm going to become the new Ivory Coast coach, everything will be official in a couple of weeks," Trapattoni told Rai Radio 2.
"Morocco offered me a job too, but I took 48 hours for myself and eventually chose Ivory Coast. Drogba? He's a great player."
Trapattoni also ruled himself out of assuming the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), claiming that he was not prepared to merit such a high-profile role.
"I don't think [it] would be a good idea, it's a very important job and I didn't study enough to deserve it," he said.
Trapattoni, who has served as boss of AC Milan, Juventus, Inter and Bayern Munich in a stellar career, is one of only four coaches to win league titles in four different countries.
Disgraced Suarez finally admits to biting Chiellini
By Gill Clark
Jun 30, 2014 6:20:00 PM
Having previously denied any wrongdoing, the Uruguayan has come forward to apologise to the Italian defender
Disgraced Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has finally admitted to biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
The Liverpool forward has been barred from all football-related activity for four months, banned for nine competitive international matches and hit with an €80,000 fine.
Suarez had previously denied biting the defender, instead insisting his face "hit against the player, leaving a small bruise ... and a strong pain in my teeth" but has now come clean.
The fallout from the incident has been vast and wide-reaching, with the president of the Uruguay Football Association, Jose Murjica, calling the ban "fascist" and Uruguay team-mate Diego Lugano branding it an "act of barbarity".
Suarez was previously banned for seven matches in 2010 for biting PSV's Otman Bakkal, during his time at Ajax before being suspended for a further 10 games after biting Branislav Ivanovic while playing for Liverpool.
The Uruguayan FA have informed Fifa that they will appeal against the ban, though it remains to be seen if Suarez's apology will change their stance.
Chiellini himself has called the punishment on Suarez "excessive" and took to Twitter shortly after the Uruguayan's apology to make it clear he holds no grudges over the incident.
Cameroon investigate claims of World Cup match-fixing among seven squad members
By Paul Collins
Published: 01:42 GMT, 1 July 2014 | Updated: 03:07 GMT, 1 July 2014
Cameroon are to investigate claims that seven of their players were involved in match-fixing at the World Cup, the country's football federation FECAFOOT said on Monday.
FECAFOOT said it had instructed its ethics committee to probe allegations of what it described as 'fraud' in their three games in Brazil, particularly a 4-0 loss to Croatia in Manaus in their second Group A game.
'Recent allegations of fraud around Cameroon's three 2014 World Cup games, especially Cameroon v Croatia, as well the existence of "seven bad apples (in our national team)' do not reflect the values and principles promoted by our administration,' FECAFOOT said in a statement.
Firing line: The Cameroon federation will investigate claims of match-fixing among their squad
Pointless: The African side finished bottom of Group A having lost all three games
'We wish to inform the general public that, though not yet contacted by FIFA in regards to this affair, our administration has already instructed its Ethics Committee to further investigate these accusations.
'We are strongly committed to employ all means necessary to resolve this disruptive matter with the shortest delay,' FECAFOOT's interim president Joseph Owona said.
The allegations against Cameroon came from convicted fraudster Wilson Raj Perumal, who had accurately forecast the result and the fact a player would be sent off in a discussion with German magazine Der Spiegel.
Cameroon midfielder Alex Song was sent off before half-time for a needless elbow in the back of Croatia's Mario Mandzukic near the halfway line, leaving his side to battle with 10 men for the majority of the game.
Rout: Cameroon imploded against Croatia in Manaus and fell to a 4-0 defeat
Clash: Benjamin Moukandjo and Benoit Assou-Ekotto needed to be separated after confronting each other
The game was also marred by an incident near the end when Benoit Assou-Ekotto attempted to head-butt team mate Benjamin Moukandjo.
Cameroon's federation subsequently launched an investigation into the incident but has yet to give any update on possible disciplinary action.
The latest controversy adds to a long list for African teams at the World Cup.
Both Ghana and Nigeria, now out of the tournament, were embroiled in disputes over money in Brazil.
Ghana had two players sent home, Sulley Muntari for hitting an official and Kevin-Prince Boateng for allegedly swearing at the coach.
The defender responded angrily to criticism of his side's performance as they reached the World Cup quarter-finals the 2-1 victory over Algeria after extra-time in Porto Alegre
By Matheus Harb in Porto Alegre
Germany defender Per Mertesacker insists performances do not matter after his side scraped through their World Cup last 16 clash against Algeria with a 2-1 win after extra-time on Monday.
Joachim Low’s side struggled during a goalless 90 minutes in Porto Alegre but reached the quarter-finals thanks to goals in extra-time from Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil.
Abdelmoumene Djabou grabbed a late consolation for the north Africans but Germany held on to book a last eight fixture against France on Friday at the Maracana.
Mertesacker responded angrily when asked about Germany’s unconvincing performance and praised the fighting spirit in the side.
"I don't care. We're in the last eight and that's what counts," the Arsenal defender told ZDF.
"What do you want from me? Do you believe there is a carnival team here in the round of last 16? We went over 120 minutes and we fought until the end and I think we won deservedly.
"What do you want? Shall we play beautiful again and then drop out? Seriously, I don't understand these questions."
Germany captain Philipp Lahm admitted his team found it hard against Algeria and lamented a number of missed chances in the second half of the game.
"We knew it was going to be a tough task," he insisted. "They wanted to give everything and that's what they did. And it is clear: If you don't convert your chances, you have to go in extra-time.
"They defended well, had many people around their penalty area and that made it difficult. We were not good on the counter. We were not placed well when we attacked and that led to the chances they had."
Algeria should be proud of memorable World Cup run
Jul 1, 2014 12:20:00 AM
COMMENT: Vahid Halilhodzic's men failed to avenge 'The Shame of Gijon' but their exciting and spirited team gave Joachim Low's Germany a huge scare in Porto Alegre
By Liam Twomey in Brazil
For a time it seemed as if bonus rows, training boycotts, on-field underachievement and players sent home in disgrace would ensure that this World Cup would go down as a black mark on the history of African football.
But after all the extraordinary events of the past fortnight, it will be remembered rather differently in Algeria.
At the final whistle in Porto Alegre on Monday there was no triumphalism to be seen. German players walked, dazed and relieved, back to the tunnel while exhausted Algerians fell to the turf. Coach Vahid Halilhodzic unsuccessfully fought back tears as he embraced his players. Little satisfaction in victory, no consolation in defeat.
In truth, Algeria’s history had been made before that. The first African team to score four goals in a World Cup match with a 4-2 win over South Korea, the first Algeria team to ever make the second round of a World Cup after a hard-fought draw against Russia. The identity of their last 16 opponents should have been an irrelevance.
But back home there was talk of revenge. For Algeria, a clash with Germany was always going to be about more than enjoying a ride in uncharted waters. Halilhodzic’s men were tasked with healing wounds that had festered for over 30 years. They came so mightily close.
Back in the summer of 1982, nine days before what became known as ‘The Shame of Gijon’ sent them packing from the World Cup, Algeria had stunned the football world by beating West Germany 2-1. Lakhdar Belloumi, one of the scorers that day, insisted earlier this week that a rematch more than three decades in the making would inspire his countrymen, but few others expected this.
Algeria frightened and frustrated their opponents for 95 minutes, with Rais M’Bolhi pulling off a string of increasingly impressive saves while, at the other end, the likes of Sofiane Feghouli and Islam Slimani forced Manuel Neuer into the most active sweeper-keeper performance in recent memory.
The north Africans ruthlessly and repeatedly exposed the lack of pace in a high German backline with a potent combination of incisive aerial balls and direct running from deep, creating numerical advantages in the final third which, but for an agonising lack of composure - and, on one occasion, the assistant referee's flag - might have yielded a famous win.
At the other end Lady Luck undoubtedly played her part; it is hard to recall Germany being this profligate in a crucial tournament match. Thomas Muller is targeting the World Cup goal record jointly held by Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose – who rather mysteriously remained on the bench – but will never reach it with finishing like this.
There had been speculation that the onset of Ramadan might affect the North Africans, but no lack of energy was apparent. Algeria worked tirelessly to break up the German passing rhythm early and often, eventually forcing Joachim Low to replace the twinkle-toed Mario Gotze with the less subtle but more direct Andre Schurrle.
It proved a decisive change but, even once behind, Halilhodzic’s men did not allow their illustrious opponents to relax. Feghouli and substitute Yacine Brahimi prodded and probed from deep as Slimani drove on undeterred.
Mesut Ozil settled matters on 119 minutes but Abdelmoumene Djabou’s late strike provided a final scare, as well as a scoreline which better reflected the intensity of the battle that had raged.
Defeat always carries a bitter taste. But when the dust has settled and Algerians take stock – of the righteous indignation of 1982, the humiliation and joylessness of 2010, and the apparent poor health of the rest of African football – disappointment will surely give way to burning pride.
Vermaelen out and Kompany doubtful for Belgium's clash with USA
By Mark Doyle in Salvador
Jun 30, 2014 10:19:00 PM
The Arsenal defender has been sidelined with a hamstring strain, while the team captain is still struggling with a groin problem
Thomas Vermaelen will miss Belgium's World Cup clash with United States and Vincent Kompany's participation remains in the balance.
Coach Marc Wilmots confirmed on the eve of the last-16 encounter that while Vermaelen is recovering well from a hamstring strain, the game in Salvador has come too soon for the versatile defender.
"The situation with Thomas is that he will not be able to play but there's a high chance he'll be back for the last eight, if we make it," the former Schalke attacking midfielder told reporters at Arena Fonte Nova.
"He's already running and training fully with the rest of the squad, but he'll have to wait for us to reach the last eight."
Wilmots, though, was unable to speak with as much certainty when it came to evaluating the fitness of captain Kompany, who is still struggling with a groin problem.
"We don't know if he'll be ready for USA," the 45-year-old coach confessed. "He'll be training with us for an hour and a half [on Monday evening] at the stadium and we'll see how he is after that.
"But then we'll wait until the morning before taking a decision."
Meanwhile, Wilmots insisted that Eden Hazard, who assisted two of Belgium's three game-winning goals in the group stage, has not been affected by the criticism he has received for allegedly sub-par showings in Brazil.
"We are always talking about Eden," he lamented. "You are asking about someone who has already given a lot to us.
"We have evolved with four attackers so it's up to me to pick the proper strategy, to pick the right players. But Eden, he's the only one who doesn't suffer from pressure.
"It's true. He's very quiet. He enjoys the game. I could never manage to get cross with him because he's such a nice guy.
"He's someone who has very great ambition. But I don't want him to be on the only one with pressure on him. Individuals only shine when the team is good."
Wilmots also insisted that he and his players have not been perturbed by the fact that they have been criticised by their national press for their performances in Brazil so far - despite being one of only four teams to have emerged from the group stage with a 100 per cent record.
"This is the first time in our lives that we got nine out of nine [points], creating five or six opportunities per match," he argued.
"Perhaps we can still go up another notch but we are on schedule. I know that if we play one good match, everyone will be praising us.
"But I see things differently anyway: we've been working for two years now and we now have a good core.
"There's always praise for our opponents but we are doing well. We know our system, we know what we want to do and we know what we're going to do.
"We allow people to complain. As long as this team does everything it can to win, we will never regret anything.
"Everyone is free to have an opinion but we know what we're doing and where we're going."
COMMENT: Four years ago the Puebla star looked set to permanently fade out of the national team picture, but he has revived his career to be a tournament starter
By Ives Galarcep
This summer, DaMarcus Beasley has become the first American to participate in four World Cups. If it seems like not much is being made of this fact, it could be because we are talking about a completely different Beasley to the one who first embarked on one of the most underrated and impressive careers in USA national team history.
Unlike Mexico captain Rafael Marquez, whose longevity can be attributed primarily to his consistency, Beasley has got back into the USA starting XI by reinventing himself and being prepared to do whatever it takes to remain involved.
Four years ago, his World Cup participation consisted of one 10-minute cameo in the USA's decisive 1-0 victory against Algeria. He wouldn’t represent the Stars and Stripes again for more than a year as he struggled for playing time with German side Hannover 96. By the summer of 2011 Beasley was in danger of fading into obscurity completely, but instead made a change that jump-started his career. He went to Mexico.
Beasley joined Puebla in Liga MX, Mexico's top flight and a league that does not have many Americans in it who are not of Mexican descent. That didn’t matter to Beasley, who left Europe for a new challenge that led to steady playing time and eventually helped revive his career for both club and country.
"I'm not going to lie, it was a little bit different to go from Germany to Mexico, where I never thought I would end up playing, just because of the rivalry," Beasley admitted in 2011. "Playing there, living, the experience I have had so far the last two years, it's been great, on and off the field.
"The coach [at Puebla] gave me a chance to play, and I love it in Mexico. It's a great league with lot of skillful players. I think it goes with my style, playing the ball and keeping it on the ground, quick soccer. That's what I like."
Resurrecting his national team career required a little more work. Jurgen Klinsmann gave Beasley three call-ups in late 2011, as he was settling in at Puebla, but 2012 yielded just one appearance for the USA, a brief cameo in an historic friendly win over bitter rivals Mexico at Estadio Azteca.
Then came a World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica, when several injuries to the USA’s full-backs led Klinsmann to call up Beasley and hand him his first start in almost three years - a span of 43 national team matches.
Beasley made the most of the opportunity, turning in a man of the match-worthy performance in a 1-0 win over Costa Rica, a match made famous for being played in a snow storm.
"I think [Klinsmann] knows I can play the position in a pinch," Beasley said after his surprise turn at left-back. "Obviously, when Stevie [Cherundolo] and Fabian [Johnson] get back I’m not going to play there. But whatever I can do to help the team is what I'll do.”
Opta Facts
Belgium have progressed from the group stage in six of their last seven appearances at the World Cup.
The US have qualified for the knockout stage in three of their previous four World Cups and are aiming to reach the Quarter Final for the first time since 2002.
Belgium and USA have met just once before in the World Cup, in what was for both their first World Cup game in 1930. The US ran out 3-0 winners in Montevideo.
Belgium have won each of their four games since that clash, keeping a clean sheet on three occasions.
In their last meeting in May 2013, the Rode Duivels won 4-2 in Cleveland. Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini both scored for Belgium, while Clint Dempsey and Geoff Cameron were on the score sheet for the US.
Belgium won all three of their group games at a World Cup for the first time. It was also the first time they had won three successive games in the competition.
Only Iran (30%) had a lower average possession figure in the group stage than Jurgen Klinsmann's side (39%).
The US managed just nine shots on target in their three group games. They are the only side to have qualified without reaching double figures in this regard.
The last six Belgian goals at World Cups have come in the closing 20 minutes of games.
USA have conceded in each of their last 16 World Cup games against European opposition.
Only three players (Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria) completed more dribbles than Eden Hazard in the group stage (13).
No player made more blocks than Daniel van Buyten in the group stage (5).
Though Beasley thought the left-back experiment was temporary, his showing against Costa Rica, and four days later in a 0-0 draw with Mexico at Estadio Azteca, cemented his place in the starting lineup. He finished the year starting 17 of the team’s 21 matches, including many of the most important ones and the 2013 Concacaf Gold Cup final, which the Americans won with Beasley as captain.
He no longer has doubts about the position change, and has transformed his mentality accordingly. This commitment has seen him surpass the 100-cap mark - he now stands at 119 appearances, the fifth-highest total in USA history.
"DaMarcus is without a doubt, when you look back, one of the best players in USA soccer history," midfielder Michael Bradley said on Friday. "What he has done for the club teams he has been on, what he has done for the national team, the consistency, the longevity, and he continues to show how important he is for us.”
Beasley's fourth World Cup hasn’t been as eye-opening as his first, when he was a fearless 20-year-old winger taking on some of the world’s best during the USA's surprise run to the World Cup quarter-finals. But it has been no less important. Though he struggled in the opening win over Ghana, Beasley was still not beaten for any goals or assists, and went on to produce commendable displays against Portugal and Germany.
Tuesday's opponents Belgium boast several fearsome wingers of their own, but Beasley is not fazed. "I like big games," he said on Saturday. "I like being under the lights. I like playing in front of 80,000 people. It takes out the nerves for me. It's fun for me to play."
If the USA are going to beat Belgium on Tuesday, it will require another strong personal display from Beasley. He may not bear much resemblance to the player who first appeared in the 2002 World Cup, but he is arguably more important to the national team than he has ever been.
The Belgium midfielder says his team are desperate to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup and has tipped Eden Hazard to shine against Jurgen Klinsmann's team
Belgium losing to the USA in the second round of the World Cup would be a "failure", according to midfielder Axel Witsel.
Marc Wilmots' men face the United States in the round of 16 on Tuesday and are favourites despite being without Thomas Vermaelen, Anthony Vanden Borre and possibly Vincent Kompany due to injury, while Steven Defour will miss the match through suspension.
Witsel expects Belgium to reach the quarter-final and said it would be a major disappointment if they failed to do so.
"I think it's clear. If we fail to qualify for the quarter-finals, it will be a failure for us because we have a great team with great players and we have the quality to reach the quarter-finals," the 25-year-old said in a press conference.
"If we don't go through, we will be very disappointed."
Attacking midfielder Eden Hazard has been criticised for his performances, with even Wilmots demanding more of the Chelsea star.
However, Witsel believes Hazard can make the difference, starting with the clash against the USA in Salvador.
"We all trust in Eden. Everyone knows his great qualities," he added.
"He wants to make a difference all the time and I'm sure we will see the great Eden Hazard. He can still be decisive."
The Zenit St. Petersburg player also believes the midfield battle will be critical in Tuesday's meeting with Jurgen Klinsmann's team and he wants his team to control possession.
"It will be a tough game, which will probably be played mentally. Physically, it will be very tough," he said.
"I think once again, it will be decided in midfield. It is up to us to control the game, to have possession of the ball. I think we have the players and the quality to do so.
"We will give everything and try to lead the way."
Robben will not face Fifa rap following diving admission
By Dom Farrell
Jul 1, 2014 2:20:00 PM
Fifa has confirmed that no retrospective action will be taken against the Netherlands international after he revealed he exaggerated contact against Mexico
Netherlands forward Arjen Robben will not face retrospective action for admitting he dived against Mexico, Fifa has announced.
Bayern Munich star Robben won the decisive penalty, converted by substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, as the Dutch completed a dramatic last-gasp comeback to earn a 2-1 win in the World Cup round of 16 over Mexico on Sunday.
Mexico coach Miguel Herrera claimed the player dived on three occasions, but Fifa spokeswoman Delia Fischer confirmed Robben was in the clear as he would only have received a yellow card had Pedro Proenca opted to punish him for diving.
"Simulation is not something we want to see on the field of play but the referees are trained to identify these simulations and punish them by showing yellow cards," Fischer said.
"The disciplinary committee will look into serious infringements. We appeal to the spirit of fair play which is the over-arching message we have."
Robben is set to give a media briefing of his own on Tuesday following the furore caused by his comments and, in a statement on their official website, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) criticised media interpretations of the winger's interview.
"KNVB is unpleasantly surprised by publications in the media about the Dutch penalty in the match versus Mexico," the statement read.
"Media have interpreted statements from Robben in a Dutch post-match interview completely wrong.
"In a studio interview with Dutch broadcaster NOS, the forward stated that the decision of the referee to give a penalty in the second half of the game was perfectly right.
"However, in the same interview Robben referred to two situations earlier in the match (first half), when he was brought down. The striker stated that in one of those situations he should have been granted a penalty, but that in the other case he was falling too easily."
Netherlands' next World Cup match is a quarter-final against surprise package Costa Rica on Saturday.
Ronaldo not comfortable as a striker, claims Bento
By Miles Chambers
Jul 1, 2014 12:36:00 AM
The Portugal coach says the Real Madrid star was not a suitable option as the spearhead of the Seleccao's attack in their disappointing World Cup campaign
Portugal boss Paulo Bento has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo is not comfortable playing the centre-forward role on the back of a failed World Cup campaign.
The 29-year-old could not prevent Paulo Bento's men from getting dumped out at the group stage as Germany and USA progressed ahead of them from Group G.
There had been suggestions that Real Madrid star Ronaldo should have been deployed in the striker role, especially given injuries to Hugo Almeida and Helder Postiga, but Bento has doubts over whether he would have been suitable away from the flank.
"I never thought of Ronaldo as the spearhead, it was not on my mind to put Ronaldo as the only centre-forward since the beginning of the tournament," he told TV1.
"I think it's not the best for his goal tally and for the team. We talked about it, of course. He did not seem to feel comfortable in that position, but it was not necessary for him to tell me that."
The skipper was a major injury concern ahead of the World Cup and did not look at full fitness in all three games, but Bento insisted the Ballon d'Or holder would not have been risked had he not proven himself in training in Brazil.
"When he reached the training camp he was not at 100 per cent but then he was able to train and play," the Seleccao boss added.
"He played with great effort and sacrifice and he was medically fit - he would not have played otherwise. There was not any pressure to speed his recovery."
