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☆☆☆ FIFA World Cup 2014 ☆☆☆


Two sides to every story - why African players shouldn't be blamed for pay disputes


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Jul 1, 2014 8:25:00 AM

COMMENT: There has been a long history of incompetence in financial matters in certain football associations and African players are being used as scapegoats at this World Cup
By Peter Staunton

It is a privilege to be selected to play for one's nation at a World Cup but there is a duty on behalf of football associations to ensure that all players are respected.

Three African teams - and especially their players - have been painted in very poor light at this World Cup over issues of appearance fees and bonuses and they are being made carry undue flak.

"Money, money, money had been the refrain by the players, and it is a pity they allowed this to ruin our World Cup," Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi was quoted as saying by the state-owned Daily Graphic last week.

Cameroon reportedly refused to travel to Brazil until their bonuses were increased. Ghana allegedly threatened to strike instead of fulfilling their final group game against Portugal until they had their $3m collective bonus flown to Brazil and paid in cash; that money was initially promised but not delivered. Nigeria then reportedly refused to train until their bonus money for qualifying to the last 16 the second round was paid.

More ammunition, then, was provided for those who wish to portray footballers as greedy and alienated. It is convenient to paint the players as the bad guys as that keeps the focus off the football associations themselves.

Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng was thrown out of the squad before they played Portugal and his interview with Bild in the aftermath was revealing.

"It was a nightmare from the first day to the end," he said of his World Cup experience. "I never thought that anybody could organise a World Cup so badly - from the flights to the hotels - everything was so amateurish.

"The flight from Miami to Brazil was 12 hours and we were sat cramped in in economy. It was hard on our legs. It may sound a little strange to normal people, but for a professional sportsman it's unreasonable. At the same time, the president was sat in business [class] with his wife and two children."

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And bonuses are not a uniquely African issue. There isn't one team at the World Cup who went to Brazil without a guaranteed participation bonus. Germany's players got their initial €50,000-per-man bonus after defeating Algeria last night and will be taking home €300,000 each if they lift the trophy. Spain were on €720,000 a man for winning the World Cup.

Fifa guarantees payment to each country with rewards ranging from €25.5 million - for the winning side - downward to €5.8m for a group stage exit plus an extra €1m participation fee. The problem comes with the non-delivery of money by the football associations - or even the threat of that.

"These things are normally sorted out before the competition, you can’t keep telling the players the money will come," Ghana coach James Kwesi Appiah told the press last week. The country's president, John Drahami Mahama, was eventually forced to step in.

"What we have to do for future World Cups is to ensure that firstly there is an agreement between the players and their national associations for the payments of bonuses," Fifa general-secretary Jerome Valcke said last week.

This isn't the first time that African teams have been caught up in rows over bonuses. Nigeria's 1998 World Cup campaign was derailed by a spat before they crashed out in the second round to Denmark. Togo's one and only appearance at the finals was overshadowed by a bonus row. "In our FA everyone thinks about their own pockets," Emmanuel Adebayor said to Radio Frequence1 in 2012.

Cameroon's players pulled out of an international friendly against Algeria in 2011 following the staging of the LG Cup. No bonuses were paid to the players following the event and as such drastic action was taken through a strike. "What is the quota for players who work for this money that goes into the coffers of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot)? This is the question," Samuel Eto'o asked Mboafootball in May.

What do players like Adebayor and Eto'o have to gain from another $10,000? They are rich beyond their wildest dreams. Not every international, however, for those nations earns like those two. Having a spokesperson with such sway can be beneficial to voiceless players who would otherwise be ignored. For a player in the Togolese or Cameroonian leagues, a bonus for taking part in the World Cup could be the best earning opportunity of their career and should be treated as such.

There is money within these associations, make no mistake. One colleague tells a story of going to a certain headquarters for the purpose of collecting money on behalf of a player and being confronted with dusty envelopes full of cash which had not yet been sent to players. Both Ghana and Nigeria's football associations have been left high and dry by botched sponsorship deals in the past year - with Glo reneging on financial agreements. But that is no excuse - not when Fifa guarantees payment for every participating nation at the World Cup.

“Fifa does not pay before the players arrive for the competition, Fifa pays after," Kwesi explained. "The government or the FA has to find money to pay and later get it back off Fifa. Once there is a delay in getting it from the government or FA it becomes a problem.”

Four Nigerian officials, including former federation president Sani Lulu Abdullahi, were arrested after the World Cup in 2010 in relation to a missing €5.8m sum that was allegedly misappropriated. Abdullahi has since been cleared of the wrongdoing and recently wrote to president Goodluck Jonathan asking for a Presidential Task Force to investigate the missing money.

"It’s not about being paid reward for anything," said Appiah. "It’s got to do with an appearance fee, which I think every country pays its players, not just Ghana. It’s a right."

These players are representing their nation and their people. The least their FAs could do is look after them. There are two sides to every story. "Why did our federation not invest some of the considerable amount of money they had received from Fifa in letting us live this whole experience better?" Boateng asked. It is a question which deserves examination.

 

Pinilla gets tattoo of agonising miss

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By Peter McVitie
Jul 1, 2014 10:15:00 AM

The striker who came within centimetres of eliminating hosts Brazil and taking Chile into the quarter-finals of the World Cup has had the image etched onto his back

Chile striker Mauricio Pinilla has had a tattoo etched into his back depicting his agonising miss against Brazil in the second round of the World Cup.

With the game tied at 1-1 and the clock ticking down in extra time, Pinilla took a pass from Alexis Sanchez and fired towards goal.

The ball flew beyond goalkeeper Julio Cesar, looking destined to hit the back of the net and eliminate the tournament hosts and favourites. The opportunity, though, ended in heartbreak for Chile as it struck the bar and bounced out.

With Chile losing the resulting shootout, that moment may be one most players would rather forget as soon as possible.

However, Pinilla, 30, not only has the image of that near miss etched into his mind, he also has it tattooed onto his skin, with the phrase "One centimetre from glory" written below a detailed picture of the moment the ball struck the bar.

The company who gave the former Inter forward the tattoo posted pictures of the incredible ink

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Belgium Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo takes to Twitter to challenge Barack Obama to a bet

  • Belgium and USA meet in World Cup last 16 on Tuesday
  • Obama is yet to respond to Di Rupo's tweet
  • Obama watched USA's defeat to Germany on Air Force One
By Rajvir Rai
Published: 10:29 GMT, 1 July 2014 | Updated: 13:37 GMT, 1 July 2014

Belgium were many people's World Cup dark horses and it seems their Prime Minister is supremely confident about his country's chances against the USA.

Elio Di Rupo took to Twitter on Tuesday ahead the last 16 meeting between the sides to challenge US President Barack Obama to a bet.

Di Rupo tweeted: 'Hey @BarackObama, I am betting some great Belgian beers that our @BelRedDevils will make it to the quarter final! :-) #ComeOnBelgium #BEL'.

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Confident: Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo has challenged Barack Obama to a bet

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Yet to respond: Barack Obama has not tweeted the Belgium Prime Minister back yet

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Football fan: Barack Obama watches USA's defeat to Germany on Air Force One

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Taking a break: Barack Obama broke off from diplomatic affairs to watch the USA take on Germany

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Moving ahead: Jurgen Klinsmann (centre) prepares his players as they train last week ahead

Obama is yet to respond and he may not do so with Jurgen Klinsmann's side underdogs for the clash.

Obama is keenly following his side's progress in Brazil and even watched their 1-0 defeat to Germany on his private plane Air Force One.

After the defeat, he said: 'The U.S. exceeded expectations. This year you get a sense it has captured popular imagination.'

America no doubt will be gripped even further if they can beat Belgium and reach the quarter finals.


 


Argentina 1-0 Switzerland (AET) : Di Maria strikes at the death to seal quarter-final spot

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Jul 1, 2014 7:35:00 PM

The Real Madrid winger curled a low shot past Diego Benaglio after Lionel Messi's run and pass to see off a spirited challenge from Ottmar Hitzfeld's side

Argentina booked their place in the World Cup quarter-final after Angel Di Maria struck in the dying minutes of injury time to secure a 1-0 win over Switzerland.

Not for the first time this tournament, Alejandro Sabella's men struggled to make their presence felt in attack for large spells, with the Real Madrid midfielder guilty of conceding possession on a number of occasions.

However, Di Maria popped up with just two minutes of extra-time remaining to sweep home after some good work by Lionel Messi.

Substitute Blerim Dzemaili headed against the post for Switzerland before time was up, and should have done better with the rebound.

The result sets up a last-eight meeting for Argentina with Belgium or the United States in Brasilia, and was ultimately harsh on a Switzerland side who defended resolutely in what will now prove to have been Ottmar Hitzfeld's final game in charge before retiring.

Argentina were forced into one change, with Ezequiel Lavezzi coming in for injured striker Sergio Aguero, while Switzerland stuck with the same XI that triumphed 3-0 over Honduras in their closing Group E fixture.

Xherdan Shaqiri ran riot with three goals in that convincing victory, but chances were few and far between for both sides in the opening stages in Sao Paulo - a Gonzalo Higuain header that comfortably cleared the crossbar was as close as either came to hitting the target inside the first 25 minutes.

Switzerland injected some life into an otherwise dormant half in the 28th minute when Granit Xhaka and Stephan Lichsteiner were both denied by Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal, before Lavezzi called Diego Benaglio into action at the other end with his team's first accurate effort moments later.

Germany's Manuel Neuer produced a superb goalkeeping display in their last-16 clash on Monday, effectively acting as sweeper at times when his defence was breached by Algeria, but Argentine counterpart Romero was statuesque when Josip Drmic found himself clean through on goal in the 39th minute.

However, the Bayer Leverkusen striker's attempted chip was tame, and Romero gratefully clutched the ball to his chest.

Romero was far from convincing in keeping out a Shaqiri free-kick from 25 yards five minutes into the second half, and Argentina looked short of ideas going forward, evoking memories of their last-gasp 1-0 victory over Iran in the group stage.

Benaglio denied Marcos Rojo from a tight angle as Argentina got a rare sight of goal, before Di Maria attempted a flamboyant cross.

Trying to be pleasing on the eye, he left his team-mates far from pleased as his showboating resulted in a Swiss goal-kick and an opportunity wasted.

Benaglio's reflexes were put to the test shortly after the hour mark as he tipped over from a powerful Higuain header, and Messi shot narrowly over soon after as the Argentinian pressure started to build.

Messi went close again with a drilled effort that Benaglio got down well to meet, but both nets remained untroubled as a last-16 clash entered extra-time for the fourth time this tournament.

Having disappointed for much of the game, Di Maria ultimately emerged as the hero for Argentina.

The 26-year-old, who had earlier forced Benaglio into a fine save at his near post in the second half of extra-time, received the ball following a probing run from Messi and calmly slotted a left-footed finish across Benaglio and into the far corner.

Dzemaili remarkably had a chance to equalise in injury time, but headed against the post from close range before failing to convert the rebound.


 

Unconvincing Argentina rely on Messi once again

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Jul 1, 2014 7:50:00 PM

COMMENT: The Barcelona star provided the game's outstanding moment, a slick assist to Angel Di Maria to see his side into the last eight after a titanic struggle

By Kris Voakes at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo

Lionel Messi made the difference once again to send Argentina into the World Cup quarter-finals. But, like so many of the great footballing nations they will join in the last eight, they still have yet to truly stake their claim to be the world’s best come July 13.

We are still waiting for a convincing performance from one of the World Cup’s outstanding nations, and the Albiceleste took until the dying moments of extra-time to see off a Switzerland side that until then had had an answer to everything Alejandro Sabella’s side had attempted.

That Messi should come up with the solution, bursting through a tiring Swiss back line and teeing up Angel Di Maria to sidefoot superbly across Diego Benaglio, should not have come as any surprise.

But the nature of the win, and the fact Blerim Dzemaili came within inches of an immediate equaliser, will leave Sabella and his staff with plenty still to ponder.

They had been put under pressure long before then too, with Switzerland having most of the better chances in the first half. Granit Xhaka shot meekly at Sergio Romero after a great piece of skill from Xherdan Shaqiri had allowed the Bayern man to cut back to his well-placed team-mate. It wasn’t their only big chance either.

Moments before half-time, Shaqiri poked a great return pass into space for Josip Drmic to run onto, with Romero having made the puzzling decision to stay at home. But the striker couldn’t make the most of the chance, deciding to attempt a chip over the goalkeeper only to drop it tamely into Romero’s arms.

They were opportunities that Ottmar Hitzfeld and his side appeared destined to regret.

Argentina had opportunities of their own in the second half, with Gonzalo Higuain forcing a save out of Diego Benaglio before substitute Rodrigo Palacio glanced just wide with his first touch of the game.

As the waves of pressure began to intensify, Messi fired one chance just over from distance and then fired in a shot low at the near post, with Benaglio getting down quick to save before getting a knee from Palacio for his troubles.

But, for all their domination, they just couldn’t find a way to break the deadlock. With Valon Behrami working double time ahead of the back four, it took moments of sheer genius for Messi to get anything more than a couple of yards to himself.

Extra time brought plenty of ‘Oles’ from the crowd, but unexpectedly they came in support of some fancy play from Switzerland. By that point they needed to keep the ball as much to conserve some energy as they did for any attempt to find a winner.

Di Maria tested Benaglio from distance, but while Argentina probed around the area for long spells they remained largely toothless. For every Messi incision, there was a poor read here and a heavy touch there.

Then came the moment when Messi escaped and fed Di Maria. The goal was met with an incredible release of emotion in the stands, but they so nearly had a different taste in their mouths before the game was over.

First Dzemaili headed against the far post from an inswinging free-kick, then Shaqiri wasted a great set-piece chance in the three minutes of stoppages.

When the final whistle blew, Argentines all around the ground took off their shirts and swung them around above their heads.

They are beginning to believe, but - with the side just one of a number who could yet put a run of form together – they know there could well be more hairy moments to come.

Argentina are through, but only just.


 

Nigel de Jong out of World Cup

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Jul 1, 2014 4:59:00 PM

The defensive midfielder has been a huge part of the Dutch's progress to the quarter-finals but he will miss the remainder after injuring his groin against Mexico

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong will miss the remainder of the World Cup after sustaining a groin injury in Sunday's match against Mexico.

The AC Milan midfielder was withdrawn from his side's last 16 clash with Mexico with less than 10 minutes played in Fortaleza on Monday, after which coach Louis Van Gaal admitted the 29-year-old's tournament could be over.

And on Tuesday the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) confirmed he would play no further part in Brazil and could be on the sidelines for up to a month.

"An MRI examination at the hospital confirmed that Nigel de Jong has suffered with a tear in his groin muscle. The 75-times capped international is therefore ruled out for two-to-four weeks,” read a statement on the national team website.

"De Jong, who last Sunday in the last 16 match against Mexico was injured after nine minutes, will remain with the team in Brazil to work on his rehabilitation."

Netherlands continue their campaign for their first ever World Cup crown when they travel to Salvador on Saturday for a quarter-final clash with Costa Rica.

Louis van Gaal's men reached the final four years ago only to lose to Spain in extra-time, with De Jong's role as midfield enforcer memorably encapsulated by his 'karate kick' on Xabi Alonso which he somehow did not get sent off for.


 

Adrian Ramos not 'afraid' of Brazil

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By Harry West
Jul 1, 2014 3:37:00 PM

The striker has urged his team-mates to continue their hard work which has seen them reach the quarter-final stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history

Adrian Ramos has implored Colombia to continue in exactly the same vein as they prepare for their World Cup quarter-final against Brazil.

Jose Pekerman's side have been among the most impressive nations at the tournament so far, winning all four games with the likes of James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado particularly catching the eye.

A 2-0 win over Uruguay on Saturday propelled them into the last eight for the first time in their history, setting up a tie with the hosts in Fortaleza on Friday.

Ramos, who has made two appearances at the finals so far, wants the squad to prepare in exactly the same manner as they have done in previous games and not fear the threat of the host nation.

"We must continue our work," he said in a press conference on Monday.

"It is doing a good job and we have to continue that idea as it has given us results.

"We are not afraid, but we respect the Brazilian national team. We have to keep dreaming and keep believing.

"We know that what we are doing now excites the Colombian people, and we hope to continue our job.

"We have the opportunity to make history and we will continue to give everything."

 

Cameroon open match-fixing investigation - but Fifa remain stilent


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Jul 1, 2014 3:16:00 PM

Fecafoot is looking into reports of match-rigging during the Indomitable Lions' woeful World Cup campaign

Fifa has refused to comment on allegations of match-fixing during Cameroon’s World Cup games for fear of compromising any possible future investigation – but stressed it takes the issue of match manipulation very seriously.

Cameroon finished bottom of Group A after losing to Mexico, Croatia and hosts Brazil with the Croatia game coming under particular scrutiny.

The Cameroon Football Association (Fecafoot) opened its own investigation on Monday with president Joseph Owona stating: “Recent allegations of fraud around Cameroon 2014 FIFA World Cup three preliminary games, especially Cameroon vs. Croatia, as well of the 'existence of seven bad apples [in our national team]' do not reflect the values and principles promoted by our administration, in line with FIFA Code of Conduct and the ethics of our nation.

"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 in the shortest delays.

"In the meantime we legitimately request that any related information, unless brought before our federation and/or its Ethics Committee, be held for or treated as mere assumption.

"We wish to reinstate that in fifty-five (55) years of existence, FECAFOOT has never been sanctioned for, involved in, or even linked to match fixing or any fraud of any kind."

Fifa would not confirm, however, whether they are conducting their own probe at this stage.

A spokesperson told Goal: “As we have said consistently – prior to the FIFA World Cup and now during it – we do not provide any comments as to whether or not an investigation is underway with regard to any alleged manipulation in any match amongst others so as not to compromise any possible investigations.

“It would only be after a decision has been taken by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee or FIFA Ethics Committee and first notified to the parties concerned that FIFA would be in a position to communicate the contents of that decision publically.

“Speaking generally, the integrity of the game is a top priority for FIFA and as such we take any allegations of match manipulation very seriously.

“FIFA continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies as well as the respective public authorities and other sports organisations on a national, regional and global level to tackle the issue of match manipulation.”

Meanwhile, convicted match-fixer Raj Wilson Perumal has denied that he told Der Spiegel before the match against Croatia that Cameroon would lose 4-0 - with one player receiving a red card in the first half - and has hit out at the German magazine for making up claims that eventually sparked the debate about the World Cup game in question.

"Contrary to the revelations' published by the German weekly Der Spiegel that were picked up by news outlets worldwide, I did not predict the result of the Cameroon vs Croatia match played on June 18, 2014.

"The Facebook chat with the Der Spiegel journalist took place a few days after the match - June 21, as confirmed by my Facebook log - and was but an informal assessment of the behavior of the Cameroon team at the Brazil 2014 World Cup after they had played two of their three group stage matches, including the one with Croatia.

"At no time did I make reference to four goals being scored or to a red card being issued. At no time did I suggest that I had any way of corroborating or substantiating what was meant to be an educated guess based on my extensive match-fixing experience.

"I apologise to the Cameroon FA and to its fans if I inadvertently offended them; it was not my intention. I strongly believe that Der Spiegel should also do the same since they placed words in my mouth that I did not utter."


 

Belgium 2-1 USA (AET): De Bruyne and Lukaku book quarter-final date

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Jul 1, 2014 11:31:00 PM

Two goals in the first additional period were enough to dispatch a brave challenge from the Americans, who got one back through Green to set up a tense finale

Belgium booked a World Cup quarter-final date with Argentina as they saw off the USA 2-1 after extra time.

Kevin De Bruyne, one of a host of Belgium players to find American goalkeeper Tim Howard in inspired form, smashed into the bottom corner in the third minute of the first additional period after regulation time somehow ended goalless at Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova.

Romelu Lukaku, dropped to the bench having failed to fire so far in the competition, then gave Belgium breathing space with an emphatic 105th-minute second.

But there was further drama as a resilient USA team hit back through substitute Julian Green before Jermaine Jones poked agonisingly wide, with Clint Dempsey also denied late on, before Belgium sealed the prize of a last-eight meeting against Argentina in Brasilia, despite the stunning efforts of the brilliant Howard.

Captain Vincent Kompany returned from groin and abdominal complaints to bolster Belgium's defence, while Divock Origi was favoured to Lukaku in attack.

The 19-year-old almost enjoyed a dream start, stealing in behind the defence to draw a fine save from Howard on the angle inside the first minute.

But the United States quickly settled into the contest and Michael Bradley combined with Dempsey for a 20th-minute opening, although the latter's shot lacked the power to trouble Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

Jan Vertonghen caught USA midfielder Graham Zusi in possession on the halfway line and stormed forward to give De Bruyne a glorious opportunity in the 23rd minute, but Belgium's top scorer in qualifying dragged wastefully past the near post.

Vertonghen was proving a potent attacking threat from full-back and he forced DaMarcus Beasley into a vital goalmouth clearance, with Marouane Fellaini poised to convert.

Influential USA right-back Fabian Johnson departed with a hamstring injury after the half hour, although the pacey runs of replacement DeAndre Yedlin provided a useful counter-point to Belgium's razor-sharp threat on the break.

Howard was forced into an acrobatic stop to touch Dries Mertens' looping header behind two minutes into the second period, and Belgium settled into the groove of calm, assured possession football they were denied during the opening half.

De Bruyne and Origi somehow both failed to convert Vertonghen's brilliant 54th-minute cross and the young striker flicked a header onto the crossbar two minutes later.

Vertonghen called Howard into action once more before Zusi caused panic on an increasingly rare USA attack, although they returned to the back foot as Mertens prodded past the near post - his last act as Kevin Mirallas was introduced.

The attacker displayed clever footwork to set up Origi, but Mirallas' Everton club-mate Howard was again equal to the task after 72 minutes.

Roles were reversed when Origi sent Mirallas clear with a cute threaded pass, only for Howard's excellence to come to the fore again as he saved brilliantly with his boot - a stop possibly bettered by pushing Eden Hazard's 80th-minute half-volley out of the far corner.

There was an air of inevitability in Howard keeping out Origi's rasping shot and turn after Hazard smashed into the side-netting, while Kompany instigated a 90th-minute counter only to have a scuffed attempt impressively saved.

Somehow the USA retained an attacking threat amid the onslaught and the sight of Chris Wondolowski blazing over unmarked from an offside position served due warning to Belgium heading into extra time.

Having almost single-handedly brought about the additional period, Howard was beaten by De Bruyne after Lukaku's fresh legs proved decisive down the left flank, and the powerhouse striker made it two as a Belgium break finally came to fruition.

With the game seemingly up, Jurgen Klinsmann threw on Green and his swivelled volley put the match back in the balance.

After Jones' close shave, Dempsey looked destined to send it to a shoot-out but it was Courtois' turn to provide goalkeeping heroics after a brilliant set-piece routine as Wilmots' charges held on.

 

Sabella: Argentina deserved their win

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By Stefan Coerts
Jul 1, 2014 8:37:00 PM

The 59-year-old feels the South Americans were the stronger team on Tuesday and admits he is relieved the meeting with Switzerland was not settled by a penalty shootout

Alejandro Sabella feels Argentina fully deserved their 1-0 World Cup round-of-16 win over Switzerland after extra-time courtesy of Angel Di Maria's calm finish in the 118th minute.

The South Americans dominated play for the majority of Tuesday's encounter at the Arena Corinthians, but failed to beat Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio during regular playing time.

However, the Real Madrid attacker's goal after an intelligent Lionel Messi pass eventually prevented the game from going to penalties, much to the delight of Sabella, who was relieved to avoid a penalty shootout.

"The first half was quite close and Switzerland got two good chances to open the scoring. But after the interval, we started to show our credentials and we deserved to win," the Argentina coach told reporters.

"It was in 1998 when I was an assistant coach that we had to go through penalty kicks against England, but fortunately we could avoid that this time by winning after 120 minutes.

"We have to rest now ahead of the quarter-finals. We put in a great effort and got a just reward for it."

Argentina will meet either USA or Belgium in their quarter-final encounter at Estadio Mane Garrincha on July 5.


 

Lichtsteiner: Switzerland made one mistake too many

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By Stefan Coerts
Jul 1, 2014 9:15:00 PM

The Juventus defender was unable to contain his frustration after the Swiss' narrow loss and feels they deserved better

Stephan Lichsteiner has voiced his disappointment with Switzerland's World Cup exit in the wake of their 1-0 round of 16 defeat after extra time against Argentina on Tuesday, but feels Ottmar Hitzfeld's men should be proud of their performance irrespective of the result.

The Swiss came close to one of the biggest upsets of the tournament, but eventually bowed out following Angel Di Maria's 118th-minute winner.

Lichtsteiner played an unfortunate role in his side's loss as he lost possession in midfield in the build-up to the Real Madrid man's goal, and Lionel Messi helped to punish them.

"We worked a lot on how we would play against Messi. We knew we had to man-mark him well, and we did it well. We were up against one of the best players in the history of football and another five or six top class players on top of that," Lichtsteiner told reporters.

"In the end we made one mistake too many."

Switzerland could have grabbed an equaliser almost immediately, but Blerim Dzemaili hit the post and then the ball cannoned away, but the right-back says his side cannot linger on such moments.

“This is the craziness of football! It hit the post, then it came back and he couldn’t score. But such is the craziness of football.

"I don’t know about destiny, but we lost on the little details. We didn’t do a lot wrong at the back, but they won the match.

"This loss is very bitter. I can only give the team a compliment.

"We are incredibly disappointed, but let's not forget that we put in a great performance. We should be proud of ourselves."

Switzerland had qualified for the knockout stages after a 2-1 win over Ecuador, a 5-2 loss versus France and a 3-0 victory over Honduras.


 

Messi - we were nervous

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By Ed Dove
Jul 1, 2014 10:41:00 PM

The Albiceleste forward was named man of the match for the fourth consecutive time after his fine performance against Switzerland in the round of 16

Lionel Messi has admitted Argentina struggled with nerves during their frustrating contest with Switzerland, especially as the threat of World Cup elimination loomed large.

The Albiceleste looked lethargic as they enjoyed the majority of possession but struggled to use the ball effectively against the resilient Swiss. With the scores level at 0-0 after 90 minutes, the contest went to extra time, before a late Angel Di Maria strike settled things and sent Argentina through to the quarter-finals.

“At times, [we felt] nervousness because we could not get the goal and any mistake could put us out of the World Cup," the Barcelona star told Marca.

“Minutes passed and we did not want to go to penalties.”

The Swiss looked determined to preserve the deadlock, but Messi was influential in sending Argentina through. The number 10 set off on a darting run through the heart of the Swiss backline, before passing to Di Maria who hammered home.

“First, I thought ‘gamble’,” Messi said, “but then ‘Noodle’ [Di Maria] appeared and I decided to pass it.

"I do not know if it [the win] was deserved or not, but the important thing is that we are in another round, which was what we wanted.

“The important thing is that we are still in the tournament."

Argentina have made the quarter-finals for the fourth World Cup in five. The only time in the last 20 years that they failed to make the last eight was in 2002, when they were eliminated at the first hurdle.

 

Departing Hitzfeld proud of 'incredible' Switzerland

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By Ed Dove
Jul 1, 2014 10:11:00 PM

The German was left with mixed feelings after watching his side lose to Argentina thanks to an extra-time strike from Angel Di Maria in his final game as a coach

Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld was proud of his players following their 1-0 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the World Cup second round - a result that brings an end to the German coach's career.

The Swiss held Argentina for 90 minutes, and for much of extra-time, before Angel Di Maria’s late winner finally broke their resistance.

It took a moment's brilliance from Lionel Messi to prise open the Nati defence and, ultimately, settle the contest as he played in Di Maria for the winner, but Hitzfeld insists his side can leave the World Cup with their heads held high despite the Barcelona man's intervention.

"We know Messi, in one second, can decide a match," Hitzfeld told reporters. "He has that quality."

"Pride prevails today," he continued in his post-game press conference. "The team showed a passionate performance and we were tactically very mature.

"We managed to stay calm. We saw everything that can happen in the life of the coach: the shock of the goal against us and our incredible reaction to go for it all. This is something that will make us proud."

Hitzfeld, who revealed at the end of last year that he would be retiring after the World Cup, ends his career with his "head held high" but "with a heart full of emotions".

The veteran coach endured the death of his brother, 82-year-old Winfried, on the eve of the last-16 match, a contest that Hitzfeld had described as "the highlight" of his illustrious career.

Since hanging up his boots in 1983, the former West German international has taken charge of clubs in Switzerland as well as Borussia Dormund and Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.

He won seven German titles over 13 years, as well as the Champions League with both clubs, in 1997 with Dortmund and in 2001 with Bayern. He took the Switzerland national team hotseat in 2008 and guided the team to the 2010 World Cup two years later.

Former Lazio boss Vladimir Petkovic will now take charge of the team as they now turn their attentions towards the qualification campaig for Euro 2016.

 

USA miss an opportunity, but World Cup still a success


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Jul 2, 2014 12:44:00 AM

COMMENT: Klinsmann's side had a chance to make history and continue to captivate a nation on Tuesday, but a lacklustre performance saw their World Cup dream end

By Ives Galarcep in Salvador, Brazil

For the better part of 94 minutes, it felt inevitable that Belgium would wind up beating the USA. But for every minute of regulation, and three minutes of extra time, the Americans held on, giving their fans hope that they could pull off an upset against the star-studded Belgians.

When the final whistle blew to end regulation time, they had somehow managed to stave off Belgium’s relentless attack, with Tim Howard having the best World Cup game of his career. Unfortunately, what the Americans needed more than a hot goalkeeper and tough defence was creative players to generate chances and keep the ball away from Belgium.

Without those things, all the Americans could do was take punch after punch, for more than 90 minutes, before Belgium inserted forward Romelu Lukaku to finish off a tired defence. Lukaku helped Belgium deliver the knockout blow by setting up Kevin De Bruyne’s goal before scoring his own.

The Americans didn’t go out without a fight though, responding to the two Belgium goals with a frantic and exciting finish that nearly saw them pull off a miracle comeback. Julian Green’s volley gave them life, but Thibaut Courtois made a key late save to preserve the Belgium victory and deny the USA team’s desperate fight for survival.

The Belgium victory was a fair result, even if it was a sad one for an American team that had inspired a nation and helped boost the sport’s profile back home. The Americans needed to be at their best if they were going to beat the Belgians, but they failed to deliver until it was already too late.

The US closed out the match with a strong 15 minutes that gave Belgium all they could handle, and provided a teasing glimpse of what might have been if the Americans had played the entire match with the same sense of urgency they showed in the second half of extra time.

It was too little, too late though, and we are left to consider what this World Cup means for the US team going forward.

What we did see was the side continue to struggle against elite teams and fail to retain sufficient possession. The lack of world-class midfielders continues to be a weakness, as demonstrated in the losses to Germany and Belgium.

Unfortunately, there are no Xavi-like players or Andrea Pirlo types on the immediate horizon, but we did see some impressive young talent step up during this World Cup - especially on Tuesday against Belgium.

DeAndre Yedlin was forced into the match as an injury replacement for Fabian Johnson and he wound up having a major impact for his team, troubling Belgium with his speed and showing fearlessness that surely impressed European scouts.

Then you had Green, who came on in extra time for his first World Cup appearance. The highly-regarded teenager made a superb entrance, volleying home a Michael Bradley pass to make the score 2-1 and send a bolt of energy into the US team that nearly sparked a comeback. Though his World Cup was limited to 15 minutes, he showed enough to make us believe that all the talk of the 18-year-old being a special talent wasn’t just lip service.

Klinsmann talked recently of older players needing to make the most of their last World Cup, and one player who did that on Tuesday was DaMarcus Beasley. The 32-year-old full-back, a veteran of four previous competitions, had arguably the best World Cup match of his career, providing sorely-needed energy and defensive quality on the left side of the field.

As much as there were some bright spots, the USA ultimately lost because of players who failed to get the job done. Graham Zusi had a nightmare day for the Americans, committing turnovers and getting beaten defensively. He looked overmatched for much of the day and gave the team little when the Americans needed the midfield to shine.

Bradley stepped his game up in the extra time and did have some dangerous passes that created chances, but the final verdict on his match Tuesday will be much like the rest of his World Cup. A tournament unfulfilled and one in which he failed to meet expectations. At 26, Bradley should have another World Cup, but after starring in the 2010 tournament, he leaves Brazil having fallen well short of what was expected of him.

Chris Wondolowski had his chance to impress after waiting all tournament, but he wasted his opportunity, failing to take advantage of chances that came his way, leading plenty to wonder if Klinsmann hadn’t put his faith in the wrong forward.

So was this World Cup a success for the Americans?

Based on the attention the team was able to generate back home, and the fact they advanced out of the Group of Death, it’s hard not to call the tournament a positive. But when we talk about Tuesday and the chances the team had on this day to make history and beat a Belgium team that was talented but vulnerable, it was a wasted opportunity to keep the dream going.

We have been here before. Much like in 2002, when the Americans outplayed Germany only to lose in the quarter-finals, and in 2010, when the US lost in extra time to Ghana in a tournament where a deep run was a possibility. In each of those instances, there was a feeling that the Americans could have gone a step further, but ultimately fell short.

It will be up to Klinsmann now to work on continuing to develop the team and the development program, and working with the next generation of talent. Something he has already begun to work on. When you consider players like Yedlin, Green and John Brooks, the future is bright for the U.S. team.

It’s tough to think about that after this defeat, as the World Cup dream died, but when you look at the way this team fought against some of the world’s best teams, and you consider the impact this tournament has had back in the United States, generating unprecedented interest, there is indeed a silver lining in the only dark cloud to be found in this sunny coastal city.


 

Howard breaks record for World Cup saves against Belgium

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By Liam Twomey in Rio de Janeiro
Jul 1, 2014 11:53:00 PM

The Everton goalkeeper kept Marc Wilmots' men at bay for 98 minutes before finally being beaten by Kevin de Bruyne's low strike, but the USA still ensured a frantic finale

Tim Howard made 15 saves during USA's 2-1 extra-time defeat by Belgium in Salvador on Tuesday - a new World Cup record.

Howard kept the Belgians at bay for 98 minutes of the round of 16 clash at Arena Fonte Nova, making a number of impressive stops before he was finally beaten by Kevin de Bruyne in the second minute of extra-time.

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Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku doubled Belgium's lead on 105 minutes but the USA rallied and, after Julian Green volleyed past Thibaut Courtois on 107 minutes, spurned several good opportunities to equalise.

None of this, however, prevented Howard from recording a new highest number of saves in any single World Cup match since 1966, the first edition of the tournament which Opta has data for.

Meanwhile, Belgium's victory also ensured that all eight group winners progressed to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since the tournament assumed its modern format in 1998.


 

Lukaku inspires Belgium but will require Hazard genius against Argentina


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Jul 1, 2014 11:37:00 PM

The striker rediscovered his best form in the dramatic win over the United States; his Chelsea team-mate will have to do likewise if the Red Devils are to reach the last four

By Mark Doyle in Salvador

"I'm never able to get cross with Eden because he's such a nice guy," Marc Wilmots admitted on the eve of Belgium’s World Cup last-16 clash with the United States. However, while the coach might not be angry with his star player’s performances in Brazil, he has been surely disappointed?

Big things were expected of the Belgians in this World Cup, not least because in Hazard they boasted one of the most exciting young talents on the planet. At 23, and after a stellar season which saw him crowned the Premier League's Young Player of the Year, he seemed perfectly primed to display his world-class capabilities on the game's grandest stage.

However, he has thus far failed to deliver. True, Hazard played his part in the game-winning goals against Algeria and Russia. Furthermore, Fifa's stats department revealed that only Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez and Angel Di Maria completed more dribbles during the group stage.

But there are lies, damn lies and statistics. Messi and Alexis have been two of the stars of the tournament, while Di Maria belatedly made his presence felt in Argentina's dramatic last-16 win over Switzerland.

We were expecting Hazard to announce his arrival as a major player in Salvador later in the day. However, the 'real Eden Hazard' never turned up. He was involved in the break that led to Belgium’s second goal but he showed only flashes of what he can do and ultimately left the field to a chorus of boos.

It could have been very different. He had earlier had the chance to be Belgium’s hero two minutes before the end of normal time but Hazard fluffed his lines, firing into the side-netting after being put in on goal by Kevin De Bruyne.

In a desperate bid to increase Hazard’s influence on the proceedings, Wilmots swapped the winger with De Bruyne, who had been playing in behind Divock Origi. Yet it was the Wolfsburg man who continued to exert the greater influence over the proceedings. Indeed, it was De Bruyne who finally broke the deadlock in Salvador, showing remarkable composure in getting the ball out of his feet after pouncing on a block inside the American area before firing low past the previously unbeatable Tim Howard. It was also De Bruyne who slipped Lukaku through for what proved the game-winning goal. Indeed, on the evidence of events at Arena Fonte Nova, one could have been forgiven for thinking Chelsea had got rid of the wrong player.

It also seems strange that Lukaku’s future at Stamford Bridge remains in doubt. The forward's introduction turned this incredibly open game decisively in Belgium's favour. Lukaku was rightly lambasted for two dire performances in the group stages, against Algeria and Russia, and promptly dropped for the game against South Korea.

He started on the bench here, too, but made a sensational impact upon entering the game for extra time, creating the first goal and scoring the second. His return to form is a most welcome one for Belgium. They could now do with Hazard following his club-mate’s lead. He’ll have to.

On the evidence of what we’ve seen thus far, and in the closing 15 minutes of Belgium’s fortuitous win over an incredibly resilient United States side, Belgium will have little hope of beating Argentina unless their No.10 rediscovers his very best form.


 

Klinsmann: I will still be USA coach in 2018


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Jul 2, 2014 12:45:00 AM

The German expects to be in charge in Russia in four years after his side's dramatic last 16 exit from the World Cup as they lost 2-1 to Belgium after extra-time in Salvador

By Mark Doyle in Salvador

Jurgen Klinsmann believes he will still be in charge of the USA for the next World Cup and hailed "phenomenal" goalkeeper Tim Howard after a 2-1 defeat to Belgium in Tuesday's last 16 clash at Arena Fonte Nova.

The USA lost after extra-time as Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku scored for Belgium before Julian Green grabbed a goal back to ensure a tense finale.

Klinsmann hailed his team’s character despite the defeat and believes there is plenty to build on from the USA’s performances during the World Cup ahead of the next tournament in Russia in 2018.

"I think so. Yes, I think so," Klinsmann replied when asked whether he will be head coach in 2018 in his post-match press conference.

"We have to move on. There are some young players who are coming through but are not there yet. I think there is a lot to build on going forward.

"It’s a bummer for us to end on the losing side after giving everything to the fans for 120 minutes. It was a real drama, a thriller and we had possibilities to equalise at the end.

"We are very proud of every player. They made their country proud today and with their performances in the World Cup."

Goalkeeper Tim Howard kept the USA in the game as he made an astonishing 15 saves in the match, the most recorded in a World Cup fixture since 1966.

Klinsmann added: "What Tim did was phenomenal. He kept us in the game for a long time. He had an amazing match.

"We wanted to get back in the game off the back of Tim. We had chances to score at the end of the 90 minutes thanks to Tim. He kept us in there for 120 minutes."


 

Wilmots questions 'unbalanced' Argentina

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By Andrew Wychrij
Jul 2, 2014 10:02:00 AM

The Red Devils boss feels that his side has every chance of progressing to the semi-finals and believes that their opponents should be concerned about how to stop them

Marc Wilmots believes Belgium can overcome Argentina, adding that he is curious to see how Alejandro Sabella's side will counter them.

The Red Devils earned a place in the last eight following a 2-1 win over the United States after extra time on Tuesday, scoring through Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku before enduring a nervy finish after Julian Green's late volley.

However, Wilmots was quick to turn his attention to their quarter-final opponents, stressing that, though a high-quality side, la Albiceleste had definite weaknesses and would not find it easy to stop the Belgians.

"I am curious whether and how they are going to adapt to us," the 45-year-old told De Standard.

"They have excellent players, but there is no balance. We want to go to the semi-finals. I believe we can."

Wilmots, who was part of the Belgium squad in four World Cups, suggested that Lionel Messi would be the key threat for his team but the match would be won on psychological strength.

"To give [Messi] space is asking for trouble," he added.

"We will play collectively and block and then try to turn on the attack. Against Argentina, we are not a favourite for the first time this World Cup, but we want to go to great lengths.

"We may get past them. Argentina is slightly stronger, though the game will be won primarily on mental aspect."

The two sides face each other in their quarter-final in Brasilia on Saturday.

 
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