The last games of the group stages. Half the teams have been eliminated, and now things will start to happen very quickly. Before we enter the Hunger Games part of the tournament, we still have to see how FIFA did today.

United States VS Germany

FIFA Result

United States 2 Germany 0

United States 2
Bradley (23′)
Davis (59′)

Germany 0

Germany came out to win it and in doing so, they left themselves open for counter attacks.

World Cup Result

United States 0 Germany 1

United States 0

Germany 1
Muller (55′)

In a drenched pitch, the United States tried to avoid being scored on by one of the sport’s best attack teams. However, they were unable to do so, and in the 55th minute conceded a goal. Still, they were able to hold on for the rest of the match to pass to the next round on goal differential.

Photo of Muller's goal. Totally legit.

Photo of Muller’s goal. Totally legit.

Portugal VS Ghana 

FIFA Result

Portugal 3 Ghana 1

Portugal 3
Ronaldo (45+1′)
Nani (56′)
Ronaldo (79″)

Ghana 1
Ayew (4′)

Ghana shocked the world scoring early on, but Portugal recovered and through their two wingers were able to come back.

World Cup Result 

Portugal 2 Ghana 1

Portugal 2
Boye (OG)(31′)
Ronaldo (80′)

Ghana 1
Gyan (57′)

Portugal played well against a Ghana that also went out to win, and they prevailed although with some help from the Ghana’s own players. In the end, however, it wasn’t enough to see them through to the next round.

Algeria VS Russia

FIFA Result

Algeria 1 Russia 2

Algeria 1
Bentaleb (77′)

Russia 2
Shatov (67′)
Shatov (81′)

A tough game with few spaces in which to play, Russia was able to score past the hour mark to open up the game. Algeria came back to score, but Shatov defined the game in the 81st minute.

World Cup Result

Algeria 1 Russia 1

Algeria 1
Slimani (60′)

Russia 1
Kokorin (6′)

A slow, tough match where neither team seemed to be superior, Russia got in front early, and as it has done so many times in the tournament went right back to defending. Once again it didn’t work as Algeria tied in the second half.

South Korea VS Belgium

FIFA Result

South Korea 0 Belgium 1

South Korea 0

Belgium 1
Origi (60′)

An underwhelming performance for a great side to win 1-0.

World Cup Result

South Korea o Belgium 1

South Korea 0

Belgium 1
Vertonghen (78′)

What was supposed to be an easy game became difficult for Belgium as Defour got sent off early on. Having to play conservatively, it looked as if Belgium would settle for the tie, but a late goal put them through with 9 points.

Conclusion

The group stage concluded, FIFA managed to correctly guess 33% of the matches. Not a bad number for a strange World Cup that has been full of surprises. This is also the first time that FIFA predicted more goals than there were in the games. The conditions in Recife may have had something to do with this.

June 26

 

There are no games tomorrow, but will be back on Saturday for the beginning of the knockout stage. Things are about to get real.