World Cup Challenge: June 28 and 29

The knockout games start and so does the real world cup. How well did FIFA predict these high intensity matches? Let’s find out.

Chile VS Brazil

FIFA Result

Chile 1 Brazil 0

Chile 1
Alexis Sanches (P)(57′)

Brazil 0

In a game where Brazil did not seem to be able to cope with the Chilean pressure, the hosts conceded a penalty in the second half and shocked the world by leaving early.

World Cup Resut

Chile 1 Brazil 1 (2-3)

Chile 1
Sanchez (32′)

Brazil 1
Luiz (18′)

The game started with plenty of goals, but soon calmed down as Neymar clearly was hurting and in a lot of pain, and Chile seemed overwhelmed by the heat and the hostile crowd. Some say Chile deserved to win, the game went to penalties, and Chile lost, but get to leave the tournament with their heads held high

Uruguay VS Colombia 

FIFA Result

Uruguay 0 Colombia 0 (0-3)

Uruguay 0

Colombia 0

A closed game with no team that could find the edge, without Suarez the Uruguay offense seemed to have lost a lot of its bite. It is intresting to note Uruguay missed all 3 penalty shots in the shoot out.

World Cup Result

Uruguay 0 Colombia 2

Uruguay 0

Colombia 2
James (28′)
James (50′)

Suarez’ departure clearly affected Uruguay, and they were particularly ineffective in attack. It didn’t help that James was inspired that day, and scored two of the best goals of the tournament.

And they made fun of them too…

Netherlands VS Mexico

FIFA Result

Netherlans 1 Mexico 2

Netherlands 1
Vlaar (30′)

Mexico 2
Peralta (45′)
Layun (45+1′)

The Netherlands scored early, but Mexico came back with a one-two punch and eliminated the Europeans.

World Cup Result

Netherlands 2 Mexico 1

Netherlands 2
Snjeinder (88′)
Huntelaar (P) (90+4′)

Mexico 1
Dos Santos (48′)

For most of the match, Mexico seemed like it was going to win, but in the last five minutes the Netherlands woke up and scored two quick goals to go on to the next round.

Costa Rica VS Greece

FIFA Result 

Greece 3 Costa Rica 1

Greece 3
Karagounis (65′)
Samaras (P)(45′)
Kone (51′)

Costa Rica 1
Campbell (64′)

The game seems to under estimate Costa Rica, as it predicts yet another loss against a Greece that show  uncharacteristically offensive football.

World Cup Result

Greece 1 Costa Rica 1 (3-5)

Greece 1
Papastathopoulos (88′)

Costa Rica
Ruiz (52′)

Costa Rica outplayed Greece and looked set to go through, when one of the players got sent off. Scoring at the last possible second, it seemed Greece would get through again, but in the penalties the Ticos kept their composure and achieved a historical result.

Conclusion

A bad day for FIFA, guessing only one of four games correctly, in a weekend that did not have many surprises. Hopefully it will do better tomorrow. Stay tuned to find out.