Costa Rica v Serbia
Prediction: 1-0 Costa Rica
Result: 1-0 Serbia
Costa Rica played like a mix of Egypt and Peru. Ran out of the blocks with multiple good attacking raids but as Serbia started to hold the ball and keep possession at the back Costa Rica's enthusiasm started to die down. With star player Joel Campbell on the bench due to fitness issues, Costa Rica seemed not quite themselves up front.
Serbia were solid like most the European teams have been. Holding their positions, maintaining possession at the back and attacking only when the opportunity is good. Serbia were struggling to break Costa Rica down, only breaking the deadlock thanks to an amazing free-kick by Kolarov.
Serbia will be ecstatic with this position knowing a win in their next game will all but guarantee they go through. Costa still have some chance but need other results to go their way.
Germany v Mexico
Prediction: 2-0 Germany
Result: 1-0 Mexico
Germany become the 3rd defending champion in the past 4 cups to lose their opening match. A poor stat, which if the trend follows, means Germany won't make it out of groups.
Germany had an incredible 25 shots but only 9 on target and most of them were very tame. They were extremely poor defensively, even before conceding it looked as though they were playing a 1-5-3 formation with Boateng the only defender who actually stayed back.
Mexico were amazing and deserve full credit. Despite the somewhat shambolic defence, Mexico were lethal and could have easily won this game 4-0 had Chicharito been a more cool in front of goal.
With South Korea and Sweden to come, you can definitely see Mexico topping this group now. Germany need to start Reus over Ozil if they want more enthusiasm from the midfield.
Germany had an incredible 25 shots but only 9 on target and most of them were very tame. They were extremely poor defensively, even before conceding it looked as though they were playing a 1-5-3 formation with Boateng the only defender who actually stayed back.
Mexico were amazing and deserve full credit. Despite the somewhat shambolic defence, Mexico were lethal and could have easily won this game 4-0 had Chicharito been a more cool in front of goal.
With South Korea and Sweden to come, you can definitely see Mexico topping this group now. Germany need to start Reus over Ozil if they want more enthusiasm from the midfield.
Brazil v Switzerland
Prediction: 2-0 Brazil
Result: 1-1
Switzerland came in with a very obvious game plan; double-team Neymar. The problem with that is Brazil have many stars they if left alone will hurt you, as Coutinho showed. Other than the very first minute of the game, the Swiss never really troubled the Brazilian goal.
The passes from the Swiss players were very loose and poor when going forward. Worryingly for Brazil, when they were asked questions in the back they were found wanting. The equaliser for Swiss from a corner where literally no Brazilian jumped to try and head the ball.
Brazil will have to shore up their defence if they are to continue through this group as Costa Rica and Serbia are much better than the Swiss going forward. Swiss have the opposite problem, as if they they don't improve offensively, they won't be able to score against teams that are well drilled defensively.
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| Neymar became the most fouled player in a WC game since 1998 (10 fouls) |
The passes from the Swiss players were very loose and poor when going forward. Worryingly for Brazil, when they were asked questions in the back they were found wanting. The equaliser for Swiss from a corner where literally no Brazilian jumped to try and head the ball.
Brazil will have to shore up their defence if they are to continue through this group as Costa Rica and Serbia are much better than the Swiss going forward. Swiss have the opposite problem, as if they they don't improve offensively, they won't be able to score against teams that are well drilled defensively.
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