Monday, June 23, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Goals from Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens saw Belgium come from behind to beat Algeria in their World Cup Group H opener in Belo Horizonte.
The north African side took a shock lead when Sofiane Feghouli scored from the spot after being fouled by Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.
Manchester United's Fellaini, a second-half substitute, equalised with a looping header shortly after coming on.
And Mertens scored the winner when he finished off a swift counter-attack.
The 80th-minute strike prompted an eruption of relief from the Belgium bench, not least from coach Marc Wilmots, who had spent most of the match looking understandably pensive.
His side had 65% possession but for most of the game found it difficult to penetrate an Algeria defence marshalled by former Rangers centre-half Madjid Bougherra.
The European side, the seeded team in the group and widely tipped to do well in Brazil after an impressive qualifying campaign, fielded an imposing starting XI, with the Chelsea pair of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku in attack, while Spurs' Mousa Dembele and former Chelsea man Kevin de Bruyne sat in midfield.
Pre-tournament fifth favourites with some bookmakers, they looked anything but for 69 minutes.
They were rocked in the 24th minute when forward Feghouli was hauled down by Vertonghen in the area as he aimed to convert Faouzi Ghoulam's cross.
The Valencia player recovered to sidefoot a tame penalty past another Blues player Thibaut Courtois, who dived the wrong way. That was Algeria's first World Cup goal since 1986 - 506 minutes of football.
Belgium's best early chances were from long distance and fell to Zenit St Petersburg's Axel Witsel, who had two efforts saved before failing to convert a header.
The pattern changed with the Belgium substitutions. First to test the goal was 19-year-old Lille striker Divock Origi, who forced a brilliant low save from Rais Mbolhi.
Gaps began to grow in a tiring Algeria defence, and a fresh Fellaini took advantage of that when he outmuscled marker Carl Medjani and flicked his effort beyond the reach of Mbolhi.
The winner came from a move that showed off Belgium's attack at its best.
De Bruyne tackled Feghouli in his own half and when the ball found its way to Hazard on the left, the PFA young player of the year sped down the wing and fed Mertens, who slammed his shot high into the net.
Belgium almost grabbed a third through Fellaini, but Mbolhi produced another good save from point-blank range.
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots:
"It was a tough match but we were patient throughout and at the end we were rewarded.
"We stayed calm after doing a small mistake in the first half. We got a new momentum. We saw that Algeria were getting more and more tired. At half-time people were a bit down, but I said 'don't worry, we will score and we will change totally the match'."
Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic:
"It's a major disappointment. I would have liked to have a couple of tougher and more resilient players to resist their attacks but I don't have much of a choice.
"We missed a great opportunity here. But in the second half it was a bit tough. We left too much space to the Belgian team and the two goals scored against us were to be expected."
Iraq conflict: PM fires senior officers over rebel advance
Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki has fired senior officers for failing to halt a sweeping advance by Sunni Islamist rebels.
Four army commanders were dismissed for failing to perform "their national duty", a government statement said on Tuesday.
Iraqi forces have been engaged in heavy clashes with the rebels who have seized several key cities in the past week.
The US is deploying up to 275 military personnel to protect staff at its huge embassy in the capital, Baghdad.
The militants, led by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), took control of the northern cities of Mosul and Tikrit in a rapid advance last week, and Tal Afar on Monday.
They also briefly captured parts of the city of Baquba - just 60km (37 miles) from Baghdad - in an overnight assault, before government troops and allied Shia militia regained control on Tuesday.
Qasem Suleimani, the commander of an elite unit of Iran's revolutionary guards, is reported to be in Baghdad, helping military and Shia leaders co-ordinate their campaign against the rebels.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Kookaburras are World Cup hockey champions again beating the Netherlands
Australia's Jacob Whetton kisses the trophy after winning the men's final of the Field Hockey World Cup between Australia and The Netherlands in The Hague. Source: AP
AUSTRALIA are world champions once again, defending their hockey World Cup title with a 6-1 demolition of the Netherlands.
The win, which five-time world-player-of-the-year Jamie Dwyer described as better than their 2010 title, capped off a superb tournament in which Australia had utterly outclassed every opponent they encountered.
“For me this is better (than 2010). To win a World Cup 6-1 is incredible. It’s unheard of,” Dwyer told AAP.
The Australian team celebrates with its trophy winning their men's Field Hockey World Cup final against the Netherlands. Source: AFP
Powerful defender, and penalty corner specialist, Chris Ciriello was the hat-trick hero as Australia dismantled the Dutch to silence the raucous home crowd in The Hague.
But it was a ruthless approach taken throughout the tournament, starting with skipper and player-of-the-tournament Mark Knowles, which characterised the win.
Across the tournament Australia amassed 30 goals, while conceding just three — a feat veteran coach Ric Charlesworth modestly described as “convincing”.
“I think we play the best hockey in the world,” Charlesworth said.
“We play a brand of hockey which is expansive, creative and quick.
“We have the best defence here by a long way. We conceded three goals, the next team maybe eight or nine? And we scored maybe 15 more goals than anyone else.”
Sunday was unquestionably the Kookaburras most dominant performance of the tournament — with Knowles saying it was as close to the perfect game as you could ask for.
“For mine, being a leader in the team is about encouraging and getting the best out of my teammates,” he said.
“Today we went pretty close to that I reckon.”
Billy Bakker (C) from the Netherlands reacts with a teammate after losing their men's Field Hockey World Cup game against Australia. Source: AFP
Ciriello’s hat-trick took his tournament tally to seven goals — second only to Argentina’s Gonzalo Peillat (10).
But he was joined on the scoresheet by Australia’s second leading scorer Kieran Govers (five tournament goals), Glenn Turner and Dwyer.
Govers’ spectacular reverse stick shot from the top of the circle shortly before half-time, which gave Australia a 2-1 buffer at the break, proved pivotal — as did Turner’s persistent effort minutes into the second half.
Dwyer’s scheming solo effort put a dagger through Dutch hearts, capping off a remarkable victory and a special occasion for him, as he equalled Jay Stacy’s record of 321 Kookaburra appearances.
In truth, the game was killed off when Ciriello buried two more goals with his deadly flick as the lead reached four goals — a margin greater than the number of goals Australia conceded all tournament.
But despite the healthy advantage Australia’s commitment to defence never waned.
Australian players celebrate holding the trophy after winning the hockey World Cup as Leandro Negre, the President of the International Hockey Federation FIH, looks on. Source: AP
At one point midfielders Simon Orchard and Liam de Young sprinted back 50 metres to defuse a promising Dutch counter-attack — a move which quickly turned into a goal at the other end.
“We saw a couple of what I would class absolutely outstanding individual things today,” Knowles said.
“The goals are great but Simon Orchard and Liam de Young chasing back. That’s what we’re all about.”
Throughout the tournament Australia have earned plaudits for their blistering starts — they went five consecutive games scoring a goal in the opening seven minutes.
But it was the Dutch who drew first blood, with Jeroen Hertzberger scoring an exceptional solo goal in which he evaded Robert Hammond’s tackle before firing a tomahawk past Andrew Charter, who had a terrific tournament.
“It was a slight hiccup to go one-nil down, but at no stage did I feel that the game was away or that we couldn’t win it,” Knowles said.
“You don’t just get belief of winning finals just from the first attempt. This has been going on for years on end for our group.”
World Cup 2014: England loss to Italy need not spell disaster
England's players may have left the draining conditions of Manaus and returned to Rio beaten by Italy in their first World Cup game - but this was a defeat that felt different.
When England flew home from South Africa four years ago it was after a campaign that died of boredom and incompetence under the austere "Camp Capello" regime. Here there was boldness and a sense of adventure, even if Roy Hodgson's side left the Amazonian rainforest empty-handed.
The 2-1 loss to the Azzurri will have been painful and damaging but there was at least a sense that England had provided cause for optimism and hope they may yet navigate a route out of this tough Group D.
Now they face Uruguay in Sao Paulo on Thursday knowing the losers are almost certainly on their way out - so what are the issues to ponder for Hodgson and his players?
Hodgson should be hopeful
There is little good news about losing an opening World Cup game and England may yet live to regret the missed chances and sloppy defending that ended in defeat by Italy.
Hodgson, however, was accentuating the positive and was right to do so - while accepting it is tough to put a gloss on a result that instantly puts England on the back foot.
England were positive and played with a sense of adventure, albeit with added vulnerability, and can still take plenty that is good into what is likely to be a defining game against Uruguay.
Few believe England will win this World Cup so one of the factors that may shape judgement of Hodgson and his squad of young players is whether they offer hope for the future. This performance did and there is still the enticing possibility that they could yet reach the last 16 in spite of it.
Sterling's successful selection
Would Roy Hodgson be bold or cautious? The answer to this question, it became clear as the build-up to the World Cup took shape, was always going to be Raheem Sterling.
Leave Sterling out and it would be cautious old Roy. Play Sterling and this is bold Roy, throwing off the cloak of conservatism and going for it.
When news emerged in the hours before the game that the Liverpool man had been selected, it was greeted with delight by almost every observer - the right decision for the right occasion.
The teenager almost made his mark, and warned Italy of his threat, in the opening moments with a run at pace and a rising shot that hit the side-netting and had many inside the stadium believing he had scored.
Yes, he may have lost possession a few times in attacking positions but Sterling's fearless approach and willingness to run at the opposition, whether it was in his initial role behind the striker or from out wide, has ensured his place against the Uruguayans.
Hodgson has barely been able to contain his enthusiasm for Sterling's work since training sessions at Miami's Barry University and this display lived up to those references.
Should Rooney keep his place?
Rooney's peripheral role against Italy will keep the debate alive - although Hodgson was staunch in his defence of the Manchester United striker's performance.
In Rooney's defence, he was playing in a position he tolerates rather than enjoys and it showed in particular in the first half, when Leighton Baines was offered little or no protection as Italy prodded away at England's left flank.
And yet it was also from there that Rooney provided a perfect cross for Daniel Sturridge's equaliser. This is the quality that marks him out.
Rooney worked hard enough but there is still a sense of waste about him being used on the flank and this is where the problem may arise for Hodgson.
Having employed Sterling, with success, in that role just behind the striker, will he shuffle his team around to accommodate Rooney there? It is one option open to Hodgson.
Sterling was moved out wide when England made changes, with Everton's Ross Barkley producing another impressive cameo that almost brought an equaliser.
So will Barkley emerge as more of a contender to fill that central role than Rooney as the World Cup progresses with Hodgson considering moving Sterling wider?
For now, it seems, Hodgson is satisfied and it would be a huge call to remove Rooney from a game that could decide England's World Cup.
Rooney is probably safe for now - but for how much longer?
England must stop defensive lapses
England gained plenty of plus marks for their attacking work but it was in defence where the problems lay.
It is highly unlikely Hodgson will change this settled part of his side but it is unusual to see a team of his look this frail at the back.
Phil Jagielka was excellent, his performance including one superb goalline clearance from Mario Balotelli, but central defensive partner Gary Cahill's night was spoiled when he lost Italy's striker for his match-winning header.
Did you know? |
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*Stats from Opta
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Daniel Sturridge has scored in three of his last four appearances for England.
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Wayne Rooney's assist for Sturridge was the first time he has contributed to a goal in the World Cup (in his ninth appearance).
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England had 18 shots in this game, up from nine in 120 minutes vs Italy at Euro 2012.
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Only four of 46 sides to lose their opening group game since 1998 have gone on to qualify for the knockout stages (Spain in 2010, Ukraine and Ghana in 2006 and Turkey in 2002).
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Andrea Pirlo made 108 passes, the most so far in a 2014 World Cup match. De Rossi also topped 100 passes (105).
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Italy have scored in each of their last 15 World Cup matches, an Italian record and the longest current run of any side in the World Cup.
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The main difficulties came at left-back, where Everton's Leighton Baines had the sort of tough night that might get the name of Ashley Cole mentioned in the coming days.
There were mitigating circumstances for Baines. His partnership with Rooney is an unfamiliar one and it showed. The situation improved as the game went on but not before England's vulnerable left flank proved the route Italy took to their winning goal.
Do not expect changes in defence but Hodgson will no doubt be weighing up how he can provide Baines with greater cover.
Can England still get out of Group D?
If they can repeat the performance against Italy and address those defensive difficulties, the answer has to be a resounding 'yes.'
Uruguay looked vulnerable once Costa Rica got into their stride and they showed nothing to hold terrors for England provided they take care of their own business.
The wild card, of course, is Liverpool's Luis Suarez. How fit is he after knee surgery? Will he play?
It is obvious Suarez is a long way from full fitness otherwise he would have been on as a substitute the instant Uruguay went behind. It looks clear it would be a gamble to select him in Sao Paulo but the Uruguayans are in the same urgent situation as England, which must increase the chances.
And once Suarez is on the pitch, anything can happen. If he makes it against England he will be a huge threat.
Uruguay, however, looked very beatable and England will feel they can score goals against them, which could set up that final meeting with Costa Rica, who were highly impressive and will have something to play for when they face England.
Life is now tough for England - but not impossible.
Swiss come back to beat Ecuador
Substitute Haris Seferovic scored in the third minute of stoppage time to earn Switzerland a dramatic win over Ecuador in their opening Group E match.
Seferovic turned in Ricardo Rodriguez's low cross as Ottmar Hitzfeld's side came back from behind to claim victory.
Fellow substitute Admir Mehmedi headed Switzerland level after Enner Valencia had given Ecuador a half-time lead.
Valencia's header from a Walter Ayovi free-kick was his fifth goal in successive games for his country.
Hitzfeld's two substitutions were key to turning around a match that looked to be slipping away from his side after a poor first-half display.
The coach, a Champions League winner with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, is retiring at the end of the World Cup - and has set himself the target of guiding Switzerland to their first quarter-final since 1954.
They arrived in Brazil as Group E seeds and ranked sixth in the world, but struggled in the face of an energetic first-half Ecuador performance.
Reinaldo Rueda's side are keen to make an impact in Brazil to provide a fitting tribute to forward Christian Benitez, who died of heart failure last summer.
They restricted Switzerland to threatening with long-range shots and set-pieces during the opening 45 minutes, with keeper Alexander Dominguez keeping out efforts from Xherden Shaqiri, Rodriguez and Gokhan Inler.
And Ecuador went in front midway through the first half, helped by some poor Swiss defending at a free-kick.
Hamburg's former Arsenal defender Johan Djourou - preferred at centre-back to Basel's Fabian Schar - was culpable as striker Valencia was left unmarked six yards out to head in Ayovi's delivery from the left midway through the first half.
But Ecuador's lead was wiped out early in the second half from a near-identical set-piece as their defence switched off.
Rodriguez whipped a corner towards the near post and Mehmedi, Freiburg's leading scorer in the Bundesliga last season, got above Carlos Gruezo to head in.
Ecuador's exciting but inconsistent winger Jefferson Montero threatened to restore their lead by sprinting past Stephan Lichtsteiner to power in a shot that keeper Diego Benaglio beat out at the near post.
Switzerland then enjoyed a good spell of pressure as their opponents appeared to tire, and Josip Drmic turned the ball into the net from a Rodriguez through-pass, but was ruled offside.
Then Bayern Munich forward Xherdan Shaqiri fired wastefully into the side-netting from a tight angle with two men in support after being played in by Mehmedi.
Switzerland had to survive several scares in the closing stages, though, with Valencia almost grabbing a second after a mix-up between Djourou and Benaglio, before the keeper pushed away Michael Arroyo's deflected free-kick.
Hitzfeld's side pulled through and clinched victory on the break as Rodriguez charged down the left and crossed low for Real Sociedad striker Seferovic to convert at the near post.
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