Day five of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil and it was an exciting day for Group G the notorious “Group of Death”
The day kicked off with the clash of Group G titans, Germany v Portugal and it turned out to be another shocking goal fest. Portugal was completely destroyed by the Germans and left wondering if their place in the next round is as sure as pundits made it seem. 4 goals by the German side and none by the Portuguese left Balon D’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo in obvious rage and it didn’t help that teammate Pepe was sent off for headbutting Thomas Mueller. To add to the ordeal two Portugal players were left with injuries and are to miss at least 10 days of action. The World Cup could not have started worse for CR7 and the team he carries on his shoulders.
Following the German destruction, Iran was set to face off with Nigeria in the second game of Group F, future competitors against fancied Argentina and both teams should prepare for a fate similar to Portugal’s. What the Iranians and Nigerians provided with the world of football soccer was the worst game of the FIFA World Cup so far. Even worse than the showing by Honduras, neither team managed to net a goal in a dull 90 minute match that displayed two teams lacking in technical ability and deep knowledge of the tactical game. The highlight of the match were the fans who surprisingly remained upbeat throughout.
The day ended with the mouth-watering USA meeting with the team that eliminated them from the 2010 edition of the tournament, Ghana. In what is now the fastest goal of this World Cup, Clint Dempsey scored at the 37 second mark. Weaving through the Ghana defense to put the Americans in the lead. The USA would quickly let Ghana control the rest of the game as they settled for counter-attacks and half chances as the Ghana national team struggled to find the spark to strike a goal. Ghana managed to tie the game in the 82 minute and it seemed as if the game would end in a draw which would not be fair to either team. However substitute, John Brooks Jr. headed the ball into goal from a corner kick in the 86th minute to give the USMNT the win. The US managed to escape with a win they did not deserve and their weak defensive marking will prove to be a problem in the following games against Germany and Portugal.
Tomorrow’s Games:
Belgium v Algeria @ Noon
Brazil v Mexico @ 3PM
Russia v Korea Republic @ 6PM