In day 7 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Netherlands secured their place in the last 16 while Cameroon, Spain, and Australia have one final game before they can pack their bags and head home as they have all been mathematically eliminated.
Australia played a valiant game and put in a beautiful effort against 2010 runner-ups, Netherlands in a tight 2-3 win for the Flying Dutchmen. Australia came in fighting and controlled the game for a good portion of the first half but fell victim to Arjen Robben in the 20th minute only to come back immediately after with a spectacular strike by Cahill at the 21st minute leaving the first half level at 1-1. Australia would score the next goal at the 54′ with a penalty struck in by Mile Jedinak. Holland would come back and score two more goals to go for the win at the 58′ and 68′ by Robin Van Verpsie and Memphis Depay respectively. The result assure Holland a place in the final 16 while also eliminating Australia.
2010 World Champions were upset again this World Cup, this time by Chile. Spain came into this game knowing it was a must win and coach Vicente del Bosque brought in different players from his usual starting line in order to strengthen his defensive line which failed Spain against Netherlands but despite his changes, Spain’s method crumbled and Chile drew first blood at the 20′ knocking the Spanish giants a heavy blow that was followed by another goal in the 43′ leaving the game 2-0 until the final whistle was blown and Spain was left eliminated in the first round of games.
The final game of the day was a must win by both teams as it would give the winner a chance to still advance if they won their third game but it was the much stronger Croatia who defeated and eliminated the very weak Cameroon side who not only lost but saw one of their stronger players, Alex Song, dealt a red card at the 40′. By that time the score was 1-0 and Cameroon was already frustrated and failed to make chances. Croatia would score again at the 48′,61′, and 73′. Leaving the game 4-0 and leaving the Croatians one more chance to progress as they face Mexico next Monday.
Tomorrow’s games:
Colombia v Ivory Coast @Noon
Uruguay v England @3PM
Japan v Greece @6PM