- World Cup 2014: Top 5 Group Stage Matches So Far
- ‘Rivaldo’s Gamble’ – Soccerlens Tom’s World Cup Day 11 Predictions
Was USA 2-2 Portugal the best World Cup 2014 match so far?
USA’s stunning draw with Portugal last night was a brilliant spectacle, with Jürgen Klinsmann’s side fighting back from a goal down to lead the Europeans 2-1 past the 90 minute mark, only for Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to provide arguably the cross of the tournament so far for Silvestre Varela to power in the equaliser at the death!
But was it the game of the tournament so far? Check out our five-strong list of what we think have been the best matches up til now in South America:
Click on the scorelines for the match reports + full stats from the games, and don’t forget to cast your vote at the end!
Spain 1-5 Netherlands – Dutch peel away Spanish armour in Salvador
A genuine classic, and thrown up on the second day of the 2014 World Cup! reigning champions Spain had much the better first half, and could arguably have been out of sight had David Silva made it two nothing soon after Xabi Alonso had given them the lead.
But thanks to Robin van Persie’s diving header right at the end of the half, the Dutch had a foothold in the game, with the second 45 a stunning turnaround, with four goals smashed past a helpless La Roja. Sensational!
Australia 2-3 Netherlands – Cahill screamer lights up the World Cup!
The dynamic Dutch appear once again on this top 5, scraping past a resilient Australia thanks to a second half error from Mat Ryan.
But this is certainly far from the whole story, with the Socceroos giving their all against favourites Holland, scoring arguably the goal of the tournament so far, and through their efforts, bringing the best out of Louis van Gaal’s side in what was a end-to-end game in the Estádio Beira-Rio.
Switzerland 2-5 France – Les Bleus rout sorry Group E seeds
Ranked sixth in the FIFA World Rankings, Group E seeds Switzerland were rather found out last Friday, with Didier Deschamps’ France opening them up like a bag of crisps in Salvador.
Karim Benzema is quietly going about his business up top for Les Bleus, scoring the fourth and setting up two others, with the 26-year-old certainly in the running for the Golden Boot.
Germany 2-2 Ghana – Close shave for Germany as record-equaling Klose saves the day
Heavily fancied Germany almost came wildly unstuck against a vibrant Ghana last Saturday, with James Kwesi Appiah’s side coming back from a goal down to lead their illustrious opponents 2-1 with a little over 20 minutes remaining.
It took a record-equaling goal from 36-year-old Miroslav Klose to haul the Germans level, with the Lazio striker joining Brazilian legend Ronaldo as the joint all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history.
USA 2-2 Portugal – States heartbreak as Varela keeps Europeans afloat
Last night’s blockbuster affair had the lot! Great goals, late drama, and an energy to take on even the most boisterous Duracell Bunny!
The States seem to be the go-to side for action and romance in this tournament, with Jürgen Klinsmann’s men coming from a goal down to lead the world’s 4th ranked team, only to be scuppered by a last-grasp Varela goal, heading home the most perfect cross from one Cristiano Ronaldo, saving the Europeans’ World Cup dream for another day.
‘Rivaldo’s Gamble’ – Beat Soccerlens at predicting Brazil 2014
Brazilian legend Rivaldo took the ultimate gamble in the 2002 World Cup, hurling himself to the floor in what was a successful attempt to get an opposition player sent off; and now you have the chance to indulge in similarly heart-pumping risk taking, taking on Soccerlens in the SuperBru 2014 World Cup Prediction Game, and if you come out on top in the Soccerlens pool at the end of the tournament, you win a £100 Amazon gift card!
Be sure to check the World Cup roundups for our latest predictions, and links to the game. It’s free to join, and comes with no balls booted at you by over-zealous Turks.
Soccerlens Tom’s World Cup Day 12 Predictions:
Click on the scores for the Soccerlens match preview-
Australia 1-2 Spain – Surely not three losses for the deposed champions…?
Netherlands 1-1 Chile – Should be a great, open game, but I’m banking on a stalemate
Croatia 2-1 Mexico – Considering the talent in the Croatian lineup, I reckon they will edge the Central Americans.
Cameroon 0-3 Brazil – The Selecao to finish in style against the chaotic Cameroonians!
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