Game # 30 - Belgium vs Russia

Games at this point in the tournament can be interesting because teams realise that they have nothing to lose or they can be boring because they decide that they don't want to lose. Sadly, this was the latter because both teams seemed to have come to this game determined not to lose. Consequently nobody seemed particularly interested in going forward and when they did, it was often only a single forward who did come out, giving the rare attacks little chance of success. Around the 75th minute, both teams seemed to wake up and more attacks were launched. Both sides came close but eventually Belgium scored the solitary goal, just 2 minutes from the end of regulation time. Boring game, but they have been few and far between so far in this competition.

Belgium are definitely through and Russia are teetering on the brink.

Game # 31 - Korea Republic vs Algeria

In direct contrast to game #30, this the other type of game - the exciting game because both teams realise that they have to win this game to be in the hunt. Because of that, both teams attacked throughout the game. The first half hour or so was pretty even with end-to-end football but Algeria finally broke through, and then put in three in twelve minutes of blistering attacking football which was fun to watch, not so much for the Koreans, I guess, but as a spectacle, it was pretty great to watch. Eventually, the Koreans got themselves back on track though they were obviously rattled.The half finished 3-0 to Algeria. The Koreans came out renewed for the second half and pulled a goal back within 5 minutes, looking much more comfortable by the minute. Sadly because Korea threw everything into attack, they were vulnerable to counter-attack and sure enough, Algeria got a 4th just 12 minutes later. To both sides' credit, they both continued to attack and the Koreans duly got a second with 18 minutes to go. Both teams had chances to score but neither found the back of the net and so it finished 2-4. Great game and very exciting to watch.

This means that Korea are definitely out and Algeria are still in the mix.

Game # 32 - USA vs Portugal

Portugal had to win this game to be certain of staying in the mix and their furious opening showed their determination, with Nani getting a goal after just 5 minutes off a sliced USA clearance. Portugal didn't sit back though and spent the next 15 minutes or so raiding the USA goal almost continuously. Eventually USA contained them and started to cause problems for the Portugal defence, Dempsey in particular tormenting the Portugal defence almost at will. It took until the second half but USA finally scored, with a great shot from Jones. Dempsey continued to run and jink and shoot, finally getting his just rewards after 81 minutes. Portugal did try to attack but looked increasingly fragmented as they did so. It started to look as if USA were home and then Ronaldo curled in a beautiful cross for Varela to head in. 2-2 it finished and that was probably a fair result.

Portugal survive but by the skin of their teeth. If USA draw their next game against Germany, they will both go through, regardless of what Portugal does.