Game # 33 - Netherlands vs Chile

The substitutes did it again, Fre scoring within two minutes of coming on and Depay scoring in extra time (92nd minute) to finally put the game beyond Chile's reach. It was a tight game with both teams attacking repeatedly but neither even gained any real fluency until Fer finally got his goal in the 77th minute. After that, Netherlands finally started flowing a little more and Robben started raiding in his customary fashion. With the Dutch winning all three of their games, they go through top of their group and Chile go through second. The other two teams (Spain and Australia) were eliminated already.

Game # 34 - Australia vs Spain

As disappointing as it is that Australia lost all three of their games, it was this game that was the most disappointing in many ways. All three Spanish goals were such simple goals that it was was defensive lapses (especially by McGowan on Australia's left flank) that just gifted the goals. Having said that, Villa's first had a delightful cheek to it, back-heeled in as it was. It was also apparent that Taggart is really not at this level of football and it was only the introduction of Bresciano in the 72nd minute that finally settled Australia's play. This is not to say that it was all Spain's way because Australia most definitely threatened their goal repeatedly but poor possession loss meant that it was rare for then to be able to really sustain that pressure.

The result meant little overall, just rescuing a little Spanish pride because they finally won a game and relegated Australia to finishing fourth without a point to their name.

Game # 35 - Cameroon vs Brazil

Sure, the scoreline was 1-4 to Brazil and Neymar scored two goals (and Fred also finally scored one too) but this wasn't potential World Champions overrunning an inferior opponent. Rather, this was two teams slugging it out, both with enormous attacking potential, neither of which ever really fired up. It was exciting because it was attacking end-to-end stuff from both teams but it never dazzled. I suppose that is a little harsh because the Brazilian goals were great but in between, there were lots of chaotic defending and disjointed midfield play. Brazil will definitely need to play better from this point on if they are to progress.

This meant that Brazil were definitely through but whether first or second depended on the next game's result. Cameroon were definitely eliminated.

Game # 36 - Croatia vs Mexico

Whoever won this would go through with Brazil to the second round. As a result this was pretty uncompromising football with both teams willing to dish it out. Because of this it took a long time for the first goal to come (and that was to Mexico in the 72nd minute). After that, the floodgates opened and Mexico had another two within the next ten minutes. At this point this would have made Mexico first in the group but Croatia finally pulled one back (and Brazil scored again) and so it finished 3-0.

This meant that Brazil finished first (and will play Chile in the next round) and Mexico finished second (and will play Netherlands next). Croatia finishes third with their solitary win against Cameroon.