Game # 45 - Portugal vs Ghana

Both teams had the potential to go through to the next round as long as they scored enough goals and the USA lost by a good margin so there was plenty at stake for both teams here. It meant that both teams not only had to attack but they couldn't even sit back on a one goal lead. It meant there would be attacking aplenty - and there was although it was a strangely disjointed game as neither side's attack really flowed well. Ronaldo had, what would be by any other player's standards a good game, but by his it was a poor game even though he scored the winning goal. Sadly it was not enough to win the game - it really needed to be by at least three more goals and, despite a number of chances to add to the tally, Portugal just could not get there.

Both sides were eliminated and that was a loss for the tournament because both could be every exciting attacking sides but there are no points in potential, only in actual results and neither managed that. Ronaldo is clearly not at peak fitness and it sad to see such a wonderful player look so ordinary at times.

Game # 46 - USA vs Germany

I am glad to see that USA were not overawed playing Germany but then I think that Klinsmann would probably have made sure of that. Even though USA didn't have a huge amount of possession in the first half, what they did get, they made good use of. The half finished 0-0 but it was an exciting half and the Germans looked ominously fluid in attack. Sure enough, early in the second half, Muller scored (who else?) with a wonderfully threaded shot through a packed penalty area. USA tried to come back but a massive disparity in possession (37% to 63%) and shots (4-13, with only a single shot on goal), it was always an uphill struggle. Still it was, in one way, a victory for USA as they kept their losing margin low enough that they still qualified for the next round.

Result is that both teams are through to the next round with Germany in first place and USA in second, by goal difference over Portugal (0 to -3 respectively).

Game # 47 - Korea Republic vs Belgium

Belgium were already through but Korea Republic still had a chance providing results went their way. Consequently, it was a surprise to see how ineffective the Korea Republic's attack was at the business end of the pitch. The defence was very well marshalled and the midfield certainly held their own but the attack still failed to score despite a prolific 12 shots on goal. The imposing figure of Courtois had a lot to do that, I feel, as any kind of cross was easily plucked out of the air and he was also a good shot stopper too. Right at the end of the first half Belgium had Defour sent off for an ugly looking challenge - but I'm not sure that it warranted a red card. It made little difference in the second half and Korea Republic really didn't manage to take advantage of their extra player. Finally, in the 78th minute, Belgium broke the deadlock with Vertonghen pouncing on Kim's parry of Origi's shot and then slotting it home with precision. Korea Republic deflated after that - still trying to attack but the heart really was gone.

The result is that Belgium go through first in the group with 9 points and Korea Republic are eliminated, coming bottom of the group with a solitary point.

Game # 48 - Algeria vs Russia

Both teams had a chance to qualify out of this game so both had plenty of reasons to score goals - and it started early with Russia getting the first after just 6 minutes. It might just qualify as the best headed goal of the tournament so far with Kokorin fairly slamming in the header. Algeria and Russia essentially alternated attacks for the rest of the first half with both sides coming close on a number of occasions. The half finished 0-1 to Russia. The sense of pressure on Algeria was evident at the start of the second half and they very nearly conceded a second goal - however, Mbohli stopped the shot well. In the 60th minute Algeria's attack finally clicked and Slimani scored the equaliser. The Russians very nearly pulled the lead back just ten minutes later but Mbohli came to the rescue again, skilfully stopping a Kerzhakov shot. With their supporters roaring them on, Algeria maintained the scoreline, though not without some close calls as Russia attacked again and again. The game finished 1-1.

This meant that Algeria were through in second place with Russia in third. Great game and a pulsating contest throughout.