The World Game #3

Here's a recap of the second round

The first quarter final will be between Brazil & Colombia, after Brazil beat Chile 3-2 on penalties (1-1 at full time). Colombia beat Uruguay 2-0. With James Rodriguez (one of the stars of the to(urnament & current leading goal scorer, with 5 goals) scoring both goals. His first quite possibly a new challenger for the best goal of the tournament. Brazil still is looking for its best form,  yet they are doing just enough to win games.

France & Germany play in the 2nd Quarter Final. Both were pushed all the way by Nigeria & Algeria respectively.  The Nigerian Goalkeper made a string of brilliant saves. Germany needed extra-time to score against Algeria, the game finishing 2-1.

The third Quarter final is between Netherlands & Costa Rica.  Costa Rica beating Greece (5-3 on penalties, 1-1 at full time).  Greece had the chances to win, and with a five on two in the last period of extra-time should have settled the game then.  Navas was brilliant with a string of saves keeping the scores level during the match & a stunning save in the penalty shot-out. Mexico pushed the Dutch all the way, with a late penalty settling the match.

The final Quarter-final is between Argentina & Belgium. Both were winners in extra-time. Argentina ending up 1-0 winners over Switzerland, and the Belgium 2-1 winners over the USA. From what I read looks like Howard had an amazing game.

The winners of Quarter Final 1 & 2 play off as do the winners of Quarterfinal 3 & 4. So, I'm tipping Brazil v France & Netherlands v Argentina to be the semis.  However I would not be surprised if Colombia or Belgium got through over their more fancied opponents.

The other notable point from the Round of 16 matches, was the quality of goal-keeping. Enyeama (Nigeria) may have made an error leading to the first goal, but prior (and following) the error he had made some phenomenal saves. Navas (Costa-Rica) made a stunning (and decisive) save in the Penalty Shootout; and is currently the best performing keeper in the tournament. Ochoa (Mexico) was a wall in the game against Brazil. It sounds like Howard kept the USA alive in their match too.