Peralta Gives Mexico 1-0 Win Over Cameroon

In a match played under torrential downpour, Mexico have managed to start their 2014 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Cameroon. Mexico coach Miguel Herrera set out his side in an attacking 3-3-4 formation, which without the ball dropped back into more of a 3-5-2. The two up front for Mexico were Giovani Dos Santos and Oribe Peralta, with Javier Hernandez kept on the bench. Cameroon had the two main pillars of Alex Song in central midfield and Samuel Eto'o up front, settling into a 4-5-1 with Eto'o as the main attacking outlet.

It was Herrera and Dos Santos for Mexico who took control of the match, and put Cameroon under pressure. El Tri were much more comfortable with the ball than the African nation who looked fairly shaky as Mexico maintained possession and cut forward with their quick movement. Although both sides went into the half without a goal it could have been 2-1 for Mexico, as there were three disallowed goals, all due to offside positions (some more legitimate than others). After the opening match's doubtful penalty, the surely legitimate goal which Dos Santos had disallowed only adds to the criticism of this tournament's refereeing.

Although Cameroon were holding onto the draw fairly well, they had little invention going forward. The African side wasn't able to settle down with possession, and were often too snappy in trying to feed Eto'o or run towards goal. On the other hand, Mexico were patient and in the 61st minute Herrera topped a great passing move with a through ball for Dos Santos towards goal. The Villarreal forward had his shot parried by Itandje, but Peralta pounced on the rebound and tucked it in.

With the 1-0 lead, Mexico coach Herrera decided to give Peralta the scorer's ovation substituting him with Javier Hernandez. The Manchester United striker looked dangerous, but when served a pacey cross in front of goal, the unmarked Chicharito blasted it over the bar. With this win Mexico put Croatia in a difficult position in group A, but El Tri still have plenty to worry about as they play Brazil in their next match.

Can Mexico manage to get out of group A ahead of Croatia? Has the refereeing hindered this World Cup so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Denmark snatch comeback win against Cameroon

A great match, truly a great match full of emotion in which Denmark stay alive in their group, but Cameroon will need a miracle if they want to get out of the group.

Here's how group E stands with this result:

Netherlands (6)
Japan           (3)
Denmark     (3)
Cameroon   (0)

Cameroon - Denmark


Almost a must win match for both of these teams, Cameroon started with Samuel Eto'o playing in a more central role with Webo, and Denmark began with Bendtner who many thought wouldn't be able to make it. Cameroon found the goal just after 10 minutes with good pressure, Poulsen's bad pass allowed Webo to cross it to Eto'o who smashed it past Sorensen.

Cameroon continued to dominate the first half, and could've scored another but it was Denmark who found the equalizer with Bendtner. Kjaer launched the ball for Rommedahl to latch onto and cut across the area for Bendtner to slide in, a very well worked goal which caught Cameroon's defence with their pants down.

Then came the comedy of errors before halftime, first we saw Tomasson with no goal-keeper hit a defender instead of the open net, then at the other end Eto'o with Sorensen scrambling hit the post with a curling left foot shot. After that, Emana was 1 on 1 and he tried to chip it over Sorensen who parried well, but the rebound landed on Emana's foot as it trickled out of play. After these chances the match could've been at 3-2 for Cameroon, but somehow we went into the half at 1-1.

In the second half, we saw yet again Rommedahl being able to sneak behind the Cameroon back-line to score himself. On the edge of the area with Makoun tracking right in front of him, Rommedahl cuts into the area and curls a wonderful left foot shot past Hamidou. The rest of the second half Cameroon pressed but were unable to create anything thanks to the tough Danish defence.

The game ended 2-1 for Denmark with a great comeback, and with this result, it is impossible for Cameroon to advance to the next round as the Netherlands have booked themselves a spot in the round of 16.

Netherlands unconvincingly win and Japan squeeze out victory

Two relatively disappointing matches which both end with wins, and that leaves the group with the Netherlands on top, and Denmark at the bottom.

Netherlands     (3)
Japan               (3)
Cameroon       (0)
Denmark         (0)

Japan - Cameroon


While this match could've provided so much more, it still wasn't as bad as some will make it out to be. The only goal was grabbed in the first half (which was probably as bleak as the Netherlands - Denmark game's first half), a great cross the the far post for an unmarked Kaisuke Honda led to the Japanese striker poking in the goal. It was bad defending which led to this, Honda was completely unmarked, giving him plenty of space.

In the second half Cameroon began to fight for the equalizer, Eto'o's dribbling created a great chance in the 49th minute which was sent sailing just above the left corner. Cameroon pressed incessantly, just like the vuvuzelas that people want banned, Cameroon were constantly pressing and annoying the Japanese defence. In the 86th minute, Enoh from long distance lashed a rocket which thundered onto the crossbar, and in the dying minutes of the match Webotaps in a cross which Kawashima somehow saves, giving Japan their first victory in the World Cup finals outside of their country.

Netherlands - Denmark

After Germany's 4-0 whacking of Australia, many expected the Netherlands to match the feat, or at least win convincingly, but it was a much different story for the Dutch as they met a resolute Danish side. The first half was probably one of the most perplexing halves of football I've seen, the Netherlands were without inspiration, they were sluggish and slow, unable to find any options or create any chances. That's about how it can be summed up, a terrible half by the Dutch. Denmark on the other hand were about as good as I expected, resolute and organized in defense, and the attack wasn't that bad either. In fact, Denmark had double the shots on goal than the disappointing Netherlands who were only able to manage one.

It was the second half that things changed a bit, right at the beginning in the 46th minute the Netherlands are able to squeeze a cross in the area which Simon Poulsen somehow headed into his own net. The ball bounced off of Aggers back as it tantalizingly hit the post and went into the goal, impossible for Sorensen to save.

The game continued at it's relatively disappointing pace even with the first goal scored, it was only the introduction of Elia which provided spark and speed to a depressing side. The young winger was running around, scaring the Danish defence as he carved open spaces and chances for teammates. Eventually Elia was releaseed 1 on 1 with Sorensen as his finish clipped the post, Dirk Kuyt followed up to grab the second goal.

This clinched the victory for the Netherlands but many will be disappointed, maybe they were just missing Robben, or maybe it was this powerful denmark team which caused them more trouble than they thought.