Germany vs Argentina World Cup Final - July 13, 2014

Germany vs Argentina - Competition: World Cup Final
Match date: 13 July 2014 - Kick Off Time: 21:00 BST
Venue: Estadio do Maracana, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil 

After their 7-1 drubbing of the host nation Brazil, Germany are considered to be the clear favourit to put their hands on the cup. Against the hosts, Müller became the second player ever to score five goals in back-to-back World Cups and Klose the highest-scoring World Cup player ever with 16 goals.  

Germany come into this match on the back of very successful run as they are unbeaten in their last 17 games in which they have won 12 and drawn 5.
Mustafi is the only injured absentee for the final. Hummels is slightly injured, but he should still play. This means that Low might play with the same starting XI that destroyed Brazil as Philipp Lahm will remain at right-back while the impressive Sami Khedira will start in midfield again.
Germany’s victory over Brazil was obviously impressive but Argentina is one of the most solid team of the tournament, so it is unlikely to see the same number of goals. The Albiceleste is yet to concede a single goal in the knock-out stage. Argentina come to Sunday’s final having recorded 9 clean sheet in their last 11 matches which include 4 in Brazil. 

In their semi-final against Netherlands, Argentina played a tough match and were able to take the 0-0 game to penalty kicks where they were able to score the first 4 goals while goalkeeper Romero made 2 saves.
Sabella will be hoping to have Di María back for the World Cup Final after he missed the semi final against the Netherlands. He will be likely benched, so Perez and Maxi Rodriguez are in contention to replace him. Aguero is also recovered but Lavezzi should start the match.
In Germany 2006 the teams met at the quarter final stage, it finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and extra time and Germany won the penalty shoot out. Germany thrashed Argentina 4-0 in the knockout rounds at World Cup 2010 although Argentina did win the most recent meeting, a friendly international staged in Frankfurt in August 2012.

Probable lineups Germany: Neuer – Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes – Schweinsteiger, Khedira – T.Kroos, T.Muller, Ozil – Klose.

Probable lineups Argentina: Romero – Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo – Mascherano, Biglia – Perez (M.Rodriguez), Lavezzi, Messi – Higuain.

You can watch the match here: Link 1 , Link 2 [Live Scores]

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Netherlands vs Brazil 3-0 Highlights 2014 FIFA World Cup

Brazil vs Netherlands
Competition: World Cup 3rd Place Final
Match date: 12 July 2014
Venue: Estádio Nacional, Brasília

Netherlands – Robin van Persie (pen) 3' // Daley Blind 16' // Georginio Wijnaldum 90'

However, it was Netherlands that made a bright start on that encounter as Robin Van Persie puts them in front after only three minutes of play after converting a spot kick.

Trailing early, giving another shock therapy for Selecao players as they were not expecting to get a beating again. However, on 16 minutes, Dutch continuing their dominance as they double their advantage with a fine finish from Daley Blind.

After the break, Brazil tried hard in getting themselves back into the match, but their failure in finishing several chances eventually cost Phil Scoarli's men.

It was Netherlands that came with a the third goal in stoppage time from Georginio Wijnaldum's simple finish inside the box. No more goals were scored afterwards, as the Netherlands safely grabbed their hand in third place seat for this current World Cup.

Holland starting lineup vs Brazil 2014 WC third place playoff:-Cillessen, De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Kuyt, Wijnaldum, Sneijder, Clasie, Blind, Robben, Van Persie.

Brazil starting XI v Netherlands WC 2014 bronze medal playoff :- Julio Cesar, Maicon, Luiz, Thiago Silva, Maxwell, Paulinho, Gustavo, Ramires, Oscar, Willian, Jo.

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Netherlands vs Argentina FIFA World Cup semifinal - July 9, 2014

Netherlands vs Argentina - Competition: World Cup Semi-finals

Netherlands eliminated surprise package Costa Rica with a rather unusual move by Van Gaal as the Dutch manager replaced his starting goalkeeper Cillessen with Newcastle’s Tim Krul for the shoot-out, after the match finished 0-0. The risk paid off as Krul saved two penalties. Their performance against the Central Americans was unconvincing and very distance from the one against Spain (5-1) or Chile (2-0) in the first part of the tournament.

The Oranje will be without their powerful midfielder Nigel de Jong, who has a torn groin muscle. A possible replacement, Leroy Fer, is recovering from a hamstring injury and it is not clear if he will be fit. Ron Vlaar is a slight doubt with a knee problem so Veltman could come into contention
Argentina beat Belgium in a tight contest in the quarter-finals, with Gonzalo Higuain’s goal the difference with the South Americans winning 1-0. where Alejandro Sabella’s squad finally played as a unit and proved that they do not solely rely on superstar Lionel Messi. The Albiceleste has managed to top Group F after winning their opening clash against Bosnia-Herzegovina (2-1) and followed this up with successes against Iran (1-0) and Nigeria (3-2). In the last 16 they needed the extra time to secure a 1-0 win over Switzerland.
Angel Di Maria will miss due to a thigh strain which is likely to rule him out of the rest of the tournament while Sergio Aguero has been declared fit to play. Martín Demichelis should keep his place ahead of Fernandez at the back, while Marcos Rojo returns from suspension and should replace Basanta on the left. Sabella must choose whether to give Ezequiel Lavezzi a start or bring in one of Fernando Gago or Maxi Rodriguez in Di Maria's place.
The Dutch have not lost to Argentina in their last four encounters, winning two and drawing two. While the South American squad is known for their attack, their defense has not given up a goal in the two knockout-stage matches. Netherlands, however, are the highest scorers in the competition, scoring 12 goals so far. Argentina are still yet to win by more than a single goal in the tournament so we expect a very close match.

Netherlands last 5 matches:
13/06/14   Spain 1 – 5 Netherlands
18/06/14   Australia 2 – 3 Netherlands
23/06/14   Netherlands 2 – 0 Chile
29/06/14   Netherlands 2 – 1 Mexico
05/07/14   Netherlands P 0 – 0 Costa Rica

Argentina last 5 matches:
16/06/14   Argentina 2 – 1 Bosnia
21/06/14   Argentina 1 – 0 Iran
25/06/14   Nigeria 2 – 3 Argentina
01/07/14   Argentina E 1 – 0 Switzerland
05/07/14   Argentina 1 – 0 Belgium

Match Date: Wednesday, 9 July
Kick Off Time: 17:00 Local / 21:00 BST
Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo
Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil

You can watch the match here: Link 1 , Link 2 [Live Scores]

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Germany vs Brazil 08-07-2014 World Cup Highlights Semifinal 7-1

Brazil vs Germany

Competition: World Cup Semi-finals
Match Date: Tuesday, 8 July
Venue: Estadio Mineirao
Location: Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Brazil 1-7 Germany (Semi Final)

11' 0-1 Thomas Mueller // 23' 0-2 Miroslav Klose // 24' 0-3 Toni Kroos // 26' 0-4 Toni Kroos // 29' 0-5 Sami Khedira // 69' 0-6 Andre Schuerrle // 79' 0-7 Andre Schuerrle // 90' Oscar 1-7  

However, Germany looked very calm and composed on that match as it was they that got things going with an opener from Thomas Muller after 11 minutes.
Things continue to go well for Der Panzer as they double their advantage with an effort from Mirosla Klose on 23 minutes. Within just a minute later, Germany grabbed a third through Toni Kroos, who immediately completed his double with another finish two minutes afterwards.
It was already a job done before 30 minutes for Germany as Sami Khedira netted his team's fifth goal on 29 minutes. Brazil tried to restore some pride after the break, but it was Joachim Loew's men that still racking up the goals with substitute Andre Schurrle netting two on 69 and 79 minutes.
Selecao finally did get a consolation goal as Oscar netted home a fine finish right on the 90th minute mark.

Brazil starting lineup vs Deutschland 2014 World Cup:- Julio Cesar, Maicon, Dante, Luiz, Marcelo, Gustavo, Fernandinho, Hulk, Oscar, Bernard, Fred

Germany starting XI vs Brazil WC 2014 Semifinal:- Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes, Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Muller, Kroos, Ozil, Klose

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Netherlands vs Costa Rica 0-0 Highlights 2014 FIFA World Cup

Itaipava Arena Fonte, Salvador - 5 July, 2014 - WC Quarterfinal - 21.00 UK KO

Being the favorite side, Netherlands immediately took control of proceedings as they put on an attacking approach since kick off.

Creating many chances, luck doesn't seem to be going into Dutch's favor as they couldn't seem to put the ball into the net.

Tight defense along with excellent goal keeping simply rescued Costa Rical couple of times as Louis Van Gaal's men finishing looked rather poor.

With no goals scored during the full 90 minutes, that game go into extra time with similar approach being made by both sides. Continuously failing to finish off their goal scoring opportunities, Netherlands were settling to take that penalty challenge as Van Gaal made a special goal keeper change by putting in second goalie, Tim Krul.

Being known as a pretty good penalty stopper, Krul done his job well as he stopped two Costa Rica shooters making it 4-3 for Netherlands as Van Gaal's men didn't need to take their fifth taker.

Netherlands 0-0 (Pen 4-3) Costa Rica (Quarter Final)

Netherlands starting lineup vs Costa Rica WC 2014:- Cillessen, De Vrij, Vlaar, Martins Indi, Depay, Wijnaldum, Blind, Kuyt, Sneijder, van Persie, Robben

Costa Rica starting lineup vs Netherlands WC 2014:-Navas, Gamboa, Acosta, Diaz, Gonzalez, Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos, Campbell, Umana

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Belgium vs USA 2-1 Highlights 2014 FIFA World Cup

Itaipava Arena Fonte, Salvador- 1 July, 2014 - 21.00 UK KO - World Cup Round of 16

Belgium 2-1 USA (Last 16)

93' Kevin de Bruyne 1-0 // 105' Romelu Lukaku 2-0 // 107' 2-1 Julian Green

The Red Devils looking aggressive since early minutes as they dominated possession and created many chances which they couldn't convert.

After a goalless first 45 minutes, both sides tried to up their game in the second period, especially Belgium that have a much stronger talent compared to their opponent.

However, Tim Howard's heroic saves on USA goals preventing Marc Wilmots' men to get themselves that break through as the match went to extra time.

During the 2 x 15 minutes, Belgium put on Romelu Lukaku into the pitch and he immediately change things around as his assist set up Kevin De Bruyne who scored his team's opener on 93 minutes.

Shortly afterwards, Lukaku himself doubling Belgium's lead on 105 minutes giving his side a comfortable lead during the first 15 minutes of that extra time.

USA refused to give up easily though as they bounced back rapidly and pulled one goal back on 107 minutes from Julian Green's finish.

No more goals were scored though afterwards as Belgium holding on into their slender win until the final whistle was blown.

Belgium starting lineup vs USA World Cup 2014:- Courtois, Alderweireld, Van Buyten, Kompany, Vertonghen, Fellaini, Witsel, Mertens, De Bruyne, Hazard, Origi.

United States starting XI vs Belgium 2014 WC:- Howard, Johnson, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley, Cameron, Zusi, Jones, Bradley, Bedoya, Dempsey.

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Netherlands vs Mexico FIFA World Cup - June 29, 2014

Netherlands vs Mexico, WC − 2014 in Brazil − Round of 16

Estádio Castelão, Fortaleza, Brazil 

Sunday, June 29, 2014, 1:00 PM.

Netherlands won all their  three matches to top the Group B, thrashing Spain in their opening match by 5-1 before beating Australia by 3-2. The Oranje finished off their group with another impressive victory, a 2-0 over Chile. The Netherlands should welcome back defender Bruno Martins Indi after he missed the win over Chile with concussion while Robin van Persie makes his return from suspension. Ahead of this test Nigel de Jong, Daley Blind, Arjen Robben and Stefan de Vrij all trained separate from the group with minor knocks, but they are expected to be fit. Leroy Fer is definitely out.
After a narrow win over Cameroon, Mexico played to a 0-0 draw facing Brazil and then beat Croatia 3-1 in the last group match thanks to goals from Guardado, Rafa Márquez, and Javier Hernández. They finishing unbeaten with seven points and only missing out on top spot on goal difference.
The only enforced absentee for Herrera's side is José Juan Vázquez, who misses out through suspension. In his place could well be 34-year-old Carlos Salcido. Javier Hernandez is likely to start from the bench, despite netting in the 3-1 win over Croatia.
Mexico’s history in the knock out stages doesn’t inspire much confidence; since 1994 they have lost out in the second stage each time, while their record against the Dutch in their last four encounters has seen them lost three and draw one while shipping at least two goals in each game. The Netherlands are also unbeaten against Mexico in their last four international games.

Netherlands (5-3-2) – Cillessen – Janmaat – Blind – Vlaar – Wijnaldum – De Vrij – De Jong – De Guzman – Sneijder – Robben – Van Persie.

Mexico (5-3-2) – Ochoa – Layun – Moreno – Aguilar – Marquez – Rodriguez – Herrera – M. Fabian – Guardado – Gio dos Santos – Peralta.

You can watch the match here: Link 1 , Link 2 [Live Scores]

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Portugal 2-1 Ghana Highlights 26-06-2014 FIFA World Cup

Portugal vs Ghana - Competition: FIFA World Cup
Match date: 26 June 2014
Venue: Estadio Nacional, Brasilia, Brazil 

Portugal was rewarded after half of hour mark thanks to an own goal from John Boye, which lasted until half time break.

Needing at least two more goals to turn their deficit around, Portugal found themselves in more trouble when Ghana got back on level terms from Asamoah Gyan's strike.

That situation suddenly turned things on Ghanas favor as one more goal will instead put the African side heading into the next stage.

However, it was Portugal that regained their lead as Cristiano Ronaldo scored on 80 minutes to make it 2-1 for his team.

Despite creating several chances, none of those teams manage to score more goals as they have to pack their back and fly home since that 2-1 result was not enough in taking down USA from runners up spot.

Goals: Portugal – John Boye (og) 31' // Cristiano Ronaldo 80'
Ghana – Asamoah Gyan 57'

Portugal starting lineup vs Ghana 2014 World Cup:- Beto, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Miguel Veloso, William Carvalho, Ronaldo (c), Moutinho, Eder, Nani, Amorim, Pereira.

Ghana starting XI vs Portugal 2014 WC:- Dauda, Gyan (c), Atsu, Agyemang Badu, A. Ayew, Rabiu, Waris, Mensah, Asamoah, Boye, Afful.

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Croatia vs Mexico 1-3 Highlights 23-06-2014 World Cup

Croatia vs Mexico - Competition: FIFA World Cup
Match date: 23 June 2014
Venue: Arena Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil

Croatia 1-3 Mexico (Group A)

Croatia – Ivan Perisic 87'
Mexico – Rafael Marquez 72' // Andres Guardado 75' // Javier Hernandez 82'

It was a very tight encounter where both sides seemingly finding difficulties in breaking each others defense, especially during the first 45 minutes.
However, midway into the second half, Mexico finally found a way though as they got in front through Rafael Marquez's header on 72 minutes. Soon afterwards, it was 2-0 for the Concacaf side when Andres Guardado scored his team's second. Mexico practically sealed their qualification spot when Javier Hernandez's netted home the third goal eight minutes from time.
Croatia themselves only able to pull one goal back from Ivan Perisic on 87 minutes, which was not enough to rescue them from World Cup exit. Mexico themselves will be heading into the knock out stages and an interesting meeting against Netherlands.

Croatia starting lineup vs Mexico 2014:- Pletikosa, Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Vrsaljko, Rakitic, Pranjic, Perisic, Modric, Olic, Mandzukic.

Mexico starting XI v Hrvatska 2014 WC:- Ochoa, Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno, Layun, Herrera, Vazquez, Guardado, Giovani, Peralta.

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Switzerland vs France 2-5 Highlights 2014 FIFA World Cup

Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador- 20 June, 2014 - 20.00 UK KO

However, it was France that looked sharper up front as they manage to get themselves ahead after 17 minutes from Olivier Giroud.

Within just a minute later, Les Blues doubled their advantage from Blaise Matuidi's fine finish, before they sealed the first half with a third goal scored by Mathieu Valbuena five minutes from time.

France should probably took a 4-0 lead going into half time break, but Karim Benzema failed to convert his spot kick.

The Real Madrid man paid back his miss though as on 67 minutes he made it 5-0 for France as Moussa Sissoko wrapped up Les Blues victory with a fifth goal.

Swiss still putting up brace effort though as they manage to pull two goals back through Blerim Dzemaili on 81 minutes and Granit Xhaka 87.

Switzerland 2-5 France (Group E)

17' 0-1 Olivier Giroud // 18' 0-2 Blaise Matuidi // 40' 0-3 Mathieu Valbuena // 67' 0-4 Karim Benzema // 73' 0-5 Moussa Sissoko // 81' Blerim Dzemaili 1-5 // 87' Granit Xhaka 2-5

Switzerland starting lineup vs France WC 2014:- Benaglio, Djorou, Lichtsteiner, Von Bergen, Rodriguez, Behrami, Inler, Shaqiri, Xhaka, Mehmedi, Seferovic

France starting XI vs Schweizer Nati 2014:- Lloris, Debuchy, Evra, Sakho, Varane, Matuidi, Valbuena, Cabaye, Sissoko, Benzema, Giroud

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Chile vs Spain 2-0 Highlights 18-06-2014 World Cup

Spain vs Chile  - Competition: FIFA World Cup
Match date: 18 June 2014
Venue: Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

Spain 0-2 Chile (Group B)
Goals: Chile – Eduardo Vargas 20' // Charles Aranguiz 43'

 

Suffering a massive 5-1 loss from Netherlands on their opening match, Spain were determined to redeem themselves as they met Chile.

However, it turned out to be another nightmare for Vicente Del Bosque's men as instead of taking the lead, they found themselves trailing when Eduardo Vargas scored on 20 minutes.

The South American side continue to showcase their strength after doubling their lead just before half time break with an effort from Charles Aranguiz. After the break, Spain tried to improve their game, but nothing really changed as the defending champion continue to struggle in breaking down their opponent.

No more goals were scored in the second half as that result means that Spain have to bid farewell to this WC campaign in such tragic fashion.

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Germany vs Portugal 4-0 Highlights 2014 FIFA World Cup

Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova - Salvador, Bahia- 16 June, 2014- Group G - 17.00 UK KO

Eager to grab maximum points from their first group fixture, both sides immediately put on an aggressive effort since kick off.

After creating several chances, it was Germany that got themselves in front thanks to a penalty effort from Thomas Muller on 12 minutes.

Things continue to get better for Joachim Loew's men as they manage do double their lead on 32 minutes from Mats Hummels' header.

Keen on getting back on level terms, Portugal found themselves in an even worse situation when they were forced to play with only 10 men with the sending off for Pepe.

Germany took full advantage of that situation as they added two more goals in that match, which were all scored by Thomas Muller, who marked his World Cup opener with a hat-trick.

Germany 4-0 Portugal (Group G):

12' (pen.) Thomas Mueller 1-0 // 32' Mats Hummels 2-0 // 45' Thomas Mueller 3-0 // 78' Thomas Mueller 4-0

Germany starting lineup vs Portugal 2014:- Neuer, Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Howedes, Lahm, Khedira, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Gotze

Portugal starting XI vs Germany 2014:- Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Pepe, Bruno Alves, Fabio Coentrao, Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Meireles, Nani, Almeida, Ronaldo

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Ghana vs United States World Cup - Group G June 16, 2014

Ghana vs United States - Competition: FIFA World Cup

Ghana played pretty well in AFCON 2013, losing a semi final to Burkina Faso on penalty kicks whilst their 2014 qualifying campaign concluded with a 7-3 aggregate demolition of Egypt. Then, the Black Stars were defeated by Montenegro at Podgorica early in March and sucumbed to the all-powerful Holland side at Rotterdam on the end of May. In their most recent match, they beat 4-0 Korea Republic.

The midfield trio of Andre Ayew, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Kwadwo Asamoah are all gifted footballers currently playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Jordan Ayew, who scored a hat-trick against South Korea, will still play as left winger behind striker Asamoah Gyan.
United States team won their three recent preparation matches- 2:0 against Azerbaijan and 2:1 against Turkey and Nigeria. So they extended the very positive campaign they achieved during the qualification round, where they finished at the top of their group ahead of Costa Rica and Mexico.
Coach Klinsmann brought in a new 4-4-1-1 tactical style, with Dempsey lurking behind the centre forward Altidore. Bayern’s Julian Green, 19, will provide youthful exuberance and an unpredictability coming in from the bench. Anyway, the decision to leave out Landon Donovan, the USA’s top scorer in World Cup finals, may come back to haunt them.
In 2006, the African side won 2-1 in their last game of the group phase, making it to the second round in the process and sending the Americans home. Four years later, it was again a 2-1 in aggregate time in the round of 16.

Ghana last 5 matches:
29/01/14 Nigeria 0 – 0 P Ghana
01/02/14 Libya P 0 – 0 Ghana
05/03/14 Montenegro 1 – 0 Ghana
31/05/14 Netherlands 1 – 0 Ghana
09/06/14 Ghana 4 – 0 Korea Republic

United States last 5 matches:
05/03/14 Ukraine 2 – 0 United States
03/04/14 United States 2 – 2 Mexico
28/05/14 United States 2 – 0 Azerbaijan
01/06/14 United States 2 – 1 Turkey
07/06/14 United States 2 – 1 Nigeria

Match date: 16 June 2014 - Kick Off Time: 23:00 BST
Venue: Arena das Dunas, Natal, Brazil
 

You can watch the match here: Link 1 , Link 2 [Live Scores]

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Netherlands vs Spain 5-1 Highlights 2014 FIFA World Cup

Spain vs Netherlands - Competition: FIFA World Cup
Match date: 13 June 2014 - Kick Off Time: 20:00 BST
Venue: Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova (Salvador, Bahia) 

Spain got themselves in front when Xabi Alonso converting from the spot kick on 27 minutes after Diego Costa was fouled inside the area.

Trailing by a goal didn't stop Netherlands from driving forward as they got back on level terms just before half time break with an excellent goal from Robin Van Persie.

After the break, it was all Dutch though as they completely demolishing the defending champions starting with Arjen Robben's goal on 53 minutes.

Things got worse for Spain when they conceded a third goal which was netted from Stefan de Vrij on 64 minutes.

A howler from Iker Casillas presented Netherlands with a fourth goal, which was scored again by Van Persie. Netherlands finally sealed their massive opening game victory with another excellent goal from Robben, who also grabbed a brace on that match.

Spain 1-5 Netherlands (Group B):

27' (pen.) Xabi Alonso 1-0 // 44' 1-1 Robin van Persie // 53' 1-2 Arjen Robben // 64' 1-3 Stefan de Vrij // 72' 1-4 Robin van Persie // 80' 1-5 Arjen Robben

Spain starting lineup vs Holland 2014:- Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Azpi, Alba, Iniesta, Alonso, Xavi, Silva, Busquets, Costa

Holland starting XI vs Espana 2014:- Cillessen, Vlaar, Janmaat, Blind, De Vrij, Martins Indi, Robben, Sneijder, De Jong, de Guzman, Van Persie

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Brazil vs Croatia FIFA World Cup - Group A 12-06-2014

Brazil vs Croatia - Competition: WC − 2014 in Brazil − Group A

Match date: 13 June 2014
Kick Off Time: 21:00 BST
Venue: Arena de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo

Brazil have won 15 of their last 16 matches, with a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland in a friendly in Basel as the only exception. They won the COnfederations Cup 12 months ago with a 3-0 win over current World Champions Spain in the final. Three warm up matches since March have brought three wins accompanied by a clean sheet with Bafana hammered 5-0 in South Africa in March and more recently they beat Panama (4-0) before being made to work hard in their final tune up, a 1-0 victory over Serbia. 

The Selecao will likely take to the field against Croatia on Thursday with the same XI which lined up in four of the five matches last summer as the host nation claimed Confederations Cup glory  which means the likes of Dante, Ramires and Willian should miss out on a place in the first-team.

Croatia have undoubted talent in their ranks and will not be an easy opening assignment for Brazil. Like The Seleçao, Croatia also picked up a 1-0 win ahead of the tournament, their victory coming against fellow World Cup competitors Australia. Niko Kovac’s boys are now on a positive run of five matches. Croatia will be without star striker Mario Mandzukic for the meeting with Brazil as he is suspended. Ivica Olic could lead the attack but much of the focus will be on creative trio Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mateo Kovacic. Danijel Pranjic is  unlikely to start after he picked up a nasty ankle injury in the final warm-up fixture against Australia and Genoa’s Sime Vrsaljko stands by to take Pranjic’s place.
The host nation has never lost their opening World Cup game, with the 20 previous hosts winning 14 and drawing six of their openers. Brazil won their one previous competitive meeting with Croatia 1-0 in the 2006 World Cup; Kaka scored the winner in Berlin that day.

Probable lineups Croatia: Pletikosa – Srna, Corluka, Lovren, Vida –Vukojevic, Modric – Rakitic, Kovacic, Perisic – Olic.

Probable lineups Brazil: Julio Cesar – Dani Alves, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Marcelo – Paulinho, Luiz Gustavo – Hulk, Oscar, Neymar – Fred.

You can watch the match here: Link 1 , Link 2 [Live Scores]

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