Group A drew to a close with possible drama. Though Brazil had 4 points and were very likely through to the knockout stages, it was yet to be determined who win the group and face Chile in the next round, and who would finish runner up and take on Netherlands. Brazil had the task of facing a Cameroon team that was out of the tournament and had nothing to lose. But the Canaries came out strong. In the 17th minute Neymar would give the hosts the lead and send the crowd into a frenzy. The Lions fought back as Joel Matip would equalize in the 26th minute. From there, it all went Brazil's way. A 35th minute goal by Neymar would give Brazil the lead again, and they'd hold onto it til the half. The second half saw action go back and forth, but Brazil would make the most of it via goals by Fred and Fernandinho in the 49th and 84th minutes. Just like that Brazil were guaranteed to avoid Netherlands, and will face Chile this Saturday.
As for the runner up spot in the group. Mexico headed into the final clash with Croatia up on points 4 to 3. But a Croatian win could have knocked Mexico out on goal differential. So, let the drama begin. The first half went scoreless as neither team could break the deadlock. It felt like Croatia would have to gamble as a draw favored Mexico. Then the second half started. The deadlock held until the 72nd minute when Rafael Marquez would put Mexico ahead. Three minutes later Andres Guardado would make it 2-0. Javier Hernandez would make it 3-0. Croatia fought back with an Ivan Perisic goal to trail 3-1 in the 87th minute. With time running out, and a miracle comeback needed, when in the 89th minute Ante Rebic would earn a red card. He would exit the match, and just moments later Croatia would exit the tournament leaving Niko Kovac an unhappy man. Mexico qualify for the second round and will have the daunting task of facing Netherlands on Sunday.
Cameroon 1:4 Brazil
Croatia 1:3 Mexico
Praeceptor: Cameroon 0:2 Brazil
Croatia 1:2 Mexico
Musicus: Cameroon 1:3 Brazil
Croatia 1:1 Brazil
Scriptor: Cameroon 0:3 Brazil
Croatia 0:1 Mexico
Ferrarius: Cameroon 1:1 Brazil
Croatia 2:1 Mexico
IoannesNix: Cameroon 2:3 Brazil
Croatia 0:1 Mexico
Artifex: Cameroon 1:2 Brazil
Croatia 1:2 Mexico
Group A points by contestants:
Artifex: 6/1
IoannesNix: 6/1
Praeceptor: 6/1
Scriptor: 5/1
Musicus: 4/1
Ferrarius: 2/0
STANDINGS:
27/7 YC
22/3
21/2 YC
19/4
18/4 YC
16/4
??????
Today's player of the day picked up an impressive 5 points out of 8, and continues to lead the pack with 27 points. A perfect day plus a bonus point have given Praeceptor the award. Congratulations contestant, here is your Niko Kovac facepalm:
Tomorrow brings the conclusion of Groups C and D. Good luck contestants. Only three days remain to the first round. Our champion will be crowned sooner and sooner.
The Grand Salmon Alpaca
No comments:
Post a Comment