GERMANY vs GHANA

Ghana defends German Tanks

Germany 2- Ghana 2( Ayev 54', Gyan 63 )
Gotze 51'
Close 71'

A perfect match.!! Top class attack and defense from both teams. Ghana deserves more prais. They were very sharp in attacks and excellent in defense. It looks another death group now.

All goals came in the second half after a thrilling first half. Germans, who are very accurate in their passing were denied ground to advance in the Ghanan half. Gotze broke the deadlock in the 51', from a cross from Muller. Ghana got the equaliser very soon in the 54'. Muntary, Gyan and Ayev were dangerous with their fast moves. Ayev scored at the end of such a move from a brilliant header. Shockingly, they went ahead in the 61'. Muntary's pass was exquisite and Gyan finished well.

Germans responded by bringing in experienced Shwansteiger and Close. It looked like their attacks got sharpened with their arrival. Muller, Shwansteiger, Ozil and Kroos created more good moves to find the equaliser, but Ghanan defense were intact.

But, they equalised from a corner, when vetern Close making final touch in to the net. After bothe team level, Ghana came up with more creative moves searching for victory. But, Germans succeseeded in keeping them away.

 

ARGENTINA vs IRAN

Messi Scores in the Injury time to save Argentina !!

Iran 0- Argentina 1( Messi 91')

What a defending that was. They were strong, determined and well concentrated. It was all that one goal from Messi for Argentina had to cheer. Argentina has secured their their spot in the last 16 with this goal.

Argentinian fans were majority in the stands. They were expecting a big win for their team. Argentina were possessing the ball in the entire game. Di Maria, Higuin and Messi continued to bring ball forward but only upto Iran defense. Argentina lacked precision in attack. All eleven players were in their own half of ground to defend. They successfully defended the first half to make the opponents frustrated.

Iran started attacking whenever they get ball in the second half. The best try came in the 64'. Dejagah's header was good and on target. Romero, who had nothing much to do in the match did well to punch it out. Another header from Reza was luckily straight on goal keeper. Iran's counter attack in the 85' corner of Argentina was excellent. Tha ball came past defenders, but shot was again saved by Romero.

The goal came in the first minute of injury time. The complete credit of goal goes to Messi. He was outside box in the right wing. He dribbled past his marker, and curved the ball to the far post. It was beauty to watch the ball going past over defenders and the goal keeper.

Argentina

1. Romero
2. Garay
4. Zabaleta
5. Gago
14. Mascherano
20. Aguero >< 22. Lavezzi
7. De Maria >< 6. Biglia
10. Messi
9. Higuin >< 18. Palacio
16. Rojo
17. Fernandez

Coach: Alejandro Sabella

Iran

12. Haghighi
3. Haji >< 8. Haji Safi
4. Hosseini
5. Amir Hossein
6. Nekounam
7. Masoud >< Heydari
14. Audranik
15. Montazeri
16. Reza
21. Dejagah >< 9. Ali Reza
23. Mehradad

coach: Carlos Queiroz

France vs Switzerland

France book second round spot after a 5-2 win.

Final score
France 5- Switzerland 2 (Dzemai77', Xhaka85')
Giroud 17'
Matuidi 18'
Velbuena 40'
Benzema 66'
Sissoko 67'

France trashes Suitzerland as 7 players scoring. Bemzema scored another one just while referee was blowing his whistle, but will not be counted.
French started attacking very early. First goal came from corner as Giroud placed it to the top corner of post and making keeper to reach and clear. 17'. They scored again from a big mistake from Swiss. Restarting after first goal, Swiss blindly gave ball to Benzema, who passed it to Matuidi and he finished well. 2-0. Swiss trying to come back from early blows, created chances with quick penetrating passes. Shaqiri's shot at 29' was inches away from far post. French were very difficult to handle by Swiss defenders. French were given a penalty in the 30', when Djourou pushed down Benzema. Benaglio saved Benzema's shot, but rebound was an open chance for Cabaye, but hit the post. French scored again from a fast counter attack. Swiss brought 8 players forward for a corner. Giroud got the ball, he had lot of space and crossed the ball to Velbuene. 3-0.
Switzerland came up with more positive attacks after break. They got the best chance at 64', when Mehmedi wasted a cross while he was free and just goal keeper to beat. Benzema, who was looking desperate to add his name in the score sheet, scored in the next minute. Benzema hit with a turn, Pogba's brilliant ball made it 4-0. Soon, they increased their lead to 5, with a good team play, Benzema pushing a ball to Sissoko and he finished it.

French continued to attack for more, but were denied by goal keeper continuously. Dzemaili scored Swiss first goal from a free kick in the 75'. Shaqiri's excellent shot was saved by Lloris. Swiss decreased their deficit in the 85'. Inler giving a super pass over defenders to Xhaka and he scored with a fabulous finish.



France

1.Lloris
2. Debuchy
3. Evra
4. Varane
5. Sakho
6. Cabaye
8. Valbuena
10. Benzema
11. Griezman
14. Matuidi
19. Pogba

Coach : Didier Deschamps


Switzerland

1. Benaglio
20. Djourou
5. Von Bergen >< 4. Senderos
13. Rodriguoz
2. Lightsteiner
11. Behrami
10. Xhaka
8. Inler
23. Shaqiri
9. Seferovic
18. Mehmedi


 

ITALY VS COST RICA

Another Giant slayed !!

Final score
Italy 0- Costa Rica 1 (Ruiz)

Spain, England now Italy falls. They now face a dangerous situation as they face Uruguay in their last group match.

Costa Rica show the world that their win against Uruguay was not a fluke. They showed how they can win with quick attacks. They got 4 corners in the first half while Italy had only 1.

Italy got the first real chance of the match in the 30'. Pirlo, brilliant ball over Costa Rican defenders was perfect for Balotelli to score. But, he couldnt make it count. Pirlo's another great pass in the 35', again for Balotelli, was struck straight on goal keeper. Meanwhile Campbell, Ruiz, Duarte and Bolanos were frustrating Azzuris. Bolanos shot from outside box in the 35' was pushed away by Buffon. The most dramatic incident happened in the 42', when Campbell was down in the box. He was passing Chiellini with a loose ball from Italians, and was fowled down. Referee denied a deserved penalty. The goal came as a justice for that wrong decision from referee. Diaz crossed the the ball to the far post and captain Ruiz chased and connected with head to beat Buffon.

Italy brought in Cassano to sharpen their attack in the second half. They were very well positioned, possessed, and passing ball. But, they really lacked pace. It never looked great defending by Costa Rica but Italy themselves gave away possesaion from cruicial attacking positions. A good shot on target or cross never came from Italy side. Whenever Costa Rica posses ball, they attacked very fastly. Italy maintained their calm and cool passing game till the last whistle. Costa Rica went to the second round. They will now face England to decide who is the group leaders. While, Italy now face threat of going home. Italy will face Uruguay in their next match and winner will go tocthw next round.


ITALY

1. Buffon
3. Cheillini
15. Barzagli
9. Balotelli
21. Pirlo
7. Abate
4. Darmian
16. De Rossi
5. Thiago Motta >< 10. Casano
6. Condreva >< 22. Insigne
8. Machisio >< 11. Cerci


coach: Prandelli Cesare

Costa Rica

1. Navas
3. Gonzalez
4. Umana
5. Borges
6. Duarte
7. Bolanos
9. Campbell >< 21. Urena
10. Ruiz >< 10. Brenes
15. Diaz
16. Gamboa
17. Tajeda >< Cubero


Coach: Jorg Luis Pinto
 

ENGLAND VS URUGUAY

England goes after consecutive loss.

Final Score
Uruguay 2-England 1(Rooney74')
Suarez 39', 80'.

England again going home after two 2-1 defeats. Also, this could be the last game for Rooney scored for the first time in World cup, which could be his last too. This would be the last time we see Gerrard also in the English jersey.

England started positively with constant attacks and good possession in the do or die match. They retained their last match line up. Rooney and Sturridge came  forward to make Uruguay defenders feel the high pressure game. But, Sterling, who showed outstanding show in the match against Italy was just a shade. Even with 40% ball possession, Urugauy got more corners in the first 30 min. Rooney's free kick was very close but went out in the 8'. Rooney headed a free kick on to the bar from just under it, in the 30'. Suarez, who went through a surgery just 4 days ago, was a surprise addition to the playing eleven. Still, he scored the goal in the 39'. He just ensured the ball passes back Joe Hart with a header push from Cavani's cross.

England, who equalised with in 2 minutes against Italy, came up with good moves and won 4 corners conservatively. But, goal stayed away.

Cavani got the first real chance after the break. Lodeiro pushed a ball through English defenders and Cavani was one on one with Hart. But, Cavani couldn't find the target. Rooney hit a scoring chance directly on Musleri. Also, Welbeck couldn't reach a brilliant cross from Baines. Perreiera showed real spirit when he was down on ground after a collision with Sterling. Sterling's knee hit Perreira's head. He was not moving for a while. Team officials ran towards him. When he stood up, doctor and coach asked for replacing him. But, he argued that he wants to continue and went on playing.

Rooney scored his first ever world cup match in the 74'. Sturridge came forward with the ball and passed to Johnson, who ran into the box and crossed it to Rooney. Rooney had nothing much to do than tapping it to goal.

England went on with attacks to survive in the tournament. Suarez scored against the run of play in the 77', to seal the match. The goal kick was deep into England area, Cavani and Gerrard went for the ball. But, ball reached Suarez, from Gerrard's head. He controlled with a touch and finished powerfully.

After that, England could reach goal, even with continuous attacks. They became first dead from the death group.

Uruguay

1.Huslera
2. Godin
6. Pereira
7. Rodriguez
9. Suarez >< 9. Coates
13. Gimenez
14. Lodeiro ><11. Stuani
17. Arevalo
20. Gonzalez ><4. Fucile
21. Cavani
22. Caceres

Coach: Tabarez

England

1. Joe Hart
2. Johnson
3. Baines
4. Gerrard
5. Cahill
6. Phil Jagielka
9. Sturridge
10. Rooney
11. Wellbeck ><20. Lallana
14. Henderson >< Lambert
19. Sterling ><21. Barkley

Coach: Hodson Roy

SPAIN VS CHILE

Champions out of the Championship !!!

Chile 2- Spain 0
Vargas20'
Aranguiz 43'

Spain are out of the championship. They will meet another knocked out team Australia in their last match of Brazil 2014.

astonishingly, Spain started without Xavi, who played all Cup winning matches of 2008 Euro, 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euro cup. It seemed they left their tikki-takka outside ground before coming to this match. But, Spain found it very difficult to tackle fast Chilean passes and movements. Also, Chile defended brilliantly to spoil all Spain movements.
Xabi Alonso got a must score chance in the 14', but he hit directly on goalkeeper.
While Chile played confidently with Vidal and Sanches making good moves. The first goal came as a result of such a movement. Sanches crossed the ball to Vargas, who took the ball and put it in the back of the net teasing Casillas and Ramos. 20'.

Spain, understanding the danger, tried hard to break Chilean defense. But, they stood hard. Also, their counter attacks were sharp and disturbing for Spain. Diego Costa looked disappointing again. He hesitated shooting chances. Shots wide off target. Meanwhile Chile gave another shock in the 43' minute. Sanchez took a free kick from just out outside the box, which was saved by Casillas, but Aranguiz gathered the rebound and scored. 2-0.

Spain replaced Xabi Alonso and brought Koke saying that they are trying new tactics. Koke playing his first competitive game, could only play role of a gather, who gather and gives ball to Pedro , Silva, Iniesta and Sergio. While Spain playing more aggressively to survive, Sergio Busquetz missed a real goal. It was open, free and sitter. The chance came as a result of a free kick. An acrobatic effort from Diego Costa pushed ball only upto the far post. Sergio hit the ball out. They brought in Torres and Cazorla but couldn't reach the target. Even a good shot on target was never found. Some attempts were excellently saved by Bravo. The inevitable loss makes a disappointing trip to some players like David Villa, who was the top scorer in South Africa.


Spain

1. Casillas
3. Pique
6. Iniesta
8. Xavi
14. Xabi Alonso
15. Sergio Ramos
16. Sergio
18. Jordi Alba
19. Diego Costa
21. Silva
22. Azpilicueta

coach: Vuncent Del Bosque


Chile

1. Claudio BRAVO (C) GK
2 Eugenio MENA
4 Mauricio ISLA
7 Alexis SANCHEZ
8 Arturo VIDAL
10 Jorge VALDIVIA
11 Eduardo VARGAS
17 Gary MEDEL
18 Gonzalo JARA
20 Charles ARANGUIZ
21 Marcelo DIAZ

Coach : Jorge SAMPAOL

AUSTRALIA VS HOLLAND

Powerful Dutch overcome Aussies challenge.

Netherland 3- Australia 2(Cahil 21', Jedinac 54')
Robben 20'
Van Persie 57'
Memphis Depay 68'

Australia played really well. Even with loss, they have won hearts of people with their performance. Australia got the first corner. The goal came in the 20 minute. Arjen Robben swiftly running with ball from the centre and scores. That was his 7th goal in 8 matches. But, Holland got no time to relax and celebrate after their goal. Veteran stricker Tim Cahil scored an absolutely brilliant goal from a volley. 21'. 1-1. A free kick in the 32', Dutch defense completely missed the ball, but Australians couldn't score.

After the break, Aussies kickoff ball came straight in to the enemy box, but Leckie fowled and denied a chance. Schneijder took a shot from outside the box in the 50', but goal keeper pushed it out for a corner. Aussies took the lead from a penalty. A cross attempt by Bozanic was handled by Janmart inside box. Jedinac took the kick and scored. 2-1. (54'). This was the 7th penalty in the tournament and all seven were scored. Experienced DeJong gave away ball in a very dangerous position, but it was saved by the keeper. Dutch scored and levelled in the 58', from a well crafted move by Schneijder and Memphis from left wing. The ball reached to the captain Van Persie, who is always waiting for the ball, scored. 2-2. The best chance and miss came in the 67'. A rare miss from Dutch defense gave away ball to Aussies within their own box. Leckie, who was all alone and in a superb position to score, chested the ball to goal instead of heading. The very next minute Netherland took the lead. Memphis, who found free and open just outside Aussies box, seeing nobody is closing him, and sensing a chance to shoot striked. The ball curved away to the left of the keeper and went in. 3-2. Aussies continued attacking Dutch, but couldn't found the goal. DeJong has played majestically in the midfield. He gathered, defended and passed well in the entire match.
Tim Cahil(5) has scored more goals than star players Messi(2), Ronaldo(2) and Rooney (0 in the world cups.

Australia

1 Maty RYAN

2 Ivan FRANJIC

3 Jason DAVIDSON

4 Tim CAHILL >< 10. Halloran

5 Mark MILLIGAN

6 Matthew SPIRANOVIC

7 Mathew LECKIE

11 Tommy OAR ><9. Taggart

15 Mile JEDINAK (C)

22 Alex WILKINSON

23 Mark BRESCIANO ><13. Bozanic

Coach : Ange POSTECOGLOU

Holland

1. Cillersen

2. Vlaar

3. DeVrij 

4. Martins Indi >< 21. Memphis

5. Blind

6. DeJong

7. Janmaat

8. DeGuzman ><20. Vijnaldun

9. Van Persie >< 17. Lens.

10. Sneijder

11. Robben

coach: van Gaal

Brazil Vs Mexico

Ochoa denies two points to Brazil
Final score
Brazil

Match started in a thunderous atmosphere in the stadium. Mexico started with little muscular challenges. After lazy first 10 minutes, Brazil started to gain possession. They started flowing into Mexican box. Neymar showed skill and pace to run towards the Mexican area, in the 16', but was fowled. While Peralta, who scored 9 goals in last 7 appearances, disturbed Brazilian defense with Dos Santos. Herreira came with a blistering shot in the 24', but pushed over by Cesar. 25th minute of play saw an astonishing save by Ochoa to deny Neymar. Neymar, who connected Paulinho's cross and the entire crowd thought the ball was going in. Silva made an excellent tackle to foil Mexican attack on the other hand. Brazil got another chance in the 42', when Alves was fowled and referee offer a free kick. Neymar's kick was chested down brilliantly by Thiago Silva, to make chance for Paulinho or Luiz, who were in the box. But, Ochoa again stood strong and decisive to deny Paulinho. Oscar, who was outstanding in the opening match was rarely seen in the first half. Both left for break without scoring.

In the second half, Brazil hardly worked towards a goal, but all were stopped either by experienced Rodriguez and Marquez, or by Ochoa. The best chance came in for Brazil from a free kick. Thiago Silva got a clean close range free header but Ochoa denied him with a blistering hand work. Jo came through inside box, but hit away from target. In the 91', Cesar stopped a shot from Aguilar and there was nothing left in the match after that.



12. Cesar
2. Dani Alves
3. Thiago Silva
4. David Luiz
6. Marcelo
8. Paulinho
9. Fred >< 21. Jo
10. Neymar
11. Oscar >< 19. Willian.
16. Ramires >< 20. Bernard
17. Gustavo

Coach: Scolari

Mexico
13. Ochoa
2. Rodriguez
3. Marquez
6. Herrera ><8. Fabian
7. Layun
10. Dos Santos >< Jimenez
15. Moreno
18. Guardado
19. Peralta >< 14. J. Hernandez
22. Aguilar
23. Vazquez

Coach: Miguel Herrera
 

Algeria Vs Belgium

Belgium wins after an Algerian shock!!

Final score
Belgium 2-Algeria 1( Feghouli 23')
Fellaini 70', Mertens 80'

As the Belgian coach Wilmots said, the subs doing it for Belgians, Algeria ended their 28 year long goal rout in World cup.

Algeria showed real discipline and strength throughout the match. Belgium foud it very difficult to make a way to the Algerian box, even with a 65% possession. They started to try long ranges desperately. But, Algerian goalkeeper was making it very difficult for them.
On the other hand, Algeria had pace and penetration in their moves. It was in the 23rd min, Feghouli got pushed down in the box by Vertonghen, referee pointed towards the penalty spot with any hesitancy. He himself took the kick and scored.
Belgium keep on attacking through out the first half, but never able to reach the goal. All their attacks were concentrated on the left flank, rarely ball came in the right. All, the coach, players and fans went frustrated in the first half.

Second half, Belgians started more aggressively. The made all their changes by 64'. Belgians had the supreme possession, but Algeria came dangerously to the Belgian half, whenever they got ball. Belgians, also, committed fowls to regain possession, addidng more frustration to their side. Origi came one on one but hit goal keeper instead of scoring, in the 66'.

The much awaited equaliser came in the 70'. Debruyne crossed from left wing, which was brilliantly put into the back of the net by Fellaini. Then, it looked like Belgians came out of pressure cooker. They started attacking more positively. Hazard looked more dangerous. They again scored, just after 10 minutes, to take the lead. After interrupting an Algerian attack, Belgians counter attacked, Hazard passing the ball to Mertens. It looked like the famous Pele push in the 1970 world cup. Mertens had hours and acres to prepare and take the shot. Hammering shot beat the keeper and reached net. They came close to increasing the lead in the 83rd min, when Fellaini headed brillainatly, but Rais saved it excellently. Fellaini stumbled inside and infront of goal in the 87', and missed another chance.

Algeria
23. Rais
3. Ghoulam
2. Bouguerra
14. Bentaleb
5. Halliche
19. Taider
10. Feghouli
21. Hahrez
22. Mostefa
15. Soudani >< 13. Slimani
12. Medjani >< 9. Ghilas

Coach: Vahid Halilhodzic

Belgium

1. Coutois
4. Kompany
2. Alderwereld
9. Lukaku >< 17. Origi
10. Eden Hazard
5. Vertonghen
6. Witsel
15. Van Buyten
7. Debruyne
19. Dembele >< 8. Fellaini
22. Chadli >< 14. Mertens

Coach: Marc Wilmots

Germany vs Portugal

Frustrating defeat for Portugal
Final Score
Germany 4-Portugal 0
Mueller (11', 45', 78')
Hummels (35')

In all went wrong match for Portugal, Germany had everything to walk out happy. Portugese started attacking initially. They thrice shooting for goal in first ten minutes. But, once German machines got the pace, it all went to their side. Patricio started with a very poor clearance, which only went upto their own box, reaching Khadeira's foot. But he couldnot find the net. After a couple of minutes, Perreira fowled Gotze in the box, which resulted in penalty. Mueller scored it to make 1-0 lead. (11'). The Germans already gained the confidense of win, as they have never lost after scoring first since 1994. A shot from Nani, with his boot's outside, went just over bar. Soon, Portugese striker Almeida got replaced as he was injured. On the pther hand, Germans moved with flowing precise passings. In the 32', Mezul gave an exellent pass for Gotze, which only resulted in corner, but must have scored. Hummels headed in the resulting header for goal. (2-0).

The most shocking incident of the match was in the 36'. Pepe, who was playing a starting role of all their attacks, got red card for hitting
Mueller with his head. This indisciplined action from the defender erased Portugal's any chance left in the match. The Germans kept on attacking with Gotze, Ozil, Mueller now having more space in the field. Alves tried to clear an incoming ball to the box, in the 45', but Mueller predicting his move blocked the ball and scored. 3-0.

In the second half, Germany continued to press for more goals. Ozil and Mueller wasted chances in the opening minutes of second half. Portugal's all hopes was now on World footballer of the year, Ronaldo. He eventually got a chance in the form of a free kick , in the 58', but hit the wall. Adding to their worries, experinced Coentrao got injured and went out. Couple of time, Ronaldo tried to go alone with ball and try shooting. In the 68', Kroos failed to convert an excellent cross from Schurrle to goal. In the 78', Ronaldo's powerful hit came back from Nouer. Eder was pulled down while trying to gather the rebound in the box, but referee denied penalty. In the 78', Mueller completed his hattrick and his 20th international goal from another Schurrle cross. He became the first player score a hattrick in this tournament. The match was complete when Nouer saved a superb free kick from Ronaldo. Ronaldo suffered boos from the Salvador crowd.

Germany
1. Nouer
20. Boateng
16. Lahm
18. Kroos
5. Hummels >< 21. Mustafi
13. Mueller >< 10. Podolski
8. Ozil >< 9. Schurrle
6. Khadeira
19. Gotze
4. Howedes
2. Mertzacker

Coach : Joachim Loew


Portugal

12. Patricio
2. Alves
3. Pepe
4. Veloso >< 13. Ricardo Costa
5. Coentrao >< 19. Almeida
7. Ronaldo
17. Nani
8. Moutinho
16. Mereiles
21. Perreira
9. Almeida >< 11. Eder

Coach: Bento


 

Argentina vs Bosnia

Messi scores his second world cup goal after 8years to give Argentina 2-1 victory.

Final score
Argentina 2- Bosnia 1 (Ibisevic 89')
Kolasinac (3' OG)
Messi 65'.

In a much awaited match at Maracana, star player Messi sizzles in the winning of Argentina. Argentina scored in the 3rd min, when a free kick turned to an own goal, which was offered for fowling Aguiero.

Bosnia had many moments in the matches for hope. They came close to goal couple of times. A header from corner was denied by the bad luck. Another long ball was missed to finish.

In this match, all eyes were on Messi. He took the charge of attacks along with de Maria. The much awaited goal came in the 62'. Messi running with the ball, combining with Higuin and took a shot to put the ball in the net.

Bosnia stunned the stadium and the Argentines to score a consolation goal in the 89'. The goal came from a fabulously crafted through ball, to Ibisevic, who finished it through the legs of the goal keeper. But, it was too late for them to make use of it as the match finished soon after their goal.

France vs Honduras

France start their campaign with a 3-0 win.

Final score.
Fance 3-Honduras 0
Benzema 45', 72' p
Valladares 48' OG

Without Ribery and Samir Nasri, France defeated Honduras to clinch their first match win. Benzema score two. The first one came in the final minutes of the first half.

France started attacking continuously in the first half, resulting in continuous free kicks in the opening minutes. Matuidi's shot in the 15th min from a corner went out after hitting the bar. Griezman's header also hit the post in the 21'.

France attacks were leaded by Cabaye and Benzema. They scored again in the starting of the second half from an own goal by Honduras goal keeper 48'.

Benzema sealed the game comfortably with a penalty kick turning into goal 72'.


France
1.Lloris
2. Debuchy
3. Evra
4. Varane
5. Sakho
6. Cabaye
8. Valbuena
10. Benzema
11. Griezman
14. Matuidi
19. Pogba

Coach : Didier Deschamps


Honduras
16. Valladares
3. Figourova
5. Bernardez
7. Emilio
8. Palacios
11. Bengston
13. Costly
15. Espinoza
17. Najar
19. Garrido
21. Beckeles.

Coach : Luis Suarez
 

Switzerland vs Ecuador

Swiss win in with a final minute goal !!
Final score
Switzerland 2-Ecuador 1 (E. Valencia)
 Mehmedi 48'
Seperovic 93'

It was a thrilling finish to the game, which looked like going to the first draw match of 2014, but heroic play by Borin denied Ecuador a point.

Ecuador got the lead in the 22', from a free kick from left wing. Velencia, who came to the world cup in good form, scored by header.

Swiss equalised from a corner just after the break. Shakiri lead their attacks. Rodriguez delivered an excellent corner, which was a piece of cake for Mehmedi. It came directly towards his head, he just pointed the ball to goal, while defenders and goalkeeper just seem to be spectators. Antonio Valencia keep on delivering pace and passes at the right flank. At the finishing moments, he gave an excellent cross to the box, but, Borin charged in to block the way, stood up quickly to run with the ball. He fell by collapsing with Ecuadorian defender, but again stood up and moved the ball. This extra ordinary counter attack sealed the match with Rodriguez again delivering a fabulous cross and Seperovic finishing well.