HDL (Hazard, De Bruyne, Lukaku) football clinic. Belgium 5 Tunisia 2 (!)
At one point in the match, I was asking for the referee to call the bout for Belgium on a TKO (technical knockout) The Belgians’ transition game from defense to offence is something to revel. Fast, Accurate, Penetrating. The Hazard, De Bruyne , Lukaku combo is absolutely lethal. Tunisia’s manager could have opted to “park the bus” (Mourinho would have done it) but he cleverly opted not to. Indeed, Tunisia was in the game in the first half to literally the last second. They had the opportunities as evidenced by their shots on goal in the first half. Belgium defense may be the Achilles heel to an otherwise a favorite to go far in this tournament. Can they sustain Neymar & Co. Ronaldo & Co? Clearly on a skill and experience Tunisia has a long way to go but on Chutzpah they deserve credit. The Belgians clinic of today may have been a start. 67 minutes both Hazard and Lukaku were substituted and told to take the rest of the day off and rest for the next match or was it mercy?
Mexico 2 May go a long way walked over Korea Republic 1
Korea had chances but couldn’t score until the very end. Song (Tottenham) is a
potential superstar but he alone couldn’t do it. Korea missed their chances and Mexico capitalized. Mexico could go far in this World Cup. Their football is not pretty but is highly effective. The win over Germany instilled confidence if not arrogance in their step. Coupled with a fast breakaway attack and body sacrificing tackles on defense makes for an excellent mix. Song earned his personal reward in injury time with a spectacular goal. Too little too late though.
How do they do it? In classical Germany way a last minute (seconds) winning goal 2:1 against the brave but outclassed Swedes
From the opening whistle, it was clear that the Germans were angry. Ferocious first 15 minutes. The Germans advancing the ball utilizing the entire width of the field with pinpoint passes is the best we have seen so far. But, a big but. The lack of a killer striker of the Ronaldo, Messi or even Lukaku or Costa or Aguero caliber is their clear weakness. Were are the German talisman of old: Gerhard Muller, Milos Close? In the middle of all of this, wow, against the run of play Sweden scores at 37 minutes on a rare mistake by Kroos. Yes, the same Kroos that scored the winning goal in the 93rd minute. Redemption! If not for Neuer’s spectacular save at the last kick of the half Germany would have been toast before half time. To start the second half the Germans embarked on a Blitz Krieg and tied the match quickly. The Swedes are fighting for their lives under immense pressure. Heart pumping action for both supporters mostly on the Swedish goal side. Finally, in a classical Germany style: a last second win!
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