Monday's Workd Cup Tips
By Toby Maxtone-Smith
VegasInsider.com
Netherlands vs. Chile
The Netherlands face Chile in one Group B at the Arena Corinthians in São Paulo. Both teams have already qualified, notably at the expense of Spain, so this match is a decider for who wins the group. Chile need to win, or they face the likely task of a game against the hosts Brazil in the last 16, so there is plenty to play for.
Before the tournament started, Netherlands was the favorites for this game, but Chile have been backed into very slight favouritism at 31/20. There is good reason for this - Sampaoli’s men were more convincing in their defeat of Australia than the Dutch were, and they probably afforded Spain fewer chances than Holland. A Dutch victory is at 8/5 with a draw a 5/2 shot.
Bookmakers are expecting a high-scoring game, and with less at stake than usual in World Cup matches, they should not be disappointed and over 3.5 goals is as short as 17/10. This is a decent price given that these are two teams with much better attacks than defences. Chile is highly vulnerable to crosses, and the Netherlands should send many more of these over than Spain did. Chile has more attacking options than almost anyone in the tournament, and their attacking movement is a joy to behold.
Top bet: Over 3.5 goals at 17/10
Australia vs. Spain
Well, who would have thought it? The game between Australia and Spain, instead of being a match between the group winners and the whipping-boys, is in fact a battle to avoid the wooden spoon. Spain, whatever the outcome here, will leave Brazil embarrassed. They have utterly failed to realise that their tiki-taka style of football has been worked out, and they have been well and truly blasted off their perch.
Australia has lost twice, but scorelines of 3-1 and 3-2 demonstrate that Australia have made an excellent account of themselves. Their side is young, and they have given defences some real problems. having been around 18/1 to win this match before the tournament started, the two sides’ contrasting fortunes has seen Australia shortening into 11/2. Spain are 2/5 with a draw 17/4.
Spain’s defense has been so porous, with seven conceded from two games, that Both Teams To Score simply cannot be ignored at 10/13. They struggle to deal with crosses, and in Tim Cahill Australia have one of the best jumpers in world football. He could give Pique and Ramos some serious problems.
Top bet: Both Teams To Score at 10/13
Croatia vs. Mexico
Croatia play Mexico in what is effectively a play-off for who qualifies for the last 16 of the World Cup. The game takes place at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife and Croatia need to win to qualify. A draw or a defeat, and Mexico will progress.
Both sides have been impressive at the World Cup so far: Croatia were hugely unlucky to lose 3-1 to Brazil in the tournament’s opening game. They matched the Brazilians until a highly dubious penalty went against Niko Kovac’s side in the 71st minute. They then dismantled an appalling Cameroon side 4-0 in a ruthless display of attacking football. Mario Mandzukic, the wantaway Bayern Munich striker, scored twice.
Mexico faced Cameroon first up and, after having two perfectly good goals ruled out for offside, eventually broke through to win 1-0 thanks to Oribe Peralta’s strike. El Tri then put in a superb display to frustrate Brazil to a 0-0 draw, with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa sensational.Their two results have been particularly notable because their defence was seen as a weakness before the tournament.
Neither team has any issues with injury or suspension, although there is a chance Mexico boss Miguel Herrera could introduce Manchester United forward into the team. However, this looks unlikely given that a draw would send his team through.
Croatia is the very slight favourites at odds of 3/1 with sportsbook.ag, and given the confidence with which they played when needing a win against Cameroon, this price looks quite attractive. Worries about a vulnerable defence have been eased a bit with impressive performances from Dejan Lovren and Sime Vrsaljko, while the midfield is packed with invention and creativity. Wingers Ivica Olic (naturally a striker) and Ivan Perisic (normally plays out wide, but has the physique of a centre-forward) both have plenty of goals in them.
Mexico is available at 8/5, but given that a draw would see them through, fanciers of the Mexicans will be more tempted by quotes of 5/2 about a stalemate. However the pace of Croatia’s attack could give them a hard time, and their centre-backs, while strong and brave, are not quick.
Over 2.5 goals at 11/10 looks much too long. Both sides’ strength is arguably their attack, and given the way teams have approached crucial matches at the World Cup so far, it is surprising to see anything longer than evens on a high-scoring game.
In the first goalscorer market, Mario Mandzukic leads the betting at 9/2, but my favourite bet here is the 6/1 Ivica Olic, who just seems to keep on going. His fantastic work rate means he gets a lot of chances, and he gave Benoît Assou-Ekotto of Cameroon a torrid time the last time Croatia played. For Mexico, Oribe Peralta is 6/1 with Giovani Dos Santos 8/1.
Top bets: Over 2.5 goals at 11/10, Ivica Olic to score first at 6/1
Brazil vs. Cameroon
The other match in Group A sees probably the biggest mismatch of the tournament. Brazil, needing a point to qualify and a win to all but guarantee winning the group, play a Cameroon side that has been the worst team at the World Cup so far.
Having offered nothing in a 1-0 defeat by Mexico, Cameroon, nicknamed the ‘Indomitable Lions’ disintegrated completely in an indisciplined 4-0 loss to Croatia. Alex Song was sent off, and Assou-Ekotto and Benjamin Moukandjo started fighting each other on the pitch. Even at 21/1, Cameroon make no appeal.
Brazil is as short as 9/100, with a draw at 19/1, but there is no appeal in this market. Brazil is 2/1 just to keep a clean sheet. There may be more value in the first goalscorer market. Neymar is the market leader at 5/2, but for someone who isn't a centre-forward this should be avoided.
Fred has lived up to his reputation as Brazil’s weakness with two poor performances. The best bet here is to get on Oscar to score first at 9/2. He was Brazil’s brightest spark against Croatia and plays with more freedom for Brazil than for Chelsea.
Top bet: Oscar to score first at 9/2
World Cup Game of the Day: Netherlands vs. Chile
By Covers.com
Netherlands vs. Chile (+163, +180, Draw +250)
More than first place in Group B is at stake Monday afternoon when the Netherlands and Chile face off at Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo. The winner of Monday's pivotal showdown between unbeaten teams will likely avoid having to face the host Brazilians in the first round of knockout play. The Netherlands trounced Spain 5-1 and squeaked past Australians 3-2, while Chile also defeated both opponents while allowing just one total goal in its two victories.
Neither team can be thrilled with the prospects of meeting the steadily improving Brazilians in the round of 16 - and the Dutch are in the drivers' seat in that regard, needing only a draw to win the group thanks to a better goal differential. "If you look ahead a bit, in theory you are better off than if you come in second," Netherlands star Robin van Persie told reporters. Van Persie will be on the sidelines for this one after picking up two yellow cards.
WORLD RANKINGS: Netherlands: No. 15; Chile: No. 14.
INJURY REPORT: Netherlands: F Robin van Persie will sit out the contest with two yellow cards; D Bruno Martins Indi suffered a concussion in the win over Australia and likely won't play. Chile: MFs Arturo Vidal and Charles Aranguiz did not train with the team earlier this week due to injury and are considered questionable for Monday.
WHAT THE SHARPS SAY: "Holland have quite a good record against South American sides in this competition, and have already guaranteed qualification. A draw here will be enough to see the Dutch top the group. Chile on the other hand have a rather poor record against European sides winning only 2 of their last 11 match ups against Europeans. this one has all the makings of a great game, don't miss out." Covers Expert Footy Tipster
WHAT THE BOOKS SAY: "Top spot in Group B is on the line in this matchup between Chile and the Netherlands. Chile has been a nice surprise in this group as most thought it was Spain’s group to lose with the Netherlands close behind. Chile is now 18-1 to win the World Cup. For this matchup today Netherlands is a slight favorite and seeing 72 percent of the action while the over 2.5-goal total is seeing 78 percent of the action, which is no surprise as these teams have combined for 13 goals through their first two games." Michael Stewart, CarbonSports.ag.
ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS: Van Persie doesn't believe his absence will torpedo the team's chance of running the table in group play. It may be hard to argue, with substitute Memphis Depay - who could get the start Monday - scored his first career international goal and set up another in the win over Australia. Van Persie believes the Netherlands should be wary of Chile, telling reporters: "I saw bits of Chile against Spain and they looked very good. They looked fit, they looked strong, they played together."
ABOUT CHILE: Vidal's tender Achilles tendon and Aranguiz's balky knee aren't the only concerns dogging coach Jorge Sampaoli: both players have yellow cards on their ledger, and another for either would result in a costly suspension. Vidal has said he isn't worried about a possible ban and would like to play in the group stage finale, but Sampaoli can ill afford to take the risk on either front. If both players sit, expect versatile midfielder Carlos Carmona to be slotted into the starting lineup in their place.
TRENDS:
* The teams have met just once, with the Netherlands earning the win via a drawing of lots following a 2-2 tie at the 1928 Olympics.
* Chile has won four of its last six World Cup matches after going winless in its previous 13.
* The Dutch haven't lost a World Cup group stage game since 1994.
* The Chileans have never won three consecutive World Cup games within the same tournament.
Netherlands vs. Chile Betting Preview and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
Considering what we have seen from these two teams so far, this might just be the best group game of the lot as Netherlands and Chile meet to determine top spot in Group B (12 p.m. ET, ESPN2).
As of Sunday afternoon, the game is being called a pick 'em in Las Vegas, with the Dutch and South American sides both priced at +165 odds at the LVH SuperBook. The draw is offered at +240 at the same book.
Both sides have a perfect record so far in the competition, having won both of their matches played in some style and scored plenty of goals (Netherlands have netted eight, Chile five).
There will therefore naturally be plenty of money going on the total, with OVER 2.5 priced at -135 in Las Vegas, and a 'both teams to score' prop offered at 4-to-7 odds elsewhere.
While both of those selections look highly likely, the price will only attract certain bettors, so a little more value is needed for those after bigger returns.
There could be an argument made for taking the price of 4-to-5 -- odds offered outside of Vegas -- for Chile to win either half given that their dynamic expansive brand of football could quite possibly cause the Dutch some serious problems.
But for serious value -- also outside of Vegas -- the price of 11-to-4 for both teams to score in the first half looks far too good to turn down.
Both these sides have scored in the first halves of their games so far in this tournament and they are two of the most attack-minded teams competing in Brazil.
Defensively they are also not the most solid, meaning we should definitely get goals at both ends.
With the tempo at which they play means it is likely to be a quick start to the game and backing both teams to score in the opening 45 minutes is a logical selection at a great price.
Spain vs. Australia Betting Preview and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
Sunday night's clash in Curitiba (12 p.m. ET, ESPN) is a meaningless match nobody could have expected. While Australia may have been prepared to have reached their final group game having lost their opening two, few people predicted the fall from grace that has befallen the Spanish national side.
No defending champion had ever lost their opening two group games, but having suffered that ignominy and an early exit, La Roja will be desperate to restore a modicum of pride with a win, which is priced at -285 at the LVH SuperBook.
Australia meanwhile, who it could be argued have proved sterner tests for the Chile and Holland than Spain could manage, are offered at +800, and the draw available at +275, both at the LVH.
The damage is already done for Spain, though, and even a crushing victory will not alleviate the atmosphere of gloom currently engulfing the sporting pages of the country's press.
Having failed to score a goal from open play and conceded seven in the two games contested, Vicente Del Bosque's problems have been well documented, yet Australia should give them chances in front of goal.
The Socceroos have conceded six goals in their two matches played so far, and while they have given a decent account of themselves they have been exposed at the back on more than one occasion.
The same of course could be said of Spain, but the theoretical quality of the Spain side is supremely superior to that of their Antipodean opponents.
William Hill U.S. is offering Spain -1.5 goals at +110, and despite bettors getting their fingers burnt by backing Spain so far, this still looks like an excellent bet.
La Roja will want to bow out in style and, against a side they are infinitely better than technically, they should be able to beat that spread.
Mexico vs. Croatia Betting Preview and Pick
By: Al Hain-Cole
Goal.com
Mexico and Croatia will go head to head for a place in the last 16 when they meet at the Arena Pernambuco in Recife on Monday (4 p.m. ET, ESPN).
A hard-fought draw against Brazil last time out put Miguel Herrera's side in the driving seat and, needing just a point to go through, they are available at +170 odds at the LVH SuperBook to make sure with a victory.
Having beaten Cameroon 4-0 in their last match, Vatreni are +165 favorites to leapfrog their opponents by collecting all three points in this one.
In the unlikely event of Brazil losing to Cameroon, a point would be enough to take both sides through, and you can get odds of +230 on them sharing the spoils here.
The total is 2.5 goals (UNDER -135).
There is no doubt who the hero was in the draw against Brazil, as goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made a series of eye-catching saves that already have clubs queuing up to secure the free agent's signature after the tournament.
However, credit for securing that second consecutive clean sheet must be shared among the entire team, as their resilient, hard-working performance in going toe-to-toe with such clear favorites now leaves them requiring just a draw to go through.
With this in mind, El Tri are unlikely to take many chances going forward against a team who served up an ominous warning of their efficiency in front of goal in their romp against Cameroon.
Having conceded just two goals in their last four matches, the North Americans are more than capable of frustrating Niko Kovac's men just as they did Brazil, meaning that odds of even-money at William Hill U.S. are not to be missed on no more than one side finding the net (a full list of the bet shop’s props on Mexico-Croatia is below).
That bet would have paid out in each of the last four games for a Mexican side who have found the net just once themselves in that period, as well as two of Croatia's previous three.
Best bet: 'No' on both teams to score at even-money with William Hill U.S.
Brazil vs. Cameroon Betting Preview and Pick
By: Phil Kitromilides
Goal.com
Brazil would have expected to have wrapped up top spot in Group A before their final group match, yet the hosts have failed to convince in their opening two encounters despite remaining unbeaten.
A nervous and controversial win over Croatia was followed by a goalless draw against Mexico and, while nobody expects anything other than a win for Brazil over Cameroon, there is perhaps more pressure on Luiz Felipe Scolari's side for this match (4 p.m. ET, ESPN2) than they would have liked.
They are, of course, overwhelming favorites, priced at -1250 by CG Technologies in Las Vegas, while their African opponents are offered at a whopping 20-to-1. A draw is priced at +875.
Cameroon have already been eliminated after two poor performances in defeats against Mexico and Croatia, and they will be fearing the worst against Brazil.
The African side have been devoid of any real invention or creativity and will struggle to break down the hosts. Scolari's men should have enough to easily win and many will be tempted to back them on the goal-line of -2.5 goals (+115).
Instead, investing in a high-scoring first half with OVER 1.5 goals at +115 at the LVH SuperBook looks like a more appealing option.
If Brazil get an early goal, Cameroon could go to pieces, much like they did against Croatia, and, with the hosts needing a win, expect them to come out extremely forcefully from the off, meaning that two first-half goals looks likely.
Bet of the day: OVER 1.5 goals first-half at +115.
Monday's Group A Action
By Sportsbook.ag
Cameroon vs. Brazil
Sportsbook.ag Line
Brazil -909, Cameroon +1900, Tie +850
Over/Under: 3.5 Goals (Over Even, Under -120)
Brazil was a heavy favorite to win the 2014 World Cup, but they have not fared as well as many expected them to in group play. They face Cameroon on Monday in a match that could shake things up in the knockout rounds.
Cameroon was given the worst odds to advance to the knockout rounds out of Group A and they have shown why with two losses in a row. They will not be advancing in the tournament, but could throw things off for the home team with a shocking win Monday.
Cameroon played a close game against Mexico in their first game of group play, but they came away with a 1-0 loss and were much worse in their second match. Cameroon played against Croatia and they were dominated right from the start. Eleven minutes into the game, Ivica Olic scored to put Croatia up 1-0 and that goal would have been all Croatia needed, but they wound up pounding their opponent by a 4-0 score. Cameroon had just seven shots on goal compared to Croatia’s 14 and they have not scored in the tournament so far. Croatia added goals at the 48-minute, 61-minute and 73-minute marks in the blowout. Cameroon will be sent home after their match with Brazil, but they could make a mark on the tournament by upsetting the home favorites.
Brazil played against Mexico in their second game of group play and despite being expected to win, they were able to only come away with a 0-0 tie. They ran into a hot goaltender and couldn’t find the back of the net. A win over Cameroon is now monumental for Brazil’s chances to win this tournament as the host and pre-World Cup favorite to win it all.
Brazil was able to create some opportunities in their match against Mexico, but the efforts of Guillermo Ochoa were too much for them to handle. Ochoa made some stellar saves in the first half, and not many goaltenders around the world could’ve done what Ochoa did. Brazil outshot Mexico 8-3 on goal and had possession of the ball for 53% of the game. They must, however, simplify things in the offensive zone. Chances are good for the heavily-favored squad, but they need to be able to finish. If Brazil does not beat Cameroon, they could be in serious jeopardy of advancing.
Croatia vs. Mexico
Sportsbook.ag Line
Croatia +150, Mexico +160, Tie +250
Over/Under: 2.5 Goals (Over +115, Under -135)
Croatia and Mexico meet Monday afternoon in what will be a Group A match with massive implications in terms of who will be advancing to the knockout round.
Croatia was unable to pick up a victory over Brazil in its opening match of group play, but the club certainly competed throughout the course of that game. They followed up that loss with a dominant showing against Cameroon and have at least given themselves a chance to advance to the Round of 16. Mexico may not have beaten Brazil in their last game, but they were able to come away with a 0-0 draw. They are now in position to advance past the group stage if they are able to defeat Croatia.
After losing their World Cup opener 3-1 to Brazil, Croatia needed to defeated Cameroon, and they had no problem doing that with a 4-0 blowout. Croatia was dominant in their performance, as they outshot Cameroon 14-7 on goal. They didn’t have much of an edge in time of possession with just 51%, but they made the most of their time with the ball. Eleven minutes into the game, Ivica Olic scored to give Croatia a 1-0 lead, and they piled it on once the second half started. Ivan Perisic made it 2-0 at the 48-minute mark and Mario Mandzukic added two goals at 61 minutes and 73 minutes to give Croatia an impressive victory. A win over Mexico would have them advancing to the knockout round.
Not many people gave Mexico much of a chance against Brazil, but they stood their ground and were able to come away with a scoreless tie. Guillermo Ochoa was monumental in securing that tie for his team, coming away with some really outstanding saves. Brazil was flying all over the field for the entire game, outshooting Mexico 8-3 on goal in the contest. They also had possession for 53% of the game compared to Mexico who had it for just 47%. Ochoa, however, was able to blank Brazil and that now puts Mexico in a great position to advance to the single-elimination round. They will need to beat a Croatia team that can also advance with a victory, so both of these teams will be hungry.
Netherlands, Chile play for Group B win on Monday
By: Zach Cohen
StatFox.com
Two of the undefeated teams in Group B clash Monday afternoon to decide the group champion when Netherlands takes on a Chile team that is fresh off an upset that eliminated defending champion Spain.
The Netherlands surprised people when they blew out Spain 5-1, and they followed up that result with gutsy performance in a come-from-behind, 3-2 win against Australia. Chile wasn’t given much of a chance before the tournament due to the perception of them being a poor defensive team. So far in this tournament, however, they have allowed just one goal in two games and are already assured a spot in the Round of 16.
Twenty minutes into their second Group B match, Arjen Robben gave Netherlands a 1-0 lead, but Australia wouldn’t take long to even the score. Just one minute later, Tim Cahill found the back of the net on what was surely to be one of the highlights of this tournament when he rifled a perfect volley past the goalie. At the 54-minute mark, Mile Jedinak converted on a penalty to give Australia a 2-1 lead. The Dutch could have folded there, but they kept putting pressure on Australia. At the 58-minute mark, Robin van Persie would even the score for Netherlands and then 68 minutes into the game, they took a 3-2 lead on a goal by Memphis Depay. That would end up being the game-winner and Netherlands picked up a much-deserved victory after outshooting Australia 14-8 on goal and holding a 52% possession advantage. The Dutch can now improve their seeding in the knockout round with a victory over Chile.
After defeating Australia 3-1 in their opening game, Chile needed to defeat the defending champions in order to secure a spot in the Round of 16. The team did just that, as it displayed some very solid defense throughout the match. Twenty minutes into the game, Chile took the lead on a goal by Eduardo Vargas. They scored again at the 43-minute mark on a right-footed shot by Charles Aranguiz. The final score of the game was 2-0, which sent Spain home after they finish up group play at the same time as this match will take place. Chile was actually outplayed in the game by the defending champs who outshot them 9-4 and had possession for 56% of the time. But Chile was able to finish two of its four shots on goal, and scoring is all that really matters. They can make a huge statement with a win over red-hot Netherlands on Monday.
Spain, Australia close out World Cup journey Monday
By: Zach Cohen
StatFox.com
Two teams that will be heading home after group play square off Monday afternoon when Australia takes on defending World Cup champion Spain.
Australia opened up group play with a 3-1 loss to Chile and headed into a must-win affair with Netherlands in their second game. The result of that game will leave some feeling nauseous, as Australia blew a one-goal lead in the second half and fell 3-2 and were eliminated from advancing in this tournament. Spain’s World Cup has been one of the most disappointing letdowns in the history of sports. After winning the tournament in 2010, the defending champions will wrap up their Cup journey on Monday after two humiliating defeats by a combined score of 7-1.
Australia lost its first game of group play and then set its sights on a matchup with Netherlands that they absolutely needed to win. After falling behind 1-0 at the game’s 20-minute mark on an Arjen Robben goal for Netherlands, Tim Cahill scored to even up the game 1-1 just a minute later. Australia would eventually take a 2-1 lead on a penalty-kick goal by Mile Jedinak at the 54-minute mark, but that would be the last goal Australia scored, while Netherlands answered with two of their own. The first goal was scored at the 58-minute mark and the game-winner came 10 minutes later. Australia lost the battle in both shots on goal (14-8) and time of possession (52% to 48%). They now play a meaningless match against Spain on Monday.
After an embarrassing 5-1 loss to Netherlands in their opening match of group play, Spain needed to win against Chile to keep its hopes alive in group play. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to find the back of the net. Despite completely dominating play against Chile, Spain left empty-handed in a 2-0 defeat. They won the time of possession battle, as they had the ball for 56% of the game compared to 44% for Chile. They also had nine shots on goal, which more than doubled the four of their opponents. Not finishing their opportunities will be the theme of the 2014 World Cup for Spain. They got themselves in positions to score, holding a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
Mexico, Croatia look to advance Monday
By: Zach Cohen
StatFox.com
Croatia and Mexico meet Monday afternoon in what will be a Group A match with massive implications in terms of who will be advancing to the knockout round.
Croatia was unable to pick up a victory over Brazil in its opening match of group play, but the club certainly competed throughout the course of that game. They followed up that loss with a dominant showing against Cameroon and have at least given themselves a chance to advance to the Round of 16. Mexico may not have beaten Brazil in their last game, but they were able to come away with a 0-0 draw. They are now in position to advance past the group stage if they are able to defeat Croatia.
After losing their World Cup opener 3-1 to Brazil, Croatia needed to defeated Cameroon, and they had no problem doing that with a 4-0 blowout. Croatia was dominant in their performance, as they outshot Cameroon 14-7 on goal. They didn’t have much of an edge in time of possession with just 51%, but they made the most of their time with the ball. Eleven minutes into the game, Ivica Olic scored to give Croatia a 1-0 lead, and they piled it on once the second half started. Ivan Perisic made it 2-0 at the 48-minute mark and Mario Mandzukic added two goals at 61 minutes and 73 minutes to give Croatia an impressive victory. A win over Mexico would have them advancing to the knockout round.
Not many people gave Mexico much of a chance against Brazil, but they stood their ground and were able to come away with a scoreless tie. Guillermo Ochoa was monumental in securing that tie for his team, coming away with some really outstanding saves. Brazil was flying all over the field for the entire game, outshooting Mexico 8-3 on goal in the contest. They also had possession for 53% of the game compared to Mexico who had it for just 47%. Ochoa, however, was able to blank Brazil and that now puts Mexico in a great position to advance to the single-elimination round. They will need to beat a Croatia team that can also advance with a victory, so both of these teams will be hungry.
Brazil looks to hammer Cameroon on Monday
By: Zach Cohen
StatFox.com
Brazil was a heavy favorite to win the 2014 World Cup, but they have not fared as well as many expected them to in group play. They face Cameroon on Monday in a match that could shake things up in the knockout rounds.
Cameroon was given the worst odds to advance to the knockout rounds out of Group A and they have shown why with two losses in a row. They will not be advancing in the tournament, but could throw things off for the home team with a shocking win Monday.
Cameroon played a close game against Mexico in their first game of group play, but they came away with a 1-0 loss and were much worse in their second match. Cameroon played against Croatia and they were dominated right from the start. Eleven minutes into the game, Ivica Olic scored to put Croatia up 1-0 and that goal would have been all Croatia needed, but they wound up pounding their opponent by a 4-0 score. Cameroon had just seven shots on goal compared to Croatia’s 14 and they have not scored in the tournament so far. Croatia added goals at the 48-minute, 61-minute and 73-minute marks in the blowout. Cameroon will be sent home after their match with Brazil, but they could make a mark on the tournament by upsetting the home favorites.
Brazil played against Mexico in their second game of group play and despite being expected to win, they were able to only come away with a 0-0 tie. They ran into a hot goaltender and couldn’t find the back of the net. A win over Cameroon is now monumental for Brazil’s chances to win this tournament as the host and pre-World Cup favorite to win it all.
Brazil was able to create some opportunities in their match against Mexico, but the efforts of Guillermo Ochoa were too much for them to handle. Ochoa made some stellar saves in the first half, and not many goaltenders around the world could’ve done what Ochoa did. Brazil outshot Mexico 8-3 on goal and had possession of the ball for 53% of the game. They must, however, simplify things in the offensive zone. Chances are good for the heavily-favored squad, but they need to be able to finish. If Brazil does not beat Cameroon, they could be in serious jeopardy of advancing.