FIFA referees are using a vanishing spray during the World Cup, the first time it has been used at the senior international level. Credit: NESN.
During the match between Brazil and Croatia, the referee used a spray to mark the line of where the wall could stand as well as the spot of the ball.
Weird, right?
FIFA are using this new disappearing spray to control players from moving the ball further than the spot designated for free kicks, as well as to prevent those players in the “wall” to move within the 10 yards allowed between the spot of the ball and the opposing team.
It has been tested and used before in MLS where it was deemed successful. On the international stage, it was used in Copa America in 2011 for the first time. The vanishing spray was also on display in 2013 at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey.
Brazilian players celebrate their victory over Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup final at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on June 30, 2013. CREDIT: CBC
Sooooo, I kind of sort of maybe in a way started this blog really late in the game where I won’t have each group preview done before the first match in three hours (at the time it’s 1:27 p.m. Thursday). That being said, and to be fair that my predictions are no way skewed due to matches already started, I present to you my predictions for Brazil 2014.
Group Stage (** Advances to Knockout Stages)
Group A: 1. Brazil ** 2. Croatia ** 3. Mexico 4. Cameroon
Group B: 1. Spain** 2. Chile** 3. Netherlands 4. Australia
Group C: 1. Colombia** 2. Ivory Coast ** 3. Greece 4. Japan
Group D: 1. Uruguay** 2. Italy** 3. England 4. Costa Rica
Group E: 1. Ecuador** 2. France** 3. Switzerland 4. Honduras
Group F: 1. Argentina** 2. Bosnia-Herzegovina** 3.Nigeria 4. Iran
Group G: 1. Germany** 2. United States** 3. Portugal 4. Ghana
Group H: 1. Belgium** 2. Russia** 3. South Korea 4. Algeria
ROUND of 16 (Group 1st Place vs Group 2nd Place. Ex: Group A 1st vs Group B 2nd)
Hey kids, I bet you want to know some stuff about the World Cup. I’m sure you know Brazil is that really good team with that really good player and the really hot girls the five championships. You might even know a little about Mexico, since the United States plays them and all. But I bet you don’t know about Croatia. And Cameroon? Isn’t that the type of car Toyota makes?
Group A consists of, as stated, host nation Brazil, Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon. This was determined December 6, 2013 when FIFA drew from a pot which teams would be in which group.
BRAZIL
Brazil, led by Neymar, look to earn their sixth World Cup title on their home soil. Credit: Neymarjr.net
Brazil is looking to avenge something that happened 64 years ago. The only other time they hosted the World Cup in 1950, they were stunned by rival Uruguay in the championship match. Hosting for the first time since, the famed soccer nation looks to hoist the trophy for the sixth time, and the first in front of their home fans.
This team is loaded with talent, and it begins with Neymar. The star on Brazil, Neymar has scored 30 times in 47 matches for the Selecao. If Neymar goes, Brazil goes. If he isn’t playing his best, they have a support of cast such as Oscar and Hulk who can carry the load.
Brazil play a 4-2-1-3 formation. But the two outside fullbacks, David Luiz and Dani Alves, like to attack when possible. They play an entertaining fast paced style of soccer that will be sure fun to watch, especially for the casual fan.
A World Cup title is expected of this squad. Brazil are expected to run through the group stage with ease before enduring the knockout stage. Anything less than a title will be a failure for manager Luis Felipe Scolari’s team.
Mexico look to regain their form in Brazil and emerge as a soccer power. Credit: MLSsoccer.com
MEXICO
Mexico may be the luckiest country at the World Cup. If it were not for some fortuitous bounces, an unbelievable goal, and help from their arch rival in the United States, Mexico would be at home watching the tournament. But alas, El Tri are here. And after a disastrous qualifying campaign which saw them lose at Azteca to Honduras, manager Migurel Herrera’s side is looking to show the world that 2013 was a fluke.
Luck ran out for the Mexican side however, when it lost star player Luis Montes in a friendly against Ecuador to a horrific leg injury. Still, Mexico have plenty of talent. Rafa Marquez is the undisputed leader on El Tri, playing in his fourth World Cup. El Tri also boasts Oribe Peralta, who scored five goals in Mexico’s two playoff games against New Zealand. He has 11 goals in 10 appearances for the national side. And there still is Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, an offensive spark who will come off the bench.
El Tri is heavy on the defensive end, playing a 5-3-2. This allows the defense to attack the ball and springs the forwards up top on a counterattack. Having five players in the back also allows the defense to take more chances then other formations.
Mexico is dying to become a soccer power. They’re close. They have only reached the quarterfinals twice, with the last time being in 1986 when El Tri hosted the tournament. Since, they have advanced to the Round of 16 five times but have failed to go any further. Though it will be difficult to advance, Mexico are still expected to get out of Group A and into the knockout stages, where they would face a Group B winner in powerhouses Spain, Netherlands, or Chile.
Luka Modric has the hopes of Croatia on his back. Credit: MLSsoccer.com
CROATIA
Croatia kicked off its first ever World Cup campaign in 1998 with a bang, reaching the semifinals and finishing third. But in 2002 and 2006, they failed to get out of the group stage. They took an even steeper drop in 2010 as they failed to qualify. But this World Cup, Croatia look to challenge for the second spot out of Group A.
Things looked bleak for the Croats in qualifying, as they went through the playoff narrowly defeating Iceland to qualify. But along the way, they saw two managers fired over the course of a qualification gone almost horribly wrong. But Croatia are here, and will provide entertaining football.
Croatia play a 4-2-3-1 under new manager Niko Kovac. They’re led by Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric who will look to keep possession. Star striker Mario Mandzukic will score goals for the squad. The problem? He’ll be out of their opener and stiffest test against Brazil. He earned a red card in their last playoff match against Iceland. The one question they have will be on defense. Will Croatia’s back line be able to stop an offensive attack of Brazil’s power?
After failing to qualify for the World Cup in 2010, Croatia will be very pleased to advance out of the group. The key match up will be when the Croats face Mexico for what could decide second place. The knock out stage is realistic for Croatia.
Does Samuel Eto’o have one last push to power Cameroon to the knock out stage? Credit MLSsoccer.com
CAMEROON
Cameroon have qualified for their seventh World Cup, the most among any African nation. Unfortunately, they have only gotten out of the group stage once, 24 years ago when they won their group and advanced to the quarterfinals. This squad is slightly below the likes of Mexico and Croatia, but look to break their string of failing to advance out of the group.
The Indomitable Lions are led by soccer legend Samuel Eto’o, the country’s all time leading scorer with 56 goals. He retired from the national team last year before making a return for one last World Cup. Eto’o will have to give one last push for Cameroon to get the side out of the group.
New manager Volker Finke employs a 4-2-3-1 that likes to attack with lightning quick passing. But the defense, led by goalkeeper Charles Itandje, will need to be keen for Cameroon to succeed. Their defense is suspect, shown by a recent 5-1 loss to Portugal, but will need to show up for this team to advance.
With some luck and timely scoring, Cameroon can advance. Expectations domestically are high, but realistically, Cameroon are not quite there. The knockout stage is a possibility in a relatively weak group. But the Lions will need things to go their way.
PREDICTIONS
1. Brazil
2. Mexico
3. Croatia
4. Cameroon
SCHEDULE:
Thursday June 12: Brazil vs Cameroon 4:00 p.m. ESPN
Friday June 13: Mexico vs Croatia 12:00 p.m. ESPN 2
Tuesday June 17: Brazil vs Mexico 3:00 p.m. ESPN
Wednesday June 18: Cameroon vs Croatia 6:00 p.m. ESPN
Monday June 23: Cameroon vs Brazil 4:00 p.m. ESPN 2,
The 2014 FIFAF World Cup kicks off Thursday between hosts Brazil and Croatia (Credit: Sports Keeda)
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the wait…is over.
After four long, eventful years, the world’s premier sporting event returns. The FIFA World Cup kicks off Thursday from Brazil, when the hosts and tournament favorite take on Croatia in Group A action.
For soccer fans, this is it. It’s what we’ve been waiting for. A month of nonstop soccer coverage from just about every media outlet imaginable. The thrill of victory, agony of defeat. With only three games guaranteed, every match matters. For countries like Brazil and Germany, these should be a formality before the knockout stage. But for countries like the United States, the group stage can make or break a program.
There are match ups to die for, such as a rematch of 2010’s championship match between Spain and Netherlands, as well as clashes between powers Italy and England and Germany and Portugal. There are dark horses to look out for such as Belgium and Bosnia-Herzegovina. There are also teams just happy to be in the World Cup at all like Iran and Australia.
For one month, all eyes will be on the greatest sporting event in the world with some of the most exciting soccer one can see.
Can Brazil win on it’s home soil for their sixth World Cup title?
Will the United States emerge from the “Group of Death” and solidify itself as a new soccer power?
Is there an underdog that shocks the world?
We find out in less than 24 hours.
Welcome to the Nestel Cup, your source for match previews and recaps, analysis, and everything else for the tournament.
And now, welcome to the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the most beautiful tournament for the world’s most beautiful game.
The Nestel Cup 