Blues In Brazil

Article by Robert Wake

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e-Chelsea World Cup Update

And then there were seven. Chelsea’s trio of Jon Mikel Obi, Kenneth Omeruo and Victor Moses bowed out of the tournament at the round of 16 following a 2-0 defeat to France. The scoreline was a little harsh on The Super Eagles, who dominated for much of the second half. However, as Nigeria tired, les Bleus scored twice late on through rumoured Chelsea transfer target Paul Pogba after 79 minutes, and an own goal from Joseph Yobo in stoppage time. Mikel and Omeruo played the whole game, while Moses was withdrawn in the last minute.

Brazil survived a major scare against South American counterparts Chile in Belo Horizonte, finally progressing after a tense penalty shoot-out. Former Blue, David Luiz put the hosts ahead on 18 minutes, only for Alexis Sanchez to level for La Roja 14 minutes later. Howard Webb then controversially, but correctly ruled out Hulk’s effort for handball, taking the game into extra-time. The extra period failed to separate the sides, ensuring a nerve-jangling penalty shoot-out. David Luiz and Marcelo converted for Brazil, but with Hulk and Willian failing. When Julio Cesar saved from Gonzalo Jara, it was left to Neymar to send Brazil through to the quarter-finals against Colombia. Oscar was replaced by Willian after 105 minutes, while Ramires replaced Fernandinho after 72 minutes.

Germany made heavy weather of negotiating their way past a stubborn, spirited Algeria in Porto Alegre on Tuesday night. Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle replaced the ineffective Mario Gotze at half time, and was to play a pivotal role in Germany’s victory. Though Germany dominated throughout, The Desert Foxes always looked dangerous on the counter attack, particularly when Manuel Neuer had to make a last ditch challenge on Islam Slimani to prevent Algeria taking a shock lead. Ultimately though it was Germany who prevailed in extra time. Thomas Muller worked his way into the area, and crossed from the left for Schurrle to cleverly adjust his finish, with the ball delivered slightly behind him. Mesut Ozil added a second a minute from time, before Djabou scored a deserved consolation, converting Feghouli’s deep cross with virtually the last kick of the game.

Belgium also survived a major test from Jurgen Klinsmann’s well-drilled USA outfit in Salvador in one of the most entertaining games of the tournament to date. Belgium dominated proceedings, but found Tim Howard in inspired form. Belgium’s class finally proved decisive in the additional period, with Romelu Lukaku’s introduction crucial to the outcome. Just 3 minutes after replacing Divock Origi, Lukaku showed his power and pace to bully his way down the inside-right channel, before setting up Kevin De Bruyne, who turned back inside before drilling a low shot beyond Howard. Twelve minutes later, De Bruyne received an astute pass from Eden Hazard, before feeding Lukaku who finished with aplomb. Klinsmann’s charges seemed down and out, but somehow rallied again in the second period of extra time. Substitute Julian Green volleyed past Thibaut Courtois 2 minutes after the restart, and from that moment the USA laid siege to the Belgium goal, with Courtois denying Clint Dempsey from point blank range, as Marc Wilmots side held on to set up a quarter final meeting with Argentina on Saturday.

Upcoming Fixtures (All Times are BST)

World Cup Quarter Finals

Friday 04 July; Germany v France 17:00hrs, Brazil v Colombia 21:00hrs

Saturday 05 July; Argentina v Belgium 17:00hrs, Netherlands v Costa Rica 21:00hrs

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