Netherlands Take Third Place, Brazil Finish Fourth

 0-3 

The third-place match is not really a game any team wants to play in.  Just by being there means you lost your semi-final and cannot win the tournament.  You cannot go home either so pride is the only thing at stake.  Brazil were put there by the titanic loss to Germany while the Netherlands fell to Argentina in penalty-kicks.  Both teams looked to recover after their respective defeats; Brazil being emotionally heart-broken and the Netherlands being physically drained.

Thiago Silva was greatly missed in the game against Germany and today returned from suspension to anchor the back line for Brazil.  However he put his team in trouble very early when he conceded a penalty.  Thiago Silva could not keep up with the pace of Robben so he pulled him down while running into the box.  Silva was the last defender on a clear goal scoring chance and deserved a red card, but was lucky to only get a yellow.  Van Persie took penalty kick and scored for the Netherlands (3').

The other Brazilian centerback David Luiz then put his team further in trouble when he made a poor clearance in the box.  A cross by Lonathan De Guzman was headed away by David Luiz, but only as far as Daley Blind waiting near the penalty spot.  Nobody for Brazil covered Blind and he scored with a free shot on goal (16').

For a moment Brazil were having flashbacks of the German beat down, but settled down and created some chances.  Oscar in particular looked like he was going to either create or score a goal to get back into the match.  Unfortunately that did not happen as Brazil could not find the net today.  Fernandinho, Hernanes, and Hulk came in off the bench, but nobody was able to beat the Dutch defense.

The Netherlands added a final goal late in the match to solidify the result.  Robben played Joël Janmaat behind the Brazilian defense and he was able to play the ball across the face of goal.  The pass was played right into the path of Wijnaldum who hit the shot first-time to score (90 +1').

Only one more match is left to play at the 2014 World Cup and it is the grand finale.  Germany and Argentina will face-off to see who will lift the trophy and decide who is the best team in the world.

Argentina To World Cup Final

0-0(2-4pen.)

The Netherlands and Argentina faced-off today to claim a place in the World Cup final.  Argentina beat Belgium 1-0 to reach the semi-finals while the Netherlands were forced into an extra-time game against Costa Rica that eventually ended in a 2-1 victory.  Again today the Netherlands were forced into an extra-time game as both fail to score in regulation.

Both teams came out with a rather conservative approach and did not press too many men forward.  Argentina's offense led by Messi and supported by Higuaín and Lavezzi was subdued throughout the match.  Messi's only shot on goal was a free-kick that keeper Cillessen saved easily.

Likewise, Argentina did not allow the Netherlands to get their offense flowing and by the end of regulation there were no shots on target from anyone in orange.  Van Persie was ghost out there today and Robben seemed just a half step slower coming off the overtime grind with Costa Rica.

Neither team scored in the extra-time so for a second straight match for the Dutch penalty kicks would decide the winner.  In the previous match the Netherlands saved their last substitution for a keeper change to bring on the speciallist Tim Krul.  However today all the subs were used before a change at keeper could be made and Cillessen had to do the job.

The Netherlands shot first with defender Ron Vlaar leading off.  This was a surprising move considering Huntelaar had come in late off the bench.  And in hindsight it was the wrong decision as his shot was blocked by Argentina keeper Romero.  This gave Argentina an immediate advantage and Messi followed the save with a conversion for the lead.

Robben then scored from the spot for the Dutch and Garay responded with a clean finish for Argentina.  Next for the Netherlands was Sneijder who also had his shot denied by Romero and was also followed by a conversion by Agüero.  Kyut was the last shooter for the Netherlands and he found the net to keep them alive.  Unfortunately for the Orange keeper Cillessen could not make a single save and substitute Maxi Rodríguez finished from the spot to put Argentina into the final.

So Brazil's arch rival will play in the final against an intimidating German side.  It almost doesn't matter though who plays Germany as the winner of today's match will have one day less rest and have to recover from this extra-time game.  We saw the same situation last summer during the Confederations Cup when Spain could barely challenge Brazil after winning an extra-time game to reach the final.

The Netherlands will play Brazil in the third-place game on Saturday and it will be interesting to see how, or if, both teams respond to their losses.

Netherlands Take Revenge, Stun Spain

 1-5 

Defending World Cup champions Spain were in action today in a first round match against the Netherlands.  In the 2010 World Cup final Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-nil in overtime to lift the Cup.  Today the result was quite different as the Dutch punished Spain for their previous heart-break.

Spain fielded a similar line-up to that during the Euros and the Confederations Cup with one major exception.  Diego Costa got the start for Spain at striker after choosing not to play for Brazil.  The striker helped Spain take the lead when he won a penalty kick in the first-half.  Dutch defender Stefan De Vrij missed his slide tackle on Diego Costa in the box and the spot-kick was given for Spain.  Xabi Alonso took the shot and scored the penalty with a well placed drive to the corner (27').

Not shaken by the deficit, the Netherlands responded just before half-time to level the score.  Daley Blind played an early cross into the box to pick out Robin Van Persie.  The Dutch captain timed his run well to stay on-sides and with his first touch struck a perfect header that beat Spanish keeper Iker Casillas (44').

In the second-half Spain's defense fell apart and captain Casillas was a complete mess between the posts.  Arjen Robben scored shortly after the break to give the Dutch the lead.  A great first touch to trap the ball inside the box set him up for a second touch around defender Pique before beating the keeper (53').

Not long after falling behind Spain elected to make a pair of changes removing Diego Costa and Xabi Alonso for Torres and Pedro.  However as soon as the two came into the match, the Netherlands extended the lead on a set-piece.  Sneijder delivered the free-kick into the box and Dutch centerback De Vrij scored at the back-post (64').

Later Van Persie scored another goal when Casillas coughed up the ball after mishandeling a back-pass.  Van Persie was quick to snatch the ball away from the keeper and fire off a shot on an empty net (72').  Then Robben scored a second goal when a long ball played forward gave him room to out-run Sergio Ramos.  Casillas attempted to stop Robben's run by coming off his line, but the Dutch forward confidently dribbled around the keeper and scored the final goal of the match (80').

The Dutch successfully got revenge on the team that kept them from lifting the trophy four years ago and will be favored to win the group.  Australia and Chile make up the rest of the group, but do not have much of a chance to reach the knock-out rounds.  Spain do not need to panic just yet and should be able to advance out of the group stage despite today's poor performance.  Once they do get out though, they will have to play much better against the next level of competition.

Van Persie's Hat-Trick Puts United In UCL Quarter-finals

 3-2(agg.) 

Manchester United hosted Olympiakos at Old Trafford today for a Champions League replay.  The Greek club won the first meeting 2-0 in Piraeus leaving United with their backs against the wall.  Playing in front of their own fans, United were significantly better than the first meeting between the two clubs.

The match started with high intensity as challenges came flying in from both sides leading to three yellow cards in the first ten minutes.  The players did settle into the game after that and by the end of the first-half Manchester managed to erase the two goal deficit.

Robin Van Persie won a penalty when he was knocked down by defender Jose Holebas in the box.  Van Persie took the shot from the penalty spot and scored the first goal of the day (25').  Then in the first-half stoppage-time Rooney setup Van Persie for a second goal.  Rooney played a low cross into the box and Van Persie made a great run to get in front of the defender and scored first-time (45 +1').

Shortly into the second-half Van Persie was able to complete his hat-trick, scoring from a free-kick.  Olympiakos keeper Roberto Gago failed to stick to his assignment and left the far-post unguarded allowing Van Persie's shot to find the net (51').

Olympiakos played better in the second-half than they had in the first, but could not create a goal that would have put them back in front.  Van Persie and the rest of the Red Devils were simply too good for the Greek club today as United move on to the quarter-finals.

Robin Van Persie was clearly the most important player in the match, but in the final moments of regulation he took a knock that forced him to exit the field.  A foul from behind left him in obvious pain and the striker was carried off on a stretcher.  Hopefully the injury was not too serious as United need his firepower for the matches to come.

Manchester United Shutout By Olympiakos

 2-0 

Manchester United travelled to Greece for the first leg of a Champions League fixture against Olympiakos.  United have underperformed up to this point in the Premier League, but in the group stage of the Champions League the Red Devils were unbeaten.  Olympiakos on the other hand are well in control of their league race, but only narrowly escaped their Champions League group.  Today the home team had all the fight as the underdogs stuck it to the English giant.

Olympiakos scored in the first-half thanks to a bit of good fortune.  Giannis Maniatis took a shot from range that would have been saved by United keeper De Gea easily.  On the way towards goal though, Alejandro Domínguez managed to get a flick on the ball with his heel to put the keeper on the wrong foot and find the net (38').

Manchester United fell further behind following the half-time break.  On loan from Arsenal, Joel Campbell scored the second goal for Olympiakos with a well struck shot from outside the box.  With his left-foot Campbell curled the shot around defender Ferdinand then back inside the post to score (55').

United could not rally and get a goal back to put them, at least, in better shape for the replay.  The second leg at Old Trafford is scheduled for March 19th and United will need to get at least two goals to stay alive in the Champions League.

Fulham Force Draw Against Man. United

 2-2 

Manchester United hosted last-place Fulham today at Old Trafford.  United may not be in the position they would like to be, but Fulham are certainly in worse shape flirting with relegation.  Van Persie and Rooney got to start at forward for United and saw a lot of the ball as the Red Devils controlled more than seventy percent of possession for the match.

Although United maintained nearly all of the possession in the first-half, Fulham scored the only goal on one of their rare chances.  Steve Sidwell put Fulham in front when Lewis Holtby played him in-on-goal.  Sidwell made a run behind Darren Fletcher and Holtby picked him out with a chipped ball over the top which Sidwell finished with a first-touch volley (19').

The second-half began similar to the first with United getting all the possession and Fulham playing almost entirely in their own half.  United used all three substitutes in an effort to boost the offense, bringing in Januzaj, Hernandez, and Valencia with about twenty minutes left to play.  Although the subs did not directly affect the score, United were able to get a pair of back-to-back goals to steal the lead.

Juan Mata fired the ball across the face of goal, possibly looking to put a shot on goal.  Instead the ball came to Van Persie waiting at the back-post for an easy tap-in finish (78').  Right after the first goal from United, Michael Carrick scored another for the lead.  A poor clearance by Kieran Richardson sent the ball to Carrick who was able to step into the shot from outside the box (80').  The shot took a favorable deflection off Scott Parker giving keeper Stekelenburg no chance at a save.

Fulham appeared to be fighting a lost cause, down a goal and void of any offense, but they rallied late and produced the equalizer.  Coming in at half-time, substitute Darren Bent scored in stoppage-time for Fulham.  United keeper De Gea was forced to make a save on a shot from Richardson and the rebound was left in front of the net.  Bent was waiting with a header and finished for the final goal of the match (90 +4').

Despite the overwhelming possession, United were not particularly good today.  Time after time United tried to play the ball in from the wings and every time Fulham were able to clear.  Both clubs have tough games up next as Manchester United travel to play Arsenal and Fulham get the red-hot Liverpool at home.

Stoke City Beat Struggling Manchester United

 2-1 

It was a wet and windy day at the Britannia Stadium as Manchester United came in to play Stoke City.  United have not been up to standard and Stoke were keen to take advantage of that slump.  Manchester United had a dreadful first-half and by the end of it the Red Devils were down a goal and down both centerbacks.

After only ten minutes Jonny Evans was forced to come out with a lower leg injury and Rafael entered the match.  Starting rightback Chris Smalling moved inside next to Phil Jones to make room for Rafael. Before United could settle into this new formation Stoke scored to take the lead.  Charlie Adam scored from a long free-kick shot that took a lucky deflection off Michael Carrick (38').

Then, near the end of the first-half, Phil Jones came down hard trying to win a header.  Jones hit his head as he came down and a stretcher was required to get him to the sideline.  Manager David Moyes made an interesting decision with his next substitution and brought on Welbeck in place of the defender.  This forced Carrick to drop into centerback and Rooney to drop into midfield asWelbeck took the other forward position next to Van Persie.

Half-time seemed like a blessing for United as they made adjustments to their shuffled line-up.  As the second-half started United showed signes of improvement and Van Persie helped level the score.  Juan Mata played the striker in-on-goal and Van Persie scored with a half-volley to equalize (47').

However, moments later Stoke regained the lead when Adam scored a second goal following some more good luck.  Winger Marco Arnautović misfired on his shot attempt and the ball rolled right in front of Adam who smashed it home (52').

Manchester fought to get a second goal with Rooney, Van Persie, Welbeck, and Hernandez all getting action today.  Stoke held on though to get a rare win against the Red Devils.  Next week Stoke travel to Southampton and United host Fulham in Premier League play.

Eto'o Hat-Trick Lift Chelsea Over United

 3-1 

Chelsea looked to keep pace with Arsenal and Manchester City, who both won matches yesterday, in their match today against Manchester United.  No Rooney or Van Persie for United who remain out injured giving Welbeck the start up front.  For Chelsea it was Samuel Eto'o who started at striker and made the biggest impact in the match.

Eto'o scored two goals in the first-half to give Chelsea the edge.  The first goal came when a left-footed shot from Eto'o took a favorable deflection off Michael Carrick.  The United midfielder was in good position to block the shot, but Carrick only got a piece of it and the ball was sent to the upper-ninety for Chelsea's first goal (17').

Eto'o scored a second goal following a corner-kick.  United defender the initial service, but Chelsea reclaimed possession and defender Gary Cahill found himself in a good position.  Cahill was able to work a cross into the box for Eto'o who scored first-touch moments before half-time (45').

Shortly after half-time Eto'o completed the hat-trick when Cahill again got involved on a corner-kick.  Cahill won a header at the near-post and United keeper De Gea managed to make the save.  He could not control the save though, and Eto'o was waiting just a yard away from goal for an easy finish (49').

Manchester United added striker Hernandez to play along side Welbeck and the young Mexican got a goal for the Red Devils late in the match.  Welbeck found Phil Jones in the box and Jones had a go at goal.  His shot may have been curling wide, but Hernandez was crashing the far-post and steered the ball into the net (78').

The one goal was all United could muster and their situation going forward was made worse when a challenge from captain Vidic earned him a red card in stoppage-time.  Vidic came in with both feet on a tackle to Eden Hazard and was immediately sent off.  Fullback Rafeal was lucky to not be shown a red card when he also made a two-footed tackle on Cahill.  He only saw a yellow card for his offense, but the match was essentially over at that point.

United probably have no realistic chance at defending their title with the current state of the club.  Injuries and general poor defense are holding back last season's champions who struggle to find that top form.  Chelsea are the real contenders with Arsenal and Manchester City just ahead in the table.  Next for Chelsea is an FA Cup match against Stoke City, while United get Sunderland in the Capital One Cup.

Manchester United Get Payback on Swansea

 2-0 

Manchester United suffered a devastating loss to Swansea City in the FA Cup last week and looked to get payback as the two clubs met today for a Premier League match.  Swansea's win over United in the FA Cup was the first time the club has ever won at Old Trafford and today's league game was also played in Manchester.  Now out of the tournament, United's goal is to focus on the league and get back into the top-four.

Welbeck was the lone striker for United today with Van Persie and Rooney still out of the line-up with injuries.  Eighteen year old Adnan Januzaj played in the attacking midfield role behind Welbeck and United were far better today than the previous meeting.  Swansea were perhaps better over the first-half of today's match, but neither side scored before the break.

Shortly after half-time Manchester were able to break down the Swansea defense and pull in front.  The first goal of the match came following a header by Shinji Kagawa that was denied by keeper Tremmel.  The header was on target and Tremmel did well to block the shot.  However, the rebound was left in front of the net and Antonio Valencia was in place to smash it home (47').

A second goal for United came soon after when Welbeck scored an awkward goal.  Captain Evra had pushed forward and was looking to slot Welbeck behind the Swansea defense with a through-pass.  As he was making the pass Evra was bumped, but the foul was not called and advantage was played.  The right decision as it were, as Welbeck managed to beat the keeper by getting just a flick on the pass from Evra.

The points will be appreciated by the United faithful as the Red Devils look to challenge the clubs currently at the top of the table.  Of course they would like to still be part of the FA Cup, but there is still hope for a major tournament win in the Champions League set to resume late in February.

Cardiff City Comeback to Hold Manchester United

 2-2 

Manchester United travelled to Wales for a Premier League match against Cardiff City today.  The Bluebirds of Cardiff City have held their own under manager Malky Mackay since coming into the league while United have somewhat under-performed coming off a championship season.

Van Persie was unavailable for United today so Javier Hernández  started with Rooney in the attack.  Rooney was a central figure throughout the match, drawing attention early following an incident with Jordan Mutch.  In the opening minutes Rooney was caught pulling the jersey of Mutch, but he also took a swing at his legs and was lucky to only see a yellow card.

Moments later Rooney put United in front scoring the first goal of the match.  Cardiff City defender Ben Turner played a poor pass that winger Valencia intercepted and sent into the box.  Hernández was in the box and flicked the ball on to Rooney coming in behind him.  Rooney did well to turn on the ball to find space before scoring a partially deflected goal (15').

Playing from behind did not seem to bother Cardiff City and the home side showed the ability to expose United's defense on the left side.  Mutch played a well timed through-ball behind defender Jonny Evans that gave Fraizer Campbell a clean shot on goal that beat the keeper (33').

Manchester United then managed to retake the lead right before half-time on a set-piece.  Rooney delivered the corner-kick that found Evra at the near-post.  Evra was unmarked and got a free header to put United back in front (45').

Playing from behind again, Cardiff were persistent in the second-half and made positive changes with their substitutions.  Mutch was replaced by Korean international Kim Bo-Kyung who made an big impact late in the game.  Following a United foul, a free-kick found Bo-Kyung at the near-post for a header finish and the final equalizer (90 +1').

Manchester United continue to search for the form that led them to a title last season.  Van Persie's absence was felt today, but the depth of United, which is usually what helps make them great, has been lacking.  Cardiff passed a tough test today and should be happy with a come-from-behind win over a top tier club.  So far Cardiff have proved they belong in the same league and that they can compete with some of the football giants.

Southampton Stun Manchester United

1-1

Southampton have started the season on the right foot and came into today's match in the top four of the Premier League table.  Manchester United are always tough to beat at home, though their season has not started they way they expected.

Wayne Rooney helped create the goal that put United ahead in the first-half.  Rooney managed to get behind the Southampton defenders and get a shot away.  Keeper Boruc made a good save to deny Rooney, but the rebound went right to Van Persie who finished on an empty net (26').

Aside from the first-half goal, Southampton's defense was stout and kept United from scoring further.  Keeping the score low was crucial for Southampton as a goal late in the match spoiled United's chance for the win.  During a corner-kick, centerback Lovren got just enough on his shot to send the ball towards goal.  Southampton captain Lallana was tangled up with keeper De Gea preventing him from making the save.  After a closer look it was revealed that Lovren's shot came off Lallana before finding the net (89').

The late equalizer ensured the draw and Southampton escape Old Trafford with one point.  Manchester United seem to be missing Sir Alex Ferguson as their season has been less than impressive.  Next week United host Stoke City while Southampton face Fulham.

R.V.P. Scores Hat-Trick, United Clench League Title

  3-0

Aston Villa traveled to Old Trafford for the Monday night match against Manchester United.  With a win United make the point difference to large for second-place City to overcome.  Aston Villa on the other hand are on the verge of falling out of the Premier League for the first time since it began in 1992.

Van Persie started as the striker for United with Kagawa playing behind him and Rooney back in the holding midfield position next to Carrick.  Rooney is not seen in this position often, but he seemed to take to the new role, distributing the ball well out of the back.  

Aston Villa had trouble defending this offense and let United score early and often.  The first came in the opening moments of the match when Rafael played a cross to the far-post that Giggs was able to lay down across the face of goal.  Van Persie was waiting for the pass in front of the goal and finished easily put United in front (2').

Van Persie scored again when a long pass from Rooney fell perfectly for him.  Van Persie let the ball come down over his shoulder then hit it out of the air for a stunning finish (13').  The Dutch international had more in him though, and completed the hat-trick before half-time.  The play started with a through-ball from Kagawa that put Giggs behind the defense.  Giggs could have shot himself, but instead played a square-pass to Van Persie who scored his third of the game (33').

The second-half was better for Aston Villa as Benteke, Weimann, and substitute El Ahmadi were able to test the United keeper and stop United from scoring any more goals.  However Villa could not produce any goals in the second-half and United finished 3-0.

Manchester United now cannot be caught in the table and have now won the twenty league titles.  Aston Villa still have a lot to play for as they are dangerously close to finishing in the bottom three.  The last four games of the season will have a huge impact on the future of the club.

City Win Manchester Bragging Rights

1-2

The Manchester Derby is always a big match, and these days titles can be won or lost when the two clubs throw-down.  Manchester City seem as though they will have to hand the title over to rivals United at the end of the season, but town bragging rights are still on the line.  United won the first meeting at the Etihad Stadium in December so revenge was on the minds of the City players today.

The first-half ended scoreless with possession and chances about even.  A few yellow cards were issued too, which is expected when these teams meet.  After the break the game heated up and City scored early in the second-half.  Nasri laid a ball off that Milner was able to strike.  Milner's shot took a slight deflection off Phil Jones on the way in towards goal, but not enough to keep it out of the net (51').  

The lead did not last long though as United responded moments later.  Van Persie delivered the cross into the box from a free-kick that Jones was able to connect with at the back-post.  More of a shoulder than a header, the ball came off Jones into the back of City captain Kompany that sent the ball into the net for an own-goal and a United equalizer (59').  

Agüero then came off the bench for the last twenty minutes to reclaim the lead for City.  It did not take him long either as he scored after a very good individual effort.  Coming across the box to his right, Agüero managed to shake Phil Jones to work the shot for the match-winning goal (78').  United remain well clear of City in the table, but the City fans can at least appreciate this win at Old Trafford for now.