Round of 16… Game #4
Can Europe continue their good day and tie it up!!
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UWs
posted by United We Stand @ 3:37 PM
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Can Europe continue their good day and tie it up!!
Join us
UWs
Lakenheath Old Boys
We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!
Contributors
Previous Posts
- Round of 16… Game #3
- Brasil '14 - Day 18
- Round of 16…. Game #2
- Round of 16… Game #1
- Brasil 2014 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update
- Brasil '14 - Day 15
- Brasil '14 - Day 14
- Brasil '14 - Day 13
- Brasil '14 - Day 12
- Brasil '14 Predictions Game - Group Stage Update
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Costa Rica v Greece (21:00 BST)
Costa Rica: Navas, Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz, Ruiz, Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos, Campbell. Subs: Pemberton, Acosta, Myrie, Barrantes, Francis, Granados, Brenes, Miller, Calvo, Urena, Cubero, Cambronero.
Greece: Karnezis, Torosidis, Manolas, Papastathopoulos, Holebas, Karagounis, Salpingidis, Maniatis, Christodoulopoulos, Samaris, Samaras. Subs: Glykos, Tzavelas, Moras, Tziolis, Kone, Mitroglou, Vyntra, Gekas, Fetfatzidis, Katsouranis, Tachtsidis, Kapino.
Referee: Benjamin Williams (Australia)
This is another one in which England should have been featured. Can you imagine? England v. Greece. Would have been easy passage to the quarters.
Bob Ley has just shown a picture of fans in Costa Rica, which he calls "an island nation." What?! No it isn't!
Stat Attack
Costa Rica had less possession than their opponents in each of their group games. Their 44.4% against Uruguay was their highest to date
Another in the Possession Means Nothing File!!!!
So Costa Rica return to the line-up that faced Uruguay and Italy. Joel Campbell leads the line, with Bryan Ruiz floating behind and Christian Bolanos looking to provide attacking thrust from the left. Yeltsin Tejeda and Celso Borges provide the central protection for the back three.
Greece have stuck with the team that brought success against the Ivory Coast, with the only change Andreas Samaris coming in to make his first start of the tournament in midfield, (though he came on after 12 minutes against the Ivorians anyway). That means Georgios Samaras will carry the burden in the lone striker's role. He'll be reliant on Lazaros Christodoupoulos and Dimitros Salpingidis offering support from the wings.
Hello Bob and UWS. Since when is Costa Rica an island nation?
England and Italy should be embarrassed that the Ticos finished ahead of them in the standings. The Ticos like to absorb pressure then hit teams on the break. I am not surprised that they have had little possession. Greece plays the same way.
I agree with you about possession, UWS. However, that's how the Dutch killed Mexico earlier. I was surprised at how knackered Mexico were at the end.
You heard that too, didn't you, MUR. What a numpty! I thought it was Bob Ley but it was actually the African American host. Not sure of his name.
Both teams in this match play that style. The only goal Costa Rica has conceded was a penalty against Uruguay. The Greeks have only scored two goals. Both against the Ivory Coast. I would expect the Ticos to win this match.
I did . I was appalled by the basic geography gaffe.
It's an Aussie officiating crew.
It's an all Aussie officiating crew this afternoon.
I thought Samaris' name was "Georgios."
They're off from Recife.
No PPP points available from this encounter.
Go on, the Greeks! Europe is back, Europe is back - hello! Hello!
Samaras wins an early free kick
I am going for the Ticos.
Nope - and no one has gotten a full 9 points so far. So - it will only be six points at most from the first four matches.
The free kick is headed away then Christodopolous shoots high and wide.
Yes. I got six yesterday, but still trail by a fair amount.
You're all in for the CONCACAF boys today, eh MUR?
Geogios is Samaras. This striking partner is Samaris. A matter of semantics.
They have done well this World Cup, surpassing all expectations.
Ah...that's it. Cheers, MUR!
The Greek's first ever knockout match in the World Cup. Only the second time ever for the Ticos. The winner will be in the quarters for the first time ever.
Any time mate.
Joel Campbell had a chance to lay off to Ruiz but he overcooked the ball.
A great opportunity for the Ticos , but the ball from Campbell to Bryan Ruiz was too far wide.
The Ticos fans breaking into the "Ole" chants now - a bit early for that, don't you think?
The Greeks have only won two world Cup matches and only scored in two world Cup matches. Both were against African teams. The Greeks will have to make history in more ways than one to advance.
Why wouldn't Arsene Wenger want to bring Joel Campbell in for pre-season training?
Bryan Ruiz did well to put through Bolanos who shot ever when he should have at least worked the keeper.
That is a good question. At least give him a chance.
Yeah - the host was giving Lexi Lalas some stick for that. All four Greek scorers are playing today.
I agree that it's a bit too early for the Oles unless it's the fans's way of trying to motivate their team.
The Greeks record in the Euros is certainly quite a bit better than at the World Cup. That's for sure.
did things go swimmingly between the last match and this match?
UWS has just said that Kasey Keller is "Captain Obvious" on the microphone this afternoon.
Samaras is offside off a long ball from Torosidis . He looked onside, IMHO.
They did indeed. We had a lovely dip and UWS just said that he's feeling cool and refreshed for this one. Kathy is asleep on the couch and son Thomas is heading in that direction unless someone scores.
I haven't been too pleased with Kasey Keller as an announcer. I have been really disappointed.
The Nocitos have a pool in their backyard? It must be warm in Albany today.
What you are trying to say is that Thomas is about to fall asleep.
I prefer Salpangidis running through the middle. He's lost on the wing.
I definitely expect this to be a cagey affair.
Yep - he's looking a bit droopy as I type. He had a late night out with his pals.
Salpangidis wins a Greek corner.
Greece might be able to take advantage of these set piece opportunity.
Oh - Papa's Got a Brand New Bag-opolis nearly got a decent header on that corner.
Papastohalous heads wide off the corner from the Pit Bull.
Boom Boom ! Nice one.
We know how those late nights go. Is the pool in the backyard?
Campbell did well to find a player down the left but the return pass to him was atrocious.
Cheers, mate. Yep. Above ground oval shaped pool. They're in the process of building a deck from the back door out to the pool.
Where's the quality?
Gamboa wins a corner off of Maniatis.
The corner is taken short then Campbell is fouled just outside the box by thew pit bull.
Half way through the first half - not a classic.
Great free kick from Bolanos and Borjas just fails to connect.
Not at all. where's the quality. Like watching a Greek tragedy.
I wish them the best with the deck and the pool. I know requires a lot of work. Massive maintenance involved.
The Ticos fans are losing their minds now. Goodness knows why. Is there a silly wave going on?
Yeah - no kidding. UWS was out there mixing all the chemicals yesterday.
Gonzalez heads out for a corner as a long ball was intended for Samaras.
The corner is easily headed away but a Ticos counter comes to nothing.
The Ticos break from the Greek corner but waste the chance.
John Ashdown on the Guardian blog:
"24 min: Loose control. Tackle. Loose control. Tackle. Loose control. Tackle …"
That's about the size of it.
Claudio Ranieri is supposed to take over from Fernando Santos on July 1st. How does that work if Greece wins today? Santos's contract expires tomorrow.
Yes. Spot on by John Ashdown.
Nice shot-opolis there. Well handled by the keeper.
Kaylor Navas comfortably gathers a long range effort from the Pit Bull.
Oh - how did Georgy miss that header.
Well stated, Bob.
So do you think Fernando Santos will be in charge of Greece if they win today? His contract expires tomorrow and Ranieri is supposed to take over July 1st. Your thoughts.
Nice catch-opolis.
Smaras blocked a shot from his teammate Samaris then ofsidesopolis.
Interesting conundrum for them. Not sure.
The match is being played in a metropolis.
It definitely was unexpected , even for the Greeks.
Clearly neither the manager nor the bloke who's getting married on the 5th thought that they'd be around this long in the tournament.
This match has been a bore-opolis.
Sparky has been napping all afternoon. How about Shadow?
Boom Boomopolous!
Even the face paint CR fan is bored.
Santos is my favorite coach to watch. He's got a permanent sadness in his eyes like Alan Arkin, and he always looks disheveled.
Santos is my favorite coach to watch. He's got a permanent sadness in his eyes like Alan Arkin, and he always looks disheveled.
who's getting married on the 5th? I wasn't even invited.
Two squads praised for their disciplined defensive stances. Who'd be expecting a good game here?
Good evening Red Devil. I hadn't thought about it. Get a good look because it will possibly be Alan Arkin's last match in charge of Greece.
Crunch! Samaris slides in on Campbell.
Samaris booked for naughty challenge on Campbell.
I predicted a 1-0 win for the Ticos prior to the match
Oh - great cross finally and Salpangidis was in at the back post. Brilliant save by the keeper's leg.
Great save. Looks like my arrival has brought some verve into the game.
Superb block from Navas off Salpingidis off a good cross from Holebas.
MUR - I predicted the reverse. Never bet against the Greeks.
A wasted corner as Samaris is called for a foul off the corner from the Pit Bull.
We will see. It will be interesting to observe the outcome. You should sleep soundly after watching this match.
Salpangidis is the danger man. He finds himself free again but he's just offside.
Salpangidis offside off a pass from Samaris.
Who was 2nd place in the group that Greece won (or did they win a playoff)? Maybe they were behind Bosnia? If so, who did they beat in the playoffs?
Salpangidis is the danger man. He finds himself free again but he's just offside.
As Billy Idol would say, it will be the midnight hour when this match ends, unless it goes to ET. Is that correct, Red Devil.
After I watch this match, I need to watch the Dutch versus Mexico, since I missed that one (I do know the result).
Greece finished second in their group to Bosnia on goal difference then beat Romania 4-2 on aggregate in the playoffs.
Yes. You will enjoy that one. It was much more entertaining.
Oscar Duarte booked for a foul on Christadopolis just outside the box.
The reason why I think the Greeks have the better chance, is that they at least have the capacity for a rapid strike. Costa Rica builds up very slowly, and with two teams that are this cagey on defense, I think it will take something quick-strike.
Welcome, Red Devil. I do think your presence has improved this match. We were all just about comatose.
The earlier match is well worth a watch.
An unusually poor free kick from the Pit Bull is easily gathered by Kaylor Navas.
Ah. Romania. Not great, but still better than Panama in my eyes.
I was on a very hot South Texas summer afternoon. We call it siesta weather.
I agree, Red Devil.
In to stoppage time.Two minutes of that. Far too much, IMHO.
I hope this is settled in 90 minutes. I don't know if I can take two hours of this.
SPOILER ALERT ***** I saw about 15 minutes of the first game, and I was able to see SPOILER ALERT ****** the first two goals.
This game on the other hand is the odds on favorite to end 0-0.
UWS is wondering why so many of the Ticos players are wearing bits of tape on their necks. Any ideas what that's about?
In any case, the Dutch must be wondering who they'll face in the semis.
And that's quite enough of that. We're going to whip out the smelling salts during the interval and will be back refreshed for the second half in a bit.
0-0.
It's 0-0 at the half of this borefest. Boos from the Brazilians as both teams are cancelling each other in this battle of attrition.
I reckon that the Dutch would rather face the Greeks - much more reliable and familiar an opponent.
The commentators were saying that Samaras had not scored for 2 years before his PK against Ivory Coast. In most countries that would be it for a forward. I think that says a lot about the Greek's soccer philosophy these days.
It sure does. I think Samaras is used to do a lot of pressing and off the ball running. I think scoring is not his primary responsiblity. I agree Bob that the Dutch would prefer to face the Greeks. They will know how to dispatch them.
That's a fair point, Red Devil. The 2004 success under Otto Rehhagel has had an unfortunate consequence for the Greeks. They keep thinking that they'll be able to get through tournaments without actually scoring.
The second half is underway from Recife.
I hope it does not go to a shootout after two hours of scoreless football.
To be honest the Greeks have looked more like scoring.
I know what you mean. I need to get back on the road back to Fred-opolis after this match.
You're exactly right, MUR, and that just shows the philosophy. A forward is not there primarily to score, but to cause problems for the opponents.
Speak of the devil.
Samaras heads straight to Navas off a free kick from Holebas.
Agreed, MUR - they've had some chances. Especially Salpangidis. He was the danger man in Polkraine two summers ago and is again today.
Boris Yeltsin Tejeda booked for a foul on the Pit Bull.
I love the Latin American penchant of naming their kids after statesmen. Yeltsin is a first or me.
Fredopolis is asleep on the love seat. Speak of the Blue Devil and Red Devil.
Honduras have a forward named Boniek Garcia who plays for the Houston Dynamo.
Yet, a lot of US statesmen like Jefferson or Washington pop up as first names in Latin America. In the 60s, lots had Soviet heroes like Yuri (Gagarin).
Was Blatter just shooting us all a bird?
It is interesting to see how Greece plays when Ranieri takes over from Fernando Santos. Ranieri usually plays attacking football.
I wouldn't be surprised. Sepp is a wag.
GOOOOOALLLLLL!
that goal was as slow as the game has been
GOAL! Bryan Ruiz passes the ball into the back of the net.
GOAL 1-0 TICOS .GREAT FINISH FROM BRYAN RUIZ.
Now do the Greeks have a Plan B?
Looks like the goalie was playing a game of "statue" (I have a 4 year-old daughter, so this is on my mind often).
Oh - CR going for the kill; Torosidis with a vital interception.
Oh - CR come again and Bolanos has a shot blocked. The Greeks are rocking.
Indeed, Blue Devil. I'm not sure how this changes the complexion of the game. I'm not sure why Costa Rica seems to be attacking even more.
If the Greeks can weather this storm, they may still have a chance to get back into this one.
Correct basically passed into the back of the net as the Greek keeper was caught napping. Ruiz won the balkl in midfield , passed to Campbell, who passed to Bolanos down the left and he found Ruiz for what might be the match winning goal.
On the replay, Torosidis clearly handled the ball in the area. Should have been a penalty.
Man. Should have been a penalty kick with that hand ball.
Bolanos has been the most impressive player for the Ticos in this tournament IMHO.
That could have been a penalty to the Ticos as Torosidis handled in the box and now one of the Ticos subs has been booked for protesting that. Oscar Granados , the reserve keeper, booked for talking himself into the book.
Greeks need to regroup. The sub waiting to come on looks like a Babylonian king.
The Greek keeper definitely was playing statue and that may cause his team to exit the tournament.
Samaris off after not impressing and Fulham's Mitroglou comes on.
when Costa Rica mopped the floor with the US during qualifiers, Bolanos was essentially unstoppable for our players, who allowed him to dribble like a second Maradona.
Costas Mitroglu , who has been injury ravaged since joining Fulham, is on for Samaras. One forward on for another
It is hard to see the Greeks coming back.
With his body language, the Greek coach also reminds me of comedian Richard Lewis.
Samaris, not Samaras.
I am not sure why torosidis is down. He was merely tapped.
I had not thought about that. It will be the last time we will see Fernando Santos in charge of the Greeks.
Agreed MUR. The Greeks are not good at facing an opponent who bunkers in against them.
Now the camera is focused on Santos, to the delight of Red Devil.
The more I see it replayed, the more I like the goal for its intelligence (both the assist and the shot direction selection).
Jose Cubero on for Boris Yeltsin.
With Yeltsin off, I was expecting Putin to come on. The commentators were talking about how his parents set him up for a tough life.
Oscar Duarte sent off for a second yellow. The Ticos will have to survive with ten men and Duarte will not be elligible to face the Dutch if the Ticos progress.
Samaras heads well wide from the free kick
The Greeks need to up the pace now. CR will really bunker in now, so the Greeks need to run them ragged, attacking in waves, not just sporadically.
BOOM BOOM BASIL! Nice one, Red Devil.
Here comes Gekas. Not sure if I agree with that. He is a fast, counter-attack type of guy.
I wonder if the Greeks are really set up to attack like that. Their best chances are from set pieces.
Gekas, the veteran , on for Slapangidis. I'm not sure about that either,
Believe it or not, Gekas was practically the leading scorer in the Bundesliga one year.
Bryan Ruiz booked for kicking the ball away.
Alright. Now we have some action!
was that recently or a while ago that Gekas led the Bundesliga.? He doesn't seem too proficient.
Wow. Greeks losing their cool. Who would have predicted that.
Manolas deservedly booked for a crude foul as two Ticos were down prior to the foul.
The last thing the Greeks want to do is lose their composure. That will be a challenge.
Wide by Gekas as he was well marked, off a pass from Holebas.
He scored 20 goals in 2006 for perennial yo-yo club, Bochum (well, they're probably permanently second league, now). He was the leading European scorer in the qualifiers for S Africa.
Johnny Acosta on for Cristian Gamboa.
fully 1/3 of the Ticos fieldplayers were rolling on the ground when Cambell was felled.
He is definitely close to retirement and this may be his last match, but seemed like quite a player in his prime.
Katsouranis on for Maniatos, who is none too pleased about being subbed.
Cubero fouls the Pit Bull about thirty yards from goal.
The Pit Bull shoots the free kick well over.
It wouldn't surprise me. I saw two players down before Campbell was fouled.
Kasey Keller mentioned the possibility of extra time.. I sure hope not.
The Pit Bull is 37 years old. While I have seen older players, never one with more energy.
Another foul by Cubero and another set piece opportunity for Greece.
Manolas heads over from the free kick.
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