Group Previews will begin tomorrow. Group A nearly done, just waiting for squads to be finalized.
Yesterday's Games
Croatia defeated Mali 2-1 in Osijek, Croatia
Winger Ivan Perisic showed Croatia have no shortage of attacking threats as they go to Brazil, scoring in both halves to propel Croatia to a 2-1 victory. A very slow pace in a game where both teams were happy to experiment and try out new things, Perisic was a bright spot for Croatia who open the tournament against Brazil in 11 days, and will do so without star striker Mario Mandzukic, suspended for the 1st match after picking up a red card in qualifying.
Russia tied Norway 1-1 in Oslo, Norway
A late goal salvaged a result for Norway, who were embarrassed by France a few days ago. Russia's struggles to score will be the biggest concern for coach Fabio Capello, who saw his team squander several opportunities after Oleg Shatov's 3rd minute goal. Russia face Morocco next Friday in their last tuneup before traveling to Brazil.
Algeria defeated Armenia 3-1 in Sion, Switzerland
Armenia looked shell-shocked in the first half as a surprisingly explosive Algerian offence and pro-Algerian crown in the Swiss Alps staked them to a 3-0 halftime lead from which they never looked back. A dull second half as both teams changed players frequently, Algeria sent notice to the rest of Group H that they cannot be overlooked going in to competition.
Netherlands defeated Ghana 1-0 in Rotterdam
Not nearly as close as the scoreline suggests, a Ghana team missing several starters to rest/injury was overwhelmed by a Dutch team experimenting with a new 2-3-5 formation. The formation was largely successful, able to repel any Ghanaian threats on goal, while giving stars Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie the freedom to create opportunities for themselves offensively. Impressive from the Netherlands 'A' side, while Ghana left a lot to be desired in their first tuneup. Ghana is also left to deal with the loss of defender Jerry Akaminko who suffered an ankle injury andis likely out for Brazil.
Portugal tied Greece 0-0 in Lisbon
Hardly a surprising result in a game between Greece and a Portuguese side without Cristiano Ronaldo. Without their star player, Portugal seemed to be missing some of the flair people expect from them, and they struggled to find ways to break down a superb Greek defence. As superb as their defence was, Greece showed little in the way of offensive firepower, despite a 4-3-3 formation and having their top 3 scoring threats pushed up more than usual.
No surprise in tactics from Greece and a tough opponent for Portugal to learn much from. Clear for Portugal is that this team needs Cristiano Ronaldo to be healthy come tournament time. Only Uruguay (Luis Suarez) appear to need one player back more than Portugal does. Completely different look to the team when he's on the field.
Italy tied Ireland 0-0 in London, England
An experimental lineup, designed to let manager Cesare Prandelli get a good look at the players on the bubble for his squad turned in to a nightmare for the Italians. One of the few starters in the lineup, Italy lost Riccardo Montolivo to a broken leg early in the first half. Montolivo's replacement Alberto Aquilani then had to leave the game before half, complaining of headaches and dizziness. While Aquilani is expected to be okay, it throws the Italian midfield in to a state of flux that Prandelli certainly doesn't want to have to deal with.
The highlight of the match for Italy was reserve goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu, who made several key saves including a point-blank stop on Shane Long off of a set-piece to maintain the 0-0 scoreline and prevent an Italian loss to open their pre-tournament games.
Mexico defeats Ecuador 3-1 in Arlington, TX, USA
An impressive performance from Mexico that was marred by a brutal leg injury to Luis Montes, just minutes after scoring the first goal on a rocket from outside the penalty area. Montes will be replaced by Javier Aquino in the Mexican lineup.
For Ecuador, it was an inconsistent defensive performance, that alternated between periods of being able to suffocate the Mexican attackers, and allowing free runs all through the lines. With starters missing from both teams, it will be interesting to watch both teams remaining tuneups, to see how the teams progress to Brazil.
Colombia tied Senegal 2-2 in Buenos Aires, Argentina
A perfect example of why scores in these games are to be taken with a grain of salt, as a first-rate Colombian side overwhelmed Senegal in the first half to take a 2-0 lead. After wholesale changes to the Colombian squad at halftime though, it was Senegal who were the aggressor, scoring twice in the first 7 minutes, and only being denied a lead after some fine saves from Colombian goalkeeper, 42 year old Faryd Mondragon.
Upcoming Games
All times Eastern Daylight Time (UTC -4)
Game to watch today is Belgium vs. Sweden. Belgium is one of the best young teams in the tournament, facing off against arguably the best team in the world that didn't qualify for Brazil.
Today
USA vs. Turkey at 2:00 p.m. in Harrison, NJ, USA
Germany vs. Cameroon at 2:30 p.m. in Monchengladbach
Belgium vs. Sweden at 2:30 p.m. in Solna, Sweden
France vs. Paraguay at 3:00 p.m. in Nice
Honduras vs. Israel at 8:00 p.m. in Houston, TX, USA
Costa Rica vs. Japan at 9:00 p.m. in Tampa, FL, USA
June 3rd
Switzerland vs. Peru at 2:30 p.m. in Bern
Brazil vs. Panama at 3:00 p.m. in Goiania
Greece vs. Nigeria at 7:00 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA, USA
Mexico vs. Bosnia at 9:30 p.m. in Chicago, IL, USA
June 4th
Netherlands vs. Wales at 2:00 p.m. in Amsterdam
Algeria vs. Romania at 2:30 p.m. in Geneva, Switzerland
Ecuador vs. England at 3:00 p.m. in Miami, FL, USA
Italy vs. Luxembourg at 3:00 p.m. in Perugia
Argentina vs. Trinidad/Tobago at 6:30 p.m. in Buenos Aires
Uruguay vs. Slovenia at 7:30 p.m. in Montevideo
Chile vs. Northern Ireland at 8:00 p.m. in Valparaiso
Ivory Coast vs. El Salvador at 10:00 p.m. in Frisco, TX, USA
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