Brazil 4-2 Ecuador: Brazil finally grab a win
An open game was always likely to favour Brazil, and they took advantage to confirm their progression to the knockout stage. Mano Menezes changed his right side completely – Robinho and Maicon replaced...
View ArticleEcuador: the most basic side?
The inescapable truth about Ecuador is that they’re primarily at this tournament because their home qualifiers are played at altitude. Opponents, regardless of their technical quality, struggle to...
View ArticleWorld Cup 2014: group stage, day 4
Switzerland 2-1 Ecuador (Mehmedi, Seferovic; E Valencia) A game of set-pieces and attacking into wide areas – the game became progressively open, and both could have won it in stoppage time Flanks The...
View ArticleWorld Cup 2014: group stage, day 9
COSTA RICA 1-0 ITALY (Ruiz) An extraordinary upset. Costa Rica rode their luck in the first half but were comfortable after the break – they’re through to the knockout stage after just two group games...
View ArticleWorld Cup 2014: group stage, day 14
ARGENTINA 3-2 NIGERIA (Messi 2, Rojo; Musa 2) A gentle, open game with both sides already through Open feel This game could have gone in two very different ways. With both happy with a draw, it could...
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