TravelingWithYU: 2014 FIFA World Cup - 12th Day Match

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

2014 FIFA World Cup - 12th Day Match - Group A Standing

In continuation of the 12^th Day Match of 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Group A fought against each other.

At the Estado Nacional, Brasilia, and knowing Brazil hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup did not fret but made sure putting a mark of winning this game 1-4 in favour of Brazil. At 17’, Neymar Jr(10), with a simple tap in for a landmark moment: the 100^th goal of Brazil 2014 in the hosts’ 100^th World Cup game. Luiz Gustavo broke free on the Brazil left and fired a perfect delivery in the center of the Cameroon box. The Barca forward makes no mistake by opening his body, using the pase of the cross to guide the ball past Itandje.

Matip (21) of Cameroon was able to gain the equalizer with a finish from close range. Allan Nyom found space on the Cameroon left after some scrambled build-up play and fired it across goal. Matip was there for a simple finish, his first international goal.

Just about 11’, Neymar again gaining lead by 1 on Cameroon. Neymar, picked the ball up on the Brazilian left and dances his way inflied. Neymar, jinxed inside a coupel of Cameroon challenged and slams home. The host are back in the front and Brasilia is rocking.

It's Scolari's side who lead at the interval, but it's been nervy for the hosts at times. Neymar's brilliant finish saw Brazil go in front to ease the tension in Brasilia, but Joel Matip levelled things up to stun the Estadio Nacional into silence. The resurgent crowd roared their team on though, and a moment of Neymar brilliance sees A Selecao into the interval in the ascendancy. Cameroon have looked dangerous on the counter-attack and from set pieces, and this game is far from over.

FRED! HE'S DONE IT! The Brazilian No9 has been working so hard for that goal in the opening two and a half group games, and he's got his name on the scoresheet. The ball is played to the Brazilian left of the penalty area following a set piece, and it's fired across goal by David Luiz. Fred is there to nod home from inside the six yard box.

FERNANDINHO! The substitute settles any nerves after news of Mexico's third was trickling through into the stadium. The Manchester City midfielder latched on to a through ball and toe-poked past Itandje.

The hosts have won Group A, and they will face Chile in the Round of 16 after Mexico's 3-1 win over Croatia. Neymar's first-half double, followed up by Fred and Fernandinho efforts in the second half, saw Scolari's side to a comfortable victory. Cameroon had levelled to silence the Brasilia crowd, but Neymar's second eased the tension in the Estadio Nacional.

Like the match between Netherlands and Chile, Croatia and Mexico had a slow first half. A tense half filled with tough tackles ends goalless. Croatia and Mexico both had a few good chances but couldn't capitalise, and now the final 45 minutes must separate the two teams. As it stands, with this game 0-0 and Brazil beating Cameroon 2-1, Brazil and Mexico would go through if the scores remain the same.

Mexico's captian heads home! Rafael Marquez jumps the highest to direct Herrera's corner into the net.

Just like that Mexico double their lead! Andres Guarado is at the end of a lightning quick counter-attack, taking advantage of Croatia's numbers forward and now Mexico firmly have a foot in the Round of 16.

Chicharito makes it three for El Tri! Herrera's corner is a good one as Hector Moreno flicks on to Hernandez who nods home at the back post.

Perisic scored for Croatia at 87’ and was denied by Ochoa in having the second goal.

A flurry of goals - four in 22 minutes - plus a late sending off seals a frentic finish to this match in Recife, and the Mexico supporters are loving it. The final result sees El Tri move on to the Round of 16, along with Group A winners Brazil, who beat Cameroon 4-1, while Croatia are eliminated.

Below is Group A Standing: