Olé, olé, collegiettes™!
Get ready for some FIFA World Cup updates!
Unfortunately, the USA lost in Round 16 against Belgium with the final score 2 to 1. But goalkeeper Tim Howard had an amazing game, truly carrying the team on his back.
The quarterfinals began last Friday with the following match-ups: France versus Germany and Brazil versus Colombia.
The France and Germany match-up honestly had minimal amounts of action. Germany scored early in the 13th minute of the match with a header off of a free-kick. After that first goal, France struggled to equalize the match, but was unsuccessful. This World Cup is Germany’s fourth consecutive time advancing to the semi-finals.
France 0
Germany 1
The two largely populated nations in South America, Brazil and Colombia, had an extremely intense match-up. Both teams played their hearts out with a hard-fought game. Brazil scored the first goal within the 7th minute of the match and continued their lead with a free-kick in the second half. Colombia returned with one goal off of a penalty kick, but just couldn’t catch up. Brazil took the win in this highly anticipated match.
Brazil 2
Colombia 1
The quarterfinal matches continued on Saturday with Argentina versus Belgium and Netherlands versus Costa Rica.
Although Argentina is most known for their superstar player, Lionel Messi, it was Gonzalo Higuain who scored the one goal to send them to victory. They scored off of a volley in the 8th minute of the match. Belguim fought back with over 17 shots on goal, but couldn’t get one in.
Argentina 1
Belgium 0
A 0-0 match with double overtime headed to penalty kicks to decide the final score. The Netherlands versus Costa Rica match had a very slow start, but an exhilarating finish. During the match, both teams had many opportunities to get ahead. But Costa Rica’s goalkeeper stopped everything that came his way despite a shoulder issue in Round 16. But in the end, Costa Rica was one penalty kick short of making it to the semifinals.
Netherlands 0 (4 penalties)
Costa Rica 0 (3 penalties)
The semi-finals begin tomorrow at 4 p.m. with Brazil versus Germany. At 4 p.m. on Wednesday, the Netherlands match up against Argentina.
This year’s World Cup has been full of really exciting matches and nail-biting moments. There have been cries of defeat and screams of victory. Of course, there’s more to come! Tune into ESPN tomorrow for the start of the semifinals.
Photo Credits:
http://www.rantsports.com/soccer/files/2014/02/Tim-Howard.jpg