Ecuador: 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 ArticleBosnia: more cautious than expected
Out of the 32 nations competing in Brazil, Bosnia are the only debutant, and therefore one of the more exciting teams. A couple of months ago they were even more exciting. Coach Safet Susic played an...
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...
View Article