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Showing posts with label Group H. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Group H. Show all posts

Tuesday, 17 June 2014

World Cup 2014 Preview: Belgium vs Algeria

Belgium will need Eden Hazard to be at the peak of his powers


Belgium arrive in Brazil with a hearty reputation to live up to.

They open up against Algeria on Tuesday having been glowingly spoken of for some months owing to the battery of stars they have around Europe.

Here, Press Association's MatchStory looks at if they can live up to the hype.

Winging it

This Group H clash could well be decided by what goes on down the flanks. Despite an mean defensive record, when the Belgians did slip up it was out wide where they were caught napping - three quarters of their goals conceded from the wings. And their opponents proved just as susceptible, conceding 71 per cent of their goals from out wide.

But, while both teams have demonstrated weaknesses in defending wide areas, they found joy in attacking them. Algeria scored half of their goals from the wings, while Belgium's 61 per cent of goals from wide is the second highest of teams in the finals, ironically behind the team they edged out into second-place in qualifying - Croatia.

Read the rest of my piece for Press Association's MatchStory on ITV Football

Monday, 16 June 2014

Russia ready to show their strength


Russia defender Vasili Berezutski believes his side have a point to prove as they continue preparations for their opening World Cup Group H match against South Korea in Cuiaba.

The last time the Russians featured in a World Cup was back in 2002, where they were dumped out of the tournament in the group stages having only accumulated three points.

Following 12 years in the abyss, the team - led by former England manager Fabio Capello - managed to finish first ahead of Portugal in qualifying by playing an exciting brand of attacking football.

The 31-year-old Berezutski, who has 78 caps to his name, has paid tribute to the impact Capello has made since taking over back in July 2012.


"We have things to prove in this World Cup," Berezutski told FIFA.com.

Read the rest of my Russia vs South Korea match preview on Eurosport (via Press Association)