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Odemwingie: Our hard work paid off
Nigeria international Osaze Odemwingie has attributed his side’s priceless win against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday night as reward for their efforts.
The Stoke City striker, who grabbed the only goal of the game and was named man of the match, revealed that although match was tough the team's desire to succeed earned them victory.“We have to work very hard for this because they (Bosnia) are a quality team with the likes of Edin Dzeko and other fantastic players,” he said after the game.
“It was very difficult getting the goal but there was no option than to bounce back after a poor performance in the first game.“The weather was difficult it was very difficult to play under the weather but we have to stay in there and fight it out to get three points.
“It was very important to win and henceforth we are looking forward get points that will get us through to the second round and after that you know anything can happen because we are inspired."
Nigeria international Osaze Odemwingie has attributed his side’s priceless win against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday night as reward for their efforts.
The Stoke City striker, who grabbed the only goal of the game and was named man of the match, revealed that although match was tough the team's desire to succeed earned them victory.“We have to work very hard for this because they (Bosnia) are a quality team with the likes of Edin Dzeko and other fantastic players,” he said after the game.
“It was very difficult getting the goal but there was no option than to bounce back after a poor performance in the first game.“The weather was difficult it was very difficult to play under the weather but we have to stay in there and fight it out to get three points.
“It was very important to win and henceforth we are looking forward get points that will get us through to the second round and after that you know anything can happen because we are inspired."
Nigeria and Ghana successes great for Africa - Keshi
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi celebrated a happy night for west Africa after his side beat Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday night and Ghana held Germany earlier on in the day.
Ghana drew 2-2 with Joachim Low's side in a thrilling encounter in Fortaleza and Nigeria went one better with a deserved 1-0 win over Bosnia in Cuiaba later on.
"Everybody is happy in west Africa," Keshi told reporters after Nigeria's narrow victory. "Ghana got their result and we won as well. It’s good for the continent."
The 52-year-old also hailed his side's performance as they kept a second clean sheet in the competition and triumphed thanks to Peter Odemwingie's first-half goal and looked ahead to his team's final group game against Argentina.
"The fighting spirit we showed was good," he said. "I never thought that we wouldn’t make the round of 16. I have the players. But look at Iran today, if it was not for Lionel Messi [Argentina wouldn't have won]... We need to work hard for the game against Argentina."
For his part, goalscorer Odemwingie was thrilled with his match-winning strike and applauded the character shown by his team-mates.
"The goal means a lot to me," he said. "But the win was down to 90 minutes of concentration and effort from my team-mates. The most important thing today was the character. We even enjoyed defending together."
And he added: "I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this country. Playing for my fatherland is an honour and a pleasure. I didn’t expect to come back and score a winner in such an important game, but I’m very happy. Right now I’m so high on our team’s performance."
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi celebrated a happy night for west Africa after his side beat Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday night and Ghana held Germany earlier on in the day.
Ghana drew 2-2 with Joachim Low's side in a thrilling encounter in Fortaleza and Nigeria went one better with a deserved 1-0 win over Bosnia in Cuiaba later on.
"Everybody is happy in west Africa," Keshi told reporters after Nigeria's narrow victory. "Ghana got their result and we won as well. It’s good for the continent."
The 52-year-old also hailed his side's performance as they kept a second clean sheet in the competition and triumphed thanks to Peter Odemwingie's first-half goal and looked ahead to his team's final group game against Argentina.
"The fighting spirit we showed was good," he said. "I never thought that we wouldn’t make the round of 16. I have the players. But look at Iran today, if it was not for Lionel Messi [Argentina wouldn't have won]... We need to work hard for the game against Argentina."
For his part, goalscorer Odemwingie was thrilled with his match-winning strike and applauded the character shown by his team-mates.
"The goal means a lot to me," he said. "But the win was down to 90 minutes of concentration and effort from my team-mates. The most important thing today was the character. We even enjoyed defending together."
And he added: "I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this country. Playing for my fatherland is an honour and a pleasure. I didn’t expect to come back and score a winner in such an important game, but I’m very happy. Right now I’m so high on our team’s performance."
Ghana prove to be the World Cup's great entertainers again
The game against Germany tonight might have yielded two less points than Ghana had actually wished for, yet the west Africans - as disappointing as they had been against the USA in their group opener - couldn't have made a more deafening statement of intent.
Ghana took the game to Germany early, only to fall behind to a Mario Gotze finish from Thomas Muller's cross. Anyone who expected a drubbing were let down, though, as Ghana struck back with one of their own.
A lofted ball from Harrison Afful -the Esperance full-back proving a definite, more appealling upgrade on the benched Daniel Opare- on the right, saw Andre 'Dede' Ayew grab his second goal at the tournament. Like Gotze's, it was indeed a fine headed effort.
Asamoah Gyan then looked to have scored the winner upon receiving Sulley Muntari's perfect lay-off, which saw him become the joint-highest scoring African in World Cup history alongside Roger Milla on five goals.
But they were soon pegged back by Miroslav Klose's 15th World Cup strike, which produced another piece of footballing history, as he level with record-holder Ronaldo.
The likes of Afful, Boateng (before he was taken off), and goalkeeper Fatau Dauda -the only additions to the line-up that started against the Americans- all justified their inclusions.
Dede showed again just why he is the side's most natural leader, Muntari's experience shone through, Kwadwo Asamoah did little to convince coach Kwesi Appiah that he isn't the man to play at left-back, and even the central defensive pairing of John Boye and Jonathan Mensah were much improved from the defeat to the USA.Of course, none of those glowing individual contributions could sway the tie Ghana's way. The 2-2 draw sees the Stars remain in third place above pointless Portugal.
Draw or not, Ghanaians still cling to their license to dream. They haven't lost it yet.
The game against Germany tonight might have yielded two less points than Ghana had actually wished for, yet the west Africans - as disappointing as they had been against the USA in their group opener - couldn't have made a more deafening statement of intent.
Ghana took the game to Germany early, only to fall behind to a Mario Gotze finish from Thomas Muller's cross. Anyone who expected a drubbing were let down, though, as Ghana struck back with one of their own.
A lofted ball from Harrison Afful -the Esperance full-back proving a definite, more appealling upgrade on the benched Daniel Opare- on the right, saw Andre 'Dede' Ayew grab his second goal at the tournament. Like Gotze's, it was indeed a fine headed effort.
Asamoah Gyan then looked to have scored the winner upon receiving Sulley Muntari's perfect lay-off, which saw him become the joint-highest scoring African in World Cup history alongside Roger Milla on five goals.
But they were soon pegged back by Miroslav Klose's 15th World Cup strike, which produced another piece of footballing history, as he level with record-holder Ronaldo.
The likes of Afful, Boateng (before he was taken off), and goalkeeper Fatau Dauda -the only additions to the line-up that started against the Americans- all justified their inclusions.
Dede showed again just why he is the side's most natural leader, Muntari's experience shone through, Kwadwo Asamoah did little to convince coach Kwesi Appiah that he isn't the man to play at left-back, and even the central defensive pairing of John Boye and Jonathan Mensah were much improved from the defeat to the USA.Of course, none of those glowing individual contributions could sway the tie Ghana's way. The 2-2 draw sees the Stars remain in third place above pointless Portugal.
Draw or not, Ghanaians still cling to their license to dream. They haven't lost it yet.
Dzeko: 'Shameful' referee should be sent home after Bosnia-Herzegovina loss
Edin Dzeko says referee Peter O'Leary should be sent home after Bosnia-Herzegovina crashed out of the World Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in Group F on Saturday night.
Dzeko, his nation's record goalscorer, believes that captain Emir Spahic was fouled by Emmanuel Emenike in the run-up to Nigeria's goal and he also had a goal ruled out for offside just prior.
"Today we should have won this game," he said. "The referee was shameful in this competition. We are going home, we are sad because of that but this referee should be going home too. He changed the result and he changed the game. That's why we lost."
A 2-1 loss on the first matchday to Argentina at the Maracana left Bosnia with the need to avoid defeat against the Super Eagles in Cuiaba on Saturday.
Despite having a large share of the ball and Dzeko himself being presented with a number of chances, Safet Susic's side could not put any points on the board. For that, Dzeko lays the blame squarely at the feet of O'Leary.
"We tried to come back after the goal," he said. "But it was obviously a foul on our captain. And before when I scored the goal, it was never offside. We fought till the end. But we didn't have luck today. "
Dzeko said that the heat and humidity in Cuiaba played no significant part in Bosnia's defeat and that the side would try their best for a first World Cup point in Salvador on Wednesday.
Edin Dzeko says referee Peter O'Leary should be sent home after Bosnia-Herzegovina crashed out of the World Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in Group F on Saturday night.
Dzeko, his nation's record goalscorer, believes that captain Emir Spahic was fouled by Emmanuel Emenike in the run-up to Nigeria's goal and he also had a goal ruled out for offside just prior.
"Today we should have won this game," he said. "The referee was shameful in this competition. We are going home, we are sad because of that but this referee should be going home too. He changed the result and he changed the game. That's why we lost."
A 2-1 loss on the first matchday to Argentina at the Maracana left Bosnia with the need to avoid defeat against the Super Eagles in Cuiaba on Saturday.
Despite having a large share of the ball and Dzeko himself being presented with a number of chances, Safet Susic's side could not put any points on the board. For that, Dzeko lays the blame squarely at the feet of O'Leary.
"We tried to come back after the goal," he said. "But it was obviously a foul on our captain. And before when I scored the goal, it was never offside. We fought till the end. But we didn't have luck today. "
Dzeko said that the heat and humidity in Cuiaba played no significant part in Bosnia's defeat and that the side would try their best for a first World Cup point in Salvador on Wednesday.
Boateng: Ghana still have a chance
Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng believes his side still have a chance of progressing into the second round of the World Cup.
The Black Stars' defeat to USA in their opening match and Saturday's 2-2 draw with Germany means they are relying on Jurgen Kllinsmann's men losing their next two games and Ghana themselves beating Portugal in their last game in order to go through.
Boateng says he is confident his side can still make it after a strong display against the Germans.
"We came here and wanted to win and we eventually got a point," he told reporters. "But we still have the chance to qualify and we have to prepare for the next game."
The Schalke player says he was happy with his side's performance on Saturday, insisting it was a brilliant game and that the 2-2 outcome was ultimately a fair result.
Boateng continued: "We set out to win, but we should be happy it went back and forth - Germany could have won, we could have won. The point was fair.
"We wanted to pull back and not let them come into play. That was the key.
"I'm very happy, we saw a very, very good game. We saw two good teams playing very good football and we can be happy with the point, as can Germany.
"That’s what the World Cup is about, good football and attacking all the time. It was a fantastic game."
Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng believes his side still have a chance of progressing into the second round of the World Cup.
The Black Stars' defeat to USA in their opening match and Saturday's 2-2 draw with Germany means they are relying on Jurgen Kllinsmann's men losing their next two games and Ghana themselves beating Portugal in their last game in order to go through.
Boateng says he is confident his side can still make it after a strong display against the Germans.
"We came here and wanted to win and we eventually got a point," he told reporters. "But we still have the chance to qualify and we have to prepare for the next game."
The Schalke player says he was happy with his side's performance on Saturday, insisting it was a brilliant game and that the 2-2 outcome was ultimately a fair result.
Boateng continued: "We set out to win, but we should be happy it went back and forth - Germany could have won, we could have won. The point was fair.
"We wanted to pull back and not let them come into play. That was the key.
"I'm very happy, we saw a very, very good game. We saw two good teams playing very good football and we can be happy with the point, as can Germany.
"That’s what the World Cup is about, good football and attacking all the time. It was a fantastic game."
'United States want to put Ronaldo in his place' - Klinsmann
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann says his side are out to "put Cristiano Ronaldo in his place" when they face Portugal on Sunday.
The former Germany international stressed the importance of shackling every Portugal player in the crunch Group G clash, but wants his team to show they are every bit as good as Ronaldo and his "world-class" team-mates.
"There’s a lot of admiration for him and for the players who play at big clubs and in the Champions League," he said.
"But this is the moment to prove yourself, to step up, play those guys and put them in place. We want to put Cristiano in place.
"We want to make it our game, we are ready for that, we have been preparing for that a long time. We are not worried about any players, we respect them of course, as we always do, but we are ready."
US goalkeeper Tim Howard, who played alongside Ronaldo for Manchester United, hailed the forward's various talents but says there is a game plan to "bottle him up".
"We always knew he was special, the moment he stepped through the doors. He had skills that certainly I had never seen before. Did I ever expect him to be the best player in the world? Maybe not, but he certainly had the tools.
"He’s the single hardest-working player I’ve ever been around, on and off the field, his work ethic is incredible. He’s strong, he’s a fast runner, the best in the world when running with the ball, good in the air, good with both feet, the list goes on and on, this is why he's the best in the world.
"We want to bottle him up, it has not been done for four or five years but we’ll see what we can do. We have a gameplan and if we put that in place we’ll give ourselves a good chance.
"If we pay too much attention to Ronaldo someone else will beat us. We’ve got to be diligent, we have to be aware of their danger men. We have a gameplan in place and now we have to go and execute it."
Howard also revealed that Klinsmann put a stop to any mention of Portugal at the team hotel on Saturday morning.
"You have to know your opponent but as of this morning he refuses to speak about Portugal.
"It gives us a long time to focus on ourselves, we won’t focus on them anymore, it’s done. They’re a good transition team but we have to use the ball well, make them defend, hurt them and push them back."
United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann says his side are out to "put Cristiano Ronaldo in his place" when they face Portugal on Sunday.
The former Germany international stressed the importance of shackling every Portugal player in the crunch Group G clash, but wants his team to show they are every bit as good as Ronaldo and his "world-class" team-mates.
"There’s a lot of admiration for him and for the players who play at big clubs and in the Champions League," he said.
"But this is the moment to prove yourself, to step up, play those guys and put them in place. We want to put Cristiano in place.
"We want to make it our game, we are ready for that, we have been preparing for that a long time. We are not worried about any players, we respect them of course, as we always do, but we are ready."
US goalkeeper Tim Howard, who played alongside Ronaldo for Manchester United, hailed the forward's various talents but says there is a game plan to "bottle him up".
"We always knew he was special, the moment he stepped through the doors. He had skills that certainly I had never seen before. Did I ever expect him to be the best player in the world? Maybe not, but he certainly had the tools.
"He’s the single hardest-working player I’ve ever been around, on and off the field, his work ethic is incredible. He’s strong, he’s a fast runner, the best in the world when running with the ball, good in the air, good with both feet, the list goes on and on, this is why he's the best in the world.
"We want to bottle him up, it has not been done for four or five years but we’ll see what we can do. We have a gameplan and if we put that in place we’ll give ourselves a good chance.
"If we pay too much attention to Ronaldo someone else will beat us. We’ve got to be diligent, we have to be aware of their danger men. We have a gameplan in place and now we have to go and execute it."
Howard also revealed that Klinsmann put a stop to any mention of Portugal at the team hotel on Saturday morning.
"You have to know your opponent but as of this morning he refuses to speak about Portugal.
"It gives us a long time to focus on ourselves, we won’t focus on them anymore, it’s done. They’re a good transition team but we have to use the ball well, make them defend, hurt them and push them back."
De Rossi 'highly unlikely' to face Uruguay
Daniele de Rossi is "very unlikely" to be fit for Italy's final group game against Uruguay, the team doctor has revealed.
With both the Azzurri and the South Americans losing to Costa Rica and beating England, they head into the final group match level on points.
However, Italy's better goal difference means they need just a point to secure a place in the knockout round.
De Rossi was seen limping off of in his side's 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica on Friday and chief medic Enrico Castellacci revealed that the midfielder is set to miss the crucial game.
"It is highly unlikely De Rossi will be able to play against Uruguay," Castellacci said in a press conference."There are no lesions to the soleus muscle, but it's an injury that requires a few days to recover from.
"He felt pain during the second half and it intensified towards the end of the game. The tests showed bruising on the calf, that will very likely stop him from playing against Uruguay."
Castellacci gave updates on some of the other players in the Italy squad, revealing that Matti de Sciglio is fit to return to the squad after missing the first two matches, while Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Barzagli are available for Cesare Prandelli.
"De Sciglio has recovered well from the bicep problem, so he is at the coach's disposal.
"Claudio Marchisio had a small problem in his knee, but that is nothing to worry about.“Barzagli is being monitored at the moment. He wasn’t in bad shape today so if his condition stays this way then he can play."
The doctor admitted that players are suffering in the intense heat and humidity in Brazil, but insisted teams stop blaming the conditions for poor performances and defeats.
"According to Fifa's statistics, we played against Costa Rica with a temperature of 28.9 degrees and 65 per cent humidity."In Natal the climactic conditions should be similar to those in Recife. If it rains, perhaps it would be better for us.
"People must stop emphasising the temperature. It is just one of the variables in a tournament, albeit an important one.
"It certainly damaged us, as Costa Rica are more accustomed to it, but that is certainly not the reason we lost.
"We will try to improve the situation, but we remain convinced that we did everything we possibly could to contain the climate problem."
Daniele de Rossi is "very unlikely" to be fit for Italy's final group game against Uruguay, the team doctor has revealed.
With both the Azzurri and the South Americans losing to Costa Rica and beating England, they head into the final group match level on points.
However, Italy's better goal difference means they need just a point to secure a place in the knockout round.
De Rossi was seen limping off of in his side's 1-0 defeat to Costa Rica on Friday and chief medic Enrico Castellacci revealed that the midfielder is set to miss the crucial game.
"It is highly unlikely De Rossi will be able to play against Uruguay," Castellacci said in a press conference."There are no lesions to the soleus muscle, but it's an injury that requires a few days to recover from.
"He felt pain during the second half and it intensified towards the end of the game. The tests showed bruising on the calf, that will very likely stop him from playing against Uruguay."
Castellacci gave updates on some of the other players in the Italy squad, revealing that Matti de Sciglio is fit to return to the squad after missing the first two matches, while Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Barzagli are available for Cesare Prandelli.
"De Sciglio has recovered well from the bicep problem, so he is at the coach's disposal.
"Claudio Marchisio had a small problem in his knee, but that is nothing to worry about.“Barzagli is being monitored at the moment. He wasn’t in bad shape today so if his condition stays this way then he can play."
The doctor admitted that players are suffering in the intense heat and humidity in Brazil, but insisted teams stop blaming the conditions for poor performances and defeats.
"According to Fifa's statistics, we played against Costa Rica with a temperature of 28.9 degrees and 65 per cent humidity."In Natal the climactic conditions should be similar to those in Recife. If it rains, perhaps it would be better for us.
"People must stop emphasising the temperature. It is just one of the variables in a tournament, albeit an important one.
"It certainly damaged us, as Costa Rica are more accustomed to it, but that is certainly not the reason we lost.
"We will try to improve the situation, but we remain convinced that we did everything we possibly could to contain the climate problem."
FIFA World Cup 2014 Fixtures 2014.06.22
FIFA World Cup 2014 Fixtures 2014.06.22
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Group H
Belgium Vs Russia
Korea Republic Vs Algeria
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Group G
USA Vs Portugal
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Group H
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Group G
Belgium 1-0 Russia: Origi snatches victory to send Wilmots' men through
A late goal from substitute Divock Origi ensured Belgium booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Russia.
Marc Wilmots' side looked set to suffer frustration at the Maracana on Sunday after looking short of ideas against Fabio Capello's well-organised team.
However, teenage striker Origi came off the bench to grab an 88th-minute winner - his first international goal - and secure progression from Group H with a game to spare.
Two substitutes, Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens, had combined to help Belgium come from behind to beat Algeria in their first match, and another change paid dividends for Wilmots on this occasion, leaving Russia stunned.
Prior to Origi's strike, Belgium had hit the post through Kevin Mirallas, while Russia striker Aleksandr Kokorin spurned the best chance of the first half when heading wide from an unmarked position.
Russia, who were held by South Korea in their opening game, will now require assistance from elsewhere if they are to join Belgium in the knockout stages.
Fellaini and Mertens were rewarded for their goalscoring exploits against Algeria with places in the Belgium starting line-up, at the expense of Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembele, while skipper Vincent Kompany was passed fit and Thomas Vermaelen came in for Jan Vertonghen.
Alexei Kozlov and Maxim Kanunnikov came into the Russia side, with Andrey Yeshchenko and Yuri Zhirkov dropping to the bench.
Belgium made a positive start, but it was Thibaut Courtois who made the first save of the game when he got down well to keep out Viktor Fayzulin's left-footed strike from just outside the penalty area 11 minutes in.
Mertens was proving to be a real handful for the Russia defence and the Napoli winger fired wide with his right foot after an incisive run.
Russia could have had a penalty when Kanunnikov went down under a challenge from Toby Alderweireld in the penalty area, but referee Felix Brych waved play on.
Vermaelen suffered an injury in the warm-up and was subsequently forced to come off shortly after the half-hour mark, so Vertonghen entered the fray.
Mertens remained Belgium's biggest threat and Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev had to be alert to palm the winger's cross away after he cut in from the right at full tilt.
Yet Russia should have been in front two minutes before the break, when an unmarked Kokorin could only head Denis Glushakov's inviting cross wide of the target.
Wilmots replaced the ineffective Romelu Lukaku with Origi 10 minutes into the second half in an attempt to gain some impetus.
Both sides still looked devoid of ideas, though, with Belgium sitting deep and inviting Russia to break them down but Capello's side lacking quality in the final third.
Russia sensed the opportunity to snatch all three points, but they failed to create clear-cut opportunities in the second half and Glushakov was off target when he tried his luck from outside the penalty area.
Substitute Yeshchenko came close 10 minutes from time when he shot wide of the far post, while Mirallas then rattled the post with a free-kick.
Russia were then stunned two minutes from time as Eden Hazard embarked on a fine run to the byline and cut the ball back for Origi, who was on hand to fire home and see Belgium through.
A late goal from substitute Divock Origi ensured Belgium booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Russia.
Marc Wilmots' side looked set to suffer frustration at the Maracana on Sunday after looking short of ideas against Fabio Capello's well-organised team.
However, teenage striker Origi came off the bench to grab an 88th-minute winner - his first international goal - and secure progression from Group H with a game to spare.
Two substitutes, Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens, had combined to help Belgium come from behind to beat Algeria in their first match, and another change paid dividends for Wilmots on this occasion, leaving Russia stunned.
Prior to Origi's strike, Belgium had hit the post through Kevin Mirallas, while Russia striker Aleksandr Kokorin spurned the best chance of the first half when heading wide from an unmarked position.
Russia, who were held by South Korea in their opening game, will now require assistance from elsewhere if they are to join Belgium in the knockout stages.
Fellaini and Mertens were rewarded for their goalscoring exploits against Algeria with places in the Belgium starting line-up, at the expense of Nacer Chadli and Mousa Dembele, while skipper Vincent Kompany was passed fit and Thomas Vermaelen came in for Jan Vertonghen.
Alexei Kozlov and Maxim Kanunnikov came into the Russia side, with Andrey Yeshchenko and Yuri Zhirkov dropping to the bench.
Belgium made a positive start, but it was Thibaut Courtois who made the first save of the game when he got down well to keep out Viktor Fayzulin's left-footed strike from just outside the penalty area 11 minutes in.
Mertens was proving to be a real handful for the Russia defence and the Napoli winger fired wide with his right foot after an incisive run.
Russia could have had a penalty when Kanunnikov went down under a challenge from Toby Alderweireld in the penalty area, but referee Felix Brych waved play on.
Vermaelen suffered an injury in the warm-up and was subsequently forced to come off shortly after the half-hour mark, so Vertonghen entered the fray.
Mertens remained Belgium's biggest threat and Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev had to be alert to palm the winger's cross away after he cut in from the right at full tilt.
Yet Russia should have been in front two minutes before the break, when an unmarked Kokorin could only head Denis Glushakov's inviting cross wide of the target.
Wilmots replaced the ineffective Romelu Lukaku with Origi 10 minutes into the second half in an attempt to gain some impetus.
Both sides still looked devoid of ideas, though, with Belgium sitting deep and inviting Russia to break them down but Capello's side lacking quality in the final third.
Russia sensed the opportunity to snatch all three points, but they failed to create clear-cut opportunities in the second half and Glushakov was off target when he tried his luck from outside the penalty area.
Substitute Yeshchenko came close 10 minutes from time when he shot wide of the far post, while Mirallas then rattled the post with a free-kick.
Russia were then stunned two minutes from time as Eden Hazard embarked on a fine run to the byline and cut the ball back for Origi, who was on hand to fire home and see Belgium through.
Berlusconi: Balotelli is not irreplaceable
AC Milan have not ruled out the prospect of selling Mario Balotelli, with director Barbara Berlusconi stating the Italy forward is “not irreplaceable” at the club.
The daughter of Silvio Berlusconi, Milan’s owner, spoke about the future of players Mario Balotelli and Kaka, and also addressed the replacement of coach Clarence Seedorf with Filippo Inzaghi.“Balotelli is a great player,” she began, talking to gathered journalists at the launch of a Milan cruise. “But nobody is irreplaceable. We will see what happens.”
The striker has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with Arsenal named as potential suitors, while fellow Serie A side Napoli are also reported to be interested in his signature.
As well as Balotelli, Kaka is another high-profile player linked with a move away from the San Siro.New Major League Soccer franchise Orlando City Soccer Club are in talks with the Brazilian playmaker but, as yet, no deal has been confirmed.
“I know that Kaka is making an important decision,” Berlusconi said. “He has to make that decision with absolute calmness.“We will be happy if Kaka stays, but we will accept if he wants to leave.”
It has already been a summer of change at Milan, and Berlusconi also took the opportunity to thank Seedorf for his short stint in charge of the club.“Seedorf came to Milan during a difficult period, but he did well as Milan’s coach.“I wish Seedorf all the best in his future career and I think he will do well in the clubs that he will coach.”
Former forward Filippo Inzaghi has been confirmed as the Dutchman's replacement, and Berlusconi was keen to advocate the new man’s qualities.“Inzaghi has a winner's mentality, and we are sure that he will do well as Milan's coach.
"I wish Inzaghi all the best, and I hope that his enthusiasm will spread to all the players in the squad."
AC Milan have not ruled out the prospect of selling Mario Balotelli, with director Barbara Berlusconi stating the Italy forward is “not irreplaceable” at the club.
The daughter of Silvio Berlusconi, Milan’s owner, spoke about the future of players Mario Balotelli and Kaka, and also addressed the replacement of coach Clarence Seedorf with Filippo Inzaghi.“Balotelli is a great player,” she began, talking to gathered journalists at the launch of a Milan cruise. “But nobody is irreplaceable. We will see what happens.”
The striker has been linked with a return to the Premier League, with Arsenal named as potential suitors, while fellow Serie A side Napoli are also reported to be interested in his signature.
As well as Balotelli, Kaka is another high-profile player linked with a move away from the San Siro.New Major League Soccer franchise Orlando City Soccer Club are in talks with the Brazilian playmaker but, as yet, no deal has been confirmed.
“I know that Kaka is making an important decision,” Berlusconi said. “He has to make that decision with absolute calmness.“We will be happy if Kaka stays, but we will accept if he wants to leave.”
It has already been a summer of change at Milan, and Berlusconi also took the opportunity to thank Seedorf for his short stint in charge of the club.“Seedorf came to Milan during a difficult period, but he did well as Milan’s coach.“I wish Seedorf all the best in his future career and I think he will do well in the clubs that he will coach.”
Former forward Filippo Inzaghi has been confirmed as the Dutchman's replacement, and Berlusconi was keen to advocate the new man’s qualities.“Inzaghi has a winner's mentality, and we are sure that he will do well as Milan's coach.
"I wish Inzaghi all the best, and I hope that his enthusiasm will spread to all the players in the squad."
We can expose Netherlands weaknesses - Sampaoli
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli believes his side have the quality to make the most of Netherlands' weaknesses when the two sides face off for top spot of World Cup Group B on Monday.
While both countries have already qualified for the round of 16, the winners of the clash in Sao Paulo are likely to avoid Brazil in the next phase of the tournament.
And Sampaoli says his men are more than equipped to find their opponents' weak spot.
"It will be a strategically difficult match for us because we have a coach against us who looks at different variables and they will try to control us," Sampaoli told a pre-match press conference.
"But we have the power to uncover certain Dutch deficiencies. The team that wins will be the one who has the necessary will.
"We are modest, but we have qualities, and the collective is more important than the individual player. We are moving forward as the matches go by, the team is maturing and we are growing up to being one of the best in the world."
Chile have been eliminated by Brazil in all three of their previous appearances in the knockout stages of the World Cup, but Sampaoli insists that the prospect of a fourth meeting with their bogey team is not central in his mind and he will not rest players on yellow cards for the final group fixture.
"We cannot decide whether we play Brazil, the qualification decides. The next opponent is always the most difficult and we will play as we can no matter who it is [in the last 16].
"Our priority is this game. We will have to win this group and we need players that will help us develop the play and we will see if the game demands that they play. We will treat it as if it is a final."
Chile face Netherlands at the Arena Corinthians at 18:00CET, with the winners topping Group B. A draw will see the Dutch qualify in first place.
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli believes his side have the quality to make the most of Netherlands' weaknesses when the two sides face off for top spot of World Cup Group B on Monday.
While both countries have already qualified for the round of 16, the winners of the clash in Sao Paulo are likely to avoid Brazil in the next phase of the tournament.
And Sampaoli says his men are more than equipped to find their opponents' weak spot.
"It will be a strategically difficult match for us because we have a coach against us who looks at different variables and they will try to control us," Sampaoli told a pre-match press conference.
"But we have the power to uncover certain Dutch deficiencies. The team that wins will be the one who has the necessary will.
"We are modest, but we have qualities, and the collective is more important than the individual player. We are moving forward as the matches go by, the team is maturing and we are growing up to being one of the best in the world."
Chile have been eliminated by Brazil in all three of their previous appearances in the knockout stages of the World Cup, but Sampaoli insists that the prospect of a fourth meeting with their bogey team is not central in his mind and he will not rest players on yellow cards for the final group fixture.
"We cannot decide whether we play Brazil, the qualification decides. The next opponent is always the most difficult and we will play as we can no matter who it is [in the last 16].
"Our priority is this game. We will have to win this group and we need players that will help us develop the play and we will see if the game demands that they play. We will treat it as if it is a final."
Chile face Netherlands at the Arena Corinthians at 18:00CET, with the winners topping Group B. A draw will see the Dutch qualify in first place.
Fifa to launch investigation into Germany fans
Fifa is set to examine suggestions of alleged discrimination carried out by Germany fans during their 2-2 draw with Ghana on Saturday in Fortaleza.
Photographs showing certain supporters with black make up on their faces circulated on social media, sparking suggestions that a minority of the European team's fans were displaying racist behaviour.
Adding weight to these claims were the actions of one fan, who invaded the pitch with Nazi messages written on his body during the second period.
A spokesperson from Fifa told a media briefing that the claims will be investigated.
"We always take any evidence or submissions to our disciplinary committee. It is the disciplinary committee that will meet," she explained. "If they see any grounds they will open proceedings. Then it is up to the disciplinary commission to take the decision."
Prior to the match, there were reports that some German fans were asked to take down banners that displayed political messages, although these were of an undetermined nature.
Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare), which was established in 1999, had previously expressed concerns over certain banners displayed by fans from Russia and Croatia during this competition, and Fifa has confirmed that they will act against perpetrators of such incidents.
"If something like a banner is spotted, it will be removed. If something is not spotted and someone has images of it, then if anyone submits evidence of those things then our disciplinary committee will consider it. We clearly have zero tolerance of any form of discrimination."
Fifa is set to examine suggestions of alleged discrimination carried out by Germany fans during their 2-2 draw with Ghana on Saturday in Fortaleza.
Photographs showing certain supporters with black make up on their faces circulated on social media, sparking suggestions that a minority of the European team's fans were displaying racist behaviour.
Adding weight to these claims were the actions of one fan, who invaded the pitch with Nazi messages written on his body during the second period.
A spokesperson from Fifa told a media briefing that the claims will be investigated.
"We always take any evidence or submissions to our disciplinary committee. It is the disciplinary committee that will meet," she explained. "If they see any grounds they will open proceedings. Then it is up to the disciplinary commission to take the decision."
Prior to the match, there were reports that some German fans were asked to take down banners that displayed political messages, although these were of an undetermined nature.
Football Against Racism in Europe (Fare), which was established in 1999, had previously expressed concerns over certain banners displayed by fans from Russia and Croatia during this competition, and Fifa has confirmed that they will act against perpetrators of such incidents.
"If something like a banner is spotted, it will be removed. If something is not spotted and someone has images of it, then if anyone submits evidence of those things then our disciplinary committee will consider it. We clearly have zero tolerance of any form of discrimination."
Argentina are playing well, insists Di Maria
Argentina winger Angel Di Maria believes his side played well in their 1-0 win over Iran on Saturday, even though they failed to break down a disciplined defence until Lionel Messi's magnificent injury-time strike.
Di Maria, Messi and Sergio Aguero all missed chances for an Argentina side that grew increasingly frustrated by the ultra-defensive gameplan employed by Iran coach Carlos Queiroz and it looked as if the Albiceleste would have to settle for a disappointing draw until Messi's divine intervention.
Criticism of Alejandro Sabella's side has increased after their disappointing first-half performance against Bosnia-Herzegovina in their opening match, which was similarly settled by a brilliant goal from Messi.
But Real Madrid winger Di Maria said: "I'm happy with how we're playing. It's not easy when the other team put 11 men behind the ball - it's impossible to play like that.
"If Messi doesn't hit it from there, it's difficult to score, but we created some good chances. The important thing was to win and we are on the right track. We played a good game.
Pressed further by journalists on his side's off-colour performances against both Bosnia and Iran, Di Maria added: "We have won our two matches. With 11 men behind the ball it's very difficult; you get past one, then there's another defender, then you get past him and there's another. It's not easy."
However, the 26-year-old claims he is unconcerned at his side's struggles when it comes to breaking down such systems as he believes bigger teams will afford Argentina more spaces in the knockout stages.
"When you get to the last 16, you come up against teams who like to play, who like to attack. They will come out and play and that will suit us. Everyone knows Argentina are much stronger when we have spaces to attack."
Di Maria and the starters against Iran trained in the gym on Sunday morning, while the rest of the squad were put through their paces and played a practice match at the Atletico Mineiro training facility outside Belo Horizonte.
Argentina play their final group game against Nigeria on Wednesday.
Argentina winger Angel Di Maria believes his side played well in their 1-0 win over Iran on Saturday, even though they failed to break down a disciplined defence until Lionel Messi's magnificent injury-time strike.
Di Maria, Messi and Sergio Aguero all missed chances for an Argentina side that grew increasingly frustrated by the ultra-defensive gameplan employed by Iran coach Carlos Queiroz and it looked as if the Albiceleste would have to settle for a disappointing draw until Messi's divine intervention.
Criticism of Alejandro Sabella's side has increased after their disappointing first-half performance against Bosnia-Herzegovina in their opening match, which was similarly settled by a brilliant goal from Messi.
But Real Madrid winger Di Maria said: "I'm happy with how we're playing. It's not easy when the other team put 11 men behind the ball - it's impossible to play like that.
"If Messi doesn't hit it from there, it's difficult to score, but we created some good chances. The important thing was to win and we are on the right track. We played a good game.
Pressed further by journalists on his side's off-colour performances against both Bosnia and Iran, Di Maria added: "We have won our two matches. With 11 men behind the ball it's very difficult; you get past one, then there's another defender, then you get past him and there's another. It's not easy."
However, the 26-year-old claims he is unconcerned at his side's struggles when it comes to breaking down such systems as he believes bigger teams will afford Argentina more spaces in the knockout stages.
"When you get to the last 16, you come up against teams who like to play, who like to attack. They will come out and play and that will suit us. Everyone knows Argentina are much stronger when we have spaces to attack."
Di Maria and the starters against Iran trained in the gym on Sunday morning, while the rest of the squad were put through their paces and played a practice match at the Atletico Mineiro training facility outside Belo Horizonte.
Argentina play their final group game against Nigeria on Wednesday.
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