Algeria vs Slovenia Result
Slovenia benefited from the England and USA 1-1 tie to beat Algeria 1-0 and take the lead of Group C. Like two experienced boxers, the two squads exchanged measured punches throughout the match. Slovenian keeper, Samir Handanovic, had two make a couple of good saves in the first half, but the Slovenians had their chance as well. The game changer came in the 73rd minute, when Algeria’s Abdelkader Ghezzal got a second yellow, that made it red and sent him off.

Slovenia Goal
Slovenia, against a 10 men Algeria, took advantage of the situation, when Robert Koren took a shot (that the Algerian could/should have stopped) that provided the only goal of the game at the 79th minute.

Ghana vs Serbia Result
It was a tight affair, where Ghana had arguably only a slight advantage during the match against Serbia, yet Ghana managed to squeeze a 1-0 win. Serbia had perhaps the most dangerous chances in the first half, but couldn’t convert. Ghana came out stronger in the second, but the match looked it was going to stay deadlocked. Then, with 16 minutes left in the match, Aleksandar Lukovic got a second yellow, and hence red card. Serbia bounced back with a great opportunity in the box, that was saved by the Black Stars’ keeper. Then came a costly mistake.

Ghana Goal
Then, at the 85th minute, a penalty was awarded to Ghana, after Zdravko Kuzmanovic inexplicably handle a long cross with his arm. That was Ghana’s Gyan needed, as he put the penalty in the back of the end. 1-0 Ghana, goodnight.

Germany vs Australia
It was a German affair in the second match of Group D, where Germany trumped over Australia 4-0. This one was never close. Germany dominated the game throughout, with brilliant runs and through passes. And when the referee handed out a questionable straight red card to the Soccerroos’ Tim Cahill, when Germany was already up 2-0, it only turn a bad match for Australia into a nightmare.

Germany Goals
Lukas Podolski opened the score at the 8th minute with a powerful just inside the box that Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer touched but couldn’t keep out. Podolski then set up Miroslav Klose at the 24th minute, who couldn’t put it away, even though he was left alone in front of goal. Klose didn’t wait long to repair mistake, heading in a nice Phillip Lahm cross at the 26th minute.

Things seemed to have relatively slowed down in the second half, but Tim Cahill got a red card at the 56th minute for a half done tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger. Germany took advantage of the situation with two more goals coming from Thomas Mueller (68′) and Cacau (70′). Germany takes the lead of Group D and looks very menacing in this edition of the World Cup.

Want to bet on the World Cup? Find out where on our Bet on the World Cup Guide.

Features, News