Been hugely entertaining so far: Mexico humbled Uruguay 3-1, who then went on to lose 0-1 to surprise packet Venezuela and get eliminated at the group stage - with Luis Suarez almost literally throwing his toys out of the pram because he could not get on as a sub.
Venezuela now in QFs with Mexico, after the latter's 2-0 win against Jamaica last night. Over 83,000 - nearly all Mexican -
at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena to watch this one. Great Reading interest in this: Michael Hector, Gareth McCleary, Adrian Mariappa and Jobi McAnuff all started for the Reggae Boyz. Jamaica had FOUR clear-cut chances in the first half alone: Hector and McCleary both should have scored; Hector then had a piledriver brilliantly saved late in the game. Jamaica also denied a stonewall pen with the score at 0-1 and fell to a late goal on the break. Hector was IMMENSE in the holding midfielder role and easily MotM; McCleary seldom looked dangerous and was profligate in possession. Plus ca change. Mexico and Venezuela now meet in a group winner decider to avoid Argentina in the QFs.The hosts were easily beaten 2-0 by a hugely impressive Colombia, but then recovered to thrash Costa Rica by a rather flattering 4-0. The US need just a draw in their final game against Paraguay to go to the QFs. Not convinced by the US and neither are the American public: only 39,000 in the 62,000-capacity Soldier Field in Chicago and a LOT of fans disguised as seats.
Brazil look unconvincing despite hammering Haiti 7-1 and were poor in a 0-0 against Ecuador. Controversy here as Ecuador had a good goal disallowed after a bad decision by the lino over an in/out ball on the bye-line. Argentina eased past Chile 2-1 with goals from Di Maria and Banega, helped by the Chilean keeper doing passable Feds impressions at his near post. Argentina looked unstoppable and the score was not as close as it suggests although Chile looked dangerous and had chances. Argentina's options are just ridiculous: they had Messi, Aguero and Lavezzi ON THE BENCH
Chile will be hard work for the losers of Mexico/Venezuela.Most entertaining game so far was the 2-2 draw between Peru and Ecuador. Peru went 2-0 up early doors, but Ecuador got one back through Wet Spammer Enner Valencia and then piled it on in the second half. However, Peru nearly nicked it at the end. Check out the first Peru goal by Christian Cueva: https://youtu.be/bXo3syO0nY0. Peru also get first prize for best kit.
Today's games see Chile v Bolivia and Argentina v Panama. Messi starts and Panama could well be on the end of some real collateral damage.
