A typically sublime stoppage time goal from Lionel Messi gave Argentina a narrow 1-0 victory over an excellent Iran side, while Germany were held to a 2-2 draw by Ghana.
The first game of the day was between Argentina and Iran. The Argentinians were expected to ease to victory, but Iran had other ideas. Carlos Quieroz’s well-drilled side were not only solid defensively, they were superb going forward and quite possibly should have won the game themselves.
Charlton Athletic striker Reza Ghoochannejhad was a constant threat and had appeals for a penalty waved away after being brought down in the box by Pablo Zabaletta. As the minutes ticked away and stoppage time approached, he broke clear of Mascherano and Zabaletta and bore down on goal, his left-foot strike well-saved by Romero in the Argentina goal.
But Iranian hearts were to be broken by that man Messi. The saviour in the first game for his team, he came up with the goods again just as Argentina looked devoid of ideas or energy.
Picking the ball up to the right of the penalty area, the Barcelona man cut inside of his man and curled a sensational effort inside the far post. It was harsh on Iran, but rightly heralded as genius by his Coach.
The next game was a thriller, Germany facing Ghana in Fortaleza. Mario Goetze gave the Germans the lead a little fortuitously and against the run of play as he both headed and then kneed the ball home from close range.
Their African opponents were superb though, offering pace and zest in their attacking play. They deservedly levelled through Andre Ayew’s header on 54 minutes before ex-Sunderland striker Asomoah Gyan escaped up the right and smashed the ball past Neuer.
The introduction of veteran striker Miroslav Klose saved the day for Germany though, the 35-year-old touching home Howedes’ header at the far post to level Ronaldo’s (the Brazilian version) all-time World Cup scoring record.
Saturday’s action drew to a close with Nigeria playing Bosnia. Both teams new defeat would end their hopes of progressing in the tournament, and it was a well-taken first half goal from Peter Odemwingie that won the game for Nigeria.
Bosnia offered little and appeared to struggle with the heat, Edin Dzeko hitting the post late on as they tried to salvage their campaign.