The last off the 1st games and the start of the 2nd

So today saw the last of the 1st group games get started. Group H finally gets in on the fun. We also saw the second games for hosts Brazil and their opponent Mexico.
    The favorite in Group H is probably Belgium. They are ranked 5th in the world( although the ranking system FIFA uses is absurd). They do have lots of talent. It is Belgium's first time in this favorite position, and a number of its players lack experience on this kind of stage. The nerves were obvious in the game against Algeria. The halftime score saw Algeria with the lead from a deserved penalty kick conversion. While it was against the run of play, it seemed like the result might hold as the Algerians are a tough defense to break down and Belgium was struggling. About midway in the half, Belgium subbed in Fellaini, the Man U midfielder. His presence paid almost immediate dividends as he flicked a header past the Algerian goalie. The pressure only mounted and a few minutes later they converted on a break as they secured a well earned 2-1 victory. With 3 points in hand, they might relax and become a dangerous squad.
  Russia played Korea in the afternoon game. It was a high spirited game between a couple of teams who although not highly talented, have a great chance on getting out of the group stage due to the weakness of their group. Algeria is not likely to get out, so that means either Russia or Korea will join Belgium in the knock out phase. With so much to play for, it is understandable that nerves were present. Russia looked the better side, but poor goalie
play gave South Korea a goal. Russia pushed back and eventually got the equalizer. Time expired before either team could break the deadlock. It seems likely that tie breakers will decide who gets out of H.
The high profile match was Mexico vs Brazil. This game had lots of drama, and Mexico got a well deserved tie and 1 point. The styles of the two teams area similar, and there were times when El Trico controlled the ball, but despite this, they never had any great scoring chances. They shot high...wide...but not on target. Brazil had a different problem. They created great scoring chances and probably thought they had put a couple in the back of the net, but great goalkeeping stuffed them.  It takes 11 players to play the game, and Mexico needed the 11th. Ochoa was a real hero. Still, Mexico is going to feel great about this game, but their confidence might be a bit over blown. Obviously getting points off Brazil is great, but Ochoa can't bail them out every time, and they still do not look like a team that knows how to score. If Croatia wins tomorrow, then the final game between Mexico and Croatia will be the clincher.