With serious allegations of corruption monopolizing the news cycle leading into the World Cup, the last thing FIFA needed follow

With serious allegations of corruption monopolizing the news cycle leading into the World Cup, the last thing FIFA needed following the opening match of Brazil 2014 was for the global headlines to be dominated by the awarding of a mystery penalty which would alter the course of the contest. Keenan Allen Jersey . Too bad the refs vanishing spray, which was first introduced in tournament play at 2011s Copa América, is only effective on the grass. We were all left wondering when the football would finally be the focus. All those questions were answered by the Dutch dominance of the World Cup holders yesterday. In the second half alone, Spain conceded twice as many goals as they did through seven matches en route to a first World Cup triumph in South Africa four-years ago. Then for an encore, Chile and Australia played out a highly spirited encounter. Jorge Sampaolis team were very convincing, and certainly would have won over many new admirers, that one of South Americas less glamorous nations, would be the one which punches well above its weight class at Brazil 2014. With Groups C and D taking to the pitch Day 3 provides us with the only quadruple header of the tournament. Where armchair enthusiasts the world over are treated to the prospect of four matches over the course of 11 hours. Todays headliner without question is the rumble in the jungle, as the aptly named Arena da Amazonia plays host to Italy v England. With four World Cup triumphs already to their name, a record which is only bettered by Brazils five, if Italy is the preening peacock of European football, then England is its Hippopotamus. Rare, if ever, has the land of St. George got their heads above the waterline during World Cups. Quite coincidentally the last time that happened was at Italia 90, which was also the last time the two nations met at a World Cup. Courtesy of Toto Schillacis late penalty, Italy prevailed 2-1 in the third-place playoff match. Through the entire history of World Cup quite remarkably, that meeting represents the only time the two nations have met at the tournament proper. They have though met in qualifying twice. The most recent time was for France 1998. Zolas superb strike at Wembley in February 1997 was the difference maker. The return fixture in Rome saw England claim a famous scoreless draw and with it top spot in the group. The iconic image of England captain Paul Inces head swathed in a bloodied bandage typified Englands approach on the day. One which had the current England manager Roy Hodgson assisting Glen Hoddle, officially in the role of interpreter. Hodgson was Inter Milans head coach at the time. When the World Cup Draw took place in Zurich early last December Manaus was chosen as the venue. The Arena da Amazonia, built at a cost of $300M has been in the news for all the wrong reasons as four workers have died during its construction. Brazilian football legend come politician Romario has been outspoken in his criticism. Pictures emerging on Thursday of a sub-standard surface the latest setback for a stadium which will host four group stage games. With Buffon set to miss out due to an ankle injury which occurred in training yesterday, combined with Montolivo fracturing a leg May 31st, the psychological edge certainly goes to England. Not that Prandellis team will need extra motivation this evening - but the only European nation to retain a World Cup [1934, 1938] is still smarting from its inability to emerge from a weak group in South Africa. A tournament they went into as defending champions. With soaring heat and intense humidity factoring, for England to stand any chance they will have to overcome the Achilles heel which has dogged them through the ages. Chasing shadows in the pursuit of a ball they surrender more casually than Andrea Pirlo completes successful passes. Based on statistical evidence and World Cup history, losing your first group stage game almost guarantees elimination. Although Prandelli nor Hodgson would admit it, if the game finishes as it did in Rome back in fall 1997 neither of them will be too upset. Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca @TheSoccerNoel on Twitter TSN Radio is an official licensed radio broadcaster of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ Brazil. Check www.tsn.ca/radio for the broadcast schedule in your home town. Craig Mager Jersey . Watching them over the past year - and in some cases, two years - has given us a starting point for this seasons Craigs List. Drew Kaser Jersey . According to a report from ESPN, sources said Manuels college coach Jimbo Fisher told teams he didnt think Manuel had the tools to be an NFL starter. http://www.chargersprofansshop.com/Black-Doug-Flutie-Chargers-Jersey.html?cat=888 . Less than 24 hours after the Wolves lost at home to the Mavericks, 100-98, NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn announced Tuesday that Kevin Love was fouled on his right arm by Shawn Marion in the closing seconds and should have been awarded two free throws.The Vikings, Cowboys and Falcons continue to impress, but the Dolphins, Bears and Browns must do better. NFC EASTDallas Cowboys (W 28-14 v Cincinnati)Comfortably the Cowboys most impressive of their four straight wins. The Bengals trailed 28-0 until claiming a pair of garbage time scores. They had no answer for a dominant Dallas offence, particularly Ezekiel Elliott, who picked up two TDs while running for 134 yards on only 15 carries. In doing so, he became the first Cowboys rookie with three consecutive 100-yard rushing games. Grade: A Highlights of the Cincinnati Bengals clash with the Dallas Cowboys in week five of the NFL Washington Redskins (W 16-10 @ Baltimore)The Redskins have also put together a nice little run of three straight wins after starting the season 0-2. The latest relied on an 85-yard punt return for a touchdown by Jamison Crowder and an uncharacteristically strong performance by their defence, who came into the contest ranked 29th in the league. Grade: B+ Highlights of the Washington Redskins clash with the Baltimore Ravens in week five of the NFL Philadelphia Eagles (L 23-24 @ Detroit)The honeymoon period is over. Well, not quite. The Eagles did more than enough to win the game, and rookie QB, Carson Wentz, certainly cant be blamed despite his game-ending interception. Lets remember, this team were supposed to be nowhere near a 4-1 mark after five games. Grade: CNew York Giants (L 16-23 @ Green Bay)The Giants are sinking, having lost their third straight match. But the blame cant be placed at the feet of Odell Beckham Jr this week, as he notched his first touchdown of the season to bring the Giants back into the game late in the fourth quarter. Grade: D Pick Six: Week Five Neil Reynolds takes a look at the biggest talking points from week five NFC NORTHMinnesota Vikings (W 31-13 v Houston)The only undefeated team left in football. Thats enough to earn them an A+ right there, but add to that the fact that their dominant defence is still yet to allow more than 16 points in a game this season, and their offence is rolling along with back-up QB and RBs in tow. They didnt just beat a decent Houston Texans team, they embarrassed them. Grade: A+ Highlights of the Houston Texans clash with the Minnesota Vikings in week five of the NFL Detroit Lions (W 24-23 v Philadelphia)Detroit snapped a three-game losing skid with a hard-fought win over a previously undefeated Philadelphia. The Lions scored on all three of their possessions in the first half, building a 21-7 lead late in the second quarter, but stalled badly after the break, relying on an interception of Wentz - his first in the NFL - to secure a narrow win late on. Grade: B Highlights of the Philadelphia Eagles clash against the Detroit Lions in week five of the NFL Green Bay Packers (W 23-26 v New York Giants)This Packers team are still a tad unconvincing, despite moving to 3-1 on the season with a good win over the Giants late on Sunday night. Aaron Rodgers play was particularly off colour for much of the contest, with two first-half picks, and a completion percentage that sat below 50 for much of the game. Still, they did enough to get the W. Grade: B- Highlights of the New York Giants clash with the New York Giants in week five of the NFL Chicago Bears (L 23-29 @ Indianapolis)You cant fault the efforts of Brian Hoyer (33 of 43 passing, 397 yards, 2 TDs) and Jordan Howard (118 yards rushing, 45 yards receiving, 1TD), but the Bears somehow still contrived to lose their fourth game on the year. Grade: DNFC SOUTHAtlanta Falcons (W 23-16 @ Denver)How do you follow up a 300-yard receiving game, Julio Jones? Oh, with just 29 yards on two catches. In fairness, Denvers No Fly Zone defence was always likely to provide a stern follow-up, and it mattered little as Atlantas D produced a dominant display of its own, sacking rookie Broncos QB, Paxton Lynch, six times. Grade: A- Highlights of the Atlanta Falcons clash against Denver Broncos in week five of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W 17-14 @ Carolina)The Buccaneers won this but they could, and possibly should have lost it. Erratic decisions from quarterback Jameis Winston put the team under pressure, and kicker Roberto Aguayo missed two field goals before scoring a 38-yard attempt to clinch victory. Fortunately for Tampa, the defence did deliver, forcing four turnovers including an end zone interception. Grade: C+Carolina Panthers (L 17-14 v Tampa Bay)Sorely missing Cam Newtons mobility and ingenuity, the Panthers created winning opportunities but struggled to maintain drives under back-up Derek Anderson. Carolina led the game in rushing and receiving yards despite ten minutes less on the field, but four costly interceptions was enough to hand this one to their divisional rivals. Grade: D-New Orleans Saints (Bye week)NFC WESTArizona Cardinals (W 33-21 @ San Francisco)Drew Stanton threw two touchdown passes to Larry Fitzgerald in his first start for two years, as the Cardinals survived a week without injured starter Carson Palmer. Stanton wasnt exactly exemplary, only completing 11 of 27 for 124 yards, but Arizona didnt turn the ball over, and that was enough to edge out the 49ers. Grade: B Highlights of the Arizona Cardinals clash with the San Francisco 49ers in week five of the NFL Loos Angeles Rams (L 19-30 v Buffalo)The Rams suffered their first defeat in Los Angeles, and their first since their Week One 28-0 stuffing in San Francisco - which seems a long time ago now. Jason Verrett Jersey. They kept pace with the in-form Bills for the first half, but kicked two field goals to Buffalos two TDs in the second to see the game slip away from them. Grade: C-San Francisco 49ers (L 21-33 v Arizona)In stark contrast to the Cardinals, the 49ers were error-filled in a winnable game at home against an under-strength Arizona. San Francisco gave up 17 points off three turnovers - two via Blaine Gabbert interceptions, who looks likely to lose his job to Colin Kaepernick any day now. Grade: D-Seattle Seahawks (Bye week)AFC EASTNew England Patriots (W 33-13 @ Cleveland)Welcome back Tom Brady. Looking razor-sharp and rust-free following his four-game Deflategate suspension, Brady went 28 of 40 passing, for 406 yards and three touchdowns to Martellus Bennett. No, not Rob Gronkowski, yet… Grade: A Highlights of New England Patriots clash with the Cleveland Browns in week five of the NFL Buffalo Bills (W 30-19 @ Los Angeles)The Bills edged out the Rams in a battle of two of the NFLs better defences. Though he didnt get the touchdown his display deserved, LeSean McCoys 150 yards on the ground made much of the difference as Buffalo earned their third straight win. Grade: B+ Highlights of the Buffalo Bills clash with the Los Angeles Rams in week five of the NFL New York Jets (L 13-31 @ Pittsburgh)The Jets, meanwhile, have suffered three consecutive defeats since besting the Billis, of all teams, in Week Two. They were utterly blown apart by Big Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday - the veteran QB torching their defence for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Grade: D-Miami Dolphins (L 17-30 v Tennessee)The Dolphins have only an overtime victory over the winless Cleveland Browns to show from their season so far, and with a performance like Sundays its easy to see why. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was particularly poor, with just 191 yards passing and two interceptions. Grade: EAFC NORTHPittsburgh Steelers (W 31-13 v New York Jets)What a stunner from Sammie Coates! Sure, it was Big Ben who got him the ball, but weve already mentioned him (see Jets grade above), and Coates deserves some column inches too. The pacy wide receiver broke off 139 yards from six catches, including two TDs - the first of which he took 72 yards to the house. Grade: A Highlights from the Pittsburgh Steelers clash against the New York Jets in week five of the NFL Baltimore Ravens (L 10-16 v Washington)Offensive co-ordinator, Marc Trestman, has paid with his job after the Ravens lost a second in a row at home, and his offence scored only three points in the contest following a touchdown on their opening possession. On the plus side though Ravens fans, the last time your team made an offensive co-ordinator change mid-season - replacing Cam Cameron with Jim Caldwell - you ended up winning the Super Bowl. Grade: C-Cleveland Browns (L 13-33 v New England)A gutsy effort by an utterly battered and broken Browns squad, that was forced to field its fifth quarterback in five games! Rookie Cody Kessler was knocked out in the first half with rib and chest injuries, seeing quarterback-turned-wide receiver Terrelle Pryor take a few snaps and veteran Charlie Whitehurst come in. The Browns have lost seven straight matches stretching back to last season, and 14 of their last 15. Grade: DCincinnati Bengals (L 14-28 @ Dallas)What has happened to the Bengals team that roared to an 8-0 start last year? In contrast, theyve now dropped three of their first five games in 2016 - the latest courtesy of Dallas dream rookie duo of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. Grade: D-AFC SOUTHTennessee Titans (W 30-17 @ Miami)It was a return to form for second-year quarterback Marcus Mariota, who had previously struggled to make an impact in the early part of the season. Mariota threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score as the Titans earned their first road victory of the season. Highlights of the Tennessee Titans clash with the Miami Dolphins in week five of the NFL Running back DeMarco Murray had over 100 yards for the second time this season, and head coach Mike Mularkey will be hoping this is the turn in Tennessees fortunes. Grade: B+Indianapolis Colts (W 29-23 v Chicago)Coming off a London loss with no bye week was a potential recipe for disaster but Andrew Luck and the Colts did enough against an ailing Bears team. Indianapolis used a no-huddle offence from the beginning which helped the attack, but the defence failed to register a sack while Luck was hit five times. Still plenty of room for improvement. Grade: C Highlights of the Chicago Bears clash with the Indianapolis Colts in week five of the NFL Houston Texans (L 13-31 @ Minnesota)Brock Osweiler really struggled against the Vikings defence, completing just 19 throws from 42 attempts and had only seven yards before Minnesota went 21-0 ahead. Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus impressed once again, but the Texans will have to improve on offence if they want to make the post season again this year. Grade: DJacksonville Jaguars (Bye week)AFC WESTOakland Raiders (W 34-31 v San Diego)Michael Crabtree has done much of the leg work in the early weeks for this talented Raiders receiving corp, and though he again hauled in a touchdown, it was Amari Cooper who finally broke out in 2016, tallying 138 yards and a TD on six receptions. Oakland move to 4-1. Grade: B+ Highlights of the San Diego Chargers clash with the Oakland Raiders in week five of the NFL Denver Broncos (L 16-23 v Atlanta)The Broncos suffered their first loss of the season to the red-hot Atlanta Falcons offence. It was RB duo Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman - not Julio Jones - who they couldnt contain, though. The pair picked up 286 all-purpose yards and two TDs, while Denvers rookie QB, Paxton Lynch, struggled on his NFL debut. Grade: C-San Diego Chargers (L 31-34 @ Oakland)The Chargers find another new way to lose. San Diego built an eight-point second-half lead, lost it in a blink of an eye, but then had the chance to tie the game with a field goal with two minutes remaining only for the snap to slip through the hands of rookie holder, Drew Kaser. The Chargers have now lost four games by a combined 14 points, and Sundays defeat to the Raiders is their 10th straight against AFC West oppositions. Grade: DKansas City Chiefs (Bye week) Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys 2018 Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Wholesale ' ' '