Obafemi Martins score as Seattle Sounders win US Open Cup

Instagram/@obagoal

Nigerian international Obafemi Martins was among the scorers as Seattle Sounders beat Philadelphia Union 3-1 to clinch the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

The victory marked the fourth of its kind for Seattle while Philadelphia are yet to have the cup among their silverware.

Read more on MLSSOCCER.COM

''Messi-less'' Argentina beat Germany in international friendly (Other results)

Some say International friendly games are never taken serious, well some games went down on Wednesday night including that of the World Cup finalists Germany and Argentina as the highlight of the day.

Germany lost at home to 2-4 to an Argentine side without their inspirational captain Lionel Messi led but new Manchester United signing, Di Maria was the man of the moment for Argentina as he set up thr other three scorers  Sergio Aguero, Erik Lamela, Federico Fernandez and also completed the scoring spree.

Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze came in as substitutes to secure two goals for the German.

Inconsequential you may say....

In other games on the night, Wayne Rooney netted in from the penalty spot scoring in his first game as captain of the Three Lions to help England beat Norway 1-0.

Other results, Denmark 1-2 Turkey, Latvia 2-0 Armenia, Czech Republic 0-1 United States, Ireland 2-0 Oman, Lithuania 1-1 United Arab Emirates,

Suddenly, the Brazilians are worried ahead of semi final clash against Germany

Suddenly the Brazilians are worried, terrified and angry. For obvious reasons you'll say. Following the early exit of their star striker, Neymar, worsened by the suspension of the team's captain Thiago Silva and confronted by the machines from Germany who have not been convincing themselves but have always picked necessary result from each game.

The Germans are in a confident mood and full in strength having all their players 100% fit as reports reveal.

Estadio Mineirao will be lightened up on Tuesday night, but without much spark from the camp of Les Selecao owing to Neymar's absence as he seemed to be responsible for driving the attack. The rest of the team must prove their worth and show to the entire world that they have a team that can survive without the Barcelona star.

What does Thiago Silva bring to the team? Solidity, confidence, blocking and above all Leadership.

It might just be their best match tonight without the missing duo but that will be if they turn up and take the match to the Germans or have it otherwise.

History has it that both teams have met 21 times, including games contested by the former West Germany. The Selecao can only claim four wins compared to 12 for the Germans, with five draws.

How they reached the semis
They topped Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon, Brazil saw off Chile following penalties in the first knockout stage to progress to the quarter-finals. Their subsequent clash with Colombia could have fallen apart in the dying minutes after Los Cafeteros scored a late penalty, but Brazil held on for a 2-1 win, booking their place in the final four.

How they reached the semis
Germany topped a tough group featuring the U.S.A, Portugal and Ghana, before eventually seeing Algeria off in extra time during their round of 16 clash. Up next were France, who had looked one of the strongest sides in the competition until that stage, but Joachim Low’s side managed.

Argentina, Belgium make the final cut of Quarter finals

Both Argentina and Belgium had to wait until after extra time to see of their respective opponents to make it through to the Quarter finals  of Brazil 2014 World Cup.

The Lionel Messi led Argentine side benefited from a lone goal scored by Angel Did Maria two minutes before penalty shootout against Switzerland.

Barcelona star Messi was however adjudged man of the match for the 4th time in the tournament.

Belgium on the other  defeated USA by 2-1 in an action packed extra time to seal a spot in the next round of 8.

Iran 0-0 Nigeria, USA beats Ghana

African champions, Nigeria failed to beat Iran in their opening Group F game on Monday night.

The much anticipated match needed in a stalemate as both teams could not find the back of the net.

Earlier in the day, Group G teams Germany hammered Portugal 4-0 in a match which saw the Portuguese finishing with 10-men after Pepe was sent off for a careless head-butting on Thomas Muller who grabbed the first Hatrick of the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo's effort couldn't go unnoticed but was not enough to help his side as they were disorganized by the machines after conceding a penalty early in the game.

Ghana on the same night lost to the USA 1-2 in a pulsating encounter.

The United States drew the first blood with just 30 seconds into the match though captain Clint Dempsey before the Africans could settle.

Ghana had the better of possession which paid off in the 82' minutes after Andre Ayew saw the back of the net only for USA to take the lead five minutes later through John Brooks who came on as a substitute.