Brazil Survive, But Draws Define a Day of World Cup Drama

If there was a single theme running through the three matches played on June 29th, it was this: no result is safe, and no lead is comfortable. Brazil discovered that against Japan in Houston, surviving a genuine scare before clinching a 2–1 win that was far tighter than the favourites would have wished.

For Germany and Netherlands, the inability to convert draws into victories in their respective matches will sting. Germany's 1–1 with Paraguay in Boston and Netherlands' 1–1 with Morocco in Monterrey both had the hallmarks of contests where the supposed underdog refused to be overawed, pressing for something more than just survival.

The draws will intensify scrutiny on both European sides. Netherlands, in particular, will know that Morocco are a side capable of punishing any defensive lapse, as they showed by holding firm and taking a point from a venue that gave the Dutch no obvious advantage.

Brazil, meanwhile, can take confidence from the fact that they found a way to win when it mattered most. Grinding out results under pressure is a hallmark of World Cup contenders, and Ancelotti's side showed enough composure to come through when Japan threatened to cause a major upset.

The road to the final runs through ties that will only grow harder. For the sides still alive but not yet certain of their path, these results serve as a reminder that the margin between glory and elimination at a World Cup is razor thin.