Ghana joins with Cameroon and Senegal advance until quarter-finals in FIFA World Cup for Africa zone representative. They lost to Uruguay in dramatic match when Asamoah Gyan misses penalty kick in extra time. The result was 1-1 in full time but penalty shout they lost 2-4.
During qualification stages Matthew Amoah and Agogo was top scorer with 5 and 4 goals respectively. Richard Kingson, John Pantsil, Eric Addo, Anthony Annan and Michael Essien were regular player for the team with play for over 11 matches. They qualify to finals with 4 wins, 1 draw and 1 lose.
Asamoah Gyan becomes top scorer for Ghana with 3 goals in FIFA World Cup 2010 even though he not scored any goal during qualification. Ghana finished second in group D behind Germany and win over USA 2-1 before lost to Uruguay in Quarter-finals.
It was second time Ghana appearance in FIFA World Cup when last time in FIFA World Cup 2006. In 2006 they finished until Round 16 but lost to Brazil. However in African cup of nations they have stunning achievement with 4 title (1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982) and finished second place in African cup of Nations 2010.
Monday, July 26, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Paraguay advance only 3 goals
FIFA World Cup 2010 Paraguay creates own history when finished in Quarter-finals for the first time since 1930. They lost to Spain 1-0 after lead group F and win over Japan in Round 16. It was 8th appearance with 4th consecutive time in FIFA World Cup.
Paraguay also make own pride when leading Group F even though pool with former Champions Italy. During qualifiers of South America they finished third with 10 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses. Salvador Cabanas was their top scorer in qualifiers with 6 goals out of 15 matches. Justo Villar, Paulo Da Silva, Cristian Riveros and Nelson Valdez are among regular player for their team with 17 matches.
Paraquay with the absent of Salvador Cabanas due to suffering gunshot wound to his head still continue their brilliant to reach quarter-finals. This is their best achievement so far after finished round 16 for 3 times in 1986, 1998 and 2002.
Ironically they finished in South Africa only a wins, 3 draws including against Japan and a lost. They also have 3 goals through out the tournament scored by Antolin Alcaraz, Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros.
Paraguay also make own pride when leading Group F even though pool with former Champions Italy. During qualifiers of South America they finished third with 10 wins, 3 draws and 5 losses. Salvador Cabanas was their top scorer in qualifiers with 6 goals out of 15 matches. Justo Villar, Paulo Da Silva, Cristian Riveros and Nelson Valdez are among regular player for their team with 17 matches.
Paraquay with the absent of Salvador Cabanas due to suffering gunshot wound to his head still continue their brilliant to reach quarter-finals. This is their best achievement so far after finished round 16 for 3 times in 1986, 1998 and 2002.
Ironically they finished in South Africa only a wins, 3 draws including against Japan and a lost. They also have 3 goals through out the tournament scored by Antolin Alcaraz, Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Argentina and Diego Maradona
Argentina end FIFA World Cup 2010 with humiliating when demolished by young player of Germany 4-0. The match was quarter-finals and it was repeated of FIFA World Cup 2006 as they also lost for the same team. The losses ring a bell match against Bolivia during qualifiers after they also knock down with 1-6.
Argentina called 60 players for qualifiers and initially A. Basile was the coach but resigned due to poor performance. Diego Maradona their hero of 1986 as appointed the head coach for the replacement. They finished 4th place to book to South Africa with 8 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses.
Riquelme, Messi and Aguero become top scorer for Argentina during qualifier with 4 goals. Lionel Messi winner of the 2009 Ballon d’or become most spotlights player for them and appear the entire match including qualifiers count of 13 matches. However he could not scored any goal in South Africa but Gonzalo Higuan becomes top scorer with 4 goals. Gonzalo Higuan first capped was 10th October 2009 against Peru and only appear two times in qualifiers.
Argentina win FIFA World cup 2 times with their legendary player Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona. Mario Kempes bring the first title to Argentina in their soil after beat Netherlands in FIFA World Cup 1978. After that Diego Maradona mark in history as brilliant player and bring second title for Argentina in FIFA World Cup 1986. He also makes an effort to his second finals in the following tournament but lost to Germany.
Overall Argentina finished top fours are 4 times and finished at least quarter-finals for 3 times. It was 15 appearances in FIFA world cup so far.
Argentina called 60 players for qualifiers and initially A. Basile was the coach but resigned due to poor performance. Diego Maradona their hero of 1986 as appointed the head coach for the replacement. They finished 4th place to book to South Africa with 8 wins, 4 draws and 6 losses.
Riquelme, Messi and Aguero become top scorer for Argentina during qualifier with 4 goals. Lionel Messi winner of the 2009 Ballon d’or become most spotlights player for them and appear the entire match including qualifiers count of 13 matches. However he could not scored any goal in South Africa but Gonzalo Higuan becomes top scorer with 4 goals. Gonzalo Higuan first capped was 10th October 2009 against Peru and only appear two times in qualifiers.
Argentina win FIFA World cup 2 times with their legendary player Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona. Mario Kempes bring the first title to Argentina in their soil after beat Netherlands in FIFA World Cup 1978. After that Diego Maradona mark in history as brilliant player and bring second title for Argentina in FIFA World Cup 1986. He also makes an effort to his second finals in the following tournament but lost to Germany.
Overall Argentina finished top fours are 4 times and finished at least quarter-finals for 3 times. It was 15 appearances in FIFA world cup so far.
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Brazil and two generation of golden era
Five time champions Brazil finished FIFA World Cup campaign only to quarter-finals when they lost to Netherlands 1-2. The losses repeated FIFA World Cup 2002 once they only managed to quarter-finals as well.
Brazil reach in South Africa as South America champion in qualifying stages with 9 wins, 7 draws and 2 losses. Luis Fabiano was the top scorer of Brazil with 9 goals out of 11 matches during qualifiers. He continue his excellent in front by adding 3 more goals in South Africa along with Robinho and Elano with 2 goals.
Group stages and Round 16 is easy for Brazilian when finished top of the group and beat Chile 3-0 in round 16. However in Quarter-finals they cannot defend their brilliant even though they in front in first half but eventually Netherlands could score two goals enough to beat them. The losses remind them to FIFA World Cup 2006 when they lost to France 1-0.
Last time Brazil wins the cup was 2002 in Korea Republic and Japan. Before that year they also end FIFA World Cup campaign in Finals as well. Brazil in finals FIFA World Cup 1994 and 1998 with their opponents Italy and France respectively but only wins the cup in 1994.
During 1994 till 2002 was a second generation for Brazilian had hold FIFA World cup since 1970. 1994 was a mark for legendary of Romario, Bebeto and Dunga when wins the cup for the first time in 24 years. Their superb is continuing by Ronaldo in the following tournament but lost to France in finals. However with the superior of three R; Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho they wins again the cup in 2002.
The first generation of golden era was 1958 to 1970. They did win the cup for three times and keep Jules Rimet Trophy for their goods. 1958 they win the cup for the first time by beat host nation, Sweden in finals 5-2. Pele had scored 6 goals during the tournament in age of 17.
Brazil continues their outstanding play to win second title in FIFA World Cup 1962. Pele was injured and only scored 1 goal. Pele absent not total effect their team when Garrincha managed to win the cup for second times.
FIFA World Cup 1966 Brazil was eliminating early in group stages but continue with their third title in 1970. Pele become legendary player with his aid to wins the cup for the third times. It was also the end of Golden era when they could not with FIFA World cup until 1994.
Brazil reach in South Africa as South America champion in qualifying stages with 9 wins, 7 draws and 2 losses. Luis Fabiano was the top scorer of Brazil with 9 goals out of 11 matches during qualifiers. He continue his excellent in front by adding 3 more goals in South Africa along with Robinho and Elano with 2 goals.
Group stages and Round 16 is easy for Brazilian when finished top of the group and beat Chile 3-0 in round 16. However in Quarter-finals they cannot defend their brilliant even though they in front in first half but eventually Netherlands could score two goals enough to beat them. The losses remind them to FIFA World Cup 2006 when they lost to France 1-0.
Last time Brazil wins the cup was 2002 in Korea Republic and Japan. Before that year they also end FIFA World Cup campaign in Finals as well. Brazil in finals FIFA World Cup 1994 and 1998 with their opponents Italy and France respectively but only wins the cup in 1994.
During 1994 till 2002 was a second generation for Brazilian had hold FIFA World cup since 1970. 1994 was a mark for legendary of Romario, Bebeto and Dunga when wins the cup for the first time in 24 years. Their superb is continuing by Ronaldo in the following tournament but lost to France in finals. However with the superior of three R; Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho they wins again the cup in 2002.
The first generation of golden era was 1958 to 1970. They did win the cup for three times and keep Jules Rimet Trophy for their goods. 1958 they win the cup for the first time by beat host nation, Sweden in finals 5-2. Pele had scored 6 goals during the tournament in age of 17.
Brazil continues their outstanding play to win second title in FIFA World Cup 1962. Pele was injured and only scored 1 goal. Pele absent not total effect their team when Garrincha managed to win the cup for second times.
FIFA World Cup 1966 Brazil was eliminating early in group stages but continue with their third title in 1970. Pele become legendary player with his aid to wins the cup for the third times. It was also the end of Golden era when they could not with FIFA World cup until 1994.
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Uruguay return
Uruguay finished fourth in FIFA World Cup 2010 is the best achievement since 1970. This was fourth time they finished top four. Prior to 1970 they have won two times FIFA World Cup in 1930 and 1950 along with finished fourth place in 1970.
In qualifying group of South America, Uruguay was struggling to advance in final when finished 5th place and need to take part in play-off against Costa Rica to booked ticket in South Africa. They managed to beat their opponent 2-1 in aggregate to advance.
Diego Forlan, Sebastian Abreu and Luis Suarez are the main scorer in qualifying stages when scored 7 goals, 6 goals and 5 goals respectively. In South Africa Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez continue their excellent when managed to score 5 goals and 3 goals respectively.
Luis Suarez has played all matches for Uruguay during in qualifying and World Cup final count to 15 matches except 2 times; Semi-finals match against Netherlands and qualifying match against Bolivia.
Diego Forlan become most highlighted player throughout the tournament when awarded Adidas Golden Ball. As Atletico Madrid key player he had scored at most Uruguay goals with 5 goals out of 11 goals and total of 12 goals including qualifying stages.
In qualifying group of South America, Uruguay was struggling to advance in final when finished 5th place and need to take part in play-off against Costa Rica to booked ticket in South Africa. They managed to beat their opponent 2-1 in aggregate to advance.
Diego Forlan, Sebastian Abreu and Luis Suarez are the main scorer in qualifying stages when scored 7 goals, 6 goals and 5 goals respectively. In South Africa Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez continue their excellent when managed to score 5 goals and 3 goals respectively.
Luis Suarez has played all matches for Uruguay during in qualifying and World Cup final count to 15 matches except 2 times; Semi-finals match against Netherlands and qualifying match against Bolivia.
Diego Forlan become most highlighted player throughout the tournament when awarded Adidas Golden Ball. As Atletico Madrid key player he had scored at most Uruguay goals with 5 goals out of 11 goals and total of 12 goals including qualifying stages.
Friday, July 23, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Germany facts
Finished third in FIFA World Cup 2010 extent their success in FIFA World Cup history to 12th time ended as top four. Germany also continue their consistency achievement in last 8 years when continues advance to semi finals FIFA World Cup for the third time. Last time in Finals is FIFA World Cup 2002 as they lost to Brazil 2-0.
Prior to South Africa games start Germany going through qualifying stages in ease task when finished top of the group with 8 wins and 2 draws. Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski Micheal Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger are key players for them when they together scored 20 out of 25 goals.
Micheal Ballack absent in FIFA World Cup 2010 due to injury not exaggerated Germany team when they advance to Semi-finals and finished third. Thomas Muller become words of mouth as young player in age of 21 scored 5 goals. He also awarded as Best Young Player and Adidas Golden boot even though he never play any games during qualifying matches. His first capped was 3 March 2010 against Argentina.
Germany is most successful team in the world when the only team could finish 12th time in top four out of 17th appearances. Their first appearance was FIFA World Cup 1934 and finish 3rd place and never fail to qualify to World Cup excluding 1930 and 1950 when Germany not enter and banned respectively.
Germany first win in FIFA World Cup was 1954 and win again in their soil in 1974. 16 years later they win again their third title in Italy with repeated match of 1986 against Argentina. They have advance to finals count of 7 times and only managed to win 3 times. Their worst achievement were 1938 and 1978 when only finished at first round and second round respectively.
Prior to South Africa games start Germany going through qualifying stages in ease task when finished top of the group with 8 wins and 2 draws. Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski Micheal Ballack and Bastian Schweinsteiger are key players for them when they together scored 20 out of 25 goals.
Micheal Ballack absent in FIFA World Cup 2010 due to injury not exaggerated Germany team when they advance to Semi-finals and finished third. Thomas Muller become words of mouth as young player in age of 21 scored 5 goals. He also awarded as Best Young Player and Adidas Golden boot even though he never play any games during qualifying matches. His first capped was 3 March 2010 against Argentina.
Germany is most successful team in the world when the only team could finish 12th time in top four out of 17th appearances. Their first appearance was FIFA World Cup 1934 and finish 3rd place and never fail to qualify to World Cup excluding 1930 and 1950 when Germany not enter and banned respectively.
Germany first win in FIFA World Cup was 1954 and win again in their soil in 1974. 16 years later they win again their third title in Italy with repeated match of 1986 against Argentina. They have advance to finals count of 7 times and only managed to win 3 times. Their worst achievement were 1938 and 1978 when only finished at first round and second round respectively.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 : Information on Netherlands
Netherlands makes ninth appearances to FIFA World Cup 2010 and ended as a runner-up for the third times. This is the fourth times they finish as top four in FIFA World Cup history.
They went to South Africa with an excellent track record when winning eight straight matches at the qualifying stage and proceeded to another six straight win before subdued by Spain in the final. In the final they lost to Spain 1-0.
During the Qualifying stage Dirk Kuyt and Klass Jan Huntelaar became the main scorer with each contributed three goals. However, Wesley sneijder more prominent at the FIFA World Cup 2010, scoring five goals and once shared with Diego Forlán, Thomas Muller and David Villa as top scorer.
Netherlands emerged as the major powers in the sport of football began in 1974 to 1978. They come with the pattern of total football game, which was introduced by Ajax and led by Johan Cruyff to appear at the final stage for the first time. However, they lost to hosts Germany 2-1.
Interval of two years they managed to finish in third place in the European Cup in 1976. In the semi-finals they lost to Chezskolavakia.
1978, they again appear to FIFA World Cup final match despite the absence of major star Johan Cruyff. Like in 1974 they again met the host team in the final stage but this time they will be Argentina. The host nation once again beat them with a score of 3-1.
After the era of Total Football greatness Netherlands failed qualified to FIFA World Cup in 1982 and 1986. They comeback to the FIFA World Cup began in 1990 and continues until the FIFA World Cup 2010 except in 2002 when they failed to qualified. For the period of 20 years from 1990 to 2010, Netherlands best achievements are finished third place in 1998 and runner-up in 2010.
Unlike the fate of the Netherlands in the European Cup, when emerging European champions in 1988. Marco Van Basten and Ruud Gullit became the main planners of their success during the year. After 1988 they made it to the Semi Final by three times (1992, 2000 and 2004) and Quarter Final two times (1996 and 2008).
They went to South Africa with an excellent track record when winning eight straight matches at the qualifying stage and proceeded to another six straight win before subdued by Spain in the final. In the final they lost to Spain 1-0.
During the Qualifying stage Dirk Kuyt and Klass Jan Huntelaar became the main scorer with each contributed three goals. However, Wesley sneijder more prominent at the FIFA World Cup 2010, scoring five goals and once shared with Diego Forlán, Thomas Muller and David Villa as top scorer.
Netherlands emerged as the major powers in the sport of football began in 1974 to 1978. They come with the pattern of total football game, which was introduced by Ajax and led by Johan Cruyff to appear at the final stage for the first time. However, they lost to hosts Germany 2-1.
Interval of two years they managed to finish in third place in the European Cup in 1976. In the semi-finals they lost to Chezskolavakia.
1978, they again appear to FIFA World Cup final match despite the absence of major star Johan Cruyff. Like in 1974 they again met the host team in the final stage but this time they will be Argentina. The host nation once again beat them with a score of 3-1.
After the era of Total Football greatness Netherlands failed qualified to FIFA World Cup in 1982 and 1986. They comeback to the FIFA World Cup began in 1990 and continues until the FIFA World Cup 2010 except in 2002 when they failed to qualified. For the period of 20 years from 1990 to 2010, Netherlands best achievements are finished third place in 1998 and runner-up in 2010.
Unlike the fate of the Netherlands in the European Cup, when emerging European champions in 1988. Marco Van Basten and Ruud Gullit became the main planners of their success during the year. After 1988 they made it to the Semi Final by three times (1992, 2000 and 2004) and Quarter Final two times (1996 and 2008).
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 : All about spain and world cup history
Spain is a new world champion in most favorite sports in earth after beat Netherlands 1-0 with an effort of Iniesta on final match at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg. They came in South Africa with high expectation to win the cup after wining the UEFA Europeans Champions in 2008.
David Villa and Fernando Torres become most spotlight players prior to the World Cup 2010. However Fernando Torres injury affects his performance although not for David Villa as become main scorer for Spain.
Spain best achievement was ranked fourth in the World Cup in 1950 and 14 years later they did won European Cup champion in 1964. After two big successes that Spain failed to become the world major national team when only qualify for the World Cup in 1966 and failed to qualify in European Champions until 1980.
World Cup 1978 is the starting point of the rise of Spain after failing to highlight themselves as rulers of the world football from 1966 till 1978, when failing progress to World Cup and European Cup. However, their best performance only up to the Quarter Final of World Cup in 1986, 1994 and 2002. While on the European stage they became the runner-up in 1984 and twice in the quarter-final in 1996 and 2000.
Spain become European champion 2008 for second time after defeating Germany 1-0 in soil of Austria and Switzerland as witness the rise of Spain. Two years later, Spain became a world leader of football after won the 2010 World Cup.
David Villa and Fernando Torres become most spotlight players prior to the World Cup 2010. However Fernando Torres injury affects his performance although not for David Villa as become main scorer for Spain.
Spain best achievement was ranked fourth in the World Cup in 1950 and 14 years later they did won European Cup champion in 1964. After two big successes that Spain failed to become the world major national team when only qualify for the World Cup in 1966 and failed to qualify in European Champions until 1980.
World Cup 1978 is the starting point of the rise of Spain after failing to highlight themselves as rulers of the world football from 1966 till 1978, when failing progress to World Cup and European Cup. However, their best performance only up to the Quarter Final of World Cup in 1986, 1994 and 2002. While on the European stage they became the runner-up in 1984 and twice in the quarter-final in 1996 and 2000.
Spain become European champion 2008 for second time after defeating Germany 1-0 in soil of Austria and Switzerland as witness the rise of Spain. Two years later, Spain became a world leader of football after won the 2010 World Cup.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Final: Spain extent their conquest from European Champions to World Cup Champions
The last two games involving four countries of the two winning teams and two teams those lose in the semifinals are closing game for the 2010 World Cup. Spain became the winner of the World Cup after winning 16 of 17 matches, including qualifying stage and only lost once to the Swiss in the opening match in Group H. This success of Spain became the eighth name on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy since the introduction in 1930 and it’s the first time Spain became World Champions. Spain best previous achievement was back to 1950 when finished fourth.
In contrast to the Netherlands for failing to win for the first time it has been three times to the final after the 1974 and 1978. Their defeat against Spain was their first defeat since winning 14 straight matches. Iniesta a demolisher of Netherlands when he scored a winning goal in extra time after one of the Netherlands player is roll out for second yellow card.
Germany secured for the third place by winning over Uruguay 3-2 as a returned back to the real track after losing to Spain 1-0 in their semifinal. This was the fourth World Cup for Germany ending in third place to 11th time finishing top three in World Cup campaign. Thomas Müller an innovative idol to the German after collecting five goals against Uruguay as well as to be award the best young player in this tournament at the age of 21 years old.
Waiting 30 years for the Uruguay to ending campaign in ranked third was crash after lost 3-2 to Germany. The defeated extent loses to Germany for 9 times in 10 meetings - their sole victory only came on 1928. However, the hero of Uruguay Diego Forlán having led his team this far with his explosion goal reach five goals and was named top scorer along with Thomas Muller, Wesley Sneijder and David Villa.
Iniesta pick up a star for Spanish
In a game when a record number of yellow cards were given and John Heitinga was sent off in extra-time, both sides missed great chances from Arjen Robben and Cesc Fabregas, but Andres Iniesta netted in the 116th minute to give European champions Spain their first World Cup title.
The solitary goal came with penalties looming as substitute Cesc Fabregas played in Iniesta and the little midfielder drove emphatically across Maarten Stekelenburg and into the far corner. With this victory – their fourth successive single-goal win in South Africa – Spain became the eighth name on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy and also the first European team to have triumphed on a different continent. For the Netherlands, who lost defender John Heitinga to a red card in extra time, there is only the heartache of another tale of what might have been after they completed a hat-trick of Final losses.
This was a match preceded by much talk of two like-minded footballing cultures, of the influence of Dutchmen like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, of 'tiki taka' and Total Football. In many ways, as the first 116 minutes showed, it was also a case of the irresistible force versus the immovable object. The Dutch had won 14 straight games to get to the Final, in qualifying and the tournament proper, and Spain 15 out of 16, their only slip the defeat by Switzerland in their first game here in South Africa.
The game will be noted for the flurry of cards - 14 in all - starting in the 14th minute when Howard Webb booked Robin van Persie.
Pretty soon combative midfield duo Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong joined him for challenges - a late lunge on Joan Capdevila and a kung fu kick on Xabi Alonso respectively - that could easily have ended their evening.
It certainly made for unsightly viewing at times, but Vicente del Bosque's side did play some exquisite passing football at times, with Xavi and Iniesta helping Spain dominate possession. The best first-half chance fell to Sergio Ramos but his header from Xavi's cross was palmed away superbly by Maarten Stekelenburg.
With the orange sections of the 84,490 Soccer City crowd finding their voice, Bert van Marwijk's men almost gave them something to sing about from a corner in the 37th minute. Robben rolled the ball to Mark van Bommel on the edge of the box and although he failed to make a clean connection he unwittingly diverted the ball on to the unmarked Mathijsen but the defender missed his kick.
Netherlands struggled to get into the game but in the second-half were handed a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute to take the lead; Spain skipper Iker Casillas making a quite brilliant save to deny Robben after the former Chelsea star had been set free by Sneijder.
Robben must have thought he had done everything right. Running at pace - past a stranded Carles Puyol - until he saw the whites of Casillas' eyes, he shaped to go one way, then placed his shot to the other corner. Casillas was committed in the other direction but stuck out a leg and turned the effort wide.
It was by some distance the best opportunity of the regulation 90 minutes, although Ramos had another decent opening himself heading umarked over the bar.
Extra time began with opportunities for Spain. Xavi failed to connect when well positioned and when the ball ran to Villa, his shot went wide off an orange shirt. Substitute Fabregas then broke clear on to Iniesta's through-ball but was foiled by Stekelenburg. Mathijsen headed wide from a corner but like waves, Spanish attacks kept rolling on to the Netherlands back line and Navas was close with a shot deflected into the side-netting.
Fernando Torres replaced Villa midway through the extra period and Spain gained a man advantage four minutes later with Heitinga's dismissal for pulling back Iniesta on the edge of the box, the offence earning him a second yellow. Iniesta would not be denied, however, and his fine late strike put Spain into the history books and left a Dutch dream shattered.
Germany finished third for fourth time
Germany secured third place in the World Cup courtesy of an entertaining 3-2 win over Uruguay in Port Elizabeth. A Sami Khedira header settled a game that saw both Thomas Muller and Diego Forlan move onto five goals for the tournament.
The match was heading for extra time at 2-2 when Sami Khedira scored a late header. The goal ended Uruguay’s hopes of beating Germany for the first time in 82 years, while the Germans finished in the top three for the 11th time.
For two of the scorers, Muller and Forlan, their strikes took them to five for the tournament, level with David Villa and Wesley Sneijder at the top of the adidas Golden Boot standings. Forlan will rue the injury-time free-kick against the crossbar that denied him a sixth goal, while Miroslav Klose's absence with a back injury left him rooted on five too.
Both teams featured changed lineups after their semi-final losses. Germany coach Joachim Low went for a wholly new forward line from that which began against Spain with starting roles for the trio of Muller, Cacau and Jansen. Further back Dennis Aogo came in for Philipp Lahm and goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt for Manuel Neuer. As for Uruguay, they welcomed back captain Diego Lugano from injury together with Jorge Fucile and Luis Suarez, both suspended for last Tuesday's defeat by the Netherlands.
Man-of-the match Thomas Mueller, coming back from suspension in the semifinal, gave Germany the lead in the 18th minute, his fifth goal at the World Cup, sweeping the ball home after Bastian Schweinsteiger’s swerving shot had been blocked but not collected by Muslera, who was at fault in Germany’s first two goals.
Uruguay not waiting too long to equalizer when Suarez's perfectly-timed pass put Cavani through on the left and he finished expertly low into the far corner to put Uruguay on level terms in the 28th minute.
Futher changes went begging moments after the restart when Butt saved at Cavani's feet and then got a hand to Suarez’s shot on the follow-up. Butt was left helpless when Forlan made it 2-1 after 51 minutes, however. The Atletico Madrid striker connected acrobatically with Egidio Arevalo's cross on the edge of the box, sending the ball into the rain-sodden turf and back up past Butt. Yet the lead lasted only five minutes before Muslera missed Jerome Boateng's deep cross and Jansen headed home.
With eight minutes left Mesut Ozil's corner caused chaos in the Uruguay area and Khedira looped a header into the corner to make it 3-2.
Uruguay has beaten Germany only once in 10 matches, in 1928. Germany beat Uruguay in the third-place match in 1970—the last time Uruguay reached the semifinals. The Germany victory also extents the last seven third-place play-offs matches have been won by European teams.
In contrast to the Netherlands for failing to win for the first time it has been three times to the final after the 1974 and 1978. Their defeat against Spain was their first defeat since winning 14 straight matches. Iniesta a demolisher of Netherlands when he scored a winning goal in extra time after one of the Netherlands player is roll out for second yellow card.
Germany secured for the third place by winning over Uruguay 3-2 as a returned back to the real track after losing to Spain 1-0 in their semifinal. This was the fourth World Cup for Germany ending in third place to 11th time finishing top three in World Cup campaign. Thomas Müller an innovative idol to the German after collecting five goals against Uruguay as well as to be award the best young player in this tournament at the age of 21 years old.
Waiting 30 years for the Uruguay to ending campaign in ranked third was crash after lost 3-2 to Germany. The defeated extent loses to Germany for 9 times in 10 meetings - their sole victory only came on 1928. However, the hero of Uruguay Diego Forlán having led his team this far with his explosion goal reach five goals and was named top scorer along with Thomas Muller, Wesley Sneijder and David Villa.
Iniesta pick up a star for Spanish
In a game when a record number of yellow cards were given and John Heitinga was sent off in extra-time, both sides missed great chances from Arjen Robben and Cesc Fabregas, but Andres Iniesta netted in the 116th minute to give European champions Spain their first World Cup title.
The solitary goal came with penalties looming as substitute Cesc Fabregas played in Iniesta and the little midfielder drove emphatically across Maarten Stekelenburg and into the far corner. With this victory – their fourth successive single-goal win in South Africa – Spain became the eighth name on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy and also the first European team to have triumphed on a different continent. For the Netherlands, who lost defender John Heitinga to a red card in extra time, there is only the heartache of another tale of what might have been after they completed a hat-trick of Final losses.
This was a match preceded by much talk of two like-minded footballing cultures, of the influence of Dutchmen like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, of 'tiki taka' and Total Football. In many ways, as the first 116 minutes showed, it was also a case of the irresistible force versus the immovable object. The Dutch had won 14 straight games to get to the Final, in qualifying and the tournament proper, and Spain 15 out of 16, their only slip the defeat by Switzerland in their first game here in South Africa.
The game will be noted for the flurry of cards - 14 in all - starting in the 14th minute when Howard Webb booked Robin van Persie.
Pretty soon combative midfield duo Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong joined him for challenges - a late lunge on Joan Capdevila and a kung fu kick on Xabi Alonso respectively - that could easily have ended their evening.
It certainly made for unsightly viewing at times, but Vicente del Bosque's side did play some exquisite passing football at times, with Xavi and Iniesta helping Spain dominate possession. The best first-half chance fell to Sergio Ramos but his header from Xavi's cross was palmed away superbly by Maarten Stekelenburg.
With the orange sections of the 84,490 Soccer City crowd finding their voice, Bert van Marwijk's men almost gave them something to sing about from a corner in the 37th minute. Robben rolled the ball to Mark van Bommel on the edge of the box and although he failed to make a clean connection he unwittingly diverted the ball on to the unmarked Mathijsen but the defender missed his kick.
Netherlands struggled to get into the game but in the second-half were handed a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute to take the lead; Spain skipper Iker Casillas making a quite brilliant save to deny Robben after the former Chelsea star had been set free by Sneijder.
Robben must have thought he had done everything right. Running at pace - past a stranded Carles Puyol - until he saw the whites of Casillas' eyes, he shaped to go one way, then placed his shot to the other corner. Casillas was committed in the other direction but stuck out a leg and turned the effort wide.
It was by some distance the best opportunity of the regulation 90 minutes, although Ramos had another decent opening himself heading umarked over the bar.
Extra time began with opportunities for Spain. Xavi failed to connect when well positioned and when the ball ran to Villa, his shot went wide off an orange shirt. Substitute Fabregas then broke clear on to Iniesta's through-ball but was foiled by Stekelenburg. Mathijsen headed wide from a corner but like waves, Spanish attacks kept rolling on to the Netherlands back line and Navas was close with a shot deflected into the side-netting.
Fernando Torres replaced Villa midway through the extra period and Spain gained a man advantage four minutes later with Heitinga's dismissal for pulling back Iniesta on the edge of the box, the offence earning him a second yellow. Iniesta would not be denied, however, and his fine late strike put Spain into the history books and left a Dutch dream shattered.
Germany finished third for fourth time
Germany secured third place in the World Cup courtesy of an entertaining 3-2 win over Uruguay in Port Elizabeth. A Sami Khedira header settled a game that saw both Thomas Muller and Diego Forlan move onto five goals for the tournament.
The match was heading for extra time at 2-2 when Sami Khedira scored a late header. The goal ended Uruguay’s hopes of beating Germany for the first time in 82 years, while the Germans finished in the top three for the 11th time.
For two of the scorers, Muller and Forlan, their strikes took them to five for the tournament, level with David Villa and Wesley Sneijder at the top of the adidas Golden Boot standings. Forlan will rue the injury-time free-kick against the crossbar that denied him a sixth goal, while Miroslav Klose's absence with a back injury left him rooted on five too.
Both teams featured changed lineups after their semi-final losses. Germany coach Joachim Low went for a wholly new forward line from that which began against Spain with starting roles for the trio of Muller, Cacau and Jansen. Further back Dennis Aogo came in for Philipp Lahm and goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt for Manuel Neuer. As for Uruguay, they welcomed back captain Diego Lugano from injury together with Jorge Fucile and Luis Suarez, both suspended for last Tuesday's defeat by the Netherlands.
Man-of-the match Thomas Mueller, coming back from suspension in the semifinal, gave Germany the lead in the 18th minute, his fifth goal at the World Cup, sweeping the ball home after Bastian Schweinsteiger’s swerving shot had been blocked but not collected by Muslera, who was at fault in Germany’s first two goals.
Uruguay not waiting too long to equalizer when Suarez's perfectly-timed pass put Cavani through on the left and he finished expertly low into the far corner to put Uruguay on level terms in the 28th minute.
Futher changes went begging moments after the restart when Butt saved at Cavani's feet and then got a hand to Suarez’s shot on the follow-up. Butt was left helpless when Forlan made it 2-1 after 51 minutes, however. The Atletico Madrid striker connected acrobatically with Egidio Arevalo's cross on the edge of the box, sending the ball into the rain-sodden turf and back up past Butt. Yet the lead lasted only five minutes before Muslera missed Jerome Boateng's deep cross and Jansen headed home.
With eight minutes left Mesut Ozil's corner caused chaos in the Uruguay area and Khedira looped a header into the corner to make it 3-2.
Uruguay has beaten Germany only once in 10 matches, in 1928. Germany beat Uruguay in the third-place match in 1970—the last time Uruguay reached the semifinals. The Germany victory also extents the last seven third-place play-offs matches have been won by European teams.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Semi final: Time for Oranje and La roja booked in final
Both matches ended with a goal difference of four team’s battle ended the episodes in the semi-final. Oranje and La Roja are lucky teams to get the one goal advantage against their opponents Uruguay and Germany.
Oranje meeting the forecast will be on stage for the first time since the end of 1974 and 1978 after defeating the giant Brazilian football. Three goals by Van Bronkhorst, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder have enough to beat two goals of Uruguay by Diego Forlán and Pereira.
In contrast to the La Roja is the first time to the Final extending their success when called European champions two years ago. Ironically the only goal game by Carles Puyol after the games reach 70 minutes is equivalent to two winning goal in the Netherlands to attend the same time.
History also created the first time without former tournament champions after last time in 1978. This is also the first European team dominated the final and won outside Europe since 1930.
Oranje on the final after 32 years
The Netherlands will face Spain in the Final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ after beating Uruguay by the odd goal in five in the first of the tournament’s semi-finals at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium.
The Dutch head to Johannesburg for their first shot at the soccer championship in 32 years after a 3-2 victory over scrappy but outmanned Uruguay on Tuesday night.
The Dutch looked short of ideas for long periods but still had the quality in front of goal when it mattered to set up an all-European final against Euro 2008 champions Spain on Sunday.
The South Americans, in their first semi-final for 30 years, were defending in depth and in numbers but that tactic did not help them when Van Bronkhorst broke the deadlock after 18 minutes
The ball was fed out to the left-flank and the veteran Feyenoord left-back had time to look up and use his trusty left foot to spank an unstoppable 35-yard shot into the top corner.
Four minute before the break Forlan equalize to 1-1 when him had hitherto been relatively subdued, but the Dutch defence made the mistake of affording him too much space 25 yards from goal – and were ruthlessly punished. Shaping to spread the ball wide, Forlan instead turned inside on his left foot and curled in a superb left-foot shot that, thanks partly to a slight deflection off the head of John Heitinga, deceived the wrong-footed Maarten Stekelenburg.
The score level at 1-1 end in 70th and 73th minute after the dutch lead the game 3-1. Sneijder’s goal came somewhat unexpectedly because Uruguay had shut down the Dutch offense for much of the second half. His left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area barely ticked the leg of defender Maximiliano Pereira and, with Robin van Persie almost deflecting it again, the ball skidded past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Then Robben sent a cross from Dirk Kuyt past a flat-footed Muslera with a brilliant header. His teammates piled on in an Oranje Crush celebration, and Robben came up from it muddied and merry—and with the knowledge that, ahead 3-1, the Netherlands was likely headed to the championship match.
Instead the Dutch faced a frantic finale when, in the 92nd minute, Maxi Pereira ran on to a quickly taken free-kick, turned Eljero Ejia and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner of the net and end the game with narrow result 3-2.
The Dutch victory extent their achievement so far with 25-game unbeaten streak, including 10 straight wins. They’re not as creative as the Clockwork Oranje of the 1970s, when they lost two World Cup finals to host teams—West Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978. Nor are they as explosive.
But they sure are good, and on the kind of roll that gives the Dutch the look of champions—with an Oranje hue, of course.
Puyol shocked killer machine to final for the first time
For all of Spain's brilliant passing in their semi-final against Germany, it was a Carles Puyol header from a corner that put La Roja into their first ever World Cup final.
Whatever the outcome at Soccer City on Sunday, there will be history made with a new name on the Trophy after Spain produced their best performance of these finals to end Germany's hopes of an eighth Final appearance and secure their first. Joachim Low’s men, by contrast, missing the suspended Thomas Muller, were unable to repeat the scintillating displays with which they swept aside England and Argentina and, as in 2006, suffered the anguish of semi-final defeat.
The game is totally control by Spanish with about 5 shot on goal out 13 shot compare by Germany killer machine just get 2 shot on goal out of 5 shot. The Germany suffered so must with the absent of Muller which not allowed to play due to two yellow card. Prior to the game, Germany killer machine score 8 goals in just two matches against England and Argentina earlier in the road to semi final.
The historic moment for Spain came in 73rd minute after from a corner by Xavi, Puyol leapt above team-mate Gerard Pique and powered a header past Neuer. Pedro could have ensured a bigger margin of victory in the closing stages but he allowed Arne Friedrich to dispossess him after bursting through in a two-on-one with substitute Torres. It did not matter in the end, Spain's third successive 1-0 win carrying them into their first Final.
Oranje meeting the forecast will be on stage for the first time since the end of 1974 and 1978 after defeating the giant Brazilian football. Three goals by Van Bronkhorst, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder have enough to beat two goals of Uruguay by Diego Forlán and Pereira.
In contrast to the La Roja is the first time to the Final extending their success when called European champions two years ago. Ironically the only goal game by Carles Puyol after the games reach 70 minutes is equivalent to two winning goal in the Netherlands to attend the same time.
History also created the first time without former tournament champions after last time in 1978. This is also the first European team dominated the final and won outside Europe since 1930.
Oranje on the final after 32 years
The Netherlands will face Spain in the Final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ after beating Uruguay by the odd goal in five in the first of the tournament’s semi-finals at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium.
The Dutch head to Johannesburg for their first shot at the soccer championship in 32 years after a 3-2 victory over scrappy but outmanned Uruguay on Tuesday night.
The Dutch looked short of ideas for long periods but still had the quality in front of goal when it mattered to set up an all-European final against Euro 2008 champions Spain on Sunday.
The South Americans, in their first semi-final for 30 years, were defending in depth and in numbers but that tactic did not help them when Van Bronkhorst broke the deadlock after 18 minutes
The ball was fed out to the left-flank and the veteran Feyenoord left-back had time to look up and use his trusty left foot to spank an unstoppable 35-yard shot into the top corner.
Four minute before the break Forlan equalize to 1-1 when him had hitherto been relatively subdued, but the Dutch defence made the mistake of affording him too much space 25 yards from goal – and were ruthlessly punished. Shaping to spread the ball wide, Forlan instead turned inside on his left foot and curled in a superb left-foot shot that, thanks partly to a slight deflection off the head of John Heitinga, deceived the wrong-footed Maarten Stekelenburg.
The score level at 1-1 end in 70th and 73th minute after the dutch lead the game 3-1. Sneijder’s goal came somewhat unexpectedly because Uruguay had shut down the Dutch offense for much of the second half. His left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area barely ticked the leg of defender Maximiliano Pereira and, with Robin van Persie almost deflecting it again, the ball skidded past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Then Robben sent a cross from Dirk Kuyt past a flat-footed Muslera with a brilliant header. His teammates piled on in an Oranje Crush celebration, and Robben came up from it muddied and merry—and with the knowledge that, ahead 3-1, the Netherlands was likely headed to the championship match.
Instead the Dutch faced a frantic finale when, in the 92nd minute, Maxi Pereira ran on to a quickly taken free-kick, turned Eljero Ejia and curled a precise shot into the bottom corner of the net and end the game with narrow result 3-2.
The Dutch victory extent their achievement so far with 25-game unbeaten streak, including 10 straight wins. They’re not as creative as the Clockwork Oranje of the 1970s, when they lost two World Cup finals to host teams—West Germany in 1974, Argentina in 1978. Nor are they as explosive.
But they sure are good, and on the kind of roll that gives the Dutch the look of champions—with an Oranje hue, of course.
Puyol shocked killer machine to final for the first time
For all of Spain's brilliant passing in their semi-final against Germany, it was a Carles Puyol header from a corner that put La Roja into their first ever World Cup final.
Whatever the outcome at Soccer City on Sunday, there will be history made with a new name on the Trophy after Spain produced their best performance of these finals to end Germany's hopes of an eighth Final appearance and secure their first. Joachim Low’s men, by contrast, missing the suspended Thomas Muller, were unable to repeat the scintillating displays with which they swept aside England and Argentina and, as in 2006, suffered the anguish of semi-final defeat.
The game is totally control by Spanish with about 5 shot on goal out 13 shot compare by Germany killer machine just get 2 shot on goal out of 5 shot. The Germany suffered so must with the absent of Muller which not allowed to play due to two yellow card. Prior to the game, Germany killer machine score 8 goals in just two matches against England and Argentina earlier in the road to semi final.
The historic moment for Spain came in 73rd minute after from a corner by Xavi, Puyol leapt above team-mate Gerard Pique and powered a header past Neuer. Pedro could have ensured a bigger margin of victory in the closing stages but he allowed Arne Friedrich to dispossess him after bursting through in a two-on-one with substitute Torres. It did not matter in the end, Spain's third successive 1-0 win carrying them into their first Final.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Quarter final: Drama mix up victory over Sneijder, Suarez, Klose and Villa
Delight and frustration portray dramatics story in World Cup Quarter-finals matches. Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay share the disappointment despite early predictions are able to anticipate through semi-final. Argentina receives the most painful disillusionment because they not only defeated but humiliated with broad score to Germany.
While Sneijder, Suarez, Klose and Villa a hero to cheer on their team mood. Not only Sneijder scored the second goal but his cross also causes their first goal to win against Brazil.
Yet, a dramatic fairy-tale by Suarez when at first he be hated with his action immediately change to hero. He has booked with red card due to his action prevent the ball into the net using hand’s causes their team is punished with a penalty to Ghana and also maybe lost the games, but Cyan wasted the penalty opportunity to beat them.
Conversely Villa and Klose to be the main scorer for their team advanced to the semifinals. They also become the main scorer in the tournament by scoring their fourth and fifth goals respectively.
Unlike other teams Ghana received simultaneous frustration and joy. Disappointment haunted their team when lost in penalty shout out and Cyan miss a penalty in extra time as a whole, but their success in the quarter-final is the pride of all citizens of Africa.
Sneijder setup sinking of samba
Wesley Sneijder dumped favourites Brazil out of the World Cup as Netherlands finally got the better of their South American nemesis.
But they had to come from behind to avenge their heartbreaking defeats of 1994 and 1998 and book their place in the semi-finals.
Brazil took the lead first after Robinho had already had one effort ruled offside when he broke the deadlock in the tenth minute. Advancing unchecked from inside his own half, Felipe Melo played a ball straight through the centre of the Dutch defence from the halfway line. Robinho, free of his marker Van der Wiel and played onside by Ooijer, was in the clear and he tucked a first-time finish beyond Maarten Stekelenburg.
But the second half presented the unusual sight of the Brazilians scrambling wildly to find an equalizer.
The Netherlands exploit the advantages over the Brazilian when they got equalizer from Felipe Melo own goal in 53rd minute. The goal come with Sneijder had already miscued an attempted volley when, following a short free-kick with Robben, the Inter midfielder swung in a cross from out on the right. Julio Cesar and Felipe Melo got in each other's way before the ball flew past the keeper and into the net.
Brazilian fears came true that their team will lost in this quarter final repeated lost four year ago when Netherlands add another goal in 68th minute. It came from the head of Sneijder who profited from slack marking in the six-yard box to nod home his third goal of the finals after Kuyt had flicked on Robben's corner.
Brazil's prospects dimmed further with 17 minutes remaining with Felipe Melo’s red card for a stamp on Robben, now a constant nuisance to the South Americans. In a frantic finish it might have got even worse for Dunga's men but Sneijder scuffed his shot straight at Julio Cesar.
Hand of Suarez helps Uruguay through
Ghana bowed out of the World Cup in the most heartbreaking circumstances in one of the most amazing finishes to a match at the World Cup finals.
Uruguay's Luis Suarez had used his hands to keep out a header in the last minute of extra-time but his red card will be no solace to the Black Stars after Asamoah Gyan's spot-kick hit the bar and Uruguay triumphed in the shoot-out.
Soccer City was deathly silent as Ghana players collapsed in tears, while Uruguay celebrated their first semi-final appearance for 40 years, in which they will play Netherlands.
However, the West Africans got their lead with breakthrough on the stroke of half-time as Muntari scored with a curling 35-yard shot that seemed to deceive the goalkeeper before finding the left-hand corner.
But if they ended the first period on a high, the Black Stars started the second on a low as Forlan's free-kick from near the left corner of the box fooled Kingson with its swerve in the 55th minute and bulged the net. After the goal, the game is leveling 1-1 until end of 90 minutes and it need to decide in extra time.
Ghana had the clearest opportunities in extra time. Gyan flashed an open header over the bar in the 110th minute, and five minutes later, defender Andres Scotti did just enough to scramble the ball away when it looked like the Ghanaian would score. Boateng almost won it minutes from time, but his header screamed agonisingly wide. And then at the death, from a free-kick into the box, Suarez blocked Appiah's shot on the line only to then stop Adiyiah's headed follow-up with his hand to set up Gyan's penalty miss.
With the gasps of a stunned Soccer City still ringing in the ears, Gyan bravely stepped up to immediately convert the first penalty in the shoot-out. Maxi Pereira missed his spot-kick for the Uruguayans, but two consecutive saves by Muslera set up Abreu to be the hero.
Germany rampant out Maradona team
Germany tore Argentina apart to book their place in the semi-finals and, for now at least, end Diego Maradona's dream of winning the World Cup as coach to go with his victory as captain in 1986. Germany are six day ago trashing England 4-1 producing another masterful performance to beat Argentina 4-0 at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium.
Even though, an Argentina team containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, managed by one of the most creative forces there has ever been, is not exactly set up to defend. Germany's talents are not as well known. But over the past week Joachim Low's team have made some statement.
Germany first goal come when Bastian Schweinsteiger provided the assist with a superbly judged in swinging free-kick, and with Sergio Romero caught in no man’s land, Thomas Muller applied the slightest of headed touches to flick the ball into the net. It was Germany’s 200th FIFA World Cup™ goal, their fastest in 32 years and the quickest so far at South Africa 2010. The only downside for Low’s side was that it left Argentina with 87 minutes to respond.
After a break Germany ejecting additional pain to suffered Argentina when they adding three more goal. Germany get second goal from Klose in 68th minute when Podolski – who had earlier come close to scoring himself – was to lead the counter-attack that provided Low’s team with their all-important second goal.
With the second half reaching its midway point, the Cologne forward broke clear on the left and, from a position where he would have been forgiven for shooting; he instead squared intelligently for Klose to tap home from inside the six yard box. The goal left Argentina with little option but to throw men forward, and with Diego Maradona’s side over-committed, Germany proceeded to pick them off on the break.
Within six minutes of Klose making it two, Arne Friedrich removed any lingering doubts over the outcome with another close-range finish, profiting on this occasion from a dazzling solo run from the excellent Schweinsteiger. There was even time for Klose to rub salt into Argentinian wounds, side-footing home Mesut Ozil's measured cross with a minute remaining to round off a memorable German win.
Following Brazil's self-destruction against the Dutch on Friday, Germany became the latest European team to see off a highly fancied South American side, and they move into the last four looking in good shape to become world champions for the first time since 1990. Germany, beside of their goal machine also not conceded a second half goal in this World Cup.
Villa again hero of Spain
David Villa snatched a late winner to book Spain's first appearance in a World Cup semi-final as they beat Paraguay in a largely disappointing quarter-final tie that nonetheless boasted moments of incredible drama.
Villa's goal after 82 minutes - his fifth of the tournament- struck one post, rolled across the goal-line and hit the other, before finally nestling in the net and came seconds after substitute Pedro had also hit the woodwork.
Spain now face Germany in the semi-finals - not since 1950, where they were part of a four-team final group, have they had such an opportunity to reach the final itself.
This game also saw two penalties are not completed by both team make a very thrilling drama ever in this world cup. The drama began when Gerard Pique wrestled Oscar Cardozo to the ground as a corner, Paraguay's first of the night, was played in from the left. Cardozo looked set to give La Albirroja a stunning lead from the penalty spot against the European champions only for skipper Casillas to rescue his side with a superb diving save to his left.
Within 60 seconds, Antolin Alcaraz was deemed to have bundled over Villa in the penalty area and Spain had their own chance from the spot. Xabi Alonso buried his spot-kick but Spanish joy was shortlived, with a retake ordered for encroachment. This time Villar dived low to his left and parried Alonso’s effort, and Paraguay scrambled the rebound to safety.
The man of the match for this game is given to both goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Justo Villar - In a game devoid of much quality, both goalkeepers get an honourable mention. They both saved penalties to keep their respective teams in the match and the last time that happened was back in 1930 in a match between Argentina and Mexico.
While Sneijder, Suarez, Klose and Villa a hero to cheer on their team mood. Not only Sneijder scored the second goal but his cross also causes their first goal to win against Brazil.
Yet, a dramatic fairy-tale by Suarez when at first he be hated with his action immediately change to hero. He has booked with red card due to his action prevent the ball into the net using hand’s causes their team is punished with a penalty to Ghana and also maybe lost the games, but Cyan wasted the penalty opportunity to beat them.
Conversely Villa and Klose to be the main scorer for their team advanced to the semifinals. They also become the main scorer in the tournament by scoring their fourth and fifth goals respectively.
Unlike other teams Ghana received simultaneous frustration and joy. Disappointment haunted their team when lost in penalty shout out and Cyan miss a penalty in extra time as a whole, but their success in the quarter-final is the pride of all citizens of Africa.
Sneijder setup sinking of samba
Wesley Sneijder dumped favourites Brazil out of the World Cup as Netherlands finally got the better of their South American nemesis.
But they had to come from behind to avenge their heartbreaking defeats of 1994 and 1998 and book their place in the semi-finals.
Brazil took the lead first after Robinho had already had one effort ruled offside when he broke the deadlock in the tenth minute. Advancing unchecked from inside his own half, Felipe Melo played a ball straight through the centre of the Dutch defence from the halfway line. Robinho, free of his marker Van der Wiel and played onside by Ooijer, was in the clear and he tucked a first-time finish beyond Maarten Stekelenburg.
But the second half presented the unusual sight of the Brazilians scrambling wildly to find an equalizer.
The Netherlands exploit the advantages over the Brazilian when they got equalizer from Felipe Melo own goal in 53rd minute. The goal come with Sneijder had already miscued an attempted volley when, following a short free-kick with Robben, the Inter midfielder swung in a cross from out on the right. Julio Cesar and Felipe Melo got in each other's way before the ball flew past the keeper and into the net.
Brazilian fears came true that their team will lost in this quarter final repeated lost four year ago when Netherlands add another goal in 68th minute. It came from the head of Sneijder who profited from slack marking in the six-yard box to nod home his third goal of the finals after Kuyt had flicked on Robben's corner.
Brazil's prospects dimmed further with 17 minutes remaining with Felipe Melo’s red card for a stamp on Robben, now a constant nuisance to the South Americans. In a frantic finish it might have got even worse for Dunga's men but Sneijder scuffed his shot straight at Julio Cesar.
Hand of Suarez helps Uruguay through
Ghana bowed out of the World Cup in the most heartbreaking circumstances in one of the most amazing finishes to a match at the World Cup finals.
Uruguay's Luis Suarez had used his hands to keep out a header in the last minute of extra-time but his red card will be no solace to the Black Stars after Asamoah Gyan's spot-kick hit the bar and Uruguay triumphed in the shoot-out.
Soccer City was deathly silent as Ghana players collapsed in tears, while Uruguay celebrated their first semi-final appearance for 40 years, in which they will play Netherlands.
However, the West Africans got their lead with breakthrough on the stroke of half-time as Muntari scored with a curling 35-yard shot that seemed to deceive the goalkeeper before finding the left-hand corner.
But if they ended the first period on a high, the Black Stars started the second on a low as Forlan's free-kick from near the left corner of the box fooled Kingson with its swerve in the 55th minute and bulged the net. After the goal, the game is leveling 1-1 until end of 90 minutes and it need to decide in extra time.
Ghana had the clearest opportunities in extra time. Gyan flashed an open header over the bar in the 110th minute, and five minutes later, defender Andres Scotti did just enough to scramble the ball away when it looked like the Ghanaian would score. Boateng almost won it minutes from time, but his header screamed agonisingly wide. And then at the death, from a free-kick into the box, Suarez blocked Appiah's shot on the line only to then stop Adiyiah's headed follow-up with his hand to set up Gyan's penalty miss.
With the gasps of a stunned Soccer City still ringing in the ears, Gyan bravely stepped up to immediately convert the first penalty in the shoot-out. Maxi Pereira missed his spot-kick for the Uruguayans, but two consecutive saves by Muslera set up Abreu to be the hero.
Germany rampant out Maradona team
Germany tore Argentina apart to book their place in the semi-finals and, for now at least, end Diego Maradona's dream of winning the World Cup as coach to go with his victory as captain in 1986. Germany are six day ago trashing England 4-1 producing another masterful performance to beat Argentina 4-0 at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium.
Even though, an Argentina team containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, managed by one of the most creative forces there has ever been, is not exactly set up to defend. Germany's talents are not as well known. But over the past week Joachim Low's team have made some statement.
Germany first goal come when Bastian Schweinsteiger provided the assist with a superbly judged in swinging free-kick, and with Sergio Romero caught in no man’s land, Thomas Muller applied the slightest of headed touches to flick the ball into the net. It was Germany’s 200th FIFA World Cup™ goal, their fastest in 32 years and the quickest so far at South Africa 2010. The only downside for Low’s side was that it left Argentina with 87 minutes to respond.
After a break Germany ejecting additional pain to suffered Argentina when they adding three more goal. Germany get second goal from Klose in 68th minute when Podolski – who had earlier come close to scoring himself – was to lead the counter-attack that provided Low’s team with their all-important second goal.
With the second half reaching its midway point, the Cologne forward broke clear on the left and, from a position where he would have been forgiven for shooting; he instead squared intelligently for Klose to tap home from inside the six yard box. The goal left Argentina with little option but to throw men forward, and with Diego Maradona’s side over-committed, Germany proceeded to pick them off on the break.
Within six minutes of Klose making it two, Arne Friedrich removed any lingering doubts over the outcome with another close-range finish, profiting on this occasion from a dazzling solo run from the excellent Schweinsteiger. There was even time for Klose to rub salt into Argentinian wounds, side-footing home Mesut Ozil's measured cross with a minute remaining to round off a memorable German win.
Following Brazil's self-destruction against the Dutch on Friday, Germany became the latest European team to see off a highly fancied South American side, and they move into the last four looking in good shape to become world champions for the first time since 1990. Germany, beside of their goal machine also not conceded a second half goal in this World Cup.
Villa again hero of Spain
David Villa snatched a late winner to book Spain's first appearance in a World Cup semi-final as they beat Paraguay in a largely disappointing quarter-final tie that nonetheless boasted moments of incredible drama.
Villa's goal after 82 minutes - his fifth of the tournament- struck one post, rolled across the goal-line and hit the other, before finally nestling in the net and came seconds after substitute Pedro had also hit the woodwork.
Spain now face Germany in the semi-finals - not since 1950, where they were part of a four-team final group, have they had such an opportunity to reach the final itself.
This game also saw two penalties are not completed by both team make a very thrilling drama ever in this world cup. The drama began when Gerard Pique wrestled Oscar Cardozo to the ground as a corner, Paraguay's first of the night, was played in from the left. Cardozo looked set to give La Albirroja a stunning lead from the penalty spot against the European champions only for skipper Casillas to rescue his side with a superb diving save to his left.
Within 60 seconds, Antolin Alcaraz was deemed to have bundled over Villa in the penalty area and Spain had their own chance from the spot. Xabi Alonso buried his spot-kick but Spanish joy was shortlived, with a retake ordered for encroachment. This time Villar dived low to his left and parried Alonso’s effort, and Paraguay scrambled the rebound to safety.
The man of the match for this game is given to both goalkeeper Iker Casillas and Justo Villar - In a game devoid of much quality, both goalkeepers get an honourable mention. They both saved penalties to keep their respective teams in the match and the last time that happened was back in 1930 in a match between Argentina and Mexico.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Round 16: Oranje and samba continue inspiring momentum along with Paraguay win in penalty while Villa help spain thorugh
28 and 29 June second round continues with the Netherlands against Slovakia, Brazil vs. Chile, Paraguay vs. Japan and Spain versus Portugal.
The third day of the second round saw the Netherlands beat continued their excellent to beat Slovakia 2-1. This victory made the team maintains 100% win every game, including qualification stages. As Brazil maintains his victory over Chile for third time including qualification match with biggest deficit 3-0.
The fourth day of the second round saw only one goal scored by Villa gave Spain victory. Prior to the meeting of Paraguay and Japan had to be determined by penalty kicks after a tied without goals. Paraguay and Spain qualified for the last eight by defeating their opponents Japan and Portugal.
Robben comeback with victory
Arjen Robben made an immediate impact on his first start for the Netherlands as he scored early on to sink Slovakia. Wesley Sneijder made the game safe in the final ten minutes as the Dutch progressed to the quarter-finals, before Robert Vittek netted a penalty with the last kick of the game.
Van Marwijk's men have a 100% record in South Africa - matching their impressive achievement in winning all their qualification games for the tournament - and have now gone a Dutch record 23 games unbeaten, but there remains discontent amongst the Oranje Army, who feel their side are not winning with sufficient style.
Such gripes, whilst arguably trivial in a successful side, are valid as the current Netherlands sides are not the aesthetically pleasing product of generations past.
They do not compare to the revered teams from 1974 and 1978, nor even are they as fluent as that which was eliminated from the European Championships at the quarter-final stage in 2008.
This Dutch have traded in their total game for dependent football, with an efficiently pragmatic, rigid structure functioning largely to feed a supremely talented and liberated front three of Sneijder, Robben and Robin van Persie.
The Dutch continue their successful – with nine points from their three games so far – are not a team that rattles easily. Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder both had good chances to score subsequently before Robben, in his first start at these finals, made his mark on the match. Chasing a long ball up from midfield, the Bayern Munich winger outpaced Radoslav Zabavnik up the wide-right channel, cut inside and fired low inside the near post, beating goalkeeper Jan Mucha who might have done better. It was only the second first-half goal scored by the Netherlands in South Africa.
After about 90 percent clock ticking with 1-0, the Dutch continued to push forward in search of another goal and with six minutes to go, and the withdrawn Robben now on the bench, Dirk Kuyt chased down a long ball and crossed low for Sneijder. The Inter Milan man made no mistake with the goal at his mercy and calmly bulged the back of the net. Even though Vittek managed a consolation goal for the Slovaks in the dying seconds of stoppage time – netting from the penalty spot after Stekelenburg had brought him down – it was too late to signal a change of fortune. The Dutch now march on to meet Brazil who contests their Round of 16 contests at Johannesburg's Ellis Park later in the evening.
Chile is not too hot for Brazil
Brazil saw off the challenge of a slightly disappointing Chile to seal a mouth-watering quarter-final tie against the Netherlands.
The Selecao defeated Chile 4-2 and 3-0 in World Cup qualifying - and Dunga's team eased to a comfortable victory at Ellis Park on Monday as their opponents became the first South American team to be eliminated from the competition.
Brazil also defeated Chile in the 1962 semi-finals and at this same stage of the 1998 tournament in France, scoring four goals in each game.
A team combining a potent mix of physique, power and mouthwatering ability were hugely assured in a one-side dismissal of their fellow South Americans to line up a quarter-final.
Juan opened the scoring in 34th minute with a powerful header and four minutes later Dunga's men had their second as Luis Fabiano got on to the end of a slick counter-attack to hit his third goal of the finals. Robinho surged down the left and slipped the ball infield to Kaka, who split Chile's central defence with a first-time pass to put Luis Fabiano in the clear.
Brazil third goal give secure path in last eight after Ramires strode forward from midfield, leaving two white shirts in his wake, and played in Robinho to curl a shot past the left hand of Bravo. It was Robinho's eighth goal in six matches against Chile and he came close to adding another with a low shot that Bravo tipped behind.
The game give Brazil undefeated in 33 games under Dunga when Kaka and Robinho have played together, winning 29 and drawing four.
Paraguay through on penalty
Paraguay won the first penalty shoot-out of the 2010 World Cup to reach the last eight for the first time and clinch a quarter-final place against either Spain or Portugal.
Coach Gerardo Martino's men scored all five of their penalties after a disappointing match had finished goalless at the end of extra-time.
With neither side able to make the breakthrough during 120 minutes of precious few goalscoring chances or notable incidents, it needed the first shootout of the 2010 World Cup to separate the two nations.
And it was Paraguay who emerged victorious after Japan defender Yuichi Komano, looking to make it 3-3, slammed his effort against the crossbar.
That proved to be the crucial miss as Paraguay scored all five of their efforts, with Oscar Cardozo casually slotting home the winning spot-kick to send his team wild.
Paraguay will now meet the winners of Tuesday's match with Spain for a place in the semi-finals, while the Blue Samurai head home after seeing their own dreams of a maiden World Cup quarter-final ended.
Disappointment Japan gone was the side that dazzled in the defeat of Denmark. In a poor, poor game, Japan contributed to a succession of listless passes and a few missed chances. Daisuke Matsui rattled the bar in the first half but they struggled for inspiration in the final third. Having said that, few expected Japan to make it out of the group stages and a defeat on penalties in the second round is far from a disgrace for a side that struggled for form heading into the tournament. In the likes of Keisuke Honda, Yuto Nagatomo and Matsui they have players who have proved their quality on the biggest stage of all.
There had never been a penalty shootout at the World Cup that did not involve a European side until this game.
Villa net kicks Portugal out
European champions Spain survived a stern test from Portugal to book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup through David Villa's goal.
Two years to the day since they beat Germany to triumph at Euro 2008, Vicente del Bosque's side showed their slick brand of passing football is still just as effective by edging out their well-drilled Iberian rivals.
Both teams went into the match protecting proud records, with Spain having won 29 of their last 31 matches. Portugal were on a 19-match undefeated run dating back to November 2008, with 20 clean sheets in 24 matches since Queiroz assumed their reins.
However Villa give Portugal upset when typically intricate build-up play saw Andres Iniesta feed Xavi who backheeled beautifully to the on-rushing Villa. The striker saw his first shot saved well by Eduardo but hammered the rebound high into the net.
Outside of a 7-0 hammering of North Korea, Portugal did not score a goal in this World Cup and that is a damning statistic. Carlos Queiroz may have promised to attack Spain prior to kick-off but a performance full of endeavour did not materialise and Portugal's malaise was embodied by the frustrated figure of Ronaldo, who did little to justify his lofty reputation. Queiroz's side struggled with their shape in the latter stages and departs the World Cup full of regret having proved less than the sum of their talented parts.
The third day of the second round saw the Netherlands beat continued their excellent to beat Slovakia 2-1. This victory made the team maintains 100% win every game, including qualification stages. As Brazil maintains his victory over Chile for third time including qualification match with biggest deficit 3-0.
The fourth day of the second round saw only one goal scored by Villa gave Spain victory. Prior to the meeting of Paraguay and Japan had to be determined by penalty kicks after a tied without goals. Paraguay and Spain qualified for the last eight by defeating their opponents Japan and Portugal.
Robben comeback with victory
Arjen Robben made an immediate impact on his first start for the Netherlands as he scored early on to sink Slovakia. Wesley Sneijder made the game safe in the final ten minutes as the Dutch progressed to the quarter-finals, before Robert Vittek netted a penalty with the last kick of the game.
Van Marwijk's men have a 100% record in South Africa - matching their impressive achievement in winning all their qualification games for the tournament - and have now gone a Dutch record 23 games unbeaten, but there remains discontent amongst the Oranje Army, who feel their side are not winning with sufficient style.
Such gripes, whilst arguably trivial in a successful side, are valid as the current Netherlands sides are not the aesthetically pleasing product of generations past.
They do not compare to the revered teams from 1974 and 1978, nor even are they as fluent as that which was eliminated from the European Championships at the quarter-final stage in 2008.
This Dutch have traded in their total game for dependent football, with an efficiently pragmatic, rigid structure functioning largely to feed a supremely talented and liberated front three of Sneijder, Robben and Robin van Persie.
The Dutch continue their successful – with nine points from their three games so far – are not a team that rattles easily. Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder both had good chances to score subsequently before Robben, in his first start at these finals, made his mark on the match. Chasing a long ball up from midfield, the Bayern Munich winger outpaced Radoslav Zabavnik up the wide-right channel, cut inside and fired low inside the near post, beating goalkeeper Jan Mucha who might have done better. It was only the second first-half goal scored by the Netherlands in South Africa.
After about 90 percent clock ticking with 1-0, the Dutch continued to push forward in search of another goal and with six minutes to go, and the withdrawn Robben now on the bench, Dirk Kuyt chased down a long ball and crossed low for Sneijder. The Inter Milan man made no mistake with the goal at his mercy and calmly bulged the back of the net. Even though Vittek managed a consolation goal for the Slovaks in the dying seconds of stoppage time – netting from the penalty spot after Stekelenburg had brought him down – it was too late to signal a change of fortune. The Dutch now march on to meet Brazil who contests their Round of 16 contests at Johannesburg's Ellis Park later in the evening.
Chile is not too hot for Brazil
Brazil saw off the challenge of a slightly disappointing Chile to seal a mouth-watering quarter-final tie against the Netherlands.
The Selecao defeated Chile 4-2 and 3-0 in World Cup qualifying - and Dunga's team eased to a comfortable victory at Ellis Park on Monday as their opponents became the first South American team to be eliminated from the competition.
Brazil also defeated Chile in the 1962 semi-finals and at this same stage of the 1998 tournament in France, scoring four goals in each game.
A team combining a potent mix of physique, power and mouthwatering ability were hugely assured in a one-side dismissal of their fellow South Americans to line up a quarter-final.
Juan opened the scoring in 34th minute with a powerful header and four minutes later Dunga's men had their second as Luis Fabiano got on to the end of a slick counter-attack to hit his third goal of the finals. Robinho surged down the left and slipped the ball infield to Kaka, who split Chile's central defence with a first-time pass to put Luis Fabiano in the clear.
Brazil third goal give secure path in last eight after Ramires strode forward from midfield, leaving two white shirts in his wake, and played in Robinho to curl a shot past the left hand of Bravo. It was Robinho's eighth goal in six matches against Chile and he came close to adding another with a low shot that Bravo tipped behind.
The game give Brazil undefeated in 33 games under Dunga when Kaka and Robinho have played together, winning 29 and drawing four.
Paraguay through on penalty
Paraguay won the first penalty shoot-out of the 2010 World Cup to reach the last eight for the first time and clinch a quarter-final place against either Spain or Portugal.
Coach Gerardo Martino's men scored all five of their penalties after a disappointing match had finished goalless at the end of extra-time.
With neither side able to make the breakthrough during 120 minutes of precious few goalscoring chances or notable incidents, it needed the first shootout of the 2010 World Cup to separate the two nations.
And it was Paraguay who emerged victorious after Japan defender Yuichi Komano, looking to make it 3-3, slammed his effort against the crossbar.
That proved to be the crucial miss as Paraguay scored all five of their efforts, with Oscar Cardozo casually slotting home the winning spot-kick to send his team wild.
Paraguay will now meet the winners of Tuesday's match with Spain for a place in the semi-finals, while the Blue Samurai head home after seeing their own dreams of a maiden World Cup quarter-final ended.
Disappointment Japan gone was the side that dazzled in the defeat of Denmark. In a poor, poor game, Japan contributed to a succession of listless passes and a few missed chances. Daisuke Matsui rattled the bar in the first half but they struggled for inspiration in the final third. Having said that, few expected Japan to make it out of the group stages and a defeat on penalties in the second round is far from a disgrace for a side that struggled for form heading into the tournament. In the likes of Keisuke Honda, Yuto Nagatomo and Matsui they have players who have proved their quality on the biggest stage of all.
There had never been a penalty shootout at the World Cup that did not involve a European side until this game.
Villa net kicks Portugal out
European champions Spain survived a stern test from Portugal to book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup through David Villa's goal.
Two years to the day since they beat Germany to triumph at Euro 2008, Vicente del Bosque's side showed their slick brand of passing football is still just as effective by edging out their well-drilled Iberian rivals.
Both teams went into the match protecting proud records, with Spain having won 29 of their last 31 matches. Portugal were on a 19-match undefeated run dating back to November 2008, with 20 clean sheets in 24 matches since Queiroz assumed their reins.
However Villa give Portugal upset when typically intricate build-up play saw Andres Iniesta feed Xavi who backheeled beautifully to the on-rushing Villa. The striker saw his first shot saved well by Eduardo but hammered the rebound high into the net.
Outside of a 7-0 hammering of North Korea, Portugal did not score a goal in this World Cup and that is a damning statistic. Carlos Queiroz may have promised to attack Spain prior to kick-off but a performance full of endeavour did not materialise and Portugal's malaise was embodied by the frustrated figure of Ronaldo, who did little to justify his lofty reputation. Queiroz's side struggled with their shape in the latter stages and departs the World Cup full of regret having proved less than the sum of their talented parts.
Round 16: Suarez, Cyan, Muller and Tevez are icon hero for their team
26 and 27 June saw the four second round matches against Korea Republic discover Uruguay, Ghana against the USA, Germany against England and Argentina against Mexico.
Two early games saw only narrow and breathtaking results. Uruguay and Ghana have the winning goal by Suarez and Cyan after tied 1-1. Both teams also led ahead of his opponent early in the match with their goals in 8th minute and fifth minute respectively.
Unlike the round of 16 on the second day saw Germany and Argentina celebrate a goal. Germany beat England with their old opponent 4-1 and Argentina beat Mexico 3-1. Both games also saw the judges in disputed. Lampard goal is canceled when the ball is past the goal line and Tevez goals allowed while he was in offside position.
Suarez doubled led Uruguay through
Luis Suarez struck twice as Uruguay beat Korea Republic 2-1 in Port Elizabeth to reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. The South Koreans pushed hard but Lee Chung-Yong's header in the second half was not enough with Suarez scoring both early and late on for the South Americans.
Suarez seal the goal opportunity as early as 8th minute games play when South Korea keeper Jung Sung-Ryong fatally reconsidering his decision to come for Diego Forlan's teasing low cross when it was too late to do so, Suarez expertly steered the ball into the gaping net from a tight angle to double the dose for the Asian side.
Hard working Korean keep Uruguay busy paid with an equaliser came with 68 minutes gone after substitute Mauricio Victorino could only half-clear a free-kick and Lee Chung-Yong headed home the loose ball with Muslera and defender Diego Lugano flat-footed.
It was the first goal Uruguay had conceded in the tournament and they came close to conceding a second when Lee Chung-Yong failed to put any venom into his shot inside the area after he was beautifully played in by captain Park Ji-Sung.
However, the Uruguayans fought back. Suarez saw his shot from an acute angle parried over by Jung, before the Ajax forward then miscued his header with only the keeper to beat. But the Uruguay No9 made no mistake when the ball came to his way on the edge of the box following a Forlan corner, sidestepping a white shirt and curling a spectacular shot in off the far post to make it 2-1.
Suarez having scored 49 goals in 48 games for Ajax this season, Suarez delivered on the world stage with two goals to see Uruguay through. He was not involved for much of the match, but he was clinical when the chances came and, in total, he was on target with five of his six shots.
Cyan extra time goal secure to last eight
Ghana became only the third African side to reach the quarter-final stage at a World Cup after Asamoah Gyan smashed home an extra-time winner to knock out the USA.
It was the second time in successive World Cups that Ghana had defeated the United States, having effectively dumped them out of the tournament four years ago by beating them in the final group game.
The West Africans stunned the US in just the fifth minute after Ricardo Clark had given possession away in midfield. Boateng ran at the defence and, having shifted the ball to the left, beat goalkeeper Tim Howard at his near post with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area. Left reeling, the US was second best until the break.
But the Americans came back strongly after the break and equalised through a Landon Donovan penalty.
They seemed the most likely winners of a contest that had seen Ghana lose the drive and purpose that characterized their first-half play.
Ghana had not scored twice in a match in 2010 and both their previous goals in South Africa had come from the penalty spot, but they were the superior team in extra-time and survived some nervous final moments to seal a famous win.
Just as they did at the start of the match, Ghana opened the extra time with a goal. The impressive Ayew, son of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, spun a long ball with the outside of his left foot into the path of Gyan. The Rennes man held off two defenders and smashed the ball past Howard for his third goal of the tournament and his seventh for his country in 2010.
The US, who scored a dramatic last-gasp winner against Algeria to qualify for the second round, seemed to tire after the goal, and though they sent ball after ball into the Ghana box in the final minutes, they could find no late heroics at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. All of Africa seemed to explode at the final whistle, and the youngest team in the tournament will continue to fly the continent's colours for one more round.
Germany too strong for three lions
England were hammered 4-1 by Germany in the second round of the World Cup, but the spotlight fell on the officials after they missed an obvious equaliser for Fabio Capello's men just before half-time.
Joachim Low's side built a two-goal lead through early goals from Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski and although Matthew Upson reduced the deficit before the break, the Germans made sure of their quarter-final place when Thomas Muller concluded two lightning breakaways with a quick-fire double midway through the second half. While Germany can look forward with confidence to a quarter-final meeting with Argentina or Mexico, England will go home to lick their wounds and reflect on yet another FIFA World Cup defeat by their old nemesis.
It was a lapse of concentration which allowed Germany to take the lead in the 20th minute, the goal coming after a spell of prolonged England possession. Manuel Neuer's long goal-kick upfield should have been dealt with by England’s central defenders, but Klose, back from suspension, got between John Terry and Upson, outmuscling the latter before poking the ball past David James with his outstretched right boot.
Die Nationalelf did not have to wait too long for their second goal as Muller floated a delightful ball into the path of the unmarked Podolski. With England's defence stretched, the Cologne man had the time to recover from a poor first touch and produce a left-footed finish that squeezed through the legs of the goalkeeper and just inside the far post.
After Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski had put Germany 2-0 up early on, Matthew Upson got one back but then Frank Lampard's goal was ruled out after the ball bounced down off the bar, despite it landing a yard over the line.
When Lampard's effort went in, only for assistant Mauricio Espinosa to miss it, grainy images of England's controversial third at Wembley in 1966 immediately sprang to mind. To his total disbelief, Capello's celebrations of what would have been an equaliser were cut short. Everyone in the ground, except the men who mattered, knew what had happened.
England started the second half strongly with Gerrard hitting a right foot shot just wide in the opening minutes and Lampard rattling the crossbar with a free-kick 30 yards from goal. However, Germany increased their advantage in the 67th minute through a counter-attack. Lampard's free-kick hit the German wall and, with England having committed men forward, they were left exposed as Schweinsteiger broke quickly before playing a delightful ball for Muller, who had started the breakaway, to fire past James.
Germany's fourth was more or less a carbon copy of their third. With England deep in their opponents' half, searching for a way back into the game, Germany won possession on the edge of their box and sprayed the ball to Ozil on the left. The midfielder outpaced Barry and played in Muller to sidefoot home from close range. England, to their credit, never gave up and only a fine one-handed save by Neuer from Gerrard stopped them from reducing their deficit – the heaviest in their FIFA World Cup history.
Tevez offside goal cause controversy but out for Mexico
Controversy reigned again at Soccer City as Carlos Tevez's opener for Argentina against Mexico was yards offside. However, after Gonzalo Higuain's second, no-one could argue with his rocket shot that put Argentina three up before Javier Hernandez hit back with his own stunner.
Just as England had been incensed earlier on Sunday when a Frank Lampard shot that clearly crossed the goal-line was not awarded in their match against Germany, so Mexico had the right to feel aggrieved by another example of awful officiating.
Argentina controversy goal came after Tevez might have thought his chance had gone when Perez raced out to block bravely at his feet, but Messi was quick-witted enough to return the ball towards goal, where the Manchester City striker was waiting to head home. The Manchester City striker benefited from an offside decision blunder that was so blatant it ranked alongside the one that denied Frank Lampard in the England game four hours previously.
After the replay flashed up on the big screen angry Mexico players surrounded the Italian referee Roberto Rosetti and linesman Stefano Ayroldi but the goal stood. Mexico went into meltdown and a defensive howler by Ricardo Osorio allowed Gonzalo Higuain to make it 2-0.
After the game restart Argentina get sensiontal goal from Tevez in 52nd minute. The Albiceleste No11 benefited from a fortuitous break 25 yards from goal, but there was no luck involved in what followed, with Tevez lashing an unstoppable drive into the top-right-hand corner for one of the goals of the tournament.
It was left to Hernandez to rescue some pride for Mexico. The 22-year-old had just sent a header over despite being unmarked, but then he left Martin Demichelis standing with a superb turn and lashed the ball high past Romero to give Mexico a slim lifeline.
The last time Mexico conceded three goals or more in the World Cup was in 1978 against Poland.
Two early games saw only narrow and breathtaking results. Uruguay and Ghana have the winning goal by Suarez and Cyan after tied 1-1. Both teams also led ahead of his opponent early in the match with their goals in 8th minute and fifth minute respectively.
Unlike the round of 16 on the second day saw Germany and Argentina celebrate a goal. Germany beat England with their old opponent 4-1 and Argentina beat Mexico 3-1. Both games also saw the judges in disputed. Lampard goal is canceled when the ball is past the goal line and Tevez goals allowed while he was in offside position.
Suarez doubled led Uruguay through
Luis Suarez struck twice as Uruguay beat Korea Republic 2-1 in Port Elizabeth to reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. The South Koreans pushed hard but Lee Chung-Yong's header in the second half was not enough with Suarez scoring both early and late on for the South Americans.
Suarez seal the goal opportunity as early as 8th minute games play when South Korea keeper Jung Sung-Ryong fatally reconsidering his decision to come for Diego Forlan's teasing low cross when it was too late to do so, Suarez expertly steered the ball into the gaping net from a tight angle to double the dose for the Asian side.
Hard working Korean keep Uruguay busy paid with an equaliser came with 68 minutes gone after substitute Mauricio Victorino could only half-clear a free-kick and Lee Chung-Yong headed home the loose ball with Muslera and defender Diego Lugano flat-footed.
It was the first goal Uruguay had conceded in the tournament and they came close to conceding a second when Lee Chung-Yong failed to put any venom into his shot inside the area after he was beautifully played in by captain Park Ji-Sung.
However, the Uruguayans fought back. Suarez saw his shot from an acute angle parried over by Jung, before the Ajax forward then miscued his header with only the keeper to beat. But the Uruguay No9 made no mistake when the ball came to his way on the edge of the box following a Forlan corner, sidestepping a white shirt and curling a spectacular shot in off the far post to make it 2-1.
Suarez having scored 49 goals in 48 games for Ajax this season, Suarez delivered on the world stage with two goals to see Uruguay through. He was not involved for much of the match, but he was clinical when the chances came and, in total, he was on target with five of his six shots.
Cyan extra time goal secure to last eight
Ghana became only the third African side to reach the quarter-final stage at a World Cup after Asamoah Gyan smashed home an extra-time winner to knock out the USA.
It was the second time in successive World Cups that Ghana had defeated the United States, having effectively dumped them out of the tournament four years ago by beating them in the final group game.
The West Africans stunned the US in just the fifth minute after Ricardo Clark had given possession away in midfield. Boateng ran at the defence and, having shifted the ball to the left, beat goalkeeper Tim Howard at his near post with a left-footed shot from the edge of the area. Left reeling, the US was second best until the break.
But the Americans came back strongly after the break and equalised through a Landon Donovan penalty.
They seemed the most likely winners of a contest that had seen Ghana lose the drive and purpose that characterized their first-half play.
Ghana had not scored twice in a match in 2010 and both their previous goals in South Africa had come from the penalty spot, but they were the superior team in extra-time and survived some nervous final moments to seal a famous win.
Just as they did at the start of the match, Ghana opened the extra time with a goal. The impressive Ayew, son of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, spun a long ball with the outside of his left foot into the path of Gyan. The Rennes man held off two defenders and smashed the ball past Howard for his third goal of the tournament and his seventh for his country in 2010.
The US, who scored a dramatic last-gasp winner against Algeria to qualify for the second round, seemed to tire after the goal, and though they sent ball after ball into the Ghana box in the final minutes, they could find no late heroics at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. All of Africa seemed to explode at the final whistle, and the youngest team in the tournament will continue to fly the continent's colours for one more round.
Germany too strong for three lions
England were hammered 4-1 by Germany in the second round of the World Cup, but the spotlight fell on the officials after they missed an obvious equaliser for Fabio Capello's men just before half-time.
Joachim Low's side built a two-goal lead through early goals from Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski and although Matthew Upson reduced the deficit before the break, the Germans made sure of their quarter-final place when Thomas Muller concluded two lightning breakaways with a quick-fire double midway through the second half. While Germany can look forward with confidence to a quarter-final meeting with Argentina or Mexico, England will go home to lick their wounds and reflect on yet another FIFA World Cup defeat by their old nemesis.
It was a lapse of concentration which allowed Germany to take the lead in the 20th minute, the goal coming after a spell of prolonged England possession. Manuel Neuer's long goal-kick upfield should have been dealt with by England’s central defenders, but Klose, back from suspension, got between John Terry and Upson, outmuscling the latter before poking the ball past David James with his outstretched right boot.
Die Nationalelf did not have to wait too long for their second goal as Muller floated a delightful ball into the path of the unmarked Podolski. With England's defence stretched, the Cologne man had the time to recover from a poor first touch and produce a left-footed finish that squeezed through the legs of the goalkeeper and just inside the far post.
After Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski had put Germany 2-0 up early on, Matthew Upson got one back but then Frank Lampard's goal was ruled out after the ball bounced down off the bar, despite it landing a yard over the line.
When Lampard's effort went in, only for assistant Mauricio Espinosa to miss it, grainy images of England's controversial third at Wembley in 1966 immediately sprang to mind. To his total disbelief, Capello's celebrations of what would have been an equaliser were cut short. Everyone in the ground, except the men who mattered, knew what had happened.
England started the second half strongly with Gerrard hitting a right foot shot just wide in the opening minutes and Lampard rattling the crossbar with a free-kick 30 yards from goal. However, Germany increased their advantage in the 67th minute through a counter-attack. Lampard's free-kick hit the German wall and, with England having committed men forward, they were left exposed as Schweinsteiger broke quickly before playing a delightful ball for Muller, who had started the breakaway, to fire past James.
Germany's fourth was more or less a carbon copy of their third. With England deep in their opponents' half, searching for a way back into the game, Germany won possession on the edge of their box and sprayed the ball to Ozil on the left. The midfielder outpaced Barry and played in Muller to sidefoot home from close range. England, to their credit, never gave up and only a fine one-handed save by Neuer from Gerrard stopped them from reducing their deficit – the heaviest in their FIFA World Cup history.
Tevez offside goal cause controversy but out for Mexico
Controversy reigned again at Soccer City as Carlos Tevez's opener for Argentina against Mexico was yards offside. However, after Gonzalo Higuain's second, no-one could argue with his rocket shot that put Argentina three up before Javier Hernandez hit back with his own stunner.
Just as England had been incensed earlier on Sunday when a Frank Lampard shot that clearly crossed the goal-line was not awarded in their match against Germany, so Mexico had the right to feel aggrieved by another example of awful officiating.
Argentina controversy goal came after Tevez might have thought his chance had gone when Perez raced out to block bravely at his feet, but Messi was quick-witted enough to return the ball towards goal, where the Manchester City striker was waiting to head home. The Manchester City striker benefited from an offside decision blunder that was so blatant it ranked alongside the one that denied Frank Lampard in the England game four hours previously.
After the replay flashed up on the big screen angry Mexico players surrounded the Italian referee Roberto Rosetti and linesman Stefano Ayroldi but the goal stood. Mexico went into meltdown and a defensive howler by Ricardo Osorio allowed Gonzalo Higuain to make it 2-0.
After the game restart Argentina get sensiontal goal from Tevez in 52nd minute. The Albiceleste No11 benefited from a fortuitous break 25 yards from goal, but there was no luck involved in what followed, with Tevez lashing an unstoppable drive into the top-right-hand corner for one of the goals of the tournament.
It was left to Hernandez to rescue some pride for Mexico. The 22-year-old had just sent a header over despite being unmarked, but then he left Martin Demichelis standing with a superb turn and lashed the ball high past Romero to give Mexico a slim lifeline.
The last time Mexico conceded three goals or more in the World Cup was in 1978 against Poland.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Group H: Spain the fav through despite shocked lost
Spain seen as a powerful giant as European champion, but in fact the Swiss still could managed to win in the opening match 1-0. But they rose so quickly to defeat Honduras and Chile as well as becoming a group leader and also avoiding Brazil in round 16.
Chile created its own history when they won for the first time since the World Cup hosted in 1962. The success of Chile to the second round is also accompanied four more representative of South America, and this means that all the representatives of South America is successful in the group stage.
Chile first victory
Chile ended a wait of almost half a century since it hosted the 1962 tournament for a victory on the world stage by defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening Group H game in Nelspruit. In a free-flowing match Wednesday, Chile won the opening game after Beausejour tapped in a cross from Mauricio Isla in the 34th minute.
If there was a touch of fortune about Jean Beausejour's 34th-minute winner – Roger Espinoza's attempted clearance striking him as the pair slid in to meet a cross – it was the least Chile deserved for an impressive attacking display that had Honduras on the ropes for much of the 90 minutes at the Mbombela Stadium.
Honduras struggled to create meaningful chances and may now fear for their chances in a group that also features Spain and Switzerland.
Spain shocked by swiss
Switzerland pulled off the biggest shock so far at this FIFA World Cup™ as Gelson Fernandes's strike against the run of play earned them a 1-0 win against European champions and joint-tournament favourites Spain. Vicente del Bosque's team predictably dominated possession but were hit on the break seven minutes into the second half as the Swiss recorded a first win over Spain in 19 attempts.
Swiss shocked erupean champions in 52nd minute after Derdiyok's pass was cleared by Casillas but the ball fell to Fernandes, whose first shot was stopped by Pique but he made no mistake at firing home from close range at the second attempt.
Despite the shocked result Spain also exhausted with created more chances on goal by 25 without scoring than any other team in this World Cup.
Gonzalez takes two victories for chile
Mark Gonzalez's 75th-minute goal put Chile on the brink of the second round with a 1-0 win over Switzerland. A fussy referee produced eight yellow cards and sent off Valron Behrami for an elbow on Arturo Vidal.
The South Africa-born player headed in Esteban Paredes's cross in the 75th minute to break the Swiss back-line for the first time in over 550 minutes of FIFA World Cup™ football, a record they had claimed just minutes before. Chile now sit atop the table with six points from two wins, while Switzerland remain on three points after failing to build on their upset of Spain in their opener.
The games also saw referee - Khalil Al Ghamdi of Saudi Arabia - prove far too card-happy as he produced a succession of bemusing bookings. Valon Behrami was also hard done by when being dismissed for fending off Arturo Vidal. However, some mitigation comes in the fact that certain players seem so committed to embarrassing play-acting. Steve von Bergen joins Ivory Coast's Kader Keita in this club of shame after an over-the-top reaction in the second half.
Villa gives hope for Spain
David Villa almost had a perfect night as a goal in each half from the new Barcelona recruit helped Spain get their World Cup campaign back on track.
Villa appeared to be in supremely confident mood and it was no surprise to see Barcelona's recent signing open the scoring with what is set to be one of the individual goals of the tournament. Cutting in from the left, Villa dissected a path through two defenders when there appeared to be none, before rounding a third attempt at a tackle and unleashing a shot into the roof of the net.
The second half started disastrously for the Hondurans with Villa doubling the advantage just six minutes after the restart, his shot from 20 metres taking a wicked deflection off the knee of Osman Chavez and looping over the outstretched hand of stranded goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Just past the hour, Emilio Izaguirre's foul on Navas in the penalty area gave Villa a golden opportunity to record a hat-trick but he pushed his spot-kick wide and in the process became the first Spain player to miss a penalty at the FIFA World Cup.
Spain's victory lifted them alongside Switzerland with a win apiece, though still three points off Group H pacesetters Chile, their final opponents on Friday. Honduras, meanwhile, now need to win their last match against Switzerland, and hope Chile do them a favour against Spain, to have any hope of progressing.
Swiss lost momentum
Bloemfontein proved to be the graveyard for Switzerland's FIFA World Cup™ hopes as their bid to reach the last 16 ended in a frustrating goalless draw with Honduras. While the Swiss would rue their impotence in front of goal, the Central Americans were guilty of missing a host of gilt-edged chances on the night, as the curtain came down on their South African experience.
Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld knew if his side achieved a two-goal win in this Group H match then they would progress to the second round, but they were toothless and had to settle for a point against Honduras, who are also going home after failing to find the target in the tournament.
All four sides in Group H could conceivably still have qualified heading into this clash at the Free State Stadium, although Honduras, still without a win or a goal, had a huge mountain to climb. In simple terms, both sides needed a win. A thoroughly uninspiring opening spell was, thankfully, brought to an end in the tenth minute when Switzerland, who entered the match still with a chance of finishing top of their group, began to take the initiative. A neat one-two between Gokhan Inler and Tranquillo Barnetta sliced open the Honduras defence but the latter could only drag his shot wide of the target.
Spain comeback with top spot
European champions Spain set up a mouthwatering last-16 showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal after seeing off ten-man Chile in a hard-fought encounter in Pretoria.
Goals from David Villa and Andres Iniesta, coupled with Marco Estrada's dismissal, appeared to give the European champions an impregnable lead at the break, but Rodrigo Millar's deflected strike got the South Americans back into a game they were desperate to win to guarantee a place in the knockout phase. As it transpired, Switzerland's inability to beat Honduras ensured Marcelo Bielsa's side advanced – something the Chilean players discovered, to their immense relief, after their faces had been pictures of desperation upon the final whistle in Tshwane/Pretoria.
David Villa put Spain ahead with a long-range shot into an empty net after Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo had raced out of his area, and Andres Iniesta doubled his side's lead towards the end of the first half.
Marcelo Bielsa's side pulled a goal back at the start of the second period through substitute Rodrigo Millar's deflected effort, but it was not enough to remain on top of the group and they will now need to overcome the Brazilians if they are to continue their World Cup adventure.
There were looks of relief and delight from the Spaniards upon the final whistle. There were ones of uncertainty from the Chileans. That was until they heard the news: they were through to the Round of 16.
Chile created its own history when they won for the first time since the World Cup hosted in 1962. The success of Chile to the second round is also accompanied four more representative of South America, and this means that all the representatives of South America is successful in the group stage.
Chile first victory
Chile ended a wait of almost half a century since it hosted the 1962 tournament for a victory on the world stage by defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening Group H game in Nelspruit. In a free-flowing match Wednesday, Chile won the opening game after Beausejour tapped in a cross from Mauricio Isla in the 34th minute.
If there was a touch of fortune about Jean Beausejour's 34th-minute winner – Roger Espinoza's attempted clearance striking him as the pair slid in to meet a cross – it was the least Chile deserved for an impressive attacking display that had Honduras on the ropes for much of the 90 minutes at the Mbombela Stadium.
Honduras struggled to create meaningful chances and may now fear for their chances in a group that also features Spain and Switzerland.
Spain shocked by swiss
Switzerland pulled off the biggest shock so far at this FIFA World Cup™ as Gelson Fernandes's strike against the run of play earned them a 1-0 win against European champions and joint-tournament favourites Spain. Vicente del Bosque's team predictably dominated possession but were hit on the break seven minutes into the second half as the Swiss recorded a first win over Spain in 19 attempts.
Swiss shocked erupean champions in 52nd minute after Derdiyok's pass was cleared by Casillas but the ball fell to Fernandes, whose first shot was stopped by Pique but he made no mistake at firing home from close range at the second attempt.
Despite the shocked result Spain also exhausted with created more chances on goal by 25 without scoring than any other team in this World Cup.
Gonzalez takes two victories for chile
Mark Gonzalez's 75th-minute goal put Chile on the brink of the second round with a 1-0 win over Switzerland. A fussy referee produced eight yellow cards and sent off Valron Behrami for an elbow on Arturo Vidal.
The South Africa-born player headed in Esteban Paredes's cross in the 75th minute to break the Swiss back-line for the first time in over 550 minutes of FIFA World Cup™ football, a record they had claimed just minutes before. Chile now sit atop the table with six points from two wins, while Switzerland remain on three points after failing to build on their upset of Spain in their opener.
The games also saw referee - Khalil Al Ghamdi of Saudi Arabia - prove far too card-happy as he produced a succession of bemusing bookings. Valon Behrami was also hard done by when being dismissed for fending off Arturo Vidal. However, some mitigation comes in the fact that certain players seem so committed to embarrassing play-acting. Steve von Bergen joins Ivory Coast's Kader Keita in this club of shame after an over-the-top reaction in the second half.
Villa gives hope for Spain
David Villa almost had a perfect night as a goal in each half from the new Barcelona recruit helped Spain get their World Cup campaign back on track.
Villa appeared to be in supremely confident mood and it was no surprise to see Barcelona's recent signing open the scoring with what is set to be one of the individual goals of the tournament. Cutting in from the left, Villa dissected a path through two defenders when there appeared to be none, before rounding a third attempt at a tackle and unleashing a shot into the roof of the net.
The second half started disastrously for the Hondurans with Villa doubling the advantage just six minutes after the restart, his shot from 20 metres taking a wicked deflection off the knee of Osman Chavez and looping over the outstretched hand of stranded goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Just past the hour, Emilio Izaguirre's foul on Navas in the penalty area gave Villa a golden opportunity to record a hat-trick but he pushed his spot-kick wide and in the process became the first Spain player to miss a penalty at the FIFA World Cup.
Spain's victory lifted them alongside Switzerland with a win apiece, though still three points off Group H pacesetters Chile, their final opponents on Friday. Honduras, meanwhile, now need to win their last match against Switzerland, and hope Chile do them a favour against Spain, to have any hope of progressing.
Swiss lost momentum
Bloemfontein proved to be the graveyard for Switzerland's FIFA World Cup™ hopes as their bid to reach the last 16 ended in a frustrating goalless draw with Honduras. While the Swiss would rue their impotence in front of goal, the Central Americans were guilty of missing a host of gilt-edged chances on the night, as the curtain came down on their South African experience.
Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld knew if his side achieved a two-goal win in this Group H match then they would progress to the second round, but they were toothless and had to settle for a point against Honduras, who are also going home after failing to find the target in the tournament.
All four sides in Group H could conceivably still have qualified heading into this clash at the Free State Stadium, although Honduras, still without a win or a goal, had a huge mountain to climb. In simple terms, both sides needed a win. A thoroughly uninspiring opening spell was, thankfully, brought to an end in the tenth minute when Switzerland, who entered the match still with a chance of finishing top of their group, began to take the initiative. A neat one-two between Gokhan Inler and Tranquillo Barnetta sliced open the Honduras defence but the latter could only drag his shot wide of the target.
Spain comeback with top spot
European champions Spain set up a mouthwatering last-16 showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal after seeing off ten-man Chile in a hard-fought encounter in Pretoria.
Goals from David Villa and Andres Iniesta, coupled with Marco Estrada's dismissal, appeared to give the European champions an impregnable lead at the break, but Rodrigo Millar's deflected strike got the South Americans back into a game they were desperate to win to guarantee a place in the knockout phase. As it transpired, Switzerland's inability to beat Honduras ensured Marcelo Bielsa's side advanced – something the Chilean players discovered, to their immense relief, after their faces had been pictures of desperation upon the final whistle in Tshwane/Pretoria.
David Villa put Spain ahead with a long-range shot into an empty net after Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo had raced out of his area, and Andres Iniesta doubled his side's lead towards the end of the first half.
Marcelo Bielsa's side pulled a goal back at the start of the second period through substitute Rodrigo Millar's deflected effort, but it was not enough to remain on top of the group and they will now need to overcome the Brazilians if they are to continue their World Cup adventure.
There were looks of relief and delight from the Spaniards upon the final whistle. There were ones of uncertainty from the Chileans. That was until they heard the news: they were through to the Round of 16.
Group G : Dance of samba
Group of death finally ended as expected when five times champions Brazil and semi finalist in Germany, Portugal qualified for the second round. The title of a popular Brazilian samba is not a problem when winning the first two games and draw with Portugal for the second round and hunting sixth championship.
Ivory Coast and North Korea are too weak compared with the two teams above to advance to the second round. Further regrettable when Portugal won wide score over the North Korea proved that between them there are outclass from the technical and experience.
Equally strong for Portugal and Ivory Coast
Although much has been said about the attacking power of Côte d'Ivoire and Portugal, the two Group G giants proved themselves solid at the back, cancelling each other out in a scoreless draw in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth.
Ronaldo, who has not scored an international goal in 16 months, rattled a post with a blistering early strike, but that was as close as his side came to snatching victory on a frustrating afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Even Didier Drogba's arrival as a second-half substitute, to the delight of a crowd of 37,034, could not separate the sides as each attempted to gain the upper hand in Group G ahead of their respective encounters with Brazil.
As a fact show that Ivory Coast averaged 3.2 goals per game during qualifying with Drogba, just 1.9 without their captain. However for Portugal, It is just the second time in 20 World Cup matches that they are finished 0-0.
Brazil close win over brave Korean
Brazil began their quest for a sixth world crown with victory over North Korea at Ellis Park but it was far from a vintage display from Dunga's men against hard-working opposition.
On paper the contrast between the pair could not have been starker; in what was the nations' first-ever meeting. Five-time world champions Brazil are top of FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking while Korea DPR sit at 105. The Koreans came into the contest on a run of eight outings without a victory, while Brazil conversely, and had won their previous four matches.
Brazil get first goal in 55th minute when a moment of brilliance from Maicon broke the deadlock. There appeared little danger as he chased down a slightly overhit pass into the penalty area, but with the ball just about to roll over the by-line, he blazed a shot between goalkeeper Ri Myong-Guk and the near post, in a goal reminiscent of fellow Brazilian right full-back Josimar at Mexico 1986.
Brazil added a second in the 72nd minute and it was a thing of beauty as Robinho slipped a perfect through-ball to Elano advancing into the box on the right and the Galatasaray man made no mistake with a cool side-footed finish. The goalscorer was immediately substituted, with Dani Alves coming on.
With the clock ticking down it was A Selecao who looked more likely to score a third, but with a minute of regular time remaining, Ji burst into the penalty area and drove a memorable strike past Julio Cesar - Korea DPR's first goal at a FIFA World Cup™ for 44 years.
The win took Brazil top of Group G, above Portugal and the Ivory Coast, but they did not look particularly convincing in living up to their tag of joint World Cup favourites alongside Spain.
Samba trash Elephant 3-1
Kaka was controversially sent off as a brace from Luis Fabiano and an Elano strike helped Brazil ease to victory in their battle with Ivory Coast at Soccer City.
Two goals from Luis Fabiano and a third by Elano secured the second victory for Dunga’s side in South Africa. It was not all good news for the South Americans, though, who finished the game with ten men after Kaka received a late red card after a clash with Kader Keita. It was Kaka’s second yellow card and came after the Brazilian appeared to dig an elbow into the chest of Keita, who went down clutching his face.
Robinho had a hand in the opening goal after 25 minutes, some lovely interplay between him, Kaka and Luis Fabiano preceding Kaka's through-ball to the No9 which left him clear to lash a spectacular shot high inside the near post. The score remain until half time end.
Five minutes after the restart, the advantage was doubled by Luis Fabiano, who looked to have used his arm to control the ball in the build-up. The initial problem was created when Siaka Tiene allowed the ball to bounce, letting the striker take charge and beat two defenders, before volleying home.
Kaka adding suffer for Ivory coast when The Real Madrid playmaker broke down the left and running at Kolo Toure, found the space to drill in a low cross that Elano turned home for his second goal of the finals. Sadly for Elano that was his final contribution as, soon after, he took a kick on the shin from Ismael Tiote and left the field on a stretcher.
Drogba finally made his mark in the 79th minute in a move inspired by Gervinho. The Lille striker ran almost the length of the pitch and then, after being stopped in his tracks, pulled the ball back to Yaya Toure to lift over a good cross for the Chelsea forward to head home.
Portugal too strong for Korean
Portugal produced a spectacular performance of fluidity and flair to earn their first win of the World Cup in style against North Korea. They easily trashing the Korean defender seven times in phenomenon win.
Only a Raul Meireles goal divided the teams after a closely contested first half but it was a different story after the restart when Portugal devastated the North Korean defence with three goals inside eight minutes before the hour from Simao, Hugo Almeida and Tiago. With the clock ticking down, Liedson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago again compounded their opponents' woes to produce Portugal's biggest FIFA World Cup™ victory and the widest winning margin so far in South Africa.
There were few parallels to draw with the teams' previous meeting on the world stage, their 1966 quarter-final in England when Eusebio – watching from the stands in Cape Town – so famously struck four goals as Portugal retrieved a three-goal deficit. There will be no repeat run from the North Koreans this time, their second defeat in Group G confirming their elimination. Portugal, by contrast, sit second in the section, with a three-point advantage over Côte d’Ivoire – and overwhelming gulf in goal difference – ahead of their final game against Brazil.
By fact, It is only the second time Portugal have scored more than two goals in a match at the World Cup since 1966.
Draw enough for Brazil on the top
The Brazilian carnival rolled into Durban on Friday, turning the sunny Indian Ocean coastal city into Copacabana beach for a day. However, the South Americans were unable to reward their vociferous support with goals, drawing 0-0 with Portugal – a result that takes both sides through to the Round of 16.
Brazil clinched top spot while the Portuguese got the point they needed to finish second in the standings to also progress to the second round ahead of Ivory Coast, who defeated North Korea.
Much was expected from the match at a packed Moses Mabhida stadium with both sides possessing plenty of flair and despite an electric atmosphere with the Brazilian fans far outnumbering the Portuguese supporters, there was little action on the pitch.
Prior to the game, Brazil had failed to score just twice in their last 21 World Cup matches, both of which came against France.
Elephant win could change the elimination
Yaya Toure and Romaric scored first-half goals and Salomon Kalou added a late third as Côte d'Ivoire defeated Korea DPR in Nelspruit on Friday, yet Portugal's 0-0 draw with Brazil ensured the west Africans still ended the afternoon eliminated. With four points, the Elephants finish one behind the Portuguese, while Brazil top Group G with seven and the Koreans go home after three defeats.
The threatened goal duly arrived after 13 minutes as Toure took a neat touch from an Arthur Boka cross and coolly placed a shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
Romaric then clipped the post from distance before a fierce Drogba shot rattled the underside of the bar and bounced off the line to allow Romaric to head in the second.
Côte d'Ivoire coach Sven-Goran Eriksson brought on forwards Aruna Dindane and Kalou in the 64th minute in the quest for more goals, but they left themselves more open at the back and Jong had two chances to score in the 81st minute, with the Korean sharpshooter denied only by some desperate defending. Just a minute after that, Côte d'Ivoire finally found their third – merely a consolation at that point – as Kalou managed to touch in Boka's cross ahead of the charging goalkeeper.
The winning Côte d'Ivoire over North korea still not enough to help them through to second round. Despite that, in 107 previous World Cup matches, no African side has scored more than three goals in a single match.
Ivory Coast and North Korea are too weak compared with the two teams above to advance to the second round. Further regrettable when Portugal won wide score over the North Korea proved that between them there are outclass from the technical and experience.
Equally strong for Portugal and Ivory Coast
Although much has been said about the attacking power of Côte d'Ivoire and Portugal, the two Group G giants proved themselves solid at the back, cancelling each other out in a scoreless draw in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth.
Ronaldo, who has not scored an international goal in 16 months, rattled a post with a blistering early strike, but that was as close as his side came to snatching victory on a frustrating afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Even Didier Drogba's arrival as a second-half substitute, to the delight of a crowd of 37,034, could not separate the sides as each attempted to gain the upper hand in Group G ahead of their respective encounters with Brazil.
As a fact show that Ivory Coast averaged 3.2 goals per game during qualifying with Drogba, just 1.9 without their captain. However for Portugal, It is just the second time in 20 World Cup matches that they are finished 0-0.
Brazil close win over brave Korean
Brazil began their quest for a sixth world crown with victory over North Korea at Ellis Park but it was far from a vintage display from Dunga's men against hard-working opposition.
On paper the contrast between the pair could not have been starker; in what was the nations' first-ever meeting. Five-time world champions Brazil are top of FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking while Korea DPR sit at 105. The Koreans came into the contest on a run of eight outings without a victory, while Brazil conversely, and had won their previous four matches.
Brazil get first goal in 55th minute when a moment of brilliance from Maicon broke the deadlock. There appeared little danger as he chased down a slightly overhit pass into the penalty area, but with the ball just about to roll over the by-line, he blazed a shot between goalkeeper Ri Myong-Guk and the near post, in a goal reminiscent of fellow Brazilian right full-back Josimar at Mexico 1986.
Brazil added a second in the 72nd minute and it was a thing of beauty as Robinho slipped a perfect through-ball to Elano advancing into the box on the right and the Galatasaray man made no mistake with a cool side-footed finish. The goalscorer was immediately substituted, with Dani Alves coming on.
With the clock ticking down it was A Selecao who looked more likely to score a third, but with a minute of regular time remaining, Ji burst into the penalty area and drove a memorable strike past Julio Cesar - Korea DPR's first goal at a FIFA World Cup™ for 44 years.
The win took Brazil top of Group G, above Portugal and the Ivory Coast, but they did not look particularly convincing in living up to their tag of joint World Cup favourites alongside Spain.
Samba trash Elephant 3-1
Kaka was controversially sent off as a brace from Luis Fabiano and an Elano strike helped Brazil ease to victory in their battle with Ivory Coast at Soccer City.
Two goals from Luis Fabiano and a third by Elano secured the second victory for Dunga’s side in South Africa. It was not all good news for the South Americans, though, who finished the game with ten men after Kaka received a late red card after a clash with Kader Keita. It was Kaka’s second yellow card and came after the Brazilian appeared to dig an elbow into the chest of Keita, who went down clutching his face.
Robinho had a hand in the opening goal after 25 minutes, some lovely interplay between him, Kaka and Luis Fabiano preceding Kaka's through-ball to the No9 which left him clear to lash a spectacular shot high inside the near post. The score remain until half time end.
Five minutes after the restart, the advantage was doubled by Luis Fabiano, who looked to have used his arm to control the ball in the build-up. The initial problem was created when Siaka Tiene allowed the ball to bounce, letting the striker take charge and beat two defenders, before volleying home.
Kaka adding suffer for Ivory coast when The Real Madrid playmaker broke down the left and running at Kolo Toure, found the space to drill in a low cross that Elano turned home for his second goal of the finals. Sadly for Elano that was his final contribution as, soon after, he took a kick on the shin from Ismael Tiote and left the field on a stretcher.
Drogba finally made his mark in the 79th minute in a move inspired by Gervinho. The Lille striker ran almost the length of the pitch and then, after being stopped in his tracks, pulled the ball back to Yaya Toure to lift over a good cross for the Chelsea forward to head home.
Portugal too strong for Korean
Portugal produced a spectacular performance of fluidity and flair to earn their first win of the World Cup in style against North Korea. They easily trashing the Korean defender seven times in phenomenon win.
Only a Raul Meireles goal divided the teams after a closely contested first half but it was a different story after the restart when Portugal devastated the North Korean defence with three goals inside eight minutes before the hour from Simao, Hugo Almeida and Tiago. With the clock ticking down, Liedson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago again compounded their opponents' woes to produce Portugal's biggest FIFA World Cup™ victory and the widest winning margin so far in South Africa.
There were few parallels to draw with the teams' previous meeting on the world stage, their 1966 quarter-final in England when Eusebio – watching from the stands in Cape Town – so famously struck four goals as Portugal retrieved a three-goal deficit. There will be no repeat run from the North Koreans this time, their second defeat in Group G confirming their elimination. Portugal, by contrast, sit second in the section, with a three-point advantage over Côte d’Ivoire – and overwhelming gulf in goal difference – ahead of their final game against Brazil.
By fact, It is only the second time Portugal have scored more than two goals in a match at the World Cup since 1966.
Draw enough for Brazil on the top
The Brazilian carnival rolled into Durban on Friday, turning the sunny Indian Ocean coastal city into Copacabana beach for a day. However, the South Americans were unable to reward their vociferous support with goals, drawing 0-0 with Portugal – a result that takes both sides through to the Round of 16.
Brazil clinched top spot while the Portuguese got the point they needed to finish second in the standings to also progress to the second round ahead of Ivory Coast, who defeated North Korea.
Much was expected from the match at a packed Moses Mabhida stadium with both sides possessing plenty of flair and despite an electric atmosphere with the Brazilian fans far outnumbering the Portuguese supporters, there was little action on the pitch.
Prior to the game, Brazil had failed to score just twice in their last 21 World Cup matches, both of which came against France.
Elephant win could change the elimination
Yaya Toure and Romaric scored first-half goals and Salomon Kalou added a late third as Côte d'Ivoire defeated Korea DPR in Nelspruit on Friday, yet Portugal's 0-0 draw with Brazil ensured the west Africans still ended the afternoon eliminated. With four points, the Elephants finish one behind the Portuguese, while Brazil top Group G with seven and the Koreans go home after three defeats.
The threatened goal duly arrived after 13 minutes as Toure took a neat touch from an Arthur Boka cross and coolly placed a shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.
Romaric then clipped the post from distance before a fierce Drogba shot rattled the underside of the bar and bounced off the line to allow Romaric to head in the second.
Côte d'Ivoire coach Sven-Goran Eriksson brought on forwards Aruna Dindane and Kalou in the 64th minute in the quest for more goals, but they left themselves more open at the back and Jong had two chances to score in the 81st minute, with the Korean sharpshooter denied only by some desperate defending. Just a minute after that, Côte d'Ivoire finally found their third – merely a consolation at that point – as Kalou managed to touch in Boka's cross ahead of the charging goalkeeper.
The winning Côte d'Ivoire over North korea still not enough to help them through to second round. Despite that, in 107 previous World Cup matches, no African side has scored more than three goals in a single match.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Group F: Paraguay successful stories
Before the tournament started is easy to see Italy escort Paraguay into the second round but the actual fact they are exhausted with ageing player to defend title. It was the first time Italy not through to round 16 since 1974.
Paraguay as the runner-up at the South American qualifying zone redeems their failure to qualify for the 2006 second round to win the group. At the same time as Slovakia a new country separated from chezchoslovakia build of its own success when through to second round for the first time by beating former world champion 3-2 in the final match.
De Rossi rescue Azzurri to draw
An ageing holder Italy luckily draws with Paraguay in Group F on a rainy evening at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.
Antolin Alcaraz shocked the Gemany 2006 champions in the 39th minute to open the scoring, while Italy’s Daniel De Rossi took advantage of some unconvincing goalkeeping by veteran Justo Villar to equalise just after the hour mark.
The South Americans did enough for a tie. Defender Antolin Alcaraz scored on a header in the 39th minute. Paraguay advantages end when Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi equalized from close range in the 63rd after a miscue by goalkeeper Justo Villar.
There were relatively few fans from Italy and Paraguay among the near-capacity crowd of 62,869 at Green Point Stadium, although the usual buzz of vuvuzelas made it difficult to determine exactly who was rooting for whom.
Reid raid Slovakia net
New Zealand defender Winston Reid headed an equalizer in the dying seconds to earn a 1-1 draw with Slovakia and secure his country’s first ever World Cup point in their Group F opener on Tuesday.
It was also New Zealand's first goal in the finals for 28 years and sparked wild celebrations among the All Whites supporters inside the Royal Bafokeng stadium.
Slovakia get their goal when Vladimir Weiss, son of the Slovakia coach, darted down the right flank before producing a low cross that Mark Paston did well to hold, before Robert Vittek cut inside before blazing a shot high and wide.
The late goal of Reid also is considered as an historic moment in New Zealand football, considering the Kiwis had lost all three of their previous group matches at their only other appearance in the finals in 1982.
Paraguay too strong for Slovakia
Paraguay claimed their first 2010 FIFA World Cup™ victory by beating Slovakia 2-0 on Sunday in Mangaung/Bloemfontein. Top of the Group F table with four points – the Paraguayans got a goal in each half at the Free State Stadium through Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros.
Vera broke through for La Albirroja in the 27th when forward Lucas Barrios slipped a pass into the box and Vera angled it past Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha with a one-time shot.Riveros added a goal in the 86th minute, a left-footed blast from the edge of the penalty area.
Playing in its first major tournament since the former Czechoslovakia divided in 1993, Slovakia looked outclassed and unsure of itself facing a big, physical Paraguayan team that beat both Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifying.
Kiwi shocked ageing champions
New Zealand caused South Africa 2010's biggest upset thus far by holding world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw at Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium. In the end, only a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty prevented Marcello Lippi's Azzurri dropping all three points as the All Whites, who took an early lead through Shane Smeltz, produced a courageous and intelligent performance to earn their second FIFA World Cup™ point.
The kiwi second point came when the ball dipped over Alberto Gilardino and Leo Bertos and wrong-footed Fabio Cannavaro, who could only divert it into the path of Smeltz. The Gold Coast forward, who has also played for Mansfield and AFC Wimbledon, gleefully accepted and poked past second-choice goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.
The desperate former champion to make their path alive gets scored equalized when Riccardo Montolivo hit the goalpost for Italy in the 27th, then Vincenzo Iaquinta two minutes later with a penalty kick. Tommy Smith was given a yellow card for tugging down Daniele De Rossi inside the area on a corner kick.
The Italians haven’t won since beating Sweden 1-0 in a friendly in November, a streak of five games that includes four draws and a 2-1 loss to Mexico in a World Cup warmup.
Slovakia advance, Italy eliminate
Slovakia survived a late onslaught to beat Italy 3-2, reach the Round of 16 and eliminate their illustrious opponents. A Robert Vittek double and a stoppage-time lob from substitute Kamil Kopunek proved enough for Vladimir Weiss's team to advance as Group F runners-up, after late goals from Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella had ensured a dramatic conclusion to a thrilling contest in Johannesburg.
Slovakia victory begin in 25th minute when Daniele De Rossi's stray pass was picked up by Juraj Kucka and he rolled a pass forward to Vittek who directed a low right-foot shot past Italy goalkeeper Federico Marchetti from the edge of the box.
Vittek doubled the lead from close range in the 73rd following a corner kick. Italy pulled one back with nine minutes to go after a clever one-two with Iaquinta played Quagliarella in and when Mucha parried his shot, Di Natale was on hand to prod the ball in.
Slovakia secured to round 16 when substitute Kamil Kopunek made it 3-1 before Quagliarella's brilliant lob gave Italy fleeting hope, but they could not find a third to save their skins as they joined fellow 2006 finalists France in sinking out of the tournament at the first hurdle.
It was Italy’s first loss at the World Cup since allowing a golden goal to South Korea in the second round in 2002. And it marked the end of an era for Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro and Gattuso, who already announced their retirement from the national team after the tournament. Lippi is also moving on, with Cesare Prandelli already chosen as his successor.
Draw enough for Paraguay to be top of the group
Paraguay did what they had to do to top Group F with a scoreless draw with New Zealand in Polokwane on Thursday. The South Americans finished with five points, one ahead of Slovakia, who knocked out holders Italy in the group's other match, while the All Whites go out unbeaten after their third consecutive draw.
It was still a historic final for the All Whites, who won their first points in the FIFA World Cup, and finished the group undefeated and in front of four-time world champions Italy.
And another resolute performance by a nation playing at only their second World Cup - the first coming in 1982 when they lost all three matches and conceded 12 goals - will have at least given the fans back home who stayed up for the 2am kick-off New Zealand time something to cheer.
Paraguay as the runner-up at the South American qualifying zone redeems their failure to qualify for the 2006 second round to win the group. At the same time as Slovakia a new country separated from chezchoslovakia build of its own success when through to second round for the first time by beating former world champion 3-2 in the final match.
De Rossi rescue Azzurri to draw
An ageing holder Italy luckily draws with Paraguay in Group F on a rainy evening at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.
Antolin Alcaraz shocked the Gemany 2006 champions in the 39th minute to open the scoring, while Italy’s Daniel De Rossi took advantage of some unconvincing goalkeeping by veteran Justo Villar to equalise just after the hour mark.
The South Americans did enough for a tie. Defender Antolin Alcaraz scored on a header in the 39th minute. Paraguay advantages end when Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi equalized from close range in the 63rd after a miscue by goalkeeper Justo Villar.
There were relatively few fans from Italy and Paraguay among the near-capacity crowd of 62,869 at Green Point Stadium, although the usual buzz of vuvuzelas made it difficult to determine exactly who was rooting for whom.
Reid raid Slovakia net
New Zealand defender Winston Reid headed an equalizer in the dying seconds to earn a 1-1 draw with Slovakia and secure his country’s first ever World Cup point in their Group F opener on Tuesday.
It was also New Zealand's first goal in the finals for 28 years and sparked wild celebrations among the All Whites supporters inside the Royal Bafokeng stadium.
Slovakia get their goal when Vladimir Weiss, son of the Slovakia coach, darted down the right flank before producing a low cross that Mark Paston did well to hold, before Robert Vittek cut inside before blazing a shot high and wide.
The late goal of Reid also is considered as an historic moment in New Zealand football, considering the Kiwis had lost all three of their previous group matches at their only other appearance in the finals in 1982.
Paraguay too strong for Slovakia
Paraguay claimed their first 2010 FIFA World Cup™ victory by beating Slovakia 2-0 on Sunday in Mangaung/Bloemfontein. Top of the Group F table with four points – the Paraguayans got a goal in each half at the Free State Stadium through Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros.
Vera broke through for La Albirroja in the 27th when forward Lucas Barrios slipped a pass into the box and Vera angled it past Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha with a one-time shot.Riveros added a goal in the 86th minute, a left-footed blast from the edge of the penalty area.
Playing in its first major tournament since the former Czechoslovakia divided in 1993, Slovakia looked outclassed and unsure of itself facing a big, physical Paraguayan team that beat both Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifying.
Kiwi shocked ageing champions
New Zealand caused South Africa 2010's biggest upset thus far by holding world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw at Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium. In the end, only a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty prevented Marcello Lippi's Azzurri dropping all three points as the All Whites, who took an early lead through Shane Smeltz, produced a courageous and intelligent performance to earn their second FIFA World Cup™ point.
The kiwi second point came when the ball dipped over Alberto Gilardino and Leo Bertos and wrong-footed Fabio Cannavaro, who could only divert it into the path of Smeltz. The Gold Coast forward, who has also played for Mansfield and AFC Wimbledon, gleefully accepted and poked past second-choice goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.
The desperate former champion to make their path alive gets scored equalized when Riccardo Montolivo hit the goalpost for Italy in the 27th, then Vincenzo Iaquinta two minutes later with a penalty kick. Tommy Smith was given a yellow card for tugging down Daniele De Rossi inside the area on a corner kick.
The Italians haven’t won since beating Sweden 1-0 in a friendly in November, a streak of five games that includes four draws and a 2-1 loss to Mexico in a World Cup warmup.
Slovakia advance, Italy eliminate
Slovakia survived a late onslaught to beat Italy 3-2, reach the Round of 16 and eliminate their illustrious opponents. A Robert Vittek double and a stoppage-time lob from substitute Kamil Kopunek proved enough for Vladimir Weiss's team to advance as Group F runners-up, after late goals from Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella had ensured a dramatic conclusion to a thrilling contest in Johannesburg.
Slovakia victory begin in 25th minute when Daniele De Rossi's stray pass was picked up by Juraj Kucka and he rolled a pass forward to Vittek who directed a low right-foot shot past Italy goalkeeper Federico Marchetti from the edge of the box.
Vittek doubled the lead from close range in the 73rd following a corner kick. Italy pulled one back with nine minutes to go after a clever one-two with Iaquinta played Quagliarella in and when Mucha parried his shot, Di Natale was on hand to prod the ball in.
Slovakia secured to round 16 when substitute Kamil Kopunek made it 3-1 before Quagliarella's brilliant lob gave Italy fleeting hope, but they could not find a third to save their skins as they joined fellow 2006 finalists France in sinking out of the tournament at the first hurdle.
It was Italy’s first loss at the World Cup since allowing a golden goal to South Korea in the second round in 2002. And it marked the end of an era for Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro and Gattuso, who already announced their retirement from the national team after the tournament. Lippi is also moving on, with Cesare Prandelli already chosen as his successor.
Draw enough for Paraguay to be top of the group
Paraguay did what they had to do to top Group F with a scoreless draw with New Zealand in Polokwane on Thursday. The South Americans finished with five points, one ahead of Slovakia, who knocked out holders Italy in the group's other match, while the All Whites go out unbeaten after their third consecutive draw.
It was still a historic final for the All Whites, who won their first points in the FIFA World Cup, and finished the group undefeated and in front of four-time world champions Italy.
And another resolute performance by a nation playing at only their second World Cup - the first coming in 1982 when they lost all three matches and conceded 12 goals - will have at least given the fans back home who stayed up for the 2am kick-off New Zealand time something to cheer.
Group E : The competent Netherland
The Netherlands does not face major problems facing opponents in group E with succeed all the matches. Prior to the tournament began they was concern about injury news with their hero Arjen Robben, but when he presence in the final group match give new hope to the Netherlands.
Japan ranked lower than all the teams in group E stunned the world when they qualify to second round defeat to Cameroon and Danish to book in second place. Honda became heroes when they scored the winning goal against Cameroon and help win them over the Danish with a goal. Japan's 3-1 wins over Danish.
Japan and South Korea became the team hopes to Asia in the second round after two Asian representatives of Australia and North Korea failed at the group level.
The Dutch delight
The Netherlands needed a couple of lucky bounces to break down Denmark’s sturdy defense for a 2-0 win Monday despite struggling to live up to its billing as one of the most dangerous attacking teams at the World Cup.
The Danes may have been solid at the back for the first 45 minutes but broken less than 60 seconds into the second half. The goal started when Robin van Persie's cross from the left was headed in the wrong direction by Simon Poulsen - he tried to head clear and sent it towards his own goal - and it struck the back of Agger and went in.
Kuyt doubled Netherlands' advantage five minutes from the end to ensure the highly-fancied Oranje a positive start in Group E. The goal came when Elia's shot from the left was diverted onto the right-hand post by Stoke goalkeeper Sorensen and the Liverpool forward easily finished.
The Dutch look forward others two matches with highly confident after defeated former European champions, the Danes 2-0.
The best of Honda
Japan recorded their first FIFA World Cup™ win on foreign soil after Keisuke Honda's 39th-minute strike proved enough to down Cameroon at the Free State Stadium.
With the victory – their first in an opening game – Japan joined the Netherlands on three points at the top of Group E, while Cameroon's second match against Denmark, the day's other losers, assumes do-or-die dimensions.
Cameroon being of the Africa’s brightest hopes was toothless, even though having a great deal of possession, although goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima made a breathtaking save from substitute Mohamadou Idrissou in stoppage time.
Much was expected of skipper Samuel Eto'o but the Inter Milan striker was left frustrated as Japan defended in numbers.
However Japan gets the winning goal when Cameroon defence failed to cut out Daisuke Matsui's cross to the back post and Honda reacted quickly. He got a superb first touch before clipping the ball beyond a stranded Souleymanou Hamidou.
Honda goal give only previous victories in a World Cup came against Russia and Tunisia in 2002, when it was co-host of the tournament. This is its fourth World Cup.
The only Sneijder day beat rising sun
The Oranje carnival rolled noisily into Durban on 19 June, but Bert van Marwijk's Netherlands team was forced to endure a tricky test against a disciplined Japanese outfit, the only goal of the game coming from Wesley Sneijder shortly after the break. Despite not having things their own way at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Dutch – still without injured winger Arjen Robben – will nevertheless be thrilled with their six points from two games and a spot at the top of Group E.
Wesley sneijer get the only winning goal came when a poor headed clearance from Japan's defence fell to Van Persie who spotted Sneijder and the Inter Milan winger's powerful strike came off Kawashima and into the back of the net in 53rd minute.
The Netherlands, with maximum points from their first two games, next play Cameroon on 24 June in Cape Town, while Japan will look to recover from this reverse when they finish their Group E programmed in Rustenburg on the same day against Denmark.
The Danes build new aspiration by strike Cameroon
Denmark hit back from an early deficit to re-ignite their World Cup challenge and in the process extinguish Cameroon's chances of getting through to the second round.
The Indomitable Lions, the country that first alerted the world to the improvement in African soccer when they qualified for their first finals in Spain in 1982 and reached the quarter-finals in 1990, are out after this defeat followed their opening 1-0 loss to Japan on Monday.
The Cameroon look promising at first when took the lead in the 10th minute through Captain Samuel Eto'o following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Denmark recovered from that setback though, and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and the dangerous Dennis Rommedahl in either half earned the Scandinavians a hard-fought victory.
The result at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium meant that the Netherlands, who beat Japan 1-0 in Durban earlier, were through to the last 16, while either Denmark or Japan, who both has three points, will join them.
The Samurai punched the Danes three times
Two wonderful free-kicks from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo in the first half and a late Shinji Okazaki strike were enough for Japan to beat Denmark 3-1 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium and claim a place in the Round of 16. With their victory, Japan, who will next face Group F winners Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 29 June, ended the hopes of a Denmark side that fell at the first hurdle for the first time.
Needing only a draw to qualify from Group E, Japan took the lead in the 17th minute when CSKA Moscow midfielder Honda smashed in a set piece from 30-yards out on the right, though Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen will feel he could have done much better.
Although not as spectacular, Japan's second goal followed on the half-hour mark when Sorensen had lined his wall up expecting another Honda effort, only to see his team-mate Endo curl the ball into the bottom corner.
Jon Dahl Tomasson saw his penalty saved nine minutes from the end, but bundled in the rebound to give his side a glimmer of hope, only for Shinji Okazaki to seal Japan's triumph and book a last 16 tie against Paraguay.
The victory as well presented second Asia’s representatives book last 16 joining Korea Republic and it’s the greatest achievement so far for Asia record in foreign soil when two teams succeed to second round.
Complete match for Oranje
Arjen Robben came off the bench to help the Netherlands secure a 2-1 victory over Cameroon that seals top spot in Group E and sets up a last-16 date with Slovakia. Robin van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntelaar were on target either side of a Samuel Eto'o penalty at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium as Bert van Marwijk’s Oranje preserved their unblemished record at South Africa 2010.
The orenje get fisrt goal when Dirk Kuyt picked up a needless booking before Van Persie could only fire straight at Hamidou Souleymanou in 36th minute after brilliantly setting himself up by chesting down Giovanni van Bronckhorst's chip forward.
Cameroon was then handed a 64th-minute penalty by referee Pablo Pozo when Van der Vaart raised his arm to block Geremi's free-kick, receiving a booking for his trouble. Captain Eto'o kept his nerve to convert a perfect spot-kick.
However, Van Marwijk still had a trump card to play in Robben, and after being introduced for his first taste of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the Bayern Munich winger provided the inspiration for his side's winning goal.
In a typical display of skill and directness, Robben drove inside from the right, beyond Cameroon substitute Rigobert Song and curled a superb effort against the inside of the post. Fortunately for the Dutch, the ball rebounded fortuitously to another substitute, Huntelaar, and with Souleymanou stranded, the AC Milan striker made no mistake with a perfectly placed right-foot shot.
Oranje came into the match on an unbeaten run of 21 international matches and had produced wins against Denmark and Japan to secure their progression.
Japan ranked lower than all the teams in group E stunned the world when they qualify to second round defeat to Cameroon and Danish to book in second place. Honda became heroes when they scored the winning goal against Cameroon and help win them over the Danish with a goal. Japan's 3-1 wins over Danish.
Japan and South Korea became the team hopes to Asia in the second round after two Asian representatives of Australia and North Korea failed at the group level.
The Dutch delight
The Netherlands needed a couple of lucky bounces to break down Denmark’s sturdy defense for a 2-0 win Monday despite struggling to live up to its billing as one of the most dangerous attacking teams at the World Cup.
The Danes may have been solid at the back for the first 45 minutes but broken less than 60 seconds into the second half. The goal started when Robin van Persie's cross from the left was headed in the wrong direction by Simon Poulsen - he tried to head clear and sent it towards his own goal - and it struck the back of Agger and went in.
Kuyt doubled Netherlands' advantage five minutes from the end to ensure the highly-fancied Oranje a positive start in Group E. The goal came when Elia's shot from the left was diverted onto the right-hand post by Stoke goalkeeper Sorensen and the Liverpool forward easily finished.
The Dutch look forward others two matches with highly confident after defeated former European champions, the Danes 2-0.
The best of Honda
Japan recorded their first FIFA World Cup™ win on foreign soil after Keisuke Honda's 39th-minute strike proved enough to down Cameroon at the Free State Stadium.
With the victory – their first in an opening game – Japan joined the Netherlands on three points at the top of Group E, while Cameroon's second match against Denmark, the day's other losers, assumes do-or-die dimensions.
Cameroon being of the Africa’s brightest hopes was toothless, even though having a great deal of possession, although goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima made a breathtaking save from substitute Mohamadou Idrissou in stoppage time.
Much was expected of skipper Samuel Eto'o but the Inter Milan striker was left frustrated as Japan defended in numbers.
However Japan gets the winning goal when Cameroon defence failed to cut out Daisuke Matsui's cross to the back post and Honda reacted quickly. He got a superb first touch before clipping the ball beyond a stranded Souleymanou Hamidou.
Honda goal give only previous victories in a World Cup came against Russia and Tunisia in 2002, when it was co-host of the tournament. This is its fourth World Cup.
The only Sneijder day beat rising sun
The Oranje carnival rolled noisily into Durban on 19 June, but Bert van Marwijk's Netherlands team was forced to endure a tricky test against a disciplined Japanese outfit, the only goal of the game coming from Wesley Sneijder shortly after the break. Despite not having things their own way at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Dutch – still without injured winger Arjen Robben – will nevertheless be thrilled with their six points from two games and a spot at the top of Group E.
Wesley sneijer get the only winning goal came when a poor headed clearance from Japan's defence fell to Van Persie who spotted Sneijder and the Inter Milan winger's powerful strike came off Kawashima and into the back of the net in 53rd minute.
The Netherlands, with maximum points from their first two games, next play Cameroon on 24 June in Cape Town, while Japan will look to recover from this reverse when they finish their Group E programmed in Rustenburg on the same day against Denmark.
The Danes build new aspiration by strike Cameroon
Denmark hit back from an early deficit to re-ignite their World Cup challenge and in the process extinguish Cameroon's chances of getting through to the second round.
The Indomitable Lions, the country that first alerted the world to the improvement in African soccer when they qualified for their first finals in Spain in 1982 and reached the quarter-finals in 1990, are out after this defeat followed their opening 1-0 loss to Japan on Monday.
The Cameroon look promising at first when took the lead in the 10th minute through Captain Samuel Eto'o following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Denmark recovered from that setback though, and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and the dangerous Dennis Rommedahl in either half earned the Scandinavians a hard-fought victory.
The result at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium meant that the Netherlands, who beat Japan 1-0 in Durban earlier, were through to the last 16, while either Denmark or Japan, who both has three points, will join them.
The Samurai punched the Danes three times
Two wonderful free-kicks from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo in the first half and a late Shinji Okazaki strike were enough for Japan to beat Denmark 3-1 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium and claim a place in the Round of 16. With their victory, Japan, who will next face Group F winners Paraguay at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria on 29 June, ended the hopes of a Denmark side that fell at the first hurdle for the first time.
Needing only a draw to qualify from Group E, Japan took the lead in the 17th minute when CSKA Moscow midfielder Honda smashed in a set piece from 30-yards out on the right, though Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen will feel he could have done much better.
Although not as spectacular, Japan's second goal followed on the half-hour mark when Sorensen had lined his wall up expecting another Honda effort, only to see his team-mate Endo curl the ball into the bottom corner.
Jon Dahl Tomasson saw his penalty saved nine minutes from the end, but bundled in the rebound to give his side a glimmer of hope, only for Shinji Okazaki to seal Japan's triumph and book a last 16 tie against Paraguay.
The victory as well presented second Asia’s representatives book last 16 joining Korea Republic and it’s the greatest achievement so far for Asia record in foreign soil when two teams succeed to second round.
Complete match for Oranje
Arjen Robben came off the bench to help the Netherlands secure a 2-1 victory over Cameroon that seals top spot in Group E and sets up a last-16 date with Slovakia. Robin van Persie and Klaas Jan Huntelaar were on target either side of a Samuel Eto'o penalty at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium as Bert van Marwijk’s Oranje preserved their unblemished record at South Africa 2010.
The orenje get fisrt goal when Dirk Kuyt picked up a needless booking before Van Persie could only fire straight at Hamidou Souleymanou in 36th minute after brilliantly setting himself up by chesting down Giovanni van Bronckhorst's chip forward.
Cameroon was then handed a 64th-minute penalty by referee Pablo Pozo when Van der Vaart raised his arm to block Geremi's free-kick, receiving a booking for his trouble. Captain Eto'o kept his nerve to convert a perfect spot-kick.
However, Van Marwijk still had a trump card to play in Robben, and after being introduced for his first taste of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the Bayern Munich winger provided the inspiration for his side's winning goal.
In a typical display of skill and directness, Robben drove inside from the right, beyond Cameroon substitute Rigobert Song and curled a superb effort against the inside of the post. Fortunately for the Dutch, the ball rebounded fortuitously to another substitute, Huntelaar, and with Souleymanou stranded, the AC Milan striker made no mistake with a perfectly placed right-foot shot.
Oranje came into the match on an unbeaten run of 21 international matches and had produced wins against Denmark and Japan to secure their progression.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Group D : Germany struggle
Germany as usual chosen as a favorite team however shocked defeated to Serbia on their second match after trashing Australia 4-0 in opening matched. Germany returned their fortune to round 16 by narrow win against Ghana 1-0 in final match.
Germany finish top of the group while Ghana in second spot although point level with Australia but goal different make them through. Ghana became the only Africa representative alive in round 16 after other five nations sink in their group stages including host nation.
Cgyan late goal contribute full point
An 85th-minute Asamoah Gyan penalty snatched Ghana a deserved 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Group D opener at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The Black Stars, despite having the better of the play, appeared en route to a goalless draw until the Beli Orlovi hit the self-destruct button late on, with Aleksandar Lukovic earning himself a red card before Zdravko Kuzmanovic’s needless handball presented the Africans with the spot-kick from which they seized the three points.
That sealed a closely-fought Group D and puts Ghana in a promising position to progress through to the knockout phase in their second appearance at the World Cup finals.
After the final whistle, the Ghanaians ran across the field in celebration, some carrying national flags to receive the applause of a crowd which had almost made them the home team.
Germany rampage
Germany got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a dominating display against 10-man Australia in Durban.
With a young squad and without injured Michael Ballack, the Germans went on a scoring rampage. Lukas Podolski opened their account in the eighth minute before veteran Miroslav Klose doubled the lead before the half-hour mark.
The second half began with Neill unceremoniously planting a knee into the back of danger man Klose. That bit of impetuousness combined with a red card for Tim Cahill in the 56th minute for a reckless challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger was the full measure of Aussie resistance.
Thomas Muller added Germany's third in the 68th minute before substitute Cacau got an easy tap-in less than two minutes after coming on as a substitute. The result lifted Joachim Low's side top of Group D above Ghana, who beat Serbia 1-0 earlier in the day.
Serbia sinks 10 men German
Germany went to Port Elizabeth with high spirit after the rampage against Australia 4-0 in first matched. They desired to repeat the rampage again but have shocked by Serbia 1-0 also it’s the first time they had lost in group stages since world cup 1986.
Jovanovic blasted home a 38th-minute winner from close range two minutes after Germany striker Miroslav Klose had been sent off, and Wigan keeper Stojkovic saved a second-half Lukas Podolski penalty to blow Group D wide open.
Each of the three games in the group to date has seen a red card, and Klose will be suspended for Wednesday's final first round clash with Ghana in Johannesburg as Serbia take on Australia in Nelspruit.
The result means that Germany, who remain top of Group D on goal difference, Ghana and Serbia all now have three points, while Australia are yet to get off the mark.
Cgyan rescue Ghana for a draw
Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man Australia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, but moved to the top of Group D with four points from two matches. The West Africans could not take advantage of the first-half dismissal of Harry Kewell to claim maximum points, but managed to lift themselves above Serbia and Germany in the section.
The game begin with Socceroos got the first chance of note on 11 minutes and they duly converted it. Mark Bresciano’s powerful free-kick from 30 yards was only parried by Richard Kingson, with the ball falling kindly for the onrushing Brett Holman, who gleefully fired in the first goal of the tournament for the Aussies.
The Australians had looked the stronger team from the opening whistle until the red card. A penalty claim in the second minute involving Kewell was waved away by the referee on his long-awaited return after injury.
Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan converted the ensuing penalty in the 25th for his second goal—and second penalty—of the tournament and secures a place toward knock out stages with four points.
German beat Ghana but both advances
A terrific strike from Mesut Ozil gave Germany a 1-0 win over Ghana and put them into top spot in Group D, where they will face England in the second round. The result also puts Ghana through, as Serbia failed to win.
The three-time world champions made their adversaries pay on the hour mark. Muller collected the ball on the right flank and played it square to Ozil, who was centrally positioned, two yards outside the area. The Werder Bremen playmaker touched the ball into the path of his left boot, and casually volleyed it past Kingson and just inside his right-hand post. The goal give Germany secure a place to advances in knock out stages.
Moments after the game was over, Ghana learned that Australia had defeated Serbia 2-1—a result that meant Ghana took second place in the group and also will move on to the round of 16.
Both teams are out
Australia got the win they wanted in Nelspruit on Wednesday night, but not the number of goals they needed as the Socceroos were eliminated from Group D on goal difference behind Ghana. Germany, 1-0 winners over the Black Stars in Johannesburg, topped the group on six points, while the Aussies and Ghanaians finished on four and the Serbians three.
Cahill put the Australians ahead with a glancing header off Luke Wilkshire’s cross in the 69th minute and Holman added the second from long range 4 minutes later.
Serbia grabbed a lifeline six minutes from time as Schwarzer spilled a long-range Zoran Tosic shot and fellow substitute Pantelic pounced from close range. . Despite with the late goal could not rescue a place to round 16.
Germany finish top of the group while Ghana in second spot although point level with Australia but goal different make them through. Ghana became the only Africa representative alive in round 16 after other five nations sink in their group stages including host nation.
Cgyan late goal contribute full point
An 85th-minute Asamoah Gyan penalty snatched Ghana a deserved 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Group D opener at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. The Black Stars, despite having the better of the play, appeared en route to a goalless draw until the Beli Orlovi hit the self-destruct button late on, with Aleksandar Lukovic earning himself a red card before Zdravko Kuzmanovic’s needless handball presented the Africans with the spot-kick from which they seized the three points.
That sealed a closely-fought Group D and puts Ghana in a promising position to progress through to the knockout phase in their second appearance at the World Cup finals.
After the final whistle, the Ghanaians ran across the field in celebration, some carrying national flags to receive the applause of a crowd which had almost made them the home team.
Germany rampage
Germany got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a dominating display against 10-man Australia in Durban.
With a young squad and without injured Michael Ballack, the Germans went on a scoring rampage. Lukas Podolski opened their account in the eighth minute before veteran Miroslav Klose doubled the lead before the half-hour mark.
The second half began with Neill unceremoniously planting a knee into the back of danger man Klose. That bit of impetuousness combined with a red card for Tim Cahill in the 56th minute for a reckless challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger was the full measure of Aussie resistance.
Thomas Muller added Germany's third in the 68th minute before substitute Cacau got an easy tap-in less than two minutes after coming on as a substitute. The result lifted Joachim Low's side top of Group D above Ghana, who beat Serbia 1-0 earlier in the day.
Serbia sinks 10 men German
Germany went to Port Elizabeth with high spirit after the rampage against Australia 4-0 in first matched. They desired to repeat the rampage again but have shocked by Serbia 1-0 also it’s the first time they had lost in group stages since world cup 1986.
Jovanovic blasted home a 38th-minute winner from close range two minutes after Germany striker Miroslav Klose had been sent off, and Wigan keeper Stojkovic saved a second-half Lukas Podolski penalty to blow Group D wide open.
Each of the three games in the group to date has seen a red card, and Klose will be suspended for Wednesday's final first round clash with Ghana in Johannesburg as Serbia take on Australia in Nelspruit.
The result means that Germany, who remain top of Group D on goal difference, Ghana and Serbia all now have three points, while Australia are yet to get off the mark.
Cgyan rescue Ghana for a draw
Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man Australia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, but moved to the top of Group D with four points from two matches. The West Africans could not take advantage of the first-half dismissal of Harry Kewell to claim maximum points, but managed to lift themselves above Serbia and Germany in the section.
The game begin with Socceroos got the first chance of note on 11 minutes and they duly converted it. Mark Bresciano’s powerful free-kick from 30 yards was only parried by Richard Kingson, with the ball falling kindly for the onrushing Brett Holman, who gleefully fired in the first goal of the tournament for the Aussies.
The Australians had looked the stronger team from the opening whistle until the red card. A penalty claim in the second minute involving Kewell was waved away by the referee on his long-awaited return after injury.
Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan converted the ensuing penalty in the 25th for his second goal—and second penalty—of the tournament and secures a place toward knock out stages with four points.
German beat Ghana but both advances
A terrific strike from Mesut Ozil gave Germany a 1-0 win over Ghana and put them into top spot in Group D, where they will face England in the second round. The result also puts Ghana through, as Serbia failed to win.
The three-time world champions made their adversaries pay on the hour mark. Muller collected the ball on the right flank and played it square to Ozil, who was centrally positioned, two yards outside the area. The Werder Bremen playmaker touched the ball into the path of his left boot, and casually volleyed it past Kingson and just inside his right-hand post. The goal give Germany secure a place to advances in knock out stages.
Moments after the game was over, Ghana learned that Australia had defeated Serbia 2-1—a result that meant Ghana took second place in the group and also will move on to the round of 16.
Both teams are out
Australia got the win they wanted in Nelspruit on Wednesday night, but not the number of goals they needed as the Socceroos were eliminated from Group D on goal difference behind Ghana. Germany, 1-0 winners over the Black Stars in Johannesburg, topped the group on six points, while the Aussies and Ghanaians finished on four and the Serbians three.
Cahill put the Australians ahead with a glancing header off Luke Wilkshire’s cross in the 69th minute and Holman added the second from long range 4 minutes later.
Serbia grabbed a lifeline six minutes from time as Schwarzer spilled a long-range Zoran Tosic shot and fellow substitute Pantelic pounced from close range. . Despite with the late goal could not rescue a place to round 16.
Group C : USA on the top
The group leader determination like Hollywood films when the USA gets the dramatic winning goal against Algeria in the final minutes through Donovan. Prior to that England are top of the group and USA is ranked third behind Slovenia. With the goal, like the blink of an eye as USA becoming group leader for the first time since 1930.
England earlier advance to book a ticket to the knockout round 1-0 win over Slovenia from Defoe goal on 23rd minutes into the match carried out simultaneously in separate places.
Initial expectations of this group will be dominated by England and the USA is depression, when competitors from Slovenia and Algeria are intense therefore in the determination of winners and runner-up is resolute in the final match.
Green mistake sorrow three lions
A terrible mistake from England’s Robert Green gave USA a share of the spoils in Group C’s opening match played in front of a passionate crowd in Rustenburg. The goalkeeper, given the nod by Fabio Capello to start the match ahead of David James and Joe Hart, allowed Clint Dempsey’s 25-yard drive to slip through his grasp, giving last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup finalists a deserved share of the spoils.
Before that Steven Gerrard had given the Three Lions' World Cup campaign a flying start with a fourth-minute opener in Rustenburg. England holds the advantages until Green mistake allows a goal for Clint Dempsey’s who shoot from 25 yard to equalize to 1-1.
Immediately scrutiny turned to the official World Cup ball, the Adidas Jabulani, which has been heavily criticized by countless goalkeepers at the tournament.
The ball, which Adidas claims is made with unprecedented technology and is the most accurate ever, has been seen to swerve wildly on long-range shots.
England goalkeepers have a painful history of making high-profile mistakes. The international careers of Scott Carson and Paul Robinson were effectively ended by horrendous howlers in recent years.
Chaouchi give Solvenia win
Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi followed Robert Green's lead as he gifted Slovenia a win that sees them go top of Group C. Robert Koren's speculative shot from 25 yards was let into the net by Chaouchi in the 80th minute in a game that offered precious little excitement.
Chaouchi could not control his emotions after the game. After striding through the interview zone without pausing to speak to reporters, he boarded the team bus and cried.
The ball of Adidas Jabulani once again has sparked a storm of controversy. The manufacturer claims it is the most accurate ball ever made, but some weird plays on the field say otherwise.
Its unpredictability may have benefited the United States on Saturday night, when Clint Dempsey’s tame effort worked its way past England’s Robert Green. In truth, both Green and Algeria’s Chaouchi should have made comfortable saves on the goals they conceded. Yet on both occasions, there was significant movement in the air once the ball had been kicked.
USA came back from behind
USA fought back from two goals down to earn a battling 2-2 draw with Slovenia and keep their FIFA World Cup™ hopes alive in an exciting Group C clash at Ellis Park.
Slovenia went two up against USA after Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic goals, but Landon Donovan got one back before Michael Bradley rescued a point. Maurice Edu looked to have scored a winner for the Americans but it was controversially disallowed.
Birsa created the first chance with a whipped cross from the right which Milivoje Novakovic failed to connect with on the volley, but the classy Slovenia number 10 took charge himself after 12 minutes. He was allowed to turn and take stock before curling a shot past the helpless Tim Howard from 25 yards, with no American defender going to close him down.
Slovenia extent the score board when they get second goal in 42nd minute from Milivoje Novakovic played a defence-splitting pass through to Ljubijankic who, with the Americans appealing in vain for offside, slipped the ball coolly past Howard.
The USA realize need quickly to came back if they want through knock out stages get a chances from Donovan in three minutes after the restart when Bostjan Cesar failed to deal with a ball down the right touchline, allowing the LA Galaxy man a free run into the box. Cutting in from the right, Donovan lashed a superb shot high above Handanovic at the near post.
The USA effort to equalize came when Altidore climbed high to nod down a long ball into the box and Michael Bradley sprinted into the box to fire past Handanovic and send the majority of the Ellis Park crowd into hysterics with eight minutes to go.
Three lions was Toothless
After the match make England sorrow when they just draw against USA need to take an opportunity to beat Algerian for rescue their path in knock out stages. The hope is miserable, England not just could win against Algerian but can’t score any goal make them toothless and hopeless.
Underdog Algeria held the Three Lions to a second disappointing World Cup draw, a 0-0 tie that left the Group C wide open and is sure to have English fans furious after their team arrived in South Africa as a favorite.
With Wayne Rooney held scoreless for the seventh straight match, England lacked its touch against an opponent fighting to avoid becoming the first nation eliminated from the World Cup.
England hasn’t scored since the fourth minute of its opening match against the United States. Algeria hasn’t scored at all.
The best chance fell Frank Lampard's way after Aaron Lennon's cross had been half-cleared by Rafik Halliche but it was saved.
England fans, who made up the majority of the crowd at the Green Point stadium cared little of the merits of the opposition and showed their frustration by booing a wayward Lampard effort and again when the full-time whistle went. Capello, on the occasion of his 64th birthday, left the arena with his head bowed, as did the majority of the England players. It all comes down to the final group matches with England playing current section leaders Slovenia in Port Elizabeth and USA facing Algeria in Pretoria.
Defoe goal saves the day
England play for their final matched only one hope, winning the game can’t draw or loss. Their effort came at last when Cappelo decision to drop Emile Heskey and start Jermain Defoe paid off against Slovenia as the striker volleyed home to seal England's progress with a 1-0 win in Port Elizabeth.
England, only goal of the game came in 23rd minute when James Milner swung in a ball from the right and Defoe got there ahead of Marko Suler to fire in a volley that found the roof of the net via the palms of Samir Handanovic. Coincidentally, it was his first England goal since he scored in a 2-1 friendly win against Slovenia last September.
However the victory cannot give three lions at the top of the group when Landon Donovan's injury-time effort in Pretoria meant the outcome was not exactly what they wanted in Group C, as it means they finish second and leaves them in the same quarter of the draw as Diego Maradona's dangerous Argentineans. But the main thing is they are still there.
Slovenia entered the day the surprise leader in the group but finished with four points to five for the U.S. and England. The U.S. earned first place based on tiebreakers.
Late goal of Donovan pushes the USA to crown of the group
USA has topped Group C as Landon Donovan hit a late winner against Algeria to give them a 1-0 win. Clint Dempsey's first-half goal was wrongly ruled out for offside but Donovan struck with seconds left to leapfrog England.
The United States, watched on by former President Bill Clinton, dominated for large periods and created a host of chances but looked set to be denied by a mixture of the woodwork, good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
USA were sitting in third place as the 90 minute-mark ticked by but everything changed in the blink of an eye as Landon Donovan led one last attack. Jozy Altidore squared the ball into the danger zone, where M'Bolhi beat it away, but Donovan was able to latch onto the loose ball and passed it into an empty net, before being submerged among a sea of white shirts. It was the least Bob Bradley's team deserved, having also had a Clint Dempsey effort disallowed for offside, struck a post and seen Altidore pass up a glorious opening. Frustration for Algeria was evident as captain Anther Yahia was sent off in the dying seconds for a second yellow card.
The victory give USA an advantages in knock out stages since they can avoid meeting against heavyweight team as Germany when they scheduled against Ghana.
England earlier advance to book a ticket to the knockout round 1-0 win over Slovenia from Defoe goal on 23rd minutes into the match carried out simultaneously in separate places.
Initial expectations of this group will be dominated by England and the USA is depression, when competitors from Slovenia and Algeria are intense therefore in the determination of winners and runner-up is resolute in the final match.
Green mistake sorrow three lions
A terrible mistake from England’s Robert Green gave USA a share of the spoils in Group C’s opening match played in front of a passionate crowd in Rustenburg. The goalkeeper, given the nod by Fabio Capello to start the match ahead of David James and Joe Hart, allowed Clint Dempsey’s 25-yard drive to slip through his grasp, giving last year’s FIFA Confederations Cup finalists a deserved share of the spoils.
Before that Steven Gerrard had given the Three Lions' World Cup campaign a flying start with a fourth-minute opener in Rustenburg. England holds the advantages until Green mistake allows a goal for Clint Dempsey’s who shoot from 25 yard to equalize to 1-1.
Immediately scrutiny turned to the official World Cup ball, the Adidas Jabulani, which has been heavily criticized by countless goalkeepers at the tournament.
The ball, which Adidas claims is made with unprecedented technology and is the most accurate ever, has been seen to swerve wildly on long-range shots.
England goalkeepers have a painful history of making high-profile mistakes. The international careers of Scott Carson and Paul Robinson were effectively ended by horrendous howlers in recent years.
Chaouchi give Solvenia win
Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi followed Robert Green's lead as he gifted Slovenia a win that sees them go top of Group C. Robert Koren's speculative shot from 25 yards was let into the net by Chaouchi in the 80th minute in a game that offered precious little excitement.
Chaouchi could not control his emotions after the game. After striding through the interview zone without pausing to speak to reporters, he boarded the team bus and cried.
The ball of Adidas Jabulani once again has sparked a storm of controversy. The manufacturer claims it is the most accurate ball ever made, but some weird plays on the field say otherwise.
Its unpredictability may have benefited the United States on Saturday night, when Clint Dempsey’s tame effort worked its way past England’s Robert Green. In truth, both Green and Algeria’s Chaouchi should have made comfortable saves on the goals they conceded. Yet on both occasions, there was significant movement in the air once the ball had been kicked.
USA came back from behind
USA fought back from two goals down to earn a battling 2-2 draw with Slovenia and keep their FIFA World Cup™ hopes alive in an exciting Group C clash at Ellis Park.
Slovenia went two up against USA after Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic goals, but Landon Donovan got one back before Michael Bradley rescued a point. Maurice Edu looked to have scored a winner for the Americans but it was controversially disallowed.
Birsa created the first chance with a whipped cross from the right which Milivoje Novakovic failed to connect with on the volley, but the classy Slovenia number 10 took charge himself after 12 minutes. He was allowed to turn and take stock before curling a shot past the helpless Tim Howard from 25 yards, with no American defender going to close him down.
Slovenia extent the score board when they get second goal in 42nd minute from Milivoje Novakovic played a defence-splitting pass through to Ljubijankic who, with the Americans appealing in vain for offside, slipped the ball coolly past Howard.
The USA realize need quickly to came back if they want through knock out stages get a chances from Donovan in three minutes after the restart when Bostjan Cesar failed to deal with a ball down the right touchline, allowing the LA Galaxy man a free run into the box. Cutting in from the right, Donovan lashed a superb shot high above Handanovic at the near post.
The USA effort to equalize came when Altidore climbed high to nod down a long ball into the box and Michael Bradley sprinted into the box to fire past Handanovic and send the majority of the Ellis Park crowd into hysterics with eight minutes to go.
Three lions was Toothless
After the match make England sorrow when they just draw against USA need to take an opportunity to beat Algerian for rescue their path in knock out stages. The hope is miserable, England not just could win against Algerian but can’t score any goal make them toothless and hopeless.
Underdog Algeria held the Three Lions to a second disappointing World Cup draw, a 0-0 tie that left the Group C wide open and is sure to have English fans furious after their team arrived in South Africa as a favorite.
With Wayne Rooney held scoreless for the seventh straight match, England lacked its touch against an opponent fighting to avoid becoming the first nation eliminated from the World Cup.
England hasn’t scored since the fourth minute of its opening match against the United States. Algeria hasn’t scored at all.
The best chance fell Frank Lampard's way after Aaron Lennon's cross had been half-cleared by Rafik Halliche but it was saved.
England fans, who made up the majority of the crowd at the Green Point stadium cared little of the merits of the opposition and showed their frustration by booing a wayward Lampard effort and again when the full-time whistle went. Capello, on the occasion of his 64th birthday, left the arena with his head bowed, as did the majority of the England players. It all comes down to the final group matches with England playing current section leaders Slovenia in Port Elizabeth and USA facing Algeria in Pretoria.
Defoe goal saves the day
England play for their final matched only one hope, winning the game can’t draw or loss. Their effort came at last when Cappelo decision to drop Emile Heskey and start Jermain Defoe paid off against Slovenia as the striker volleyed home to seal England's progress with a 1-0 win in Port Elizabeth.
England, only goal of the game came in 23rd minute when James Milner swung in a ball from the right and Defoe got there ahead of Marko Suler to fire in a volley that found the roof of the net via the palms of Samir Handanovic. Coincidentally, it was his first England goal since he scored in a 2-1 friendly win against Slovenia last September.
However the victory cannot give three lions at the top of the group when Landon Donovan's injury-time effort in Pretoria meant the outcome was not exactly what they wanted in Group C, as it means they finish second and leaves them in the same quarter of the draw as Diego Maradona's dangerous Argentineans. But the main thing is they are still there.
Slovenia entered the day the surprise leader in the group but finished with four points to five for the U.S. and England. The U.S. earned first place based on tiebreakers.
Late goal of Donovan pushes the USA to crown of the group
USA has topped Group C as Landon Donovan hit a late winner against Algeria to give them a 1-0 win. Clint Dempsey's first-half goal was wrongly ruled out for offside but Donovan struck with seconds left to leapfrog England.
The United States, watched on by former President Bill Clinton, dominated for large periods and created a host of chances but looked set to be denied by a mixture of the woodwork, good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
USA were sitting in third place as the 90 minute-mark ticked by but everything changed in the blink of an eye as Landon Donovan led one last attack. Jozy Altidore squared the ball into the danger zone, where M'Bolhi beat it away, but Donovan was able to latch onto the loose ball and passed it into an empty net, before being submerged among a sea of white shirts. It was the least Bob Bradley's team deserved, having also had a Clint Dempsey effort disallowed for offside, struck a post and seen Altidore pass up a glorious opening. Frustration for Algeria was evident as captain Anther Yahia was sent off in the dying seconds for a second yellow card.
The victory give USA an advantages in knock out stages since they can avoid meeting against heavyweight team as Germany when they scheduled against Ghana.
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