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Full-time - 90'
Australia 2 - 1 Serbia Group D, 18:30 GMT, June 23, 2010 Mbombela Stadium Australia beat Serbia 2-1 to seal both teams' exit from the World Cup. The Socceroos looked like they might cause an upset after going ahead, but Serbia's Marko Pantelic hit back to see them miss out by a single goal. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: - In a hard fought match, super-sub Brett Holman changed the course of a game that Serbia were in control of. Tim Cahill scored just two minutes after the AZ Alkmaar midfielder's introduction and Holman then scored himself with a 30-yard wonder goal to give Australia a 2-0 lead. Australia verdict: Struggled to get into the match as they opted for the direct route in the first-half. After the break the Socceroos played more of a passing game, keeping the ball on the floor, and it suited them better. Serbia verdict: The Serbs were dominant in possession in the first-half and looked comfortable. But the White Eagles made a slow start after the break and lost their way. Zoran Tosic's introduction as sub in the 62nd minute got them back on course, but it was too little, too late. Could do better: Nikola Zigic The 6' 7" striker missed a header from point-blank range when unmarked in the first-half. He didn't improve after the break and was hauled off after 69 minutes, to be replaced by Marko Pantelic. Stat attack: This was the Socceroos' first win in six games at the World Cup finals (two draws and three defeats). Ultimately Serbia paid for their earlier profligacy as second-half goals from Tim Cahill and Brett Holman sent them crashing out. Australia's effort dragged them off the bottom of the group but it was too little too late as Ghana edged them out of the second round on goal difference. It was a face-saving win for Australia that seemed barely likely in the first half as they struggled to cope with Serbia's pace and technical excellence. Serbia had the first opportunity when Milos Krasic, booed by Australia's sizeable following after a tumble in the box moments earlier, burst into the box and fired at Mark Schwarzer from a tight angle. Krasic had another chance after 11 minutes as Serbia broke quickly following an Australia corner. Milos Ninkovic played him through with a superb pass but the CSKA Moscow star shot high and wide after rounding the advancing Schwarzer. Serbia maintained the pressure and went close again when Zdravko Kuzmanovic shot across the face of goal. Australia were struggling to handle the speed of the Serbian attacks and were grateful when Schwarzer stuck out an arm to deny Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic from inside the six-yard box. They were limited to firing in crosses from deep but it was 32 minutes before Serbia failed to deal with one and Cahill headed his side's first good chance wide. Australia were almost caught out by another slick Serbia move before the break but Krasic was marginally offside before flicking the ball past Schwarzer. The Socceroos began the second period with more purpose and won a free-kick after Cahill tangled with Nemanja Vidic. Marco Bresciano drilled the set-piece in low but Nikola Zigic was back to clear. Cahill also sliced a shot wide from a Josh Kennedy flick-on but the Socceroos remained vulnerable on the counter-attack. Milan Jovanovic broke clear on the left and Zigic controlled his cross brilliantly only to shoot over. Australia, again showing more intent, went close as Jason Culina drilled a low shot wide. Bresciano then forced Vladimir Stojkovic to make his first serious save from a low free-kick after Ninkovic was booked for a late tackle on Luke Wilkshire. Kuzmanovic headed a good chance wide for Serbia but the eastern Europeans were starting to look concerned. They paid the price for their earlier profligacy as Wilkshire picked out Cahill with a superb cross in the 69th minute and the Everton star headed powerfully home in familiar fashion. Serbia were rattled and Australia began to sense an unlikely opportunity as substitute Holman broke forward four minutes later and unleashed a ferocious shot that flew past Stojkovic from 30 yards. 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. That allowed them to regain their composure and they created one last gilt-edged chance but Pantelic was unable to stay onside and missed the target anyway. |
Paraguay v New Zealand
Group F, 14:00 GMT, June 24, 2010 Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa If New Zealand were to pick up a scoring draw and Italy were held 0-0 by Slovakia, then the All Whites would go through on goal scored and if they both manage to draw by the same scoreline then it goes to the drawing of lots. A win against Paraguay would also ensure New Zealand's progress (possibly as group winners) and it would represent the single biggest shock in World Cup history if they were to qualify. Not given a hope of even getting a point at the tournament, they have impressed with their functional style of play and picked up two impressive points in their first two games. Who is to say they can't do it again? Paraguay won't be an easy proposition though. The team that impressed more in the qualifiers than Argentina have shown that they have the spirit to push for top spot with a convincing win over Slovakia and a battling draw against Italy. Playing decent attacking football, with a high-energy approach, they have quality throughout their ranks and should be favourites. Paraguay player to watch: Cristian Riveros . Steve Bruce may have picked himself up a bargain as the new Sunderland recruit has looked imperious in the Paraguay midfield. A brilliant pass-and-move player, his stamina has impressed and he has been one of the shining lights of Group F thus far. Boasting a tough tackle as well, Paraguay have used him on the left of a three-man midfield to control and win the ball back, while he has been encouraged to join the attack as much as possible. New Zealand player to watch: Rory Fallon. While fellow striker Shane Smeltz has taken the headlines for his goal against Italy, Fallon has been the battering ram up front that creates space for his team-mates. Criticised by the Italians for use of the arm while jumping, Fallon is a tough customer and can hold the ball up with his strength to give New Zealand a different option up front. The hero of the Bahrain play-off could use a goal though. Key Battle: Lucas Barrios v Tommy Smith. Barrios has managed three goals and two assists in five games for Paraguay so far in his career and his star is on the rise. With pace and skill up front, he was tipped as one of the players to watch out for before the tournament and has come good. Alongside Ryan Nelsen, Smith has shown his talent at the tender age of 20, marshalling the defence and forming a great partnership with the Blackburn man. He gave away a silly penalty against Italy, but with that to the back of his mind, he will have his hands full stopping Barrios. Trivia: This is the 750th match in World Cup history. Stats: Twelve of Paraguay's last 13 wins have come when they have kept a clean sheet, while New Zealand have scored two goals from just three shots on target in this World Cup. Odds: Paraguay (1,50), New Zealand (7.00) and a draw (4.20) are all available at Bet 365, but a 0-0 draw will get you 9.00. Prediction: If New Zealand can play like they have thus far, they stand every chance of picking up another draw. One feels a tough 1-0 defeat may await them though. |
Slovakia v Italy
Group F, 14:00 GMT, June 24, 2010 Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa The world champions come into a must-win game in poor form. Italy have drawn against Paraguay and New Zealand already at this World Cup and their last three matches in the tournament (including the 2006 final) has seen them concede first before drawing 1-1. In-fighting has seen coach Marcello Lippi criticised by some of his players for his tactics. Claudio Marchisio, the most vocal, has grown tired of what he calls ''experiments'' in the formation, but Lippi has maintained that the team spirit is intact. We shall see. But they come up against a Slovakia side that have only managed three shots on target after their first two games. With star midfielder Marek Hamsik failing to fire, Slovakia have not impressed, but it is a measure of the competition thus far that if they manage to beat the Italians (and Paraguay beat New Zealand) they would qualify. The only previous encounter between these two sides was a 3-0 win for Italy in 1998, but with Group F the group of draws, one wonders if Italy have enough to see themselves safely through. Slovakia player to watch: Martin Skrtel. The Liverpool defender was an injury doubt before the tournament, but he has come to the fore and shown some commanding performances in the heart of Slovakia's defence. Strong and as committed as any player in South Africa, Skrtel's physicality has stopped the minnows being rolled over and he will have to be at his best again to keep Italy off the scoresheet. Italy player to watch: Daniele De Rossi. The Roma star is highly rated by his team-mates and is seen as one of the best midfielders in the world. Combative, tough and aggressive, he has said that Italy must put in a much better performance than they have thus far, saying: ''We'll have to improve quickly, because otherwise we won't be going far." How he manages to distribute the ball in the centre will play a large part in Italy's hopes of success. Key Battle: Jan Mucha v Vincenzo Iaquinta. If Slovakia follow their pattern of play, then a lot of the game could be played in their own half. Italy have strikers who are the subject of interest in every transfer window, but they have not lit up the World Cup thus far. Mucha has shown glimpses of his talent in between the sticks, while Iaquinta has struggled in front of goal and only managed to net from the spot against New Zealand. Trivia: Italy have conceded two goals from the only two shots on target they have conceded at this World Cup. Stats: Italy have scored 11 of their last 16 goals at World Cup finals from set-pieces, while three of the four matches in Group F have finished 1-1. Odds: Slovakia (6.50), Italy (1.53) and a draw (4.00) are all available at Bet 365, but a 1-1 draw will get you 8.00. Prediction: A 1-1 draw seems likely given the poor form of both teams, but one feels Italy have to turn it around eventually and now may be that time. |
Cameroon v Netherlands
Group E, 18:30 GMT, June 24, 2010 Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa With the Dutch already qualified and Cameroon already out, the match holds little importance, save for a chance to restore some pride to the Indomitable Lions. Paul Le Guen's team have not won in their last seven games and confidence is at an all-time low after in-fighting in the camp that saw the coach come in for blooding young players too quickly. But with very little positive news to take from their experiences in South Africa, the side have a chance to upset the likely group winners, who will already be targeting a potential game in the second round against Italy. Bert van Marwijk's team performed well in their warm-up matches and have extended that run into the tournament, with many tipping the Dutch to go all the way. With an emphasis on attacking football, they have won over many neutrals and should not be troubled too much by the first side to drop out of the World Cup. Cameroon player to watch: Souleymanou Hamidou. Keeping Carlos Kameni out of the side, the veteran goalkeeper has had to watch as his side dropped out of the tournament. Not expected to keep the No.1 spot, he has now made it his own and will be tested to the fullest against a sharp Dutch attack. Netherlands player to watch: Arjen Robben. He may not be granted a start if the coach decides to stick with the same XI as the win over Japan, but the fit-again winger will certainly be given some playing time. Having recovered from a hamstring injury that he picked up attempting to do a backheel in a warm-up match, Robben will be a key player for the Dutch if they are to progress further in the tournament. Key Battle: Pierre Webo v Johnny Heitinga. Leading the line with Samuel Eto'o, Webo plays an important role in using his strength and power to create space for his team-mates. Boasting good pace and clever off-the-ball runs, he has not fired in front of goal, but is an important part of Cameroon's attack. Meanwhile Netherlands have only conceded two goals in their past six World Cup matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process, and Everton's Heitinga has played a vital role in this. Strong and committed, he is the star of an underappreciated Dutch back four. Trivia: This is Cameroon's 20th World Cup match, the most by any African side, but they were the first side to be knocked out of the 2010 World Cup. Stats: Twenty-six of the 32 goals Cameroon have conceded at World Cups have come against European opponents - and they haven't won any of their past nine meetings with European sides at finals. Odds: Cameroon (4.50), Netherlands (1.83) and a draw (3.60) are all available at Bet 365, but a 3-0 win for the Dutch will get you 15.00. Prediction: With nothing but pride to play for, Cameroon will surely be turned over by an efficient, if not quite Total, Dutch side. |
Denmark v Japan
Group E, 18:30 GMT, June 24, 2010 Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa Specialists at this stage of the competition, if Denmark beat Japan they will reach the second round of the World Cup for the fourth time in four World Cup appearances. They also have a very good record against Asian sides, having won ten of their 15 meetings, drawing three times and losing just once. The 2-1 win against Cameroon marked the first time that Denmark had come from behind to win a match at the World Cup, so they will be full of confidence going in to the game, as the Japanese come off the back of a defeat to Denmark. Three of the last four goals that Japan have conceded came from shots from outside the box in open play and Wesley Sneijder's effort suggests that the Danes might be best following his lead and having a go from distance. Japan have only won one of their six meetings with European sides at the World Cup so the Danes are firm favourites to set up a potential clash with Paraguay in the second round. Denmark player to watch: Dennis Rommedahl. He may not extend the same influence as he has managed in the past, but the flying winger's goal was crucial in saving the game against Cameroon. Still boasting a good turn of pace, his tricks on the flanks will create plenty of chances for his team-mates and he will be one of the main attacking outlets for the Danes. Japan player to watch: Makoto Hasebe. The Japan captain will need to lead from the front to drive his side on. A tough tackler, he also has finesse to his game and his role in the centre of the pitch will be key for his country. Still only 26, he carries the expectations of his country on his shoulders. Key Battle: Christian Poulsen v Yasuhito Endo. The Juventus midfielder is the tiger in midfield that wins the ball back and generally causes havoc for the opposition. He is a committed tackler and has a fiery temper, but also now has the experience to keep it in check. He made an error in the Cameroon game and will be keen to atone for it, but he will have to use every bit of energy to track down Endo. A creative force, with a great delivery from set-pieces, if Japan are to claim the point they need then Endo may be key. Trivia: Denmark have never missed a penalty at the World Cup, scoring all four of their spot-kicks. Stats: Only in two of their 12 World Cup matches have the 'Blue Samurai' scored more than one goal and have never won a World Cup game in which their opponents have scored. Odds: Denmark (2.25), Japan (3.40) and a draw (3.30) are all available at Bet 365, but Japan to lead at half-time, Denmark at full-time gets you 29.00. Prediction: A draw is enough for Japan to get through in second place, but Denmark will be going all-out in attack and should have enough to get the win. |
Full-time - 90'
Slovakia 3 - 2 Italy Group F, 14:00 GMT, June 24, 2010 Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa Champions Italy crashed out of the World Cup as first-time qualifiers Slovakia booked a surprising place in the second round after an epic game at Ellis Park. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Robert Vittek - The joint-top scorer in South Africa demonstrated his poaching prowess once again but was also a constant menace with his off-the-ball running. He held the ball up brilliantly and was imperious in the air, winning plenty of headers. His two goals were just rewards for an excellent all-round display. Slovakia verdict: Showed a distinct improvement after their defeat to Paraguay. Undoubtedly the greatest result in the country's short history. Vittek led the line well and the midfield showed fantastic energy right up to the end. Defensive errors must be cut out if further progress is to be made but it was a resolute performance and Vladimir Weiss's side fully deserve their place in the second round. Italy verdict: A shocking first-half display and the concession of two-goals gave them far too much to do and it was too little too late in terms of the intense pressure in the final 15 minutes of the game. Quagliarella's introduction livened things up but there were far too many underperforming players in the team, something that the any new manager must address. It was an inglorious end of the Azzurri's tenure as champions and they were woeful throughout their three-game defence of the trophy. Could do better: Fabio Cannavaro - Has looked a shadow of the player that won both the World Cup and World Player of the Year award in 2006 and was again out of his depth against Slovakia. Vittek caused him problems throughout and he was perhaps lucky to avoid a first-half sending off, having already been on a yellow. Will bow out of top-level football and may perhaps be more at home playing in Dubai next season. Stat attack: It is the first time in World Cup history that the two losing finalists from the previous tournament have failed to progress from the group stage having competed. Robert Vittek's brace put Slovakia in control but Antonio Di Natale halved the deficit and Fabio Quagliarella looked like he had levelled it at 2-2, but an offside decision went against him. Substitute Kamil Kopunek made it 3-1 to Slovakia 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. Italy started positively enough with Di Natale's volley almost catching out Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha inside the first 30 seconds. Vincenzo Iaquinta then dragged a shot well wide after good link-up play with Di Natale before Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik, Slovakia's star man and captain, miscued a volley after the ball was flicked on to him by Vittek. Iaquinta had the ball in the net after 10 minutes but Webb had already blown for a foul by the Juventus forward on defender Jan Durica in the box. Webb produced his first yellow card for Slovakia midfielder Zdenko Strba, who caught the hard-tackling Gennaro Gattuso late. Slovakia had to win to go through and they forged ahead in the 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. Strba could have made it 2-0 with a fierce 30-yard drive which Marchetti had to dive to his right to push wide for a corner as the half entered its final minutes. Italy were lacking in inspiration and a speculative Riccardo Montolivo effort from long range drifted harmlessly wide. Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel had to head over his own crossbar from a floated Gattuso cross, and the AC Milan battler then cut open Strba's knee in a tackle. The midfielder asked to continue though, with substitute Kamil Kopunek returning to his seat. Slovakia ended the half on a high and almost conjured the goal of the tournament when Vittek cleverly worked the ball back to Kucka for a viciously-struck volley which flashed into the side-netting. Italy brought on forward Quagliarella for Gattuso and Christian Maggio for Domenico Criscito at half-time and they created the first opening of the second half when Iaquinta headed off target from a Simone Pepe cross. Di Natale should have done better when played in by Maggio after 55 minutes, skewing a shot wide with only Mucha to beat. The biggest Italian cheer of the afternoon to that point greeted Andrea Pirlo's introduction in place of Montolivo, as Azzurri fans hoped he held the key to their revival. Di Natale hit 29 Serie A goals for Udinese last season but could not find a way past Slovakia as a curling shot from the edge of the box was held by Mucha. Italy came within a whisker of an equaliser when Pepe's cross sailed over Mucha's head and Quagliarella fired goalwards with the keeper committed, but Skrtel got back to block on the goalline. The holders were taking more chances, allowing Slovakia to find more space on the break and Miroslav Stoch flashed one shot across Marchetti's goal. The game looked up for the champions though in the 73rd minute when Hamsik half-volleyed the ball across from the right and Vittek got to it before Giorgio Chiellini to steer it in at the near post. 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. There was then a skirmish inside the goal as Quagliarella scrapped with Mucha to retrieve the ball, with Webb booking both men. Quagliarella thought he had equalised when he turned home a Di Natale cross from the left, but the Napoli man was flagged offside by assistant Darren Cann in the tightest of decisions. A throw-in by Peter Pekarik then caught Italy sleeping and substitute Kopunek raced through to lob the ball over Marchetti. Quagliarella pulled one back with a sublime lob but Pepe fluffed their final chance deep into stoppage time when he shanked wide at the far post. |
Full-time - 90'
Paraguay 0 - 0 New Zealand Group F, 14:00 GMT, June 24, 2010 Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, South Africa New Zealand's World Cup campaign ended with another draw as they held group winners Paraguay 0-0 but went out of the tournament. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Lucas Barrios - It says a lot about the quality of the game that a substitute was the pick of the players, but the striker showed real intent when he was introduced. Looked lively after coming on, getting into good positions on the wings and producing a couple of dangerous crosses. Paraguay verdict: Very disappointing following two impressive performances against Italy and Slovakia. Lacked a real cutting edge and failed to produce in the final third. Were reduced to woeful long-range efforts and must reproduce their form of the previous fixtures to have any hope of advancing. New Zealand verdict: Too limited, the All Whites didn't push forward until the final ten minutes and never really looked like forcing anything from the game. They didn't possess enough quality but must be praised for their fantastic run - an unbeaten World Cup campaign represents an incredible achievement for the minnows. Could do better: Oscar Cardozo - One shot from long range is all the striker had to show for his 66 fruitless minutes and he will almost certainly be dropped in favour of Barrios for Paraguay's second-round match. His hold-up play was abysmal and he is perhaps still feeling the effects of a pre-tournament injury. Stat attack: Paraguay advanced from group play in both 1998 and 2002, but had the misfortune to face one of the eventual finalists in the second round in both years, losing to France in 1998 and Germany in 2002, both by a 10. They will have to negotiate a way past either Japan or Denmark in the second round this time, with Brazil their likely opponents in the quarter-finals. New Zealand finished Group F unbeaten, having drawn with defending champions Italy and a talented Paraguay team who qualified ahead of Argentina in South America. 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. New Zealand's game-plan, as it had been all along, was to keep things locked down at the back. Their five-man defence, marshalled by Blackburn's Ryan Nelsen, was supplemented by holding midfielders Ivan Vicelich and Simon Elliot sitting just a few yards in front. Playing for the first time in the tournament in the black shirts so synonymous with the country's rugby team, they began well. Shane Smeltz, who attained hero status by scoring in the 1-1 draw with Italy, blazed wildly over from outside the penalty area in the fifth minute while Middlesbrough's Chris Killen was only inches away from connecting with Elliott's hanging free-kick to the far post. When the space did open up for Paraguay, Nelson Valdez overhit his cross from the left while Denis Caniza followed suit with a volley after Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz had lifted the ball over Tony Lochhead. It said a lot about New Zealand's tactics that right-back Caniza was getting all the chances as he hit a 20-yard swerving shot over the angle of crossbar and post and then dropped a dipping drive onto the roof of Mark Paston's net. Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo also blasted over as Paraguay finished the half on top. New Zealand returned early after the interval and it was immediately apparent Herbert had released some of the shackles with Lochhead given more licence to get forward. It almost paid off within three minutes of the restart when the left-back's cross deflected into the path of Elliott whose strike fizzed past Justo Villar's right-hand post. Nelsen was booked for halting the run of former Blackburn team-mate Santa Cruz in the 57th minute but Cardozo's free-kick was disappointing. Paston, who had been relatively untroubled, produced an instinctive save from new Sunderland midfielder Cristian Riveros' diving header as the South American's quality began to tell. His heroics continued as he dived low to his right to parry substitute Edgar Benitez's shot and brilliantly tipped the ball away from Lucas Barrios when he seemed certain to score. The last ten minutes should have seen the charge of the All White Brigade but they had exerted so much energy in keeping Paraguay at bay there was little left in the tank. Another draw ensured they finished above four-time World Cup winners Italy in third place, though, and that does them great credit, while Paraguay finished on top of Group F. |
Full-time - 90'
Denmark 1 - 3 Japan Group E, 18:30 GMT, June 24, 2010 Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa Japan booked their place in the last 16 of the World Cup after outstanding first-half free-kicks from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo sent them on their way to victory over Denmark in Rustenburg. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Keisuke Honda - Scored one of a pair of sensational free-kicks for the Blue Samurai, and aside from that looked a threat whenever he had the ball at his feet - also providing a beautifully worked assist for Okazaki's goal. Showed excellent distribution and offered an effective outlet throughout; proved again at these finals that he is a player who possesses genuine class. Denmark verdict: Completely one-dimensional, Morten Olsen's side were woeful in the first-half and though they threw caution to the wind in the second, the Danes were unable to unlock a compact and well-drilled Japanese unit. On this showing, they certainly deserve to be heading out of the tournament with their tails between their legs. Japan verdict: Impressive. Passed crisply, moved intelligently and finished clinically. Looked very comfortable in possession and a warning to their second round opponents Paraguay - underestimate this Japan team at your peril. A completely different side to the one that was in such dreadful form coming into the tournament, Japan are now hitting the high notes at the right time. Could do better: Thomas Sorensen - A player who has a reputation for being one of the Premier League's most consistent performers was anything but against Japan. Should have done better with Honda's free-kick after being completely wrong-footed, and set-up his wall completely wrong for Endo's goal. Was almost embarassed a la David Seaman v Brazil at the 2002 World Cup but managed to gather unconvincingly. Stat attack: Japan's goal was the fastest they have ever scored in a World Cup match (previous mark was 26th minute against Australia in 2006). 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 Scandinavians had the first real chance inside five minutes, but Tomasson found himself in the wrong position as he tried to deal with a deflected Simon Poulsen cross and the chance went begging. Yoshito Okubo then sent in a low cross from the left that was flicked on nicely by Daisuke Matsui 10 yards out, only for Sorensen to intervene outstandingly with his feet. Moments later Makoto Hasebe latched on to a defence-splitting pass, but wastefully shot over. At the other end captain Tomasson was again played in, on the left side of the box this time, but his low shot curled agonisingly wide. The deadlock was broken the next time Japan went up-field thanks to Honda's stunning free-kick, his second goal so far at the finals. It came after Matsui was fouled 30-yards out on the right and a curling and dipping shot was sent over the wall into the far corner beyond an outstretched Sorensen. Tomasson had his third chance inside the opening quarter when Christian Poulsen lifted the ball over the defence, but the Feyenoord front-man failed to connect cleanly and Eiji Kawashima parried the ball away to safety. Endo then made it 2-0 when he bent his free-kick around the wall into the right-hand corner. After Christian Poulsen tried his luck from distance, Sorensen prevented his side falling further behind before half-time when he tipped over Yuichi Komano's effort from the right. The Stoke City goalkeeper was saved from embarrassment by his right-hand upright less than three minutes after the restart when he spilt a routine catch from an Endo free-kick. Kahlenberg then seemed to be taken by surprise when the ball came to him at the back post, guiding the ball wide from a tight angle, while Tomasson was again let down by his control in the six-yard box after Lars Jacobsen swung over a useful cross from the right. Denmark continued to pile on the pressure and substitute Jakob Poulsen was next to come close, with his long-range effort punched away by Kawashima. Christian Eriksen, another replacement, then saw his strike from outside the box fade away as the Danes looked short of ideas. When they did manage to get into the penalty area, the out-of-form Tomasson, on a 15-match goal drought before the match, was unable to convert. With 11 minutes to play, another effort from distance by Soren Larsen left the crossbar shaking, but seconds later Tomasson finally managed to hit the back of the net. After Daniel Agger received a shove in the back to win a penalty, the veteran striker saw his shot stopped by Kawashima, but the rebound was unconvincingly sliced hope. It gave Denmark hope, but substitute Okazaki killed their spirit in the 87th minute when Honda teed him up beautifully to send Japan through. |
Full-time - 90'
Cameroon 1 - 2 Netherlands Group E, 18:30 GMT, June 24, 2010 Green Point Stadium Holland made it three wins from as many Group E matches with victory in their dead rubber against Cameroon in Cape Town. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Arjen Robben - While the Dutch were generally solid and occasionally produced flashes of quality, Robben's 73rd-minute introduction suggested the Dutch have every reason to dream of a first World Cup triumph this summer. He was inventive and bright, and the strike that came off the post to provide Klaas-Jan Huntelaar with the winner was sublime. Cameroon verdict: Uninventive, the Indomitable Lions were always looking for Geremi to provide the ammunition but his delivery was not quite up to scratch. Eto'o provided moments of genuine quality, and a young Aboubakar looked lively after being brought on, but it was an uninspired performance from a team that had already failed to live up to their potential and suffered the ignominy of an exit before the final game had begun. Netherlands verdict: Far from their best, the Oranje played in second gear for much of the game, not really coming alive until Robben's introduction. There were flashes of quality to suggest that they may be genuine contenders but, in a listless match in which they simply looked to stay in control, they rarely looked troubled. Could do better: Rigobert Song - A seasoned veteran, Song looked well out of his depth when he came on for a brief cameo. Should be honoured for his tremendous commitment to the national team, but he showed that it is time to step aside and let some young blood step into the national set-up. Showed zero pace and Robben ran him ragged. Stat attack: Cameroon have never conceded first and come back to win. In 1998, the Indomitable Lions came back from one down to draw against Chile. With Holland already through to the second round and Cameroon out, it took Robin van Persie's 36th-minute flash of inspiration to get things going. Samuel Eto'o's second-half penalty levelled matters until substitute Klaas Jan Huntelaar's 82nd-minute winner continued the group winners' momentum heading into a last-16 clash with Slovakia. Holland came into the match on an unbeaten run of 21 international matches and had produced wins against Denmark and Japan to secure their progression. Bert van Marwijk opted not to risk starting with Arjen Robben, who is yet to feature due to a hamstring problem, while Van Persie and Nigel de Jong were included despite being a booking away from suspension. Rafael van der Vaart dragged one wide for Holland early on and Cameroon's Aurelien Chedjou fired a weak effort at Maarten Stekelenburg. Dirk Kuyt picked up a needless booking before Van Persie could only fire straight at Hamidou Souleymanou after brilliantly setting himself up by chesting down Giovanni van Bronckhorst's chip forward. In the 31st minute Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun headed over from Geremi's cross before Kuyt dragged one wide for Holland. Finally the crowd had something to cheer after 35 minutes when Van Persie opened the scoring, playing a neat one-two with Van der Vaart before firing between Souleymanou's legs. After five minutes of the second half Mark van Bommel played a nice sweeping ball forward for Van Persie which his colleague wastefully hit at the goalkeeper. Sneijder's free-kick was on target but lacked power while Cameroon showed little conviction going forward. Van Persie was withdrawn before the hour mark with Huntelaar coming on. Cameroon's best chance came moments later when substitute Vincent Aboubakar's clever reverse pass found Makoun - who looked offside - but the midfielder was denied by Stekelenburg with Chedjou then blasting over from the loose ball. Cameroon were 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. Van Marwijk sent on Eljero Elia for Kuyt with Robben still waiting in the wings while De Jong could not properly connect with Van der Vaart's teasing free-kick. Van Bronckhorst was then harshly booked for pulling down Aboubakar. Stephane Mbia headed over from a set-piece before Cameroon boss Paul Le Guen made substitutions of his own, with veteran Rigobert Song getting a brief taste of his fourth World Cup tournament. Meanwhile, Robben's strip-tease down to his playing kit excited the crowd before he came on for Van der Vaart. He made an impact quickly, too, cutting inside and firing a trademark left-footed shot which hit the post and fell to Huntelaar to restore his side's lead. |
North Korea v Ivory Coast
Group G, 14:00 GMT, June 25, 2010 Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa Ivory Coast need something approaching a miracle if they are to prolong their participation at the World Cup. Sven-Goran Eriksson's side must beat North Korea, hope that Brazil do likewise to Portugal and enjoy a nine-goal swing if they are to snatch second place from the European side. However, a sliver of comfort comes in the fact that North Korea conceded seven in their last outing. The Chollima's humbling at the hands of Portugal means they are out of the competition, but having had their embarrassment in Cape Town broadcast live to the North Korean nation - a rarity in the secluded state - they will be wary of bringing the country into further disrepute. A performance more in keeping with their 2-1 defeat to Brazil will be required. Given the improbability of a scenario in which they would qualify, Ivory Coast are also looking to restore pride after a 3-1 defeat to Brazil that saw the Elephants outpassed and outclassed. Kader Keita also heaped embarrassment on the side with his ridiculous playacting that resulted in Kaka being shown a red card. Ivory Coast will not have given up on reaching the second round but, as the old saying goes, it's the hope that kills you. North Korea player to watch: Cha Jong-Hyok. While North Korea's defence clearly crumbled as they conceded six in the second half against Portugal, the right-back has still been one of his country's standout performers in South Africa. Surging forward at every given opportunity, Cha boasts impressive stamina and no little skill. His service from a wide position is important for North Korea and he is not afraid of shooting from range. Cha is the very model of a modern full-back, including in his propensity to get caught out of position. Ivory Coast player to watch: Gervinho. The forward was relegated to the bench for the defeat to Brazil but benefitted from a poor performance from Aruna Dindane and came on after 54 minutes. A threat from an advanced position on the wing, Gervinho can be relied upon to supply some trickery and that may be needed to unlock a five-man North Korea defence. Key battle: Hong Jong-Jo v Yaya Toure. Hong is the only North Korean player to ply his trade in Europe, representing Russia's Rostov, and is a key member of a side designed to counter-attack. Though he can play as an advanced forward, his best position sees him drop in behind lone striker Jong Tae-Se and that should put him firmly on Toure's radar. The Barcelona midfielder is a bullish presence in the holding role and will look to restrict Hong's influence on the game. Boasting fine technique, Toure is also instrumental in launching Ivorian attacks. Trivia: In his previous role as Notts County director of football, Sven-Goran Eriksson was sounded out about leading North Korea at the World Cup. He turned them down, and was appointed Elephants boss in March. Stats: There has only been one African win in nine World Cup encounters against Asian opposition. That came in 2002 when Cameroon defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0. Odds: North Korea (8.50), the draw (5.00) and North Korea (1.36) with Bet365. North Korea to win to nil at 11.00 looks tempting, given they are likely to close ranks after the Portugal hammering. Prediction: Do not expect a high-scoring game, North Korea will not want to suffer another humiliation. This game will be cagey, and Ivory Coast may be on the receiving end of a shock result. |
Portugal v Brazil
Group G, 14:00 GMT, June 25, 2010 Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa It is something of a shame that the standout game of the entire group stage will be devoid of real tension due to the comfortable situation both sides find themselves in, but Brazil and Portugal are still competing for top spot in Group G - an honour which could see them avoid Spain in the second round. Dunga's Brazil have already qualified following back-to-back victories over North Korea and Ivory Coast, and while Portugal's place in the next round is not formally confirmed, the Ivorians need a nine-goal swing if they are to snatch second place in the group. In reality, this game is a straight shoot-out for top spot, which Brazil will secure with a win or draw in Durban. The seleção were superb in their 3-1 defeat of Ivory Coast - a performance which confirmed they still possess the style associated so intimately with Brazil - but the victory came at a cost. Kaka, the victim of some horrendous playacting on the part of Kader Keita, will be suspended for the Portugal tie following his red card. That means Brazil could move Robinho into a central role or call on Julio Baptista, but the loss of Kaka will be keenly felt by a side that relies on his expert use of the ball. Elano, too, may be missing as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. Portugal's own Brazilian, Deco, is another likely absentee due to a hip injury and his replacement, Tiago, scored twice in a 7-0 destruction of North Korea that saw Carlos Queiroz's side finally cast aside doubts over their prowess. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first goal for his country in almost two years as an insipid 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast was quickly forgotten amid a shower of goals. Now two countries united by language will hope to put on a show of fluent football. Portugal player to watch: Liedson. The striker was relegated to the bench for the 7-0 drubbing of North Korea but scored after his emergence in the second half. Doing so again on Friday would be special indeed for a player who was born and grew up in Brazil and has only represented Portugal for 12 months. Liedson, like team-mates Deco and Pepe, has been warmly welcomed by his adopted nation but will not sing the Portuguese anthem on Friday as a mark of respect for Brazil. Brazil player to watch: Lucio. With Cristiano Ronaldo back in goalscoring form, Brazil's captain may have to be at his commanding best to repel the Real Madrid forward. Lucio is the cornerstone of a Brazil side that, under Dunga, has a reputation for favouring solidity over style. That may be somewhat misleading as Brazil still possess greater flair than the majority of teams at the finals, but there is no doubt that in Lucio they have a player well versed in the destructive arts. Athletic, alert and inspirational, the Inter defender is an elite player. Key battle: Fabio Coentrao v Dani Alves. The tussle between these two dynamic wide men will be a real spectacle on Friday. Coentrao is a winger turned full-back who was vastly impressive in Portugal's win over North Korea, linking up with Ronaldo to devastating effect and providing first-class delivery from wide on the left. Alves, meanwhile, is the Ringo Starr of the Brazil squad. Is he the best right-back in the world? No, he isn't even the best right-back in the seleção. But with Maicon settled at the back and Elano struggling with injury, the Barcelona star will be pressed into action in an advanced role on the right. Both players possess pace and skill in abundance. Sparks will fly. Trivia: After scoring twice against Ivory Coast, Luis Fabiano has surpassed David Villa and now boasts the best scoring rate in international games of any player at the World Cup (minimum ten caps) 1. Luis Fabiano, 27 goals in 40 matches. 2. David Villa, 40/60. 3. Jong Tae-Se, 16/26. 4. Didier Drogba, 42/70 5. Soren Larsen, 11/19. Stats: Under Dunga, Brazil are a formidable defensive unit and after the first two rounds of group games, no team had won more tackles (43). Odds: Portugal (3.75), the draw (3.00) and Brazil (2.25) with Bet365. Luis Fabiano to score the first goal at 6.00 looks attractive, particularly if he continues to use his arms so productively. Prediction: Brazil will be inhibited by the loss of Kaka but marry pragmatism with imagination and are a formidable side. Expect them to fend off Portugal and take top spot. |
Switzerland v Honduras
Group H, 18:30 GMT, June 25, 2010 Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa After a humiliating home defeat to Luxembourg in qualification, Switzerland are still in with a strong chance of making the second round and dumping pre-tournament favourites Spain or Marcelo Bielsa's impressive Chile side out at the first hurdle. The Swiss currently sit third in the group, level on three points with Spain but trailing by a goal, and they are two goals and three points behind Chile. However, with Spain and Chile having to take points - and goals - from each other, a 2-0 win will be enough to see Switzerland through. Switzerland boss Ottmar Hitzfeld is one of the great tacticians at this summer's World Cup, but he will need to ensure his players show creativity and guile as well as a clinical touch to ensure they add to their solitary goal to date. Valon Behrami will not be available following his dismissal against Chile, but Tranquillo Barnetta looks likely to return to the side and should be a strong replacement. Honduras, meanwhile, have a number of players in elite leagues but have done little to defy suggestions they were among the weaker of the 32 teams to have reached the finals. Coach Reinaldo Rueda has signalled that he wants his team to win but also said they must emerge from the finals with dignity. It will be interesting to see whether the need to preserve dignity overtakes the desire for victory if they fall behind early on. Switzerland player to watch: Diego Benaglio. Honduras are desperate to restore some pride in their final game, so the Swiss can expect more ambition from their opponents in the early stages at least. Wolfsburg goalkeeper Benaglio has been hugely impressive against attack-minded Spain and Chile so far and, if he can keep another clean sheet, Switzerland have a great opportunity to reach the second stage. Honduras player to watch: David Suazo. This 30-year-old Inter Milan striker has spent over a decade playing in Italy but, since leaving Cagliari in 2007, he has struggled for goals and he spent 2010 on loan at Genoa. Injury problems have hindered his preparations for the tournament and he missed the opener against Chile with a leg problem, but he returned against Spain and, with 84 minutes under his belt in that game, Honduras will be desperate for Suazo to recover some form and give the country something to celebrate. Key Battle: Eren Derdiyok v Maynor Figueroa. With captain Alexander Frei still struggling for fitness, Derdiyok could lead the line for Switzerland ahead of him and veteran striker Blaise Nkufo. Derdiyok has a very poor goal-scoring record at international level, but the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen man is strong and stands at 6' 3" and will be a nuisance at the least. Wigan left-back Figueroa, meanwhile, is known for attacking contributions in England but has been playing in the centre for his country, so he will need to stay focused. Trivia: Honduras squad members David Suazo and Hendry Thomas are cousins. Stats: In their previous meeting with a CONCACAF side at the World Cup, Switzerland drew 1-1 draw with USA in the '94 group stage. Odds: Switzerland (1.50), New Zealand (7.00) and a draw (4.20) are all available at Bet 365. You can get odds of 9.50 on a 3-0 win for Switzerland. Prediction: Switzerland are perhaps better at grinding out results than going on the attack, but Honduras have done little so far in South Africa. Goals may prove vital in the final reckoning, so a substantial Swiss win is on the cards. |
Chile v Spain
Group H, 18:30 GMT, June 25, 2010 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa This much-anticipated match between two stylish sides in Pretoria could prove to be a tense affair as Group H comes to a convoluted conclusion. With one game remaining, both Chile and Spain could top the group, qualify in second or take an early flight home. A dramatic contest awaits. For Spain, a premature exit is unthinkable, but all too possible. Vicente del Bosque's side came into the tournament as favourites but an opening defeat to Switzerland has put their campaign in jeopardy. While a win guarantees them a place in the second round, la Furia Roja must be wary of Switzerland, who are level on three points at present. With Ottmar Hitzfeld's side expected to beat Honduras, a draw against Chile could prove terminal for the Spanish. It would be a huge shock if a team boasting the most technically-gifted midfield in world football and the attacking talents of David Villa and Fernando Torres were to be eliminated, but that is the scenario haunting Del Bosque. Relief comes with the news that Andres Iniesta is likely to return from injury and he could replace Jesus Navas in an advanced role. Meanwhile, despite winning their opening two games, Chile have not guaranteed qualification and they will be eliminated if they lose and Switzerland beat Honduras while making up a goal difference deficit of two. Marcelo Bielsa's side are also deprived of Matias Fernandez and Carlos Carmona due to suspension, so there is real cause for concern. Chile player to watch: Alexis Sanchez. Hardly an original choice given he has been his country's standout performer in wins over Honduras and Switzerland, but Friday's game gives Sanchez the chance to make his mark on one of the tournament favourites. Blessed with pace and superior technique, the winger is a dazzling presence in the Chile side and rumours of a possible move to Real Madrid are likely to gather pace if he can unlock Spain. Spain player to watch: Iker Casillas. Not long ago, Casillas was regarded as the finest goalkeeper in the world but his reputation has taken a minor battering of late. His performances in South Africa have been unconvincing and with Chile impressing in their first two victories, the Real Madrid 'keeper may have to rediscover his best form if his country are to progress to the knockout stages. Though he is a favourite of Vicente del Bosque, Casillas needs to prove why he is chosen ahead of Jose Reina and Victor Valdes. Key battle: Claudio Bravo v David Villa. The Chile 'keeper has only had to make three saves in the tournament so far following 1-0 wins over Honduras and Switzerland, and in Villa he comes up against one of the premier predators in world football. Villa scored twice in a 2-0 defeat of Honduras, the first a superb finish, and having missed the chance to claim a hat-trick when poking a penalty wide, he will be looking to make amends and improve his chances of winning the Golden Boot. He is available after FIFA took no action following his spat with Emilio Izaguirre of Honduras. Trivia: If Spain and Switzerland both win, then three teams will finish level on six points. No team has ever been knocked out with six points in the history of the World Cup. When wins were worth two points, Algeria were knocked out with four points following an infamous 1-0 win for West Germany against Austria that saw both teams qualify. Stats: Having not won a World Cup game for 48 years, Chile are now looking to make it three from three in the group stage. Odds: Chile (7.00), the draw (4.20) and Spain (1.50) with Bet365 A 2-2 draw is 21.00. Prediction: Spain surely have too much class to go home this early. They will dig out a win, but only just. |
Full-time - 90'
North Korea 0 - 3 Ivory Coast Group G, 14:00 GMT, June 25, 2010 Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, South Africa Yaya Toure, Romaric and Salomon Kalou were on target as Ivory Coast's World Cup campaign ended with a hollow victory over North Korea. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Romaric - Very tidy in possession and positive when pushing forward, Romaric was industrious throughout the match and deservedly got on the scoresheet. An honourable mention for fellow goalscorer Yaya Toure, too. North Korea verdict: The early promise of the opening match against Brazil now seems a distant memory. They were in serious danger of being swamped in the opening exchanges of this game, and could have suffered another drubbing, although they showed real character to improve in the second half. Ivory Coast verdict: After an initial flurry of action during which they looked full of purpose, and eager to claw back the goal difference deficit on Portugal, they soon ran out of steam and belief. A disappointing campaign but the real damage was done in the earlier games. Could do better: Jong Tae-Se - The 'People's Wayne Rooney' never really managed to deliver, and could not manage his promise of a goal a game. He should have finally got on the scoresheet in this game but wasted a fine chance in the second period. Stat attack: In 107 previous World Cup matches, no African side has scored more than three goals in a single match. Sven-Goran Eriksson's side struck twice inside 20 minutes as they tore into their limited opponents from the outset, but only frustration followed in their final Group G game. The Africans had 14 shots, 10 on target, as they dominated the first half and sensed an unlikely chance to reach the last 16. But North Korea, fearing more humiliation after their 7-0 hammering by Portugal, closed ranks after the break and only substitute Kalou could break through. Ivory Coast arrived at the Mbombela Stadium knowing they needed to win, hope Brazil could beat Portugal and see a nine-goal swing in the process. Despite the seemingly impossible nature of their task - rendered irrelevant anyway by Portugal's draw - they were determined to try and initially overran North Korea with embarrassing ease. Kader Keita broke into the North Korea box in the first minute but Ri Myong-Guk saved at the expense of a corner. Ri then grabbed a 40-yard Romaric free-kick at the second attempt before Gervinho jinked his way to the byline and pulled back across the face of goal. No-one was able to turn the ball in on that occasion but Didier Drogba did head in after ten minutes, only to be flagged offside. Gervinho then showed great skill on the edge of the box but Ri was equal to his shot. 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. The unlikeliest of dreams was still alive although North Korea at least threatened as Hong Yong-Jo sent two long-range free-kicks narrowly wide. Normal service was soon resumed however as Keita just missed the target with a thunderous volley and Gervinho skipped into the area and shot across goal. Ivory Coast ended the first half with another chance as Emmanuel Eboue shot over. They began the second period in similar fashion as Eboue forced North Korea to clear off the line but the Asian side at last managed to find some fortitude. Deploying five in defence in a damage-limitation exercise, they quashed the threat of the Elephants for a period and even enjoyed some possession. Yet Ivory Coast still seemed the side most likely to create chances and Drogba headed wide before Gervinho failed to turn in a Keita cross on the hour. Kalou entered the action but spurned a good chance when he scooped over at the end of a neat move. He made up for that when he volleyed in a Boka cross nine minutes from time but by then the players were going through the motions. Aruna Dindane thought he had added a fourth late on but his effort was disallowed for a foul. |
Full-time - 90'
Portugal 0 - 0 Brazil Group G, 14:00 GMT, June 25, 2010 Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa Portugal failed in their attempt to beat Brazil and climb above the World Cup heavyweights in a toothless Group G match in Durban. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Fabio Coentrao - A rare source of energy in what was a lethargic game, Coentrao was particularly impressive in the first half as he drove forwards and put some dangerous balls into the box. With Maicon and Dani Alves both on the right for Brazil, it looked set to be a tough afternoon's work for Coentrao, but he was rarely troubled defensively and attacked with real intent. Portugal verdict: While they never came alive, Portugal contained Brazil well and had the better of the game's limited opportunities. Raul Meireles looked one of the more threatening players in the Portugal squad and should be looking to get forward more often but, defensively, Ricardo Costa looked a little vulnerable against Nilmar's pace. Brazil verdict: Knowing a draw would take them through in first place, Brazil made major changes in attack and never looked like overexerting themselves. In isolation, this would be viewed as a poor performance and give Dunga's critics more ammunition, but they have shown they can step it up when required and a perfunctory showing like this is little cause for concern. Could do better: Cristiano Ronaldo - While he is very capable of moments of magic, his attempts to score every time he receives the ball are generally counter-productive. He needs to stop trying to win every game on his own if Portugal are to succeed at this World Cup, particularly given his poor goal-scoring form for his country. Stat attack: Prior to the game, Brazil had failed to score just twice in their last 21 World Cup matches, both of which came against France. 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. The Brazilians will play the runners-up of Group H in their next game while Portugal will take on the winners from that pool. 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. Brazil had the best chance to claim their third win in as many games on the half-hour mark but Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo made an outstanding save to deny Nilmar from close range. Portugal should have gone in front before the hour mark, but Raul Meireles struck just wide from five yards after a great run from Cristiano Ronaldo. A game expected to be full of attacking football instead had seven yellow cards handed out in a first half controlled by Brazil. Portugal came to life after the re-start but failed to test Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz made four changes to the side that thrashed North Korea 7-0, while the Brazilians were without suspended Kaka and injured Elano in midfield. As expected, Julio Baptista replaced Kaka while coach Dunga surprisingly left Robinho out of the starting XI and opted to play Nilmar alongside Luis Fabiano up front. Brazil earned two corners in the opening minutes and had the first chance in the fifth minute. Dani Alves' right-footed strike from 25 yards went wide of the near post. Brazil tried to loosen up the Portuguese defence but they did not seem to have any sense of urgency to test Eduardo. In the 14th minute, Julio Cesar did well to punch away Fabio Coentrao's dangerous cross towards the box. Shortly after, Alves tried his luck from the distance and his central effort was saved by the Portugal goalkeeper. At the other end, Tiago's volley from the edge of the area went over the bar. Midway through the first half, Juan was shown a yellow card after a hand ball to stop a Portuguese counter-attack. Brazil almost went in front soon after. Luis Fabiano fed Nilmar at the far post and his five-yard shot was deflected by Eduardo's palm to the near post. At the other end, Tiago was booked for diving. In the 38th minute, Luis Fabiano latched on to Maicon's cross from the right and his header went just wide of the near post. Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar had one save to make in the opening half with Ronaldo's 40th-minute strike not causing the Inter Milan man any problems. Portugal came to life in the second half and Lucio was forced to make a crucial clearance from Ronaldo's cross with Danny waiting inside the area. Before the hour mark, Meireles struck just wide from five yards after a great run from Ronaldo. In the 73rd minute, Alves' 30-yard strike went wide while three minutes from time Lucio's header was saved by Eduardo. Substitute Ramires almost earned Brazil victory but his right-footed strike was denied by an acrobatic save from Eduardo in stoppage time. |
Full-time - 90'
Switzerland 0 - 0 Honduras Group H, 18:30 GMT, June 25, 2010 Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa The dream is over for Switzerland in the World Cup after they failed to build on their superb victory against European champions Spain in their opening game. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Edgar Alvarez - In a game short of quality, there were no genuine standout players, but Alvarez was lively and direct for Honduras on the right wing and could easily have provided a winner for the underdogs. Switzerland verdict: Having shown they could soak up the pressure and sneak a goal against Spain, the pressure was on to show they could take the game to the opposition in this must-win game, but they were far too negative and lacked any sort of cutting edge. They improved slightly when Hakan Yakin was introduced to provide a decent ball into the box, but they lacked quality options to convert them. Honduras verdict: They were always going to be playing for pride but, playing on the counter-attack, they looked the better team for much of the night. Edgar Alvarez and Ramon Nunez threatened to cause problems and they attacked at pace, but a lack of belief and poor final balls meant they were unable to clinch a shock win. Could do better: Blaise Nkufo - The veteran Switzerland striker has been a consistent performer for his country but he failed to deliver when it really mattered. He looked cumbersome throughout the game, wasting a decent opening in the first half and generally failing to provide a threat, although the same charge could be levelled at many of his team-mates. Stat attack: This was the first 0-0 draw for Honduras in their World Cup history. It was the third for the Swiss, with two coming in 2006. 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. Hitzfeld chose to put Alex Frei on the bench even though the striker says he is 100% fit after an ankle injury - a surprise given that he has scored 40 goals in 76 games for his country. He eventually came on in the 69th minute but even though they had the majority of possession before and after his introduction the Swiss were left frustrated. Their heartache was clear to see at the end with players sprawled on the pitch with disappointment etched on their faces. Honduras exit with a point after their best performance in three games. They showed a lot of steel - Wigan midfielder Hendry Thomas was booked after only four minutes for a lunge at Gokhan Inler - and played some good football. Switzerland, however, carved out the first chance of the match in the 10th minute but Inler dragged his shot off target after being set up by Tranquillo Barnetta. Seven minutes later Barnetta floated in a superb cross to the back post, only for Eren Derdiyok to stray offside and head wide, then Barnetta tried his luck from 20 yards out but goalkeeper Noel Valladares was equal to his effort. Honduras were again pegged back in the 42nd minute and Derdiyok delivered the ball into the area. Blaise Nkufo found himself in the clear, only to get a poor touch and the chance was lost. Then, minutes later, he glanced a header wide. Hakan Yakin came for Gelson Fernandes at the start of the second half as Switzerland switched things around. Honduras should have taken the lead in the 54th minute but somehow David Suazo managed to find the wrong side of the post with a header following a cross from Edgar Alvarez. Barnetta then raced into the area after 60 minutes but Valladares was able to make a comfortable block before Derdiyok sent a shot into the arms of goalkeeper. Honduras launched a swift counter attack in the 71st minute when Suazo released Alvarez but goalkpeeper Diego Benaglio reacted superbly to push his effort over the top. Barnetta then picked Stephan Lichtsteiner but he was wasteful in 80th minute as Honduras put up the shutters to get a draw and restore some of their pride. |
Full-time - 90'
Chile 1 - 2 Spain Group H, 18:30 GMT, June 25, 2010 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa 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. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: David Villa - Another superb performance from the Barcelona-bound striker. He showed supreme calmness to sidefoot home the first goal following Claudio Bravo's gaffe in goal before setting up Andres Iniesta for the second. Without him they would look toothless up front. Chile verdict: After starting the game so well, Chile's indiscipline came back to haunt them even if the second yellow card incident itself seemed a little harsh on Marco Estrada. They showed enough attacking flair and ability to trouble one of the tournament favourites, and they will have to do it all again against Brazil. Spain verdict: Without doubt the least impressive of their three group games, yet that touch of quality in the attacking third proved to be the difference. Xabi Alonso picking up an ankle knock towards the end of the first half may be a worry, but they have strength in depth. Could do better: Fernando Torres - For the second game running the Liverpool striker was lethargic, had a terrible first touch and couldn't even come close to hitting the target. He could well lose his place for the second round date with Iberian neighbours Portugal. Stat attack: Spain qualified without a single booking, becoming the first team since Hungary in 1986 to not collect a card in the group stage. Chile, who had started the day with a three-point lead in Group H, surrendered top spot to the Spanish but still qualified for the knockout stages, where they will now face Brazil. 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. An incident in the build-up to that Iniesta goal also resulted in Chile having a player sent off with midfielder Marco Estrada earning a second yellow card after clipping Fernando Torres' heels. There looked little intent on Estrada's part, but the second booking left Chile with a mountain to climb. 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. Spain, looking to avoid joining fellow big guns Italy and France in suffering a shock early exit, started well and Torres had two good chances in the opening five minutes, although the Liverpool striker could not make the most of either. The game then swung Chile's way as the in-form South Americans lived up to Bielsa's pre-match assurance that they would not go out looking for the draw. Mark Gonzalez skied a promising opportunity over, while Alexis Sanchez earned a corner out of Iker Casillas with a delicate chip. However, it was Spain who took the lead in the 24th minute when Villa took advantage of some reckless goalkeeping from Bravo to put his side ahead with a brilliant finish. There appeared little need for Bravo to race out of the area and although he beat Torres to a through-ball, the Real Sociedad goalkeeper's clearance went straight to Villa, who lofted the ball into an empty net from 40 yards out and near the left touchline. Barcelona's new £40 million striker, who scored a brace in the 2-0 win over Honduras and also missed a penalty, now has 41 goals for his country and is just three behind the national record held by Raul. Chile briefly threatened an equaliser through Beausejour, Gerard Pique getting back to make a superb block, but then came the incident that put Spain completely in the ascendency, taking a 2-0 lead and also seeing Chile reduced to ten men. A good sweeping move resulted in Villa laying the ball back to his new club-mate Iniesta on the edge of the box, and the Barca midfielder coolly slotted into the far corner of the net. And as the Spain players raced away to celebrate, Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez sent off Estrada for his innocuous-looking tangle with Torres, who was left lying on the ground on the edge of the area. Spain could hardly have been in a better position at the interval, but they saw their two-goal advantage halved just two minutes into the second half. Chile, having made two changes at the break, needed a good start and they got just that when one of the newcomers scored. Millar found space on the edge of the area and fired in a shot that took a huge deflection off Pique before looping past Casillas and into the net. That was a huge boost for Chile, but they could make no further inroads and created little to worry Casillas in the remainder of the half. Vicente Del Bosque's Spain also created few goalscoring chances of their own, but they did not need to and looked content just to keep hold of their lead as they secured a showdown with Iberian rivals Portugal on Tuesday. |
Uruguay v South Korea
14:00 GMT, June 26, 2010 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Following France's farcical implosion and England's potentially fatal failure to finish top of their group, Uruguay and South Korea know that their quarter of the draw has opened up nicely and the victors in Port Elizabeth will compete with Ghana and USA for a place in the semi-finals. It is a huge motivation for both countries as they prepare for Saturday's second-round tie. Uruguay took advantage of the chaos generated by France's misguided industrial action to saunter to first place in Group A and did not concede a single goal when beating South Africa and Mexico and holding les Bleus to a 0-0 draw in their opening game. With prolific forwards Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan both finding the net in the group stage, expectation is growing that Uruguay will reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. Coach Oscar Tabarez looks set to stick with a three-pronged attack, with Edinson Cavani complementing Forlan and Suarez. The only change to Uruguay's starting XI could be the inclusion of Diego Godin at the expense of Mauricio Victorino, who is one booking away from a suspension. South Korea's previous meeting with South American opposition was not a happy one as they were hammered 4-1 by Argentina. However, a 2-0 win over Greece and a dramatic 2-2 draw with Nigeria were enough for Huh Jung-Moo's side to progress from Group B. As they embark on their first knockout campaign on foreign soil, Huh may drop right-back Cha Du-Ri after he was at fault for Nigeria's opening goal. Kim Dong-Jin may replace him. Uruguay player to watch: Luis Suarez. After scoring no less than 49 goals for Ajax last season, much was expected of the lively forward and he looked a touch subdued in the games against France and South Africa. However, Suarez scored the only goal of the game against Mexico as Uruguay cemented top spot and will be a threat with his clever movement and impressive finishing ability. South Korea player to watch: Ki Sung-Yueng In a fluid midfield that sees players interchange with ease, Ki has been largely overshadowed by his iconic captain Park Ji-Sung and the new great hope of Korean football, Bolton's Lee Chung-Yong. But the Celtic midfielder is a talent in his own right and a real threat thanks to his set-piece delivery, which has so far brought him two assists. With a penchant for the unexpected, Ki is a unique player but at just 21 years of age remains inconsistent. Key battle: Diego Forlan v Lee Jung-Soo The tussle between Uruguay's premier striker and South Korea's most reliable defender could prove decisive. Forlan hit his stride with two goals in the 3-0 defeat of South Africa and, since leaving Manchester United in 2004, he has never failed to reach double figures in La Liga and the Atletico Madrid star is a formidable opponent for any defender. In Lee he comes up against the heartbeat of the South Korean defence, but also a player who is currently rivalling him in the goalscoring charts having netted against Greece and Nigeria. If he can finish the 90 minutes still level with Forlan, South Korea have a great chance. Trivia: Uruguay have not lost to South Korea in any of their five meetings. The only World Cup clash between the two came in 1990, when Uruguay won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Daniel Fonseca. Tabarez also managed the side during the finals in Italy 20 years ago. Stats: South Korea have been the most dangerous side from set-pieces so far in the tournament with three of their five goals coming from dead-ball situations. Odds: Uruguay (1.90), the draw (3.40) and South Korea (4.50) with Bet365. Diego Forlan to score first and Uruguay to win 1-0 is 11.00. Prediction: Uruguay are full of confidence after an impressive group campaign and should have enough to shade this game, but South Korea will ensure it is a close contest. |
United States v Ghana
18:30 GMT, June 26, 2010 Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa USA's reward for beating England to the summit of Group C is a second-round meeting with Ghana instead of Germany. But given that their participation at the 2006 World Cup ended at the hands of the Black Stars, Bob Bradley and his side will not underestimate Saturday's opponents as they look to build on the momentum generated by Landon Donovan's dramatic goal against Algeria. Four years ago in Germany, USA would have qualified for the knockout stages with a victory over Ghana in their final group game but goals from Haminu Draman and Stephen Appiah in Nuremberg condemned them to an early departure. Nine Ghanaians and seven Americans remain from that contest but, in South Africa, an improved USA side are targeting a place in the quarter-finals, and a meeting with either Uruguay or South Korea. That they are even contemplating a possible place in the last four of the World Cup is thanks to Donovan. In injury time of their final group game against Algeria, USA were heading out of the competition until the LA Galaxy star displayed a perfect grasp of dramatic timing to snatch top spot away from England. Having outplayed Algeria, suffered injustice at the hands of Slovenia and held England to a draw, USA deserve their place in the second round. Bradley dropped Oguchi Onyewu for the Algeria game but he could return in defence, while Robbie Findley is back from suspension and will come in for Herculez Gomez. Ghana have been Africa's leading light in a disappointing tournament for the country and have matched their feat of four years ago when they fell to Brazil in the second round. Milovan Rajevac's side have overcome the pre-tournament loss of Michael Essien but goals are a problem with a 1-0 defeat of Serbia and a 1-1 draw with Australia both secured thanks to penalties from Asamoah Gyan. To address that concern, Rajevac could hand a first start of the tournament to promising striker Dominic Adiyiah who was named Africa's young player of the year in 2009. USA player to watch: Michael Bradley. Previously accused of benefiting from nepotism given that his father coaches the national side, the midfielder is very much a star in his own right after a brilliant World Cup to date. After scoring a crucial goal against Slovenia, Bradley was man-of-the-match in the 1-0 win with Algeria as he impressed with his all-round game. Snapping into tackles and launching counter-attacks, his was a box-to-box performance and reminiscent of one of his heroes, Roy Keane. Ghana player to watch: Andre Ayew. Another player who has lived in the shadow of a famous father, Ayew has some act to follow in Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele. Though his progress at club level has been slow, the Marseille winger is effective for his country and shone at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and the African Nations Cup before appearing in all three of Ghana's group games in South Africa. Ayew is a sprightly presence out wide and USA will need to keep him quiet. Key battle: Clint Dempsey v John Pantsil. The Fulham team-mates will indulge in a personal duel on Saturday with Pantsil operating at right back and Dempsey expected to play wide on the left for USA. Both men boast extensive experience and their contest could be crucial in the context of the game. Dempsey has impressed for USA in South Africa and Pantsil faces a real test in blunting his colleague from Craven Cottage. Trivia: If Ghana emerge victorious they will match the feats of Senegal (2002) and Cameroon (1990), who are the only two African sides to have made it to a World Cup quarter-final. Stats: Ghana's past three goals at the World Cup finals (including the second in their 2-1 win over USA in 2006) been from the penalty spot. Odds: USA (2.70), the draw (3.10) and Ghana (2.87) with Bet365. USA to win in extra time is 13.00. Prediction: This looks set to be a close contest and do not be surprised if it goes the distance. USA have shown their resilience in the tournament and could just nick it. |
Full-time - 90'
Uruguay 2 - 1 South Korea 14:00 GMT, June 26, 2010 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Luis Suarez's double booked Uruguay's place in the World Cup quarter-finals as South Korea's adventure came to a heartbreaking end. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Luis 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. Uruguay verdict: Despite South Korea having much of the possession, Uruguay were not tested too regularly and, while they were generally solid in defence, individual errors allowed South Korea a way back on a number of occasions. Having looked unambitious after taking a 1-0 lead into the second half, they stepped up their game impressively when Lee Chung-Yong equalised in the 68th minute. South Korea verdict: Energetic and hard-working, South Korea arguably had the better of the game but there was a distinct lack of cutting-edge. They were unfortunate to hit the post with an early free-kick before committing suicide for Luis Suarez' first goal. Could do better: Fernando Muslera - The Uruguay goalkeeper gifted South Korea a way back into the match as he failed to deal with a free-kick before Lee Chung-Yong headed home. Such mistakes can prove fatal at this level. Stat attack: Thanks to Suarez's 55th goal in 61 games this season, Uruguay advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. The Asian side looked to have turned the game around when Bolton midfielder Lee Chung-Yong cancelled out Suarez's early strike with 68 minutes gone. But amid a wintry downpour at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the Ajax striker curled home a brilliant winner 10 minutes from time to confirm Oscar Tabarez's side as the first team to reach the last eight. Uruguay were the better side before the break and deserved their half-time lead, but they had to survive a major fightback as Korea refused to give up on their dream, and Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera had to make a vital late save from substitute Lee Dong-Gook to ensure the tie did not go to extra-time. Tight games are often decided by fine margins, and that point will not have been lost on either coach within eight minutes of kick-off. Had Park Cho-Young's fifth-minute free-kick come off the inside, rather than the outside, of the post with Muslera helpless, the ball might have ended up in the back of the net and Korea would have been in front. But it did not, and three minutes later with 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. In a half of few clear-cut chances, neither Muslera nor Jung had another save of any real note to make, although the Uruguay man was grateful to see two speculative late efforts from full-back Cha du-ri sail just over his crossbar. South Korea, as their coach Huh Jung-Moo had promised, played their usual attacking game, and Park Chu-Young, as he has been throughout the competition to date, and skipper Park Ji-Sung caused problems. However, Uruguay, with Forlan prompting from just behind the front two, had just that little bit more guile going forward and were streetwise enough at the back - they went in at the break still to concede a goal in South Africa - to ensure they largely held sway. South Korea returned knowing their World Cup was drawing to a close unless they could find a way back into the game, and they resumed with some intent. Kim Jae-Sung only just failed to connect with full-back Lee Young-Pyo's cross after it had been dummied by Park Chu-Young, and the striker himself blasted over with 51 minutes gone when he might have done better. The 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. Uruguay's response was swift and Jung had to turn away Suarez's 73rd-minute shot, and it was he who won the game with 10 minutes remaining when, after a Forlan corner had been headed out, he picked up possession on the left and curled home a superb shot off the inside of the upright. |
Final score - after extra time - 120'
United States 1 - 2 Ghana 18:30 GMT, June 26, 2010 Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, South Africa Asamoah Gyan kept the African flag flying at the World Cup with a spectacular left-foot strike in extra-time to take Ghana through to their first quarter-final. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Richard Kingson - Although Asamoah Gyan will get the headlines for his winning goal, it was the form of goalkeeper Kingson that allowed Ghana to get to extra-time in the first place. He made three great saves in regulation time, the pick of which was to deny Benny Feilhaber in a one-on-one. USA verdict: Yet another slow start for the USA meant they were up against it from the start. Ghana swarmed all over their midfield and defence and coach Bob Bradley was forced to make tactical change after just 30 minutes - replacing holding-midfielder Ricardo Clark with Maurice Edu. The change allowed the USA to get back into the game and, in the second-half, got the goal that their improvement deserved. But as the match restarted for extra-time the trademark early lapse of concentration returned as Ghana scored and this time they could not recover. Ghana verdict: The Black Stars began in rampant fashion - scoring after just five minutes and then carving through the USA midfield with ease for the next 30 minutes. However, Ghana allowed the USA a foothold in the game before the break and in the second-half could not regain their dominance as they dropped deeper and deeper and invited pressure. Milovan Rajevac's side started extra-time in quick-fire fashion once again and took the lead just two minutes after the restart. Steven Appiah's calm assurance and rediscovered self belief saw Ghana through to the end. Could do better: Ricardo Clark - He was selected ahead of Jose Torres and Maurice Edu in central midfield but his first contribution was the error that lead to Ghana's opening goal. He lasted only 30 minutes as the game passed him by before being hauled off. The poor lad may never recover. Stat attack: The USA led for only 206 seconds at the 2010 World Cup. 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. Gyan's goal, after 93 minutes, was worthy of winning any game after he outmuscled USA captain Carlos Bocanegra to blast his shot past goalkeeper Tim Howard. It settled a contest that was level at full time after Landon Donovan's second-half penalty cancelled out a fifth-minute strike from Kevin-Prince Boateng. It was just reward for Ghana's talent and power in a dramatic encounter at the Royal Bafokeng stadium and the sole surviving African nation must now fancy their chances of creating an even bigger ripple at this tournament, with Uruguay awaiting them in the last-eight. Former president Bill Clinton had turned up to support the USA and was sitting for a time next to Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, who might well have made his plans expecting England to have topped Group C and been playing down the road from their training headquarters. The USA had stymied those plans by finishing first but it was clear they were going to be stretched by Ghana's pace. The Black Stars could hardly have made a more stunning start. Portsmouth's Boateng picked up the ball just inside his own half, slalomed past three defenders and unleashed a left-foot shot which flew past Howard. It was Ghana's first goal at this World Cup from open play, having beaten Serbia and drawn with Australia in the group phase courtesy of two penalties. But Boateng's strike demonstrated their firepower and they might have added to their lead with Gyan, who plays for French club Rennes, a constant threat. So superior were Ghana in that first period that after 31 minutes a concerned USA coach Bob Bradley substituted midfielder Ricardo Clark, who had received an early booking, and brought on Maurice Edu. The Americans picked up the tempo immediately and could have equalised after 35 minutes when Robbie Findley raced clear only to see his right-foot shot smartly saved by goalkeeper Richard Kingson. The USA came out after half-time, however, with a more determined, more attacking attitude and the excellent Kingson was straight into the action, forced to pull off a splendid save from Benny Feilhaber. With Fulham's Clint Dempsey at the heart of their good work the Americans surged forward and they received their reward after 62 minutes. Dempsey was the architect, weaving his way through the Ghana defence into the penalty area where he drew the challenge and was brought down by defender Jonathan Mensah. Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai pointed to the spot and Los Angeles Galaxy's Donovan stepped up to slide home his third goal in four matches. The USA dream appeared back on, especially as they are a team who make a habit of stirring comebacks. They had their chances. Jozy Altidore might have done better when clear after 80 minutes but he spooned his effort wide under pressure from a defender. So to a frantic extra-time and Gyan's stunning strike which sent the USA home and Ghana into ecstasy. |
Germany v England
14:00 GMT, June 27, 2010 Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa When England face Germany on Sunday, one of the greatest footballing rivalries will be renewed. The spectre of penalties will loom large over the England players, having suffered semi-final defeats on spot-kicks to a German team at both the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96, not to mention England's unenviable position of having the worst record on penalties in world football. But if England are to continue a run of form which sees them unbeaten against Germany in three meetings on foreign soil then the focus must be on winning the match, and not any shootout. The history between the two nations is well documented, with England's one and only World Cup win coming against West Germany at Wembley in 1966. The Germans had the Indian sign over England for 34 years, including a showdown at the 1970 World Cup, a draw at the 1982 World Cup and those infamous shootouts, before England finally gained a competitive victory over Germany at Euro 2000. The days of Germany ruling the roost over England now seem to be a thing of the past, with England winning 5-1 in Munich in a World Cup qualifier in 2001 and coming away victorious from Berlin in an international friendly in November 2008. Germany have also had their share of success in that time, though, so there is every reason to suggest this game will be a tight affair. England are at full strength going into the game, with all 23 squad members taking part in training. With Ledley King back from a groin injury and Jamie Carragher available again following suspension, Fabio Capello has options at the back. England kept a clean sheet in picking up their first, crucial win over Slovenia on Wednesday and put in a much-improved overall performance, so it seems unlikely there will be any changes to the starting-line-up, with Matthew Upson keeping his place alongside John Terry. The pressure will be on Wayne Rooney to finally get on the scoresheet after a disappointing campaign and, while there were positives against Slovenia, England's top players must improve to oust Joachim Low's side. While England may put out an unchanged side, Germany have decisions to make. One is made for them as Miroslav Klose comes back from a one-match ban while Cacau, who started in his place against Ghana, will miss the match with a stomach strain. More concerning is the fitness of Bastian Schweinsteiger, the lynchpin who, alongside Sami Khedira, has held the midfield together for Mesut Ozil to provide the attacking impetus. But Schweinsteiger has a thigh muscle injury and, with the England game coming just four days after the last group game, he may not have sufficient time to recover. If Low is forced to deploy Toni Kroos in his place, it could be pivotal, but Schweinsteiger took place in full training on Saturday. Germany also have issues at left back. Bayern Munich's Holger Badstuber played there in the first two games but came in for much criticism. Jerome Boateng was then brought in to start against Ghana but he was replaced in the 73rd minute by Marcell Jansen and also faces a race against time to prove his fitness. Low will probably not decide who plays there until Sunday. Germany player to watch: Miroslav Klose. Second only to Gerd Muller in Germany's all-time scoring chart, Klose went into the finals with questions to answer after a dismal season with Bayern Munich. A goal in the first game against Australia relieved some of the pressure but he was then controversially sent off against Serbia. England have yet to face a quality forward yet in the finals, with Robert Green's gaffe against USA the only goal conceded, and despite Klose's troubles, he is a tournament performer and his display could be the difference. England player to watch: Jermain Defoe. With only one goal against a major nation, and that being in an international friendly against Netherlands, questions remain over Defoe's pedigree on the biggest of stages. Goals against Andorra, Kahzakstan and Trinidad & Tobago and all well and good, but Germany will not allow the same time and space. His match-winning performance against Slovenia provided a timely boost, and his ability to shake off the shackles of the German back line may shape England's hopes. Key battle: Germany's left-back v James Milner. The fact that we do not know if Badstuber, Boateng, Jansen or even Lahm will play on the left for Germany must pose problems for Low's organisation at the back. After playing like a rabbit in the headlights against USA, Milner was dangerous on the wing against Slovenia and provided the cross for Defoe to guide home the winner. If Milner can again impress, up against Germany's "problem position", England's forwards may have plenty to feed off. Trivia: Paul the Octopus is the sensation of Germany, correctly predicting all the team's results at this World Cup - including the Serbia defeat. He picked Germany for this game. Stats: England have played Germany four times at the World Cup, and each game has finished level after 90 minutes, with three extending to extra-time and one being decided on penalty kicks. England have taken 29 corners so far in the World Cup - more than any other team after the end of the group stage. Odds: Germany (2.87), the draw (3.20) and England (2.62) with Bet365. Germany to win on penalties is 9.50 and England 10.00. Prediction: A tough one to call, and perhaps the availability of Schweinsteiger could prove the difference between these teams. |
Argentina v Mexico
18:30 GMT, June 27, 2010 Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa Argentina and Mexico clash at Soccer City on Sunday in a repeat of their second-round tie of four years ago. That game in Leipzig was an end-to-end affair, with the sides only separated by Maxi Rodriguez's superb extra-time strike. There are comparisons to be drawn between the two fixtures. In Germany, Argentina had strolled through their group to set up the second-round date with Mexico and were considered hot favourites to make the quarter-finals, but Mexico had different ideas and took the game to their South American rivals. Expect a similar approach this time around. Mexico may have been more impressive in South Africa than they were at the last World Cup, but Argentina, in reaching the knockout stages with a 100% record, remain the pundits' choice to make it through. However, Argentina have yet to come up against a team capable of getting in behind them to cause real problems. Even so, Diego Maradona's exciting side have still looked suspect at the back against the likes of South Korea and Nigeria. If Mexico can acquit themselves well against a dangerous opponent, it is far from certain that Argentina will be the team lining up against England or Germany. Maradona made several changes to his side against Greece, including resting hat-trick hero Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, but they will return to his first-choice side against the Mexicans. Gabriel Heinze and Jonas Gutierrez should also be back in the fold, though the injured Walter Samuel will still be missing. Mexico's only change should be to recall the suspended Efrain Juarez in place of Hector Moreno. Argentina player to watch: Carlos Tevez - The Manchester City striker has been somewhat overshadowed at this World Cup so far by the mesmerising skills of Lionel Messi and the goals of Higuain. That said, Tevez has still been a tricky customer throughout and it could be that placing too much emphasis on marking Messi and Higuain could free up space for Tevez. Mexico player to watch: Carlos Salcido. PSV Eindhoven defender Salcido has been one of the star performers of this World Cup. His marauding, skilful runs up the left flank from the back have caused problems for opposition defences and there is every chance that Argentina's soft under-belly could come unstuck from one of these bursts. Key battle: Guillermo Franco v Jonas Gutierrez - As a tricky midfielder playing at right back, Gutierrez has looked an accident waiting to happen for Argentina so far. With Mexico sure to break frequently and with pace, they are likely to target Gutierrez as a weak point. Franco will look to attack this area with support from Salcido. Trivia: Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez and Carlos Tevez all played in the 2006 game against Mexico and Messi was on the bench. Carlos Salcido, Rafael Marquez, Ricardo Osorio, Andres Guardado and Gerardo Torrado all played for Mexico. Stats: Argentina have had 64 shots so far in this World Cup, the most of any side at the tournament. Odds: Argentina (1.53), the draw (4.00) and Mexico (7.00) with Bet365. Argentina are 4.33 to repeat the feat of 2006 and win in extra-time. Prediction: A real test of Argentina's credentials, Mexico's ability to take the chances they will surely create will shape this game. Perhaps Argentina will not yet have come up against a team truly capable of exploiting their weaknesses. |
Full-time - 90'
Germany 4 - 1 England 14:00 GMT, June 27, 2010 Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, South Africa 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. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Thomas Muller - Identified by Wayne Rooney as a big threat before the game, Muller scored two and set-up the Lukas Podolski goal that put Germany 2-0 up. The Bayern Munich forward was industrious and full of running down the right and always offered an outlet; he took his two goals with fantastic composure. Honourable mention must go to England goalkeeper David James who tried in vain to thwart Germany with a number of smart stops. Germany verdict:Very impressive in attack but question marks still remain about their defensive capabilities; they will need to improve if they are to triumph over a more clinical side than England in the quarter-finals, especially if Argentina are the opponents. However, there are numerous positives to take, with Miroslav Klose proving his international finishing prowess once again and the likes of Muller, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil providing boundless energy. Impressive on the counter-attack and the victory was thoroughly deserved. England verdict: Could have been so different had Frank Lampard's first-half strike counted when Capello's side were very much in the ascendancy. But they were beaten by a youthful and more energetic Germany team, who took advantage of defensive lapses in concentration. Wayne Rooney was once again disappointing and though England did look bright after the second goal, they were unable to demonstrate the sort of ruthless streak that their opponents displayed in abundance. Could do better: England's defence. The lack of pace of England's centre-back pairing was embarrassingly exposed by Joachim Low's side; John Terry and Matthew Upson's joint mistake for the first goal would have looked at home on a Sunday League pitch. Gareth Barry also looked woeful as a defensive midfielder and provided a distinct lack of protection for the back four. It would be easy to blame the assistant referee, but England defended apallingly. Stat attack: This was the third time in World Cup history that England conceded four goals, previous four-goal hauls were achieved by Belgium and Hungary in 1954. 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. Germany made the most of their good fortune to book a quarter-final place, with what turned out to be their biggest win over a rival they have not lost to in a major tournament since the 1966 final. For England, it was their joint-biggest ever defeat at a World Cup. Klose and Podolski's first half-goals were doubled by a pair from the excellent Thomas Muller after the break. But no-one will be talking about them on the streets of England. Nor will they discuss a Matthew Upson header that brought the Three Lions back into it. Eventually they might get round to the clear defensive deficiencies in a team Capello claimed was good enough to reach the final. But, from Berwick to Land's End, Carlisle to Dover, all they will snarl and rage at his how on earth Lampard's shot was missed. The stench will tinge the remainder of a tournament England will play no part of. In a stormy few weeks, Franz Beckenbauer's first attempt to stoke Anglo-German relations came when he branded England a long-ball team. Yet a true exponent of the art would surely be better at defending it. England had already been warned. One long punt down field from David James required a single bounce to rocket over the goal-line. So there was no excuse for John Terry being so far up field when Manuel Neuer launched the ball from his six-yard line that he was taken completely out of the play by its flight. Upson was left one-on-one with Klose and had neither agility, nor the strength to prevent the striker advancing on James and poking the ball into the England goal. It was the start of an exceptionally uncomfortable period for Capello's side as Germany rampaged right through the heart of their midfield almost at will. Mesut Ozil was an obvious problem, but Muller - the 20-year-old who helped beat Manchester United with Bayern Munich this term - was emerging as the real danger man. When he skipped off the right flank onto Klose's short pass, the English defence was again ripped to shreds. Despite his tender years, Muller retained a cool enough head to flick the ball square to Podolski, whose finish, from a tight angle, went straight through James' legs and in off the post. As James had already made two feet-first saves as German eyes lit up at a clear sight of goal, it seemed there was no way back for a team being completely outmanoeuvred. Yet in a confrontation dripping with history, nothing is really new. For two goal comebacks, think Leon 1970, when Sir Alf Ramsey made the fateful mistake of whisking off Bobby Charlton with a semi-final place supposedly assured. Upson's reaction header from Steven Gerrard's cross brought that dream a bit closer to being realised. As they celebrated, little did England know that within 60 seconds their opponents were about to enjoy the ultimate act of revenge. Lampard's effort provided the major talking point, and former captain David Beckham grilled South American officials as they made their way off at half-time. Within seven minutes of the restart England were suffering again as Lampard let fly from fully 35 yards with a free-kick that again shook Neuer's crossbar. At least this time there was no claim for a goal. It sparked a frenzied second half though, by far the most compelling period of play in the entire tournament, Germany defending manically, then trying to break on the counter. Bastian Schweinsteiger had already come close to killing the game when another Lampard free-kick cannoned off the wall. Gareth Barry was neatly robbed, Muller set Schweinsteiger free and began a run that ended with him burying England's World Cup dream. Germany were not finished. With their opponents committed to desperate attack, Ozil raced past Barry with alarming ease and presented a gleeful Muller with a tap-in. England continued to press but by the time Emile Heskey and Shaun Wright-Phillips were introduced, all hopes of a comeback had evaporated and Germany held on to claim a famous victory. |
Full-time - 90'
Argentina 3 - 1 Mexico 18:30 GMT, June 27, 2010 Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa 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. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Carlos Tevez - While his first goal should not have stood, his overall performance and second goal were worthy of winning any match. Industrious as ever, he ran back 40 yards to defend a short corner, and it's that kind of work-rate that can make the difference in a team packed with flair players. His second goal was his crowning moment, though, smashing home from around 25 yards to score one of the goals of the tournament to date. Argentina verdict: Diego Maradona can take this as more ammunition to use against the pre-tournament doubters, but the scoreline undoubtedly flattered them. The first goal was clearly offside, the second a gift, and their defence remains a glaring Achilles' heel. Nonetheless, with Tevez, Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain in attack, it will take an impressive defence indeed to stop their charge. Mexico verdict: The better team in the opening stages, things fell apart when the referee controversially allowed the opening goal to stand. Apparently rattled, a dreadful mistake from Ricardo Osorio gave Argentina a second and they never really recovered. A lack of cutting-edge in attack has been a problem for some time, but Javier Hernandez took his goal exceptionally well and they have every right to believe luck was not on their side. Could do better: Ricardo Osorio. While Mexico may have been able to battle back from a goal down, Osorio's wretched backpass gifted Argentina a second through Gonzalo Higuain. He failed to put the mistake behind him and continued to give away possession in his own half and the final scoreline could have been far worse for the Mexicans. Stat attack: The last time Mexico conceded three goals or more in the World Cup was in 1978 against Poland. On a day to forget for match officials, 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. The offside rule states there should be two players between the striker and the goal - there was not even one when Lionel Messi's ball found Tevez's head, and then the net to put Diego Maradona's side in front. 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. It was Tevez who sewed the match up in brilliant fashion - and legitimately this time - early in the second half with Mexico left only to savour a stunning reply by Manchester United's new signing Javier Hernandez. Until Tevez's opener Mexico had looked the better side in this clash between the Latin Americans who had fought out a terrific contest at the same stage of the 2006 finals. That went to extra time but once again Javier Aguirre's men showed themselves to be a classy but unfortunate outfit. Two incidents within the opening 10 minutes had Argentinian hearts in mouths. First Carlos Salcido crashed in a thunderous drive from 30 yards that Sergio Romero just touched onto the crossbar, then an equally terrific strike by Andres Guardado whisked agonisingly past the post. For Argentina, Messi, still looking for his first goal of the tournament, had two efforts from similar positions on the left of the area, but one was blocked and the other easily held by Oscar Perez. Messi should perhaps have passed to an unmarked team-mate - maybe that elusive goal was haunting him. Hernandez, who increasingly looks an astute signing by Sir Alex Ferguson, turned away from his marker and slammed a shot wide but then came Tevez's offside goal and Mexico lost their heads. First, skipper Rafael Marquez earned himself a needless booking for showing his frustration, then there was real calamity when Osorio scuffed a pass across the edge of his own box, Higuain seized onto the ball and kept his cool to round Perez neatly and slide home. Salcido raised Mexican hopes with another long-range strike, this time parried by Romero, before Angel di Maria and Tevez nearly scored but were kept at bay by desperate blocks. Higuain really should have made it 3-0 but somehow the Real Madrid striker put a free header wide from only six yards out. There was an unseemly melee around the officials as the teams left the pitch at half-time, with Maradona finding himself in the unusual position of peacemaker. Any hopes Mexico had ended soon after the restart thanks to Tevez's 52nd-minute blistering strike into the top corner from 25 yards out, with the striker running to the bench for a wild embrace with Maradona. 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. It probably shaded Tevez's strike and will go down as one of the goals of the tournament. Argentina shut up shop after that and Mexico barely had another sniff. Messi's increasingly desperate search for a goal continued as Perez denied him in injury time, but he will get another chance to end his drought against Germany in Cape Town next Saturday. |
Netherlands v Slovakia
14:00 GMT, June 28, 2010 Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa Netherlands go into this second round clash full of confidence, having won all three of their matches at the World Cup so far, scoring four goals and conceding just one, and with star player Arjen Robben recovered from injury. The Bayern Munich forward feared his tournament was over before it had even begun when he picked up a hamstring injury but Robben played for 20 minutes as a substitute against Cameroon and came through unscathed. The former Real Madrid player is now fighting for a starting place in Bert van Marwijk's side and if he passes a late fitness test he will probably take the place of Rafael Van der Vaart on the left side of Netherlands' attacking triumvirate - the other two being Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt - in support of lone-striker Robin van Persie. The Dutch are big favourites to win this match but the few people expected Slovakia, playing in the World Cup for the first time as an independent nation, to make it out of a group that included Paraguay and reigning World Champions Italy. Yet the Eastern Europeans did so in style, dumping out Marcello Lippi's Azzurri with a 3-2 victory in their final game. However, that was only Slovakia's second win in their last seven international matches and their first at the World Cup, with Vladimir Weiss's team drawing their opening match with New Zealand and losing 2-0 to eventual group winners Paraguay. The underdogs will also have to do without suspended veteran defensive midfielder Zdeno Strba, who has played all but three minutes of Slovakia's World Cup campaign thus far, in Durban. It will be an interesting clash of styles too. While the Dutch like to utilise the wings and stretch the play across the full width of the pitch the Slovakian widemen prefer to drift into the middle and keep the play narrow. With Van Marwijk employing two defensive midfielders ahead of his back four it could get very congested in that area. Netherlands player in focus: Wesley Sneijder - He is yet to display the form that helped Inter Milan win the UEFA Champions League title this season but you get the feeling it is only a matter of time before he sparks into life. That's not to say the former Ajax star hasn't had an impact, he scored the winner against Japan, but he could do better. With Robben back in the team and the weight of expectation shared, Sneijder's keen eye for a pass and superb shooting ability should make him a key figure against Slovakia. Slovakia player to watch: Robert Vittek - Having failed to score in nine games during qualifying, Vittek has hit three goals in three games at the World Cup to put him in contention for the Golden Boot. Kamil Kopunek is the only other Slovak to find the back of the net and that could be a problematic if the Dutch do a job on the previously little-known Ankaragucu striker. Can he handle the burden of being the star man? Key battle: Robin Van Persie v Martin Skrtel - Van Persie bagged four goals in the Oranje's three warm-up games prior to the World Cup and although he has not quite maintained that form, scoring just once, he is the focal point of Netherlands' attack and is capable of either bringing others into play or smashing in a hat-trick himself. Trying to stop the Arsenal striker will be Liverpool centre-back Skrtel. Strong and committed, the defender's physicality has stopped the minnows being rolled over and he will have to be at his best again to keep the Dutch off the scoresheet. Trivia: The match will be a family affair with Slovakia boss Vladimir Weiss coaching his son, Vladimir Jr., and Dutch manager Bert van Marwijik coaching his son-in-law, Mark Van Bommel. Stats: Both these sides have only scored one first half goal at this World Cup so far. Odds: Netherlands (1.53), the draw (4.20) and Slovakia (8.00) with Bet365. But if you back Robin van Persie to score first and the Dutch to win 2-0 you can get 12.00. Prediction: This will be a real test for Slovakia against a Dutch side that is unbeaten in their last 22 internationals and expect to book a place in the quarter-finals. It could, and should, be a step too far for Vladimir Weiss' unfancied side. |
Brazil v Chile
18:30 GMT, June 28, 2010 Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa Brazil boss Dunga endures a strained relationship with his country's media for being too defensive for their extravagant taste. But the 1994 World Cup-winning captain has constructed a team built on solid foundations that are tough to beat, have already won the Confederations Cup and the Copa America and are favourites to win the 2010 World Cup. The five-time World Champions eased through the 'Group of Death', with victories over North Korea and Ivory Coast allowing Dunga to omit his key attacking trio, for one reason or another, for the 0-0 draw against Portugal as qualification was already assured. Robinho was rested, Elano missed the game with injury and Kaka was suspended following a controversial red card against Ivory Coast. All three are expected to start on Monday. It is a different story for Chile, however. La Roja's gung-ho approach to tackling means manager Marcelo Bielsa has a number of suspensions to deal with. Defenders Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce will be missing from the back four and holding midfielder Marco Estrada is also serving a ban. Their indiscipline could prove costly as, according to FIFA, which uses tracking technology to capture data on each player at the World Cup and then assesses it to see if it had a positive or negative impact on their team, Ponce and Medel were the two most effective players in the tournament during the first two matches. The Chileans qualified from Group H, behind European champions Spain, by playing a brand of attacking football that won many fans. Given the issues they have at the back, it seems like Bielsa will be forced to continue that attacking approach against a Brazilian side that has struggled to break down defensive teams in the recent past. On the plus side, Carlos Carmona returns after a one match ban to replace Estrada and Mathias Fernandez is back to provide some guile in midfield when on the attack. Brazil player in focus: Kaka - The Brazilian playmaker arrived at the World Cup following a pretty poor first season at Real Madrid but his importance to the national side was highlighted by his absence in the 0-0 draw against Portugal. Although still far from his best, Kaka still managed to set up two goals in Brazil's crucial 3-1 win over Ivory Coast, including dancing through two tackles to provide Luis Fabiano with his opening goal, and he will be chomping at the bit after being sent off in that match. Chile player in focus: Alexis Sanchez - This pacy Udinese forward has already established himself as a "wonderkid'" in his homeland and standout performances in wins over Honduras and Switzerland at the World Cup have enhanced his reputation still further. Sanchez is a player with great technique, who prefers to play in wide areas but can also get into the box and score goals. Playing in a front three allows him drift in and out of the box and find space in which to use his pace. Key battle: Luis Fabiano v Claudio Bravo - In an interview this week, Brazilian striker Fabiano issued a come-and-get-me plea to Manchester United and AC Milan and if he can continue his goalscoring exploits against Chile he may well get his wish. The Sevilla player is the only out-and-out striker in the Brazil side and he will pose serious threat to Chile's second-string defence. Chile 'keeper Claudio Bravo will be expecting a busy day between the posts and will be hoping to avoid a similar howler to the one that gifted Spain's Andres Iniesta with the opening goal in their last match. He had been excellent until then. Trivia: A national flag pulled from the rubble of the earthquake that hit Chile in February has been an inspiration to the Chile players throughout the World Cup. It hangs in a prominent place at the team-training complex and the players often refer to it as providing motivation for them. Stats: Chile have lost seven straight games against Brazil, including being swept aside in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, and were outscored 26-3 in those seven games. Odds: Brazil (1.53), the draw (4.00) and Chile (6.50) with Bet365. If you back Luis Fabiano to score first and Brazil to win 2-1, you can get 26.00. Prediction: If Chile had all their players available it would be a very tall order to beat Brazil, who are old hands at easing through the second round, but with two key defenders suspended it makes a potential shock even more unlikely. |
Full-time - 90'
Netherlands 2 - 1 Slovakia 14:00 GMT, June 28, 2010 Durban Stadium, Durban, South Africa 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. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder - Arjen Robben made the headlines when enjoying his first start of the tournament and scoring a lovely opening goal, but it was another gorgeous pass from Sneijder that set him free. The Inter Milan playmaker controlled the game throughout and his goal with six minutes remaining was just reward. Few in world football are as decisive as Sneijder with the ball at his feet and he appears to be flourishing at just the right time for Netherlands. Netherlands verdict: After their opening win over Denmark, Rafael van der Vaart said: "We played like the Germans [usually do] and they played like us." That assessment continues to be a perceptive one. While Joachim Low's side sauntered into the second round, it is the Oranje who are grinding out victories and doing just enough to progress - two qualities usually associated with their Germanic rivals. Netherlands are yet to draw any Total Football comparisons, but having maintained their 100% record, they will be keen to pick up the German habit of making the final, even if there is more to come from this side. Slovakia verdict: A step too far. Few fancied Slovakia to make it out of the group stage before Vladimir Weiss oversaw a stunning 3-2 win over reigning champions Italy, but Netherlands are a different prospect entirely to the ageing Azzurri. Slovakia should have equalised when Maarten Stekelenburg denied Robert Vittek and will rue the glaring miss from their star striker, but they did not deserve to progress against a talented Dutch side. Could do better: Marek Hamsik - The Napoli midfielder was supposed to showcase his talent to the watching world in South Africa but instead a relatively low-key campaign has come to a disappointing end. He suffered in comparison with Sneijder who showed his opponent how to run a game. Stat attack: Robert Vittek is now Slovakia's all-time leading goalscorer having surpassed Szilard Nemeth with his 23rd goal for his country. Netherlands have now won all four games at the World Cup and will meet the winner of Brazil's clash with Chile on Friday in Port Elizabeth. The game at the Moses Mabhida stadium offered two contrasting styles, with the Oranje pursuing a patient passing game while Slovakia adopted a more direct approach to try to utilise Vittek's pace. Robben earned his first start at the World Cup after recovering from a calf injury and he terrorised Slovakia's defence with pace and skill before being replaced after the hour mark. Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss made just one change to the side that knocked Italy out of the tournament. The Slovaks, looking to upset another World Cup heavyweight, started in confident fashion and had the first chance after two minutes but Erik Jendrisek's left-footed strike from 25 yards went over the bar. Netehrlands struggled to break down Slovakia's defence and were limited to long-range shooting. Sneijder tried his luck from distance and his effort went high and wide while shortly after, Dirk Kuyt fired just wide of the near post. In the 10th minute, Sneijder should have done better after being set up inside the area by Van Persie. However, the Inter Milan forward shot straight at Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha. It did not take long for Holland to go in front, though. A great long ball from Sneijder found Robben and the Bayern Munich winger cut inside two defenders before firing a left-footed strike into the net. On the half-hour mark, Miroslav Stoch got the ball into the danger zone but no-one was there to get on the end of his cross. Van Marwijk's side were happy to sit on their lead with Slovakia unable to put a good move together. Robin van Persie should have doubled Netherlands' lead before half-time but his close-range shot from Mark van Bommel's cross went wide. Slovakia showed more determination after the restart but it was the Oranje who looked more deadly. Mucha was twice called into action to prevent them from extending their lead. The Slovakia goalkeeper was forced to fully stretch to make a one-handed save from Robben's shot and, seconds later, Mark van Bommel's close-range shot was parried away by Mucha. Stekelenburg made his first save of the afternoon in the 65th minute by palming over Stoch's right-footed strike from the edge of the area. Slovakia should have equalised seconds later but Vittek's effort was parried away by Stekelenburg. At the other end, Kuyt latched onto Sneijder's free-kick but his header went over the bar. In the 73rd minute, Kuyt warmed the hands of Mucha with a stinging drive from 25 yards and Holland ended Slovakia's hopes in the 84th minute. Kuyt fed Sneijder and he struck the ball home from 15 yards. With seconds remaining, Vittek coolly scored from the penalty spot to score his fourth goal of the World Cup, but it was too little, too late. |
Full-time - 90'
Brazil 3 - 0 Chile 18:30 GMT, June 28, 2010 Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa Brazil's relentless march to the latter stages of this World Cup continued with an effortless victory over Chile. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Juan - While Brazil's attacking trio will take all the plaudits again, the big centre back deserves his share of the praise after another impeccable game in defence. Juan opened the scoring for the Selecao with a prodigious leap and firm header, but he should also be commended for his positioning and reading of the game, which allowed him to snuff out a string of attacking moves launched by Chile's quick strikers. Will need to maintain this sort of form as the competition nears its final phase. Brazil verdict: The five-time World Cup winners are looking formidable. Though this was a game they fully expected to win, they did so in a manner befitting their pedigree. The protective screen of Gilberto Silva and Ramires limited Chile to few chances, yet both underlined their attacking instincts too. With Kaka regaining a semblance of form, Robinho looking reborn and Luis Fabiano in clinical mood, Dunga's side underlined again that they are the team to beat in South Africa. Chile verdict: Sadly, being neat and tidy in possession means little unless you can unlock the defence in front of you. As with their game against Spain, Chile moved the ball intelligently, and with pace, but couldn't open up a mean Brazil defence. Their gung-ho style caught up with them for two of the three goals; their lack of height the other. They can go home proud of their efforts, and knowing they were beaten by one of the tournament's firm favourites. Could do better: Mark Gonzalez - The former Liverpool winger underlined why the club were happy for him to leave. Despite seeing plenty of the ball in positions which could have hurt Brazil, his delivery was consistently poor. Moves broke down at his feet and the confidence he must have taken from his match-winning goal against Switzerland seemed to have evaporated. Stat attack: Brazil are undefeated in 33 games under Dunga when Kaka and Robinho have played together, winning 29 and drawing four. 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 with Netherlands on Friday. The boys in the famous yellow and blue were in control from virtually the first whistle and goals by Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho confirmed their status as tournament favourites. It has been no easy run for Brazil - they emerged from a 'Group of Death' unscathed and with reputations enhanced, and on this evidence the Dutch will need to summon up the spirits of past greats if they are to challenge Dunga's men. Kaka remains Brazil's talisman and the Real Madrid midfielder was impressive on his return from suspension - though he managed to pick up his third booking of the tournament after English referee Howard Webb was unimpressed with his trip on a Chile player. After Juan had opened the scoring, punishing Chile for their failure to deal with Brazil's aerial threat at a corner from Maicon, Kaka was heavily involved in the second goal. Robinho began the move with a burst down the left and an early ball into Kaka in the middle. One brilliant first-time pass split the Chile central defenders asunder and left Luis Fabiano able to skip past keeper Claudio Bravo and finish. The goal made up for Luis Fabiano having dragged his shot wide after being put in the clear by a super ball from Dani Alves. Brazil had almost drawn first blood earlier through Gilberto Silva, proving in this match and not for the first time that Arsene Wenger committed a rare blunder in disposing of his services two years ago, who hit a fierce long-range effort that Bravo turned aside at full stretch. Chile's main hope looked to be through the creative instincts of their gifted 21-year-old Alexis Sanchez, a player being watched by a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United. The Udinese player certainly provided Brazil with something to think about with a series of decent touches - one lovely pass for Humberto Suazo promised much but the striker did not match up with a disappointing effort to lob Julio Cesar. Brazil could afford to take their foot off the gas at half-time, so minimal was the threat posed by the Marcelo Bielsa's Chileans, but they still managed to extend their lead. Robinho was the man to strike just before the hour mark, curling it effortlessly past Bravo but he had Ramires to thank after a blistering run by the Benfica midfielder. Alves hit a thunderbolt that must have had Bravo worried but it drifted just wide, before Jorge Valdivia came as close as Chile had managed to a reply, teeing himself up and then firing just over from the edge of the box. Kaka nearly claimed the goal his performance deserved after a surge down the left by Michel Bastos but was narrowly off target. Bravo kept the score respectable by denying Robinho and then Suazo neatly turned Lucio - and not many players have done that this tournament - but Julio Cesar beat away his strike. The game was up for Chile however and Dunga rubbed salt in the wound by taking off Kaka and sending on Kleberson - the player who flopped so dismally at Manchester United - to illustrate Brazil's overwhelming superiority. |
Paraguay v Japan
14:00 GMT, June 29, 2010 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa Japan's stylish and deserved victory over Denmark in the final group game has raised expectations that the nation can go further than they have before and reach the last eight of the World Cup. It is quite a transformation in fortunes for Japan, who had been written off by most after a disastrous run of form in the run-up to the tournament. Confidence is high now, with Keisuke Honda proving to be the attacking fulcrum of the side. However, Japan will not find it quite so easy to rip apart a sturdy Paraguay rearguard. The South Americans conceded just one goal, against Italy, in the group stage and will again look for solidity. Japan are almost certain to be unchanged for the game in Pretoria with coach Takeshi Okada, who offered to quit before the tournament began, having fielded the same starting XI in all three group games. But Paraguay will have to make an enforced change with Victor Caceres serving a one-match ban. The holding midfielder could be a big loss for boss Gerardo Martino, who is likely to deploy Carlos Bonet in that role. Antolin Alcaraz should be back from injury after being unavailable for the New Zealand match. Japan player to watch: Yasuhito Endo. Much of Japan's success at this World Cup has been built on set-pieces, and Endo is one of the best exponents in the team. The 30-year-old, who was Asia's Player of the Year in 2009, is at the hub of the creativity in the side and has an excellent range of passing. Paraguay player to watch: Enrique Vera. Vera's darting run from midfield to score Paraguay's opening goal in the 2-0 win over Slovakia has been one of the highlights of Paraguay's campaign so far. Though primarily a defensive player, Vera has the ability to weigh in with goals too. Key battle: Keisuke Honda v Paulo Da Silva. Honda put in one of the best individual performances of the finals in dismantling a disorganised Denmark defence and once again he could prove to be the difference between success and failure for Japan. Sunderland defender Paulo Da Silva will have to be at the top of his game if he is to shackle Honda. Trivia: Japan are one of the few teams to have success with the Jabulani. Honda and Endo both scored directly from free kicks in the 3-1 win over Denmark. Stats: Of all the remaining teams, Japan have completed the fewest passes. They have 709 with a completion rate of 62%, compared to Paraguay's 69%. Odds: Paraguay (2.10), the draw (3.25) and Japan (3.80) with Bet365. Paraguay are 3.75 to win by one goal. Prediction: Japan have already surprised many at this tournament, but the strength of Paraguay's defence should be the difference. |
Spain v Portugal
18:30 GMT, June 29, 2010 Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa One of the most eagerly-awaited games at the World Cup so far sees Iberian neighbours Portugal and Spain meet in Cape Town. Two teams full of attacking flair and blessed with technically gifted players, the hope is that this match will produce plenty of entertainment and a glut of goals. Portugal's game with Brazil may not have lived up to expectations, but in truth Brazil are not the gung-ho side they once were while Portugal can nullify the opposition. The last time the sides met was at Euro 2004, when Portugal won 1-0 on home soil and Spain were sent tumbling out in the group stage. But that was Portugal's only win over Spain since 1981 across seven meetings, so Vicente del Bosque's side will go into the game as strong favourites. Spain could be without midfielder Xabi Alonso for the second round tie, and he will face a late fitness test. Javi Martinez came on to replace Alonso in the victory over Chile and Del Bosque would have to decide whether to start with Martinez or bring Francesc Fabregas into the first XI. Portugal made several changes for the match against Brazil, with Duda and Danny both being handed starts, but Liedson, Simao and Paulo Ferreira should all return to the starting team for this second-round clash. Deco is also fit again after injury. Spain player to watch: David Villa. Villa, the top scorer at Euro 2008, is in great form at the World Cup. With Fernando Torres leaving his shooting boots back on Merseyside it is looking increasingly likely that Villa will be central to Spain's hopes of success. With a brace against Honduras and another in the 2-1 win over Chile which booked top spot in Group H, Villa is in the hunt for another Golden Boot. Portugal player to watch: Raul Meireles . With a goal and an assist in the 7-0 drubbing of North Korea, Raul Meireles proved he can contribute in front of goal as well as in the centre of the park. Meireles is one of the first names on the team sheet for coach Carlos Queiroz, a solid and tough performer at the heart of the midfield who will look to break up Spain's attacks. Key battle: Cristiano Ronaldo v Joan Capdevila. Former FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has had a good tournament so far, if not spectacular, and ended his long international scoring drought against North Korea. If Portugal are to advance into the quarter-finals, then Ronaldo is going to have to step up to the plate. Joan Capdevila is a steady performer and will have to put in one of his best defensive performances to keep Ronaldo at bay. Trivia: Portugal's final group game was against Brazil, ranked first in the world, and Spain are ranked second. With Portugal ranked third, they will already have played the only two sides ranked higher. Stats: Spain are the only team yet to receive a yellow card, while Portugal are the only nation yet to concede a goal. Odds: Spain (2.00), the draw (3.20) and Portugal (4.33) with Bet365. Spain are 3.25 to be winning at half-time and full-time. Prediction: Portugal have a reputation as an obdurate and organised side under Queiroz, and while that tactic may work against many teams, an opponent like Spain will pick you off. Spain win. |
Blatter open to technology
Goal-line technology
June 29, 2010 FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised to the Football Association over Frank Lampard's "goal" for England against Germany and said FIFA "will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and will have the first opportunity to discuss this in July at the business meeting of the International FA Board''. Blatter had previously been staunchly against the use of technology, claiming that human error was part of the game. And FIFA ended all discussions over the use of technology at a board meeting earlier this year. That seemed to put the idea to bed, but the controversy over Lampard's "goal" has forced Blatter into a corner. Blatter told a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday: "It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup it would be a nonsense to not reopen the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA Board in July. "Personally I deplore it when you see evident referee mistakes but it's not the end of a competition or the end of football, this can happen. The only thing I can do is yesterday I have spoken to the two federations [England and Mexico] directly concerned by referees mistakes. I have expressed to them apologies and I understand they are not happy and that people are criticising. "We will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and have first opportunity in July at the business meeting. "It happened in 1966 and then 44 years later - though it was not quite the same. I apologised to England and Mexico. The English said 'thank you and accepted that you can win [some] and you lose [some], and the Mexicans bowed their head and accepted it.'' The FIFA president added that the IFAB would only look again at goal-line technology and not video replays. Blatter said: "The only principle we are going to bring back for discussion is goal-line technology. "Football is a game that never stops and the moment there was a discussion if the ball was in or out, or there was a goal-scoring opportunity, do we give a possibility to a team to call for replays once or twice like in tennis? "For situations like the Mexico game you don't need technology.'' Blatter added that FIFA would launch a new drive to improve refereeing standards at the top level later this year. "We will come out with a new model in November on how to improve high level referees,'' he added. "We will start with a new concept of how to improve match control. I cannot disclose more of what we are doing but something has to be changed.'' |
Final score - after shootout - 127'
Paraguay (5)0 - 0(3) Japan 14:00 GMT, June 29, 2010 Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa Paraguay progressed through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history after beating Japan in a penalty shoot-out in Pretoria. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Nelson Haedo Valdez - The Borussia Dortmund striker was an unexpected absentee from the starting line-up having impressed in South Africa so far and was one of the few players to look dangerous after appearing on the hour mark. As well as supplying clever movement, Valdez also scored his penalty and should be reinstated to the team when Paraguay face either Spain or Portugal in the quarter-finals. Paraguay verdict: While Gerardo Martino's side continued to prove resolute in defence after conceding just one goal in the group stages, they lost some of the spark that saw them finish ahead of Slovakia, New Zealand and Italy in Group F. The decision to omit Valdez was a strange one and Paraguay looked brighter after his introduction. Roque Santa Cruz looked largely lifeless and it was his replacement, Oscar Cardozo, who scored the crucial penalty. They look ill-equipped for the next round. Japan verdict: 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. Could do better: Yuichi Komano - It is desperately harsh to single out one player from this aberration of a match, but when it really, truly mattered, Komano was found wanting as he was the only player to fail to score from 12 yards. Stat attack: There had never been a penalty shootout at the World Cup that did not involve a European side until this game. 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 between Spain and Portugal 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. There was little to separate the sides during an evenly-fought first half that produced only a couple of moments to excite the fans at Loftus Versfeld stadium. After a low-key opening 20 minutes in which defences were comfortably on top, the game briefly sparked into life with both sides going desperately close to scoring. First Paraguay forward Lucas Barrios produced a great turn to break free in the area, and his low shot was blocked by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima. Then, 60 seconds later, Daisuke Matsui rattled the Paraguay crossbar with a brilliant curling drive from outside the area that had the leaping Justo Villar beaten. Paraguay ace Roque Santa Cruz and Japan star Keisuke Honda also had half-chances as the period drew to a close, but both players fired their left-footed efforts just wide. It was little surprise to see the game deadlocked at the break, with neither side having been prolific scorers in qualifying for the last 16. Paraguay netted just three goals - the lowest of any of the eight pool winners - and conceded only once in finishing top of Group E, while Japan's three matches produced only two more goals as they claimed runners-up spot in Group E. With that in mind, Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino had stressed the importance of scoring first in this match, and that must have been the message he reiterated to his team at half-time as the South Americans began the second half on top. They looked dangerous down the left, and from one of their attacks Cristian Riveros powered a glancing header goalward, but Kawashima plucked the ball from underneath his crossbar. Although Paraguay were enjoying the better of proceedings, Japan also had a couple of efforts of their own through defenders Yuto Nagatomo and Tulio, but Villar was largely untroubled. That would prove to be the case for both goalkeepers over the final half-hour of regulation time with defences once again dominating, sending the match to extra-time. Paraguay enjoyed the better of the first period, with Barrios heading straight at Kawashima, who then came out quickly to block after Nelson Valdez had spun well on the edge of the area and poked a shot goalward. Neither side came particularly close to snatching a late winner in the second half of extra-time, meaning this year's World Cup would have its first penalty shootout - with Paraguay taking the honours. |
FT - Live ESP
1 - 0 v POR Full-time - 90' Spain 1 - 0 Portugal 18:30 GMT, June 29, 2010 Green Point Stadium Spain's crusade to add the World Cup trophy to their Euro 2008 title continued with a closely-fought second round win over Iberian neighbours Portugal. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: David Villa - In a game where Spain were again unable to quite hit the heights they are capable of, they required another goal from their predatory forward who claimed his fourth of the tournament to settle this second-round tie and move level with Robert Vittek and Gonzalo Higuain at the top of the goalscoring charts. Villa was a constant menace, as ever, and continues to demonstrate why he is the most feared striker in South Africa. Spain verdict: Vicente del Bosque's side did not have to be at their best to progress on Tuesday night but in Villa they have a striker capable of settling any game. Midfield conductors Xavi and Andres Iniesta still have room for improvement, though the former's backheel to assist Villa was sublime, and the suspicion remains that Spain still have more in reserve. As they approach a quarter-final with Paraguay, Spain must consider whether dropping Torres will help bring the best out of the reigning European champions. Portugal verdict: 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 depart the World Cup full of regret having proved less than the sum of their talented parts. Could do better: Fernando Torres - While his team-mate Villa moved to the top of the World Cup goalscoring charts with his fourth of the tournament, El Nino once again looked a little boy lost. His struggles at this World Cup are of real concern, and having not scored in qualifying he once again lived up to the tag of 'Spain's Emile Heskey' given him by the Guardian's Sid Lowe. Who would have thought Torres would fulfil the role of non-scoring striker, and a troubled one at that? Stat attack: Xabi Alonso was the first Spanish player to be booked at this year's World Cup finals. Vicente Del Bosque's side dominated on the ball as usual but were frustrated for long periods by Portugal, who had decent chances of their own at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium. Ultimately Spain's patience paid off, however, as David Villa's 63rd-minute goal secured victory exactly two years to the day since their European triumph in Austria. They will now fancy themselves in a quarter-final clash with modest South Americans Paraguay while Portugal - who had Ricardo Costa dismissed in the final minute - face a disappointing trip home. Fernando Torres, without a goal in South Africa, tested Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo after just a minute and strike partner Villa also forced an early save. The lively start continued when Villa, coming in from the left again, fired in a low effort which Eduardo stopped smartly. Another Torres shot from a short corner was not too far over the bar but for all Spain's dominance, he and Villa were largely restricted to playing out wide. Portugal had perhaps the best chance so far in the 20th minute. Midfielder Tiago tried his luck from the edge of the box and after Iker Casillas could only push it high into the air, he had to scramble it away near his own goal-line. Xavi and Villa tried their luck at the other end before Spain team-mate Xabi Alonso saw a couple of long-range attempts stifled. Portugal had a clear chance in the 39th minute when Almeida was unable to properly connect with Raul Meireles' cross, to the disappointment of a better-placed Cristiano Ronaldo behind him. Casillas raced out to halt Simao's run at goal before Tiago headed over a good chance. Seven minutes into the second half Spain defender Gerard Pique was outpaced by Almeida down the left and when the Werder Bremen striker's attempted centre deflected off Carles Puyol's thigh, the defender was relieved to see the ball go narrowly wide. Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz sent Danny on for Almeida while Vicente Del Bosque sacrificed Torres for target man Fernando Llorente just before the hour mark. In the 60th minute there was nearly an immediate impact as Llorente's diving header from Sergio Ramos' cross was somehow saved by Eduardo at point-blank range, before Villa curled one just wide. The breakthrough came seconds later. 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. Eduardo then got down brilliantly to turn away Ramos' drive from the right before Queiroz sent on striker Liedson and midfielder Pedro Mendes. Again Eduardo was called upon to parry a shot, this time from Villa, while at the other end Portugal talisman Ronaldo was dreadfully quiet. Villa's cross enabled Llorente to head just wide before the goalscorer was taken off for a rest, replaced by Pedro. Danny had a dangerous-looking shot blocked well by Pique but moments later Portugal were down to 10 men when referee Hector Baldassi suddenly produced a red card, for defender Costa, for apparently lashing out at Joan Capdevila. |
Ronaldo spits at TV camera
June 30, 2010 Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointing World Cup ended on a sour note as he was caught spitting towards a cameraman following Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the second round. Portugal captain Ronaldo reacted angrily to the cameraman's attempts to follow him off the pitch in close proximity immediately after the final whistle, waving him away before spitting in his direction while looking down the barrel of the camera, an act that was broadcast around the world. While he was taking his frustration out on the man behind the lens, Ronaldo's spit appeared to the global audience to be directed towards them in an ugly act that could upset many of the fans of one of football's most marketable men. Ronaldo failed to fire in the tournament, scoring just once in Portugal's 7-0 thrashing of DPR Korea and otherwise lacking involvement as his side went scoreless in their other three matches. After the match, he told reporters to "talk to Carlos Queiroz" about Portugal's elimination from the World Cup. During the second half of the second round match, in which David Villa scored the only goal not long after the break, Ronaldo appeared frustrated as Queiroz issued a string of tactical instructions from the sideline that ultimately failed to bring Ronaldo, or Portugal, into the game. |
Netherlands v Brazil
14:00 GMT, July 2, 2010 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Brazil and Netherlands supplied the great World Cup teams of the 70s but, while Brazil clinched their third world title at the start of the decade, Netherlands had to settle for two runners-up spots in the tournaments that followed. Even with Pele, Garrincha, Jairzinho and co long gone, Brazil have since added two more World Cups to their collection, but the Dutch have not since played in a final. If Bert van Marwijk's side are to finally end their wait for the trophy, they must overcome Dunga's Brazil, a side marrying skill with hard work and who look justified as the favourites. Netherlands will need to improve on their most recent showings - a tepid dead rubber against Cameroon and a defensively unconvincing 2-1 win over Slovakia - but they have an attack capable of hurting any side. Arjen Robben, who nearly missed out on the tournament through injury, has been exceptional in his limited playing time to date, while Wesley Sneijder is excelling after a hugely successful year with Inter Milan. Dirk Kuyt has also made a positive contribution and, at his best, Robin van Persie is one of the game's leading strikers. From the bench, Eljero Elia offers another potent threat. Brazil are perhaps at their best against attacking sides but, having again been accused of being one-dimensional after the 2-1 win over North Korea, they have since demonstrated greater adaptability. Against Chile, Juan thumped home a header from a set-piece before Luis Fabiano and Robinho completed the scoring in more traditional fashion. Regardless of such improvements, though, this quarter-final looks like a game that will suit them. "We know there is always this expectation that Brazil will be the winners but being the favourite does not allow you to win the World Cup,"Dunga said. "Some people doubted that we would perform but as we go along that confidence is growing and growing and we hope to make it to the final." Netherlands player to watch: Wesley Sneijder. The creative heart of the Dutch team, Sneijder has shown exceptional craft and vision in supplying Arjen Robben in the last two matches. He enjoyed a hugely successful campaign at club level and he appears desperate to prove a point following his release from Real Madrid last summer. Brazil player to watch: Robinho. Having been selected in a weakened Manchester City side against Scunthorpe at Glanford Park in January, few could have predicted Robinho's turnaround in fortunes. A loan spell at Santos provided him with regular football and restored his confidence, and he is again starting to look like the player who cost £32.5 million two years ago. His man-of-the-match performance against Chile was no flash in the pan, and he is likely to test the Dutch defence to its limits. Key battle: Arjen Robben v Michel Bastos. Robben had looked extremely doubtful for the finals after suffering a hamstring injury in a warm-up game, but he was superb when he returned in the final group game against Cameroon and continued to shine against Slovakia. Against Michel Bastos, who plays as an attacking midfielder for Lyon, he will be confident of getting in behind the defence and causing endless problems. Trivia: Falcons are used at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to keep pigeons and small animals away. Stats: Netherlands and Brazil have met three times in the World Cup, with one win apiece and one draw. Odds: Netherlands (4.00), the draw (3.30) and Brazil (2.00) with Bet365. A 1-0 win for Netherlands will give you odds of 10.00. Prediction: While Netherlands look very capable of scoring goals, their defence is a concern and Dunga's Brazil tend to be at their best when soaking up pressure and breaking quickly. While it should be a hard-fought contest, Brazil look by far the most likely to progress. |
Uruguay v Ghana
18:30 GMT, July 2, 2010 Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa Ghana will go into Friday's semi-final against Uruguay with continental advantage and the support of much of Africa, but the loss of several key players in the midfield could make this their toughest match to date. Key man Michael Essien was ruled out long before the tournament started, but the performances of Andre Ayew and Kevin-Prince Boateng have compensated and Ghana have now matched the achievements of Cameroon and Senegal in reaching the quarter-finals. Yet Marseille winger Ayew - the son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele - will be suspended after an unfortunate booking. Named man of the match against USA, team-mate John Pantsil said he proved "he could carry the whole side on his shoulders", and he supplied Asamoah Gyan for the winning goal. German-born midfielder Boateng, who became eligible for Ghana just a month before the finals, has also proved hugely important, offering skill, creativity and goals, yet he could be ruled out. Coach Milovan Rajevac said he was injured in the final group game against Germany and, while he was fit enough to open the scoring against USA, he had to be substituted in the 78th minute. It is fortunate that Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari, who was nearly axed after a dressing room bust-up, was allowed to remain with the squad and should be fresh to come in. A knock for Gyan, who has scored three of Ghana's four goals in South Africa, is a further concern, but it seems he is set to feature. Uruguay, meanwhile, have conceded just one goal so far in South Africa, but their defensive solidity could be hindered by an injury to centre back Diego Godin, who has been ruled out. Fortunately for Uruguay, more significant is the continued presence of strike duo Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who have contributed five goals between them already. After struggling in qualification, boss Oscar Tabarez has said he is surprised to see Uruguay among the final eight this year, but he feels they can continue to defy the doubters. "Let's see how far we can go on this stage," he said. "We are not building castles in the air, but I don't see why we should be resigned to anything. We don't have to renounce anything before playing the matches." Uruguay player to watch: Luis Suarez. He scored 49 goals in 48 games for Ajax, and he has now found his goalscoring touch on the biggest stage. His goals have now seen off Mexico and South Korea already, and a clinical touch tends to make all the difference at the World Cup. Ghana player to watch: Asamoah Gyan. Having scored both the country's group stage goals from the penalty spot, Gyan fired home in open play to secure victory against USA. While there is plenty of talent in midfield, options in attack have been a problem for Ghana, so it is essential Gyan is fit and firing if they are to progress, particularly given the doubts over Boateng and the suspension for Ayew. Key battle: Diego Forlan v Richard Kingson. While few expected Wigan's third-choice goalkeeper to become a hero in South Africa, Kingson excelled against USA and he may need to turn in a repeat performance given Uruguay's firepower. Forlan has not scored since his brace against South Africa, but he remains a real danger. Trivia: If Ghana win, they will become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup. Stats: Ghana had gone 433 minutes without scoring in open play before Kevin-Prince Boateng fired home against USA. Uruguay had gone 390 minutes without conceding before Lee Chung-Yong scored for South Korea. Odds: Uruguay (2.10), the draw (3.10) and Ghana (4.00) with Bet365. You can get 15.00 on Luis Suarez to score the only goal of the game for Uruguay. Prediction: Ghana should be able to rely on the support of the majority, but Uruguay have progressed by keeping things tight while taking their chances. They were on the back foot for long periods against South Korea but rarely allowed them any clear-cut opportunities, and a narrow Uruguay victory looks the most likely outcome here. |
Nigerian president bans Super Eagles
June 30, 2010 Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the country's national team from international competition for two years in response to a disappointing World Cup campaign. Nigeria failed to make it out of the group stage and failed to win a game, though a late goal in a 2-2 draw with South Korea would have been enough to see them progress from Group B with three points. President Jonathan has now withdrawn the Super Eagles from international competitions until 2012 in an effort to "enable Nigeria to reorganise its football" according to advisor Ima Niboro. "This directive became necessary following Nigeria's poor performance in the ongoing World Cup," Niboro added. FIFA said in a statement: "We have no official information on this matter. However, in general, FIFA's position regarding political interference in football is well known." FIFA is vehemently opposed to governmental interference in football matters and Sepp Blatter has already warned French president Nicolas Sarkozy after he said he would investigate the team's disappointing campaign in South Africa. FIFA banned Greece and the country's clubs from international competition in July 2006 in protest at government interference, though the suspension was lifted eight days later after the laws in question were amended. |
Full-time - 90'
Netherlands 2 - 1 Brazil 14:00 GMT, July 2, 2010 Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa Wesley Sneijder dumped favourites Brazil out of the World Cup as Netherlands finally got the better of their South American nemesis. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder - Over the past 12 months ample evidence has been provided that the Inter Milan Treble-winner is more than capable of determining the outcome of a game, and in Port Elizabeth he once again proved decisive. It was Sneijder's cross into the box that Felipe Melo headed past his own goalkeeper and Sneijder who edged Netherlands in front with a clinical header. He outshone his opposite number in the No. 10 shirt, Kaka, with ease. Netherlands verdict: Yet again, Bert van Marwijk's side were unable to produce a dominant performance but they continue to grind out results, and who would bet against them having eliminated many observers' favourites for the tournament? Much like Brazil, Netherlands have eschewed their traditions of brilliant football and instead have produced a robust, well-drilled and determined side. It might not be Total Football, but it is total vindication for Van Marwijk's approach in this World Cup. They may rue the loss of Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong for the semi-finals due to suspension though. Brazil verdict: Dunga's men looked to be on course for the semi-finals when Robinho scored after ten minutes but despite that early promise and some neat passing moves, they played within themselves in Port Elizabeth. An uncharacteristic defensive error allowed Netherlands to equalise and from then on, Brazil imploded. Poor marking allowed Sneijder to head home and when Felipe Melo was shown a deserved card for a horrible stamp on Arjen Robben, their fall from grace was complete. Defeat in this manner will surely ensure Dunga is savaged by a hostile press. A campaign that promised so much ends prematurely. Could do better: Felipe Melo - It started so well when his perfect through-ball released Robinho for the opening goal, but the Juventus midfielder had a nightmare of a second half. Twenty minutes after heading the ball into his own net, Melo blatantly and petulantly stamped on Robben to earn a red card. He should hang his head in shame. Stat attack: This is the first time since 1954 that Brazil has had two red cards in one tournament. But they had to come from behind to avenge their heartbreaking pdefeats of 1994 and 1998 and book their place in the semi-finals. Robinho, who had already had an effort ruled out for offside, fired the Brazilians ahead with just ten minutes gone, and the Dutch struggled to cope during the opening 45 minutes. But Felipe Melo's 53rd-minute own goal gave them fresh impetus and Sneijder won it 22 minutes from time as Melo was dismissed for stamping on Arjen Robben. However, Netherlands will have to do without both full-back Gregory van der Wiel and midfielder Nigel de Jong for Tuesday's semi-final in Cape Town after both collected second bookings. Dutch legend Johan Cruyff had claimed dismissively before the game that he would not pay to watch this Brazil team, and if he did stay away from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, he may have been glad he did so at half-time. Dunga's men may not possess the all flair of their forebears, but they had more than enough to cut Netherlands open almost at will, and the 1-0 lead they enjoyed at half-time was scant reward for their dominance. Robinho thought he had given the South Americans the lead with just eight minutes gone after Luis Fabiano and Dani Alves combined to carve open the path to goal and he supplied the finish. An offside flag ended that celebration, but the £32.5 million man did not have to wait too long for a chance to ease his disappointment. This time, it was defensive midfielder Melo who split the Dutch rearguard wide open with a straight ball down the middle, and Robinho left orange shirts floundering in his wake as he beat keeper Maarten Stekelenburg with consummate ease. But for Stekelenburg, the game would effectively have been over by the break with the Ajax man pulling off a fine one-handed save to keep out Kaka's curling 31st-minute effort after Robinho and Luis Fabiano had left Netherlands once again chasing shadows down the left. The keeper was relieved to see full-back Maicon's rasping drive, which bore similarities to Carlos Alberto's stunning strike in 1970, tear into the side-netting in injury time with the Dutch very much up against it. But they resumed in more determined fashion, and they got their reward within eight minutes of he restart when, after Sneijder had curled a cross hopefully into the penalty area, Julio Cesar and Melo challenged each other and the ball went in off the midfielder's head. Robben started to cause problems in the wake of the goal, but Alves flashed a long-range effort just wide and Kaka also went close at the other end as Brazil responded. But it was Netherlands who took the lead with 22 minutes remaining when Kuyt flicked on Robben's corner and Sneijder steered a header into the net. Melo received his marching orders five minutes later for senselessly stamping on Robben with his side's World Cup dream rapidly unravelling. Andre Ooijer's last-ditch tackle denied Kaka five minutes from time, and there was no way back for the five-time winners. |
Final score - after penalties - 120:00
Uruguay (4)1 - 1(2) Ghana 18:30 GMT, July 2, 2010 Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa 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. MATCH SUMMARY Man of the Match: Diego Forlan - Now surely a shoo-in for the Team of the Tournament, Forlan was at the heart of everything that was good for Uruguay. Working the line excellently, dropping deep intelligently and taking all of Uruguay's set-pieces largely to great effect, Forlan capped his performance with his third goal of the finals. Uruguay verdict: They started the game well but seemed to be over-run by Ghana's drive and athleticism. Credit to Uruguay for weathering the storm and gaining back control, despite losing two players to injury, and towards the end of normal time they deserved to win the match. Ghana verdict: You can never fail to admire the spirit of a Ghana side many had written off before this game despite their displays en route to the last eight. After having a great spell either side of half-time they failed to take their chances, which enabled Uruguay to force their way back into the game, before laying siege to the South Americans' goal at the end of extra-time. A superb performance and they will be missed against the Dutch. Could do better: Asamoah Gyan & John Mensah - First, it was Gyan who missed from the spot when he had the chance to prevent the game going to spot-kicks and send Ghana into the semi-finals. But even worse was Mensah's kick in the shootout. He took a five-a-side style one-step run-up and sidefooted the ball straight at Fernando Muslera. Dominic Adiyiah missed too, but Mensah's kick was unforgivable. Stat attack: All four of Diego Forlan's World Cup goals have come against African sides. 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 Holland. The South Americans' goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was the hero, saving twice from John Mensah, the Sunderland centre-back, and Dominic Adiyiah, but there was a nasty taste left in the mouth as Suarez was carried shoulder high by his team. Sulley Muntari, almost sent home earlier on in the tournament after a bust up with Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, had given his side the lead before Diego Forlan equalised with a viciously-swerving free-kick for his third goal of the finals. Ghana carried the hopes of the continent with them, and especially South Africans, in their quest to become the first African country to qualify for the semi-finals. Perhaps it was the burden of expectation, but Ghana looked nervous from the start while Uruguay, and Suarez in particular, emanated menace. It was the Ajax striker who first threatened, sweeping past Isaac Vorsah and firing in a shot that Richard Kingson managed to parry. Forlan's dead-ball expertise was also causing Ghana problems and his corner deflected off Mensah's back and Kingson made a reaction save. Kingson continued his superb form this tournament with a stunning save to tip over from Suarez. Ghana had done virtually nothing in reply when, inspired by Kevin-Prince Boateng, they suddenly began to play. Two great chances came in as many minutes as Vorsah planted a header from Muntari's corner just past the angle and then Gyan was inches wide after brilliant work by Boateng. Then the German-born midfielder nearly conjured up a spectacular opener with an overhead kick before Muntari struck in first-half injury time. Muntari hit a speculative shot from 30 yards out, Gyan ducked and Muslera was caught flat-footed as the ball sneaked into the corner. The goal made for an open second half with Uruguay having to force the game, and Uruguay claimed a penalty when Edinson Cavani went down under Vorsah's challenge but replays showed Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca was spot on to wave the appeals away. It look ominous for Ghana however when John Pantsil swept away Fucile's legs on the edge of the box, and Forlan produced the perfect free-kick that went over the wall and dipped under the crossbar. Kingson moved two steps to his right and was caught out of position as the ball flew past him. Ghana did not let their heads drop however and Gyan brought a smart save out of Muslera but Uruguay should have taken the lead when Forlan produced an outstanding cross that cut out the entire defence. Suarez was in a perfect position to volley home at the far post but instead he rippled the side-netting. Boateng looked to be denied a legitimate penalty after a smart turn, with Muntari wasting the chance that presented itself afterwards. Kingson kept Ghana in it with a sharp near-post save from Suarez, and ensured extra-time. Gyan was thwarted by a last-ditch block by Andres Scotti as Ghana hunted for a breakthrough then Pantsil was lucky not to be penalised after tangling with Sebastian Eguren in his own area. Ghana finished the stronger with Gyan and Boateng going close before Forlan flashed a last chance wide. An incredible last minute saw Suarez sent off for saving Adiyiah's header on the line when palming the ball away with both his hands, and Gyan smashed the resulting penalty against the bar. Then came the shoot-out, and terrible agony for Ghana. Mensah was the true culprit of the two to miss for Ghana, taking just one step and sidefooting straight at Muslera. |
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