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Collector Zone _ Soccer _ WORLD CUP THREAD
Posted by: flea Jun 6 2010, 03:46 AM
Only 4 days 13 hours away
Posted by: flea Jun 6 2010, 03:54 AM
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/7351215/world-cup-injury-jinx-strikes-again/
Posted by: flea Jun 11 2010, 07:26 AM
South Africa v Mexico kicking off in an hour & a half
Uruguay v Ireland.........I mean France grrrrrrrr 7.30 tonight(my time)
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 11 2010, 08:35 AM
I'm pretty pumped. I picked Mexico and Uruguay for today.
Posted by: flea Jun 11 2010, 08:55 AM
Yep Mexico & Uruguay here too
Can't believe I have to head to work at halftime.
Man it's loud there. hear those horns??
Posted by: flea Jun 11 2010, 09:05 AM
and we are off
Posted by: flea Jun 11 2010, 09:23 AM
Juarez 1st yellow card of tournie - hand ball
Posted by: flea Jun 12 2010, 04:42 AM
South Africa 1 Mexico 1
Uruguay 0 CHEATS 0
Oh the poetic justice of Henry pleading for a handball LOL
Posted by: flea Jun 12 2010, 04:43 AM
Todays games
South Korea v Greece
Nigeria v Argentina
England v USA
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 12 2010, 06:33 AM
The Cheats looked horrible yesterday.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 12 2010, 06:38 AM
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
South Korea 7'
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 12 2010, 07:24 AM
I have South Korea, Argentina, and USA. Should be a great day for soccer.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 12 2010, 07:42 AM
2-0 South Kor.
Greece looks really bad
Posted by: Romanempire295 Jun 12 2010, 08:49 AM
Rule Britannia!
Britannia rule the waves
Britons never, never, never shall be slaves.
my way of saying England is going to win
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 12 2010, 11:06 AM
It's going to be an absolute battle out there. The world will be watching, I say USA 2-1.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 12 2010, 03:36 PM
Good result for the USA
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 12 2010, 03:47 PM
Great result, we completely outplayed them. Hope we can win the next two.
Posted by: chiefsfan101 Jun 12 2010, 05:22 PM
I'd say we played good defense, from what I saw
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 12 2010, 05:42 PM
No way i can say the USA outplayed Brittan.
A great result but we lucked out on the one goal. And the back 4 was ok. They gave up to many chances. Tim Howard saved us big time.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 12 2010, 05:44 PM
Which match would be the most lopsided?
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 12 2010, 05:56 PM
Games that have happened or games coming up?
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 12 2010, 07:11 PM
The games coming up. Or are there two teams paired that play no defense at all?
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 12 2010, 07:28 PM
There aren't to many games like this as these are supposed to be the best teams in the world. But if there will be one i will go with Brazil vs North Korea
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 12 2010, 07:38 PM
When is that? I like to see a lot of scoring.
Posted by: Romanempire295 Jun 12 2010, 10:52 PM
tuesday should be pretty lopsided but then again a lot of these games where suppose to be lopsided and weren't so will see
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 05:14 AM
Maybe Spain v Honduras?
England played poorly but honestly should have won. Howard made somne great saves to keep the draw. Can't say I was impressed by the American back 4 myself but your pace gave the English back 4 something to worry about.
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 06:14 AM
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 13 2010, 06:55 AM
England played poorly but honestly should have won. Howard made somne great saves to keep the draw. Can't say I was impressed by the American back 4 myself but your pace gave the English back 4 something to worry about.
I agree. No way the USA should have won. But if we can play on the up beat tempo we did in the second half we could be a threat. Our back 4 didn't seem comfortable playing which other. They seemed a bit confused and dazed.
Robbie Findley can be a huge scorer for the USA. He has great speed.
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 07:06 AM
Robbie Findley can be a huge scorer for the USA. He has great speed.
Oh I expect both USA & England to qualify
Am watching ALgeria & Slovenia now & so far pretty meh, neither should threaten to get out of group
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 13 2010, 08:01 AM
I expect both to move on without much issue.
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 08:03 AM
Cappelo needs to start Green next game show the teams behind him or the kids confidence will be completely gone. Who ya replace him with? James makes more than his fair share of blunders & while Hart is good he has no experience
Slovenia v Algeria is a horrible game
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 08:06 AM
Slovenia 1-0. Another goal keeping MESS up
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 13 2010, 09:50 AM
I am currently watching the Serbia v Ghana game right now. I'm not too impressed with either of those teams either.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 13 2010, 10:24 AM
Slovenia v Algeria is a horrible game
From what i watched Slovenia and Algeria look horrible. I don't think they will upset either the US or England.
I do agree if they don't start green next game he will loose his confidence. And i think people will start second guessing Cappelo.
But scoring in the world cup is really low so far. Most goals in a game so far has been 2.
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 12:14 PM
it generally is low, the most common world cup scoreline is 1-0
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 13 2010, 12:17 PM
Ok, i'm just used to premier league scorelines. I'm not used to all this 1-0 stuff.
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 12:50 PM
Big game in 40 minutes
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 13 2010, 12:55 PM
Who you got? I picked a 1-1 draw.
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 01:08 PM
Have Germany for the win by 2
Though the aussies gave Ireland a right hammering & are a decent team
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 01:41 PM
Cracker of a goal
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 02:11 PM
Germany destroyin the aussies.
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 03:05 PM
4-0
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 13 2010, 03:19 PM
Yeah, I tried to take an underdog in that game. That didn't work out to well for me. Podolski looked crazy good today.
Posted by: flea Jun 13 2010, 03:43 PM
4-0 to Germany great gameof football
The Germans looked great so relaxed on the ball. I know they only played Australia but look well worth 14/1 to win it all
Posted by: Cool_Hand_Flash Jun 13 2010, 06:32 PM
Great thread Micheàl! Let's cross our fingers I'll be writing something positive in here tomorrow 
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 05:15 AM
Denmark Holland will be a tight one
I see a draw or Holland by 1
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 06:22 AM
Holland v Denmark should be a cracker
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 06:59 AM
nasty tackle that
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 07:27 AM
0-0 @ THE HALF
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 14 2010, 07:29 AM
Did you see the striker for the Netherlands smash the camera behind the goal when he missed that one shot?
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 07:31 AM
1-0 Own goal
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 08:03 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1244260/index.html#carragher+hails+typical+germans
Germany's four-goal start to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ has made a big impression on England's players, who may well face the three-times world champions in the second round.
"I thought it was the best performance of the tournament up to now," said Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who watched the Germans' 4-0 demolition of Australia on television with some of his team-mates and the England backroom staff.
It was typically German. Maybe on paper you don't expect too much from them but they're always there.Jamie Carragher, England defender
Carragher, a keen student of the game who plans to go into management when he stops playing, was particularly impressed with Mesut Oezil, the 21-year-old Werder Bremen playmaker who was at the heart of Germany's best work.
"I thought Oezil was outstanding off the front man (Miroslav) Klose," Carragher said of one of the hottest properties in European football at the moment.
England will face Germany in the second round if they finish second in their group and Joachim Loew's side top theirs. The two sides will also meet if England top group C and Germany are second in group D.
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 08:04 AM
The matches
The Netherlands-Denmark, Group E, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 13.30
Japan-Cameroon, Group E, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 16.00
Italy-Paraguay, Group F, Cape Town, 20.30
The big game
Italy–Paraguay
The defending champions start the tournament as underdogs after a lacklustre run-in to the finals. Nevertheless, with nine veterans from Germany 2006 and a clutch of talented young pretenders to bolster their ranks, La Nazionale look as solid as ever with a backbone consisting of FIFA World Cup winners Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino. The team's laboured build-up is unlikely to trouble Marcello Lippi, who knows that the Azzurri tend to find their feet as the competition progresses.
The Tuscan-born tactician will nevertheless be wary of Paraguay, who are contesting their fourth consecutive finals with a squad which has come of age. Albirroja coach for the last three seasons, 47-year-old Argentinian Gerardo Martino has instilled some Italian-style consistency into his team, which relies on a watertight defence and lightning counter-attacks. It is no coincidence that the Paraguayans dominated in beating both Brazil and Argentina on their way to the finals.
In focus
Feyenoord v Ajax
During Denmark’s encounter against the Netherlands, Danish forwards Jon Dahl Tomasson and Dennis Rommedahl will be reunited with their respective team-mates at Feyenoord and Ajax, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Gregory van der Wiel. The two Dutch wing-backs form part of an obdurate rearguard which conceded just two goals in eight matches during qualification. The tussle between Tomasson and Van Bronckhorst, two wily old foxes who have respectively notched up 107 and 97 caps, looks set to be particularly interesting.
What they said
"If you want to survive in football, the best strategy is to attack. Our coach is always drumming it into us, he wants to see us play offensive football," Keisuke Honda, Japan playmaker
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 08:06 AM
Donovan: Room for improvement
(FIFA.com) Sunday 13 June 2010
Getty ImagesAlthough admitting that his side are happier with the point gained in Rustenburg than their opponents England, Landon Donovan believes that USA have even more to give following their 1-1 draw with Fabio Capello's Group C favourites.
The LA Galaxy star was a thorn in the side of the Three Lions, particularly during the first half, when his right-footed deliveries, either from the flanks or from set-pieces, created several chances for his countrymen. After going behind to Steven Gerrard's early goal, Bob Bradley's side needed someone to steady the ship and get the team on the attack. In Donovan, they had just that – a player willing to pick up the ball and run at England's defence.
Somewhat self-effacingly, the 28-year-old refused to take any of the credit himself, preferring to share it among his team-mates. However, while the rest of the dressing room celebrated at holding the section's top seeds to a draw, the midfielder let slip that he was not completely happy with his own team's performance.
"We're proud of the effort we put in and getting a result against one of the best teams in the world is a very positive start," he told FIFA.com. "Our energy, desire and willingness to fight was very good, but from a technical point of view we weren't as good as we wanted things to be. It's easy for people to tell us that we should qualify for the knockout stage and this is an easy group to navigate, but we know that it's going to be difficult. We cannot afford to take Slovenia lightly and we’ve got to work on the things that didn't go as well as we'd hoped over the next few days."
USA return to their training base near Pretoria today, with five days to prepare for the match with Slovenia at Ellis Park. The Zmajecki represent an unknown quantity for the Americans, in stark contrast to England. Only four of Saturday's starting line-up – Michael Bradley, Steve Cherundolo, Ricardo Clark and Robbie Findley – had never been under contract with an English club in their careers, with Donovan himself enjoying a three-month loan spell with English Premier League side Everton earlier this year.
Perhaps as a consequence, Donovan was quick to offer words of encouragement to Capello's men who left were left frustrated by their share of the spoils. "I'm sure England will go far in this tournament," he said. "They are a talented team with a lot of talented players and when you look at their squad, they have world-class players in every position. When you consider that we came off the field a little disappointed that we didn't play a little bit better and perhaps even win the game, it shows you just how well we did."
South Africa 2010 represents Donovan's third FIFA World Cup™, following appearances at Korea/Japan and Germany respectively. However, in the midfielder's eyes, the tournament has lost none of its magic. He smiled as he said the memories of last night's game would live with him forever. "Playing at a World Cup is always great, but the experience of meeting England at the highest level is something which I don't think any of us will ever forget. There was an absolutely superb atmosphere inside the stadium. Both sets of fans were absolutely great."
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1242930/index.html#donovan+room+improvement
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 08:10 AM
2-0 Holland Dirk Kyut with a tap in
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 14 2010, 08:15 AM
Kyut totally beat that defender for the Danes to the ball. I think Italy will be upset this afternoon.
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 08:15 AM
Number crunching
1 FIFA World Cup victory for Slovenia at the fourth attempt. They lost to Spain, Paraguay and South Africa in the 2002 edition.
80 per cent of his appearances in FIFA World Cup matches have seen Miroslav Klose substituted - 12 times in 15 matches.
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 08:18 AM
I'll be in work for this evenins Italy game
get the 1st half of Japan before I go to work
Japan will get a beat down 3-0 to Cameroon
Italy paraguay 2-2 draw
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 08:19 AM
GAME OVER
Holland 2 0 Denmark
The Danes dissapointed me
Posted by: Tromni Jun 14 2010, 10:04 AM
Seems like every De Jong tackle deserves a straight red card. Studs up and two footed all match long. I don't think there's anyone in football that I respect less.
I've got Paraguay to beat Italy. Give us the first real shocker of the tournament.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 14 2010, 02:19 PM
Paraguay up on Italy 1-0 at half.
Posted by: Cool_Hand_Flash Jun 14 2010, 06:40 PM
Holland 2 0 Denmark
The Danes dissapointed me
Dissapointed you??!! Imagine how I feel!
We really didn't play that bad, bad luck and one lazy defender is all it takes to lose 2-0 Aaah well, we'll still finish second in the group (hopefully). The way Cameroun and Japan played I don't see either being too tough for us
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 06:54 PM
Japan beat Cameroon 1-0
Italy & Paraguay dreww 1-1
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 07:17 PM
Today, Dirk Kuyt scored his 1st international goal outside of the Netherlands in 2 years. Kuyt last scored for 'The Oranje' at EURO 2008.
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 07:22 PM
The only country to have won the FIFA World Cup™ outside their own continent, five-time champions Brazil take their opening bow at South Africa 2010 against Group G outsiders Korea DPR. Following their untimely quarter-final exit at Germany 2006, A Seleção Pentacampeã have their minds firmly fixed on adding another world title to their already impressive collection.
The other game in the section, between Portugal and Côte d’Ivoire, has a cup-tie feel about it. Les Eléphants are still waiting on Didier Drogba, who had an operation on his injured elbow nine days ago and remains doubtful for a match that will be crucial to the final outcome in the section. Largely unimpressive in qualifying, A Selecção das Quinas enjoyed a promising build-up to the finals, winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games. And with a proven matchwinner in Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, the Portuguese are sure to pose a potent threat up front.
Slovakia are warm favourites going into their game with New Zealand, who are back on the big stage for the first time in 28 years and only the second time in their history. Vladimir Weiss’s side has a solid look about it, with Liverpool central defender Martin Skrtel, Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik and Stanislav Sestak, their top scorer in the qualifiers, making up a formidable spine.
The matches
New Zealand-Slovakia, Group F, Rustenburg, 13.30
Côte d’Ivoire-Portugal, Group G, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00
Brazil-Korea DPR, Group G, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 20.30
The big game
Brazil-Korea DPR
Brazil’s qualifying campaign featured some pedestrian performances, including goalless draws with Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia, and some irresistible ones, most notably an emphatic 3-1 win over the Argentinians and a 4-0 thumping of Uruguay. The question is, which Seleção will turn up in South Africa? One thing we can expect is defensive solidity and blistering counter-attacks. A FIFA World Cup winner at USA 1994, national coach Dunga has fashioned a team in his own image, making those two attributes and the team ethic the unmistakable hallmarks of the class of 2010.
Braced for just their second participation in the world finals, the counter-punching North Koreans will need to be at their very best if they are to reprise the country’s most famous victory: a 1-0 defeat of Italy at England 1966.
In focus
Chelsea v Chelsea
The match between Côte d’Ivoire and Portugal could feature no fewer than five Chelsea players. Blues defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira seem certain to line up in the Portuguese defence against club colleague Salomon Kalou, with Ivorian talisman Didier Drogba a potential absentee. The fifth and final member of the Chelsea contingent is impish midfielder Deco, who could tilt the match in Portugal’s favour.
What they said
“I think it will be a tactical battle and neither side will want to concede. The team who makes less mistakes and sticks to their gameplan better will win,” Jan Durica, Slovakia defender.
A family tradition: Slovakia’s 45-year-old coach Vladimir Weiss is the son of Vladimir Weiss, the former Czechoslovakia international, now 70, and the father of another Vladimir Weiss, the 20-year-old Manchester City and Repre defender.
Ivorian excellence: Côte d’Ivoire barely put a foot wrong during the African qualifying competition, winning eight games and drawing the other four, scoring 29 goals and conceding only six in the process. The only man to feature throughout their run to South Africa was Sevilla midfielder Didier Zokora.
Kiwi pioneer: Richard ‘Ricki’ Herbert, New Zealand’s 49-year-old coach, is regarded as a footballing legend in The Land of the Long White Cloud. A no-nonsense defender during his playing days, the All Whites boss played in all three of his country’s matches at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain™ and was also one of the first Kiwi players to play abroad, running out for Wolverhampton Wanderers for two seasons. In charge of the national side since 2005, Herbert doubles up as the coach of Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix, the only professional club in New Zealand.
The only country to have won the FIFA World Cup™ outside their own continent, five-time champions Brazil take their opening bow at South Africa 2010 against Group G outsiders Korea DPR. Following their untimely quarter-final exit at Germany 2006, A Seleção Pentacampeã have their minds firmly fixed on adding another world title to their already impressive collection.
The other game in the section, between Portugal and Côte d’Ivoire, has a cup-tie feel about it. Les Eléphants are still waiting on Didier Drogba, who had an operation on his injured elbow nine days ago and remains doubtful for a match that will be crucial to the final outcome in the section. Largely unimpressive in qualifying, A Selecção das Quinas enjoyed a promising build-up to the finals, winning two and drawing one of their warm-up games. And with a proven matchwinner in Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, the Portuguese are sure to pose a potent threat up front.
Slovakia are warm favourites going into their game with New Zealand, who are back on the big stage for the first time in 28 years and only the second time in their history. Vladimir Weiss’s side has a solid look about it, with Liverpool central defender Martin Skrtel, Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik and Stanislav Sestak, their top scorer in the qualifiers, making up a formidable spine.
The matches
New Zealand-Slovakia, Group F, Rustenburg, 13.30
Côte d’Ivoire-Portugal, Group G, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00
Brazil-Korea DPR, Group G, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 20.30
The big game
Brazil-Korea DPR
Brazil’s qualifying campaign featured some pedestrian performances, including goalless draws with Argentina, Bolivia and Colombia, and some irresistible ones, most notably an emphatic 3-1 win over the Argentinians and a 4-0 thumping of Uruguay. The question is, which Seleção will turn up in South Africa? One thing we can expect is defensive solidity and blistering counter-attacks. A FIFA World Cup winner at USA 1994, national coach Dunga has fashioned a team in his own image, making those two attributes and the team ethic the unmistakable hallmarks of the class of 2010.
Braced for just their second participation in the world finals, the counter-punching North Koreans will need to be at their very best if they are to reprise the country’s most famous victory: a 1-0 defeat of Italy at England 1966.
In focus
Chelsea v Chelsea
The match between Côte d’Ivoire and Portugal could feature no fewer than five Chelsea players. Blues defenders Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira seem certain to line up in the Portuguese defence against club colleague Salomon Kalou, with Ivorian talisman Didier Drogba a potential absentee. The fifth and final member of the Chelsea contingent is impish midfielder Deco, who could tilt the match in Portugal’s favour.
What they said
“I think it will be a tactical battle and neither side will want to concede. The team who makes less mistakes and sticks to their gameplan better will win,” Jan Durica, Slovakia defender.
A family tradition: Slovakia’s 45-year-old coach Vladimir Weiss is the son of Vladimir Weiss, the former Czechoslovakia international, now 70, and the father of another Vladimir Weiss, the 20-year-old Manchester City and Repre defender.
Ivorian excellence: Côte d’Ivoire barely put a foot wrong during the African qualifying competition, winning eight games and drawing the other four, scoring 29 goals and conceding only six in the process. The only man to feature throughout their run to South Africa was Sevilla midfielder Didier Zokora.
Kiwi pioneer: Richard ‘Ricki’ Herbert, New Zealand’s 49-year-old coach, is regarded as a footballing legend in The Land of the Long White Cloud. A no-nonsense defender during his playing days, the All Whites boss played in all three of his country’s matches at the 1982 FIFA World Cup Spain™ and was also one of the first Kiwi players to play abroad, running out for Wolverhampton Wanderers for two seasons. In charge of the national side since 2005, Herbert doubles up as the coach of Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix, the only professional club in New Zealand.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1244054/index.html#group+fore+with+licence+thrill
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 07:24 PM
Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is a doubt for the defending champions next FIFA World Cup match after hurting his back in their 1-1 draw with Paraguay on Monday. The 32-year-old was replaced at half-time by Federico Marchetti and coach Marcello Lippi said it was too early to tell how bad it was.
"He has a bit of problem in his back," said Lippi. "He had an ache during the warm-up and then he said he wanted to play, but after the first half he said he couldn't continue. It's unfortunate as we lost a substitution which would have been handy for the game. I don't know how bad the injury is or how long it will take him to recover. The doctors will have to tell us that."
Buffon came into the FIFA World Cup on the back of a poor season with Juventus where he missed chunks of the season due to injury. But he is widely regarded as one of the standout keepers of the modern era and kept five clean sheets and conceded just two goals in Italy's run to the FIFA World Cup title in 2006.
Italy's next match is against New Zealand on Sunday.
Posted by: flea Jun 14 2010, 07:24 PM
Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is a doubt for the defending champions next FIFA World Cup match after hurting his back in their 1-1 draw with Paraguay on Monday. The 32-year-old was replaced at half-time by Federico Marchetti and coach Marcello Lippi said it was too early to tell how bad it was.
"He has a bit of problem in his back," said Lippi. "He had an ache during the warm-up and then he said he wanted to play, but after the first half he said he couldn't continue. It's unfortunate as we lost a substitution which would have been handy for the game. I don't know how bad the injury is or how long it will take him to recover. The doctors will have to tell us that."
Buffon came into the FIFA World Cup on the back of a poor season with Juventus where he missed chunks of the season due to injury. But he is widely regarded as one of the standout keepers of the modern era and kept five clean sheets and conceded just two goals in Italy's run to the FIFA World Cup title in 2006.
Italy's next match is against New Zealand on Sunday.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 14 2010, 09:15 PM
To date IMO, the Germans have played the most inspiring soccer of the tournament so far. I expected more form the Italians (good second half of the Paraguay game) as well as the Dutch. I am very much looking forward to the upcoming Brazilian slaughter (not a fan of North Korea) and watching the Spanish. I hope the second week of play provides us with more excitement. The Germans seem to always have an edge in international soccer....I guess it helps to have all of the national players on just a few German club teams.
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 06:04 AM
New Zealand gonna get a hiding
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 06:36 AM
New Zealand with the 1st chance
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 07:03 AM
New Zealand doing better than I expected
Slovakia with a half chance due to a ball s up by the New Zealand keeper
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 07:08 AM
OOOOOOOOOOOOO great chance for the kiwis, side netting
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 07:13 AM
That was a clever free kic
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 07:31 AM
2nd half starting. It'spretty cold & windy there
Drogba has been cleared by FIFA to play today
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 07:36 AM
1-0
Slovakias first ever World Cup goal
beautiful cross great header
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 08:04 AM
nice one two,unlucky with the bounce
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 08:20 AM
WOW Kiwis with a late equaliser
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 08:30 AM
Ivory Coast v Portugal next
Posted by: road_runner_1964 Jun 15 2010, 08:41 AM
That was a crazy match, watched the highlights last night. Header off the back....c'mon....
Which was worse that one or the England Goalie mishap???
Seemed like Holland played in the offensive end all night.
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 09:12 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061483/index.html#all+whites+snatch+last+gasp+point
All Whites snatch last-gasp point
A last-gasp Winston Reid header snatched New Zealand an improbable draw against a dominant Slovakia side in their Group F opener in Rustenburg. Robert Vittek had put the Europeans in front, also with his head, in the 50th minute but the All Whites hit back for a result that leaves the section's four sides level on one point – and goal difference – after Italy and Paraguay also drew 1-1 yesterday.
New Zealand defied their underdogs' status in the opening five minutes. First Chris Killen broke free from his marker just inside the Slovakia half, charged forward and unleashed a shot that flew over. Then the same player headed wide from an inviting Leo Bertos cross. That seemed to awaken the Europeans. Vladimir Weiss, son of the Slovakia coach, darted down the right flank before producing a low cross that Mark Paston did well to hold, before Robert Vittek cut inside before blazing a shot high and wide.
The flair of Weiss was thrilling the crowd and on 22 minutes, the Slovakia No7 found space down the left and threaded the ball through to Marek Hamsik, who curled it wide from inside the area. Weiss then craftily laid on a chance for Stanislav Sestak, who fired into the side-netting. Minutes later the No9 missed another chance, this time from a close-range header following a corner. With ten minutes of the half remaining, Vittek cut inside from the right and fired a fierce 20-yard shot wide.
New Zealand, who had been spectators for a period, then went close. Following a neat passing move, Smeltz played a give-and-go with Rory Fallon before shooting into the side-netting from a difficult angle. It proved a brief respite, as the Slovaks dominated possession for the remainder of the half, albeit without creating any meaningful opportunities. They did just that five minutes after the restart, though, and this time they took full advantage. Sestak crossed from the right, and Vittek powered his header into the bottom corner. It was just reward for Slovakia's relentless assault on the Kiwis' goal.
Rather than sit back, the team in blue went in search of a second goal. After 58 minutes Sestak held the ball up well and touched it into the path of Hamsik, who failed to keep his shot down from the edge of the area. Slovakia almost doubled their lead soon after. Zdenko Strba and Sestak exchanged passes, before the latter set up Vittek. However, Paston rushed from his line to make a smart block from the 28-year-old forward.
It took an alert Tony Lochhead to deny Vittek a clear sight on goal with 15 minutes remaining, before Smeltz headed wide from a rare New Zealand attack with just minutes remaining. It appeared then that their last chance had gone, but deep into injury time Smeltz crossed for Reid to steal in and nod home a dramatic equaliser.
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 09:21 AM
Which was worse that one or the England Goalie mishap???
Seemed like Holland played in the offensive end all night.
Greens was worse but the Algerian keepers was worse
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 09:34 AM
MEH time for work
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 15 2010, 02:23 PM
Thought Brazil was going to win 12-0. I can't believe it is 0-0 at half.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 15 2010, 02:24 PM
Same here. I had them winning by 3 or more.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 15 2010, 04:54 PM
Even 2-1 is a disappointing score....Oh well, I guess a win is a win in the group of death.
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 07:38 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1246566/index.html#north+koreans+still+eyeing+last
North Koreans still eyeing last 16
(AFP) Wednesday 16 June 2010
Getty ImagesPoker-faced Korea DPR coach Kim Jong-Hun still has his eyes on a second-round berth for his side after their fighting 2-1 loss to Brazil at the FIFA World Cup™ on Tuesday. The North Koreans, playing in their first FIFA World Cup for 44 years, fought hard to keep out the five-times world champions until their defensive shield was breached 10 minutes after halftime.
Inter Milan right-back Maicon crowned his man-of-the-match performance with a stunning angled shot to break the deadlock and midfielder Elano made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute. Ji Yun Nam netted a consolation goal on 89 minutes to give the North Koreans some reward for their performance before 54,331 fans at a bitterly-cold Ellis Park.
But despite not coming away with any points from their tough opening game, coach Kim is still chasing glory for his team. "In order to reach our goal, we have to win our matches," Kim said. "I can't reveal our strategy. In the next five days before the next game we are going to prepare and review it and we will decide then if we are going to attack or defend more. Winning is the objective, but our aim is to win through to the second round."
We didn't win, but we have picked up some confidence and I think we will do well in the next two games.Kim Jong-Hun, Korea DPR coach
Kim jumped for joy when Ji scored in the final minutes. "If you saw me being happy at our goal, it is because we showed that we are capable of scoring against the Brazilians and that is something to be proud of," he said. Based on Tuesday's stubborn resistance Korea DPR may yet cause further irritation to Group G hotshots Portugal in Cape Town on Monday and Côte d'Ivoire in Nelspruit four days later.
"We didn't win, but we have picked up some confidence and I think we will do well in the next two games," Kim said. "We never stopped looking for goals, we were able to score one goal, the team fought bravely, but against Brazil we weren't really fast enough down the wings, which is where their goals came from."
Star striker Jong Tae Se, who cried while the North Korea national anthem was played before the kickoff, said he was disappointed to lose. "I don't feel very well about losing," Japanese-based Jong said. "We could have got the three points and the win and it will be very different to our next game against Portugal. We must beat Portugal to stay alive in the World Cup."
Posted by: flea Jun 15 2010, 07:39 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1245439/index.html#favourites+enter+fray
Generally regarded as the favourites for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, Spain’s first appearance in this year’s tournament is Wednesday’s major highlight. Up against Switzerland, an opponent they have yet to lose to in 15 outings, La Selección will be keen to get their campaign off to a flying start.
After triumphing in style at UEFA EURO 2008, the Iberians will be looking to finally make an impression at FIFA’s flagship tournament, where their best result remains a fourth-place finish back in 1950. The other match in Group H will also exhibit a strong Spanish accent, as Chile, second only to Brazil in South American qualifying, confront CONCACAF side Honduras, competing at this level for the first time since 1982.
The final encounter of the day sees host nation South Africa take on Uruguay in what promises to be an incredible atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria. With all four teams in Group A deadlocked on a single point, the match is crucial for both sides. Fervently backed by an expectant nation, Bafana Bafana will need to keep their heads and concentrate on the task before them, in a game where the slightest error could prove crucial.
The matches
Honduras-Chile, Group H, Nelspruit, 13.30 (local time)
Spain-Switzerland, Group H, Durban, 16.00 (local time)
South Africa-Uruguay, Group A, Tshwane/Pretoria, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Spain-Switzerland
Have Spain ever been on better form? And has a previous Spanish side ever seen so many talented footballers blossom at the same time, and in every position? After winning EURO 2008, former coach Luis Aragones gave way to Vicente del Bosque, but the change at the helm had no negative impact on the team’s performances. Far from it – Spain won all ten of their qualifying matches, advancing to South Africa 2010 with relative ease. But the European champions do not simply secure victories; they do it in style, with a flowing, one-touch football not dissimilar to that of Barcelona, provider of eight members of the Spanish squad, including new recruit, David Villa. In their final friendly match before the tournament, Spain put on a masterclass of attacking football, beating Poland 6-0.
In the opposing dugout, Ottmar Hitzfeld will be counting on a blend of youth, such as Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta and goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, and experience, like talisman Alexander Frei and veteran forward Blaise N'Kufo. To have any chance in the match, the Swiss will need to rediscover their qualifying form, rather than the disappointing level they attained during their warm-up games.
In focus
Aaron Mokoena (RSA) v Diego Forlan (URU)
The key to the potentially decisive match between South Africa and Uruguay could lie in the duel between the Bafana Bafana defender and La Celeste’s star striker. The youngest international in his country’s history, Mokoena is also its most-capped, having donned the yellow jersey on 102 occasions. Dealing with the enormous pressures that come with captaining the host nation is something that ‘Mbazo’ accomplishes with an air of great calmness. In the opposing camp, Forlan has constituted Uruguay’s greatest attacking threat for several years now. With 24 goals in 63 international appearances, his skills are as sharp as they ever were, as evidenced by his Budweiser Man of the Match award against France.
What they said
“Our main attribute, and it’s verging on a genetic thing, is our speed. Whereas Honduras are a very compact team it’s tricky to get in behind them, especially on the edge of their box. I can’t reveal anything specific, but we’ve been working with our coach on a way to find a way through the defensive barricade that they tend to put up,” Humberto Suazo, Chile forward.
Did you know?
Long shot: The Honduran defender Maynor Figueroa possesses one of the most powerful shots in world football. The 27-year-old Wigan Athletic player’s 55-metre strike against Stoke City was the longest-range goal in the Premier League last season.
From Salas to Suazo: Chile’s Humberto Suazo, 29, may not be the most imposing figure ever to have played the game, but rival defences in Group H would be foolish to take his threat lightly. Leading scorer of the South American qualifying phase with ten goals, including two against Brazil, he is the natural successor to legendary Chilean forwards such as Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano. ‘Chupete’ set an astonishing record back in the 2006/07 season, finding the net 51 times for his club, Colo Colo.
Penchant for play-offs: Constantly striving to replicate past glories, Uruguay have made a habit of finishing fifth in the South American Zone over the last twelve years, forcing La Celeste to contest a two-legged play-off on each occasion. In 2002, the Uruguayans progressed without much fuss, and at Australia’s expense (3-1 on aggregate). Four years later, they found themselves up against the Socceroos again, but this time did not enjoy the same success, losing out on penalty kicks. And last November, the two-time world champions were involved in yet another nail-biting play-off tie, putting paid to Costa Rica’s global aspirations 2-1 over two legs. Uruguay’s battle-weary supporters would certainly be forgiven for hoping that their team can qualify automatically when Brazil 2014 comes around.
Generally regarded as the favourites for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, Spain’s first appearance in this year’s tournament is Wednesday’s major highlight. Up against Switzerland, an opponent they have yet to lose to in 15 outings, La Selección will be keen to get their campaign off to a flying start.
After triumphing in style at UEFA EURO 2008, the Iberians will be looking to finally make an impression at FIFA’s flagship tournament, where their best result remains a fourth-place finish back in 1950. The other match in Group H will also exhibit a strong Spanish accent, as Chile, second only to Brazil in South American qualifying, confront CONCACAF side Honduras, competing at this level for the first time since 1982.
The final encounter of the day sees host nation South Africa take on Uruguay in what promises to be an incredible atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria. With all four teams in Group A deadlocked on a single point, the match is crucial for both sides. Fervently backed by an expectant nation, Bafana Bafana will need to keep their heads and concentrate on the task before them, in a game where the slightest error could prove crucial.
The matches
Honduras-Chile, Group H, Nelspruit, 13.30 (local time)
Spain-Switzerland, Group H, Durban, 16.00 (local time)
South Africa-Uruguay, Group A, Tshwane/Pretoria, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Spain-Switzerland
Have Spain ever been on better form? And has a previous Spanish side ever seen so many talented footballers blossom at the same time, and in every position? After winning EURO 2008, former coach Luis Aragones gave way to Vicente del Bosque, but the change at the helm had no negative impact on the team’s performances. Far from it – Spain won all ten of their qualifying matches, advancing to South Africa 2010 with relative ease. But the European champions do not simply secure victories; they do it in style, with a flowing, one-touch football not dissimilar to that of Barcelona, provider of eight members of the Spanish squad, including new recruit, David Villa. In their final friendly match before the tournament, Spain put on a masterclass of attacking football, beating Poland 6-0.
In the opposing dugout, Ottmar Hitzfeld will be counting on a blend of youth, such as Eren Derdiyok, Tranquillo Barnetta and goalkeeper Diego Benaglio, and experience, like talisman Alexander Frei and veteran forward Blaise N'Kufo. To have any chance in the match, the Swiss will need to rediscover their qualifying form, rather than the disappointing level they attained during their warm-up games.
In focus
Aaron Mokoena (RSA) v Diego Forlan (URU)
The key to the potentially decisive match between South Africa and Uruguay could lie in the duel between the Bafana Bafana defender and La Celeste’s star striker. The youngest international in his country’s history, Mokoena is also its most-capped, having donned the yellow jersey on 102 occasions. Dealing with the enormous pressures that come with captaining the host nation is something that ‘Mbazo’ accomplishes with an air of great calmness. In the opposing camp, Forlan has constituted Uruguay’s greatest attacking threat for several years now. With 24 goals in 63 international appearances, his skills are as sharp as they ever were, as evidenced by his Budweiser Man of the Match award against France.
What they said
“Our main attribute, and it’s verging on a genetic thing, is our speed. Whereas Honduras are a very compact team it’s tricky to get in behind them, especially on the edge of their box. I can’t reveal anything specific, but we’ve been working with our coach on a way to find a way through the defensive barricade that they tend to put up,” Humberto Suazo, Chile forward.
Did you know?
Long shot: The Honduran defender Maynor Figueroa possesses one of the most powerful shots in world football. The 27-year-old Wigan Athletic player’s 55-metre strike against Stoke City was the longest-range goal in the Premier League last season.
From Salas to Suazo: Chile’s Humberto Suazo, 29, may not be the most imposing figure ever to have played the game, but rival defences in Group H would be foolish to take his threat lightly. Leading scorer of the South American qualifying phase with ten goals, including two against Brazil, he is the natural successor to legendary Chilean forwards such as Marcelo Salas and Ivan Zamorano. ‘Chupete’ set an astonishing record back in the 2006/07 season, finding the net 51 times for his club, Colo Colo.
Penchant for play-offs: Constantly striving to replicate past glories, Uruguay have made a habit of finishing fifth in the South American Zone over the last twelve years, forcing La Celeste to contest a two-legged play-off on each occasion. In 2002, the Uruguayans progressed without much fuss, and at Australia’s expense (3-1 on aggregate). Four years later, they found themselves up against the Socceroos again, but this time did not enjoy the same success, losing out on penalty kicks. And last November, the two-time world champions were involved in yet another nail-biting play-off tie, putting paid to Costa Rica’s global aspirations 2-1 over two legs. Uruguay’s battle-weary supporters would certainly be forgiven for hoping that their team can qualify automatically when Brazil 2014 comes around.
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 06:35 AM
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 06:36 AM
Honduras v Chile just kicked off
Leaves 1 more group 1 game
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 06:51 AM
2 yellow cards in 19 minutes
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 07:10 AM
1-0 Chile
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 07:19 AM
Halftime, Chile up 1-0 & look the better team
Posted by: joe31 Jun 16 2010, 09:17 AM
Wow, Im watching the Spain game right now. Their ball control and passing is amazing.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 09:23 AM
Yeah I agree. crazy.
In other news, all these draws are really getting on my nerves!
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 09:24 AM
GREAT SAVE!!!
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 09:36 AM
Go SPAIN!!!!
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 16 2010, 09:45 AM
Spain is truly the best team in the tournament in my opinion. I still can't come to grips on how the US managed to beat them.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 09:46 AM
They aren't playing like it. They are missing chances.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 09:50 AM
American style! With refs in their pockets.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 16 2010, 09:51 AM
figures...
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 09:51 AM
The Swiss is clogging up the middle and slowing everything down in that area.
Posted by: joe31 Jun 16 2010, 09:54 AM
Yeah they are. Its really hurting Spains style of play.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 10:09 AM
GOALLL!!! Switzerland in the 53rd minute.
WOW.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 10:27 AM
COME ON!!!! Nothing is going their way! They get into good position and nothing!
It's like watching the Bengals get into scoring position, unable to get a TD and flubbing the field goal.... Maybe I put the kabosh on Spain since I am rooting for them.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 10:29 AM
Yeah anyway. lol
Not looking good.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 10:29 AM
Not looking good.
Not looking good, either.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 10:31 AM
I thought they banned those horns.
Oi! Hominahominahominahominahomina.......
Whew! That was close!
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 10:31 AM
Wow...inches from 2-0
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 10:34 AM
What is wrong with this Spain team???? 
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 10:35 AM
JEEZ!!!!
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 10:36 AM
They are blowing chances that's what!
Is Spain your team?
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 10:39 AM
Is Spain your team?
One of two for World. Argentina is the other. But for nationals it *NO!!!* Cool, no goal. What was I saying? Oh yeah, for nationals it's Manchester.
Posted by: joe31 Jun 16 2010, 10:39 AM
Wow, Spain is missing some really close goals. SUI barely missed one too.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 16 2010, 10:40 AM
Geez, what is going on?! Cmon boys.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 10:41 AM
You can take out a guy (push him down)?????
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 10:47 AM
Gotcha. Well that stinks
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 10:47 AM
5 more minutes to make it happen...
Posted by: joe31 Jun 16 2010, 10:48 AM
Can they do it?
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 16 2010, 10:50 AM
No. It's just not their day....
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 10:52 AM
That's it!!!!
Wow
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 16 2010, 10:53 AM
Final: Swiss-1 Spain- 0
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 16 2010, 10:54 AM
First time Spain has even lost to Switzerland, AND no team has ever won the World Cup after loosing their first match. Not looking good.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 16 2010, 11:03 AM
BUT.....Italy lost to Ireland in 1994 (their fist match) and made it to the finals...
Posted by: joe31 Jun 16 2010, 11:13 AM
Not looking good, but im sure ther will bounce back.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 16 2010, 01:33 PM
RSA vs Uruguay here we go. I love how the stadium erupted after the RSA anthem.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 16 2010, 02:00 PM
Uruguay strikes first. 1-0
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 16 2010, 03:29 PM
What was South Africa doing? Down 2-0 and you play defensive ball? Put strikers in the game and try to score!
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 16 2010, 03:29 PM
Nevermind. 3-0. Try to stop the bleeding I guess.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 16 2010, 03:32 PM
Yeah, I really didn't understand South Africa's style of play today.
Posted by: redbird8 Jun 16 2010, 03:43 PM
Same here
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 07:52 PM
Nice win for Uruguay. Delighted Forlan scored 2 as I have a small bet on him for top scorer @ 60/1 & he is now currently the top scorer
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 07:53 PM
TYhe Swiss have just shown everyone at the World Cup how to beat Spain
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 08:01 PM
Uruguay hoping for Mexico victory
(AFP) Thursday 17 June 2010
Getty ImagesUruguay made no secret of the fact that they will be supporting Mexico against France on Thursday after they beat FIFA World Cup™ hosts South Africa 3-0 to take control of Group A. Whatever happens on Thursday, Uruguay know that a draw in their final match on June 22 will be enough to see them reach the second round.
But should Mexico beat France then the two Latin American countries will both know that a draw would suffice for both to progress. "We've taken a big step towards the second round but there's still another match to play," said goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who plays his club football with Lazio in Italy. We have to beat Mexico but if Mexico win tomorrow (Thursday) against France, then we'll both go through with a draw."
That was a sentiment shared by striker Edinson Cavani of Italian side Palermo. "It's an important step but we have to keep on improving so we can play even better in the next match," he said. "If Mexico manage to beat France that would be a good result for us but we have to concentrate on our own games so we won't depend on others."
It was a special victory for Uruguay as it was their first in the FIFA World Cup since 1990, while for Muslera there was double cause for celebration as it was also his 24th birthday. "It's really incredible to have won after 20 years," he said. "We played really well. We found the serenity that was missing in our first match against France. It's a really great emotion. We hope to do well and if we keep playing like this, we'll be ok."
Two-goal star Diego Forlan said he hoped people back home would not get too carried away over this win. "We knew we could win this match, we made the most of our chances, defended very well, but it was a pretty even game," said the former Manchester United player who now makes his living at Atletico Madrid. "The people in Uruguay and the journalists can think what they want but we're not thinking about the title. We have to keep our feet on the ground, be realistic and continue to work hard."
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1247759/index.html#uruguay+hoping+mexico+victory
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 08:02 PM
Argentina and Korea Republic will cross paths for the second time in FIFA World Cup™ history in Johannesburg on Thursday knowing that whoever seizes the spoils in their Group B meeting will take a giant stride towards the Round of 16.
There will be no such comfort for fellow section hopefuls Greece and Nigeria at Free State Stadium. On the other hand both will be desperate to kick start their 2010 FIFA World Cup bids following respective losses to the Taeguk Warriors and La Albiceleste last time out.
France opened their own account by drawing with Group A rivals Uruguay stirring memories of their run to the Final four years ago, when they began with a pair of stalemates. There will be no temptation to see if history can repeat itself, though, as they face a Mexico side still hoping to showcase their expansive football after their 1-1 draw with South Africa.
The matches
Argentina-Korea Republic, Group B, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 13.30 (local time)
Greece-Nigeria, Group B, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 16.00 (local time)
France-Mexico, Group A, Polokwane, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Argentina-Korea Republic
With the victors virtually guaranteed a berth in the last 16, the stakes have been unexpectedly raised for this contrast of styles between Argentina’s slick, technical approach and Korea Republic’s pacy, well-oiled routines. The only Asian side to have gone unbeaten through the qualifiers, the Taeguk Warriors eased to a comfortable 2-0 success against Greece to announce their arrival in the competition and are a team on an upward trajectory. With former striker Huh Jung-Moo (25 goals in 8 internationals) at the helm, they have just the tools needed to trouble their South American opponents, even if Diego Maradona’s men looked an improved proposition as they downed Nigeria 1-0 with superstar Lionel Messi in sparkling form.
In focus
Vela alone against old friends
Mexico striker Carlos Vela is hoping for a happy reunion when he comes face to face with his Arsenal team-mates in the France line-up on Thursday. Although Gunners left-back Gael Clichy is certain to be absent, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna and midfield revelation Abou Diaby will all be determined to block the 21-year-old’s route to goal. “It’s kill or be killed,” said Vela recently, and those words raised a few smiles within the France camp where the situation is much the same. Still, whoever comes out on top there is sure to be plenty of gentle ribbing back at the Emirates Stadium next term.
What they said
"Argentina’s main rival is Argentina, because if we play our football the way we did in the first match, we’ll be fine,” Lionel Messi, Argentina forward.
Superman: Born in Tashkent to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, 28-year-old Super Eagles striker Peter Osaze Odemwingie first learnt the ropes at CSKA Moscow and is back playing club football in the Russian capital with Lokomotiv Moscow after two seasons with Belgian side La Louviere, and three years in France with Lille. To wish him good luck as Lokomotiv’s only representative in South Africa, the club magazine recently featured him on their cover dressed as Superman and labelled ‘Odem-Wingman’.
Bad omens? Beaten 2-0 by Korea Republic in their first outing, Greece must now bounce back against two teams they also tackled at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Their upcoming opponents Nigeria saw them off 2-0 in the USA and the European side only fared worse against Argentina, succumbing 4-0.
French conundrum: France possess a wealth of attacking talents, but since lifting the Trophy in 1998 only three of their nine goals at FIFA World Cup final tournaments have come from strikers. Or, more precisely, from one striker – Thierry Henry. A genuine mystery.
Argentina and Korea Republic will cross paths for the second time in FIFA World Cup™ history in Johannesburg on Thursday knowing that whoever seizes the spoils in their Group B meeting will take a giant stride towards the Round of 16.
There will be no such comfort for fellow section hopefuls Greece and Nigeria at Free State Stadium. On the other hand both will be desperate to kick start their 2010 FIFA World Cup bids following respective losses to the Taeguk Warriors and La Albiceleste last time out.
France opened their own account by drawing with Group A rivals Uruguay stirring memories of their run to the Final four years ago, when they began with a pair of stalemates. There will be no temptation to see if history can repeat itself, though, as they face a Mexico side still hoping to showcase their expansive football after their 1-1 draw with South Africa.
The matches
Argentina-Korea Republic, Group B, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 13.30 (local time)
Greece-Nigeria, Group B, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 16.00 (local time)
France-Mexico, Group A, Polokwane, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Argentina-Korea Republic
With the victors virtually guaranteed a berth in the last 16, the stakes have been unexpectedly raised for this contrast of styles between Argentina’s slick, technical approach and Korea Republic’s pacy, well-oiled routines. The only Asian side to have gone unbeaten through the qualifiers, the Taeguk Warriors eased to a comfortable 2-0 success against Greece to announce their arrival in the competition and are a team on an upward trajectory. With former striker Huh Jung-Moo (25 goals in 8 internationals) at the helm, they have just the tools needed to trouble their South American opponents, even if Diego Maradona’s men looked an improved proposition as they downed Nigeria 1-0 with superstar Lionel Messi in sparkling form.
In focus
Vela alone against old friends
Mexico striker Carlos Vela is hoping for a happy reunion when he comes face to face with his Arsenal team-mates in the France line-up on Thursday. Although Gunners left-back Gael Clichy is certain to be absent, William Gallas, Bacary Sagna and midfield revelation Abou Diaby will all be determined to block the 21-year-old’s route to goal. “It’s kill or be killed,” said Vela recently, and those words raised a few smiles within the France camp where the situation is much the same. Still, whoever comes out on top there is sure to be plenty of gentle ribbing back at the Emirates Stadium next term.
What they said
"Argentina’s main rival is Argentina, because if we play our football the way we did in the first match, we’ll be fine,” Lionel Messi, Argentina forward.
Superman: Born in Tashkent to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, 28-year-old Super Eagles striker Peter Osaze Odemwingie first learnt the ropes at CSKA Moscow and is back playing club football in the Russian capital with Lokomotiv Moscow after two seasons with Belgian side La Louviere, and three years in France with Lille. To wish him good luck as Lokomotiv’s only representative in South Africa, the club magazine recently featured him on their cover dressed as Superman and labelled ‘Odem-Wingman’.
Bad omens? Beaten 2-0 by Korea Republic in their first outing, Greece must now bounce back against two teams they also tackled at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. Their upcoming opponents Nigeria saw them off 2-0 in the USA and the European side only fared worse against Argentina, succumbing 4-0.
French conundrum: France possess a wealth of attacking talents, but since lifting the Trophy in 1998 only three of their nine goals at FIFA World Cup final tournaments have come from strikers. Or, more precisely, from one striker – Thierry Henry. A genuine mystery.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1246694/index.html#last+sight
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 08:06 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1247190/index.html#howard+play+through+pain+barrier
Howard to play through pain barrier
(AFP) Wednesday 16 June 2010
Getty ImagesUSA goalkeeper Tim Howard is not sure if his ribs are broken - and he is not planning on finding out as long as the Americans are in contention at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
The Everton keeper said that his injury, sustained in Saturday's 1-1 draw with England, has improved and, while they are likely to be sore, he expects to play on Friday against Slovenia.
"It's getting better," said Howard. "Time is a good healer. It's going to be sore. I'm a firm believer in adrenaline. You can't get enough of it. I feel like once I get out there, I will be ready. I won't be stopped by it. If you play at the highest level, I think you have to play through injuries."
The 31-year-old will not be looking for a deeper diagnosis than that of bruised ribs for now, saying they do not feel broken. "Not knowing is probably better," Howard said. Although, he added: "If the docs and the medical team felt like I needed it, I would certainly do that. I won't be stupid with it. At least I don't think I will be."
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 08:07 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1247290/index.html#usa+players+dismiss+slovenians+victory
USA players dismiss Slovenian's victory vow
(AFP) Wednesday 16 June 2010
Getty ImagesUSA players dismissed a prediction of victory by Slovenian midfielder Andrej Komac ahead of their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ match on Friday, a game the Americans cannot afford to lose.
Slovenia took the Group C lead with a 1-0 triumph over Algeria while England and the US, the favourites to advance, played to a 1-1 draw. A Slovenian victory over the Americans in Johannesburg will send them into the last 16.
"We are going to win this match," Komac said on Tuesday after a practice session. US goalkeeper Tim Howard responded on Wednesday by basically asking Komac to put his football skills where his mouth is.
"Talk is cheap," Howard said. "He has got to stand toe-to-toe and they have got to stand toe-to-toe with us for 90 minutes. And if he's still standing, then I'll take my hat off to him. But a lot of boxers talk, too, and then they are looking up at the lights and the next thing they know they are trying to figure out how they got there."
It's the Americans who have to fear a knockout blow. While they would have a chance of advancing even with a loss, they admit it is important to seize the opportunity they have to move past Slovenia in the group stage. "It's a must win situation," USA defender Oguchi Onyewu said. "The game against Slovenia will determine if we get out of the group or not."
Onyewu was surprised at such a bold assertion by Komac. "It's definitely a premature comment to make," Onyewu said. "We will have to wait and see how it plays out. They are in a good position. They are confident. It is our job to neutralize that."
Asked what he thought might happen if an American player made a victory guarantee, Onyewu replied, "I don't think a US player would make a comment like that." The US-Slovenia match pits the smallest and largest nations at this FIFA World Cup finals in both land area and population, the United States at 307 million people and Slovenia at about two million.
But it's not such a David and Goliath match-up on the field, the Americans having a slight edge in FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking but Slovenia having already sent Russia and the Czech Republic packing in qualifying rounds. "They are probably feeling confident after getting the three points," Howard said. "And rightfully so."
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 08:09 PM
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2010/0617/1224272700568.html
GROUP A/South Africa 0 Uruguay 3: THOSE DIEHARDS still harbouring a grudge over events of last November in Paris can join some 50 million South Africans, the boys in Fifa and, most likely, a couple of billion neutrals in cheering for the hosts next Tuesday.
Bafana Bafana must now beat the French in their last group game if they hope to maintain local interest in this World Cup beyond the first round after going down, a little tamely, to Uruguay here last night.
For all his many talents, Carlos Parreira proved incapable of inspiring a fightback after his side fell behind to Diego Forlan’s first half strike and a second half penalty by the former Manchester united man combined with the sending off of South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune effectively sealed the outcome 13 minutes from time although Alvaro Pereira then headed home a third in the final seconds of the game.
Parreira’s influence on his men is clearly evident with much of their movement looking well orchestrated but some of his work on the training ground backfired when a carefully plotted kick out handed Uruguay the chance they needed to open the scoring after 23 minutes.
For all of the host side’s early kick outs the centre halves had parted leaving an awful lot of space between them while the full backs had taken up very wide positions about 10 metres short of the half way line.
All went well until Khune attempted to pick out his left back, Tsepo Masilela, who failed to control and, more importantly waved an apology to the goalkeeper when he should been concentrating on make amends for it.
The Uruguayans reacted somewhat more smartly to seize the opportunity and despite the locals getting bodies back Forlan let loose from the edge of the area with a looping shot that grazed Aaron Mokoena on the back of the head and flew into the net off the underside of the crossbar.
The Atletico Madrid striker was again the lynchpin of the Uruguayan side over the course of the game, hovering dangerously between or behind fellow strikers Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani in a team reshaped by coach Oscar Tabarez in order to place more emphasis on attack than there had been against the more formidable French.
The 31-year-old also delivered a succession of a well-weighted frees from around the area, many of which the locals struggled to deal with, most memorably when Diego Lugano rose unchallenged early in the second half only to find that he had mistimed things to the extent that properly directing his attempt on goal was all but impossible.
Though he’s really an attacking midfielder, the South Africans looked to Steven Pienaar to perform a somewhat similar role to Forlan but the Everton striker found it difficult to make an impact on this occasion.
For a start, the defensive part of his game was hampered somewhat by the fear that he might pick up a second yellow after he was shown a first for stupidly breaking out of a wall early on to charge down a Uruguayan free kick.
The bigger problem, though, was that the hosts seemed incapable of making more of the space left to them out on the flanks as a result of the decidedly narrow Uruguayan formation.
There was one promising attempt to exploit it in the first half by lone striker Katlego Mphela but it ended with a terrible attempt at a cross while right back Siboniso Gaxa did much better on one of his all too rare ventures forward only to see Mphela head narrowly wide from just in front of the near post.
Predictably, playing through the heart of the Uruguayan team proved more difficult and Pienaar really managed no more than a handful of shots from middle to long range, almost all of which were blocked down well short of the target.
For a spell, though, the hosts did get the upper hand only for the game to take a decisive turn against them when Suarez was taken down by goalkeeper Khune.
South Africa appealed for offside – he had not been when the initial pass was played but would have been had Cavani got the touch he attempted which the match officials clearly felt he had not – but the flag stayed down, the goalkeeper was dismissed and Forlan confidently drove the resulting spot kick past substitute goalkeeper Moneeb Josephs who was brought on for Pienaar.
Parreira coolly described the referee afterwards as the worst he had seen, insisting that the penalty decision, which he saw as decisive, was a mistake and adding that he objected to the fact that the match official had left the pitch smiling.
“Now we have to beat France,” he acknowledged, “they are a very good team. It doesn’t matter that they have not played well in the qualifiers; they have great players again with the sort of experience that we might not have.
“Only by winning do we have a chance to go to the next round so we have to be more aggressive next time, of that there is no doubt.
But any team that gets four points can still qualify,” he continued, “and so we have a chance although the goal difference might be a problem and so from that point of view it’s disappointing, particularly the third one which came when the game was almost over.”
Posted by: flea Jun 16 2010, 08:21 PM
WHAT A GOAL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvIOLdtQEXc
Posted by: Tromni Jun 17 2010, 09:01 AM
Fantastic play from Higuain and Messi. Higuain's first seemed to be in slow motion the whole way. Really a fantastic flick-on.
Would have been interesting to see what would've happened had the Koreans converted that beautiful chance around the hour mark. Then again, had Messi's chip near the end of the first half gone in, it would've been a total rout.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 17 2010, 02:57 PM
Feeling nauseated....Mexico scored and the striker was what, 10 yards offsides? Come on France...
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 17 2010, 03:11 PM
2-0 Mexico, 83rd minute.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 17 2010, 05:45 PM
its been a crazy first round of play so far.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 17 2010, 05:58 PM
Yes it has, but very exciting too.
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 05:35 AM
France 0 : 2 Mexico - Highlights
Greece 2 : 1 Nigeria - Highlights
Argentina 4 : 1 South Korea - Highlights
DELIGHTED FRANCE LOST
Upcoming matches:
Germany vs. Serbia - 18 Jun 12:30pm (Ireland Time)
Slovenia vs. United States - 18 Jun 3:00pm (Ireland Time)
England vs. Algeria - 18 Jun 7:30pm (Ireland Time)
Great slate of games today
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 05:36 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1249014/index.html#bocanegra+shows+respect+slovenia
Bocanegra shows respect to Slovenia
(PA) Friday 18 June 2010
AFPUSA captain Carlos Bocanegra is adamant his team will not be underestimating Slovenia just because they lack the Premier League household names possessed by the Americans' last FIFA World Cup™ opponents England.
The United States face the Alpine nation at Ellis Park this afternoon knowing a win for Slovenia and for England against Algeria in Cape Town this evening would leave qualification for the knockout phase out of their hands. Former Fulham defender Bocanegra was familiar with many of England's star names from his stint in the Premier League but the man who is now with French club Rennes does not doubt the quality in the Slovenia line-up.
Bocanegra said: "We have some personal experience against these guys. A few play in Germany, a few in France, just because they're not in the Premier League we're still familiar with these guys. We are not going to take them lightly just because some people might not know the names as well."
We are not going to take them (Slovenia) lightly just because some people might not know the names as well.USA captain Carlos Bocanegra
USA coach Bob Bradley said his squad were all in good shape for the Group C encounter, with goalkeeper Tim Howard now recovered from the rib injury he suffered in a collision with England forward Emile Heskey on Saturday. Three USA players - Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit and Robbie Findley - are a yellow card away from a suspension.
For Slovenia, coach Matjaz Kek is well aware his team are in a position to secure a place in the knockout phase after their opening win over Algeria in Polokwane and praised how far they had come in a year. "A year ago we were making preparations for playing San Marino, today we are thinking about the knockout stage in our second match," he said.
"A great step has been taken and our squad has achieved a great evolution. This is not the most important match in our history but it is important and it can establish Slovenia on the global map of football. I know we have the smallest population of all the teams in the World Cup but we have not come here to rest, we are active participants in this World Cup. A year back things were completely different."
Aleksandar Radosavljevic and Andrej Komac are one yellow card away from being suspended for the final group match against England. Inter Milan midfielder Rene Krhin has an ankle knock and defender Marko Suler, who has struggled with injuries throughout the season, has what Kek described as "a light difficulty" but he expects both to be available for selection against the US.
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 05:37 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1248813/index.html#insider+guedioura+ready+england
After the disappointment of a narrow 1-0 defeat against Slovenia in their opening Group C encounter at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Algeria fans are pinning their hopes on Les Fennecs pulling off a shock win over England – themselves held to a 1-1 draw by the United States.
Given a short morale-boosting break by coach Rabah Saadane after the Slovenia match, and with Algerian supporters travelling in numbers to Cape Town to offer their support, the Desert Foxes know a big performance is vital in Friday's game. What is more, they can also call on insider information from Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Adlane Guedioura, who generously took the time to speak to FIFA ahead of the game in the Green Point Stadium.
FIFA: Adlane, how was the mood in the camp after the defeat against Slovenia and what are the players expecting from the England game?
Adlane Guedioura: I think we played well but unfortunately the result didn't go our way. We've now got two big matches ahead of us and we need to give it everything we've got to get good results against England and USA.
As a player who has only recently broken into the squad, how have you settled in?
I think I've gelled quite well with the team, thanks to the help of the players and coaching staff. We all consider ourselves to be one big family which makes fitting in easy. And of course we all have the same aim: to do well in the World Cup.
What does it mean to you to be making your FIFA World Cup bow here in South Africa?
It's a great honour, as you know there are hundreds of children around the world watching the World Cup and they all want to be here. We're very privileged to be here and it's a great honour to be part of this world event.
As you play your club football in England, which player are you most looking forward to coming up against in Friday's match against the Three Lions?
I think England have a number of great players and a fantastic coach but we'll give it our all on Friday. Out on the pitch it comes down to 11 versus 11, so we'll go out and play without thinking of the permutations and the expectations on us. We fully intend to be positive and play without fear.
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 05:38 AM
England eye improvement, Germany more goalsGetty Images The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
Held to an unsatisfactory 1-1 by USA in their first game, England need three points against Algeria to restore their flagging confidence and get their Group C bid back on course. With the wily Rabah Saadane at the helm, the Desert Foxes will be out to stymie the English. Failure to do so could result in a shock elimination.
No side has been more impressive at South Africa 2010 than Germany, who overwhelmed Australia in their tournament bow and are now seeking to impose their compelling brand of football on a Serbia side still smarting from their 1-0 defeat to Ghana.
The conquerors of Russia in the play-offs, unfancied Slovenia go into their game against USA full of confidence. Having kicked off with a win, the well-drilled Dragons will likely be planning to keep things tight at the back and hit the Americans on the counter.
The matches
Germany-Serbia, Group D, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 13.30
Slovenia-USA, Group C, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 16.00
England-Algeria, Group C, Cape Town, 20.30
The big game
England-Algeria
Fabio Capello could barely conceal his delight at the news that Gareth Barry would be available for the meeting with Algeria. Following a stop-start domestic season and a frustrating six-week injury layoff, the left-sided Manchester City midfielder is set to reclaim his place in the side. As well as offering England a measure of defensive stability, Barry’s return will also allow skipper Steven Gerrard to switch back to his preferred position on the left.
In this the first ever meeting between the sides, the Algerians will be hoping to draw on the Premier League experience of Portsmouth duo Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda, who know all about the strengths and weaknesses of the English. On the downside, Les Fennecs will be deprived of the services of one of their prized assets, striker Abdelkader Ghezzal, who was sent off against Slovenia.
In focus
The German defence v Nikola Zigic
The meeting between Group D leaders Germany and Serbia should produce its fair share of aerial tussles as the spindly Zigic goes head to head against totemic duo Per Mertesacker and Holger Badstuber, with towering goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sure to get involved in the fray as well.
Serbian shotstopper Vladimir Stojkovic will face a different kind of challenge against German strike tandem Jeronimo and Miroslav Klose, who reminded everyone of his aerial prowess with a sublime header against the Socceroos last Sunday. Mindful of the battle that awaits them against the Balkan side, the veteran finisher has been warning against complacency, urging Nationalmannschaft fans to “keep their feet on the ground”.
What they said
“We're on a learning curve, working on the little details that can make all the difference. That’s what top-level football is about,” Algeria coach Rabah Saadane ahead of his side’s crunch game with England
Another one for the collection: Venerated former England custodians Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton must be wondering what has come over the nations’ current generation of keepers. David James’ well-documented mistakes are a staple of the nation’s favourite football gaffe DVDs, and team-mate Robert Green added another his own to the collection with a howler against USA. Coach Fabio Capello will be hoping that is Green’s only contribution to the genre at South Africa 2010.
Soccer gaining ground: Football is attracting ever-larger TV audiences in the USA. Some 14.5 million viewers tuned in Stateside for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with England, the highest figure for a football match since USA 1994, though still some way short of the 106.5 million people who switched on for the 2010 Super Bowl.
Allez Les Fennecs: Cheered on by Zinedine Zidane in their tournament debut against Slovenia, Algeria received the support of another Bleus legend in the build-up to their crucial match against England. Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira, something of an authority on the English game after his lengthy stay with Arsenal, paid a visit to the Desert Fox camp this week and had some encouraging words for Saadane’s charges. “Tight matches don’t come around every day and you can’t let the pressure get to you when you play them,” he said. “I told the players to go out and have fun and to play their own game. That way they might spring a surprise. I really love this country. It lives and breathes football and I’ll be supporting Algeria for Zizou.”
Held to an unsatisfactory 1-1 by USA in their first game, England need three points against Algeria to restore their flagging confidence and get their Group C bid back on course. With the wily Rabah Saadane at the helm, the Desert Foxes will be out to stymie the English. Failure to do so could result in a shock elimination.
No side has been more impressive at South Africa 2010 than Germany, who overwhelmed Australia in their tournament bow and are now seeking to impose their compelling brand of football on a Serbia side still smarting from their 1-0 defeat to Ghana.
The conquerors of Russia in the play-offs, unfancied Slovenia go into their game against USA full of confidence. Having kicked off with a win, the well-drilled Dragons will likely be planning to keep things tight at the back and hit the Americans on the counter.
The matches
Germany-Serbia, Group D, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 13.30
Slovenia-USA, Group C, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 16.00
England-Algeria, Group C, Cape Town, 20.30
The big game
England-Algeria
Fabio Capello could barely conceal his delight at the news that Gareth Barry would be available for the meeting with Algeria. Following a stop-start domestic season and a frustrating six-week injury layoff, the left-sided Manchester City midfielder is set to reclaim his place in the side. As well as offering England a measure of defensive stability, Barry’s return will also allow skipper Steven Gerrard to switch back to his preferred position on the left.
In this the first ever meeting between the sides, the Algerians will be hoping to draw on the Premier League experience of Portsmouth duo Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda, who know all about the strengths and weaknesses of the English. On the downside, Les Fennecs will be deprived of the services of one of their prized assets, striker Abdelkader Ghezzal, who was sent off against Slovenia.
In focus
The German defence v Nikola Zigic
The meeting between Group D leaders Germany and Serbia should produce its fair share of aerial tussles as the spindly Zigic goes head to head against totemic duo Per Mertesacker and Holger Badstuber, with towering goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sure to get involved in the fray as well.
Serbian shotstopper Vladimir Stojkovic will face a different kind of challenge against German strike tandem Jeronimo and Miroslav Klose, who reminded everyone of his aerial prowess with a sublime header against the Socceroos last Sunday. Mindful of the battle that awaits them against the Balkan side, the veteran finisher has been warning against complacency, urging Nationalmannschaft fans to “keep their feet on the ground”.
What they said
“We're on a learning curve, working on the little details that can make all the difference. That’s what top-level football is about,” Algeria coach Rabah Saadane ahead of his side’s crunch game with England
Another one for the collection: Venerated former England custodians Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton must be wondering what has come over the nations’ current generation of keepers. David James’ well-documented mistakes are a staple of the nation’s favourite football gaffe DVDs, and team-mate Robert Green added another his own to the collection with a howler against USA. Coach Fabio Capello will be hoping that is Green’s only contribution to the genre at South Africa 2010.
Soccer gaining ground: Football is attracting ever-larger TV audiences in the USA. Some 14.5 million viewers tuned in Stateside for last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with England, the highest figure for a football match since USA 1994, though still some way short of the 106.5 million people who switched on for the 2010 Super Bowl.
Allez Les Fennecs: Cheered on by Zinedine Zidane in their tournament debut against Slovenia, Algeria received the support of another Bleus legend in the build-up to their crucial match against England. Manchester City midfielder Patrick Vieira, something of an authority on the English game after his lengthy stay with Arsenal, paid a visit to the Desert Fox camp this week and had some encouraging words for Saadane’s charges. “Tight matches don’t come around every day and you can’t let the pressure get to you when you play them,” he said. “I told the players to go out and have fun and to play their own game. That way they might spring a surprise. I really love this country. It lives and breathes football and I’ll be supporting Algeria for Zizou.”
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1247882/index.html#england+improvement+germany+more+goals
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:06 AM
Germany Serbia has started
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:06 AM
Klose sent off
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:08 AM
& 1-0 Serbia
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:43 AM
7th yellow card of the game
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:45 AM
Podolski with 2 good chances so close
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:50 AM
Podolskis penalty saved
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 08:10 AM
Next game is
USA v Slovenia
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 08:21 AM
Serbia win 1-0 despite being completely outclassed by a 10 man Germany.
Germany, Ghana & Serbia all on 3 points at the moment. Germany top with Ghana playing tomorrow
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 08:30 AM
Do any of the traditional powers want to play in the second round? Italy, Portugal, England all tie. Spain, Germany lose. Brazil barely wins against the worst team in the world. Geez. At least Argentina looks good. To bad their coach is a ticking time bomb....
Posted by: joe31 Jun 18 2010, 08:36 AM
USA game about to kickoff!
Rnpurdue- yeah it seems wierd.
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 09:02 AM
GAME ON
the biggest country in the World Cup against the smallest country in the World Cup
Posted by: joe31 Jun 18 2010, 09:21 AM
Wow the us is already down 1-0
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 18 2010, 09:22 AM
AH. Goal by Slovenia in the 13th minute.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 18 2010, 09:54 AM
its 2006 all over again. if the usa doesn't make a comeback. the world cup is all but over for them.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 18 2010, 09:55 AM
Geez, another goal for Slovenia. 2-0 at half.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 18 2010, 09:56 AM
UGG. thats team usa for you. I think they will be dissapointing the USA fans for the second straight world cup
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 10:04 AM
Argh. I'm sick at this score. 2 defensive lapses and Timmy is made to look bad. This game, and tournament, are over for the Americans.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 10:08 AM
Perked up a bit.......2-1. Still need a win here though.
Posted by: joe31 Jun 18 2010, 10:14 AM
Cmon US. Need a goal soon.
Posted by: joe31 Jun 18 2010, 10:40 AM
GGGGOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLL 2-2
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 10:40 AM
yessssssssss!
Posted by: joe31 Jun 18 2010, 10:44 AM
Should be 3-2 USA. Wow, they got screwed on that goal.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 10:52 AM
Must win next game by 2 goals.....no pressure.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 18 2010, 11:15 AM
Really?
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 11:43 AM
That would give USA 5 points (a win). If England wins out, and a USA win, those 2 advance. If Slovenia wins next week, regardless of what England does today and a USA win, US and Slovenia advance. If England ties either today or next week and wins the other game, and the USA win...then we have a mess. Then it goes to goal differential, and right now the USA is down to Slovenia by a goal. Explaining this feels like the last 2 weeks of the NFL season.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 18 2010, 11:44 AM
Ahhh Gotcha. Well hopefully it all comes together!
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 11:51 AM
Refs stole that game away from the US. We shouldn't even be having this conversation. No explanation as to why the 3rd goal was taken away? Why is there discussion about not wanting to beef up South African security for the US and hoping they don't advance for that reason? Why is a center ref that doesn't referee big games being used for this game? And is the referring going to be fair in the next game when the US plays an African country? Just ponderings....
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 18 2010, 11:54 AM
You think it's fixed?
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 11:58 AM
I am just saying that call had no basis for being reversed. Not trying to be a conspiracy theorist. This whole tournament has been goofy, and that call just added to the confusion.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 18 2010, 12:39 PM
Yeah I'm with you. Time for replay in soccer.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 18 2010, 01:54 PM
Bad call on the refs, But the USA has no one to blame but themselves. They can't play just 45 mins of a 90 min game.
Posted by: joe31 Jun 18 2010, 01:56 PM
Wow, US players said they asked the refs what he called and he wouldnt provide any explanation as to what/why he called what he did.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 18 2010, 02:25 PM
x2
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 06:48 PM
The refereeing for the whole world cup has been awful not just because it was the US.
The guy in the Germany/Serbia game was especialy putrid
England tie Algeria
(HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA)
So US still have a good chance at going through
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 06:52 PM
Group C: State of play
(FIFA.com) Saturday 19 June 2010
Getty ImagesFavourites England did not expect to be going into their final group game outside the qualifying places but that is where they stand ahead of their showdown with the surprise section leaders Slovenia. With only three points separating the four sides, however, Group C remains wide open – only a final-day victory will provide a sure guarantee of progress for every team bar the Slovenians.
As it stands
1. Slovenia: 4 pts; GD +1; three goals scored
2. USA: 2 pts; GD 0; three goals scored
3. England: 2 pts; GD 0; one goal scored
4. Algeria: 1 pt; GD -1; no goals scored
Next up
Slovenia-England, 23 June, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00
USA-Algeria, 23 June, Tshwane/Pretoria, 16.00
Qualifying criteria
According the Regulations of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, the ranking of each team in each group will be determined as follows:
a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
goal difference in all group matches;
c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
g) drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.
Permutations
– If Slovenia win or draw against England, they are guaranteed a first-ever last-16 berth.
– If Slovenia win they will finish first. If they draw they will finish first if USA fail to beat Algeria.
– If Slovenia draw and USA win, first place will go down to goal difference.
– If USA beat Algeria they will progress. If they draw they can progress so long as England fail to beat Slovenia, although this will go down to goal difference if England also draw.
– If England beat Slovenia, they will progress. If they draw they can progress only if the USA-Algeria match ends in a draw and goals scored will be the deciding factor.
– If Algeria beat USA, they are guaranteed qualification if England fail to win. If Algeria win and England beat Slovenia, Algeria and Slovenia will be tied on four points with goal difference deciding.
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 06:57 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1248959/index.html#can+lions+roar+socceroos+bounce+back
Can Lions roar and Socceroos bounce back?Getty Images The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
Twenty years after their finest hour on the world stage, Cameroon are walking a wire without a safety net here in South Africa. Beaten 1-0 by Japan in a match they were tipped to win, and scheduled to face the Netherlands in their third Group E game, the west Africans must emerge victorious from their upcoming encounter with Denmark to retain any realistic chance of qualifying for the Round of 16.
While Denmark appear, on paper at least, to be in the same boat, Morten Olsen's men do have the consolation of knowing that they have already got their most difficult match out of the way, an impressive-looking Dutch side having put them to the sword 2-0. As for Japan, unexpected gatecrashers at the Group E party, they will approach their clash with the Netherlands in a fearless state of mind, even if a draw might represent a good result under the circumstances. Both they and the Dutch would tie up a place in the second round with victory, should the Cameroon-Denmark contest produce a draw.
In the day's other game, Ghana and Australia, both last-16 qualifiers at Germany 2006, will take to the pitch with very different build-ups behind them. Boosted by their 1-0 triumph over Serbia, the Black Stars could take a huge step towards the next round by beating a Socceroos side that was taken apart by Germany. An added headache for coach Pim Verbeek is the absence of their talisman Tim Cahill, suspended after being sent off against Germany. The Africans and the Aussies have never met before at the FIFA World Cup, but in six previous friendly matches, Australia hold the upper hand with four wins.
The matches
Netherlands-Japan, Group E, Durban, 13.30
Ghana-Australia, Group D, Rustenburg, 16.00
Cameroon-Denmark, Group E, Tshwane/Pretoria, 20.30
The big game
Cameroon-Denmark
In the first-ever encounter between these two proud footballing nations, each knows that any result other than a win could well end their hopes of advancing to the next round. Cameroon's self-appointed role of African flag-bearer is one they are now close to relinquishing, a state of crisis having been declared following their defeat by Japan. Much debate surrounds Samuel Eto'o and his possible deployment through the middle or out wide, the role he fulfils at Inter Milan. "I accept responsibility for my selection," says coach Paul Le Guen, perhaps wishing that Cameroon, like Inter, could call on a Diego Milito figure for Eto'o to aim those crosses at.
Facing the Indomitable Lions will be a Denmark side that, despite some remarkable results in qualifying, appeared to be suffering from fatigue against the Netherlands, in addition to injuries to key forwards. Although the Danes caused the Dutch a few problems, they were often second to the 50-50 balls, which would go some way to explaining the unfortunate manner in which both goals were conceded. But Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen believes that his team only had themselves to blame, insisting that "you create your own luck in football".
In focus
Honda v the Oranje
The 24-year-old Keisuke Honda, Japan’s man of the match against Cameroon and scorer of the only goal, knows all about Dutch football, having spent two seasons with VVV-Venlo, during which time he found the net 24 times in 64 appearances. Hugely motivated by his excellent start to South Africa 2010, the goal-hungry CSKA Moscow midfielder is set to pose the biggest threat to the Netherlands defence.
What they said
"After this World Cup is over and done with, Paul will have to answer to his superiors, the same people that put their trust in him in the first place. And I, as a player and captain of this team, will need to do the same," Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon forward
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:00 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061463/index.html#bradley+completes+us+fightback
Bradley completes US fightback
USA fought back from two goals down to earn a battling 2-2 draw with Slovenia and keep their FIFA World Cup™ hopes alive in an exciting Group C clash at Ellis Park.
Matjaz Kek's men looked on course for a second straight win in the section when they took a 2-0 lead into the break through Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic but the Americans hit back as Landon Donovan narrowed the deficit before Michael Bradley equalised eight minutes from time. The result left Slovenia top of Group C with four points ahead of England's meeting with Algeria later in the day, and ensured the Americans remain undefeated with two draws ahead of their third game against the Algerians.
An exciting contest opened with Birsa blasting Slovenia into an early lead. There were just 13 minutes on the clock when the midfielder collected the ball some 25 yards from goal and left Tim Howard rooted to the spot with an expertly-guided strike to the goalkeeper's left. Bradley's men sought a response and came close when midfielder Francisco Torres fired in an inswinging free-kick from out wide that drew a fingertip save from Samir Handanovic. Donovan then looked set to tap in Clint Dempsey's low cross only for defender Miso Brecko to get a decisive touch to clear the ball.
Slovenia looked to be in dreamland in the 42nd minute when Ljubijankic doubled their lead. Milivoje Novakovic played a defence-splitting pass through to Ljubijankic who, with the Americans appealing in vain for offside, slipped the ball coolly past Howard. Yet Donovan threw the Americans a lifeline three minutes after the restart when Bostjan Cesar failed to deal with a ball down the right touchline, allowing the LA Galaxy man a free run into the box. Cutting in from the right, Donovan lashed a superb shot high above Handanovic at the near post.
With the Slovenia defence struggling to cope with the power and aerial strength of the imposing Jozy Altidore, Bradley's men kept the pressure on and the coach's son grabbed the US the point their efforts deserved – a father-and-son first in the FIFA World Cup. Altidore nodded a high ball down into the path of the onrushing Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder and he fired emphatically into the roof of the net. The Americans might even have won the game only for referee Koman Coulibaly to rule out a goal from Maurice Edu, who volleyed home Donovan's free-kick from the right. There was still time for Novakovic to threaten with a header at the other end but his effort was held comfortably by Howard.
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:01 PM
Algeria frustrate toothless England
Algeria held England to a goalless draw in the Group C encounter in Cape Town, leaving both sides still with a chance of qualification for the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup™. Although most of the play was dominated by England, it was the north Africans, 22 places below Fabio Capello's men in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, who were the happier of the two teams at the final whistle
All the talk pre-match surrounded Capello's starting XI, with the Italian selecting David James in favour of Robert Green, the keeper culpable for Clint Dempsey's equaliser against USA. Out too went James Milner for the fit-again Gareth Barry, while Jamie Carragher deputised for the injured Ledley King. The early signs were encouraging for England who began pressing from the first whistle. Their passing certainly looked crisper than during last Saturday's 1-1 draw in Rustenburg and they created several good chances during a first half, that while ending goalless, had plenty of entertainment value.
England captain Steven Gerrard had the game's first real opportunity when he almost caught Rais Mbolhi out with a dipping shot. Then Emile Heskey rose highest from Barry's inswinging corner from the right, but failed to direct his header on target. The patient build-up, all too infrequent in the Three Lions' last performance, was proving beneficial. Yet it was by no means one-way traffic. Algeria fired their first warning shot when Karim Ziani's cross found Hassan Yebda, whose back-header landed comfortably into the grasp of James. Karim Matmour and Ziani also had attempts on goal during a point midway through the opening 45 minutes as the Desert Foxes enjoyed a territorial advantage.
England came to life again thanks to the prompting of Wayne Rooney, who dropped deeper to increase his influence. A move begun by the Manchester United man saw Aaron Lennon find Frank Lampard who forced Mbolhi into a scrambling one-handed save from 12 yards. Barry and Rooney both tested the keeper on the stroke of half time, but Algeria had more than earned parity at the break.
Only some sublime defending from Madjid Bougherra denied Gerrard a clear scoring opportunity after the interval, when Rooney's intelligent flick-on seemed destined to set up the Liverpool midfielder. As time ticked on, though, England's frustrations at those missed opportunities grew, never more so than when Gerrard himself passed the ball straight at an Algeria defender, with Rooney and Lampard lurking in the box.
That said, it took a last-gasp intervention from Rafik Halliche to prevent England from taking the lead. Gerrard fed Heskey in the box and with the striker's shot apparently destined to hit the target or at least present Rooney with the simplest of tap-ins, the defender's outstretched leg deflected the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner, taken by Lampard, Gerrard's bullet header was claimed at the first attempt by Mbolhi. England were knocking at the door, but just not finding an answer. Either that, or they were finding the door firmly closed in their face by Bougherra, who was simply outstanding at the heart of the defence.
But the England fans, who made up the majority of the crowd at the Green Point stadium cared little of the merits of the opposition and showed their frustration by booing a wayward Lampard effort and again when the full-time whistle went. Capello, on the occasion of his 64th birthday, left the arena with his head bowed, as did the majority of the England players. It all comes down to the final group matches with England playing current section leaders Slovenia in Port Elizabeth and USA facing Algeria in Pretoria.
Posted by: flea Jun 18 2010, 07:03 PM
Group A Team MP W D L GF GA Pts
Uruguay 2 1 1 0 3 0 4
Mexico 2 1 1 0 3 1 4
France 2 0 1 1 0 2 1
South Africa 2 0 1 1 1 4 1
DetailsNewsAnalysisQuotesMatches
Group B Team MP W D L GF GA Pts
Argentina 2 2 0 0 5 1 6
Korea Republic 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
Greece 2 1 0 1 2 3 3
Nigeria 2 0 0 2 1 3 0
DetailsNewsAnalysisQuotesMatches
Group C Team MP W D L GF GA Pts
Slovenia 2 1 1 0 3 2 4
USA 2 0 2 0 3 3 2
England 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
Algeria 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
DetailsNewsAnalysisQuotesMatches
Group D Team MP W D L GF GA Pts
Germany 2 1 0 1 4 1 3
Ghana 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Serbia 2 1 0 1 1 1 3
Australia 1 0 0 1 0 4 0
DetailsNewsAnalysisQuotesMatches
Group E Team MP W D L GF GA Pts
Netherlands 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Japan 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Cameroon 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Denmark 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
DetailsNewsAnalysisQuotesMatches
Group F Team MP W D L GF GA Pts
Paraguay 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
Italy 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
New Zealand 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
Slovakia 1 0 1 0 1 1 1
DetailsNewsAnalysisQuotesMatches
Group G Team MP W D L GF GA Pts
Brazil 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Côte d'Ivoire 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Portugal 1 0 1 0 0 0 1
Korea DPR 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
DetailsNewsAnalysisQuotesMatches
Group H Team MP W D L GF GA Pts
Chile 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Switzerland 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
Honduras 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Spain 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 19 2010, 06:51 AM
The guy in the Germany/Serbia game was especialy putrid
England tie Algeria
(HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA)
So US still have a good chance at going through
I agree. 10 yellow cards? Who did that ref think he was? Fans didn't come to watch him bandstand. Let the teams play.
Posted by: flea Jun 19 2010, 09:32 AM
1-1 in Australia v Ghana
Socceroos took the lead & then had Harry Kewell sent of for a handball on the line. Ghana converted the penalty
Posted by: flea Jun 19 2010, 04:15 PM
more bad reffing today
Posted by: flea Jun 20 2010, 08:27 AM
Paraguay beat slovakia 2-0
Posted by: flea Jun 20 2010, 08:30 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1250322/index.html#brazil+italy+look+shine
Brazil and Italy look to shineGetty Images The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
Having got over their opening-game nerves, tournament contenders Italy and Brazil will both be looking to make a statement of intent with handsome victories on Sunday. The two sides boast a total of nine FIFA World Cup™ triumphs between them and will take on respective opponents New Zealand and Côte d'Ivoire hoping to raise the quality of their play another notch.
Five-time champions Brazil find themselves in the tightest-looking section of all in Group G, but after edging their way past a tenacious Korea DPR team they will be keen to slip into a more fluid gear. Sven-Goran Eriksson's Côte d'Ivoire are unlikely to let them have it all their own way, however, as they seek their first goals following an opening stalemate with Portugal. In Group F, all four teams are locked together on a point apiece, meaning Italy have little option but to deliver a victory. They look well-equipped to see off New Zealand in Nelspruit, but so too did Slovakia before the All Whites struck late on to clinch their first ever FIFA World Cup finals point. Vladimir Weiss's Slovakians will look to recover from that setback in their high-stakes meeting with a Paraguay side noted for their defensive solidity and fearsome counter-attacking credentials.
The matches
Slovakia-Paraguay, Group F, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 13.30
Italy-New Zealand, Group F, Nelspruit, 16.00
Brazil-Côte d'Ivoire, Group G, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 20.30
The big game
Brazil-Côte d'Ivoire
Frustrated for the opening 55 minutes of their opening encounter, Brazil spared their blushes with a pair of finely worked goals in the hard-fought 2-1 win over Korea DPR. If fans of O jogo bonito ('The beautiful game') were a little frustrated by the display, despite the best efforts of a lively Robinho, Dunga's charges still got the result they wanted and will next line up against an Ivorian side who gave Portugal a difficult afternoon. With so many gifted individuals peppered through the ranks of both teams, anything could happen at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg – even if most eyes will be trained on Kaka and Didier Drogba, the former desperate to impress after an under-par showing against the north Koreans and the latter still wearing a cast on his arm.
In focus
Federico Marchetti (ITA) v Mark Paston (NZL)
While Marchetti came into the tournament anticipating a stint on the bench behind Italy's first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, Paston travelled to South Africa doubtless expecting a difficult time up against the assorted marksmen in Group F. Events have moved in a different direction with Cagliari custodian Marchetti due to fill in for his injured colleague and New Zealand's No1 having put in a superb display against Slovakia. Paston may well be the busier man on Sunday but Marchetti will be desperate to make a good impression too.
What they said
"Sven Goran Eriksson has urged us to play as a team and not just for ourselves. He's changed the mentality of the side and everyone in it. We've always had good players but we've never been able to play as a coherent unit and attack and defend together,” Kolo Toure, Côte d'Ivoire defender.
Posted by: flea Jun 20 2010, 09:12 AM
New Zealand up 1-0 on World champions Italuy
Posted by: flea Jun 20 2010, 09:36 AM
1-1 penalty by the cheating diving Italians
Posted by: flea Jun 20 2010, 09:55 AM
the Italians should be kicked out of the WC for bringing the game into disrepute. The diving is ridiculous
Posted by: flea Jun 20 2010, 10:13 AM
Paraguay too strong for Slovakia
Paraguay claimed their first 2010 FIFA World Cup™ victory by beating Slovakia 2-0 on Sunday in Mangaung/Bloemfontein. Top of the Group F table with four points – at least until Italy take on New Zealand later in the day – the Paraguayans got a goal in each half at the Free State Stadium through Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros.
The South Americans controlled the contest right from the start, and they might have opened their account in the early going when Roque Santa Cruz's shot took a tricky deflection towards goal but Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha was up to the task, diving well to save in the top-right corner. Riveros and Lucas Barrios then had good opportunities to confirm Paraguay's dominance. After 19 minutes Riveros had time and space for a shot from 20 yards out but his effort went straight at the keeper. Four minutes later Barrios blasted over after some fancy combination play with Vera.
Paraguay's breakthrough came after 27 minutes following a Slovakian give-away in defence. Paulo Da Silva strode forward menacingly and his pass split the defence to find Vera. With two defenders around him, the Ecuador-based midfielder finished coolly with the outside of his right boot around the despairing goalkeeper. At the other end, Slovakia's only real chance of note fell to Kornel Salata, who could not keep his free header down from a corner. Indeed Santa Cruz might have doubled the lead except for a fine save with his feet by Mucha in the 39th minute.
With only one attempt on goal in the first half, Vladimir Weiss's side came out more aggressively in the second period, but Paraguay's organised back line contained them. The Europeans very rarely even threatened to equalise, and Vera should have claimed a second goal when Santa Cruz picked him out all alone in the area in the 72nd minute, but his header bounded wide to the goalkeeper's right.
Instead it fell to Riveros to settle the encounter four minutes from time with a curling left-foot shot from the edge of the area. Slovakia will now hope to resurrect their South Africa 2010 campaign against Italy at Johannesburg's Ellis Park on Thursday, while Gerardo Martino's Paraguay take on New Zealand at the same time in Polokwane.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061481/summary.html
Posted by: flea Jun 20 2010, 11:29 AM
Italy humbled by All Whites
New Zealand caused South Africa 2010's biggest upset thus far by holding world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw at Nelspruit's Mbombela Stadium. In the end, only a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty prevented Marcello Lippi's Azzurri dropping all three points as the All Whites, who took an early lead through Shane Smeltz, produced a courageous and intelligent performance to earn their second FIFA World Cup™ point.
Faced with a side ranked 74 places above them, New Zealand might have been expected to park the proverbial bus in front of Mark Paston's goal. In fact, the opposite was true. Evidently deciding that attack represented the best form of defence, coach Ricki Herbert fielded three strikers in an adventurous line-up, and was rewarded for his boldness with the opening goal inside seven minutes. New Zealand benefited from some distinctly un-Italian defending with the Azzurri rearguard left in chaos by an inswinging Simon Elliot free-kick. The most notable culprit was Fabio Cannavaro, who inadvertently cushioned the ball into the path of a grateful Smeltz. From four yards out, all the New Zealand No9 had to do was poke the ball under the diving Federico Marchetti.
In a tournament full of upsets, it looked at this stage that a truly momentous shock was on the cards, but an Italian response was not long in arriving. They should have been level after 16 minutes, in fact, after Cannavaro knocked down Simone Pepe's corner for the well-positioned Giorgio Chiellini, but the Juventus centre-half provided a typical defender’s finish, smashing the ball out for a throw-in on the far side.
Italy were taking a stranglehold on possession, however, and after Gianluca Zambrotta just missed out on finding the top corner from 25 yards, Riccardo Montolivo went closer still, bending a superb effort around the statuesque Paston only to see the ball rebound to safety off the inside of the post. The Azzurri players must have wondered at this stage if this simply was not going to be their day, but their luck was to change after 28 minutes when Tommy Smith was penalised for pulling down Daniele De Rossi in the box. Iaquinta stepped up to take the resultant penalty and level the scores with a perfect spot-kick low to the left of the wrong-footed Paston.
Italy might have hauled themselves level, but Marcello Lippi remained unhappy enough to make a double substitution at half-time that saw Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi enter the fray. The former, a prolific scorer in Serie A this season, nearly made an instant impact, firing in an imaginative right-foot volley that Paston could only parry clear. However, Lippi will have been hugely concerned at the relative ease with which New Zealand continued to hold his side at bay, and substitute Chris Wood came within a whisker of winning it for the Kiwis in the closing stages with a left-foot shot that slipped inches wide. Herbert's side were certainly well worthy of a share of the spoils, and go into their final match against Paraguay with everything still to play for in Group F.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061482/summary.html
Posted by: flea Jun 20 2010, 11:30 AM
France's campaign falling apart
(PA) Sunday 20 June 2010
AFPFrance's chaotic FIFA World Cup™ campaign is in disarray after the players boycotted training in support of Nicolas Anelka, who was sent home yesterday for a row with coach Raymond Domenech.
Less than 24 hours after the Chelsea forward was excluded by the French Football Federation (FFF) for refusing to apologise for his verbal attack on Domenech, the rest of the squad took matters into their own hands. Just a few minutes after taking the field for a training session at their Knysna base in South Africa, captain Patrice Evra and fitness coach Robert Duverne became involved in an argument.
Domenech stepped in and Duverne stormed away as the players walked off and boarded the team bus. The coach returned moments later to read a statement from the squad to the assembled media. "All players without exception want to declare their opposition to the FFF decision to exclude Nicolas Anelka," it said. The statement added the players were angered the Anelka-Domenech row had become public and criticised the FFF "which at no time tried to protect the squad". However, the players vowed "to do everything individually and collectively so that France regains its honour [against South Africa] on Tuesday".
Anelka sent home too
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 05:48 AM
ref in Brazil game had a shocker
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 06:28 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1251513/index.html#outsiders+looking+seize+control
Outsiders looking to seize controlGetty Images The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
Although European champions Spain were widely backed to take Group H by storm, it is Chile and Switzerland who will battle for top spot in the section after the less-fancied duo both recorded wins in their initial outings.
Having been humbled by the Swiss, Spain now need to get their tournament up and running against a Honduras side that put in a valiant effort before losing 1-0 to Chile. Still considered one of the clear favourites to clinch the 19th edition of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, La Roja must demonstrate that their previous performance was nothing more than a blip.
In Group G, meanwhile, fate has delivered echoes of one of the most spectacular FIFA World Cup games of all time, with Portugal and Korea DPR due to meet for the first time since the Europeans' breathtaking 5-3 triumph during the quarter-finals at England 1966. Portugal’s most popular player of all time, Eusebio, plundered four goals that day and current linchpin Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate to rediscover his form as he attempts to follow in the legendary striker’s footsteps.
The matches
Portugal-Korea DPR, Group G, Cape Town, 13.30 (local time)
Chile-Switzerland, Group H, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00 (local time)
Spain-Honduras, Group H, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Chile-Switzerland
"Chile are without doubt the team that has played the best football since the start of the World Cup,” is the verdict of the country's iconic former forward Ivan Zamorano. Impressively compact, the South Americans have a decidedly attacking philosophy and boast a certain verve gained by plucking talent from the country’s U-20 side.
The task of blunting their ambitions will not be an easy one, but Switzerland will once again rely on the strengths of discipline and team spirit that bear the unmistakable stamp of coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. His message was dutifully respected against Spain, yet Die Nati must make adjustments to cope with the absence of injured centre-back Philippe Senderos. Chile won the only previous meeting between the two teams at a FIFA World Cup when they prevailed 3-1 at home in 1962, a distant 48 years ago.
In focus
Spain v Honduras: make or break
Spain touched down in South Africa pointing to a record of 44 wins and just one loss in 48 matches stretching back over a period of three years. Those figures did not protect them in their surprise defeat by Switzerland, of course, and that result has left them once again facing the demons that have haunted them since 1950 and their solitary semi-final finish. “We now have to approach the Honduras match as if it was a final and try to take the three points before doing the same against Chile,” commented Gerard Pique, blocking out the criticisms swirling around back home.
What they said
"The standard of the various national teams has become more balanced in the last few years. Predicting the final result or underestimating the other teams is the first step towards certain failure,” Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach.
Did you know?
Curse lifted: After 48 barren years and 13 final tournament matches without victory – encompassing failed attempts in 1966, 1974, 1982 and 1998 – Chile finally ended their curse by defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening assignment at South Africa 2010. Their most recent prior success had been a 1-0 win over Yugoslavia in the match for third place on 16 June 1962, and Bielsa’s charges will surely now feel capable of moving mountains as they prepare to meet Alpine rivals Switzerland.
Swiss strongbox: Switzerland have not conceded at a FIFA World Cup final tournament in 16 years, dating back to their 3-0 reverse at the hands of Spain in June 1994. Although they have only disputed five games on the global stage since then, Die Nati can feel justifiably proud of their efforts. They managed four clean sheets at Germany 2006 before exiting to last-16 opponents Ukraine on penalties following a goalless draw and last Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Spain promptly confirmed their reputation for miserliness at the back.
Asian Rooney: Nicknamed 'The Asian Rooney' or 'The People’s Rooney', Korea DPR forward Jong Tae-Se is a formidable goalscorer and free-kick specialist who has already registered 16 times in 25 internationals. Born in Japan and raised in Korea Republic before moving north of the border, he possesses triple nationality and opted to represent Korea DPR on the field of play. Before South Africa 2010, he expressed his excitement at being drawn in a group that would allow him to rub shoulders with two of his idols – and having swapped shirts with Kaka last time out, he is sure to make a beeline for Cristiano Ronaldo at the final whistle.
Although European champions Spain were widely backed to take Group H by storm, it is Chile and Switzerland who will battle for top spot in the section after the less-fancied duo both recorded wins in their initial outings.
Having been humbled by the Swiss, Spain now need to get their tournament up and running against a Honduras side that put in a valiant effort before losing 1-0 to Chile. Still considered one of the clear favourites to clinch the 19th edition of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, La Roja must demonstrate that their previous performance was nothing more than a blip.
In Group G, meanwhile, fate has delivered echoes of one of the most spectacular FIFA World Cup games of all time, with Portugal and Korea DPR due to meet for the first time since the Europeans' breathtaking 5-3 triumph during the quarter-finals at England 1966. Portugal’s most popular player of all time, Eusebio, plundered four goals that day and current linchpin Cristiano Ronaldo will be desperate to rediscover his form as he attempts to follow in the legendary striker’s footsteps.
The matches
Portugal-Korea DPR, Group G, Cape Town, 13.30 (local time)
Chile-Switzerland, Group H, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00 (local time)
Spain-Honduras, Group H, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Chile-Switzerland
"Chile are without doubt the team that has played the best football since the start of the World Cup,” is the verdict of the country's iconic former forward Ivan Zamorano. Impressively compact, the South Americans have a decidedly attacking philosophy and boast a certain verve gained by plucking talent from the country’s U-20 side.
The task of blunting their ambitions will not be an easy one, but Switzerland will once again rely on the strengths of discipline and team spirit that bear the unmistakable stamp of coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. His message was dutifully respected against Spain, yet Die Nati must make adjustments to cope with the absence of injured centre-back Philippe Senderos. Chile won the only previous meeting between the two teams at a FIFA World Cup when they prevailed 3-1 at home in 1962, a distant 48 years ago.
In focus
Spain v Honduras: make or break
Spain touched down in South Africa pointing to a record of 44 wins and just one loss in 48 matches stretching back over a period of three years. Those figures did not protect them in their surprise defeat by Switzerland, of course, and that result has left them once again facing the demons that have haunted them since 1950 and their solitary semi-final finish. “We now have to approach the Honduras match as if it was a final and try to take the three points before doing the same against Chile,” commented Gerard Pique, blocking out the criticisms swirling around back home.
What they said
"The standard of the various national teams has become more balanced in the last few years. Predicting the final result or underestimating the other teams is the first step towards certain failure,” Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach.
Did you know?
Curse lifted: After 48 barren years and 13 final tournament matches without victory – encompassing failed attempts in 1966, 1974, 1982 and 1998 – Chile finally ended their curse by defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening assignment at South Africa 2010. Their most recent prior success had been a 1-0 win over Yugoslavia in the match for third place on 16 June 1962, and Bielsa’s charges will surely now feel capable of moving mountains as they prepare to meet Alpine rivals Switzerland.
Swiss strongbox: Switzerland have not conceded at a FIFA World Cup final tournament in 16 years, dating back to their 3-0 reverse at the hands of Spain in June 1994. Although they have only disputed five games on the global stage since then, Die Nati can feel justifiably proud of their efforts. They managed four clean sheets at Germany 2006 before exiting to last-16 opponents Ukraine on penalties following a goalless draw and last Wednesday’s 1-0 win against Spain promptly confirmed their reputation for miserliness at the back.
Asian Rooney: Nicknamed 'The Asian Rooney' or 'The People’s Rooney', Korea DPR forward Jong Tae-Se is a formidable goalscorer and free-kick specialist who has already registered 16 times in 25 internationals. Born in Japan and raised in Korea Republic before moving north of the border, he possesses triple nationality and opted to represent Korea DPR on the field of play. Before South Africa 2010, he expressed his excitement at being drawn in a group that would allow him to rub shoulders with two of his idols – and having swapped shirts with Kaka last time out, he is sure to make a beeline for Cristiano Ronaldo at the final whistle.
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 06:31 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061488/summary.html
Brazil put Elephants in the shade
Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 with a game to spare after a convincing 3-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire at Soccer City.
Two goals from Luis Fabiano and a third by Elano secured the second victory for Dunga’s side in South Africa – a result that guaranteed them one of the top two places in Group G even before Portugal's meeting with Korea DPR on Monday. It was not all good news for the South Americans, though, who finished the game with ten men after Kaka received a late red card after a clash with Kader Keita. It was Kaka’s second yellow card and came after the Brazilian appeared to dig an elbow into the chest of Keita, who went down clutching his face.
For Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Elephants, this was a sobering evening despite Didier Drogba’s late headed reply. Although Drogba was fit to start his first game of this FIFA World Cup™ – Gervinho the man to make way – Côte d’Ivoire did not trouble Brazil's back line until it was too late and they will now go into their final group game against the Koreans on Friday with just one point to their name.
This much-anticipated meeting of the five-time world champions and Drogba's Elephants – seen by some as potentially Africa's biggest hope before the finals – began with a shooting opportunity for the Seleção inside the first 60 seconds as Robinho broke forward. But, ignoring the yellow shirts on either side of him, he flashed a shot over the crossbar from outside the box.
Robinho had a hand in the opening goal after 25 minutes, some lovely interplay between him, Kaka and Luis Fabiano preceding Kaka's through-ball to the No9 which left him clear to lash a spectacular shot high inside the near post. The Elephants had managed only one shot on target in their goalless draw with Portugal and it took them 38 minutes before Aruna Dindane tried his luck from distance, driving a shot straight at Julio Cesar.
Within five minutes of the restart, Brazil had their second goal as Luis Fabiano struck again. After lifting the ball over Didier Zokora on the edge of the box, he worked his way past two more defenders, controlling a bouncing ball before firing in a low shot that Boubacar Barry got a hand to on its way in. The Ivorians came close to a response soon after only for Drogba to steer a header wide of Julio Cesar’s left-hand post after rising between Maicon and Lucio to meet Dindane’s centre from the right. That would be Dindane's final contribution as he made way for Gervinho, yet the force remained with Brazil.
Kaka had a shot beaten away by Barry in the 61st minute but within 60 seconds he had created the third goal for Elano. The Real Madrid playmaker broke down the left and running at Kolo Toure, found the space to drill in a low cross that Elano turned home for his second goal of the finals. Sadly for Elano that was his final contribution as, soon after, he took a kick on the shin from Ismael Tiote and left the field on a stretcher.
Julio Cesar was finally called into meaningful action when Ivorian substitute Romaric drove in a low shot that the Brazil custodian got down low to block. Eleven minutes from time, however, Drogba did restore a measure of pride for the Elephants when, following Gervinho's lung-bursting forward run, the substitute laid the ball back to Yaya Toure whose precise cross was nodded home by the Chelsea striker. That was the end of the scoring, although for Kaka, the night did not end as he would have wished as tempers flared in the closing minutes.
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 06:33 AM
World Cup 2010: no Brazil complaint over Kaka dismissal against Ivory Coast
Fifa have yet to receive a formal complaint from the Brazilian confederation regarding Kaka's sending-off against Ivory Coast on Sunday night.
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 11:25AM BST 21 Jun 2010
Sent off: Kaka's red card was as a result of Kader Keita's playacting Photo: REUTERS The Real Madrid forward was dismissed by French referee Stephane Lannoy for what he deemed to be two bookable offences, the second of which was a collision with Ivory Coast's Kader Keita who appeared to make a meal of the contact.
Under Article 72 of Fifa's disciplinary code it is almost certain that any appeal from Brazil on Kaka's behalf would fail, because the referee's decision is considered final except in circumstances where he has clearly booked the wrong player.
There had earlier been controversy over Luis Fabiano's second goal for Brazil in the 3-1 World Cup win, as he appeared twice to handle the ball before firing it in. Again, Fifa were not aware of any formal complaint at this stage from the Ivorians.
Fifa head of media Nicolas Maingot said: "I am not aware of any complaints from the two teams. If this is the case we will analyse the request and respond to it."
Brazil coach Dunga was furious with the decision against Kaka after Sunday night's match and said: "It was a totally unjustified sending-off. It was a very complicated game, a very physical game I might add.
"There were many fouls committed and all of us, who love football and desire beautiful football, always ask that the beautiful game is controlled.
"We have to know what is good football and what is not. So when the referee allows certain fouls or certain incidents to go unpunished that is not right, as happened today."
Reports have also surfaced this morning that Malian referee Koman Coulibaly has been dropped from officiating at future World Cup matches, but Fifa were not aware that this was the case at their daily briefing.
Coulibaly disallowed what would have been a match-winning goal for the United States against Slovenia on Friday, with the American coach Bob Bradley and his players saying afterwards that the official gave them no explanation for why he had ruled out the goal.
The subject of pitches was also on the agenda today, with John Lockyer of the Sports Turf Research Institute revealing that the decision to prohibit teams from training on certain stadium surfaces was a measure designed to protect pitches in what he described as a period of "unseasonal weather" in South Africa.
He said: "We're constantly aware of the performance of the pitches and we assess that with the impact of usage and climate. With the unseasonal weather in Port Elizabeth, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria, it has forced us to take preventative measures to prevent longer-term issues. The decision of whether teams can train at the stadiums or not is taken on a match-by-match basis."
Lockyer admitted there were a few problems with the northern end of the Soccer City surface looking discoloured and said it had been caused by shade and frost.
"Being in almost permanent shade, the impact of frost has been most noticeable there. We are using frost covers and germination blankets to protect the pitch. We expect it to catch up within the next few days."
Local organising committee spokesman Rich Mkhondo was asked about the lacklustre performance of African teams at the finals, with only Ghana having recorded a win at the tournament so far.
He said: "Of course we would love African teams to do well in this World Cup and we are disappointed that they are not, but there are a number of well-known teams here who are not doing so well.
"I am sure that the people of South Africa will continue to support the teams who do go through." 
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup-2010/teams/brazil/7843220/World-Cup-2010-no-Brazil-complaint-over-Kaka-dismissal-against-Ivory-Coast.html
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 21 2010, 08:56 AM
Welcome to the World Cup Portugal! Thank you for demoralizing N. Korea.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 21 2010, 09:10 AM
7-0 wow
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 21 2010, 09:40 AM
What are the odds that the entire team gets executed upon reaching home?
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 21 2010, 10:30 AM
7-0? Ph, wow!
Posted by: joe31 Jun 21 2010, 10:32 AM
wowwww
Posted by: Tromni Jun 21 2010, 10:52 AM
And another joke of a red card costs the Swiss dearly.
On the bright side, Koulibaly and Lannoy have both been left of the fixture list for the next round of matches.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 21 2010, 11:51 AM
Wait a minute... A red carded player is thrown out of the game or the whole tournament?
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 21 2010, 11:55 AM
And another game of bad officiating. Red Card kicks you out of present game. 2 yellows and you are out of next game.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 21 2010, 12:01 PM
7-0!!! How'd I miss that match. 
Posted by: Tromni Jun 21 2010, 01:36 PM
2 yellow cards in the group stage = 1 game suspension
Red card by accumulating 2 yellows in the same game = expulsion from the game and 1 game suspension
Red card for violent behavior = expulsion from the game and an additional suspension whose length is determined by the severity of the offense.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 21 2010, 02:02 PM
That was a SICK Spain goal!
Posted by: Tromni Jun 21 2010, 03:01 PM
So if you're a Valencia supporter, are you overjoyed to see Spain playing so well through Villa, or are you bitter because your club's financial situation means he'll be off to Barca next year?
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 07:39 PM
Eight hopefuls eyeing four spots Getty Images The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
The qualification equation will be resolved once and for all in groups A and B on Tuesday when, to ensure fairness between the teams in contention, the two games in each section will kick off at the same time.
Uruguay and Mexico currently lead the way in Group A with four points apiece and a draw between them in Rustenburg would send both through to the last 16. Neither will enjoy the thought of facing Argentina in the next round, however, and that ought to motivate both to pursue a victory that would allow either South Africa or France to take advantage, despite the latter duo having collected a solitary point each so far. Whatever happens, the tournament is about to lose at least one major participant, with the host nation having never fallen at this stage in past editions and crisis-stricken France runners-up just four years ago.
In Group B, Argentina stand on the verge of the knockout phase, even if they could still conceivably be eliminated on goal difference if they lose to Greece and three teams finish on six points. Realistically, Diego Maradona’s men possess a healthy grip on top spot, while Korea Republic appear favourites to grab second place behind them. A draw in their meeting with Nigeria would see the Asian side through, depending on the outcome of Greece’s match against the leaders.
The matches
Group A (both matches at 16.00 local time)
France-South Africa, Mangaung/Bloemfontein
Mexico-Uruguay, Rustenburg
Group B (both matches at 20.30 local time)
Greece-Argentina, Polokwane
Nigeria-Korea Republic, Durban
The big games
Nigeria-Korea Republic
Semi-finalists at the 2002 FIFA World Cup™, Korea Republic control their own destiny despite having suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to Argentina last time out. They have since pored over their failings in that game and have singled out their defensive frailty, general clumsiness and the goal they conceded early on, all of which made it difficult for them to claw their way back. Almost constantly on the back foot, they nonetheless showed glimpses of the quality that brought them a 2-0 win over Greece, and against Nigeria they will be keen to prove that lessons have been learnt. As for their opponents, the Super Eagles have been beaten twice but can still reach the Round of 16. Lars Lagerback has opted not to criticise his young, inexperienced team to avoid demoralising them even further, and with so much youthful talent in their ranks anything is possible – even if they have gone seven games without victory on the global stage and suffered six defeats during that run.
Greece-Argentina
Greece have lifted a veil of doubt after finally recording their first ever victory at a FIFA World Cup final tournament, a 2-1 comeback triumph against Nigeria that avenged their 2-0 loss to the Super Eagles at USA 1994. They must now complete the more taxing task of reversing the outcome of their defeat by Argentina on 21 June that same year in Boston, when Gabriel Batistuta helped himself to a hat-trick and a certain Maradona, then captain of La Albiceleste, added the other goal in a 4-0 romp. At least the European hopefuls will not have to contain El Pibe de Oro this time around – he will be pacing the technical area instead.
What they said
"There are better teams out there than us, but we’re convinced we can beat anyone,” Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1253022/index.html#eight+hopefuls+eyeing+four+spots
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 07:41 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061487/summary.html
Portugal notch magnificent seven
Portugal turned on the style to thrash Korea DPR 7-0 at Green Point Stadium and take a huge step towards a place in the Round of 16.
Only a Raul Meireles goal divided the teams after a closely contested first half but it was a different story after the restart when Portugal devastated the North Korean defence with three goals inside eight minutes before the hour from Simao, Hugo Almeida and Tiago. With the clock ticking down, Liedson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago again compounded their opponents' woes to produce Portugal's biggest FIFA World Cup™ victory and the widest winning margin so far in South Africa.
There were few parallels to draw with the teams' previous meeting on the world stage, their 1966 quarter-final in England when Eusebio – watching from the stands in Cape Town – so famously struck four goals as Portugal retrieved a three-goal deficit. There will be no repeat run from the North Koreans this time, their second defeat in Group G confirming their elimination. Portugal, by contrast, sit second in the section, with a three-point advantage over Côte d’Ivoire – and overwhelming gulf in goal difference – ahead of their final game against Brazil.
Carlos Queiroz's men made a positive start with defender Ricardo Carvalho nodding Simao's corner against the far post after seven minutes. As against Brazil in their opening 2-1 defeat, Korea DPR looked in no way overawed, however. With the rain teeming down, the Koreans pieced together a slick move on the fast surface that almost let in Jong Tae-Se only for the No9 to fail to control the through-ball. Otherwise, when they had the chance to shoot, they took it. Cha Jong-Hyok speared an effort just wide from distance, then Hong Yong-Jo arrowed in a shot from the right that Eduardo parried, Pak Nam-Chol failing to keep his header down on the follow-up.
Indeed Portugal coach Queiroz might have been forgiven a short sigh of relief when midfielder Meireles gave his side the lead in the 29th minute, timing his run into the North Korean box perfectly to meet Tiago's pass and drive the ball low past Ri Myong-Guk. A goal to the good, Portugal ended the half on top. Meireles sliced a shot wide before Fabio Coentrao teed up Hugo Almeida with a low centre but the big striker's attempted flick failed to come off.
Portugal did not have to wait long to double their advantage after the restart. Korea DPR custodian Ri Myong-Guk had already tipped over Tiago’s shot when Simao made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute. There was some impressive build-up play as Almeida backheeled to Meireles who played in Simao to slide the ball past Ri Myong-Guk. Within three minutes it was 3-0, Tiago sending Coentrao down the left and the full-back crossing for Almeida to nod past the goalkeeper. Portugal were now tearing them apart and by the hour they had their fourth goal, Tiago finding the net from Ronaldo's lay-off.
Meireles and Coentrao missed chances to underline their dominance, before Ronaldo rattled the crossbar with a spectacular strike. Yet in a late flurry, Portugal forced open the floodgates once more. Ri Kwang-Chon's mistake let in substitute Liedson to smash a shot high into the net. Ronaldo then opened his account after Liedson took advantage of some sloppy play in the Korean defence to play in the Real Madrid star – trying to pass the goalkeeper on the edge of the box, the ball bounced up off Ri Myong-Guk and on to Ronaldo's back before dropping from his head to his foot for an easy finish. Tiago's header one minute from time completed a magnificent seven.
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 07:45 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061493/summary.html
Gonzalez downs brave Swiss
Despite having a man advantage for an hour of the Group H contest in Nelson Mandela Bay, Chile struggled to break down a record-setting Switzerland defence but ultimately won 1-0 through a winner from Mark Gonzalez.
The South Africa-born player headed in Esteban Paredes's cross in the 75th minute to break the Swiss back-line for the first time in over 550 minutes of FIFA World Cup™ football, a record they had claimed just minutes before. Chile now sit atop the table with six points from two wins, while Switzerland remain on three points after failing to build on their upset of Spain in their opener.
The attack-minded Chileans were always going to be more adventurous, and they had the large majority of the chances after Valon Behrami became the first Swiss player to be sent off in a FIFA World Cup match in the 31st minute. The South Americans had showed their attacking intent from the off, testing the Swiss goalkeeper twice in the tenth minute with swerving long-range efforts. Arturo Vidal cut in from the left and Diego Benaglio could only punch the ball as far as Carlos Carmona at the edge of the area who also tried his luck. Shortly after, the opposite No1, Claudio Bravo, had to be smart coming off his line to clear in front of Blaise Nkufo after a light back-pass.
The match then turned decisively as West Ham United player Behrami swung his arm into the face of Vidal while trying to hold off the Chilean along the sideline. Stunned by the straight red card, the Swiss retreated into their own third and, as against Spain, showed themselves well capable at bending without breaking. However, the quick South Americans showed themselves equally good at exploiting spaces. However, they were let down by their final ball or, in the case of Alexis Sanchez in the 40th minute, mediocre finishing after he had done well to chest the ball down in the box.
Chile made two changes at half-time to make their man advantage count, and they seemed to have opened the scoring within minutes of the restart, but Sanchez's long shot deflected off an offside player before beating the goalkeeper and was disallowed. Sanchez had another chance in the 55th minute after closing down defender Stephane Grichting well and running on to the deflected ball. But Benaglio again came out on top, getting down well to block the point-blank shot.
As the Swiss eclipsed Italy's record of scoreless minutes in the finals, it began to look more and more like Chile would come up frustrated on the night. But Paredes finally created the chance they needed with a diagonal run behind a for-once flat Swiss defence. His cross to the back post was met by the head of Gonzalez, who nodded down to beat defender Stephan Lichtsteiner on the line with Benaglio drawn out of his goal.
As Switzerland began to push forward for the first time in the match, Paredes should have put the contest out of reach twice in the final minutes, first blazing over and then wide with left-footed efforts. He was almost made to rue his wastefulness when Eren Derdiyok missed an exposed Chilean goal after a clever back-heel from Albert Bunjaku left him in space eight yards out.
Chile will try to confirm their place in the next round against Spain on Friday in Pretoria, while Switzerland face Honduras at the same time in Bloemfontein.
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 07:47 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061494/summary.html
Villa gets Spain back on track
Spain got their FIFA World Cup™ campaign back on track with a win against Honduras that was far more comprehensive than the 2-0 scoreline indicated. The Central Americans were the unlucky victims as the European champions returned to the kind of form which placed them among the pre-tournament favourites, David Villa claiming the Budweiser Man of the Match award for his two-goal haul.
Spain's victory lifted them alongside Switzerland with a win apiece, though still three points off Group H pacesetters Chile, their final opponents on Friday. Honduras, meanwhile, now need to win their last match against Switzerland, and hope Chile do them a favour against Spain, to have any hope of progressing.
Injury to Andres Iniesta saw Spain coach Vicente del Bosque reshuffle his pack with Fernando Torres brought into the line-up to join Villa in attack. Sevilla's right-sided flanker Jesus Navas was also given a place in the starting XI with David Silva omitted. It was no surprise to see Spain, undoubtedly stung by their opening loss to Switzerland, start in an attacking mode. Villa rattled the crossbar after just six minutes with an effort from 25 metres, while Sergio Ramos was unable to get downward force on a free header at the back post just minutes later.
Spain caused constant problems on both flanks with Villa operating on the left and Navas on the right. Villa appeared to be in supremely confident mood and it was no surprise to see Barcelona's recent signing open the scoring with what is set to be one of the individual goals of the tournament. Cutting in from the left, Villa dissected a path through two defenders when there appeared to be none, before rounding a third attempt at a tackle and unleashing a shot into the roof of the net.
On the half-hour mark, Torres had two good openings within the space of 60 seconds as Spain upped the ante further still. The Liverpool man, perhaps still showing signs of rustiness after his return from injury last month, guided a header into the ground and over the crossbar, before then skying his shot after a dribble into the penalty area. Honduras rarely threatened in the opening period, winning their first corner only in the final minute of the half. Honduran speed-merchant David Suazo received scant service up front as La Roja dominated midfield possession.
The second half started disastrously for the Hondurans with Villa doubling the advantage just six minutes after the restart, his shot from 20 metres taking a wicked deflection off the knee of Osman Chavez and looping over the outstretched hand of stranded goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Just past the hour, Emilio Izaguirre's foul on Navas in the penalty area gave Villa a golden opportunity to record a hat-trick but he pushed his spot-kick wide and in the process became the first Spain player to miss a penalty at the FIFA World Cup.
Nevertheless, Spain appeared certain to kill off the game with a third goal, only to be guilty at times of overplaying the passing movement when presented with a shooting opportunity. Substitute Cesc Fabregas appeared certain to score with his first involvement but, after springing the offside trap and rounding Valladares, the Arsenal skipper saw his shot impressively cleared off the line by a retreating Chavez. Honduras found some joy in attack in the final stages with Suazo firing wide and half-time substitute Georgie Welcome guiding a header the wrong side of the post. Yet Spain were still the team pushing hard until the final whistle with only some determined defending and their own profligacy ensuring the scoreline remained unchanged.
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 07:51 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1251041/index.html#bocanegra+warns+england+slovenia
Bocanegra warns England on Slovenia
(PA) Saturday 19 June 2010
Getty ImagesUSA captain Carlos Bocanegra has warned England they will be in for a tough game against Slovenia when the sides meet in a FIFA World Cup™ Group C encounter in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday.
Former Fulham defender Bocanegra, now with French club Rennes, was part of a US defence twice cut open by Slovenia at Ellis Park yesterday as first Valter Birsa curled in a shot from 25 yards and then Zlatan Ljubijankic added a second three minutes before half-time. The Americans fought back and Landon Donovan made it 2-1 three minutes into the second half before Michael Bradley secured a point eight minutes from time.
Asked what England could expect against Slovenia, Bocanegra told Press Association Sport: "They're very good, they're strong guys. [Robert] Koren and Birsa in the midfield did well and they had two big guys up front (Ljubijankic and Milivoje Novakovic) who work hard. They defend as a team really well and they hit us on two counters. It will definitely be a tough game for England, they're a good team."
Bocanegra lamented another poor start by his team, who also found themselves a goal down to England early on in their Group C opener before fighting back to claim a point. "We leave it late a lot," he said.
"We're angry at how the first half went but the guys had a look at themselves and collectively as a team we raised it in the second half. Our fitness levels showed up well, how we could push the game. Hopefully we can continue the way we played in the second half into the Algeria game, We've got to beat Algeria and if we get five points it should see us through."
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 07:51 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1252262/index.html#bradley+outlines+elements
Bradley outlines key elements
(PA) Sunday 20 June 2010
Getty ImagesUnited States coach Bob Bradley believes good discipline and clinical finishing will be key for his side when they face Algeria on Wednesday aiming for a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup™.
The USA are currently second in Group C after gaining creditable draws against England and Slovenia, and they know a victory over last-placed Algeria in Pretoria will put them into the knockout stages.
However, Bradley is wary about the threat posed by a well-organised Algeria side who lost to Slovenia in their first game but then held group favourites England to a goalless draw in their second outing.
"Algeria are a team that has a way of getting a lot of numbers behind the ball, but they are still talented going forward with some of the skill and physical abilities of key individuals," said Bradley.
"As they go forward and get the right numbers in the attack, they have the ability to create one-on-ones and go by you. They have found a balance of defending with numbers, and they take their chances well with some of their creative attacking players going forward. It means that our ability to be disciplined and to finish attacks is going to be very important."
Reflecting on Algeria's surprise draw with England, Bradley added: "It was an interesting game. It shows even when you have a talented attacking team like England, when you play against a team that is organised, with numbers behind the ball, then breaking them down, making the right play, and getting a goal is still not always easy. Everything is to be played for in the group."
Bradley also insists his side are not dwelling on the disallowed goal that denied them a remarkable 3-2 fightback win over Slovenia.
Bradley said: "On the disallowed goal, I ended up feeling badly for the team and our fans because a 3-2 comeback win would have given us a real chance of advancing and would have been something that was pretty special for everybody.
"It didn't happen that way, so we put it behind us. We understand that if we win we advance and we understand that there's a possibility that we can still win our group. We have moved forward."
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 07:53 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1253741/index.html#matured+pair+ready+spur+germany
Matured pair ready to spur Germany
(FIFA.com) Monday 21 June 2010
FIFA.comFive years ago, two fresh-faced, talented young men sparked a reappraisal of the German national team, both at home and abroad. Poldi and Schweini, as carefree on the field as they were off it, shone at the FIFA Confederations Cup as the three-time world champions began relinquishing a long-standing reputation for dour, result-oriented football.
Fast-forward to the present, where Poldi and Schweini have morphed into international stars Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger. The former was named Best Young Player at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™, and the latter featured for Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final little more than a month ago. The pair helped their country to third spot at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and second at UEFA EURO 2008. The likely lads have grown into senior figures with responsibilities to match, and their leadership qualities are now required more than ever as Germany prepare for their final and decisive group meeting with Ghana at South Africa 2010.
We need to get our heads clear and move on. That won’t be easy. But we have to beat Ghana.Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger
These days, the pair are expected to lead from the front. A sobering 1-0 defeat to Serbia means the Germans must beat the Black Stars to be sure of a place in the Round of 16. "We’ll need all our team spirit, because this is a final for us,” Podolski told FIFA.
The 25-year-old, who saw his second-half penalty saved by Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic in the previous match, has remained characteristically upbeat: "A draw would have taken us a huge step towards the knockout stage, but we still played well, despite going down to ten men."
Schweinsteiger, Podolski’s senior by a year and frequently portrayed in the past as a fellow prankster, comes over as far more thoughtful these days. "We need to get our heads clear and move on," he told FIFA following the defeat by Serbia. "That won’t be easy. But we have to beat Ghana."
It is no surprise to hear such solemn words coming from the mouth of the Bavarian, switched by coach Joachim Low from the left flank to central midfield after the loss of Michael Ballack to injury. Schweinsteiger and newly-promoted captain Philipp Lahm are now required not only to orchestrate events on the field of play, but also to keep the collective morale high.
The meeting with the physically robust and often unpredictable Ghanaians deserves its billing as a crunch showdown for the Germans. It will determine not only whether the European giants make the last 16 at this edition of the FIFA World Cup, but perhaps more significantly for the future, whether a new and exciting German generation, boasting creative potential arguably greater than ever before, has inherited the mental strength always associated with its predecessors. It will also show whether Podolski and Schweinsteiger can stand up and be counted when the going gets really tough.
It’s the same position we were in at EURO 2008, and my team’s better prepared for it this time.Germany coach Joachim Low on needing going into their final group game needing a result to guarantee a place in the Round of 16
"Obviously, we wanted to avoid this pressure in the last group game," said Low. "But it’s the same position we were in at EURO 2008, and my team’s better prepared for it this time."
In Austria and Switzerland, Germany lost 2-1 to Croatia in their second group match, but beat Austria 1-0 in their last first-stage fixture. However, it was the absent Ballack who secured the crucial three points with a thumping free-kick. Low remains confident. "We mustn’t let our heads go down. We have a good chance of reaching the last 16 and I believe we will."
German Football Association (DFB) President Dr Theo Zwanziger echoed the head coach’s comments. "I was in the dressing room [after the Serbia match] and said we could allow ourselves five minutes to lament the defeat, but the tournament’s far from over," he said. "This is where it starts for real. And I think we’ll get through. A team as young as this is always likely to make the mistakes a more experienced group would avoid."
For Podolski, Schweinsteiger and Co, this is the kind of situation that can mark the final transition from solid international to world-class star.
Posted by: flea Jun 21 2010, 07:54 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1254113/index.html#dunga+mulls+kaka+replacement
Dunga mulls Kaka replacement
(AFP) Monday 21 June 2010
Getty ImagesWith progress to the FIFA World Cup™ last 16 already assured, Brazil's reserves have the chance to shine in their final group match against Portugal.
Monday was a rest day for the most part for the first eleven, as coach Dunga instead put the remainder of the squad through their paces in the knowledge that he now has two reasons to shuffle his pack and investigate his men's strength in depth. That is because wins over Korea DPR and Côte d'Ivoire have propelled Brazil through the opening phase but also because star midfielder Kaka has inadvertently done Dunga a favour.
By getting himself a red card against Côte d'Ivoire, the Real Madrid superstar will have to sit out the Portugal encounter come what may. His opening showing against the North Koreans in a fairly hard-fought 2-1 win was not quite what fans have come to expect of a former FIFA World Player of the Year and there had been indications that he would not necessarily keep his place with some players talking up the skills of the likes of Julio Baptista.
Kaka did improve against Côte d'Ivoire with a neat assist, but his sending off for pushing Abdelkader Keita means Dunga must shake things up anyway - though with six points in the bag, he can afford to do so. "We are not sure who will replace Kaka for the next game, we will think about it over the next few days," Dunga said.
Although Dunga - to the horror of some former players and many fans - has reined in the samba style in his four-year tenure, to date he has nonetheless been handsomely rewarded both in the CONMEBOL Copa America and the FIFA Confederations Cup here last year.
Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, currently in charge of Côte d'Ivoire, feels Brazil look like champions. "You need to be almost perfect to beat Brazil. In every way they are good, they are very good," opined Eriksson.
You need to be almost perfect to beat Brazil.Sven-Goran Eriksson, Côte d'Ivoire coach
The reserves aren't too bad either as they hammered The Birds, a local side from Vaal, outside Johannesbrug, 7-1, albeit after negotiating a tricky 20 opening minutes. Baptista was on target as were Wolfsburg's Grafite with a brace, Ramires, Kleberson and Daniel Alves with an own goal on top. The first team were meanwhile enjoying the facilities at their Fairway Hotel base.
Dunga looks to have three options regarding his Kaka conundrum. He can field Nilmar in attack and switch the on-form Robinho into a central role, send in Julio Baptista or push Daniel Alves forward into the engine room.
Elano meanwhile still hopes to start against the Portuguese, who thrashed the North Koreans 7-0 after their goalless stalemate with Côte d'Ivoire, despite taking a blow to the throat on Monday, according to team doctor Jose Luis Runco.
Assuming they claim at least a draw on Friday Brazil will win their group and face the second team in Group G - either Spain, Chile or Switzerland.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 21 2010, 08:49 PM
Prediction for Wednesday: USA-2 Algeria-1
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 22 2010, 02:39 PM
Not with the type of reffing the Americans are seeing...
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 22 2010, 03:01 PM
I didn't know Brian Gorman was refereeing the FIFA games.
Posted by: Tromni Jun 22 2010, 04:07 PM
I'll be stunned if the US concedes at all. For me, the real question is can they score themselves.
So 1-0 is the prediction here, and the goal comes from Dempsey very very late, like 85th minute.
Posted by: flea Jun 22 2010, 07:49 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1254319/index.html#bradley+this+time
Bradley: This is our time
(FIFA.com) Tuesday 22 June 2010
Getty ImagesThe USA have established themselves at these finals in South Africa as a side with bags of heart and a never-say-die spirit. After a hard-fought draw with pre-tournament favourites England and a dramatic fightback against Slovenia, Michael Bradley – holding midfielder and son of coach Bob – has looked the virtual personification of that determination and fire.
The Borussia Monchegladbach man – mature beyond his 22 years – sat down for an exclusive chat on the eve of the make-or-break third Group C game against Algeria in Pretoria. With a focus that defines this likeable Stars and Stripes side, the topics open for discussion were the dramatic match against Slovenia, his role in the team and the general togetherness in the camp.
FIFA: With two points from your first two games, you need a result against Algeria. How are you feeling in the build-up?
Michael Bradley: We have 90 minutes to get ourselves into the next round. We know it's going to be a hard game, but it's a big game, and as a player these are the kinds of games you love to play in, with everything on the line. We have a big chance to get ourselves into the Round of 16.
You play with a lot of intensity. Does playing at the World Cup bring that intensity out?
No. I try to play like that every time I step on the field. It doesn't matter for me if it's a World Cup or a league match, or training. I am who I am as a player, and it's important to know the things that I do that help my team. I always try to bring that to the table.
You're a holding midfielder, but you managed to score the equaliser against Slovenia. Did you sense something was there for the taking, is that why you pushed up?
Not really. We were down 2-0 at the half, and we knew that we had to push the game. We really had to push the tempo and run and fight and battle for every ball, and get forward and get back. We needed to have the commitment to do that until the final whistle. I just tried to size up things on the field and to see if there was a way where I could get forward and get a chance – and so the ball went forward to Jozy [Altidore], and I just tried to move off of him.
I think there's going to be a real feeling of excitement on Wednesday. This is our time and we're ready to go.Michael Bradley, USA midfielder
It was a pretty good finish too.
It was a great ball from Landon [Donovan], and then Jozy did incredibly well to be strong and then to head it down right in my path. I just needed to make sure I put it in.
There seems to be a great togetherness in the team.
One of the big things about our team is the mentality and the spirit that we have. We enjoy being around one another, we enjoy spending time with each other, and I think you really see that come out on the field. When we get in tough spots, or things don't go our way, there's still a real feeling of togetherness and fight and just sticking by one another. You need that in the toughest of times.
Maurice Edu's goal was disallowed near the end. Can you talk about your feelings on being so close to a winner?
The emotions of a game like that run high. When you think you've won and then the goal is called back it's an emotional moment. Let's be honest – that's one of the things that makes football such a great game. Now there's nothing more we can do about it, and the focus on our end is 100 per cent towards the game on Wednesday.
Is confidence high going into the Algeria game?
We have confidence in ourselves as a team, and as a player you want to play in the biggest games, where the spotlight comes on the brightest. I think there's going to be a real feeling of excitement on Wednesday. This is our time and we're ready to go. We'll give everything we have.
Posted by: flea Jun 22 2010, 07:50 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1254844/index.html#heavyweights+feel+heat
Heavyweights feel the heatGetty Images The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
Everything is still to play for in Groups C and D, where all eight teams are in with a chance of making the Round of 16 at this FIFA World Cup™.
England, highly fancied before the finals began, surely did not expect to be heading into their last match in Group C needing a victory to stay in the competition. Despite their sluggish start, the Three Lions still have a chance of clinching top spot provided they can beat a Slovenia side who themselves only require a draw to progress. A high-scoring draw could also see Fabio Capello's men qualify if the match between USA and Algeria also finished all square. Should England win, both the Americans and Algerians would need to win also.
The situation is just as open in Group D, where high-flying Ghana have their noses in front. The Black Stars have already picked up four points and only need to avoid defeat against Germany in order to be sure of going through. By contrast Die Nationalmannschaft must win to prevent being leapfrogged by Serbia and potentially Australia, who have three points and one point respectively. The Socceroos need a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, while a draw would suffice for Serbia if Germany were to lose.
The matches
Group C (both matches at 16.00 local time)
United States-Algeria, Group C, Tshwane/Pretoria
Slovenia-England, Group C, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth
Group D (both matches at 20.30 local time)
Australia-Serbia, Group D, Nelspruit, 20.30
Ghana-Germany, Group D, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 20.30
The big game
Ghana-Germany
Joachim Low will be aiming to avoid going down in history as the first Germany coach eliminated in the first round of a FIFA World Cup since 1938. The euphoria of his side's 4-0 demolition of Australia was dampened by a 1-0 reverse against Serbia and now Die Nationalelf have it all to do again. With Miroslav Klose suspended, Cacau must lead the line against the four-time African champions. Although a draw may be enough, the Germans are hoping for a rousing victory to put the wind back in their sails. Meanwhile Ghana, who are kicking themselves for failing to exploit their numerical advantage in the 1-1 draw with ten-man Australia, are banking on the return from injury of central defenders John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah. Milovan Rajevac's men will have the support of the South African spectators but would be unwise to play for a draw against a Germany side who are never more dangerous than when they are down.
In focus
Robert Koren v Wayne Rooney
Slovenia's captain and creative fulcrum has undoubtedly been one of the stand-out performers in the eastern Europeans' campaign so far. By contrast Wayne Rooney is yet to find his shooting boots in an England team which have looked at sixes and sevens in their opening two matches. While the Manchester United striker will be hunting for goals to keep his side in the tournament, former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Koren will be itching to get one over on his Premier League counterpart by firing Slovenia into the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
What they said
"The United States are like us, they’re patriots not stars. It's the team that matters," Madjid Bougherra, Algeria defender
Coaches strut their stuff
Gone are the days of crumpled tracksuits. Since the start of South Africa 2010, the team managers have been flaunting their fashion sense, and this time it is the big guns who are setting the trend. Brazil coach Dunga, a manager more known for the odd fashion faux pas, has been impeccably turned out in a snug-fitting roll-neck and fetching short overcoat. Smart dresser Fabio Capello looks as elegant as ever in the official suit of England's Football Association, while Joachim Low is sticking with his customary casual chic look, with a white T-shirt under a V-neck cardigan. The biggest surprise has come from Diego Maradona who has bowed to his daughters' requests by donning a classy pearl grey suit. Only Marcello Lippi has broken the mould by appearing in a red tracksuit. Finally, France coach Raymond Domenech already seemed to be mourning his side's demise campaign in his short black overcoat.
Lucky number 13
The expectations of Germany's supporters are weighing heavily on the shoulders of Thomas Muller, not least because the 20-year-old bears the same surname as legendary German striker Gerd Muller. 'Der Bomber' won practically all there was to win with Bayern Munich, during a stellar career in which he also netted 68 goals in 62 matches for his country. Although Thomas is ten centimetres taller than his namesake and an attacking midfielder rather than a centre-forward, he still has the same surname as Gerd, plays for Bayern and also wears the number 13 shirt. All that is missing is a hatful of goals to complete the comparison.
Capello perplexed by slump
England coach Fabio Capello is at a loss to explain his side's lacklustre start to the tournament. "We train and everything is perfect, we are training well together always, but when we play the players are not the same," pondered the 64-year-old Italian manager, who is having to draw on his vast experience to get to the bottom of this blip. "The fear of the World Cup is in the mind of the players. It is incredible. I want to see the spirit next time." According to former captain John Terry, the monastic regime imposed by the disciplinarian coach may have something to do with England’s indifferent form. "We are in the hotel, we finish training, we have lunch at one o'clock and then we have a few hours to spare," said Terry. "There is a bit of boredom that kicks in and there are times as a group of players we need to get together." Only time will tell if the England coach can inspire his players to perform in time for the make-or-break showdown with Slovenia.
Everything is still to play for in Groups C and D, where all eight teams are in with a chance of making the Round of 16 at this FIFA World Cup™.
England, highly fancied before the finals began, surely did not expect to be heading into their last match in Group C needing a victory to stay in the competition. Despite their sluggish start, the Three Lions still have a chance of clinching top spot provided they can beat a Slovenia side who themselves only require a draw to progress. A high-scoring draw could also see Fabio Capello's men qualify if the match between USA and Algeria also finished all square. Should England win, both the Americans and Algerians would need to win also.
The situation is just as open in Group D, where high-flying Ghana have their noses in front. The Black Stars have already picked up four points and only need to avoid defeat against Germany in order to be sure of going through. By contrast Die Nationalmannschaft must win to prevent being leapfrogged by Serbia and potentially Australia, who have three points and one point respectively. The Socceroos need a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive, while a draw would suffice for Serbia if Germany were to lose.
The matches
Group C (both matches at 16.00 local time)
United States-Algeria, Group C, Tshwane/Pretoria
Slovenia-England, Group C, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth
Group D (both matches at 20.30 local time)
Australia-Serbia, Group D, Nelspruit, 20.30
Ghana-Germany, Group D, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 20.30
The big game
Ghana-Germany
Joachim Low will be aiming to avoid going down in history as the first Germany coach eliminated in the first round of a FIFA World Cup since 1938. The euphoria of his side's 4-0 demolition of Australia was dampened by a 1-0 reverse against Serbia and now Die Nationalelf have it all to do again. With Miroslav Klose suspended, Cacau must lead the line against the four-time African champions. Although a draw may be enough, the Germans are hoping for a rousing victory to put the wind back in their sails. Meanwhile Ghana, who are kicking themselves for failing to exploit their numerical advantage in the 1-1 draw with ten-man Australia, are banking on the return from injury of central defenders John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah. Milovan Rajevac's men will have the support of the South African spectators but would be unwise to play for a draw against a Germany side who are never more dangerous than when they are down.
In focus
Robert Koren v Wayne Rooney
Slovenia's captain and creative fulcrum has undoubtedly been one of the stand-out performers in the eastern Europeans' campaign so far. By contrast Wayne Rooney is yet to find his shooting boots in an England team which have looked at sixes and sevens in their opening two matches. While the Manchester United striker will be hunting for goals to keep his side in the tournament, former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Koren will be itching to get one over on his Premier League counterpart by firing Slovenia into the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.
What they said
"The United States are like us, they’re patriots not stars. It's the team that matters," Madjid Bougherra, Algeria defender
Coaches strut their stuff
Gone are the days of crumpled tracksuits. Since the start of South Africa 2010, the team managers have been flaunting their fashion sense, and this time it is the big guns who are setting the trend. Brazil coach Dunga, a manager more known for the odd fashion faux pas, has been impeccably turned out in a snug-fitting roll-neck and fetching short overcoat. Smart dresser Fabio Capello looks as elegant as ever in the official suit of England's Football Association, while Joachim Low is sticking with his customary casual chic look, with a white T-shirt under a V-neck cardigan. The biggest surprise has come from Diego Maradona who has bowed to his daughters' requests by donning a classy pearl grey suit. Only Marcello Lippi has broken the mould by appearing in a red tracksuit. Finally, France coach Raymond Domenech already seemed to be mourning his side's demise campaign in his short black overcoat.
Lucky number 13
The expectations of Germany's supporters are weighing heavily on the shoulders of Thomas Muller, not least because the 20-year-old bears the same surname as legendary German striker Gerd Muller. 'Der Bomber' won practically all there was to win with Bayern Munich, during a stellar career in which he also netted 68 goals in 62 matches for his country. Although Thomas is ten centimetres taller than his namesake and an attacking midfielder rather than a centre-forward, he still has the same surname as Gerd, plays for Bayern and also wears the number 13 shirt. All that is missing is a hatful of goals to complete the comparison.
Capello perplexed by slump
England coach Fabio Capello is at a loss to explain his side's lacklustre start to the tournament. "We train and everything is perfect, we are training well together always, but when we play the players are not the same," pondered the 64-year-old Italian manager, who is having to draw on his vast experience to get to the bottom of this blip. "The fear of the World Cup is in the mind of the players. It is incredible. I want to see the spirit next time." According to former captain John Terry, the monastic regime imposed by the disciplinarian coach may have something to do with England’s indifferent form. "We are in the hotel, we finish training, we have lunch at one o'clock and then we have a few hours to spare," said Terry. "There is a bit of boredom that kicks in and there are times as a group of players we need to get together." Only time will tell if the England coach can inspire his players to perform in time for the make-or-break showdown with Slovenia.
Posted by: flea Jun 22 2010, 07:55 PM
Players - Top goals Click on the headings to re-order the columns
Players GF MP MinP PEN OG GSI GSO
Gonzalo HIGUAIN 3 2 161 0 0 3 0
TIAGO 2 2 118 0 0 2 0
ELANO 2 2 140 0 0 2 0
Asamoah GYAN 2 2 179 2 0 2 0
David VILLA 2 2 180 0 0 1 1
LUIS FABIANO 2 2 180 0 0 2 0
Kalu UCHE 2 3 195 0 0 1 1
LEE Jung Soo 2 3 270 0 0 2 0
Diego FORLAN 2 3 270 1 0 1 1
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 05:32 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1255580/index.html#media+hails+bafana
Media hails Bafana Bafana
(AFP) Wednesday 23 June 2010
Getty ImagesThe South African media has praised Bafana Bafana's bittersweet exit from this year's FIFA World Cup™, after they upset France in a 2-1 victory but failed to reach the Round of 16.
"What a grand exit!" read the headline in The Times, over a large photo of team captain Aaron Mokoena raising his hands in thanks to the crowd in Bloemfontein following yesterday's match. "Bafana might be out of the World Cup, but their 2-1 win over France did us proud," the paper said.
The Sowetan called the national team "heroes", Business Day praised their "gallant effort" and The Star called their performance "gutsy".
"Bafana have done something beyond any scoreline or group table... they have helped unite this nation," said an editorial in The Citizen.
South Africa ended the first round with four points, tied for second place in Group A, but lost out to Mexico on goal difference and failed to reach the second round.
Bafana have done something beyond any scoreline or group table... they have helped unite this nation.An article in The Citizen newspaper
South Africa is the first host nation not to advance past the first round, a cause for much disappointment among fans. The Citizen featured a photo of two sad faces painted with the national flag, while The Sowetan showed a crying fan with the caption 'Sad goodbye'.
But local media urged the country to continue its FIFA World Cup celebration. "The game is still on," said The Citizen. "FIFA 2010 fever is still in the air. You can feel it."
"We won a game against France today but the real winner was our country," President Jacob Zuma said after the match. "South Africa is the bigger winner by hosting the World Cup."
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 05:39 AM
Next round
Mexico v Argentina
Uruguay v South Korea
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 08:54 AM
COME ON SLOVENIA
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 09:03 AM
watching both games here
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 09:08 AM
Algeria nearly scored there, hit the crossbar
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 09:22 AM
Goal disallowed for U.S offside
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 09:23 AM
england up 1-0
Posted by: joe31 Jun 23 2010, 09:26 AM
Wow, another disallowed goal for the US! The need to score though now that england is winning.
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 09:29 AM
missed it, feed went out. Was he offside?
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 09:30 AM
great save by the Slovenian keeper
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 23 2010, 09:32 AM
Another horrible call. That should have been a goal. ALG should have atleast 2 more yellows to.
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 09:38 AM
unbelievable
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 09:42 AM
time for work
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 23 2010, 09:54 AM
Another horrible call by the ref. This is an outrage. I hope the Americans come back and pull a Portugal v. North Korea in the second half just to rub it in the ref's faces.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 23 2010, 10:17 AM
Are you kidding me, refs? I just woke up and heard about it.
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 23 2010, 10:50 AM
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLL
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 23 2010, 10:53 AM
Unbelievable! We soooooooooooooo deserved that win! Bring on the Serbians.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 23 2010, 10:56 AM
WHAT A FINISH! Landon Donovan send the Algerians home, while the USA celebrates it's ticket to the next round!
Posted by: Tromni Jun 23 2010, 10:58 AM
Way to win the group boys, even if the last one was ugly.
The fact that we never give in is a promising trait to carry to the knockout stages. Now to see who we'll be facing.
Posted by: joe31 Jun 23 2010, 10:59 AM
YESSSSS... Extra time goal!!!! They totally deserved that ending though. They had so many opportunities and that disallowed goal. Wow. They come out on top of group C after not even looking like they were going to make it.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 23 2010, 11:06 AM
Assuming the favorites Germany and Serbia win, US will play Serbia and the US flag-burning 3 Lions get the Germans.
Posted by: joe31 Jun 23 2010, 11:09 AM
Wow, the US wasnt going to let the refs cause them to lose again.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 23 2010, 03:37 PM
US vs Ghana Saturday. Revenge game for the Yanks.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 23 2010, 03:44 PM
Very true. We can take them. I'm predicting a 1-1 tie after 90 minutes, then Bradley to score the game winner in the 116th minute.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 23 2010, 04:43 PM
So 1-0 is the prediction here, and the goal comes from Dempsey very very late, like 85th minute.
This was soooooo close to being accurate.
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 06:40 PM
Germany v Ghana the 1st world cup game to feature brothers on opposite sides
Posted by: flea Jun 23 2010, 06:52 PM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249722/match=300061461/summary.html
Last-gasp Donovan fires USA into final 16
USA scored a dramatic injury-time winner in Pretoria to secure a 1-0 victory that sees them qualify for the Round of 16 as winners of Group C. It looked as if the Americans would be going home early after they missed a number of openings with Algeria goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi in stubborn form.
USA were sitting in third place as the 90 minute-mark ticked by but everything changed in the blink of an eye as Landon Donovan led one last attack. Jozy Altidore squared the ball into the danger zone, where M'Bolhi beat it away, but Donovan was able to latch onto the loose ball and passed it into an empty net, before being submerged among a sea of white shirts. It was the least Bob Bradley's team deserved, having also had a Clint Dempsey effort disallowed for offside, struck a post and seen Altidore pass up a glorious opening. Frustration for Algeria was evident as captain Anther Yahia was sent off in the dying seconds for a second yellow card.
The African side, who also needed to win to give themselves a chance of going through, made the more positive start with Karim Matmour unleashing an attempt on goal in the opening seconds before Rafik Djebbour aimed a hooked shot against the crossbar. It was a decent attempt from the centre-forward, who took the ball on his chest, but the woodwork came to USA's rescue. Djebbour tried again shortly after, from a wider angle, but his drive was always heading wide. The Americans answered in kind, with Dempsey and Herculez Gomez – one of three changes in Bradley's line-up – failing to keep their efforts on target.
It was an open, entertaining tussle, reflecting both sides' need to win the game. Gradually, USA were beginning to dominate possession and create openings. In the 21st minute, they had the ball in the back of the net but their joy was quickly extinguished when Dempsey was ruled offside, as he applied the final touch after Gomez's shot was diverted to him. That, at least, encouraged Bradley's team to think a breakthrough might not be far away, and they kept pouring forward. Donovan slid a lovely ball into Dempsey but Mbolhi did well to smother it. Two minutes later, the Americans were back to cause more panic in the Algeria penalty area. Bradley set up Donovan and when he could not turn it home the ball fell nicely for Altidore, but a heavy swing of his right boot sent the ball careering into the seats behind the goal.
For their part, the African side looked dangerous whenever Nadir Belhadj or Karim Ziani were on the ball. At the end of the first half, Ziani cut in from the left to position himself for the shot but was unable to keep it on target. USA were cursing their luck again in the second period as Dempsey followed up after Altidore had made ground with a strong run. The Fulham forward shaped a bending shot with his right that came back off the post, then gathered the rebound, only to shoot wide with his left foot with the goalkeeper still scrambling into position.
Both sides had let-offs in the 68th minute. Mbolhi came to Algeria's rescue again, parrying a close-range header from substitute Edson Buddle before jumping on the loose ball. The Africans immediately went down the other end, where a decent scoring chance for Ziani went the wrong side of the upright. Chances kept coming at either end and it came down to Donovan to at last make one count.
Posted by: flea Jun 25 2010, 04:06 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1257295/index.html#group+h+goes+down+wire
Group H goes down to the wire
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The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
The Round of 16 picture will take final shape after today's games as the curtain falls on Groups G and H. Three hopefuls will be able to toast their progress at the final whistle, with Brazil having stayed faithful to a 32-year tradition by booking their ticket with a match to spare.
The five-time winners face Portugal in a final contest high on prestige, even if their cousins from across the Atlantic are also strongly placed in Group G thanks to their three-point cushion over Côte d'Ivoire and a comfortable goal-difference advantage. The Elephants will nonetheless pursue their slim chance to the full by trying to rack up a heavy win over Korea DPR.
Everything remains feasible in Group H, on the other hand, with all four contenders dreaming of the knockout phase. Front-runners Chile are in the healthiest position given their six points from two outings and a draw against Spain would guarantee them top spot, while the European champions must triumph to have a chance of doing the same. They face pressure from Switzerland, who meet Honduras, and wins for both European teams would leave three sides on six points and everything coming down to goal difference or goals scored. In short, expect suspense.
The matches
Korea DPR-Côte d'Ivoire, Group G, Nelspruit, 16.00
Portugal-Brazil, Group G, Durban, 16.00
Chile-Spain, Group H, Tshwane/Pretoria, 20.30
Switzerland-Honduras, Group H, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 20.30
The big game
Chile-Spain
Question marks have hung over Spain since their arrival in South Africa, their performances falling short of the standards they set en route to European glory and in qualifying for South Africa. Upset 1-0 by Switzerland in their opening encounter, Vicente del Bosque's men lifted themselves to down Honduras 2-0, but they spurned an incalculable number of chances in that match while also giving Los Catrachos hope on the break.
The fluid, one-touch football that has been Spain's trademark over the last two years has been less prominent as the pressure of the occasion and the demands of a long season have both taken their toll, and like a number of European teams they have thus far struggled to shine. In contrast, Chile have been a revelation during their twin 1-0 successes, those scorelines hardly reflecting their domination in both games.
Perhaps the only concern for Marcelo Bielsa's men is how to kill off games and the Argentinian coach is looking to Humberto Suazo to find his feet after the striker finished top scorer during South American qualifying on ten goals. Chile will also strive to deny Spain an early breakthrough and hope that self-doubt creeps into their play.
In focus
Tiago v Julio Baptista
It can be a daunting task standing in for a household name but that is the challenge facing both these players with Deco out for Portugal and Kaka missing for Brazil. Tiago has already demonstrated his ability courtesy of two goals and an influential display against Korea DPR, but for Julio Baptista his FIFA World Cup™ adventure is about to begin. The match itself may be set to unfold with little at stake, but it will be no less intriguing to watch the former Chelsea midfielder lock horns with the player they call 'The Beast'.
What they said
"Côte d'Ivoire smile more than any other team I've coached in my career, and I've coached quite a few," Sven-Goran Eriksson, Côte d'Ivoire coach.
Portuguese bottle: Cristiano Ronaldo was right, the ketchup bottle finally flowed "with all the goals coming at once", as he had predicted. The Real Madrid forward even got in on the act himself during the 7-0 rout of Korea DPR, finding the net on the international stage for the first time in 18 months. Voted Budweiser Man of the Match, he nonetheless felt that team-mate Tiago merited the distinction more and handed him the trophy in the dressing room, decorating the match with yet another fine moment.
Gladiator: Standing nearly 6'4" tall and weighing 90kg, Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio would have made an intimidating gladiator back in Roman times. It is perhaps no coincidence then that the 26-year-old's favourite film is Ridley Scott's swords-and-sandals epic. Benaglio's major asset are his enormous hands, though, and with a hand span of 25cm he requires size 11 gloves, the largest on the market. He gets through no fewer than 50 pairs a season and, like a striker insuring his legs, he has taken a policy out on his hands for €16m.
Spain seeing red: Spain's nickname La Roja refers to the colour of their shirts, and according to studies carried out by sports psychologists, red is the colour which best communicates strength, aggression, confidence and balance. Do not expect five-time world champions Brazil to switch from yellow, however, as their shirts are said to encapsulate clarity and serenity.
The Round of 16 picture will take final shape after today's games as the curtain falls on Groups G and H. Three hopefuls will be able to toast their progress at the final whistle, with Brazil having stayed faithful to a 32-year tradition by booking their ticket with a match to spare.
The five-time winners face Portugal in a final contest high on prestige, even if their cousins from across the Atlantic are also strongly placed in Group G thanks to their three-point cushion over Côte d'Ivoire and a comfortable goal-difference advantage. The Elephants will nonetheless pursue their slim chance to the full by trying to rack up a heavy win over Korea DPR.
Everything remains feasible in Group H, on the other hand, with all four contenders dreaming of the knockout phase. Front-runners Chile are in the healthiest position given their six points from two outings and a draw against Spain would guarantee them top spot, while the European champions must triumph to have a chance of doing the same. They face pressure from Switzerland, who meet Honduras, and wins for both European teams would leave three sides on six points and everything coming down to goal difference or goals scored. In short, expect suspense.
The matches
Korea DPR-Côte d'Ivoire, Group G, Nelspruit, 16.00
Portugal-Brazil, Group G, Durban, 16.00
Chile-Spain, Group H, Tshwane/Pretoria, 20.30
Switzerland-Honduras, Group H, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 20.30
The big game
Chile-Spain
Question marks have hung over Spain since their arrival in South Africa, their performances falling short of the standards they set en route to European glory and in qualifying for South Africa. Upset 1-0 by Switzerland in their opening encounter, Vicente del Bosque's men lifted themselves to down Honduras 2-0, but they spurned an incalculable number of chances in that match while also giving Los Catrachos hope on the break.
The fluid, one-touch football that has been Spain's trademark over the last two years has been less prominent as the pressure of the occasion and the demands of a long season have both taken their toll, and like a number of European teams they have thus far struggled to shine. In contrast, Chile have been a revelation during their twin 1-0 successes, those scorelines hardly reflecting their domination in both games.
Perhaps the only concern for Marcelo Bielsa's men is how to kill off games and the Argentinian coach is looking to Humberto Suazo to find his feet after the striker finished top scorer during South American qualifying on ten goals. Chile will also strive to deny Spain an early breakthrough and hope that self-doubt creeps into their play.
In focus
Tiago v Julio Baptista
It can be a daunting task standing in for a household name but that is the challenge facing both these players with Deco out for Portugal and Kaka missing for Brazil. Tiago has already demonstrated his ability courtesy of two goals and an influential display against Korea DPR, but for Julio Baptista his FIFA World Cup™ adventure is about to begin. The match itself may be set to unfold with little at stake, but it will be no less intriguing to watch the former Chelsea midfielder lock horns with the player they call 'The Beast'.
What they said
"Côte d'Ivoire smile more than any other team I've coached in my career, and I've coached quite a few," Sven-Goran Eriksson, Côte d'Ivoire coach.
Portuguese bottle: Cristiano Ronaldo was right, the ketchup bottle finally flowed "with all the goals coming at once", as he had predicted. The Real Madrid forward even got in on the act himself during the 7-0 rout of Korea DPR, finding the net on the international stage for the first time in 18 months. Voted Budweiser Man of the Match, he nonetheless felt that team-mate Tiago merited the distinction more and handed him the trophy in the dressing room, decorating the match with yet another fine moment.
Gladiator: Standing nearly 6'4" tall and weighing 90kg, Switzerland goalkeeper Diego Benaglio would have made an intimidating gladiator back in Roman times. It is perhaps no coincidence then that the 26-year-old's favourite film is Ridley Scott's swords-and-sandals epic. Benaglio's major asset are his enormous hands, though, and with a hand span of 25cm he requires size 11 gloves, the largest on the market. He gets through no fewer than 50 pairs a season and, like a striker insuring his legs, he has taken a policy out on his hands for €16m.
Spain seeing red: Spain's nickname La Roja refers to the colour of their shirts, and according to studies carried out by sports psychologists, red is the colour which best communicates strength, aggression, confidence and balance. Do not expect five-time world champions Brazil to switch from yellow, however, as their shirts are said to encapsulate clarity and serenity.
Posted by: flea Jun 25 2010, 04:09 AM
Round of 16 Match Date - Time Venue Results
49 26/06 16:00 Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth Uruguay Background Korea Republic
50 26/06 20:30 Rustenburg USA Background Ghana
51 27/06 16:00 Mangaung/Bloemfontein Germany Background England
52 27/06 20:30 Johannesburg Argentina Background Mexico
53 28/06 16:00 Durban Netherlands Background Slovakia
54 28/06 20:30 Johannesburg 1G - 2H
55 29/06 16:00 Tshwane/Pretoria Paraguay Background Japan
56 29/06 20:30 Cape Town 1H - 2G
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 25 2010, 09:26 AM
Portugal (world rank #3) vs Brazil (world rank #1)
This is an AWESOME match! Lots of passing and scoring oppurtunities. Plus, these two teams HATE each other!
http://atdhe.net/20748/watch-portugal-vs-brazil
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 25 2010, 09:33 AM
GO GO PORTUGAL!!!
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 25 2010, 09:37 AM
I would not be disappointed if either wins. They are giving a good showing! This is the most exciting match I've seen for The World Cup!
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 25 2010, 09:39 AM
Portugal and Brazil knotted at 0's approaching halftime. Ivory coast jumps out to an early 2-0 lead over North Korea.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 25 2010, 09:41 AM
North Korea??? Wasn't that team eliminated? (No pun intended)
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 25 2010, 09:43 AM
Lots of yellow cards being thrown around!
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 25 2010, 09:44 AM
It's like the refs are playing gin rummy.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 25 2010, 09:45 AM
Yes, technically they are eliminated. They lost their first two games.
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 25 2010, 09:48 AM
0-0 at the half. I think we will see 3 or 4 goals in the second half!
Posted by: baseballguy601 Jun 25 2010, 10:56 AM
0-0 Draw.
I hate draws.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 25 2010, 02:13 PM
GO SPAIN!!!!
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 03:51 AM
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 03:55 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1258134/index.html#cup+fever+hits+south+africa
Cup-tie fever hits South Africa
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The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is about to enter its decisive phase with the start of the Round of 16 on Saturday.
Kicking off the knockout rounds are Uruguay and Korea Republic in the first of the day’s two ties. Back in the world elite after a 20-year absence and led by the inspired Diego Forlan, La Celeste were in flawless form in Group A. Collecting two wins and a draw, and scoring four goals and conceding none, they did much to alter their image as a solely combative, battling unit. The South Koreans meanwhile have played some lively, refreshing football and pose a significant threat to the in-form South Americans.
The evening game pits USA, Group C winners ahead of a much-fancied England side, and Ghana, who edged out Serbia in their pool and gave Germany a stiff examination before going down 1-0. This is the Americans’ fourth appearance in the last 16, a further shot in the arm for an increasingly popular sport Stateside, while the Black Stars are carrying the hopes of an entire continent as they seek to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
The matches
Uruguay-Korea Republic, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00 (local time)
USA-Ghana, Rustenburg, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
USA-Ghana
Urged on by the biggest support at South Africa 2010, the Stars and Stripes scrapped and fought their way out of the group phase, coming from behind against both England and Slovenia and snatching a last-gasp winner against the Algerians. Former national team youth coach Bob Bradley has drafted several untried youngsters into a well-oiled side that has fulfilled the promise it showed in reaching the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009.
Their Achilles heel remains the defence, which has stood firm against high balls but looks vulnerable when attacked at pace, a threat they can expect from the Ghanaians. CAF African Cup of Nations finalists back in January, the Black Stars have matched their performance at Germany 2006, drawing strength from a mobile and resourceful defence and a midfield unit that combines class and industry. In contrast to the Americans however, the sole African representatives have been underperforming up front, scoring just two goals so far, both from the penalty spot.
In focus
Diego Forlan v Park Ji-Sung
Uruguay’s potentially fascinating tie with the South Koreans features an intriguing sub-plot as the free-scoring Forlan and the hard-running Park put their goalscoring abilities to the test. The Uruguayan hit 17 goals during his less-than-prolific spell with Manchester United, where the South Korean is enjoying more success, scoring the same amount of goals and earning the Old Trafford faithful’s admiration with his work rate. Though their paths did not cross at the Theatre of Dreams, they should both prove key protagonists at Port Elizabeth Stadium.
What they said
“Defending well is not a crime, it’s a virtue,” Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach extols the benefits of a solid back-line.
Homegrown hoodoo: No foreign coach has ever led a side to glory at the FIFA World Cup finals, a bad omen for the men masterminding the campaigns of Ghana, Paraguay, Côte d’Ivoire, Switzerland, Chile, Honduras and England, with South Africa, Cameroon and Australia, all of them coached by non-nationals, having already fallen by the wayside.
Twenty-20 vision: Uruguay, the inaugural world champions, were the last country to qualify for South Africa 2010 and have every reason to expect a lengthy run this time around. After all, La Celeste have a habit of performing well every 20 years. Winners in 1930 and 1950, they reached the semi-finals at Mexico 1970 and fought their way to the last 16 at Italy 1990, a landmark they have already matched this time around. Another promising omen for the Uruguayans is the fact that the only team they beat in their 16 FIFA World Cup matches prior to South Africa 2010 was Korea Republic in 1990.
Another family affair: The family atmosphere of South Africa 2010 has been amply reflected on the pitch, with blood ties cropping up in several of the teams on show. As well as USA’s father and son duo Bob and Michael Bradley, Slovakia have their own family ties in the two Vladimir Weisses: the national coach, who is the son of a former Czech international by the same name, and his midfielder son. Lining up in the Ghana ranks is Andre Ayew, the son of national idol Abedi Pele, while Mexico have another dynasty in the family Hernandez: Javier, a goalscorer against France in the group phase is the son of Tricolor forward Javier. The latter was a member of their Mexico 1986 squad and the grandson of Tomas Balcazar, who also knows how it feels to score against the French, finding the target in Mexico’s 3-2 win over Les Bleus at the 1954 FIFA World Cup Switzerland™.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is about to enter its decisive phase with the start of the Round of 16 on Saturday.
Kicking off the knockout rounds are Uruguay and Korea Republic in the first of the day’s two ties. Back in the world elite after a 20-year absence and led by the inspired Diego Forlan, La Celeste were in flawless form in Group A. Collecting two wins and a draw, and scoring four goals and conceding none, they did much to alter their image as a solely combative, battling unit. The South Koreans meanwhile have played some lively, refreshing football and pose a significant threat to the in-form South Americans.
The evening game pits USA, Group C winners ahead of a much-fancied England side, and Ghana, who edged out Serbia in their pool and gave Germany a stiff examination before going down 1-0. This is the Americans’ fourth appearance in the last 16, a further shot in the arm for an increasingly popular sport Stateside, while the Black Stars are carrying the hopes of an entire continent as they seek to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
The matches
Uruguay-Korea Republic, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 16.00 (local time)
USA-Ghana, Rustenburg, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
USA-Ghana
Urged on by the biggest support at South Africa 2010, the Stars and Stripes scrapped and fought their way out of the group phase, coming from behind against both England and Slovenia and snatching a last-gasp winner against the Algerians. Former national team youth coach Bob Bradley has drafted several untried youngsters into a well-oiled side that has fulfilled the promise it showed in reaching the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009.
Their Achilles heel remains the defence, which has stood firm against high balls but looks vulnerable when attacked at pace, a threat they can expect from the Ghanaians. CAF African Cup of Nations finalists back in January, the Black Stars have matched their performance at Germany 2006, drawing strength from a mobile and resourceful defence and a midfield unit that combines class and industry. In contrast to the Americans however, the sole African representatives have been underperforming up front, scoring just two goals so far, both from the penalty spot.
In focus
Diego Forlan v Park Ji-Sung
Uruguay’s potentially fascinating tie with the South Koreans features an intriguing sub-plot as the free-scoring Forlan and the hard-running Park put their goalscoring abilities to the test. The Uruguayan hit 17 goals during his less-than-prolific spell with Manchester United, where the South Korean is enjoying more success, scoring the same amount of goals and earning the Old Trafford faithful’s admiration with his work rate. Though their paths did not cross at the Theatre of Dreams, they should both prove key protagonists at Port Elizabeth Stadium.
What they said
“Defending well is not a crime, it’s a virtue,” Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach extols the benefits of a solid back-line.
Homegrown hoodoo: No foreign coach has ever led a side to glory at the FIFA World Cup finals, a bad omen for the men masterminding the campaigns of Ghana, Paraguay, Côte d’Ivoire, Switzerland, Chile, Honduras and England, with South Africa, Cameroon and Australia, all of them coached by non-nationals, having already fallen by the wayside.
Twenty-20 vision: Uruguay, the inaugural world champions, were the last country to qualify for South Africa 2010 and have every reason to expect a lengthy run this time around. After all, La Celeste have a habit of performing well every 20 years. Winners in 1930 and 1950, they reached the semi-finals at Mexico 1970 and fought their way to the last 16 at Italy 1990, a landmark they have already matched this time around. Another promising omen for the Uruguayans is the fact that the only team they beat in their 16 FIFA World Cup matches prior to South Africa 2010 was Korea Republic in 1990.
Another family affair: The family atmosphere of South Africa 2010 has been amply reflected on the pitch, with blood ties cropping up in several of the teams on show. As well as USA’s father and son duo Bob and Michael Bradley, Slovakia have their own family ties in the two Vladimir Weisses: the national coach, who is the son of a former Czech international by the same name, and his midfielder son. Lining up in the Ghana ranks is Andre Ayew, the son of national idol Abedi Pele, while Mexico have another dynasty in the family Hernandez: Javier, a goalscorer against France in the group phase is the son of Tricolor forward Javier. The latter was a member of their Mexico 1986 squad and the grandson of Tomas Balcazar, who also knows how it feels to score against the French, finding the target in Mexico’s 3-2 win over Les Bleus at the 1954 FIFA World Cup Switzerland™.
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 04:00 AM
Fireworks expected in Rustenburg
No quarter will be asked or given when USA take on Ghana's Black Stars at Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. With both teams having already offered evidence of an attacking approach, an open, attractive game looks on the cards on Saturday.
The match
USA-Ghana, Round of 16, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg, 26 June, 20.30
The Round of 16 meeting between USA and Ghana promises a feast of attacking football given both teams have looked stronger going forward than at the back. While USA teetered on the brink of elimination before scoring a stoppage-time winner in their final Group C game against Algeria, Ghana performed impressively in navigating their way through a tricky section where they faced Serbia, Australia and Germany. Though that may not necessarily ensure the west Africans the psychological upper hand in the face of single-minded opponents, several players who will be involved on Saturday have first-hand memories of the sides' meeting at the group stage in Germany four years ago - when Ghana's 2-1 victory sent the Americans home.
This time USA coach Bob Bradley will be relying on Landon Donovan, the gifted LA Galaxy forward whose two goals so far in South Africa included the decisive late winner against Algeria. Bradley's opposite number Milovan Rajevac, meanwhile, can call on Rennes front man Asamoah Gyan, who has scored six of Ghana's nine goals so far in 2010. To keep Gyan and Co at bay, the United States will need to tighten up a defence that at times has been found wanting, particularly in the first half of their 2-2 draw with Slovenia.
Players to watch
Clint Dempsey v John Pantsil
As team-mates at Fulham in the English Premiership since 2008, there can be little that these two do not know about each other. So, when Dempsey makes his characteristic runs from deep positions, he is sure to encounter the immovable force of Pantsil in the Ghana defence. And while the American perhaps has something to prove after missing a hatful of chances against Algeria, he will not expect any favours from an opponent who shrugged off a nasty clash of heads during the 1-1 draw with Australia to take his place against Germany four days later.
The stat
12 – the number of survivors from the group match between the two teams at Germany 2006: Ghana's Richard Kingson, John Mensah, Derek Boateng, Stephen Appiah, Pantsil and Matthew Amoah, and USA's Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo, Dempsey, DaMarcus Beasley, Donovan and Oguchi Onyewu.
What they said
"The USA are a very good side, solid, full of running and they play well as a team. Still, we know we have the quality to beat them," Asamoah Gyan, Ghana forward.
"We'd be delighted with two more wins but why stop there? Nothing is impossible. Winning the World Cup is what we're here for," Jozy Altidore, USA forward.
The voice of the fans
"I will a bit sorry to lose one of these teams, as I would like to have seen them reach the quarter-finals. But if I have to choose, I reckon Ghana will go through," masry2zbone, FIFA.com user
The question
Can the Americans repeat their feats from last year's FIFA Confederations Cup and reach the Final? Or can Ghana push on and become the first African team ever reach the last four?
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249717/match=300061503/preview.html
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 04:02 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249717/match=300061504/preview.html
Uruguay-Korea Republic preview
Group A winners Uruguay take on Group B runners-up Korea Republic on the back of their impressive performances against South Africa and Mexico. Under the guidance of Oscar Tabarez, the Uruguayans have become one of the most well-balanced sides at this year’s finals, organised in defence and clinical in attack.
Meanwhile, Huh Jung-Moo’s men have nothing to lose in this match, having already fulfilled their initial goal of reaching the second round for the first time on foreign soil. The winners of this match will advance to the quarter-finals to face USA or Ghana in Johannesburg on 2 July, with the losers set to make a premature return home.
The match
Uruguay-Korea Republic, Round of 16, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, 16:00 (local time)
On paper at least, Korea Republic should be no match for Uruguay. La Celeste have an almost perfect record against the Taeguk Warriors, winning all four games, scoring seven times in the process and conceding only once. And the Uruguayans enter their fifth encounter with the South Koreans as the favourites, considering they have yet to concede a goal at South Africa 2010 and boast a couple of in-form, world-class strikers.
For their part, Korea Republic have looked vulnerable in defence, especially in their games against Argentina and Nigeria. Although the east Asians have scored five times – their most prolific form in the group stage of any FIFA World Cup – they also suffered their worst defeat in 12 years, going down 4-1 to the Argentinians. However, the Taeguk Warriors can take heart from their new-found source of goals - well-crafted free-kicks.
Players to watch
Diego Forlan v Park Ji-Sung
Having scored a brace against the hosts, Diego Forlan is at the core of Uruguay's three-prolonged attack. The Atletico Madrid forward is also the most capped player in the current squad and has completed all 270 minutes of Uruguay's matches thus far.
Korea Republic captain Park Ji-Sung became the second player from Asia to score in three FIFA World Cups when the Manchester United midfielder found the net against Greece. Coincidentally, both Forlan and Park have been named the Budweiser Man of the Match twice in the group stage.
The stat
4 – Uruguay and Korea Republic have met four times in the past, with La Celeste emerging victorious on each occasion. In their group stage meeting at Italy 1990, Daniel Fonseca scored a last-gasp goal to inspire the Uruguayans to a 1-0 victory.
What they said
“We’ve showed that we are a tough team to tackle. We’re trying to do what we had exactly in mind before the tournament. I don’t think we’ve achieved that yet, but Uruguay is now a difficult opponent for anybody,” Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach
“Although we haven’t had good results against the teams from South America, the group stage match against Argentina has given us some good lessons on how to deal with Latin American sides. We all know how to defend and attack against them, and we’ll show a different side of ourselves than in the group stage,” Park Ji-Sung, Korea Republic captain
Voice of the fans
“It'll be an uphill battle for Korea. The Korean team should get their defence in order if they do not want to repeat of game with Argentina... It will be an exciting game to watch, especially if both teams fight like it was their last game,” minilint (USA), FIFA.com user.
The question
Will Uruguay be able to keep their streak of clean sheets going against the lively South Koreans?
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 04:03 AM
THE GAME OF THE WEEKEND
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=249717/match=300061501/index.html
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 26 2010, 09:00 AM
Game on. Let the knock out rounds begin!
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 26 2010, 09:13 AM
Uruguay 1-0 on S. Korea. Poor goaltending.
Posted by: busyb85 Jun 26 2010, 01:16 PM
About time for the USA game to start, it should be a good one!!
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 02:44 PM
Uruguay won 2-1 & yes purdue that was bad keeping
U.S down 1-0 & to be honest Ghana look the better team
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 02:47 PM
Penalty for the U.S
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 02:48 PM
Donovan makes it 1-1
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 03:16 PM
looks to be going into extra time
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 03:26 PM
extra time started
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 03:28 PM
2-1 Ghana
Posted by: joe31 Jun 26 2010, 03:55 PM
Wow, this is not looking good...
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 26 2010, 04:02 PM
And it's over. The USA's run is ended by Ghana in 2-1 fashion.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 26 2010, 04:09 PM
US played a better team today. Couldn't quite figure out what the yanks were doing in the first half...maybe figuring out the overloaded ghana midfield? At least we can't blame the refs.
Posted by: busyb85 Jun 26 2010, 04:09 PM
Lightning strikes again!
MOD - No Swearing
Posted by: flea Jun 26 2010, 04:15 PM
your back 4 wasn't up to the task
Posted by: metsfan2427 Jun 26 2010, 04:17 PM
ugg. more horrible calls.
Posted by: dielonthug Jun 26 2010, 04:42 PM
now we can stop caring about soccer for another 4 years. sweet.
Posted by: Tromni Jun 26 2010, 08:53 PM
Fantastic effort by both sides. But poor organization among the back 4 and poor possession by the midfield are once again the downfall of the US.
No need for controversy, Ghana were simply better. All the best to them in the next round.
All in all, it was a joy to watch the creativity of Dempsey and Donovan as they unlocked defenses. Michael Bradley looks one for the future as well. In the end, it was injuries that undid the side, Onyewu was sorely missed at the back, Edu was obviously the best partner for Bradley, but injuries kept him out of form, and we missed Davies' finishing quite a bit.
Things are promising for 4 years from now, as Bradley, Altidore, and Davies should be in their prime, Dempsey and Donovan will still have a spark, and we can bid goodbye to most of those defenders.
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 26 2010, 10:10 PM
It's not over yet. The better teams now begin to play.
Posted by: flea Jun 27 2010, 03:56 AM
Posted by: flea Jun 27 2010, 03:57 AM
Germany v England today
Posted by: flea Jun 27 2010, 04:01 AM
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1259920/index.html#familiar+faces+renew+acquaintances
Familiar faces renew acquaintances
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The MatchesDid You Know?Past meetingsHistory
The reunion of old rivals England and Germany and the meeting of Latin American hopefuls Argentina and Mexico will have football fans fixated on the second day of the Round of 16 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
The two European giants could not have foreseen crossing paths so early in the competition, but England’s second-place finish in Group C denied them a supposedly more straightforward route. Neither side have been at their authoritative best so far and both had to roll up their sleeves to advance, though Germany look to have successfully integrated fresh young talent from last year’s European U-21 Championship-winning team. For England, coach Fabio Capello has slightly relaxed his usual disciplined approach but will again look to his senior players to deliver victory. No longer gripped by the fear of falling at the group stage, the two contenders are now free to serve up a feast of drama and tension, with one of Europe’s biggest names falling by the wayside at the final whistle.
Argentina coach Diego Maradona took time settling into his new role but has succeeded in communicating his message to a squad devoted to his leadership and obviously enjoying life in South Africa. Drawing on his own experiences as a player, Maradona handed the captain’s armband to Lionel Messi ahead of the Mexico game, and his diminutive genius is looking increasingly at ease in an Argentina shirt, but Mexico boast their finest ever generation of players and will do anything but roll over.
The matches
Germany-England, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 16.00 (local time)
Argentina-Mexico, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Germany-England
Any game between these traditional powers brings guaranteed fascination, even when neither team can claim to be at their best. England struck just twice in their one win and two draws during group duties yet remain desperate to prove they can still go all the way, but it will take a lot more fluid movement and efficiency in front of goal for them to survive beyond the weekend. The pressure to improve weighs heaviest on Wayne Rooney as he is clearly not in optimum form, however he will have noted that this Germany team can look vulnerable at the back. Joachim Low’s men made light work of Australia in a 4-0 success only to lose 1-0 to Serbia in their next outing before labouring to a slender 1-0 victory over Ghana. Die Nationalmannschaft’s youngest FIFA World Cup squad in 76 years boasts obvious potential nonetheless, with Mesut Ozil stepping in spectacularly for the injured Michael Ballack, and they will be keen to show they can be every bit as ruthless as their illustrious forebears in the business end of the competition.
In focus
Lionel Messi (ARG) v Rafael Marquez (MEX)
Four years and four days after meeting at the same stage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Argentina and Mexico will renew acquaintances for a place in the last eight. La Albiceleste prevailed 2-1 after extra time in Leipzig courtesy of a superb goal from Maxi Rodriguez, with Messi marking his 19th birthday by entering the fray on 84 minutes. The youngster will be Argentina’s primary attacking threat this time around, operating in a free role behind a pair of strikers, but he will have to contend with the attentions of his friend and Barcelona team-mate Marquez. A defensive midfielder for Los Aztecas, the 31-year-old will be in miserly mood, and the outcome of their personal duel will doubtless have a massive impact on the final result.
What they said
"I saw the England that I know again. We can now look forward to the rest of the competition with a little more calm. The players and staff are relaxed and now it’s time to focus on the last 16,” Fabio Capello, England coach.
Presidential promise: The presidential box has long been the place to watch a FIFA World Cup encounter, but since the start of South Africa 2010 the best seats in the house have been packed with even more famous faces than usual. A long list of American political heavyweights have made the long trip to take in a sport increasingly popular back home, with former President Bill Clinton following in Vice-President Joe Biden’s footsteps by watching the Stars and Stripes defeat Algeria 1-0. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, current President Barack Obama has promised to take a seat next to FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter if the United States make their way through to the Final.
On or over? The subject never fails to come up every time the two sides lock horns. Did Geoff Hurst’s shot cross the line at the start of extra time during the FIFA World Cup Final on 30 July 1966? The debate still rages 44 years on, although England fans point out that the same player then scored again to seal a 4-2 win and England’s solitary global title. For Germany supporters, in contrast, the moment has entered the lexicon of the game, with a ‘Wembley Tor’ referring to a contentious goal. Expect the commentators to again revive one of the most controversial strikes of all time before kick-off in Mangaung/Bloemfontein.
Penalty claims: France, England, the Netherlands and Portugal have never missed a penalty during FIFA World Cup play, with Les Bleus converting nine, England and the Oranje eight apiece, and the Portuguese six. David Villa’s missed spot-kick against Honduras was Spain’s first failure in 14 attempts, the most one side have been awarded. Oddly enough, the two most titled teams – Brazil and Italy – have missed the most, both converting just eight of their 11 penalties. Portugal’s Eusebio (1966), Rob Rensenbrink of the Netherlands (1978) and Argentina’s Gabriel Batistuta (1994 and 1998) are the only players to have scored four.
The reunion of old rivals England and Germany and the meeting of Latin American hopefuls Argentina and Mexico will have football fans fixated on the second day of the Round of 16 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
The two European giants could not have foreseen crossing paths so early in the competition, but England’s second-place finish in Group C denied them a supposedly more straightforward route. Neither side have been at their authoritative best so far and both had to roll up their sleeves to advance, though Germany look to have successfully integrated fresh young talent from last year’s European U-21 Championship-winning team. For England, coach Fabio Capello has slightly relaxed his usual disciplined approach but will again look to his senior players to deliver victory. No longer gripped by the fear of falling at the group stage, the two contenders are now free to serve up a feast of drama and tension, with one of Europe’s biggest names falling by the wayside at the final whistle.
Argentina coach Diego Maradona took time settling into his new role but has succeeded in communicating his message to a squad devoted to his leadership and obviously enjoying life in South Africa. Drawing on his own experiences as a player, Maradona handed the captain’s armband to Lionel Messi ahead of the Mexico game, and his diminutive genius is looking increasingly at ease in an Argentina shirt, but Mexico boast their finest ever generation of players and will do anything but roll over.
The matches
Germany-England, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, 16.00 (local time)
Argentina-Mexico, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Germany-England
Any game between these traditional powers brings guaranteed fascination, even when neither team can claim to be at their best. England struck just twice in their one win and two draws during group duties yet remain desperate to prove they can still go all the way, but it will take a lot more fluid movement and efficiency in front of goal for them to survive beyond the weekend. The pressure to improve weighs heaviest on Wayne Rooney as he is clearly not in optimum form, however he will have noted that this Germany team can look vulnerable at the back. Joachim Low’s men made light work of Australia in a 4-0 success only to lose 1-0 to Serbia in their next outing before labouring to a slender 1-0 victory over Ghana. Die Nationalmannschaft’s youngest FIFA World Cup squad in 76 years boasts obvious potential nonetheless, with Mesut Ozil stepping in spectacularly for the injured Michael Ballack, and they will be keen to show they can be every bit as ruthless as their illustrious forebears in the business end of the competition.
In focus
Lionel Messi (ARG) v Rafael Marquez (MEX)
Four years and four days after meeting at the same stage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Argentina and Mexico will renew acquaintances for a place in the last eight. La Albiceleste prevailed 2-1 after extra time in Leipzig courtesy of a superb goal from Maxi Rodriguez, with Messi marking his 19th birthday by entering the fray on 84 minutes. The youngster will be Argentina’s primary attacking threat this time around, operating in a free role behind a pair of strikers, but he will have to contend with the attentions of his friend and Barcelona team-mate Marquez. A defensive midfielder for Los Aztecas, the 31-year-old will be in miserly mood, and the outcome of their personal duel will doubtless have a massive impact on the final result.
What they said
"I saw the England that I know again. We can now look forward to the rest of the competition with a little more calm. The players and staff are relaxed and now it’s time to focus on the last 16,” Fabio Capello, England coach.
Presidential promise: The presidential box has long been the place to watch a FIFA World Cup encounter, but since the start of South Africa 2010 the best seats in the house have been packed with even more famous faces than usual. A long list of American political heavyweights have made the long trip to take in a sport increasingly popular back home, with former President Bill Clinton following in Vice-President Joe Biden’s footsteps by watching the Stars and Stripes defeat Algeria 1-0. Not wanting to miss out on the fun, current President Barack Obama has promised to take a seat next to FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter if the United States make their way through to the Final.
On or over? The subject never fails to come up every time the two sides lock horns. Did Geoff Hurst’s shot cross the line at the start of extra time during the FIFA World Cup Final on 30 July 1966? The debate still rages 44 years on, although England fans point out that the same player then scored again to seal a 4-2 win and England’s solitary global title. For Germany supporters, in contrast, the moment has entered the lexicon of the game, with a ‘Wembley Tor’ referring to a contentious goal. Expect the commentators to again revive one of the most controversial strikes of all time before kick-off in Mangaung/Bloemfontein.
Penalty claims: France, England, the Netherlands and Portugal have never missed a penalty during FIFA World Cup play, with Les Bleus converting nine, England and the Oranje eight apiece, and the Portuguese six. David Villa’s missed spot-kick against Honduras was Spain’s first failure in 14 attempts, the most one side have been awarded. Oddly enough, the two most titled teams – Brazil and Italy – have missed the most, both converting just eight of their 11 penalties. Portugal’s Eusebio (1966), Rob Rensenbrink of the Netherlands (1978) and Argentina’s Gabriel Batistuta (1994 and 1998) are the only players to have scored four.
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 27 2010, 09:18 AM
Predicitions for the day:
Germany-1 England-0 & Argentina-0 Mexico-0 (0-0 OT) Mexico wins on PK's 4-3
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 27 2010, 09:36 AM
50% Irish
50% German
100% American
I guess I cheer for the Germans now.
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 27 2010, 09:38 AM
2-0 Germany. Thank you for embarrassing the Wankers and their goalkeeper. Nothing like getting nutmegged for a goal......
Posted by: 19th Century Indiana Jones Jun 27 2010, 09:43 AM
ENGLAND WAS ROBBED!!! That was a goal!!! There is going to be scandal....
Posted by: rnpurdue Jun 27 2010, 10:00 AM
Wonderful officiating!
Posted by: ronaldinho0003 Jun 27 2010, 11:29 AM
Wow, the Germans slaughtered the Brits. I really didn't see that coming. In my opinion, a very poor showing for the Brits this world cup.
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