Knock-Out Blow To Two - Day 16 Round-Up

Ah, and the real fun begins today!

There are only two games a day this week, so I'll start with the 3 o'clock kick-off. Group A winners Uruguay played Group B runners-up Korea Republic in a tie that could see a 'minnow' reach at least the semi-finals. It all really started when Diego Forlan played a brilliant ball across the box after 8 minutes, which was missed by the keeper and fell straight to Luis Suarez, who slotted the ball home to give Uruguay the lead. The game then fell quite quiet, and most possession came in the centre of the field. Both teams had chances, but Uruguay looked the most lively team. The half-time break helped the Koreans, and after 60 minutes, they finally got their breakthrough, and Lee Chung-Yong put the ball in the net for 1-1. It looked to be heading to extra time, but Suarez had other ideas, and after 80 minutes, scored arguably the best goal of the tournament so far, with a curled effort from the corner of the box. It made it 2-1, and put Uruguay through to the quarter finals for the first time since 1970. To watch the highlights, click here.

The other game today was between Group C winners USA, and Group D runners-up Ghana. Bizarre order I know, but hey, as said before Blatter is an idiot. On paper, it looked a relatively easy win for the USA, but how wrong we were. The 50th game of the tournament threw up a bit of a surprise. Kevin-Prince Boateng scored a brilliant goal for Ghana after just 5 minutes - attacking flair showed through with his run from the halfway line to slot the ball past the keeper. Top stuff. It was then all Ghana, and that's how it stayed until half time - even with USA coach Bob Bradley making an attacking substitute after just half an hour. Brave. And it bloody worked too. After 10 minutes of the restart, Landon Donovan converted a penalty, after Clint Dempsey was fouled in the box by Jonathan Mensah. Fantasy football points for Adam, and smile for 300 million people. The USA then had dominance throughout the second half, but couldn't make that pay, and the game ended up being the first of the tournament to go to extra time. It only took 3 minutes for Ghana to take a lead through Asamoah Gyan, who scored a stunning 20-yard goal to give them a massive advantage in the first half of extra time. The second half followed suit, and it was again, all Ghana. And it led to some unforgettable celebrations, and kept Africa in their own party. And with all of the continent behind them, who knows now?! Two words Africa - Waka Waka. To watch the highlights, click here.

Round of 16 Predictions

Right, so the groups have thrown out a few shocks and everything is a bit shaken up, so thought I'd let you know what the draw looks like now. I'll bold out my new predictions...

Uruguay vs. South Korea
Argentina vs. Mexico
USA vs. Ghana
Germany vs. England
Netherlands vs. Slovakia
Paraguay vs. Japan
Brazil vs. Chile
Spain vs. Portugal

As you can see, I'm going for all 8 of he best teams in the groups...

Worst. Day. Yet. - Day 15 Round-Up

So, the final day of group games left us with a sense of 'loss', I guess...

The penultimate group to play were Group G, with a game between North Korea and Ivory Coast, and a mouth-watering tie between Brazil and Portugal. It was going to be a good game... No it wasn't. It was a 0-0, bore draw, and I nearly slit my wrists. It was poor. The game between North Korea and Ivory Coast was the best of the lot. Yaya Toure put the ball in the Korean net after 14 minutes, with Romaric doubling the lead after 20 minutes. Salomon Kalou put a goal in with 10 minutes to go, to finish the game 3-0, but it wasn't enough for the Ivory Coast, and Brazil went through as group winners, with Portugal runners-up. To watch the 'highlights' of the Brazil-Portugal game, click here, and for the North Korea-Ivory Coast game, click here.

So after that debacle, we expected a treat from Group H to really top off the group stages. We had Chile vs. Spain, and Switzlerand vs. Honduras, with a goal from both Chile and Switzlerand knocking European champions Spain out the tournament. It was all poised so nicely. We had another bore draw from Switzlerland and Honduras, and it meant everything was down to the other game. Spain took the lead through a stunning goal from David Villa - the best of the tournament so far, in my opinion. Andres Iniesta then doubled the lead, and then sent Spain through. Chile pulled one back through Rodrigo Millar, but it wasn't enough, but it did still however send both teams through - Spain as winners, and Chile as runners-up. To see the highlights of the Chile vs. Spain game, click here, and for the Switzerland vs. Honduras game, click here.

Knockout Games
Brazil vs. Chile
Spain vs. Portugal

Shocks Galore - Day 14 Round-Up

Well that was a turn for the books!

We actually began today with the culmination of Group F - yeah, I know, confusing, but hey, what Sepp Blatter wants, he gets. With matches between Slovakia and Italy, and Paraguay vs. New Zealand, it was certainly going to be a bumpy ride. One was very dull, one was the best of the tournament. Can you guess which one?! We had a dull 0-0 draw between Paraguay and New Zealand, but wow, the other game was incredible. Robert Vittek put one goal in for Slovakia in the 25th minute, and then scored again in the 73rd minute to give them a shock 2-0 lead. Antonio Di Natale pulled one back for Italy with 10 minutes to go, and it began to look an even better possibility that Italy would go through... Fabio Quagliarella scored a fabulous goal, for it to only be ruled out for offside. But Kamil Kopunek scored a further goal for Slovakia, and it killed the game... Or did it? Qualiarella then scored properly in 2 minutes of injury time, before having a strike scraped off the line with seconds to go. The game finished 3-2, which means Paraguay are group winners, with Slovakia going through as runners-up, and Italy, reigning world champions, finishing bottom of their group... For the highlights of Paraguay vs. New Zealand, click here, and for Slovakia vs. Italy, click here.

That meant that Group E finished off the second week, and finished off the third games. Matches between Denmark and Japan, and Cameroon and the Netherlands would decide who would follow Holland into the next round. It was first blood to Japan, after two absolutely stunning free kicks from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo, and then the Netherlands went ahead through a brilliant goal from Robin van Persie. It stayed like that after the break, but after 65 minutes, Samuel Eto'o of Cameroon equalised through a penalty. Then, with 10 minutes to go, Jon Dahl Tomasson pulled a goal back for Denmark, before Klass-Jan Huntelaar scored another goal for Holland in the other game. The last goal of the day was from Japan, with Shinji Okazaki scoring a goal brilliantly teed up by Honda. He's gotta be a big player next season. It meant the Netherlands finished top, with Japan going through as runners up. To watch the highlights, click here for Denmark vs. Japan, and here for Cameroon vs. Netherlands.

A Nation... Celebrates?! - Day 13 Round-Up

I did expect to finish that title with 'mourns', but alas!

Group C were the earlier kick-offs today, with the division culminating with Slovenia vs. England, and USA vs. Algeria. With the former three teams needing a point to finish top of the group, it was all a bit too close to call. With England all over Slovenia, it was only a matter of time, and Jermain Defoe duly delivered in the 22nd minute to give them a 1-0 lead. At that point, it meant England qualified as winners, with Slovenia runners up. One goal in either game could knock one of those teams out of those positions and pull the USA in. And we waited. And waited. And waited. And nails were ripped off left right and centre, and then the whistle blew for the England game. Victory at last, and a progression to the round of 16.But what's this? At the same time as the whistle blew, the USA took the lead through a Landon Donovan slot-in. It broke Slovenian hearts, and meant the USA go through as winners, and England are group runners-up. To watch the Slovenia vs. England highlights, click here, and to watch the USA vs. Algeria highlights, click here.

Then we had Group D, with games between Ghana vs. Germany, and Australia vs. Serbia. With any of the teams still able to qualify as group winners, everything was still to play for. Both games were all level until half time, and then, in the 60th minute, Mesut Ozil put Germany ahead to consolidate their position at the top of the group. Tim Cahill made it the same scoreline for Australia, and Brett Holman added another for the Socceroos with 15 minutes to go. Things looked a bit scary for Ghana, but it was too little too late for Serbia, after Marko Pantelic pulled one back with 5 minutes of normal time to play. It means that Germany go through to the second round as group winners, and Ghana scrape past by the skin of their teeth as runners up. To watch the highlights, click here for Ghana vs. Germany, and here for Australia vs. Serbia.

4 In, 4 Out - Day 12 Round-Up

And we began the beginning of the end today!

The first couple of games were Mexico vs. Uruguay, and France vs. South Africa. They were played simultaneously, so I shall blog them simultaneously! It was first blood to SA, when Bongani Khumalo put the ball in the French net, and the dream was on. It was made even better when Yoann Gourcuff was sent off for France, which was quickly followed up by another goal from Katlego Mphela to give them a 2-0 lead at the break. Just before the break, however, Uruguay had gone 1 up through a beautiful Luis Suarez header, and that was how the games stayed until the 70th minute, when Florent Malouda spoilt the fun and pulled one back for France. The games stayed that way,which means Uruguay and Mexico progress, with South Africa 3rd and France rock bottom. Rightfully so if you're Irish and you are still feeling aggrieved after THAT incident. Highlights are available here for both Mexico vs. Uruguay and France vs. South Africa.

The next games finished off Group B, with matches between Nigeria and the Korea Republic, and Greece vs. Argentina. With Argentina already 3 points ahead of the other teams, they looked certain to progress, but the rest was all to play for. A Kalu Uche goal put Nigeria ahead, but after 38 minutes, Lee Jung-Soo scored a brilliant goal to pull it level. The South Koreans then went in front after a tremendous free-kick from Park Chu-Young, which brought half time. In the other game, Argentina were battering Greece, with Lionel Messi, the captain of the evening, proving why he is the best football player potentially ever. After 70 minutes, Yakubu converted a Nigerian penalty to bring it to 2-2, after a brilliant bit of chopping from the Korean defence. Argentina then began to put their attacking force into line, with a smash-in from Martin Demichelis with 10 minutes to go, and then a Messi-created tap-in for Martin Palermo. Juan Sebastian Veron played the best game I've ever seen him play, and Messi was just a maestro in the team. Both games finished 2-2 and 2-0 respectively, which means Argentina progress as group winners, and the Korea Republic go through as runners-up. Nigeria vs. Korea Republic highlights can be found here with Greece vs. Argentina highlights found here.

 

Knockout Round
Uruguay vs. Korea Republic
Argentina vs. Mexico

Creepin' Cheatin'

Has anyone else noticed the increase in feigning, cheating and diving there has been this World Cup? Teams are going down with the slightest of touches, and players have been sent off for incidents that didn't even occur. It seems an absolute joke that the referees are allowing this to happen.

But what is the way to combat this? I can only see one way - referrals. Football has to move with the times, and we need goal-line technology, and referrals to a 'fourth official'-type figure. Rugby has, tennis has, now its football's turn to embrace what needs to happen to make things better and fairer.

10 in 3?! - Day 11 Round-Up

Well there's something we weren't expecting!

Lunchtime kick off was Portugal vs. Korea DPR, and bloody hell, what a game. Raul Meireles started the scoring after some beautiful build-up, and the teams went in for half time at 1-0. We didn't expect the second half though. Simao with a belter; Hugo Almeida with a tricky finish; Tiago with a thump. 4-0, within 15 minutes of the restart. Liedson headed one in with 10 minutes to go, and Cristiano Ronaldo broke his two-year duck for an international goal with 3 to go. Tiago then topped things off in extra time by scoring Portugal's seventh. 7-0. The North Koreans aren't going home to a warm reception.... To watch the highlights, click here.

Next up were Chile vs. Switzlerland, and if you like your football aggressive, then this was the game for you. The first half had Valon Behrami sent off - after two consecutive elbows. And he protested his innocence. Plank. But it was truly Chile's game, and they look a really good package this time around. It was with 15 minutes to go that Mark Gonzalez scored the only goal, thanks to a brilliant cross and a header down. It means Chile can go through with a point against Spain on Friday. Fancy watching the highlights? Click here.

The last game of Day 11 was Spain vs. Honduras, and on paper, it was a walkover. And it was. David Villa put the Spaniards ahead with probably one of the best games of the tournament so far - a jink in from the wing, tickling it round the defenders and putting it straight in the net. Just beautiful. He then scored a second in the 50th minute, but later missed a penalty by a good foot, and missed out on his hat trick. Spain looked really good, but Fernando Torres looks a waste of space... Click here to see the highlights.

The Controversial Couple - Day 10 Round-Up

A bit of an odd one, if I'm honest. It was a bit of a scary day, if you were a player, and a good day, if you're a ref who likes the colour red.

Today began with Slovakia vs. Paraguay. It was probably one of the best games of the tournament - it was attacking, it was quick, and it was very entertaining. Paraguay took the lead in the 27th minute through a beautiful goal from Enrique Vera, who curled the ball into the bottom corner of the net with the inside of his boot. It continued the period of play where everything was Paraguay. There weren't many more shots, just some very skillful football, but Carlos Riveros finished the game off with 4 minutes to go, with a brilliant strike from the edge of the box. The game finished 2-0, and if you want to watch the highlights, click here.

Next for us were the delights of Italy vs. New Zealand. Now this game would normally have Italy written all over it, but after their poor performance in the first game, and New Zealand's renewed efforts, it was gonna be close. And it was. Having gone ahead through a Shane Smeltz goal in the seventh minute, New Zealand lost their attacking abilities, and became very defensive. This allowed Italy to fight back, and the world champions converted a penalty in the 29th minute, after Daniele De Rossi was hauled down in the box. The game finished that way, but only after Chris Wood very nearly gave New Zealand an unlikely win over the reigning world champions. To watch the highlights, click here.

Brazil vs. Ivory Coast topped things off tonight, and it was a brilliant, brilliant spectacle. Luis Fabiano kicked things off with a beautiful goal for Brazil in the 25th minute - chipped, kicked, flicked and struck his way into the net. It stayed like that till half time, until Fabiano scored again, with a lovely little effort into the net. Elano picked up goal number 3 in the 62nd minute, and all looked lost for the Ivory Coast. That was, until, Didier Drogba stuck one in the back of the net with 10 minutes to go, but Brazilian coach Dunga shut up shop, and stopped everything from passing. Kaka picked up two yellows, to equal a red, after a shocking and blatant dive and feint from Abdelkader Keita, who ran into Kaka's shoulder, and went down clutching his face. Appalling, and I hope FIFA look into it. But anyway, 3-1 was enough to secure Brazil's place in the second round, and if you want to watch the highlights, you can find them here.

Blunder-ful - Day 9 Round-Up

A day to forget if you're a national team goalkeeper....

Netherlands vs. Japan started off today's proceedings, and it finished 1-0. I'll get that bit out the way... Wesley Sneijder's beast of a shot in the 52nd minute was flapped at by Eiji Kawashima, and he pushed it into the bottom corner of the net. Admittedly, it was going in, and it was very powerful, but it still should have gone over the crossbar. Have been very impressed with Japan so far - they actually seem a classic equal attacking, equal defending team. It also meant that the Netherlands qualified for the knockout round, due to the result in the final game of the day. If you wish to see the highlights, click here.

Our next game was Ghana vs. Australia, and it was split straight down the middle. The first half was action packed, and was brilliant; second, not so. We began it all with a goal from Brett Holman after Ghanaian keeper Richard Kingson scooped and spilled a simple free kick, and played it into the path of Holman. We then had a bit of 'controversy', when Harry Kewell handled the ball on the line, and was sent off. He was adamant it wasn't a red card, but in my eyes, it certainly was. You can't leave you arm in the way of the ball, and claim its 'ball to hand'. Pillock. Anyway, the resulting penalty was converted by Asamoah Gyan, who has now scored two penalties for Ghana in this World Cup. Classy, really, considering Ghana have only scored two goals. The highlights can be found here.

Finally, the last game of the day was Cameroon vs. Denmark. Cameroon came in to the game with the whole of Africa on their shoulders, and it looked like it was going to be their day, when Samuel Eto'o put the ball in the net after some poor defending by the Danish. They then relaxed a bit, and Cameroon can't relax, and it led to a Danish goal, which many are saying is the best of the tournament yet. A 63-yard ball from Simon Kjaer from the halfway line to the corner flag, to Dennis Rommedahl, who then slid the ball inch-perfectly towards Nicklas Bendtner, who slid the ball in. Rommedahl then got a goal for himself when he curled one in after creating an opening for himself - beautiful stuff. The game finished 2-1, which means that Cameroon are out, the Netherlands are qualified, and Denmark and Japan have it all to play for. And guess who play each other next.... To watch the highlights, click here. 

It's All Kicking Off

After a week of relatively little controversy, we always have a day where everything goes a little bit mad. And for the 2010 World Cup, that day was today.

We started the day with the news that Wayne Rooney went a little mad towards the TV cameras yesterday, after England's bore draw with Algeria. He said 'Nice to see your own fans booing you, that's loyal support...' with a little more after that. Watch it. Good to see the footballers actually reacting to what the fans feel. Then a fan got into the dressing room to really tell them what he felt...



We then heard of Nicolas Anelka being sent home from the France squad, after a bust up with boss Raymond Domenech. Arguably the best player so far for the French, it was a snap decision that I think Raymundo may regret. Still, if that's how strongly he feels, its probably best to do it now, rather than let it linger.