Today's semi-final was Uruguay vs. Netherlands, and it was going to be an absolutely incredible game. And it was. It began with an absolute screamer from captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as he struck the ball straight into the top right corner from near enough the touchline. Just a beautiful strike of the ball. Diego Forlan then followed it up for Uruguay with 5 minutes to go in the first half with a beautifully struck shot from the edge of the box, to make it 1-1. And half time obviously worked better for Holland, as after the break, they came out the sharper, and on 70 minutes, Wesley Sneijder scored a somewhat-controversial goal, as he curled the ball round Robin van Persie, who was stood in an offside position. Arjen Robben then made it 3-1, after putting the ball in the net from a wonderful header. Maxi Perreira scored in injury time to make it 3-2, and make it a little bit more tense, but the Netherlands held on to become the first team to reach the World Cup final, for the first time since 1978. To watch the highlights, click here.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Goals Galore - Day 26 Round-Up
Is it physically possible for this to get better?!
Today's semi-final was Uruguay vs. Netherlands, and it was going to be an absolutely incredible game. And it was. It began with an absolute screamer from captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as he struck the ball straight into the top right corner from near enough the touchline. Just a beautiful strike of the ball. Diego Forlan then followed it up for Uruguay with 5 minutes to go in the first half with a beautifully struck shot from the edge of the box, to make it 1-1. And half time obviously worked better for Holland, as after the break, they came out the sharper, and on 70 minutes, Wesley Sneijder scored a somewhat-controversial goal, as he curled the ball round Robin van Persie, who was stood in an offside position. Arjen Robben then made it 3-1, after putting the ball in the net from a wonderful header. Maxi Perreira scored in injury time to make it 3-2, and make it a little bit more tense, but the Netherlands held on to become the first team to reach the World Cup final, for the first time since 1978. To watch the highlights, click here.
Today's semi-final was Uruguay vs. Netherlands, and it was going to be an absolutely incredible game. And it was. It began with an absolute screamer from captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, as he struck the ball straight into the top right corner from near enough the touchline. Just a beautiful strike of the ball. Diego Forlan then followed it up for Uruguay with 5 minutes to go in the first half with a beautifully struck shot from the edge of the box, to make it 1-1. And half time obviously worked better for Holland, as after the break, they came out the sharper, and on 70 minutes, Wesley Sneijder scored a somewhat-controversial goal, as he curled the ball round Robin van Persie, who was stood in an offside position. Arjen Robben then made it 3-1, after putting the ball in the net from a wonderful header. Maxi Perreira scored in injury time to make it 3-2, and make it a little bit more tense, but the Netherlands held on to become the first team to reach the World Cup final, for the first time since 1978. To watch the highlights, click here.
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
So Nearly There - This Time For Africa
As we edge ever closer to the end of what has been an incredible month of the highest quality football, I thought it was about time we had a quick reflect on what this has actually done for world football.
2004 saw the announcement of Africa receiving its first ever big sporting spectacle - the World Cup was heading to South Africa. I'll be honest, I was a little sceptical, but wow, what a ride they've given us since the beginning of June.
South Africa put themselves back on the map in terms of being a good footballing nation. As did Uruguay, Ghana, Paraguay, Chile and Mexico. We had some shock results - Brazil and Argentina out in the quarters, England, France and Italy out even earlier than that. And some incredible personal performances - look at Mesut Ozil, David Villa, and Wesley Sneijder.
It has really rejuvenated world football, and could lead FINALLY to the introduction of 21st century techniques into an aging game - goal-line technology should finally head on in to the game.
This World Cup has the potential to be the best ever in terms of the Beautiful Game. Will it? We'll just have to wait until Sunday to find out.
2004 saw the announcement of Africa receiving its first ever big sporting spectacle - the World Cup was heading to South Africa. I'll be honest, I was a little sceptical, but wow, what a ride they've given us since the beginning of June.
South Africa put themselves back on the map in terms of being a good footballing nation. As did Uruguay, Ghana, Paraguay, Chile and Mexico. We had some shock results - Brazil and Argentina out in the quarters, England, France and Italy out even earlier than that. And some incredible personal performances - look at Mesut Ozil, David Villa, and Wesley Sneijder.
It has really rejuvenated world football, and could lead FINALLY to the introduction of 21st century techniques into an aging game - goal-line technology should finally head on in to the game.
This World Cup has the potential to be the best ever in terms of the Beautiful Game. Will it? We'll just have to wait until Sunday to find out.
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Whoopsy Daisy - Day 23 Round-Up
Well then. There goes that prediction.
The first game of the day was Argentina vs. Germany, in what was billed as the finest game to be played this World Cup. And it certainly looked like it was going to be - goals galore from either team should have given us a brilliant attacking lesson. But alas, as is with this World Cup, things don't go according to plan. An early header from Thomas Muller within 3 minutes put the Germans one up, and from there on in, it was difficult for Argentina to recover. Even with 6 of the best strikers in the world in their squad, the defence was poor, and by half time, they were a shambles. The weak link was Gabriel Heinze - a player I used to rate highly, but have realised he is an egotistical, cheating, diving scumbag who should be thrown off the plane home. The second half proved that. After 67 minutes, Miroslav Klose slid the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0, and within 3 minutes, Arne Friedrich put them 3 up as he pushed the ball into the net. With just seconds remaining, Germany made it an absolute riot by putting a fourth in the net, with Miroslav Klose now just one away from equalling the record for the highest number of goals scored at World Cups. 4-0 means the Germans go through, and sends the Argentinians home. To watch the highlights, click here.
The final quarter final was between Paraguay and Spain. It wasn't one for the faint-hearted, that's for sure. A dire first half came to a close with some great Spanish play, but all the action was in the second half. After 57 minutes, Paraguay were awarded a penalty, which Oscar Cardozo put straight into the arms of Iker Casillas, before just 2 minutes later, Spain were awarded one, which Xabi Alonso scored, then was told to retake, then was saved by Justo Villar. Strange stuff. David Villa got them out of trouble though, with a double-post bounce in the 83rd minute, and that's how the game finished. Heartbroken Paraguayans, and the Spanish were rather pleased.... It sets up a brilliant tie between Germany and themselves, so we have that to look forward to on Tuesday. For the highlights, click here.
The first game of the day was Argentina vs. Germany, in what was billed as the finest game to be played this World Cup. And it certainly looked like it was going to be - goals galore from either team should have given us a brilliant attacking lesson. But alas, as is with this World Cup, things don't go according to plan. An early header from Thomas Muller within 3 minutes put the Germans one up, and from there on in, it was difficult for Argentina to recover. Even with 6 of the best strikers in the world in their squad, the defence was poor, and by half time, they were a shambles. The weak link was Gabriel Heinze - a player I used to rate highly, but have realised he is an egotistical, cheating, diving scumbag who should be thrown off the plane home. The second half proved that. After 67 minutes, Miroslav Klose slid the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0, and within 3 minutes, Arne Friedrich put them 3 up as he pushed the ball into the net. With just seconds remaining, Germany made it an absolute riot by putting a fourth in the net, with Miroslav Klose now just one away from equalling the record for the highest number of goals scored at World Cups. 4-0 means the Germans go through, and sends the Argentinians home. To watch the highlights, click here.The final quarter final was between Paraguay and Spain. It wasn't one for the faint-hearted, that's for sure. A dire first half came to a close with some great Spanish play, but all the action was in the second half. After 57 minutes, Paraguay were awarded a penalty, which Oscar Cardozo put straight into the arms of Iker Casillas, before just 2 minutes later, Spain were awarded one, which Xabi Alonso scored, then was told to retake, then was saved by Justo Villar. Strange stuff. David Villa got them out of trouble though, with a double-post bounce in the 83rd minute, and that's how the game finished. Heartbroken Paraguayans, and the Spanish were rather pleased.... It sets up a brilliant tie between Germany and themselves, so we have that to look forward to on Tuesday. For the highlights, click here.
Friday, 2 July 2010
Over And Out Africa - Day 22 Round-Up
After two days of emptiness without football, we're back with a bang. And what a bang it was.
The first quarter final of the day was between the Netherlands, and Brazil. Very nearly one of the best games of the tournament so far. After an absolutely incredible ball that sliced the Dutch team in half, Robinho got on the end and slid the ball into the net after 10 minutes. It began a lot of brilliant, flowing, Brazilian attacking play, and all throughout the first half, they played some beautiful stuff. But after half time, it became a Dutch revolution, and some amazingly poor defending allowed Wesley Sneijder's cross ended up in the corner of the net, after a very poor Felipe Melo brushed header. It continued all the way, and after 15 more minutes, Sneijder reaped his rewards, and scored a brilliant flick header to put the Oranje in the lead. Melo then decided it was alright to stamp on Arjen Robben, so with 17 minutes to go, Brazil were down to 10 minutes, and that was that. 5 times world champions Brazil are knocked out, and the Netherlands go through to the first semi-final. To watch the highlights, click here.
The next one of the day was Uruguay vs. Ghana, and it was Africa's last hope at their World Cup. It was quite a slow start, and the first half was a bit of kick-and-run football, but Sulley Muntari, the poster boy for Ghana, and making his first start for the team after a fallout with manager Milovan Rajevac, scored a curling stunner from about 40 yards in the first minute of added time. The half time break revitalised Uruguay, and a beasty free-kick from Diego Forlan curled through Richard Kingson's arms and put the game back to where we started. It stayed that way until the end of 90 minutes, and then the same until the 120th, but that's when it got interesting. In the added minute of extra time, a long throw started pinball for Ghana, and a bullet header forced Uruguay's Luis Suarez to shove his arms up and stop the ball going into the net. The striker then received a straight red, and the resulting penalty would be the last kick of the game. Asamoah Gyan stepped up for Ghana..... and missed. Hit the bar. Shocking. So we went to penalties, for the second time in the tournament. Gyan scored the shootout penalty, but obviously not the most important one! John Mensah didn't, nor did Dominic Adiyiah, but Uruguay scored all of theirs, leaving Sebsatian Abreu to chipped the ball very calmly over the keeper, win the shootout 4-2, and put Uruguay into the semi finals to face the Netherlands next Tuesday. To watch the highlights, click here.
The first quarter final of the day was between the Netherlands, and Brazil. Very nearly one of the best games of the tournament so far. After an absolutely incredible ball that sliced the Dutch team in half, Robinho got on the end and slid the ball into the net after 10 minutes. It began a lot of brilliant, flowing, Brazilian attacking play, and all throughout the first half, they played some beautiful stuff. But after half time, it became a Dutch revolution, and some amazingly poor defending allowed Wesley Sneijder's cross ended up in the corner of the net, after a very poor Felipe Melo brushed header. It continued all the way, and after 15 more minutes, Sneijder reaped his rewards, and scored a brilliant flick header to put the Oranje in the lead. Melo then decided it was alright to stamp on Arjen Robben, so with 17 minutes to go, Brazil were down to 10 minutes, and that was that. 5 times world champions Brazil are knocked out, and the Netherlands go through to the first semi-final. To watch the highlights, click here.The next one of the day was Uruguay vs. Ghana, and it was Africa's last hope at their World Cup. It was quite a slow start, and the first half was a bit of kick-and-run football, but Sulley Muntari, the poster boy for Ghana, and making his first start for the team after a fallout with manager Milovan Rajevac, scored a curling stunner from about 40 yards in the first minute of added time. The half time break revitalised Uruguay, and a beasty free-kick from Diego Forlan curled through Richard Kingson's arms and put the game back to where we started. It stayed that way until the end of 90 minutes, and then the same until the 120th, but that's when it got interesting. In the added minute of extra time, a long throw started pinball for Ghana, and a bullet header forced Uruguay's Luis Suarez to shove his arms up and stop the ball going into the net. The striker then received a straight red, and the resulting penalty would be the last kick of the game. Asamoah Gyan stepped up for Ghana..... and missed. Hit the bar. Shocking. So we went to penalties, for the second time in the tournament. Gyan scored the shootout penalty, but obviously not the most important one! John Mensah didn't, nor did Dominic Adiyiah, but Uruguay scored all of theirs, leaving Sebsatian Abreu to chipped the ball very calmly over the keeper, win the shootout 4-2, and put Uruguay into the semi finals to face the Netherlands next Tuesday. To watch the highlights, click here.
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
Quarter-Final Predictions
So after correctly guessing the winners of 7 of the 8 Round of 16 matches, I've got a lot to live up too! I've gone for a couple of 'shocks' in this round, based on form and ability shown so far, so fingers crossed this one works.... Same again - bold ones are winners of the game.
Netherlands vs. Brazil
Uruguay vs. Ghana
Argentina vs. Germany
Paraguay vs. Spain
We'll see how things pan out!
Netherlands vs. Brazil
Uruguay vs. Ghana
Argentina vs. Germany
Paraguay vs. Spain
We'll see how things pan out!
Sharp Shooting - Day 19 Round-Up
The final day of the round of 16 was going to give us a little surprise here or there - it always does.
The penultimate game of the round was between Paraguay and Japan. It was bound to be interesting, but would you say its interesting at 0-0? I certainly would. It was a brilliant game of attacking, flowing football that showed two emerging powers in world football. It finished that way at full time, and then again at extra time, so it was time for the tournament's first penalty shoot-out. Time for someone to step up and become a hero. And it fell to Oscar Cardozo. After Yuichi Komano missed his penalty, Cardozo stepped up and smashed Paraguay into the quarter finals. To watch the highlights, click here.
So then, the final game was between Spain and Portugal. It looked to be the best game of the entire competition so far - an Iberian derby that was going to showcase the best teams in Europe. And how wrong we were. It was a very, very poor game, with the only piece of excitement occurring in the 63rd minute, when David Villa put the ball in the net after a rebound from the keeper. It meant that Spain finished off the quarter final draw, and now face Paraguay in the next round. To watch the highlights, click here.
Quarter-Final Draw
Netherlands vs. Brazil
Uruguay vs. Ghana
Argentina vs. Germany
Paraguay vs. Spain
The penultimate game of the round was between Paraguay and Japan. It was bound to be interesting, but would you say its interesting at 0-0? I certainly would. It was a brilliant game of attacking, flowing football that showed two emerging powers in world football. It finished that way at full time, and then again at extra time, so it was time for the tournament's first penalty shoot-out. Time for someone to step up and become a hero. And it fell to Oscar Cardozo. After Yuichi Komano missed his penalty, Cardozo stepped up and smashed Paraguay into the quarter finals. To watch the highlights, click here.So then, the final game was between Spain and Portugal. It looked to be the best game of the entire competition so far - an Iberian derby that was going to showcase the best teams in Europe. And how wrong we were. It was a very, very poor game, with the only piece of excitement occurring in the 63rd minute, when David Villa put the ball in the net after a rebound from the keeper. It meant that Spain finished off the quarter final draw, and now face Paraguay in the next round. To watch the highlights, click here.Quarter-Final Draw
Netherlands vs. Brazil
Uruguay vs. Ghana
Argentina vs. Germany
Paraguay vs. Spain
Monday, 28 June 2010
Top Two Trump Tothers - Day 18 Round-Up
The good old fashioned drubbing. I love it.
First today were the Netherlands vs. Slovakia. Now Slovakia surprised many by getting to the position they were in anyway, but they didn't really stand a chance against Holland. A classy Dutch team got the best start possible, with Arjen Robben scoring a great goal built by himself thanks to a 10-second counter attack. Top top stuff. It stayed like that until there were only 5 minutes to play, and Dirk Kuyt played the ball across the box for Wesley Sneijder to slide the ball home, and earn me another 8 fantasy points. Good lad. Robert Vittek scored his fourth goal in four World Cup games with what ended up to be the last kick of the game, thanks to a penalty conceded by the keeper. It finished 2-1, and if you want to watch the highlights, click here.
The next game was between Brazil and Chile, a game that was sure to show some brilliant attacking, and be a very quick game. Obviously, Brazil came in as favourites, but Chile had already shocked us with how well they were playing, so why not? They didn't really look at their best, and after 34 minutes, Juan headed home a bit of a bullet to put Brazil 1-0 up. It only took 4 more before Luis Fabiano scored a great goal into an open net, and all looked over. And it indeed was. Robinho's curled effort put an end to everything with half an hour to go, and it gave Brazil an excuse to show just how good they can be. With the game finished 3-0, it sets up a brilliant tie with the Netherlands in the quarters. To watch the match highlights, click here.
First today were the Netherlands vs. Slovakia. Now Slovakia surprised many by getting to the position they were in anyway, but they didn't really stand a chance against Holland. A classy Dutch team got the best start possible, with Arjen Robben scoring a great goal built by himself thanks to a 10-second counter attack. Top top stuff. It stayed like that until there were only 5 minutes to play, and Dirk Kuyt played the ball across the box for Wesley Sneijder to slide the ball home, and earn me another 8 fantasy points. Good lad. Robert Vittek scored his fourth goal in four World Cup games with what ended up to be the last kick of the game, thanks to a penalty conceded by the keeper. It finished 2-1, and if you want to watch the highlights, click here.The next game was between Brazil and Chile, a game that was sure to show some brilliant attacking, and be a very quick game. Obviously, Brazil came in as favourites, but Chile had already shocked us with how well they were playing, so why not? They didn't really look at their best, and after 34 minutes, Juan headed home a bit of a bullet to put Brazil 1-0 up. It only took 4 more before Luis Fabiano scored a great goal into an open net, and all looked over. And it indeed was. Robinho's curled effort put an end to everything with half an hour to go, and it gave Brazil an excuse to show just how good they can be. With the game finished 3-0, it sets up a brilliant tie with the Netherlands in the quarters. To watch the match highlights, click here.
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