Netherlands 0-1 Spain (AET)
The Dutch attempted to kick the Spanish off the pitch in yet another anti-climactic final. There was little created in a first half that saw Holland lucky to have 11 on the pitch (De Jong's chest high lunge was particularly deserving of a straight red)
It looked like the anti-football tactics might have paid off when twice Robben got one-on-one with Casillas only for the Spanish keeper to prevail. The Dutch defense looked the more likely to concede as the game went on but without any clear-cut chances the game looked destined for extra time and penalties.
Extra time saw the Dutch defense rocking and eventually the offside trap broke and Iniesta slipped through to guide the ball past Stekelenberg.
A deserved win.
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Golden Ball Nominations
The following are the ten nominations for the Golden Ball (Player of the tournament):
1. Diego Forlan, Uruguay
Has been the focal point in 6 of Uruguay's 7 matches and looked a true modern forward. In with a good shout I reckon
2. Asamoah Gyan, Ghana
3. Andres Iniesta, Spain
Has only looked his old self since the knockouts began. Spain haven't been scintillating so I think the trophy will go else where
4. Lionel Messi, Argentina
Was very sharp in the first two games but was nullified by Greece and did little in Argentina's one big game, the defeat to Germany.
5. Mesut Ozil, Germany
A shoe-in for young player of the tournament. Always involved, great all round ability and only 20!
6. Arjen Robben, Netherlands
Missed the first two games through injury but has looked lethal since then carrying over his form form the Champion's League. Don't think he's done enough to win though.
7. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Germany
A great box-to-box performance in every match. Able to read the game as a defender and an attacker, a managers dream. A very strong contender.
8. Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands
Creativity, vision and an end product too. 5 goals in 6 games from midfield! My favourite to receive the award (especially if the Dutch win the final)
9. David Villa, Spain
Spain can do all the tick tacka (or whatever its called) but without this man they'd be nowhere. Offers pace, touch and finishing to add the much needed cut and thrust to Spain's game. Will run Sneijder and Sweinschteiger close.
10. Xavi, Spain
See Iniesta.
So between Sneijder, Schweinsteiger and Villa for me. If the voting is after the final then it might be an easier call but i reckon Sneijder should get it
Saturday, July 10, 2010
World Cup Semi-Final #2
Germany 0-1 Spain
Were the German's attacking intentions curbed by a superior side or was their game plan to play deep and catch them on the break? A little of both, I think, but the former statement made itself more apparent as the game went on.
Spain completely dominated possession throughout a game which saw a deep-lying German defense and a packed midfield unwilling to surrender much space. The German counter sprung as quickly as in previous matches but they were let down by some poor decision making on the few chances they had numerical advantage.
It always pains me to see a game settled by a set-piece but Puyol's headed goal from a corner on 73mins gave them a deserved win. The European Champions are capable of flowing passing moves, beautiful exchanges between interchanging midfielders climaxing in great goals but not today.
Perhaps the early defeat to Switzerland has shaken them into a more pragmatic strategy. After their defense was so badly exposed by the Swiss counter-attack which may have heightened their wariness and cause them to be extra protective of their back four.
Were the German's attacking intentions curbed by a superior side or was their game plan to play deep and catch them on the break? A little of both, I think, but the former statement made itself more apparent as the game went on.
Spain completely dominated possession throughout a game which saw a deep-lying German defense and a packed midfield unwilling to surrender much space. The German counter sprung as quickly as in previous matches but they were let down by some poor decision making on the few chances they had numerical advantage.
It always pains me to see a game settled by a set-piece but Puyol's headed goal from a corner on 73mins gave them a deserved win. The European Champions are capable of flowing passing moves, beautiful exchanges between interchanging midfielders climaxing in great goals but not today.
Perhaps the early defeat to Switzerland has shaken them into a more pragmatic strategy. After their defense was so badly exposed by the Swiss counter-attack which may have heightened their wariness and cause them to be extra protective of their back four.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
World Cup Semi-Final #1
Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands
Not the classic the scoreline might suggest with the Dutch putting in another workman-like performance and neither side creating a hell of a lot.
The first goal was certainly worthy of praise. After some sharp interplay the ball came to Van Bronkhorst on the left, a good 30 yards from goal and his left-footed rocket found the opposite corner of the net. Holland then got sloppy, unwilling to gamble their lead and forfeited possession to Uruguay. A rash tackle lead to Forlan's equaliser from the resulting free-kick just before half-time.
The South Americans struggled to get to grips with their new 4-4-2 formation (having l.ost Suarez to suspension) and failed to impose themselves on the Dutch. Robben and Sneijder always looked the most likely to create something and 2 goals in 3 minutes from the pair was enough to sink the hopes of Uruguay.
There was the chance of a late twist as a rehearsed free kick lead to a second goal for Uruguay in the dying minutes but Holland saw out the aerial bombardment towards Abreu to seal a place in the final.
Not the classic the scoreline might suggest with the Dutch putting in another workman-like performance and neither side creating a hell of a lot.
The first goal was certainly worthy of praise. After some sharp interplay the ball came to Van Bronkhorst on the left, a good 30 yards from goal and his left-footed rocket found the opposite corner of the net. Holland then got sloppy, unwilling to gamble their lead and forfeited possession to Uruguay. A rash tackle lead to Forlan's equaliser from the resulting free-kick just before half-time.
The South Americans struggled to get to grips with their new 4-4-2 formation (having l.ost Suarez to suspension) and failed to impose themselves on the Dutch. Robben and Sneijder always looked the most likely to create something and 2 goals in 3 minutes from the pair was enough to sink the hopes of Uruguay.
There was the chance of a late twist as a rehearsed free kick lead to a second goal for Uruguay in the dying minutes but Holland saw out the aerial bombardment towards Abreu to seal a place in the final.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
World Cup Day 23
Argentina 0-4 Germany
The Germans are looking like the current baton-holders of "Total Football". They have a great combination of players to get the most out of the 4-2-3-1 formation with their front-line able to interchange at will, OK that's a bit of a stretch for Klose but he is certainly able to link the play as well as providing a clinical finish.
Poor marking from a free kick gave Germany the lead in the 3rd minute. The ensuing attacks form Argentina were easily absorbed by the Germans and they were looking as sharp on the break as they did against England and but for some wasteful finishing they would have been further ahead before half-time.
Argentina were stifled in midfield but that's not to say the Germans were negative, far from it.
Paraguay 0-1 Spain
A penalty miss at either end was the most exciting thing in this otherwise flat game.
The Germans are looking like the current baton-holders of "Total Football". They have a great combination of players to get the most out of the 4-2-3-1 formation with their front-line able to interchange at will, OK that's a bit of a stretch for Klose but he is certainly able to link the play as well as providing a clinical finish.
Poor marking from a free kick gave Germany the lead in the 3rd minute. The ensuing attacks form Argentina were easily absorbed by the Germans and they were looking as sharp on the break as they did against England and but for some wasteful finishing they would have been further ahead before half-time.
Argentina were stifled in midfield but that's not to say the Germans were negative, far from it.
Paraguay 0-1 Spain
A penalty miss at either end was the most exciting thing in this otherwise flat game.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thursday, July 1, 2010
QF a day early?
Is it just my dodgy memory or were the Quarter Finals always on a weekend? ie on Saturday and Sunday.
This year the first set are on a Friday and the second on a Saturday with Sunday off. Isn't it odd that there no World Cup football on Sunday, the traditional day of rest?
I have a theory that it's to increase the gap between the Semis and the Final. Major finals are rarely the spectacle they ought to be and perhaps FIFA are hoping that better rested players equals a more entertaining final.
Playing the SFs so soon after the QFs may mean we have two lethargic games instead of one! We'll wait and see.
This year the first set are on a Friday and the second on a Saturday with Sunday off. Isn't it odd that there no World Cup football on Sunday, the traditional day of rest?
I have a theory that it's to increase the gap between the Semis and the Final. Major finals are rarely the spectacle they ought to be and perhaps FIFA are hoping that better rested players equals a more entertaining final.
Playing the SFs so soon after the QFs may mean we have two lethargic games instead of one! We'll wait and see.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
World Cup Day 20
World Cup Day 19
Paraguay 0-0 Japan (5-3 pens)
Spain 1-0 Portugal
Portugal in recent years have always been disappointing at major tournaments, playing cagey, negative football and offering little cuting edge upfront. Today was no different.
They succeeded in suffocating the "ticky-tacky" of the Spaniards in the first half but when Spain's quality shone through with an incisive passing move early in the sec
Paraguay were the better team in the first half with Japan sticking to their defensive, pressing game. The Japanese did start to come out and play in characteristic short, sharp attacks during the second half. As the game went on it looked like neither team was relishing the idea of Extra Time/Penalties as both side were positive but chances were at a premium.
The Blue Samurai looked the more likely team to score in Extra Time but ultimately went out after a strong display of penalties form their South American opponents. They can hold their heads high though as their fervourant woprk-rate and determination certainly added soemthing to the tournament.
Spain 1-0 Portugal
Portugal in recent years have always been disappointing at major tournaments, playing cagey, negative football and offering little cuting edge upfront. Today was no different.
They succeeded in suffocating the "ticky-tacky" of the Spaniards in the first half but when Spain's quality shone through with an incisive passing move early in the sec
World Cup Day 18
Netherlands 2-1 Slovakia
The Dutch, true to their form thusfar, played within themselves for large periods of a game that was heirs for the taking. When they did click into gear they looked a slick outfit especially with the return of Robben to inject some pace and incision. And it was he who opened the scoring in typical fashion, cutting inside onto his left foot and letting fly from outside the box.
Slovakia did get at the Dutch defense but only created one serious chance before being awarded a soft penalty in the 94th minute.
Brazil 3-0 Chile
Another side looking to win at a canter and successfully doing so. Having not looked too convincing in the opening half hour the men in the famous yellow jerseys found themselves scoring form a corner. This then built their platform as Chile were forced to come out and the space was duly exploited during a sublimely swift team goal before half time. Robinho's third was merely a bonus.
The Dutch, true to their form thusfar, played within themselves for large periods of a game that was heirs for the taking. When they did click into gear they looked a slick outfit especially with the return of Robben to inject some pace and incision. And it was he who opened the scoring in typical fashion, cutting inside onto his left foot and letting fly from outside the box.
Slovakia did get at the Dutch defense but only created one serious chance before being awarded a soft penalty in the 94th minute.
Brazil 3-0 Chile
Another side looking to win at a canter and successfully doing so. Having not looked too convincing in the opening half hour the men in the famous yellow jerseys found themselves scoring form a corner. This then built their platform as Chile were forced to come out and the space was duly exploited during a sublimely swift team goal before half time. Robinho's third was merely a bonus.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
World Cup Day 17
Germany 4-1 England
England were outclassed and embarrassed by a skillful and organised German team. Having gone two down after some horrendous defending they did show some resurgence but it was bitty, scrambled play but a goal back before half-time from a corner gave them some hope (although the second wrongly disallowed goal would have helped).
The second half saw a masterful counter-attack game from the young Germans as England naively threw men forward only to be caught by two swift breaks. Three down with 30mins to go the English were demoralised and hopeless as the Germans ran out comfortable victors.
The English choice to field 4-4-2 against a mobile and energetic 4-2-3-1 was questionable, the choice to field Defoe - a goal poacher with little else to his game who was never going to track back and help out his out-manned midfield - was disastrous. It would have required a supreme effort and work-rate to make up for this shortfall in the middle of the park which was never going to come form the lethargic Gerrard and Lampard and the sluggish Barry.
Argentina 3-1 Mexico
Argentina had the game won in the first half thanks to two gifts: one from the linesman (who failed to spot a blatantly offside Tevez) and the other from Mexican defender Osorio (who passed straight to Higuain on the edge of the box).
Mexico put their grievances into their play and looked as good as they have all tournament but only threatened on occasion. Argentina's third, in the second half, was a rocket from all of 30 yards by Tevez but really it was against the run of play.
The Mexicans did get a consolation against their dug-in opponents with Hernandez showing the type of clinical finishing missing from his compatriots.
England were outclassed and embarrassed by a skillful and organised German team. Having gone two down after some horrendous defending they did show some resurgence but it was bitty, scrambled play but a goal back before half-time from a corner gave them some hope (although the second wrongly disallowed goal would have helped).
The second half saw a masterful counter-attack game from the young Germans as England naively threw men forward only to be caught by two swift breaks. Three down with 30mins to go the English were demoralised and hopeless as the Germans ran out comfortable victors.
The English choice to field 4-4-2 against a mobile and energetic 4-2-3-1 was questionable, the choice to field Defoe - a goal poacher with little else to his game who was never going to track back and help out his out-manned midfield - was disastrous. It would have required a supreme effort and work-rate to make up for this shortfall in the middle of the park which was never going to come form the lethargic Gerrard and Lampard and the sluggish Barry.
Argentina 3-1 Mexico
Argentina had the game won in the first half thanks to two gifts: one from the linesman (who failed to spot a blatantly offside Tevez) and the other from Mexican defender Osorio (who passed straight to Higuain on the edge of the box).
Mexico put their grievances into their play and looked as good as they have all tournament but only threatened on occasion. Argentina's third, in the second half, was a rocket from all of 30 yards by Tevez but really it was against the run of play.
The Mexicans did get a consolation against their dug-in opponents with Hernandez showing the type of clinical finishing missing from his compatriots.
World Cup Day 16
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea
Uruguay made the early running with their 3 classy forwards and hard working midfield they overpowered their Asian opponents and within 8mins were ahead thanks to some slack defending.
The Koreans fought back throwing numbers forward in exciting fashion with Park Chu Young looking particularly dangerous. The second half saw a defensive Uruguay look to hold the game at one-nil as the rain got heavier in Port Elizabeth.
Korea eventually took one of their chances which saw a complete change of attitude in the South Americans who began to attack with the class they showed early in the first half. It wasn't long until that class showed as Luis Suarez curled a shot into the Korean net and with the lead again theirs Uruguay sat back. This time the Koreans didn't have enough to get back on level terms.
One of the best games of the World Cup so far. Uruguay will be a good bet for a semi-final place.
Ghana 2-1 USA (AET)
Ghana dominated periods of the match with their superior technique and range of passing and crucially during those periods they scored. The US took along time to get into the game after Ghana's early goal but the second half saw them display their typical spirit and enthusiasm to get back into the game.
The American's created some good chances, getting in behind the Ghanaian defence on numerous occasions but finishing poorly (Kingston in the Ghana goal wasn't making it easy for them either). A penalty saw them equalise and it looked like the momentum was theirs as Ghana appeared to have taken the foot off the gas.
Extra time saw a resurgent Ghana and a well-taken goal from Gyan 3 minutes in was enough to give them entry to the next round as the Americans looked deflated.
Uruguay made the early running with their 3 classy forwards and hard working midfield they overpowered their Asian opponents and within 8mins were ahead thanks to some slack defending.
The Koreans fought back throwing numbers forward in exciting fashion with Park Chu Young looking particularly dangerous. The second half saw a defensive Uruguay look to hold the game at one-nil as the rain got heavier in Port Elizabeth.
Korea eventually took one of their chances which saw a complete change of attitude in the South Americans who began to attack with the class they showed early in the first half. It wasn't long until that class showed as Luis Suarez curled a shot into the Korean net and with the lead again theirs Uruguay sat back. This time the Koreans didn't have enough to get back on level terms.
One of the best games of the World Cup so far. Uruguay will be a good bet for a semi-final place.
Ghana 2-1 USA (AET)
Ghana dominated periods of the match with their superior technique and range of passing and crucially during those periods they scored. The US took along time to get into the game after Ghana's early goal but the second half saw them display their typical spirit and enthusiasm to get back into the game.
The American's created some good chances, getting in behind the Ghanaian defence on numerous occasions but finishing poorly (Kingston in the Ghana goal wasn't making it easy for them either). A penalty saw them equalise and it looked like the momentum was theirs as Ghana appeared to have taken the foot off the gas.
Extra time saw a resurgent Ghana and a well-taken goal from Gyan 3 minutes in was enough to give them entry to the next round as the Americans looked deflated.
World Cup Day 15
Ivory Coast 3-0 North Korea
Brazil 0-0 Portugal
Neither side really pressed for a win in what was a dull game
Switzerland 0-0 Honduras
Spain 2-1 Chile
Spain (a well as some of the other more illustrious teams) seem determined to do just enough to beat their opponents. Chile showed their combative side but Spain's class won through in the first half exemplified by a great move finished off by Iniesta to make it 2-0 at the break.
Chile's misfortune in losing Estrada to a red card that never should have been made Spain's task all the easier. The South American's went at them in the second half and got a goal back thanks to a fortunate deflection. The Spanish went into game-killing mode from then on and passed and passed and passed without really threatening. It was a hard task for the ten men of Chile who rarely got a counter attack together.
Brazil 0-0 Portugal
Neither side really pressed for a win in what was a dull game
Switzerland 0-0 Honduras
Spain 2-1 Chile
Spain (a well as some of the other more illustrious teams) seem determined to do just enough to beat their opponents. Chile showed their combative side but Spain's class won through in the first half exemplified by a great move finished off by Iniesta to make it 2-0 at the break.
Chile's misfortune in losing Estrada to a red card that never should have been made Spain's task all the easier. The South American's went at them in the second half and got a goal back thanks to a fortunate deflection. The Spanish went into game-killing mode from then on and passed and passed and passed without really threatening. It was a hard task for the ten men of Chile who rarely got a counter attack together.
Friday, June 25, 2010
World Cup Day 14
Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand
Slovakia 3-2 Italy
The ruiners of many a knockout stage match are out! I'm happy about that!
Cameroon 1-2 Netherlands
An open game with chances at either end. I'd worry for the Dutch defence against some of the better strike-forces
Denmark 1-3 Japan
The Japanese work-rate was again evident and earned them their place in the second round. 2 excellent strikes form free kicks saw the game effectively over at half time.
Denmark lumped ball after ball into the Japanese box but they stood strong. In fairness if Tomasson hadn't have fluffed 2 good chances it might ahve been different and the late goals for either side were meaningless in the end
Slovakia 3-2 Italy
The ruiners of many a knockout stage match are out! I'm happy about that!
Cameroon 1-2 Netherlands
An open game with chances at either end. I'd worry for the Dutch defence against some of the better strike-forces
Denmark 1-3 Japan
The Japanese work-rate was again evident and earned them their place in the second round. 2 excellent strikes form free kicks saw the game effectively over at half time.
Denmark lumped ball after ball into the Japanese box but they stood strong. In fairness if Tomasson hadn't have fluffed 2 good chances it might ahve been different and the late goals for either side were meaningless in the end
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
World Cup Day 13
Slovenia 0-1 England
England huffed and puffed again but this time with a bit more conviction and actually got their passing going albeit infrequently. They really should have been 2 up at half time as they were clearly ther better side. Nerves crept in as the game drew on and only some last ditch defending gave them the victory they craved.
USA 1-0 Algeria
Unbelievable last minute goal from Landon Donavan sees the US top the group after a dour match
Ghana 0-1 Germany
A tight game saw the Germans trying to take the initiative whilst keeping Ghana's potent counter at bay. Germany missed Klose and didnt look as threatening without the veteran striker. Ozil's superb half-volleyed goal more than made up for his early miss and gave Germany the neccessary win to top the group.
Australia 2-1 Serbia
Serbia didn't look like they had any fight in them in any of the 3 games and are deservedly knocked out. The Ossies can consider themselves unlucky.
England huffed and puffed again but this time with a bit more conviction and actually got their passing going albeit infrequently. They really should have been 2 up at half time as they were clearly ther better side. Nerves crept in as the game drew on and only some last ditch defending gave them the victory they craved.
USA 1-0 Algeria
Unbelievable last minute goal from Landon Donavan sees the US top the group after a dour match
Ghana 0-1 Germany
A tight game saw the Germans trying to take the initiative whilst keeping Ghana's potent counter at bay. Germany missed Klose and didnt look as threatening without the veteran striker. Ozil's superb half-volleyed goal more than made up for his early miss and gave Germany the neccessary win to top the group.
Australia 2-1 Serbia
Serbia didn't look like they had any fight in them in any of the 3 games and are deservedly knocked out. The Ossies can consider themselves unlucky.
World Cup Day 12
France 1-2 South Africa
Such a contrast between the 2 sides, one hugely talented but without any desire and the other hungry for success but lacking the players to deliver it. It was looking good for the hosts chances of making it into the next round at one stage as they lead 2-0 with France down to ten men but it wasn't to be.
Mexico 0-1 Uruguay
Greece 0-2 Argentina
The anti-football approach of the Greeks looked to be a successful one for a while in the first half. They reduced Argentina's B-team to half chances whilst Nigeria lead against South Korea in the other group match. Greece's negative approach never altered depite the Koreans equalising which had them on the flight home long before Argentian went ahead in the 80th minute.
Such a contrast between the 2 sides, one hugely talented but without any desire and the other hungry for success but lacking the players to deliver it. It was looking good for the hosts chances of making it into the next round at one stage as they lead 2-0 with France down to ten men but it wasn't to be.
Mexico 0-1 Uruguay
Greece 0-2 Argentina
The anti-football approach of the Greeks looked to be a successful one for a while in the first half. They reduced Argentina's B-team to half chances whilst Nigeria lead against South Korea in the other group match. Greece's negative approach never altered depite the Koreans equalising which had them on the flight home long before Argentian went ahead in the 80th minute.
World Cup Day 11
Portugal 7-0 North Korea
North Korea lokked like they were goin got put in another respectable performance in the first half but they were badly exposed in the second. I can't see Portugal scoring this freely again.
Chile 1-0 Switzerland
Spain 2-0 Honduras
Spain bossed the first hour of the match and could have been 4 or 5 up but for Torres' lack of precision and Villa missing a penalty. They coasted the remaining half hour and may have added to their lead but for a drop in their energy levels and some robust defending from the Honduran centre-backs.
North Korea lokked like they were goin got put in another respectable performance in the first half but they were badly exposed in the second. I can't see Portugal scoring this freely again.
Chile 1-0 Switzerland
Spain 2-0 Honduras
Spain bossed the first hour of the match and could have been 4 or 5 up but for Torres' lack of precision and Villa missing a penalty. They coasted the remaining half hour and may have added to their lead but for a drop in their energy levels and some robust defending from the Honduran centre-backs.
Monday, June 21, 2010
World Cup Day 10
Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay
A very impressive forst-half display form Paraguay saw them pin their opponents in, aggressively closing down from the front and creating regular chances for their busy forwards.
They sould really have lead by more than a single goal at the break and their attitude in the second half reflected their dominance as they took the proverbial foot off the gas. Slovakia never really looked like making them sweat and the South American's late second sealed a confident win.
Italy 1-1 New Zealand
A labouringly slow Italian performance form a team that lacks pace, penetration and guile. New Zealand battled well in a typical underdog/backs against the wall performance and could probably consider themselves unlucky with the Italian's equaliser coming in the shape of a soft penalty. It was the All-Whites who came closest to a winner with Chris Wood's late effort just curling wide.
Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast
Brazil hardly got out of 3rd gear yet eased passed the African side in a manner that sends out a message to the rest of the competition. They scored form their first real passing move of a lethargic first half. They regularly threated in the second half and were coasting a little too much when Drogba sneaked in behind for the Iveory Coast's consolation goal.
The vistory was marred by the unfair dismissal of Kaka after some incredibly cynical play-acting by Keita.
A very impressive forst-half display form Paraguay saw them pin their opponents in, aggressively closing down from the front and creating regular chances for their busy forwards.
They sould really have lead by more than a single goal at the break and their attitude in the second half reflected their dominance as they took the proverbial foot off the gas. Slovakia never really looked like making them sweat and the South American's late second sealed a confident win.
Italy 1-1 New Zealand
A labouringly slow Italian performance form a team that lacks pace, penetration and guile. New Zealand battled well in a typical underdog/backs against the wall performance and could probably consider themselves unlucky with the Italian's equaliser coming in the shape of a soft penalty. It was the All-Whites who came closest to a winner with Chris Wood's late effort just curling wide.
Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast
Brazil hardly got out of 3rd gear yet eased passed the African side in a manner that sends out a message to the rest of the competition. They scored form their first real passing move of a lethargic first half. They regularly threated in the second half and were coasting a little too much when Drogba sneaked in behind for the Iveory Coast's consolation goal.
The vistory was marred by the unfair dismissal of Kaka after some incredibly cynical play-acting by Keita.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
World Cup Day 9
Netherlands 1-0 Japan
Both sides were much as they were in their first games, the Dutch plodding and the Japanese organised and defensive. It was all change in the second half though as Holland came out with more determination and within 8mins of the restart were ahead form Sneijder's long range effort (and some questionable goalkeeping).
The Japanese response was immensely positive and saw them committing men forward and troubling the Dutch defence. The Dutch finished the stronger with the introduction of the young Affellay and Elia but it was Japan who came closest in the dying minutes when Okazaki blazed over from close range.
Ghana 1-1 Australia
Cameroon 1-2 Denmark
A game full of attacking intent and fallible defensive which made for an exciting spectacle. Camroon made the early running and capitalised on a terrible pass in the Danish defence to allow Eto'O to slot home. The Danes responded well, trying to get their experience wingers into the match at every opportunity.
It was a run from Rommdahl in behind the Cameroon defence that set up a tap in for Bendtner on 33mins. The African side did plenty of attacking themselves and exposed more dodgy defending just before the break but the resulting shot ws just wide.
The second half was only slighlty less open and on the hour Rommedahl got in again, this time finishing himself. The final half-hour was end to end as Cameroon brought on strikers and chased the game. It was to no avail.
Probably the most entertaining game of the Word Cup so far.
Both sides were much as they were in their first games, the Dutch plodding and the Japanese organised and defensive. It was all change in the second half though as Holland came out with more determination and within 8mins of the restart were ahead form Sneijder's long range effort (and some questionable goalkeeping).
The Japanese response was immensely positive and saw them committing men forward and troubling the Dutch defence. The Dutch finished the stronger with the introduction of the young Affellay and Elia but it was Japan who came closest in the dying minutes when Okazaki blazed over from close range.
Ghana 1-1 Australia
Cameroon 1-2 Denmark
A game full of attacking intent and fallible defensive which made for an exciting spectacle. Camroon made the early running and capitalised on a terrible pass in the Danish defence to allow Eto'O to slot home. The Danes responded well, trying to get their experience wingers into the match at every opportunity.
It was a run from Rommdahl in behind the Cameroon defence that set up a tap in for Bendtner on 33mins. The African side did plenty of attacking themselves and exposed more dodgy defending just before the break but the resulting shot ws just wide.
The second half was only slighlty less open and on the hour Rommedahl got in again, this time finishing himself. The final half-hour was end to end as Cameroon brought on strikers and chased the game. It was to no avail.
Probably the most entertaining game of the Word Cup so far.
Friday, June 18, 2010
World Cup Day 8
Germany 0-1 Serbia
Another game in which an early sending off had a huge influence. Klose's harsh dismissal on 37mins and Serbia's goal a minute later left the Germans playing catch up. The Serbs made it easy for them though, inviting them on and playing deep.
Germany dominated the early second half and on the hour it looked like tey may get their rewards but Podolski's tame penalty was easily saved. The game became stretched allowing for some half-hearted Serbian counters as the Germans tired. Serbia held out as the Germans just ran out of steam.
Group D is now wide open but I've a feeling Serbia's poor attitude may undermine their efforts at some stage
Slovenia 2-2 USA
The first comeback of the tournament saw a a ragged looking USA ship two first-half goals a more technical Slovenian side. The Americans came flying out of the traps in the second half and within minutes Donovan found himself one-on-one with the keeper and finished well into the roof of the Slovenian net.
Slovenia looked to protect their lead against a determined and adventurous US side but it wasnt to be and with ten minutes to go the States were level. Having thrown on an extra forward for a defender they went seeking the winner and should have got it but for an unexplained decision to rule out a perfectly good goal.
England 0-0 Algeria
Oh dear, England are at it again. Woeful display from them, full of poor passing, terrible first touches and drained of belief. Perhaps it was nerves or tiredness (or insert excuse here) but they looked bereft of desire. Confidence is obviously low but where's the old "give it a go" mentality?
Another game in which an early sending off had a huge influence. Klose's harsh dismissal on 37mins and Serbia's goal a minute later left the Germans playing catch up. The Serbs made it easy for them though, inviting them on and playing deep.
Germany dominated the early second half and on the hour it looked like tey may get their rewards but Podolski's tame penalty was easily saved. The game became stretched allowing for some half-hearted Serbian counters as the Germans tired. Serbia held out as the Germans just ran out of steam.
Group D is now wide open but I've a feeling Serbia's poor attitude may undermine their efforts at some stage
Slovenia 2-2 USA
The first comeback of the tournament saw a a ragged looking USA ship two first-half goals a more technical Slovenian side. The Americans came flying out of the traps in the second half and within minutes Donovan found himself one-on-one with the keeper and finished well into the roof of the Slovenian net.
Slovenia looked to protect their lead against a determined and adventurous US side but it wasnt to be and with ten minutes to go the States were level. Having thrown on an extra forward for a defender they went seeking the winner and should have got it but for an unexplained decision to rule out a perfectly good goal.
England 0-0 Algeria
Oh dear, England are at it again. Woeful display from them, full of poor passing, terrible first touches and drained of belief. Perhaps it was nerves or tiredness (or insert excuse here) but they looked bereft of desire. Confidence is obviously low but where's the old "give it a go" mentality?
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