The first of the day could be a classic, while in the second game the underdogs face each other.
(to be updated after the second game)
Netherlands 2-1 (0-1) Brazil
Goals: 0-1 (Robinho (10'), 1-1 Felipe Melo (53', own Goal), 2-1 Wesley Sneijder (68').
The Netherlands came back from a goal down to beat record world champions Brazil 2-1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Brazil were the better side in the first half as the Dutch couldn't really find a way through the Brazilian defence and in patches the South Americans showed their Samba magic. The Brazilians took a deserving lead in the 10th minute when Felipe Melo in the centre played an excellent through pass for Robinho whose shot beat Dutch keeper Martin Stekelenburg. But seconds after the restart the Dutch tried to get even when a Dirk Kuyt shot was blocked by Julio Cesar. But thereafter it was mainly Brazil who could have doubled their lead through Juan, Robinho, Kaka or Luis Fabiano; but the South Americans weren't pushing enough to enhance their lead.
Things initially looked the same after the break, but the Netherlands were not willing to give this match away without a fight. And they where suddenly equal when a 53rd minute Wesley Sneijder cross from the right was not collected by Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar and his own man Felipe Melo would get a slight touch on his head as the ball sailed into the goal. After the goal the match was more even though Brazil could have regained the lead through Dani Alves and Kaka, but the goal was scored by the Dutch on the other side. In the 68th minute a Arjen Robben corner was headed on by Dirk Kuyt with the little Wesley Sneijder free infront of goal and he just headed the ball goalwards and suddenly the Dutch were in the lead. But now Brazil was shocked and the bad day got worse for Felipe Melo in the 73rd minute when he was send off for stamping on Robben after having fouled the Bayern star. Brazil were down to 10 men and in the last few minutes didn't show the necessary capabilities to get back into the match, while the Dutch had chances to seal the match the worst offender being Klaas Jan Huntelaar in injury time to slow to get the ball across to a free Robben infront of goal.
Uruguay 4-2 (1-1) [1-1 (0-1)] Ghana (penalties)
Goals: 0-1 Sulley Ali Muntari (45+2'), 1-1 Diego Forlan (55').
Uruguay were the luckier side as they beat Ghana 4-2 in a penalty shootout at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. It wasn't great football on display tonight, but the match was alive with loads of tension and the matches control shifting between the sides.
Uruguay reached their first World Cup semifinal since 1970 to resurrect their history in football. Initially it looked good for the South Americans who had things under control against a nervous looking Ghana. And once more Diego Forlan was the danger man, but Ghana survived the period of pressure and around the half hour mark started to threaten the Uruguay goal and didn't seem to be of the liking of Uruguay as they were pushed back and also had to substitute captain Diego Lugano, which didn't stabilise their defence. Ghana had a few close calls before Sulley Muntari gave them the lead with a 30 metre long ranger at the stroke of half time.
Uruguay were shocked, but not out as they could once more fall back on the experienced Diego Forlan. In the 55th minute Forlan took a direct free kick and Ricahrd Kingson in the Ghana goal took a step to the right and the ball just went past him. Thereafter it was an open game with Ghana's Asamoah Gyan and Luis Suarez for Uruguay being the main culprits of not scoring for their sides. Towards the end of regulation time Uruguay looked the better side, but their finishing just wasn't up to the mark and the match went into extra time.
Both sides had their chances in extra time, but the teams were tiring and their finishing became even more wayward or defenders were there to deny them a shot on target. The match would hit for an unlikely climax as Ghana pushed towards the end to try and win the match without a penalty shootout. In the second minute of injury time a Ghana free kick is not cleared by the Uruguay defence and first Luis Suarez clears off the line with his body, then he clears with his hands and the Ajax Amsterdam striker is send off. Ghana's sure penalty shooter Asamoah Gyan take the strike, but his shot hits the crossbar and goes over. Ghana missed a big chance to move into the semifinals.
Now it is a penalty shootout and Uruguay are psychologically on top. One has to give credit to Asamoah Gyan as he took Ghana's first kick and this time he is able to beat Fernando Muslera, but the Uruguayan keeper would be his teams hero with two blocked shots from John Mensah and Dominic Adiyiah, while Maxi Pereira blasted his shot over for Uruguay, but Sebastian Abreu would put in Uruguay's last penalty to give the South Americans the win.
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Jumat, 02 Juli 2010
Sabtu, 26 Juni 2010
PQF: Uruguay win, to meet Ghana now
The outsiders meet on the first day of the quarterfinals.
(to be updated after the second game)
Uruguay 2-1 (1-0) South Korea
Goals: 1-0,2-1 Luis Suarez (8',80'), 1-1 Chung-Yong Lee (68').
Uruguay overcame a fighting South Korea 2-1 at the Port Elizabeth Stadium to qualify for their first quarterfinals since the 1970 World Cup.
South Korea had the first chance of the day through a Chu-Young Park free kick in the 5th minute, but it hit the post before Uruguay took the lead in the 8th minute through a Luis Suarez goal. Diego Forlan on the left played the ball across the face of the goal with no defender or keeper Sung-Ryong Jung able to intercept with Suarez there to push the ball in from the far post. But South Korea couldn't play their usual running game, often static in their play not able to break down the Uruguay defence which so far hadn't conceded any goals in the tournament.
After the break things changed. Uruguay did have the first chance through Suarez in the 50th minute, but thereafter in the rain South Korea took control of the match in their quest for the equaliser. Referee Wolfgang Stark denied South Korea a penalty in the 64th minute when Sung-Yong Ki was brought down in the box. But only four minutes later the Asians would equalise. And it came off another dead ball situation. A Chu-Young Park free kick was not cleared properly by Mauricio Victorino with Chung-Yong Lee heading in past Fernando Muslera. South Korea looked on fire thereafter and could have taken the lead, but Uruguay came out of its passive phase and took part again in the game with chances for Suarez and Forlan. After a corner in the 80th minute the ball travelled to Suarez on the other side, who moved inwards and curled a beauty into the goal. But the match wasn't over yet with South Korea getting a last chance in the 87th minute through Dong-Gook Lee, he beat keeper Muslera but captain Diego Lugano cleared for the Celeste.
USA 1-2 (1-2) [1-1 (0-1)] Ghana [in extra time]
Goals: 0-1 Kevin Prince Boateng (5'), 1-1 Landon Donovan (62', penalty), 1-2 Asamoah Gyan (93').
Ghana remain the only African side in the tournament with an extra time 2-1 with against the USA at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
Ghana had the perfect start as they went ahead in the 5th minute. The US' Ricardo Clark lost the ball in midfield which was picked by Kevin Prince Boateng and the Ghanian midfielder went all the way with the ball before blasting it into the US net past keeper Tim Howard, who hadn't had the short corner covered. Ghana had more of the ball thereafter as the USA looked clueless on what to do to get the equaliser, but the Africans didn't push hard enough for a second goal though having chances through Boateng and Asamoah Gyan. The USA had their best chance of the half through Robbie Findley, but his shot couldn't beat Richard Kingson in the Ghana goal.
After the break the USA came to the party and started to play football looking for the equaliser while Ghana fell back under their pressure. And then the USA were awarded a penalty when Clint Dempsey was brought down by Jonathan Mensah. Landon Donovan scored of the resultant penalty in the 62nd minute to give the USA a deserving draw. And thereafter the Americans looked to be heading for a win, but the necessary goal didn't come their way. First Michael Bradley, then Jose Altidore missed good chances. It ended one-all and for the first time extra time was needed in this tournament to find a winner.
And at the start of extra time Ghana once more took an early lead. In the 93rd minute Asamoah Gyan was able to beat of the challenge from Carlos Bocanegra and Jay de Mit and shot the ball into the net over the head of Tim Howard. Once more the USA had to get an equaliser to take this game into penalties, but it wasn't to be as they looked tired towards the end and Ghana was able to defend their goal.
(to be updated after the second game)
Uruguay 2-1 (1-0) South Korea
Goals: 1-0,2-1 Luis Suarez (8',80'), 1-1 Chung-Yong Lee (68').
Uruguay overcame a fighting South Korea 2-1 at the Port Elizabeth Stadium to qualify for their first quarterfinals since the 1970 World Cup.
South Korea had the first chance of the day through a Chu-Young Park free kick in the 5th minute, but it hit the post before Uruguay took the lead in the 8th minute through a Luis Suarez goal. Diego Forlan on the left played the ball across the face of the goal with no defender or keeper Sung-Ryong Jung able to intercept with Suarez there to push the ball in from the far post. But South Korea couldn't play their usual running game, often static in their play not able to break down the Uruguay defence which so far hadn't conceded any goals in the tournament.
After the break things changed. Uruguay did have the first chance through Suarez in the 50th minute, but thereafter in the rain South Korea took control of the match in their quest for the equaliser. Referee Wolfgang Stark denied South Korea a penalty in the 64th minute when Sung-Yong Ki was brought down in the box. But only four minutes later the Asians would equalise. And it came off another dead ball situation. A Chu-Young Park free kick was not cleared properly by Mauricio Victorino with Chung-Yong Lee heading in past Fernando Muslera. South Korea looked on fire thereafter and could have taken the lead, but Uruguay came out of its passive phase and took part again in the game with chances for Suarez and Forlan. After a corner in the 80th minute the ball travelled to Suarez on the other side, who moved inwards and curled a beauty into the goal. But the match wasn't over yet with South Korea getting a last chance in the 87th minute through Dong-Gook Lee, he beat keeper Muslera but captain Diego Lugano cleared for the Celeste.
USA 1-2 (1-2) [1-1 (0-1)] Ghana [in extra time]
Goals: 0-1 Kevin Prince Boateng (5'), 1-1 Landon Donovan (62', penalty), 1-2 Asamoah Gyan (93').
Ghana remain the only African side in the tournament with an extra time 2-1 with against the USA at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
Ghana had the perfect start as they went ahead in the 5th minute. The US' Ricardo Clark lost the ball in midfield which was picked by Kevin Prince Boateng and the Ghanian midfielder went all the way with the ball before blasting it into the US net past keeper Tim Howard, who hadn't had the short corner covered. Ghana had more of the ball thereafter as the USA looked clueless on what to do to get the equaliser, but the Africans didn't push hard enough for a second goal though having chances through Boateng and Asamoah Gyan. The USA had their best chance of the half through Robbie Findley, but his shot couldn't beat Richard Kingson in the Ghana goal.
After the break the USA came to the party and started to play football looking for the equaliser while Ghana fell back under their pressure. And then the USA were awarded a penalty when Clint Dempsey was brought down by Jonathan Mensah. Landon Donovan scored of the resultant penalty in the 62nd minute to give the USA a deserving draw. And thereafter the Americans looked to be heading for a win, but the necessary goal didn't come their way. First Michael Bradley, then Jose Altidore missed good chances. It ended one-all and for the first time extra time was needed in this tournament to find a winner.
And at the start of extra time Ghana once more took an early lead. In the 93rd minute Asamoah Gyan was able to beat of the challenge from Carlos Bocanegra and Jay de Mit and shot the ball into the net over the head of Tim Howard. Once more the USA had to get an equaliser to take this game into penalties, but it wasn't to be as they looked tired towards the end and Ghana was able to defend their goal.
Rabu, 23 Juni 2010
Group D: Germany & Ghana progress, Aussies stun Serbia
Group D awaited an interesting evening with all sides with chances to qualify for the Round of 16.
(matches to kick off simultaneously)
Ghana 0-1 (0-0) Germany
Goals: 0-1 Mesut Özil (60').
Germany defeated Ghana 1-0 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg to finish their Group D engagements top of the group, while Ghana also join them in the pre-quarterfinals.
As tight and tactical match was expected and it came that way as both sides knew that a lot was at stake tonight. Germany looked the more organised of the two sides, but Ghana standing deep and their first line of defence attacking the Germans, forced the Europeans to often play the ball around at the back rather then going for the move forward. Germany's best chance of the half came in the 25th minute when Mesut Özil was found free, but he couldn't place the ball past keeper Richard Kingson. Only a minute Ghana had their best chance of the half as following a corner Asamoah Gyan's corner was cleared of the line by captain Philipp Lahm.
After the break Germany continued to control the game, but long pass sessions didn't get the desired results as often the last pass was missing or they were intercepted by Ghana. Ghana now often relied on the long ball and one such ball reached Asamoah Gyan, but his shot was blocked by Manuel Neuer in the German goal in the 51st minute. Then came the 60th minute as Thomas Mueller played the ball to Özil who from 20 metres out shot the ball with his left foot into the goal past the outstretched hands of Kingson. After the lead Germany got more surety into their game, while Ghana had to risk more to ensure that they reach the pre-quarterfinals. Germany were now out to seal the game on counter attacks, but they somehow couldn't finish of their attacks, while Ghana just didn't bother the German goal too much as a defender or midfielder was always there to stop their attacks. In the end Germany won 1-0 still both sides made it to the Round of 16.
Australia 2-1 (0-0) Serbia
Goals: 1-0 Tim Cahill (69'), 2-0 Brett Holman (73'), 2-1 Marko Pantelic (84').
Australia overcame Serbia 2-1 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nespruit, but it wasn't enough to qualify for the knockout stages, while Serbia finished bottom of the group. It was a match of two halves with Serbia having more of the game in the first session, while Australia were the better side after the breather.
Serbia had their first chances through Milos Krasic and Zdravko Kuzmanovic with Australian goalkeeper Marc Schwarzer keeping his side in the game. After the break Australia were part of the game, but Serbia could have once more gone ahead through Nikola Zigic in the 53rd minute. Thereafter the Aussies had their chances and then in the 69th minute Tim Cahill headed in a Luke Wilkshire cross to give them the lead. Only four minutes later Brett Holman shocked Serbia with a long-range effort to give the Aussies a 2-0 lead. Serbia hit back when a Zoran Tosic shot couldn't be collected by Mark Schwarzer and Marko Pantelic was there in the 84th minute to reduce the margin. Serbia tried everything to get the equaliser which would have meant moving on, but Australia held on to their 2-1 lead.
(matches to kick off simultaneously)
Ghana 0-1 (0-0) Germany
Goals: 0-1 Mesut Özil (60').
Germany defeated Ghana 1-0 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg to finish their Group D engagements top of the group, while Ghana also join them in the pre-quarterfinals.
As tight and tactical match was expected and it came that way as both sides knew that a lot was at stake tonight. Germany looked the more organised of the two sides, but Ghana standing deep and their first line of defence attacking the Germans, forced the Europeans to often play the ball around at the back rather then going for the move forward. Germany's best chance of the half came in the 25th minute when Mesut Özil was found free, but he couldn't place the ball past keeper Richard Kingson. Only a minute Ghana had their best chance of the half as following a corner Asamoah Gyan's corner was cleared of the line by captain Philipp Lahm.
After the break Germany continued to control the game, but long pass sessions didn't get the desired results as often the last pass was missing or they were intercepted by Ghana. Ghana now often relied on the long ball and one such ball reached Asamoah Gyan, but his shot was blocked by Manuel Neuer in the German goal in the 51st minute. Then came the 60th minute as Thomas Mueller played the ball to Özil who from 20 metres out shot the ball with his left foot into the goal past the outstretched hands of Kingson. After the lead Germany got more surety into their game, while Ghana had to risk more to ensure that they reach the pre-quarterfinals. Germany were now out to seal the game on counter attacks, but they somehow couldn't finish of their attacks, while Ghana just didn't bother the German goal too much as a defender or midfielder was always there to stop their attacks. In the end Germany won 1-0 still both sides made it to the Round of 16.
Australia 2-1 (0-0) Serbia
Goals: 1-0 Tim Cahill (69'), 2-0 Brett Holman (73'), 2-1 Marko Pantelic (84').
Australia overcame Serbia 2-1 at the Mbombela Stadium in Nespruit, but it wasn't enough to qualify for the knockout stages, while Serbia finished bottom of the group. It was a match of two halves with Serbia having more of the game in the first session, while Australia were the better side after the breather.
Serbia had their first chances through Milos Krasic and Zdravko Kuzmanovic with Australian goalkeeper Marc Schwarzer keeping his side in the game. After the break Australia were part of the game, but Serbia could have once more gone ahead through Nikola Zigic in the 53rd minute. Thereafter the Aussies had their chances and then in the 69th minute Tim Cahill headed in a Luke Wilkshire cross to give them the lead. Only four minutes later Brett Holman shocked Serbia with a long-range effort to give the Aussies a 2-0 lead. Serbia hit back when a Zoran Tosic shot couldn't be collected by Mark Schwarzer and Marko Pantelic was there in the 84th minute to reduce the margin. Serbia tried everything to get the equaliser which would have meant moving on, but Australia held on to their 2-1 lead.
Sabtu, 19 Juni 2010
World Cup 2010: Goalkeeping blunders
One of the things that the 2010 FIFA World Cup will sadly be remembered for will be the goalkeeping blunders and mistakes across the board. Some keepers have not made it to the list but remain potential candidates as the tournament progresses and some are a threat to their own teams. One never knows.
Here a list of the blunders so far
Robert Green (England) - The keeper from West Ham United committed the biggest blunder of the tournament so far. The tragedy was that Green tried to collect the ball from a weak long range effort from Clint Dempsey of the USA, but he allowed the ball to cross the line. And then Green was further humiliated by his coach Fabio Capello as he changed his keeper bringing back David James for the second game against Algeria.
Fawzi Chaouchi (Algeria) - The Algerian keeper Fawzi Chaouchi, who plays at home for ES Setif, allowed a weak shot from Slovenian captain Robert Koren to drop infront of him and then the ball move past him into the goal which sealed Slovenia's win. Chaouchi was dropped by his coach for Rais M'Bohli, who had a great game against England.
Justo Villar (Paraguay) - Justo Villar, who plays for Spanish second Division outfit Real Valladolid, had a good game against Italy, but one mistake would gift the defending champions a goal for a draw. After a corner Villar ran through under Pepe's corner with Daniele de Rossi putting the ball in from close range.
Myong-Guk Ri (North Korea) - The keeper from North Korea made a solid performance against Brazil, but was once caught off guard. In the 52nd minute Maicon overlapped and took an attempt which went into the goal between the keeper and post as the keeper had moved into a more central position expecting a cross. A small, but decisive mistake.
Alexandros Tsorvas (Greece) - The Panathinaikos Athens keeper misjudged a free kick from Nigerian midfielder Kalu Uche expecting one of the players inside the box to make contact and saw the ball fly past him into his own goal.
Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) - Enyeama had a solid performance against Argentina and Greece, but one mistake allowed Greece to win the game. The keeper who plays for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel could only block a Alexandros Tziolis shot and Vassilis Torosidis is there to score of the rebound. After the game Enyeama was seen crying, not willing to accept his own mistake with team mates trying to console him.
Eiji Kawashima (Japan) - The Kawasaki Frontale keeper gifted the Netherlands their win against the Samurai Warriors. In the 53rd minute of the match Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder took a shot goalwards and Kawashima is flying to parry the shot, but he deflects the ball into his own net. The goalkeepers action looks weird and it seems like the ball swerves in such a way that it surprises the Japanese keeper.
Richard Kingston (Ghana) - The Ghanian keeper who was this season keeper number three or four at Wigan Athletic in the English Premier League was not able to hold on to a free kick of Australian midfielder Marco Bresciano allowing the ball to fall for Brett Holman and he hits it past the keeper. Thereafter Kingston would make an exceptional save to deny Australia victory.
Here a list of the blunders so far
Robert Green (England) - The keeper from West Ham United committed the biggest blunder of the tournament so far. The tragedy was that Green tried to collect the ball from a weak long range effort from Clint Dempsey of the USA, but he allowed the ball to cross the line. And then Green was further humiliated by his coach Fabio Capello as he changed his keeper bringing back David James for the second game against Algeria.
Fawzi Chaouchi (Algeria) - The Algerian keeper Fawzi Chaouchi, who plays at home for ES Setif, allowed a weak shot from Slovenian captain Robert Koren to drop infront of him and then the ball move past him into the goal which sealed Slovenia's win. Chaouchi was dropped by his coach for Rais M'Bohli, who had a great game against England.
Justo Villar (Paraguay) - Justo Villar, who plays for Spanish second Division outfit Real Valladolid, had a good game against Italy, but one mistake would gift the defending champions a goal for a draw. After a corner Villar ran through under Pepe's corner with Daniele de Rossi putting the ball in from close range.
Myong-Guk Ri (North Korea) - The keeper from North Korea made a solid performance against Brazil, but was once caught off guard. In the 52nd minute Maicon overlapped and took an attempt which went into the goal between the keeper and post as the keeper had moved into a more central position expecting a cross. A small, but decisive mistake.
Alexandros Tsorvas (Greece) - The Panathinaikos Athens keeper misjudged a free kick from Nigerian midfielder Kalu Uche expecting one of the players inside the box to make contact and saw the ball fly past him into his own goal.
Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) - Enyeama had a solid performance against Argentina and Greece, but one mistake allowed Greece to win the game. The keeper who plays for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel could only block a Alexandros Tziolis shot and Vassilis Torosidis is there to score of the rebound. After the game Enyeama was seen crying, not willing to accept his own mistake with team mates trying to console him.
Eiji Kawashima (Japan) - The Kawasaki Frontale keeper gifted the Netherlands their win against the Samurai Warriors. In the 53rd minute of the match Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder took a shot goalwards and Kawashima is flying to parry the shot, but he deflects the ball into his own net. The goalkeepers action looks weird and it seems like the ball swerves in such a way that it surprises the Japanese keeper.
Richard Kingston (Ghana) - The Ghanian keeper who was this season keeper number three or four at Wigan Athletic in the English Premier League was not able to hold on to a free kick of Australian midfielder Marco Bresciano allowing the ball to fall for Brett Holman and he hits it past the keeper. Thereafter Kingston would make an exceptional save to deny Australia victory.
Jumat, 18 Juni 2010
Group D: Serbia shock Germany, Aussies hold Ghana
Group D enters an interesting stage
(to be updated after the second game)
Germany 0-1 (0-1) Serbia
Goals: 0-1 Milan Jovanovic (38').
Serbia shocked Germany with a 1-0 win at the Port Elizabeth Stadium to bring the Germans back crashing down to earth. Germany played for over 50 minutes with ten men as striker Miroslav Klose given marching orders early and just thereafter Jovanovic scored the winner for the Serbs.
The Germans had expected that this match would be much tougher then their opening game against Australia. And it came that way as the Serbs tried to block all German efforts to move forward blocking all potential open space. But Germany had their first chance through Lukas Podolski whose shot went wide today unlike in the opening game where he had scored from a similar chance, while the Serbs had their first chance through a Ninkovic volley in the 11th minute. Thereafter it was mainly midfield action, a number of yellow cards on both sides and it looked evident that this match couldn't finish with 22 players at the rate the referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco was pulling out cards. After the half hour mark the match gained some pace, but Germany would be down to ten men when Klose received his second yellow card for a foul from behind in the middle, a card which would need not be shown. And a disaster often doesn't come alone, only a minute later Milan Jovanovic would scored the winner off a Zigic header. But Germany wasn't beaten yet as in the first half injury time a Sami Khedira shot would hit the crossbar.
After the break the match would mainly be played in the Serbian half who pulled back a little allowing Germany more space to build-up and they were able to use this space. First Bastian Schweinsteiger and then Podolksi twice failed in a short span of time. Then Serbia star Nemanja Vidic would handle the ball in the area, penalty for Germany but Podolski's rather weak shot would be saved by the Serbian keeper Vladimir Stojkovic. It just wasn't Germany's day as they thereafter looked shocked as Serbia got back into the match as Jovanovic hit the post in the 67th minute and Zigic's header landed on the crossbar a little while later. Germany brought on Cacau, Marko Marin and Mario Gomez; but it wouldn't help as once more the luckless Podolski would have the last chance for Germany. Serbia looked tired towards the end, but they didn't give the Germans the necessary space.
Ghana 1-1 (1-1) Australia
Goals: 0-1 Brett Holman (11'), 1-1 Asamoah Gyan (25', penalty).
Ghana and Australia played out an entertaining one-all draw at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg which leaves Group D wide open.
Australia took a surprise lead in the 11th minute. Ghana keeper Richard Kingston couldn't push the ball away properly from a Marco Bresciano free kick and Brett Holman is there to put the ball in. Australia after taking the lead pull back and that would haunt them. In the 25th minute Andrè Ayew gets past two defenders on the right plays the ball back, where Jonathan Mensah fires the ball goalwards. The ball is cleared off the line by Harry Kewell by his chest and arm. Italian referee Roberto Rosetti points to the dreaded spot and shows Kewell the red card, another debatable decision. Like against Serbia Asamoah Gyan took the penalty and blasted another one into the Aussie goal. Thereafter Ghana was in control as the Aussies looked shocked, while the Africans pressure on them but couldn't use their advantage.
The match continued after the break in the same way with Ghana in control, but keeper Mark Schwarzer denied Ghana on a couple of occasions. Australia then brought on Scott Chipperfield and Joshua Kennedy in the middle of the second session and suddenly the complexion of the game changed with suddenly Australia the team pushing for the lead. And Ghana looked impressed by the 10 Australians, who had their best chance through Luke Wilshire in the 72nd minute who has only keeper Richard Kingston to beat, but the Ghanian keeper deflects the ball away. Towards end both sides looked tired and didn't really have chances to win the match.
(to be updated after the second game)
Germany 0-1 (0-1) Serbia
Goals: 0-1 Milan Jovanovic (38').
Serbia shocked Germany with a 1-0 win at the Port Elizabeth Stadium to bring the Germans back crashing down to earth. Germany played for over 50 minutes with ten men as striker Miroslav Klose given marching orders early and just thereafter Jovanovic scored the winner for the Serbs.
The Germans had expected that this match would be much tougher then their opening game against Australia. And it came that way as the Serbs tried to block all German efforts to move forward blocking all potential open space. But Germany had their first chance through Lukas Podolski whose shot went wide today unlike in the opening game where he had scored from a similar chance, while the Serbs had their first chance through a Ninkovic volley in the 11th minute. Thereafter it was mainly midfield action, a number of yellow cards on both sides and it looked evident that this match couldn't finish with 22 players at the rate the referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco was pulling out cards. After the half hour mark the match gained some pace, but Germany would be down to ten men when Klose received his second yellow card for a foul from behind in the middle, a card which would need not be shown. And a disaster often doesn't come alone, only a minute later Milan Jovanovic would scored the winner off a Zigic header. But Germany wasn't beaten yet as in the first half injury time a Sami Khedira shot would hit the crossbar.
After the break the match would mainly be played in the Serbian half who pulled back a little allowing Germany more space to build-up and they were able to use this space. First Bastian Schweinsteiger and then Podolksi twice failed in a short span of time. Then Serbia star Nemanja Vidic would handle the ball in the area, penalty for Germany but Podolski's rather weak shot would be saved by the Serbian keeper Vladimir Stojkovic. It just wasn't Germany's day as they thereafter looked shocked as Serbia got back into the match as Jovanovic hit the post in the 67th minute and Zigic's header landed on the crossbar a little while later. Germany brought on Cacau, Marko Marin and Mario Gomez; but it wouldn't help as once more the luckless Podolski would have the last chance for Germany. Serbia looked tired towards the end, but they didn't give the Germans the necessary space.
Ghana 1-1 (1-1) Australia
Goals: 0-1 Brett Holman (11'), 1-1 Asamoah Gyan (25', penalty).
Ghana and Australia played out an entertaining one-all draw at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg which leaves Group D wide open.
Australia took a surprise lead in the 11th minute. Ghana keeper Richard Kingston couldn't push the ball away properly from a Marco Bresciano free kick and Brett Holman is there to put the ball in. Australia after taking the lead pull back and that would haunt them. In the 25th minute Andrè Ayew gets past two defenders on the right plays the ball back, where Jonathan Mensah fires the ball goalwards. The ball is cleared off the line by Harry Kewell by his chest and arm. Italian referee Roberto Rosetti points to the dreaded spot and shows Kewell the red card, another debatable decision. Like against Serbia Asamoah Gyan took the penalty and blasted another one into the Aussie goal. Thereafter Ghana was in control as the Aussies looked shocked, while the Africans pressure on them but couldn't use their advantage.
The match continued after the break in the same way with Ghana in control, but keeper Mark Schwarzer denied Ghana on a couple of occasions. Australia then brought on Scott Chipperfield and Joshua Kennedy in the middle of the second session and suddenly the complexion of the game changed with suddenly Australia the team pushing for the lead. And Ghana looked impressed by the 10 Australians, who had their best chance through Luke Wilshire in the 72nd minute who has only keeper Richard Kingston to beat, but the Ghanian keeper deflects the ball away. Towards end both sides looked tired and didn't really have chances to win the match.
Selasa, 15 Juni 2010
2010 World Cup: Africa disappoints
The first ever FIFA World Cup on the African continent is currently on in South Africa. But the local sides haven't been able to really convince us that African football has come of age in their first round of matches. Only Ghana was able to win their match, hosts South Africa and Ivory Coast earned draws, while the others in Nigeria, Algeria and Cameroon lost.
Two decades ago Cameroon had made it to the quarterfinals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy and many had thereafter said that African football has arrived on the world stage. It was expected that an African side would make it to the finals of a football World Cup in the coming editions, but since 1990 African sides have shown a lot of potential but not the desired results. And at the end of the day only results count.
Nowadays African players are playing for the best sides across Europe, are key players in their respective clubs but when these players return to their national sides they don't seem to be able to deliver the goods. Are the real leaders on the field missing? Or is it a problem that the whole team isn't of a high standard?
Many hoped that on home soil the African sides could utilise the advantage in their favour, but they haven't been able to turn around the world order of football, maybe not just yet. Lets hope they can turn this around in the coming matches. But what was evident is that these teams lack quality strikers or even top strikers sadly become ordinary like a Samuel Eto'o for Cameroon.
The hosts South Africa have actually been one of the better performers from Africa, while Ghana like in the last World Cup are the only African side which looked like they could get far in the tournament. Their 1-0 win against Serbia came off a penalty, but it as a good game.
Cameroon have been the biggest disappointment, but there seems to be something wrong in their team otherwise such a performance against Japan is unexplainable. They have quality players and talented youngsters, but they showed nothing of that against Japan.
Nigeria faced a strong Argentina, but didn't know how to score otherwise it could have been a more interesting encounter, while Algeria looked overawed by the occasion. In the end they lost due to a goalkeeping blunder but goals of their own looked rather unlikely against Slovenia.
Ivory Coast played better then Portugal, but as a potential candidate for a place in the last eight more should be expected from them. But once Didier Drobga is back in form and his broken elbow no longer a topic, then the Ivorians could be a dangerous outfit as they then have a striker who can deliver the goods. They lacked that against Portugal, still this time around their defence is much stronger then it was four years ago in Germany.
Two decades ago Cameroon had made it to the quarterfinals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy and many had thereafter said that African football has arrived on the world stage. It was expected that an African side would make it to the finals of a football World Cup in the coming editions, but since 1990 African sides have shown a lot of potential but not the desired results. And at the end of the day only results count.
Nowadays African players are playing for the best sides across Europe, are key players in their respective clubs but when these players return to their national sides they don't seem to be able to deliver the goods. Are the real leaders on the field missing? Or is it a problem that the whole team isn't of a high standard?
Many hoped that on home soil the African sides could utilise the advantage in their favour, but they haven't been able to turn around the world order of football, maybe not just yet. Lets hope they can turn this around in the coming matches. But what was evident is that these teams lack quality strikers or even top strikers sadly become ordinary like a Samuel Eto'o for Cameroon.
The hosts South Africa have actually been one of the better performers from Africa, while Ghana like in the last World Cup are the only African side which looked like they could get far in the tournament. Their 1-0 win against Serbia came off a penalty, but it as a good game.
Cameroon have been the biggest disappointment, but there seems to be something wrong in their team otherwise such a performance against Japan is unexplainable. They have quality players and talented youngsters, but they showed nothing of that against Japan.
Nigeria faced a strong Argentina, but didn't know how to score otherwise it could have been a more interesting encounter, while Algeria looked overawed by the occasion. In the end they lost due to a goalkeeping blunder but goals of their own looked rather unlikely against Slovenia.
Ivory Coast played better then Portugal, but as a potential candidate for a place in the last eight more should be expected from them. But once Didier Drobga is back in form and his broken elbow no longer a topic, then the Ivorians could be a dangerous outfit as they then have a striker who can deliver the goods. They lacked that against Portugal, still this time around their defence is much stronger then it was four years ago in Germany.
Minggu, 13 Juni 2010
Group D: Ghana win, Germany trash Aussies
The Group D entered the 2010 FIFA World Cup today with Ghana and Germany winning their opening matches in contrasting styles.
(to be updated after the second game)
Serbia 0-1 (0-0) Ghana
Goals: 0-1 Asamoah Gyan (84', penalty)
Ghana scored an important 1-0 win against Serbia in their quest for a pre-quarterfinal spot from Group D, while the men from the Balkans were nowhere near to their capabilities.
There is nothing much to write about the first 45 minutes as both teams looked tense and nervous going into this World Cup, but things changed after the breather as Ghana got into the game which also gave the Serbs space to create some build-ups. Ghana out have gone ahead in the 60th minute when Asamoah Gyan placed a long throw-in from John Paintsil just wide of the goal. Serbia were reduced to ten men when Aleksandar Lukovic was send off by the referee Hector Walter Baldassi for a second bookable offence in the 74th minute. This gave Ghana more space in attack and then Zdravko Kuzmanovic handled the ball in the area which Asamoah Gyan slotted home easily. Serbia tried their best to equalise, but Ghana had the better chances to go ahead 2-0, but still the match ended 1-0 for Ghana.
Germany 4-0 (2-0) Australia
Goals: 1-0 Lukas Podolski (8'), 2-0 Miroslav Klose (27'), 3-0 Thomas Mueller (68'), 4-0 Cacau (70').
Germany opened their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a 4-0 trashing of helpless Australia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. After tonight's performance Germany will surely be named amongst the top favourites especially keeping their track record in mind.
But the Aussies had the first chance of the match through Richard Garcia's shot, which was jointly blocked by Manuel Neuer and captain Philipp Lahm in the 3rd minute, but thereafter it was mainly one way traffic towards Mark Schwarzer. Miroslav Klose could have given Germany the lead in the 7th minute, but his shot went wide. Only a minute later Lukas Podolski gave his team the lead through a typical left-footed shot which Schwarzer got his hands to but couldn't keep out of the goal. Klose had another chance before he finally scored in the 27th minute through a trademark header of a Philipp Lahm cross. It was Klose's 11th goal in a World Cup match. It stayed this way until the break.
One expected Australia to come and try something to get back into the match, but it just didn't happen. Germany were fine with the result and reduced their work rate. And they were further helped when Tim Cahill saw a straight red card for a foul on Bastian Schweinsteiger in the 56th minute. Germany got their third through youngster Thomas Mueller in the 68th minute of a lovely goal off a Podolski pass, while substitute Cacau scored only two minutes later of a Mesut Oezil pass. Germany could have added a goal more, but overall it was a perfect evening for team and fans.
Expectations have now risen and the young team will have to deliver. Maybe once more they will ride on the wave which took them to the 2006 FIFA World Cup third place and the second place at Euro2008.
(to be updated after the second game)
Serbia 0-1 (0-0) Ghana
Goals: 0-1 Asamoah Gyan (84', penalty)
Ghana scored an important 1-0 win against Serbia in their quest for a pre-quarterfinal spot from Group D, while the men from the Balkans were nowhere near to their capabilities.
There is nothing much to write about the first 45 minutes as both teams looked tense and nervous going into this World Cup, but things changed after the breather as Ghana got into the game which also gave the Serbs space to create some build-ups. Ghana out have gone ahead in the 60th minute when Asamoah Gyan placed a long throw-in from John Paintsil just wide of the goal. Serbia were reduced to ten men when Aleksandar Lukovic was send off by the referee Hector Walter Baldassi for a second bookable offence in the 74th minute. This gave Ghana more space in attack and then Zdravko Kuzmanovic handled the ball in the area which Asamoah Gyan slotted home easily. Serbia tried their best to equalise, but Ghana had the better chances to go ahead 2-0, but still the match ended 1-0 for Ghana.
Germany 4-0 (2-0) Australia
Goals: 1-0 Lukas Podolski (8'), 2-0 Miroslav Klose (27'), 3-0 Thomas Mueller (68'), 4-0 Cacau (70').
Germany opened their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign in style with a 4-0 trashing of helpless Australia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. After tonight's performance Germany will surely be named amongst the top favourites especially keeping their track record in mind.
But the Aussies had the first chance of the match through Richard Garcia's shot, which was jointly blocked by Manuel Neuer and captain Philipp Lahm in the 3rd minute, but thereafter it was mainly one way traffic towards Mark Schwarzer. Miroslav Klose could have given Germany the lead in the 7th minute, but his shot went wide. Only a minute later Lukas Podolski gave his team the lead through a typical left-footed shot which Schwarzer got his hands to but couldn't keep out of the goal. Klose had another chance before he finally scored in the 27th minute through a trademark header of a Philipp Lahm cross. It was Klose's 11th goal in a World Cup match. It stayed this way until the break.
One expected Australia to come and try something to get back into the match, but it just didn't happen. Germany were fine with the result and reduced their work rate. And they were further helped when Tim Cahill saw a straight red card for a foul on Bastian Schweinsteiger in the 56th minute. Germany got their third through youngster Thomas Mueller in the 68th minute of a lovely goal off a Podolski pass, while substitute Cacau scored only two minutes later of a Mesut Oezil pass. Germany could have added a goal more, but overall it was a perfect evening for team and fans.
Expectations have now risen and the young team will have to deliver. Maybe once more they will ride on the wave which took them to the 2006 FIFA World Cup third place and the second place at Euro2008.
Selasa, 01 Juni 2010
World Cup - Players to be missed
The 2010 FIFA World Cup is just a few days away and we will be missing a number of the worlds leading footballers due to different reasons. Some are injured, while others were simply not selected by their national coaches.
Every participating nation has their own baggage to carry when it comes to players missing or having been left out. Some will be missed more, while others less but for all these players the dream of playing a World Cup has been dashed, be it their first or maybe their last.
I have put together my personal Top Five who I would be missing from the upcoming World Cup. And the reasons are as different as they can get.
1. David Beckham (England)
This would have been David Beckham's final World Cup and the poster boy of world football will be missed on a number of fronts. Maybe more as a media and marketing star, then in the English midfield as his best playing days are behind him, but Beckham is a phenomenon which is difficult to explain. You either like him or hate him. Over the years I have been amongst those who liked Beckham with all his limitations as a footballer, but the machinery behind him has taken personal marketing of a sporting superstar to a whole new level.
I remember seeing Beckham going down while playing for AC Milan in March 2010 realising his World Cup dream being over. A torn Achilles tendon ended all hopes.
2. Michael Ballack (Germany)
Germany will surely miss their captain and midfield engine Ballack. Like Beckham it was set to be Ballack's last World Cup and also his likely last chance of winning a major international title with Germany though Ballack has since said he will play on until Euro2012 as he would like to end his international career on a high.
Ballack is one of the most successful midfielders of our times, but he has failed to win continental and global titles with his club sides and Germany. He is seen as the personified runners-up. Be it with Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Chelsea FC he finished runners-up in the UEFA Champions League plus finished second at Euro2008 with Germany.
Ballack was unlucky that Kevin Prince Boateng went into him the way he did in the English FA Cup final on May 15. Initially it was thought that he had overstretched his ligaments, but in the end it was a tear, which meant an eight week break.
3. Ronaldinho (Brazil)
A few years ago Ronaldinho was one of the best players in the world. But then came Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, suddenly people weren't interested that much in Ronaldinho and the player had problems at FC Barcelona which forced him to move on to AC Milan. And it seemed Ronaldinho's best days were behind him, but the Brazilian had a strong season for Milan which started discussions back home about a possible return, but coach Carlos Dunga never ever thought about bringing Ronaldinho back nor other former stars like Ronaldo and Adriano.
Dunga has his clear cut views about his team and its composition, and players like Ronaldinho don't find a place in it. It also shows the unbelievable talent pool the Brazilians have if they can leave such players out with other options.
4. Michael Essien (Ghana)
Ghana will miss the services of their influential midfielder Michael Essien, who would have led the Black Stars from the front like in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. But for Essien 2010 hasn't been the best of years as he injured himself in the 2010 African Cup of Nations and couldn't play for his club Chelsea FC thereafter. And now he will be forced to miss the first FIFA World Cup on African soil. A loss surely to Ghana, but also us football fans as Ghana without an inform Essien is surely not as strong and competitive.
5. France
With the French team I couldn't decide on whom to name amongst the players coach Raymond Domenech has left out. The L'Equipe Tricolore under Domenech is a surprise package as you never know what will come out then on a good day they can beat anyone, on a bad day they can lose against anyone.
Likewise the logic behind Domenech's selection is often not understood. Players like Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, Marseille striker Hatem Ben Arfa and former captain Patrick Viera have not made the squad. One will have to see if Domenech can achieve something with his team in his last tournament in charge. If not then the players selection could come back to haunt him.
But these aren't the only players missing out on the World Cup. Argentina coach Diego Armando Maradona didn't pick Champions League winners Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti besides others, while Luca Toni and Francesco Totti will not defend the title for Italy, and Orange coach Bert van Marwijk didn't pick Ruud van Nistelrooy.
And then there are the star players of nations which didn't qualify for the World Cup. Amongst them Peter Cech (Czech Republic), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria) and Andrei Arshavin (Russia).
Do you agree with me? Or do you think other players will be missed more in South Africa.
Every participating nation has their own baggage to carry when it comes to players missing or having been left out. Some will be missed more, while others less but for all these players the dream of playing a World Cup has been dashed, be it their first or maybe their last.
I have put together my personal Top Five who I would be missing from the upcoming World Cup. And the reasons are as different as they can get.
1. David Beckham (England)
This would have been David Beckham's final World Cup and the poster boy of world football will be missed on a number of fronts. Maybe more as a media and marketing star, then in the English midfield as his best playing days are behind him, but Beckham is a phenomenon which is difficult to explain. You either like him or hate him. Over the years I have been amongst those who liked Beckham with all his limitations as a footballer, but the machinery behind him has taken personal marketing of a sporting superstar to a whole new level.
I remember seeing Beckham going down while playing for AC Milan in March 2010 realising his World Cup dream being over. A torn Achilles tendon ended all hopes.
2. Michael Ballack (Germany)
Germany will surely miss their captain and midfield engine Ballack. Like Beckham it was set to be Ballack's last World Cup and also his likely last chance of winning a major international title with Germany though Ballack has since said he will play on until Euro2012 as he would like to end his international career on a high.
Ballack is one of the most successful midfielders of our times, but he has failed to win continental and global titles with his club sides and Germany. He is seen as the personified runners-up. Be it with Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Chelsea FC he finished runners-up in the UEFA Champions League plus finished second at Euro2008 with Germany.
Ballack was unlucky that Kevin Prince Boateng went into him the way he did in the English FA Cup final on May 15. Initially it was thought that he had overstretched his ligaments, but in the end it was a tear, which meant an eight week break.
3. Ronaldinho (Brazil)
A few years ago Ronaldinho was one of the best players in the world. But then came Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, suddenly people weren't interested that much in Ronaldinho and the player had problems at FC Barcelona which forced him to move on to AC Milan. And it seemed Ronaldinho's best days were behind him, but the Brazilian had a strong season for Milan which started discussions back home about a possible return, but coach Carlos Dunga never ever thought about bringing Ronaldinho back nor other former stars like Ronaldo and Adriano.
Dunga has his clear cut views about his team and its composition, and players like Ronaldinho don't find a place in it. It also shows the unbelievable talent pool the Brazilians have if they can leave such players out with other options.
4. Michael Essien (Ghana)
Ghana will miss the services of their influential midfielder Michael Essien, who would have led the Black Stars from the front like in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. But for Essien 2010 hasn't been the best of years as he injured himself in the 2010 African Cup of Nations and couldn't play for his club Chelsea FC thereafter. And now he will be forced to miss the first FIFA World Cup on African soil. A loss surely to Ghana, but also us football fans as Ghana without an inform Essien is surely not as strong and competitive.
5. France
With the French team I couldn't decide on whom to name amongst the players coach Raymond Domenech has left out. The L'Equipe Tricolore under Domenech is a surprise package as you never know what will come out then on a good day they can beat anyone, on a bad day they can lose against anyone.
Likewise the logic behind Domenech's selection is often not understood. Players like Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, Marseille striker Hatem Ben Arfa and former captain Patrick Viera have not made the squad. One will have to see if Domenech can achieve something with his team in his last tournament in charge. If not then the players selection could come back to haunt him.
But these aren't the only players missing out on the World Cup. Argentina coach Diego Armando Maradona didn't pick Champions League winners Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Zanetti besides others, while Luca Toni and Francesco Totti will not defend the title for Italy, and Orange coach Bert van Marwijk didn't pick Ruud van Nistelrooy.
And then there are the star players of nations which didn't qualify for the World Cup. Amongst them Peter Cech (Czech Republic), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden), Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria) and Andrei Arshavin (Russia).
Do you agree with me? Or do you think other players will be missed more in South Africa.
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