In the Liga Mexico match between Puebla and Morelia, the defender Huiqui of Morelia headed in a long ball from the opposing goalkeeper over his own keeper. Just unbelievable...
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Mexico. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label Mexico. Tampilkan semua postingan
Sabtu, 09 Februari 2013
Minggu, 05 Agustus 2012
VIDEO: Crazy Acrobatic Wrestling Goal Celebration in Mexico
Creativity in goal celebrations is being shown across the football world. The latest example comes from Mexico in which Monterrey's players show a crazy acrobatic wrestling celebration.
Selasa, 22 Mei 2012
Match Analysis acquires Spinsight
Match Analysis, the leading provider of video and statistical analysis for football (soccer), has announced the acquisition of Edinburgh-based Spinsight Ltd. The acquisition was structured as a transfer of intellectual property and other assets.Following a successful strategic cooperation between the two companies aimed at developing and marketing state-of-the-art portable panoramic video and low cost player tracking, Match Analysis has undertaken this acquisition as part of its strategic expansion into the European market.
The K2 panoramic camera system, developed by Spinsight, is an exclusively integrated component of Match Analysis’s recent Mambo Studio 5 launch which incorporates its widely popular video analysis system with panoramic “corner flag to corner flag” video, precise player tracking, interactive TruView visualizations, touch panel and smart board integration and next generation fitness reporting. The system is currently being used by five Major League Soccer clubs, the US Men’s National Team, and a number of top national rugby unions.
"The acquisition of Spinsight is a very positive development for our clients," said Match Analysis president Mark Brunkhart. "The technology is cutting edge and immediately beneficial to teams, leagues, and the media. By bringing the technology in-house, we can expand upon the integration we've done over the past two years. We've demonstrated Mambo 5 in combination with the K2 to some of the best coaches in the world, and the response has been universally and instantly positive. We've had a number of leagues express immediate interest in implementing the solution league wide to improve referee performance, player development, discipline, and pitch security. The combination of our technology with the K2 is a perfect fit for our clients and will fill a largely unmet need throughout the world."
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
About Match Analysis
Match Analysis is the market leader in high performance analytical tools for professional football (soccer). Over the past decade, Match Analysis has worked with almost every major club in North America, as well as 50 professional clubs around the globe. The business has also delivered to broadcasters and media outlets including the New York Times as the official partner for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In 2011, Match Analysis clients included all 18 Premier Division clubs in Mexico, eleven MLS clubs, the United States, Mexican, and Canadian National teams, and a wide array of college and amateur sides. Match Analysis offers a comprehensive suite of tools and services including video indexing and archiving, statistical analysis, live data collection, player tracking, and fitness and performance analysis.
More information at www.matchanalysis.com .
Kamis, 01 Desember 2011
2012 Homeless World Cup in Mexico
The 10th anniversary of the Homeless World Cup annual tournament will take place at the historic Plaza de la Constitución, Zócalo in Mexico City from 6- 14 October 2012 with a record participation as 72 teams.Nations competing at the 2012 event include reigning champions Scotland, hosts Mexico, 2010 winners Brazil and teams from as far as Australia, Ghana and Japan. They will be joined by a number of debutant teams including new Homeless World Cup partners Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria and Moldova; Vietnam and Pakistan.
The Women's Homeless World Cup held simultaneously with the main competition will feature home favourites Mexico, former champions Brazil and two tournament debutants in the form of Hungary and Nigeria.
Mexico City 2012 Homeless World Cup (56 nations)
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Moldova, Namibia, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scotland, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam, Wales, Zimbabwe
Mexico City 2012 Women's Homeless World Cup (16 nations)
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, England, Hungary, India, Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Paraguay, Scotland, Uganda, USA
Mel Young, President Homeless World Cup, said "We are delighted to build on the momentum of our first decade with a tournament that welcomes the highest number of players in our history. In these critical times, it is more important than ever that we continue to spread awareness to combat the global issue of homelessness."
Kamis, 03 November 2011
Mexican Club replace players names with Twitter handle
A lot of crazy things have happened in the recent past in football in connection with Twitter, but that has mainly been with Twitter being used as a medium.
Now Mexican Primera Division club Club Futbol Jaguares have taken it to the next level of using Twitter on their playing kit by replacing the names of their players with the official Twitter accounts of the players themselves besides also printing the Twitter account of their sponsors below.
In a statement CF Jaguares explained
The club has made news around the world with the move though also being heavily criticized for the same.
But this isn't the first time a football club is using Twitter on the pitch. Earlier this season Spanish side FC Valencia donned the clubs official Twitter account as they hadn't found a sponsor at the time.
It will be interesting to follow how far social media, especially Twitter and Facebook, gets into football...
Now Mexican Primera Division club Club Futbol Jaguares have taken it to the next level of using Twitter on their playing kit by replacing the names of their players with the official Twitter accounts of the players themselves besides also printing the Twitter account of their sponsors below.
In a statement CF Jaguares explained
Conscious of the age we live in, where we can all stay in touch through the Internet no matter how distant, Jaguar launched a campaign and carried out various activities linked to Twitter.
In football as in life, 140 characters are enough to decide which side you're on.
The club has made news around the world with the move though also being heavily criticized for the same.
But this isn't the first time a football club is using Twitter on the pitch. Earlier this season Spanish side FC Valencia donned the clubs official Twitter account as they hadn't found a sponsor at the time.
It will be interesting to follow how far social media, especially Twitter and Facebook, gets into football...
Minggu, 27 Juni 2010
PQF: Germany trash England, to face Argentina
Today some championship contenders have to prove if they are worth winning the title.
(to be updated after the second game)
Germany 4-1 (2-1) England
Goals: 1-0 Miroslav Klose (20'), 2-0 Lukas Podolski (32'), 2-1 Matthew Upson (37'), 3-1,4-1 Thomas Mueller (67',70').
Germany trashed England 4-1 in comprehensive fashion at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. England were in the end humiliated by Germany and could blame the referee for not helping their cause with another blunder. Before the match the English media once more used war rhetoric in a match against Germany and it once again hit them hard as Germany demolished England.
Both sides showed a lot of respect for the other at the start, but Germany looked the better side though their initial trust was not rewarded with the best chance for Mesut Oezil in the 4th minute which was cleared by keeper David James. Germany took the lead in the 20th minute as Manuel Neuer's long goal-kick beat the English defenders John Terry and Matthew Upson with Miroslav Klose there and the striker would beat off Uspon and place the ball past David James for his overall 12th World Cup goal. England looked startled and tried to get back, but this gave the Germans space to combine. Klose would miss in the 31st minute, but only a minute later Lukas Podolski would finish off a great move with Thomas Mueller the provider as he chipped the ball over Glen Johnson and Podolski banged the ball in under David James. Germany then fell back a little and allowed England some space as a Steven Gerrard cross from the right was headed in by Matthew Upson in the 37th minute with the German defence not alert enough. Interesting to note Upson's second goal for England and once more it came against Germany. And only second later Germany were lucky not to concede the equaliser as a Frank Lampard long ranger hit the inside of the crossbar fell into the goal, hit the crossbar before being collected by Manuel Neuer. A clear goal, but referee Jorge Larrionda from Uruguay denied the Three Lions the goal. Germany were lucky to take the lead into the break.
The match continued after the break with England pushing for the equaliser. The best chance fell once more to Lampard whose 35 metre shot hit the crossbar. England where increasing the pressure, but their finishing left a lot to be desired, while Germany were looking to finish off the game on counter attacks. And they would do so in style. From an England free kick in the 67th minute Thomas Mueller would combine with Bastian Schweinsteiger, who would play back to the youngster and Mueller would give Germany their crucial third goal. Three minutes later Germany would seal the match and again it was off a counter attack. This time Oezil would get past Gareth Barry on the sidelines and move goalwards, he would square the ball where Thomas Mueller would score once more. England was defeated and they caused no more major problems for the Germans, who moved into the quarterfinals.
Argentina 3-1 (2-0) Mexico
Goals: 1-0,3-0 Carlos Tevez (26',52'), 2-0 Gonzalo Higuain (52'), 3-1 Javier Hernandez (71').
In a repeat of the 2006 World Cup pre-quarterfinals Argentina again beat Mexico, this time 3-1 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg and again they will face Germany in the quarterfinals.
Mexico started aggressively against Argentina which didn't suit the Albiceleste. And Mexico had the first good chance in the 8th minute through Carlos Salcido which hit the crossbar and only a minute later Andres Guardado's shot just missed the target. Mexico's game was disturbing the game plan of the Argentinians, but that changed in the 26th minute with another refereeing blunder as the Gauchos took the lead. Lionel Messi for once was able to use his pace, found Tevez whose shot was blocked by Oscar Perez in the Mexico goal, but Messi chips the rebound over the keeper to Tevez who pushes in. Mexico protests, but to no avail and their concentration level goes down as Ricardo Osorio in the 33rd minute plays a square pass to Gonzalo Higuain and the Real Madrid striker doubles the lead. Mexico had lost their way and were lucky to get away with a 0-2 deficit. On the way into the break there would be an altercation between the two sides, but no cards were surprisingly flashed by the referee Roberto Rosetti.
The Mexicans hopes of a comeback died in the 52ns minute of a hammer strike by Carlos Tevez which left the keeper Perez with no chance whatsoever. But Mexico wouldn't go home like this as the team showed spirit to try and reduce the deficit and with a little bit more luck on the day could have challenged the Argentinians. Only Javier Hernandez would score for Mexico in the 71st minute as Argentina would move on with a 3-1 victory.
(to be updated after the second game)
Germany 4-1 (2-1) England
Goals: 1-0 Miroslav Klose (20'), 2-0 Lukas Podolski (32'), 2-1 Matthew Upson (37'), 3-1,4-1 Thomas Mueller (67',70').
Germany trashed England 4-1 in comprehensive fashion at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein. England were in the end humiliated by Germany and could blame the referee for not helping their cause with another blunder. Before the match the English media once more used war rhetoric in a match against Germany and it once again hit them hard as Germany demolished England.
Both sides showed a lot of respect for the other at the start, but Germany looked the better side though their initial trust was not rewarded with the best chance for Mesut Oezil in the 4th minute which was cleared by keeper David James. Germany took the lead in the 20th minute as Manuel Neuer's long goal-kick beat the English defenders John Terry and Matthew Upson with Miroslav Klose there and the striker would beat off Uspon and place the ball past David James for his overall 12th World Cup goal. England looked startled and tried to get back, but this gave the Germans space to combine. Klose would miss in the 31st minute, but only a minute later Lukas Podolski would finish off a great move with Thomas Mueller the provider as he chipped the ball over Glen Johnson and Podolski banged the ball in under David James. Germany then fell back a little and allowed England some space as a Steven Gerrard cross from the right was headed in by Matthew Upson in the 37th minute with the German defence not alert enough. Interesting to note Upson's second goal for England and once more it came against Germany. And only second later Germany were lucky not to concede the equaliser as a Frank Lampard long ranger hit the inside of the crossbar fell into the goal, hit the crossbar before being collected by Manuel Neuer. A clear goal, but referee Jorge Larrionda from Uruguay denied the Three Lions the goal. Germany were lucky to take the lead into the break.
The match continued after the break with England pushing for the equaliser. The best chance fell once more to Lampard whose 35 metre shot hit the crossbar. England where increasing the pressure, but their finishing left a lot to be desired, while Germany were looking to finish off the game on counter attacks. And they would do so in style. From an England free kick in the 67th minute Thomas Mueller would combine with Bastian Schweinsteiger, who would play back to the youngster and Mueller would give Germany their crucial third goal. Three minutes later Germany would seal the match and again it was off a counter attack. This time Oezil would get past Gareth Barry on the sidelines and move goalwards, he would square the ball where Thomas Mueller would score once more. England was defeated and they caused no more major problems for the Germans, who moved into the quarterfinals.
Argentina 3-1 (2-0) Mexico
Goals: 1-0,3-0 Carlos Tevez (26',52'), 2-0 Gonzalo Higuain (52'), 3-1 Javier Hernandez (71').
In a repeat of the 2006 World Cup pre-quarterfinals Argentina again beat Mexico, this time 3-1 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg and again they will face Germany in the quarterfinals.
Mexico started aggressively against Argentina which didn't suit the Albiceleste. And Mexico had the first good chance in the 8th minute through Carlos Salcido which hit the crossbar and only a minute later Andres Guardado's shot just missed the target. Mexico's game was disturbing the game plan of the Argentinians, but that changed in the 26th minute with another refereeing blunder as the Gauchos took the lead. Lionel Messi for once was able to use his pace, found Tevez whose shot was blocked by Oscar Perez in the Mexico goal, but Messi chips the rebound over the keeper to Tevez who pushes in. Mexico protests, but to no avail and their concentration level goes down as Ricardo Osorio in the 33rd minute plays a square pass to Gonzalo Higuain and the Real Madrid striker doubles the lead. Mexico had lost their way and were lucky to get away with a 0-2 deficit. On the way into the break there would be an altercation between the two sides, but no cards were surprisingly flashed by the referee Roberto Rosetti.
The Mexicans hopes of a comeback died in the 52ns minute of a hammer strike by Carlos Tevez which left the keeper Perez with no chance whatsoever. But Mexico wouldn't go home like this as the team showed spirit to try and reduce the deficit and with a little bit more luck on the day could have challenged the Argentinians. Only Javier Hernandez would score for Mexico in the 71st minute as Argentina would move on with a 3-1 victory.
Selasa, 22 Juni 2010
Group A: Uruguay top group, South Africa & France out
Its decision time. Will Uruguay & Mexico go through or do South Africa and France still have a chance.
(matches to kick off simultaneously)
Mexico 0-1 (0-1) Uruguay
Goals: 0-1 Hugo Suarez (43').
Former world champions Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 to finish top of Group A. There had been fears that the match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg could end in a tame draw as it would mean both sides would move on, but that wasn't going to happen. Especially with Uruguay continuing where they had left off against South Africa. The South Americans scored the golden goal in the 43th minute through a Hugo Suarez header.
After the break Uruguay could have doubled the lead, but it stayed the same way and Mexico also had chances to equalise knowing that South Africa was closing in on them on goal difference. But in the end it didn't matter as the match ended 1-0 for Uruguay.
France 1-2 (0-2) South Africa
Goals:
Hosts South Africa beat a disjointed France 2-1, but it just wasn't enough to qualify for the knockout stages. As the first ever hosts South Africa did not make it to the next round. But at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein the hosts played a heartening game against a French side which was happy once the match and the tournament was over. France might have been better off not qualifying for the World Cup the way they did against Ireland.
It initially was an open game but no real chances. Then the hosts went ahead in the 20th minute through a Bongani Khumalo header after French keeper Hugo Lloris couldn't get to the ball off a corner. France were reduced to ten men when Yoann Gourcuff was send off in the 26th minute for clashing in the air with MacBeth Sibaya having rammed his elbow into the South African player. Surprisingly referee Oscar Julian Ruiz Acosta from Columbia showed the Bordeaux player the red card and once more the game was over for one of the teams. France thereafter just didn't show the spirit needed to fight back as South Africa doubled the lead in the 37th minute through Katlego Mphela.
With Uruguay going ahead against Mexico, South Africa came out of the break with some hope that they could pull it off. But Mphela would be the main culprit as South Africa couldn't score any more goals though the chances were there. France where actually able to reduce the deficit in the 70th minute through a Florent Malouda goal off a square pass from Franck Ribery. This goal ended all hopes of South Africa sneaking into the pre-quarterfinals.
(matches to kick off simultaneously)
Mexico 0-1 (0-1) Uruguay
Goals: 0-1 Hugo Suarez (43').
Former world champions Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 to finish top of Group A. There had been fears that the match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg could end in a tame draw as it would mean both sides would move on, but that wasn't going to happen. Especially with Uruguay continuing where they had left off against South Africa. The South Americans scored the golden goal in the 43th minute through a Hugo Suarez header.
After the break Uruguay could have doubled the lead, but it stayed the same way and Mexico also had chances to equalise knowing that South Africa was closing in on them on goal difference. But in the end it didn't matter as the match ended 1-0 for Uruguay.
France 1-2 (0-2) South Africa
Goals:
Hosts South Africa beat a disjointed France 2-1, but it just wasn't enough to qualify for the knockout stages. As the first ever hosts South Africa did not make it to the next round. But at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein the hosts played a heartening game against a French side which was happy once the match and the tournament was over. France might have been better off not qualifying for the World Cup the way they did against Ireland.
It initially was an open game but no real chances. Then the hosts went ahead in the 20th minute through a Bongani Khumalo header after French keeper Hugo Lloris couldn't get to the ball off a corner. France were reduced to ten men when Yoann Gourcuff was send off in the 26th minute for clashing in the air with MacBeth Sibaya having rammed his elbow into the South African player. Surprisingly referee Oscar Julian Ruiz Acosta from Columbia showed the Bordeaux player the red card and once more the game was over for one of the teams. France thereafter just didn't show the spirit needed to fight back as South Africa doubled the lead in the 37th minute through Katlego Mphela.
With Uruguay going ahead against Mexico, South Africa came out of the break with some hope that they could pull it off. But Mphela would be the main culprit as South Africa couldn't score any more goals though the chances were there. France where actually able to reduce the deficit in the 70th minute through a Florent Malouda goal off a square pass from Franck Ribery. This goal ended all hopes of South Africa sneaking into the pre-quarterfinals.
Rabu, 16 Juni 2010
Group A: Uruguay win in style, Mexico stun France
After opening day draw all sides in Group A hope for their first win in the group, which would take them ahead in their quest for a pre-quarterfinal spot.
(to be updated after the second game)
South Africa 0-3 (0-1) Uruguay
Goals: 0-1,0-2 Diego Forlan (24',80' pen), 0-3 Alvaro Pereira (90+5').
The host South Africa are on their way out after a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Uruguay at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Hosts South Africa had their problems once again in the first session of the game, while Uruguay changed their formation a little with Diego Forlan pushed back into an attacking midfield position which did the trick for the South Americans. Forlan was one of the best players in the first game against France, but he was even more influential in today's game as the whole game of the Uru's revolved around him. And the Atletico Madrid striker scored the opening goal in the 24th minute when he tried a long-ranger from outside the box, which took a deflection of South African captain Aaron Mokoena's back and dropped into the goal over the head of stunned keeper Itumeleng Khune. Uruguayan striker striker Hugo Suarez also had a better game keeping the South African defenders on tender hooks and one of his shots nearly got Uruguay their second goals.
After the break Uruguay continued their dominance while the South Africans didnt find a way through the well-organised South Americans, but this changed a little towards the middle of the second session as South Africa had more of the ball but only once did they get a real scoring chance. Uruguay received a penalty in the 75th minute when South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune brought down Hugo Suarez in the box. Referee Massimo Busacca pointed to the spot and also gave Khune the marching orders as new keeper Moneeb Josephs came on. And Forlan crowned his performance with a placed shot to give Uruguay a 2-0 lead. The final nail in the coffin came in the fifth minute of injury time when Alvaro Pereira scored of a cross from Hugo Suarez, but by then a number of South African fans had left the stadium.
France 0-2 (0-0) Mexico
Goals: 0-1 Javier Hernandez (64'), 0-2 Cuauhtemoc Blanco (79' penalty).
The Equipe Tricolore can plan their trip back home to France after their 0-2 defeat at the hands of Mexico at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The French are in crisis and this deepened tonight.
The match made a quick start but the chances were on the side of the Mexicans who focused on counter attacks allowing the French to control the game without being threatening. In the 8th minute Carlos Vela blasted the ball over the goal, before Franco missed a chance.
After the break Mexico realised that they could actually win this game against a weak French side. France did have their first chance in the 54th minute through Florant Malouda which Perez send over the crossbar, but it didn't change anything as Mexico remained the more dangerous side. In the 64th minute a Rafael Marquez through ball found Javier Hernandez in the open he went round Hugo Lloris to score into the open net as the France defence was hoping for an offside call by the referee. If one thought that France would now wake-up one would have been disappointed as Mexico continued to push for a second goal. And when Eric Abidal brought down Pablo Barrera referee Khalil Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi from Saudi Arabia pointed to the dreaded spot. Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco would score the resultant penalty and the match was over as France simply had to answer and could have gone even further behind.
(to be updated after the second game)
South Africa 0-3 (0-1) Uruguay
Goals: 0-1,0-2 Diego Forlan (24',80' pen), 0-3 Alvaro Pereira (90+5').
The host South Africa are on their way out after a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Uruguay at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
Hosts South Africa had their problems once again in the first session of the game, while Uruguay changed their formation a little with Diego Forlan pushed back into an attacking midfield position which did the trick for the South Americans. Forlan was one of the best players in the first game against France, but he was even more influential in today's game as the whole game of the Uru's revolved around him. And the Atletico Madrid striker scored the opening goal in the 24th minute when he tried a long-ranger from outside the box, which took a deflection of South African captain Aaron Mokoena's back and dropped into the goal over the head of stunned keeper Itumeleng Khune. Uruguayan striker striker Hugo Suarez also had a better game keeping the South African defenders on tender hooks and one of his shots nearly got Uruguay their second goals.
After the break Uruguay continued their dominance while the South Africans didnt find a way through the well-organised South Americans, but this changed a little towards the middle of the second session as South Africa had more of the ball but only once did they get a real scoring chance. Uruguay received a penalty in the 75th minute when South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune brought down Hugo Suarez in the box. Referee Massimo Busacca pointed to the spot and also gave Khune the marching orders as new keeper Moneeb Josephs came on. And Forlan crowned his performance with a placed shot to give Uruguay a 2-0 lead. The final nail in the coffin came in the fifth minute of injury time when Alvaro Pereira scored of a cross from Hugo Suarez, but by then a number of South African fans had left the stadium.
France 0-2 (0-0) Mexico
Goals: 0-1 Javier Hernandez (64'), 0-2 Cuauhtemoc Blanco (79' penalty).
The Equipe Tricolore can plan their trip back home to France after their 0-2 defeat at the hands of Mexico at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. The French are in crisis and this deepened tonight.
The match made a quick start but the chances were on the side of the Mexicans who focused on counter attacks allowing the French to control the game without being threatening. In the 8th minute Carlos Vela blasted the ball over the goal, before Franco missed a chance.
After the break Mexico realised that they could actually win this game against a weak French side. France did have their first chance in the 54th minute through Florant Malouda which Perez send over the crossbar, but it didn't change anything as Mexico remained the more dangerous side. In the 64th minute a Rafael Marquez through ball found Javier Hernandez in the open he went round Hugo Lloris to score into the open net as the France defence was hoping for an offside call by the referee. If one thought that France would now wake-up one would have been disappointed as Mexico continued to push for a second goal. And when Eric Abidal brought down Pablo Barrera referee Khalil Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi from Saudi Arabia pointed to the dreaded spot. Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco would score the resultant penalty and the match was over as France simply had to answer and could have gone even further behind.
Jumat, 11 Juni 2010
Group A: Opening day draws
The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicked off today with a match in Group A.
(to be updated after the second game)
South Africa 1-1 (0-0) Mexico
Goals: 1-0 Siphiwe Tshabalala (55'), 1-1 Rafael Marquez (79').
The first match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg ended 1-1 between hosts South Africa and Mexico.
In the opening minutes South Africa looked very nervous, while their opponents Mexico looked confident and willing to spoil the hosts party. Talented youngster Giovanni dos Santos was the pick of the lot in the Mexican attack coming close to scoring on a number of occasions, but Mexico's dominance on the field didn't result in any goals and the first half ended goalless. But Mexico did score an offside goal through Carlos Vela which caused some confusion as there was a player on the goal line, but the goalkeeper Khune had moved forward after a corner, which meant the last man rule came in.
It was a more even game after the break with South Africa shrugging off their nervousness. And then came the 55th minute when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the tournament opening goal with a left-footed scorcher to give South Africa the 1-0 lead. The whole stadium, most probably the whole of South Africa, went into ecstasy. And initially it looked like Mexico were shocked after conceding the goal, but they fought their way back into the match and got the deserving equaliser in the 79th minute when Rafael Marquez scored past Itumeleng Khune in the South African goal. Thereafter it was an open game with mostly half chances on both sides, but in a late counter attack Katlego Mphela could have become South Africa's hero as his shot hit the post. The match ended one-all and got us off to an entertaining start to this World Cup.
Uruguay 0-0 (0-0) France
Goals: none.
France were held to a goalless draw by a ten men Uruguay at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. And history does repeat itself at it was proved once more tonight. Eight years ago in their second Group A match these sides had played a goalless draw in South Korea and in that tournament these two teams went home after the group stages. But we aren't so far yet.
France was the better of the two sides as Uruguay played a rather defensive game, but the South Americans were dangerous on a number of occasions through their seasoned striker Diego Forlan, while his partner upfront Luis Suarez didn't have a good game.
The story of the first half is fast said. France tried to attack the Uruguay goal, who were standing tall in defence, and failed with only once with a real good chance when Franck Ribery broke through on the left and played the ball into the middle and Sidney Govou got a touch on it, but the ball went wide. On the other side Forlan's shot was saved by Hugo Lloris.
After the break France continued to try their luck, but coach Domenech realised he would have to change something and he brought on Tierry Henry, Florant Malouda and André-Pierre Gignac. It did give the attack some more teeth, but still France remained goalless. Uruguay ventured out more the longer the match lasted, but in the 81st minute substitute Nicolas Lodeiro received marching orders for a second bookable offence. And in the last ten minutes France tried everything to score a goal, but the Uruguay defence held until the end. The last chance for France came late in injury time, but a Tierry Henry freekick was headed away by Christian Abreu.
(to be updated after the second game)
South Africa 1-1 (0-0) Mexico
Goals: 1-0 Siphiwe Tshabalala (55'), 1-1 Rafael Marquez (79').
The first match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg ended 1-1 between hosts South Africa and Mexico.
In the opening minutes South Africa looked very nervous, while their opponents Mexico looked confident and willing to spoil the hosts party. Talented youngster Giovanni dos Santos was the pick of the lot in the Mexican attack coming close to scoring on a number of occasions, but Mexico's dominance on the field didn't result in any goals and the first half ended goalless. But Mexico did score an offside goal through Carlos Vela which caused some confusion as there was a player on the goal line, but the goalkeeper Khune had moved forward after a corner, which meant the last man rule came in.
It was a more even game after the break with South Africa shrugging off their nervousness. And then came the 55th minute when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the tournament opening goal with a left-footed scorcher to give South Africa the 1-0 lead. The whole stadium, most probably the whole of South Africa, went into ecstasy. And initially it looked like Mexico were shocked after conceding the goal, but they fought their way back into the match and got the deserving equaliser in the 79th minute when Rafael Marquez scored past Itumeleng Khune in the South African goal. Thereafter it was an open game with mostly half chances on both sides, but in a late counter attack Katlego Mphela could have become South Africa's hero as his shot hit the post. The match ended one-all and got us off to an entertaining start to this World Cup.
Uruguay 0-0 (0-0) France
Goals: none.
France were held to a goalless draw by a ten men Uruguay at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. And history does repeat itself at it was proved once more tonight. Eight years ago in their second Group A match these sides had played a goalless draw in South Korea and in that tournament these two teams went home after the group stages. But we aren't so far yet.
France was the better of the two sides as Uruguay played a rather defensive game, but the South Americans were dangerous on a number of occasions through their seasoned striker Diego Forlan, while his partner upfront Luis Suarez didn't have a good game.
The story of the first half is fast said. France tried to attack the Uruguay goal, who were standing tall in defence, and failed with only once with a real good chance when Franck Ribery broke through on the left and played the ball into the middle and Sidney Govou got a touch on it, but the ball went wide. On the other side Forlan's shot was saved by Hugo Lloris.
After the break France continued to try their luck, but coach Domenech realised he would have to change something and he brought on Tierry Henry, Florant Malouda and André-Pierre Gignac. It did give the attack some more teeth, but still France remained goalless. Uruguay ventured out more the longer the match lasted, but in the 81st minute substitute Nicolas Lodeiro received marching orders for a second bookable offence. And in the last ten minutes France tried everything to score a goal, but the Uruguay defence held until the end. The last chance for France came late in injury time, but a Tierry Henry freekick was headed away by Christian Abreu.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)