Will the favourites Brazil and Netherlands move on and beat the minnows or can Chile and Slovakia cause an upset.
(to be updated after the second game)
Netherlands 2-1 (1-0) Slovakia
Goals: 1-0 Arjen Robben (18'), 2-0 Wesley Sneijder (84'), 2-1 Robert Vittek (90+4').
The Netherlands moved on into the quarterfinals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup by beating Slovakia 2-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. But again it was a more pragmatic Dutch side which didn't show the flair which they possess in this squad.
The Oranjes were the better of the two sides in the first session as they mainly dominated against the Slovaks. But the Slovaks had the first chance of the match through Erik Jendrisek, but thereafter it were Oranje attacks. The Dutch took the lead through their star player Arjen Robben in the 18th minute. And it was a typical Robben goal as he sprinted up on the right flank, then moved in and in-between three defenders could get his shot through which landed in the net behind keeper Jan Mucha. But after taking the lead the Dutch became complacent, but the Slovaks couldn't utilise this in their favour.
Coach Bert van Marwijk seemed to have found the right words in the break as the Dutch came out in search of a second goal. First Robben's shot was just about cleared by Mucha, then Joris Mathijsen's shot hit Mucha's head. But the Dutch again became complacent with the Slovaks towards the middle of the half finally sensing that they had a chance in the game. First a Miroslav Stoch shot was just about cleared by Maarten Stekelenburg in the 67th minute and then Robert Vittek's shot was again cleared by Stekelenburg which the Slovak striker should have scored. And in the 78th minute again Vittek had a chance, but this time he shot the ball over. The Dutch realised that the match wasn't sealed upped the tempo and through a quickly taken free kick scored their second goal through Wesley Sneijder. The ball was played to Dirk Kuyt, who beat the onrushing keeper Mucha and played it back into the middle to Sneijder who pushed the ball in. In injury time the Slovaks got a penalty when Martin Jakubko went down, but the striker went down rather then keeper Stekelenburg bringing him down. Robert Vittek would score to reduce the deficit, but the referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco from Spain would blow the final whistle after the penalty.
Brazil 3-0 (2-0) Chile
Goals: 1-0 Juan (35'), 2-0 Luis Fabiano (38'), 3-0 Robinho (59').
The Brazilians weren't really tested by their South American rivals Chile as they beat them 3-0 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The Brazilians will now face the Netherlands in a game which will be high on expectations of the fans with both teams being more clinical in their finish then showing their potential flair.
It started as an open game as Chile once more tried to have a go at their opponents from the start, but the Brazilians were not really tested as Chile couldn't play the final pass, while Chile's defence also looked better organised not allowing the Brazilians too much space. But things changed in the 35th minute as Juan headed in a Maicon corner. And then only three minutes later Luis Fabiano would score of a counter attack in which Robinho, Kaka und Luis Fabiano combined with the striker going around the keeper to score. Chile looked shocked, became once more desperate as they had been against Spain a few days ago and they didn't really have a look at goal.
After the break Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa brought on two fresh players, but it didn't work as Chile still couldn't find a way through the Brazilian defence. Brazil allowed Chile to combine up to the 16 metre box and then looked for counter attacks. One such attack came in the 59th minute when Ramires intercepted a ball and went straight towards the Chile goal, he squared for Robinho and he curled a beauty into the net. The match was sealed as Chile were too harmless infront of the Brazilian goal. Brazil did get chances to score even more, while Chile got some chances goalwards and should have been rewarded with a goal.
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Senin, 28 Juni 2010
Kamis, 24 Juni 2010
Group F: Champions Italy out as Paraguay & Slovakia move on
Surprisingly Group F is still open with defending champions Italy potentially facing a shock exit.
(matches to kick off simultaneously)
Slovakia - (1-0) Italy
Goals: 1-0,2-0 Robert Vittek (24',73'), 2-1 Antonio di Natale (81'), 3-1 Kamil Kopunek (89'), 3-2 Fabio Quagliarella (90+2').
Slovakia caused one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating Italy 3-2 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. And with this defeat Italy finished bottom of their Group F.
The underdogs Slovakia took the initiative from the start, while Italy took a more wait and watch approach. The Slovaks took a deserving lead in the 24th minute through striker Robert Vittek as Juraj Kucka intercepted a Daniele de Rossi pass, played it on to Vittek who put the ball into the net past keeper Feredico Marchetti. And things didn't change before the break as Slovakia had more of the game.
After the break Italy had more of the game as the defending champions increased their efforts and their best chance came in the 67th minute as Martin Skrtel cleared the ball of the line of a Fabio Quagliarella effort. But after a square pass into the box Robert Vittek scored Slovakia's second in the 73rd minute. And in the last 10 minutes plus injury time it would be a clif hanger. First Italy reduced the deficit in the 81st minute through Antonio di Natale, then Italy had a goal disallowed by Fabio Quagliarella due to offside. Italy was pressing for the equaliser, but Slovakia then scored their third goal through an opportunistic Kamil Kopunek a minute from time. If you thought the game was over then one would have missed Fabio Quagliarella's long range effort two minutes into injury time over an advanced keeper Jan Mucha. And then came the long whistle and it was over for Italy while Slovakia was celebrating.
Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand
Goals: none.
Paraguay held underdogs New Zealand to a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. For Paraguay the draw was enough to finish top of the group, while New Zealand played out their third draw and finished the tournament without a defeat. A great achievement for the Kiwis, who finished ahead of defending champions Italy.
Paraguay was the better of the two sides on display today. And captain Denis Caniza could have won the match for the South Americans in the first session missing numerous chances. After the break New Zealand did have a chance, but it wasn't enough from both sides to end the goal drought.
(matches to kick off simultaneously)
Slovakia - (1-0) Italy
Goals: 1-0,2-0 Robert Vittek (24',73'), 2-1 Antonio di Natale (81'), 3-1 Kamil Kopunek (89'), 3-2 Fabio Quagliarella (90+2').
Slovakia caused one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history by beating Italy 3-2 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. And with this defeat Italy finished bottom of their Group F.
The underdogs Slovakia took the initiative from the start, while Italy took a more wait and watch approach. The Slovaks took a deserving lead in the 24th minute through striker Robert Vittek as Juraj Kucka intercepted a Daniele de Rossi pass, played it on to Vittek who put the ball into the net past keeper Feredico Marchetti. And things didn't change before the break as Slovakia had more of the game.
After the break Italy had more of the game as the defending champions increased their efforts and their best chance came in the 67th minute as Martin Skrtel cleared the ball of the line of a Fabio Quagliarella effort. But after a square pass into the box Robert Vittek scored Slovakia's second in the 73rd minute. And in the last 10 minutes plus injury time it would be a clif hanger. First Italy reduced the deficit in the 81st minute through Antonio di Natale, then Italy had a goal disallowed by Fabio Quagliarella due to offside. Italy was pressing for the equaliser, but Slovakia then scored their third goal through an opportunistic Kamil Kopunek a minute from time. If you thought the game was over then one would have missed Fabio Quagliarella's long range effort two minutes into injury time over an advanced keeper Jan Mucha. And then came the long whistle and it was over for Italy while Slovakia was celebrating.
Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand
Goals: none.
Paraguay held underdogs New Zealand to a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. For Paraguay the draw was enough to finish top of the group, while New Zealand played out their third draw and finished the tournament without a defeat. A great achievement for the Kiwis, who finished ahead of defending champions Italy.
Paraguay was the better of the two sides on display today. And captain Denis Caniza could have won the match for the South Americans in the first session missing numerous chances. After the break New Zealand did have a chance, but it wasn't enough from both sides to end the goal drought.
Minggu, 20 Juni 2010
Group F: Strong Paraguay win, Kiwis hold Italy
Group F is wide open as both opening matches had ended one-all.
(to be updated after the second game)
Slovakia 0-2 (0-1) Paraguay
Goals: 0-1 Enrique Vera (27'), 0-2 Cistian Riveros (86').
Paraguay have strengthened their case for a pre-quarterfinal place with a 2-0 win against Slovakia at the Free State Stadium in in Bloemfontein. And it was deserving win for the Paraguayans.
The South Americans were the better of the two sides in the first forty-five minutes, but they were wasteful with their good chances. The Slovaks had no real chance in the first session as they were often running after their Paraguayan opponents. Paraguay took a deserving lead in the 27th minute and it was a quality goal. Paraguay build-up on the left, the ball comes to Lucas Barrios who plays a through ball into the middle, tunnelling a Slovak defender and Enrique Vera is there to score with the outside of his boot past the Slovak keeper Jan Mucha into the net. Roque Santa Cruz could have doubled the lead in the 39th minute but his shot is blocked by keeper Mucha.
After the break it was a more open game, but still Slovakia could not finish off their build-ups which were often stopped or blocked by Paraguay, who were not pushing to hard for a second goal. The Slovaks are unable to create any chances as Paraguay pick-up again late in the game. In the 73rd minute Santa Cruz on the left plays the ball cleverly back to Vera, whose header just goes wide with the Slovak keeper Mucha beaten. In the end Paraguay doubled their lead in the 86th minute when Cristian Riveros scored with a nice placed shot inside the box.
Italy - (1-1) New Zealand
Goals: 0-1 Shane Smeltz (7'), 1-1 Vincenzo Iaquinta (29', penalty).
The world champions Italy were held to a surprise one-all draw by minnows New Zealand at the Mbombela Stadium in Nespruit. Italy had more from the match, but the fighting Kiwis got a deserving draw.
The Kiwis took a shock 7th minute lead when striker Shane Smeltz scored off a free kick from Simon Elliott. Fabio Cannavaro tried to clear to ball, but it goes to Smeltz, who just puts the ball in past Federico Marchetti into the Italian goal. Thereafter it was mainly one way traffic towards the New Zealand goal, but the Italians once more played unimaginative football, having their chances but rather not being able to build on the pressure. Then in the 28th minute Ricardo Montolivo takes a shot on goal wish swerves onto the post with the keeper beaten. Only a minute later Tommy Smith grabs hold of Daniele de Rossi in the box and the referee Carlos Alberto Batres Gonzalez from Guatemala shows to the dreaded spot. Vincenzo Iaquinta takes the penalty and shots it to the right with the keeper going the other way. The favourites equalise.
After the break Italy come back with two substitutions Mauro Camoranesi and Antonio di Natale coming on to bring new life into the Italian attack. It remains mainly one way traffic, but the Italians find it difficult to break the Kiwi defence. And then suddenly New Zealand with a chance as Ivan Vicelich's effort from around 20 metres out just misses the goal. On the other side Ricardo Montolivo's shot is saved brilliantly by Mark Paston in the 71st minute. And once more a good chance for the Kiwis as teenager Chris Wood takes a shot on goal, but it just goes wide. That could have sealed one of the biggest upsets in a World Cup. On the other side just a minute from time Camoramesi takes a shot on goal, which Paston clears for a corner. In the end it stayed one-all and a historic draw for the Kiwis.
(to be updated after the second game)
Slovakia 0-2 (0-1) Paraguay
Goals: 0-1 Enrique Vera (27'), 0-2 Cistian Riveros (86').
Paraguay have strengthened their case for a pre-quarterfinal place with a 2-0 win against Slovakia at the Free State Stadium in in Bloemfontein. And it was deserving win for the Paraguayans.
The South Americans were the better of the two sides in the first forty-five minutes, but they were wasteful with their good chances. The Slovaks had no real chance in the first session as they were often running after their Paraguayan opponents. Paraguay took a deserving lead in the 27th minute and it was a quality goal. Paraguay build-up on the left, the ball comes to Lucas Barrios who plays a through ball into the middle, tunnelling a Slovak defender and Enrique Vera is there to score with the outside of his boot past the Slovak keeper Jan Mucha into the net. Roque Santa Cruz could have doubled the lead in the 39th minute but his shot is blocked by keeper Mucha.
After the break it was a more open game, but still Slovakia could not finish off their build-ups which were often stopped or blocked by Paraguay, who were not pushing to hard for a second goal. The Slovaks are unable to create any chances as Paraguay pick-up again late in the game. In the 73rd minute Santa Cruz on the left plays the ball cleverly back to Vera, whose header just goes wide with the Slovak keeper Mucha beaten. In the end Paraguay doubled their lead in the 86th minute when Cristian Riveros scored with a nice placed shot inside the box.
Italy - (1-1) New Zealand
Goals: 0-1 Shane Smeltz (7'), 1-1 Vincenzo Iaquinta (29', penalty).
The world champions Italy were held to a surprise one-all draw by minnows New Zealand at the Mbombela Stadium in Nespruit. Italy had more from the match, but the fighting Kiwis got a deserving draw.
The Kiwis took a shock 7th minute lead when striker Shane Smeltz scored off a free kick from Simon Elliott. Fabio Cannavaro tried to clear to ball, but it goes to Smeltz, who just puts the ball in past Federico Marchetti into the Italian goal. Thereafter it was mainly one way traffic towards the New Zealand goal, but the Italians once more played unimaginative football, having their chances but rather not being able to build on the pressure. Then in the 28th minute Ricardo Montolivo takes a shot on goal wish swerves onto the post with the keeper beaten. Only a minute later Tommy Smith grabs hold of Daniele de Rossi in the box and the referee Carlos Alberto Batres Gonzalez from Guatemala shows to the dreaded spot. Vincenzo Iaquinta takes the penalty and shots it to the right with the keeper going the other way. The favourites equalise.
After the break Italy come back with two substitutions Mauro Camoranesi and Antonio di Natale coming on to bring new life into the Italian attack. It remains mainly one way traffic, but the Italians find it difficult to break the Kiwi defence. And then suddenly New Zealand with a chance as Ivan Vicelich's effort from around 20 metres out just misses the goal. On the other side Ricardo Montolivo's shot is saved brilliantly by Mark Paston in the 71st minute. And once more a good chance for the Kiwis as teenager Chris Wood takes a shot on goal, but it just goes wide. That could have sealed one of the biggest upsets in a World Cup. On the other side just a minute from time Camoramesi takes a shot on goal, which Paston clears for a corner. In the end it stayed one-all and a historic draw for the Kiwis.
Senin, 14 Juni 2010
Group F: Champions open with draw, Slovakia held
The defending World Cup winners Italy opened their campaign against Paraguay.
(to be updated after the second game)
Italy 1-1 (0-1) Paraguay
Goals: 0-1 Antolin Alcaraz (39'), 1-1 Daniele de Rossi (63').
Italy were held to a one-all draw by Paraguay in their opening Group F match at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Paraguay are known to close down stronger opponents with their defensive tactic and short passing game.
Paraguay's primary focus was to first not concede a goal, while the Italians initially did venture out to try and score a goal, but one could see that Andrea Pirlo was being missing in the creative department and that the Squadra Azzurra lack a striker who can guarantee goals. And the Italians allowed Paraguay space once in a while to try their luck at scoring a goal. But it was clear from the onset that dead ball situations could decide the game. Paraguay got a free kick from the right in the 39th minute which Antolin Alcaraz headed in with Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele de Rossi around him.
The Italians regrouped after the break and coach Marcello Lippi made some changes to strengthen his side, but he first had to replace his keeper Gianluigi Buffon with Marchetti due to a back injury after the break. Italy looked very one dimensional with no imaginative play. Paraguay nearly went ahead 2-0 as Vera's shot just missed the goal. And like Paraguay Italy would score of a dead ball situation. After a corner Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar ran through under Pepe's corner with Daniele de Rossi putting the ball in from close range. Italy were now again the better side, but didn't really have the chances to take the three points home.
New Zealand 1-1 (0-0) Slovakia
Goals: 0-1 Robert Vittek (50'), 1-1 Winston Reid (90+3').
New Zealand scored a late injury time equaliser to hold debutants Slovakia to a one-all draw in their opening Group F match in Rustenburg. And the Slovaks can only blame themselves for not taking home the three points as they were the more mature team, but they couldn't convert their few good chances.
New Zealand are limited as a team, but the All Whites would fight all the way against a superior opponent who couldn't use this much in the first session. Slovakia scored their first ever World Cup goal in the 50th minute through a Robert Vittek header, but the striker was offside and the goal shouldn't have been given. Slovakia had some half chances to double their lead, but it didn't seem necessary as New Zealand didn't create any chances. But right at the end in the third minute of injury time out of nowhere Winston Reid headed in a cross from Tony Lochhead. New Zealand was celebrating while Slovakia was shocked.
(to be updated after the second game)
Italy 1-1 (0-1) Paraguay
Goals: 0-1 Antolin Alcaraz (39'), 1-1 Daniele de Rossi (63').
Italy were held to a one-all draw by Paraguay in their opening Group F match at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Paraguay are known to close down stronger opponents with their defensive tactic and short passing game.
Paraguay's primary focus was to first not concede a goal, while the Italians initially did venture out to try and score a goal, but one could see that Andrea Pirlo was being missing in the creative department and that the Squadra Azzurra lack a striker who can guarantee goals. And the Italians allowed Paraguay space once in a while to try their luck at scoring a goal. But it was clear from the onset that dead ball situations could decide the game. Paraguay got a free kick from the right in the 39th minute which Antolin Alcaraz headed in with Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele de Rossi around him.
The Italians regrouped after the break and coach Marcello Lippi made some changes to strengthen his side, but he first had to replace his keeper Gianluigi Buffon with Marchetti due to a back injury after the break. Italy looked very one dimensional with no imaginative play. Paraguay nearly went ahead 2-0 as Vera's shot just missed the goal. And like Paraguay Italy would score of a dead ball situation. After a corner Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar ran through under Pepe's corner with Daniele de Rossi putting the ball in from close range. Italy were now again the better side, but didn't really have the chances to take the three points home.
New Zealand 1-1 (0-0) Slovakia
Goals: 0-1 Robert Vittek (50'), 1-1 Winston Reid (90+3').
New Zealand scored a late injury time equaliser to hold debutants Slovakia to a one-all draw in their opening Group F match in Rustenburg. And the Slovaks can only blame themselves for not taking home the three points as they were the more mature team, but they couldn't convert their few good chances.
New Zealand are limited as a team, but the All Whites would fight all the way against a superior opponent who couldn't use this much in the first session. Slovakia scored their first ever World Cup goal in the 50th minute through a Robert Vittek header, but the striker was offside and the goal shouldn't have been given. Slovakia had some half chances to double their lead, but it didn't seem necessary as New Zealand didn't create any chances. But right at the end in the third minute of injury time out of nowhere Winston Reid headed in a cross from Tony Lochhead. New Zealand was celebrating while Slovakia was shocked.
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