Johannesberg, 12.7.10 00:00 IST, Final
Spain - Numero Uno!
Holland is in for the third defeat in the final. They remain the only team who have played in the final, yet have been unable to lift the trophy. The match began with Spanish supremacy at every instant of the game. Ramos' brilliant header in the 5th was equally brilliantly saved by Casillas. Six minutes later, another of Ramos' dangerous cross to the box was put out by Heitinga. The next was David Villa's turn, when his powerful shot in the 12th hit the side net. Dutch efforts to come out of the Spanish eclipse gradually began to show some results. Sneijder's powerful freekick in the 18th was collected easily by the keeper. The game degenerated into midfield play for the next 18 minutes, for no team was willing to explore possibilities and defense was the mantra. Mathijsen couldn't connect a cross inside box in the 37th, while Pedro's shot just went wide in the 38th minute at the end of a long awaited Spanish attack. In the first minute of injury time of the first half, Robben's shot was saved by Casillas, which was his first save in the match. The first half was quite unimpressive, and full of fouls. Five yellow cards were given in this period.
The tone of the second half was not much different from the first. In the 48th, Capdevila failed to connect from a corner right in front of the goal. 62nd minute saw Robben wasting a golden chance in a solo run with only the keeper in front. Ball hit Casillas' outstretched leg and went out. We expected something more worthwhile from a player of Robben's class. Misfortune visited the other side too, when Villa also wasted a good chance in the 70th in front of the goal off a cross from J. Navas. Another attacking header from Ramos in the 77th flew over the bar. Another of Robben's solo runs was foiled by Casillas in the 83rd. When the second half ended, score was still goalless.
Fabregas also wasted a chance in the 95th when his solo run was stopped by the Dutch keeper in a good save. Iniesta also lost an opportunity in the 99th when he took a long time to shoot and Van Bronckhorst snatched the ball from him. Two minutes later, Albiol's shot was deflected in the nick of time by Van Bronckhorst and the ball sidenetted. Repeated Spanish efforts were wasted as Fabregas' drive goes narrowly wide in the 104th minute. The match being very rough, the referee was consistently issuing yellow cards. In the 109th, Holland's Heitinga saw his second yellow for a foul on Iniesta and was sent off. With only 4 minutes to the end, in the 116th minute, Iniesta scored with a right foot volley which left the keeper no chance at all.
Spain lifted the trophy and became the second team after Germany in 1974 who became world champions while being the reigning European champions. This series also trashed two records prevailing in the history of the game. No European team had won the cup outside Europe earlier. That record now no longer holds. Also, no team which had lost the first game had went on to win the cup. Spain lost to Switzerland in their first match, yet still won the cup.
32. Uruguay - Germany (2 - 3, HT 1 - 1)
Port Elizabeth, 11.7.10 00:00 IST, Loser's Final
Sami Khedira scores the winner for Germany
The relevance of loser’s final is still debated by people around the world, yet there is no denying that these matches had proved to be thrillers in the past tournaments, sometimes more so than the final match itself. The relaxed and amply rested teams usually play for the galleries in their last performance in the world cup finals. Sometimes, the lack of tension and targets help to bring out the best among the squad, many of the players sitting on the bench for most of the games treat this match to be their rallying point, where they can show to the unbelieving world their real merit. The
The second half started with more Uruguayan attempts. Cavani and Suarez both made good shots at goal in the 48th, but both were saved by conceding corner-kicks. Three minutes later, Forlan put Uruguay in the lead with a superb sideways strike off a pass from Arevalo to make the score (2-1). This was one of the most brilliant goals in the tournament and
Durban, 8.7.10 00:00 IST, Semi Final
Puyol scores Spain's winning goal from a header
Spain moves to the Final for the first time in history by edging out Germany. This disappointing and extremely boring match saw Germans looking like they've forgotten how to play. With no attacking moves and half-hearted runs, Germany didn't deserve to go to the final. The match started slowly, with Spain dominating the possession 70-30. David Villa's drive in the 6th was saved. In the 14th, Puyol's header off Iniesta's cross went just above the bar. Germany was able to produce a shot at goal only in the 16th minute! They were completely overshadowed. Trochowski's powerful drive which was stopped by the keeper in the 32nd was the first real German effort on goal.
The second half also began without any promising play. Alonso's powerful strike in the 50th went just wide. In the 58th, David Villa failed to flick the ball into the net off a cross from Iniesta. Germany's second and last attempt at goal was in the 69th when Kroos' powerful strike off a pass from Podolsky was brilliantly saved by Casillas. Four minutes, later came the lone goal in the match. Puyol's powerful header in the 73rd, off a corner kick made the keeper helpless. Even after conceding a goal, Germany continued its lethargic game. Spain's Pedro showed how selfish a player can be in the 82nd minute. He made a great run at the goal, beating all Germans, and when he reached a difficult angle with the keeper in front, he ignored the begging requests from Torres, who was in a convenient angle with nobody in front and instead shot and lost the opportunity.
Both the semifinals were dull and wasteful. Since both the finalists are playing the final for the first time, it is sure that we'll have a new winner this time.
30. Uruguay - Netherlands (2 - 3, HT 1 - 1)
Cape Town, 7.7.10 00:00 IST, Semi Final
Robben scores Holland's third goal from header
Netherlands reaches the final for the third time in history. They are the only team who had reached the final, yet not able to lift the cup. Will they be able to reverse their fortunes this time? Judging by the performance in this match, it is hardly likely as Germany's form so far is far more superb. This match was not as exciting as the score suggests. The first 20-25 minutes of the second half was so barren that it was Sneijder's goal that woke me up from half-sleep. The match began on a cautious note. Kuyt's shot off a rebounder from the keeper went above the bar in the 4th. The unexpected long-range goal from Van Bronckhorst in the 18th minute didn't raise the tempo of the game. The half-hearted attempts by Uruguay bore fruit in the 41st, when Forlan's long range shot beat the Dutch keeper (1-1). Both teams were level at half-time.
The second half also didn't witness any spirited move in the first period. Edinson Cavani's drive in the 51st to an unmanned Dutch goal was kicked away by the defenders. Forlan's stunning freekick in the 67th was punched away by Stekelenburg. At the other end, Van Der Vaart's shot was superbly saved, and Robben's shot by collecting the ball from the save didn't go any further in the 68th. In the 70th came Sneijder's brilliant goal (1-2). Hardly 3 minutes later, Robben headed their third goal into the net from Kuyt's cross (1-3). Even after going two goals behind, there were no coordinated attacks from Uruguay. In the 86th, Robben came very near to scoring a superb goal, even comparable to Maradona's in 1986! His run from near the touch line ended with meekly surrendering the ball to the keeper. In the 2nd minute of injury time, Maximiliano Pereira scored their second goal (2-3), but there was no time to recharge and score. If Uruguay had played a little more earnestly they could have at least moved the game to shoot-out.
29. Argentina - Germany (0 - 4, HT 0 - 1)
Cape Town, 3.7.10 19:30 IST, Quarter Final
Klose scores the decisive goal against Argentina
Another Latin American giant falters by the wayside! Much hyped Messi and his team fails miserably before the mighty Germans! The agony of the Argentines would remain for a long time! This match will surely be remembered in football circles as one of the cornerstones of this world cup. Yesterday it was Brazil and the South American challenge virtually ends here.
Germany dominated all parts of the game. They went ahead in the 3rd minute itself when Mueller's header off a freekick grazed past the leg of the Argentine keeper (0-1). They didn't panic even after conceding a goal. Counter attacks were abundant, but none of which seriously threatened the German goal. Tevez missed in the 22nd off a pass from Messi. Klose's shot went just over the bar in the 24th. Neuer saved a drive from Higuain in the 35th. Higuain put the ball into the net in the 37th minute following a confusion in the German area, but that was a clear offside. Mueller's attempt in the 44th, which deflected off a defender completed the first half.
Argentina put excessive pressure on the German side in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Di Maria's shot just went wide in the 48th and Tevez' drive in the 63rd went straight to the keeper. Two minutes later, Neuer stopped another effort from Di Maria. However, the stunner came in the 68th when Klose scored, utilizing a golden cross from Podolsky (0-2). The result seemed clear, but Argentina had much to suffer again. In the 74th minute, Friedrick, German defender scored off a pass from Schweinsteiger to make it 0-3. Argentina seemed tired and resigned to their fate. Continued German attacks saw Kroos' shot saved in the 81st. The result was sealed in the 89th when Klose scored again (0-4), adding insult to injury to the much fabled, self proclaimed football gods from Latin America.
No European team has won the championship so far when it was conducted outside Europe. This might change in this tournament.
28. Netherlands - Brazil (2 - 1, HT 0 - 1)
Port Elizabeth, 2.7.10 19:30 IST, Quarter Final
It was Sneijder, Sneijder all the way for Holland
The unbelievable happened. Five time champions and the most probable team to win the cup (as per betting records) crashed out of the series. Holland made a stunning recovery after conceding a goal in the first half and by a superb show by Wesley Sneijder who scored a goal and forced Brazil to concede an own goal.
The game began with certain superiority to Brazil. The Dutch seemed to be fumbling against the fast rhythmic moves by Brazil. In the 8th minute, Robinho in fact sounded the net, but it was declared offside in a late call. Barely 2 minutes later, Robinho received a ball straight through the Dutch defence and didn't hesitate to shoot it past the Dutch keeper (0-1). The counter attacks lacked good finishing and it seemed Brazil was moving to the semifinals. The 31st minute saw Stekelenberg diving to his left and pushing away Kaka's shot in a superb save.
The second half saw Holland making some determined efforts. Sneijder began to direct the Dutch offense. Brazil also was complacent in the belief that they'd surely win this game and had decided to score one more goal to seal off the match sometime near the end of the match. Their hopes were rudely shattered when in the 53rd minute, Sneijder's shot glanced into his own net Felipe Melo. Julio Cesar, who had moved forward couldn't do anything (1-1). Holland regained confidence by this time and in the 68th minute came the goal, stopping all Brazilian hearts for a second! Robben's corner was flicked on by Kuyt and Sneijder directed the ball to the net by a superb header (2-1). Brazil suddenly woke up from their complacence, but their efforts were seriously hampered by the dismissal of Felipe Melo for a cruel kick on Robben. All their efforts were in vain and Holland emerged victorious when the final whistle sounded.
27. Spain - Portugal (1 - 0, HT 0 - 0)
Cape Town, 30.6.10 00:00 IST, Round of 16
David Villa celebrates scoring the lone goal
A day when the much fabled Cristiano Ronaldo and his team mates were totally ruined by their neighbours in a match which saw the Portuguese meekly surrender to the Spanish might. Ronaldo came in as a tiger, but went out as a pussy cat. Both teams played on somewhat equal level in the goalless first half, but ever since Villa's goal in the 63rd minute, the Portuguese mentally accepted defeat. The match started with three scintillating moves by the very fast paced Spanish strikers. Three shots were saved in this time, Torres' in the very first minute, Villa's in the 3rd and 7th. But the pace subdued after 10 minutes and Portugal retaliated. The match cooled down for the next 10 minutes. Hugo Almeida's long range shot was saved by Casillas and Ronaldo's heavy free kick was fumblingly saved in the 28th. The second half saw more Spanish moves. But Almeida's flying shot bear Casillas, but was sped across the face of the goal. The first 10 minutes of the second half saw some very boring game, with a lot of inaccurate and poor passes. Spain increased their tempo and Llorente's header was superbly saved by the Portuguese. Villa finally made the deciding goal in the 63rd when he collected a rebounding shot from keeper made by himself and shot the ball into the net. Even after conceding the goal, Portugal didn't rise up to the occasion and more Spanish moves ensued. Sergio Ramos' shot in the 70th and Villas' in the 77th was saved by the keeper. Their dominance was so supreme that Casillas was a lonely man for nearly 26 minutes. Llorente's header off Villa's pass just went wide in the 87th. To add insult to injury, Ricardo Costa of Portugal was sent out in the 89th minute for a nasty foul. The final whistle ended their agony. Portugal was eclipsed in every sphere of the game. They had only 39% possession in the game which shows their engagement in the match.
26. Paraguay - Japan (0 - 0 a.e.t, HT 0 - 0, 5 - 3 PSO)
Pretoria, 29.6.10 19:30 IST, Round of 16
Yuichi Komano's shot hitting the cross bar in penalty shoot out
Another uninspiring match. Slovakia won on penalties after 2 hours of mediocre game. The only Asian nation remaining in the tournament also bowed out with this defeat. But there is no regret, considering the lukewarm play which at any moment didn't thrill the audience. The game started in a cold way, with neither team willing to take chances. The body language of the teams suggested that they were preparing for the shoot-out right from the beginning. There were no moves to speak of, till the 21st minute when Lucas' drive was saved by the Japanese keeper. In the counter attack, Matsui's long range shot deflected off the cross bar, denying the lead for Japan. In the 29th, Santa Cruz wasted a good opportunity in the box off a corner kick. There was no other worthwhile moves in the first half, except Honda missing a golden opportunity from just outside the box in the 40th.
The second half was a little more faster than the first. Both teams made some moves at least, but the quality and accuracy left much to be desired. In the 55th, Nagatomo's shot, which deflected off a Paraguayan defender was saved by the keeper. Just 4 minutes later, Riveros' curling header was saved at the other end. Paraguay dominated the latter half of the second half. The match moved into extra time and Paraguay had possession advantage. Lucas' header was saved in the 95th. Six minutes later, Barreto's effort went over the bar, making shoot-out a must. Five shots were taken by Paraguay and all of them were converted. The scorers were Barreto, Lucas, Riveros, Valdez and Cardozo, in that order. Japan's takers were Endo, Hasebe, Komano and Honda out of which Komano's shot hit the cross bar and went out, taking Japan along with it. Paraguay now have to face Spain or Portugal in the quarter final.
25. Netherlands - Slovakia (2 - 1, HT 1 - 0)
Durban, 28.6.10 19:30 IST, Round of 16
Arjen Robben celebrates after scoring the first goal for Netherlands
The most uninteresting pre-quarter game played so far. Slovakia didn’t play at all and I wondered whether this was the same team that ousted Italy in a group encounter. Holland made some deft moves very early on. Van Persie’s sharp header in the 7th just went wide, while Sneijder’s drive in the 11th was succesfully saved by the keeper. The Dutch pressure was sure to produce results which came in the 18th minute in the form of a classy drive from Robben which made the keeper completely helpless (1-0). Slovakia was expected to make some counter attacks at this point as they were a goal down. Surprisingly, the game was slowed down to snail’s pace till the end of the first half. Both teams were seen to be not in a hurry. Near the end of the half, Holland made some moves which didn’t show any result. The second half also started on the same note as the Slovakians were reluctant to attack. Their goal keeper was kept busy by Robben’s splendid drive in the 51st and a good save in the next minute. Van Persie’s accurate free kick in the 59th was also punched away by the keeper. Slovakia’s first shot at goal came only in the 67th minute! Two attacks from them was saved by the Dutch keeper, one from Stoch and the other from Vittek, Slovakia’s star scorer in this world cup. Dutch replies were effectively stopped by Slovak keeper when Kuyt’s long range shot was saved in the 73rd. As the match wore on, it seemed that the lone goal would be the clincher. This was quickly removed by Sneijder’s goal in the 84th minute, when he scored into a net with goal keeper not in position off an unselfish pass from Kuyt. Slovakia’s half-hearter attacks succeeded in the 3rd and final minute of stoppage time. Jakubko was fouled in the box and a penalty was quickly awarded. Vittek didn’t fail to convert it (2-1). Holland moved on to the quarter final where they’ll probably play Brazil.
24. Germany - England (4 - 1, HT 2 - 1)
Bloemfontein, 27.6.10 19:30 IST, Round of 16
The men who defeated England. David James who was turned a spectator and referee Jorge Larrionda who disallowed a legitimate goal
A day full of reverses for England. To add to poorest refereeing going against them, the weakest goal keeper of all squads in this tournament became a burden to them. Whenever the ball came straight to the post, it was only good luck which prevented it from going in. David James proved utterly incompetent to play in an international match. Compounding this woe came the erroneous decision of the Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda who denied a legitimate goal by Lampard in the first half, which would've equalized for England.
The match started with both teams making rapid moves to goal. James somehow saved Ozil's shot in the 5th minute. In an unusual defensive error from Terry, Klose scored in the 20th minute to gain lead (1-0). The first English attempt at goal came only in the 25th from Barry which was stopped. Germany fought forward and Klose's shot was miraculously saved by James in the 31st. The defensive lapses continued and in the next minute, Podolsky increased the lead from a difficult angle shot (2-0). England made spirited counter attacks and Lampard's shot was saved in the 35th. The continued attacks finally became successful in the 37th when defender Upson scored through a header from a cross by Gerrard (2-1). Things moved at lightning speed and in the 38th, England was denied a goal by the refereeing error. Lampard's shot had beaten the keeper and after touching the cross bar, it touched ground about a foot inside the goal, but the referee curiously didn't see it and disallowed the equalizer. England never recovered from this injustice in the first half.
The second half saw more English moves, but a goal by Germany was seemed imminent because most of the defenders were moving forward, thus running the risk of a swift counter attack succeeding. In the 52nd, Lampard came very close to scoring as his free kick ricocheted off the cross bar. Mueller increased the lead in the 67th from a counter attack resulting from a free kick (3-1). The result seemed clear when to add to the injury, Mueller scored one more goal from a similar counter attack (4-1) in the 70th minute. With this goal, the outcome was clear and the game slowed down. Apart from a save by Neuer off Gerrard's shot, no worthwhile moves were seen. Germany will play the winner of Argentina vs Mexico match on saturday.
England, while going home may search for two good strikers and a good keeper. It'd be wise for the Queen to give citizenship to Vincent Enyeama of Nigeria and make him the keeper.
23. Uruguay - S.Korea (2 - 1, HT 1 - 0)
Port Elizabeth, 26.6.10 19:30 IST, Round of 16
Luis Suarez scores his and Uruguay's second goal
The first knock-out match in the competition resulted in a tight and evenly poised game with the fortune changing sides frequently and the better team winning at last. The match began in a cautious note with both teams careful in their attacks. Chu Young's shot from a freekick in the 5th minute hit the post and Uruguay were relieved. They made swift counter attacks and their efforts succeeded in the 8th when Luis Suarez scored from a difficult angle from Forlan's pass across the goal. Korea struggled forward with vigour, but their efforts lacked teeth. They could bring the ball only till the box but the finishing remained a problem. Uruguay continued pressurising them for the next 23 minutes when Chu Young's shot just wide off the goal. Directionless play ensured till the end of first half.
The second half began with renewed Korean efforts with Uruguay sitting back and hoping to win with their lead. Chu Young again came close to scoring in the 51st when he shot the ball high from the box. Park Ji Sung's brilliant header was equally splendidly punched away by the keeper in the 58th minute. Chung Yong equalised from a header in the 68th minute taking their supporters to an ecstatic high. It was Korea's total domination till this goal. Uruguay awoke from their slumber and pointed attacks soon began. Luis Suarez's shot similar to his earlier goal was punched away by the keeper in the 73rd. Heavy rain began lashing and the match progressed in very wet conditions. Korea were stunned in the 80th when Luis Suarez scored again when his shot hit the inside of the post and went in. Korea valiantly fought back, with a golden chance in the 87th when Dong Gook's shot slipped from the hands of the keeper, but was kicked away by defenders. After 3 minutes of injury time, it was all over. Korea's efforts ended in this world cup.
22. Portugal - Brazil (0 - 0, HT 0 - 0)
Durban, 25.6.10 19:30 IST, Group G
Julio Baptista (BRA) and Tiago (POR) struggle for the ball
Undoubtedly the most boring match so far in this tournament which almost amounted to match-fixing. Since both teams required only a draw to move on, they were determined to deny Ivory Coast a chance even though they fought and won 3-0 over North Korea. The stadium was packed and the people who paid to watch this game might have felt cheated. Brazil's famed Samba dance failed to materialise and it was a hard time for me to suppress yawns which originated from the poor show. Brazil didn't rise to the occasion and their fans felt dejected at this drab performance from their team whose pretensions to glory know no bounds. It was pure aimless play for the first 30 minutes when Nilmar's shot slipped off the Portuguese keeper but the cross bar stood in between goal and ball. Louis Fabiano's header just went wide in the 39th. These are the only two memorable moves by Brazil and Portugal don't have any worthwhile play to claim. The second half saw more Portuguese action, with Brazil going on the backfoot. In the 60th, Meireles missed a golden pass from Ronaldo with only the keeper in front. The next good move was in the first minute of injury time by Ramires, which was brilliantly saved by the Portuguese keeper. In the end, the result was goalless and both teams have successfully conspired to oust the African team!
21. Slovakia - Italy (3 - 2, HT 1 - 0)
Johannesberg, 24.6.10 19:30 IST, Group F
Iaquinta and Quagliarella stand dejected as they bow out of the tournament
An absolute thriller of a game! The reigning world champions get eliminated from the series! The last 15 minutes, in which 3 goals were scored will be memorable for a long time to come. Italy began the game in an uncertain way with Slovakia making quick inroads to their territory. Vittek scored for them in the 25th minute. Even after conceding a goal Italy didn't wake up to the occasion. Apart from Kucka's shot in the first half injury time which touched the side net, there were no worthy moments in the first period.
In the second half too, Italy didn't show a spirited opposition. It was only when Vittek scored again the 72nd minute, stunning the Italian supporters, did they rise up and several attacks followed, which succeeded in the 81st, when Di Natale scored (2-1). The atmosphere quickly became charged and the pace rose to a feverish pitch. Italy again netted the ball in the 85th, but Quagliarella was offside. Quite against the flow of the game, Slovakia again increased the lead in the 89th minute, when the newly came in Kopunek lifted the ball above the keeper to put it in the net (3-1). Italy only increased their speed and got a thrilling goal in the 2nd minute of injury time from Quagliarella (3-2). Even after an extended injury time and several nasty fouls in the dying minutes, Italy was finally defeated and was out of the series. Slovakia celebrated while Italians went out in tears.
20. Slovenia - England (0 - 1, HT 0 - 1)
Port Elizabeth, 23.6.10 19:30 IST, Group C
Jermaine Defoe scores for England in the 23rd minute
Salvation comes long, long last! England shakes away the fetters of their pitiable game against Algeria and resurrects like a Phoenix to defeat Slovenia to move to the Round-of-16. The group was wide open and a win was essential for them to go through as any other result would've seen them at the lowest of the table. A determined England however didn't come to full steam for the first 15 minutes. When they warmed up at last, it was a real roller-coaster and Slovenia was tied to their own half. A goal was imminent at any minute. Lampard's free kick was saved by the keeper in the 15th which saw England getting their hold tight on the match. Slovenia's return attack was uncharacteristically saved in style by James in the 21st. Then came the supremely sweet goal of Jermain Defoe in the 23rd minute. His shot slipped off the hands of the keeper and landed in the net. England were ahead and the stands erupted. They didn't sit back on their lead. Their sharp incursions continued till the 35th minute, which included Lampard's shot in the 27th and Gerrard's shot off Rooney's cross saved in the 30th. England slowed down their momentum after this as it might have seemed to them that nothing more may be feasible in the first half. James' save off a deflected free kick in the 42nd summed up the first half.
The second half began with the surging ahead by England, putting Slovenia again in defense. Defoe came very close on the 46th when his flick missed the target. In a swift move, Rooney put the ball in net in the 49th, but was disallowed by the referee for offside. A splendid header by Terry off a corner kick was put out by the keeper in the 57th. Rooney almost scored in the next minute when his shot deflected off the left post, beating the keeper. After 60 minutes, England again slowed down. There was a heart stopping minute in the 68th when three Slovenian players shot at the target, beginning with Dedic, two of which were blocked by defenders, while the third went out. After Rooney was substituted with Joe Cole in the 72nd, England was in the backfoot, sitting back to reap the reward, which put their supporters in a tense mood. When the final whistle sounded after 3 minutes of stoppage time, it seemed that England and Slovenia would move to the next round. At the same instant came Slovenia's end in the form of Landon Donovan (USA)'s goal against Algeria which put them, along with England in the next stage. Slovenia was in for a double whammy when all their hopes were obliterated by this lone goal in the other match.
In the next stage, England meets the winner of Group D, Germany, Ghana or Serbia.
19. Mexico - Uruguay (0 - 1, HT 0 - 1)
Rustenburg, 22.6.10 19:30 IST, Group A
Suarez celebrates scoring in the 43rd minute.
All eyes were on the other fixture which was running simultaneous as the hosts were battling it out with a demoralized France. This match's outcome was critical for them too. Both teams started with a clear feeling that a draw was enough to carry both to the next round. But the game heated up and the play was spirited and both of them vied for a win. Mexico came close to scoring in the 22nd, when Guardado's mighty shot from 35m beat the keeper, but was denied by the cross bar. Suarez took the lead for Uruguay in the 43rd minute when his header pierced the net. Second half saw more competition, but the score line didn't change. In the end, both the teams qualified, because South Africa's win against France was not able to carry them on goal difference.
18. Chile - Switzerland (1 - 0, HT 0 - 0)
Port Elizabeth, 21.6.10 19:30 IST, Group H
Hitzfield protests as Behrami was sent off
A fast paced game but which was confined to the midfield most of the time. Both the teams were outperforming each other in wasting chances. There were practically no memorable moves in the first period. Chile was in urgent need of a win as their third match will be against Spain, whereas the Swiss can get off quite comfortably with a draw as they had upset Spain in their previous match. The second half was dominated by Chile who attacked utilising every opportunity they could muster. Sanchez netted the ball in the 49th, but the deflection off one of his teammates who was offside caused it to be disallowed. Six minutes later, he wasted another chance with only the keeper in front. Intense pressure earned them the much awaited goal as Gonzalez scored with a sharp downward header off a cross from Sanchez when the keeper was out of position. Chile wasted two chances in the 84th and 89th minutes which should make some concern for their coach. Derdiyok missed a golden chance to equalize when he failed to score on a partially empty net. Finally, Chile won a well deserved victory.
The refereeing was unusually harsh. Khalil Al Ghamdi of Saudi Arabia, who was the main official, seemed to be trigger happy and showed off the cards as often as the fancy suited him. Six yellow cards and one straight red were shown in this match, out of which about half of them was unnecessary. Chile's Carmona and Fernandez will miss their next match due to their second yellow card. FIFA should seriously consider reigning in these officials who have no concern for the forward progress of the teams.
17. Portugal - N. Korea (7 - 0, HT 1 - 0)
Cape Town, 21.6.10 17:00 IST, Group G
Almeida scores for Portugal in the 56th minute
North Korea, ranked 105 is the lowest ranked team ever to play the world cup. Third ranked Portugal absolutely decimated them in this game. The first half was rather well balanced, as the Koreans could effectively stop the Portuguese efforts after conceding only one goal. But the second half was totally one sided and the final whistle saved the Koreans from further misery. This game came as a relief for the goal-starved tournament.
Meireles opened the scoring in the 29th minute from Tiago's pass. This was the only goal scored in the first half. There was a shower of goals in two periods in the second half, between 50 and 60 minutes and 80 and 90 minutes. Tiago was instrumental in scoring two goals, one by Meireles in 29th and by Almeidas's connecting header in the 56th. Simao increased the lead in the 54th from an easy pass. Tiago was finally rewarded in the 60th when he hit the ball past the keeper. The substitute Liedson scored in the 81st, Christiano Ronaldo himself got the goal in 87th and Tiago again scored in the 90th minute, thus ending the shower of goals. With this barrage of goals, Ivory Coast is sure to go out of the championship as it is impossible to better this record.
16. Italy - New Zealand (1 - 1, HT 1 - 1)
Nelspruit, 20.6.10 19:30 IST, Group F
Iaquinta scores from a penalty
Once again the Goliath very nearly humbled by David. Italy, not only being the reigning champions, are ranked 5th while New Zealand is 78th. Everyone expected an easy win for the champions, but an early goal in the 7th minute put the minnows ahead. Smeltz pushed the ball to net it slipped past defenders after a freekick. Italian supporters were dumbfounded. Spirited attacks followed. Zambrotta went a little wide in the 22nd and Montolivo's shot ricocheted off the left post in 27th. Then came the defending blunder when De Rossi was fouled in the box for which a spot kick was awarded. Experienced Iaquinta didn't miss it in the 29th minute. Italy immediately slowed down after the equalizer, with only one good shot in the stoppage time of first half when De Rossi's shot was pushed out by the keeper.
Second half began with more Italian attacks which didn't look worthwhile. In a return attack, Vicelich's powerful shot in the 63rd went wide but which frightened the supporters. Paston's great goal keeping stood between Italy and goal in the 70th when Montolivo's shot was saved. De Natalie's drive went wide in the 80th. Then came the real shock for Italy. Wood came very very close to scoring as his drive just grazed off the post in the 83rd. Two other good shots were also prevented as Paston saved Camoranesi's blast in 88th and Zambrotta's shot in the 90th was blocked by defenders. New Zealand celebrated as the final whistle sounded as a draw with the champions was not in their wildest dreams. Italy now requires an absolute win in their final match against Slovakia to progress.
15. Slovakia - Paraguay (0 - 2, HT 0 - 1)
Bloemfontein, 20.6.10 17:00 IST, Group F
Vera scores the first goal for Paraguay
A medium paced game with good effort by Paraguay who claim themselves to be the best national side ever. Viera's brilliant shot put them in the lead in the 27th. 'Slow'akia were not able to match the caliber of the Paraguayans who are determined to stay some more days in South Africa. The second half saw more moves from the leaders and Vera's header in the 71st just went wide. Riveros clinched the deal in the 86th minute with a powerful shot from just outside the box. A well deserved win for Paraguay.
14. Holland - Japan (1 - 0, HT 0 - 0)
Durban, 19.6.10 17:00 IST, Group E
Kawashima looks on helplessly Sneijder's shot pierces the net
The match started on a low-key note. Holland was content with keeping possession of the ball. No exciting moves were seen in the uninspiring first half. The closest Japan came to a goal was when Tanaka's header went wide. Holland surged ahead in the second half and their efforts fruitioned on the 51st minute when Wesley Snijder's very powerful shot slipped off Japanese keeper Kawashima's hands and went into the net. This was also a keeper error. Once they took lead, Holland immediately switched off their efforts and started sitting on the goal. Even then Japan was not able to challenge the Dutch keeper. Only two efforts by Holland was worth mention, when van Persie was denied a solo effort and Afellay's shot was saved on goal line by two defenders. Japan, even though lost, is still not out of the series as they had won their first game against Cameroon.
13. England - Algeria (0 - 0, HT 0 - 0)
Cape Town, 19.6.10 00:00 IST, Group C
Capello's frantic appeals fell on deaf ears
A highly disappointing match with no claim to be on the world cup finals. So poor was the performance by both teams that it made one wonder how these mediocre teams managed to get past their opponents in the previous stages. Being my hot favourites, the performance of England was keenly watched and it came as a rude shock to realize that I have been following such a resourceless squad! 30,000 English supporters in the stadium including Princes William and Harry and millions of TV viewers were aghast at the pitiable display of lack of coordination and talent. If such heavyweights as Rooney, Gerrard, Terry and Lampard are so pathetic how come they play so well in club football? All players in the squad are equally responsible, but these four are the prime accused because we expected a lot from them. Is it because of the financial element, that they’d be getting peanuts for playing in this tournament as compared to their heavy purses in club football? Then again, where is patriotism, call of duty and such things which the Latin American players, notably Messi (who is far more expensive in the European football market than any of these four) is demonstrating to exhilarating detail? Unless Fabio Capello does a thorough shakeup of the squad and sideline the unwilling players, England is definitely not going to the Round-of-16. The next match against Slovenia is crucial as they need a win to move further. Considering Slovenia’s stellar performance against USA, that is highly unikely as well as undesirable. We’d like to see a fighting Slovenia or USA than this ‘crouch’ing England (no pun intended!). England also had the dubious distinction of getting jeered by its own supporters.
England came in with two major replacements. David James was called in keep the goal instead of the unfortunate Green and James Milner was exempted. The match began very slow, with no meaningful moves in the first 11 minutes and the ball hardly left the midfield. Then Algeria made some feeble moves, but their accuracy was dismal which might have made David James happy. The Algerian keeper was not seriously threatened at all till the 30th minute when Gerrard’s grounder was stopped. Lampard made another shot in the 33th, which was also stopped. The first half ended with more display of school level talent. The second half was no better which came as a surprise, as we saw Capello vigorously articulating instructions to the players in the first half, but which seemed to have caused no effect on the players. The match being slow, was also less riddled with fouls, as the first yellow card was shown only in the 58th minute. The only time England came somewhat close to scoring is in the 71st when Gerrard’s header was saved by the Algerian keeper. With nothing much to write home about, the final whistle came as a grim reminder to English fans that their trust is entirely misplaced.
Well, one more game is remaining. Let’s see what this team can salvage from the tussle against Slovenia in the next match.
12. Slovenia - USA (2 - 2, HT 2 - 0)
Johannesberg, 18.6.10 19:30 IST, Group C
Landon Donovan's superb goal in the 48th minute brought USA back to the game.
The most thrilling match so far in this tournament. Both teams showed hectic pace and made sharp attacks. Right from kick off, several crisp moves by both were witnessed. Slovenia went ahead with a superb goal by Birsa from a freekick in the 13th minute from midfield. Tim Howard, US keeper could do nothing to save the ball. Even though the game was fast, it was comparatively free of fouls in this period. The first yellow card came only in the 35th minute. When Slovenia increased their lead to 2-0 by Ljubijankic's goal in the 42nd, it seemed for a while that the US campaign in this world cup was over. At half time, Slovenia led 2-0. The positive point which can be said about them is that they didn't slow down even when they were one goal up, as is usually done by most of the heavyweight teams. The first half was uniformly high paced.
In the second half, Slovenia understandably reduced the speed. They felt that they could just stand back and win the game, but the Americans had other ideas. Landon Donovan's brillian shot from a difficult angle made the score line 2-1 in the 48th. US surged ahead thereafter and two good shots by Altidore and Bradley was commendably stopped by Handanovic, the Slovenian keeper in the 70th and 81st minute respectively. The nasty surprise for Slovenia came in the 82nd minute when Bradley equalized the score from a slipped ball in the box. US again played superbly and Edu netted the ball in the 85th minute, but the referee surprisingly disallowed it and awarded a free kick to Slovenia. It looked as if a deserving goal and hence victory was denied to the US by this error. Slovenia tried hard to regain lead, but an accurate header in the 88th was saved by Howard. When the final whistle blowed, it was 2-2.
A scintillating match, which the US deserved to win. This makes things difficult for England which is to meet Algeria in 2 hours time from now.
11. Germany - Serbia (0 - 1, HT 0 - 1)
Port Elizabeth, 18.6.10 17:00 IST, Group D
Vladimir Stojkovic stopping Podolsky's penalty kick
The second shock of the championship came with Serbia upsetting the giants. Nobody expected them to win anything more than a draw. The match began in a dull note, with the first 30 minutes utterly boring. Germany was playing complacently, as if they were sure of getting a goal somewhere in the second half. After the first half-hour, things speeded up a little and resulted in sending off Klose, the top scorer in the 2006 world cup in the 37th minute. He acquired two yellow cards for uncharacteristic fouls by a striker. Serbia exploited the psychological blow by scoring immediately. Jovanovic struck at close range which completely failed the German keeper. The return attacks were sharp and immediate, but Germany was denied a goal in the injury time after first half when Khedira's powerful shot from the box ricocheted off the cross bar.
The second half also witnessed strong German pressure even though they were down to ten men. Twice Podolsky came twice to scoring when his shot was just wide in the 57th min and side netting in the 59th minute. Everyone thought that Germany could atlast equalize in the 61st minute, when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Vidic. Podolsky was dumbfounded when his kick was stopped by Stojkovic, the great Serbian keeper. In fact, Germany never recovered from this shock. All their successive moves were effectively stopped. Serbia also made some threatening attacks when Milos Krasic's shot was reflected back by the goal post and Nikola Zigic's header just grazed off the cross bar. In the end, it so happened that the titans were humbled.
The refereeing was unusually harsh. There were 9 yellow cards and one converted red card. Alberto Undiano, the Spanish referee was somewhat sober though, in the second half.
10. Greece - Nigeria (2 - 1, HT 1 - 1)
Bloemfontaine, 17.6.10 19:30 IST, Group B
Vincent Enyeama, who seems to be the first star of this tournament makes a save
The star attraction of this world cup so far has proved to be Vincent Enyeama, the scintillating goal keeper of Nigeria. His talent was made amply visible by eight stunning saves he made against the Greek. Nigeria handled the game in a defensive mood throughout, but they went ahead in the 16th minute when a free kick by Kalu Uche was misjudged by the Greek keeper and went straight into the net. They were severely handicapped when Sani Kaita was sent off after a nasty foul. Greece surged ahead thereafter and one of Enyeama's striking save in the 39th minute of a shot by Salpingidis and Haruna's goal line save in the 41st minute kept the Africans in the game. Greece's efforts were successful in the 44th minute when Salpingidis scored from a deflected ball off Nigerian defenders against which even Enyeama was helpless. This was Greece's first ever goal in the world cup!
The second half began with a subdued Nigeria while Greece surged ahead with vigour. The Africans really got a splendid chance in the 59th minute, but was wasted by Obasi. Greece was rewarded with a well deserved goal in the 71st minute when Torosidis scored from a small error by Enyeama. He couldn't quite control the ball in the first attempt and the loose ball was accurately put in the net by Torosidis go earn Greece's first ever win in the world cup. Altogether, the match was entertaining and we seem to be seeing some real action when the second round started. Good luck to Enyeama.
9. Spain - Switzerland (0 - 1, HT 0 - 0)
Durban, 16.6.10 19:30 IST, Group H
Gelson Fernandes scores the winner for Switzerland in the 52nd minute
The first real upset of the championship, with Switzerland, who have never beaten Spain in their previous eighteen encounters jolted the European champions in this game with a solo goal victory. The match started in low-key and most of the first half was eventless. Spain dominated the proceedings and the only meaningful Swiss move came (would you believe it?) in the 21st minute. The first period was so one-sided that the Spanish possessed the ball 68% of the time.
The second half saw both teams transformed into fast and strong tactics. Gelson Fernandes of Spain scored against the flow of the game in the 52nd minute after some confusing ricochets in the Spanish penalty area. The Champions and their fans were stunned. Fernando Torres, who was in the reserve list was immediately put on duty, but to no avail. Spain came very close to equalizing in the 70th minute when Xabi Alonso's shot was reflected back from the cross bar. Hardly five minutes later, the wood work came to the rescue of Spain when it blocked a brilliant flick by Eren Derdiyok of Switzerland. Span made very concerted moves after they were down by a goal and the final 15 minutes of the match was thrilling to the core. They also got some patronage from FIFA, as 5 minutes were added as injury time, which was not at all justified by the nature of the second half. When the final whistle was blown in the 96th minute, the Swiss were ecstatic, celebrating an unexpected victory over the European leaders.
8. Ivory Coast - Portugal (0 - 0, HT 0 - 0)
Port Elizabeth, 15.6.10 19:30 IST, Group G
Drogba being friendly with Ronaldo, both of them played 2008-09 English Premier League
Group G is called the Group-of-death. Both the teams came on the field well knowing that those who loses will be out of the tournament as their next opponent will be Brazil. The first half was rather subdued, with a memorable shot by Cristiano Ronaldo which ricocheted off the woodwork in the 11th minute. The Africans were cautious rather than exploring chances. There was practically only one good shot at goal.
In the second half, things changed. Ivory Coast made rapid forays into Portuguese area and the first 20 minutes of the second period provided an excellent, thrilling game. Didier Drogba, the icon of African football who is still not free from an elbow injury came in as a substitute in the 65th minute, but the African attack surprisingly became blunt after his entry. Portugal seemed to be too much dependent on Ronaldo and didn't make any meaningful moves in the second half. The match ended in a goalless draw.
7. New Zealand - Slovakia (1 - 1, HT 0 - 0)
Rustenburg, 15.6.10 17:00 IST, Group F
Vittek scores for Slovakia in the 50th minute
Being the minnows of the tournament, New Zealand not even having full time professionals in the squad and Slovakia making their debut, nobody expected any solid action in this match. The expectations were justified by the mediocre play by both teams. There were practically no fruitful moves in the first half. Both teams were goalless at interval. Vittek scored for Slovakia in the 50th minute for which he is more indebted to luck than to anything else. It was felt that New Zealand was in for another loss, till Reid scored from a very good header in the last minute of injury time! This is the first point ever won by New Zealand.
6. Japan - Cameroon (1 - 0, HT 1 - 0)
Bloemfonteine, 14.6.10 19:30 IST, Group E
Honda (in the middle) celebrates after scoring the winner in the 39th minute
Another lacklustre performance. Both teams struggled to make correct passes and good moves in the first half. Keisuko Honda's goal in the 39th minute from a defensive error didn't help to break the monotony. Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o proved to be a shadow of his real talent which he displays in full while playing for Barcelona. At half time the score was the same as at the end. The only saving grace for Cameroon was the vigour with which they played in the final minutes of the game. A lot of exciting moves were made and it was only bad luck which denied them an equalizer. For Japan, this is their first world cup win on foreign soil and they have every right to feel elated.
Even though the game is played in Africa, the African teams have not been able to capitalize on it in any measure. The meagre performances from South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon are illustrative examples. Ivory Coast is the only team to play yet. On the other hand, we have seen good play from Asian nations, namely S.Korea and Japan.
5. Serbia - Ghana (0 - 1, HT 0 - 0)
Pretoria, 13.6.10 19:30 IST, Group D
Asamoah Gyan converts the spot kick with text book accuracy.
A match which never rose the standard expected of a world cup performance. Both teams miserably failed to make chances and wasted time by inaccurate passes and poor finishing. There was nothing to note in the first half, except some brilliant runs by Serbia's Pantelic. A goalless draw was the logical conclusion when the Argentinian referee Hector Baldassi quite unjustly granted Ghana a penalty kick as a result of an unintentional hand ball by a Serbian defender. Asamoah Gyan converted the spot kick effortlessly in the 85th minute to earn 3 points for Ghana.
An important point to note is the poor refereeing in the game. Apart from some harsh decisions by the main referee, who took out 5 yellow cards and a converted red card, the pavilion side referee also came out with at least two wrong decisions in granting a throw instead of goal kick and a faulty offside decision. A very poor show, altogether.
4. England - USA (1 - 1, HT 1 - 1)
Rustenburg, 13.6.10 00:00 IST, Group C
Steven Gerrard celebrates after the 4th minute stunner
England, being my hot favourites for this tournament disappointed in their very first match. Though Steven Gerrard scored a superb goal in the 4th minute itself with a masterful flick of the right foot, that momentum couldn't be kept. Manager Fabio Capello's first fault became apparent when James Milner, who was playing not in his usual position had to be substituted in the 31st minute after he picked up a yellow card. A terrible mistake from substitute goalkeeper Robert Green effected USA's equalizer. An easy straight ball slipped from his hands and crossed the goal line. This was Capello's second mistake as he deliberately avoided David James in the first eleven. Wastage of a golden chance by Heskey in the 51st minute completed England's woes. Clint Dempsey scored for USA, even though it was more an own goal from Green. At half-time, both teams were level at 1-1.
This match brings into focus the poor goalkeeping and attack of the English team. They sorely lack a sharp striker and a good goal keeper. Rooney had several half chances but couldn't convert anything. Unless they improvise, there is no future beyond the Round-of-16.
3. Argentina - Nigeria (1 - 0, HT 1 - 0)
Johannesberg, 12.6.10 19:30 IST, Group B
Heinze scores the most superb goal so far in World Cup 2010 from a perfect header.
Vincent Enyeama's stunning goal-keeping prevented Argentina winning by half-dozen goals!
A great play was expected from Argentina who are one of the hot favourites to win the cup, but the performance didn't rise to the hopes of its fans. The game started with the blinding pace of Argentinian players who raided the Nigerian area with stunning regularity and accuracy. Gabriel Heinze scored the most superb goal so far in this tournament from a sharp header in the 6th minute, which proved to be the lone goal. The much fabled player, Lionel Messi created many opportunities for himself as well as others, but failed to convert, partly due to the marksmanship of Nigerian defence who singled out and locked Messi. Nigerian attack was shadowy and never threatened their rivals except on very few occasions. Argentina poured over the African area for scoring, but the scintillating show by goal-keeper Vincent Enyeama who made 4 or 5 'supernatural' saves stood between them and the goal they very much desired.
2. South Korea - Greece (2 - 0, HT 1 - 0)
Cape Town, 12.6.10 17:00 IST, Group B
Park Ji Sung seals victory by scoring the second goal
Asian prowess was displayed in full vigour in this match. Greece is playing only their second world cup finals ever, and they are yet to score a single goal. That dubious record stood unbroken while Korea convincingly defeated the 2004 European champions. Greece'd really be in a dilemma whether to blame their poor defence or miserable offence for this failure. Lee Jung Soo opened scoring in the 7th minute itself. Thereafter, they were never unduly constrained by the Greeks. At half-time, they led 1-0. In the 52nd minute, Park Ji Sung, a ManUtd player scored a brilliant goal to complete the tally. Korea reduced the pace after the winning goal, but Greece couldn't exploit even this.
1. South Africa - Mexico (1 - 1, HT 0 - 0)
Johannesberg, 11.6.10 19:30 IST
Rafael Marquez scoring the equalizer for Mexico
Hosts South Africa began with a poor start, but soon recovered their rhythm. When they opened scoring with Siphiwe TSHABALALA in the 55th minute, it seemed as if they might coast to a comfortable win. But Mexico came back with vigour and Rafael MARQUEZ equalized for them in the 79th minute. A draw was quite a good one as far as Mexico was concerned, because beating a host nation on the inaugural match would have been an overkill!
The match was exciting at the beginning and in the second half, but the latter part of the first half was boring. TSHABALALA was the Man-of-the-Match. South Africa played well, considering their ranking of 83, which is far below that of their opponent's 17.
