“The Hand of God now belongs to me. Mine is the real Hand Of God,” said Suárez.
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Quarter Final match between Uruguay and Ghana at the Soccer City stadium on July 2, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Quote Of the Day: Luis Suarez
“The Hand of God now belongs to me. Mine is the real Hand Of God,” said Suárez.
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Quarter Final match between Uruguay and Ghana at the Soccer City stadium on July 2, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.
spainish players celebrations after 83rd minute goal
With seven minutes left Spain finally produced a goal worthy of their lofty reputation when Iniesta went on a fantastic run and set up Pedro whose shot hit the post, with Villa reacting instinctively to fire it in off the other upright.
MATCH SUMMARY: Paraguay 0 - 1 Spain
MATCH SUMMARY
Paraguay 0 - 1 Spain
David Villa struck his fifth goal of the finals to send the perennial underachievers into the last four of the World Cup for the first time.
It was tough on Paraguay who had matched the European champions for much of the game - and though this has been a World Cup of shocks, the needle would have gone off the Richter scale if the South Americans had triumphed.Spain now face Germany in the semi-finals - not since 1950, where they were part of a four-team final group, have they had such an opportunity to reach the final itself.Both sides contrived to miss penalties before Villa came up trumps after Andres Iniesta had carved out an opening for Pedro, who hit the post with his new Barcelona team-mate producing the perfect follow up.Until then, Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino, who made no fewer than six changes from the side that scraped past Japan on penalties, had got his tactics just right. Spain's coach Vicente del Bosque kept faith with the same starting line-up for the third game in a row but familiarity bred contempt for the first hour.Paraguay could have gone ahead in the very first minute had they taken advantage of an excellent opening. The Spanish defence was split open by Oscar Cardozo who found Jonathan Santana on the edge of the box but his shot was tame and Iker Casillas was not troubled.Cristian Riveros headed over as Paraguay continued their refusal to be overawed while Xavi, dogged by Cristian Riveros snapping at his heels, had a poor first half. Spain failed to bring a single save out of Justo Villar in the first 45 minutes - Xavi's spin and volley that dipped just too late their one highlight, while Fernando Torres looked woeful.After Joan Capdevila's free-kick was blocked, a break by Paraguay saw a stunning cross by Claudio Morel that was just missed by Santana.Villa, who had looked the liveliest of the off-colour Spaniards, dragged a chance wide before Paraguay were controversially denied the lead.Nelson Valdez brought down the ball and finished expertly but was flagged offside - replays showed he was just on - and he put his next chance high and wide after turning Carles Puyol inside and out at pace.After 10 minutes of the second half del Bosque had seen enough and he sent on Cesc Fabregas for Torres and suddenly a drab game exploded into life.Paraguay were awarded a penalty after Gerard Pique hauled down Cardozo. The Benfica forward dusted himself down and stepped up but Casillas saved low to his left.Almost immediately referee Carlos Batres from Guatemala awarded a spot-kick at the other end after Villa was felled by Antolin Alcaraz. Xabi Alonso put it away only to be made to re-take it due to encroachment and this time Villar came up trumps - and he then got away with clipping Fabregas who reached the loose ball first.Iniesta, who had been much subdued, suddenly woke up and brought a terrific save out of Villar with a curling effort, then lofted another effort high over the bar. Fabregas' hustling saw Xavi presented with a shooting chance and he hit it almost too well as it whistled past the post.With seven minutes left Spain finally produced a goal worthy of their lofty reputation when Iniesta went on a fantastic run and set up Pedro whose shot hit the post, with Villa reacting instinctively to fire it in off the other upright. Now he has 43 goals for his country, only one behind Raul.It was left to Casillas to rival Villa as Spain's hero with a double save in the dying seconds to keep out Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz.
Diego Maradona said he may be ready to quit as Argentina coach
Diego Maradona was a broken man at the full-time whistle.
Argentina came into the game in Cape Town having won all four of their previous games in South Africa but were torn apart by Joachim Low's impressive young side, with Thomas Muller opening the scoring, Miroslav Klose netting twice and defender Arne Friedrich also getting on the scoresheet.
Maradona has been the subject of regular criticism during his time in charge of the national side thanks to some unconvincing performances, even if Argentina's form in the group stages and a second round victory over Mexico was impressive.
After his dream of winning the World Cup as player and coach evaporated, Maradona conceded he may consider resigning from his post. Argentina appointed their hero from the 1986 World Cup as boss in November 2008.
"I may leave tomorrow [Sunday]," Maradona said. "We will see what happens. Whoever comes after me I hope will follow the attacking style. Listen, I haven't thought about leaving, I have to check with my family and players."
He admitted that the prospect of returning to Argentina having let down an expectant public was a daunting one.
"I am totally disappointed," Maradona said. "We will go back and that is difficult after losing but we will sit down and figure out what happened.
"I don't think anybody can be happy with the result. We live and breathe football and no-one will be glad we lost 4-0. The day I stopped playing football could have been similar to this.
"The sadness is really strong, it is tough. We had a wish to go beyond today and be among the four best teams in the world. We had this dream and the opposite happened.
"I lived through this in 1982 as a player. I was a boy and didn't realise. Today, I am 50 in October and mature and it is the toughest day of my life. This is like a kick in the face. I have no more energy for anything.''
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez blamed the defeat on errors. "We just had a bad game. If you make mistakes like that, you go home," he said. "We knew they could be dangerous on set-pieces and on the counter-attack."
MATCH SUMMARY: Argentina 0 - 4 Germany
MATCH SUMMARY
Argentina 0 - 4 Germany
Germany cast their spell on Argentina with a brilliant quarter-final performance.
Argentina were buried thanks to a third-minute goal from Thomas Muller and two second-half efforts from Miroslav Klose either side of one from Arne Friedrich. Even Diego Maradona would had appreciated it had he not been in the opposite dug-out. An imperious masterclass from a side on the march.Games of this magnitude can often be dull, sterile affairs, where two giants cancel each other out completely. This spectacular never had a chance of being that way.An Argentina team containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, managed by one of the most creative forces there has ever been, is not exactly set up to defend. Germany's talents are not as well known. But over the past week Joachim Low's team have made some statement.When Nicolas Otamendi brought Podolski down by the touchline, the start of what turned out to be a tortuous opening period for the young full-back, Bastian Schweinsteiger curled the free-kick to the near post. Muller escaped Otamendi's attentions and rose unchallenged.The youngster should have sent a firm header into the corner. Instead, he got the faintest touch which deceived Sergio Romero, who must have thought he was going to be beaten anyway. It shot off the Argentina keeper's leg and rolled into the net.For a good 15 minutes, those famous blue and white shirts were seen twisting and turning in all directions as they tried to keep their opponents at bay.Klose wasted a golden opportunity to double the advantage when Muller capitalised on Gabriel Heinze's error and squared for the veteran frontman. On his 100th appearance, it should have been his 51st goal. But he rushed the opportunity and side-footed over.Too young to be considered for Germany's triumphant Under-21 squad at last summer's European Championships, what a year Muller has had. In reaching the Champions League final with Bayern Munich, he had already confirmed himself as one of the best young players in the world.On successive weekends, both England and Argentina have discovered the 20-year-old is a rich talent as well. Unfortunately, football can be a cruel sport and a harsh booking for handball means the youngster will miss Wednesday's semi-final in Durban.After being hurt so badly so quickly, Argentina at least managed to clear their heads and began to respond. The problem was Germany's defence was rock solid, their movement choreographed superbly.Messi tried to sparkle but he was forced further back to gain meaningful possession, and then surrounded instantly to ensure there was no escape.Another star name destined to leave South Africa without making a significant mark, or scoring a goal, Messi did his best with the scraps that were offered without making the mesmerising burst or defence-splitting pass his team craved.On the touchline, Maradona stood, knowing the difference between a great player and the absolute best is their ability to produce when the pressure is at its greatest, as he did in 1986. Since then, Germany have gained revenge, both in the 1990 final and the quarter-final four years ago.In his amusing dismissal of England, German skipper Philipp Lahm said he wanted to win inside 90 minutes, for his country to finally defeat a big team. It was time for his youthful team-mates to announce their arrival.First, a prone Muller stabbed the ball into space and set Podolski free to present Klose with a tap-in.Then, pushing forward even though the game was won, Friedrich was on hand to finish from close range after Schweinsteiger had cut through the Argentine defence like a knife through butter.Klose finished the rout and with another four-star performance, Germany roll into the semi-finals with every chance of lifting the trophy.
English octopus oracle predicts German win
Disastrous news for England fans ahead of the crunch last-16 match with Germany Sunday: an octopus in Germany with a perfect track record of predicting World Cup matches has plumped for a German win.
Two plastic boxes containing tasty morsels, one with a German flag and one with an England flag, were lowered into the tank that houses Paul the octopus at his home in Sea Life in Oberhausen, western Germany.
Paul immediately climbed into the German box to a huge roar of approval from the crowd.
Can we get one more trick, Diego?
Posted by Sebastian Garcia
Enough with the war of words, Mr. SCHWEINSTEIGER and Mr. LAHM, it's time to play a game of football and time to see who gets the final word on the pitch.
Germany are a class act and I know I'm not discovering anything when I say this. They have always been tough to beat and they have always been there. Jorge VALDANO, who was one of the few Argentine players who can say 'I defeated Germany at a World Cup' after he scored our second goal in that famous 3-2 win in Mexico 1986, took a quote from Gary LINEKER and put it in Spanish so we could all realise that: 'Football is a sport played by 11 players on each side and the Germans always win'.
On Saturday, in the beautiful Cape Town, in my opinion, it could very well be a matter of 'who wants it more?' and for much as we can't compare to a superior Germany in many aspects, they can't get anywhere near Argentina in that department. WE SIMPLY WANT IT MORE THAN THEM!
Friday was the most spectacular day of this World Cup so far. We had it all in just a couple of matches. Every emotion you could get from watching football was given to us by Brazil, Holland, Uruguay and Ghana.
But the thing that stood out the most for me (apart from the obvious and that incredible final few minutes of Uruguay-Ghana) was something that can be compared to what is going on for Argentina.
What I'm trying to say is that I saw a team (Brazil) completely possessed which looked like the perfect clone of his manager. Every one of the bad features that Dunga had as a player and has as a manager (except perhaps for the dubious taste in clothing), his team showed it on the pitch. But it wasn't just now. It was a constant for quite some time and it peaked right now, during the World Cup.
I have never seen players like KAKA or ROBINHO losing it like that. Complaining to refs after EVERY single call. Asking him to show cards to every rival. Even throwing elbows (see KAKA v. Ivory Coast when he got a red -even though some people still say he didn't do nothing- or see KAKA when Brazil were down 2-1 to Holland violently swinging an arm that went really close to hitting a Dutch defender). They were nervous. They had a terrible attitude and they were nasty too. All of which were trademark DUNGA-the-player characteristics.
On Friday, as never before in my life, I've seen how a team took every attribute from their manager and showed it on the pitch.
I don't mean to write a lot about Brazil, but this goes to perfectly illustrate the point I'd like to make now.
Those who have been reading my website know that I celebrated Diego's appointment as manager of Argentina and that I said that as long as he had somebody of a certain experience behind him to help him out with the tactical decisions and the training, he'd be OK. During the crazy rollercoaster ride that were the World Cup Qualifiers, I got angry at Diego. He got angry at me and at all the other journalists too. He got angry at GRONDONA (head of the AFA), at BILARDO (who was supposed to be that person with the experience to back Diego and help him out), at Juan Roman RIQUELME and a whole bunch of other people.
It was tough to understand some of his decisions and even if I stood 100% behind him after the Bolivia disaster and I insisted in that he needed more time to work with his players, it was impossible for me to sustain my entire support on the basis of what I was witnessing. I kept saying how I loved MARADONA to pieces whilst growing up and how I'll never love another football player as much as I loved him when I was a little boy, but I also repeated that our national team was more important than him. That if I felt Diego was hurting our team, I would oppose to his decisions or his methods.
The minute he gave the list without the names of Javier ZANETTI and Esteban CAMBIASSO, I took it as a punch in my stomach but I didn't cry or complain. I got together, took a deep breath and rallied behind his 23 men.
He kept picking fights with some random people and then he took a flight to South Africa and EVERYTHING changed. Diego, for the first time since he took over, got his wish and got to spend some quality time with his boys. He started building up the team spirit that we lacked so much in previous World Cups. The talent was always there, but the unity among ALL players was more of an utopia in past campaigns than anything else.
So the World Cup started and before it did, Diego listened to his daughters and followed their fashion advice and started wearing that 'sharkskin suit' that became an instant hit (for good or for worse!). But that was not the only visible change. Diego was calm in press conference. He even played some jokes. He sounded wise. He said the right things at the right time. And even when journalists wanted to get something controversial out of his spicy mouth, he dodged those questions like he dodged so many defenders in his playing days and played down every possible chance that he had to engage in a public fight with somebody.
"I don't care about Brazil. I have another business here to take care of and I'm only thinking about our match with Germany" was his reply when they asked him about DUNGA's team getting knocked out of the tournament.
"I don't have time to listen to what SCHWEINSTEIGER has to say. We will do our talking on the pitch", OK, there was something of a subtle hint of controversy in his words, but that was NOTHING compared to what you would have expected coming from MARADONA.
So with all this changes, what you see on the pitch is a team that reflects what his manager is generating in each of our players. A team that shows commitment without losing their 'freshness' to play the kind of football Argentines are famous for playing. A bunch of players that will never give up, no matter what the score is and no matter which team are in front of them. Eleven (or 23) players that simply, want this more than anybody else. I'm not saying they will win it all. Frankly, I'm still far from thinking that. All I'm saying is that we, Argentina fans, have at least one guarantee and that is that our players will never stop trying. Sometimes that's not enough. You need the quality to back up your aspirations of winning big and important things and you need the intelligence to identify what is needed from you in every moment of every game.
He has been criticised for it too, but Diego is showing he loves his players. He is showing affection. He is hugging them, kissing them, hugging them again, lifting them up in the air. And players have been responding to that. They had enough rigidity playing in Europe under European managers. They had enough pressures and enough responsibilities during a long season. They want to enjoy themselves and they want to play football.
Diego has been there and done what his players are now trying to achieve and he's also seen the other side of the coin. In both occasions, Germany was standing on his way. It's Germany again now. Probably the most attractive German side I've ever seen in my life.
And to finish this article (another opportunity that I'm taking to blow off some steam by typing this at crazy hours in the eve of the match), I'd like to take you with me back to 1987.
That year says nothing to most of you. Here's whey I'm taking you there. I was 10. I have never seen Argentina play live at the stadium before in my life, but I was lucky enough to have seen them winning the World Cup the year before. I was also too young when Diego MARADONA left Argentina to sing for Barcelona, so I've never seen him live on site before either.
Off I went to Velez Sarsfield stadium and I was ready to take on the opportunity to fulfil those two dreams. Argentina were playing a friendly to celebrate their World Cup title in front of their own fans and across the midfield line it was Germany again!
We wore the Albiceleste shirt (just like we will on Saturday) and they wore green (like they did in 1986. "A shame they'll dress in black in Cape Town" says the superstitious in me). The place was packed. The vibe was unique. And I was near one of the corner flags, unable to capture everything I wanted to capture with my own eyes. It was just too much. I mean...MARADONA was in the house!
We won that game 1-0 and Jorge BURRUCHAGA was again the 'hero', like when he scored the third goal in the World Cup final in 1986. But what I took from that game is a memory that will stay with me forever. I know it will because I still remember it very vividly.
Someone threw an orange (the favourite fruit in Argentina after Friday's results, by the way) and it landed near the corner flag I was close to.
Our mythological number 10 walked slowly towards the flag to take a corner but since it was a friendly and he was always a crowd-pleaser, he decided to lift up the orange with a playful touch of his left foot and juggled with it for a while as he waited for somebody to give him the proper ball so he could take that uninteresting corner kick. I mean...what did I care about that damned corner kick! My idol was just a few metres away from me and he was making magic with a fruit! Who cares about that corner kick.
But there was more...the ball, the proper ball, came through the floor in his direction and I'm realising this is going to be very difficult for me to explain it in English! But here's my attempt. He gave the ball a sweet first touch with his back towards the corner flag (which was probably 3 yards from where he was standing). As he touched the ball and lift it in the air with a reverse effect, he turned around to start walking towards the corner flag and extended one arm without even looking at that rounded thing which, not-so-shockingly-anymore, landed perfectly in the palm of his opened hand.
I hope you get an idea of what he did. If you don't get it, I'll explain it to you: he secured my eternal love for him! Not an easy trick, eh?
So here I am, as ambitious as never before, asking Diego for one more trick. After all, your number 10 shirt is in good hands now. Vamos Diego, show the world that you, your players and all the Albiceleste fans want this damned trophy more than anybody else in this planet and its surrounding areas. Would you?
A Bit of Banter
I've been dying to do a little trash-talking lately, and this match seemed, to me, to be the perfect place to start. I've enlisted the help of a very excellent writer, and good friend: Gus Sanchez. He and I met over the interwebs several years back, mutually admiring each other's writing styles. And now we're friends, in real life, despite his being a Manchester United and Argentina supporter. Eh. We can't all be perfect...
The fur starts flying in 3, 2, 1....
So, Gus, I've got to tell you, I've been singing "Don't Cry For Me, Argentina" since we routed the Brits this past weekend--- even while I was praying for a sombrero to wear and a Corona to drink during your man-handling of Mexico. This match-up is more fitting for a semi-final, or even a final, huh?
I agree, this match would be even greater if it was a semi or a final. It's the match everyone's talking about, and it's a shame it's taking place so soon. Call me nuts, but I think the team that wins this one wins the Cup...so my boys will be lifting the Cup on the 11th.
Not so fast, my friend! I mean, I'm all for positive thinking, but, we have a not-so-secret weapon: Paul, the Psychic Octopus. Any oracular animals in Argentina I'm not aware of?
No oracular animals that I'm aware of, but octopus is a tasty dish. Paul may want to rethink his prediction, lest he wants to end up on the wrong side of a skewer...
Hey, you mentioned on Monday that you weren't the least bit nervous about this match. It's less than 24 hours to go...surely you've got knots in your belly by now, thinking how on Earth will Messi be contained. If you don't, you're either crazy (which I know you are) or just plain deluded (which I know you're not).
Personally, I think Bastian will pick up Messi just fine. Besides, your boy has the sniffles... Also, I never sleep the night before important matches. And when I do sleep, I dream about football. I expect I'll be bleary-eyed, yet hopping around, which is really not any different from any other Saturday morning...
I know you're pissed about Bastian's statements, regarding the fans of Albiceleste and the national team itself. However, I think it's good that the Germans struck first (obviously), because after all, the actions by Maradona, after our "friendly" in March, predicated an attack by us.
Oh, yeah, Schweini. You know what? Whatever. Argentina invented smack talk. Schweini and Lahm need to do a better job of trying to play the dark arts with the Oakland Raiders of football.
You're referring to Diego pitching a hussy fit over having to sit next to Muller. Can you blame him? Diego thought he was the ball boy. Muller looks young enough to be one.
And no worries about Messi's sniffles. I hear gallons of Pepto Bismol have been sent to the German camp, because they'll be suffering heartburn and upset stomachs afterwards.
Hang on a sec. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't that Muller's 1st appearance for Die Mannschaft? If so, how's that make Thomas "integral." All kidding aside, I love Diego, but he wouldn't recognize Oezil either, even if he's making those scary bug eyes he does when he scores. And what's up with that? Someone needs to check Oezil for an overactive thyroid...or amphetamines. (Wink back at ya.)
I was thinking Diego might toy with a 3-5-2, considering it's Carlos Bilardo (the DT behind Argentina's 1986 WC-winning squad) that's really orchestrating the formation, but he'll stick with the 3-4-3, or even a 4-3-3, on the notion that no team has yet fully challenged Argentina's defensive holes. Speaking of which, I really want to strangle DeMichelis. I know he's your boy at Bayern, but, yikes, I can't take his cavalier approach to clearing the ball from the box. With that being said, my XI, following the 4-3-3 formation, is as follows:
Romero-Heinze-DeMichelis (yikes!)-Burdisso-Otamendi-Mascherano-DiMaria-Rodriguez-Messi-Tevez-Higuain
So what's your side look like?
OK. So, perhaps "integral", in regards to Mueller, was a bit of a stretch... However, do you think the DFB would ever allow anyone else to face the press besides someone who matters? Even a drug-addled brain should understand that. Ha.
I've got to admit, I'm a bit torn on the Demichelis thing. As the Bayern writer for this site, I heaped a ton of crap on him until, strangely, after the not-so-friendly match with you boys. His sustaining 3 facial fractures via Michael Ballack during that encounter seemed to have lit a fire under him that continued through the rest of the season. The majority of the Bayern contingent was happy to see "Zorro"--- masked or not.
Starting line-up for us? 4-5-1, of course; unchanged from the England showdown. Neuer - Lahm, Mertesacker, Friedrich, Boateng - Khedira, Schweinsteiger - Mueller, Oezil, Podolski - Klose.
But, you see, the only one who matters is Diego. Even Pele knows that! And, besides, to know Diego is to tolerate his diva antics. Personally, I never wanted the AFA to name him as the DT, and I wanted him gone after he made those crass comments to the media. But he's been a massive dose of fresh air, because he's so not a coach, and doesn't bother acting like one. Between his counting the rosary and chest bumping all the players, it's hard not to like what he's doing so far, even if it flies in the face of every coach that's ever lived.
Haha. I'll never be one to jump on the Maradona bandwagon, but I can see where he's got his charm. Nah. That's a lie. I don't, really. That being said...
...Both squads are playing markedly better than our meeting in March. I think the deciding factor will be which back line holds up better. Goals will be scored, for sure. And, I've got to say that I wouldn't mind Neuer pulling a sweaty piece of paper out of his sock, a la Lehmann. We Krauts are quite fond of the shootouts.
You've got to be an Argie to understand Diego's charm. But that's an explanation for another day.
I've always said qualifiers and friendlies mean nothing. Yes, both teams are playing outstanding, considering the "experts" didn't fancy either side to go far.
Yeah, that Lehmann thing. Probably the one thing that most ticked us off; he had us pegged to the T. I don't think we'll end up in a shootout. Honestly, I think both teams want to settle this within 90+minutes. I know I do.
Final thought: the match will be won and lost in the midfield, not the back line. The team that neutralizes their opponent's midfield wins. Here's where I see Mascherano being the most important player for Argentina.
No fistfights this time, yeah? I have to agree with your choice of Mascherano for the AFA. And while the attacking mids for die Mannschaft have gotten all the glamor press, I've got to say Bastian's got to put his money where his mouth is. I'm expecting big things from him.
One more final thought: Jogi's, for sure, the more stylish manager. (Why Diego bothers to wear suits is beyond me.). But, who is the more disgusting of the two? "Pick 'n' Eat" Loew or "Hands in the Pants" Maradona?
Please, dear football gods, no post-match brawl!
Oh, Jogi's a stylin' cat. I'd say him and Bert van Marwhatever have cut stylish looks. I think it's hilarious that Diego looks as if he found his suit at the Salvation Army. Still, getting caught picking and eating snot is pretty gross, and he's got Diego beat in the "inappropriate moment caught on TV moment" corner. But, if Diego sniffed his hands...
That would be... awesome. And disgusting.
Thanks for your time, wisdom and humor, Gus. Best of luck to you, and here's to hoping you need it!
Diego Maradona admits he is concerned for Lionel Messi's fitness
Diego Maradona admits he is concerned for Lionel Messi's fitness ahead of the quarter-final with Germany, but Franz Beckenbauer says he must be marked out of the game.
Although he has yet to score in South Africa, Messi has been an impressive performer and an essential part of Argentina's campaign to date. There are concerns over his fitness, though, with a virus restricting his involvement in training on Friday.
"He told me about it and I sent him back inside," Maradona said. "It was very cold when we started training at 4.30pm. I gave him a bit of a rest. I just let him have a rest so he could play against Germany."
He added: "I never had any doubts about the participation of Messi, but I am a little worried about him."
If he is fit, Messi is likely to be a key figure in the match. He has enjoyed a return to form with his country since Maradona changed his formation, giving Messi a free role behind Carlos TevezGonzalo Higuain. and
"I want to give him freedom to play his game," Maradona said. "He has no defined position. These players, like Messi, if you label them or shackle them, you'll detract from their freshness and initiative."
Beckenbauer, who won the World Cup with West Germany as both player and coach, feels Joachim Low must learn a lesson from Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan side, who kept Messi at bay during this year's Champions League semi-finals.
"Inter Milan demonstrated how to successfully take Messi out of a game in the Champions League against Barcelona," he wrote in Bild. "He must be isolated to stop passes getting to him. It will quite often fall to Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira.
"We have to stop the best attack in the World Cup. In front of Messi is Gonzalo Higuain. He is fast, dynamic and has a good shooting technique. And Carlos Tevez is coming from the left. Our back four will have work with total concentration."
Beckenbauer says that, in Argentina, Germany face "by far the hardest game for our team at this World Cup", but he is convinced they are beatable, identifying their defence as a weakness.
"Miroslav Klose should attack early against the shaky centre backs who allowed Mexico chances in the second round. Thomas Muller can give Gabriel Heinze - who is becoming slow - the slip on the right hand side."
Maradona, though, is rated as a strong point. "It would be an error to underestimate Diego Maradona as a coach," Beckenbauer wrote. "I did not understand the doubts over him. An exceptional former player does not need to be told much more about football.
"The Argentina players would go through fire for Maradona. I know from [Bayern Munich defender] Martin Demichelis how much they revere him. The worst thing for them would be to disappoint Diego."
While Messi is the focal point ahead of the game, Germany's Mesut Ozil has been compared to the Barcelona star after some impressive showings in South Africa. The Werder Bremen playmaker, a Barca fan, says he is desperate to get the better of Messi at Green Point Stadium.
"Yes, many in the team call me Messi," Ozil told Bild. "That's my nickname. I want to beat Messi and we want to beat Argentina as a team. I am convinced that we will beat them, so you can bet on us."
He added: "They will be a tough side to beat and we must not be provoked. I'm not afraid. I'm looking forward to the game. Argentina have a lot of world-class players in the team, and I want to measure myself against them."
Friday, July 2, 2010
Messi in harness as Argentina promise fireworks
Diego Maradona pledged his men would stay true to their attacking style.
PRETORIA — Argentina were boosted on Friday when Lionel Messi trained normally ahead of the World Cup quarter-final against Germany while coach Diego Maradona pledged his men would stay true to their attacking style.
"It would be a sin to change now. I am not going to play 4-4-2," Maradona vowed ahead of Saturday's showdown at Cape Town.
Messi, who reportedly had a cold which curtailed his training session on Thursday, has recovered and should be fit to start.
"The best news of the day at the University of Pretoria was the return to training of Lionel Messi - the fright has passed ... tomorrow he will be in the starting line-up against Germany in Cape Town," Clarin daily newspaper reported.
Messi, still looking for his first goal of the competition, is therefore set to feature in an attacking trident with Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain.
Higuain was on target when Argentina won the countries' last meeting 1-0, a friendly in Munich.
While his defence has held up to date at the World Cup, Maradona knows his strongest suit is attack.
He can call on no fewer that six top forwards - his son-in-law Sergio Aguero, Champions League winner Diego Milito and veteran Martin Palermo as well as his main first choices.
The super six netted more than 150 goals between them last season.
"We are improving all the time - and gaining respect. People know we can hit them, at any time up front," said Tevez, who scored a brace in the last 16 win over Mexico.
Now it is the Germans who stand in their way.
Argentina beat them in a memorable 1986 final before the boot was on the other foot four years later.
Four years ago it was the Germans' turn again in the last 16 in Berlin on penalties.
Now the young brigade of Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil and the seasoned campaigners of Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose will duel with Maradona's men and it's all or nothing for the man who wants to emulate Franz Beckenbauer in winning the trophy as skipper and then coach.
As Maradona puts it, one mistake "and you're on the plane home."
Brazil Goalkeeper Julio Cesar Admits Netherlands Deserved To Win Quarter-Final
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar has admitted the Netherlands deserved to progress to the Worldcup 2010 semi-finals.
The Inter player endured a game to forget as his flap at a Wesley Sneijder cross led to the Felipe Melo own goal that saw the Dutch draw level. His club team-mate was then on hand again to add the finishing touch to condemn the Samba Boys to a 2-1 defeat and an early exit from the competition.
Speaking to the press after the game, Cesar expressed his regret at letting down the Brazilian supporters.
"The trust of the Brazilian fans was high. I think football is eleven against eleven and in the second half they deserved the result," Cesar said.
"We didn't react well to the first goal. It was a ball that I had doubts on how to go to the ball with Melo. Those are things that happen in football. We have to hold our heads high.
"The pressure in Brazil is always big. But it was worth it for the campaign and for getting here. It's a very sad feeling."
Netherlands 2-1 Brazil
Netherlands VS Brazil
Wesley Sneijder Sends Oranje Into Semi-Finals
Brazil have been eliminated from the World Cup after being unable to defend an early lead against Netherlands. The Dutch came back after falling 1-0 behind at half-time 1-0 to record a 2-1 win and progress to the semi-finals.
The Netherlands sprung the first attack of the afternoon as Dirk Kuyt floated in a ball from the left in search of Robin Van Persie but there was no problem for the Brazil defence to smother this threat.
Brazil then appeared to open the score after only eight minutes of play when Luis Fabiano set up Robinho, who calmly slotted home. However, the linesman had his flag up and the goal was deservedly disallowed.
The Selecao then did pick up the lead in the 10th minute. Felipe Melo found Robinho with a superb pass through the centre of the pitch and the Santos star calmly placed the ball past Maarten Stekelenburg to make it 1-0 for Brazil.
Oranje immediately tried to level the score and came close via Dirk Kuyt. The Liverpool attacker cut inside from the right before unleashing a low shot, but Julio Cesar deflected it wide for a corner kick.
The South Americans continued to dominate play and could have doubled their lead halfway the first half. Dani Alves found Juan with a good cross from the right and the centre back didn't hesitate to unleash a powerful shot, which went only just over the bar.
Kaka then opted to test the Dutch goalie at the half hour mark with a placed shot from 20 yards out. Stekelenburg pulled off an excellent save to deny the Real Madrid star though.
The referee awarded Oranje a free kick in a dangerous position about ten minutes before the half-time whistle. Wesley Sneijder stepped up to take it, but his shot was too weak to trouble Julio Cesar.
Netherlands then did seem to trouble the Brazilian defence minutes before the interval after a good attack down the right via Wesley Sneijder and Gregory van der Wiel. However, the latter's cross as eventually cleared by the South Americans' defence.
Maicon then nearly made it two for Brazil in the dying seconds of the first half. However, his powerful shot after an impressive run down the right ended up in the side-netting.
Netherlands started the second half with attacking intentions and the Europeans levelled the score in the 50th minute. Wesley Sneijder sent in a dangerous cross from the right and midfielder Felipe Melo headed the ball in his own net after shot stopper Julio Cesar missed his clearance.
The Dutch only just escaped falling behind again after 65 minutes of play. Ooijer failed to clear a cross from the right, deflecting the ball into the path of Kaka. The attacking midfielder aimed his placed shot just wide of the Dutch goal though.
Oranje then somewhat surprisingly took the lead in the 67th minute. Robben sent in a great corner kick for Kuyt, who flicked the ball on for Sneijder and the unmarked Inter star headed home from close range.
Things went from bad to worse for the Selecao only minutes after the 2-1. Robben went past Felipe Melo and the Juventus midfielder cynically fouled the winger before kicking out at him again after the referee's whistle, leaving the ref no other option but to show Melo the red card.
Holland launched a breakaway about ten minutes before the final whistle after some good work from Sneijder. However, the final pass for Kuyt was just too hard and Julio Cesar picked up the loose ball.
Brazil then looked dangerous after a series of corner kicks with five more minutes to go, but an excellent goalline clearance from Kuyt prevented the equalizer.
Sneijder should have put the match to bed in the 84th minute after a quick counter attack. However, the tricky midfielder failed to beat the Brazilian goalie after being set up by Robin van Persie.
Nelson Mandela Cheering For Ghana
Nelson Mandela is going to be in full Ghana colours on Friday as the sole African survivor in the FIFA World Cup takes on Uruguay in the quarter-finals.
"On the historic occasion of the first FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Africa, it is a great pleasure to see that Ghana has reached the quarter-finals," the former South African president said in an AFP report.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation sent a letter to Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi to spur the west African nation on.
"We join everybody on the continent and in the diaspora in wishing you success in the tournament going forward," the letter read.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who turns 92 this month, was instrumental in bringing the FIFA World Cup to South Africa. Ghana is only the third African team to make the quarter-finals.
A win over Uruguay would make them the first African side to ever progress to the semi-finals.
Sulley Muntari Returns For Ghana's Historic Quarter-final Tie With Uruguay
Intermillan midfielder into his starting side for the Worldcup 2010 quarter-final clash with uraguay.
The 25-year old had feuded with the Serb after being left on the substitute's bench for the Black Stars earlier matches at the tournament. With Andre Ayew suspended, Muntari has been brought back in to strengthen the midfield.At the back, Isaac Vorsah has shaken off injury to partner skipper John Mensah. This move sees the inexperienced Jonathan Mensah - who had been struggling with a knock - return to the sidelines.
Ghana: Kingson; Pantsil, Mensah, Vorsah, Sarpei; Annan, Prince Boateng, Inkoom, Muntari; Kwadwo Asamoah, Asamoah Gyan.
Holland can't beat us : Luis Fabiano
LUIS FABIANO has warned the dainty Dutch they will
get their fingers burnt if they try to outplay his brilliant
Brazil.
Today's quarter-final clash in Port Elizabeth will be one for the purists.Both countries have been wowing the world with some of the best football seen in South Africa this summer.
Brazil have lived up to their billing as tournament favourites with some silky displays.
And Holland, the land of clogs, have proved they are definitely not a bunch of cloggers.
The entertaining Dutchmen have shown class and ability with several quality displays.
Bert van Marwijk's men love to get the ball down and play.
But Fabiano reckons they would be nuts to do it against Brazil.
The Samba striker, gunning for the Golden Boot after firing three goals on his nation's path to the last eight, said: "From what I've seen, Holland are quite attacking and have good players going forward.
"They'll try and take the game to us so we'll have to be careful as they're very dangerous.
"But any team trying to attack Brazil are playing with fire."
Incredibly, Brazil boss Dunga has been blasted back home for playing too negatively - even though official stats show his team have created more chances than any other.
While only Argentina and Germany have scored more goals.
Holland are unbeaten in 23 games and should provide the Brazilians with their toughest test this summer so far. But Sevilla star Fabiano said: "We're doing well as a team, improving ball possession and are able to create good play.
"Holland? We've great qualities and if we play like this then we can go very far."
Samba chief Dunga said: "Of the European sides, Holland are most similar to South Americans in terms of technical ability.
"They traditionally produce teams that play nice football. They're not a team that defends or one that plays long ball.
"They've got technical players and we need to be ready."
Dunga will be without Elano for the clash.
Brazil medical staff said the ex-Manchester City midfielder has not recovered from an ankle injury and could now be out of the tournament.
Team doctor Jose Luiz Runco said: "The bone is swollen and we must release the pressure on it.
"So he will do nothing strenuous for the rest of the week.
"We still hope he can play next week but I can't say that he will be able to categorically."
Van man vows to deliver
HOLLAND hitman Robin van Persie lit the touch paper
for today's first quarter-final clash by taunting
opponents Brazil: Our players are better than yours.
The Samba stars are said to have the best squad in South Africa.
And the bookies make them favourites to lift the trophy for a sixth time on Sunday week.
You might think that would leave the Dutch dreading a last-eight clash with Dunga's superstars.
But Arsenal striker Van Persie insists his national team-mates are not running scared.
He said: "This is the game that we wanted, this is what it's all about. There will not be a big difference.
"If you compare all the players of both teams, then I think we have more top-level players. I'm sure Brazil are not better than us.
"Of course, we have to improve our game. But every match is a new adventure, every match has to be better.
"We are not allowed to think about what we've already achieved. If we do that, it's over."
And Van Persie is not the only Dutchman confident of beating the Brazilians in Port Elizabeth.
Midfielder Wesley Sneijder said: "I have watched some video-images alone in my room. Believe me, we can beat the Brazilians."
And Dirk Kuyt admits he is not packing his bags just yet. The Liverpool star said: "Going home after this game is not an option.
"In previous tournaments I packed some bags before a big game like this.
"I did it because I was not sure that I would be back in the hotel afterwards.
Robben Ready To Rock Brazil
Holland will have Arjen Robben available once again when they face Brazil for a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Robben has recovered from a hamstring injury and impressed when making his first start of the tournament in Monday's 2-1 win over Slovakia.
Brazil will definitely be without Elano (ankle) and Ramires (suspension), while Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista are both rated doubtful.
Former Brazil defender Cafu believes his countrymen will be in for a far from easy ride against a Dutch side that have won all four of their matches.
"It's going to be a difficult game," said the two-time World Cup winner.
"We know we have some problems with injuries and this will be a challenge for the coach Dunga. But I'm sure he will make the right choices in getting the players set up correctly. I hope that Brazil can go as far as possible."
Giovanni van Bronckhorst has warned Brazil that Holland are ready to break their World Cup stranglehold over them.
The Dutch have twice in recent times suffered heartbreaking exits at the hands of the five-times winners, going out at the quarter-final stage in 1994 and then in the semis four years later after a penalty shoot-out.
But there is a confidence this time around they can get past Dunga's men and stake their own claim on a trophy they have never won despite several near misses.
Van Bronckhorst said: "Obviously, the games in the past haven't gone our way, but we want to win the World Cup, and that means we have to beat Brazil. It's a big game, but we are confident and we will go out on to the pitch to win."
World Cup Preview: Argentina - Germany
Kick Off: Saturday, July 3, 2010. 16:00 CET
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Hoping For A Better Fate
There’s been a sense of deja vu about Argentina’s World Cup campaign to date, and that will only heighten when they meet Germany in Saturday’s quarter-final encounter in Cape Town. Just like in 2006, Diego Maradona’s side have made a good start to the competition, and just like in 2006, they follow a last 16 victory over Mexico with a testing encounter against die Mannschaft.
Four years ago in Berlin, Germany stifled the potent attacking threat of the Albiceleste to pinch a late equaliser through Miroslav Klose, before winning on penalties. Typical Germans.
Maradona’s reign has been punctuated by bizarre tactical decisions, leading the Argentines to really stumble through to finals. The mercurial coach has certainly got something right in the early stages of the tournament, though there’s still an air around the camp that suggests they can self-destruct at any moment.
The coach was in typically forthright mood when discussing the fixture with the media last Sunday. “We know Germany are a different team to the side we faced in Mexico. They are stronger, but we will field the right players to beat them,” he opined.
“I feel like pulling on the jersey and playing myself. It is beautiful to be involved with this group of players, I feel proud to share these moments with them.
“They said I had no idea about how to coach, but suddenly I am winning matches and I am still the same guy.”
No doubt the world will truly sit up and take positive notice of Maradona and his side if they can overcome an impressive looking outfit on Saturday afternoon.
Now For A ‘Big Team’
It’s a mistake not to fancy the Germans. Even with a supposedly average and inexperienced batch of players, as they were billed in some sections of the media before the tournament started, they have progressed to the quarter-finals once more, maintaining a streak that dates back to pre-World War II.
Die Mannschaft smashed England 4-1 in the round of 16, confounding expectations that a tight game might be in store. Captain Philipp Lahm has refused to read too much into that success, hinting that the Three Lions were an over-rated force in the tournament.
“We will be playing against one of the top favourites to win the World Cup, no one is underestimating this opponent, there is no way we can go into this game with over-inflated optimism,” he is quoted by FIFA’s official website as having told AFP.
“We have to show the world we can beat a team like Argentina. Now the big teams are waiting for us and it would be great if we can beat a big opponent. Teams like Brazil, Spain, Holland and Argentina are definitely stronger than England.”
Germany’s brand of counter-attacking football in their latest victory was pleasing to watch, with many of the nation’s young stars particularly impressive. Mesut Oezil and Thomas Mueller were standouts, while Miroslav Klose maintained his fine record of scoring at the World Cup finals.
Underestimate die Mannschaft at your peril.
FORM GUIDE
Argentina
WON 3-1 (n) Mexico (World Cup, June 27)
WON 2-0 (n) Greece (World Cup, June 22)
WON 4-1 (n) South Korea (World Cup, June 18)
WON 1-0 (n) Nigeria (World Cup, June 12)
WON 5-0 (h) Canada (Friendly, May 24)
Germany
WON 4-1 (n) England (World Cup, June 27)
WON 1-0 (n) Ghana (World Cup, June 23)
LOST 1-0 (n) Serbia (World Cup, June 18)
WON 4-0 (n) Australia (World Cup, June 13)
WON 3-0 (a) Hungary (Friendly, June 3)
TEAM NEWS
Argentina
Walter Samuel missed out on the victory over Mexico due to injury and there is still a degree of doubt surrounding his fitness ahead of Sunday’s tie.
There have been reports in the press that Diego Maradona is considering introducing Javier Pastor into the side, though it would be something of a surprise move, even for the unpredictable coach.
Probable Starting XI: Romero; Otamendi, Demichelis, Burdisso, Heinze; Rodriguez, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi; Tevez, Higuain
Germany
After the rout over England there are few reasons for Joachim Loew to make any big changes to his side. There have been no reports of new injury problems and die Mannschaft don’t have any suspension issues either.
Probable Starting XI: Neuer; Lahm, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Boateng; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Mueller, Oezil, Podolski; Klose
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Argentina
Lionel Messi may not have scored for the Albiceleste in this tournament as yet but he has been one of their main performers. The diminutive dribbler continues to astound spectators with his close control, balance, technique and imagination. The Barcelona star has been unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet in this tournament to date and he will fancy his chances of breaking that duck against the Germans.
Germany
Thomas Mueller struck twice as die Mannschaft defeated England last Sunday, and the young Bayern Munich star is already looking every bit adept on the international scene as he has in the Bundesliga and Europe with die Roten. A dynamic attacking midfielder who is frequently found playing on the right side of an offensive four, he already has three goals to his name in this tournament and is set on adding to that tally over the weekend.
PREDICTION
The Castrol World Cup Match Predictor draws this one almost down the middle. Germany are given a 48 per cent chance of success compared to the Argentines' 52 per cent chance. Much depends on how Argentina’s supposedly suspect defence fares. If they can thwart die Mannschaft’s counters successfully, it will be another South American success, but if not, Joachim Loew’s side will continue on their impressive run. Diego Maradona’s reign over Argentina hasn’t yet brought a draw, but it might on Saturday.
Argentina 2-2 Germany (aet – Germany to win on penalties)
There’s been a sense of deja vu about Argentina’s World Cup campaign to date, and that will only heighten when they meet Germany in Saturday’s quarter-final encounter in Cape Town. Just like in 2006, Diego Maradona’s side have made a good start to the competition, and just like in 2006, they follow a last 16 victory over Mexico with a testing encounter against die Mannschaft.
Four years ago in Berlin, Germany stifled the potent attacking threat of the Albiceleste to pinch a late equaliser through Miroslav Klose, before winning on penalties. Typical Germans.
Maradona’s reign has been punctuated by bizarre tactical decisions, leading the Argentines to really stumble through to finals. The mercurial coach has certainly got something right in the early stages of the tournament, though there’s still an air around the camp that suggests they can self-destruct at any moment.
The coach was in typically forthright mood when discussing the fixture with the media last Sunday. “We know Germany are a different team to the side we faced in Mexico. They are stronger, but we will field the right players to beat them,” he opined.
“I feel like pulling on the jersey and playing myself. It is beautiful to be involved with this group of players, I feel proud to share these moments with them.
“They said I had no idea about how to coach, but suddenly I am winning matches and I am still the same guy.”
No doubt the world will truly sit up and take positive notice of Maradona and his side if they can overcome an impressive looking outfit on Saturday afternoon.
Now For A ‘Big Team’
It’s a mistake not to fancy the Germans. Even with a supposedly average and inexperienced batch of players, as they were billed in some sections of the media before the tournament started, they have progressed to the quarter-finals once more, maintaining a streak that dates back to pre-World War II.
Die Mannschaft smashed England 4-1 in the round of 16, confounding expectations that a tight game might be in store. Captain Philipp Lahm has refused to read too much into that success, hinting that the Three Lions were an over-rated force in the tournament.
“We will be playing against one of the top favourites to win the World Cup, no one is underestimating this opponent, there is no way we can go into this game with over-inflated optimism,” he is quoted by FIFA’s official website as having told AFP.
“We have to show the world we can beat a team like Argentina. Now the big teams are waiting for us and it would be great if we can beat a big opponent. Teams like Brazil, Spain, Holland and Argentina are definitely stronger than England.”
Germany’s brand of counter-attacking football in their latest victory was pleasing to watch, with many of the nation’s young stars particularly impressive. Mesut Oezil and Thomas Mueller were standouts, while Miroslav Klose maintained his fine record of scoring at the World Cup finals.
Underestimate die Mannschaft at your peril.
FORM GUIDE
Argentina
WON 3-1 (n) Mexico (World Cup, June 27)
WON 2-0 (n) Greece (World Cup, June 22)
WON 4-1 (n) South Korea (World Cup, June 18)
WON 1-0 (n) Nigeria (World Cup, June 12)
WON 5-0 (h) Canada (Friendly, May 24)
Germany
WON 4-1 (n) England (World Cup, June 27)
WON 1-0 (n) Ghana (World Cup, June 23)
LOST 1-0 (n) Serbia (World Cup, June 18)
WON 4-0 (n) Australia (World Cup, June 13)
WON 3-0 (a) Hungary (Friendly, June 3)
TEAM NEWS
Argentina
Walter Samuel missed out on the victory over Mexico due to injury and there is still a degree of doubt surrounding his fitness ahead of Sunday’s tie.
There have been reports in the press that Diego Maradona is considering introducing Javier Pastor into the side, though it would be something of a surprise move, even for the unpredictable coach.
Probable Starting XI: Romero; Otamendi, Demichelis, Burdisso, Heinze; Rodriguez, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi; Tevez, Higuain
Germany
After the rout over England there are few reasons for Joachim Loew to make any big changes to his side. There have been no reports of new injury problems and die Mannschaft don’t have any suspension issues either.
Probable Starting XI: Neuer; Lahm, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Boateng; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Mueller, Oezil, Podolski; Klose
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Argentina
Lionel Messi may not have scored for the Albiceleste in this tournament as yet but he has been one of their main performers. The diminutive dribbler continues to astound spectators with his close control, balance, technique and imagination. The Barcelona star has been unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet in this tournament to date and he will fancy his chances of breaking that duck against the Germans.
Germany
Thomas Mueller struck twice as die Mannschaft defeated England last Sunday, and the young Bayern Munich star is already looking every bit adept on the international scene as he has in the Bundesliga and Europe with die Roten. A dynamic attacking midfielder who is frequently found playing on the right side of an offensive four, he already has three goals to his name in this tournament and is set on adding to that tally over the weekend.
PREDICTION
The Castrol World Cup Match Predictor draws this one almost down the middle. Germany are given a 48 per cent chance of success compared to the Argentines' 52 per cent chance. Much depends on how Argentina’s supposedly suspect defence fares. If they can thwart die Mannschaft’s counters successfully, it will be another South American success, but if not, Joachim Loew’s side will continue on their impressive run. Diego Maradona’s reign over Argentina hasn’t yet brought a draw, but it might on Saturday.
Argentina 2-2 Germany (aet – Germany to win on penalties)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Preview: Uruguay vs. Ghana, Quarterfinal
THE BIG PICTURE
Hands up if you thought this Ghana team would struggle without injured captain/superstar midfielder Michael Essien. Now use that hand to slap yourself in the face. Gently, but still do it. That slap is from the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Kwadwo Asamoah , Anthony Annan and Dede Ayew, all of whom have impressed in midfield for the Black Stars this tournament. The even bigger shock for me has been striker Asamoah Gyan, who was so impotent in front of goal at Africa Cup of Nations 2008 that maniacs started threatening his family, but has looked very much the real deal at World Cup 2010. Just ask Carlos Bocanegra and Jay DeMerit. More at the Ghana blog with Gary.
Uruguay has been a bit of a surprise too. They came into 2010 as theoretically the weakest South American representative, having to win a playoff against Guatemala Costa Rica to qualify. But they’ve impressed going in both directions, with captain Diego Lugano and left back Jorge Fucile catching my eye, if only for the multiple headers, clearances and slide tackles they seem to be performing every time I look at the TV. Going forward the trio of Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani have looked the bees knees. with Forlan and Suarez both proving themselves capable of scoring both near and far distances, and it’s hard to think of another team that has two forwards both scoring regularly (though that may be because not too many teams are playing with more than one forward). More at the Uruguay blog with Esteban.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
It’s still an eye-rubber to think that either Uruguay or Ghana will be in the 2010 World Cup semi-finals. In a good way. Ghana’s presence here in the quarter-finals is already semi-historic, as they’re only the third African team to make the quarter-finals (Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002) and if they win this game Ghana will be the first African team in a World Cup semi-final. Ever. So no pressure then Ghana.
Uruguay won the first World Cup in 1930, and repeated that feat in 1950, but haven’t been this deep into the World Cup since a semi-final appearance in 1970. Winning this game and reaching the final four once more would represent something of a return to the big boy club for Uruguay.
Preview: Netherlands vs. Brazil, Quarterfinal
KICKOFF
4pm local time, 10am US eastern
THE BIG PICTURE
4pm local time, 10am US eastern
THE BIG PICTURE
Now this is a World Cup quarter-final. Two of the best teams in the world finally facing each other, and only one going through. Even Brazil coach Dunga is excited: “We expect it to be very open,” said Dunga. “At this knock-out stage we can’t expect a closed, defensive encounter. From now on each game is a World Cup Final. All the players are first class, I expect a beautiful game against the Dutch.”
Not sure I 100% agree with Dunga there, as both teams have looked very solid defensively so far, and both teams will line up 4-2-3-1. The Dutch defensive names may not be as familiar as Brazilian counterparts like Lucio and Maicon, but just two goals conceded in four games speaks for itself. What the two teams have in common is a torch-under-your-chin scary level of talent going forward. Netherlands possess Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, and Arjen “don’t let him shoot with his left!” Robben, while Brazil boast Kaka, Robinho, and Luis “the handball rule doesn’t apply to me” Fabiano. Bring it on.
For more in depth and knowledgeable previews, I highly recommend reading Jan at the Netherlands blog, and Duvel at the Brazil blog.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Obviously, a place in the World Cup semi-finals is at stake. Who wouldn’t want one of those? Whoever makes the semi-final will face either Uruguay or Ghana, arguably two of the weaker teams left in the tournament.
I’d also argue that both these teams have so far semi-coasted through the World Cup, and are yet to face a genuine threat. So both teams are each other’s first serious opposition. Whichever team emerges victorious from this game will likely have people talking about them as World Cup favourites, at least until we have a winner from the Germany vs Argentina game.
The World Cup Awards: Second Round. (Or: Round #16)
National Team of Round #16: Brazil looks like the strongest team, with Argentina a hair or two behind – Brazil has Julio Ceasar, Argentina has, err, Sergio Romero – but perhaps the best performance was Uruguay’s multiple personality disorder. Attack, score, change philosophy, sit back, concede, chance philosophy, attack, score goal, win.
Everyone else is clearly making this whole “football” business more difficult than it needs to be.
Team of Round #16: Throwing some names at the board: Tulio Tanaka, Thomas Mueller, Juan, Fabio Coentrao, Mesut Ozil, Carlos Tevez, Ramires, Eduardo, Xavi, Luis Suarez, Paulo da Silva.
Well fancy that:
Eduardo
Paulo da Silva, Juan, Tulio, Fabio Coentrao
Xavi, Ramires
Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Luis Suarez
Carlos Tevez.
And in 30 seconds, we’re outcoached Marcello Lippi and Raymond Domenech combined.
(Ignore having the retrospective and all players at our disposal – as well as the square peg in round hole of a couple of players.)
Goal of Round #16: Tevez’s hit was awesome, Robben’s run into space was mesmerizing, and Xavi’s flick made twice as many babies as Andres Iniesta, but the clear winner is Luis Suarez – the bend on that ball on that pitch – take hint as to the pitch conditions by the 5 people in the stands – should not be humanly possible.
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea
Uruguay 2-1 South Korea
Simão | MySpace Video
Ranking The Favorites In Less Than 15 Seconds:
i. Brazil
ii. Argentina
iii. Germany
iv. Spain
v. Uruguay
vi. Netherlands
vii. Ghana
viii. Paraguay
Pun Karma Award:
The Apocalypse Awaits Award: The vuvuzela makarapa. Surely this is the work of Satan.
Taking It A Bit Too Hard Award: Japan fan reportedly jumping off a bridge after their loss.
i. Presumably it was just a bit hot out and that drop isn’t killing anybody.
ii. That looks suspiciously like a Portugal shirt.
Still, this was probably a bit of an overreaction.
Potentially Iconic Photo Ruined By Paraguay:
Taking It A Bit Too Far Award: While Japanese fans are busy jumping off bridges, Paraguayan fans are getting beat down by the popo. What ever happened to the happy medium?
Matchups of Round #16: Germany v Ghana v Spain v Slovakia (consolation). It’s like a hot chick royal rumble.
(Highlight….delete….there you go.)
v.
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