Paraguay succeed in penalties

Paraguay beat Japan 5-3 on penalties following a 0-0 draw to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in their history on June 29, 2010.

Vuvuzela vs Dog: Dog Wins!!!

Match preview: Holland vs Slovakia

Round of 16
Holland vs Slovakia
Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
Kick-off: Mon June 28, 3pm BST

Holland is the only European country at the World Cup to be entering the knockout rounds with an untarnished record during the group phase.
Slovakia are overjoyed just to have reached the last 16 for the 1st time but showed against Italy they will not be overcome against higher profile opposition.
They have a very solid spike to their team, with striker Robert Vittel who was the joint top scorer after the group matches and goalkeeper Jan Mucha, both enjoying an terrific tournament.

They said
Bert van Marwijk: “This is a challenger we must not underestimate. We cannot be relaxed. That period of carelessness in opposition to Cameroon we had, we cannot afford that again."
Wladimir Weiss: “For our young nation and for our football, this is a very vital moment. We’ve a probability to come out of the shadows of ice hockey, the number one sport in the land. The nation is rising up and it’s lovely the people believe in us.”

Teams
Holland (4-2-3-1): 1 Stekelenburg; 4 Mathijsen, 12 Boulahrouz, 3 Heitinga, 5 Van Bronckhorst; 8 De Jong, 6 Van Bommel; 10 Sneijder, 7 Kuyt, 11 Robben; 9 Van Persie
Slovakia (4-4-2): 1 Mucha; 16 Durica, 2 Pekarik, 3 Skrtel, 5 Zabavnik; 17 Hamsik, 19 Kucka, 6 Strba, 15 Stoch; 18 Jendrisek, 11 Vittek

Referee: TBC

Match preview: Chile vs Brazil

Round of 16

Chile vs Brazil
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: Mon June 28, 7.30pm BST

Chile welcomes back holding playmaker Matias Fernandez and midfielder Carlos Carmona after suspension.

Brazil is advanced by the come back of Kaka, back from suspension, to replace Julio Baptista.

They said

Marcelo Bielsa: “This newest version retains all the creative footballing aspects of this country (Brazil) - to which they have added violence and strength. We will do the impossible to make sure that things don't come to an end too quickly for us.”

Dunga: “The players passed a harsh test against Ivory Coast. They showed a lot of adulthood because they got hit from the beginning to the end and never hit back.”

Teams

Chile (3-3-1-3): Bravo; Fuentes Suazo, Vidal; Contreras, Carmona, Isla; Fernandez; Gonzalez, Sanchez, Beausejour.

Brazil (4-4-2): Cesar; Juan, Maicon, Lucio, Bastos; Gilberto Silva, Elano, Melo, Kaka; Luis Fabiano, Robinho.

Referee: Howard Webb (England)

Previous Meetings

Played: 65

Wins Chile 7, Draws 12, Brazil 46

WC: Chile 0, Draws 0, Brazil 2

WCQ: Chile 0, Draws 2, 1Brazil 7

Last Five Meetings

2007: Brazil 4 Chile 2
2007: Brazil 3 Chile 0
2007: Brazil 6 Chile 1
2010: Chile 0 Brazil 3
2010: Brazil 4 Chile 2

Match preview: Argentina vs Mexico

Round of 16

Argentina vs Mexico
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: Sunday June 27 2010, 7.30 BST

Diego Maradona: “With the likes of Dos Santos and Marquez, Mexico have quite a number of players who have us worried”.

Javier Aguirre: “This could be a nice chance to take revenge for what happened four years ago".

Teams

Argentina (4-3-1-2): 22 Romero; 13 Samuel, 4 Burdisso, 2 Demichelis, 6 Heinze; 14 Mascherano, 8 Veron, 7 Di Maria; 10 Messi; 9 Higuain, 11 Tevez,
Mexico (4-3-3-l): 1 Perez; 4 Marquez, 5 Osorio, 3 Salcido, 2 Rodriguez, 16 Juarez, 7 Barrera, 6 Torrado; 9 Franco, 16 Guardado, 17 Giovani

Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

Previous meetings

Played: 25 Argentina wins 9, Draws 12, Mexico wins 4

1930: Argentina 6 Mexico 3
1956: Mexico 0 Argentina 0
1960: Mexico 0 Argentina 2
1960: Mexico 2 Argentina 3
1962: Argentina 1 Mexico 0
1967: Mexico 2 Argentina 1
1973: Mexico 2 Argentina 0
1984: Mexico 1 Argentina 1
1984: Argentina 1 Mexico 1
1985: Mexico 1 Argentina 1
1985: Mexico 1 Argentina 1
1990: Mexico 2 Argentina 0
1991: Argentina 0 Mexico 0
1993: Mexico 1 Argentina 1
1993: Argentina 2 Mexico 1
1999: Argentina 0 Mexico 0
1999: Mexico 2 Argentina 2
2000: Mexico 0 Argentina 2
2003: Mexico 0 Argentina 1
2004: Argentina 0 Mexico 1
2005: Mexico 1 Argentina 1
2005: Mexico 1 Argentina 1
2006: Argentina 1 Mexico 1
2007: Mexico 0 Argentina 3
2008: Mexico 1 Argentina 4

World Cup 2010: North Korea vs Côte d’Ivoire Goals and Highlights

North Korea vs Côte d’Ivoire Goals and Highlights

Match preview: Denmark vs Japan

Group E

Denmark vs Japan
Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg
Kick-off: Thu June 24, 7.30pm BST

The World Cup fates of Denmark and Japan could twist on whether Nicklas Bendtner Danish striker is fit. Denmark makes once change with Per Kroldrup replacing the suspended Simon Kjaer.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada is expecting him to play and has been drilling his players on how to shut down the Arsenal striker. Takeshi Okada is expected to name the same starting line-up for the third consecutive match.

They said

Takeshi Okada: “It would be perfect if we can overcome the opponent by 10 goals. But it won't be that simple. I think it's going to be a very fierce, close game.”

Martin Olsen: "It's a crucial game and expectantly the first final for us. We know what to do. But it is hard to score goals nowadays when you play defensive teams."

Teams

Denmark (4-2-3-1): Sorensen; Agger, Jacobsen, Kroldup, S Poulsen; Jorgensen, C Poulsen; Gronkjaer, Rommedahl, Tomasson; Bendtner

Japan (4-1-4-1): Kawashima; Komano, Nagatomo, Tanaka, Nakazawa; Abe; Hasebe, Endo, Okubo, Matsui; Honda

Referee: J Damon (South Africa)

Match preview: Cameroon vs Holland

Group E

Cameroon vs Holland
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: Thu June 24, 7.30pm BST

Bert van Marwijk said: “I haven't looked at the next stage yet because the first match was the most essential. I take the match against Cameroon very critically because it is in that match that the team has to show that they have learned. We want to progress in every match.”

Samuel Eto’o said: “All my period was determined to be ready for this World Cup. It's the only thing I could think about, so it's hard. It's not easy for us to finish last."

Teams

Cameroon (4-4-2): Souleymanou (16); Mbia (19), Nkoulou (3), Bassong (5), Assou-Ekotto (2); A Song (6), Geremi (8), Enoh (18), Emana (10); Webo (15), Eto’o (9)

Holland (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg (1); Boulahrouz (12), Heitinga (3), Mathijsen (4), Van Bronckhorst (5); Van Bommel (6), De Zeeuw (14); Kuyt (7), Babel (19), Afellay (20); Huntelaar (21).

Referee: Pablo Pozo (Chile)

Match Preview: Slovakia vs Italy

Group F

Slovakia v Italy
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: Thu June 24, 3pm BST

Italy, after two draws, are reasonably sweating for the defence of their title, even if they can be pleased by the grand tradition of being slow starters at World Cups. Daniele De Rossi admits “We are worried”, but not worried enough to trust they will slip up in opposition to a side that were picked separately by Paraguay.

Slovakia may trench Kornel Salata, after his admittance of importance match stage fright in opposition to Paraguay. If Slovakia is harbouring any real goal, they must trust yet that through Stanislav Sestak and Robert Vittek.

They said

Wladimir Weiss: "We lost against Paraguay because we weren’t bold enough up front, so we require being more positive against Italy.”

Marcello Lippi: "Not the whole thing has gone well but we don't require seeing the glass half empty. Our World Cup could start here."

Teams

Slovakia (4-4-2): 1 Mucha; 2 Pekarik, 3 Skrtel, 17 Hamsik, 11 Vittek, 16 Durica, 4 Cech, 6 Strba, 7 Weiss, 15 Stoch; 9 Sestak
Italy (4-3-3): 5 Cannavaro, 4 Chiellini, 12 Marchetti, 19 Zambrotta, 3 Criscito; 6 De Rossi, 21 Pirlo, 22 Montolivo; 10 Di Natale, 9 Iaquinta, 20 Pazzini

Referee: TBC.

Match preview: Ghana vs Germany

Group D
Ghana vs Germany
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

The pressure is on Joachim Löw’s Germany, the subject of condemnation back home and at the centre of a political power struggle, with his team having to produce the sort of form which saw them flounce away Australia in the opening game.
It’s advantage Ghana as they are set to become the first – and perhaps only – African qualifiers at the continent’s first World Cup.

They said

Joachim Löw: "Ghana is probably Africa's last chance in the tournament and will be very stimulated. It's not going to be a piece of cake, but we are very much confident that we have what it takes to beat Ghana."

Milovan Rajevac: “"We gained a lot against Australia and we will learn from our mistakes for the Germany match, we will do our best. We only approved one and it was a good goal and we always try to keep score.”

Teams

Germany (4-2-3-1): 1 Neuer, 16 Lahm, 17 Mertesacker, 3 Friedrich, 14 Badstuber, 7 Schweinsteiger, 6 Khedira; 8 Özil, 13 Muller, 10 Podolski 19 Cacau
Ghana (4-2-3-1): 22 Kingson, 4 Pantsil, 5 John Mensah, 15 Vorsah, 2 Sarpei; 6 Annan, 23 Boateng; 12 Tagoe, 21 Asamoah, 13 A Ayew, 3 Gyan

Referee: Carlos Simon (Brazil).

Match preview: Slovenia vs England

Group C

Slovenia vs England
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

A match that definitely amounts to a play-off for condition into the last 16, with Slovenia having the advantage of knowing that they would development should there be a draw.

Slovenia has outperformed England in the most current history of their particular matches in opposition to the United States and Algeria, but the longer term form says that Fabio Capello’s team should succeed.

Matthew Upson will start in defence for England following injuries to Ledley King and Rio Ferdinand as well as the postponement of Jamie Carragher, while Slovenia are waiting on the strength of centre-back Marko Suler.

They Said
Fabio Capello

"After this game we have no more probability to alive. We have to win. The results have not been good, but I haven't seen the right strength on the pitch for 90 minutes, only for five or six minutes. I expect in the next game the spirit I saw in qualification will return."

Matjaz Kek: "Any national team knows it is really an honour to play England and it’s no dissimilar for us. After all, football was pretend there. It’s a great stage to promote and present our beautiful country."

Teams

Slovenia (4-4-2): 1 S Handanovic; 10 Birsa, 5 Cesar, 13 Jokic, 2 Brecko, 8 Koren, 18 Radosavljevic, 4 Suler, 17 Kirm; 9 Ljubijankic, 11 Novakovic

England (4-4-2): 1 James; 6 Terry, 19 Defoe, 8 Lampard, 2 Johnson, 15 Upson, 3 A Cole; 7 Lennon, 4 Gerrard, 10 Rooney, 14 Barry

Referee: Wolfgang Stark (Germany).

Match preview: USA vs Algeria

Group C

USA v Algeria
Loftus Versfield Stadium, Pretoria

USA and Algeria both sides go into this game knowing that a win would, most likely, send them to the last 16, despite the consequences between England and Slovenia in Port Elizabeth. Such a skilfully balanced scenario should produce an attractive, attacking game from two teams capable of playing a conspicuous style.

The USA have a tendency to be vaguely more straight than the technically-gifted Algerians, their creativeness channeled through Clint Dempsey and wingers Landon Donovan, both of whom are given license to roam inside, switching flanks when appropriate or even moving into central striking positions. Algeria is more strict, looking to the mercurial Karim Ziani to organize their attacks.

They said

Majid Bougherra: “We require doing more in opposition to United States. We’re conscious that a win could see us through to the Round of 16 for the first time in our history. This is a match that could vary our lives forever and provide us with one of the most unforgettable moments of our careers.”
Maurice Edu: “I can’t guess the future but getting the next phase is our goal. We’re going to take to the pitch against Algeria fully strong-minded to get the win that would put us through to the next round. It is a truly vital match.”

Teams

USA (4-4-2): 5 Onyewu, 15 DeMerit, 1 Howard, 6 Cherundolo, 3 Bocanegra; 4 Bradley, 16 Torres, 10 Donovan, 4 Bradley, 16 Torres, 8 Dempsey; 17 Altidore, 20 Findley
Algeria (4-3-3): 23 M’Bohli; 5 Halliche, 2 Bougherra, 4 Yahia,3 Belhadj; 19 Yebda, 7 Boudebouz, 8 Lacen; 11 Djebbour, 15 Ziani, 21 Kadir

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).

World Cup 2010: South Korea vs Nigeria Goals and Highlights

South Korea vs Nigeria Goals and Highlights

Match report: Nigeria 2 - 2 South Korea

Another African disappointment at this World Cup. Taking just one point from Group B means Nigeria - hosts South Africa and Ivory Coast - will watch the action on television, a setback for the tournament's taste, if not for its superiority.

Indeed, whilst this match produced on tension to keep a crowd of 60,000 absorbed, it also bore spectator to the miss of the competition.

It was the kind of miss which made Scotland's Chris Iwelumo a smiling stock when he miscued in alike approach against Norwa. Yakubu's however, was more of poorer quality.

However, after falling behind when Kala Uche scored his second goal of the tournament.

Uche, the remarkable Almeria forward, met Chidi Odiah's centre with right-foot end which beat Jung Sung-ryong at his near post. Uche, who scored Nigeria's opener in their crush in opposition to Greece.

Defender Lee Jung-soo streamed home Ki Sung-yong's floated free-kick for his second goal of the tournament.

Park Chu-young kept the Koreans the lead four minutes after the break when he bent a free kick around the wall. Yakubu then missed the great chance which will perpetually disturb him, but made unfair amends three minutes later when slotting home a penalty after Kim Nam-il had fouled Chinedu Obasi.

Match report: France 1 - 2 South Africa

Raymond Domenech and his players wanted to achieve this summer, but after a week of chaos within the French camp, at least they made somebody happy of their fans.

Reduced to ten men following the first-half dismissal of Yoann Gourcuff, France was outplayed by the hosts, who claimed victory with first-half goals from Katiego Mphela and Bongani Khumalo.

Florent Malouda’s late goal was no solace for France and the unpleasant taste left by their World Cup contribution was amplified with Domenech refusing to tremble the hand of South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira at the end of the game.

Go home France. Good exclusion.

Since the exclusion of Nicolas Anelka on Saturday for vocally abusing Domenech, the players have boycotted training, there has been talk of ‘traitors’ in the camp and French Sports minister Roselyne Bachelot acknowledged Les Bleus could ‘no longer be heroes for our children.’

Domenech, who accused his players of being ‘indescribably stupid,’ made six changes from the starting line-up in the 2-0 crush against Mexico. He could have made eleven.

South Africa, needing a five-goal swing and a crush for Mexico in opposition to Uruguay to have any hope of qualification, required all the help they might obtain.

Khumalo outjumped Abou Diaby to bunch the ball into the net with his shoulder, Hugo Lloris, the highly-rated French goalkeeper, misapprehend Siphiwe Tshabalala’s corner.

The red card was welcomed by Domenech placing his head in his hands, but South Africa now sensed a chance and they decanted forward.

Yet poorer French protecting endorsed Tsepo Masilela to cross to the far post, where Mphela knocked the ball into the blank net.

Mphela approximately made it 3-0 on 43 minutes with a low strike from far that was intensely saved by Lloris.

Thierry Henry replaced the unsuccessful Djibril Cisse, but South Africa continued to dominate, with Mphela striking the crossbar before having another lengthy range effort saved.

The missed chances in danger of extinction to prove expensively, especially with the margins so tight for the home team.

And the twist was taken out of South Africa’s sails on 70 minutes when Malouda scored for France after being teed up by Franck Ribery 12 yards out.

The superb goal destroyed South Africa’s dream, but for France, the nightmare will go on and on.

World Cup 2010: Mexico Vs Uruguay Goals & Highlights

Mexico Vs Uruguay Goals & Highlights

World Cup 2010: France Vs South Africa Goals & Highlights

France Vs South Africa Goals and Highlights

Match preview: Argentina v Greece

Group B
Argentina v Greece
Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane

Argentina’s superior goal difference all but guarantees a place in the last 16, though their victory in Group B is not yet confirmed, while a point would be enough to see them top the group. Diego Maradona possibly will take the chance to rest several of his first-choice players.
Greece’s to win to stand any chance of succession, but Otto Rehhagel will not be repelled from his typical, cautious approach, relying on set pieces to build on the good work done by a rock-solid central defensive unit.
A typical clash between attack and defence. Greece bases their approach on solidity at the back, their towering central defensive partnership forming a striking barrier. Argentina, on the other hand, will look to play around their more static opponents, the likes of Angel di Maria, Maxi Rodriguez and Lionel Messi looking to pick holes in the Greek wall.
Two managers who might not be more complementary. Rehhagel is grayish and contorted an experienced person of countless skirmishes who rarely displays emotion on the sidelines. Maradona is, well, Maradona, a collection of everlasting energy and a fountainhead of endless emotion.

They said
Diego Maradona: “Messi will play, as he always wants to play and I love that. When I told him, he was very happy. We had been thinking of giving him a rest but to have a player of the class of Leo, without doubt the best in the world by a long way, it would have been a sin not to give him to the team, to the people, not give ourselves (the happiness).”

Otto Rehhagel: “Argentina is a top-class team, far greater to Greece. They will clearly be superior to us and we have got to see how to handle with them. We all know the Argentine team is of astonishing quality but we are happy to have a chance to qualify."


Teams
Argentina (4-2-3-1): Romero; Rodriguez, Otamendi, Demichelis, Burdisso; Veron, Bolatti; Di Maria, Messi, Aguero; Milito.

Greece (4-5-1): Tzvoras; Torosidis, Kyrgiakos, Seitaridis, Vyntra; Tziolis, Salpingidis, Karagounis, Ninis, Katsouranis; Gekas.

Match report: Portugal 7- 0 North Korea

Cristiano Ronaldo finished his 16-month international goal served and drought notice of his harsh capabilities by inspirational Portugal to a vigorous victory against North Korea.

The biggest-ever World Cup success, Portugal’s seven-goal win, Now Ivory Coast needing a victory over North Korea and a nine-goal swing in their favor.

Portugal will be eligible with a point in opposition to Brazil and Ronaldo, who made one, scored one and hit the cabinetmaking in this game, was the fabulous performer.

Queiroz the Portugal coach was clashing in his pre-match press conference on Sunday, first claiming that his team had large respect for the North Koreans before insisting that his players would be looking to increase their goal divergence with a vigorous victory.

North Korea was prepared at the back and their counter-attacking was aggressive and crisp. But Portugal, completely aware of the ramifications of a breakdown to win this game, grabbed the lead on 29 minutes when Raul Meireles gave a surprising pass from Tiago the finish it deserved from 12 yards.

Portugal’s goal gave the Koreans a distinctive disadvantage; such is their reliance on their defensive discipline.

Simao doubled their lead on 52 minutes with one more low-strike from close range before Hugo Almeida completed it 3-0 with a dominant header from Fabio Coentrao’s cross two minutes later.

Tiago then added one more on 60 minutes when he directed Ronaldo’s cross into the net from 12 yards. Ronaldo worked up the crossbar on 71 minutes before replace with Liedson completed it 5-0 nine minutes later.

But the goal that the Green Point Stadium had been distracted to witness came on 87 minutes when Ronaldo pounced on a back pass before slotting past goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk.

Korean humiliation was ensured, but Tiago compounded their depression with a header to make it 7-0 two minutes later.