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

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).

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 preview: Italy v New Zealand

Group F
Italy v New Zealand
Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Italy has been the victims of sensations in World Cups past, to South Korea in 2002 and losing to North Korea in 1966, they face another game that, in theory, and they can’t lose.

Daniele De Rossi said “There are teams that we should beat, we're better”. perhaps, but self-confidence is hardy high-ceilinged in the world champions’ camp after opening their defence with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay and they will evoke that the vigorous All White triers, who earned a last minute equalizer against Slovakia, have already run the Azzurri close, losing 4-3 in a friendly last June.

Italy have lost goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, with Federico Marchetti coming in as deputy, and Mauro Camoranesi possibly will be introduced with Marcello Lippi tipped to sideline Claudio Marchisio.

New Zealand’s Plymouth striker Rory Fallon has promised Italy simply an assessment in aerial bombardment and muscular physicality, warning: "We're a big, strong team and those diagonal balls and crosses can make it hard for defenders.”

Italy possibly will employ the more efficient 4-4-2 formation which Lippi switched to, from 4-2-3-1, during the Paraguay game.

They said

Marcello Lippi: "What would happen if we lost? I am not thinking about that. I think only about winning."

Ricki Herbert: “Nobody expects us to beat Italy but then nobody expected us to draw against Slovakia. We're in a good space; the players are really constructive, I think we'll go out and play well again."

Teams

Italy (4-4-2): 4 Chiellini, 3 Criscito, 22 Montolivo, 11 Gilardino, 12 Marchetti, 7 Pepe, 10 Di Natale, 19 Zambrotta, 9 Camoranesi, 6 De Rossi, 5 Cannavaro,

New Zealand (4-3-2-1): 11 Bertos, 6 Nelsen, 5 Vicelich, 3 Lockhead, 10 Killen, 9 Smeltz, 19 Smith, 1 Paston, 4 Reid, 7 Elliott, 14 Fallon.

Referee: Carlos Buates (Guatemala)

Match preview: Brazil vs Ivory Coast

Group G
Brazil vs Ivory Coast
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg

Didier Drogba is set to start for the Ivory Coast after 15 days undergoing surgery on a broken arm and that would be a huge advance for a side that has already taken a point off Portugal. Drogba made a differentiation when he came on late in the 0-0 draw and Brazil, having been stretched out by North Korea, will be conscious of his threat in this most changeable of World Cups.
Brazil could keep belief with the side that won 2-1 against North Korea in advance of the final game, against Portugal.

Dunga vs Sven Goran Eriksson: A conflict of styles, both in dress sense and tactics.
The Brazilian leaves behind his fisherman’s jumper and black overcoat, because Eriksson just looks fashionable, whoever he coaches.
Erikson reached the quarter-finals with England; this time his task is superior but he will have the self-confidence to out-think Dunga.
Brazil has scored in 23 consecutive group matches at the World Cup and will wish for to keep that record.
The Ivory Coast improved significantly when Didier Drogba came on against Portugal but, at the other end, Boubacar Barry, Ivory Coast’s agile goalkeeper, can be expecting a busy 90 minutes.

Julio Cesar vs Didier Drogba: In Julio Cesar, Brazil boasts the most excellent goalkeeper at the finals, though North Korea proved he is not unconquerable.
Drogba was on firer for Chelsea and his country before breaking his arm.
But he proved he has improved with a late cameo role against Portugal and, on his side, he is able score against any goalkeeper in the world.

They said
Dunga: "I believe the first match is always trying, there was a lot of anxiety and nervousness out there. We all want to score and not give up any goals. I am not completely happy with the result; we weren't passing as quickly as I would have loved. But the spirits of these players are willing to learn and are strong."
Sven-Goran Eriksson: "It is going to be a hard game, but looking at what we did against Portugal, we are proficient of creating a surprise against Brazil."

Teams
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar; Juan, Michel Bastos, Maicon, Lucio; Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva; Kaka, Robinho, Elano; Luis Fabiano.

Ivory Coast (4-1-2-3): Barry; Zokora, Tiene, Demel, K Toure; Y Toure; Tiote, Eboue; Drogba, Kalou, Gervinho.

Referee: Stephane Lannoy (France).

Match Preview: Slovakia vs Paraguay

Group F
Slovakia v Paraguay
Stadium: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Something has to give with Slovakia and Paraguay given the chance to top the group before Italy face New Zealand, because first two games in Group F have ended in 1-1 draws.
That Paraguay detained the champions will give great power to La Albirroja who may consider using Roque Santa Cruz from the beginning.
Vladimír Weiss v Gerardo Martino: Weiss (45) is the youngest coach at the World Cup but was enraged that his side permitted the minnows of New Zealand to take a point.
Now he must give confidence his players against a brilliant Paraguay and their Argentine leader. He inspired his players to make a draw against Italy.

Robert Vittek v Justo Villar: Vittek scored Slovakia's first ever goal at a World Cup finals, against New Zealand, and will be single-minded to help progress on the performance against the All Whites. But to do so he should get past Justo Villar, the most experienced 32 year-old goalkeeper.

They said
Weiss: "The fact that we came so close to winning against New Zealand is extremely encouraging. But we’ll have to do our level best to avoid the same thing from happening again."
Martino: "I don't think we need to win our next two games. Draws might be adequate to progress. However, this does not mean that we’ll be going out to get draws in our next two games."

Teams
Slovakia (4-4-2): Mucha; Durica, Cech, Zabavnik, Skrtel; Weiss, Hamsik, Strba, Jendrisek; Sestak, Vittek
Paraguay (4-1-3-2): Villar; Bonet, Morel, Alcaraz, Da Silva; V Cacares; Torres, Vera, Riveros; Haedo, Valdez, Barrios

Referee: TBC.