Spain is for the first time in its history, the new World Cup champions, after beating the Netherlands 1-0, with a goal scored by Iniesta only three minutes before the end of extra-time, when many thought the game would go into a penalty shoot-out.

Before the game started, Soccer [...]]]>

Spain vs Netherlands - Iniesta scores winner

Spain is for the first time in its history, the new World Cup champions, after beating the Netherlands 1-0, with a goal scored by Iniesta only three minutes before the end of extra-time, when many thought the game would go into a penalty shoot-out.

Before the game started, Soccer City stadium erupted into light and music for the World Cup closing ceremony, with singers performing a medley of local music from urban hip-hop to cappella chorals. Colombian superstar Shakira performed her song Waka Waka, the tournament’s official anthem, with local band Freshlyground, as well as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a South African cappella act.

Former president Nelson Mandela and his wife Graça Machel got a standing ovation from a 95.000 strong crowd when they were wheeled into the stadium in a golf car, in a brief appearance at Soccer City.

Getting back to the game, Spain started off better, more determined and leaving no “breathing space” for Holland. Sergio Ramos could have opened the score after just five minutes with a header, stopped with a great save from goalkeeper Stekelenburg.

Soon after that “La Roja” had another dangerous play at 13 minutes when David Villa, free of marking in the Dutch area, shot against the side-netting.

The Netherlands took a while to free itself from the Spanish pressure and their initiatives in attacking were mostly timid. Suffice it to say that the only noteworthy shot came only during discount time, with Robben forcing Casillas to apply himself.

In the second half the physical availability of the players was not the same, where the pressure on the ball carrier being less intense and there was more room to play.

Robben (62) and David Villa (70) came very close to scoring, but did not have the art and skill needed to beat the goalkeeper. A header from Sergio Ramos (77), following a corner kick, could have broken the tie, and once again Robben was unable to beat Casillas, with the goal at his mercy.

The game ended in a draw in regular time and went into an extra 30 minutes where nothing changed in relation to the second half. Fabregas wasted a great opportunity to score when he isolated himself in front of keeper Stekelenburg who saved with his legs. Soon after that, Dutch midfielder Mathijsen missed the target narrowly with a header.

The final 15 minutes of extra time were marked by the expulsion of Heitinga for accumulation of yellow cards and, of course, the goal from Iniesta, that gave Spain their first victory in the World Championships by 1-0.

The Spanish national team made a double by adding today’s win in the 2010 Word Cup to the European Championship that they had won 2 years ago.

Once again Paul the Octopus got it right, making it eight out of eight correct predictions during this World Cup, and becoming a world wide celebrity in just a few weeks.

A goal from Sami Khedira, at 82 minutes, gave Germany a third place berth in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a 3-2 victory over Uruguay, giving Paul the Octopus another correct prediction, his seventh in a row.

The “Mannschaft” started the game with a lead, but [...]]]>

Germany beats Uruguay in third place game

A goal from Sami Khedira, at 82 minutes, gave Germany a third place berth in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a 3-2 victory over Uruguay, giving Paul the Octopus another correct prediction, his seventh in a row.

The “Mannschaft” started the game with a lead, but were overtaken by the “Celestes”, only to recover again, winning the third place game of a World Cup for the fourth time (1934, 1970, 2006, 2010), with Uruguay’s Forlan and Germany’s Muller contributing to the result and are now tied with Spaniard Villa and Dutchman Sneijder as top scorers (five goals).

Although they failed to win a forth title (1954, 1974 and 1990) Germany won its ninth meeting in 10 games against Uruguay who was also a WC winner in 1930 and 1950 and had already been defeated by the Germans in another match for third place, in México 1970.

Both the Uruguayan coach Oscar Tabarez, as well as Germany’s, Joachim Low, introduced various changes into their squads, with the return after suspension of Suarez and Fucile for the “Celestes”.

The “Mannschaft”, who had some limitations, were unable to start with striker Klose due to a back injury, just when he was so close to equaling or beating the Brazilian Ronaldo’s record of 15 goals in World Cups. Goalkeeper Butt replaced Neuer, while Lahm and Podolski were also replaced by Aogo and Jansen.

The Germans repeated the third place in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, winning that game 3-1 against Portugal. The Germans had more initiative in the opening minutes and Friedrich headed against the bar from a corner kick, taken by Ozil before Muller opened the score.

A powerful swerving shot by Schweinsteiger from about 30 meters was blocked but not collected by goalkeeper Muslera, with Muller the Bayern Munich striker, quick to react and scored to put Germany up 1-0.

However, a stolen ball from midfield allowed Perez Suarez to pass to Cavani Palermo who wrapped the cross successfully, in the 28th minute, to tie the game 1-1.

In the second half, Uruguay pressured the German defence and after some insistence Arevalo Rios crossed to Forlan, who from a frontal position volleyed for his fifth goal of the tournament, giving Uruguay a 2-1 lead at 51 minutes.

But only five minutes later, German defender Marcell Jansen tied the game 2-2 with a header after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera misjudged a cross, his second fatal mistake of the match.

When both teams were showing signs of minor physical exhaustion and everything seemed to be heading for extra time, a series of rebounds from a corner kick, saw the ball being headed by Khedira, giving Germany a 3-2 lead that they held until the final.

Uruguay were left with a bitter taste in their mouths when Forlan hit the crossbar from a free kick in the dying seconds of the match.

Paul, the world famous “psychic” octopus, has made his predictions for this weekend’s two last games of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. For Saturday’s third place game he predicts Germany to beat Uruguay, while Sunday’s final goes to Spain over the Netherlands.

The eight-legged oracle, with an [...]]]>

Paul the Octopus predicts Spain to win

Paul, the world famous “psychic” octopus, has made his predictions for this weekend’s two last games of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. For Saturday’s third place game he predicts Germany to beat Uruguay, while Sunday’s final goes to Spain over the Netherlands.

The eight-legged oracle, with an unblemished record in picking winners, has become a World Cup sensation by correctly predicting all the six games Germany has played so far in this World Cup, chose his country of residence Germany on Friday, during an event carried live on national television with two reporters doing commentary and in the presence of dozens of foreign media.

Some German fans were very bitter after Paul predicted Germany’s loss against Spain in the semi-final game and threatening to turn him into sushi, making the art of predicting football games a dangerous job for the English-born clairvoyant cephalopod.

Sea Life Aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany, where Paul lives, has even received death threat emails saying “We want Paul for the pan,” said entertainment supervisor Daniel Fey. “Since yesterday our colleagues have kept a very close eye on Paul,” Fey added.

Top political leaders in Spain are worried about the oracle mussel-eater’s safety. After Paul’s correct prediction about Spain’s semi-final win, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luiz Rodriguez Zapatero came to the defense of the “psychic” octopus and called for octopus bodyguards.

“I am concerned for the octopus … I am thinking of sending him a protective team,” joked Zapatero on Radio Cadena Ser. Spanish Industry Minister Miguel Sebastian has called for the creature to be given an “immediate” free transfer to Spain to “ensure his protection.”

Spanish football fans are in heaven about “La Roja” reaching their first World Cup final, but are preplexed and worried about some irate – if not idiotic – German fans who blame Paul for their team’s 1-0 loss against Spain in the World Cup semis. “That crazy octopus was right. Calamares for everyone,” yelled a customer at a Greek restaurant in Frankfurt.

Paul has become an instant success in Spain for obvious reasons. A Twitter account “Pulpo Paul” is one of the most searched in the social networks. And there are a number of fan pages on Facebook, mostly from Spain

Some Germans were stung by Paul’s “treachery” at picking Spain over Germany in the semi-final and some sections of the 350,000-strong crowd watching the game on giant screens in Berlin sang anti-octopus songs. Many voices of discontent were heard and the honor of Paul’s mother was called into question, according to witnesses.

Netherlands fans are naturally upset and anxious about Paul’s prediction. Their only hope is that Paul makes a mistake as he did two years ago, when he wrongly predicted that Germany would beat Spain in the Euro 2008 Final. But that was two years ago when Paul was only six months old and possibly not as wise.

Octopuses have a life span of up to three years, so Paul can be considered a senior citizen in the octopus world.

Spain beat slightly favorite Germany 1-0 today at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban and became the second finalist of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The current champions of Europe played better than Germany and won the match with a goal from defender Puyol.

Spain played an excellent game, having most [...]]]>

Spain beat Germany in semi-final game

Spain beat slightly favorite Germany 1-0 today at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban and became the second finalist of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The current champions of Europe played better than Germany and won the match with a goal from defender Puyol.

Spain played an excellent game, having most of the ball possession, conceding very few occasions of danger and hardly any mistakes against Germany, who just couldn’t get into their attacking football thanks to Spain’s control of the midfield.

Composed primarily of players from Barcelona, the Spanish team started well on the field and had some opportunities in the first forty five minutes, with two clear goal scoring chances by Villa and Puyol, while the Germans only bothered Casillas with a shot from outside the area. Still, the first half ended tied at zero.

In the second half, the game was much of the same music. Spain dominated the midfield and was creating successive goal scoring chances, but it seemed they could not pass the tall German defense. That changed at 73 minutes when Puyol, one of the smallest players in this game, beat the tall German defenders to open the score board, following a corner by man of the match Xavi.

After this goal, Germany tried to react and force at least a draw, but it was Spain, who had a clear opportunity to close the game when Pedro wasted a golden opportunity, if only he had passed the ball to a companion who was isolated and in excellent position, instead of trying to score himself.

Spain, as had happened in the final of EURO 2008, defeated Germany again and is now qualified for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, where they will meet Holland on July 11 at 19.30 GMT.

Yesterday, the now famous, Paul, the octopus from Sea Life Aquarium in Oberhausen, Germany had predicted that Spain would win this game.

The octopus chose between two boxes of food, each with a flag – one from Spain and one from Germany. As usual, Paul walked around the aquarium until the time to choose where to eat and ended up preferring the box with the Spanish flag.

Till now, Paul has never failed any prediction. During this World Cup he predicted the two German wins as well their defeat to Serbia in the group stage, then predicted the two wins against England and Argentina in the round of 16 and quarter-finals.

Holland stamped their passport to the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, by winning the first semi-final against Uruguay by 3-2 in Cape Town tonight. Van Bronckhorst, Sneijder and Robben scored the goals of the “Clockwork Orange” while Forlan and Maxi Pereira scored for the “Celestes”   More than [...]]]>

Celebrating a goal during Holland Uruguay game

Holland stamped their passport to the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, by winning the first semi-final against Uruguay by 3-2 in Cape Town tonight. Van Bronckhorst, Sneijder and Robben scored the goals of the “Clockwork Orange” while Forlan and Maxi Pereira scored for the “Celestes”
 
More than three decades after the legendary Johan Cruyff generation and the “Total Football” devised by Rinus Michaels, Holland returns to a World Cup final.

Coach Bert Van Marwijk and his Orange team won every game in South Africa, adding this game to a string of 25 games without losing.

Uruguay was also carrying the dream of returning to make history, after they won the World Cup back in 1930 and 1950. The team led by Oscar Tabarez entered this game unwilling to risk much.

Uruguay had made some solid games in this World Cup, but a shot from Netherlands defender Van Bronckhorst started the orange demolition. At 18 minutes, the veteran Dutch captain fired a missile from over 30 meters beating goalkeeper Muslera, and leaving the Dutch fans in delirium.

Uruguay managed a small reaction, but without causing great inconvenience to the Dutch defense. The absence of striker Suarez took away incisiveness to the Uruguayans, who were too dependent on Diego Forlan today. It would be the Uruguayan captain to give a ray of hope to his companions, after a great left-footed shot from outside the area to tie the game at 41 minutes.

The goal got the South American team moralized and more daring after the interval keeping the Netherlands in the midfield without giving them space to move forward. At 66 minutes Forlan could have scored the turnaround goal from a free kick, but Stekelenburg made a great save to maintain the tie.

After having eliminated Brazil in the quarter-final, Netherlands were experiencing unusual difficulties to get past a solid Uruguay midfield and defense, but Sneijder once again showed up to solve the problem. The midfielder from Inter Milan made it 2-1 on 70 minutes from a relatively weak shot with the ball still touching in a Uruguayan defender. It was his fifth goal of the tournament, making him best scorer in this World Cup along with David Villa of Spain.

And if this goal had already left the impression that it was too much for Uruguay, the Netherlands third goal virtually killed the hopes of the South Americans just three minutes later. At 73 minutes, Robben headed Holland’s third goal creating an outburst of joy among the Dutch players, aware that their place in the final was virtually guaranteed.

Holland then wasted several opportunities to score but it was Uruguay who surprised when they reduced to 3-2, by Maxi Pereira, at 91 minutes, leading his team to try to draw with only 3 minutes of extra time. There was still danger but there were to be no more surprises, and the Netherlands held on to defend their lead till the final whistle.

Netherlands now wait for tomorrow’s other semi-final game between Germany and Spain in Durban, to find out who they will be playing with for the World Cup Final.

Klose scores in Germany-Argentina game

After just three minutes, the Germans took an early lead when a cross [...]]]>  Super Germany humiliates Argentina 4-0

Germany stormed into the semi-finals of the World Championship by convincingly thrashing Argentina 4-0 in a game where Maradona’s team was unable to capitalize on the talent of Messi, Higuain, Di María and Tevez.

Klose scores in Germany-Argentina game

After just three minutes, the Germans took an early lead when a cross into the area, found Muller free of any marking and headed to the bottom of the goal. Sergio Romero, the Argentine goalkeeper, had major responsibilities in this goal, since he was badly positioned.

Argentina was slow to react, but when freed from the shackles of the German defensive tried through various shots, to beat Neuer. Di María was one of the most active, but rarely did the South American team create real danger.

Germany defended well, had a solid midfield and calmly waited for the right moment. In the second half they struck the fatal blow to the passionate but ineffective Argentina team when Klose scored at 68 minutes making it 2-0.

On 74 minutes, after another incursion by the German attack, on the left flank, the ball landing with Friedrich, which make an easy 3-0. The rout was consummated at 89, when an unmarked Klose took advantage of another deadly counter attack from the left followed by a cross, pushed the ball calmly into the back of the goal giving Germany an impressive but well deserved 4-0 victory.

Germany is now qualified for the semi-final, and will play Spain, winner of the other quarter final match against Paraguay.

Spain in semi-finals for the first time

In an uneventful first half, in which Paraguay was able to reduce Spain’s use of its trump card, ball possession, the scoring opportunities were very scarce and the match was almost all played in the midfield.

Iniesta in Spain-Paraguay game

The interval arrived with a goalless draw and just one shot on goal by Paraguay with Vincente del Bosque’s team being completely shackled by the defensive pressure and effectiveness of the South Americans.

The second half would be completely different, with Paraguay winding down and Spain getting more ball possession. Still, it was Paraguay that had the first chance on goal, with Cardozo being brought down on 56 minutes by Pique in the penalty box. Cardozo missed the penalty as it was saved by Casillas.

One minute later, it was Paraguay’s Alcaraz that commited a foul in the penalty area against David Villa, who made a meal of it when he felt he was touched. Xabi Alonso scored the penalty, but the referee ordered the penalty to be repeated because some Spanish players had run into the area prematurely. On the second attempt Alonso missed when keeper Villar saved the second shot, and avoiding a Spanish lead.

From here on the game gained much more momentum and Spain began to take over the game. At 82 minutes after two shots hit the post, David Villa gets a well placed shot in and puts Spain in the lead 1-0.

For the first time in its history, Spain go into the semi finals of a FIFA World Cup and will meet Germany, who humbled Argentina with a 4-0 rout earlier today.

Brazilian player in despair against Netherlands

Holland avenged their elimination in 1994 and 1998 by Brazil after [...]]]> Netherlands beats Brazil and heads for semis

The Netherlands today defeated Brazil by 2-1 and qualified for the semi-finals, where they will face Uruguay, winners of their game against Ghana in a penalty shoot-out that will be played July 6^th.

Brazilian player in despair against Netherlands

Holland avenged their elimination in 1994 and 1998 by Brazil after being down early, but the “Clockwork Orange” had a magnificent turnaround in the second half with the “precious help” from Felipe Melo who was sent off and was  the author of an own goal that helped the Netherlands advance to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Brazil, the five times world champions, scored first by Robinho, with just nine minutes on the clock, after a lovely through ball by Felipe Melo, who was to be expelled at 72 minutes.

The second half showed a more determined Dutch team and at 52 minutes Wesley Sneijder made a dangerous cross into the box where Júlio César the Brazilian keeper tried to sock the ball away but Felipe Melo made an own goal.

The same Wesley Sneijder headed home the winner and completed the turnaround, at 67 minutes after a corner kick from Robben.

This win completed a series of 23 matches without any defeats by the Dutch team and  the fifth victory in a row during this 2010 World Cup, reinforcing their status of title contenders in front of a Brazil team that took too long to realize that they were unable to counteract the strength of the totally inspired Dutch team.

The Netherlands will now face Uruguay, the winner of today’s other quarter-final.

Uruguay eliminates Ghana in dramatic turn around

Uruguay, who has won the World Cup on two occasions, reached the semi-finals for the first time since the seventies, after beating Ghana on penalties. The match was marked by a dramatic ending in the overtime period which turned out to be fatal for the African team.

Suarez during Uruguay vs Ghana game

Uruguay dominated the first 25 minutes of the game, but it was Ghana that scored first after a powerful left footed shot from long distance by Muntari.

Uruguay tied the game on 55 minutes when Forlan scored from a masterfully taken free kick from the left, with the trajectory of the ball betraying Ghana goalkeeper Kingson at the second post.

The game ended 1-1 in regular time. During the overtime period, everything could have been resolved at 122 minutes when after a lot of confusion Luis Suarez prevented a goal with his hands, got a red card and Ghana was awarded a penalty.

Gyan failed to make history for Ghana when he missed the penalty, with the ball sliding off the crossbar and landing up in the stands. The game went straight into the penalty shoot-outs after this incredible turn of events.

Then in the lottery of the penalty shoot-outs, the Uruguayan goalkeeper saved two penalties and Abreu calmly chipped the last shot to the despair of a Soccer City stadium that was mostly backing the last of the African teams.

Uruguay will now meet Netherlands, one of the strongest teams in the 2010 World Cup.

Cardozo celebrates goal as Paraguay beat Japan

The Paraguayans have a [...]]]> Paraguay beat Japan in penalty shoot-out

Paraguay beat Japan and reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time, after 120 minutes of football and a penalty shoot-out. The South American squad will now meet Spain, who won the other round of 16 match.

Cardozo celebrates goal as Paraguay beat Japan

The Paraguayans have a lot to improve if they want to beat the Spanish team. The Japanese who were the last Asian team to leave South Africa, did so with their heads held high, leaving only teams from Europe, South America and Ghana.

The first half was worthy of a game between two teams ranked 31 and 45 by FIFA. The game was badly played, especially on the technical side, with too many failed passes. For the first time in history, one of these teams would reach the quarter-finals, but it was difficult to believe how it was possible.

The first half had only two goal scoring chances for each side. After 20 minutes of yawning, Lucas Barrios ran into the area, broke free of two Japanese defenders, but his shot hit Kawashima, the goalkeeper. A minute later Japan hit the crossbar after a great shot from Matsui.

There was hope that the game would open up, but shots from Roque Santa Cruz and Honda missed the target. Fans from both sides had no reason to jump for joy on their chairs.

Both coaches decided not to change anything for the second half believing that they had made the best choices. They got it wrong, despite the fact that Japan played a little better in the second 45 minutes.

The game went into overtime with both teams getting closer to scoring a goal, especially in the first 15 minutes. The second 15 minutes showed two teams fearful of going into the penalty shoot-outs.

Both teams scored their first two penalties, then Koman of Japan missed by hitting the crossbar. Paraguay scored all penalties, with the last one being taken calmly by Cardozo to make it 5-3 for Paraguay, who will meet Spain in the quarter finals.

Spain too strong for Portugal win 1-0

Spain are through to the quarter finals after beating Portugal 1-0 in today’s round of 16 game in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Portugal’s defeat could have been worse if it hadn’t been for the excellent game of goalkeeper Alfredo, who made a handful of fantastic saves.

Cristiano Ronaldo and David Villa in Spain-Portugal game

Portugal made a decent first half, even though the Spanish team had a lot more ball possession and was the best team. Right from the first minute they intimidated the Portuguese squad with two great shots firstly by Fernando Torres and then by David Villa that Portugal keeper Eduardo responded with great saves.

In fact Eduardo was the best Portuguese player in the field, while Cristiano Ronaldo was a disaster during most of the game relying only on long distance kicks and clearly playing without any passion in his game.

Spain was playing some impressive football with that slick passing game they are so good at and it slowly became evident that Portugal’s record of not conceding a goal in South Africa was beginning to look shaky as Xavi frightened them again with a shot over the bar from a corner kick.

Portugal weathered the early storm when Tiago finally fired a distant shot that Iker Casillas cleared the ball in the air and then had to scramble it to safety as Hugo Almeida challenged him. Soon after Cristiano Ronaldo shot a powerful 30 meter free kick that bounced off Casillas’ chest, but the Spanish defence quickly cleared it.

The Portuguese started off better in the second half and almost broke the deadlock when Carlos Puyol got his knee in the way of a Hugo Almeida cross but the ball looped over Casillas’ head and passed a few millimeters from the post.

Vicente del Bosque, the Spanish coach substituted Liverpool’s Torres, with Fernando Llorente after 58 minutes and he almost made a spectacular entrance, heading straight at Eduardo who’s quick reflexes took the better of a swerving Jabulani ball.

Llorente brought some spark into the Spanish squad and soon after the inevitable Villa had a powerful shot wiz past the post. The new Barcelona striker showed why he is one of the best in the world when he scored in the 63rd minute of an absorbing encounter when he chipped in a rebound over goalkeeper Eduardo after his first shot was saved.

Carlos Queiroz made a bad move when he substituted Hugo Almeida for Liedson because from that moment on they handed most of the control to the Spaniards who could have made it 2-0 when Sergio Ramos almost scored, but once again the brilliant Eduardo managed another great save.

Portugal’s Ricardo Costa was sent off towards the end of the game in what appeared to be an exaggerated decision by the referee, who otherwise had a good game without any major errors.

Spain will now play Paraguay in their next quarter-final game on July 3rd.

Robben celebrates first Netherlands goal

Slovakia actually started the game well and had a great shot pass slightly over the cross bar defended by [...]]]> Netherlands beat Slovakia and will now play Brazil

Goals from Robben and Sneijder stamped Holland’s passage to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after a 2-1 victory over Slovakia.

Robben celebrates first Netherlands goal

Slovakia actually started the game well and had a great shot pass slightly over the cross bar defended by Dutch keeper Stekelenburg

Robben, who returned to the Dutch team after an injury, finished a counter-attack initiated by a great pass from Wesley Sneijder, then moved from right to the center in a typical Robben kicking the ball past the outstretched keeper and giving the Netherlands a 1-0 lead at 17 minutes.

Until the interval the Dutch team gave away most of the ball possession to Slovakia, relying on the speed of their strikers to counterattack, without success.

The second half was different, with the Netherlands having the best two chances in the opening minutes. First by Robben, in a similar move to his first goal, with the shot being  defended by Slovakian goalkeeper Mucha who shortly after, again denied a goal, this time by Mathijsen, after a croos from Robben.

Slovakia had two great opportunities, by Vittek and Stoch forcing the Ajax goalkeeper to make magnificent saves to deny them the tie. Slovakia had another good opportunity at 78 minutes but the shot went over the bar.

Netherlands scored again at 84 minutes by Sneijder, who merely pushed the ball into the goal after a great play from Dirk Kuyt on the left flank.

Right at the end of discount time, Spanish referee Alberto Undiano gave Slovakia a penalty kick after the Dutch goalkeeper fouled Jakubko inside the area, allowing Vittek to score Slovakia’s only goal in the last kick of the game.

Netherlands won the game 2-1 and will now meet Brazil which won the other game of the day against Chile.

Brazil beats Chile and will meet Holland in quarters

The Brazilian soccer team will play the Netherlands for a berth in the semi finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after their indisputable triumph over Chile 3-0 today in Johannesburg.

Kaká and Robinho celebrate in Brazil-Chile game

Without the injured Elano, Felipe Mello, and Júlio Baptista the “Seleção” felt little opposition to get into the quarter-finals, with quick goals by Juan and Luis Fabiano, at 35 and 38 minutes respectively, virtually sentencing the game.

Juan headed in his first goal from a corner kick by Maicon and opened the score for Brazil. Just 3 minutes later it was Luis Fabiano’s turn, after receiving an exquisite assist from Kaká, dribbling the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 for Brazil and his third goal of the tournament.

In the second half, the Brazilians scored again at 59 minutes by Robinho (his first goal in the tournament and nominated Man of the match), after an assist by Ramires who, despite playing a good game, tarnished his image at 71 minutes, when he was admonished with a yellow card, which prevents him from participating in the quarter-final against the Netherlands.

Brazil had already eliminated Chile on two previous World Cups; In 1962, precisely on Chilean soil in the semi finals (4-2) and again in 1998 in France (4-1), also in the round of 16.

Chile felt great difficulties on their defense, because Coach Marcelo Bielsa was forced to improvise, since their usual central defenders Waldo Ponce and Gary Medel had yellow cards, as well as midfielder Marco Estrada.

In the second half Chile created the best chances of scoring, with Valdivia, at 60 minutes, shooting from a frontal position, slightly above the crossbar.

At 75 minutes, Humberto Suazo forced Brazilian goalkeeper, Júlio César to make an excellent save and a few minutes the same Suazo had a shot hit the post.

Brazil now meets Netherlands in their next game on June 2nd, in Port Elizabeth, in what promises to be a great match between two of the top contenders for the World Cup title.

England thrashed by Germany

Klose, [...]]]> Germany thrash England 4-1 and head to the quarter-finals

In one of the most anticipated round of 16 games of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the England team was thrashed 4-1 by the German formation in a game overshadowed by one of the worst refereeing mistakes in the tournament’s history.

England thrashed by Germany

Klose, Podolski and Muller (twice) scored for the German squad, while Upson reduced for the English from a Lampard cross.

In a spectacular first half, Germany got an early lead after Klose opened the scoring on 20 minutes after a long kick from German keeper Manuel Neuer.

Just before Germany’s second goal, Klose had another clear opportunity to score his second, but David James was able to defend the shot.

Podolski made it 2-0 for Germany at 32 minutes from a tight angle, making life very complicated for the English team. However, Upson reduced for England at 37 minutes after a header.

Before the interval had a chance to level the game when a Frank Lampard shot from just outside the area hit the crossbar, bounced down and landed almost a meter over the goal-line, but the referee and his assistant did not validate the goal.

The squad managed by Fabio Capello returned in the second half of the game determined to reverse the score, but the German counterattack proved to be deadly.

Müller was nominated “man of the match” by scoring two goals for Joachim Loew’s team in the second half, giving Germany an easy win on an afternoon where England’s defending was shockingly sub-standard and their talisman, Wayne Rooney, once again failed to deliver on the game’s biggest stage.

Germany will now face Argentina; the winner of today’s other round of 16 games.

Argentina beat Mexico 3-1 and head to the quarters

Tevez scores in Argentina Mexico game

The other round of 16 game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was also marked by a bad error decision by the referee. After the Frank Lampard goal was not validated in the other game, this time it was a clear off-side goal by Argentina’s Tevez  that tainted a bad day of refereeing.

The Argentina team led by Diego Armando Maradona played against the “Aztecs” of Coach Javier Aguirre in a game surrounded by enthusiasm because of the value of both teams.

Argentina had three victories in as many games (Nigeria (1-0), South Korea (4-1) and Greece (2-0) and was a pre-match favorite to advance to the quarter-finals of the competition, which is being held for the first time on African soil.

For its part, Mexico had surprised many by playing some solid football in the group stage with a draw against host South Africa (1-1), a victory over the always tricky France (2-0) and a defeat with Uruguay (0-1).

Mexico was the first team to create danger in the game, with a shot to the crossbar and another very close to the post, in two clear opportunities to open the scorecard.

However, it was Argentina who scored first after a very controversial goal. Lionel Messi made the pass for Carlos Tevez, who headed for a goal in a clearly irregular off-side position. Referee Roberto Rossetti validated the goal, and then went to confer with the linesman, who then decided to validate the goal while surrounded by protesting Mexican players.

Shortly after that, at 33 minutes, it was Gonzalo Higuain’s turn to score by making the most of a big error by the Mexican defender Ricardo Osorio.

In the second half, Tevez who was nominated “man of the match”, scored what may be one of the best goals of the competition so far when he passed two opponents and shot a powerful missile that gave no chance to the Mexican goalkeeper.

Mexico still managed to reduce to 3-1 by Hernandez after a nice individual play. The “Aztecs” pressured a bit till the end but Argentina managed to control the game without great problems.

Argentina will now face Germany in the quarter-finals of the competition on the 3^rd of July at 15.00 GMT. What a thriller that should be.