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Pre-game: Honduras vs Chile (16 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Liveblogging: Honduras vs Chile (16 Jun 2010)Match Details
Honduras-Chile, Group H, Nelspruit, Friday 16 June, 13.30 (local time)

Why Chile would win?

Chile is stronger on paper and their coach Marcelo Bielsa is employing a 3-3-1-3 formation anchored on Humberto Suaza who has two speedy and experienced wingers in Alexis Sanchex and Mark Gonzalez. Humberto Suaza has scored ten goals during the qualifying and could score another goal today. The problem however is the injury that Humberto Suaza has suffered on his muscle strain. He is still recuperating and how fit he is would determine the efficiency of the formation of Marcelo Bielsa.

Why Honduras would win?

Honduras has a stronger offense anchored on Wilson Palacios who is looking to shutdown or deflect the formation of Chile. Given that Chile might be having health problems could work well on Honduras. They can do what Korea did against Brazil who played safely waiting for the right time to counterattack.

Key Takeaway

I hope this isn’t one of those boring games where it ends up in a draw like that of Portugal and Ivory Coast. Brazil failed to dazzle, and games like South Africa on the opening round and that of France didn’t live up to expectations.

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Match & Result: Brazil vs Korea DPR (15 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Match & Result: Brazil vs Korea DPR (15 Jun 2010)Winner: Brazil
Score: Brazil(2) vs Korea DPR(1)
55′ Maicon (1), Brazil
72′ Elano (1), Brazil
89′ J. Yun Nam (1), Korea DPR

Recap

Brazil is too cocky as they quickly turned the gas pedal on where Elano got to see the goal for a chance to score which just went off target. A few seconds after Robinho had his chance it went wide. Brazil is getting a lot of possession on the first ten minutes of the game. Korea’s first shot on goal came on the 11th minutes where J. Tae Se shoots it up but was a great save by Julio Cesar of Brazil.

Brazil controlled the game and already had three corner kicks before Korea got their first corner kick on the 29th minute.

Throughout the game Brazil took their time setting up play from midfield where Korea DPR wasn’t challenging and was waiting for them on a stone wall defense. Korea patiently waiting for Brazil to attack, challenge and run for a counterattack.

This is a frustrating first half for Brazil where people expected them to have score a goal or two. I admittedly dismissed Korea from my pre-game analysis of Brazil vs Korea DPR. I expected Brazil to score 5 to 8 goals for the game.

When second half came, Brazil continued with getting the possession and controlling the tempo of the game. Brazil had a chance to score on a free kick from top of the key. Brazil scored 11 goals directly from free kick and other team has had more. Robinho shot the free kick from top of the box but was wide left.

Brazil then exploded in joy on the 55th minute when Maicon scored a goal from the right of the key. Video found here — Match & Result: Brazil vs Korea DPR Maicon Scores first Goal for Brazil.

On the 72th another goal by Elano gave Brazil 2 points. The video is found here — Match & Result: Brazil vs Korea DPR Elano Scores second Goal for Brazil.

On the 89th minute Korea stunned everyone when J. Yun Nam scored a goal and Korea was celebrating triumphantly. The video is found here — Match & Result: Brazil vs Korea DPR J. Yun Nam Scores first Goal for Korea DPR.

Key Takeaway

Korea was dismissed early on where Brazil was expected to make one goal after the other against Korea. Korea DPR is the lowest ranking team in FIFA World Cup and the five time World Cup champions Brazil should have an easy win. As it turned out, Korea DPR stayed with the team powered by high profile players in Robinho, Kaka, Luis Fabiano.

There was a lot of pressure for Brazil to score and they had a sigh of relief when did so in the second half. Brazil was looking to close with 2 goals ahead of South Korea when the Asian team scored on t
he 89th minute.

Brazil with all its power could only get a 1 goal lead which shows the potential of the Korea DPR. Group G just became a lot more interesting.

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Liveblogging: Brazil vs Korea DPR (15 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Liveblogging: Brazil vs Korea DPR (15 Jun 2010)Brazil (2) vs Korea DPR (1)
55′ Maicon, Brazil (1)
72′ Elano, Brazil (1)
89′ J. Yun Nam, Korea DPR (1)

Winner: Brazil (2)

Thanks for joining me. Hope to see you again in the next game, Liveblogging — Milo.

90′ Game done, Korea fights until the end
89′ KOREA SCORES. J. Yun Nam
88′ Almost no yellow card. Ramires is booked.
World Cup goal by Maicon here — Goal by Maicon
78′ Brazil making substitution, feeling confident already
74′ Brazil still controlling posession
72′ BRAZIL SCORES. Elano
70′ Clean game so far, no yellow cards yet
70′ Free kick from Brazil
67′ P. Chol Jin (Korea DPR) commits a fould
66′ Ji Yun-nam shot wide from long range
63′ Luis Fabiano very close to scoring another goal via a counter attach. Shoot way over the goal.
60′ Brazil pushing once again, Kaka, Robinho exchanging passes
58′ Exchange of posessions
55′ Maicon scores
55′ BRAZIL SCORES…………..
54′ Free kick by Korea but was deflected by Kaka, Brazil pushing on Korea place.
54′ Korea pushed to the box but could not convert.
53′ Robinho gets another shot on the goal on the same area as his previous free kick and the shot was left wide again.
51′ Free kickfrom top of the box by Brazil, Robinho shot left wide.
47′ Luis Fabiano couldn’t get the pass from Maicon
46′ Second half is on the way.
45′ Milo: Oops, didn’t notice I put 1 on Korea’s scoreboard, clearing it out.
45′ Half-time, flashy players of Brazil failed to score
44′ Felipe Melo passing to M. Bastos from left side but Brazil shoots wide to the right
43′ A corner kick could not convert, Brazil hasn’t lost an opening game since 1934 against Spain.
42′ Another corner for Brazil, 3rd for the night
41′ Robinho fancy moves from the left, shoots off target. Hits side of net.
40′ Brazil has possession from midfield
40′ Kaka crosses from right side, Korea defends and ends up at top of box to Felipe Melo who shoots way above target
39′ Brazil setting up midfield
39′ Korea offside
37′ Brazil has possession but could not get through. Korea defends and counterattacks.
36′ Korea defense R. Kwang Chon solid
35′ M. Bastos (Brazil) shoots with a left foot, P. Chol Jin deflects it.
34′ Luis Fabiano flies off for a header but Korea staying there on defense
34′ Brazil attacking with Kaka, Korea wall of defense gritty
31′ Korea’s corner kick could not get a header, sets up and H. Yong Jo shoots at top of the center box. A little of left.
29′ Korea counterattack, Lucio challenges, corner kick for Korea
29′ Brazil setting up midfield, patient for an attack
27′ J. Tae Se is injured, down on the floor
26′ Maicon shot and saved by Korean goalkeeper. Corner kick by Brazil
26′ Brazil being patient with crisp passing, and now attacking.
25′ Brazil setting up midfield
24′ Korea on a counterattack, speeding up.
23′ Brazil setting up at midfield
23′ L. Fabiano (Brazil) commits a foul.
21′ Crisp passing from L. Fabiano and Robinho being displayed. Korea staying there.
21′ Robinho is at it again. A save by R. Myong (Korea DPR). Korean goalkeeper showing hot skills.
20′ This is as easy as I thought Brazil would dispose of Korea
18′ Korea DPR unexpectedly going head to head against Brazil
17′ Another shot by C. Jong Hyok of Korea DPR. Another off target.
16′ M. In Guk (Korea DPR) shot blocked
14′ Free kick by H. Yong Jo on a challenge by Juan of Brazil
13′ Elano (Brazil) shoots, great save by R. Myong Guk (Korea DPR)
12′ Another shot by J. Tae Se shoots it up. Great save by Julio Cesar (Brazil)
11′ Its Korea’s turn for a shot, J. Tae Se shoots it up. Great save by Julio Cesar (Brazil)
10′ M. Bastos from Brazil hit off target
09′ Brazil M. Bastos just off target on another shot at the goal
08′ Korean defense sucks, Brazil just penetrating with ease
07′ Robinho (Brazil), its his turn for a shot
07′ Brazil is hot as Elano kick for a shot, off target
00′ Kicked off for the match
-14′ Game would start in 14 minutes

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Match & Result: Ivory Coast vs Portugal (15 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Match & Result: Côte d'Ivoire vs Portugal (15 Jun 2010)Winner: Draw
Score: Ivory Coast(0) vs Portugal(0)

Recap

This was an evenly matched game where two of the worlds greatest footballers in Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo are playing against each other. I was disappointed however that the game ended with no goals scored. A draw is fine given the matchup but at least both of them should have scored.

Ivory Coast showed a great attacking side anchored on the combination of Gervinho, Salomon Kalou and Aruna Dindane. Portugal on the other hand relied heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo who was defended very well by Ivory Coast.

Key Takeaway

This is one of the strongest and most difficult group and if any of them one then it would them an advantage going into the next round. Nonetheless, it was best that both teams ended up in a draw which would just make the group a lot more stronger.

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Match & Result: New Zealand vs Slovakia (15 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Match & Result: New Zealand vs Slovakia (15 Jun 2010)Winner: Draw
Score: New Zealand(1) vs Slovakia(1)
50′ Robert VITTEK (Slovakia)
90’+3′ Winston REID (New Zealand)

Recap

I wrote the first line saying that Slovakia has won the game as I have said in my pre-game analysis (New Zealand vs Slovakia) about the teams advantage other the other when Winston Reid suddenly hit the miracle shot of the game.

New Zealand didn’t show they were the underdogs in the tournament as they played with confidence and flare. Early on New Zealand Chris Killen
streaked past the Slovakian defense to shoot towards the goal which went above the bar. A few minutes later Killen had a header which just shot wide. These two instances in the first five minutes made the Slovakian team up the tempo with their players attacking New Zealand.

Key Takeaway

What could have been an easy win for Slovakia turned out to be a competitive match much to the surprise of Slovakia. To worsen things for the European team, New Zealand waited for the last few seconds before tying the score as the two team finished with 1 point each.

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Pre-game: New Zealand vs Slovakia (15 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Pre-game: New Zealand vs Slovakia (15 Jun 2010) Match Details
New Zealand-Slovakia, Group F, Rustenburg, Friday 15 June, 16.00 (local time)

This isn’t a high profile game for people outside the country of both New Zealand and Slovakia. Both teams are not expected to make it past the next round but given that they are going up against each other, 3 points being awarded to anyone of them would quickly put them on top of their group.

Slovakia is playing their first World Cup finals game as an independent nation while New Zealand has not been in the World Cup for the last 28 years and their only appearance came in 1982.

Why Slovakia would win?

They are experienced, have more exposure and have deeper talent in their roster led by prolific midfielder Marek Hamsik together with Miroslav Soch and Vladimir Weiss Jnr. Vladimir Weiss is going to be an inspired player on the field as the coach of Slovakia is his father something we don’t see often in sports. Slovakia has a strong attacking offense and could see many shots to the goal from their end.

Why New Zealand would win?

New Zealand’s key to winning the game is on captain Ryan Nelsen of Blackburn Rovers whose defensive skills could make a lot of stops and successful challenges throughout the game. New Ryan Nelsen has a lot of things on his shoulder because another equally talented player in vice-captain Tim Brown is not playing because of shoulder injury.

Key Takeaway

Slovakia is the stronger team and they are looking for win and possibly a draw on their next game that could put them on top of their group. They are motivated as the dark horse in their group. New Zealand is looking for their first even win in the FIFA World Cup. Their first and only other appearance in 1982 saw them losing three times without a win or draw in their scoreboard.

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Match & Result: Italy vs Paraguay (14 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Match & Result: Japan vs Cameroon (14 Jun 2010)Winner: Draw
Score: Italy(1) vs Paraguay(0)
39′ Antolín Alcaraz (Paraguay)
63′ Daniele De Rossi (Italy)

Recap

Marcello Lippi came back from retirement to coach Italy where he has kept 9 veterans in the team to the dismay of a lot of people.

The game in Italy was crucial in determining if Italy can defend their title but the game clearly showed how many steps Cannavaro has decline given his age of 36. Buffon allowed a header goal which is you did not often see in the early stages of 2006.

Paraguay came with guns blazing and they did not disappoint as they had better rhythm and fluidity throughout the game both in offense and defense. Antolin Alcaraz scored a header goal on the 39th minute.

Italy had a number of chances and good looks to score a goal but could not deliver most of the time until De Rossi got one very late in the game.

The best Italy could do was draw a game against a lesser competitor and if Italy doesn’t regroup they would not be able to defend their title.

Key Takeaway

Italy is favored to win his match or even the World Cup as they are the defending champions. Marcello Lippi came back from retirement to lead Italy where he was criticized for his decision of keeping 9 veterans in the team including Buffon and Cannavaro. Italy didn’t have a convincing win and they have a lot to catch up in offense and defense.

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Liveblogging: Algeria vs Slovenia (13 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Algeria (0) vs Slovenia (1)

Slovenia wins 1-0

Thanks for joining me. Hope to see you again in the next game, Liveblogging — Milo.

Both teams exchanged possessions until the end of the game. Slovenia won to the dismay of England and USA.
78′ GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLL Robert Koren scores.
73′ Abdelkader Ghezzal red card for stupid confrontation of referee after given a yellow card for using hand
66′ Algeria getting more possession time than Slovenia, but still boring overall
64′ Slovenia on track on getting their third draw at international tournament, losing four. no wins.
62′ Slovenia shoots Koren, very far above the goal
60′ Shot on goal by Slovenia–KIRM, saved by Algeria–CHAOUCHI, lacked striker finishing skill
59′ Ghezzal (Algeria) Yellow Card
58′ Ghezzal comes in to replace Djebbour (Algeria)
57′ Foul Brecko (Slovenia)
56′ Handanovic (Slovenia) saves
55′ Shot on goal by Yebda (Algeria) saved
52′ Slovenia attacking a shot on the goal way way far on top
50′ Karim Ziani shot from afar, no chance of going in. Really stupid
49′ Both side doesn’t look like they want to win, they are looking for a draw. much to the delight of England, USA
Second half underway
Half Time
45′ 1 minute added
44′ Slovenia finding crackdown in defense of Algeria
44′ Birsa another shot from the top of the box, wide right
44′ Ziani intercepts, Slovenia gets it back
43′ Slovenia attacking, setting up play
43′ Brilliant save by Chaouchi (Algeria)
43′ Birsa with a brilliant shot from top of the box (Birsa)
42′ Dedic (Slovenia) free-kick
39′ Kadir (Algeria) offside
35′ Belhadj (Algeria) takes a corner
34′ Yellow card for Slovenia (Radosavljevic)
34′ Breakaway by Slovenia results in nothing
32′ Boring exchange of posessions
31′ Belhadj free kick (Algeria)
27′ Djebbour (Algeria) foul
25′ Dedic of Slovenia offside
23′ Radosavljevic (Slovenia) penalised
21′ Chaouchi (Algeria) saves it
21′ Birsa free-kick
20′ Slovenia free kick
19′ Karim Ziani could have setup a good pass to streaking Karim Matmour, missed chance. Ziani overhits the pass
16′ Kadir (Algeria) gives up a free-kick on a challenge by Jokic (Slovenia)
15′ Koren (Slovenia) shot blocked
14′ Matmour could shoot the ball despite clear sight of the goal
14′ Slovenia and Algeria contesting possession on midfield
11′ Slovenia on a breakaway, could not complete
09′ Matmour from Algeria Offside
08′ Algeria on the attack
07′ Rafik overhits the pass from Karim Matmour
04′ Algeria with possession again, they are controlling the game early on
03′ Great save by Slovenia goalkeeper
03′ Algeria almost scores on a free kick from on top of the box
00′ Ball is live, Algeria with possession
00′ Lineup being announced
00′ Welcome to liveblogging of FIFA World Cup – Algeria vs Slovenia (13 Jun 2010)

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Pre-game: Algeria vs Slovenia (13 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Match Details

Algeria-Slovenia, Group C, Polokwane, Friday 13 June, 13.30 (local time)

Algeria and Slovenia are anxious to score three points given that teams in their group England and USA has just scored 1 point each via a draw. Whoever wins the match would get ahead of the pack putting more weight on their advancement to the next round. England and USA on the other hand is hoping that these teams end in draw, putting everyone on equal footing.

Both teams are equally skilled and experienced that it would be difficult to clearly predict who goes on to score three points at the end of the game.

Game History
There is no history between the two and this first encounter would set history books on them.

Why Slovenia would win?

Slovenia showed a lot of promise and talent disposing both Qatar and New Zealand easily during the pre-finals friendlies. Slovenina also finished second behind Slovakia even edging out Russia to get to the final of the World Cup. Slovenia’s confidence is up high which could carry the team for a win.

Slovenia Lineup
1 Samir HANDANOVIC
12 Jasmin HANDANOVIC
16 Aleksander SELIGA
2 Miso BRECKO
3 Elvedin DZINIC
4 Marko SULER
5 Bostjan CESAR
6 Branko ILIC
13 Bojan JOKIC
19 Suad FILEKOVIC
22 Matej MAVRIC
8 Robert KOREN
10 Valter BIRSA
15 Rene KRHIN
17 Andraz KIRM
18 Aleksandar RADOSAVLJEVIC
20 Andrej KOMAC
21 Dalibor STEVANOVIC
7 Nejc PECNIK
9 Zlatan LJUBIJANKIC
11 Milivoje NOVAKOVIC
14 Zlatko DEDIC
23 Tim MATAVZ

Why Algeria would win?

Algeria teamwork is battle tested having to go through the eye of the needle to reach the World Cup Finals. They had to beat arch-rivals Egypt, come back after their loss to European’s Serbia and Republic of Ireland. There is more to learn and bonding to happen whenever team loses and Algeria has that kind of experience on their shoulders.

Algeria Lineup
1 Lounes GAOUAOUI
16 Faouzi CHAOUCHI
23 Rais M BOLHI
2 Madjid BOUGHERRA
3 Nadir BELHADJ
4 Anther YAHIA
5 Rafik HALLICHE
12 Habib BELLAID
14 Abdelkader LAIFAOUI
18 Carl MEDJANI
20 Djamel MESBAH
6 Yazid MANSOURI
7 Ryad BOUDEBOUZ
8 Medhi LACEN
13 Karim MATMOUR
15 Karim ZIANI
17 Adlane GUEDIOURA
19 Hassan YEBDA
21 Foued KADIR
22 Djamal ABDOUN
9 Abdelkader GHEZZAL
10 Rafik SAIFI
11 Rafik DJEBBOUR

Key matchup

Madjid Bougherra v Zlatko Dedic

Algeria is relying heavily on their defense anchored on Bougherra. He is expected to stop Slovenia from scoring a goal and could provide a stonewall and gritty defense throughout the game. On the contrary, Dedic of Slovenia is a deadly striker who is looking to score another goal in international competitions. The defense stopper against the aggressive striker.

Key takeaway

Both Algeria and Slovenia are itching to win especially since both of them are equally matched up. England and USA are hoping they draw their game to put them on equal footing.

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Match & Result: England vs USA (12 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Winner: Draw
Score: England(1) vs USA(1)
4′ Steven Gerrard (England)
41′ Dempsey (USA)

Recap

England was supposed to win this game given their exposure, skills, and experience in World Cup. The last time USA came close giving England a competitive game was around 5 decades ago.

England did not disappoint when Steven Gerrard scored a goal with just 4 minutes into the game. England continued to attack aggressively and look poised to score another goal. Wright-Phillips run the field smoothly with Ashley Cole while Rooney at the receiving end had a number of chances at the goal.

USA had a chance to score when Donovan delivered the ball accurately towards the head of the Oguchi Onyewu but the header went past the goal.

What looks like to be a long game for USA suddenly turned around when England goalkeeper made a key mistake allowing the shot of Dempsey from the top of the box roll off his hands into the goal.

The second half had a series of runs from both England and USA but the closes chance came when Altidore had a breakaway shot from the left inside box when England goalkeeper Green made the beautiful save. It was a redeeming move for Green.

Key Takeaway

This is a very bad result for England who came in heavily favored but failed to get 3 points off USA. Algeria and Slovenia are happy campers who are hoping to get ahead of the pack with a win on Sunday. England showed fluidity running the offense but any of them could not finish off with another goal. England should have scored at least 2 goals in the game.

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