Top Headlines - page 12

Pre-game: Spain vs Switzerland (16 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Pre-game: Spain vs Switzerland (16 Jun 2010)Match Details
Spain-Switzerland, Group H, Durban, Wednesday 16 June, 14.00 (local time)

Why Switzerland would win?

Heart and inspiration. Switzerland doesn’t have the star studded talent like Spain and they have health problems as Alexander Frei and Valon Behrami could not play. They lost against Costa Rica, Norway and Uruguay. This team doesn’t play with the same pressure as that of Spain and they can be as gritty as Korea DPR was. This team should play solid team defense and wait for the right opportunity to score a goal.

Why Spain would win?

Anchored by superstars Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, and Andres Iniesta (wait and see if his playing), these team are a very technical team on defense, can run the break, can swiftly counterattack and score goals on target. This team has the chops to win the FIFA World Cup finals this year.

Switzerland plays solid defense and has proved they can hold off their opponent from scoring for as long as 394 minutes. The last team to score against them booting them out of FIFA World Cup 2006 was Spain.

Key Takeaway

This is going to be a test game for Spain on their team defense, and strong attacking side. They are expected to go all the way to the finals game and this game is important on setting up that tempo.

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Pre-game: South Africa vs Uruguay (16 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Pre-game: South Africa vs Uruguay (16 Jun 2010)Match Details
South Africa-Uruguay, Group G, Tshwane/Pretoria, Wednesday 16 June, 20.30 (local time)

Why Uruguay would win?

Everyone expected Uruguay would be beaten easily by France but they kept the powerhouse Frenchmen at bay drawing the results of the game. Uruguay has a stronghold defense that can launch counter attacks. Uruguay should be patient throughout the game and wait for the opportunity to score.

Why South Africa would win?

South Africa lacks in offense and the ability to counter attack and launch a shot on the goal. In their first game against Mexico, they drew the game. South Africa’s chances lie on the shoulders of goalkeeper Itumeng Khune who has the ability to shutdown opponents scoring abilities. He would be relied heavily to keep the slate for South Africa clean in the hopes that South Africa can score one goal.

Key Takeaway

Both of these teams played a separate boring games and both these teams are raring to score three point that could put them in good position to advance to the next round. This should provide for an exciting game.

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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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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: Brazil vs Korea DPR (15 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Pre-game: Brazil vs Korea DPR (15 Jun 2010) Match Details
Brazil-Korea DPR, Group G, Johannesburg – JEP, Friday 15 June, 20.30 (local time)

Why Brazil would win?

Kaka. Luis Fabiano. Five straight friendly wins. Won eight of the last ten games going into the FIFA World Cup. Five time world champions.

Why Korea DPR would win?

If Brazil plays foolishly then any opponent can beat Brazil on the opening game which has not lost for the last 76 years. It is a tough argument to say that Korea DPR can beat Brazil.

I apologize Korea DPR but Brazil just have enough firepower to destroy the second ranked team in the FIFA World Cup Finals, let alone, rank number 32 in the competition.

Key Takeaway

Brazil against Korea DPR preview shouldn’t be a long article as the only question I have is how many goals will Brazil score? Five? Eight?

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Pre-game: Côte d’Ivoire vs Portugal (15 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Pre-game: Côte d'Ivoire vs Portugal (15 Jun 2010)Match Details
Côte d’Ivoire-Portugal, Group G, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Friday 15 June, 16.00 (local time)

This is a high profile game compared to the previous New Zealand vs Slovakia as both these teams are looking to advance to the next round. This will be a test and a writing of history for both squads as this is the first time they will meet in a World Cup.

Why Portugal would win?

Powered by one of the best players in the World and still a top two (or top three) in the world player, Cristiano Ronaldo is looking to score goals that could put his team on top. Cristiano is brilliant on the field that could provide stability, smoothness, fire and rhythm to his team. He is expected to carry the hopes of his country on his shoulders and this man is not backing down.

Why Côte d’Ivoire would win?

Côte d’Ivoire’s is powered by Didier Drogba whose gritty and herculean strength rubs off on his teammates to play a solid and coordinated team game. Ivory Coast is the best hope for the South African team for winning the World Cup and expect these players to be a bunch of bandits wrecking the opponent apart. FIFA has allowed Didier to play with a protective cast which makes this team complete for a win.

Key Takeaway

Portugal has underachieved in previous competitions but the maturity and field IQ of Cristiano has improved that could just well put these guys over the top. The game is crucial for both of these teams as they belong to one of the strongest groups where any of the team can advance deep into the FIFA World Cup. Expect this game to be tightly fought and contested.

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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: Japan vs Cameroon (14 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Uncategorized

Match & Result: Japan vs Cameroon (14 Jun 2010)Winner: Japan
Score: Japan(1) vs Cameroon(0)
39′ Keisuke Honda (Japan)

Recap

Japan coach Takeshi Okada received so much bad press and pressure for his resignation given his decision on the team lineup to leave off more high profile players in key positions and build a team lineup not accepted by the Japanese people. Japan has never won on foreign and people are skeptic of their ability to provide a run for the money of their opponents. I myself never expected that Japan are going to the FIFA World Cup; but I am rooting for them against Cameroon as I am an Asian.

Cameroon was favored to win not only because their are an African Nation but because they have one of the best African players in Samuel Eto.

Samuel Eto was shutdown as Japan were like flies on defense closing down passing lanes, challenging in droves to stop Cameroon and Samuel Eto to go into a rhythm. The only brilliance Samuel showed was when he blew past three guys by the corner flag and setup Choupo Moting for a good shot to the goal.

Japan’s goal came in the 39th minute when Keisuke Honda shot a short range left side goal.

Key Takeaway

Japan’s reputation if any at all on international stage is a grey area given that the Asian country has never won on foreign soil. Their win puts them on top of Group E alongside Netherlands. Their next opponent is Denmark who lost to the Dutchmen which means Japan can win the game and could go on the next round. Japan coach Takeshi Okada should be a happy camper.

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Match & Result: Netherlands vs Denmark (14 Jun 2010)

14 years ago in Group, Team & Standings

Match & Result: Netherlands vs Denmark (14 Jun 2010) Winner: Netherlands
Score: Netherlands(2) vs Denmark(0)
46′ Simon Poulsen (Denmark) * own goal by denmark
84′ Dirk Kuyt (USA)

Recap

A lot of people were surprised with the pre-match decision of Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk to make Bayern Munich experienced star player Arjen Robben a substitute.

The early stages of the game saw both Netherlands and Denmark tight on offense and defense exchanging possessions back and forth. The first goal chance only came 20 minutes after from Wesley Sneijder and Thomas Enevoldsen who was way off the goal.

Netherlands had a slighter edge in the aggressive department especially Rafael van der Vaart who is proving to everyone why is the starting player instead of high profile Arjen Robben. Rafael had two scoring opportunities shooting slightly off target on the goal.

Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen almost made a costly mistake like the one committed by Englishman Green on a shot by Dutch Dirk Kuyt.

As half-time approached both teams are yet to score and the pressure is bigger for Netherlands who came into the game with a record of 19 straight wins. The half ended with both teams still looking for a goal.

Just a minute after the second half started, Netherlands scored courtesy of Denmark Simon Poulsen who was trying to head away a cross from Dutch Robin van Persie. People are going to blame Simon Poulsen for this but Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is also to blame who should have met the cross in front of him and deflecting it simultaneously. Nontheless, Simon is going to take this one on his record.

The defensive formation of Denmark could not hold with the attacking Netherlands’ offense as shown by Van Persie who had a clear shot of the goal only to be beautifully saved by Sorensen.

Five minutes left into the game and because Netherlands’ only goal came from Denmark Simon undermine the win by Netherlands, the Dutchmen continued to be aggressive which was rewarded quickly when Dirk Kuyt easily kicked the ball into the goal since goalkeeper Maarten forwarded to deflect an attack and could not back right away.

Key Takeaway

Netherlands is known for their attacking style and they did just that during the game having a lot of clear shots to the goal. The score could have been bigger if it wasn’t for the save of Denmark’s goalkeeper. Denmark needs to look at their defense as it opens up a lot of clear shot to the opponent.

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