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Germany V Costa Rica
Poland V Ecuador
Whats going to be the scores?
Poland V Ecuador
Whats going to be the scores?
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Argies vs Dutch was surprisingly boring, i wish i had watched Infernal Affairs 2 like i was going to instead
:o
It's open.
It's open.
Any chance this will get moved into the Sport forum?
Anyway, quick thoughts on the Group D games yesterday.
Iran V Angola was probably 60-40 Iran. Angola needed to win the game convincingly to stand a chance of qualification but they never really looked capable.
Iran had the best of the chances in the first half as they got a free header in the box that should have been scored and a number of middle range efforts that forced saves. Angola had a few long range efforts and got free in the box once but the player skied it wide and over. 0-0 at half time.
Angola had to come out fighting in the 2nd half. They started well and took the lead on quick break with a free header. Angola then started running out of steam as Iran started to play their way back in. Iran levelled with 15 minutes to go when the wonderfully named Bakhtiarizadeh scored off a header from a corner. That finished Angola off and the game ended 1-1.
Angola were probably hit by the early injury and the knocks they took during the game as at least 3 players were taken off on stretchers and receiving lengthy treatment, one player not coming back on and being subbed.
The other game was Portugal V Mexico. Mexico came out fighting knowing they could still go out but Portugal took a surprise lead when Maniche lashed it home after 6 minutes. Portugal had replaced all the players on yellow cards and didn't look as good as previous games but they took a 2-0 lead from the penalty spot after Marquez lost his marbles and handballed.
Mexico again started to impose themselves and got 1 back with a header from Fonseca. They were then given a fairly soft penalty but Bravo hit it over.
The 2nd half was all Mexico again and even after the sending off, they looked the most likely to score again. They had a penalty appeal turned down that should have stood. Neither team could convert the chances they created and Portugal took the win.
Portugal will be pretty happy seeing as they rested a number of top players and still came out on top. Mexico showed decent ability and were good at holding the ball and coming forward.
Anyway, quick thoughts on the Group D games yesterday.
Iran V Angola was probably 60-40 Iran. Angola needed to win the game convincingly to stand a chance of qualification but they never really looked capable.
Iran had the best of the chances in the first half as they got a free header in the box that should have been scored and a number of middle range efforts that forced saves. Angola had a few long range efforts and got free in the box once but the player skied it wide and over. 0-0 at half time.
Angola had to come out fighting in the 2nd half. They started well and took the lead on quick break with a free header. Angola then started running out of steam as Iran started to play their way back in. Iran levelled with 15 minutes to go when the wonderfully named Bakhtiarizadeh scored off a header from a corner. That finished Angola off and the game ended 1-1.
Angola were probably hit by the early injury and the knocks they took during the game as at least 3 players were taken off on stretchers and receiving lengthy treatment, one player not coming back on and being subbed.
The other game was Portugal V Mexico. Mexico came out fighting knowing they could still go out but Portugal took a surprise lead when Maniche lashed it home after 6 minutes. Portugal had replaced all the players on yellow cards and didn't look as good as previous games but they took a 2-0 lead from the penalty spot after Marquez lost his marbles and handballed.
Mexico again started to impose themselves and got 1 back with a header from Fonseca. They were then given a fairly soft penalty but Bravo hit it over.
The 2nd half was all Mexico again and even after the sending off, they looked the most likely to score again. They had a penalty appeal turned down that should have stood. Neither team could convert the chances they created and Portugal took the win.
Portugal will be pretty happy seeing as they rested a number of top players and still came out on top. Mexico showed decent ability and were good at holding the ball and coming forward.
Group C games yesterday.
There is not much you can say about Holland V Argentina. Both teams were through and a few players were rested on both teams. Both teams were patient on the ball. I think Argentina created the best chances as Teves and Messi both had shots that just missed and the Holland defence knocked the ball onto their own post defending a cross. I do like how Holland play with width up front.
The better game was on the other side between Ivory Coast V Serbia & Montenegro. The referee had a nightmare as he handed out cards left, right and centre, gave 2 penalties and sent 2 people off.
The weather was atrocious and the defences were comical as Serbia & Montenegro scored when Zigic brought the ball down and knocked the ball in. The keeper and defence were absolutely nowhere. The defence went missing for the 2nd goal too.
Defence seemed a real problem as both teams found space in the box and went on to squander their chances. However, Dudic lost his head and delibrately handballed in the box giving a penalty to Ivort Coast. They scored, after it had to be retaken.
2-1 at half time and they started playing a bit better as Serbia & Montenegro were forced back as they only had 10 men. The defending then got worse again around the hour mark as the keepers were forced to make saves. Dindane scored for Ivory Coast to level the scores and Serbia & Montenegro were forced to play attacking to get the win. Stankovic missed a great chance and he was made to pay when the ref gave another penalty for handball.
Dindane, who scored the previous 2 goals, was not going to get his hat-trick as Kalou took the ball and dispatched the penalty. An Ivory Coast player got sent off near the end but it meant nothing as Ivory Coast hung on to win.
Great game, spoilt by a card happy ref. It means Portugal play Holland, which should be great and Argentina play Mexico in round 2.
There is not much you can say about Holland V Argentina. Both teams were through and a few players were rested on both teams. Both teams were patient on the ball. I think Argentina created the best chances as Teves and Messi both had shots that just missed and the Holland defence knocked the ball onto their own post defending a cross. I do like how Holland play with width up front.
The better game was on the other side between Ivory Coast V Serbia & Montenegro. The referee had a nightmare as he handed out cards left, right and centre, gave 2 penalties and sent 2 people off.
The weather was atrocious and the defences were comical as Serbia & Montenegro scored when Zigic brought the ball down and knocked the ball in. The keeper and defence were absolutely nowhere. The defence went missing for the 2nd goal too.
Defence seemed a real problem as both teams found space in the box and went on to squander their chances. However, Dudic lost his head and delibrately handballed in the box giving a penalty to Ivort Coast. They scored, after it had to be retaken.
2-1 at half time and they started playing a bit better as Serbia & Montenegro were forced back as they only had 10 men. The defending then got worse again around the hour mark as the keepers were forced to make saves. Dindane scored for Ivory Coast to level the scores and Serbia & Montenegro were forced to play attacking to get the win. Stankovic missed a great chance and he was made to pay when the ref gave another penalty for handball.
Dindane, who scored the previous 2 goals, was not going to get his hat-trick as Kalou took the ball and dispatched the penalty. An Ivory Coast player got sent off near the end but it meant nothing as Ivory Coast hung on to win.
Great game, spoilt by a card happy ref. It means Portugal play Holland, which should be great and Argentina play Mexico in round 2.
Onto Group E.
The Czech Republic had to come out and win against Italy to get into the last 16 and they started well enough. They did most of the early running but with only Baros up front, they found it very difficult.
Nedved was their driving force but it was Italy that scored first. Materazzi, who came on for the injured Nesta, gave Italy the lead with a header from a corner. Italy before then hadn't really created much. It got worse when Pollak got sent off in the first half for the Czechs.
The Czechs had it all to do now and tried to break the Italians down. They had a few chances when the Italian defenders got a bit complacent. There was also a great driving run from Nedved but he couldn't beat Buffon.
The Czechs didn't find the equalizer and in their efforts, they left a big gap for substitute Inzaghi to sprint away, round Petr Cech and score to knock the Czechs out of the World Cup.
That left a place for either Ghana or the USA to take 2nd spot. Ghana started the brighter but neither team really troubled the goalkeepers. Halfway through the first half, Reyna got dispossessed and Draman was in the clear. He tucked it home for a Ghana lead.
The USA team now slowly brought themselves back into the game and got the equalizer when they stole the ball from the defensive line and curled a lovely ball into the path of Dempsey and just out of the reach of the defender.
With half time approaching, a nothing challenge in the box resulted in a Ghana penalty. It really wasn't a penalty but Appiah gave Ghana a 2-1 lead at half time.
Second half and neither team really took control of the game in the early stages. Ghana had a shot well saved. Donovan and McBride had good chances too, McBride hitting the post from a header.
Ghana really disrupted the pace of the game by staying down after challenges and that stopped the USA gaining any momentum. The pace picked up right at the death but it was too late. Ghana take 2nd in the group, knocking out the Czechs and the USA.
The Czech Republic had to come out and win against Italy to get into the last 16 and they started well enough. They did most of the early running but with only Baros up front, they found it very difficult.
Nedved was their driving force but it was Italy that scored first. Materazzi, who came on for the injured Nesta, gave Italy the lead with a header from a corner. Italy before then hadn't really created much. It got worse when Pollak got sent off in the first half for the Czechs.
The Czechs had it all to do now and tried to break the Italians down. They had a few chances when the Italian defenders got a bit complacent. There was also a great driving run from Nedved but he couldn't beat Buffon.
The Czechs didn't find the equalizer and in their efforts, they left a big gap for substitute Inzaghi to sprint away, round Petr Cech and score to knock the Czechs out of the World Cup.
That left a place for either Ghana or the USA to take 2nd spot. Ghana started the brighter but neither team really troubled the goalkeepers. Halfway through the first half, Reyna got dispossessed and Draman was in the clear. He tucked it home for a Ghana lead.
The USA team now slowly brought themselves back into the game and got the equalizer when they stole the ball from the defensive line and curled a lovely ball into the path of Dempsey and just out of the reach of the defender.
With half time approaching, a nothing challenge in the box resulted in a Ghana penalty. It really wasn't a penalty but Appiah gave Ghana a 2-1 lead at half time.
Second half and neither team really took control of the game in the early stages. Ghana had a shot well saved. Donovan and McBride had good chances too, McBride hitting the post from a header.
Ghana really disrupted the pace of the game by staying down after challenges and that stopped the USA gaining any momentum. The pace picked up right at the death but it was too late. Ghana take 2nd in the group, knocking out the Czechs and the USA.
We certainly saw a slightly more interested Brazil and Ronaldo against Japan. Brazil had most of the ball and without Kawaguchi, Brazil would have been 3 up in 30 minutes. Surprisingly, Japan took the lead when Tamada lashed the ball home in space in the box. I suppose space in the box can be found against Brazil.
Brazil continued to play with the ball and Ronaldo popped up just before half time with a free header less than 6 yards out to level the scores.
The 2nd half was no different than the 1st. If anything, Brazil had more of the ball. Brazil didn't take long to take the lead as Juninho smashed the ball from outside the box and whooshed past Kawaguchi, although the keeper should have done better.
Brazil continued to press and scored a third when Gilberto, the left winger, ran with the ball into the box with plenty of time and slotted it home. The rout was complete with 8 minutes to go when Ronaldo received the ball on the edge of the box and stroked the ball in the corner of the net to equal Gerd Muller's record of 14 goals in World Cup games.
Japan needed to win by 2. They didn't, so it was up to either Australia and Croatia for the place in the 2nd round. Croatia took the lead after just 2 minutes when Srna scored a free kick.
Viduka was getting manhandled and wrestled to the ground as Australia searched for the equalizer. They got it when a Croatian player handballed in the box, which is like the 3rd handball in the box in the past 2 days. Moore put the penalty away for 1-1 at half time.
Croatia were celebrating again when Nico Kovac's shot was fumbled into the net by Kalac, who was selected over Mark Schwarzer. It seemed a bit of a silly move at this point.
Australia were desperate in their hunt for an equalizer. Another Croatian handball in the box was missed by the referee but it didn't matter when Kewell found himself with the ball with a bit of time and he scored, levelling the scores.
Then the controversy. Simic got sent off, followed by Brett Emerton. Then Graham Poll booked Simunic for a 2nd time but didn't show the red card and he stayed on the pitch. He then got a 3rd yellow and got sent off.
All this ended with Australia getting the draw, which was good enough to send them through to the last 16.
Brazil continued to play with the ball and Ronaldo popped up just before half time with a free header less than 6 yards out to level the scores.
The 2nd half was no different than the 1st. If anything, Brazil had more of the ball. Brazil didn't take long to take the lead as Juninho smashed the ball from outside the box and whooshed past Kawaguchi, although the keeper should have done better.
Brazil continued to press and scored a third when Gilberto, the left winger, ran with the ball into the box with plenty of time and slotted it home. The rout was complete with 8 minutes to go when Ronaldo received the ball on the edge of the box and stroked the ball in the corner of the net to equal Gerd Muller's record of 14 goals in World Cup games.
Japan needed to win by 2. They didn't, so it was up to either Australia and Croatia for the place in the 2nd round. Croatia took the lead after just 2 minutes when Srna scored a free kick.
Viduka was getting manhandled and wrestled to the ground as Australia searched for the equalizer. They got it when a Croatian player handballed in the box, which is like the 3rd handball in the box in the past 2 days. Moore put the penalty away for 1-1 at half time.
Croatia were celebrating again when Nico Kovac's shot was fumbled into the net by Kalac, who was selected over Mark Schwarzer. It seemed a bit of a silly move at this point.
Australia were desperate in their hunt for an equalizer. Another Croatian handball in the box was missed by the referee but it didn't matter when Kewell found himself with the ball with a bit of time and he scored, levelling the scores.
Then the controversy. Simic got sent off, followed by Brett Emerton. Then Graham Poll booked Simunic for a 2nd time but didn't show the red card and he stayed on the pitch. He then got a 3rd yellow and got sent off.
All this ended with Australia getting the draw, which was good enough to send them through to the last 16.
A day late :P
There were 2 games on at the same time so I taped one game and watched the other.
Just finished watching Spain V Saudi Arabia. It was a sedate affair with Spain changing the whole team. Spain probably should have had a lot more goals as Reyes and Fabregas missed some glorious chances and Zaid made some good saves.
36 minutes in and Juanito powers a header in from a Reyes cross. Spain pretty much waltzed through the remainder of the game. Saudi Arabia put a bit more into the game about 70 minutes in but they never really troubled Canizares until right at the end but that was skied over the bar. Spain should have had a penalty when Torres was pulled back by his shirt but it didn't matter.
The Ukraine V Tunisia game was terrible. There was a real lack of urgency by both teams. Jaziri getting sent off in the first half finished Tunisia off but Ukraine were not interested in over committing. Shevchenko won a penalty which probably shouldn't have been given as it was just a clash of knee to leg when running for the ball. Shevchenko put the penalty away and Tunisia started putting on forwards, but it was too late then. They had a couple of late chances but the end thankfully came.
I'm watching Switzerland V South Korea tomorrow. Might have to tape the Germany V Sweden game as I might be playing in a 5-a-side tournament.
Just finished watching Spain V Saudi Arabia. It was a sedate affair with Spain changing the whole team. Spain probably should have had a lot more goals as Reyes and Fabregas missed some glorious chances and Zaid made some good saves.
36 minutes in and Juanito powers a header in from a Reyes cross. Spain pretty much waltzed through the remainder of the game. Saudi Arabia put a bit more into the game about 70 minutes in but they never really troubled Canizares until right at the end but that was skied over the bar. Spain should have had a penalty when Torres was pulled back by his shirt but it didn't matter.
The Ukraine V Tunisia game was terrible. There was a real lack of urgency by both teams. Jaziri getting sent off in the first half finished Tunisia off but Ukraine were not interested in over committing. Shevchenko won a penalty which probably shouldn't have been given as it was just a clash of knee to leg when running for the ball. Shevchenko put the penalty away and Tunisia started putting on forwards, but it was too late then. They had a couple of late chances but the end thankfully came.
I'm watching Switzerland V South Korea tomorrow. Might have to tape the Germany V Sweden game as I might be playing in a 5-a-side tournament.
France needed to win last night to stand a chance of a place in the last 16. They hadn't won a game in the World Cup since they won the trophy in 1998.
France started the way they needed to and looked a lot better with Trezeguet in the side, although he missed a hatful of chances. Ribery lacked composure at key moments and he should have scored at least 2.
Amazingly, partly due to France misfiring and Agassa in the Togo goal, the scores were level at half time. Togo had few chances but were just beginning to frustrate France.
France were dominant again from the off and more chances went begging. The breakthrough came when Ribery found Vieira in the box and the turn and shot was exquisite.
This opened the game up a bit as Togo searched for an equalizer but they were hurt by a 2nd goal within 6 minutes as Henry made some room for a shot that found the net.
France took their foot off the gas as Togo started to get more of the game but it was no use. France held on to book their place in the last 16.
It was one of two from the last group game as Switzerland took on South Korea. Switzerland had control of the game for most of the first half and neither team really had a good chance. A goal came after 22 minutes when Yakin whipped in a free kick and Senderos with a towering header found the back of the net.
The header resulted in a cut on the head of him and a South Korean defender, the South Korean defender needed a hairnet to hold the bandage in place.
With about 5 minutes to go in the first half, South Korea got into the box a few times and made Switzerland panic but it all came to nothing as Switzerland led South Korea at the break.
Soth Korea just started to get more possession in the 2nd half in search for the goal and with news filtering through that France had got the 2 goals they needed, things were looking bleak for South Korea. The keeper wasn't really tested as South Korea never really looked like scoring in a frustrating night.
Switzerland came close when Frei hit the post and then Frei looked to be offside as he rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home. The flag was up and the pass was significantly deflected into the path of Frei.
The goal stood. South Korea came close but the shot was deflected off the bar amd over and another shot saved. The game fizzled out towards the end and Switzerland win the group.
France started the way they needed to and looked a lot better with Trezeguet in the side, although he missed a hatful of chances. Ribery lacked composure at key moments and he should have scored at least 2.
Amazingly, partly due to France misfiring and Agassa in the Togo goal, the scores were level at half time. Togo had few chances but were just beginning to frustrate France.
France were dominant again from the off and more chances went begging. The breakthrough came when Ribery found Vieira in the box and the turn and shot was exquisite.
This opened the game up a bit as Togo searched for an equalizer but they were hurt by a 2nd goal within 6 minutes as Henry made some room for a shot that found the net.
France took their foot off the gas as Togo started to get more of the game but it was no use. France held on to book their place in the last 16.
It was one of two from the last group game as Switzerland took on South Korea. Switzerland had control of the game for most of the first half and neither team really had a good chance. A goal came after 22 minutes when Yakin whipped in a free kick and Senderos with a towering header found the back of the net.
The header resulted in a cut on the head of him and a South Korean defender, the South Korean defender needed a hairnet to hold the bandage in place.
With about 5 minutes to go in the first half, South Korea got into the box a few times and made Switzerland panic but it all came to nothing as Switzerland led South Korea at the break.
Soth Korea just started to get more possession in the 2nd half in search for the goal and with news filtering through that France had got the 2 goals they needed, things were looking bleak for South Korea. The keeper wasn't really tested as South Korea never really looked like scoring in a frustrating night.
Switzerland came close when Frei hit the post and then Frei looked to be offside as he rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home. The flag was up and the pass was significantly deflected into the path of Frei.
The goal stood. South Korea came close but the shot was deflected off the bar amd over and another shot saved. The game fizzled out towards the end and Switzerland win the group.
Well, what a game Argentina V Mexico was! The Mexicans started really well and Argentina couldn't get out of their half. Mexico went close after 2 minutes and scored after 6 minutes when Marquez drifted in unmarked and poked it with power past the Argentine keeper.
It knocked a bit of sense into Argentina who then scored after 10 minutes. The ball was whipped in and Borghetti and Crespo went for the ball. Crespo got a foot on it but it was Borghetti's head that forced the ball into the back of the net.
Mexico played really well in the first half, hitting Argentina on the break. Argentina in the second half were much more controlling but no break through was to be found in normal time.
Maxi Rodriquez strike was exceptional. He took the ball on his chest, which bounced up a long way, and then hit the volley and it was unstoppable. It hit Mexico pretty hard and they couldn't fashion an equalizer.
Argentina have had a real scare but they might just be stronger for it.
It knocked a bit of sense into Argentina who then scored after 10 minutes. The ball was whipped in and Borghetti and Crespo went for the ball. Crespo got a foot on it but it was Borghetti's head that forced the ball into the back of the net.
Mexico played really well in the first half, hitting Argentina on the break. Argentina in the second half were much more controlling but no break through was to be found in normal time.
Maxi Rodriquez strike was exceptional. He took the ball on his chest, which bounced up a long way, and then hit the volley and it was unstoppable. It hit Mexico pretty hard and they couldn't fashion an equalizer.
Argentina have had a real scare but they might just be stronger for it.
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