Miracle of the Miners

SOMETIMES in the world, we remember moments and never forget them.  Wednesday’s dramatic rescue of the 33 men who have been trapped for 69 days in a collapsed Chilean mineshaft will go down as one of those moments, where joy, relief and celebration dominated the headlines, rather than the traditional political conflict, wars and deaths that fill up our newspapers and TV news stations.

Mario Gomez, one of the 33 to have been trapped, said on his return to earth: “I have come back to life.”  To survive such extreme conditions underground goes down to a lot of teamwork, bravery, skill and courageous ability.  None of the men gave up on the pure delight of being able to see their beloved families again.  Together with the fantastic rescue teams, who produced a yellow capsule which with every hour, went down the 620ft hole that had been drilled to return another man to human earth.  This is a result that no-one could have predicted nearly three months ago.

The disaster began on August 5^th, when the 33 miners became trapped underground when part of the San Jose mine they were working on collapsed.  Two days later, a second collapse prevents early rescue attempts to free the trapped miners and it seemed like they were doomed.  However, failure was simply not an option to all of those involved and immediately, rescuers recovered from this potentially devastating setback and began drilling in a desperate attempt to find the men.  From this early stage, authorities were warning everyone that the chances of finding anyone alive were very slim.  Hope grew on August 22^nd, when a rescue probe returned with a message, shown by president Pinera to Chilean television, which proved that all 33 miners are remarkably still alive.  Suddenly, the rescue team involved manage to make voice contact with the men and begin sending down the vital supplies they need to keep them alive.  Initial reports suggested it might not be until Christmas when they might end up being rescued, so this result is even better than what first could have been predicted.

With support from millions across the world, the miners have been seen in good spirits from video footage, even managing to see an international friendly in September of their beloved country losing in Kiev to the Ukraine.  Once the first miner, Florencio Gonzalez was winched to the surface amid jubilant scenes, this was going to be a day full of emotion and elation. 

Chile has been in the headlines a lot in 2010, for a varying degree of fortunes.  The devastating earthquake that hit the country in March was followed by the national football team’s charismatic flair and attacking prowess that won over many fans in the World Cup finals in South Africa.  For a country that has suffered its fair bit down the years, and not had the best of international relations, the response to the plight of the miners has redeemed the country in the eyes of everyone across the globe.  It is so nice to see something so heart-warming dominate the headlines.

Some of the miners are receiving treatment in hospital, though it is thought to be mainly precautionary measures.  It is staggering to think that all 33 miners escaped any serious injury, or as a matter of fact, death.  This is a miracle of all proportions.

THE 33 CHILEAN MIRACLE MINERS OF 2010: Florencio Avalos (31), Jorge Galleguillos (55), Dario Segovia (48), Carlos Bugueno (28), Victor Segovia (48), Franklin Lobos (53), Esteban Rojas (44), Renan Avalos (29), Osman Araya (30), Pablo Rojas (45), Claudio Yanez (34), Richard Villarroel (23), Ariel Ticona (29), Carlos Mameni (24), Juan Illanes (52), Juan Aguilar (49), Edison Pena (34), Mario Sepulveda (40), Daniel Herrera (27), Alex Vega (31), Carlos Barrios (27), Jose Henriquez (54), Claudio Acuna (35), Jimmy Sanchez (19), Omar Reygadas (56), Raul Bustos (40), Jose Ojeda (47), Samuel Avalos (43), Pedro Cortez (26), Victor Zamora (34), Luis Urzua (54), Mario Gomez (63), Manuel Gonzalez Pavez (UNKNOWN)

Miracle Miners Are Found In Chile

After being trapped underground for two weeks and with seemingly little hope of survival, a group of Chilean miners have managed to send a message to confirm that they are miraculously, still alive.  The 33 miners were first reported missing on August 6^th and have remained trapped in a cave near the city of Copiapo.

The President of the South American country, Sebastian Pinera confirmed the news by showing the message to local television stations.  The message was written in red paint and in English translation said; “The 33 of us in the shelter are well.”

Pinera also told reporters how the message had been reached from deep underground.  It had been a tied to a drill that rescuers had previously used to bore through to the area near an underground shelter.  Celebrations have got underway after the news brokethrough, with parties being held in the capital Santiago, a country which is still attempting to rebuild itself from the shattering earthquake that ripped through the nation back in March. 

President Pinera has said that it could take months for the miners to be rescued back to sea level, possibly even as late as Christmas.  This is because the miners are about 700 metres underground.  The miners are believed to have a limited about of food accessible to them, but are looking in better shape that what had been previously expected.  Doctors are advising that high energy foods be sent down as soon as possible.  The miners are staying alive, due to a massive tank of water and ventilation shafts being around in the area.

When this news brokethrough on Monday afternoon, these people can only be described as the ‘Miracle Miners.’

World Cup 2010 Review

Seven days have passed since the closing of the greatest show on earth.  The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa provided plenty of drama.  Over 140 goals in 64 matches, with some giants of the game found wanting, stars of the international game flopping dramatically and some fairytale stories, that would capture the imagination of any World Cup fanatic fan.  This is my comprehensive review of the tournament, picking out twenty moments that made this World Cup stand out, both off and on the pitch.

All the Fears Were Unnecessary

There was a lot of anticipation, but also fear in the build-up to Africa’s big moment.  It was reported that terrorists were planning to attack the England v USA group match in Rustenberg, and after what had happened to the Togo national team in Angola, when they were ambushed at January’s Africa Cup of Nations, there were always going to be increasing concerns about the safety of fans, players, the worldwide press and local South Africans.  Thankfully, these fears totally turned out to be no more than threats.  Despite the odd issue, such as a match steward’s strike and a pre-tournament fan crush before a Nigeria game in the days leading up to the spectacular, but overall, South Africa 2010 turned into a rousing success.  Travel was hardly an issue, tickets sold on the black market were eliminated and hooliganism simply did not exist.  It was a carnival for the fans, and a pleasing success for the tournament’s organisers. 

The England Failure, But Who Was To Blame?

We can talk about this for years to come.  Quite frankly, I’m fairly bored of the entire topic, but I do feel I should express my viewpoint before shutting up on this issue for good.  Fabio Capello made some massive tactical blunders during the tournament.  For example, no back-up plan if the team got into trouble, the goalkeeper situation – as he had no idea who to earmark as a No.1 and telling the team two hours before a crucial match who would start.  However, although the buck must stop with Capello, the team must take some of the stick too.  Wayne Rooney was hopelessly unfit and useless; Emile Heskey looked like Bambi, not an international striker.  Robert Green needs to learn how to catch a football, it’s not hard – whilst Steven Gerrard lacked the passion he shows week in, week out in a Liverpool shirt.  Even the energetic Ashley Cole looked a yard short all throughout the finals.  John Terry aside, the passion for the shirt must be called into question for these failures.  This generation has had its chance, TWICE!  They have blown it and now, its time for the youth to get a crack at the whip.  Sadly, I don’t think England has much chance in the international game, unless the fundamentals dramatically change.

The ‘Woe Cup’ on ITV

When ITV decided to ditch Formula One at the end of 2008, to entirely focus on Football, it seemed like a risky, but successful move.  Two years on, Michael Grade might well be regretting that move.  Yes, the studio base, just outside Soccer City was top-notch as was the theme music – ‘When You Come Back,’ by Vusi Mahlasela, which is the best football theme I’ve heard since the legendary ‘Nessum Dorma,’ by Pavarotti for BBC’s coverage of Italia 90 and Marcel Desailly was a charismatic and passionate pundit.  However, that is where all the positives end.  Taking a commercial break seconds before Steven Gerrard’s opener for England v USA in Rustenberg was a blunder of the first magnitude.  Robbie Earle was sent home in disgrace, for a ticketing scam, whilst Adrian Chiles truly proved that he is not cut out for live television.  He should just stick to GMTV; at least Steve Rider knows what he is talking about.  Craig Burley’s commentator voice is more suited to funerals, whilst Gareth Southgate forgetting who Holland were playing in the semi-finals just about summed it all up.  This was a nightmare World Cup for ITV, and one they will need to forget very quickly.  Their reputation has taken another battering, and they still have the FA Cup and Champions League rights.  This concerns me a lot.

Diego Maradona – What a Character!

Diego Maradona may have his fans, and those who will never forgive him for the ‘Hand of God,’ in 1986.  However, no-one can diminish his passion and love for the game of football.  His story was remarkable, and it was a largely happy and united Argentina camp throughout South Africa 2010.  Once again, they played the best football in the group stages – dismantling South Korea and missing a hatful of chances to overcome Nigeria.  Defensively, there were concerns, but with the attacking prowess of Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuain, Martin Palermo and Lionel Messi, these errors could be easily covered up in the early exchanges.  However, when it came to the crunch, Germany exposed Argentina’s weaknesses to the fore, leaving a nation in tears.  Maradona has been offered a new four-year deal to stay on as manager and I hope he does, because his gestures and passion from the touchline was one of the stand-out moments of the finals.

The Jabulani – The Worst Football in History!

Receiving a lot of criticism throughout the tournament was the Jabulani football used for the sixty-four matches.  Quite simply, it is the worst football to have ever created.  Goalkeepers found it difficult to control, midfielders couldn’t dribble as much as they would have liked to and when it came to free-kicks, there was more chance of the football ending in orbit, rather than the back of the net.  Diego Forlan and Japan aside, no-one seemed to be able to cope with the Jabulani from a dead ball situation and although the negativity in some of the opening games was painful to watch, the ball didn’t help matters.  I hope the makers of the Jabulani, Adidas are hanging their heads in shame.  Let’s hope Nike get an exclusive FIFA contract for the 2014 finals in Brazil.

Why Did So Many Superstars Flop On The Greatest Show On Earth?

That is a question that will be difficult to answer, was it the dreaded Jabulani? Were they tired after a long, tiring domestic and international season?  Do the lack the passion for the international game?  Whatever the answer maybe, Kaka, Samuel Eto’o, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba and Wayne Rooney all flopped horrendously at this World Cup.  Rooney limped throughout the finals, Eto’o simply didn’t step up to the plate for a failing Cameroon, which suggested major friction between him and the now former coach, Paul Le Guen.  Kaka was unluckily sent off against the Ivory Coast, but continued where he left off for Real Madrid, playing poorly.  Ronaldo did score against North Korea, but was left a frustrated and forlorn figure as Portugal played defensively in three of the four matches they competed in.  Drogba was nursing a shoulder injury during the group stages, meaning his physical advantages in his game could not be used and Torres lacked form and match sharpness, which culminated in him being dropped from the semi-final onwards.  So, why did so many superstars flop on the greatest show on earth?  The answer is several reasons, but the main reason is – they just didn’t perform when the chips were down.

Germany – A Joy to Watch

The Germans are normally associated as a team that grinds out results to make the showpiece events.  This wasn’t the case in South Africa.  The team played with flair, fluidity and showed no fear whatsoever.  Yes, Serbia did surprise them in the group stages in Port Elizabeth, but that was largely on a bad day for Joachim Low’s side, when nothing went right.  They blitzed Australia and ripped apart England and Argentina in the knockout stages.  Only a well-drilled Spain crushed their dream in the semi-final.  However, the likes of Meszut Ozil, Sami Khedira and Thomas Muller are here to stay, and with such an impressive young unit, Germany could well dominate the international game for at least the next five years.

FIFA Embarrassed With The Lack of Technology – Surely It Must Be Used Now?

Six minutes before half-time in Bloemfontein and Frank Lampard hits a cute chip, that beat Manuel Neuer in the Germany goal, and drags England back to 2-2 in their last sixteen encounter.  However, it wasn’t given – as the incident was missed by the hopeless Uruguayan officials.  Television replays confirmed what we had all previously thought – the ball had gone miles over the line.  I personally hope Sepp Blatter, who can’t stand the use of technology, was squirming in his seat.  Later that night, the Italian officials awarded a goal to Argentina’s Carlos Tevez against Mexico, despite him being at least five yards offside.  England and Mexico were the unlucky ones this time, with the lack of technology.  Surely FIFA and the game in general must use the equipment and resources available to them; otherwise there will be a lot more hard luck stories to be heard of in the future.

Italy – A Tournament Too Far For the Ageing Champions

Italy came into these finals playing down their expectations.  However, everyone expected them to cruise through a group consisting of debutants Slovakia, inconsistent Paraguay and the ‘amateurs’ from New Zealand.  However, the defending champions made a limp start, drawing 1-1 with Paraguay in Cape Town.  It set the tone for their tournament, always having to come from behind to save themselves.  Eventually, it caught up with them, as Slovakia punished them to maximum effect in one of the best games of the tournament on June 24^th.  Injuries didn’t help, with Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon playing less than ninety minutes between them, but it was a tournament too far for the ageing champions.  The Azzuri were dethroned, and left with egg on their face.  Finishing behind New Zealand, a country that doesn’t even have a professional league is staggering!  Thank goodness England didn’t end up as bad as they did; this could well be the end of a golden Italian generation.

The Vuvuzela – The New Feature of Football Sound

The controversial and very noisy ‘vuvuzela’ made their debut in the World Cup finals and whether it has taken onto the European game in the next season remains to be seen.  In the early games, the sound was just plain annoying, sounding like a ‘swarm of bees.’  In the later stages, they just added to the occasion.  I hope they don’t turn up in the Premiership next season, and can see a ban being imposed if they were.  However, they added to the atmosphere and the drama of World Cup 2010, and if that’s how the Africans like to appreciate their football – let them embrace it in their own style.

France – Disgraced and Defeated

The worldwide media were predicting either a France team that could cause a surprise, or most likely pick the self-destruct option.  Unsurprisingly, they chose the latter option.  A dull goalless draw with Uruguay in their opener set the tone for a flimsy and pathetic tournament.  Coach Raymond Domenach couldn’t control the squad, and on the touchline against Mexico, really couldn’t care less about what happened out on the pitch.  Playing left-back Eric Abidal in centre-half must be one of the most ridiculous tactical decisions I have seen in my life.  Thierry Henry was a frustrated spectator throughout, who could only laugh at the fracas.  Temperamental Nicolas Anelka was sent home for a blazing row with Domenach, and then the team refused to train, in support of the Chelsea striker.  Captain Patrice Evra was dropped for the final group game, and behaved like a dog all throughout the shameful episode.  To be honest, a 6-year old could control the team better than Domenach, and they got what they deserved – eliminated with 1 point, 1 goal and flying home in economy class! France were disgraced and defeated and Laurent Blanc has got some job in reviving their fortunes. 

Negative Football Is a Disappointment

The amount of negativity from some teams was a real disappointment to witness.  Argentina and Germany were the only total attacking sides, out of the main superpowers throughout the finals.  The early games were punctured, with some very tedious games – many totally afraid to lose their opening game.  The main concern was the lack of attacking intent from some on display, which was very disappointing to see.  However, these results don’t win you tournaments.  Both Japan and Portugal paid the price in the knockout stages and likewise, Greece and Ivory Coast in the group stages.  So, it was good to see more attacking styles from most in the knockout stages onwards.

Chile – Full of Thrills and Entertainment

Chile arrived at these finals believing in themselves.  However, they were written off by many as a side just there to make up the numbers.  Driven on by a flag at their training camp, in remembrance of those who perished in the devastating earthquake in the country at the beginning of March, their thrilling football was a joy to watch.  Marcelo Biesla knows how to play attacking football, and it paid off against Honduras and Switzerland, with two devastating attacking displays, even though the 1-0 scorelines don’t suggest this.  Sadly, their tendency to go forward left them exposed against better opposition in the form of Brazil and Spain, but with a talented young squad, like Carlos Carmona, Alexis Sanchez and Matias Fernandez, Chile could well be a major threat in major competitions in the coming years.  They won a lot of fans, including myself for the fluid approach to the game at these finals.

Howard Webb – A Very Successful Tournament

England may have flopped miserably on the world stage, but Howard Webb’s reputation increased massively, with his well-disciplined approach to the games he refereed.  His performances in his three preliminary games (Spain v Switzerland, Slovakia v Italy and Brazil v Chile) were exemplary.  Full credit also must go out to his assistants, Darren Can and Mike Malarkey too for their eagle eyes, when it came to tight offside calls.  Some will question his performance in the final, but any referee would have struggled to control that match last week, and I thought he handled the situation very well actually.  He deserved to get the final in the first place, and it wasn’t a disastrous performance either.  At least England did have a finalist in the end.

The Hand of Luis Suarez

In the dying stages of a pulsating quarter-final in Soccer City, Ajax striker Luis Suarez showed that his goalkeeping ability is second to none.  The Uruguayan hitman deliberately handled on the line, to deny Ghana a last-gasp winner in extra-time.  Rightly, Suarez was dismissed for his actions, but Asamoah Gyan went on to smack the bar with his spot kick.  Suarez’s reaction afterwards was very unsportsmanlike, but his efforts had helped Uruguay win a surprising semi-final place.  The incident wasn’t very sporting, but if that was replayed 99 times out of 100, he and many others would have done exactly the same.  Though his actions robbed Ghana out of a semi-final berth, it was an instinctive reaction, not deliberate cheating.

The African Continent Disappoints

Despite Ghana’s fairytale run to the quarter-finals, Africa’s entries disappointed at these finals, and showed that the continent still has some way to go, if they want to challenge the heavyweights of Europe and South America in the near future.  Nigeria and Cameroon were major letdowns, and are living far too long on former glories.  Algeria always were at the finals for the party and nothing more, the Ivory Coast were in a horrible group, yet had their chances to punish Portugal’s lack of ambition, but didn’t take them.  In the end, despite the expected early elimination, the hosts did very well in the circumstances.  They beat a disorganised French unit and probably should have beaten Mexico in the tournament opener.  Had it not been for a more wooden display against Uruguay, they might well have escaped Group A.  However, they left their home tournament on a high and far from disgraced.  What the African champions Egypt could have done, no-one really knows, but apart from the Ghana drama, it was a disappointing conclusion once more for the host continent.

Paul the ‘Psychic’ Octopus

Despite being 6,000 miles away from South Africa, Paul the ‘Psychic’ 8-legged octopus has become a star overnight and left football pundits shaking in their boots.  Their jobs at predicting the games are suddenly under intensifying threat.  He got all his predictions right, including an early Italy elimination, Argentina’s quarter-final defeat and a Spain World Cup win.  Well done Paul, you are a legend!

Holland Scrape Through, Then Lose Their Heads

Previous Dutch sides have a reputation for their camp to be split down the middle, between two units and for their football to be explosive, but lacking the rewards it deserves.  This time around, the Dutch showed a grittier side to their game, and a more determined steel which their coach has created.  Apart from a super second-half display to eliminate the Brazilians in the last eight, Holland missed the usual ‘Total Football,’ tag that is normally associated with this country.  Sadly in the final, they decided to kick their opponents, rather than attempt to outscore them.  Their tactics were dirty, unnecessary and won themselves no plaudits.  It was a good result for football then, to see the team that actually wanted to play football, win the World Cup.

Spain Finally Fulfil Their Potential

After years of underachievement and failure, Spain has finally produced the goods, when it matters most.  When they lost their opener to Switzerland in Durban on June 16^th, it left them on the brink and many questioning, whether this crop of players was going to go down the same route that many predecessors had managed.  Instead, they managed to grind themselves into the last four, with sketchy performances against Paraguay and Portugal, yet produce moments of inspiration that got them through.  Against Germany and Holland, they played the better football in both games, and that makes them worthy champions.  Congratulations to Vicente Del Bosque and his men on achieving this well-deserved success.

The Awards

A brief word on some of the awards I would give out for the 2010 FIFA World Cup:

Player of the Tournament:                          Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

Young Player of the Tournament:               Thomas Muller (Germany)

Golden Boot Winner:                                Thomas Muller (Germany)

Golden Glove:                                           Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Best Defender:                                          Carlos Puyol (Spain)

Best Midfielder:                                        Wesley Snejider (Holland)

Team of the Tournament:     Manuel Neuer (Germany), Sergio Ramos (Spain), Arne Friedrich (Germany), Carlos Puyol (Spain), Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Andreas Iniesta (Spain), Wesley Snejider (Holland), Meszut Ozil (Germany), Thomas Muller (Germany), David Villa (Spain), Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

SUBS: Iker Casillas (Spain), Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (Holland), Andre Anyweu (Ghana), Alexis Sanchez (Chile), Dirk Kuyt (Holland), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Miroslav Klose (Germany)

Goal of the Tournament:                              1^st: Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (Holland v Uruguay)

                                                                                2^nd: Fabio Quagirella (Slovakia v Italy)

                                                                                3^rd: Luis Suarez (Uruguay v South Korea)

Match of the Tournament:                          1^st: Uruguay 1-1 Ghana – Quarter-Final, 2^nd July

                                                                                2^nd: Slovakia 3-2 Italy – Group Stages, 24^th June

                                                                                3^rd: Uruguay 2-3 Germany – 3^rd Place Playoff, 10^th July

Roll on Brazil 2014!

World Cup Report - Day 13-15

The group stages have now concluded and it is time to focus on knockout football, where no mistakes are now allowed.  It was a dramatic three days of football, which saw giants embarrassed, one Asian side finally get the grip of the dead ball and others play out dire football to qualify.  Here is a round-up of the final three days of the group stages. (See England v Slovenia match report in another post)

Wednesday 23^rd June: USA 1-0 Algeria

Landon Donovan, the pin-up boy of American football scored a dramatic stoppage time winner against plucky Algeria, to send the USA off to Rustenberg in round two as Group C winners.  Whilst the Algerians focused on defending and attempting to catch the opposition on the break, the Americans threw the kitchen sink at their rivals, and it finally broke for them in the 92^nd minute, when Donovan reacted quickest from a sharp save to fire in the rebound.  Algerian captain Anther Yabdia was sent off in the dying stages for two yellow cards.

Wednesday 23^rd June: Ghana 0-1 Germany

Mesut Ozil’s stunning second-half strike set up and intriguing second round match-up between Germany and England in Bloemfortein.  His wonderful volley on the hour mark, on the edge of the penalty area was the difference in this entertaining affair at Soccer City, which sees Germany come out on top in Group D.  Ghana remain as Africa’s only participant to progress past the knockout phase.

Wednesday 23^rd June: Australia 2-1 Serbia

Australia signed off their World Cup campaign in style, with a solid 2-1 success over Serbia in Nelspruit.  Tim Cahill’s diving header on his return from suspension set the Socceroos on their way and Brett Holman quickly doubled their advantage, giving them a faint hope of overtaking Ghana for the runners-up spot in Group D.  Those hopes ended when Marko Pantellic capitalised on a spill by Mark Schwarzer to pull one back on 84 minutes.  Both teams leave the tournament at this stage.

Thursday 24^th June: Slovakia 3-2 Italy

In the game of the tournament so far, Marcelo Lippi’s holders were undone by Slovakia at Ellis Park, which saw the defending champions dethroned in the group stages.  The star of the show was Robert Vittek, who scored twice, one in either half.  In between glaring Italian defensive errors, Howard Webb ruled out a debatable Italian effort for Fabio Quagilarella doe to the offside flag, and he saw another effort brilliantly cleared off the line by Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel.  Antonio di Natale gave the Azzuri hope, quickly vanishing by a shambolic piece of slack defending from the experienced Fabio Cannavaro, which allowed Kamil Kopunek in for a goal with his first World Cup touch.  Despite arguably the goal of the tournament from Quagilarella in stoppage time, the Slovak gods held on to record a last sixteen berth on their finals debut, and Lippi’s men bottom of Group F.

Thursday 24^th June: Paraguay 0-0 New Zealand

An uneventful match in Polokwane saw Paraguay secure the point they needed for qualification, though not in convincing fashion.  Roque Santa Cruz came closest, with a stunning free-kick which was well saved by All Whites goalkeeper Mark Paston.  Rikki Herbert’s side exit the competition with their heads held high, unbeaten in the tournament.

Thursday 24^th June: Denmark 1-3 Japan

A stunning man-of-the match performance from Keisuke Honda inspired Japan into a last 16 showdown with Paraguay.  In a match at Rustenberg, which would decide the outcome of the runners-up in Group E, the Asians physical prowess and silky skill proved too much for a determined Denmark side that lacked overall firepower.  Japan led 2-0 at the break, following two stunning free-kicks from Honda and Yashuito Endo.  A dubious penalty for Denmark was converted just, by veteran Jon Dahl Tomasson in the second half, before Honda’s brilliance set-up a third goal for Shinji Okazaki, as Japan played out of their skin to get past the group stages for the first time on foreign soil.

Thursday 24^th June: Cameroon 1-2 Holland

Arjen Robben returned to the world stage after hamstring worries, and made an instant impact as Cameroon became the only side to bow out of the competition without a single point to their name.  In a game that meant nothing to the outcome of Group E, with the Indomitable Lions out and the Dutch already through, Holland led before the interval, courtesy of a lovely link-up between Rafael van der Vaart and Robin Van Persie, finished off by the Arsenal ace.  Van der Vaart blotted his copybook with a dubious handball from a free-kick, which was converted by Samuel Eto’o.  It was Robben who set-up the winner, when his shot bounced off the post and into the grasp of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who couldn’t miss from six yards.  Despite the Dutch not playing at their best, they must be a force to be reckoned with.

Friday 25^th June: Portugal 0-0 Brazil

In what was billed as one of the best games of the group stages, Portugal and Brazil played out a dire 0-0 stalemate in Durban, which saw both teams advance into the last sixteen, with the South Americans as group winners.  Brazilian striker Nilmar went the closest, with his shot tipped onto the post by Portuguese goalkeeper Eduardo in the dying stages of the first half.

Friday 25^th June: North Korea 0-3 Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast comfortably overcame a ragged North Korea, to sign off their disappointing tournament with a winning result in Nelspruit.  Yaya Toure and Cristian Romaric scored two early goals in the first half, with the win confirmed by Salomon Kalou’s late tap-in.  However, the 9-0 scoreline they required was never on the cards, and Sven Goran-Eriksson may look on his negative tactics as the downfall for his side failing to advance out of the group stages.

Friday 25^th June: Chile 1-2 Spain

In Pretoria, Spain’s clinical finishing was just enough to see off a talented, but ill-disciplined Chile side and advance into the last sixteen, as Group H winners.  An opportunist strike from David Villa opened the scoring, following an over-committed run by Chilean captain Claudio Bravo that allowed Villa to smash into an empty net.  Andreas Iniesta doubled the lead and in the build-up, a clumsy trip on the ineffective Fernando Torres led to the soft dismissal of Marco Estrada.  Although the South Americans pulled a goal back in the second half, courtesy of Rodrigo Millar, Marcelo Bielsa’s side seemed happy to play out the match, to secure their deserved passage through into the knockout stages.

Friday 25^th June: Switzerland 0-0 Honduras

A desperately disappointing Switzerland producing an error-strewn performance against Honduras in Bloemfontein, which led to both side’s elimination from the World Cup.  Needing two goals to advance, Otmar Hitzfeld’s side never looked likely to break down a strong Central American defence, and will be disappointed not to get out of the group stages, despite their shock opening success against European champions Spain.

World Cup Report: Day 10-12

We have now reached the halfway point in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the groups are taking shape.  Here is a round-up of the last three days, which have seen more shock results, a demolition derby, shocking playacting and a dignified exit for the proud hosts.

Sunday 20^th June: Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay

Paraguay moved into pole position in Group F, with a comfortable 2-0 win over a laboured Slovakia side that seemed to be more than happy to play for a point.  The Europeans only had one shot on target, which shows their major issue going forward.  Paraguay’s goals came from Enrique Vera and a brilliant late strike from striker Carlos Riveros.

Sunday 20^th June: Italy 1-1 New Zealand

The world champions stuttering start to their defence continued in Nelspruit, as they were embarrassingly held by Rickie Herbert’s spirited New Zealand side.  The All Whites took a lead, when Shane Smeltz took advantage of a dodgy offside decision to put them into a surprising lead on seven minutes.  The Azzuri equalised, through a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty, after Daniele de Rossi was held back in the box by Tommy Smith.  However, Marcelo Lippi’s men never looked like breaking through again, and now require a win against Slovakia on Thursday to ensure qualification for the last sixteen.

Sunday 20^th June: Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast

Sven Goran-Eriksson’s negative tactics backfired, as his Ivory Coast side were outclassed by the brilliant Brazilians in Soccer City.  A tame first half came to life, when Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano lashed home an opener.  Fabiano’s second, came through two questionable handballs, blindingly missed by the French referee.  The third goal was a rollback to great Brazilian sides of the past, with Kaka’s dazzling skill and classy through ball playing in Elano for his second of the campaign.  Elano was stretched off moments later, before an unfit Didier Drogba got his country’s first goal of the tournament, heading in with eight minutes remaining.  The match soured in the closing stages, with Kaider Keita using the disgusting ‘playacting’ tactic to get Kaka sent off.  The result ensured the Brazilians passage into the knockout stages. 

Monday 21^st June: Portugal 7-0 North Korea

Portugal ripped apart North Korea in Cape Town, recording the 4^th biggest win in World Cup history and putting them on the brink of qualification for the knockout phase.  Raul Meireles scored the only goal in the first half, but the Portuguese hit blistering form in the second half, scoring six goals without reply.  Atletico Madrid’s Tiago scored twice, and there were also goals from Simao, a flying header from Hugo Almedia, substitute Lledson and Cristiano Ronaldo, who ended his two-year wait for an international strike.   

Monday 21^st June: Chile 1-0 Switzerland

A lively performance from Chile saw the South Americans overcome a stubborn Switzerland in Port Elizabeth and put them on the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages.  Despite breaking a defensive record for the most amounts of minutes without conceding consecutively, the Swiss were on the backfoot from the 28^th minute, when West Ham winger Valon Behrami was shown a straight red card for a deliberate elbow.  Despite a host of chances, and a referee who would struggle to handle a game between secondary school children, Chile was restricted to the one goal, scored through a header by ex-Liverpool flop Mark Gonzalez.

Monday 21^st June: Spain 2-0 Honduras

A dynamite double from new Barcelona signing David Villa helped put Spain back on track at Ellis Park, after their shock opening loss to Switzerland.  In a performance that was dominant, but not one which will frighten the South American challengers, Spain never looked in trouble against a Honduras side, which don’t have many attacking weapons at the tournament.  Villa’s two goals were both quality individual efforts, though he blotted his copybook with a missed penalty in the second half.

Tuesday 22^nd June: France 1-2 South Africa

The hosts left their World Cup in the group stages on a high note, following a battling performance to overcome France, who as a team, have quite simply had a World Cup full of nightmares and catastrophes.  This continued in Bloemfontein, as Yoann Gorcuff was given his marching orders for a flailing elbow midway through the first half.  By then, Bafana Bafana roared two goals clear, courtesy of a header by Bongani Khumalo and a tap-in from Katlego Mphela.  Sadly, they ran out of steam in the second half, and were eliminated on goal difference, with Florent Malouda’s consolation little more than a sobering statistic with Les Bleus.

Tuesday 22^nd June: Mexico 0-1 Uruguay

Uruguay sealed top spot in Group A, courtesy of a Luis Suarez header in Rustenberg.  A patchy game, which saw both teams clearly feeling nervous about progression, was only brightened up by the Ajax targetman’s crisp header on 23 minutes.  Despite defeat, Mexico’s goal difference was enough to see the North Americans also progress to the knockout stages for the fifth consecutive finals.

Tuesday 22^nd June: Greece 0-2 Argentina

Argentina continued their 100% record, seeing off a Greek side that seemed content to play for the draw, in a game they needed to win.  Only requiring a draw to seal qualification and top spot, Argentina looked cagey, compared to previous outings, but were firmly on top and two goals in the last twelve minutes saw Maradona’s men get the deserved victory.  They came in unlikely sources however, from Bayern Munich centre-back Martin Demichellis and 36-year old veteran striker Martin Palermo.

Tuesday 22^nd June: Nigeria 2-2 South Korea

South Korea advanced into the knockout stages for the first time on foreign soil, after gritting out a share of the spoils with Nigeria.  The Super Eagles made the perfect start, in a game they had to win to continue their interest alive, with Kalu Uche tapping in on twelve minutes.  The Asians took firm control in Durban, with goals either side of half time, through Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chung-Yung, the latter being the first player to score a direct free kick at the finals.  Yakubu’s glaring miss summed up the Africans faltering tournament, though the Everton marksman did make up for it, with a penalty after Chinedu Obasi was fouled in the penalty box.  However, Korea held on to book a meeting with Uruguay on Saturday.