We are now entering the final stages of has been a gruelling and exhilarant 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Despite the absence of some major players in the latter stages, like France, Portugal and Italy, the quarter-finals brought a lot of drama and controversy to the theatre of football. At the weekend, it was South America’s turn to suffer, as the European game fought back in style, to dominate the semi-finals again. Here is a round-up of the action, including missed penalties, blatant handballs and deliberate stamps! Yes, this four quarter-finals had it all.
Friday 2nd July: Holland 2-1 Brazil
In a dramatic first quarter-final in Port Elizabeth, Holland produced a stunning second-half fightback to overcome a brutal and bullish Brazilian side, which lost their lead and their head in sensational fashion. In this fourth meet-up behind the two stylish outfits in World Cup history, it was Brazil who took command in the first half, with Robinho beating a poor offside trap, to slice Dunga’s side infront on ten minutes. Having looked toothless in the first half, the Dutch put the normally reliable Brazilian defence under pressure after the break, and it worked, with perfect results. Six minutes into the second half, Wesley Snejider whipped a dangerous ball into the penalty area, which caused a horrific defensive mix-up. Julio Cesar missed his cross completely, and lacked the usual composure – not calling for defensive midfielder Felipe Melo to miss the ball. Instead, the helpless Juventus player flicked the ball into his own net, though FIFA have since credited the goal to Snejider. Snejider’s second of the game came with just over twenty minutes to go, heading in unchallenged from another set-piece, after a clever flick-on from the hard-working Dirk Kuyt. Melo’s afternoon got worse, when he was sent off by the Japanese referee with sixteen minutes remaining, for a cheeky and deliberate stamp on Arjen Robben. Although Robben made the most of it, Melo’s actions were both cynical and stupid, and he will be lucky not to have his ban increased by FIFA. Despite intense Brazilian pressure, they ran out of time and exit the World Cup at the last eight for the second successive finals. Dunga has paid the price, with his job in the process. For the Orange Army, a first semi-final in twelve years beckons, and who knows, possibly a first ever World Championship at the end of it.
Friday 2nd July: Uruguay 1-1 Ghana (AET) URUGUAY WON 4-2 ON PENALTIES
Africa’s hope of having its first ever representative in the semi-finals were ended in heartbreaking fashion after a breathless two hours of football in Soccer City. With the score tied at 1-1, in the dying stages of extra-time, controversy took over, with accusations of dirty play and cheating. Uruguay failed to deal with a long throw-in and in the ensuring goalmouth scramble, Ajax striker Luis Suarez deliberately handled on the line, preventing a certain goal in the process. He was sent off, but seconds later, tears turned to celebration, when Asamoah Gyan, who had already scored two penalties in this tournament, smashed this kick onto the top of the crossbar, with the last kick of the match. Earlier, Sulley Muntari’s wonderful 35-yard effort on the stroke of half-time was cancelled out by Diego Forlan’s swerving free-kick. In the ensuring penalty shootout, Gyan showed a lot of composure and guts to step-up, and score again. However, misses from John Mensah and Dominic Adiyiah, left Sebastian Abreu to casually slot home the winning penalty. It left Ghana feeling cheated and robbed, whilst Uruguay celebrated their first semi-final appearance since 1970. They will face Holland in Cape Town tomorrow.
Saturday 3rd July: Argentina 0-4 Germany
Germany sent out a hideous warning to the rest of the world, after destroying Argentina in Cape Town, and with it, send Diego Maradona’s management career down the toilet seat in the process. After ripping England to shreds, Joachim Low’s side were full of confidence, and were infront after only two minutes, when the inspired Thomas Muller headed home from close-range. In the second half, Argentina capitulated, under the force of a devastating attacking display, which saw a first international goal for dependable right-back Arne Friedrich and two goals from the potent Miroslav Klose. It takes Klose to within one goal of equalling Ronaldo’s tally of 15 goals at FIFA World Cup Finals, and on this evidence, Spain will really need to up their game in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Saturday 3rd July: Paraguay 0-1 Spain
David Villa scored his 5th goal of this World Cup, though it took three strikes of the goalposts to seal Spain’s first ever place at the World Cup semi-finals. A drab and dour quarter-final at Ellis Park, came to life when Oscar Cardozo was unnecessarily dragged down in the penalty area, by Gerard Pique. Cardozo’s resulting spot kick was saved by Iker Casillas. Less than sixty seconds later, Villa went down in the other penalty area, under minimal contact from Antolin Alcaraz. The dopey Guatemalan referee handed Spain a lucky penalty. Xabi Alonso converted first-time around, but encroachment, led to a retake. On the second attempt, Alonso’s penalty was saved by Justo Villar, who on the rebound, brutally chopped down Cesc Fabregas, which was unseen by the officials, that would have struggled to referee a primary school match, let alone a World Cup quarter-final. Villa’s winner came eight minutes from the end, after substitute Pedro’s effort rebounded off the woodwork and despite not playing at their best, the European Champions now have a repeat of the Euro 2008 final with Germany to look forward to, in Durban on Wednesday evening.
