Archive for July, 2010
July 12, 2010 at 1:10 AM · Filed under FIFA, Football, World Cup ·Tagged Adidas Bronze Ball Award, Adidas Bronze Boot Award, Adidas Golden Ball Award, Adidas Golden Boot Award, adidas Golden Glove Award, Adidas Silver Ball Award, Adidas Silver Boot Award, Andres Iniesta, David Villa, Diego Forlan, Dutch, FIFA, FIFA Fair Play Award, Football, Franz Beckenbauer, Germany, Holland, Iker Casillas, Lukas Podolski, Nethelands, Oscar Cardozo, Paraguay, Pele, Soccer, South Africa, Spain, Thomas Mueller, Uruguay, Wesley Sneijder, World Cup 2010, World Cup 2010 winners
World Cup 2010 Winners : Spain
All it took was a goal from Andres Iniesta in the 118th minute of the match for Spain to create history and win their first ever World Cup. Spain who have long been bugged by the ‘underachievers’ tag took it upon themselves to set some new records. They are the only team to have won the World Cup after losing their first game and the second team since West Germany to be both European champions as well as World champions. The World Cup final may have been far from the goal-fest many had expected but it surely was a very intense affairs with both teams terrified of making mistakes and desperate to win. Netherlands came with a plan which took the term ‘battle’ a little to literally while Spain worked hard at staying unruffled by the Dutch. Spain waited patiently for an opening and Andres Iniesta one of the coolest players on the pitch found the solitary goal of the match.
adidas Golden Boot: Thomas Muller (Germany) – 5 goals, 3 assists
If you haven’t heard of Thomas Mueller, get ready because you will be hearing a lot of the young Germany and Bayern Munich player who was quite rightly voted the young player of the tournament. This was Mueller’s first World Cup and he was tied on goals scored(5), with Spain’s David Villa and Netherlands Wesley Sneidjer. The 20-year-old however, led the tie-breaker on most assists (3) which won him the coveted adidas Golden Boot award. David Villa and Wesley Sneidjer won the adidas Silver boot and adidad Bronze boot. Muller is the third German player to receive the accolade after Franz Beckenbauer (1966) and Lukas Podolski (2006). He has walked into an exclusive club which boasts of the greats of the game like Pele and Beckenbaur.
“The honour will be with me for all time. It’s a terrific confirmation of the work I’ve put in over the last year, and it’s a huge honour to be part of a group including the likes of Beckenbauer and Pele. It also points to the excellent quality of our youth development work in Germany, so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at Bayern Munich and the Germany national set-up, and the coaching team, who have always kept faith with me. I’ve really enjoyed my football with the lads here,” said the overjoyed winner, although he confessed to one slight regret: “What I really wanted was to win the World Cup as part of a team.
adidas Golden Ball: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
Uruguay’s Diego Forlan was award the adidas Golden Ball officially making him the “Best Player of the 2010 World Cup”. He beat Netherlands Wesley Sneidjer and Spain’s David Villa to win the prestigious award which is decided by votes cast by accredited media representatives. Diego Forlan’s leadership and attacking skills which saw him score 5 goals was one of the main reasons behind Uruguay’s successful World Cup campaign which saw the nation make it to the last four of the tournament for the first time in 40 years. Netherlands Wesley Sneijder and Spain’s David Villa won the adidas Silver Ball and adidas Bronze Ball.
adidas Golden Glove: Iker Casillas (Spain)
Iker Casillas was overcome by emotion when Andres Iniesta scored the goal which would prove to be the winner and lead Spain to World Cup glory. The Spain captain has conceded only 2 goals in World Cup 2010 and made many stunning saves. Spain won five of their matches by a single goal margin and if it weren’t for great goal-keeping by Casillas, they wouldn’t be World Champions today. Casillas put in great performances against Germany and in the final against Netherlands but probably his most crucial save came in second-half of Spain’s quarter-final match against Paraguay when he saved a penalty by Paraguay’s Oscar Cardozo.
FIFA Fair Play Award: Spain
It is a tribute to the beautiful game when the team that lifts the World Cup trophy also wins the FIFA fair play award and Spain have done both. Manager Vicente Del Bosque’s men collected only eight yellow cards in the course of the tournament, only Korea DPR had fewer yellow cards but the Asians played only 3 matches and went out of the competition quite early.
Permalink
July 11, 2010 at 5:54 PM · Filed under Football, World Cup ·Tagged Andres Iniesta, Arjen Robben, BertVan Marwijk, Carles Puyol, David Silva, David Villa, Dirk Kuyt, Dutch, Felipe Melo, Fernando Torres, Football, Gerard Pique, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Gregory van der Wiel, Holland, Iker Casillas, Joan Capdevila, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Maarten Stekelenburg, Mark van Bommel, Netherlands, Nigel De Jong, Octopus Paul, Pedro, Robin Van Persie, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos, Soccer, South Africa, Spain, Vincente Del Bosque, Wesley Sneijder, World Cup 2010, World Cup 2010 Final, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez
The final of the World Cup between Netherlands and Spain is going to be a fascinating contest considering how similar the two teams are in their style. Both of them have been traditionally talented teams who play attractive football, have a reputation of ‘bottling it’, underachieving at major competitions and have never won the World Cup.
Netherlands
Ranking: 4
Netherlands have a greater World Cup record than Spain and have reached the finals of the competition 2 times before. They have a slight advantage going into this game over Spain in the sense that they had 1 day more rest than the Spaniards. Also, Netherlands is the only team this World Cup who came from behind to win their game and they managed that feat against the mighty Brazil. The Dutch are yet to lose in this World Cup and the team will go all out today, to ensure that it is third time lucky for the Dutch.
The Netherlands manager BertVan Marwijk has no injured players and will most likely go with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Maarten Stekelenburg in goal.Their defence will be lead by their captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Gregory van der Wiel, John Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen. Netherland’s strength is their midfield. They have basically two defending midfielders and 3 attacking midfielders. Mark van Bommel and Nigel De Jong recover balls, keep possession,support the back four and launch attacks while Arjen Robben, Dirk Kuyt and Wesley Sneijder are all capable of scoring and changing games. Robin Van Persie will play upfront as the lone striker and eventhough he hasn’t had a great World Cup, he is in no way not dangerous.
To win and get rid of the tag of being ‘the best team to never have won the World Cup’, Netherlands must keep possession, take risks and press Spain up front. If they decide to sit back against Spain, they will lose.
Spain
Ranking: 2
Spain can also be called the ‘best team to never have won the World Cup’ and if they lose today that tag will be truer than ever before. The current Spanish team has the best midfield in the world, however, they are still to really convince (and by that I mean score a lot of goals) in this World Cup. However, they have lost only one game so far. Spain were simply brilliant in the way they outplayed Germany in their last match showing that their is a new maturity to this traditionally flamboyant national team. In a tournament where results matter more than how those results were, Spain have proved to be very very good. Today they will want to create history by not only winning their first World Cup but also by becoming the only team to have won the World Cup after having lost their first World Cup game.
Spain manager Vincente Del Bosque also has all his starting XI available and will go with a 4-2-3-1 formation and Fernando Torres will probably once again start on the bench, especially since his replacement Pedro put in a great performance in the last match. The youngster was brilliant throughout the game against Germany and didn’t set a foot wrong except when he got a little selfish and cost Spain a sure-shot goal by trying to score a goal himself rather than pass to David Villa. Iker Casillas will be in goal for Spain with Sergio Ramos,Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Joan Capdevila forming Spain’s defence. Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso sit ahead of them protecting the back four, keeping possession and launching attacks. Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and David Silva will make up Spain’s attacking midfield with David Villa up front.
Spain will be patient and will want to keep possession up front, like they did against Germany and search for openings for David Villa. They will need to be extra careful to keep Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder at bay.
The match is going to spell ecstasy for 11 players and absolute agony for the other 11 and is one of the toughest matches to call even though Spain definitely have an edge over the Dutch going into the game. The Dutch on the other hand have luck on their side considering their defenders have gotten away with some tackles which were close calls, they won against Uruguay after their Wesley Sneijders’s shot took deflection and no one noticed Van Persie being offside and they got a Brazilian (Felipe Melo) to score an own goal. The stats seem to be on their side too, since they surely must even out not having won despite having reached the Finals. Spain, have the terrible stat of no team having won the World Cup after losing their first game to fight but then again they have octopus Paul on their side!
Manager Speak
“It doesn’t interest me who is the favourite, I don’t care what the world is saying. We will play our own game.” – Bert Van Marwijk, Netherlands manager
“Both have players of great technical ability. It’s going to be great propaganda for world football.” Vincente Del Bosque, Spain manager
Stars to Watch Out For
Netherlands: Wesley Sniejder, Arjen Robben, John Heitinga
Spain: David Villa, Andreas Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Ramos
Go Figure!
This is the first World Cup final that does not involve one of Brazil, Argentina, Italy or (West) Germany
If Holland are the victors they will be the only the second side ever (Brazil in 1970 were the other) to win every match in qualifying and at the tournament itself
If Spain triumph in the final they will be the first side ever to win the World Cup after losing their first game
Spain have completed 3,387 passes at the World Cup – more than any other side
Wesley Sneijder has scored seven goals in his last eight internationals
Permalink
July 11, 2010 at 3:50 PM · Filed under FIFA, Football, World Cup ·Tagged David Villa, FIFA, Football, Germany, Golden Boot Award, Holland, Netherlands, Soccer, Spain, Thomas Mueller, Wesley Sneijder, World Cup 2010, World Cup Final
While everyone is focused on the main plot, the battle between Spain and Netherlands to lift the 2010 World Cup, there is a sub-plot making the clash even more interesting. Although Germany’s Thomas Mueller leads the charts for the ‘Golden Boot Award’ with 5 goals and 3 assists, Netherland’s Wesley Sneijder and Spain’s David Villa will be aware that they are tied at 5 goals and 1 assist a piece behind the Germany player whose World Cup campaign is already over. Both of them will want to score today and win their personal duel for the ‘Golden Boot award’ and the ‘Golden Ball award’. So far there is very little to choose between the two and the winner of both the awards might just be decided by who scores for their team today. Spain go in to the final as slight favourites and therefore many will put their money on David Villa to win the Golden Boot, however, Wesley Sneidjer has proved time and again that he is never down and out. He was the man who scored the winner for Holland in their quarter-final clash against Brazil, making the Europeans the only nation in this World Cup to come back from behind to win. A comparison between the two players will show just how tight the Final and the Golden Boot Award can be this year.
|
Name:
|
David Villa
|
Wesley Sneijder
|
|
Age:
|
28
|
26
|
|
Club:
|
Barcelona
|
Inter Milan
|
|
Position:
|
Striker
|
Attacking Midfielder
|
|
Club
Honours:
|
2 x Spanish Cups
|
3 x domestic titles in 3 countries, 2 x cups, 1 x Champions League
|
|
Caps:
|
64
|
66
|
|
Goals:
|
43
|
17
|
|
International Honours:
|
Euro 2008 Winner
|
None
|
|
|
Tournament Stats
|
|
|
Appearances:
|
6
|
6
|
|
Minutes Played:
|
529
|
532
|
|
Goals:
|
5
|
5
|
|
Assists:
|
1
|
1
|
|
Pass Completion:
|
68%
|
71%
|
|
Distance Covered:
|
53.24 kms
|
59.9 kms
|
The award will be decided by either a moment of genius or a moment of madness and the tactics that each of the team’s coaches employ in today’s Final. In case, at the end of the match, both of them remain tied at goals scored, then the winner will be decided depending on which of the players provided more assists. If they remain tied in assists as well, then the one who played the least minutes will emerge with the prize.
Permalink
July 11, 2010 at 1:40 PM · Filed under FIFA, Football, World Cup ·Tagged Adidas Golden Ball Award, Andres Iniesta, Argentina, Arjen Robben, Asamoah Gyan, Bastian Schweinsteiger, David Villa, Diego Forlan, FIFA, Football, Germany, Ghana, Lionel Messi, Mesut Oezil, Netherlands, Soccer, South Africa, Spain, Uruguay, Wesley Sneijder, World Cup 2010, Xavi Hernandez
The adidas Golden Ball is the official FIFA trophy for the “Best Player of the Tournament”. The ten nominees are selected by the Technical Study Group (TSG), a FIFA-appointed group of top football coaches and analysts. After which accredited media representatives vote to determine the winners of the adidas Golden, Silver and Bronze ball awards. The winners will be announced after the final on 11 July.
The coveted award was won by Ronaldo in 1998, Oliver Kahn in 2002 and Zinedine Zidane in 2006. The nominees for this year are:
Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)
Andres Iniesta (Spain)
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Mesut Oezil (Germany)
Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany)
Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands)
David Villa (Spain)
Xavi Hernanzez (Spain)
Strangely, in a World Cup which was dominated by teams with very good defenses, no real defenders or goal-keepers have made it to this list.
Permalink
July 11, 2010 at 12:15 PM · Filed under FIFA, Football, World Cup ·Tagged Abedi Pele, Andre Ayew, Dede Ayew, FIFA, Football, Germany, Ghana, Gio, Giovanni Dos Santos, Hyundai Best Young Player Award, Mexico, Soccer, South Africa, Technical Study Group, Thomas Mueller, TSG, World Cup 2010
At the beginning of every World Cup, talk is dominated by star players but by the end of the tournament it is almost always the players we discovered that gets us excited. The World Cup wave sees some players retreating into the vast ocean and others being brought into clear view courtesy a hi-tide. FIFA recognises young footballing talent on the World Stage through one of its official awards, the Hyundai Best Young Player Award. The award continues the tradition of officially recognising the positive impact made by young footballers and is open to all participating players born on or after 1 January 1989. The nominees and the winner is selected by the Technical Study Group which is a FIFA-appointed group of top football coaches and analysts. TSG’s director Jean-Paul Brigger is a former Swiss international, Swiss domestic league champion with FC Sion and was the country’s Player of the Year in 1992. He is also a five-time winner of the Swiss Cup and was named Swiss coach of the year in 1995. Other prominent members of the TSG are Christian Karembeu, Gérard Houllier, Holger Osieck, Kalusha Bwalya and Ephraim Matsilele “Jomo” Sono.
The winner of the award will be announced after tonight’s Final and will win thecoveted Hyundai Best Young Player Award trophy and a new Hyundai Tucson ix 35.
The Trophy is designed and created by United Kingdom-based company, Fattorini. It is made from solid steel and is 310mm high and 6.7 kilograms in weight. The spiral design symobolises the notions of a player running rings around opposition, the traditional African fashion accessory of jewellery bangles and the springs found on a car’s suspension system. thereby combining the three key elements: Football, Africa and Hyundai. The spirals also symbolize the football global part of the trophy, forming a strong link to FIFA’s claim: ‘For the Game. For the World.’
The three shortlisted players for the 2010 Hyundai Best Young Player Award include one player who was barely know outside of his country and another who was considered a weak link in his team at the start of the competition. However, if their performances at the 2010 World Cup are anything to go by, they’ll be the stars we’ll be talking at the start of the next World Cup. They nominees are:
Thomas Mueller (Germany)
Thomas Muellar was a fringe player at Bayern Munich, just two seasons ago and won his first international cap in March 2010 in a friendly against Argentina. However, German manager Joachim Loew, showed faith in the 20 year old striker who is undoubtedly one of the stars of this World Cup with 5 vital goals and 3 assists.
Giovanni Dos Santos (Mexico)
Giovanni Dos Santos announced his arrival on the World football scene at the age 16 when he lead Mexico to victory in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru in 2005. He has already caught the eye of big clubs in Europe. He was in FC Barcelona’s youth team and then moved to the English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur where he played as an attacking midfielder. He currently plays for Turkish giants Galatasaray. At just 21 years of age, the experienced ‘Gio’ has become one of Mexico’s key players.
Andre Ayew
The son of Black Stars legend Abedi Pele, “Dede” Ayew became a world champion with the U-20s in Ghana last year. His succesful pass rate of 85% was one of the reasons for Ghana’s success at this World Cup. Following in the footsteps of a father who has a record three African Footballer of the Year awards is never easy but Dede Ayew who has already faced a test of character and bounced back from adversity as his young career threatened to stagnate has handled all the attention and criticism with great poise.
Permalink
July 10, 2010 at 2:48 PM · Filed under Football, World Cup ·Tagged Alvaro Pereira, Arne Friedrich, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Diego Forlan, Diego Godin, Diego Perez, Edinson Cavani, Egidio Arévalo Ríos, Fernando Muslera, Football, Germany, Jerome Boateng, Joachim Loew, Jorge Fucile, Luis Suarez, Lukas Podolski, Manuel Neuer, Mauricio Victorinio, Maximiliano Pereira, Mesut Ozil, Miroslav Klose, Oscar Tabarez, Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm, Sami Khedira, Soccer, South Africa, Third Place match, Thomas Muller, Uruguay, World Cup 2010
The dream of reaching the final is over for Germany and Uruguay but both teams will want to go out of the 2010 World Cup on a high note by winning today’s third place match. The great thing about third place matches for spectators is that usually it is high scoring with both teams not having much to lose and therefore going all out to score. Also, third place matches are kinda like a day at the spa, all about relaxation, enjoyment, de-stressing before the most stressful, nail-biting of all matches, the Final.
Uruguay
Ranking: 16
Uruguay have been the dark horse of the tournament. They have won the World Cup twice but no one really remembers when and no one ever imagined they’d be playing to secure a 3rd place in this World Cup. Los Charrúas featured in the last four of a World Cup for the first time in 40 years. Uruguay’s journey at this World Cup has been a real adventure and full of surprises. They played the most dramatic match of this World Cup so far, winning in controversial manner and which might lead to the intoduction of goal-line technology and forever change the beautiful game. They also surprised the Dutch by putting up a real fight in the Semi-final losing by a narrow 3-2 scoreline. The nation of only 3 million people won the very first World Cup and hasn’t been a big achiever in football for a long long time and to be officially tagged as the ‘third best team at the World Cup’ would be a great achievement for this football crazy country.
Luis Suarez who was suspended for the Semi-Final against Netherlands will return for Uruguay however star striker Diego Forlan picked up an injury in the last match and could miss out. Oscar Tabarez will most likely go with his tried and tested 4-3-3 formation with Fernando Muslera in goal and Maximiliano Pereira, Mauricio Victorinio, Diego Godin, Jorge Fucile at the back. In the midfield Egidio Arévalo Ríos will sit back with Alvaro Pereira and Diego Perez expected to provide width. Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez will play up front and form Uruguay’s attack.
Germany
Ranking: 6
To say that Germany have impressed is like saying that ‘Nutella’ is ‘ just alright’. They have made many football newbies and neutrals fall head over heels in love with them and left rival supporters shuddering at the prospect of meeting them in Euro 2012.The German football system is already being quoted as an example for nations who have been less fortunate (read England) in achieving their World Cup ambitions. Today, Joachim Loew will want his players to just go out there, play their game, enjoy the occasion and if Miroslav Klose can beat Ronaldo’s 15 goal World Cup record, it will be a bonus, albeit a deserved one. We will finally get to judge just how important the young Thomas Muller, who comes back into the starting XI after serving a one-match suspension, is to Germany’s cause. Unfortunately, Germany’s ‘national’ goal scoring machine Miroslav Klose might miss out on today’s game and an opportunity to set a new World Cup record due to an injury. Loew will go with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Manuel Neuer in goal and Arne Friedrich, Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng at the back. Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger will look to control the midfield. Miroslav Klose will lead Germany’s attack with Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller and Lukas Podolski playing behind him.
Both team will definitely play an open game and will put up a good show for the fans as they bow out of the World Cup. It will be a chance for the fans to see some stars playing their last World Cup match and while other ‘newly’ discovered stars like Muller and Ozil will get an opportunity to impress the fans again and leave them with high expectations for the next World Cup. Today’s fixture is all about the joy of football and a tribute to skills and ability and spirit of both these wonderful teams. Germany’s young team might just win their consecutive World Cup 3rd place today.
Manager Speak
“Finishing fourth is not the same as third. We’ll go into the game with the same passion as we did against Holland.” – Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay manager
“Nobody needs to hang their heads low and we want to have a good final match.” – Joachim Loew, Germany manager
Stars to Watch Out For
Uruguay: Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan, Fernando Muslera
Germany: Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger
Go Figure!
Uruguay’s loss to Holland in the semi-final was their first international defeat of 2010
This is a record fifth appearance in a World Cup third-place play-off match for Germany – they have won three times (1934, 1970 and 2006) and lost once (1958)
Permalink
July 7, 2010 at 2:49 PM · Filed under Football, World Cup ·Tagged Andres Iniesta, Argentina, Arne Friedrich, Australia, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Cacau, Carles Puyol, David Silva, David Villa, England, Fernando Torres, Football, Gerard Pique, Germany, Iker Casillas, Jerome Boateng, Joachim Loew, Joan Capdevila, La Furia Roja, Lukas Podolski, Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, Miroslav Klose, Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm, Sami Khedi, Sami Khedira, Semi-Finals, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos, Soccer, South Africa, Spain, Thomas Muellar, Toni Koos, Vincente Del Bosque, World Cup 2010, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez
The second Semi-Final of the World Cup 2010 has all the elements to make it a classic. It sees a young, vibrant, new-look German side who have been stamping their authority on the tournament round by round take on Spain who have not hit top-form in the tournament yet.
The fixture is a repeat of the 2008 European Championship Final in which Lukas Podolski was head-butted by David Silva in an incident missed by the officials and a Fernando Torres strike broke German hearts settling the match 1-0 in Spain’s favour. The Germans would like nothing more than to turn the tables on Spain today.
Spain who are often labelled as ‘underachievers’ at major tournaments, ‘partly’ got rid of that label with 2008 Euro win but their real test will be winning the World Cup, something they have never done before. Interestingly, Germany who are almost always favourites haven’t won the World Cup since reunification and will want to win it this time with their vibrant, multi-ethnic team.
Germany
Ranking: 6
Germany have been the surprise of the tournament. Joachim Loew’s team with so many young players coming in to replace injured experienced players and most players playing at changed positions was written off even before a ball was kicked. However, Germany in their first match against Australia won with an impressive 4 goals and single-handedly lighted up a World Cup which was till then looking quite drab. Doubters like me, continued to believe that the win was more courtesy of a poor performance by Australia than phenomenal German play. However, to prove that the performance against Australia was no fluke, Germany have since then repeated the feat of scoring 4 goals as they knockout heavyweights Argentina and England out of the tournament, on their way to the Semi-Final.
Its tough not to support this German side which quite sensibly favours youth and pace over the oft overrated experience and today will be another test for them. Germany are without the suspended Thomas Muellar while both Cacau and Sami Khedira have shaken off their injuries and will be available for today’s match. Thomas Muellar will most likely be replaced by Toni Koos on the right.
Germany manager Joachim Loew will go with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Manuel Neuer in goal and Arne Friedrich, Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng at the back. Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger will look to control the midfield. Mesut Ozil and Toni Koos will combine with Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose to form Germany’s attack.
For Germany to win today, they need Khedira and Schweinsteiger to control the formidable Spanish duo of Iniesta and Xavi Alonso in midfield. Another interesting battle will be the one down the German right and the Spanish left between David Villa and Philip Lahm. David Villa has been absolutely stunning in the World Cup and if the German captain can contain the Spaniard, he would have negated Spain’s most potent goal threat.
Spain
Ranking: 2
Spain came into the World Cup as one of the favourites. They have won every single game since their shock defeat against Switzerland in their World Cup opening match. However, La Furia Roja have yet to have as authoritative a win as Germany’s wins in their matches. Spain have struggled to find goals with Fernando Torres not being able to find form and defensive teams being successful in containing their midfield. Even Spain’s defence hasn’t looked its best. The free-scoring Spain have a reputation to protect today, with Germany’s 13 goals being more than double the number that Spain have managed so far.
Vincente Del Bosque will be faced with a tough decision about whether or not to keep Fernando Torres in the starting line-up. The striker has struggled to find form and playing him today might be Spain’s undoing. However, he did score the winner in the 2008 Euro and is a super finisher when he is in form. If the Liverpool striker is dropped he will most likely be replaced by Cescs Fabregas (who probably isn’t 100% fit) or David Silva (of Lukas Podolski headbutt fame).
Spain will go with a 4-2-3-1 formation with Iker Casillas in goal and Sergio Ramos,Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Joan Capdevila at the back. Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso sit ahead of them. Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez and David Silva will make up Spain’s attacking midfield with David Villa up front.
Spain’s Carles Puyol who has been known to lose his focus sometimes cannot afford to do so today as he tries to keep Germany’s ‘national’ goal scoring machine Miroslav Klose at bay. Sergio Busquets is another player whose performance could be crucial for Spain. The Barcelona star must contain one of the stars of the 2010 World Cup and the most likely to win ‘the best young player’ award for this World Cup Mesut Ozil from supplying to Germany’s attackers, for Spain to frustrate Germany.
Spain have the best midfield in the tournament while Germany have the best attack in the tournament. Spain must not make the mistake Argentina and England made against Germany and need to control the game and keep their organisation to win. So far, Germany have been defying the odds and winning. However, Spain are still Spain and can’t be written off just because they aren’t in top-gear yet. They can turn it on anytime and are dangerous even when they aren’t at their best.
Manager Speak
“Spain do not have one Messi. They have more than one Messi. Especially in attack there are many players who can decide a game. Spain are not like England and Argentina, teams that make mistakes.” – Joachim Loew, Germany manager
“We know we can play better than we have done so far, hopefully it will be an open match and a good advert for football.” – Vincente Del Bosque
Lucky Charms
Germany
Okay, so the octopus has ditched Germany by predicting a Spain win. However, Germany have another potent weapon in Joachim Loew’s blue jumper which the manager was wearing when Germany beat Argentina and England. Loew will be wearing the blue jumper today and so far whenever he dons the blue sweater, Germany score 4 goals. Spain you have been warned.
Spain
If Germany have their blue sweater, Spain have Rafael Nadal. Yep, the Spanish tennis star. The last time Nadal won the Wimbledon (his first Wimbledon title), Spain won the Euro. He has won the Wimbledon again. Germany you have been warned.
Stars to Watch Out For
Germany: Miroslav Klose, Mesut Ozil, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski
Spain: David Villa, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Ramos
Go Figure!
Thomas Müller could be missed – he has scored four goals from four shots on target in this tournament
David Villa is one goal away from equalling Raúl’s record as Spain’s all-time top scorer (44)
Xavi has completed more passes at the World Cup (404) than any other player
All 14 of Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goals have come in open play and from inside the box, and half of them have been headers.
Permalink
July 6, 2010 at 1:13 PM · Filed under Football, Uncategorized, World Cup ·Tagged Alvaro Pereira, Arjen Robben, Bert van Marwijk, Demy de Zeeuw, Diego Forlan, Diego Godin, Diego Perez, Dirk Kuyt, Edinson Cavani, Egidio Arévalo Ríos, Fernando Muslera, Football, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Gregory van der Wiel, John Heitinga, Jorge Fucile. Diego Lugano, Joris Mathijsen, Khalid Boulahrouz, La Celeste, Luis Suarez, Maarten Stekelenburg, Mark van Bommel, Martin Caceres, Maurice Victorino, Maximiliano Pereira, Netherlands, Nigel De Jong, Orange, Oscar Tabarez, Robin Van Persie, Semi-Finals, Soccer, South Africa, Uruguay, Walter Gargano, Wesley Sneijder, World Cup 2010
When we talk about South American teams, we usually mean Argentina or Brazil. No one ever thinks about Uruguay even though Uruguay won the very first World Cup. This time Uruguay have made people sit up and pay attention. Their win over Ghana which assured them a place in the Semi-Finals was undoubtedly the most dramatic of this World Cup. Since Uruguay have outlasted Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay in the tournament they are South America’s only hope to win the 2010 World Cup. No one could have guessed that La Celeste who qualified for this year’s competition after winning a play-off against Costa Rica would be only one win away from a place in the single biggest football match, the World Cup Final. Uruguay haven’t even made it to the final since 1950 and Oscar Tabarez’s team wants to change that. Netherlands on the other hand, like Spain, have always had a talented team but failed to achieve real glory. Oranje haven’t been past the semis in 32 years after having made it to consecutive finals in 1974 and 1978 where they lost to West Germany and Argentina respectively. Usually, its Brazil that bursts the Oranje bubble but this time the Dutch have already sent the Brazilians packing and will therefore feel this to be their best chance in a long time, to win the World Cup.
Uruguay
Ranking: 16
Uruguay is a small nation steeped in football history. They play a game which is more scrappy and physical and quite unlike the quintessential flamboyant South American ‘samba’ style of football. They qualified for the knockout stages as winners of Group A by drawing against France and beating South Africa and Mexico. It was in the knock-out stages in their game against Ghana where things took a turn for the dramatic for Uruguay. In the first half of stoppage time, Ghana scored and it looked like Uruguay were going back home. However,Diego Forlan had other ideas and leveled the score in the second half of stoppage time by netting one for the South Americans. In the last minute of added time however, Ghana struck again but this time, Luis Suarez handled the ball on the line but stopping a sure shot goal. Suarez was sent off and Ghana were awarded a penalty. Once again, it looked certain that the South Americans were on their way out. However, Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan missed and the game went to a penalty shoot with Uruguay still hanging on. And then, La Celeste broke Ghanaian hearts and won 5-3 on penalty kicks.
It is this kind of ’never-die-spirit’ that can once again be expected from Uruguay today. Oscar Tabarez has so far been able to select a steady team but today he will be without the suspended Luis Suarez and Jorge Fucile. Diego Lugano, who went off early in the game against Ghana with a knee problem is also unlikely to star in today’s game. However, defender Diego Godin has recovered from his injury and will be available for today’s match. Tabarez will most likely go with a 4-4-2 formation with Fernando Muslera in goal and Maximiliano Pereira, Diego Godin, Maurice Victorino and Martin Caceres forming Uruguay back four. In the midfield, Egidio Arévalo Ríos and Walter Gargano will hold the midfield and shield the back four. Alvaro Pereira and Diego Perez will provide width when they can. Edinson Cavani will partner Diego Forlan up front in leading Uruguay’s attack.
Uruguay want to win this game bad and they have a great defence and are dangerous up front. They will put up a great fight and cannot be taken lightly.
Netherlands
Ranking: 4
Netherlands are yet to lose a game in South Africa and dutch striker Wesley Sneijder is the joint-highest scorer at the World Cup. Oranje beat favourites Brazil 2-1 in their last match to progress to the quarterfinals. All these stats point to a very strong World Cup campaign so far and yet many still feel that Netherlands are still not in top gear. They definitely seem to be the team that will peak at absolutely the right time. They go into this game as favourites and are expected to beat Uruguay. However, the same was expected of the Dutch in their Euro 2008 quarter- final match against Russia which they lost in extra time. Today, Netherlands must avoid complacency or once again it could become their undoing.
The Netherlands manager Bert van Marwijk, has a formidable record of 13 wins from 13 games in competitive matches and will want to keep it that way. He will be without the suspended Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong and will most likely replace them with Khalid Boulahrouz and Demy de Zeeuw. Luckily for Netherlands, Robin Van Persie’s elbow injury wasn’t serious and neither was Joris Mathijsen’s knee-problem and both of the players are expected to star in today match. Marwijk will most likely go with his favourite 4-2-3-1 formation with Maarten Stekelenburg in goal and John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Khalid Boulahrouz at the back. Demy De Zeeuw and Mark van Bommel will hold midfield for Holland. Robin Van Persie will play alone up-front with offensive midfielders Dirk Kuyt, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder behind him.
Netherlands will look to control the ball and the pace of the game with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben making life very tough for the Uruguan defence while the Dutch defender John Heitinga will look to keep his former club mate from Athletico Madrid Diego Forlan from scoring for Uruguay.
Uruguay are without Luis Suarez and that tips the balance in Netherlands favour. However, Netherlands is without Nigel De Jong, whose tackles will be sorely (pun unintended!) missed. Netherlands must keep focus to win today.
Manager Speak
“We will certainly not throw in the towel before playing that match. Holland will be very difficult but not impossible.” – Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay manager
“Uruguay didn’t reach the final for nothing, so we have to really focus again and not think that we’re already there.” - Bert van Warwijk, Netherlands manager
Stars to Watch Out For
Uruguay: Diego Forlan, Diego Perez, Edinson Cavani
Netherlands: Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder, Dirk Kuyt, Robin Van Persie
Go Figure!
These sides have met on four occasions in total, with Uruguay winning three matches and the Dutch one.
Three of Diego Forlán’s four goals in World Cup finals history have come from outside the box
Wesley Sneijder has now scored five goals in his last seven internationals
Permalink
July 3, 2010 at 4:59 PM · Filed under Football, World Cup ·Tagged Andres Iniesta, Antolin Alcaraz, Aureliano Torres, Carles Puyol, Carlos Bonet, Claudio Morel, David Villa, Enrique Daniel Vera, Fernando Torres, Football, Gerardo Martino, Gerrard Pique, Iker Casillas, Joan Capdevilla, Justo Villar, La Furia Roja, Miguel Riveros, Nelson Valdez, Paraguay, Paulo Da Silva, Roque Santa Cruz, Segio Ramos, Sergio Busquets, Soccer, South Africa, Spain, Vincente Del Bosque, World Cup 2010, Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernandez
This match will see history created regardless of which team wins as both Paraguay and Spain have never reached the Semi-final of a World Cup.
Paraguay
Ranking: 31
Paraguay were never expected to reach the quarter-finals. They got a little lucky as all teams in their group didn’t play to their potential with Italy being the guiltiest of that crime. Paraguay managed to draw their games against Slovakia and Italy. Against Japan, Paraguay won on penalties after goalless draw courtesy a Japan side that can defend beautifully but just can’t score. Today’s game against Spain is Paraguay’s chance to leave cynics dumfounded. Gerardo Martino will most likely, go with a 4-4-2 formation with Nelson Valdez and Roque Santa Cruz leading Paraguay’s attack. Victor Caceres, who missed the match against Japan due to suspension, will be available for today’s match and should make the starting XI alongside Enrique Daniel Vera, Miguel Riveros and Aureliano Torres in midfield. Carlos Bonet, Paulo Da Silva, Antolin Alcarez and Claudio Morel will form Paraguay’s back four with Justo Villar in goal.
Spain
Ranking: 2
Spain lost to Switzerland in their World Cup opener. This shock was probably the best thing that happened to La Furia Roja because since then Spain have simply got better and better with every game. Spain were sublime in their 1-0 win against Euro Finalists Portugal. They completely outplayed Portugal; the 1-0 score line not really doing justice to their performance. Spain undoubtedly have one of the best attacking line-ups and their coach Vincente Del Bosque will most likely put out a 4-3-3 formation. Fernando Torres will keep his position in the starting XI despite being terribly out of form. He along with David Villa and Andres Iniesta will lead Spain’s attack with Xavi Hernandez, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso making up Spain’s midfield. At the back, Spain have quite a solid defence. Segio Ramos,Gerrard Pique, Carles Puyol, Joan Capdevilla form Spain’s defensive backbone with captain Iker Casillas in goal.
Manager Speak
I do not know if all teams have the heart of Paraguay. For over 20 days of the World Cup, nobody has matched us. – Gerardo Martino, Paraguay manager
“We know we’re in good shape. It’s been more than 30 days together training as a team and I think these players want to make history.” – Vincente Del Bosque, Spain manager
Stars to Watch Out For
Paraguay: Nelson Valdez, Roque Santa Cruz, Enrique Daniel Vera, Antolin Alcarez
Spain: David Villa, Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez
Go Figure!
Roque Santa Cruz is now without a goal in 799 minutes at the World Cup
Xavi created eight goalscoring chances in his last match against Portugal, no player has created more in a single game at this World Cup
Paraguay will be playing in their first-ever World Cup quarter-final
Spain have never won a quarter-final tie at the World Cup, losing two of their four quarter-finals on penalties including their most recent against South Korea
Permalink
July 3, 2010 at 1:29 PM · Filed under Football, World Cup ·Tagged Angel Di Maria, Argentina, Arne Friedrich, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Carlos Tevez, Diego Maradona, Football, Gabriel Heinze, Germany, Gonzalo Higuain, Javier Mascherano, Jerome Boateng, Joachim Loew, Lionel Messi, Lucas Podolski, Manuel Neuer, Martin Demichelis, Maxi Rodriguez, Mesut Oezil, Miroslav Klose, Nicolas Burdisso, Nicolas Otamendi, Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm, Sami Khedira, Sergio Romero, Soccer, South Africa, Thomas Mueller, World Cup 2010
The quarter-final clash between Argentina and Germany promises to make up for the lack of goals in this World Cup since both the teams have a somewhat weak defence and very good attacking line-up. Both teams are very strong in their attack and relatively weak in their defence which hold promise of some exciting and entertaining footballing moments. Add to that the history of rivalry between the two giants in World Cup and we can be sure of some vintage football today. In 2006 Germany beat Argentina on penalties in the quarter-finals, results which lead to a scuffle between some players and the coaching staff of the two teams making the fixture the most eagerly awaited contest of the World Cup2010.
Both teams, Germany because of their young and inexperienced players and Argentina, mainly due to their mercurial manager were not considered great threats coming in to the World Cup. Both teams have gotten to this stage of the tournament having overcome major challenges to reach the World Cup. So, will Diego Maradona’s men self-destruct or will Joachim Loew’s team find South American football too hot to handle?
Argentina
Ranking: 7
Argentina have an exceptionally talented team going forward. Diego Maradona was criticized for some of his tactical decisions and team selections during Argentina’s qualification run to the World Cup but Maradona has got everything in the World Cup. Argentina’s performance against Mexico in the Round of 16 showed that the Albiceleste are growing stronger as we move into the business end of the tournament. Maradona will most likely go with a 4-3-1-2 formation with Romero in goal. Otamendi, Demichelis, Burdisso and Heinze will need to keep calm at the back and control the midfield so that Angel Di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez can make their runs on the flanks and pass the ball to Messi. Messi will then look to create chances for Higuain and Tevez who’ll play up front for Argentina.
Argentina have a better attacking force and superior players than Germany. They have the current World Player of the Year in Messi who is yet to open his scoring account at the World Cup. Argentina’s however do need to be extra focused and keep their formation, or else they will get caught out by Germany on the counter. Argentina’s defence is yet to be tested in this World Cup and Germany can be counted upon to test it. Argentina defender Demicheles will need to stop his Bayern Munich teammate Miroslav Klose who is in great form for Germany from scoring. Argentina will also need their captain Javier Mascherano who will have to play his part as defensive midfielder perfectly apart from shielding his back four, Mascherano will also need to keep Germany’s Mesut Ozil out.
Germany
Ranking: 6
Joachim Loew’s German side is what many a football associations dream of; a team. Germany have managed to put together a bunch of footballers who aren’t stars as individuals but are absolutely sparkling as a team. The new German side is made up of a mix of youth and experience with a never-say-die attitude. Germany most certainly will be a force to reckon with come next World Cup. Joachim Loew’s side showed that they were masters of counter-attacks in their game against England. However, Argentina are no England and will pose a much tougher challenge for them. Loew will most likely play 4-2-3-1 formation with Miroslav Klose as the lone striker. Mueller, Oezil, Podolski will play just behind him with Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger playing as holding midfielders. Friedrich, Mertesacker, and Boateng will be at the back for Germany with Nuer in goal.
Germany are quite well organized and have a good defence. However, their defence has not been truly tested so far. They launch blinding, breathtaking counter-attacks and will look to do the same against Argentina.
Argentina have quality in their attack and hopefully in defence to win this match. Germany have probably been judged to be a little better than they are after they beat England. They were great against England, but the England team (under Fabio Capello) wasn’t a ‘real’ World Cup favourite. England was more of a ‘very well supported team’ rather than a very ‘likely to win the World Cup’ team. Germany’s real test against a real top-class team will be today. I see Diego Maradona celebrating at the end of this fixture.
Manager Speak
“This time we will not need the Hand of God, because it is the will of God.” – Diego Maradona, Argentina manager
“They will definitely be extremely dangerous. I’m sure they will try and get a goal very soon. I don’t think they’ll come onto the pitch with any extra fear or respect.” – Joachim Loew, Germany manager
Players to Watch Out For
Argentina: Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez. Angel Di Maria
Germany: Miroslav Klose, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muellar, Bastian Schweinsteiger
Go Figure!
Diego Maradona is yet to draw a match as Argentina manager
Germany have only ever failed to score with one of their 18 shots in penalty shoot-outs at the World Cup
Miroslav Klose’s goal against England was the 12th of his World Cup career. Only Just Fontaine (13), Gerd Müller (14) and Ronaldo (15) have scored more at the tournament
Lionel Messi has attempted more shots (23) without scoring in this World Cup than any other player
Permalink
Older Posts »
