Mexico vs Uruguay
Group A joint-leaders Uruguay and Mexico meet in Rustenburg in an encounter they hope will not only book their place in the knockout stages, but will also give them a better chance of going even further in the competition. Both countries need only a draw to qualify, but in that case the Uruguayans would end up as group winners and Javier Aguirre’s men would in all probability face in-form Argentina, a Round of 16 clash they will surely want to avoid at all costs.
Who will manage to avoid a likely encounter with Diego Maradona’s Argentina by topping group A?
The match
Uruguay-Mexico, Group A, Rustenburg, Tuesday 22 June, 16:00 (local time)
After easily seeing off the challenge of hosts South Africa, Oscar Tabarez’s men come into their final group game in good spirits. The comfortable 3-0 victory over Bafana Bafana saw the South Americans grow in confidence as the match went on, something that was missing in their first game against France.
Mexico used their game against the 1998 champions to find real form. Quick and direct in attack, El Tri showed just how dangerous they can be going forward, but the Uruguayans’ solid defensive unit will provide tough opposition here.
Players to watch
Diego Forlan v Rafael Marquez
Uruguay’s star striker and Mexico’s defensive linchpin are old rivals and have pitted their wits against each other at club level on a number of occasions. Marquez signed for Catalan giants Barcelona in 2003, while Forlan arrived in Spain a year later, making his name first with Villarreal, where he spent three successful years before moving to Atletico Madrid. Both men have been in excellent form in the tournament so far. Forlan has been named Man of the Match in both of Los Charruas’ games, while Mexican captain Marquez has played a pivotal role in front of the back four whilst also weighing in with a goal.
The stat
1 – Both countries need just a single point from the game to book their place in the last 16.
What they said
Sebastian Abreu, Uruguay forward:
I like Mexico. I like their intensity. They are similar to us in that they have know how to make well-drilled tactical changes. They have a lot of pace, they are clever, they have intelligent players, they are good in the air and they can surprise you. All that said, in all modesty I still think that we have what it takes to give them a good game.
Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Mexico forward:
Mexico won’t play for a draw. I love winning and so do my team-mates because that’s our mentality. I’m not really interested in whether Uruguay, France or South Africa qualify. I want to win this game, no two ways about it.
The question
Who will manage to avoid a likely encounter with Diego Maradona’s Argentina by topping group A?
Spain 2-0 Honduras
Spain got their FIFA World Cup™ campaign back on track with a win against Honduras that was far more comprehensive than the 2-0 scoreline indicated. The Central Americans were the unlucky victims as the European champions returned to the kind of form which placed them among the pre-tournament favourites, David Villa claiming the Budweiser Man of the Match award for his two-goal haul.
Villa gets Spain back on track
Spain’s victory lifted them alongside Switzerland with a win apiece, though still three points off Group H pacesetters Chile, their final opponents on Friday. Honduras, meanwhile, now need to win their last match against Switzerland, and hope Chile do them a favour against Spain, to have any hope of progressing.
Injury to Andres Iniesta saw Spain coach Vicente del Bosque reshuffle his pack with Fernando Torres brought into the line-up to join Villa in attack. Sevilla’s right-sided flanker Jesus Navas was also given a place in the starting XI with David Silva omitted. It was no surprise to see Spain, undoubtedly stung by their opening loss to Switzerland, start in an attacking mode. Villa rattled the crossbar after just six minutes with an effort from 25 metres, while Sergio Ramos was unable to get downward force on a free header at the back post just minutes later.
Spain caused constant problems on both flanks with Villa operating on the left and Navas on the right. Villa appeared to be in supremely confident mood and it was no surprise to see Barcelona’s recent signing open the scoring with what is set to be one of the individual goals of the tournament. Cutting in from the left, Villa dissected a path through two defenders when there appeared to be none, before rounding a third attempt at a tackle and unleashing a shot into the roof of the net.
On the half-hour mark, Torres had two good openings within the space of 60 seconds as Spain upped the ante further still. The Liverpool man, perhaps still showing signs of rustiness after his return from injury last month, guided a header into the ground and over the crossbar, before then skying his shot after a dribble into the penalty area. Honduras rarely threatened in the opening period, winning their first corner only in the final minute of the half. Honduran speed-merchant David Suazo received scant service up front as La Roja dominated midfield possession.
The second half started disastrously for the Hondurans with Villa doubling the advantage just six minutes after the restart, his shot from 20 metres taking a wicked deflection off the knee of Osman Chavez and looping over the outstretched hand of stranded goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Just past the hour, Emilio Izaguirre’s foul on Navas in the penalty area gave Villa a golden opportunity to record a hat-trick but he pushed his spot-kick wide and in the process became the first Spain player to miss a penalty at the FIFA World Cup.
Nevertheless, Spain appeared certain to kill off the game with a third goal, only to be guilty at times of overplaying the passing movement when presented with a shooting opportunity. Substitute Cesc Fabregas appeared certain to score with his first involvement but, after springing the offside trap and rounding Valladares, the Arsenal skipper saw his shot impressively cleared off the line by a retreating Chavez. Honduras found some joy in attack in the final stages with Suazo firing wide and half-time substitute Georgie Welcome guiding a header the wrong side of the post. Yet Spain were still the team pushing hard until the final whistle with only some determined defending and their own profligacy ensuring the scoreline remained unchanged.
Chile 1-0 Switzerland
Despite having a man advantage for an hour of the Group H contest in Nelson Mandela Bay, Chile struggled to break down a record-setting Switzerland defence but ultimately won 1-0 through a winner from Mark Gonzalez.
Gonzalez downs brave Swiss
The South Africa-born player headed in Esteban Paredes’s cross in the 75th minute to break the Swiss back-line for the first time in over 550 minutes of FIFA World Cup™ football, a record they had claimed just minutes before. Chile now sit atop the table with six points from two wins, while Switzerland remain on three points after failing to build on their upset of Spain in their opener.
The attack-minded Chileans were always going to be more adventurous, and they had the large majority of the chances after Valon Behrami became the first Swiss player to be sent off in a FIFA World Cup match in the 31st minute. The South Americans had showed their attacking intent from the off, testing the Swiss goalkeeper twice in the tenth minute with swerving long-range efforts. Arturo Vidal cut in from the left and Diego Benaglio could only punch the ball as far as Carlos Carmona at the edge of the area who also tried his luck. Shortly after, the opposite No1, Claudio Bravo, had to be smart coming off his line to clear in front of Blaise Nkufo after a light back-pass.
The match then turned decisively as West Ham United player Behrami swung his arm into the face of Vidal while trying to hold off the Chilean along the sideline. Stunned by the straight red card, the Swiss retreated into their own third and, as against Spain, showed themselves well capable at bending without breaking. However, the quick South Americans showed themselves equally good at exploiting spaces. However, they were let down by their final ball or, in the case of Alexis Sanchez in the 40th minute, mediocre finishing after he had done well to chest the ball down in the box.
Chile made two changes at half-time to make their man advantage count, and they seemed to have opened the scoring within minutes of the restart, but Sanchez’s long shot deflected off an offside player before beating the goalkeeper and was disallowed. Sanchez had another chance in the 55th minute after closing down defender Stephane Grichting well and running on to the deflected ball. But Benaglio again came out on top, getting down well to block the point-blank shot.
As the Swiss eclipsed Italy’s record of scoreless minutes in the finals, it began to look more and more like Chile would come up frustrated on the night. But Paredes finally created the chance they needed with a diagonal run behind a for-once flat Swiss defence. His cross to the back post was met by the head of Gonzalez, who nodded down to beat defender Stephan Lichtsteiner on the line with Benaglio drawn out of his goal.
As Switzerland began to push forward for the first time in the match, Paredes should have put the contest out of reach twice in the final minutes, first blazing over and then wide with left-footed efforts. He was almost made to rue his wastefulness when Eren Derdiyok missed an exposed Chilean goal after a clever back-heel from Albert Bunjaku left him in space eight yards out.
Chile will try to confirm their place in the next round against Spain on Friday in Pretoria, while Switzerland face Honduras at the same time in Bloemfontein.
Portugal 7-0 Korea DPR
Portugal turned on the style to thrash Korea DPR 7-0 at Green Point Stadium and take a huge step towards a place in the Round of 16.
Portugal notch magnificent seven
Only a Raul Meireles goal divided the teams after a closely contested first half but it was a different story after the restart when Portugal devastated the North Korean defence with three goals inside eight minutes before the hour from Simao, Hugo Almeida and Tiago. With the clock ticking down, Liedson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago again compounded their opponents’ woes to produce Portugal’s biggest FIFA World Cup™ victory and the widest winning margin so far in South Africa.
There were few parallels to draw with the teams’ previous meeting on the world stage, their 1966 quarter-final in England when Eusebio – watching from the stands in Cape Town – so famously struck four goals as Portugal retrieved a three-goal deficit. There will be no repeat run from the North Koreans this time, their second defeat in Group G confirming their elimination. Portugal, by contrast, sit second in the section, with a three-point advantage over Côte d’Ivoire – and overwhelming gulf in goal difference – ahead of their final game against Brazil.
Carlos Queiroz’s men made a positive start with defender Ricardo Carvalho nodding Simao’s corner against the far post after seven minutes. As against Brazil in their opening 2-1 defeat, Korea DPR looked in no way overawed, however. With the rain teeming down, the Koreans pieced together a slick move on the fast surface that almost let in Jong Tae-Se only for the No9 to fail to control the through-ball. Otherwise, when they had the chance to shoot, they took it. Cha Jong-Hyok speared an effort just wide from distance, then Hong Yong-Jo arrowed in a shot from the right that Eduardo parried, Pak Nam-Chol failing to keep his header down on the follow-up.
Indeed Portugal coach Queiroz might have been forgiven a short sigh of relief when midfielder Meireles gave his side the lead in the 29th minute, timing his run into the North Korean box perfectly to meet Tiago’s pass and drive the ball low past Ri Myong-Guk. A goal to the good, Portugal ended the half on top. Meireles sliced a shot wide before Fabio Coentrao teed up Hugo Almeida with a low centre but the big striker’s attempted flick failed to come off.
Portugal did not have to wait long to double their advantage after the restart. Korea DPR custodian Ri Myong-Guk had already tipped over Tiago’s shot when Simao made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute. There was some impressive build-up play as Almeida backheeled to Meireles who played in Simao to slide the ball past Ri Myong-Guk. Within three minutes it was 3-0, Tiago sending Coentrao down the left and the full-back crossing for Almeida to nod past the goalkeeper. Portugal were now tearing them apart and by the hour they had their fourth goal, Tiago finding the net from Ronaldo’s lay-off.
Meireles and Coentrao missed chances to underline their dominance, before Ronaldo rattled the crossbar with a spectacular strike. Yet in a late flurry, Portugal forced open the floodgates once more. Ri Kwang-Chon’s mistake let in substitute Liedson to smash a shot high into the net. Ronaldo then opened his account after Liedson took advantage of some sloppy play in the Korean defence to play in the Real Madrid star – trying to pass the goalkeeper on the edge of the box, the ball bounced up off Ri Myong-Guk and on to Ronaldo’s back before dropping from his head to his foot for an easy finish. Tiago’s header one minute from time completed a magnificent seven.
Spain vs Honduras
Defeats in their opening Group H games mean that 21 June’s encounter between Spain and Honduras is now vital for both sides’ hopes of reaching the Round of 16 here at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. The European champions were shocked 1-0 by Switzerland, while Los Catrachos lost by the same scoreline against Chile.
The question Which side will have boosted its chances of reaching the next round come the final whistle?
The match
Spain-Honduras, Group H, Johannesburg, Ellis Park Stadium, Monday 21 June, 20.30 (local time)
Stopped in their tracks by a magnificent defensive display from Switzerland, Spain will be determined to rediscover the route to goal and justify the favourites’ tag thrust upon them before South Africa 2010. Though coach Vicente del Bosque has so far kept his cards close to his chest, La Roja boss is expected to dispense with one of the two deep-lying midfield men that started against Die Nati and bring in an extra striker or attacking midfielder.
Over in the Honduras camp, supremo Reinaldo Rueda has had to replace key midfielder Julio Cesar de Leon with Jerry Palacios, brother of fellow squad members Wilson and Jhony. Meanwhile, Genoa striker David Suazo’s involvement remains in doubt, though he is making good progress in his recovery from a right-thigh injury. “We were beaten by the best and most difficult team in the group (Chile),” said Rueda, clearly unimpressed by the Spaniards’ opening display. “Honduras are capable of playing better (than against Chile).”
The teams’ only previous meeting came at Spain 1982, when La H were able to hold the host nation to a 1-1 draw in their first group game.
Players to watch
Fernando Torres (ESP) v Wilson Palacios (HON)
At the age of 26, Honduras’ biggest star Wilson Palacios comes into the finals off the back of an impressive season with English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. Though a defensive midfielder with his club, when pulling on the shirt of La Bicolor Palacios is handed the central Americans’ creative baton – one he will need to wield with more aplomb than against Chile if La H are to hurt Spain.
In lethal form for Liverpool this season despite lengthy and frequent spells sidelined through injury, ‘El Niño’ Torres is back to full fitness and could be called upon by Del Bosque to partner David Villa up front. Though unable to break down the rugged Swiss backline when joining the fray off the bench in Durban, Torres will be determined to make his mark should he get a chance against Honduras.
The stat
46 – The number of years to the day since 21 June 1964: the day Spain claimed the UEFA European Championship on home soil to lift their first major trophy. La Roja secured that title thanks to a 2-1 final win over the former Yugoslavia, with the goals coming from Jesus Pereda and Marcelino.
What they said
Sergio Mendoza, Honduras right-back:
I think that we need to give a better account of ourselves. Honduran players have a lot of quality and we have to make the most of that. That’s why I asked our coach if it’d be possible for us to play further up the pitch and send more players forward in attack, though I understand that we mustn’t lose our shape at the back. It’s always important to try and keep a clean sheet.
Fernando Torres, Spain striker:
The important thing now is to stay true to our style of play, which is what has made us a winning team. We can’t afford to lose our heads, we need to keep doing what we’re doing and keep believing in what made us favourites. If we do go down, we’ll go down our way, and not because we started doing strange things.
The question
Which side will have boosted its chances of reaching the next round come the final whistle?
Chile vs Switzerland
Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth is set to play host to an intriguing clash of styles on 21 June, when Chile take on Switzerland in their second Group H encounter at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Both sides kicked off their campaigns here in South Africa with 1-0 wins, with the livewire Chileans sinking Honduras and the resilient Swiss turning over European champions Spain.
Will Switzerland avoid conceding long enough in order to set a FIFA World Cup record? Or will the Chileans’ darting front-line create enough havoc to win the game and go clear at the top of Group H?
The match
Chile-Switzerland, Group H, Port Elizabeth Stadium, Monday 21 June, 16.00 local time
Switzerland’s shock victory over the Spanish in Durban, secured by Gelson Fernandes’ 52nd-minute strike, underlined the defensive strength of a team that also played four games at Germany 2006 without conceding a goal. Now under the guidance of vastly experienced boss Ottmar Hitzfeld, the Helvetians worked overtime to nullify a La Selección attack which had hit 28 goals in ten European Zone qualifiers.
Nor can they expect a breather against Marcelo Bielsa’s all-action Chile side, noted for their non-stop attacking play and packed with young and gifted performers. Even without leading striker Humberto Suazo against Honduras, La Roja’s clutch of small, speedy front-runners created a host of presentable chances, though eventually had to settle for a win by the narrowest of margins.
Finally, the three points secured in their respective openers mean that, in the case of a draw in the Spain-Honduras clash in Johannesburg, a win for either Chile or Switzerland would guarantee them a place in the Round of 16.
Players to watch
Humberto Suazo v Diego Benaglio
Tall, agile and experienced, the 27-year-old Swiss keeper is at the peak of his powers, as he showed with a number of key stops against David Villa and Co. His next challenge will be to deny La Roja’s prolific front-man Suazo, who top scored with ten goals in South American Zone qualifying. Having missed the game against Los Catrachos with a muscle strain, could the Real Zaragoza hitman finally end Die Nati’s run of five consecutive clean sheets in FIFA World Cup finals action?
The stat
67 – The number of minutes Switzerland need to go without conceding against Chile to set a new record at the finals. Die Eidgenossen’s landmark currently stands at 484 minutes, the third best of all time, behind only Italy’s 550-minute record (set between 17 June 1986 and 3 July 1990) and England’s tally of 501 minutes (16 June 1982 to 3 June 1986).
What they said
Luis Marin, Chile goalkeeper:
We don’t need to get the calculators out, because our fate is entirely in our own hands. Besides which, we’re not going to change of style of play because we’re taking on Switzerland. We always play the same way, as we showed against Honduras.
Switzerland defender Reto Ziegler:
We know we have to focus on playing well against Chile because it’s no good beating Spain and then playing badly in the next game. We know that we achieved something great and we’re all proud for our country, but we need to play a solid match against Chile because it’ll be another tough game.
The question
Will Switzerland avoid conceding long enough in order to set a FIFA World Cup record? Or will the Chileans’ darting front-line create enough havoc to win the game and go clear at the top of Group H?
Portugal vs Korea DPR
There will be shades of a legendary game from years gone by when Portugal and Korea DPR vie for crucial points in 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Group G on Tuesday. The two sides locked horns for the first and only time 44 years ago in a rollercoaster 5-3 win for the Iberian team, as Eusebio and co had to pull out of all the stops after going three goals down. The iconic former Portugal striker called that quarter-final at England 1966 “the greatest match in my footballing career”, but the current line-ups would no doubt settle for any sort of victory to bolster their chances of reaching the last 16.
Will Portugal prove more effective in front of goal than they managed in their opening match and obtain their maiden win at South Africa 2010? Or will Korea DPR create the upset they came close to pulling off in 1966?
The match
Portugal–Korea DPR, Group G, Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, 13.30 (local time)
After drawing with Côte d’Ivoire last time around, Carlos Queiroz’s charges need to secure their first win of the tournament to brighten their qualification prospects – and not least because their final group game will pit them against Brazil. In particular, Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo will be keen to improve his own personal contribution as he attempts to meet the hopes and expectations placed in him by Portugal’s supporters.
He and his colleagues ought to expect fierce resistance from their opponents, however, Korea DPR having kept Brazil quiet until the second half of their opening encounter. It was only after the break that the five-time world champions managed to force their way through the Asian side’s stubborn defences to record a 2-1 success, and coach Kim Jong-Hun will be looking for a repeat of that stout display. Pace will be central to his team’s fortunes, with Rostov striker Hong Yong Jo and Ji Yun Nam among the most dynamic and the latter having memorably found the net against Brazil.
Players to watch
Ricardo Carvalho v Jong Tae Se
The Portugal centre-back delivered a solid performance against Côte d’Ivoire as he and partner Paulo Ferreira formed an impenetrable barrier that the Elephants failed to pass. The Chelsea stopper will now be anxious to help keep a second clean sheet against the North Koreans, for whom Jong could well carry the principal attacking threat. The striker based in Japan with Kawasaki Frontale intends to add his name to the list of scorers at South Africa 2010 and increase his tally of 16 international strikes.
The stat
3 – The number of Asian sides to have tackled Portugal in a FIFA World Cup. The Lusitanians overcame Korea DPR in 1966 and Iran four years ago, but they succumbed to Korea Republic in 2002. Three is also the number of goals Korea DPR managed to put past their upcoming rivals in 1966, still the record total for an Asian team in the global showcase.
What they said
Carlos Queiroz, Portugal coach:
We’ll have to play higher up the pitch against the North Koreans and take more risks because we need a victory. Obviously we can’t afford to play the way we did in our last match. We got a point against a very strong team and now we’ll approach the next game with a clear goal: to win.
Jong Tae Se, Korea DPR forward:
Portugal are one of the potential competition winners. We started this World Cup against one of the biggest teams in the world and I think there’ll be less pressure against Portugal. We have a real chance of winning this match.
The question
Will Portugal prove more effective in front of goal than they managed in their opening match and obtain their maiden win at South Africa 2010? Or will Korea DPR create the upset they came close to pulling off in 1966?
Brazil 3-1 Côte d’Ivoire
Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 with a game to spare after a convincing 3-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire at Soccer City.
Brazil put Elephants in the shade
Two goals from Luis Fabiano and a third by Elano secured the second victory for Dunga’s side in South Africa – a result that guaranteed them one of the top two places in Group G even before Portugal’s meeting with Korea DPR on Monday. It was not all good news for the South Americans, though, who finished the game with ten men after Kaka received a late red card after a clash with Kader Keita. It was Kaka’s second yellow card and came after the Brazilian appeared to dig an elbow into the chest of Keita, who went down clutching his face.
For Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Elephants, this was a sobering evening despite Didier Drogba’s late headed reply. Although Drogba was fit to start his first game of this FIFA World Cup™ – Gervinho the man to make way – Côte d’Ivoire did not trouble Brazil’s back line until it was too late and they will now go into their final group game against the Koreans on Friday with just one point to their name.
This much-anticipated meeting of the five-time world champions and Drogba’s Elephants – seen by some as potentially Africa’s biggest hope before the finals – began with a shooting opportunity for the Seleção inside the first 60 seconds as Robinho broke forward. But, ignoring the yellow shirts on either side of him, he flashed a shot over the crossbar from outside the box.
Robinho had a hand in the opening goal after 25 minutes, some lovely interplay between him, Kaka and Luis Fabiano preceding Kaka’s through-ball to the No9 which left him clear to lash a spectacular shot high inside the near post. The Elephants had managed only one shot on target in their goalless draw with Portugal and it took them 38 minutes before Aruna Dindane tried his luck from distance, driving a shot straight at Julio Cesar.
Within five minutes of the restart, Brazil had their second goal as Luis Fabiano struck again. After lifting the ball over Didier Zokora on the edge of the box, he worked his way past two more defenders, controlling a bouncing ball before firing in a low shot that Boubacar Barry got a hand to on its way in. The Ivorians came close to a response soon after only for Drogba to steer a header wide of Julio Cesar’s left-hand post after rising between Maicon and Lucio to meet Dindane’s centre from the right. That would be Dindane’s final contribution as he made way for Gervinho, yet the force remained with Brazil.
Kaka had a shot beaten away by Barry in the 61st minute but within 60 seconds he had created the third goal for Elano. The Real Madrid playmaker broke down the left and running at Kolo Toure, found the space to drill in a low cross that Elano turned home for his second goal of the finals. Sadly for Elano that was his final contribution as, soon after, he took a kick on the shin from Ismael Tiote and left the field on a stretcher.
Julio Cesar was finally called into meaningful action when Ivorian substitute Romaric drove in a low shot that the Brazil custodian got down low to block. Eleven minutes from time, however, Drogba did restore a measure of pride for the Elephants when, following Gervinho’s lung-bursting forward run, the substitute laid the ball back to Yaya Toure whose precise cross was nodded home by the Chelsea striker. That was the end of the scoring, although for Kaka, the night did not end as he would have wished as tempers flared in the closing minutes.
Italy 1-1 New Zealand
New Zealand caused South Africa 2010′s biggest upset thus far by holding world champions Italy to a 1-1 draw at Nelspruit’s Mbombela Stadium. In the end, only a Vincenzo Iaquinta penalty prevented Marcello Lippi’s Azzurri dropping all three points as the All Whites, who took an early lead through Shane Smeltz, produced a courageous and intelligent performance to earn their second FIFA World Cup™ point.
Italy humbled by All Whites
Faced with a side ranked 74 places above them, New Zealand might have been expected to park the proverbial bus in front of Mark Paston’s goal. In fact, the opposite was true. Evidently deciding that attack represented the best form of defence, coach Ricki Herbert fielded three strikers in an adventurous line-up, and was rewarded for his boldness with the opening goal inside seven minutes. New Zealand benefited from some distinctly un-Italian defending with the Azzurri rearguard left in chaos by an inswinging Simon Elliot free-kick. The most notable culprit was Fabio Cannavaro, who inadvertently cushioned the ball into the path of a grateful Smeltz. From four yards out, all the New Zealand No9 had to do was poke the ball under the diving Federico Marchetti.
In a tournament full of upsets, it looked at this stage that a truly momentous shock was on the cards, but an Italian response was not long in arriving. They should have been level after 16 minutes, in fact, after Cannavaro knocked down Simone Pepe’s corner for the well-positioned Giorgio Chiellini, but the Juventus centre-half provided a typical defender’s finish, smashing the ball out for a throw-in on the far side.
Italy were taking a stranglehold on possession, however, and after Gianluca Zambrotta just missed out on finding the top corner from 25 yards, Riccardo Montolivo went closer still, bending a superb effort around the statuesque Paston only to see the ball rebound to safety off the inside of the post. The Azzurri players must have wondered at this stage if this simply was not going to be their day, but their luck was to change after 28 minutes when Tommy Smith was penalised for pulling down Daniele De Rossi in the box. Iaquinta stepped up to take the resultant penalty and level the scores with a perfect spot-kick low to the left of the wrong-footed Paston.
Italy might have hauled themselves level, but Lippi remained unhappy enough to make a double substitution at half-time that saw Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi enter the fray. The former, a prolific scorer in Serie A this season, nearly made an instant impact, firing in an imaginative right-foot volley that Paston could only parry clear. However, Lippi will have been hugely concerned at the relative ease with which New Zealand continued to hold his side at bay, and substitute Chris Wood came within a whisker of winning it for the Kiwis in the closing stages with a left-foot shot that slipped inches wide. Herbert’s side were certainly well worthy of a share of the spoils, and go into their final match against Paraguay with everything still to play for in Group F.
Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay
Paraguay claimed their first 2010 FIFA World Cup™ victory by beating Slovakia 2-0 on Sunday in Mangaung/Bloemfontein. Top of the Group F table with four points – at least until Italy take on New Zealand later in the day – the Paraguayans got a goal in each half at the Free State Stadium through Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros.
Paraguay too strong for Slovakia
The South Americans controlled the contest right from the start, and they might have opened their account in the early going when Roque Santa Cruz’s shot took a tricky deflection towards goal but Slovakia goalkeeper Jan Mucha was up to the task, diving well to save in the top-right corner. Riveros and Lucas Barrios then had good opportunities to confirm Paraguay’s dominance. After 19 minutes Riveros had time and space for a shot from 20 yards out but his effort went straight at the keeper. Four minutes later Barrios blasted over after some fancy combination play with Vera.
Paraguay’s breakthrough came after 27 minutes following a Slovakian give-away in defence. Paulo Da Silva strode forward menacingly and his pass split the defence to find Vera. With two defenders around him, the Ecuador-based midfielder finished coolly with the outside of his right boot around the despairing goalkeeper. At the other end, Slovakia’s only real chance of note fell to Kornel Salata, who could not keep his free header down from a corner. Indeed Santa Cruz might have doubled the lead except for a fine save with his feet by Mucha in the 39th minute.
With only one attempt on goal in the first half, Vladimir Weiss’s side came out more aggressively in the second period, but Paraguay’s organised back line contained them. The Europeans very rarely even threatened to equalise, and Vera should have claimed a second goal when Santa Cruz picked him out all alone in the area in the 72nd minute, but his header bounded wide to the goalkeeper’s right.
Instead it fell to Riveros to settle the encounter four minutes from time with a curling left-foot shot from the edge of the area. Slovakia will now hope to resurrect their South Africa 2010 campaign against Italy at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park on Thursday, while Gerardo Martino’s Paraguay take on New Zealand at the same time in Polokwane.
Brazil vs Côte d’Ivoire
Throughout their glittering FIFA World Cup™ history, Brazil have never lost to a team from outside South America or Europe, a record they will put to the test against Côte d’Ivoire in Johannesburg on Sunday evening. Victory for Dunga’s side will secure them a place in the next round, but with Didier Drogba having recovered from his elbow injury, achieving that will be easier said than done. After drawing 0-0 with Portugal in their Group G opener, the Elephants can ill afford to lose.
Can Brazil book their place in the next round at the expense of the Ivorians?
The match
Brazil-Côte d’Ivoire, Group G, Soccer City, Johannesburg, Sunday 20 June, 20.30
Much vaunted for their attacking firepower, Brazil and Côte d’Ivoire were both involved in largely low-key opening games. Brazil spent most of their meeting with Korea DPR trying to find their way through the well-drilled Chollima defence, while the Ivorians were frustrated by Portugal in a match in which the defences held sway throughout. Having worked off their debut nerves, however, and with the Round of 16 beckoning, the two sides ought to serve up an entertaining encounter. With the likes of Drogba, Luis Fabiano, Salomon Kalou and Robinho on duty, another defensive spectacle is unlikely.
Players to watch
Lucio v Didier Drogba
The Elephants’ centre-forward had an excellent season with club side Chelsea, playing a leading role in their English Premier League and FA Cup double success by hitting a total of 44 goals in 52 games. The only blemish on the Blues’ season came when they were eliminated by Inter Milan in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. That tie featured a fascinating duel between the inspirational Drogba and Inter bulwark Lucio, one that was edged by the Brazilian and that will be renewed on Sunday night. Inter’s 3-1 aggregate win was one of the high points of their run to the continental club title but. having enjoyed a late run-out against the Portuguese, Drogba will be relishing the chance to exact revenge.
The stat
6 - The number of consecutive wins that Brazil have strung together, just one short of Argentina’s current run of seven straight victories. The last time they failed to win was in October 2009 when, having already secured qualification, they fielded a weakened side in a qualifier against Bolivia and lost 2-1. Prior to that match, Dunga’s charges had won 11 on the trot.
What they said
Julio Cesar, Brazil goalkeeper:
Côte d’Ivoire are physically very strong but I think the fact they drew their first game will work in our favour. They need to go out and get a result and it will be a totally different game to our opening match against Korea DPR, who just wanted to defend and hit on the counter. I think Côte d’Ivoire will come out and play more.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, Côte d’Ivoire coach:
I have a lot of respect for Brazil. They are one of the best teams in the world without question, but I’m not scared of them. I have some top-class players who bear comparison with any team in the world. Discipline and cohesion will be vital. That’s the way to beat Brazil.
Have your say
Can Brazil book their place in the next round at the expense of the Ivorians?
Italy vs New Zealand
On paper, this should really be a mismatch. Italy, reigning world champions, against a team ranked 74 places below them, beneath the likes of Uganda and Panama, in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. Fortunately, football matches are not decided on paper, and New Zealand go into this match level on points – and goal difference – with the mighty Azzurri. The odds will be slim on them ending the day in such a privileged position, but having already made history, this All Whites side can set about causing a sensation unburdened by pressure.
It took New Zealand over 40 years of trying to win their first FIFA World Cup point. Can they add another just five days later?
The match
Italy-New Zealand, Group F, Nelspruit, Sunday 20 June, 16.00 (local time)
The Italians are notoriously slow starters at major competitions, but even the most dedicated Azzurri fan must have been fretting when their team – already 1-0 down to Paraguay – returned for the second half without Gianluigi Buffon. However, while Buffon’s back injury, which will keep him sidelined against the Kiwis, was undoubtedly a blow, Italy recovered their composure in the second half to claim a deserved 1-1 draw. With an identical result in Group F’s other match leaving the section perfectly poised, nothing less than a win, preferably of the convincing variety, will satisfy an expectant Italian public.
However, Marcello Lippi knows from experience that New Zealand will be no pushovers. Not many teams put three goals past the Italians, but that was just what Ricki Herbert’s All Whites managed when the sides met in a June 2009 friendly here in South Africa. Lippi’s side eventually prevailed 4-3, but were given a real scare by a Kiwi side who go into Sunday’s rematch buoyed by winning their first-ever FIFA World Cup point in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Slovakia.
Players to watch
Chris Killen v Federico Marchetti
New Zealand’s Chris Killen is not one of South Africa 2010′s star strikers; indeed, he is set to find himself without a club when his Middlesbrough contract expires later this month. However, the big Kiwi did cause major problems for Italy the last time these sides met with his strength and aerial ability, and even grabbed a brace of goals. The man charged with stopping Killen repeating that feat is Federico Marchetti. The Cagliari No1 performed assuredly against Paraguay and will be aiming to make it as difficult as possible for Lippi to leave him out once Buffon returns.
The stat
0 – the number of games Italy have won this year, making the holders the only team in South Africa without a win in 2010. Lippi’s side’s last victory came with a 1-0 friendly triumph over Sweden on 18 November 2009, the intervening period bringing three draws and a defeat.
What they said
Giorgio Chiellini, Italy centre-half:
[New Zealand] are very physical. We played them in a friendly last year, they’re very dangerous in the air and from set-pieces. But everyone knows that we should win. We have to give away as little as possible and to keep the ball on the ground rather than playing long balls. I don’t even want to think about the possibility of a draw or something else.
Rory Fallon, New Zealand forward:
[Beating Italy] would just totally change the landscape of the nation. And that’s what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to be the front-runners to show that football is the biggest sport on the planet.
The question
It took New Zealand over 40 years of trying to win their first FIFA World Cup point. Can they add another just five days later?
Slovakia vs Paraguay
Having both played out 1-1 draws in their opening games at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, Group F rivals Slovakia and Paraguay meet for the very first time on Sunday in a game that will have a major bearing on their futures in the competition.
Which of these two sides has the best chance of reaching the last 16?
The match
Slovakia-Paraguay, Group F, Free State Stadium, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Sunday 20 June, 13.30
Both sides overcame some formidable opponents en route to the finals and will not be short of confidence going into this potentially decisive match. Moreover, each will know they would take a major stride towards the Round of 16 with victory here. A fast, technically accomplished Slovakia side came agonisingly close to kicking off their debut campaign with a win, leading New Zealand 1-0 entering injury time only for the Kiwis to grab a dramatic late equaliser. Their ability to put that disappointment behind them will be crucial to their chances of success against La Albirroja. As they showed against reigning world champions Italy in their first fixture, the battle-hardened South Americans will be no pushovers and will be looking to play the game at their own measured pace, bringing their considerable defensive and attacking strengths into play.
Players to watch
Marek Hamsik v Cristian Riveros
Much will hinge on the two playmakers. The 22-year-old Hamsik is coming on fast in the ultra-competitive environment of Serie A and has already proved he can direct operations for his country with aplomb, using his vision to bring his talented team-mates into play. The dynamic Riveros has a similarly crucial function to fulfil for Paraguay, drawing on his seemingly limitless reserves of energy to carry out vital defensive duties and also get forward to support the strikers.
The stat
3 – The number of positions that separate the two sides in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, adding weight to the coaches’ predictions of a tight game. Paraguay lie 31st on 820 points, while Slovakia are 34th on 777 points.
What they say
Marek Cech, Slovakia defender:
We’re a little calmer now. The opening game was a very special moment and that’s maybe why we were a little nervous. But this Sunday will be different. Hopefully we’ll be able to play our best football and celebrate at the end.
Claudio Morel, Paraguay defender:
They’ve got some quick players who are comfortable on the ball and know what they’re doing. We need to be watchful and we need to concentrate right from the kick-off and not give the Slovakia strikers the chance to show their pace.
Have your say
Which of these two sides has the best chance of reaching the last 16?
Cameroon 1-2 Denmark
Veteran winger Dennis Rommedahl inspired Denmark to a thrilling 2-1 victory in Pretoria, claiming one goal and setting up another as Morten Olsen’s side dumped Cameroon out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and, in the process, ensured the Netherlands, Group E leaders, a last-16 spot.
Danish fightback crushes Cameroon
Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen made three changes to the side which had lost to Japan, while the Danes were boosted by the return of skipper Jon Dahl Tomasson. Samuel Eto’o was back in a central role up front, having played wide on the right in the opening game, and that switch looked like paying off as early as the fifth minute when Achille Emana teed him up for a low drive which flashed a yard wide.
Denmark, playing in all white, had been largely anonymous in the opening few minutes, with Eto’o and Stephane Mbia prominent in a lively start by Le Guen’s side. However, moments after the Cameroon captain had showed his intentions, the Danes fired a reminder that they too were desperate for the win as Rommedahl sprang Cameroon’s offside trap and fizzed a shot a yard over.
The west African side were on top, though, in the early stages, no doubt driven on by the deafening chorus of vuvezelas, which only got louder when a lapse in concentration by Christian Poulsen gifted Cameroon a 10th-minute lead. Only days after Daniel Agger’s own goal had put them on the path to defeat against the Dutch, Denmark were handing out presents once again, with the blond defender laying Thomas Sorensen’s clearance right into the path of the grateful Pierre Webo. He clipped a tidy cross into Eto’o and the Inter Milan striker slid the ball home with ease.
Yet Denmark refused to be shaken in the way they had been against the Netherlands and slowly clawed their way back into the game. Twice Jesper Gronkjaer went close within the space of 60 seconds – first rifling in a shot which was deflected out by Nicolas Nkoulou, then trying his luck with a diving header from the resulting corner. The Danes still had to be alert at the other end of the pitch and Cameroon might have restored their lead but for some less-than-impressive finishing from Emana.
With their inspirational captain Tomasson back on board, and Bendtner clearly benefitting from a few extra days’ training, the Danes grew in confidence and their pressure paid off after 33 minutes when Rommedahl set off down the right before firing an inviting ball across the face of goal which Bendtner prodded home with his right foot. The match swung from end to end as the first half reached a a thrilling climax. Rommedahl and Tomasson both tested the Cameroon rearguard, while Eto’o saw his shot clatter the post. Emana then almost finished off a dangerous burst forward, but Sorensen was equal to his chip.
More goals seemed inevitable and Webo, a constant threat, twice went close to edging his side in front as the hour mark approached. He failed to profit, however, and was left to rue his missed opportunities when, just seconds later, the Danes raced down the other end of the pitch and took a crucial lead through Rommedahl, who curled an exquisite left-foot shot past the despairing dive of Hamidou Souleymanou.
There was no let-up from either side as the clock ticked on. Cameroon substitute Mohamadou Idrissou missed a hat-trick of gilt-edged chances, Tomasson’s tame effort was easily claimed by Souleymanou, and Emana’s right-foot effort was athletically palmed away by Sorensen. Vincent Aboubakar also went close in a frantic finish but the Danes held out for a memorable win in the face of waves of late Cameroon pressure. The Indomitable Lions are out but Denmark march on to a win-or-bust encounter with Japan in Rustenburg on Thursday.
Ghana 1-1 Australia
Ghana were held to a 1-1 draw by ten-man Australia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, but moved to the top of Group D with four points from two matches. The west Africans could not take advantage of the first-half dismissal of Harry Kewell to claim maximum points, but managed to lift themselves above Serbia and Germany in the section.
Ten-man Australia hold Ghana
Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac was forced to reshuffle his rearguard due to an injury to Isaac Vorsah, with Jonathan Mensah, who had sufficiently recovered from injury, forming a centre-back partnership with Lee Addy. For his part, Australia coach Pim Verbeek made no fewer than four changes to the side that had been overrun 4-0 by Germany. Harry Kewell started in place of the suspended Tim Cahill up front, with left-back David Carney brought in for Scott Chipperfield. In midfield, Richard Garcia and the injured Vince Grella were replaced by Mark Bresciano and Brett Holman respectively.
After some nervy opening exchanges in front of the watching Germany coach Joachim Low, the Socceroos got the first chance of note on 11 minutes and they duly converted it. Mark Bresciano’s powerful free-kick from 30 yards was only parried by Richard Kingson, with the ball falling kindly for the onrushing Brett Holman, who gleefully fired in the first goal of the tournament for the Aussies.
Ghana struggled for fluency early on and they had to wait a further ten minutes for their first serious attempt on goal, with Andre Ayew’s shot from the edge of the area stopped only by a crucial Lucas Neil interception. However, the Black Stars soon restored parity in a moment that proved a hammer blow to Australia’s hopes. Asamoah Gyan equalised from the spot after Kewell was adjudged to have stopped Mensah’s shot with his right arm – the Socceroos No10 earning a red card on his long-awaited return after injury. Prince Tagoe then had a chance to put his side into a lead minutes later, but he drilled the ball well wide of the left post.
Ghana surged forward in search of their second goal with half-time approaching, and Kevin-Prince Boateng’s shot from the right side of the area only narrowly failed to find the mark, Mark Schwarzer making a fingertip save. The Black Stars began the second half where they left off in the first, with Kwadwo Asamoah and Gyan trying their luck from distance.
Fleet-footed forward Quincy Owusu-Abeyie was brought on for Tagoe just before the hour, but the Ghanaians could not find a breakthrough against a resilient Australia defence. For their part, Australia called on Joshua Kennedy in an attempt to take control in the air and they had chances to win the match. Substitute Chipperfield headed over from a Luke Wilkshire cross and Wilkshire himself spurned a glorious opportunity after 72 minutes, shooting straight at Kingson. The Wigan Athletic goalkeeper then did well to stop a volley from Kennedy.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Australia kept on attacking and Verbeek also sent on striker Nikita Rukavytsya for Wilkshire. At the opposite end, though, the Black Stars might have scored a late winner but Mensah’s header went just wide of the right post and Owusu-Abeyie’s curling shot was tipped over by Schwarzer.
Netherlands 1-0 Japan
The Oranje carnival rolled noisily into Durban on 19 June, but Bert van Marwijk’s Netherlands team were forced to endure a tricky test against a disciplined Japanese outfit, the only goal of the game coming from Wesley Sneijder shortly after the break. Despite not having things their own way at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Dutch – still without injured winger Arjen Robben – will nevertheless be thrilled with their six points from two games and a spot at the top of Group E.
Sneijder sees Dutch past Japan
The first half was a cagey affair, hardly matching the raucous energy and vibrant carnival up in the stands on a sun-soaked day. Japan, with ten men behind the ball for the vast majority of the opening 45 minutes, invited the Dutch to boss the possession and push forward. Yet there were precious few real chances as the Netherlands struggled to find holes in the packed opposition rearguard. Wesley Sneijder’s free-kick in the ninth minute soared harmlessly over Eiji Kawashima’s crossbar and seconds later Dirk Kuyt tried an audacious bicycle kick from close in, well blocked by a defender.
With Takeshi Okada’s men looking to threaten on the break, the Dutch appeared reluctant to commit themselves fully forward. The result was an opening stanza that produced only two shots on goal, the first from Daisuke Matsui seven minutes before the break, as the Blue Samurai began to sharpen their blades late in the half. Rafael van der Vaart added the other in stoppage time, but it hardly had Kawashima worried. The second half began with a greater sense of purpose. With only seconds gone Robin van Persie’s snapped header had Kawashima scrambling to smother and the Arsenal forward then raced into the box to volley towards goal from a long ball up from Mark van Bommel. Unfortunately, he could only steer the ball wide of the mark.
Dutch pressure was beginning to mount, and the roar the crowd were waiting to unleash came in the 53rd minute, Sneijder – the Inter Milan danger-man – supplying the bullet. After Marcus Tulio Tanaka failed to deal with a cross from the left, Van Persie laid the ball off on the edge of the box and Sneijder, always looking the likely goal-getter, slammed in a shot that Kawashima, diving to his right, got a hand to but could only help on its way into the net.
Okada’s men were forced to come out of their shell after the setback, pushing forward into attack and putting pressure on a Dutch defence that had hardly had a thing to do up to that point. Japan’s coach shuffled his pack just after the hour, bringing former Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura into the fray while Van Marwijk sent on Eljero Elia ten minutes later. A further two attacking substitutes came on for Japan – strikers Keiji Tamada and Shinji Ozakazi – with a quarter-hour to go, and the latter nearly drew his team level on the stroke of full time, only to fire over the bar from close range to a groan from the blue section of the crowd.
The Netherlands, with maximum points from their first two games, next play Cameroon on 24 June in Cape Town, while Japan will look to recover from this reverse when they finish their Group E programme in Rustenburg on the same day against Denmark.
Cameroon vs Denmark
Neither Cameroon nor Denmark can claim to have started their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ campaign the way they would have dreamt, with both pointless after opening game defeats by Japan and the Netherlands respectively. Consequently, this game assumes huge importance for two sides who realistically need a win if they are to keep their hopes of making the last 16 alive.
Denmark have an unbeaten record against African opposition in the FIFA World Cup, having drawn with Senegal and South Africa, and beaten Nigeria. Will they extend that record against Cameroon?
The match
Cameroon-Denmark, Group E, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Tshwane/Pretoria, 20.30 (local time)
Defeat by the Netherlands on Monday means that Denmark have now lost their last three games and, perhaps more worryingly, have failed to score in any of those defeats. Injuries have undoubtedly played their part, punctuating the Danes’ build-up to this tournament, with star striker Niklas Bendtner and Jon Dahl Tomasson high-profile victims of the curse. With Tomasson and Daniel Jensen sidelined, Bendtner – still not 100 per cent fit after a lengthy battle with a groin problem – was called upon to lead the line against the Dutch. Truth is, Morten Olsen’s side could have no real complaints about the end result, as they failed to get going after the setback of a freak own goal from Daniel Agger just a minute after the break.
Cameroon, too, will be looking to cancel out an opening game defeat with a less nervy performance than that which saw them beaten 1-0 by Japan – a display that sparked much criticism in the nation’s media. The 4-3-3 formation employed by coach Paul Le Guen in Bloemfontein was adventurous, but his side struggled to fashion any real opportunities or break down the Blue Samaurai’s resolute defence. Stephane Mbia did clatter the bar in the closing stages but it was a tough afternoon all round for Cameroon and their star man Samuel Eto’o, with Le Guen bemoaning the fact his side were below their best.
Players to watch
Samuel Eto’o v Daniel Agger
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger’s tournament did not begin in the way he would have hoped – credited with the own goal that put the Netherlands on the road to victory at Soccer City on Monday. However, the fact that the Anfield club was prepared to break their transfer record for a defender when signing him in 2006 shows he is a player of great quality. He will certainly have to be on his game if he is to keep Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o at bay. The Inter Milan striker had a quiet first half in the opening game against Japan – tightly marked at every turn – but he showed glimpses of brilliance after the break when he escaped the attentions of three blue shirts before teeing up his team-mate, Eric Choupo Moting, for a shot which flashed wide. Just one shot on target is not the statistic Eto’o would have hoped for, while Agger will be happy if he can restrict him to the same on Saturday.
The stat
8 – Denmark are currently on a run of eight matches without a red card in the FIFA World Cup™.
What they say
Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon captain:
We had a lot of chances in the second half but not so many in the first but we dominated. Now we have to work. We can’t make any more errors and now we have to win against Denmark.
Thomas Sorensen, Denmark goalkeeper:
Sure, we had a couple of unlucky bounces for the Dutch goals, but instead of complaining about that we should be looking at what we did wrong. For the first goal, the header is a mistake, plain and simple, and on the second we would need to look at how the player [Eljero Elia] has got in behind on the inside of our full-back. It’s more important for us to fix mistakes like that than ask for better luck against Cameroon.
The question
Denmark have an unbeaten record against African opposition in the FIFA World Cup, having drawn with Senegal and South Africa, and beaten Nigeria. Will they extend that record against Cameroon?
Ghana vs Australia
Saturday brings a pivotal Group D clash between two teams enduring vastly different fortunes as Ghana face Australia in Rustenburg. Following an impressive 1-0 win against Serbia, the Black Stars are aiming to become just the second African nation after Nigeria to qualify for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup™ a second time. Australia conversely need to recover physically and mentally after the well-documented masterclass they received in a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Germany in their group opener. The match will be a test of youth against experience with the youngest squad at South Africa 2010, Ghana, facing the second-oldest in the Socceroos.
The question Can Australia regroup and defeat Ghana following their opening-match mauling by Germany?
The match
Ghana-Australia, Group D, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Saturday 19 June, 16.00 (local time)
The two sides have met on six previous occasions with Australia winning four and Ghana one. The two most recent meetings were tight affairs with Australia prevailing 1-0 at home two years ago, following a 1-1 draw in London in 2006. Despite Australia’s porous defence against Germany, another tight contest can be expected with Pim Verbeek’s side renowned for their frugality, having conceded just one goal in their final eight qualifying matches. Similarly Ghana have generally been defensively solid in 2010, notably maintaining a good record during their impressive run to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final in January, when they kept three clean sheets in five.
Australia enter the match without their talismanic goalscoring midfielder Tim Cahill due to suspension, and it will be a loss sorely felt by the Socceroos who have only tallied seven goals in six matches this year with a different goalscorer on each occasion. It is a similar story for Ghana who have not scored more than once in their last 10 matches dating back to their final 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier last November. Australia will also be without one of their stars of Germany 2006, defensive midfielder Vince Grella, and Verbeek will likely ring the changes after their heavy defeat with much interest focused on the fitness of Harry Kewell who sat out the first match having missed the last six months due to injury. Ghana’s strong performance in the middle of the park against Serbia suggested that influential midfielder Michael Essien will not be as sorely missed as expected, with youngster Andre Ayew shining in place of the benched Inter Milan star Sulley Muntari.
Players to watch
Asamoah Gyan v Lucas Neill
Enigmatic striker Asamoah Gyan will be looking to maintain his impressive FIFA World Cup scoring form after grabbing the winner against Serbia, four years after he etched his name into the history books as scorer of the nation’s first goal at Germany 2006. The Rennes man will come up against Australia skipper Lucas Neill who has marshalled a miserly defence over the last few years, only to see all that good work undone against Germany.
The stat
100 – Ghana will have the honour of becoming the African nation to represent the continent for the 100th time at a FIFA World Cup.
What they said
Stephen Appiah, Ghana midfielder:
At this level of football, it is very dangerous to get complacent and we are aware of that. It will be a different game against us because they want to come back from their defeat. We know they will be dangerous but we are focused and determined.
Scott Chipperfield, Australia defender:
When you have bad days then it depends on how you bounce back to determine how good we are. I know we’re a good team, we did well to qualify and hopefully we can bounce back.
The question
Can Australia regroup and defeat Ghana following their opening-match mauling by Germany?
Netherlands vs Japan
Saturday brings a top-of-the-table clash in Group E as leaders Netherlands lock horns with a Japan side just one goal behind in second place. On the back of their spirited 1-0 win over Cameroon in their opening match, the Blue Samurai enter their second outing aiming to surprise their highly-rated rivals.
Can Japan become the first Asian team to beat the Netherlands?
The match
Netherlands-Japan, Group E, Durban Stadium, Saturday 19 June, 13.30 (local time)
These two sides are meeting for the second time in just 10 months, having squared off in a friendly last September, when the Netherlands recorded a 3-0 victory. The Oranje appear to have an Indian sign over Asian sides, having won seven and drawn one of their eight match-ups against teams from the world’s most populous continent. Takeshi Okada’s charges will be hopeful of denting this record, but there is no doubt that Bert van Marwijk’s team will start as strong favourites.
Both sides made light work of qualifying, with Netherlands the first team to join hosts South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, and Japan booking their fourth consecutive appearance with two games to spare. The Dutch continued this rampant form in the build-up, rounding off their preparations with four wins, including a 6-1 mauling of Hungary. Japan, on the other hand, arrived in the Rainbow Nation on the back of three friendly losses.
With star winger Arjen Robben ruled out of the first game due to injury, Van Marwijk’s side still managed a comfortable 2-0 success against Denmark. Okada also left out one of his stars, Shunsuke Nakamura, and pushed Keisuke Honda up front, a decision that was fully vindicated by a hard-fought opening win.
Players to watch
Wesley Sneijder v Keisuke Honda
After inspiring his side to victory over the Danes, Sneijder has further underlined his status as the conductor of the Oranje orchestra. The Inter Milan midfielder also played a pivotal role in their 3-0 friendly win over the Japanese, and his vision and precise passing will continue to cause headaches for the Asians. Honda, meanwhile, is thriving in his new attacking role and grabbed his team’s all-important goal against Cameroon. Having spent two full seasons with VVV-Venlo, he will hope to utilise his knowledge of Dutch football to good effect against Japan’s highly-fancied opponents.
The stat
10 – Netherlands have run riot in their previous three meetings with Asian sides, scoring a total of 10 goals, with the highlight a 5-0 dismantling of Korea Republic at France 1998.
What they said
Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands midfielder:
The Japan game won’t be easy as they play a good style of football, running a lot and combining well. In our last meeting they put us under pressure for an hour but eventually we won. The second match is crucial for both sides and we will go all out to win.
Daisuke Matsui, Japan midfielder:
The Netherlands test is important for us if we are to get through the group phase. We lost our last meeting with them, so we are motivated to win this time around. It remains to be seen whether we can get a good result but we won’t give up without a fight.
The question
Can Japan become the first Asian team to beat the Netherlands?
England 0-0 Algeria
Algeria held England to a goalless draw in the Group C encounter in Cape Town, leaving both sides still with a chance of qualification for the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup™. Although most of the play was dominated by England, it was the north Africans, 22 places below Fabio Capello’s men in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, who were the happier of the two teams at the final whistle.
Algeria frustrate toothless England
All the talk pre-match surrounded Capello’s starting XI, with the Italian selecting David James in favour of Robert Green, the keeper culpable for Clint Dempsey’s equaliser against USA. Out too went James Milner for the fit-again Gareth Barry, while Jamie Carragher deputised for the injured Ledley King. The early signs were encouraging for England who began pressing from the first whistle. Their passing certainly looked crisper than during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Rustenburg and they created several good chances during a first half, that while ending goalless, had plenty of entertainment value.
England captain Steven Gerrard had the game’s first real opportunity when he almost caught Rais Mbolhi out with a dipping shot. Then Emile Heskey rose highest from Barry’s inswinging corner from the right, but failed to direct his header on target. The patient build-up, all too infrequent in the Three Lions’ last performance, was proving beneficial. Yet it was by no means one-way traffic. Algeria fired their first warning shot when Karim Ziani’s cross found Hassan Yebda, whose back-header landed comfortably into the grasp of James. Karim Matmour and Ziani also had attempts on goal during a point midway through the opening 45 minutes as the Desert Foxes enjoyed a territorial advantage.
England came to life again thanks to the prompting of Wayne Rooney, who dropped deeper to increase his influence. A move begun by the Manchester United man saw Aaron Lennon find Frank Lampard who forced Mbolhi into a scrambling one-handed save from 12 yards. Barry and Rooney both tested the keeper on the stroke of half time, but Algeria had more than earned parity at the break.
Only some sublime defending from Madjid Bougherra denied Gerrard a clear scoring opportunity after the interval, when Rooney’s intelligent flick-on seemed destined to set up the Liverpool midfielder. As time ticked on, though, England’s frustrations at those missed opportunities grew, never more so than when Gerrard himself passed the ball straight at an Algeria defender, with Rooney and Lampard lurking in the box.
That said, it took a last-gasp intervention from Rafik Halliche to prevent England from taking the lead. Gerrard fed Heskey in the box and with the striker’s shot apparently destined to hit the target or at least present Rooney with the simplest of tap-ins, the defender’s outstretched leg deflected the ball over the bar. From the resulting corner, taken by Lampard, Gerrard’s bullet header was claimed at the first attempt by Mbolhi. England were knocking at the door, but just not finding an answer. Either that, or they were finding the door firmly closed in their face by Bougherra, who was simply outstanding at the heart of the defence.
But the England fans, who made up the majority of the crowd at the Green Point stadium cared little of the merits of the opposition and showed their frustration by booing a wayward Lampard effort and again when the full-time whistle went. Capello, on the occasion of his 64th birthday, left the arena with his head bowed, as did the majority of the England players. It all comes down to the final group matches with England playing current section leaders Slovenia in Port Elizabeth and USA facing Algeria in Pretoria.
Slovenia 2-2 United States of America
USA fought back from two goals down to earn a battling 2-2 draw with Slovenia and keep their FIFA World Cup™ hopes alive in an exciting Group C clash at Ellis Park.
Bradley completes US fightback
Matjaz Kek’s men looked on course for a second straight win in the section when they took a 2-0 lead into the break through Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic but the Americans hit back as Landon Donovan narrowed the deficit before Michael Bradley equalised eight minutes from time. The result left Slovenia top of Group C with four points ahead of England’s meeting with Algeria later in the day, and ensured the Americans remain undefeated with two draws ahead of their third game against the Algerians.
An exciting contest opened with Birsa blasting Slovenia into an early lead. There were just 13 minutes on the clock when the midfielder collected the ball some 25 yards from goal and left Tim Howard rooted to the spot with an expertly-guided strike to the goalkeeper’s left. Bradley’s men sought a response and came close when midfielder Francisco Torres fired in an inswinging free-kick from out wide that drew a fingertip save from Samir Handanovic. Donovan then looked set to tap in Clint Dempsey’s low cross only for defender Miso Brecko to get a decisive touch to clear the ball.
Slovenia looked to be in dreamland in the 42nd minute when Ljubijankic doubled their lead. Milivoje Novakovic played a defence-splitting pass through to Ljubijankic who, with the Americans appealing in vain for offside, slipped the ball coolly past Howard. Yet Donovan threw the Americans a lifeline three minutes after the restart when Bostjan Cesar failed to deal with a ball down the right touchline, allowing the LA Galaxy man a free run into the box. Cutting in from the right, Donovan lashed a superb shot high above Handanovic at the near post.
With the Slovenia defence struggling to cope with the power and aerial strength of the imposing Jozy Altidore, Bradley’s men kept the pressure on and the coach’s son grabbed the US the point their efforts deserved – a father-and-son first in the FIFA World Cup. Altidore nodded a high ball down into the path of the onrushing Borussia Moenchengladbach midfielder and he fired emphatically into the roof of the net. The Americans might even have won the game only for referee Koman Coulibaly to rule out a goal from Maurice Edu, who volleyed home Donovan’s free-kick from the right. There was still time for Novakovic to threaten with a header at the other end but his effort was held comfortably by Howard.
Germany 0-1 Serbia
A 38th-minute Milan Jovanovic goal proved enough for Serbia to edge a Germany side that played the entire second half at a numerical disadvantage and missed a penalty. Joachim Low’s charges had the majority of the possession and chances at Port Elizabeth Stadium, but Miroslav Klose’s dismissal and Lukas Podolski’s failure to beat Vladimir Stojkovic from 12 yards proved costly for a Germany team beaten in a FIFA World Cup™ group game for the first time since 1986.
Jovanovic sinks 10-man Germany
The result means that Germany, who remain top of Group D on goal difference, Ghana and Serbia all now have three points, while Australia are yet to get off the mark. The Black Stars and the Socceroos will play their second game in Rustenburg tomorrow.
Germany quickly found their rhythm following kick-off, but it was Serbia who had the first meaningful attempt on goal, Zdravko Kuzmanovic executing a firm, low drive from the edge of the box that went two yards wide. The Germans responded instantly, stringing a series of passes together before Mesut Oezil dinked the ball through to Sami Khedira, who was promisingly positioned inside the area but unable to keep his volley down. Podolski was next to try his luck, reacting first to Nemanja Vidic’s clearance and sending a thumping volley narrowly wide.
Serbia then enjoyed a fruitful five-minute spell. Krasic neatly set up Milos Ninkovic, who volleyed over from inside the area. Then Ninkovic skipped around Arne Friedrich and was felled as he approached the Germany penalty area but Radomir Antic’s side wasted the consequent free-kick. The Serbia defence was standing firm against the three-time world champions – Neven Subotic made one crucial challenge on Khedira, while a Vidic interception denied Klose a run on goal.
Klose did have the ball in the net on the half-hour but had strayed marginally offside. The Germany forward’s afternoon reached an early end eight minutes before half-time, however, when following an earlier booking, he received a second yellow card for bringing down Dejan Stankovic from behind, and was sent off. Serbia capitalised immediately. Krasic outstripped his marker down the right, got to the byline, and crossed to the back post, where Zigic was hovering. The towering striker nodded the ball back across goal and into the path of Jovanovic, who took it on his chest and fired acrobatically past Manuel Neuer from five yards.
Germany, a man and a goal down, came agonisingly close to restoring parity on the stroke of half-time. From an Oezil corner, Stojkovic could only punch the ball into the path of Khedira, who thumped it against the crossbar from 12 yards. From the rebound, Thomas Mueller produced an overhead kick but Kolarov was intelligently positioned on the line and managed to hook the ball to safety.
Germany raced out of the blocks following the restart. Bastian Schweinsteiger almost went through on goal, but Vidic made a sliding challenge to avert the danger. Oezil then slid Podolski in only for the Cologne ace to find the side-netting from eight yards. Poldi had a far better opportunity to equalise on the hour mark. Vidic unnecessarily handled Arne Friedrich’s cross and referee Alberto Undiano pointed to the spot, handing the Manchester United centre-back a yellow card. Podolski aimed for the bottom corner but Stojkovic flung himself down to his left and pulled off a great save.
The game flowed from end to end in the remaining 30 minutes. The inventive Krasic worked an opening for himself and forced Neuer into a good save, while the same player also crossed for Zigic, whose header struck the crossbar. Germany’s best opportunities continued to fall to Podolski. Oezil and Mueller combined to free him down the left of the penalty area but he scuffed his shot. He tried again with four minutes remaining but failed to get a good connection on his ten-yard effort. It was not his – or Germany’s – afternoon. Serbia, who pipped France to first place in their qualifying group, had once again served notice of their ability to hang with the heavyweights.
England vs Algeria
The tussle for the top two spots in 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Group C will intensify when England take to the field against Algeria on Friday. For Fabio Capello’s men, the mission will be to put their underwhelming draw against USA behind them, while their opponents need to bounce back from their loss to Slovenia knowing that a second successive setback would spell the end of their qualification hopes.
Algeria's only FIFA World Cup strike against a side from the United Kingdom came against Northern Ireland at Mexico 1986. Will the Desert Foxes be able to get their first goal of the tournament and become only the second African team to register against England?
The match
England-Algeria, Group C, Cape Town, Friday 18 June, 20.30 (local time)
The Three Lions let two precious points slip between their fingers when they kicked off their bid against the United States. Overall, they looked short of ideas going forward, but that could all change with the return of Gareth Barry from an ankle injury, the midfielder’s presence allowing Steven Gerrard to get further forward after spending most of England’s opener chasing the ball. Despite Barry’s return, the spectre of fitness worries nonetheless continues to hang over the squad, with centre-back Ledley King a doubt for the rest of the tournament after suffering a serious groin complaint against the Stars and Stripes.
At the other end of the pitch, Algeria will be anxious to give a more convincing account of themselves than they managed against Slovenia, although they will have to cope without forward Abdelkader Ghezzal after he saw red in that game. Coach Rabah Saadane could turn to Rafik Saifi to fill the void, with the striker seemingly fit again following the ankle injury he picked up during his late substitute cameo last time out. Above all, Les Fennecs will hope for a sterling showing from their defensive quartet of Madjid Bougherra, Anther Yahia, Rafik Halliche and Nadir Belhadj, who all boast experience in Europe. Belhadj will be particularly familiar with the England line-up, having spent the last two seasons with Portsmouth.
Players to watch
Steven Gerrard v Karim Ziani
The battle for midfield mastery ought to be an enthralling contest, with England captain Gerrard coming up against Algeria’s beating heart in Ziani. The former will look to demonstrate his quality as he did when he opened the scoring early on against the United States, while Ziani will be focused on helping his team-mates spring a surprise and claw their way back into the qualification equation. The Wolfsburg man already boasts the upper hand over his Liverpool counterpart in terms of completed passes, having picked out a colleague 70 per cent of the time compared to Gerrard’s 59 per cent success rate.
The stat
2 – The number of goals England have conceded in five matches against African teams at the FIFA World Cup. Cameroon fired both those efforts in a memorable quarter-final at Italy 1990, making them the only side from Africa to have found the net against the Three Lions on the global stage. Cameroon nonetheless lost that encounter, with England’s record from the five matches reading three wins and two draws.
What they said
Wayne Rooney, England striker:
We have a lot of players who can score goals, but for us to get a better result I’ll need to play better than I did last time and score. I don’t feel any pressure because the team are playing well.
Anther Yahia, Algeria defender and captain:
We have several talented players who can make things happen. We’re going to pose the England team plenty of problems and we’ll be more ambitious than we were against Slovenia. It’s a role that suits us well.
The questionAlgeria’s only FIFA World Cup strike against a side from the United Kingdom came against Northern Ireland at Mexico 1986. Will the Desert Foxes be able to get their first goal of the tournament and become only the second African team to register against England?
Slovenia vs United States of America
Victory will dominate the thoughts of both Slovenia and USA on Friday as they meet for the first time, with the former assured a Round of 16 spot if they prevail and the latter capable of taking their own big step in the same direction. A draw would ratchet up the suspense in Group C ahead of the last round of games, but both sides will feel equipped to emerge triumphant, Slovenia having beaten Algeria 1-0 to clinch their first ever FIFA World Cup™ success and the Stars and Stripes high on confidence following their 1-1 stalemate with England.
Will the United States be able to replicate their high-quality display against England? Will Slovenia prove more effective going forward than against Algeria?
The match
Slovenia-USA, Group C, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), Friday 18 June, 16.00 (local time)
“From now on, we know that we’re capable of putting pressure on our opponents,” said Robert Koren after the Algeria win, revealing the humility and ambition at the heart of the Slovenia squad. His country’s captain, the West Bromwich Albion midfielder struck the winning goal against Les Fennecs and now has his sights set firmly on reaching the knockout phase. “There are still two matches to go, though, and lots of points to be taken if we want to get out of the group stage.”
The European side clearly feel they have the tools to trouble their opponents, but belief is also high in the US camp. “When you see everyone in the dressing room disappointed after our match against England, that says a lot about our performance,” said Landon Donovan in the wake of their opening encounter. England goalkeeper Robert Green may have given the CONCACAF side a helping hand, but Bob Bradley’s troops were generally impressive against Fabio Capello’s group favourites.
Up front, Jozy Altindore and Clint Dempsey – rich from their Premier League experiences – were both lively figures, combining speed, mobility and technique. Meanwhile, alongside courageous captain Carlos Bocanegra at the back, central defenders Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu contributed rigour, power and good positioning. This US team are a far cry from that which took just a single point at Germany 2006.
Players to watch
Marko Suler v Clint Dempsey
Having found the net against England, Fulham forward Dempsey will be eager to impress again but will need to escape the attentions of Gent stopper Marko Suler. An imposing figure noted for his intelligent positioning and tidy distribution, the former Gorica favourite put up imperious resistance to keep Algeria at bay and has been integral to coach Matjaz Kek’s plans for the last two years now. Dempsey will head into the match bubbling with confidence and in searing form, however, despite a long club season with UEFA Europa League finalists Fulham.
The stat
6 – The number of points Slovenia would boast if they come out on top on Friday, enough to secure their progress after merely two outings. That would represent an exceptional achievement for a country with just two million inhabitants, particularly since they departed Korea/Japan 2002 without a single point on the board.
What they said
Landon Donovan, United States forward:
I often hear people say we should qualify for the next round and that we were drawn in an easy group, but we know that nothing is guaranteed. We can’t afford to take Slovenia lightly. In the next few days, we’ll need to look back at everything that didn’t work [against England].
Robert Koren, Slovenia midfielder:
They put in a great team performance against England. We’ve studied their strengths and weaknesses with our coach. We often have trouble finding our bearings before we play a tight game, but we now know what we’re capable of in a big competition.
The question
Will the United States be able to replicate their high-quality display against England? Will Slovenia prove more effective going forward than against Algeria?
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