Germany vs Serbia
The bus championing Germany for gold as they kicked off their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ campaign was largely unpopulated. However just 90 minutes later the bandwagon was well and truly bustling, the consequence of a 4-0 rout of Australia. Serbia, by contrast, have gone from dark horses to reach the latter stages of the tournament, to outsiders for a place in the knockout stage, the result of a 1-0 defeat by Ghana.
Will Germany produce another emphatic display? Will Serbia manage a huge upset?
Joachim Low and Radomir Antic will now send their charges out for a second time, with the Germans out to all but guarantee a place in the Round of 16 and Serbia simply needing something from the game to retain realistic hope of progression.
The match
Germany-Serbia, Nelson Mandela Day Stadium, Friday 18 June, 13.30 (local time)
Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose ran riot first time out, and will now strive to put Serbia to the sword and enhance the emerging view that Germany are international football’s new entertainers. The Beli Orlovi lacked invention against Ghana, and will be hoping wingers Milos Krasic and Milan Jovanovic find their rhythm.
If Serbia lose and Ghana take something from their meeting with Australia, Antic’s team will take no hope of advancing into their final Group D game. Marko Pantelic, who spent four successful seasons in the Bundesliga before joining Ajax last year, and his towering strike partner Nikola Zigic will do their best to unravel a resolute German defence, while their defensive team-mates attempt to negate an attack which humiliated a team that conceded just one goal in eight games in the final round of Asian Zone qualifying.
Players to watch
Miroslav Klose v Nemanja Vidic
The Germany No11 served notice of his return to form with a goal against Australia. He now needs just four to equal Brazilian Ronaldo as the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading marksman – a target he is intent on realising in South Africa. Vidic, one of the world’s finest centre-backs, will be out to nullify Klose in a battle of two players renowned for their aerial ability.
The stat
4 – The number of Serbia squad members who play their football in Germany: Antonio Rukavina (1860 Munich), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin) and Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Stuttgart).
What they say
Thomas Muller, Germany forward:
We are not the fantastic team which everyone makes us out to be, but we have every reason to look forward to the Serbia game with quiet confidence. It will be a different type of game as they desperately need a win. We won’t win every game 4-0, but we have nothing to fear.
Milan Jovanovic, Serbia winger:
Germany were very impressive against Australia. They have made the biggest impact at the World Cup so far. They are like a machine, they have seven players going forward. If we want to upset them, we will have to show no fear and play the best we can, because we face a better team.
The questions
Will Germany produce another emphatic display? Will Serbia manage a huge upset?
France 0-2 Mexico
France, FIFA World Cup™ finalists in 2006, are on the verge of crashing out of the 2010 event after losing 2-0 to Mexico in Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium. Substitutes Javier Hernandez and Cuauhtemoc Blanco grabbed the goals as El Tri moved to within touching distance of the last 16 with a deserved win over Raymond Domenech’s lacklustre side.
Mexico subs shoot down France
This was a generally well-matched encounter, with little to choose between two talented but inconsistent sides. Mexico, however, just about shaded it, and certainly succeeded in creating the better of the chances throughout. The French defence looked vulnerable faced with the pace and movement of Mexico’s youthful attack, and Les Bleus should really have conceded a goal inside eight minutes. All it took was a simple lofted ball over the top from Rafael Marquez to leave them exposed but Carlos Vela, having raced clean through, ballooned his left-foot shot high over the crossbar.
Mexico were showing plenty of ambition, and their willingness to commit men forward was exemplified in left-back Carlos Salcido, who twice went close midway through the half. First, with 18 minutes played, he charged forward from his defensive berth and rifled a low drive just wide of the far post. Then, nine minutes later, Salcido again burst forward, jinked inside Bacary Sagna and, with William Gallas backing off, poked in a right-foot shot that Hugo Lloris could only parry clear.
France were more cautious in their approach, although the largely-subdued Franck Ribery did provide one worthwhile effort with a powerful right-foot shot that flashed across goal. Mexico remained the more threatening, and even the loss of Vela to injury did not disrupt their rhythm, with the Arsenal striker’s replacement, Pablo Berrera, heading just wide within a couple of minutes of entering the fray.
The French would have felt fortunate to return to the dressing rooms with the scores level, but they emerged with renewed determination and forced a decent early save from Oscar Perez when Florent Malouda was given time and space to crack in a powerful right-foot shot. With Mexico struggling to replicate their first-half form, Javier Aguirre rang the changes, and it was one of his substitutes, Hernandez, who provided the all-important breakthrough.
Marquez again split the French defence with a simple through-ball, and Hernandez, having sprung the offside trap, coolly sidestepped Lloris before sidefooting into the open net. A resolute French response seemed inevitable, yet it never materialised. Instead, Mexico made sure of all three points when Blanco slotted a textbook penalty to the right of Lloris after Barrera’s thrilling run was halted by Eric Abidal’s sliding challenge. El Tri now march on to their final fixture against Uruguay knowing that a point will be enough to see them through to the last 16, while France face the hosts knowing that only an unlikely set of results will salvage their South Africa 2010 dreams.
Greece 2-1 Nigeria
Greece edged ten-man Nigeria 2-1 in a pulsating contest in Mangaung/Bloemfontein to revive their chances of reaching the Round of 16.
Greece edge ten-man Nigeria
It all looked like being so different for the Super Eagles, who opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Kalu Uche, but a straight red card for Sani Kaita just after the half-hour swung the balance in the favour of the Europeans, who duly secured their first-ever victory in a FIFA World Cup™ match thanks to goals from Dimitrios Salpingidis and Vasileios Torosidis. The result left Greece third in Group B, level on points with second-placed Korea Republic. Nigeria remain pointless and will now have to beat the South Koreans in their final first-phase outing to have any chance of advancing.
Uche’s goal was the first in the tournament to come direct from a free-kick, though his 35-yard effort from the left flank was intended centre. Greece goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas was distracted by the run of Peter Odemwingie, though, and let the ball go past him untouched. The game changed in the 33rd minute, though, with Kaita’s sending-off for kicking out at Torosidis after the ball had run out on the sideline. Sensing the opportunity, Greece coach Otto Rehhagel brought on Georgios Samaras to increase their attacking options. The Europeans duly began to dominate the proceedings and split open the Nigeria defence soon after, but goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who impressed in their 1-0 loss to Argentina, denied an unmarked Salpingidis from ten yards.
Six minutes later, Enyeama was beaten, but midfielder Lukman Haruna saved Samaras’s flicked, close-range shot from crossing the line. However, Haruna was not so fortunate in the 44th minute as Konstantinos Katsouranis laid the ball off to Salpingidis, whose blast from 20 yards deflected off the young Monaco midfielder and into the back of the net.
The second half began where the first left off, and Georgios Karagounis found himself with a free header near the penalty spot, but the captain could not keep his attempt down. The two goalkeepers took turns playing hero then, with Tzorvas tipping over Uche’s delicate cross from the left side of the box when it seemed like it might sneak under his bar. Enyeama spared Joseph Yobo’s blushes after a poor clearance, with a diving save from Theofanis Gekas’s header in the 59th minute.
From that chance, the west Africans broke back the other way immediately, and Yakubu Ayegbeni saw his shot denied spectacularly by the outstretched left hand of the Greece keeper. Half-time substitute Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi missed the rebound with the goal at his mercy. Enyeama again showed all of his ability in denying Samaras’s header from a short corner after a stretched dive to his left, but the Hapoel Tel-Aviv man would have to take the blame for the Greek winner after he spilled Alexandros Tziolis’s long-range shot into the path of Torosidis, who buried the chance in the 71st minute.
The game, however, remained wide open and Enyeama, who has arguably been the goalkeeper of the tournament thus far and was named Budweiser Man of the Match today, made another top-drawer save from Karagounis six minutes after his mistake. For Nigeria, this was their seventh FIFA World Cup match without victory, and they must now beat Korea Republic on Tuesday in Durban and hope Argentina can beat a Greece side right back in the running in Group B’s other remaining game.
Argentina 4-1 Korea Republic
Gonzalo Higuain fired a memorable hat-trick as Argentina wrapped up a thrilling 4-1 victory over Korea Republic to virtually assure themselves of a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup™.
Higuain's hat-trick sinks South Koreans
There was some scintillating attacking football from La Albiceleste as they became the first team at South Africa 2010 to reach six points. Nudging Higuain for individual honours as Korea Republic – impressive winners over Greece in their opening Group B fixture – were torn apart was the mercurial Lionel Messi, who had a hand in all four goals.
Argentina were quickly into their smooth-passing style, switching the ball quickly to their creative talents, with Carlos Tevez eager to nag away at the Korean defenders. Angel Di Maria also demonstrated the potential to make it a difficult afternoon for Korea Republic right-back Oh Beom-Seok, who had come in for Cha Du-Ri. It was following a foul on the Benfica winger that Argentina went ahead. Messi’s free-kick was perfectly judged, looping towards the penalty spot where it came off the shin of Park Chu-Young, leaving Jung Sung-Ryong powerless to keep it out.
A stunning right-footer from distance from Ki Sung-Yueng indicated that the Asian team were not going to take that blow lying down but chances were virtually non-existent as the South Americans continued in comfortable control, probing away and posing all manner of problems. Tevez zipped a free-kick just too high and on 32 minutes Argentina had their second goal. A free-kick was played short this time with Messi inviting Maxi Rodriguez to deliver the ball into the danger zone where it was flicked back towards the far post where Higuain was waiting to steer in a header.
It was so comfortable for Maradona’s team with Sung-Ryong denying Di Maria, and Messi only fractionally wide after a wonderful jinking run that bemused a clutch of defenders. But then a lapse in concentration allowed the South Koreans back into the match. That certainly seemed to be the case with Martin Demichelis who was guilty of dwelling on the ball as the first half entered into added-on time and Lee Chung-Young took ruthless advantage.
After the break Sung-Ryong did well to keep out Higuain’s effort but Diego Maradona’s team, now without Walter Samuel, who was forced off with an injury, were vulnerable to Korea Republic’s pace on the counter. That was never better demonstrated than in the 58th minute, when Park Ji-Sung slid a perfect pass into the stride of Yeom Ki-Hun, who could only hit the side-netting.
The last words went to Argentina however and Higuain. After a one-two, Messi tore into the area and saw his first shot repelled by the goalkeeper. His follow-up struck the inside of the post and there was Higuain to apply the final touch. Messi and Higuain were not finished yet. With ten minutes remaining Messi’s beautifully executed scooped pass put Sergio Aguero clear down the left and his cushioned cross was met with a clinical header from Higuain to wrap up his hat-trick.
France vs Mexico
Following draws in their opening Group A encounters here at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, France and Mexico are both in need of a positive result in Polokwane on 17 June. What is more, a win for either could prove a hammer blow for the other’s hopes of reaching the Round of 16.
France’s goalless opener was the third time they started a major finals in this fashion under boss Domenech. At Germany 2006 they recovered to go all the way to the Final, while at UEFA EURO 2008 they fell at the first hurdle. Which path will they follow at South Africa 2010?
The match
France-Mexico, Group A, Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, 20:30 (local time)
After a lacklustre display in their goalless opener against Uruguay, France coach Raymond Domenech still appears unsure as to his best formation. Favouring a 4-3-3 system in pre-tournament warm-up action, Les Bleus’ supremo opted for a 4-5-1 against La Celeste. Now though, he is expected to push midfielder Yoann Gourcuff closer to central striker Nicolas Anelka and flank the Chelsea man with club-mate Florent Malouda and Franck Ribery. Intriguingly, while France have won just one of their five games in 2010, they have never been beaten by Mexico at senior level, with three of the sides’ six meetings coming at FIFA World Cup finals.
Over in the Mexican camp, the aim is to improve on the wayward finishing shown in the 1-1 draw with South Africa. Clearly unhappy with his charges’ display, El Tri coach Javier Aguirre is set to start Andres Guardado in place of Paul Aguilar, though young tyros Carlos Vela, Efrain Juarez and Giovani dos Santos are expected to keep their starting berths. Mexico are bidding to improve on a record of just one win from eight encounters with European nations at the finals.
Players to watch
Carlos Vela vs Abou Diaby
Arsenal striker Vela, a star of Mexico’s FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning side in 2005, could end up facing no fewer than four club colleagues in defenders William Gallas, Bacary Sagna, Gael Clichy and midfield man Abou Diaby, who is charged with shielding Les Bleus’ rearguard after the withdrawal of Lassana Diarra from the squad. Both Vela and Diaby put in promising shifts in their respective openers, with the young Mexican looking lively throughout and the marauding Frenchman winning plenty of tackles and carrying a threat going forward.
The stat
1 – France have won just one of their last seven group matches at the FIFA World Cup, when they beat Togo 2-0 in their final section encounter on German soil to squeeze through to the Round of 16. What’s more, Les Bleus scored just three times in those seven matches.
What they said
Rafael Marquez, Mexico midfielder:
We’re up against a great team and we have to win the game any way we can. This is a vital match and France are strong opponents, both in defence and attack. Even though they’re not playing to their usual high standards, they’ve got players who can turn a game at any moment.
Raymond Domenech, France coach:
We mustn’t let Mexico control possession. They’ve got a very, very good team. When they click into gear, they up the tempo and hold onto the ball for a long time, which can unsettle any side in the world. But my players are really up for this game, I can sense that vibe coming from them.
The question
France’s goalless opener was the third time they started a major finals in this fashion under boss Domenech. At Germany 2006 they recovered to go all the way to the Final, while at UEFA EURO 2008 they fell at the first hurdle. Which path will they follow at South Africa 2010?
Greece vs Nigeria
Just a single game into the tournament, the pressure is on both Greece and Nigeria, as both lost their opening Group B fixtures. Korea Republic deservedly downed the Greeks 2-0, and although Nigeria gave a creditable account of themselves against Argentina, they ultimately had in-form keeper Vincent Enyeama to thank for limiting the damage to a 1-0 reverse.
Are Greece yet again destined to finish the FIFA World Cup finals without a goal? What do the 2004 European champions have to do to end this sequence?
The match
Greece–Nigeria, Group B, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Thursday 17 June, 16.00 (local time)
Both sides really require a victory to keep alive their hopes of reaching the last 16. The need is arguably greater for the Greeks, as they face the daunting prospect of going head-to-head with La Albiceleste in their third group game. In the circumstances, the sides can be expected to jettison at least some of the caution which has generally characterised the first round of matches in South Africa. Certainly, the Nigeria camp has made no secret of its intention to pursue all three points with vigour.
The nations have met twice in the past, each coming away with a 2-0 victory. The Super Eagles came up trumps in a 1994 FIFA World Cup™ meeting in Foxboro in the USA, but the Greeks took at least partial revenge in a friendly five years later. The loser of the clash in South Africa can almost certainly pack for home.
The Nigeria camp reacted calmly to defeat in their opening match. Lars Lagerback and his men had obviously at least allowed for the possibility of losing to two-time world champions Argentina. The mood among the Greeks was considerably more agitated, although there was also a ray of hope with the likely return of key defender Evangelos Moras for the Nigeria clash.
Player to watch
Vincent Enyeama (NGA)
If the sides play to the form shown in their opening matches, the Greeks appear to stand little chance of breaking their scoring duck at the FIFA World Cup finals, as Enyeama turned in a world-class display against Argentina. The 27-year-old proved a particular thorn in the side of superstar Lionel Messi, thwarting the Barcelona striker time and again. If the shot-stopper comes anywhere near that level of performance, it will take the combined efforts of the entire Greece side to overcome him.
The stat
0 – Greece are contesting their second FIFA World Cup finals and have played four matches in total, but they have yet to score. Their debut appearance in 1994 in the USA started with a 4-0 defeat to Argentina, followed by the same result against Bulgaria, and a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria. The sorry pattern continued into their opening match in 2010, with a 2-0 reverse against a much livelier Korea Republic side. In a curious coincidence, Greece now face two of the same opponents from 1994, the Argentinians and the Nigerians.
What they said
Peter Odemwingie, Nigeria forward:
I’m happy enough with our approach against one of the best teams in the world. We had our fair share of luck and it ended up a good evening for us. I think we showed we have potential and proved we could go a long way. We’ve lost a match at the World Cup, but I’m hearing that the folk back home are happy. We didn’t play as well in attack as we’d hoped, but it’s good that we only conceded the one goal. It’s going to be easier against the other teams.
Alexandros Tzorvas, Greece keeper:
Nigeria are a good team. We’ll analyse every aspect of our game and do the same with Nigeria, and we’ll see what’s needed to win. We’re not giving up. We all know you frequently suffer poor results in football. We’re not disappointed, because we’re taking a realistic view of our potential and what we can hope to achieve. The job now is to prepare well, play better against Nigeria, and register our first win.
The question
Are Greece yet again destined to finish the FIFA World Cup finals without a goal? What do the 2004 European champions have to do to end this sequence?
Argentina vs Korea Republic
Group B’s early pacesetters meet at Ellis Park knowing that a second victory could potentially seal their progress to the last 16. Argentina and Korea Republic won their respective opening games against Nigeria and Greece although both have different goals for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, with the South Americans’ sights fixed firmly on a third title and the South Koreans chasing qualification for the knockout rounds for the first time beyond their own shores.
Can Messi open his scoring account in South Africa? Can Korea Republic build on the promise of their opening win and create a surprise against the fancied Argentines?
The match
Argentina-Korea Republic, Group B, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), Thursday 17 June, 13.30 (local time)
The two coaches are no strangers to each other having featured in their teams’ meeting at Mexico 1986, where La Albiceleste ran out 3-1 winners. South Korean coach Hun Jung-Moo had the unenviable job of man-marking Diego Maradona that day – a thankless task for anybody in a tournament where today’s Argentina coach inspired his country to their second FIFA World Cup triumph.
Twenty-four years on, they cross swords again with Huh hoping for a different outcome as he bids to become the first homegrown coach to lead Korea Republic into the last 16. Argentina are 41 places higher in the FIFA/Coca Cola World Ranking but Korea Republic have proved in the past they are more than capable of springing surprises, a fact borne out when they beat Italy and Spain to storm into last four on home soil in 2002.
Their 2-0 victory over Greece on Saturday should ensure confidence is high in the Korea Republic camp although betterin an Argentina side including the likes of Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron is evidently a more awkward proposition. Although Maradona’s men beat Nigeria by just a single goal, the victory margin would have been greater had it not been for Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama’s brilliant Man of the Match performance.
Players to watch
Lionel Messi v Park Ji-Sung
After doing everything but score against Nigeria, Messi will hope for better luck in front of goal in his team’s second outing at Ellis Park. If Messi is pivotal to Argentina’s hopes, the same can be said of Park Ji-Sung, who underlined his talismanic status against Greece by sealing Korea Republic’s victory with a wonderful solo strike of which Messi himself would have been proud.
The stat
4 –Argentina have reached four FIFA World Cup Finals, beating the Netherlands in 1978 and West Germany in 1986 but losing out to Uruguay in 1930 and the Germans in 1990. Korea Republic finished fourth on home soil eight years ago which remains the best-ever result by an Asian team on the world stage.
What they say
Gonzalo Higuain, Argentina forward:
Comparing ourselves with other teams, we have played some of the best football in the competition and created more chances than anybody else so far. Now we need to take the games as they come. We are still one of the favourites and that is why we are here – to win this World Cup.
Kim Nam-Il, Korea Republic midfielder:
To be honest we are a little nervous heading into the match-up with Argentina as they have some of the world’s best players. But we are not intimidated by their qualities and we have unwavering confidence in ourselves. They may boast Messi, but we can count on captain Park Ji-Sung to lead us to a good result.
The question
Can Messi open his scoring account in South Africa? Can Korea Republic build on the promise of their opening win and create a surprise against the fancied Argentines?
South Africa 0-3 Uruguay
Diego Forlan silenced the crowd for the first time during South Africa 2010 with a wonder strike worthy of any stage, and was also on target from the spot as Uruguay took a step closer to the last 16 with a 3-0 win over the hosts. Alvaro Pereira sealed a comfortable victory for the South Americans with a stoppage-time tap-in.
Forlan silences South Africa
South Africa, who had not beaten Uruguay in their previous two meetings, headed into this game in Pretoria knowing the hopes of the Rainbow Nation rested upon their shoulders, with both sides having picked up a point in their opening outings in Group A. Carlos Alberto Parreira brought in Tsepo Masilela for Lucas Thwala in the hosts’ starting line-up, while Uruguay opted to make two changes, with Edinson Cavani and Jorge Fucile coming in for Mauricio Victorino and Ignacio Gonzalez.
Pretoria had been a lucky place for Bafana Bafana, who had not yet lost at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium, but it was Uruguay who started the brighter. In the 23rd minute, Luis Suarez teased his way past Bongani Khumalo before stinging the palms of Itumelenge Khune. It was a clear warning of what was to come and, within 60 seconds, the South Americans were ahead through Forlan. Khune had clearly not been expecting the Atletico Madrid forward to unleash a shot from 30 yards out, and stood rooted to the spot as his stunning drive, taking a slight deflection off the back of Aaron Mokoena, dipped over his head and into the back of the net.
The second half started as the first had finished, with Oscar Tabarez’s side threatening to add to their lead. Cavani was first denied an opportunity to strike at goal thanks to some smart defending by Masilela, Diego Lugano might have been wheeling off in celebration had he made any kind of decent connection with Forlan’s inviting corner-kick, and, in the 67th minute, the lively Pareira was guilty of scuffing a gilt-edged chance wide.
Bafana Bafana were still being frustrated in their search for an equalising goal, but when the chances did present themselves, they failed to profit. Katlego Mphela could not direct a header from Siboniso Gaxa’s cross, Steven Pienaar’s attempted shot was blocked, and Teko Modise’s 68th-minute shot, South Africa’s first on target, was easily smothered. The host nation’s hopes of making it to the last 16 for the first time in their FIFA World Cup history received a hammer blow in the 76th minute when Khune was adjudged to have brought down Suarez, prompting referee Massimo Busacca to point to the spot, before flashing a red card at the South African keeper. Forlan stepped up to take the resulting penalty and made no mistake in smashing the ball past the deputising Moneeb Josephs.
Mphela and Siphiwe Tshabalala both had chances to reduce the deficit in the closing stages but, in the end, there was little the hosts could do to deny Uruguay a deserved and vital three points. Indeed, the South Americans added insult to injury in stoppage time with Pereira given the space to tap in Suarez’s inviting cross.
Spain 0-1 Switzerland
Switzerland pulled off the biggest shock so far at this FIFA World Cup™ as Gelson Fernandes’s strike against the run of play earned them a 1-0 win against European champions and joint-tournament favourites Spain. Vicente del Bosque’s team predictably dominated possession but were hit on the break seven minutes into the second half as the Swiss recorded a first win over Spain in 19 attempts.
Swiss shock kings of Europe
Stylish Spain had all of the ball in the early stages in Durban, painting pretty patterns around the pitch with astounding ease as the Switzerland chased and harried. The Swiss hardly got a sniff of the ball in the first quarter-hour but were not unduly troubled either as Spain failed to turn their elegant control and ball play into concrete attempts on goal. Their first chance of any real substance came after 25 minutes. After coming forward for a free-kick, centre-back Gerard Pique remained in an advanced position and collected a brilliant through-ball from the lively Andres Iniesta, back from injury in time to make the starting XI. Turning his man with the acumen of a seasoned striker, the tall defender was only denied at the last by the legs of Diego Benaglio, who came roaring bravely off his line.
The Swiss had their only notable attempt of the first period just seconds later, with Reto Ziegler’s free-kick from 20 yards hardly troubling Iker Casillas, the Real Madrid man diving to his left to keep out the tame strike. The UEFA EURO 2008 winners soon shifted the focus back to the other end of the pitch and on the half-hour mark Silva’s looping ball from midfield picked out Iniesta racing toward goal. The Barcelona man was pulled back by Stephane Grichting on the edge of the box but Pique slammed the free-kick harmlessly into the Swiss wall. As the opening stanza ground to a halt, Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was forced to replace influential centre-back Philippe Senderos, who limped off early in a match in his second consecutive FIFA World Cup.
A similar trend developed in the second half, with Spain dictating the patterns but stuttering in front of goal. Their profligacy was punished in the 52nd minute when a long, hopeful ball hoofed up the field was collected by Eren Derdiyok. The outrushing Casillas saved at his feet but the ball ricocheted to Fernandes who slid home from close range. It was only the second shot on goal for the Swiss, who celebrated the unlikely lead with a combination of shock and delight. The Spanish fans were stunned into the silence, but their favourites continued to press in search of that elusive goal. Villa went close on the hour, two minutes before Spain boss Del Bosque added a bit of firepower, bringing Fernando Torres and Jesus Navas off the bench. With their supporters back on their feet again, Iniesta’s curler beat Benaglio but drifted the wrong side of the post.
Liverpool man Torres began to torment the defence with his running and pace, leading directly to a vicious strike from Xabi Alonso in the 71st minute which rattled the crossbar and left it shaking. Shortly after Navas saw a chance from close-in well saved by Benaglio as Spanish pressure mounted. The Swiss were dangerous on the break, however, and Derdiyok hit the post with a quarter-hour to go after the Spaniards committed too many men forward. Seconds later Spain lost Iniesta, who limped off after a rough challenge; he may have aggravated the muscle injury that made him a doubt before the game. In his absence, Spain endured only further frustration and they will need to rebound against Honduras at Ellis Park on 21 June. The Swiss take on Chile, the other Group H winners, earlier that same day in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Honduras 0-1 Chile
Chile ended a wait of almost half a century for a victory on the world stage by defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening Group H game in Nelspruit.
Beausejour ends Chile wait
If there was a touch of fortune about Jean Beausejour’s 34th-minute winner – Roger Espinoza’s attempted clearance striking him as the pair slid in to meet a cross – it was the least Chile deserved for an impressive attacking display that had Honduras on the ropes for much of the 90 minutes at the Mbombela Stadium. For Chile, it was a victory exactly 48 years in the making – the South Americans had not won a FIFA World Cup™ match since defeating Yugoslavia in the match for third place on home soil on this very day in 1962. Moreover, they had never won outside their home continent but they showed here just why they were strong enough to finish second in South American qualifying.
Facing a Honduran side making their first finals appearance since 1982, Marcelo Bielsa’s men hit the ground running, dominating possession in the opening half-hour and pinning Honduras back. Matias Fernandez sent a free-kick dipping on to the roof of Noel Valladares’ net after just three minutes and La Roja‘s quick passing soon led to several half-chances. Arturo Vidal drove in a long-range shot that Valladares required two attempts to hold, then sent a header over the crossbar from a corner. In between Chile opened up the Honduran back line with one swift passing exchange only for Jorge Valdivia to overhit his final ball to Beasejour.
Bielsa’s men gained their reward for an impressive start after 34 minutes. It was a nicely worked goal, if fortuitous in the final execution. Chile’s pinball passing created a gap for Mauricio Isla to break clear on the right side of the penalty box and fire in a low cross to the near post. Although Espinoza got a stretched leg to the ball first, it bounced up against Beausejour and deflected into the net. Chile kept coming forward, with Sanchez driving in a shot that struck the hand of Maynor Figueroa. There were few glimmers of hope for Reinaldo Rueda’s Honduras at the other end. Ramon Nunez finally called Chile custodian Claudio Bravo into action on the stroke of half-time, dipping in a free-kick that the goalkeeper tipped over.
The attacks kept flowing toward Honduras’s goal in the second period. Sanchez should have added a second just after the hour when Valvidia played him in down the right, only for the Udinese winger to drag his shot wide of the far post. Valladares then made a superb diving save to keep out Waldo Ponce’s close-range header, stretching out his right hand to block the ball when the defender looked certain to bury Vidal’s header across goal. Next it was Figueroa’s turn to rescue his side with a goal-saving challenge on Mauricio Isla. When Valdivia did find the net he was offside but one goal would be enough for the inventive Chileans.
South Africa vs Uruguay
Group A looks too close to call after two draws on the opening day, but hosts South Africa and Uruguay should have a clearer idea of their destinies at this FIFA World Cup™ after what promises to be a hotly contested encounter in the heartland of Tshwane/Pretoria. While it is far-fetched to suggest that their Loftus Versfeld Stadium encounter will be decisive, a victory for either side would go a long way to booking a place in the Round of 16.
Who do you think will prevail in the midfield battle between the hard-tackling Uruguayans and the skilful South Africans? Can Bafana Bafana get their first win of their FIFA World Cup?
The match
South Africa-Uruguay, Loftus Stadium, Wednesday 16 June, 20.30 (local time)
They may be riding a wave of optimism inside the host country, but Carlos Alberto Parreira’s South Africa will face a tough task against Uruguay. In their opening game against France, the Uruguayans showed that they possess the ability to contain teams and launch dangerous counter-attacks. Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has hinted that against South Africa they will be more adventurous compared to that safety-first approach.
Uruguay have been preparing in Kimberley, a town famous for the surrounding gold mines, but it is goals that Uruguay want after their stalemate with France hence Tabarez’s expection decision to go with an extra striker in Edinson Cavani. The South Africans too want to improve on their finishing after the 1-1 draw with Mexico, where striker Katlego Mphela missed a glorious chance in the dying moments, watching in agony as his shot shaved the upright.
Still, South Africa gave their millions of home supporters cause for optimism with their opening display against Mexico. When pressed against the ropes in the first 20 minutes, they were able to absorb the pressure and, having overcome the stage fright that gripped them early on, found a head of steam in the second half. It was a performance that served notice that the hosts should not be taken lightly and the fact that they were less than 10 minutes from victory against an organised and polished Mexican side earned them rave reviews.
Players to watch
Itumeleng Khune v Diego Forlan
South Africa’s exciting young goalkeeper, Itumeng Khune, is in the form of his life, as seen by his flying save from Alessandro Dos Santos in the second half of the game against Mexico. He showed his importance to Bafana Bafana in that Opening Match and may need to be at his best again to deny a Uruguay front line including Atletico Madrid striker Diego Forlan. Although expected to play behind the front two, Forlan will be hustling for an opportunity to open his account after missing a late scoring chance against France. South Africa showed a lack of concentration when conceding an equaliser to Mexico and Forlan will be looking to exploit any such weaknesses.
The stat
7 – The number of goals scored between the two sides in their two previous meetings. All the goals came during the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup match in Saudi Arabia where South Africa lost 4-3.
What they say
South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar:
I think we broke the ice [against Mexico]. We will be much better against Uruguay because now we know what we’re going to get and what to expect. I think there are some things that we need to fix as well. We need to concentrate until the last minute and we need to take our chances in a game like this because they are a really good team.
Uruguay forward Diego Forlan:
All matches are different – now we’re facing South Africa, then Mexico, they will all be different, all difficult games. Hopefully we will be able to get more control of the ball; that way we will be able to run less and rest more, and manage the flow of the game better. South Africa is a team with good players, fast players that can counter and come out very quickly so we are going to have to be very careful.
Have your say
Who do you think will prevail in the midfield battle between the hard-tackling Uruguayans and the skilful South Africans? Can Bafana Bafana get their first win of their FIFA World Cup?
Spain vs Switzerland
Spain can expect some chilly temperatures in Durban when they take on Switzerland in what will be their 50th FIFA World Cup™ finals match. The heat will almost certainly be on the Swiss, however, who have yet to beat La Roja in 18 attempts.
Can Spain pierce the Swiss defence? Will Die Nati record their first ever win over the Spanish?
The match
Spain-Switzerland, Group H, Durban, Wednesday, 16 June, 16.00 (local time)
Having barely put a foot wrong in the last two years, Spain will take the stage at South Africa 2010 amid high expectation. Last week’s 6-0 demolition of Poland represented the perfect send-off for a mature and settled side that has been boosted by the recent return to fitness of Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas, both of whom have shaken off worrying late-season injuries. The only question mark hangs over Andres Iniesta. Although coach Vicente del Bosque said the Barcelona wizard would recover from his niggles in time, Iniesta has been training at a slower pace than his team-mates in recent days.
The Swiss have plenty of injury problems of their own to ponder. Alexander Frei and Valon Behrami are definitely out, forcing Nati coach Ottmar Hitzfeld to reshuffle his pack. Switzerland’s recent form is also a cause for concern, defeats by Costa Rica, Norway and Uruguay having raised doubts about their ability to match their run to the last 16 at Germany 2006 – one they are hoping to repeat, at the very least, this time around.
Players to watch
Cesc Fabregas v Philippe Senderos
When Fabregas signed for Arsenal in 2003 the richly gifted midfielder shared a house with the tall central defender, himself of Spanish descent. Senderos, recently signed by Fulham, took his new team-mate under his wing and the pair built up a strong friendship over the next few seasons. Should Del Bosque be forced to bring in Cesc for Iniesta, the two will renew acquaintances in the most challenging of circumstances.
The stat
394 – The number of minutes Switzerland have gone without conceding a goal at the FIFA World Cup finals. The Swiss kept clean sheets in every one of their games at Germany 2006, going out on penalties to Ukraine in the Round of 16. As fate would have it, it was the Spanish who were the last team to score against them on this stage, midfielder Txiki Beguiristain netting the third in a 3-0 victory in the last 16 at USA 1994.
What they say
Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland coach:
The Spanish aren’t just technical, they run a lot too. We’ll need to be compact at the back, defend with nine men and hit them on the break when we can. We also need to get in among their midfielders and force some free-kicks. That’s where we can be very dangerous.
David Villa, Spain forward:
When you’re a striker with this national team you can’t just stand around, waiting for a chance to come along. You have to keep moving, help out on the flanks and keep changing positions with the other forwards, and you have to use the whole width of the pitch. I score goals because I play for the team.
The question
Can Spain pierce the Swiss defence? Will Die Nati record their first ever win over the Spanish?
Honduras vs Chile
The Chile side coached by Marcelo ‘El Loco’ Bielsa were one of the genuine revelations of the qualifying stage for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the Argentine strategist’s hard-running outfit finishing second in the South American section behind Brazil. Up against them in their opening encounter in Group H are CONCACAF side Honduras, returning to football’s biggest stage after a 28-year absence.
Which two teams do you think will qualify for the Round of 16 from Group H?
The match
Honduras-Chile, Group H, Nelspruit, Wednesday 16 June, 13.30 (local time)
In a section containing tournament favourites Spain, the remaining three teams would appear condemned to battling it out for a single Round of 16 berth. That being the case, this opening duel looks vital to both sides’ hopes of progressing. On paper at least, the attacking prowess of Bielsa’s Chile may give them the edge, given they were 32-goal top scorers in the South American Zone. One concern, however, is the fitness of Real Zaragoza’s Humberto Suazo, their ten-goal leading marksmen in qualifying, who is battling to recover from a muscle strain.
His Honduran namesake David Suazo is in a similar situation. A pulled muscle in the warm-up game against Romania could well force the Genoa hitman out of the Chile match, while there was bad news on the eve of the game with key attacking midfielder Julio Cesar de Leon ruled out of the tournament with a muscle problem. These heavyweight absentees will pile even more responsibility on the shoulders of 36-year-old striker Carlos Pavon, who struck the winning goal against El Salvador which sent Los Catrachos to South Africa.
Players to watch
Wilson Palacios v Matias Fernandez
Despite the knocks and niggles that have cast a cloud of uncertainty over the encounter, both teams have their playmakers intact and ready to assume creative duties. For Honduras that job falls to Wilson Palacios, who is normally a defensive midfielder at club level with Tottenham Hotspur. Chile’s string-pulling should be done by Matias Fernandez of Sporting Lisbon, though given the doubts surrounding Suazo and fellow forwards Alexis Sanchez and Esteban Paredes, Bielsa could also bring in fellow schemer Jorge Valdivia in a more advanced role.
The stat
2 - On their only previous trip to the finals at Spain 1982, Honduras picked up two points via 1-1 draws with the host nation and Northern Ireland. La Bicolor missed out on a spot in the next round, however, after falling to a 1-0 defeat against Yugoslavia.
What they say
Hendry Thomas, Honduras midfielder:
Chile are a tough team to play, they don’t give you any space and work the ball very well in midfield. They’re the type of side that need everybody on their game to really click. So, when we have the ball we need to keep hold of it, and win it back quickly to be able to cause them problems.
Claudio Bravo, Chile captain and goalkeeper
Why shouldn’t we aim to reach the last four? Our team’s capable of getting great results, but we’re also aware that we mustn’t get carried away. For the moment, our most important game is the one against Honduras.
The question
Which two teams do you think will qualify for the Round of 16 from Group H?
Brazil 2-1 Korea DPR
Brazil secured a 2-1 win against Korea DPR but they were made to work extremely hard to secure maximum points after the Asian outsiders showed impressive resilience.
Brazil beat resilient Koreans
The North Koreans kept Dunga’s team scoreless until ten minutes into the second half when Maicon scored a stunning goal from an outrageous angle. When Elano doubled the lead with 18 minutes remaining, the contest appeared all over but a late goal from Ji Yun-Nam ensured Brazil endured some nervy moments in the final moments.
On paper the contrast between the pair could not have been starker, in what was the nations’ first-ever meeting. Five-time world champions Brazil are top of FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking while Korea DPR sit at 105. The Koreans came into the contest on a run of eight outings without a victory, while Brazil conversely, had won their previous four matches.
The first half was largely all Brazil, though they had very few clear sights of goal. Kaka made a dangerous run into the penalty area in the opening minutes, which seemed likely to set the tone for the match, but the North Korean side, who conceded just seven goals in their 14 qualifying matches, showed just why they are known for their swarming defence.
They were not without their own lively moments going forward either – defender Cha Jong-Hyok fired a shot wide, while Japan-based striker Jong Tae-Se, who had tears streaming down his face as the national anthem played, offered plenty of drive in his role at the point of the attack.
The nearest Brazil came to scoring in the first half was through a Michel Bastos drive from distance which clipped the roof of the net but, in truth, never looked like dipping under the crossbar. Korea DPR went into the half-time interval looking relatively comfortable, despite conceding 63 per cent of possession. The North Korean fans inside Ellis Park may even have allowed themselves at least brief thoughts of their favourites repeating the heroics of that famous defeat of Italy at England 1966.
Brazil started the second half brightly, and a Bastos free-kick from a central position looked dangerous, but the blistering effort curved wide of the mark. The same happened with Robinho’s snapshot moments later, as Brazil again found themselves forced to resort to shooting from distance.
Ten minutes after the interval, though, a moment of brilliance from Maicon broke the deadlock. There appeared little danger as he chased down a slightly overhit pass into the penalty area, but with the ball just about to roll over the by-line, he blazed a shot between Ri Myong-Guk and the near post, in a goal reminiscent of fellow Brazilian right full-back Josimar at Mexico 1986.
The goal opened up the match as the Koreans started to show more endeavour with numbers going forward. Luis Fabiano looked set to take advantage midway through the second half after being set up by Robinho but the Sevilla man could not find the target. The contest appeared over in the 72nd minute when Elano comfortably finished past an exposed Ri Myong-Guk, with Robinho the provider with an exquisite pass that checkmated the entire Korean defensive quartet.
With the clock ticking down it was A Selecao who looked more likely to score a third, but with a minute of regular time remaining, Ji burst into the penalty area and drove a memorable strike past Julio Cesar – Korea DPR’s first goal at a FIFA World Cup™ for 44 years.
Côte d’Ivoire 0-0 Portugal
Although much has been said about the attacking power of Côte d’Ivoire and Portugal, the two Group G giants proved themselves solid at the back, canceling each other out in a scoreless draw in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth.
Honours even in Port Elizabeth
The first half at Nelson Mandela Stadium was one of the most even of the tournament so far, with both teams pushing forward but giving no quarter in defence or in the tackle. Côte d’Ivoire’s attacking triumvirate of Gervinho, Salomon Kalou and Aruna Dindane confirmed themselves to be full of pace and movement, but it was Portugal’s own fleet-footed forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, who had the best chance of the opening period.
The Real Madrid man almost produced something out of nothing in the 11th minute when he smacked an unstoppable dipping shot off the outside of the post to the goalkeeper’s right from 30 yards. But the Elephants were not fazed by the Germany 2006 semi-finalists, and shortly after Ronaldo’s attempt, Siaka Tiene zipped a free-kick just past the post before Ismael Tiote fizzed a shot over the bar.
If the two teams engaged in trench warfare for the rest of the first half, the second half burst into life immediately. Two minutes after the break, Gervinho’s shot was flapped at by goalkeeper Eduardo, and from the resulting corner, Tiate rose but could not get a clean header in. Half-chances came fast and furious then, with Gervinho’s wayward header from Tiote’s cross on the hour the pick of the bunch. The introduction of Didier Drogba in the 66th minute promise to up the ante another notch, but as heavy rainfall settled on the pitch, the match lost some steam.
With the clock running down, Portugal went close with long-range efforts by Raul Meireles and Ronaldo, while Kolo Toure might have done better at the far post with a header. Then, in injury time, the west Africans finally fashioned an opportunity for Drogba. However, the big Chelsea man – who had clutched his injured arm throughout his time on the pitch –hooked Kader Keita’s through-ball off target.
Côte d’Ivoire will next face group favourites Brazil in Johannesburg’s Soccer City on Sunday, while Portugal will take on Korea DPR the following day in Cape Town.
New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia
A last-gasp Winston Reid header snatched New Zealand an improbable draw against a dominant Slovakia side in their Group F opener in Rustenburg. Robert Vittek had put the Europeans in front, also with his head, in the 50th minute but the All Whites hit back for a result that leaves the section’s four sides level on one point – and goal difference – after Italy and Paraguay also drew 1-1 yesterday.
All Whites snatch last-gasp point
New Zealand defied their underdogs’ status in the opening five minutes. First Chris Killen broke free from his marker just inside the Slovakia half, charged forward and unleashed a shot that flew over. Then the same player headed wide from an inviting Leo Bertos cross. That seemed to awaken the Europeans. Vladimir Weiss, son of the Slovakia coach, darted down the right flank before producing a low cross that Mark Paston did well to hold, before Robert Vittek cut inside before blazing a shot high and wide.
The flair of Weiss was thrilling the crowd and on 22 minutes, the Slovakia No7 found space down the left and threaded the ball through to Marek Hamsik, who curled it wide from inside the area. Weiss then craftily laid on a chance for Stanislav Sestak, who fired into the side-netting. Minutes later the No9 missed another chance, this time from a close-range header following a corner. With ten minutes of the half remaining, Vittek cut inside from the right and fired a fierce 20-yard shot wide.
New Zealand, who had been spectators for a period, then went close. Following a neat passing move, Smeltz played a give-and-go with Rory Fallon before shooting into the side-netting from a difficult angle. It proved a brief respite, as the Slovaks dominated possession for the remainder of the half, albeit without creating any meaningful opportunities. They did just that five minutes after the restart, though, and this time they took full advantage. Sestak crossed from the right, and Vittek powered his header into the bottom corner. It was just reward for Slovakia’s relentless assault on the Kiwis’ goal.
Rather than sit back, the team in blue went in search of a second goal. After 58 minutes Sestak held the ball up well and touched it into the path of Hamsik, who failed to keep his shot down from the edge of the area. Slovakia almost doubled their lead soon after. Zdenko Strba and Sestak exchanged passes, before the latter set up Vittek. However, Paston rushed from his line to make a smart block from the 28-year-old forward.
It took an alert Tony Lochhead to deny Vittek a clear sight on goal with 15 minutes remaining, before Smeltz headed wide from a rare New Zealand attack with just minutes remaining. It appeared then that their last chance had gone, but deep into injury time Smeltz crossed for Reid to steal in and nod home a dramatic equaliser.
Brazil vs Korea DPR
It is hard to contemplate Tuesday’s Group G match-up between Brazil and Korea DPR at Ellis Park without entering into the realms of cliché – tournament favourites against complete outsiders, David meets Goliath. Yet the first ever meeting of this hugely contrasting pair, the five-time world champions and the lowest-ranked of the 32 qualifiers – the North Koreans are 85th in the world – holds plenty of intrigue.
Brazil have lost merely two of their previous 18 opening games at FIFA World Cups – back in 1930 and 1934. Can their little-known opponents really stun the planet by making it three?
The match
Brazil-Korea DPR, Group G, Johannesburg, Tuesday 15 June, 20.30 (local time)
On paper there should be only one outcome, with evidence of the disparity in pedigree everywhere. Brazil, the only country to have taken part in every edition of the global showpiece, are entering their 19th FIFA World Cup™; Korea DPR are returning to the world stage for the first time since their debut appearance in 1966. Under Dunga, the South Americans booked their place in South Africa with three games to spare while coach Kim Jong-Hun’s side left it until the closing match to seal qualification with a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia.
Brazil’s build-up has featured five straight friendly wins – indeed since their successful defence of last year’s FIFA Confederation World Cup here in South Africa, they have recorded eight wins in ten matches played. Korea DPR, by contrast, were often found wanting in their eleven warm-up matches which yielded just two victories. Brazil’s attacking quality – their lineup features such talents as Kaka and Luis Fabiano – needs little introduction and should ensure some baptism of fire for the East Asian team, who are expected to stick with the defensive 5-4-1 formation they employed to hold off the likes of Iran and Saudi Arabia en route to qualification. Still, those with longer memories would not risk writing off the North Koreans, who stunned Italy to reach the last eight on their finals debut in England 44 years ago.
Players to watch
Luis Fabiano v Ri Jun-Il
Luis Fabiano will be eager to maintain the form that brought him nine goals in eleven qualifying games – as well as 15 in 23 Liga outings for Sevilla in 2009/10. Trying to contain the free-scoring No9 represents the toughest task yet for the cool-headed Ri Jun-Il, the 22-year-old who will continue his sweeper role in front of goalkeeper Ri Myong-Guk.
The stat
29 – Dunga’s experienced squad is the oldest in the FIFA World Cup, averaging 29 years and 60 days, while Kim’s men are the third youngest (25 years and 140 days).
What they say
Gilberto Silva, Brazil midfielder:
The responsibility is always bigger for Brazil so we will face a lot of difficulties in our first game. There’s an anxiety to record our first win but the most important thing is how the team should perform on the pitch to avoid any upset.
An Yong-Hak, Korea DPR midfielder:
You can’t say we have big chances just as you can’t say we have no chance. It will not be easy to compete against players like Kaka, but this is also a dream.
The question
Brazil have lost merely two of their previous 18 opening games at FIFA World Cups – back in 1930 and 1934. Can their little-known opponents really stun the planet by making it three?
Côte d’Ivoire vs Portugal
Tuesday sees the first meeting between Côte d’Ivoire and Portugal in the history of the FIFA World Cup™, in a Group G encounter that promises both plenty of excitement and goalmouth action. In their second consecutive appearance at the global showpiece, the west Africans will be out to prove that their growing continental reputation is wholly merited. “For this generation of players not to win anything would be a shame,” says Ivorian midfielder, Romaric. Winning a match, their group or even the whole tournament will depend on the answer to two crucial questions: Will Didier Drogba play? And what kind of boost will the arrival of new coach Sven-Goran Eriksson provide?
Can Côte d’Ivoire go the farthest of all the African teams involved in the competition, even without Didier Drogba? Will Cristiano Ronaldo be among the top performers at South Africa 2010?
Standing between Côte d’Ivoire and an opening victory in the competition is a Portuguese side dogged by inconsistency. The 2006 semi-finalists were forced to qualify via a play-off, but will hope to replicate the good form they showed in their pre-event friendly matches. The Iberian team will rely on talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, unplayable on his day, to get them off to the best possible start in what many regard as the toughest group of all.
The match
Côte d’Ivoire-Portugal, Group G, Port Elizabeth, Wednesday 15 June, 16.00 (local time)
Appointed in March of this year, Eriksson will take charge of the Elephants in a competitive match for the first time against Portugal. It was the former England coach’s previous experience in the FIFA World Cup – reaching the quarter-finals in both 2002 and 2006 – that won him the job, and if the reaction of his players is anything to go by, he has already made a considerable impact. What effect the uncertainty regarding Drogba’s potential participation will have is not yet clear, however.
Facing Eriksson’s men is a Lusitanian side that made surprisingly heavy work of qualifying for the tournament, picking up just one win from the first five matches of their campaign. A timely return to form brought A Selecção das Quinas firmly back into contention, with eight unanswered goals in four games sending them through to an ultimately successful play-off tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Deprived of the injured Nani, Carlos Queiroz’s men will need to rediscover that form if they have serious pretensions of emulating here in South Africa their achievements of four years ago in Germany.
Players to watch
Kolo Toure v Cristiano Ronaldo
Promoted to the role of captain in the absence of Didier Drogba for Côte d’Ivoire’s final warm-up matches, the Manchester City centre-back Kolo Toure is set to come up against a familiar old foe in Port Elizabeth. Cristiano Ronaldo, the former Old Trafford favourite, enjoyed some epic battles with the Ivorian during his time in the English Premier League. The in-form Real Madrid maestro, upon whose shoulders rest the hopes of an entire nation, will doubtless look to use those past experiences to gain an edge over the ex-Arsenal defender early on in the game.
The stat
74 – The number of days Sven-Goran Eriksson had at his disposal to prepare his Côte d’Ivoire team for the FIFA World Cup. The Swede took the reins of the Ivorian national side on 28 March 2010.
What they said
Kolo Toure, Côte d’Ivoire defender:
Eriksson has put an added emphasis on playing as a team and not just as a collection of individuals. He has managed to change the mindset of the squad and of each player. We’ve always had good players, but have never been able to properly work together as an effective unit, defending and attacking as one.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese forward:
Winning this game would make things much easier for us in terms of progressing in the competition. I want to be on top form so as to be recognised as the tournament’s best player, and to help the team to move forward.
The question
Can Côte d’Ivoire go the farthest of all the African teams involved in the competition, even without Didier Drogba? Will Cristiano Ronaldo be among the top performers at South Africa 2010?
New Zealand vs Slovakia
New Zealand and Slovakia have long coveted places at the FIFA World Cup™. The Kiwis last appeared on its prestigious stage in 1982, and were the underdogs going into their play-off with Bahrain in late 2009. The Slovaks were outsiders in a qualifying group also comprising the likes of Slovenia, Czech Republic, Northern Ireland and Poland.
Do you think either of these teams can reach the Round of 16?
But by reaching South Africa 2010, the pair created expectation. And while, given that defending world champions Italy and a capable Paraguay side are also in Group F, a majority view this match as a battle to avoid finishing bottom of the pool, New Zealand and Slovakia consider it an opportunity to put one foot in the knockout phase.
The match
New Zealand-Slovakia, Group F, Rustenburg, Tuesday 15 June, 13.30 (local time)
This is certainly a match of mystery. Slovakia have yet to receive the exposure of playing at a major international tournament, while Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is their only household name. The All Whites remain an unknown quantity to the masses, with Blackburn Rovers centre-back Ryan Nelsen their only player to whom the masses can familiarise. Moreover, the two teams have never met in a senior international. Slovakia are 34th on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, with New Zealand in 78th. With Italy and Paraguay in wait, only one result will satisfy both sides as they look to: victory.
Players to watch
Marek Hamsik v Shane Smeltz
Both are among the finest players their country has unearthed in recent decades. Hamsik is an attacking midfielder who creates and scores goals in equal measure, and he was on target 12 times in 37 matches to help Napoli to an unexpected sixth-placed finish in Serie A last season. Having yet to showcase his genius in the UEFA Champions League, the 22-year-old Slovak player of the year could prove an examining puzzle for opponents. Smeltz, for his part, is an attacker who utilises strength, aerial ability and accurate finishing to punish adversaries. A two-time Oceania Player of the Year, the 28-year-old is fresh from scoring a record 19 goals in an Australian A-League campaign.
The stat
12 – The number of goals New Zealand conceded in their previous three FIFA World Cup matches; all defeats at Spain 1982.
What they say
Chris Killen, New Zealand forward:
It’s got to be one of the biggest games in the history of New Zealand football. The first game in any tournament is always hugely important and that’s particularly true here. We know Slovakia are a good side, but we need to get something out of this and we want to get through the group.
Wladimir Weiss, Slovakia coach:
We will try to win playing attacking football, but I also expect the same (approach) from our opponents. Although it will be tough match, I think we have a better team. Any failure by us will complicate the situation and would mean we would have to try something different in our other two games.
The question
Do you think either of these teams can reach the Round of 16?
Italy 1-1 Paraguay
Holders Italy opened their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ campaign with a 1-1 draw against Paraguay in Group F on a rainy evening at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town.
Italy and Paraguay share spoils
Antolin Alcaraz shocked the Gemany 2006 champions in the 39th minute to open the scoring, while Italy’s Daniel De Rossi took advantage of some unconvincing goalkeeping by veteran Justo Villar to equalise just after the hour mark. New Zealand and Slovakia play the group’s other opening match tomorrow in Rustenburg.
The two teams were well-organised in the early stages despite the difficult conditions and neither could fashion a chance of note in the opening of the match. In the 22nd minute, however, the South Americans showed they would be dangerous on the break, finding Aureliano Torres all alone on the edge of the box. But the defender failed to hit his shot cleanly and Gianluigi Buffon let it run wide as Italian supporters held their breath.
Italy threatened shortly after as young midfielder Claudio Marchisio swung in a nicely flighted corner, but Cristian Riveros was first to it, stretching smartly to clear over his own crossbar with striker Vincenzo Iaquinta lurking.
Paraguay were again quickest from a dead ball situation six minutes before the break to open the scoring. Torres sent in a lovely free-kick, and defender Alcatraz cut in front of Daniel De Rossi and rose higher than Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro to thump a header past the stranded Buffon.
At half-time the Squadra Azzurri got more bad news as Buffon retired hurt for Federico Marchetti, who won just his sixth cap between the sticks. But the four-time FIFA World Cup winners began stronger after the restart, and an unmarked Simone Pepe might have scored at the far post from Gianluca Zambrotta’s cross, but he could not connect with an ambitious overhead kick.
Pepe had another chance in the same spot just minutes later, but Villar caught it just in front of the charging Italian. However, the keeper was keft completely stranded in the 63rd minute when he came out to collect Pepe’s corner, only to miss the ball and watch helplessly as De Rossi flicked it simply into the empty net.
The momentum swung solidly in Italy’s favour after that, but Villar came up strongly for the South Americans. First, he claimed the ball well in front of Iaquinta from a similar looking corner to the one he missed, and then in the 80th minute, he held Pepe’s low shot in front of the eager Italian attack. And he continued his redemption three minutes later, as he saved to his right to claimRiccardo Montolivo’s long but skipping shot.
Italy next play New Zealand on Sunday in Nelspruit, while Paraguay take on Slovakia the same day in Mangaung/Bloemfontein.
Japan 2-0 Cameroon
Japan recorded their first FIFA World Cup™ win on foreign soil after Keisuke Honda’s 39th-minute strike proved enough to down Cameroon at the Free State Stadium.
Honda creates history for Japan
Honda’s decisive contribution was handsome reward for Japan coach Takeshi Okada’s gamble to deploy the CSKA Moscow midfielder in a central attacking role in an attempt to remedy his team’s lack of goals. The Japanese, without a clean sheet in their warm-up matches, then frustrated Cameroon at the other end, surviving a late scare when the woodwork denied Stephane Mbia.
With the victory – their first in an opening game – Japan joined the Netherlands on three points at the top of Group E, while Cameroon’s second match against Denmark, the day’s other losers, assumes do-or-die dimensions.
The match began with a surprise in the Cameroon starting lineup with Mbia asked to fill in at right-back, his usual holding role in the middle going to Joel Matip. It was Cameroon’s left-back Benoit Assou who was busier, though, with most of Japan’s forward movement coming down their right side through Daisuke Matsui.
The Grenoble-based midfielder was the creator of Honda’s winning goal when, after several crosses that came to nothing, he finally got his angles right and swung over a high ball which evaded the Cameroon defenders and fell at the far post to Honda. The CSKA Moscow man needed one touch to control the ball before steering it coolly past Hamidou Souleymanou.
Ironically Honda’s strike came just moments after Cameroon had a shooting chance at the other end, when Eric Choupo Moting played a ball back to Enyong Enah but his low effort from the edge of the box went straight at Eiji Kawashima. There had been little end product up to then from the west Africans, despite their greater share of possession.
Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon’s captain, had a quiet half, although the couple of occasions he did get on the ball brought the promise something might happen. The constant noise inside the stadium rose several notches when the Inter Milan forward delivered an early scare for Japan’s defence after eight minutes, freeing Pierre Webo on the right side of the penalty box but his intended cutback to Choupo Moting was cleared.
Eto’o produced a flash of brilliance shortly after the restart when he span away from three blue shirts by the corner flag and teed up Choupo Moting for a shot that sailed over the far post. Cameroon were pushing Japan back and as night began to fall, and the temperature with it, coach Paul Le Guen looked to increase the pressure by sending on a fourth forward, Achille Emana, in place of Matip in the 63rd minute.
Webo got through but was offside, another Cameroon forward – Mahamadou Idrissou – entered the fray but still Japan absorbed the pressure. Indeed they might have had a second when Makoto Hasebe drew a low save from Souleymanou; substitute Shiniji Okazaki put the follow-up against the post but was offside. At the other end Mbia drove a shot against the crossbar but Japan – eight years to the day since their last FIFA World Cup victory – held on.
Netherlands 2-0 Denmark
A Daniel Agger own goal and Dirk Kuyt’s late winner earned the Netherlands a deserved 2-0 win over Denmark at Johannesburg’s Soccer City as the Dutch took an early lead in Group E and stretched their long unbeaten run.
Danes no match for Dutch
Oranje coach Bert van Marwijk had sprung a pre-match surprise with the inclusion of Arjen Robben as a substitute and the early stages could certainly have done with the Bayern Munich winger’s pace and trickery. With Soccer City bathed in afternoon sunshine, the players took some time to establish the expected tempo, and the best efforts of a tight opening 20 minutes came through two hugely ambitious and off-target free-kicks from Wesley Sneijder and Thomas Enevoldsen.
Neither side were doing themselves justice at this stage but, of the two, it was the Netherlands who were displaying the greater attacking intent, with Rafael van der Vaart proving a lively deputy for the sidelined Robben. Twice in as many minutes midway through the half, the Real Madrid midfielder turned neatly on the edge of the box to fashion scoring opportunities, but on each occasion was unable to find the target.
Thomas Sorensen, fit again after suffering a dislocated elbow, endured a heart-stopping moment shortly after when he fumbled a tame-looking Dirk Kuyt shot only to recover the ball at the second attempt. The Dutch would have been worthy of a goal at this stage, but their failure to convert territorial dominance into goals threatened to cost them dearly as half-time approached.
The warning signs had been there when, with 28 minutes played, Nicklas Bendtner found space at the back post to head wastefully wide from a measured Dennis Rommedahl cross. Rommedahl himself tried his luck soon after, firing straight at Maarten Stekelenburg at the end of a lightning Danish break, while Thomas Kahlenberg provided the best effort of the half with a flashing left-foot shot that forced a terrific save from the Dutch No1.
However, it is not for nothing that Van Marwijk’s side came into this match on a record 19-match unbeaten sequence, and they took a deserved lead within a minute of the second half commencing. Robin van Persie was the goal’s architect, beating Sorensen to a through ball before curling over an inviting cross which Simon Poulsen, in his attempts to clear, headed across goal, but crucially against the back of Agger and into the net.
The Danes nearly self-destructed again four minutes later when a misplaced pass allowed Van Persie a clear sight of goal, but the Arsenal forward hesitated and Sorensen smothered bravely. Van der Vaart then came close an early contender for goal of the tournament with an audacious flick matched only in quality by Sorensen’s agile save, while Sneijder rattled the crossbar with a deflected 25-yard shot.
The Dutch were not to be denied, however, and their continued superiority was rewarded with five minutes remaining when Dirk Kuyt slotted home from close range after substitute Eljero Elia’s initial effort had struck the post. The bounce of the ball had again favoured the Oranje, but there could be no Danish complaints about a result that is sure to enhance their Group E rivals’ standing as genuine FIFA World Cup™ contenders.
Italy vs Paraguay
The defending world champions make their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ debut against Paraguay in a match that ought to have a major bearing on who tops Group F. And not for the first time in their history, the men in blue will be heading into their opening match with several questions to answer.
Who will come out on top in Group F?
The match
Italy-Paraguay, Group F, Cape Town, Monday 14 June, 20:30 (local time)
Those doubts are largely founded on Marcello Lippi’s decision to keep faith with nine of the players who tasted glory in Germany, a policy of continuity that has not met with the unanimous support of Squadra Azzurra fans. “It’s only a month and there’s no problem,” said the silver-haired coach, responding to criticism that his side is too old. “And in any case, the best broths are cooked in the oldest pans.”
The experienced Italians should face a stiff test from Los Guaraníes, who finished third in the CONMEBOL qualifying zone, just behind Chile on goal difference. Traditionally hard to break down, the South Americans have acquired a deserved reputation as one of the best-drilled sides on the continent.
The two previous meetings between the sides both went Italy’s way, La Nazionale securing a 2-0 win at Brazil 1950 and a 3-1 victory in a 1998 friendly. La Albirroja have been impressive in the build-up to the world finals, however, losing only to Republic of Ireland and beating Korea DPR and Greece and earning a creditable draw with Côte d’Ivoire.
Players to watch
Lucas Barrios vs Fabio Cannavaro
Representing the country of his mother’s birth, the Argentina-born Borussia Dortmund forward, only obtained Paraguayan nationality a few months ago. Coach Gerardo Martino had little hesitation in calling him up to the squad to fill the void caused by the tragic shooting of star striker Salvador Cabanas. Barrios certainly looks the part, scoring 19 goals for the Bundesliga club in 33 games last season, his first in the German top flight.
One of the men attempting to shackle him on Monday will be the Italian stalwart, who is appearing in his fourth and last FIFA World Cup. Cannavaro has not enjoyed the best of seasons with Juventus, although few players have his ability to hit peak form at major tournaments. The 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year may be in the twilight of his career, but there is little question he still presents a formidable obstacle for opposing forwards.
The stat
1-1: Italy failed to win either of their warm-up games for South Africa 2010, losing 2-1 to Mexico and drawing 1-1 with Switzerland, not that too much should ever be read into Azzurri form on the eve of the competitions that matter. In fact, that stalemate with the Swiss is an encouraging omen for the Italians, who recorded exactly the same score against their northern neighbours in their final matches before Spain 1982 and Germany 2006, competitions that they went on to win.
What they said
Fabio Cannavaro, Italy defender:
We don’t have a star like Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi or Wayne Rooney, and we can’t play like Brazil, Spain or the Portuguese. But when it comes to defending there’s no one that can match us.
Enrique Vera, Paraguay midfielder:
This is going to be a midfield battle, without question, and it’s sure to be competitive. We’ll be working hard on playing the ball around and having some possession, though. That’s the way to hurt Italy.
The questionWho will come out on top in Group F?
Japan vs Cameroon
Mangaung/Bloemfontein hosts its first game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ on Monday, a Group E contest pitting Cameroon against a Japan team who managed to win just one of their four warm-up matches, scoring a solitary goal. But the Indomitable Lions have not enjoyed the best of results recently either, drawing two and losing two of their own preparatory friendlies. This encounter between two teams potentially short on confidence already has a decisive air about it as, with group rivals Denmark and the highly-fancied Netherlands waiting around the corner, neither side will favour starting their second match on the back foot.
The question The Japanese have never won a FIFA World Cup match beyond their own borders. Will they manage to put an end to this run against Cameroon? Or will the African side's defence perform better than it did in the run-up to the competition, when shipping seven goals in four matches?
The match
Japan-Cameroon, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Monday 14 June, 16.00 (local time)
Paul Le Guen’s Cameroon players may claim a psychological edge from the fact the west African side have never lost their opening FIFA World Cup match in five previous appearances. For their part, Japan can take comfort from the fact that they have never lost to Cameroon, nor have they even let in a goal. This game will be the first time that the countries have faced each other outside of Asia, their previous matches coming at the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001 and in two later friendlies in Oita.
Both sides took relatively trouble-free routes to the global showpiece. While the four-time African champions finished top of their group in both qualifying rounds, Takeshi Okada’s Japan claimed second place behind Australia, thereby avoiding the dreaded Asian Zone play-offs. Indeed, were it not for their propensity to draw matches, they may well have finished ahead of the Socceroos. They will want to kick their newly-acquired habit of gifting goals to the opposition: three of the last four goals they have conceded were self-inflicted, with two of these own goals coming in a 2-1 friendly defeat by England.
That said, Cameroon may not need any extra help from the Japanese defence, since they are able to count on the services of a certain Samuel Eto’o. As well as providing his team with some much-needed firepower, the Inter Milan striker will be out to show that he is worthy of the celebrity status accorded to him in Africa, especially in the absence of some of the continent’s other star names, such as Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel. The first-ever FIFA World Cup on African soil gives Eto’o the perfect opportunity to showcase his not insignificant skills.
Key duel
Marcus Tulio Tanaka v Samuel Eto’o
The tricky task of marking Cameroon’s fearsome front man will fall upon the sizeable shoulders of Marcus Tulio Tanaka. The Sao Paulo-born Japanese international defender will have a five-centimetre height advantage over Eto’o and should be primed for the physical challenge. He proved in a recent friendly with Côte d’Ivoire, in which he accidentally injured Didier Drogba, that he is not one to shirk a tackle. The only black mark against his name is a tendency to put the ball into his own net – he was responsible for two of the three aforementioned own goals and Japan could do without him completing an unwanted hat-trick against Eto’o and Co.
The stat
23 - The number of goals scored by each side during their respective qualifying campaigns. The Africans attained the total in 12 matches, while the Japanese did it in 14.
What they say
Keisuke Honda, Japan midfielder:
I’m expecting it to be just like an away match, but we’ll make the best of it. We’ll just need to concentrate on our game and show that we have a solid team.
Sebastien Bassong, Cameroon defender:
We’ve worked very hard and we feel ready. We’ll be playing against a team with a pacy front line, but we’ve come up against that before and will deal with it. It’ll be difficult but we’ll manage.
The question
The Japanese have never won a FIFA World Cup match beyond their own borders. Will they manage to put an end to this run against Cameroon? Or will the African side’s defence perform better than it did in the run-up to the competition, when shipping seven goals in four matches?
Just another Madridista
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