Monday 28th June 2010
Venue: Ellis Park
Kick-off: 19:30
Score: 3 - 0
Cruise for Brazil
Brazil's relentless march to the latter stages of the World Cup continued with an effortless 3-0 victory over Chile.
A team combining a potent mix of physique, power and mouthwatering ability were hugely assured in a one-side dismissal of their fellow South Americans to line up a quarter-final with Holland on Friday.
The boys in the famous yellow and blue were in control from virtually the first whistle and goals by Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho confirmed their status as tournament favourites.
It has been no easy run for Brazil - they emerged from a 'Group of Death' unscathed and with reputations enhanced and on this evidence the Dutch will need to summon up the spirits of past greats if they are to challenge Dunga's men.
Kaka remains Brazil's talisman and the Real Madrid midfielder was impressive on his return from suspension, though he managed to pick up his third booking of the tournament after English referee Howard Webb was unimpressed with his trip on a Chile player.
After Juan had opened the scoring, punishing Chile for their failure to deal with Brazil's aerial threat at a corner from Maicon, Kaka was heavily involved in the second goal.
Robinho began the move with a burst down the left and an early ball into Kaka in the middle. One brilliant first-time pass split the Chile central defenders asunder and left Luis Fabiano able to skip past keeper Claudio Bravo and finish.
Credit too to English linesman Michael Mullarkey for a perfect call to judge the Seville striker onside.
The goal made up for Luis Fabiano having dragged his shot wide after being put in the clear by a super ball from Dani Alves.
Brazil had almost drawn first blood earlier through Gilberto Silva, proving in this match and not for the first time that Arsene Wenger committed a rare blunder in disposing of his services two years ago, who hit a fierce long-range effort that Bravo turned aside at full stretch.
Chile's main hope looked to be through the creative instincts of their gifted 21-year-old Alexis Sanchez, a player being watched by a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United.
The Udinese player certainly provided Brazil with something to think about with a series of decent touches - one lovely pass for Humberto Suazo promised much but the striker did not match up with a disappointing effort to lob Julio Cesar.
Brazil could afford to take their foot off the gas at half-time, so minimal was the threat posed by the Marcelo Bielsa's Chileans, but they still managed to extend their lead.
Robinho was the man to strike just before the hour mark, curling it effortlessly past Bravo but he had Ramires to thank after a blistering run by the Benfica midfielder.
Alves hit a thunderbolt that must have had Bravo worried but it drifted just wide before Jorge Valdivia came as close as Chile had managed to a reply, teeing himself up and then firing just over from the edge of the box.
Kaka nearly claimed the goal his performance deserved after a surge down the left by Michel Bastos but was narrowly off target.
Bravo kept the score respectable by denying Robinho and then Suazo neatly turned Lucio - and not many players have done that this tournament - but Julio Cesar beat away his strike.
The game was up for Chile, however, and Dunga rubbed salt in the wound by taking off Kaka and sending on Kleberson - the player who flopped so dismally at Manchester United - to illustrate Brazil's overwhelming superiority
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
England out as Germany shine
Sunday 27th June 2010
Venue: Free State Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 4 - 1
England suffered the pain of German revenge as Fabio Capello's men made a controversial World Cup exit with a 4-1 defeat.
The Three Lions had hoped 44 years of hurt would end in South Africa. It did. German hurt.
When Frank Lampard's first-half shot crashed off the bar and bounced a clear two feet over the line, only for assistant Mauricio Espinosa to miss it, grainy images of England's controversial third at Wembley in 1966 immediately sprang to mind.
To his total disbelief, Capello's celebrations of what would have been an equaliser were cut short. Everyone in the ground, except the men who mattered, knew what had happened.
Germany made the most of their good fortune, as England did back then, to book a quarter-final place with what turned out to be their biggest win over a rival they have not lost to in a major tournament since that fateful day and the Three Lions biggest defeat in Finals combat.
Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski's first half-goals were doubled by a pair from the excellent Thomas Muller after the break.
But no-one will be talking about them on the streets of England. Nor will they discuss a Matthew Upson header that brought the Three Lions back into it.
Eventually they might get round to the clear defensive deficiencies in a team Capello claimed was good enough to reach the final.
But tonight, all they will snarl and rage at his how on earth Lampard's shot was missed. The stench will tinge the remainder of a tournament England will play no part of.
In a stormy few weeks, Franz Beckenbauer's first attempt to stoke Anglo-German relations came when he branded England a long-ball team.
Yet a true exponent of the art would surely be pretty good at defending it.
England had already been warned. One long punt down field from David James required a single bounce to rocket over the goal-line.
So there was no excuse for John Terry being so far up field when Manuel Neuer launched the ball from his six-yard line that he was taken completely out of the play by its flight.
Upson was left one-on-one with Klose and had neither agility, nor the strength to prevent the striker advancing on James and poking the ball into the England goal.
It was the start of an exceptionally uncomfortable period for Capello's side as Germany rampaged right through the heart of their midfield almost at will.
Mesut Ozil was an obvious problem, but Muller - the 20-year-old who helped destroy Manchester United with Bayern Munich this term - was emerging as the real danger man.
When he skipped off the right flank onto Klose's short pass, the English defence was again ripped to shreds.
Despite his tender years, Muller retained a cool enough head to flick the ball square to Podolski, whose finish, from a tight angle, went straight through James' legs and in off the post.
As James had already made two feet-first saves as German eyes lit up at a clear sight of goal, it seemed there was no way back for a team being completely outmanoeuvred.
Yet in a confrontation dripping with history, nothing is really new.
For two goal comebacks, think Leon 1970, when Sir Alf Ramsey made the fateful mistake of whisking off Bobby Charlton with a semi-final place supposedly assured.
Upson's reaction header from Steven Gerrard's cross brought that dream a bit closer to being realised.
As they celebrated, little did England know that within 60 seconds their opponents were about to enjoy the ultimate act of revenge.
It is frankly ludicrous that Sepp Blatter and his FIFA mandarins continue to shrug their shoulders at such injustices as the one Lampard suffered when the entire stadium, through all manner of new technology, knew within minutes the ball had crashed off Neuer's bar and bounced at least two feet over the line.
It was not even close, which is what David Beckham was presumably telling the South American officials as they made their way off at half-time.
Within seven minutes of the restart England were suffering again as Lampard let fly from fully 35 yards with a free-kick that again shook Neuer's crossbar. At least this time there was no claim for a goal.
It sparked a frenzied second half though, by far the most compelling period of play in the entire tournament, Germany defending manically, then trying to break on the counter.
Bastian Schweinsteiger had already come close to killing the game when another Lampard free-kick cannoned off the wall. Gareth Barry was robbed, Muller set Schweinsteiger free and began a run that ended with him burying England's dream.
Germany were not finished. With their opponents committed to desperate attack, Ozil raced past Barry with alarming ease and presented a gleeful Muller with a tap-in.
Four goals for the victors. Just like 66.
end
Venue: Free State Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 4 - 1
England suffered the pain of German revenge as Fabio Capello's men made a controversial World Cup exit with a 4-1 defeat.
The Three Lions had hoped 44 years of hurt would end in South Africa. It did. German hurt.
When Frank Lampard's first-half shot crashed off the bar and bounced a clear two feet over the line, only for assistant Mauricio Espinosa to miss it, grainy images of England's controversial third at Wembley in 1966 immediately sprang to mind.
To his total disbelief, Capello's celebrations of what would have been an equaliser were cut short. Everyone in the ground, except the men who mattered, knew what had happened.
Germany made the most of their good fortune, as England did back then, to book a quarter-final place with what turned out to be their biggest win over a rival they have not lost to in a major tournament since that fateful day and the Three Lions biggest defeat in Finals combat.
Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski's first half-goals were doubled by a pair from the excellent Thomas Muller after the break.
But no-one will be talking about them on the streets of England. Nor will they discuss a Matthew Upson header that brought the Three Lions back into it.
Eventually they might get round to the clear defensive deficiencies in a team Capello claimed was good enough to reach the final.
But tonight, all they will snarl and rage at his how on earth Lampard's shot was missed. The stench will tinge the remainder of a tournament England will play no part of.
In a stormy few weeks, Franz Beckenbauer's first attempt to stoke Anglo-German relations came when he branded England a long-ball team.
Yet a true exponent of the art would surely be pretty good at defending it.
England had already been warned. One long punt down field from David James required a single bounce to rocket over the goal-line.
So there was no excuse for John Terry being so far up field when Manuel Neuer launched the ball from his six-yard line that he was taken completely out of the play by its flight.
Upson was left one-on-one with Klose and had neither agility, nor the strength to prevent the striker advancing on James and poking the ball into the England goal.
It was the start of an exceptionally uncomfortable period for Capello's side as Germany rampaged right through the heart of their midfield almost at will.
Mesut Ozil was an obvious problem, but Muller - the 20-year-old who helped destroy Manchester United with Bayern Munich this term - was emerging as the real danger man.
When he skipped off the right flank onto Klose's short pass, the English defence was again ripped to shreds.
Despite his tender years, Muller retained a cool enough head to flick the ball square to Podolski, whose finish, from a tight angle, went straight through James' legs and in off the post.
As James had already made two feet-first saves as German eyes lit up at a clear sight of goal, it seemed there was no way back for a team being completely outmanoeuvred.
Yet in a confrontation dripping with history, nothing is really new.
For two goal comebacks, think Leon 1970, when Sir Alf Ramsey made the fateful mistake of whisking off Bobby Charlton with a semi-final place supposedly assured.
Upson's reaction header from Steven Gerrard's cross brought that dream a bit closer to being realised.
As they celebrated, little did England know that within 60 seconds their opponents were about to enjoy the ultimate act of revenge.
It is frankly ludicrous that Sepp Blatter and his FIFA mandarins continue to shrug their shoulders at such injustices as the one Lampard suffered when the entire stadium, through all manner of new technology, knew within minutes the ball had crashed off Neuer's bar and bounced at least two feet over the line.
It was not even close, which is what David Beckham was presumably telling the South American officials as they made their way off at half-time.
Within seven minutes of the restart England were suffering again as Lampard let fly from fully 35 yards with a free-kick that again shook Neuer's crossbar. At least this time there was no claim for a goal.
It sparked a frenzied second half though, by far the most compelling period of play in the entire tournament, Germany defending manically, then trying to break on the counter.
Bastian Schweinsteiger had already come close to killing the game when another Lampard free-kick cannoned off the wall. Gareth Barry was robbed, Muller set Schweinsteiger free and began a run that ended with him burying England's dream.
Germany were not finished. With their opponents committed to desperate attack, Ozil raced past Barry with alarming ease and presented a gleeful Muller with a tap-in.
Four goals for the victors. Just like 66.
end
Argentina march on
Sunday 27th June 2010
Venue: Soccer City
Kick-off: 19:30
Score: 3 - 1
Two goals by Carlos Tevez - one hugely-controversial and the other a wonderful strike - sent Argentina through to the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win against a spirited Mexico side.
On a day to forget for match officials, the Manchester City striker benefited from an offside decision blunder that was so blatant it ranked alongside the one that denied Frank Lampard in the England game four hours previously.
The offside rule states there should be two players between the striker and the goal - there was not even one when Lionel Messi's ball found Tevez's head, and then the net to put Diego Maradona's side in front.
After the replay flashed up on the big screen angry Mexico players surrounded the Italian referee Roberto Rosetti and linesman Stefano Ayroldi but the goal stood.
Mexico went into meltdown and a defensive howler by Ricardo Osorio allowed Gonzalo Higuain to make it 2-0.
It was Tevez who sewed the match up in brilliant fashion - and legitimately this time - early in the second half with Mexico left only to savour a stunning reply by Manchester United's new signing Javier Hernandez.
Until Tevez's opener Mexico had looked the better side in this clash between the Latin Americans who had fought out a terrific contest at the same stage of the 2006 finals.
That went to extra time but once again Javier Aguirre's men showed themselves to be a classy but unfortunate outfit.
Two incidents within the opening 10 minutes had Argentinian hearts in mouths. First Carlos Salcido crashed in a thunderous drive from 30 yards that Sergio Romero just touched onto the crossbar, then an equally terrific strike by Andres Guardado whisked agonisingly past the post.
For Argentina, Messi, still looking for his first goal of the tournament, had two efforts from similar positions on the left of the area, but one was blocked and the other easily held by Oscar Perez. Messi should perhaps have passed to an unmarked team-mate - maybe that elusive goal was haunting him.
Hernandez, who increasingly looks an astute signing by Sir Alex Ferguson, turned away from his marker and slammed a shot wide but then came Tevez's offside goal and Mexico lost their heads.
First skipper Rafael Marquez earned himself a needless booking for showing his frustration, then there was real calamity when Osorio scuffed a pass across the edge of his own box, Higuain seized onto the ball and kept his cool to round Perez neatly and slide home.
Salcido raised Mexican hopes with another long-range strike, this time parried by Romero, before Angel di Maria and Tevez nearly scored but were kept at bay by desperate blocks.
Higuain really should have made it 3-0 but somehow the Real Madrid striker put a free header wide from only six yards out.
There was an unseemly melee around the officials as the teams left the pitch at half-time, with Maradona finding himself in the unusual position of peacemaker.
Any hopes Mexico had ended soon after the restart thanks to Tevez's 52nd-minute blistering strike into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Tevez ran to the bench for a wild embrace with Maradona that seem to last an eternity.
It was left to Hernandez to rescue some pride for Mexico. The 22-year-old had just sent a header over despite being unmarked, but then he left Martin Demichelis standing with a superb turn and lashed the ball high past Romero to give Mexico a slim lifeline.
It probably shaded Tevez's strike and will go down as one of the goals of the tournament.
Argentina shut up shop after that and Mexico barely had another sniff.
Messi's increasingly desperate search for a goal continued as Perez denied him in injury time.
As for Maradona, his amazing story continues.
Venue: Soccer City
Kick-off: 19:30
Score: 3 - 1
Two goals by Carlos Tevez - one hugely-controversial and the other a wonderful strike - sent Argentina through to the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win against a spirited Mexico side.
On a day to forget for match officials, the Manchester City striker benefited from an offside decision blunder that was so blatant it ranked alongside the one that denied Frank Lampard in the England game four hours previously.
The offside rule states there should be two players between the striker and the goal - there was not even one when Lionel Messi's ball found Tevez's head, and then the net to put Diego Maradona's side in front.
After the replay flashed up on the big screen angry Mexico players surrounded the Italian referee Roberto Rosetti and linesman Stefano Ayroldi but the goal stood.
Mexico went into meltdown and a defensive howler by Ricardo Osorio allowed Gonzalo Higuain to make it 2-0.
It was Tevez who sewed the match up in brilliant fashion - and legitimately this time - early in the second half with Mexico left only to savour a stunning reply by Manchester United's new signing Javier Hernandez.
Until Tevez's opener Mexico had looked the better side in this clash between the Latin Americans who had fought out a terrific contest at the same stage of the 2006 finals.
That went to extra time but once again Javier Aguirre's men showed themselves to be a classy but unfortunate outfit.
Two incidents within the opening 10 minutes had Argentinian hearts in mouths. First Carlos Salcido crashed in a thunderous drive from 30 yards that Sergio Romero just touched onto the crossbar, then an equally terrific strike by Andres Guardado whisked agonisingly past the post.
For Argentina, Messi, still looking for his first goal of the tournament, had two efforts from similar positions on the left of the area, but one was blocked and the other easily held by Oscar Perez. Messi should perhaps have passed to an unmarked team-mate - maybe that elusive goal was haunting him.
Hernandez, who increasingly looks an astute signing by Sir Alex Ferguson, turned away from his marker and slammed a shot wide but then came Tevez's offside goal and Mexico lost their heads.
First skipper Rafael Marquez earned himself a needless booking for showing his frustration, then there was real calamity when Osorio scuffed a pass across the edge of his own box, Higuain seized onto the ball and kept his cool to round Perez neatly and slide home.
Salcido raised Mexican hopes with another long-range strike, this time parried by Romero, before Angel di Maria and Tevez nearly scored but were kept at bay by desperate blocks.
Higuain really should have made it 3-0 but somehow the Real Madrid striker put a free header wide from only six yards out.
There was an unseemly melee around the officials as the teams left the pitch at half-time, with Maradona finding himself in the unusual position of peacemaker.
Any hopes Mexico had ended soon after the restart thanks to Tevez's 52nd-minute blistering strike into the top corner from 25 yards out.
Tevez ran to the bench for a wild embrace with Maradona that seem to last an eternity.
It was left to Hernandez to rescue some pride for Mexico. The 22-year-old had just sent a header over despite being unmarked, but then he left Martin Demichelis standing with a superb turn and lashed the ball high past Romero to give Mexico a slim lifeline.
It probably shaded Tevez's strike and will go down as one of the goals of the tournament.
Argentina shut up shop after that and Mexico barely had another sniff.
Messi's increasingly desperate search for a goal continued as Perez denied him in injury time.
As for Maradona, his amazing story continues.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Brawn: Mercedes are almost there!
Ross Brawn believes Mercedes GP are a small step away from becoming race winners.
The closest last year's Formula One world champions have come to a victory has been the two third-place finishes from Nico Rosberg in Malaysia and China.
Whilst team-mate Michael Schumacher has often faltered and appeared unconvincing on his return to F1 this season, Rosberg has at least been consistent.
The younger German has finished anywhere between third and seventh in all but one of the eight grands prix, earning rave reviews and plaudits for his performances.
Team principal Brawn, however, knows it is time one of his drivers was standing on top of the podium, but is acutely aware the margins between such a position and out of the top three is small.
"With the new points system this year we are still within striking distance of the championship leaders and we will continue with our efforts to become more competitive," said Brawn.
"We have a number of the basics right and the difference between winning and losing is small. We need to close that difference."
That may yet be this weekend as the team will be sporting a number of updates they hope will propel them closer to the front.
"Looking ahead to Valencia, the circuit is similar to Montreal (for the Canadian Grand Prix) in many ways with long straights connected by slow corners which should suit our car," added Brawn.
"We have an upgrade package which will be another good step in our development towards competing at the front of the field."
The race is an unusual one for Schumacher as he ventures into the unknown in comparison to all his major rivals.
The venue only appeared on the F1 calendar for the first time two years ago when Schumacher was still happily in retirement.
The 41-year-old was due to make his comeback in Valencia last year with Ferrari, only for a long-standing neck injury to deny him the opportunity.
Despite his lack of experience, the seven-times champion is ready to rise to the challenge, even if his performance in Canada gave rise to the suggestion he is a driver significantly off the pace.
"Valencia is a track I have never raced on before so it will be another new experience for me, but one I am looking forward to," said Schumacher.
"I have always been quite good in adapting quickly to new situations, and I strongly expect that to be the case in Valencia.
"I like going into new experiences like this and having detailed discussions with my engineers about the challenge.
"We will bring further updates for our car which should help to improve the performance."
The closest last year's Formula One world champions have come to a victory has been the two third-place finishes from Nico Rosberg in Malaysia and China.
Whilst team-mate Michael Schumacher has often faltered and appeared unconvincing on his return to F1 this season, Rosberg has at least been consistent.
The younger German has finished anywhere between third and seventh in all but one of the eight grands prix, earning rave reviews and plaudits for his performances.
Team principal Brawn, however, knows it is time one of his drivers was standing on top of the podium, but is acutely aware the margins between such a position and out of the top three is small.
"With the new points system this year we are still within striking distance of the championship leaders and we will continue with our efforts to become more competitive," said Brawn.
"We have a number of the basics right and the difference between winning and losing is small. We need to close that difference."
That may yet be this weekend as the team will be sporting a number of updates they hope will propel them closer to the front.
"Looking ahead to Valencia, the circuit is similar to Montreal (for the Canadian Grand Prix) in many ways with long straights connected by slow corners which should suit our car," added Brawn.
"We have an upgrade package which will be another good step in our development towards competing at the front of the field."
The race is an unusual one for Schumacher as he ventures into the unknown in comparison to all his major rivals.
The venue only appeared on the F1 calendar for the first time two years ago when Schumacher was still happily in retirement.
The 41-year-old was due to make his comeback in Valencia last year with Ferrari, only for a long-standing neck injury to deny him the opportunity.
Despite his lack of experience, the seven-times champion is ready to rise to the challenge, even if his performance in Canada gave rise to the suggestion he is a driver significantly off the pace.
"Valencia is a track I have never raced on before so it will be another new experience for me, but one I am looking forward to," said Schumacher.
"I have always been quite good in adapting quickly to new situations, and I strongly expect that to be the case in Valencia.
"I like going into new experiences like this and having detailed discussions with my engineers about the challenge.
"We will bring further updates for our car which should help to improve the performance."
Resurgent Danes send Cameroon out
Saturday 19th June 2010
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Kick-off: 19:30
Score: 1 - 2
Resurgent Danes send Cameroon out
Denmark hit back from an early deficit to re-ignite their World Cup challenge and in the process extinguish Cameroon's chances of getting through to the last 16 with a 2-1 win.
In what was a hugely entertaining encounter between the bottom two teams in Group E in Pretoria, Cameroon took the lead in the 10th minute through captain Samuel Eto'o following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Denmark recovered from that setback though, and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and the dangerous Dennis Rommedahl in either half earned the Scandinavians a hard-fought victory.
The result means that Denmark join their next opponents Japan on three points, while group leaders Holland are now guaranteed a top-two finish - making them the first team to progress.
For battling Cameroon though, the defeat sees them become the first side to bid farewell to the World Cup after losing both their opening two games.
Denmark coach Morten Olsen made two changes to the side that lost to Holland, bringing in fit-again captain Jon Dahl Tomasson and Jesper Gronkjaer.
Bendtner also took his place in the starting line-up for the second successive game despite struggling with a groin injury that means he can only train every other day and only having lasted an hour against the Dutch.
Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, meanwhile, drafted in Geremi, Achille Emana and Alexandre Song as the Indomitable Lions sought to end an eight-game winless streak stretching back to the African Nations Cup.
Denmark, who had lost their previous three games without scoring a goal, had the first opportunity but Rommedahl fired over after breaking the offside trap in the sixth minute.
The Ajax winger should have done better with that, and four minutes later Eto'o showed him how it should be done by putting Cameroon ahead following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Poulsen picked up possession from his goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen on the edge of the box and then attempted to find Simon Kjaer with a first-time pass without looking up.
The pass was intercepted by Emana, who quickly picked out the unmarked Eto'o in the middle and the Inter Milan star took one touch before drilling a low shot past Sorensen.
That was another bad goal for the Danes to concede following the own goal by Daniel Agger against Holland, when Simon Poulsen's attempted headed clearance hit the Liverpool defender before going in.
The Danes were back on level terms just after the half-hour mark at Loftus Versfeld stadium, though.
Cameroon goalkeeper Souleymanou Hamidou had done well to deny Tomasson earlier but he could do nothing about the equaliser as his defence were cut open far too easily.
A superb long ball from inside his own half by Kjaer just cleared Benoit Assou-Ekotto and fell perfectly for the flying Rommedahl, and his low ball into the centre was slid home by Bendtner from eight yards.
Both sides had chances to snatch the lead during a hectic spell just prior to half-time.
For Denmark, Rommedahl could not take advantage of getting clear once again before, from the same attack, Tomasson saw a goal-bound shot blocked.
Then for Cameroon, Eto'o fired against the post following another defensive mistake, while Emana was denied by Sorensen after bursting through the two Danish centre-backs.
The all-action encounter continued apace at the start of the second half when Stephane M'bia and Kjaer both brought fingertip saves out of their opposing goalkeepers.
Cameroon striker Pierre Webo then blazed a decent opening high into the stands before also being denied by Sorensen as the African side looked to be taking control.
However, it was Denmark who got the next goal through the dangerous Rommedahl in the 61st minute.
Bendtner's pass put Rommedahl away down the right and the 31-year-old cut inside Jean Makoun before curling a low left-footed shot past Hamidou. That left Cameroon staring World Cup elimination in the face, and they almost fell 3-1 behind in the 71st minute, Hamidou coming to their rescue to superbly keep out Tomasson's effort.
Sorensen then produced an even better save six minutes later, diving low to his right to parry away Emana's shot.
Cameroon laid siege to Sorensen's goal in the closing stages, but they could find no way through as Denmark held on for the points.
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Kick-off: 19:30
Score: 1 - 2
Resurgent Danes send Cameroon out
Denmark hit back from an early deficit to re-ignite their World Cup challenge and in the process extinguish Cameroon's chances of getting through to the last 16 with a 2-1 win.
In what was a hugely entertaining encounter between the bottom two teams in Group E in Pretoria, Cameroon took the lead in the 10th minute through captain Samuel Eto'o following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Denmark recovered from that setback though, and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and the dangerous Dennis Rommedahl in either half earned the Scandinavians a hard-fought victory.
The result means that Denmark join their next opponents Japan on three points, while group leaders Holland are now guaranteed a top-two finish - making them the first team to progress.
For battling Cameroon though, the defeat sees them become the first side to bid farewell to the World Cup after losing both their opening two games.
Denmark coach Morten Olsen made two changes to the side that lost to Holland, bringing in fit-again captain Jon Dahl Tomasson and Jesper Gronkjaer.
Bendtner also took his place in the starting line-up for the second successive game despite struggling with a groin injury that means he can only train every other day and only having lasted an hour against the Dutch.
Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, meanwhile, drafted in Geremi, Achille Emana and Alexandre Song as the Indomitable Lions sought to end an eight-game winless streak stretching back to the African Nations Cup.
Denmark, who had lost their previous three games without scoring a goal, had the first opportunity but Rommedahl fired over after breaking the offside trap in the sixth minute.
The Ajax winger should have done better with that, and four minutes later Eto'o showed him how it should be done by putting Cameroon ahead following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Poulsen picked up possession from his goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen on the edge of the box and then attempted to find Simon Kjaer with a first-time pass without looking up.
The pass was intercepted by Emana, who quickly picked out the unmarked Eto'o in the middle and the Inter Milan star took one touch before drilling a low shot past Sorensen.
That was another bad goal for the Danes to concede following the own goal by Daniel Agger against Holland, when Simon Poulsen's attempted headed clearance hit the Liverpool defender before going in.
The Danes were back on level terms just after the half-hour mark at Loftus Versfeld stadium, though.
Cameroon goalkeeper Souleymanou Hamidou had done well to deny Tomasson earlier but he could do nothing about the equaliser as his defence were cut open far too easily.
A superb long ball from inside his own half by Kjaer just cleared Benoit Assou-Ekotto and fell perfectly for the flying Rommedahl, and his low ball into the centre was slid home by Bendtner from eight yards.
Both sides had chances to snatch the lead during a hectic spell just prior to half-time.
For Denmark, Rommedahl could not take advantage of getting clear once again before, from the same attack, Tomasson saw a goal-bound shot blocked.
Then for Cameroon, Eto'o fired against the post following another defensive mistake, while Emana was denied by Sorensen after bursting through the two Danish centre-backs.
The all-action encounter continued apace at the start of the second half when Stephane M'bia and Kjaer both brought fingertip saves out of their opposing goalkeepers.
Cameroon striker Pierre Webo then blazed a decent opening high into the stands before also being denied by Sorensen as the African side looked to be taking control.
However, it was Denmark who got the next goal through the dangerous Rommedahl in the 61st minute.
Bendtner's pass put Rommedahl away down the right and the 31-year-old cut inside Jean Makoun before curling a low left-footed shot past Hamidou. That left Cameroon staring World Cup elimination in the face, and they almost fell 3-1 behind in the 71st minute, Hamidou coming to their rescue to superbly keep out Tomasson's effort.
Sorensen then produced an even better save six minutes later, diving low to his right to parry away Emana's shot.
Cameroon laid siege to Sorensen's goal in the closing stages, but they could find no way through as Denmark held on for the points.
Landon lands knockout blow
Wednesday 23rd June 2010
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 1 - 0
Landon Donovan struck an injury-time winner as the United States sensationally progressed through to the last 16 of the World Cup with a deserved win 1-0 over Algeria, who crash out.
The United States, watched on by former President Bill Clinton, dominated for large periods and created a host of chances but looked set to be denied by a mixture of the woodwork, good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
However, Donovan popped up right at the end to slot into the net to send the Americans through as Group C winners ahead of England, who beat Slovenia in the other game, The United States will now play the second-placed team from Group D, which includes Ghana, Germany, Serbia and Australia.
For Algeria, who have never progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup, they hit the woodwork early on and created a couple of other chances but were unable to net their first goal of the finals as they tumbled out.
They also finished with 10 men after captain Anthar Yahia was sent off for a second booking late on in Pretoria.
Algeria coach Rabah Saadane, knowing his side could not afford a third successive match without a goal, made one change to the team that held England 0-0, bringing in AEK Athens striker Rafik Djebbour for Ryad Boudebouz.
USA boss Bob Bradley, meanwhile, made three changes. Algeria started brightly and almost took the lead in the sixth minute when Djebbour rattled the crossbar.
US defender Jay DeMerit failed to cut out a long punt forward and Djebbour stole in behind him, controlled the ball on his chest before smashing a volley against the crossbar from 12 yards out.
It was also a big let-off for the Americans, but Bradley's side would return the favour with interest during the remainder of the period as they spurned a number of good chances themselves.
Herculez Gomez brought a save out of Rais M'Bohli, before the US thought they had taken the lead in the 20th minute when Gomez, having seen his first effort saved, saw his cross-shot turned in at the far post by Clint Dempsey.
However, the effort was chalked off for a marginal offside.
The Americans were denied a winning goal in their last match against Slovenia when Maurice Edu's late strike was controversially chalked off.
After a slow start, the US were starting to look increasingly dangerous and they created two great chances around the 35th minute.
Dempsey saw the first saved by M'Bohli after being put through by a great pass by Donovan, and then Jozy Altidore blazed horribly over after the influential Donovan had dinked the ball past M'Bohli to set up a magnificent opening.
The Desert Foxes were still posing problems of their own though, and Karim Matmour earned a corner after testing Tim Howard with a long-range thunderbolt as the half ended in stalemate.
With England leading Slovenia in the other game, both the US and Algeria were on their way out of the World Cup at the interval.
The Americans should have improved their lot in the 56th minute though as they spurned another great chance.
The ball fell invitingly for Dempsey on the edge of the box, but his shot rebounded back off the inside of the far post before the Fulham midfielder sliced the rebound wide with the goal gaping.
Bradley's side continued to dominate and Benny Feilhaber went close before his fellow substitute Edson Buddle powered a header straight at M'Bohli from five yards out.
Algeria briefly stemmed the one-way traffic when Karim Ziani dragged a shot wide from a good chance in the 69th minute, but otherwise it was largely all America.
Algeria had a late chance to snatch what could have been a winner when Rafik Saifi headed straight at Howard, and moments after that the US claimed the victory.
Dempsey was just unable to slot home after a breakaway attack, but the ball fell kindly for Donovan who slotted into a gaping net from close range.
That proved to be the winner and demoralised Algeria would end the game with 10 men when Yahia was dismissed soon after.
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 1 - 0
Landon Donovan struck an injury-time winner as the United States sensationally progressed through to the last 16 of the World Cup with a deserved win 1-0 over Algeria, who crash out.
The United States, watched on by former President Bill Clinton, dominated for large periods and created a host of chances but looked set to be denied by a mixture of the woodwork, good goalkeeping and poor finishing.
However, Donovan popped up right at the end to slot into the net to send the Americans through as Group C winners ahead of England, who beat Slovenia in the other game, The United States will now play the second-placed team from Group D, which includes Ghana, Germany, Serbia and Australia.
For Algeria, who have never progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup, they hit the woodwork early on and created a couple of other chances but were unable to net their first goal of the finals as they tumbled out.
They also finished with 10 men after captain Anthar Yahia was sent off for a second booking late on in Pretoria.
Algeria coach Rabah Saadane, knowing his side could not afford a third successive match without a goal, made one change to the team that held England 0-0, bringing in AEK Athens striker Rafik Djebbour for Ryad Boudebouz.
USA boss Bob Bradley, meanwhile, made three changes. Algeria started brightly and almost took the lead in the sixth minute when Djebbour rattled the crossbar.
US defender Jay DeMerit failed to cut out a long punt forward and Djebbour stole in behind him, controlled the ball on his chest before smashing a volley against the crossbar from 12 yards out.
It was also a big let-off for the Americans, but Bradley's side would return the favour with interest during the remainder of the period as they spurned a number of good chances themselves.
Herculez Gomez brought a save out of Rais M'Bohli, before the US thought they had taken the lead in the 20th minute when Gomez, having seen his first effort saved, saw his cross-shot turned in at the far post by Clint Dempsey.
However, the effort was chalked off for a marginal offside.
The Americans were denied a winning goal in their last match against Slovenia when Maurice Edu's late strike was controversially chalked off.
After a slow start, the US were starting to look increasingly dangerous and they created two great chances around the 35th minute.
Dempsey saw the first saved by M'Bohli after being put through by a great pass by Donovan, and then Jozy Altidore blazed horribly over after the influential Donovan had dinked the ball past M'Bohli to set up a magnificent opening.
The Desert Foxes were still posing problems of their own though, and Karim Matmour earned a corner after testing Tim Howard with a long-range thunderbolt as the half ended in stalemate.
With England leading Slovenia in the other game, both the US and Algeria were on their way out of the World Cup at the interval.
The Americans should have improved their lot in the 56th minute though as they spurned another great chance.
The ball fell invitingly for Dempsey on the edge of the box, but his shot rebounded back off the inside of the far post before the Fulham midfielder sliced the rebound wide with the goal gaping.
Bradley's side continued to dominate and Benny Feilhaber went close before his fellow substitute Edson Buddle powered a header straight at M'Bohli from five yards out.
Algeria briefly stemmed the one-way traffic when Karim Ziani dragged a shot wide from a good chance in the 69th minute, but otherwise it was largely all America.
Algeria had a late chance to snatch what could have been a winner when Rafik Saifi headed straight at Howard, and moments after that the US claimed the victory.
Dempsey was just unable to slot home after a breakaway attack, but the ball fell kindly for Donovan who slotted into a gaping net from close range.
That proved to be the winner and demoralised Algeria would end the game with 10 men when Yahia was dismissed soon after.
England progress with win
Wednesday 23rd June 2010
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 0 - 1
After a turbulent week, a hug of unity at the end as England dragged themselves away from the World Cup abyss and back on the path to glory with a 1-0 win over Slovenia.
Jermain Defoe nudged home the first-half winner that propelled the Three Lions into the last 16.
Landon Donovan's injury-time effort in Pretoria meant the outcome was not exactly what England wanted, as it sends them to Bloemfontein on Sunday and leaves them in the same quarter of the draw as Diego Maradona's dangerous Argentinians.
But the main thing is they are still there, and Fabio Capello can at least look back on the result with satisfaction, given his decision to select Defoe above the non-scoring talents of Emile Heskey.
But there was so much more to cherish.
With the notable exception of Wayne Rooney, who did not look impressed to be replaced by Joe Cole, and the fact their goals difference read only one, England found themselves again, producing all the verve and fire their manager knows they are so capable of.
Days of rancour gave way to the sheer exhilaration of seeing a team play in the manner of old and though their profligacy ensured there were some nervy moments to survive before victory could be achieved, in the end they made it.
The men who combined to give England that crucial, crucial goal were both exorcising a personal ghost.
It has almost been forgotten it is so long ago but right at the beginning of England's World Cup, Defoe was a starter for Capello.
Hauled off after a goalless 45 minutes against Andorra in Barcelona, Defoe was condemned to the role of impact substitute for the remainder of the qualifiers, admittedly scoring three times in the process.
Milner's wound is much fresher. Always a Capello favourite, the Aston Villa man was asked to plug a hole on the left of England's midfield for the opening encounter with the United States.
Given a right old chasing by Carlos Bocanegra, the 24-year-old was hauled off after half an hour and must have wondered if he would see any more action in South Africa.
Capello is intensely loyal though. Deciding he needed more solidity defensively than Aaron Lennon can provide, the Italian turned to Milner for the right-sided role.
His early contribution was riddled with mistakes. But the cross he swung deep into the Slovenia box midway through that opening period was almost Beckham-esque.
Defoe had made his way into the danger zone, like any instinctive marksman would, got just in front of Marko Suler and stuck out his leg, prodding the ball goalwards with enough power to get it past Samir Handanovic, who did nearly make a save.
It had taken Defoe 23 minutes to achieve what Heskey had managed once in eight years; a competitive goal.
Visibly, the pressure lifted from English shoulders.
The high-tempo, quick passing, tigerish pressing game Capello had yearned for, and which temperatures of a South African winter suit so well suddenly appeared, and so did the opportunities.
Frank Lampard and skipper Steven Gerrard had the first couple before half-time, the Liverpool man knowing he would have scored if he had put more power behind a side-footed effort that failed to beat Handanovic after a hitherto quiet Rooney had provided the superb square ball.
Capello cut a frustrated figure when, eight yards out and completely unmarked, Defoe made no contact after Barry had lofted a pass into a Slovenia penalty area in a state of confusion thanks to some selfless running from Rooney.
John Terry brought a brilliant save out of Handanovic when he rose to meet Barry's corner at the far post before Rooney struck the base of a post after his unchecked run into the penalty area had been spotted by Lampard.
It was sumptuous fare lifted directly from the Premier League, the kind of football that prompted Capello to make his "crazy" claim that England could reach the final of this grand and prestigious tournament in Soccer City on July 11.
In a week for apologies and forgiveness, the England supporters responded by showing they bore no hard feelings for Rooney's rant in Cape Town by chanting his name with gusto, although on the second occasion it was for their talisman's exit - unhappily - to make way for Joe Cole to make his long-awaited bow.
Amid the euphoria at finding a team, one fairly large problem was being overlooked. England's lead remained stuck at one and could so easily be snatched away.
Had first Terry, then Glen Johnson, not thrown themselves in front of Slovenian shots, the smallest country in the tournament would have had their equaliser and England would have been out.
For Slovenia, events elsewhere would give them cause for huge regret. For England, pride was restored - and a sigh of relief could be breathed.
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 0 - 1
After a turbulent week, a hug of unity at the end as England dragged themselves away from the World Cup abyss and back on the path to glory with a 1-0 win over Slovenia.
Jermain Defoe nudged home the first-half winner that propelled the Three Lions into the last 16.
Landon Donovan's injury-time effort in Pretoria meant the outcome was not exactly what England wanted, as it sends them to Bloemfontein on Sunday and leaves them in the same quarter of the draw as Diego Maradona's dangerous Argentinians.
But the main thing is they are still there, and Fabio Capello can at least look back on the result with satisfaction, given his decision to select Defoe above the non-scoring talents of Emile Heskey.
But there was so much more to cherish.
With the notable exception of Wayne Rooney, who did not look impressed to be replaced by Joe Cole, and the fact their goals difference read only one, England found themselves again, producing all the verve and fire their manager knows they are so capable of.
Days of rancour gave way to the sheer exhilaration of seeing a team play in the manner of old and though their profligacy ensured there were some nervy moments to survive before victory could be achieved, in the end they made it.
The men who combined to give England that crucial, crucial goal were both exorcising a personal ghost.
It has almost been forgotten it is so long ago but right at the beginning of England's World Cup, Defoe was a starter for Capello.
Hauled off after a goalless 45 minutes against Andorra in Barcelona, Defoe was condemned to the role of impact substitute for the remainder of the qualifiers, admittedly scoring three times in the process.
Milner's wound is much fresher. Always a Capello favourite, the Aston Villa man was asked to plug a hole on the left of England's midfield for the opening encounter with the United States.
Given a right old chasing by Carlos Bocanegra, the 24-year-old was hauled off after half an hour and must have wondered if he would see any more action in South Africa.
Capello is intensely loyal though. Deciding he needed more solidity defensively than Aaron Lennon can provide, the Italian turned to Milner for the right-sided role.
His early contribution was riddled with mistakes. But the cross he swung deep into the Slovenia box midway through that opening period was almost Beckham-esque.
Defoe had made his way into the danger zone, like any instinctive marksman would, got just in front of Marko Suler and stuck out his leg, prodding the ball goalwards with enough power to get it past Samir Handanovic, who did nearly make a save.
It had taken Defoe 23 minutes to achieve what Heskey had managed once in eight years; a competitive goal.
Visibly, the pressure lifted from English shoulders.
The high-tempo, quick passing, tigerish pressing game Capello had yearned for, and which temperatures of a South African winter suit so well suddenly appeared, and so did the opportunities.
Frank Lampard and skipper Steven Gerrard had the first couple before half-time, the Liverpool man knowing he would have scored if he had put more power behind a side-footed effort that failed to beat Handanovic after a hitherto quiet Rooney had provided the superb square ball.
Capello cut a frustrated figure when, eight yards out and completely unmarked, Defoe made no contact after Barry had lofted a pass into a Slovenia penalty area in a state of confusion thanks to some selfless running from Rooney.
John Terry brought a brilliant save out of Handanovic when he rose to meet Barry's corner at the far post before Rooney struck the base of a post after his unchecked run into the penalty area had been spotted by Lampard.
It was sumptuous fare lifted directly from the Premier League, the kind of football that prompted Capello to make his "crazy" claim that England could reach the final of this grand and prestigious tournament in Soccer City on July 11.
In a week for apologies and forgiveness, the England supporters responded by showing they bore no hard feelings for Rooney's rant in Cape Town by chanting his name with gusto, although on the second occasion it was for their talisman's exit - unhappily - to make way for Joe Cole to make his long-awaited bow.
Amid the euphoria at finding a team, one fairly large problem was being overlooked. England's lead remained stuck at one and could so easily be snatched away.
Had first Terry, then Glen Johnson, not thrown themselves in front of Slovenian shots, the smallest country in the tournament would have had their equaliser and England would have been out.
For Slovenia, events elsewhere would give them cause for huge regret. For England, pride was restored - and a sigh of relief could be breathed.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Domenech: My players are imbeciles!
France national coach Raymond Domenech has questioned his players' intelligence after they went on strike.
France's World Cup campaign had been in tatters since even before the tournament actually began, with rumours of dischord within the squad swirling around the Les Blues.
From that unsavoury beginning, things have unravelled quickly - with disaster on the pitch followed by chaos off it.
The 2006 finalists drew their first game against Uruguay before shockingly going down to Mexico. It was during this second match that Nicolas Anelka reportedly abused Domenech during half-time after the coach questioned his first-half performance.
The striker was promptly asked to pack his bags and booted out of the squad. That was when matters came to a head.
The remaining players refused to train the next day and captain Patrice Evra even got into a scuffle with the team director in front of the media.
Speaking on the incident, Domenech - whose own decisions have been questioned for a while now - told The Sun that his players' actions "were an aberration, an imbecility, a stupidity without name."
Speaking on his side's upcoming match against South Africa - a game they must win to even have a hope of progressing, the eccentric declared:
"I haven't picked the team yet. I will pick the players who are mentally and physically in the best shape to win the game.
"The sanction against Anelka is justified and I support the Federation. Nobody should behave in such a way.
It was Domenech himself who read out the players' strike statement and he explained the rationale behind doing so.
"It was an aberration.
"We had to do something. The French people had a right to know.
"What I should have said was I did not support this action. We tried to convince them it was stupid.
"Has our reputation been tarnished? That will depend on the outcome of the match.
"They have to play their hearts out. They have to show they love football and the French team."
France's World Cup campaign had been in tatters since even before the tournament actually began, with rumours of dischord within the squad swirling around the Les Blues.
From that unsavoury beginning, things have unravelled quickly - with disaster on the pitch followed by chaos off it.
The 2006 finalists drew their first game against Uruguay before shockingly going down to Mexico. It was during this second match that Nicolas Anelka reportedly abused Domenech during half-time after the coach questioned his first-half performance.
The striker was promptly asked to pack his bags and booted out of the squad. That was when matters came to a head.
The remaining players refused to train the next day and captain Patrice Evra even got into a scuffle with the team director in front of the media.
Speaking on the incident, Domenech - whose own decisions have been questioned for a while now - told The Sun that his players' actions "were an aberration, an imbecility, a stupidity without name."
Speaking on his side's upcoming match against South Africa - a game they must win to even have a hope of progressing, the eccentric declared:
"I haven't picked the team yet. I will pick the players who are mentally and physically in the best shape to win the game.
"The sanction against Anelka is justified and I support the Federation. Nobody should behave in such a way.
It was Domenech himself who read out the players' strike statement and he explained the rationale behind doing so.
"It was an aberration.
"We had to do something. The French people had a right to know.
"What I should have said was I did not support this action. We tried to convince them it was stupid.
"Has our reputation been tarnished? That will depend on the outcome of the match.
"They have to play their hearts out. They have to show they love football and the French team."
Gonzalez strikes for red hot Chile
Monday 21st June 2010
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 1 - 0
Former Liverpool striker Mark Gonzalez came off the bench to head Chile to within touching distance of the last 16.
The 25-year-old, now at CSKA Moscow, struck with 15 minutes remaining as Switzerland, reduced to 10 men when Valon Behrami was sent off before the break, finally succumbed at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
His goal will send the South Americans into their final Group H clash with Spain knowing a point will be enough to take them through to the knockout stages.
Switzerland, looking to build upon their shock victory over the Spaniards, found themselves up against it even before their numbers were reduced.
Goalkeeper Diego Benaglio had to make a fine double save from Arturo Vidal and Carlos Carmona with just 10 minutes gone, and he was in the right place at the right time five minutes before the break when Alexis Sanchez toe-poked a shot towards goal with his defenders once again conspicuous by their absence.
In the meantime their task had increased markedly when Behrami, having tangled with Jean Beausejour, did so with Vidal and saw the midfielder go to ground clutching his face.
Referee Khalil Al Ghamdi had little hesitation in producing a red card and the Swiss were very much on the back foot.
In truth, they had been already for much of the first half with Chile's midfield trio of Vidal, Carmona - who will miss the final group game against Spain after picking up a second booking - and Matias Fernandez repeatedly causing problems.
Switzerland offered little in response and skipper Alex Frei, who missed the opening game through injury, departed before the break having struggled to make an impact.
Sanchez in particular made a nuisance of himself as the South Americans stepped up a gear in the wake of Behrami's exit, although the Swiss just about held firm.
Chile thought they had taken the lead within three minutes of the restart when Sanchez blasted home a shot with the help of a significant deflection, but an offside flag correctly halted his celebrations in their infancy.
Benaglio needed to be at his best once again with 55 minutes gone when defender Stephane Grichting gifted the ball to Sanchez, who raced in on goal but could not beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.
Half-time substitute Gonzalez headed over from a Fernandez corner but, as the game became increasingly bad-tempered, Fernandez, who will also miss the Spain game, Gokhan Inler and Gary Medel were all cautioned in quick succession.
Grichting made a fine 69th-minute block to deny substitute Esteban Paredes, but it was he who did the damage with 15 minutes remaining when he rounded Benaglio and crossed for Gonzalez to power a downward header in off the underside of the bar.
The lively Paredes might have doubled his side's advantage twice within the final six minutes but was unable to hit the target on either occasion, and Swiss substitute Eren Derdiyok passed up a glorious opportunity to level with seconds remaining when he fired wide.
Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 1 - 0
Former Liverpool striker Mark Gonzalez came off the bench to head Chile to within touching distance of the last 16.
The 25-year-old, now at CSKA Moscow, struck with 15 minutes remaining as Switzerland, reduced to 10 men when Valon Behrami was sent off before the break, finally succumbed at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
His goal will send the South Americans into their final Group H clash with Spain knowing a point will be enough to take them through to the knockout stages.
Switzerland, looking to build upon their shock victory over the Spaniards, found themselves up against it even before their numbers were reduced.
Goalkeeper Diego Benaglio had to make a fine double save from Arturo Vidal and Carlos Carmona with just 10 minutes gone, and he was in the right place at the right time five minutes before the break when Alexis Sanchez toe-poked a shot towards goal with his defenders once again conspicuous by their absence.
In the meantime their task had increased markedly when Behrami, having tangled with Jean Beausejour, did so with Vidal and saw the midfielder go to ground clutching his face.
Referee Khalil Al Ghamdi had little hesitation in producing a red card and the Swiss were very much on the back foot.
In truth, they had been already for much of the first half with Chile's midfield trio of Vidal, Carmona - who will miss the final group game against Spain after picking up a second booking - and Matias Fernandez repeatedly causing problems.
Switzerland offered little in response and skipper Alex Frei, who missed the opening game through injury, departed before the break having struggled to make an impact.
Sanchez in particular made a nuisance of himself as the South Americans stepped up a gear in the wake of Behrami's exit, although the Swiss just about held firm.
Chile thought they had taken the lead within three minutes of the restart when Sanchez blasted home a shot with the help of a significant deflection, but an offside flag correctly halted his celebrations in their infancy.
Benaglio needed to be at his best once again with 55 minutes gone when defender Stephane Grichting gifted the ball to Sanchez, who raced in on goal but could not beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.
Half-time substitute Gonzalez headed over from a Fernandez corner but, as the game became increasingly bad-tempered, Fernandez, who will also miss the Spain game, Gokhan Inler and Gary Medel were all cautioned in quick succession.
Grichting made a fine 69th-minute block to deny substitute Esteban Paredes, but it was he who did the damage with 15 minutes remaining when he rounded Benaglio and crossed for Gonzalez to power a downward header in off the underside of the bar.
The lively Paredes might have doubled his side's advantage twice within the final six minutes but was unable to hit the target on either occasion, and Swiss substitute Eren Derdiyok passed up a glorious opportunity to level with seconds remaining when he fired wide.
Seven-up Portugal
Monday 21st June 2010
Venue: Green Point Stadium
Kick-off: 12:30
Score: 7 - 0
Portugal produced a spectacular performance of fluidity and flair to earn their first win - a 7-0 one at that - of the World Cup in style against North Korea.
Having failed to impress in their opening Group G stalemate with the Ivory Coast, Carlos Queiroz's side were under pressure to deliver against North Korea with a showdown against Brazil still to come.
And they did that emphatically as Raul Meireles scored in the first half before Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Almeida and Tiago hit one apiece within seven second-half minutes.
Liedson and Cristiano Ronaldo got in on the act before Tiago grabbed his second in the dying minutes.
Portugal came into the match hoping to boost their goal difference with the Ivory Coast, their main rivals to join Brazil in the next round, still to play a North Korean side who were excellent in their 2-1 defeat by Dunga's side in the first game.
Queiroz made four changes, one of which was enforced due to Deco's hip injury and Tiago coming in. North Korea were unchanged.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, without a competitive goal for his country in two years, had an early effort blocked.
His side came close to a breakthrough in the seventh minute when Ricardo Carvalho was allowed to reach Simao's corner but saw his header hit the post and bounce away.
Cha Jong-hyok and Jong Tae-se had half chances for North Korea and a better opportunity then went begging after 17 minutes as Hong Yong-jo cut inside and when Eduardo parried his shot, Pak Nam-chol headed over.
In the 29th minute the impressive Meireles opened the scoring. Breaking into the box, he was found by Tiago's clever ball and expertly drove the ball beyond Ri Myong-guk.
Tiago had an early chance in the second half as his effort from distance was tipped over by the goalkeeper.
Ronaldo blasted one over in a lively opening to the half, then saw Ri Myong-guk spill a left-footed effort soon after.
Jong's deflected drive from a free-kick was saved by Eduardo and at the other end Almeida failed to finish off a nice move down the left when he could not convert Fabio Coentrao's cross.
However, it was 2-0 in the 53rd minute.
Almeida held up a long ball for Meireles and when the midfielder saw Simao bursting into the box to his right, the pass perfectly set up his team-mate for a straightforward finish.
North Korea were deflated and it was soon over as a contest. In the 56th minute Coentrao was put clear down the left and his perfectly-pitched cross found Almeida, who made no mistake with the header.
North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun sent on two substitutes in response but it was to no avail as Tiago added to the deficit, rushing forward to sweep home Ronaldo's cut-back from the left on the hour mark.
Meireles and Coentrao had further chances while in the 70th minute a fizzing Ronaldo shot hit the bar.
Ronaldo kept plugging away as he looked to break his two-year barren spell before Liedson made it 5-0 four minutes after coming off the bench.
Fellow replacement Duda whipped in a ball which Ri Kwang-chon failed to clear, allowing Brazil-born Liedson to hammer home on the turn.
Ronaldo finally got his goal when Liedson capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put him through before he rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home and Tiago headed home his second to complete the rout in the 89th minute
Venue: Green Point Stadium
Kick-off: 12:30
Score: 7 - 0
Portugal produced a spectacular performance of fluidity and flair to earn their first win - a 7-0 one at that - of the World Cup in style against North Korea.
Having failed to impress in their opening Group G stalemate with the Ivory Coast, Carlos Queiroz's side were under pressure to deliver against North Korea with a showdown against Brazil still to come.
And they did that emphatically as Raul Meireles scored in the first half before Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Almeida and Tiago hit one apiece within seven second-half minutes.
Liedson and Cristiano Ronaldo got in on the act before Tiago grabbed his second in the dying minutes.
Portugal came into the match hoping to boost their goal difference with the Ivory Coast, their main rivals to join Brazil in the next round, still to play a North Korean side who were excellent in their 2-1 defeat by Dunga's side in the first game.
Queiroz made four changes, one of which was enforced due to Deco's hip injury and Tiago coming in. North Korea were unchanged.
Portugal captain Ronaldo, without a competitive goal for his country in two years, had an early effort blocked.
His side came close to a breakthrough in the seventh minute when Ricardo Carvalho was allowed to reach Simao's corner but saw his header hit the post and bounce away.
Cha Jong-hyok and Jong Tae-se had half chances for North Korea and a better opportunity then went begging after 17 minutes as Hong Yong-jo cut inside and when Eduardo parried his shot, Pak Nam-chol headed over.
In the 29th minute the impressive Meireles opened the scoring. Breaking into the box, he was found by Tiago's clever ball and expertly drove the ball beyond Ri Myong-guk.
Tiago had an early chance in the second half as his effort from distance was tipped over by the goalkeeper.
Ronaldo blasted one over in a lively opening to the half, then saw Ri Myong-guk spill a left-footed effort soon after.
Jong's deflected drive from a free-kick was saved by Eduardo and at the other end Almeida failed to finish off a nice move down the left when he could not convert Fabio Coentrao's cross.
However, it was 2-0 in the 53rd minute.
Almeida held up a long ball for Meireles and when the midfielder saw Simao bursting into the box to his right, the pass perfectly set up his team-mate for a straightforward finish.
North Korea were deflated and it was soon over as a contest. In the 56th minute Coentrao was put clear down the left and his perfectly-pitched cross found Almeida, who made no mistake with the header.
North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun sent on two substitutes in response but it was to no avail as Tiago added to the deficit, rushing forward to sweep home Ronaldo's cut-back from the left on the hour mark.
Meireles and Coentrao had further chances while in the 70th minute a fizzing Ronaldo shot hit the bar.
Ronaldo kept plugging away as he looked to break his two-year barren spell before Liedson made it 5-0 four minutes after coming off the bench.
Fellow replacement Duda whipped in a ball which Ri Kwang-chon failed to clear, allowing Brazil-born Liedson to hammer home on the turn.
Ronaldo finally got his goal when Liedson capitalised on a defensive mix-up to put him through before he rounded the goalkeeper and slotted home and Tiago headed home his second to complete the rout in the 89th minute
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Resurgent Danes send Cameroon out
Saturday 19th June 2010
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Kick-off: 19:30
Score: 1 - 2
Resurgent Danes send Cameroon out
Denmark hit back from an early deficit to re-ignite their World Cup challenge and in the process extinguish Cameroon's chances of getting through to the last 16 with a 2-1 win.
In what was a hugely entertaining encounter between the bottom two teams in Group E in Pretoria, Cameroon took the lead in the 10th minute through captain Samuel Eto'o following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Denmark recovered from that setback though, and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and the dangerous Dennis Rommedahl in either half earned the Scandinavians a hard-fought victory.
The result means that Denmark join their next opponents Japan on three points, while group leaders Holland are now guaranteed a top-two finish - making them the first team to progress.
For battling Cameroon though, the defeat sees them become the first side to bid farewell to the World Cup after losing both their opening two games.
Denmark coach Morten Olsen made two changes to the side that lost to Holland, bringing in fit-again captain Jon Dahl Tomasson and Jesper Gronkjaer.
Bendtner also took his place in the starting line-up for the second successive game despite struggling with a groin injury that means he can only train every other day and only having lasted an hour against the Dutch.
Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, meanwhile, drafted in Geremi, Achille Emana and Alexandre Song as the Indomitable Lions sought to end an eight-game winless streak stretching back to the African Nations Cup.
Denmark, who had lost their previous three games without scoring a goal, had the first opportunity but Rommedahl fired over after breaking the offside trap in the sixth minute.
The Ajax winger should have done better with that, and four minutes later Eto'o showed him how it should be done by putting Cameroon ahead following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Poulsen picked up possession from his goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen on the edge of the box and then attempted to find Simon Kjaer with a first-time pass without looking up.
The pass was intercepted by Emana, who quickly picked out the unmarked Eto'o in the middle and the Inter Milan star took one touch before drilling a low shot past Sorensen.
That was another bad goal for the Danes to concede following the own goal by Daniel Agger against Holland, when Simon Poulsen's attempted headed clearance hit the Liverpool defender before going in.
The Danes were back on level terms just after the half-hour mark at Loftus Versfeld stadium, though.
Cameroon goalkeeper Souleymanou Hamidou had done well to deny Tomasson earlier but he could do nothing about the equaliser as his defence were cut open far too easily.
A superb long ball from inside his own half by Kjaer just cleared Benoit Assou-Ekotto and fell perfectly for the flying Rommedahl, and his low ball into the centre was slid home by Bendtner from eight yards.
Both sides had chances to snatch the lead during a hectic spell just prior to half-time.
For Denmark, Rommedahl could not take advantage of getting clear once again before, from the same attack, Tomasson saw a goal-bound shot blocked.
Then for Cameroon, Eto'o fired against the post following another defensive mistake, while Emana was denied by Sorensen after bursting through the two Danish centre-backs.
The all-action encounter continued apace at the start of the second half when Stephane M'bia and Kjaer both brought fingertip saves out of their opposing goalkeepers.
Cameroon striker Pierre Webo then blazed a decent opening high into the stands before also being denied by Sorensen as the African side looked to be taking control.
However, it was Denmark who got the next goal through the dangerous Rommedahl in the 61st minute.
Bendtner's pass put Rommedahl away down the right and the 31-year-old cut inside Jean Makoun before curling a low left-footed shot past Hamidou. That left Cameroon staring World Cup elimination in the face, and they almost fell 3-1 behind in the 71st minute, Hamidou coming to their rescue to superbly keep out Tomasson's effort.
Sorensen then produced an even better save six minutes later, diving low to his right to parry away Emana's shot.
Cameroon laid siege to Sorensen's goal in the closing stages, but they could find no way through as Denmark held on for the points.
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Kick-off: 19:30
Score: 1 - 2
Resurgent Danes send Cameroon out
Denmark hit back from an early deficit to re-ignite their World Cup challenge and in the process extinguish Cameroon's chances of getting through to the last 16 with a 2-1 win.
In what was a hugely entertaining encounter between the bottom two teams in Group E in Pretoria, Cameroon took the lead in the 10th minute through captain Samuel Eto'o following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Denmark recovered from that setback though, and goals from Nicklas Bendtner and the dangerous Dennis Rommedahl in either half earned the Scandinavians a hard-fought victory.
The result means that Denmark join their next opponents Japan on three points, while group leaders Holland are now guaranteed a top-two finish - making them the first team to progress.
For battling Cameroon though, the defeat sees them become the first side to bid farewell to the World Cup after losing both their opening two games.
Denmark coach Morten Olsen made two changes to the side that lost to Holland, bringing in fit-again captain Jon Dahl Tomasson and Jesper Gronkjaer.
Bendtner also took his place in the starting line-up for the second successive game despite struggling with a groin injury that means he can only train every other day and only having lasted an hour against the Dutch.
Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen, meanwhile, drafted in Geremi, Achille Emana and Alexandre Song as the Indomitable Lions sought to end an eight-game winless streak stretching back to the African Nations Cup.
Denmark, who had lost their previous three games without scoring a goal, had the first opportunity but Rommedahl fired over after breaking the offside trap in the sixth minute.
The Ajax winger should have done better with that, and four minutes later Eto'o showed him how it should be done by putting Cameroon ahead following a bad defensive error by Christian Poulsen.
Poulsen picked up possession from his goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen on the edge of the box and then attempted to find Simon Kjaer with a first-time pass without looking up.
The pass was intercepted by Emana, who quickly picked out the unmarked Eto'o in the middle and the Inter Milan star took one touch before drilling a low shot past Sorensen.
That was another bad goal for the Danes to concede following the own goal by Daniel Agger against Holland, when Simon Poulsen's attempted headed clearance hit the Liverpool defender before going in.
The Danes were back on level terms just after the half-hour mark at Loftus Versfeld stadium, though.
Cameroon goalkeeper Souleymanou Hamidou had done well to deny Tomasson earlier but he could do nothing about the equaliser as his defence were cut open far too easily.
A superb long ball from inside his own half by Kjaer just cleared Benoit Assou-Ekotto and fell perfectly for the flying Rommedahl, and his low ball into the centre was slid home by Bendtner from eight yards.
Both sides had chances to snatch the lead during a hectic spell just prior to half-time.
For Denmark, Rommedahl could not take advantage of getting clear once again before, from the same attack, Tomasson saw a goal-bound shot blocked.
Then for Cameroon, Eto'o fired against the post following another defensive mistake, while Emana was denied by Sorensen after bursting through the two Danish centre-backs.
The all-action encounter continued apace at the start of the second half when Stephane M'bia and Kjaer both brought fingertip saves out of their opposing goalkeepers.
Cameroon striker Pierre Webo then blazed a decent opening high into the stands before also being denied by Sorensen as the African side looked to be taking control.
However, it was Denmark who got the next goal through the dangerous Rommedahl in the 61st minute.
Bendtner's pass put Rommedahl away down the right and the 31-year-old cut inside Jean Makoun before curling a low left-footed shot past Hamidou. That left Cameroon staring World Cup elimination in the face, and they almost fell 3-1 behind in the 71st minute, Hamidou coming to their rescue to superbly keep out Tomasson's effort.
Sorensen then produced an even better save six minutes later, diving low to his right to parry away Emana's shot.
Cameroon laid siege to Sorensen's goal in the closing stages, but they could find no way through as Denmark held on for the points.
Socceroos battle for point
Saturday 19th June 2010
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 1 - 1
Ten-man Australia kept their slim hopes of qualifying for the next round of the World Cup alive after a dogged second-half display earned them a point in a 1-1 draw against Ghana in Rustenburg.
Harry Kewell was sent off for the Socceroos midway through the first half after referee Roberto Rosetti deemed he had used his arm to keep out a certain goal for Jonathan Mensah after 23 minutes.
Asamoah Gyan made no mistake with the resulting penalty to cancel out an earlier strike from Brett Holman at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium as the two sides went on to end the Group D encounter with a point each.
At the start Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac was forced into two changes in the key centre-back area, where Isaac Vorsah and John Mensah were ruled out, with Jonathan Mensah and Lee Addy drafted in instead.
There were changes from Pim Verbeek too - four in total with Holman, Marco Bresciano and Kewell amongst them - and it clearly made a difference from the outset.
Australia looked hungry and Kewell had an early penalty shout turned down after a nervous Addy was almost dispossessed in the box.
More suspect defending saw Addy and goalkeeper Richard Kingson collide after pressure from another chasing Australian, before the deadlock was broken.
Carl Valeri was brought down by Anthony Annan just outside the box and Bresciano's free-kick was fumbled by the Ghanaian goalkeeper allowing Holman to swoop.
The Black Stars slowly began to recover and came close after 20 minutes when Andre Ayew and then Gyan saw their shots deflected over.
Then came the turning point of the game - Ayew's trickery down the right allowing him to lay the ball on for Jonathan Mensah, whose shot was kept out by the hand of Kewell.
Referee Rosetti had no hesitation in sending off the forward and Gyan easily dispatched the penalty by sending Mark Schwarzer the wrong way.
The goal came in the 24th minute and moments later Prince Tagoe had a good chance to put his side in front, but dragged his long-range strike wide.
Schwarzer made a fine save moments before half time when he turned Boateng's strike wide to ensure his side head into the break level.
After the restart Kwadwo Asamoah wastefully shot wide after a promising counter-attack, while Gyan showed good accuracy from distance with a low shot that was not cleanly gathered by the Australia goalkeeper, who was fortunate not to have had any attacking players close by.
Quincy Owusu-Abeyie replaced Tagoe in the 56th minute, but Ghana were still restricted to long-range shooting - Rennes striker Gyan again sending in a comfortable shot for Schwarzer to deal with.
Scott Chipperfield was brought on 10 minutes later and had a great chance to make an immediate impact when Luke Wilkshire swung over a cross from the right, but the free header went flying over.
When the Ghanaians did manage to get into the box, Gyan sliced wide after a neatly threaded pass from Boateng.
Verbeek's side had another great chance to take the lead after 73 minutes when Wilkshire was played in on the right, but Kingson did well to close down the shot and then acrobatically save the much easier rebound shot from substitute Joshua Kennedy.
Sulley Muntari was introduced but by then there was more defending to do for the Inter Milan midfielder with Australia throwing everything forward.
With time running out, Jonathan Mensah headed wide, while Quincy forced Schwarzer to punch over his 18-yard shot as the game finished 1-1.
Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium
Kick-off: 15:00
Score: 1 - 1
Ten-man Australia kept their slim hopes of qualifying for the next round of the World Cup alive after a dogged second-half display earned them a point in a 1-1 draw against Ghana in Rustenburg.
Harry Kewell was sent off for the Socceroos midway through the first half after referee Roberto Rosetti deemed he had used his arm to keep out a certain goal for Jonathan Mensah after 23 minutes.
Asamoah Gyan made no mistake with the resulting penalty to cancel out an earlier strike from Brett Holman at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium as the two sides went on to end the Group D encounter with a point each.
At the start Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac was forced into two changes in the key centre-back area, where Isaac Vorsah and John Mensah were ruled out, with Jonathan Mensah and Lee Addy drafted in instead.
There were changes from Pim Verbeek too - four in total with Holman, Marco Bresciano and Kewell amongst them - and it clearly made a difference from the outset.
Australia looked hungry and Kewell had an early penalty shout turned down after a nervous Addy was almost dispossessed in the box.
More suspect defending saw Addy and goalkeeper Richard Kingson collide after pressure from another chasing Australian, before the deadlock was broken.
Carl Valeri was brought down by Anthony Annan just outside the box and Bresciano's free-kick was fumbled by the Ghanaian goalkeeper allowing Holman to swoop.
The Black Stars slowly began to recover and came close after 20 minutes when Andre Ayew and then Gyan saw their shots deflected over.
Then came the turning point of the game - Ayew's trickery down the right allowing him to lay the ball on for Jonathan Mensah, whose shot was kept out by the hand of Kewell.
Referee Rosetti had no hesitation in sending off the forward and Gyan easily dispatched the penalty by sending Mark Schwarzer the wrong way.
The goal came in the 24th minute and moments later Prince Tagoe had a good chance to put his side in front, but dragged his long-range strike wide.
Schwarzer made a fine save moments before half time when he turned Boateng's strike wide to ensure his side head into the break level.
After the restart Kwadwo Asamoah wastefully shot wide after a promising counter-attack, while Gyan showed good accuracy from distance with a low shot that was not cleanly gathered by the Australia goalkeeper, who was fortunate not to have had any attacking players close by.
Quincy Owusu-Abeyie replaced Tagoe in the 56th minute, but Ghana were still restricted to long-range shooting - Rennes striker Gyan again sending in a comfortable shot for Schwarzer to deal with.
Scott Chipperfield was brought on 10 minutes later and had a great chance to make an immediate impact when Luke Wilkshire swung over a cross from the right, but the free header went flying over.
When the Ghanaians did manage to get into the box, Gyan sliced wide after a neatly threaded pass from Boateng.
Verbeek's side had another great chance to take the lead after 73 minutes when Wilkshire was played in on the right, but Kingson did well to close down the shot and then acrobatically save the much easier rebound shot from substitute Joshua Kennedy.
Sulley Muntari was introduced but by then there was more defending to do for the Inter Milan midfielder with Australia throwing everything forward.
With time running out, Jonathan Mensah headed wide, while Quincy forced Schwarzer to punch over his 18-yard shot as the game finished 1-1.
Sneijder sinks Japan
Saturday 19th June 2010
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Kick-off: 12:30
Score: 1 - 0
Wesley Sneijder's second-half goal handed Holland a narrow 1-0 win over Japan in their second Group E match and put the Oranje within reach of the last 16 of the World Cup.
After a frustrating opening half for the Dutch side, they finally broke through in the 52nd minute with Sneijder's stinging drive deflected by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima into his own net.
Japan had the best chance to level the score one minute from time but an unmarked substitute Shinji Okazaki fired over the bar from just 10 yards as Holland held on for victory.
The result handed the Oranje maximum points from their opening two fixtures in Group E.
The Oranje, who had a sea of supporters at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, dominated possession but had just one shot on goal in the opening half.
Rafael van der Vaart's 25-yard shot towards the near post proved an easy save for Kawashima.
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk fielded the same line-up that beat Denmark 2-0 in their group opener, with Van der Vaart, Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt playing in support of forward Robin Van Persie.
Holland dominated the early exchanges and created the first chance after four minutes when Van Persie's teasing cross from the left flashed across the goal and just eluded Liverpool striker Kuyt.
Shortly after, Sneijder's curled free-kick went over the bar.
At the other end, Yuto Nagatomo's right-footed strike from the edge of the area went wide.
On the half-hour mark, Yuji Nakazawa did well to clear Giovanni van Bronckhorst's cross from the right with Van Persie waiting inside the area.
Soon after, Keisuke Honda nodded high from Daisuke Matsui's free-kick. Tulio Nataka then latched onto Yasushito Endo's free-kick and his header went wide as Japan got closer.
Japan first tested Maarten Stekelenburg in the 37th minute, with Matsui's volley forcing a save from the Holland goalkeeper.
Five minutes before the break, Honda wasted a good chance when he fired a 40-yard strike way over the bar.
Holland pressed forward more aggressively after the break and Van Persie twice had the chance to break the deadlock.
His weak header from Van Bronckhorst's cross proved an easy save for Kawashima and seconds later, the Arsenal striker fired wide from 15 yards.
Holland took the lead soon after. A poor headed clearance from Japan's defence fell to Van Persie who spotted Sneijder and the Inter Milan winger's powerful strike came off Kawashima and into the back of the net.
Japan reacted and Yoshito Okubo forced a good save from Stekelenburg with a stinging drive from 25 yards. Shortly after, Okubo fired over the bar as the Blue Samurai surged for the equaliser.
With 15 minutes remaining, the ever-present Okubo shot wide of the far post as another opportunity went by for Japan.
Substitute Ibrahim Afellay twice had the chance to put the game beyond Japan's reach in the latter stages of the match but his close-range efforts were denied by Kawashima.
With seconds left to play, Okazaki struck wide from close-range, much to the relief of the Dutch fans.
Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Kick-off: 12:30
Score: 1 - 0
Wesley Sneijder's second-half goal handed Holland a narrow 1-0 win over Japan in their second Group E match and put the Oranje within reach of the last 16 of the World Cup.
After a frustrating opening half for the Dutch side, they finally broke through in the 52nd minute with Sneijder's stinging drive deflected by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima into his own net.
Japan had the best chance to level the score one minute from time but an unmarked substitute Shinji Okazaki fired over the bar from just 10 yards as Holland held on for victory.
The result handed the Oranje maximum points from their opening two fixtures in Group E.
The Oranje, who had a sea of supporters at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium, dominated possession but had just one shot on goal in the opening half.
Rafael van der Vaart's 25-yard shot towards the near post proved an easy save for Kawashima.
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk fielded the same line-up that beat Denmark 2-0 in their group opener, with Van der Vaart, Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt playing in support of forward Robin Van Persie.
Holland dominated the early exchanges and created the first chance after four minutes when Van Persie's teasing cross from the left flashed across the goal and just eluded Liverpool striker Kuyt.
Shortly after, Sneijder's curled free-kick went over the bar.
At the other end, Yuto Nagatomo's right-footed strike from the edge of the area went wide.
On the half-hour mark, Yuji Nakazawa did well to clear Giovanni van Bronckhorst's cross from the right with Van Persie waiting inside the area.
Soon after, Keisuke Honda nodded high from Daisuke Matsui's free-kick. Tulio Nataka then latched onto Yasushito Endo's free-kick and his header went wide as Japan got closer.
Japan first tested Maarten Stekelenburg in the 37th minute, with Matsui's volley forcing a save from the Holland goalkeeper.
Five minutes before the break, Honda wasted a good chance when he fired a 40-yard strike way over the bar.
Holland pressed forward more aggressively after the break and Van Persie twice had the chance to break the deadlock.
His weak header from Van Bronckhorst's cross proved an easy save for Kawashima and seconds later, the Arsenal striker fired wide from 15 yards.
Holland took the lead soon after. A poor headed clearance from Japan's defence fell to Van Persie who spotted Sneijder and the Inter Milan winger's powerful strike came off Kawashima and into the back of the net.
Japan reacted and Yoshito Okubo forced a good save from Stekelenburg with a stinging drive from 25 yards. Shortly after, Okubo fired over the bar as the Blue Samurai surged for the equaliser.
With 15 minutes remaining, the ever-present Okubo shot wide of the far post as another opportunity went by for Japan.
Substitute Ibrahim Afellay twice had the chance to put the game beyond Japan's reach in the latter stages of the match but his close-range efforts were denied by Kawashima.
With seconds left to play, Okazaki struck wide from close-range, much to the relief of the Dutch fans.
Friday, June 18, 2010
USA came from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw against Slovenia and blow the top of Group C wide open.
Group C: Slovenia 2-2 United States
Slovenia looked far from convincing in their opening game - a narrow 1-0 win over Algeria - but they proved their quality in the first half this time out and looked to be heading through to the last 16 after establishing a 2-0 lead.
Valter Birsa curled home a fine opener in the 13th minute and Zlatan Ljubijankic beat the offside trap to add a second before the interval as the US struggled to handle the World Cup's smallest nation.
It was a different story after the break, though, and it was one-way traffic towards the Slovenia goal from the moment Landon Donovan reduced the deficit three minutes after the break.
Michael Bradley finally made the pressure pay with the equaliser eight minutes from time and Jozy Altidore had a goal ruled out soon after as the Americans pushed hard for a victory
Slovenia looked far from convincing in their opening game - a narrow 1-0 win over Algeria - but they proved their quality in the first half this time out and looked to be heading through to the last 16 after establishing a 2-0 lead.
Valter Birsa curled home a fine opener in the 13th minute and Zlatan Ljubijankic beat the offside trap to add a second before the interval as the US struggled to handle the World Cup's smallest nation.
It was a different story after the break, though, and it was one-way traffic towards the Slovenia goal from the moment Landon Donovan reduced the deficit three minutes after the break.
Michael Bradley finally made the pressure pay with the equaliser eight minutes from time and Jozy Altidore had a goal ruled out soon after as the Americans pushed hard for a victory
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A blunder by Vincent Enyeama handed Greece their first victory at the fifth attempt in two FIFA World Cup finals.
Group B: Greece 2-1 Nigeria
It also maintains their slim hopes of an appearance in the next stage although their final Group B game is against Argentina.
Enyeama, whose side were down to 10 men following Sani Kaita's red card, failed to deal with a soft shot from Alexandros Tziolis in the 72nd minute.
The rebound fell to Vasileios Torosidis, who toe-poked the ball home to give Greece victory.
Nigeria now face an early exit. Yet the game had started so well for them. They took the lead after 16 minutes following a defensive howler by their opponents.
Greece failed to cut out an inswinging free-kick from Kalu Uche and goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas was left rooted to the spot as the ball nestled in the net behind him.
While Uche celebrated, Tzorvas was left shaking his head in disbelief.
It was an early setback for Greece following their opening-day defeat by South Korea.
They responded 13 minutes later when skipper Georgios Karagounis tried to chip Enyeama from distance but the goalkeeper was able to make a comfortable save.
Then Karagounis floated in a corner only for Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos to send his header high over the bar.
The match took a dramatic twist in the 34th minute when Nigeria were reduced to 10 men.
Kaita was handed a straight red card by referee Oscar Ruiz following a tussle with Torosidis. Kaita showed his studs to the defender and was immediately banished to the dressing room.
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel reacted by bringing on striker Georgios Samaras instead of defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos two minutes later.
And they almost drew level in the 39th minute only for Enyeama to superbly block a shot from Salpingidis.
Greece stepped up the pace and Samaras then saw his effort cleared off the line by Lukman Haruna.
Nigeria were finally breached a minute before the break when Salpingidis scored the equaliser, his effort deflecting off a defender after Konstantinos Katsouranis had played the ball into his path.
It was a historic moment for Greece - their first goal in the finals.
Nigeria made a confident start to the second half and Uche saw his clever cross palmed on to the roof of the net by Enyeama in the 48th minute.
Greece hit back and Kyrgiakos sent a header at the back post into the arms of Enyeama seven minutes later following a corner from Karagounis.
They kept pushing forward and Thefonais Gekas saw his close-range effort parried by the goalkeeper in the 59th minute.
Nigeria launched a swift counter attack and Aiyegbeni Yakubu's shot was blocked by Tzorvas.
The ball broke to substitute Chinedu Obasi but he somehow managed to find the wrong side of the post when it seemed easier to score.
Nigeria were again grateful to Enyeama in the 68th minute when he clawed away a powerful header from Samaras.
Then came the mistake by the goalkeeper although he did well to beat away Tziolis's effort in stoppage time to prevent Greece extending their lead.
It also maintains their slim hopes of an appearance in the next stage although their final Group B game is against Argentina.
Enyeama, whose side were down to 10 men following Sani Kaita's red card, failed to deal with a soft shot from Alexandros Tziolis in the 72nd minute.
The rebound fell to Vasileios Torosidis, who toe-poked the ball home to give Greece victory.
Nigeria now face an early exit. Yet the game had started so well for them. They took the lead after 16 minutes following a defensive howler by their opponents.
Greece failed to cut out an inswinging free-kick from Kalu Uche and goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas was left rooted to the spot as the ball nestled in the net behind him.
While Uche celebrated, Tzorvas was left shaking his head in disbelief.
It was an early setback for Greece following their opening-day defeat by South Korea.
They responded 13 minutes later when skipper Georgios Karagounis tried to chip Enyeama from distance but the goalkeeper was able to make a comfortable save.
Then Karagounis floated in a corner only for Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos to send his header high over the bar.
The match took a dramatic twist in the 34th minute when Nigeria were reduced to 10 men.
Kaita was handed a straight red card by referee Oscar Ruiz following a tussle with Torosidis. Kaita showed his studs to the defender and was immediately banished to the dressing room.
Greece coach Otto Rehhagel reacted by bringing on striker Georgios Samaras instead of defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos two minutes later.
And they almost drew level in the 39th minute only for Enyeama to superbly block a shot from Salpingidis.
Greece stepped up the pace and Samaras then saw his effort cleared off the line by Lukman Haruna.
Nigeria were finally breached a minute before the break when Salpingidis scored the equaliser, his effort deflecting off a defender after Konstantinos Katsouranis had played the ball into his path.
It was a historic moment for Greece - their first goal in the finals.
Nigeria made a confident start to the second half and Uche saw his clever cross palmed on to the roof of the net by Enyeama in the 48th minute.
Greece hit back and Kyrgiakos sent a header at the back post into the arms of Enyeama seven minutes later following a corner from Karagounis.
They kept pushing forward and Thefonais Gekas saw his close-range effort parried by the goalkeeper in the 59th minute.
Nigeria launched a swift counter attack and Aiyegbeni Yakubu's shot was blocked by Tzorvas.
The ball broke to substitute Chinedu Obasi but he somehow managed to find the wrong side of the post when it seemed easier to score.
Nigeria were again grateful to Enyeama in the 68th minute when he clawed away a powerful header from Samaras.
Then came the mistake by the goalkeeper although he did well to beat away Tziolis's effort in stoppage time to prevent Greece extending their lead.
Mexico took a significant step towards qualification and hastened France's early exit with a 2-0 victory.
Group A: France 0-2 Mexico
Just nine minutes after coming off the bench, Javier Hernandez who will officially move to Old Trafford from Chivas in a £7million deal next month, sprang the offside trap to race on to Rafael Marquez's pass, round goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and coolly slot home.
Veteran striker and cult hero Cuauhtemoc Blanco sealed victory with a 79th-minute penalty.
It was Mexico's first win over France at senior level and no less than they deserved after a performance full of vigour and attacking invention.
For the French, winners on home soil in 1998 and runners-up four years ago, the prospect of ignominious failure looms large - as it did at Euro 2008 when they failed to progress from their group.
Captain Patrice Evra may have shed a tear during the playing of La Marseillaise but there would have been many more Frenchman crying into their sauvignon blanc after another disappointing performance from Les Bleus.
The Manchester United defender had dismissed claims of disharmony within the camp at the pre-match press conference.
But everything about the team's demeanour spoke volumes: from the substitutes with what appeared to be tartan picnic rugs over their legs like a geriatrics' outing to coach Raymond Domenech's return to the dug-out a good minute before his players came out of the tunnel for the second half.
Most of the fluid, attacking football was played by Mexico, particularly before the interval.
Uruguay's win over South Africa last night to go top of the group had increased the pressure on both sides but they responded with some refreshingly open, if not decisive, play.
Early on Franck Ribery's 35-yard free-kick bounced in front of Oscar Perez but, unlike Algeria's Faouzi Chaouchi who blundered on this semi-artificial pitch on Sunday, the Mexico goalkeeper collected easily.
But whereas France were restricted to set-pieces, Mexico looked dangerous from open play.
Marquez's ball over the top saw three team-mates set off in pursuit; Arsenal's Carlos Vela reached it first but could not keep his 12-yard volley down.
Former West Ham striker Guillermo Franco was no closer when he all-too-easily turned William Gallas on the edge of the penalty area.
Mexico left-back Carlos Salcido twice went close, drilling wide of Lloris' left-hand post and then shooting straight at the goalkeeper.
Even the loss of Vela, being watched by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, to injury just after the half-hour did not interrupt the North Americans' fluency as substitute Pablo Barrera was straight into the action when Lloris punched Salcido's cross against him and was fortunate to see the ball bounce wide.
Giovani dos Santos flashed a shot wide before Jeremy Toulalan was booked in added time, ruling him out of France's final group match against South Africa.
The second half began with Andre Pierre Gignac coming on for Nicolas Anelka and Chelsea team-mate Florent Malouda, restored to the starting line-up at the expense of Yoann Gourcuff, having a shot tipped over by Perez.
But the introduction of Hernandez for Efrain Juarez soon after had an almost immediate impact.
His pace took him clear of the defence and his talent did the rest.
When Abidal brought down Barrera, Blanco side-footed home from the spot to spark wild Mexican celebrations.
A draw against Uruguay on Tuesday will put both sides through and send France home, irrespective of their result against the hosts.
Just nine minutes after coming off the bench, Javier Hernandez who will officially move to Old Trafford from Chivas in a £7million deal next month, sprang the offside trap to race on to Rafael Marquez's pass, round goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and coolly slot home.
Veteran striker and cult hero Cuauhtemoc Blanco sealed victory with a 79th-minute penalty.
It was Mexico's first win over France at senior level and no less than they deserved after a performance full of vigour and attacking invention.
For the French, winners on home soil in 1998 and runners-up four years ago, the prospect of ignominious failure looms large - as it did at Euro 2008 when they failed to progress from their group.
Captain Patrice Evra may have shed a tear during the playing of La Marseillaise but there would have been many more Frenchman crying into their sauvignon blanc after another disappointing performance from Les Bleus.
The Manchester United defender had dismissed claims of disharmony within the camp at the pre-match press conference.
But everything about the team's demeanour spoke volumes: from the substitutes with what appeared to be tartan picnic rugs over their legs like a geriatrics' outing to coach Raymond Domenech's return to the dug-out a good minute before his players came out of the tunnel for the second half.
Most of the fluid, attacking football was played by Mexico, particularly before the interval.
Uruguay's win over South Africa last night to go top of the group had increased the pressure on both sides but they responded with some refreshingly open, if not decisive, play.
Early on Franck Ribery's 35-yard free-kick bounced in front of Oscar Perez but, unlike Algeria's Faouzi Chaouchi who blundered on this semi-artificial pitch on Sunday, the Mexico goalkeeper collected easily.
But whereas France were restricted to set-pieces, Mexico looked dangerous from open play.
Marquez's ball over the top saw three team-mates set off in pursuit; Arsenal's Carlos Vela reached it first but could not keep his 12-yard volley down.
Former West Ham striker Guillermo Franco was no closer when he all-too-easily turned William Gallas on the edge of the penalty area.
Mexico left-back Carlos Salcido twice went close, drilling wide of Lloris' left-hand post and then shooting straight at the goalkeeper.
Even the loss of Vela, being watched by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, to injury just after the half-hour did not interrupt the North Americans' fluency as substitute Pablo Barrera was straight into the action when Lloris punched Salcido's cross against him and was fortunate to see the ball bounce wide.
Giovani dos Santos flashed a shot wide before Jeremy Toulalan was booked in added time, ruling him out of France's final group match against South Africa.
The second half began with Andre Pierre Gignac coming on for Nicolas Anelka and Chelsea team-mate Florent Malouda, restored to the starting line-up at the expense of Yoann Gourcuff, having a shot tipped over by Perez.
But the introduction of Hernandez for Efrain Juarez soon after had an almost immediate impact.
His pace took him clear of the defence and his talent did the rest.
When Abidal brought down Barrera, Blanco side-footed home from the spot to spark wild Mexican celebrations.
A draw against Uruguay on Tuesday will put both sides through and send France home, irrespective of their result against the hosts.
Gonzalo Higuain scored a hat-trick as Argentina scored an impressive win over South Korea on Thursday.
Group B: Argentina 4-1 S Korea
Diego Maradona's men were on top from the time they took the lead through a Park Chu-young own goal in the 17th minute.
Higuain doubled the advantage after 33 minutes, but a lapse in concentration from Martin Demichelis on the stroke of half-time allowed Lee Chung-yong to give his side hope.
After briefly threatening a comeback early in the second half, the Koreans faded thanks to a double from Real Madrid striker Higuain that handed his side maximum points from their opening two fixtures in Group B.
The first real chance of the match fell to Higuain on the right after good build-up play involving Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi, but the shot was lashed over.
It did not take much longer, though, for the first goal to arrive, a nicely flighted free-kick from Barcelona forward Messi on the left caught out Park Chu-young as he deflected the ball into his own net.
Almost immediately after the restart, another direct run from Messi saw the ball fall into the path of Maxi Rodriguez, who pulled his 20-yard strike wide.
Ki Sung-yong tried to hit back for the Koreans, sending a dipping long-range strike narrowly over the crossbar.
Walter Samuel, who hardly broke sweat in the opening quarter, was then forced off with what looked like a hamstring problem - the Inter Milan defender replaced by Nicolas Burdisso.
Tevez almost doubled the advantage shortly before the half-hour mark when his fizzing 20-yard free-kick continued to rise and ended up in the north stand at Soccer City.
But that lead was extended when a short free-kick on the left came to Rodriguez, whose ball into the box was flicked on by Burdisso to Higuain, who put his free header beyond the helpless Jung Sung-ryong.
The Korean goalkeeper prevented his side from falling further behind in the 40th minute - first coming off his line to punch away a cross-shot from the right by Higuain.
He then made a flying save to tip over Angel di Maria's shot from the edge of the box, but was beaten minutes before the break when Messi's enterprising skill ended with a curling shot beyond the right-hand post.
As the seconds wound down, Demichelis took his eye off a header from Park Chu-young, allowing Bolton midfielder Lee to nip in and score.
Argentina again looked threatening at the start of the second half, with Tevez and Di Maria combining to set up Higuain for a free header six yards out that was excellently tipped away by Jung.
Manchester City striker Tevez then cut in from the left, before unleashing a low dipping shot that was well dealt with by the Korean keeper.
Yeom Ki-hun should have drawn his side level after 55 minutes when he was put clean through on the right following a quick break, but found the side netting after opting to use his left foot instead of the right.
The big chances dried up for the South Americans thereafter - Messi and Higuain firing straight at Jung - and Maradona threw in Sergio Aguero for Tevez.
The moved proved an instant hit with the Atletico Madrid forward playing in Messi on the left - his initial shot was blocked by Jung and the rebound shot hit the base of the left upright and fell to Higuain for a simple tap-in.
That was in the 76th minute and four minutes later the Real Madrid star completed his hat-trick after nodding in Aguero's cross at the back post.
Messi, desperate to open his account in South Africa, and Aguero missed late chances to add to Korea's woes as the Albiceleste completed a commanding win.
Diego Maradona's men were on top from the time they took the lead through a Park Chu-young own goal in the 17th minute.
Higuain doubled the advantage after 33 minutes, but a lapse in concentration from Martin Demichelis on the stroke of half-time allowed Lee Chung-yong to give his side hope.
After briefly threatening a comeback early in the second half, the Koreans faded thanks to a double from Real Madrid striker Higuain that handed his side maximum points from their opening two fixtures in Group B.
The first real chance of the match fell to Higuain on the right after good build-up play involving Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi, but the shot was lashed over.
It did not take much longer, though, for the first goal to arrive, a nicely flighted free-kick from Barcelona forward Messi on the left caught out Park Chu-young as he deflected the ball into his own net.
Almost immediately after the restart, another direct run from Messi saw the ball fall into the path of Maxi Rodriguez, who pulled his 20-yard strike wide.
Ki Sung-yong tried to hit back for the Koreans, sending a dipping long-range strike narrowly over the crossbar.
Walter Samuel, who hardly broke sweat in the opening quarter, was then forced off with what looked like a hamstring problem - the Inter Milan defender replaced by Nicolas Burdisso.
Tevez almost doubled the advantage shortly before the half-hour mark when his fizzing 20-yard free-kick continued to rise and ended up in the north stand at Soccer City.
But that lead was extended when a short free-kick on the left came to Rodriguez, whose ball into the box was flicked on by Burdisso to Higuain, who put his free header beyond the helpless Jung Sung-ryong.
The Korean goalkeeper prevented his side from falling further behind in the 40th minute - first coming off his line to punch away a cross-shot from the right by Higuain.
He then made a flying save to tip over Angel di Maria's shot from the edge of the box, but was beaten minutes before the break when Messi's enterprising skill ended with a curling shot beyond the right-hand post.
As the seconds wound down, Demichelis took his eye off a header from Park Chu-young, allowing Bolton midfielder Lee to nip in and score.
Argentina again looked threatening at the start of the second half, with Tevez and Di Maria combining to set up Higuain for a free header six yards out that was excellently tipped away by Jung.
Manchester City striker Tevez then cut in from the left, before unleashing a low dipping shot that was well dealt with by the Korean keeper.
Yeom Ki-hun should have drawn his side level after 55 minutes when he was put clean through on the right following a quick break, but found the side netting after opting to use his left foot instead of the right.
The big chances dried up for the South Americans thereafter - Messi and Higuain firing straight at Jung - and Maradona threw in Sergio Aguero for Tevez.
The moved proved an instant hit with the Atletico Madrid forward playing in Messi on the left - his initial shot was blocked by Jung and the rebound shot hit the base of the left upright and fell to Higuain for a simple tap-in.
That was in the 76th minute and four minutes later the Real Madrid star completed his hat-trick after nodding in Aguero's cross at the back post.
Messi, desperate to open his account in South Africa, and Aguero missed late chances to add to Korea's woes as the Albiceleste completed a commanding win.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Keisuke Honda's close-range strike in the first half was enough to give Japan a 1-0 win over Cameroon in their Group E opener.
Group E: Japan 1-0 Cameroon
In a game of few clear chances, Cameroon's defence failed to deal with Daisuke Matsui's cross, allowing Honda to control the ball at the back post before clipping the ball past Hamidou Souleymanou.
Stephane Mbia went closest to salvaging a point for Cameroon when his fierce drive cannoned back off the crossbar.
But although the Africans threw everything at Japan in the closing minutes they could not find a way through, sparking huge celebrations from the Japanese squad.
In a game of few clear chances, Cameroon's defence failed to deal with Daisuke Matsui's cross, allowing Honda to control the ball at the back post before clipping the ball past Hamidou Souleymanou.
Stephane Mbia went closest to salvaging a point for Cameroon when his fierce drive cannoned back off the crossbar.
But although the Africans threw everything at Japan in the closing minutes they could not find a way through, sparking huge celebrations from the Japanese squad.
Netherlands beat Denmark 2-0 in their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Group E opener at Soccer City on Monday.
Group E: Netherlands 2-0 Denmark
Netherlands beat Denmark 2-0 in their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Group E opener at Soccer City on Monday.
A comical own goal set Holland on their way to victory in the opening game in World Cup Group E as the tournament's dark horses beat Denmark 2-0 at Soccer City on Monday.
Denmark had matched their European rivals for the first half of a game that had struggled to ignite the imagination in Johannesburg.
But less than a minute into the second period and the Danes orchestrated their own demise as Simon Poulsen's attempted clearance hit the back of team-mate Daniel Agger to gift the Dutch the lead.
Poulsen responded to the mistake with a wistful grin and there was little else for Denmark to smile about as Morten Olsen's side failed to create a meaningful chance after falling behind.
Holland slowly tightened their grip on the game and the pionts were made safe in the closing five minutes when Dirk Kuyt reacted the quickest to tap home after substitute Eljero Elia's shot had struck the post.
Though it was not the most convincing of performances from the Oranje, they grew in stature as the match wore on to show why they are favourites to win the group, while Denmark will be seeking improvement in the games to come against Cameroon and Japan.
The opening 10 minutes saw Wesley Sneijder and Thomas Enevoldsen trade wayward free-kicks from distance, with both players seemingly hoping the Jabulani ball would deceive the goalkeeper.
Denmark keeper Thomas Sorensen did fumble a Kuyt shot from the edge of the area, but was never in danger of suffering the humiliation that had caught Robert Green and Faouzi Chaouchi in its net over the weekend.
Rafael van der Vaart failed to find the target with a couple of half-chances from the edge of the area for the Dutch as both teams struggled to lift the tempo above a brisk stroll in the South African sunshine.
The best chance of the first half arrived on 27 minutes when Dennis Rommedahl played in a cross from the right which was nodded wide of the target by the unmarked Nicklas Bendtner.
Holland could have taken the lead in fortunate circumstances on 33 minutes when Kuyt's low cross deflected off a Danish defender and then ricocheted off Johnny Heitinga on its way over the bar.
Rommedahl drilled a fierce attempt at Maarten Stekelenburg before the Dutch shot-stopper was forced to parry away Thomas Kahlenberg's thumping effort for a corner.
Robin van Persie took too long to get his shot away in the 43rd minute before Nigel de Jong, who was fortunate not to be punished for a robust challenge on Martin Jorgensen earlier in the half, was booked for bringing down Bendtner.
The Netherlands were in front inside the opening minute of the second period and luck played a major part in the goal.
Simon Poulsen's laughable attempt to head clear Van Persie's cross merely bounced off the back of Agger before clipping the post on its way past a helpless Sorensen.
Poulsen had a rueful smile on his lips after the mishap and the Danes could have swiftly found themselves 2-0 down if Van Persie had not produced a terrible first touch following a poor pass by Simon Kjaer.
Van Persie then sought to be the creator once again as his clipped pass into the box was turned towards goal by Van der Vaart, allowing Sorensen to produce an acrobatic save for the cameras.
That proved to be Van der Vaart's last contribution before he was replaced by the lively Elia, while Denmark had earlier brought on Jesper Gronkjaer and Mikkel Beckmann for Enevoldsen and Bendtner.
Holland continued to look the more likely to score, with Sorensen pushing Mark van Bommel's drive wide and Van Persie heading the resultant corner off target when found unmarked.
A second goal for Bert van Marwijk's side almost arrived eight minutes from time when Sneijder's shot deflected off Agger and looped on to the top of Sorensen's crossbar.
The Dutch wrapped up the points with five minutes to go when Kuyt tucked away the loose ball after Elia, who had injected some spark into the game after his introduction from the bench, had seen his delicately clipped shot come back off the post.
Simon Poulsen did at least prevent the score from becoming worse for Denmark when he acrobatically cleared the ball from underneath his own bar after substitute Ibrahim Afellay had beaten Sorensen to a cross, but it was a case of too little, too late.
Netherlands beat Denmark 2-0 in their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Group E opener at Soccer City on Monday.
A comical own goal set Holland on their way to victory in the opening game in World Cup Group E as the tournament's dark horses beat Denmark 2-0 at Soccer City on Monday.
Denmark had matched their European rivals for the first half of a game that had struggled to ignite the imagination in Johannesburg.
But less than a minute into the second period and the Danes orchestrated their own demise as Simon Poulsen's attempted clearance hit the back of team-mate Daniel Agger to gift the Dutch the lead.
Poulsen responded to the mistake with a wistful grin and there was little else for Denmark to smile about as Morten Olsen's side failed to create a meaningful chance after falling behind.
Holland slowly tightened their grip on the game and the pionts were made safe in the closing five minutes when Dirk Kuyt reacted the quickest to tap home after substitute Eljero Elia's shot had struck the post.
Though it was not the most convincing of performances from the Oranje, they grew in stature as the match wore on to show why they are favourites to win the group, while Denmark will be seeking improvement in the games to come against Cameroon and Japan.
The opening 10 minutes saw Wesley Sneijder and Thomas Enevoldsen trade wayward free-kicks from distance, with both players seemingly hoping the Jabulani ball would deceive the goalkeeper.
Denmark keeper Thomas Sorensen did fumble a Kuyt shot from the edge of the area, but was never in danger of suffering the humiliation that had caught Robert Green and Faouzi Chaouchi in its net over the weekend.
Rafael van der Vaart failed to find the target with a couple of half-chances from the edge of the area for the Dutch as both teams struggled to lift the tempo above a brisk stroll in the South African sunshine.
The best chance of the first half arrived on 27 minutes when Dennis Rommedahl played in a cross from the right which was nodded wide of the target by the unmarked Nicklas Bendtner.
Holland could have taken the lead in fortunate circumstances on 33 minutes when Kuyt's low cross deflected off a Danish defender and then ricocheted off Johnny Heitinga on its way over the bar.
Rommedahl drilled a fierce attempt at Maarten Stekelenburg before the Dutch shot-stopper was forced to parry away Thomas Kahlenberg's thumping effort for a corner.
Robin van Persie took too long to get his shot away in the 43rd minute before Nigel de Jong, who was fortunate not to be punished for a robust challenge on Martin Jorgensen earlier in the half, was booked for bringing down Bendtner.
The Netherlands were in front inside the opening minute of the second period and luck played a major part in the goal.
Simon Poulsen's laughable attempt to head clear Van Persie's cross merely bounced off the back of Agger before clipping the post on its way past a helpless Sorensen.
Poulsen had a rueful smile on his lips after the mishap and the Danes could have swiftly found themselves 2-0 down if Van Persie had not produced a terrible first touch following a poor pass by Simon Kjaer.
Van Persie then sought to be the creator once again as his clipped pass into the box was turned towards goal by Van der Vaart, allowing Sorensen to produce an acrobatic save for the cameras.
That proved to be Van der Vaart's last contribution before he was replaced by the lively Elia, while Denmark had earlier brought on Jesper Gronkjaer and Mikkel Beckmann for Enevoldsen and Bendtner.
Holland continued to look the more likely to score, with Sorensen pushing Mark van Bommel's drive wide and Van Persie heading the resultant corner off target when found unmarked.
A second goal for Bert van Marwijk's side almost arrived eight minutes from time when Sneijder's shot deflected off Agger and looped on to the top of Sorensen's crossbar.
The Dutch wrapped up the points with five minutes to go when Kuyt tucked away the loose ball after Elia, who had injected some spark into the game after his introduction from the bench, had seen his delicately clipped shot come back off the post.
Simon Poulsen did at least prevent the score from becoming worse for Denmark when he acrobatically cleared the ball from underneath his own bar after substitute Ibrahim Afellay had beaten Sorensen to a cross, but it was a case of too little, too late.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Asamoah Gyan's late penalty earned Ghana a winning start to their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign at the expense of 10-man Serbia.
Group D: Ghana 1-0 Serbia
The impressive Gyan, who also hit the post twice for Ghana, fired home from the spot in 84th minute after Zdravko Kuzmanovic had been adjudged to have handled a cross in the area.
That sealed a closely-fought Group D encounter at Loftus Versfeld stadium and puts Ghana in a promising position to progress through to the knockout phase in their second appearance at the World Cup finals.
For Serbia, who were playing with a man less since the 74th minute following the dismissal of Aleksandar Lukovic, they now have a mountain to climb as they face group favourites Germany in their next match.
The match pitted old friends and fellow Serbians Radomir Antic and Milovan Rajevac against each other on the respective benches of the two sides, and both seemed keen to take the game to their opponents.
Antic's Serbia had the first effort in the first 15 seconds when Marko Pantelic fizzed a 30-yard thunderbolt not too far wide.
However, despite the best intentions of both sides, neither goalkeeper was seriously threatened in the first half.
Four-time African champions Ghana looked the more dangerous of the two, but they failed to find the target with their two best opportunities.
The first saw Gyan curl a free-kick over from a dangerous position on the edge of the box, then captain John Mensah failed to get a decent connection on a header from a free-kick seven yards out.
Serbia's main threat before the break came from a couple of well-worked set-piece routines, neither featuring the anticipated high ball into the area looking for the head of giant striker Nikola Zigic.
The first saw one training-ground routine pick out the unmarked Pantelic inside the area, but poor control let him down and Ghana could breathe again.
The second saw left-back Aleksandar Kolarov opt to go for goal from 30 yards out and the reported Real Madrid target, like Pantelic in the first minute, was not far away from finding the top corner with a well-struck shot.
The first opportunity of the second half should have resulted in the game's opening goal - but Andre Ayew headed wide.
Prince Tagoe's cross from the right cleared Serbia centre-back Nemanja Vidic and fell perfectly for Ayew at the far post, but his downward header went wide.
Moments later at the other end Zigic missed a similarly gilt-edged chance for Serbia.
Pantelic's cross into the middle picked out his strike partner but the 6ft 7in forward completely miscued his volley from six yards out.
That was probably a better opening than Ayew's, and Ghana almost made Zigic pay for his profligacy by nearly taking the lead in the 60th minute.
Gyan climbed above Vidic to reach a long throw-in into the area, and the Rennes player was unfortunate to see his header hit the outside of the near post.
The introduction of experienced midfielder Stephen Appiah in the 72nd minute was well received by the noisy and sizeable contingent of Ghana fans, and they were given further cause for hope two minutes later when Serbia lost Lukovic to a red card.
Lukovic, who had been booked at the start of the period, was shown a second yellow card after pulling back Gyan.
Despite the setback Serbia looked the more dangerous side over the next five minutes. Milos Krasic brought a fine block out of Kingson, Vidic headed over from a corner and Branislav Ivanovic fired over as well.
Ghana survived that spell though, and in the 84th minute they were handed the chance to take the game when Kuzmanovic was adjudged to have handled a cross into the area, earning Rajevac's side a penalty.
Kuzmanovic protested his innocence but the decision stood and Gyan stepped up to slam his spot-kick past Stojkovic, to the delight of the Ghana fans.
Kuzmanovic had a chance to make amends soon after but he blazed over, while man of the match Gyan could have added a second late on but his shot rebounded back off the post.
The impressive Gyan, who also hit the post twice for Ghana, fired home from the spot in 84th minute after Zdravko Kuzmanovic had been adjudged to have handled a cross in the area.
That sealed a closely-fought Group D encounter at Loftus Versfeld stadium and puts Ghana in a promising position to progress through to the knockout phase in their second appearance at the World Cup finals.
For Serbia, who were playing with a man less since the 74th minute following the dismissal of Aleksandar Lukovic, they now have a mountain to climb as they face group favourites Germany in their next match.
The match pitted old friends and fellow Serbians Radomir Antic and Milovan Rajevac against each other on the respective benches of the two sides, and both seemed keen to take the game to their opponents.
Antic's Serbia had the first effort in the first 15 seconds when Marko Pantelic fizzed a 30-yard thunderbolt not too far wide.
However, despite the best intentions of both sides, neither goalkeeper was seriously threatened in the first half.
Four-time African champions Ghana looked the more dangerous of the two, but they failed to find the target with their two best opportunities.
The first saw Gyan curl a free-kick over from a dangerous position on the edge of the box, then captain John Mensah failed to get a decent connection on a header from a free-kick seven yards out.
Serbia's main threat before the break came from a couple of well-worked set-piece routines, neither featuring the anticipated high ball into the area looking for the head of giant striker Nikola Zigic.
The first saw one training-ground routine pick out the unmarked Pantelic inside the area, but poor control let him down and Ghana could breathe again.
The second saw left-back Aleksandar Kolarov opt to go for goal from 30 yards out and the reported Real Madrid target, like Pantelic in the first minute, was not far away from finding the top corner with a well-struck shot.
The first opportunity of the second half should have resulted in the game's opening goal - but Andre Ayew headed wide.
Prince Tagoe's cross from the right cleared Serbia centre-back Nemanja Vidic and fell perfectly for Ayew at the far post, but his downward header went wide.
Moments later at the other end Zigic missed a similarly gilt-edged chance for Serbia.
Pantelic's cross into the middle picked out his strike partner but the 6ft 7in forward completely miscued his volley from six yards out.
That was probably a better opening than Ayew's, and Ghana almost made Zigic pay for his profligacy by nearly taking the lead in the 60th minute.
Gyan climbed above Vidic to reach a long throw-in into the area, and the Rennes player was unfortunate to see his header hit the outside of the near post.
The introduction of experienced midfielder Stephen Appiah in the 72nd minute was well received by the noisy and sizeable contingent of Ghana fans, and they were given further cause for hope two minutes later when Serbia lost Lukovic to a red card.
Lukovic, who had been booked at the start of the period, was shown a second yellow card after pulling back Gyan.
Despite the setback Serbia looked the more dangerous side over the next five minutes. Milos Krasic brought a fine block out of Kingson, Vidic headed over from a corner and Branislav Ivanovic fired over as well.
Ghana survived that spell though, and in the 84th minute they were handed the chance to take the game when Kuzmanovic was adjudged to have handled a cross into the area, earning Rajevac's side a penalty.
Kuzmanovic protested his innocence but the decision stood and Gyan stepped up to slam his spot-kick past Stojkovic, to the delight of the Ghana fans.
Kuzmanovic had a chance to make amends soon after but he blazed over, while man of the match Gyan could have added a second late on but his shot rebounded back off the post.
Slovenia recorded their first World Cup finals win thanks to a 1-0 victory over Algeria
Slovenia recorded their first World Cup finals win thanks to a 1-0 victory over Algeria.Algeria goalkeeper Farouzi Chaouchi's error 11 minutes from time handed Slovenia a crucial 1-0 victory in their World Cup Group C match at Polokwane.
Less than 24 hours after England's Robert Green had let Clint Dempsey's shot slip from his grasp in the 1-1 draw in the group's opening game, Chaouchi produced a similar howler.
Slovenia captain and former West Brom midfielder Robert Koren's 25-yard shot was not particularly venomous but the Algeria goalkeeper allowed it to bounce up off his shoulder and into the net.
Only moments before that the Africans had been reduced to 10 men when substitute Abdelkader Ghezzal's needless handball resulted in a second yellow card.
The win puts Slovenia top of the fledgling table and with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, an unlikely scenario before the tournament kicked off.
On this evidence it would seem unlikely either nation will cause Group C's 'big two' any problems but, as has so often been the case in the past, England have an unwelcome habit of stumbling over hard-working and resolute teams.
Less than 24 hours after England's Robert Green had let Clint Dempsey's shot slip from his grasp in the 1-1 draw in the group's opening game, Chaouchi produced a similar howler.
Slovenia captain and former West Brom midfielder Robert Koren's 25-yard shot was not particularly venomous but the Algeria goalkeeper allowed it to bounce up off his shoulder and into the net.
Only moments before that the Africans had been reduced to 10 men when substitute Abdelkader Ghezzal's needless handball resulted in a second yellow card.
The win puts Slovenia top of the fledgling table and with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, an unlikely scenario before the tournament kicked off.
On this evidence it would seem unlikely either nation will cause Group C's 'big two' any problems but, as has so often been the case in the past, England have an unwelcome habit of stumbling over hard-working and resolute teams.
HAND OF GOD LEADS AREGENTINA TO VICTORY
The World Cup hasn’t lacked in excitement thus far, and this game probably heads the queue. It should have been something like 6-2 for Argentina. It would have been, had it not been for the fine work of Nigeria keeper Vincent Enyeama. Yes, finally there’s a solid keeper plying his trade for an African side. Enyeama was beaten only by Gabriel Heinze’s free header early on.
Argentina boss Diego Maradona, as expected, played an attacking trio up front, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain, and they prospered, particularly Messi. Never really cutting it at international level, the reigning world player of the year finally came to life in an Argentina shirt, looking lively throughout. Enyeama had to be at his best to tip over Messi’s curler in the first half and then deprived the little maestro from close range in the second. Higuain missed a few chances – nothing new there. Maradona might just opt for Diego Milito in the next game.
As good as Argentina was going forward, Nigeria had its chances. Particularly early in the first half, Argentinian right back Jonas Gutierrez was error prone. In the second half, Peter Odemwingie blew a golden chance when he mis-controlled a ball with Nigerian teammate Obafemi Martins alone in front of goal. Then, Kalu Uche, in a great spot, send his difficult chance over the bar. He wasn’t troubled, but Argentina keeper Sergio Romero, at this early stage, isn’t in Enyeama’s class. He looks more style, with his pony-tail, than substance.
Argentina’s big rivals at the World Cup will take heart from its leaky defense. Going forward, Maradona’s big guns, however, will be hard to control.
Group B
Argentina 1 (Heinze 6)
Nigeria 0
Argentina boss Diego Maradona, as expected, played an attacking trio up front, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain, and they prospered, particularly Messi. Never really cutting it at international level, the reigning world player of the year finally came to life in an Argentina shirt, looking lively throughout. Enyeama had to be at his best to tip over Messi’s curler in the first half and then deprived the little maestro from close range in the second. Higuain missed a few chances – nothing new there. Maradona might just opt for Diego Milito in the next game.
As good as Argentina was going forward, Nigeria had its chances. Particularly early in the first half, Argentinian right back Jonas Gutierrez was error prone. In the second half, Peter Odemwingie blew a golden chance when he mis-controlled a ball with Nigerian teammate Obafemi Martins alone in front of goal. Then, Kalu Uche, in a great spot, send his difficult chance over the bar. He wasn’t troubled, but Argentina keeper Sergio Romero, at this early stage, isn’t in Enyeama’s class. He looks more style, with his pony-tail, than substance.
Argentina’s big rivals at the World Cup will take heart from its leaky defense. Going forward, Maradona’s big guns, however, will be hard to control.
Group B
Argentina 1 (Heinze 6)
Nigeria 0
IS DOMENECH'S STUBBORN NATURE GOING TO HAUNT FRANCE?
France coach Raymond Domenech has never been warmed to at all by the French public and even more so from his players as he dropped his latest clanger on Friday in the build up to France’s uninspired 0-0 draw with Uruguay by succumbing Florent Malouda and talisman Thierry Henry to the bench.
The 58 year old’s eccentric management style of supposedly picking his teams based on astrology has left people baffled. It is safe to say he is his own man and will not budge from criticism which illustrates his stubborn nature. Despite guiding Les Bleus to the final against Italy four years ago he still remains one of France’s most unpopular figures.
Their build up to their opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup has been marred by dressing room unrest from the likes of William Gallas and Florent Malouda who are unhappy with their coach’s way of thinking. Arsenal centre-back Gallas has boycotted the press in an alleged protest against his coach for picking compatriot Patrice Evra as skipper ahead of him. With Thierry Henry’s inclusion in the starting eleven being under scrutiny, it had left the Les Bleus armband up for grabs.
It isn’t the first time the French have ran into problems with the media and have been heavily criticised in the past for their handling of communications with the press which had led to the French Football Federation’s president Jean-Pierre Escalettes’ call for Domench and his players to make more of an effort after Euro 2008.
Florent Malouda who has just come off the back of his best season in England with Chelsea had a training ground altercation with Domenech, rumoured to be over the inclusion of Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff in the starting eleven. This saw Malouda dumped to the French bench in the game against Uruguay where Abou Diaby took his place. Ironically Diaby was the only real stand out performer for the French as he gave a spirited display unlike some of his fellow colleagues.
Sidney Govou of Lyon started the match ahead of Thierry Henry and fluffed a magnificent chance with just a few minutes gone to put the 1998 champions ahead but didn’t make good enough contact to bamboozle goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Nicolas Anelka was the lone man up front with Govou and Franck Ribery playing off him on the wings. France enjoyed a positive start but began to fade away as the game ran its course. Uruguay was very resolute and had a couple decent chances themselves with Forlan’s prowess threatening.
Domenech’s stubborn attitude was evident as he seemed reluctant to make any changes to his side that were evidentially lacking ideas and creativity. It took him to the 71st minute to makes his first change as Thierry Henry came onto earn his 121st cap in place of Anelka. No change to the formation as the Barcelona man played the loner up front. Domench then brought on Malouda soon after but still there was no change to their mentality. They lacked a cutting edge and found it excessively difficult to break down Uruguay, even with them playing with ten men for the remaining ten minutes after Nicolas Lodeiro was given his marching orders after a robust challenge on Bacary Sagna.
There is no guarantee had Domench started with Malouda that their fortunes would have been better but Malouda would have added something more dynamic in the middle of the park. Henry is not the player he once was but he still possesses that aura around him that frightens opposition defenders. Domenech continued to foresee his 4-3-3 formation during the game which evidentially lacked sparkle but he still continued to use it and only made like for like substitutions which did not change the complexion of the game what so ever.
It will be interesting to see if he tinkers with his side for the next game against Mexico. His way of thinking wouldn’t surprise anyone at all if he opts with the same eleven and formation. If France want to progress to the second round they need to up their game against Mexico who showed in their first game against South Africa that they are a neat footballing side with the creative flair up top which France lacked.
The stubborn nature of Raymond Domenech may haunt France if he doesn’t concede to some common sense by starting players for the good of the team. Rifts and arguments aside, winning football matches is the most important aspect and sooner he realises that the better for France and their 2010 hopes.
The 58 year old’s eccentric management style of supposedly picking his teams based on astrology has left people baffled. It is safe to say he is his own man and will not budge from criticism which illustrates his stubborn nature. Despite guiding Les Bleus to the final against Italy four years ago he still remains one of France’s most unpopular figures.
Their build up to their opening game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup has been marred by dressing room unrest from the likes of William Gallas and Florent Malouda who are unhappy with their coach’s way of thinking. Arsenal centre-back Gallas has boycotted the press in an alleged protest against his coach for picking compatriot Patrice Evra as skipper ahead of him. With Thierry Henry’s inclusion in the starting eleven being under scrutiny, it had left the Les Bleus armband up for grabs.
It isn’t the first time the French have ran into problems with the media and have been heavily criticised in the past for their handling of communications with the press which had led to the French Football Federation’s president Jean-Pierre Escalettes’ call for Domench and his players to make more of an effort after Euro 2008.
Florent Malouda who has just come off the back of his best season in England with Chelsea had a training ground altercation with Domenech, rumoured to be over the inclusion of Bordeaux’s Yoann Gourcuff in the starting eleven. This saw Malouda dumped to the French bench in the game against Uruguay where Abou Diaby took his place. Ironically Diaby was the only real stand out performer for the French as he gave a spirited display unlike some of his fellow colleagues.
Sidney Govou of Lyon started the match ahead of Thierry Henry and fluffed a magnificent chance with just a few minutes gone to put the 1998 champions ahead but didn’t make good enough contact to bamboozle goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. Nicolas Anelka was the lone man up front with Govou and Franck Ribery playing off him on the wings. France enjoyed a positive start but began to fade away as the game ran its course. Uruguay was very resolute and had a couple decent chances themselves with Forlan’s prowess threatening.
Domenech’s stubborn attitude was evident as he seemed reluctant to make any changes to his side that were evidentially lacking ideas and creativity. It took him to the 71st minute to makes his first change as Thierry Henry came onto earn his 121st cap in place of Anelka. No change to the formation as the Barcelona man played the loner up front. Domench then brought on Malouda soon after but still there was no change to their mentality. They lacked a cutting edge and found it excessively difficult to break down Uruguay, even with them playing with ten men for the remaining ten minutes after Nicolas Lodeiro was given his marching orders after a robust challenge on Bacary Sagna.
There is no guarantee had Domench started with Malouda that their fortunes would have been better but Malouda would have added something more dynamic in the middle of the park. Henry is not the player he once was but he still possesses that aura around him that frightens opposition defenders. Domenech continued to foresee his 4-3-3 formation during the game which evidentially lacked sparkle but he still continued to use it and only made like for like substitutions which did not change the complexion of the game what so ever.
It will be interesting to see if he tinkers with his side for the next game against Mexico. His way of thinking wouldn’t surprise anyone at all if he opts with the same eleven and formation. If France want to progress to the second round they need to up their game against Mexico who showed in their first game against South Africa that they are a neat footballing side with the creative flair up top which France lacked.
The stubborn nature of Raymond Domenech may haunt France if he doesn’t concede to some common sense by starting players for the good of the team. Rifts and arguments aside, winning football matches is the most important aspect and sooner he realises that the better for France and their 2010 hopes.
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