Netherlands 0 - Spain 1 (after extra time)
Spain become the eigth nation to be crowned football champions of the world following a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup Final. But the match will be remember for the dispicable play of the Dutch who resorted to cynical fouling to contain the Spanish, turning the game into a farce in the process.
Let’s not beat around the bush. This was an absolutely disgraceful game of football, especially for what should be the ultimate showcase on the world stage. The game was wrecked by the negativity of the Dutch, who combined their pragmatic defensive game style with endless cynical fouls on the attacking Spaniard players. Combine this with the Spanish ‘tic-tac’ system that involves endless passing with limited attacking thrusts and the result was a dire 0-0 contest that was only awoken by Andres Iniesta’s 116th minute winner. The result was the right one, as Spain was the only team out there playing football. The Dutch were managed to evenly spread their yellow cards across their back six and survived until late into extra time before getting their first red. They could have had any number of players sent off before then had a harsher referee been in charge of the match. Still, the Dutch were not the only reason the game was dreary. As I said in a previous posting, I do not find the Spanish that exciting to watch for all the experts who gush praise on the technically brilliant passing game. For me, their domination of possession does not result in enough domination on the score sheet, and the final was just another example of that, the fourth straight game where they have dominated possession just to grind out a 1-0 result. Still, they deserve their title as World Champions having dominated international football for three years. The Dutch can hang their heads in shame at their performance – let’s hope they learn to play a more attractive brand of football over the next four years.
What We Learned – That for all of Spain’s domination in possession they still lack that killer ability up forward that would make them near unbeatable on the world stage (even though they almost are anyway). They do not make their control of the game count enough and I still feel Brazil would have troubled them had they not imploded against the Dutch. I would even back a more mature Germany side to beat them on their day.
The Falcon’s Spud of the Day – SBS (Australian broadcaster) – For my brief World Cup life the World Cup final has been synonymous with one broadcaster….Martin Tyler. But with Tyler commentating for ESPN in the US this year we have had limited access to the great man. SBS’s decision to go with David Bashear as his replacement though was ordinary – any other of the British commentators we have had at the tournament so far would have been superior. At least we had Fozzie to provide us with some glorious (or technically brilliant) special comments.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Matchday 24 - The Race For The Golden Boot
Uruguay 2 - Germany 3
Thomas Mueller and Diego Forlan put themselves right back in the race for the Golden Boot, as both scored their 5th goals of the tournament in the third placed playoff that saw Germany take the bronze medal for the second consecutive tournament with a 3-2 win over Uruguay.
But it was the race for the Golden Boot that was as much the prize on offer as the third place finish with the likes of Thomas Mueller, Diego Forlan, and Luis Suarez all hopping to be amongst the goals to pass or at least join Wes Sneijder and David Villa on 5 tournament goals. And the bigger winner in that regard on the night was Mueller and Forlan who notched a goal each, both their 5th, to make it a four way tie at the top of the Golden Boot standings going in to tonights final. Mueller opened the scoring in the 19th minute when he smashed home a rebound after the Musilera had saved a Bastian Schweinsteiger strike. Forlan's goal was yet another cracker to add to his collection when he he acrobatically smashed home from just on the edge of the penalty box in the 51st minute to give Uruguay a 2-1 lead after Cavani had equalised for the South Americans just before the half hour mark. Uruguay's lead was to only last 5 minutes however as Marcell Janesn equalised for Germany, heading home a cross that should have been cleared by the Uruguayan keeper. The match was decided in the 81st minute when Sami Khedira looped a header into the top corner from close range to give him his first goal of the tournament and Germany their second consecutive third placed finish. Diego Forlan was centimetres away from taking the lead in the golden boot race and equalising for Uruguay some three minutes into stoppage time when his superb free kick smashed off the crossbar.
What We Learned - That Diego Forlan should be the player of the tournament. He has scored 5 goals, 4 of which have been absolute crackers (the other was a penalty). In a side that has had limited attacking potential he has virtually single-handedly dragged Uruguay to the semi-finals for the first time since 1970, both as a pure striker, and as a creative attacking midfielder playing in behind Luis Suarez.
The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Joachim Loew (Germany) - The German coached radically changed his team for the semi-final dropping a number of first team players for their reserves. Not only does this really make a mockery of the third placed playoff (honestly I think it should be scrapped) but it absolutely destroyed my fantasy team. Why would you drop the goalie FFS?!? It's not like he would have been tired from running around the outfield for the past 6 matches.
Tonight's Games - After 63 matches the 2010 World Cup comes down to the European derby between the Netherlands and Spain. Both nations are looking for the first World Cup in their history and as a result we will have an 8th nation joining the ranks of winning World Cup nations come tommorrow morning. Spain are favourites and deserverdly slow. They showed in the semi-final that they are clearly the best team in the tournament in dominating a German side that had scored 4 goals in its past two matches. The Netherlands on the other hand have got through on the soft side of the draw, and were lucky in defeating Brazil, their only real challenge in the knockout rounds so far. The Spainards play a far superior brand of football and have far more quality on a player by player basis. I think they will dominate possesion again and it will just be a matter of how many goals they score in winning their first world cup. Viva Espana!
Suggested Investment - Spain are fairly short to take the title at around $1.60 so it might pay to bet enough on that to cover the more exotic bet types. In the correct score market it is hard to go past Spain 1-0 ($6.50) (the score in their last 3 matches) while I like David Villa ($5.30) to score the first goal to put himself on top in the Golden Boot standings.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Thomas Mueller and Diego Forlan put themselves right back in the race for the Golden Boot, as both scored their 5th goals of the tournament in the third placed playoff that saw Germany take the bronze medal for the second consecutive tournament with a 3-2 win over Uruguay.
But it was the race for the Golden Boot that was as much the prize on offer as the third place finish with the likes of Thomas Mueller, Diego Forlan, and Luis Suarez all hopping to be amongst the goals to pass or at least join Wes Sneijder and David Villa on 5 tournament goals. And the bigger winner in that regard on the night was Mueller and Forlan who notched a goal each, both their 5th, to make it a four way tie at the top of the Golden Boot standings going in to tonights final. Mueller opened the scoring in the 19th minute when he smashed home a rebound after the Musilera had saved a Bastian Schweinsteiger strike. Forlan's goal was yet another cracker to add to his collection when he he acrobatically smashed home from just on the edge of the penalty box in the 51st minute to give Uruguay a 2-1 lead after Cavani had equalised for the South Americans just before the half hour mark. Uruguay's lead was to only last 5 minutes however as Marcell Janesn equalised for Germany, heading home a cross that should have been cleared by the Uruguayan keeper. The match was decided in the 81st minute when Sami Khedira looped a header into the top corner from close range to give him his first goal of the tournament and Germany their second consecutive third placed finish. Diego Forlan was centimetres away from taking the lead in the golden boot race and equalising for Uruguay some three minutes into stoppage time when his superb free kick smashed off the crossbar.
What We Learned - That Diego Forlan should be the player of the tournament. He has scored 5 goals, 4 of which have been absolute crackers (the other was a penalty). In a side that has had limited attacking potential he has virtually single-handedly dragged Uruguay to the semi-finals for the first time since 1970, both as a pure striker, and as a creative attacking midfielder playing in behind Luis Suarez.
The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Joachim Loew (Germany) - The German coached radically changed his team for the semi-final dropping a number of first team players for their reserves. Not only does this really make a mockery of the third placed playoff (honestly I think it should be scrapped) but it absolutely destroyed my fantasy team. Why would you drop the goalie FFS?!? It's not like he would have been tired from running around the outfield for the past 6 matches.
Tonight's Games - After 63 matches the 2010 World Cup comes down to the European derby between the Netherlands and Spain. Both nations are looking for the first World Cup in their history and as a result we will have an 8th nation joining the ranks of winning World Cup nations come tommorrow morning. Spain are favourites and deserverdly slow. They showed in the semi-final that they are clearly the best team in the tournament in dominating a German side that had scored 4 goals in its past two matches. The Netherlands on the other hand have got through on the soft side of the draw, and were lucky in defeating Brazil, their only real challenge in the knockout rounds so far. The Spainards play a far superior brand of football and have far more quality on a player by player basis. I think they will dominate possesion again and it will just be a matter of how many goals they score in winning their first world cup. Viva Espana!
Suggested Investment - Spain are fairly short to take the title at around $1.60 so it might pay to bet enough on that to cover the more exotic bet types. In the correct score market it is hard to go past Spain 1-0 ($6.50) (the score in their last 3 matches) while I like David Villa ($5.30) to score the first goal to put himself on top in the Golden Boot standings.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Fish World Cup
For those of you who think watching a game of football is about as exciting as watching fish swim around in a fish bowl cop this:
http://www.reuters.com/news/video/story?videoId=101471150&videoChannel=4
Looks like the Dutch are as defensively minded in fish football as they are in real life.
Good find Em!
http://www.reuters.com/news/video/story?videoId=101471150&videoChannel=4
Looks like the Dutch are as defensively minded in fish football as they are in real life.
Good find Em!
Matchday 23 - A New Era
Germany 0 - Spain 1 (Puyol 73)
A new era in world football dawned this morning, when Spain ensured there would be a new World Champion after advancing to the World Cup final with a 1-0 win over Germany.
Spain are through to the first World Cup final in their history after defeating Germany 1-0 in this mornings semi final. In reality, those who watched the game (inclduding German fans) would have to suggest that the scoreline was flattering to Germany because once again Spain absolutely dominated possesion, this time to the point of ridicule. But as has been the case throughout this tournament (and is probably the greatest weakness to their style) Spain could not convert their endless passing and possesion into goals. The sides went into the break at 0-0, and Spain were lucky not to trail after Mesut Oezil's penalty claims were denied when he was brought down in the box in first half injury time. The break did nothing to change the flavour of the game with the Spaniards contiune to play the game at their pace, dominating posession. The game opened up with about 30 minutes left with the Spaniards heavily pressing the German goal. The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute, not directly from open play but via a corner, when Carles Puyol thundered a header past Neur and into the back of the net. In reality that was it right there, as Spain were able to use their divine passing skills to deny Germany the ball for much of the remainder of the game. The Germans had no real clear cut chances in the last 20 minutes and after 3 minutes of added time the final whiste blew sending Germany out and Spain on to meet the Netherlands in Soccer city.
Final - Netherlands v Spain
3rd Playoff - Uruguay v Germany
What We Learned - It took until the semi finals but now we know that Spain ARE the real deal. While their huge dominance in posession has not translated into a flurry of goals, in reality they have had so much of the ball that they have not looked like getting beaten since going down to Switzerland in their opening group match. The way they restricted the Germans, who had scored 8 goals in their prior two games, to bit players in this match says it all. They are deserved favourites in the final.
The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Toni Kroos (Germany) - Germany had one golden chance to take the lead and it fell to Kroos who shot (his admittedly tough) first time volley straight at Casillas. If there was a moment when the Germans missed Mueller this was surely it, as in his current form he would have likely smashed it into the net and sent Germany through to the final. Kroos will have to live with his miss just as Luke Wilkshire will have to live with his.
A new era in world football dawned this morning, when Spain ensured there would be a new World Champion after advancing to the World Cup final with a 1-0 win over Germany.
Spain are through to the first World Cup final in their history after defeating Germany 1-0 in this mornings semi final. In reality, those who watched the game (inclduding German fans) would have to suggest that the scoreline was flattering to Germany because once again Spain absolutely dominated possesion, this time to the point of ridicule. But as has been the case throughout this tournament (and is probably the greatest weakness to their style) Spain could not convert their endless passing and possesion into goals. The sides went into the break at 0-0, and Spain were lucky not to trail after Mesut Oezil's penalty claims were denied when he was brought down in the box in first half injury time. The break did nothing to change the flavour of the game with the Spaniards contiune to play the game at their pace, dominating posession. The game opened up with about 30 minutes left with the Spaniards heavily pressing the German goal. The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute, not directly from open play but via a corner, when Carles Puyol thundered a header past Neur and into the back of the net. In reality that was it right there, as Spain were able to use their divine passing skills to deny Germany the ball for much of the remainder of the game. The Germans had no real clear cut chances in the last 20 minutes and after 3 minutes of added time the final whiste blew sending Germany out and Spain on to meet the Netherlands in Soccer city.
Final - Netherlands v Spain
3rd Playoff - Uruguay v Germany
What We Learned - It took until the semi finals but now we know that Spain ARE the real deal. While their huge dominance in posession has not translated into a flurry of goals, in reality they have had so much of the ball that they have not looked like getting beaten since going down to Switzerland in their opening group match. The way they restricted the Germans, who had scored 8 goals in their prior two games, to bit players in this match says it all. They are deserved favourites in the final.
The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Toni Kroos (Germany) - Germany had one golden chance to take the lead and it fell to Kroos who shot (his admittedly tough) first time volley straight at Casillas. If there was a moment when the Germans missed Mueller this was surely it, as in his current form he would have likely smashed it into the net and sent Germany through to the final. Kroos will have to live with his miss just as Luke Wilkshire will have to live with his.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Matchday 22 - Dutch Delight
Uruguay 2 - Netherlands 3
The Netherlands booked a spot in the World Cup final for the first time since 1978 with a 3-2 victory over a brave Uruguay.
As expected, the Netherlands proved too good for Uruguay in reaching the first World Cup final in over 30 years, but it was a much closer run thing than many would have predicted. In the end, the 3-2 score line probably flattered Uruguay in a game that was remarkably bereft of chances despite five goals being notched up. In a game between two fairly defensive sides, the Netherlands were first to strike. The source was surprising, with Giovanni Van Bronckhorst putting his name up for goal of the tournament with a 35 yard blast from the left flank that flew like a tracer bullet into the top right corner. But as has been the case throughout the tournament, Uruguay fought back, and was level just before half time when Diego Forlan smashed home his fourth goal of the tournament from around 20 yards out. Sensing they needed to take the game to Uruguay, the Dutch brought on Rafael Van der Vaart at half time. The more attacking style paid off, albeit luckily, when Wesley Sneijder’s shot was deflected in with just 20 minutes remaining. The game appeared to be all over just 3 minutes later when Robben nodded home to put the Dutch 3-1 up. They managed to close the game down superbly until Uruguay got a late life line when Maxi Pereira scored in the second minute of stoppage time. A further 3 minutes progressed with the play almost entirely in the Dutch penalty box but the Uruguay’s could not get a clear shot on goal and the final whistle was eventually blown to send the Dutch into the semi’s.
What We Learned – That the Dutch were just a little too good for the plucky Uruguayan’s. For all the quality defensive capabilities Uruguay, outside Forlan, did not have the ability in attack to trouble the Dutch, with both of their goals coming from set pieces.
The Falcon’s Spud of the Day – Mark Van Bommel (Netherlands) – For repeated crimes against World Football. How this guy gets away with his repeated fouls all game without picking up yellow cards (let alone the reds he probably deserves!) is beyond my comprehension. A serial pest in the Steven Baker mould, Van Bommel represents everything that is bad about the stopping midfielder.
Tonight’s Game – AN ABSOLUTE CRACKER!!!! Germany takes on Spain in a repeat of the 2008 European Championship final when Spain prevailed 1-0. The Germans will be primed for revenge given their red hot form and I reckon they can get up here to set up a rematch of the 1974 final against Holland.
Suggested Investment – Despite banging home 4 goals against no less than England and Argentina in their last two games, the Germans are still outsiders to advance! That is sheer lunacy. I am all over the Mannschaft in this one. Get on board!!!!
The Netherlands booked a spot in the World Cup final for the first time since 1978 with a 3-2 victory over a brave Uruguay.
As expected, the Netherlands proved too good for Uruguay in reaching the first World Cup final in over 30 years, but it was a much closer run thing than many would have predicted. In the end, the 3-2 score line probably flattered Uruguay in a game that was remarkably bereft of chances despite five goals being notched up. In a game between two fairly defensive sides, the Netherlands were first to strike. The source was surprising, with Giovanni Van Bronckhorst putting his name up for goal of the tournament with a 35 yard blast from the left flank that flew like a tracer bullet into the top right corner. But as has been the case throughout the tournament, Uruguay fought back, and was level just before half time when Diego Forlan smashed home his fourth goal of the tournament from around 20 yards out. Sensing they needed to take the game to Uruguay, the Dutch brought on Rafael Van der Vaart at half time. The more attacking style paid off, albeit luckily, when Wesley Sneijder’s shot was deflected in with just 20 minutes remaining. The game appeared to be all over just 3 minutes later when Robben nodded home to put the Dutch 3-1 up. They managed to close the game down superbly until Uruguay got a late life line when Maxi Pereira scored in the second minute of stoppage time. A further 3 minutes progressed with the play almost entirely in the Dutch penalty box but the Uruguay’s could not get a clear shot on goal and the final whistle was eventually blown to send the Dutch into the semi’s.
What We Learned – That the Dutch were just a little too good for the plucky Uruguayan’s. For all the quality defensive capabilities Uruguay, outside Forlan, did not have the ability in attack to trouble the Dutch, with both of their goals coming from set pieces.
The Falcon’s Spud of the Day – Mark Van Bommel (Netherlands) – For repeated crimes against World Football. How this guy gets away with his repeated fouls all game without picking up yellow cards (let alone the reds he probably deserves!) is beyond my comprehension. A serial pest in the Steven Baker mould, Van Bommel represents everything that is bad about the stopping midfielder.
Tonight’s Game – AN ABSOLUTE CRACKER!!!! Germany takes on Spain in a repeat of the 2008 European Championship final when Spain prevailed 1-0. The Germans will be primed for revenge given their red hot form and I reckon they can get up here to set up a rematch of the 1974 final against Holland.
Suggested Investment – Despite banging home 4 goals against no less than England and Argentina in their last two games, the Germans are still outsiders to advance! That is sheer lunacy. I am all over the Mannschaft in this one. Get on board!!!!
Monday, July 5, 2010
And Then There Were Four
The eve of the Semi-Finals is upon us with both matches pitting former champions against nations striving for their first title. If the quarter final games are anything to go by, we are in for a hell of a ride.
Uruguay ($4) v Netherlands ($1.33)
The two time champions take on the two time finalists in this clash of continents. Uruguay, the sole South American representative takes on the kings of the European lowlands in the Netherlands. We should say straight out that this is likely to be a cagey affair with both teams probably playing not to lose rather than to win. Both sides have been fairly pragmatic in their set up at the tournament so far and have looked to defend well and attack on the counter. Uruguay’s depth will be tested with star striker Luis Suarez suspended following one of the all-time great World Cup saves in the quarter final. Too bad he is not a goaltender. They also may lose Captain Diego Lugano (note the capitalised C) too injury .The Dutch will be close to full strength following the return of Joris Mathisjen. Given that, it is hard to go past the Netherlands here. Uruguay has had a dream run to the semis meeting South Korea and Ghana, while the Netherlands took out the mighty Brazil in the quarters.
The Falcon Says – Uruguay’s golden run stops here – the Dutch by a couple.
Germany ($2.04) v Spain ($1.94)
Two European powerhouses (and formally bastions of European fascism) meet in a titanic clash. The three time champions in Germany up against the current European champions Spain. The pace and skill of the counter attacking Germans against the precision tight passing of the Spaniards….mouth watering. If you hadn’t fallen in love with the Germans following their 4 goal demolitions of Australia and England than surely you must have after they tore apart a previously unbeaten Argentina in the quarter finals. Sure Argentina’s tactical play was inept but I doubt the world has seen a better display of counter attacking football at the World Cup in quite some time. In contrast, the Spaniards have been workman like at best at the tournament so far, grinding out 1-0 wins in both their knockout games so far. The question is whether Germany have actually been tested yet and whether Spain will be able to dominate possession and deny the German’s the time and space they have used to counter attack their previous opponents. Germany’s loss of Mueller is a negative, but their bevy of attacking stars should more than make up for his absence.
The Falcon Says – Get on the German bandwagon before it is too late and cheer them all the way to the final. If there is a brand of football that deserves to win a world championship this is it!!!
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Uruguay ($4) v Netherlands ($1.33)
The two time champions take on the two time finalists in this clash of continents. Uruguay, the sole South American representative takes on the kings of the European lowlands in the Netherlands. We should say straight out that this is likely to be a cagey affair with both teams probably playing not to lose rather than to win. Both sides have been fairly pragmatic in their set up at the tournament so far and have looked to defend well and attack on the counter. Uruguay’s depth will be tested with star striker Luis Suarez suspended following one of the all-time great World Cup saves in the quarter final. Too bad he is not a goaltender. They also may lose Captain Diego Lugano (note the capitalised C) too injury .The Dutch will be close to full strength following the return of Joris Mathisjen. Given that, it is hard to go past the Netherlands here. Uruguay has had a dream run to the semis meeting South Korea and Ghana, while the Netherlands took out the mighty Brazil in the quarters.
The Falcon Says – Uruguay’s golden run stops here – the Dutch by a couple.
Germany ($2.04) v Spain ($1.94)
Two European powerhouses (and formally bastions of European fascism) meet in a titanic clash. The three time champions in Germany up against the current European champions Spain. The pace and skill of the counter attacking Germans against the precision tight passing of the Spaniards….mouth watering. If you hadn’t fallen in love with the Germans following their 4 goal demolitions of Australia and England than surely you must have after they tore apart a previously unbeaten Argentina in the quarter finals. Sure Argentina’s tactical play was inept but I doubt the world has seen a better display of counter attacking football at the World Cup in quite some time. In contrast, the Spaniards have been workman like at best at the tournament so far, grinding out 1-0 wins in both their knockout games so far. The question is whether Germany have actually been tested yet and whether Spain will be able to dominate possession and deny the German’s the time and space they have used to counter attack their previous opponents. Germany’s loss of Mueller is a negative, but their bevy of attacking stars should more than make up for his absence.
The Falcon Says – Get on the German bandwagon before it is too late and cheer them all the way to the final. If there is a brand of football that deserves to win a world championship this is it!!!
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Matchday 21 - Magnificent Mannschaft
Argentina 0 - Germany 4 (Mueller 3, Klose 68, 89, Friedrich 74)
Paraguay 0 - Spain 1 (Villa 83)
The quarter final craziness continued on Matchday 21. Germany ensured Diego Maradona would not be the second man to captain and coach a nation to a World Cup when they slaughtered Argentina 4-0 to advance to the semi-finals for the third straight tournament. While in the late game Spain overcame a stubborn Paraguay 1-0 to reach the semi's for the first time.
But it is the Germans that will be the toast of South Africa this morning after unbelievably dispatching Argentina 4-0 in a total annihilation of the South Americans. The result is the third time this tournament that the Germans have racked up 4 goals after notching similar milestones against Australia and England. The Germans dominated the game right from kick off, and took an early lead through a Thomas Mueller header in just the 3rd minute. Shockingly, that seemed to be it for Argentina, who like Brazil yesterday, had no answer to going behind. They created little and their defence was so shambolic that they were lucky to only go in 1-0 down at half time. The Germans were not so forgiving in the second half, a 5 minute burst that resulted in goals to Miroslav Klose (passing Pele for career World Cup goals) and Arne Friedrich with 20 minutes to go killed the game off as a contest if in reality it had not been game over already. Argentina had absolutely no response, and Klose added a 4th in the last minute of normal time to compound the embarrassment. It ended a horror weekend for the big South American teams after Brazil was eliminated by Holland last night. The Germans aren't quite favourites for the title now but they should be after demolishing England and Argentina on their way to the semi's. Can anyone stop them? I don't think so.
The final quarter final was a more tepid affair but it was not without its own excitement, Spain finally prevailing 1-0 over Paraguay to book their first ever spot in the semi-finals. The game was a virtual stalemate in the first half, but the action exploded 10 minutes into the second when Paraguay were awarded a penalty after Oscar Cardozo was wrestled to the ground in the penalty box. This was Paraguay's golden chance, but they were denied but arguably the world's best goalkeeper, with Iker Casillas saving the spot kick. The action sped down the opposite end of the field and unbelievably Spain were immediately awarded their own penalty, after David Villa was bundled over in the box. Xabi Alonso thought he had given Spain the lead after converting the penalty, but the referee ordered a re-take after Spanish players encroached into the box. Staggeringly the re-take was saved by the Paraguayan captain and the game remained at 0-0. With extra time approaching and the game still scoreless, the Spanish talisman at this tournament, David Villa, again proved decisive, firing the Spaniards into the lead after Pedro's shot had bounced off the right hand post. Casillas pulled off a double save in the final moments to preserve the 1-0 lead and set off wild celebrations across Spain. Paraguay will be proud of their efforts in advancing to the quarters, althoug they have not played the most attractive football in doing so.
Semi-Final Matches - Germany ($2.10) v Spain ($1.89)
What We Learned - That Argentina's brilliance was only as a result of the fact that they had been beating up on lesser opposition. They finally met another quality side and were absolutely pounded by a quick and clinical counter-attacking German unit. The derided back-four failed to stand up to the pressure of a World Cup quarter final and were cut to shreds by the pace and skill of the German attacking thrusts.
The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Lionel Messi (Argentina) - Possibly a little harsh given he failed to get much support from his teammates last night but while Germany's young guns in Mueller and Oezil were starring Messi was really no where to be seen. When he did get the ball he was immediately closed down by the Germans and he failed to bring his teammates into the game which he surely could have done when he was being double and triple teamed himself.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Paraguay 0 - Spain 1 (Villa 83)
The quarter final craziness continued on Matchday 21. Germany ensured Diego Maradona would not be the second man to captain and coach a nation to a World Cup when they slaughtered Argentina 4-0 to advance to the semi-finals for the third straight tournament. While in the late game Spain overcame a stubborn Paraguay 1-0 to reach the semi's for the first time.
But it is the Germans that will be the toast of South Africa this morning after unbelievably dispatching Argentina 4-0 in a total annihilation of the South Americans. The result is the third time this tournament that the Germans have racked up 4 goals after notching similar milestones against Australia and England. The Germans dominated the game right from kick off, and took an early lead through a Thomas Mueller header in just the 3rd minute. Shockingly, that seemed to be it for Argentina, who like Brazil yesterday, had no answer to going behind. They created little and their defence was so shambolic that they were lucky to only go in 1-0 down at half time. The Germans were not so forgiving in the second half, a 5 minute burst that resulted in goals to Miroslav Klose (passing Pele for career World Cup goals) and Arne Friedrich with 20 minutes to go killed the game off as a contest if in reality it had not been game over already. Argentina had absolutely no response, and Klose added a 4th in the last minute of normal time to compound the embarrassment. It ended a horror weekend for the big South American teams after Brazil was eliminated by Holland last night. The Germans aren't quite favourites for the title now but they should be after demolishing England and Argentina on their way to the semi's. Can anyone stop them? I don't think so.
The final quarter final was a more tepid affair but it was not without its own excitement, Spain finally prevailing 1-0 over Paraguay to book their first ever spot in the semi-finals. The game was a virtual stalemate in the first half, but the action exploded 10 minutes into the second when Paraguay were awarded a penalty after Oscar Cardozo was wrestled to the ground in the penalty box. This was Paraguay's golden chance, but they were denied but arguably the world's best goalkeeper, with Iker Casillas saving the spot kick. The action sped down the opposite end of the field and unbelievably Spain were immediately awarded their own penalty, after David Villa was bundled over in the box. Xabi Alonso thought he had given Spain the lead after converting the penalty, but the referee ordered a re-take after Spanish players encroached into the box. Staggeringly the re-take was saved by the Paraguayan captain and the game remained at 0-0. With extra time approaching and the game still scoreless, the Spanish talisman at this tournament, David Villa, again proved decisive, firing the Spaniards into the lead after Pedro's shot had bounced off the right hand post. Casillas pulled off a double save in the final moments to preserve the 1-0 lead and set off wild celebrations across Spain. Paraguay will be proud of their efforts in advancing to the quarters, althoug they have not played the most attractive football in doing so.
Semi-Final Matches - Germany ($2.10) v Spain ($1.89)
What We Learned - That Argentina's brilliance was only as a result of the fact that they had been beating up on lesser opposition. They finally met another quality side and were absolutely pounded by a quick and clinical counter-attacking German unit. The derided back-four failed to stand up to the pressure of a World Cup quarter final and were cut to shreds by the pace and skill of the German attacking thrusts.
The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Lionel Messi (Argentina) - Possibly a little harsh given he failed to get much support from his teammates last night but while Germany's young guns in Mueller and Oezil were starring Messi was really no where to be seen. When he did get the ball he was immediately closed down by the Germans and he failed to bring his teammates into the game which he surely could have done when he was being double and triple teamed himself.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Matchday 20 - Snatching Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory
Netherlands 2 (Felipe Melo 53og, Sneijder 68) - Brazil 1 (Robinho 10)
Uruguay 1 (Forlan 55) - Ghana 1 (Muntari 45+2) (Uruguay won 4-2 on penalties)
Matchday 20 was the day the World Cup scriptwriter pulled out his experimentation wheel, and spun up acid! Never in my 25 years of following sports can I remember a night of such remarkable events. The first quarter-final saw the Netherlands do the impossible, overturning a half time deficit to defeat Brazil 2-1. The late game was even more fantastical with Uruguay defeating Ghana on penalties, after Ghana had seemed all but assured of being the first African team to advance to the semi-finals.
But tears will be flowing far and wide in Brazil this morning after the five time champions succumbed to arguably one of the greatest chokes in World Cup history (a choke soon to be eclipsed if you can believe it), going down 2-1 to the Netherlands. The Brazilians absolutely dominated the game for the first 50 minutes after taking an early lead through Robinho's clinical finish from a Felipe Melo through ball. The South Americans were in cruise control and looked like closing out the Dutch easily to get to the semis. But Brazilian dreams turned to nightmares when a Wes Sneijder cross was accidentally headed into the Brazilian goal by Felipe Melo. From nowhere the Dutch where level...and the Brazilians quite simply fell apart! The superb passing game disappeared, as they reverted to the long ball and repeated fouling of the Dutch players. I cannot remember a more remarkable turnaround in momentum in a World Cup match. With the game to be won it was the Dutch rather than the Brazilians who stepped to the plate, and Sneijder made himself a national hero in the 68th minute, heading in Dirk Kuyt's flick on from a corner earned by Arjen Robben. This truly sent the Brazilians into shock and the dreams were extinguished 5 minutes later when Melo was sent off for stamping Robben. They through everyone forward with no semblance of structure and in the end the Dutch should have added a third or fourth. It was a remarkable show of mental fragility by the South Americans who will now go home to a hail of scrutiny and questions. The Dutch pulled off the greatest victory since perhaps making the final in 1974, and being on the soft side of the draw they already have a foot in the final.
If there was a bit of crazy about the first game, the matchup between Uruguay and Ghana was true insanity. Somehow, in the end, Uruguay advanced, 4-2 on penalties, showing a much steelier resolve in the shootout than their African opponents (who had not participated in a shootout since 1992). The teams ended the 90 minutes at 1-1, Sulley Muntari's long range strike in first half stoppage time cancelled out by a sublime free kick from Diego Forlan just after the break. Extra time then had to be seen to be believed. Pretty much nothing happened for the first 25 extra minutes with no clear cut chances for either side. But in the last 5 minutes Ghana started to get on top and press the Uruguayan penalty area. The South Americans held out gamely until Ghana earned a free kick in stoppage time in extra time. The next series events will go down into World Cup folklore. The free kick curled in, a scramble, a Ghana shot, and Luis Suarez cleared the ball...off the goal line!!!! But the ball only rebounded back to the 6 yard box where it was again headed goalwards by Stephen Appiah. Again Suarez cleared the ball off the goal line.....but with his hands!!! The ref pointed to the penalty spot and produced a red card to dismiss Suarez. With 123 minutes of game time expired, Africa had the first team in their history in the Semi-Finals. All Asamoah Gyan had to do was slot the penalty with the last kick of the game. Off a short run up he stepped up......AND SMASHED THE BALL OFF THE CROSS BAR!!!!!!! The ball cannoned out of play, the ref blew the final whistle and Uruguay received their divine intervention. The more clinical South American were always going to be favoured in the shootout, and so it proved. They went 4/5 from the spot compared to Ghana's 2/4, and when veteran striker Sebastian Abreu audaciously chipped his penalty home Uruguay were in raptures. It was devastation for Ghana, who will surely never get the chance again to get so close to a World Cup Semi Final.
Semi Final Matches - Uruguay ($3.75) v Netherlands ($1.35)
What We Learned - Something we really had no idea about - that the Brazilians were unbelievably and unforgivably mentally fragile. They hadn't trailed in any preceding match at the tournament and when they went behind they had absolutely no idea how to react, short of punting the ball up field and hacking the Dutch down when the Netherlands had the ball. It was a sad sight to see to be honest from a team that was expected to have a stronger resolve, especially given the playing career of their coach, Dunga.
The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) - Their could of been a host of winners, but it has hard to go past Gyan who only had to slot a penalty in extra time stoppage time to ensure Ghana made history as the first African nation to make it to the semi's. He had already slotted penalties against Serbia and Australia, but when he needed it most here his nerve failed him and he blasted them ball into the cross bar and over. Sadly it will be the defining moment of his career.
Tonight's Games - Surely the football cannot be any more thrilling tonight. Then again, with Argentina playing Germany anything is possible, and this has all the hallmarks of a classic. I think it is too close to call and could easily see it going to penalties. The late game sees Spain take on Paraguay, and surely some degree of normalcy will return to the quarters here with Spain proving themselves far too good.
Suggested Investment - The first loss for a while last night with some very unpredictable results. The Argentina-Germany game is so close that I would suggest coupling up a draw after 90 minutes with Spain to beat Paraguay in regulation time.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Uruguay 1 (Forlan 55) - Ghana 1 (Muntari 45+2) (Uruguay won 4-2 on penalties)
Matchday 20 was the day the World Cup scriptwriter pulled out his experimentation wheel, and spun up acid! Never in my 25 years of following sports can I remember a night of such remarkable events. The first quarter-final saw the Netherlands do the impossible, overturning a half time deficit to defeat Brazil 2-1. The late game was even more fantastical with Uruguay defeating Ghana on penalties, after Ghana had seemed all but assured of being the first African team to advance to the semi-finals.
But tears will be flowing far and wide in Brazil this morning after the five time champions succumbed to arguably one of the greatest chokes in World Cup history (a choke soon to be eclipsed if you can believe it), going down 2-1 to the Netherlands. The Brazilians absolutely dominated the game for the first 50 minutes after taking an early lead through Robinho's clinical finish from a Felipe Melo through ball. The South Americans were in cruise control and looked like closing out the Dutch easily to get to the semis. But Brazilian dreams turned to nightmares when a Wes Sneijder cross was accidentally headed into the Brazilian goal by Felipe Melo. From nowhere the Dutch where level...and the Brazilians quite simply fell apart! The superb passing game disappeared, as they reverted to the long ball and repeated fouling of the Dutch players. I cannot remember a more remarkable turnaround in momentum in a World Cup match. With the game to be won it was the Dutch rather than the Brazilians who stepped to the plate, and Sneijder made himself a national hero in the 68th minute, heading in Dirk Kuyt's flick on from a corner earned by Arjen Robben. This truly sent the Brazilians into shock and the dreams were extinguished 5 minutes later when Melo was sent off for stamping Robben. They through everyone forward with no semblance of structure and in the end the Dutch should have added a third or fourth. It was a remarkable show of mental fragility by the South Americans who will now go home to a hail of scrutiny and questions. The Dutch pulled off the greatest victory since perhaps making the final in 1974, and being on the soft side of the draw they already have a foot in the final.
If there was a bit of crazy about the first game, the matchup between Uruguay and Ghana was true insanity. Somehow, in the end, Uruguay advanced, 4-2 on penalties, showing a much steelier resolve in the shootout than their African opponents (who had not participated in a shootout since 1992). The teams ended the 90 minutes at 1-1, Sulley Muntari's long range strike in first half stoppage time cancelled out by a sublime free kick from Diego Forlan just after the break. Extra time then had to be seen to be believed. Pretty much nothing happened for the first 25 extra minutes with no clear cut chances for either side. But in the last 5 minutes Ghana started to get on top and press the Uruguayan penalty area. The South Americans held out gamely until Ghana earned a free kick in stoppage time in extra time. The next series events will go down into World Cup folklore. The free kick curled in, a scramble, a Ghana shot, and Luis Suarez cleared the ball...off the goal line!!!! But the ball only rebounded back to the 6 yard box where it was again headed goalwards by Stephen Appiah. Again Suarez cleared the ball off the goal line.....but with his hands!!! The ref pointed to the penalty spot and produced a red card to dismiss Suarez. With 123 minutes of game time expired, Africa had the first team in their history in the Semi-Finals. All Asamoah Gyan had to do was slot the penalty with the last kick of the game. Off a short run up he stepped up......AND SMASHED THE BALL OFF THE CROSS BAR!!!!!!! The ball cannoned out of play, the ref blew the final whistle and Uruguay received their divine intervention. The more clinical South American were always going to be favoured in the shootout, and so it proved. They went 4/5 from the spot compared to Ghana's 2/4, and when veteran striker Sebastian Abreu audaciously chipped his penalty home Uruguay were in raptures. It was devastation for Ghana, who will surely never get the chance again to get so close to a World Cup Semi Final.
Semi Final Matches - Uruguay ($3.75) v Netherlands ($1.35)
What We Learned - Something we really had no idea about - that the Brazilians were unbelievably and unforgivably mentally fragile. They hadn't trailed in any preceding match at the tournament and when they went behind they had absolutely no idea how to react, short of punting the ball up field and hacking the Dutch down when the Netherlands had the ball. It was a sad sight to see to be honest from a team that was expected to have a stronger resolve, especially given the playing career of their coach, Dunga.
The Falcon's Spud of the Day - Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) - Their could of been a host of winners, but it has hard to go past Gyan who only had to slot a penalty in extra time stoppage time to ensure Ghana made history as the first African nation to make it to the semi's. He had already slotted penalties against Serbia and Australia, but when he needed it most here his nerve failed him and he blasted them ball into the cross bar and over. Sadly it will be the defining moment of his career.
Tonight's Games - Surely the football cannot be any more thrilling tonight. Then again, with Argentina playing Germany anything is possible, and this has all the hallmarks of a classic. I think it is too close to call and could easily see it going to penalties. The late game sees Spain take on Paraguay, and surely some degree of normalcy will return to the quarters here with Spain proving themselves far too good.
Suggested Investment - The first loss for a while last night with some very unpredictable results. The Argentina-Germany game is so close that I would suggest coupling up a draw after 90 minutes with Spain to beat Paraguay in regulation time.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Falcon's SEMInal Quarter-Final Preview
After 54 matches, 32 teams have been whittled down to the final 8 who will battle it out for the 2010 World Cup. South America has managed to advance four teams this far (a top effort!), Europe has three, while Africa has a lone representative in Ghana.
Netherlands ($3) v Brazil ($1.50)
One of two glamour match-ups in the quarters this would previously have been a game between two nations who play all out attacking football. The 2010 versions however are much more pragmatic teams with both playing two defensive midfielders in front of their back four. Despite this, Brazil has still been able to generate some beautiful, creative, free-flowing attacking football at this tournament and go into the match as deserved favourites. They have looked a far better team than the Dutch over the course of the matches so far and I think they will have too much in attack come match day. For mine, the Netherlands only hope is if Arjen Robben has an absolute blinder and tears the Brazilians to shreds. While Wes Sneijder has been good at this tournament, Robben seems to have been the only Dutch player who has shown the attacking flair and creativity necessary to break down the defensively minded formations we have seen from so many teams at this tournament.
The Falcon Says – Brazil fairly comfortably.
Uruguay ($1.55) v Ghana ($2.75)
I know everyone will be clambering for the feel good story of an African team making the semis for the first time, the first time the tournament is hosted in Africa but I hoped Ghana get absolutely pumped by Uruguay. Ghana should have bought a lottery ticket after fluking their way out of Group D and were lucky enough to get a soft draw with a round of 16 match-up against the US. In contrast, Uruguay has only conceded a single goal at this year’s tournament despite taking on the likes of France, Mexico and South Korea. They have one of the most potent striking combinations going around in world football in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez and they are extremely tough to break down at the back. Quite simply, they deserve a place in the semi finals. Ghana do not.
The Falcon Says – Uruguay to grab their divine right to a spot in the final four.
Argentina ($1.75) v Germany ($2.30)
WHAT A GAME!!!!! Worthy of a World Cup final it is unfortunate that these super teams have to meet in the quarters. The baby faced Germans come off a 4-1 annihilation of the hapless English in the second round while Argentina cruised past Mexico 3-1. Both sides play an exciting brand of attacking football and have been banging in the goals at the tournament so far. The key to this match may be the first goal. Argentina has not yet trailed in a match, and the tactical nous of Maradona may be put to the test if they go a goal down. Similar, the young Germans may find it difficult to overcome a deficit as they did when going down 1-0 to Serbia in the group stage. Honestly I think this game is too close to call and it wouldn’t shock me to see it go to penalties as was the case when these sides met at the same stage in Germany four years ago.
The Falcon Says – Penalties – who wins from there I have no idea but there are sure to be a few goals in the preceding 120 minutes.
Paraguay ($5.50) v Spain ($1.20)
Hardly your glamour quarter-final tie, this is likely to be a dreary affair with Paraguay parking the bus, defending deep, and hoping they see at least some of the ball with Spain playing their usual tic-tac passing game. Honestly, anything less than a smashing from the Spaniards here would be disappointing given the quality of opposition they are facing. Reports suggest Fernando Torres will start up front again, and this may be a good chance for him to get a bit of a confidence boost with a few goals. Paraguay will hope to soak up as much pressure as possible and fluke a goal from somewhere. Given none of their strikers has hit the back of the net yet a set piece is probably their best hope.
The Falcon Says – Spain will win, eventually, but it might be a dire, boring prospect from a neutral perspective watching them get the win.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
Netherlands ($3) v Brazil ($1.50)
One of two glamour match-ups in the quarters this would previously have been a game between two nations who play all out attacking football. The 2010 versions however are much more pragmatic teams with both playing two defensive midfielders in front of their back four. Despite this, Brazil has still been able to generate some beautiful, creative, free-flowing attacking football at this tournament and go into the match as deserved favourites. They have looked a far better team than the Dutch over the course of the matches so far and I think they will have too much in attack come match day. For mine, the Netherlands only hope is if Arjen Robben has an absolute blinder and tears the Brazilians to shreds. While Wes Sneijder has been good at this tournament, Robben seems to have been the only Dutch player who has shown the attacking flair and creativity necessary to break down the defensively minded formations we have seen from so many teams at this tournament.
The Falcon Says – Brazil fairly comfortably.
Uruguay ($1.55) v Ghana ($2.75)
I know everyone will be clambering for the feel good story of an African team making the semis for the first time, the first time the tournament is hosted in Africa but I hoped Ghana get absolutely pumped by Uruguay. Ghana should have bought a lottery ticket after fluking their way out of Group D and were lucky enough to get a soft draw with a round of 16 match-up against the US. In contrast, Uruguay has only conceded a single goal at this year’s tournament despite taking on the likes of France, Mexico and South Korea. They have one of the most potent striking combinations going around in world football in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez and they are extremely tough to break down at the back. Quite simply, they deserve a place in the semi finals. Ghana do not.
The Falcon Says – Uruguay to grab their divine right to a spot in the final four.
Argentina ($1.75) v Germany ($2.30)
WHAT A GAME!!!!! Worthy of a World Cup final it is unfortunate that these super teams have to meet in the quarters. The baby faced Germans come off a 4-1 annihilation of the hapless English in the second round while Argentina cruised past Mexico 3-1. Both sides play an exciting brand of attacking football and have been banging in the goals at the tournament so far. The key to this match may be the first goal. Argentina has not yet trailed in a match, and the tactical nous of Maradona may be put to the test if they go a goal down. Similar, the young Germans may find it difficult to overcome a deficit as they did when going down 1-0 to Serbia in the group stage. Honestly I think this game is too close to call and it wouldn’t shock me to see it go to penalties as was the case when these sides met at the same stage in Germany four years ago.
The Falcon Says – Penalties – who wins from there I have no idea but there are sure to be a few goals in the preceding 120 minutes.
Paraguay ($5.50) v Spain ($1.20)
Hardly your glamour quarter-final tie, this is likely to be a dreary affair with Paraguay parking the bus, defending deep, and hoping they see at least some of the ball with Spain playing their usual tic-tac passing game. Honestly, anything less than a smashing from the Spaniards here would be disappointing given the quality of opposition they are facing. Reports suggest Fernando Torres will start up front again, and this may be a good chance for him to get a bit of a confidence boost with a few goals. Paraguay will hope to soak up as much pressure as possible and fluke a goal from somewhere. Given none of their strikers has hit the back of the net yet a set piece is probably their best hope.
The Falcon Says – Spain will win, eventually, but it might be a dire, boring prospect from a neutral perspective watching them get the win.
Prices courtesy of Betfair.
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