Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Day 6 Review

Honduras 0-1 Chile




Chile ended a wait of almost half a century for a victory on the world stage by defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening Group H game in Nelspruit. 
A strong Chile out fit overcame Honduras with a great goal from Beasejour in the 34th minute. 
Honduras started the second but could not match the attacking style of Chile who were looking like getting another 1. 

Spain 0-1 Switzerland 



Switzerland pulled off the biggest surprise so far at this FIFA World Cup™ as Gelson Fernandes's second-half strike downed Spain.  Spain had most of the possession and most of the opportunity's but couldn't convert and Switzerland got the on a break in the 2nd minute with a long ball going into the Spanish half with the first attempt hitting the goalkeeper the second Fernandez shot away.  






South Africa 0-3 Uraguay


A Diego Forlan double silenced the crowd for the first time during South Africa 2010 as Uruguay dealt the host nation's chance of reaching the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup a major blow. 
In the 23rd minute, Luis Suarez teased his way past Bongani Khumalo before stinging the palms of Itumelenge Khune. It was a clear warning of what was to come and, within 60 seconds, the South Americans were ahead through Forlan. Khune had clearly not been expecting the Atletico Madrid forward to unleash a shot from 30 yards out, and stood rooted to the spot as his stunning drive, taking a slight deflection off the back of Aaron Mokoena, dipped over his head and into the back of the net. The second goal came from a penalty after Khune came out and took at a Uraguay player resulting in a red card. Causing South Africa to bring on Joseph who couldnt stop Forlands Penalty. The 3rd came in the 5th minute of added time when Periea tapped in a cross.



Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Result: Day 5



New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia
A close match with lots of close chances of scoring ended in a heartbreaking finish.


A close match in which New Zealand started well and looked like winning finished in a 1-1 draw with Slovakia starting great in the second half.


New Zealand Started off well with lots of close chances and went into half time at 0-0 as the better side.
When the second half started Slovakia were off the blocks scoring a great goal after 5mins with Vittek heading in a great goal from close range. In the end New Zealand scored a great headed goal in the last second to make It 1-2 and there first ever World Cup point.


Portugal 0-0  Ivory Coast

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal is tackled by Ismael Tiote of Ivory Coast
The Match which was expected to be full of goals but it finished 0-0. Both teams had there chances but there defences were both to strong and both attacks could not break the line and get it in the net.In the first half Ronaldo had one of the best chance to make it 1-0 with a powerful dipping shot from 30yards out which just missed wide. Ivory Coast also had a good chance with a Tiote Free kick going just over the bar.



If the two teams engaged in trench warfare for the rest of the first half, the second half burst to life early on. Two minutes after the break, Gervinho’s shot was flapped at by goalkeeper Eduardo, and from the resulting corner, Tiate rose, but couldn’t get a clean header on it. Half chances came fast and furious then, with Gervinho’s wayward header from Tiote’s cross on the hour mark being the pick of the bunch. The introduction of Didier Drogba in the 66th minute threatened to turn up the action even more, but as a heavy shower settled on the area, the match lost some steam.
As the clock ran down, Portugal went close from long range efforts from Raul Meireles and Ronaldo, while Kolo Toure might have done better at the far post with a header. In injury time, the west Africans pushed hardest and a chance finally came to Drogba, who clutched his injured arm throughout his time on the pitch, but the big Chelsea man hooked Kader Keita’s through-ball off target.



Brazil 2-1 Korea DPR

Captain Lucio of Brazil jumps on his team mates as they celebrate with Elano
Brazil were forced to work hard by Korea DPR to secure all three points and a 2-1 victory with the perennial title challengers held scoreless in the first half by the Asian outsiders.

In the first half the attacking Brazil team could not get through the courageous and strong North Korea Defence.The nearest Brazil came to scoring in the first half was through a Michel Bastos drive from distance which clipped the roof of the net but, in truth, the shot never looked like dipping under the crossbar.

Brazil started the second half brightly, and a Bastos’ free-kick from a central position looked dangerous, but the blistering effort curved wide of the mark. As did Robinho's snapshot moments later, as Brazil were often forced to resort to shooting from distance.
Ten minutes after the interval, a moment of brilliance from Maicon broke the deadlock. There appeared little danger as Maicon chased down a slightly overhit pass into the penalty area, and with the ball just about to roll over the by-line, he blazed a shot between Ri Myong-Guk and the near post, in a goal reminiscent of fellow Brazilian right full-back Josimar at Mexico 1986.
The goal opened up the match as the Koreans started to show more endeavour with numbers going forward. Luis Fabiano looked set to take advantage midway through the second half after being set up by Robinho but the Sevilla man could not find the target.
The contest appeared over as Elano comfortably finished past an exposed Ri Myong-Guk with 18 minutes remaining, with Robinho the provider thanks to an exquisite pass that check-mated the entire Korean defensive quartet.
It was A Selecao who looked more likely to score, but with a minute of regular time remaining, Ji Yun-Nam burst into the penalty area and drove a memorable strike past Julio Cesar - Korea DPR's first goal at a FIFA World Cup™ for 44 years.


All Images from FIFA.com

Day 5 Fixtures

We have a look at the fixtures for the 5th day of This Years FIFA world cup.

Today we have the last match of Group F's First round and Both of group G's Matches.

It should be an interesting day with Portugal, Ivory Coast and Brazil all playing.


New Zealand  v Slovakia | Rustenberg | 1:30pm
New Zealand-Slovakia previewWhile a majority view this match as a battle to avoid finishing bottom of the pool, New Zealand and Slovakia consider it an opportunity to put one foot in the knockout phase.


Can New Zealand who got through a hard group beat the stronger Slovakia. Or will Slovakia be to strong for the All Blacks and win. 


With Italy and Paraguay drawing 1-1 last night both of these teams will be looking to win to get ahead of Italy and Paraguay increasing there chances of getting through.


In my opinion this should be a slow moving match with Slovakia just taking it 2-1


Join us for live match Commentary tonight at 1:30pm SAST(South African Standard time).

Ivory Coast v Portugal | Port Elizabeth 4:00pm






Tuesday sees the first meeting between Côte d’Ivoire and Portugal in the history of the FIFA World Cup, in a Group G encounter that promises plenty of excitement and goalmouth action.







Both the teams have good strong teams. And both of them play strong attacking Football.

In a group with Portugal,Ivory Coast and Brazil. And the unfortunate Korea DPR whichever team gets the points in this match should be certain to get through.

I think Portugal will win 3-2 in a high scoring attacking game.


Brazil v Korea DPR | Ellis Park Stadium | 8:30pm






David meets Goliath when the little-known Korea DPR side mark their return to the world stage with an opening Group G contest against the mighty Brazil.








Brazil who are one of the worlds best and are considered to make the final wont have much challenge against Korea DPR.

If Brazil win this match they will go to the top 2 in the group and be in a good position to get to the finals.

In my opinion Brazil will win 2-0