South Afrca flag with ball
From the opening concert at the Orlando Stadium, to the final burst of fireworks at Soccer City, the glory at this World Cup belonged not to Spain, but to South Africa.
A grubby final was snatched after 114 goalless minutes by Andres Iniesta’s well-taken effort allowing Spain to erupt in celebration at last.
So often the under achievers, Iniesta is just one of a dozen world class La Rochas. It was interesting that the Barcelona element felt the need to parade the Catalan flag at the crucial, cup-lifting moment.
South Africa was supposed to be the divided country. Long accused of being incapable of hosting football’s greatest event, the teenagers of democracy got it together with gusto.
While Spain may have outlasted the local hopefuls Bafana Bafana by some distance, did any country of the 32 experience a greater nation-building month than the hosts?
Of course not. Spain will go home to their Basque/Castillian/Catalan nations with heads held high. But from where I sit, after nearly three months of travelling South Africa, this wasn’t about Spain 1, Netherlands 0. It was simply South Africa’s victory.
When I set out on this epic journey, nobody had even heard of Paul the Octopus or Luis Suarez’s hand. The foreign press were harping on about bloodbaths, muggings, and unfinished infrastructure when I turned up in Durban for the Indaba 2010 Tourism conference on May 8.
For the next month, it was all about denying the doom-mongers. Strangely, England’s training camp in Phokeng was not “a dump” as the British tabloids described it. It was finished on time and perfect for the job. You can’t blame the Bafokeng people for England’s appalling showing here.
Similarly, the roads and stadiums were near-perfect, not to mention, the brand new King Shaka airport, apart from lacking a parking warden, was pretty good too.
Everywhere we travelled, foreign fans were ecstatic. Glad they had “taken the risk” of coming to deepest, darkest part of Africa. Were any wags mugged? Were any mugs wagged? Was anybody bitten by deadly snakes or murdered in their hotel beds?
No.
Were the stadiums half-finished or half-empty? Not at the best supported World Cup since 1994. Did the fans come? Yes, despite the negative claptrap, over half a million travelled here. And they will return to encourage more to revisit this country, where whales, dolphins, elephants and lions can entertain as much as over-paid footballers, Diego Maradona or blind referees.
How many rugby/cricket World Cups or even Olympics have been this successful? How many times do you attend a major sports event to be struck not by the talent of the athletes, but by the quality of the fans, the service, or the sheer joy of being here?
Not many.
A very impressive opening ceremony
And now, no doubt, the tireless Danny Jordaan will receive apologies from everywhere. From The Sun to the New Zealand Herald, as the world realises that, actually, Africa does quite a good job when it comes to global events. Let’s count those retractions.
No, not one.
But, there we were. After 64 matches in 10 perfect stadiums, a riveting open ceremony and a technically incredible closing show, Nelson Mandela even popped in to give us a wave. We had the fireworks lighting the sky over Soweto, the Spaniards adding the World Cup to their European crown, and the fans delighted to celebrate with them and their two flags.
One winner. South Africa. Where unbuntu, that feeling of being part of a family, overwhelmed the plethora of yellow cards and cynical fouls.
Champions Spain jubilates
Pre-tournament favourites Spain won this World Cup with less goals than any side has ever managed before—they hardly thrilled us, apart from when they surprisingly lost their opening game against modest Switzerland. Holland set out to kick them off the park and out of the country.
After the final, I found myself arguing with former Arsenal “star” Perry Groves over the merits of Spain and the football at this World Cup. From where they sat, they weren’t thrilled. Philistines. Mourning for England, they missed the whole point.
And it didn’t matter, because all around, the lamentable, lovable vuvuzelas were blowing, the locals were dancing, and South Africa, rather than Spain, was united in self-congratulation.
Finally, this quote from President Jacob Zuma, “When we won the rights to host the World Cup, we knew that working together we would be able to succeed. But, what has happened has exceeded our expectations. That is because of the role played by our people, the South Africans. They
They are the stars and champions of this tournament.”
Source: A bleacher report analysis
For more gists, please click http://bleacherreport.com/articles/419126-2010-fifa-world-cup-winners-and-losers
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]]>FIFA President, Sepp Blatter on Sunday commended the move by President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria to review an earlier stance to pull Nigeria out of international football for two years, describing him as a true leader of men with the love of his people at heart.
Speaking during a meeting with the new leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation at a morning meeting in
FIFA Supremo Sepp Blatter
Johannesburg, South Africa, Blatter noted that only genuine leaders, not rulers, listen to the yearnings of their people and act accordingly.
“Nigeria is one of the key components of the football world, and a two year abstinence from the game from this beautiful game by the country would have left a vacuum. Please extend my warmest sporting regards to President Goodluck Jonathan,” said Blatter.
Blatter also pledged that the world’s governing body for the game will co-operate fully with the new leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation as endorsed at Friday’s Extra-Ordinary General Assembly in the Federal Capital, Abuja, while urging the new helmsmen to always operate with the statutes of the NFF.
He added that FIFA will be monitoring the situation in Nigeria football, while inviting the NFF Acting President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari, Acting 1st Vice President, Chief Obinna Ogba, Executive Committee Member, Dr. Peter Singabele and General Secretary, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba to the official closing ceremony and final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Soccer City same day.
President Goodluck Jonathan
At another meeting with the NFF leadership, also in Johannesburg, CAF President Issa Hayatou said he was bowled over the President Jonathan’s magnanimous move and equally pledged that CAF will co-operate with the new leadership in Nigeria football while urging them to abide by the statutes governing the game.
Source:Goal.com International.
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Germany Flag
Desperate Germany put a strong spirit fighting like Trojans in a show of class in the bid to grap a third place in the on-gong World Cup
The nation took took bronze for the fourth time at the FIFA World Cup™ after beating Uruguay 3-2 in one of the most entertaining and energy-sapping play-off for the third place.
Sami Khedira got the winning goal with eight minutes remaining as Joachim Low’s side repeated their success in this same match four years ago.
There was no shortage of goals as the rain came teeming down in Port Elizabeth with both sides eager to conclude impressive campaigns on a winning note.
Thomas Muller and Edinson Cavani traded first half efforts before Diego Forlan and Marcell Jansen did likewise within ten minutes of the restart. Yet it was Germany who came out on top and, in the process, South Africa 2010’s leading scorers reached the 16-goal mark, surpassing their total at Italy 1990, albeit falling one short of their tally in 1970, when they also pipped Uruguay to the bronze medal.
For two of the scorers, Muller and Forlan, their strikes took them to five for the tournament, level with David Villa and Wesley Sneijder at the top of the adidas Golden Boot standings. Forlan will rue the injury-time free-kick against the crossbar that denied him a sixth goal, while Miroslav Klose’s absence with a back injury left him rooted on five too.
Both teams featured changed lineups after their semi-final losses. Germany coach Joachim Low went for a wholly new forward line from that which began against Spain with starting roles for the trio of Muller, Cacau and Jansen. Further back Dennis Aogo came in for Philipp Lahm and goalkeeper Hans-Jorg Butt for Manuel Neuer. As for Uruguay, they welcomed back captain Diego Lugano from injury together with Jorge Fucile and Luis Suarez, both suspended for last Tuesday’s defeat by the Netherlands.
Muller made his mark early with his fifth goal in South Africa. The 20-year-old had already had one effort ruled out for offside when he fired Low’s side ahead in the 19th minute. Bastian Schweinsteiger sent in a shot from 30 yards that goalkeeper Diego Muslera, seemingly deceived by the swerve and dip, parried straight to Muller who had an easy task to score. A German breakthrough was hardly a surprise given by that stage they had also seen Arne Friedrich head a Mesut Ozil corner against the crossbar yet Oscar Tabarez’s side soon responded.
Uruguay threatened in the 25th minute when Per Mertesacker got a block on Forlan’s far-post header. Four minutes later, though, they had their equaliser from a swift counter. Diego Perez dispossessed Schweinsteiger just inside the Celeste half with a powerful challenge and fed Suarez who played in Cavani down the inside left-channel. The Palermo striker took one touch before prodding a low finish into the bottom corner. Suarez should then have put Uruguay ahead three minutes before the break when Forlan picked out his diagonal run but bearing down on Butt’s goal from the right, he arrowed his shot wide of the far post.
Futher changes went begging moments after the restart when Butt saved at Cavani’s feet and then got a hand to Suarez’s shot on the follow-up. Butt was left helpless when Forlan made it 2-1 after 51 minutes, however. The Atletico Madrid striker connected acrobatically with Egidio Arevalo’s cross on the edge of the box, sending the ball into the rain-sodden turf and back up past Butt. Yet the lead lasted only five minutes before Muslera missed Jerome Boateng’s deep cross and Jansen headed home.
The game was now wide open as both teams chased a third goal. Butt kept out a flying strike from Suarez and came out to save at the feet of Forlan. At the other end Muslera beat away a shot from Germany substitute Stefan Kiessling, who missed two other inviting chances. The winning goal, when it came, followed an Ozil corner. The ball bounced off Friedrich and then Lugano before rising fortuitously to Khedira who headed home.
Flag-of-uruguay
Germany, so fufilled
Joachim Low hailed Germany’s spirit after they came from behind to defeat Uruguay 3-2 in a thrilling game on Saturday and secure third place at the World Cup™.
“In the second half, when we were forced to dig deep, we saw the mental strength the team had to resist and then snatch victory,” said the Germany coach. “I’m pleased with that, the team deserves it. Altogether, what we’ve achieved, we never would have expected it eight or nine months ago.”
Germany claimed victory thanks to Sami Khedira’s 82nd-minute header, after strikes from Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan had seen Uruguay hit back from a goal down following Thomas Mueller’s opener.
The three-time champions were hit by a series of injuries to key players, including captain Michael Ballack, on the eve of the World Cup but responded with some thrilling performances despite the inexperience in their ranks. Low’s young players defeated England 4-1 in the last 16 and thrashed Argentina 4-0 in the quarter-finals before finally meeting their match in a 1-0 semi-final defeat by Spain.
Central midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was one of the stars of the tournament and he believes the country has a rich footballing future to look forward to. “I’m very proud to play in this team,” said the Bayern Munich player. “We have to look to the future, we can still achieve lots of things.”
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez lauded his side’s performance at the World Cup but said they had been undone by individual errors against Germany. The meeting in Port Elizabeth was a re-match of the 1970 third-place match, which Germany won 1-0, after Tabarez had guided his team to the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 40 years.
“The match was contested by two teams who really wanted to finish in third place, by two teams who gave everything,” said Tabarez. “We made one mistake too many, but we showed that we were capable. We showed that we could compete with any team in the world.”
Uruguay have been the surprise package of the World Cup, qualifying from a difficult group that also included France, Mexico and hosts South Africa before defeating South Korea and Ghana to reach the last four. They were beaten 3-2 by the Netherlands in the semi-finals but Tabarez said his squad would take great heart from their African endeavours.
“Uruguay have been one of the surprises of the tournament and we still don’t realise what’s happened back home,” he said. “I received an email on Friday from a lady I didn’t know who said, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you for having changed the image of our country’. I’m surprised, it’s the beauty of sport and the serious work we’ve accomplished.”
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Spanish flag flying
Germany’s oracle octopus Paul picked Spain to beat the Netherlands in the World Cup final on Sunday in a live television broadcast watched across Europe.
The two-year-old celebrity octopus, who has accurately picked the outcome of all six of Germany’s World Cup matches so far, quickly tipped Spain to beat the Netherlands. It took him only three minutes to make up his mind.
“That was fast — it looks like a clear-cut victory for Spain,” said Tanja Munzig, spokeswoman for Sea Life in Oberhausen. She was surprised by his speed in picking Spain. For some matches it took Paul 70 minutes to decide.
The octopus, considered by some to be the most intelligent of all invertebrates, got the choice of picking food from two different transparent containers lowered into his tank — one with a Dutch flag on it and one with Spain’s flag.
Reaction in Spain was swift, with the country’s biggest selling sports daily website Marca.com running the headline: “The octopus Paul makes us champions”.
The container Paul opens first is regarded as his pick. On Friday he wasted no time in diving for the container on the right side with the Spanish flag on it.
Two German television networks interrupted their programming for live coverage of the two-year-old celebrity octopus’s picks. Networks in Spain, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe also broadcast Paul’s decision live.
Earlier on Friday, Germans heaved a sigh of relief when Paul tipped Germany to beat Uruguay in the World Cup match for third place. There were cheers in offices across Germany after crowds of viewers tuned in to watch Paul live.
Normally he only picks Germany matches. But for the final Sea Life made an exception.
The octopus in Oberhausen turned into a global celebrity for correctly picking the winners of all six of Germany’s World Cup matches — including their two defeats to Serbia and Spain.
On Friday Paul first settled on top of the Germany container but after a few minutes shifted to the Uruguay container. Then after about 15 minutes he went back to Germany container, quickly opened the lid and ate the morsel of food inside.
Not an ordinarily superstitious people, Germans have become believers in Paul’s possible psychic powers. The country was shocked and distraught when he picked Spain to beat Germany after tipping German wins over Argentina, England, Ghana and Australia.
Paul’s selections have become top news across Germany and around the world. Some commentators even wondered aloud whether his improbable winning streak might have begun to influence some of the more superstitious players.
But after Paul accurately picked Spain to beat Germany in the semi-final, some Germans called for a public roasting of the oracle octopus. Newspapers and websites were filled with suggestions on how to cook and eat him.
Officials at Sea Life in Oberhausen have installed extra security to protect their octopus.
“Paul is in safe hands with us,” said Munzig.
Spain’s Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero was quoted in Spanish media reports saying — in jest — he was concerned about Paul’s safety.
“I am concerned for the octopus…I am thinking of sending him a protective team,” Zapatero said.
Spain’s Environment and Fisheries Minister Elena Espinosa also said: “On Monday I shall be at the European Council of Ministers and I shall be asking for a (fishing) ban on Paul the octopus so Germans do not eat him.”
REUTERS
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World cup held by Pres.Mandela
So now we know that a double dose of history will be made in Johannesburg on Sunday. Not only will a European team win the World Cup outside of its own continent for the first time, but the champion will be a first-timer.
A clash between the Netherlands and Spain seems heaven-sent for neutrals, pitting the ‘Brazilians of Europe’ and originators of Total Football against the team which swaggered to the Euro 2008 with a magnificent display of passing excellence. Add to the mix two of the European season’s star performers (and Ballon d’Or contenders) Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben on one side facing Barcelona’s newly signed hot-shot David Villa, and we have a beguiling matchup in front of us.
Yet there’s an element of doubt lingering, a little voice telling us we expected more from these two sides so far. The Dutch have employed the same 4-2-3-1 shape they used at Euro 2008 (anathema to Netherlands legend Johan Cruyff, as he has pointed out on more than one occasion), but it has been put to practice in a very different manner. Then-coach Marco van Basten’s side was wonderfully entertaining in the early stages in Switzerland, but was undone by its shaky backline in the quarterfinal with Russia.
Netherlands Flag
Once bitten, twice shy it seems. At the World Cup, Nigel De Jong and the spiky veteran Mark Van Bommel have been placed in front of the defense to protect it and have done a very effective job. But this Dutch side has been more pragmatic than pretty. Sneijder has been outstanding, his visionary passing and late runs to the edge of the box reprising his day job with a functional Inter Milan side.
Spain has also taken a cautious approach. Coming into the World Cup with injury doubts surrounding a few key players, including Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta, coach Vicente Del Bosque has fielded two deep-lying midfielders – Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso — in an effort to save the legs of a possibly weary team.
It’s working — and winning over critics, too. One Spanish morning daily proudly trumpeted its team’s best-ever defensive record at a World Cup — 313 minutes of playing time have elapsed since goalie Iker Casillas conceded a tally to Chile’s Rodrigo Millar, eclipsing the team’s previous best of 282 goalless minutes when it reached the 1950 quarterfinals. As pointed out by respected Spanish journalist Sid Lowe, among others, the famed “tiki-taka” passing style works as a defensive tactic. Barcelona showed this in ending the season with La Liga’s best defensive record. How can the opposition score if it can’t get the ball back from you?
Yet while a final of gung-ho attacking shouldn’t be expected, there is more than enough potential to keep us intrigued. While the Netherlands and Spain might have played it safe to get here, there are enough defensive doubts to encourage both camps that goals can be had.
Spanish flag
Casillas, who has not always at his best in South Africa, came to his side’s rescue against Germany, making a crucial save from an alarmingly unmarked Toni Kroos with the game still goalless. Likewise, the ease with which Felipe Melo carved open the Dutch center backs forRobinho to put the Brazilians ahead in the quarterfinal should give Spain hope.
The Netherlands’ best moments of the tournament have been flashes of attacking inspiration, mainly involving Robben. His competition debut, against Cameroon in the Dutch’s third group game, was a sparkling cameo; he capped a tremendous run with a shot against the post, tapped in by Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for the winner.
In his first start he went one better, cutting in from the right to strike past Jan Mucha, giving his team the lead against Slovakia. Perhaps the best was the clincher against Uruguay, as Robben stretched to power home a fine header.
Spain, meanwhile, has relied on Villa, its sharpest weapon. His tidy finish against Portugal brought a denouement to a growing spell of pressure in the second period of the fourth round. He did the same thing, as a tense quarterfinal with Paraguay approached its climax. Iniesta played a key role in creating both these goals with his sharp eye for a killer pass.
So fear not. Both the Netherlands and Spain might have arrived in the final on the back of a careful approach, but they know where their real strengths lie. They also know that it will probably take a moment of sublime quality — probably from Villa, Iniesta, Robben or Sneijder — to make the crucial difference. The tension in wondering when it’s going to arrive could make for a classic.
Source: Andy Brassell. freelance soccer writer for ESPN.com.
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Spain-flag
Spain has won the 2010 version of the World Cup by beating Holland.
The only goal of the match came during the extra time of the energy sapping duel which took place in the main bowl of Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg.
Andres Iniesta’s 116th-minute goal gave Spain 1-0 World Cup final victory over Holland after extra-
World-cup! Spain is new Champion
time. It is the first time a European country is winning the cup outside of Europe.
What makes this year’s final different is that both finalists, Spain and Holland have neither got the final before nor win the cup in a tournament that saw all the world power football nations crumbling.
Full Match report:
Champions of Europe and now champions of the world, Spain captured football’s Holy Grail for the first time with a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands thanks to Andres Iniesta’s 116th-minute strike at Soccer City.
The solitary goal came with penalties looming as substitutes Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas combined to play in Iniesta and the little midfielder drove emphatically across Maarten Stekelenburg and into the far corner. With this victory – their fourth successive single-goal win in South Africa – Spain became the eighth name on the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy and also the first European team to have triumphed on a different continent. For the Netherlands, who lost defender John Heitinga to a red card in extra time, there is only the heartache of another tale of what might have been after they completed a hat-trick of Final losses.
This was a match preceded by much talk of two like-minded footballing cultures, of the influence of Dutchmen like Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, of ‘tiki taka‘ and Total Football. In many ways, as the first 116 minutes showed, it was also a case of the irresistible force versus the immovable object. The Dutch had won 14 straight games to get to the Final, in qualifying and the tournament proper, and Spain 15 out of 16, their only slip the defeat by Switzerland in their first game here in South Africa.
It was the Spanish found their stride first, living up to their pre-game billing as favourites. Vicente del Bosque’s side who dominated possession and created the early chances. With the Dutch penned inside their half, Maarten Stekelenburg had to make a save after five minutes, diving low to stop a Sergio Ramos header from Xavi’s free-kick from the right. Gerard Pique looked poised to follow up only to be denied by a combination of Joris Mathijsen and Dirk Kuyt.
Ramos came again in the tenth minute, beating Kuyt on the right and driving in a low centre that Heitinga deflected behind. From the corner came another scare for the Netherlands. Xavi played the ball back to Xabi Alonso whose cross went beyond the far post to David Villa but the in-form No7 sliced his volley into the side-netting.
After those near things, however, both defences got on top with none of the flair players on either side able to take a grip on proceedings. Instead the yellow-card count began to rise with Nigel de Jong becoming the fifth player in Howard Webb’s notebook by the time the half-hour mark arrived.
With the orange sections of the 84,490 Soccer City crowd finding their voice, Bert van Marwijk’s men almost gave them something to sing about from a corner in the 37th minute. Robben rolled the ball to Mark van Bommel on the edge of the box and although he failed to make a clean connection he unwittingly diverted the ball on to the unmarked Mathijsen but the defender missed his kick. As half-time approached, Iker Casillas had barely had a save to make but entering stoppage time, he had to be alert to deny Robben at his near post as a spell of Dutch pressure ended with the winger spearing in a low shot from the corner of the box.
Spain in jubilation after the win.
Puyol, Spain’s semi-final matchwinner, showed his aerial threat once more minutes after the restart when he rose above Heitinga and headed to the far post but Joan Capdevila failed to make contact. The game was gradually opening up and the Dutch spurned a golden opportunity in the 62nd minute when Wesley Sneijder sent Robben running clear. Casillas came to Spain’s rescue, deflecting the shot behind with his right foot when falling the wrong way.
Spain coach Del Bosque had already sent on Jesus Navas for Pedro on the hour and the winger helped pick a hole in the Dutch defence in the 70th minute. Xavi sent him flying down the right into the box and when Heitinga failed to deal with Navas’s low cross, the ball fell to Villa who looked odds-on to score only to see his effort deflected behind. Ramos was equally profligate after 78 minutes when he headed over a Xavi centre when unmarked, after Villa had forced another corner.
Spain were looking the more likely winners and it took Sneijder of all people to foil Iniesta with a smart tackle after his jinking run into the box. Yet Robben’s pace was a persistent threat and theOranje No11 almost embarrassed Puyol in the 82nd minute, speeding clear of the Spain defender when second-favourite to reach a through-ball. Resisting Pique’s attempt to tackle too, he was foiled only by Casillas, the captain saving at Robben’s feet as the Dutchman tried to round him.
Extra time began with opportunities for Spain. Xavi failed to connect when well positioned and when the ball ran to Villa, his shot went wide off an orange shirt. Substitute Fabregas then broke clear on to Iniesta’s through-ball but was foiled by Stekelenburg. Mathijsen headed wide from a corner but like waves, Spanish attacks kept rolling on to the Netherlands back line and Navas was close with a shot deflected into the side-netting.
Torres replaced Villa midway through the extra period and Spain gained a man advantage four minutes later with Heitinga’s dismissal for pulling back Iniesta on the edge of the box, the offence earning him a second yellow. Iniesta would not be denied, however, and his fine late strike put Spain in the history books and shattered the men in orange.
Source: FIFA.com
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van marwijk
Holland has secured first ticket in 2010 World Cup final dislodging Uruguay in a 3-2 spanking.
Goals from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben secured a semi-final victory over Uruguay in Cape Town and a chance to avenge defeats on the game’s biggest stage in 1974 and 1978.
Bert van Marwijk’s side may not delight like the ‘Total Football’ Dutch teams from the playing days of Johan Cruyff.
But having waited so long, the Oranje will care little for that as they prepare to bring their own glow to Johannesburg in a meeting with either Spain or Germany.
Captain Van Bronckhorst brilliantly put his side in front before former Manchester United star Diego Forlan levelled with a goal that ultimately was not quite enough, even though Maximiliano Pereira’s strike gave a glimmer of hope in stoppage time.
Forlan was too isolated to cause Holland damage after Van Bronckhorst scored that stunning opener. And, with the clock ticking down towards half-time, there seemed to be little on when Forlan collected possession 40 yards out. But, offered space to advance into, he then delivered the kind of shot this hotly-debated Jabulani ball was made for, though big questions will be asked of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.
Stekelenburg’s part in the equaliser ensured Van Bronckhorst’s opener was the better of two eye-catching first-half efforts. As with Forlan, there seemed no danger when the Dutch skipper receive possession on the left.
Due to retire when this tournament is over, the 35-year-old defender planted a fierce shot high to the goalkeeper’s left, so far into the corner that it struck the inside of the post before finding the net.
Uruguay had not made their impact in South Africa through dazzling skill and unchecked flair. They are defensively aware and exceptionally well organised by wily old coach Oscar Tabarez.
Netherlands took their time to get about their task in the second period as Uruguay’s defence threatened to hold firm, so it took a bit of good fortune to bring about a second goal.
Sneijder’s shot deflected off Maxi Pereira, and past an off guard Robin van Persie, before flashing beyond the outstretched arm of Muslera and into the corner of the net.
Three minutes later, Robben rose to head home Kuyt’s cross and the game looked over.
Uruguay did get a late second through defender Pereira’s strike from the edge of the area and then besieged the Dutch goal. But they couldn’t find a third to take the game into extra-time.
For Uruguay, the game was up. For Holland, the glory that proved so unobtainable all those years ago, is in reach again.
Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder – It was not the most vintage of performances, and he needed a large slice of luck for his goal, but the midfielder once again showed the reason why Manchester United are reportedly planning a £25 million offer for the Inter Milan playmaker. Arjen Robben’s final execution just let him down meaning Sneijder picks up the award.
- Uruguay verdict: Although Uruguay set themselves up as a strong unit, with two men on Robben, they lacked a cutting edge up front with Luis Suarez suspended. Substituting Diego Forlan with six minutes to go said plenty about how Oscar Tabarez had run out of ideas, despite needing two goals in such a short space of time. Tabarez may wish he still had Forlan on the pitch as his side tried to get a late, late leveller.
- Netherlands verdict: The Dutch may have stuttered at times but they were the better side. That said, Netherlands still have room for improvement ahead of a World Cup final against either Germany or Spain. Robben may be allowed a little more freedom in that game, which could hold the key to the Dutch triumphing for the first time.
- Could do better: Maarten Stekelenburg - Despite having a good tournament before this game, the Dutch No.1 looked far from assured in this match. He was caught out by Diego Forlan for Uruguay’s first, was caught in no man’s land early in the second half and let Maxi Pereira’s late effort past him far too easily. He will have to be on much better form on Sunday.
- Stat attack: The last time a team scored three in a World Cup semi-final was 1982, when West Germany and France drew 3-3. (West Germany won on penalties).
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Goodluck Jonathan
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has backpedaled on his decision to suspend Nigeria National team, the Super Eagles for two years following an abysmal performance in the on-going World Cup tournament in South Africa.
Jonathan had issued the threat to reflect the nation’s disenchantment following the South Africa 2010 poor show and alleged corruption allegations on the top cadre of the nation’s Football organizing body, the Nigeria Football Federation.
In a statement, Jonathan’s office said the decision came after a meeting Monday with the Nigeria Football Federation. The federation’s executive committee fired the group’s president and vice president Sunday in an effort to appease the government.
The federation “assured the president of their commitment” to building a national soccer program “that will bring glory, rather than consistent embarrassment to Nigeria on the world stage,” the statement read.
FIFA had set a deadline Monday evening deadline for the Nigerian government to drop its suspension plans or face even harsher international sanctions than those Jonathan threatened to impose. In a statement, FIFA acknowledged that the government had backed off and “therefore, the Nigerian Football Federation remains vested with all its statutory rights.”
FIFA regulations forbid governments from interfering in national soccer federations, and it has suspended countries for breaking the rules—a ban that extends to club teams, referees and officials.
A presidential spokesman announced last Wednesday that Jonathan wanted the Super Eagles suspended for two years to allow Nigerian soccer to be restructured after it left the World Cup with just one point over three matches.
Earlier Monday, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said at a news conference that his organization has taken “all adequate steps” to resolve the dispute.
“We do hope that everything comes back to normal,” Blatter said.
FIFA dispatched Nigeria’s most senior soccer official—Amos Adamu, a member of its 24-man ruling executive—to talk with the government.
Nigeria is due to send a women’s under-20 team to its World Cup, which kicks off next week in Germany.
Nigerian club Heartland also stood to lose its place in the African Champions League if it could not play a home game against Egypt’s Al-Ahly scheduled next week.
The dispute between Nigeria and FIFA flared after the national team returned from a disappointing tournament in South Africa.
Nigeria earned a 2-2 draw with South Korea in its final game. But it lost to Argentina 1-0 in its Group B opener and fell to Greece 2-1 in a game that turned on the first-half ejection of midfielder Sani Kaita.
The suspension threat by Nigeria’s government also followed corruption allegations that plagued the team before the World Cup. Presidential spokesman Ima Niboro said last week that all funds directed toward the Nigeria Football Federation would be examined and “all those found wanting will be sanctioned.”
FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot could not confirm on Monday if Nigeria’s federation had yet been paid any of the $8 million prize money it is due from FIFA for taking part in the World Cup.
Associated Press Writers Graham Dunbar and Jon Gambrell contributed to this report.
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Diego Maradona
Humiliated Diego Maradona needed a life support console from his official colleagues after his top rated side was crushed 4-0 in one of World Cup semi finals.
He has already indicated his willingness to quit as Argentina’s Manager following the humiliating defeat which has deflated the ego of the famous football ‘Hand of God’’ author.
Argentina came into the game in Cape Town having won all four of their previous games in South Africa but were torn apart by Joachim Low’s impressive young side, with Thomas Muller opening the scoring,Miroslav Klose netting twice and defenderArne Friedrich also getting on the scoresheet.
Germany coach Joachim Low said his team played “like champions” after they booked a place in the semi-finals following a crushing 4-0 victory over Argentina in Cape Town.
Argentina were buried thanks to a third minute goal from Thomas Muller and two second half efforts from Miroslav Klose either side of one from Arne Friedrich.
Even Diego Maradona would have appreciated it, had he not been in the opposite dug-out. An imperious masterclass from a side on the march.
Games of this magnitude can often be dull, sterile affairs, where two giants cancel each other out completely. This spectacular never had a chance of being that way.
An Argentina team containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, managed by one of the most creative forces there has ever been, is not exactly set up to defend.
Germany’s talents are not as well known. But over the past week Joachim Low’s team have made some statement.
When Nicolas Otamendi brought Podolski down by the touchline, the start of what turned out to be a tortuous opening period for the young full-back, Bastian Schweinsteiger curled the free-kick to the near post. Muller escaped Otamendi’s attentions and rose unchallenged.
The youngster should have sent a firm header into the corner. Instead, he got the faintest touch which deceived Sergio Romero, who must have thought he was going to be beaten anyway. It shot off the Argentina keeper’s leg and rolled into the net.
For a good 15 minutes, those famous blue and white shirts were seen twisting and turning in all directions as they tried to keep their opponents at bay.
Klose wasted a golden opportunity to double the advantage when Muller capitalised on Gabriel Heinze’s error and squared for the veteran frontman. On his 100th appearance, it should have been his 51st goal. But he rushed the opportunity and side-footed over.
Too young to be considered for Germany’s triumphant Under-21 squad at last summer’s European Championships, what a year Muller has had.
A double from Miroslav Klose on his 100th international appearance, along with goals from Thomas Muller and defender Arne Friedrich ensured the convincing win over a lacklustre Argentina.
“The team did everything nearly perfectly today,” Low said. “The result is nearly unbelievable because Argentina have a strong defensive team. It was first class that we were able to get so many goals. We played like champions.”
Low reserved special praise for Klose, whose two goals took him level on 14 World Cup goals with German legend Gerd Muller.
“I’m thrilled for Klose,” Low said. “He is truly impressive, such a wonderful and successful player. He has scored more than one in every second match.
“Klose has been outstanding in 2002, 2006 and 2010, he has always put on a top quality performance. Very few players could hold a candle to him. This is truly a feat to stay in the history books.”
One sour note for Germany was the booking picked up by Bayern Munich midfielder Muller for a handball which puts him out of the semi-final against either Spain or Paraguay.
“The fact we won’t have him is a serious blow,” Low said. “He showed how dangerous he is. The ball touched his thigh and his arm in one small moment. I question this yellow card.”
“What’s important is to keep our feet on the ground and get our emotions under control. My team has been excellent and we have celebrated in the dressing room but we are remaining realistic.
“We are among the top four teams in the world but it’s far from over. We have a great opportunity to make it to the final. We must concentrate and look forward to the next game.”
Muller, who netted his fourth goal of the tournament, said: “It’s insane to beat Argentina 4-0. It’s hard to find the words for a result like that. I think Germany is quaking right now and that’s the right way to celebrate this.”
Man-of-the-match Bastian Schweinsteiger added: “That gives you goose bumps seeing the way people are celebrating at home.
“We may have to play Spain next – they’re the best team in the world, in my view. But we’re good enough, we believe in ourselves.”
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez blamed the defeat on errors. “We just had a bad game. If you make mistakes like that, you go home,” he said. “We knew they could be dangerous on set-pieces and on the counter-attack.”
Maradona has been the subject of regular criticism during his time in charge of the national side thanks to some unconvincing performances, even if Argentina’s form in the group stages and a second round victory over Mexico was impressive.
After his dream of winning the World Cup as player and coach evaporated, Maradona conceded he may consider resigning from his post. Argentina appointed their hero from the 1986 World Cup as boss in November 2008.
“I may leave tomorrow [Sunday],” Maradona said. “We will see what happens. Whoever comes after me I hope will follow the attacking style. Listen, I haven’t thought about leaving, I have to check with my family and players.”
He admitted that the prospect of returning to Argentina having let down an expectant public was a daunting one.
“I am totally disappointed,” Maradona said. “We will go back and that is difficult after losing but we will sit down and figure out what happened.
“I don’t think anybody can be happy with the result. We live and breathe football and no-one will be glad we lost 4-0. The day I stopped playing football could have been similar to this.
“The sadness is really strong, it is tough. We had a wish to go beyond today and be among the four best teams in the world. We had this dream and the opposite happened.
“I lived through this in 1982 as a player. I was a boy and didn’t realise. Today, I am 50 in October and mature and it is the toughest day of my life. This is like a kick in the face. I have no more energy for anything.”
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Luis Suarez handball, an opportunity blown off by Ghana
It was an amazing display of stamina, courage and guts as Ghana bowed out of the World Cup in the most heartbreaking circumstances in one of the most dramatic finishes to a match at the World Cup 2010 finals.
Millions across the globe were already celebrating what was pre-conceived as a forgone victory for Ghana who had been fortunate to win a penalty just at the last few minutes of the second half of the extra time play.
Uruguay’s Luis Suarez had used his hands to keep out a header in the last minute of extra-time that could have sealed victory for Ghana the red card that sent him off the match was no way a solace to the Black Stars after Asamoah Gyan’s spot-kick hit the bar and Uruguay triumphed in the shoot-out. It was an anti climax in a game that many had perceived Ghana would carry the day following the goal line foul
Soccer City was deathly silent as Ghana players collapsed in tears, while Uruguay celebrated their first semi-final appearance for 40 years, in which they will play Holland.
The South Americans’ goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was the hero, saving twice from John Mensah, the Sunderland centre-back, and Dominic Adiyiah, but there was a nasty taste left in the mouth as Suarez was carried shoulder high by his team.
Sulley Muntari, almost sent home earlier on in the tournament after a bust up with Ghana’s Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, had given his side the lead before Diego Forlan equalised with a viciously-swerving free-kick for his third goal of the finals.
Ghana carried the hopes of the continent with them, and especially South Africans, in their quest to become the first African country to qualify for the semi-finals.
Perhaps it was the burden of expectation, but Ghana looked nervous from the start while Uruguay, and Suarez in particular, emanated menace.
It was the Ajax striker who first threatened, sweeping past Isaac Vorsah and firing in a shot that Richard Kingson managed to parry.
Forlan’s dead-ball expertise was also causing Ghana problems and his corner deflected off Mensah’s back and Kingson made a reaction save.
Kingson continued his superb form this tournament with a stunning save to tip over from Suarez.
Ghana flag
Ghana had done virtually nothing in reply when, inspired by Kevin-Prince Boateng, they suddenly began to play.
Two great chances came in as many minutes as Vorsah planted a header from Muntari’s corner just past the angle and then Gyan was inches wide after brilliant work by Boateng.
Then the German-born midfielder nearly conjured up a spectacular opener with an overhead kick before Muntari struck in first-half injury time.
Muntari hit a speculative shot from 30 yards out, Gyan ducked and Muslera was caught flat-footed as the ball sneaked into the corner.
The goal made for an open second half with Uruguay having to force the game, and Uruguay claimed a penalty when Edinson Cavani went down under Vorsah’s challenge but replays showed Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca was spot on to wave the appeals away.
It look ominous for Ghana however when John Pantsil swept away Fucile’s legs on the edge of the box, and Forlan produced the perfect free-kick that went over the wall and dipped under the crossbar. Kingson moved two steps to his right and was caught out of position as the ball flew past him.
Ghana did not let their heads drop however and Gyan brought a smart save out of Muslera but Uruguay should have taken the lead when Forlan produced an outstanding cross that cut out the entire defence. Suarez was in a perfect position to volley home at the far post but instead he rippled the side-netting.
Boateng looked to be denied a legitimate penalty after a smart turn, with Muntari wasting the chance that presented itself afterwards.
Kingson kept Ghana in it with a sharp near-post save from Suarez, and ensured extra-time.
Gyan was thwarted by a last-ditch block by Andres Scotti as Ghana hunted for a breakthrough then Pantsil was lucky not to be penalised after tangling with Sebastian Eguren in his own area.
Ghana finished the stronger with Gyan and Boateng going close before Forlan flashed a last chance wide.
An incredible last minute saw Suarez sent off for saving Adiyiah’s header on the line when palming the ball away with both his hands, and Gyan smashed the resulting penalty against the bar.
Then came the shoot-out, and terrible agony for Ghana.
Mensah was the true culprit of the two to miss for Ghana, taking just one step and sidefooting straight at Muslera.
SUMARIES.
- Man of the Match: Diego Forlan – Now surely a shoo-in for the Team of the Tournament, Forlan was at the heart of everything that was good for Uruguay. Working the line excellently, dropping deep intelligently and taking all of Uruguay’s set-pieces largely to great effect, Forlan capped his performance with his third goal of the finals.
- Uruguay verdict: They started the game well but seemed to be over-run by Ghana’s drive and athleticism. Credit to Uruguay for weathering the storm and gaining back control, despite losing two players to injury, and towards the end of normal time they deserved to win the match.
- Ghana verdict: You can never fail to admire the spirit of a Ghana side many had written off before this game despite their displays en route to the last eight. After having a great spell either side of half-time they failed to take their chances, which enabled Uruguay to force their way back into the game, before laying siege to the South Americans’ goal at the end of extra-time. A superb performance and they will be missed against the Dutch.
- Could do better: Asamoah Gyan & John Mensah – First, it was Gyan who missed from the spot when he had the chance to prevent the game going to spot-kicks and send Ghana into the semi-finals. But even worse was Mensah’s kick in the shootout. He took a five-a-side style one-step run-up and sidefooted the ball straight at Fernando Muslera. Dominic Adiyiah missed too, but Mensah’s kick was unforgivable.
- Stat attack: All four of Diego Forlan’s World Cup goals have come against African sides.
Source: Soccernet