2010 World Cup Thread

[Black Widow]

Day 21: Quarter-Final

Uruguay v Ghana preview
Intriguing clash between quarter-final opponents


Two-time winners Uruguay face Ghana in an intriguing World Cup quarter-final at Soccer City in Johannesburg on Friday.

The South Americans are favourites to progress to face either Brazil or Holland but it would be foolhardy to write off the Black Stars, especially with the support of the host continent behind them.

The game will pitch the silky skills of Diego Forlan and his team-mates against a well-organised Ghanaian side which combines skill with a physical presence.

Uruguay progressed into the knock-out phase as unbeaten Group A winners, beating South Africa and Mexico following the opening goalless stalemate with France.

Oscar Tabarez's side then went on to beat South Korea 2-1 in the last 16, with a brace from hot-shot Luis Suarez sealing progression.

Ghana qualified for the last 16 as Group D runners-up, a 1-0 opening victory over Serbia followed by a 1-1 draw with Australia and 1-0 defeat to Germany.

Milovan Rajevac's side were the only African representatives in the knock-out phase and they pushed on once more thanks to a 2-1 extra-time victory over USA.

Kevin-Prince Boateng's early opener and Asamoah Gyan's extra-time winner saw Ghana progress as the only group runners-up to make the last eight.

Team news

Diego Godin has been ruled out of Uruguay's starting line-up after suffering a thigh injury during the victory over South Korea.

The defender was forced out of the action at the interval of last Saturday's second round triumph and has failed to recover in time to start, although he may still earn a place on the bench.

Mauricio Victorino will deputise in Godin's absence after he stepped off the bench and performed well against the Koreans.

In the other change to his side, coach Tabarez has brought in Alvaro Fernandez for Alvaro Pereira in midfield.

That means Fernando Muslera starts in goal behind a back four of Maxi Pereira, Diego Lugano, Victorino and Jorge Fucile.

Diego Perez, Egidio Arevalo and Fernandez make up the midfield with attacking trio Suarez, Forlan and Edinson Cavani up front.

For Ghana, three-goal leading scorer Gyan is confident that he will be fit for the clash after picking up an ankle knock in training on Monday and then missing two training sessions as a pre-caution.

Fellow goalscorer Boateng is also expected to be fit after suffering a thigh injury which caused him to miss training on Monday.

In other positive news, Isaac Vorsah is back in training and could feature while defenders John Mensah and Samuel Inkoom should be fit enough to be in contention.

Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari is hoping to make his first start in the finals following bust-ups with Rajevac.

The 25-year-old could come back into the fold in the absence of the suspended Dede Ayew, while Jonathan Mensah is also suspended for the Black Stars.

[Black Widow]

Day 21: Quarter-Final

Result: Holland (Melo, 53(og) Sneijder, 68) 2 - 1 Brazil (Robinho, 10 Melo, s/o 73)


Dutch courage stuns Brazil
Dunga's side end with 10 men after Melo sent off for stamp


Holland showed great fighting spirit to come from a goal down against five-time champions Brazil and advance to the semi-finals after a stunning 2-1 victory.

The contest in Port Elizabeth did not disappoint its pre-match billing and both sides gave everything they could in a tie that ebbed and flowed from kick-off to the final whistle.

Brazil dominated the first half and took the lead in the 10th minute after Felipe Melo punished the Dutch for going to sleep in central defence, sliding a ball through to Robinho who finished coolly.

Dunga's men were on top and in control, until a disastrous error from Julio Cesar gifted Holland an equaliser eight minutes after the restart. Wesley Sneijder whipped a cross in from the right and the keeper missed his punch - the ball deflecting off Melo and into his own net.

Holland were soon ahead as Sneijder nodded in to make it a quickfire turnaround, after Dirk Kuyt had flicked on an Arjen Robben corner.

There was still time for more drama and Melo was shown the red card for a blatant stamp on Robben, but Holland held on for the win.

The Dutch were dealt a blow in the pre-match warm-up as centre-back Joris Mathijsen limped out with a knee injury, leaving 35-year-old Andre Ooijer to fill the gap in central defence.

It proved a crucial absence as Holland were carved open after just 10 minutes, with Ooijer and partner John Heitinga nowhere to be seen as Robinho waltzed through to open the scoring.

Warning

Bert van Marwijk's men had been given a warning before the goal, as Robinho had the ball in the net just two minutes previously, but his effort was correctly ruled out after Dani Alves was flagged offside.

This was all after a fiery start to the game in Port Elizabeth, where the challenges were flying in as both sides looked to gain the upper hand in the opening exchanges.

It was Brazil who took the impetus, and they took it with real aplomb. Criticism of the Dutch defence is warranted, as Ooijer and Heitinga should not have allowed a direct pass from deep to split them open with such ease.

But credit must be given to Melo, as the midfielder known for his skills in breaking up the play, slid a ball through with perfect weight and accuracy for Robinho to run onto and confidently slip past Maarten Stekelenburg.

Holland were all at sea and although Kuyt had a shot saved at the near post by Julio Cesar immediately after going behind, the Brazilian defence that has been so solid throughout the World Cup remained impenetrable.

Indeed, the Oranje were becoming increasingly frustrated as Robben was having little joy on the wing, while Robin van Persie cut an isolated figure up front on his own.

They were lucky to not go two behind in the 25th minute as Dani Alves found Juan with a clever corner.

The centre-half hit a first-time effort from just outside the six-yard box but fired it comfortably over the bar when he should have hit the target.

Just six minutes later and Holland had their goalkeeper to thank for keeping out a Kaka effort with a superb athletic save.

The Brazil midfielder, who has not been at his best in South Africa, picked up the ball outside the box after great work from Robinho on the wing, before hitting a curling effort that looked destined for the top corner, but Stekelenburg clawed it away.

Sneijder had the only effort of note for the Dutch in the opening period, but his long-range stinger from a free-kick was straight at Julio Cesar.

In first-half stoppage-time Brazil again came close to doubling their lead when, after a good passing move, Maicon burst onto the scene from right-back and hit a shot into the side netting.

The build-up was reminiscent of Carlos Alberto's strike in the 1970 World Cup final, but it just ended up on the wrong side of the post.

After the break it was a different story as Holland equalised eight minutes after the restart in bizarre fashion. Robben was fouled on the right touchline by Michel Bastos and, with the left-back already on a yellow card, he was in severe danger of being given his marching orders.

Japanese referee Yuichi Nichimura kept his cards in his pocket, but disaster was to strike for Brazil from the resulting free-kick.

The ball was played back to Sneijder, and the Inter Milan man whipped a cross over with his left foot that bamboozled everyone and found its way into the back of the net.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar came out and made a complete hash of his punch, and although Melo got the last touch and was credited with the own goal, it was the keeper who was at fault.

They say goals change games and the equaliser certainly did - Holland looked a side reborn after pulling level and were soon all over the five-time champions.

Nervous

A backline that previously looked watertight suddenly became nervous and error-prone. At the other end Kaka had a half-volley that drifted narrowly wide in the 66th minute but it was an effort against the run of play.

Sneijder sent the Dutch supporters into raptures in the 68th minute when he put Holland in front with a header from a corner.

Robben, who came alive after the break, whipped the ball in and after Kuyt's flick on, Sneijder was in the right place to divert it home.

From being in a commanding position with one foot in the semi-finals, Brazil were on the ropes and in danger of imploding.

And it was soon to get worse as Melo, the hero after creating the opening goal, was shown the red card after a rash, petulant and frankly stupid stamp on Robben.

The incident epitomised Brazil's downfall in the second half, as they lost control of a game which they previously had by the scruff of the neck.

There were dangerous moments still for Holland, as Mark van Bommel missed his defensive header from a corner only to see the ball flash across the goalmouth, but the Oranje held on for a remarkable victory.


Man of the match: Wesley Sneijder. Masterminded second-half turnaround.

Moment of the match: Julio Cesar's flap at Sneijder's free-kick completely changed the game.

Attempt of the match: Kaka's curling first-half shot drew a fine save from Stekelenburg.
Save of the match: See above!

Talking point: What happened to Brazil at half-time? Brilliant first half, terrible second.

Goal of the game: Sneijder. Best of a not particularly great bunch.

[Black Widow]

Day 21: Quarter-Final

Result: Uruguay (Forlan, 55 Suarez, s/o 120)1 - 1 Ghana (Muntari, 45)
Uruguay Won 4 - 2 on penalties


Uruguay edge past Ghana
Abreu nets winning penalty to set up Holland clash


Uruguay have booked their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup following a heartbreaking penalty-shoot success over Ghana.

Sebastian Abreu scored the match-winning penalty with a cheeky chip to capitalise on misses from John Mensah and young substitute Dominic Adiyiah after the score finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Sulley Muntari opened the scoring with a superb long-range effort, although Diego Forlan's fine second-half free-kick levelled matters to ensure the game went into extra-time.

Ghana should have settled the contest with the last kick of the game but Asamoah Gyan missed the chance to become the hero of a nation when his powerful penalty struck the crossbar.

Adiyiah's goal-bound header looked certain to win the match in the last minute of extra-time but Luis Suarez handled on the line to concede a penalty resulting in a straight red card, an act that he will feel was justified as Uruguay won in the shoot-out following Gyan's crucial miss.

Uruguay were positive from the opening whistle with both Diego Forlan and Suarez lively for the South Americans.

Forlan played in Alvaro Fernandez with four minutes on the clock, but a poor first touch was followed by an over-hit cross into Ghana's penalty area.

Uruguay continued to press and keeper Richard Kingson needed to be well-placed at his near post to deny Suarez after he cleverly got the better of Mensah.

Ghana struggled to find their rhythm and another point-blank save from Kingson kept Uruguay out after Edinson Cavani connected with Forlan's corner.

It continued to be one-way traffic on 26 minutes when Suarez got the better of Isaac Vorsah from a quickly-taken free-kick only for Kingson to superbly tip over the Ajax man's fierce effort.

Change of momentum

However, the half-hour mark signified a change of momentum with Ghana creating their first chance of the game and, in truth, they should have taken the lead.

Vorsah charged forward for a corner and sent a powerful back-post header just wide of Fernando Muslera's goal from Muntari's teasing inswinging corner.

Ghana were beginning to find belief and for the first time in the game Uruguay were feeling the heat after a quick break resulted in Gyan sending a first-time effort just wide of Muslera's near post.

Uruguay were forced into a change on 38 minutes when captain Diego Lugano, who sustained a knee injury earlier in the game, could no longer carry on and he was replaced by Andres Scotti.

Ghana finished the half in the ascendancy and their pressure finally told in injury-time when Muntari's speculative long-range effort caught Muslera wrong-footed to give the African nation a surprise lead.

Uruguay head coach Oscar Tabarez made his second change of the match during half-time as he looked to re-shape his troops with Nicolas Lodeiro replacing Fernandez.

The South Americans thought they might have won a penalty minutes into the second half, but Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca waved away Cavani's appeals after he was caught by Vorsah.

Although Ghana had carried the momentum secured from Muntari's opener in the second half that was swiftly wiped out courtesy of Forlan's equaliser.

Moments after John Pantsil was booked for flooring Jorge Fucile, Forlan made Ghana pay from the resulting free-kick by firing a well-struck effort over the out-of-position Kingson.

Ghana tried to respond in kind but Muslera was well placed to save Gyan's drilled effort and Uruguay managed to scramble the ball clear for a corner with Muntari looking to pounce on the rebound.

Unrelenting

The pace of the game was unrelenting and Uruguay were a whisker away from getting their noses in front just after the hour mark when Suarez lashed a volley just wide from Forlan's brilliant corner.

Uruguay continued to create the better chances and only a smart save from Kingson kept out Suarez's drive after he was played in by a neat one-touch pass from substitute Lodeiro.

It was not all one-way traffic however and following a poor clearance from Mauricio Victorino the ball was presented to Gyan, but Muslera was back on his line quickly to save the striker's first-time shot.

However, it was Kingson who continued to be the busier keeper and he was forced to push Suarez's stooping header wide for a corner from Forlan's cross on 78 minutes as Uruguay pressed for a winner before the end of normal time.

There was little to speak of in terms of chances in the first half of extra-time with only Kwadwo Asamoah's wild attempt and Scotti's last-ditch tackle on Gyan the highlights of the 15-minute spell.

However, Uruguay felt they should have been awarded a penalty following Pantsil's sly foul on substitute Abreu, although, once again, Benquerenca was having none of their appeals.

Chances were few and far between in the closing 15 minutes of the game. Forlan had half a sight of goal with a left-footed shot from out wide, but he opted for the ambitious shot from the angle rather than picking out a team-mate.

Ghana very nearly won it in extra-time when Boateng's deflected cross was somehow pushed away from his near post by Muslera.

Ghana did have the perfect chance to claim the victory before the shoot-out when Suarez handled Adiyiah's goal-bound effort on the line, actions that saw him red-carded, but Gyan's penalty struck the crossbar.

Uruguay held their nerve in the shoot-out with Abreu slotting home the South Americans' last penalty to set up a clash with Holland, who upset Brazil earlier on Friday, in the semi-finals of the World Cup in South Africa.


Man of Match: Diego Forlan. Netted a great free-kick to drag his side back into the game and also scored the first penalty in the shoot-out.

Attempt of the match: Luis Suarez rolled his marker before shooting at goal from 16 yards in the first period but Richard Kingson was able to save for a corner.

Save of the match: Kingson saved at point-blank range with his head to prevent a John Pantsil own goal in the first period.

Moment of the match: Asamoah Gyan's last-gasp penalty hit the crossbar when he could have won it for Ghana with the last kick of the game.

Talking point: Suarez's handball on the line at the death which ultimately saved his team.

[Black Widow]

Day 21: Quarter-Final

Result: Uruguay (Forlan, 55 Suarez, s/o 120)1 - 1 Ghana (Muntari, 45)
Uruguay Won 4 - 2 on penalties


Uruguay edge past Ghana
Abreu nets winning penalty to set up Holland clash


Uruguay have booked their place in the semi-finals of the World Cup following a heartbreaking penalty-shoot success over Ghana.

Sebastian Abreu scored the match-winning penalty with a cheeky chip to capitalise on misses from John Mensah and young substitute Dominic Adiyiah after the score finished 1-1 after extra-time.

Sulley Muntari opened the scoring with a superb long-range effort, although Diego Forlan's fine second-half free-kick levelled matters to ensure the game went into extra-time.

Ghana should have settled the contest with the last kick of the game but Asamoah Gyan missed the chance to become the hero of a nation when his powerful penalty struck the crossbar.

Adiyiah's goal-bound header looked certain to win the match in the last minute of extra-time but Luis Suarez handled on the line to concede a penalty resulting in a straight red card, an act that he will feel was justified as Uruguay won in the shoot-out following Gyan's crucial miss.

Uruguay were positive from the opening whistle with both Diego Forlan and Suarez lively for the South Americans.

Forlan played in Alvaro Fernandez with four minutes on the clock, but a poor first touch was followed by an over-hit cross into Ghana's penalty area.

Uruguay continued to press and keeper Richard Kingson needed to be well-placed at his near post to deny Suarez after he cleverly got the better of Mensah.

Ghana struggled to find their rhythm and another point-blank save from Kingson kept Uruguay out after Edinson Cavani connected with Forlan's corner.

It continued to be one-way traffic on 26 minutes when Suarez got the better of Isaac Vorsah from a quickly-taken free-kick only for Kingson to superbly tip over the Ajax man's fierce effort.

Change of momentum

However, the half-hour mark signified a change of momentum with Ghana creating their first chance of the game and, in truth, they should have taken the lead.

Vorsah charged forward for a corner and sent a powerful back-post header just wide of Fernando Muslera's goal from Muntari's teasing inswinging corner.

Ghana were beginning to find belief and for the first time in the game Uruguay were feeling the heat after a quick break resulted in Gyan sending a first-time effort just wide of Muslera's near post.

Uruguay were forced into a change on 38 minutes when captain Diego Lugano, who sustained a knee injury earlier in the game, could no longer carry on and he was replaced by Andres Scotti.

Ghana finished the half in the ascendancy and their pressure finally told in injury-time when Muntari's speculative long-range effort caught Muslera wrong-footed to give the African nation a surprise lead.

Uruguay head coach Oscar Tabarez made his second change of the match during half-time as he looked to re-shape his troops with Nicolas Lodeiro replacing Fernandez.

The South Americans thought they might have won a penalty minutes into the second half, but Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca waved away Cavani's appeals after he was caught by Vorsah.

Although Ghana had carried the momentum secured from Muntari's opener in the second half that was swiftly wiped out courtesy of Forlan's equaliser.

Moments after John Pantsil was booked for flooring Jorge Fucile, Forlan made Ghana pay from the resulting free-kick by firing a well-struck effort over the out-of-position Kingson.

Ghana tried to respond in kind but Muslera was well placed to save Gyan's drilled effort and Uruguay managed to scramble the ball clear for a corner with Muntari looking to pounce on the rebound.

Unrelenting

The pace of the game was unrelenting and Uruguay were a whisker away from getting their noses in front just after the hour mark when Suarez lashed a volley just wide from Forlan's brilliant corner.

Uruguay continued to create the better chances and only a smart save from Kingson kept out Suarez's drive after he was played in by a neat one-touch pass from substitute Lodeiro.

It was not all one-way traffic however and following a poor clearance from Mauricio Victorino the ball was presented to Gyan, but Muslera was back on his line quickly to save the striker's first-time shot.

However, it was Kingson who continued to be the busier keeper and he was forced to push Suarez's stooping header wide for a corner from Forlan's cross on 78 minutes as Uruguay pressed for a winner before the end of normal time.

There was little to speak of in terms of chances in the first half of extra-time with only Kwadwo Asamoah's wild attempt and Scotti's last-ditch tackle on Gyan the highlights of the 15-minute spell.

However, Uruguay felt they should have been awarded a penalty following Pantsil's sly foul on substitute Abreu, although, once again, Benquerenca was having none of their appeals.

Chances were few and far between in the closing 15 minutes of the game. Forlan had half a sight of goal with a left-footed shot from out wide, but he opted for the ambitious shot from the angle rather than picking out a team-mate.

Ghana very nearly won it in extra-time when Boateng's deflected cross was somehow pushed away from his near post by Muslera.

Ghana did have the perfect chance to claim the victory before the shoot-out when Suarez handled Adiyiah's goal-bound effort on the line, actions that saw him red-carded, but Gyan's penalty struck the crossbar.

Uruguay held their nerve in the shoot-out with Abreu slotting home the South Americans' last penalty to set up a clash with Holland, who upset Brazil earlier on Friday, in the semi-finals of the World Cup in South Africa.


Man of Match: Diego Forlan. Netted a great free-kick to drag his side back into the game and also scored the first penalty in the shoot-out.

Attempt of the match: Luis Suarez rolled his marker before shooting at goal from 16 yards in the first period but Richard Kingson was able to save for a corner.

Save of the match: Kingson saved at point-blank range with his head to prevent a John Pantsil own goal in the first period.

Moment of the match: Asamoah Gyan's last-gasp penalty hit the crossbar when he could have won it for Ghana with the last kick of the game.

Talking point: Suarez's handball on the line at the death which ultimately saved his team.

[Black Widow]

Day 22: Quarter-Final

Argentina v Germany preview
Attacking sides lock horns in Cape Town quarter-final


Cape Town is the setting for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup quarter-final on Saturday afternoon.

England supporters plotting their side's course through the tournament would have been licking their lips at the prospect of a clash with Diego Maradona's Argentina.

But the Three Lions are now back home following a shambolic campaign that ended with a 4-1 defeat to Germany in Bloemfontein last weekend.

Germany displayed all the verve and vitality in beating England that has transformed them from outsiders to genuine contenders in the minds of many onlookers.

But Joachim Low's men are not the only team to have received plaudits for their attacking style, with Argentina moving impressively into the last eight with four straight wins.

Argentina swept through their group with a perfect record before producing a classy performance to overcome Mexico 3-1.

Both sides benefited from controversial decisions in the last 16, with Carlos Tevez lucky to see his opening goal stand against Mexico when he was clearly offside and England's Frank Lampard denied a legitimate equaliser in the clash with Germany after his shot that crossed the line was not spotted by officials.

But there can be no doubting that they were deserved winners and a spot in the semi-finals is now just one victory away, with either Spain or Paraguay lying in wait

Team news

Germany are sweating on the fitness of Lukas Podolski ahead of the clash, with the in-form striker hoping to shake off a thigh problem in time for kick-off.

Cacau is still suffering from a strained abdominal muscle and is unlikely to be involved, but rising star Mesut Ozil is set to feature after being rested from training.

Argentina's Lionel Messi also missed a training session on Thursday due to a cold but is expected to play as he aims to score his first goal of the tournament.

Walter Samuel has recovered from a thigh problem but is not expected to displace Nicolas Burdisso or Martin Demichelis at centre-back.

Juan Sebastian Veron is vying for a place in midfield with Maxi Rodriguez.

[Black Widow]

Day 22: Quarter-Final

Argentina v Germany preview
Attacking sides lock horns in Cape Town quarter-final


Cape Town is the setting for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup quarter-final on Saturday afternoon.

England supporters plotting their side's course through the tournament would have been licking their lips at the prospect of a clash with Diego Maradona's Argentina.

But the Three Lions are now back home following a shambolic campaign that ended with a 4-1 defeat to Germany in Bloemfontein last weekend.

Germany displayed all the verve and vitality in beating England that has transformed them from outsiders to genuine contenders in the minds of many onlookers.

But Joachim Low's men are not the only team to have received plaudits for their attacking style, with Argentina moving impressively into the last eight with four straight wins.

Argentina swept through their group with a perfect record before producing a classy performance to overcome Mexico 3-1.

Both sides benefited from controversial decisions in the last 16, with Carlos Tevez lucky to see his opening goal stand against Mexico when he was clearly offside and England's Frank Lampard denied a legitimate equaliser in the clash with Germany after his shot that crossed the line was not spotted by officials.

But there can be no doubting that they were deserved winners and a spot in the semi-finals is now just one victory away, with either Spain or Paraguay lying in wait

Team news

Germany are sweating on the fitness of Lukas Podolski ahead of the clash, with the in-form striker hoping to shake off a thigh problem in time for kick-off.

Cacau is still suffering from a strained abdominal muscle and is unlikely to be involved, but rising star Mesut Ozil is set to feature after being rested from training.

Argentina's Lionel Messi also missed a training session on Thursday due to a cold but is expected to play as he aims to score his first goal of the tournament.

Walter Samuel has recovered from a thigh problem but is not expected to displace Nicolas Burdisso or Martin Demichelis at centre-back.

Juan Sebastian Veron is vying for a place in midfield with Maxi Rodriguez.

[Black Widow]

Day 22: Quarter-Final

Paraguay v Spain preview
Duo battle it out to face either Germany or Argentina


Paraguay battle Spain on Saturday evening for a place in the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Spain are looking to secure just their second ever spot in the last four at a World Cup while this summer's finals are Paraguay's best ever.

In 1950 Spain reached the semi-finals when just 13 teams played in Brazil and the four group winners advanced to a round-robin pool to decide the honours.

Spain disposed of their under-achievers tag two years ago after winning the European Championship and will start as favourites against the South Americans.

Paraguay have been rock-solid at the back having conceded just once in the competition, although they have struggled at the other end with just three goals from their four matches.

The teams will battle it out to win the right to play either Germany or Argentina on 7th July.

Spain news

Forward Fernando Llorente could be drafted in up front after impressing off the bench in Tuesday's 1-0 second-round success over Portugal on Tuesday.

However, head coach Vicente Del Bosque is expected to keep the same starting line-up and had confirmed Liverpool's Fernando Torres will start alongside Barcelona's new signing David Villa.

Villa, who scored Spain's winner against Portugal, is the tournament's joint-leading scorer with four goals so far this summer in South Africa.

Reserve defender Raul Albiol is almost certain to be unavailable due to an ankle injury, while midfielder Javi Martinez trained normally on Friday after hurting his right ankle a day earlier.

Paraguay news

Paraguay arrive at the quarter-final stage on the back of three straight shut-outs, and a perfect five-for-five record in the penalty shoot-out against Japan when the teams' second-round game was goalless after extra-time.

Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino is still looking for a first goal from his forward line in South Africa.

The pressure is firmly on Roque Santa Cruz, Lucas Barrios and Nelson Valdez, none of whom have scored yet, to deliver the goods.

Captain Justo Villar will retain his place in goal, while the defence may comprise Carlos Bonet, Antolin Alcaraz, Paulo Da Silva and Claudio Morel Rodriguez.

[Black Widow]

Day 22: Quarter-Final

Result: Argentina 0 - 4 Germany (Muller, 3 Klose, 67,89 Friedrich, 74)


Germany end Diego's dream
Klose brace, Muller and Friedrich goals beat Maradona's men


Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose were on target once more as Germany booked their World Cup semi-final place at the expense of Argentina.

Muller netted the last two goals in the 4-1 win over England last time but was quicker off the mark in Cape Town, heading home in the third minute as Joachim Low's side made a blistering start.

Klose, who had scored the opener against England, then tapped home a 67th minute second.

Arne Friedrich netted a third seven minutes later and Klose scored his second with a minute to go to make sure of the success over Diego Maradona's men.

The victory means Germany will now face Spain or Paraguay on Wednesday for a place in next Sunday's final.

It also dashed for now Maradona's dream of reaching a World Cup final as a coach after he lifted the trophy as a player at Germany's expense in 1986 and then was the losing captain to the same rivals four years later.

Both sides were unchanged for this clash, with Germany's attacking midfielders Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski both passed fit, while Argentinian talisman Lionel Messi brushed off a midweek cold to lead the attack alongside Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain.

The contest ended in controversy when the two sides met at the same stage of the last World Cup, with a mass brawl erupting after the Germans won on penalties.

Feistiness

The feistiness between the two sides continued here and was evidenced when Klose clattered Martin Demichelis from behind in the second minute.

Germany then got their early goal a minute later, going ahead when Muller got the slightest of headers onto Bastian Schweinsteiger's inswinging free-kick from the left.

Low's side continued to press and Schweinsteiger had a long-range shot blocked and he then blasted over.

Nicolas Otamendi picked up the first booking on 11 minutes for fouling Friedrich, while Javier Mascherano clattered Schweinsteiger three minutes later and was lucky to get away without a caution which would have caused him to miss the semi-finals.

Argentina came more into the game and won their first corner on 17 minutes but Per Mertesacker headed clear, while Messi then carved their first chance five minutes later, almost getting Tevez through on goal with an exquisite pass but Manuel Neuer was quickly off his line to gather.

Klose then missed a great chance to put his side two-up soon afterwards from Muller's pass but he blasted over from 12 yards.

Gabriel Heinze then shot wide on the half-hour mark, while Messi put a free-kick just over, Angel Di Maria shot at Neuer and Higuain turned Friedrich in the box before forcing the German keeper into a good save to his left as Maradona's side pressed for an equaliser.

Muller was then booked for handball meaning he will miss the semi-final, with Otamendi putting the ball in the net from the subsequent free-kick after Messi's effort had hit the wall but Tevez was rightly given offside in the build-up.

Second period

In the second period, Argentina started strongly with Di Maria blasting wide from long range before Mascherano again clattered Schweinsteiger as their bruising midfield battle continued.

Tevez's effort from 12 yards smacked Mertesacker in the face before Neuer fumbled Higuain's cross from the right but Philipp Lahm was there to clear.

Higuain was just offside running onto Messi's great pass while Tevez's long-range effort was straight at Neuer as Argentina continued to try and find a way back into the game.

But Klose got the crucial second goal for Low's side on 67 minutes when tapping home Podolski's pass.

Friedrich then scored his first ever goal for Germany - and put the game beyond doubt - when netting from close range seven minutes later after Schweinsteiger had made a fantastic run into the box.

Mascherano finally went into the referee's book for another crunching tackle late on but it was all academic as Klose added his second with a minute to go to send Maradona's side crashing out and the improving Germans marching on.


Man of the Match: Bastian Schweinsteiger produced a performance on a par to that which destroyed England. The Germany midfielder dictated the game from start to finish with assists, shots and endless tackling back. The man of the tournament.

Goal of the Match: Klose's second and Germany's fourth was brilliant. Argentina had already lost heart, but it was still a ruthless counter-attack and Klose's side-footed volley allowed him to draw level with Gerd Muller on goals scored at World Cup finals.

Moment of the Match: Love him or loathe him, an emotional Diego Maradona being led away after his team had been taught a lesson was a sad sight.

Talking Point: Are Germany now favourites to win the World Cup? Teams keep underestimating Joachim Low's side, but they look a very strong outfit.

[Black Widow]

Day 22: Quarter-Final

Result: Paraguay 0 - 1 Spain (Villa, 82)


Villa spares Spain's blushes
Paraguay depart as Cardozo and Alonso both miss pens


An 83rd minute goal from David Villa defeated a dogged Paraguay as Spain unconvincingly booked a World Cup semi-final tie with Germany.

Villa scored with seven minutes remaining at Ellis Park to save his country's blushes following an unusually lacklustre performance and send them to the last four for the first time in their history.

The winning goal came after Oscar Cardozo and Xabi Alonso both missed penalties, the latter following a re-take.

Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque name an unchanged starting XI, despite pressure to remove the mis-firing Fernando Torres. Chile, meanwhile, made six changes to the team which beat Japan on penalties. Among those alterations, forward trio Roque Santa Cruz, Lucas Barrios and Edgar Benitez all dropped to the bench.

Paraguay enjoyed an opening as early as the first minute when Jonathan Santana's effort was smothered by Iker Casillas. Spain, who began with a 4-4-2 system as David Villa partnered Torres, struggled to create in the opening 10 minutes and again their opponents half-threatened with Cristian Riveros plopping a header over the bar.

The game continued to struggle for a natural rhythm, with Spain notably frustrated as their first threat was merely a Sergio Ramos crossed which was punched away by Villar. And then Paraguay came within a whisker of a real opportunity when an unmarked Antolin Alcaraz almost got his head to a teasing free-kick.

Loose passing

Around the half-hour mark, there were glimpses that Spain were finding themselves. First, Villa, back on the left channel, darted past his man but could not find a team-mate with his cut-back. Then, Xavi went mighty close after his first touch went airborne and he swivelled before unleashing a dipping drive that flew just over the bar.

But the Paraguayans wasted little time in reminding Spain of their own threat. In the 35th minute, a wonderful cross from Claudio Morel only just evaded Santana before Nelson Valdez had the ball in the back of the net, only for the flag to be raised for offside after Cardozo became active when challenging for the ball.

And despite Spain expectantly dominating possession, the scoreline remained unexpectedly goalless. Indeed, just prior to the half-time whistle, Valdez wriggled goalwards but then sliced his strike wayward to conclude 45 minutes of Spain out-of-sorts and Paraguay sensing so but unable to pounce.

The second half picked up where the first left off, with Paraguay organised, despite their six changes, and Spain lacklustre with their passing unusually loose at times. And in the 55th minute, Del Bosque acted, bringing on Cesc Fabregas for the continually disappointing Torres.

Then, between the 55th and 62nd minute, madness took place. First, Paraguay won a penalty when Gerard Pique pulled down Cardozo in the area. The central defender was rightly booked for the misdemeanour before Cardozo dusted himself to take the spot-kick, only to see the strike saved by Casillas - although no re-take was awarded despite obvious encroachment from Spanish players.

Penalty madness

Almost immediately up the other end, referee Carlos Batres again pointed to the spot, this time for a foul committed by Alcaraz on Villa, with the former arguably lucky to only be booked and not dismissed for seemingly denying the latter a goalscoring opportunity. Xabi Alonso stepped up and slotted in, but, ironically, the official this time wanted a re-take for marginal encroachment.

Alonso trotted up once more but Villar denied him. The goalkeeper dove to his left to parry and the ball spilled in the penalty area. Fabregas aimed to fire in the rebound but he was wiped out by Villar before the ball finally was removed from danger. The referee, however, staggeringly saw nothing wrong with the challenge on Fabregas.

On 63 minutes, Andres Iniesta's curling shot was theatrically palmed clear by Vilar as Spain upped their tempo. A spate of changes then took place, with Paraguay's Edgar Barreto and Valdez replaced by Enrique Vera and Roque Santa Cruz, while Del Bosque swapped Alonso for Pedro.

With seven minutes remaining, the deadlock was finally broken. Iniesta embarked on a quite dazzling run and fed Pedro, who struck but hit the foot of the post. The rebound fell to Villa, who steadied himself and saw his shot clip both posts before rolling home to put the Spaniards in front and take his goals tally for the tournament to five.

Paraguay spurned their opportunity for a dramatic leveller when Casillas spilled Lucas Barrios' strike but redeemed himself as he blocked at the second attempt with Santa Cruz drilling against the keeper's leg. Gerardo Martino's men perhaps deserved at least extra-time, but they were ultimately undone by probably the player of the 2010 World Cup.


Man of the match: Iniesta. An inspirational performance on a night when Spain could have been knocked out.

Moment of the match: Oscar Cardozo failing to beat Iker Casillas from the penalty spot in the second half.

Attempt of the match: Alonso tucking away the first penalty with aplomb, but was then made to re-take it.

Save of the match: Villar diving to his left to keep out Alonso's retaken penalty.

Talking point: Should Alonso's first penalty have been re-taken? Replays showed that there was more encroachment by Spain for Cardozo's miss.

[DA]

Stupid octopus :\