2010 World Cup Thread

[Black Widow]

Day 12:

Result: Mexico 0 - 1 Uruguay (Suarez, 43)


Suarez header seals victory
Both sides progress despite scare for Mexicans in Rustenburg


Uruguay and Mexico have reached the World Cup knockout stages after Luis Suarez's goal decided their final game.

The two sides went into their final Group A clash knowing a draw would be sufficient to book their place in the last 16 of the South Africa finals.

But neither side looked happy with the point at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium as they went gung-ho for victory.

Mexico hit the woodwork midway through the first half as Andres Guardado's 25-yard blast cannoned off the crossbar.

But it was the Uruguayans who took the lead at the end of the first-half as Suarez latched onto Edinson Cavani's floated cross to put to bed conspiracy theories they were playing for the draw.

Uruguay top the group with seven points and with hosts South Africa unable to alter the goal difference too much in their 2-1 win over France, the result in Rustenburg also put the nervous Mexicans through.

Their coach Javier Aguirre made two changes to his line-up, bringing in veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco for his first start in place of the injured Carlos Vela up front, while Andres Guardado was in for the suspended Efrain Juarez.

Uruguay also made one surprise change, with Diego Godin dropping to bench in place of Mauricio Victorino.

Bafokeng buzz

There was a buzz in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium at the start, with most of the noise coming from the fans in green, who outnumbered those in blue.

But the Mexicans and their supporters were almost silenced early on.

First Maxi Pereira saw his rising 30-yard free-kick fly over, and then an error from Hector Moreno allowed Suarez in but the striker only managed to send his shot across the face of goal.

El Tri had a good chance moments later when Giovani dos Santos crossed for Blanco, but the 37-year-old headed over.

After 15 minutes Victorino managed to find space from a corner but nodded his free header over, before Alvaro Pereira drilled his shot wide after racing down the left - much to the fury of the unmarked Diego Forlan in the box.

Midway through the half, Guardado almost stunned Oscar Tabarez's side with a wicked 30-yard effort that beat Fernando Muslera, but not the underside of the crossbar.

At the other end, Oscar Perez punched weakly at a Forlan cross, but there was no one following up at the back post.

Deadlock broken

The chances seemed to dry up 15 minutes before the break, but then Suarez broke the deadlock two minutes before the interval after excellent tracking back from Forlan allowed Uruguay to attack and Cavani's delightful ball into the penalty area was met by the Ajax striker, who opened his account in South Africa.

Aguirre decided to make a change at the break, bringing Pablo Barrera for Guardado.

And his side had the first chance of the half courtesy of a Blanco free-kick 25-yards out that was curled into the arms of Muslera.

Uruguay then almost doubled the advantage when Forlan swung over a free-kick from the right, but Diego Lugano's powerful header drew an excellent low save from Perez.

In another attacking move, Israel Castro and Javier Hernandez were thrown in, but it was a defender, Francisco Rodriguez, that had a golden opportunity to equalise from Barrera's cross, which was a glanced header that ended up wide.

Hernandez was next to have a chance, but it was only a half one as he found little room to try and get away a shot in the six-yard box, with the ball deflected for a corner.

The Mexicans again had their goalkeeper Perez to thank in the 87th minute when he parried away and awkward 30-yard Cavani strike for a corner.

It proved the last chance for either side as La Celeste held on.


Man of the match: Diego Lugano was fantastic at the heart of Uruguay's defence.

Miss of the match: Francisco Rodriguez missed a chance to score for Mexico when he sent his header wide from close range.

Attempt of the match: Andres Guardado sent a rasping long-range effort crashing against the underside of the bar.

Save of the match: Oscar Perez did superbly to stop Diego Lugano's header finding the back of the net.

Talking point: Can Uruguay continue to shine in the knockout stages?

[Black Widow]

Day 12:

Result: Nigeria (Uche K, 12 Aiyegbeni, 69(pen)) 2 - 2 South Korea (Lee, 38 Park, 49)


South Korea reach last 16
Entertaining 2-2 draw sees wasteful Nigeria exit World Cup


South Korea will play Uruguay in the last 16 of the World Cup after their 2-2 draw with Nigeria proved enough to secure the runners-up spot in Group B.

Kalu Uche gave Nigeria an early lead in Durban but South Korea turned the game on its head via goals from Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chu-Young.

Yakubu Aiyegbeni restored parity from the penalty spot, moments after producing one of the most glaring misses in World Cup history, but the point was not enough for the Nigerians, who failed to win any of their games in South Africa.

Progression for Huh Jung-Moo's men marked history for the country as for the first time they reached the second round on foreign soil.

Lars Lagerback awarded veteran striker Nwankwo Kanu a first World Cup start, while Yussuf Ayila, Rabiu Afolab and Chinedu Obasi were also drafted in. For South Korea, Huh Jung-Moo made one change to the side which lost 4-0 against Argentina, switching Oh Beom-Seok for Cha Doo-Ri.

The South Koreans almost got off to a dream start when an attack down the right saw Lee Chung-Yong threaded in on goal. But the Bolton midfielder's sliding effort zipped wide of the near post. Then, Ki Sung-Yong had a sighter from range but saw his strike blaze over.

On 12 minutes, seemingly out of nothing, Nigeria went in front. Chidi Odiah raced down the right wing and drove in a low cross. South Korea right-back Cha Du-Ri was half-asleep to allow Uche to storm in and fire in his second goal of the 2010 World Cup.

Stunned

South Korea were noticeably reeling from their concession of the opening goal as Nigeria threatened to double their lead. In the 22nd minute, Uche fired a free-kick over the bar before Chinedu Obasi opted to shoot off target when he really should have crossed to his team-mates lurking at the far post.

Huh's side looked to respond via a clever ball from Park Ji-Sung, but Park Chu-Young's finish was tepid. Nigerian's reaction was to put together a fine move, with passing aplenty. However, it was concluded with a rather central shot from Obasi, ensuring Jung Sung-Ryong saved with ease.

Jung's goalkeeping counter-part Vincent Enyeama then found himself in the thick of the action when he came charging out of his area before being booked for a foul on Park Jo-Sung near the touchline. The resulting free-kick was curling inwards by Ki Sung-Yong and unconvincingly punched out by Enyeama.

South Korea's woodwork was then left rattling by an Uche strike, but, against the run of play, they found themselves level. Obasi fouled and was given a yellow card and Ki Sung-Yong's cross into the box from the free-kick was diverted home by Lee Jung-Soo for his second goal in South Africa, although luck was on his side as he meant to head the delivery but instead notched in via his leg.

Lagerback replaced Joseph Yobo with Uwa Echiejile at the break, four minutes into which the South Koreans completed their turnaround. Park Chu-Young trotted up to a free-kick near the corner of the box and curled low towards the far post. Enyeama tried to second guess the strike and his early adjustment cost him as he was beaten.

Glaring miss

After Park Chu-Young lashed wide with another free-kick, Lagerback threw on the speedy Obafemi Martins for the impressive Kanu. And the change was almost proceeded by an equaliser when Yakubu Aiyegbeni looked to pull the trigger but was denied by a fine last-ditch hook away by Lee Young-Pyo.

A fine counter-attack from South Korea almost handed them a two-goal lead when Yeom Ki-Hun's cross was stabbed towards goal by Park Chu-Young but Enyeama gathered easily. Yeom Ki-Hun was then replaced by Kim Nam-Il, who would make an awful impact.

Yakubu went from villain to hero moments later. First, the Everton striker impossibly missed an open goal from just three yards, rolling the effort wide. But then he was given a chance to redeem himself when the substitute Kim Nam-Il clumsily brought down Obasi. Yakubu rolled home coolly, and was then taken off for Victor Obinna.

Danny Shittu had a heart-in-mouth moment on 72 minutes when he so nearly inadvertently clipped into his own net, but the ball zipped past the post. That chance was one of a spate for Nigeria's opponents as Park Ji-Sung hit the side-netting and then Lee Chung-Yong drew a decent stop from Enyeama.

With the scoreline level, news of a goal from Argentina against Greece filtered through. Seconds after this revelation, Martins missed a gilt-edged opportunity as he was sent one-on-one with the goalkeeper only to chip his effort wide of the far stick.

Nigeria threw bodies forward in the dying stages, but their finishing continued to desert them as South Korea hung on for the point which booked them a last-16 clash against Uruguay on 26th June.


Man of the match: Park Chu-young was very influencial throughout and it was his goal that took South Korea through to the last 16.

Miss of the match: Ayila's cross was missed by Jung Sung-ryong leaving Yakubu an open goal, which the Everton striker amazingly misses.

Attempt of the match: Kanu found Kalu Uche in space but his daisy cutter struck the base of the post.

Save of the match: Ki Sung-yong's inswinging free-kick was almost met by Park Chu-young but Vincent Enyeama showed great agility to fist the ball away under pressure.

Talking point: Can South Korea trouble the impressive Uruguayans in the last 16?

[Black Widow]

Day 12:

Result: Greece 0 - 2 Argentina (Demichelis, 77 Palermo, 89)


Argentina send Greece packing
Maradona's men progress as group winners


Goals from Martin Demichelis and Martin Palermo saw Argentina maintain their 100 per cent record as they saw off Greece 2-0 in Polokwane.

Diego Maradona's side were virtually guaranteed to progress before kick-off and they move forward as comfortable winners of Group B, setting up a tie against Mexico in the last 16.

Greece had been hoping to sneak in behind them but will now be on the first plane home after failing to earn the required result.

In truth they offered little against Argentina, with a lack of adventure having cost them dear throughout the tournament.

The South Americans, who were captained on the night by Lionel Messi as Maradona took the opportunity to shuffle his pack, controlled possession early on but were frustrated by resolute defending.

Greece appeared to be relying on their ability from set-pieces, which saw them to Euro 2004 glory, and took every chance to try and knock the dangerous Messi out of his stride.

The first half-chance of any note took almost 20 minutes to arrive, as Sergio Aguero made a clever darting run into the box and tested Alexandros Tzorvas at his near post.

From the resulting corner Juan Sebastian Veron had the Greek keeper at full stretch once again, with a stinging drive from 20 yards needing to be touched over the bar.

Drifted

While Greece were offering little as an attacking unit they did almost send Georgios Samaras clear on the half-hour mark, but Georgios Karagounis' lofted pass drifted through to Sergio Romero.

Argentina were still struggling to unlock the door at this point and Diego Milito was unable to get a touch to a flashing cross-shot from Veron.

Konstantinos Katsouranis did escape in behind as the half wore on, but a slide rule pass from Samaras had slightly too much on it.

In the closing seconds Argentina raised their game and came close to forcing a breakthrough, and Tzorvas had to be alert to parry an angled drive from Maxi Rodriguez and a curling effort from Messi.

More of the same was expected after the interval, but it was Greece who came agonisingly close within minutes of the restart.

Samaras, who was lively throughout, bustled his way in on goal but, despite having two bites of the cherry, he hooked well wide when presented with a clear sight of the target.

As the hour mark approached Milito was again left with far too much space inside the box, but a floated cross from Clemente Rodriguez flew inches over his head.

Messi began to see more of the ball as legs began to tire, but the inevitable flurry of second half changes failed to have the desired impact on either team.

Otto Rehhagel steadfastly refused to waver from his defensive approach, despite news of South Korea's result filtering through, and Greece continued to sit tight.

Wobble

With 20 minutes to go it seemed the first goal was finally about to arrive, but Tzorvas produced another smart save down low to deny Mario Bolatti.

Greece were now, for the first time, starting to wobble at the back as the Argentina onslaught continued, with some rather nervy clearances putting them firmly on the back foot.

It was quickly becoming only a matter of time before the opener arrived and it was duly delivered 13 minutes from time when Greece failed to deal with a corner and Demichelis lashed home.

He nodded an initial header into team-mate Milito but was alert enough to pounce on the loose ball and rifle past a helpless Tzorvas from close range.

Messi was then denied by some heroic defending and the woodwork as he looked to put the game to bed.

A typically mesmeric run with four minutes remaining took him past defenders with ease, as he danced his way into the box, but he saw a well-struck shot cannon back off a post.

The Barcelona man then helped to lay on Palermo's late second as he forced another top save from Tzorvas, but he could only divert the ball into the path of the experienced Boca Juniors striker who rolled into an empty net.

Greece suddenly awoke from their slumber with the game already over, forcing a couple of late saves from Romero, but it was all far too little, too late and they exit the tournament having offered little to the South African showpiece.


Man of the match: Clemente Rodriguez. A constant threat down the left and was at the heart of most of Argentina's best attacking play.

Save of the match: Alexandros Tzorvas made a few throughout the 90 minutes - the pick of the bunch coming late in the first half from a dipping Lionel Messi effort.

Shot of the match: Juan Sebastian Veron unleashed a fizzing right-footed drive from the edge of the box which brought the best out of Tzorvas.

Turning point: Georgios Samaras' miss on 48 minutes will give him and every Greece fan sleepless nights in the coming days. With Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero stranded on the floor, the Celtic man somehow contrived to drag his left-foot shot wide from close range.

Goal of the game: Martin Palermo. The veteran frontman has now scored in three successive World Cups after a cool first-time finish to seal the win.

Talking point: Can Argentina really go all the way under Diego Maradona?

[Black Widow]

Day 13:

England v Slovenia preview
Three Lions must deliver in Group C showdown


It's D-day. Something even the most pessimistic of England fans would never have expected going into their final game in Group C against Slovenia, as they stand on the precipice of one of the most embarrassingly premature exits in World Cup history.

When the group draw was announced late last year, many thought England would cruise through, with three wins out of three against inferior opposition, casting all aside as they roared into the second round to send out a statement of intent to their rivals.

Sadly, but somewhat inevitably, it has been anything but that, as Fabio Capello's men have to beat Slovenia in Port Elizabeth to be certain of qualifying for the last 16 in a tournament they were expected to excel in under the wily Italian coach.

Many thought their opening 1-1 draw against the USA was a blip, one that would be rectified in their following game against Algeria, however that proved to be even worse, with England failing to create any clear chances and looking jaded as they lumbered to a timid goalless draw

Circus

What has followed has been nothing short of a circus following rumours of disharmony in the camp, a supporter confronting David Beckham in the dressing room, Capello lamenting former captain John Terry's decision to reveal all in a press conference ahead of a private meeting, and the out-of-form Wayne Rooney's inexplicable outburst at television cameras criticising the supporters' decision to boo their own team.

Add to all this rumours of some players calling upon Capello, whose job is speculated to be on the line, to change his formation and tactics ahead of the game and what we are left with is one simple goal - England must succeed.

Calls for Joe Cole and a 4-5-1 formation, with Rooney as a lone striker, are yet to be heeded, with Capello keeping a tight lid as usual on what he will choose to change, but there is likely to be at least one wielding of the axe, with Emile Heskey the most probable to receive it.

Slovenia will go into the game ruing their missed opportunity of taking two wins out of two, having gone 2-0 up against the US before half-time only to see their lead pegged back by Michael Bradley's equaliser eight minutes before time.

In fact they were lucky to even take a point, after Maurice Edu bundled the ball home to complete the Americans' comeback, only to see an inexplicable decision by the referee chalk off his effort.

Manager Matjaz Kek's tactics are likely to be negative, knowing that stifling England to a draw will assure qualification for the last 16 for the first time in Slovenia's history; however they do pose a goal threat that England must be aware of.

Auxerre playmaker Valter Birsa was outstanding against the US, scoring one of the goals of the tournament so far with a sweeping side-foot finish from range and strikers Milivoje Novakovic and Zlatan Ljubijankic caused the American defence problems.

The Slovenians did run out of steam in the second half however, eventually succumbing to the USA's pressure as the game wore on, something Capello will be keen to exploit with pace in reserve.

England, who will line up in their red strip, are without doubt the favourites for the tie, but this is their last chance to salvage what has been a desperately disappointing start and they should do this if the likes of Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard get into their groove.

Team news

England's only fitness problem ahead of the game is with Ledley King, who will miss the game with the Tottenham defender still nursing the groin injury sustained in their opening match.

King's replacement against Algeria, Jamie Carragher, is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament, so Capello has confirmed West Ham defender Matthew Upson will take his place at the heart of defence.

Every player apart from King took part in training on Tuesday, so what happens with Capello's selection will be the subject of intense speculation, although early rumours suggest Heskey will lose out with Jermain Defoe, who looked lively against Algeria, set to take his place.

Slovenia defender Marko Suler is likely to miss the match after sustaining a rib injury against the US and is set to be replaced by Matej Mavric at centre-back.

They will also be without midfielder Nejc Pecnik, who was a substitute against the Americans, but was flown home after breaking his ankle and is expected to be out for around three months, meaning he will miss the remainder of the finals.

Whether Kek will make further changes to his side will remain to be seen, but with Slovenia only needing a point, the 48-year-old may choose a side to set their stall out to defend against an England team desperate to prove they can handle the pressure.

[Black Widow]

Day 13:

USA v Algeria preview
Group C still up for grabs


Algeria and USA lock horns in their final Group C clash with both sides in with a chance of progression.

The stakes could not be much higher in the first ever meeting between the two countries

A win for USA will secure a spot in the last 16 for Bob Bradley's men, while a draw could be good enough if England fail to beat Slovenia.

Algeria must win to have any chance of qualifying and they may need to win by a two-goal margin dependent on England's result against Slovenia.

USA will be pressed into an enforced change with Robbie Findley suspended after picking up two bookings in the opening two games.

In his absence Clint Dempsey could be moved further forward alongside Jozy Altidore in attack.

Benny Feilhaber is pushing for a place in the starting line-up after impressing off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Slovenia.

Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu could also start in place of Jose Torres after he was replaced at half-time against Slovenia.

Algeria welcome striker Abdelkader Ghezzal back into the squad after he missed last Friday's goalless draw with England through suspension

Desert Foxes' first-choice goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi is available again after recovering from a knee injury, but Rais M'Bolhi may keep his place after keeping a clean sheet against England.

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane is likely to stick with the same starting XI that did so well against England as the Africans look to defy the odds and qualify for the knockout stages.

[Black Widow]

Day 13:

Australia v Serbia preview
Serbia shuffle on the cards as Cahill returns for Socceroos


An open Group D means Australia and Serbia lock horns with both having the chance to progress in their final group game.

Admittedly, Australia have it all to do if they are to book their place in the knock-out stages in South Africa as, without a win in the tournament so far, the Socceroos require maximum points and results going for them to progress.

If they manage to claim the spoils at the Mbombela Stadium, they need either group leaders Ghana to beat Germany or the opposite result with Joachim Low's side smashing the Black Stars by a big enough margin for Australia to turn around a five-goal difference on the Africans.

Serbia, meanwhile, put their last 16 hopes into their own hands with an impressive win over the Germans in their last outing and victory against the Aussies will assure safe passage to the latter stages of the tournament, although top spot is a long shot unless results go in their favour.

Ill-discipline

Both sides have had issues with discipline during the World Cup - Australia ended games against Germany and Ghana with 10 men while Serbia have been hand happy in their penalty area not once, but twice to gift penalties to their opposition - the Black Stars took advantage while the Germans fluffed their lines.

Australia, who have had four players sent off in their three World Cup participations, are searching for their first victory in five World Cup games, stretching back to the 2006 finals when they reached the second round before losing to eventual champions Italy.

Serbia do not possess a good record against non-European sides at the World Cup, losing all three of those fixtures and shipping 10 goals in the process.

Team-news

Serbia coach Radomir Antic is considering resting players on one yellow card for the game in Nelspruit.

The entire first-choice defence - who have kept a clean sheet in six of their last 10 internationals - as well as striker Nikola Zigic and midfielder Zdravko Kuzmanovic are all on a booking so Antic faces the dilemma of stick or twist regarding his starting XI.

Australia boss Pim Verbeek also faces selection issues as suspended duo Harry Kewell and Craig Moore miss the Socceroos' final group game.

Kewell, who remained on the bench against Germany for tactical reasons following Tim Cahill's red card in the opener, followed suit against the Ghanaians as the Galatasaray attacker handballed on the line to deny a goalscoring chance and it remains to be seen whether that will be his last involvement in South Africa.

Moore, Australia's no-nonsense centre-back, will be sorely missed in the Socceroos' defence as he incurred a one-game suspension for picking up his second yellow card of the tournament in the 1-1 draw in Rustenburg.

Verbeek does have a welcome boost in attacking midfield in the shape of Cahill, who is available for selection after serving his one-match ban.

[Black Widow]

Day 13:

Ghana v Germany preview
Klose suspended for Germans; Boateng under the spotlight


Germany face the threat of elimination if they fail to beat Ghana in their crunch Group D clash in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

After a thumping opening win over Australia, Joachim Low's men went into their last game against Serbia in confident mood.

But things did not go according to plan and, following a red card to striker Miroslav Klose, Serbia went on to win 1-0 as Lukas Podolski missed from the penalty spot.

It means that Germany must beat the Black Stars at Soccer City to progress, as a draw will only be enough if Serbia fail to win against Australia.

All four teams in the group can still qualify for the knockout rounds, and Ghana currently top the pile having picked up four points.

The physical outfit beat Serbia 1-0 in their opening match, and were held to a 1-1 draw against the Socceroos on Saturday.

With African sides not faring too well this summer, the whole continent will be behind the Black Stars to advance.

One interesting side-issue in the game will be the presence of Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, whose tackle in the FA Cup final on Michael Ballack ruled the Germany captain out of the World Cup.

Germany insist they will not target the Portsmouth man, but with his half-brother Jerome in the opposition squad, this one could be a fiery affair.

Team news

With Miroslav Klose suspended for the game, manager Low must decide who will start up front.

Brazilian-born Cacau could play as a lone striker with Podolski, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller in attacking midfield.

Apart from that change, Low may not make any other modifications to his young team, five of whom have already been booked and who know another yellow card would see them miss the next match if they progress.

Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac is expected to be boosted by the return of captain John Mensah in central defence, while his partner Isaac Vorsah could also return. Both missed the game with Australia through injury.

Rajevac may opt to alter his system and help lone striker Asamoah Gyan by using a second striker or putting Sulley Muntari in midfield.

Muntari has been reprimanded by the Ghana FA after an argument with the manager after the last game, but contrary to reports, he has not been sent home.

[Sammantha]

I do not really follow soccer much. But how is Brasil doing in the World Cup

[Black Widow]

I do not really follow soccer much. But how is Brasil doing in the World Cup

there doing pretty good in the world cup

[Sammantha]

I went to Brasil for a missions trip when I was really involved in my church like a year after I had my son(which as odd as it seems i was still part of the youth group). But actually being in Brasil I saw how much they love soccer. I even saw a game in person(I forget the 2 teams that where playing. But they had a huge rivalry). Thye play pretty brutal there