Oh my God, but Didn't I tell you? Germany put Argentina to the sword as early as the 3rd minute when Muller headed home a free-kick from the left. The South America's central defense seemed out of sorts as the German machine surged forward.
On the contrary, the European lot put a simply solid system at the back that confined Argentina to long shots at goal or tame attempts that did not trouble the goalkeeper. Argentina came into the game with 10 minutes before half-time when a free-kick resulted in the ball been tapped into an empty net with four Argentinians offside. The Germany team were to extravagant in front of goal, wasting glorious chances that would have rendered the second half irrelevant.
Argentina came back more purposeful in search of an equaliser. Germany were happy to sock up the pressure and try to catch them on the break. The Tevez - Messi combination failed to produce any good, being inconsistent and purposeful in attack. They did well to keep composed and taking shots at goal, otherwise they were anonymous.
Germany kept the ball well and used the width of the pitch well. They opened the Argentinian defence, dismantling that weak organised rear guard, in the 66th minute, Podolski being fed by Muller who was on the ground, squaring for Klose to tap in from close range. The Europeans' defence was so organised and disciplined, not leaving their defensive zones at all.
Schweinsteiger ran rings around the confused Argentina defence and pulled the ball back for Friedrich to score the 3rd goal with 15 minutes of normal time remaining. Klose closed the proceedings with a harder tap-in from a cross on the left to demolish the South Americans.
Showing posts with label Quarter-final. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Quarter-final. Show all posts
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Germany Blasts Argentina 4-0
Oh my God, but Didn't I tell you? Germany put Argentina to the sword as early as the 3rd minute when Muller headed home a free-kick from the left. The South America's central defense seemed out of sorts as the German machine surged forward.
On the contrary, the European lot put a simply solid system at the back that confined Argentina to long shots at goal or tame attempts that did not trouble the goalkeeper. Argentina came into the game with 10 minutes before half-time when a free-kick resulted in the ball been tapped into an empty net with four Argentinians offside. The Germany team were to extravagant in front of goal, wasting glorious chances that would have rendered the second half irrelevant.
Argentina came back more purposeful in search of an equaliser. Germany were happy to sock up the pressure and try to catch them on the break. The Tevez - Messi combination failed to produce any good, being inconsistent and purposeful in attack. They did well to keep composed and taking shots at goal, otherwise they were anonymous.
Germany kept the ball well and used the width of the pitch well. They opened the Argentinian defence, dismantling that weak organised rear guard, in the 66th minute, Podolski being fed by Muller who was on the ground, squaring for Klose to tap in from close range. The Europeans' defence was so organised and disciplined, not leaving their defensive zones at all.
Schweinsteiger ran rings around the confused Argentina defence and pulled the ball back for Friedrich to score the 3rd goal with 15 minutes of normal time remaining. Klose closed the proceedings with a harder tap-in from a cross on the left to demolish the South Americans.
On the contrary, the European lot put a simply solid system at the back that confined Argentina to long shots at goal or tame attempts that did not trouble the goalkeeper. Argentina came into the game with 10 minutes before half-time when a free-kick resulted in the ball been tapped into an empty net with four Argentinians offside. The Germany team were to extravagant in front of goal, wasting glorious chances that would have rendered the second half irrelevant.
Argentina came back more purposeful in search of an equaliser. Germany were happy to sock up the pressure and try to catch them on the break. The Tevez - Messi combination failed to produce any good, being inconsistent and purposeful in attack. They did well to keep composed and taking shots at goal, otherwise they were anonymous.
Germany kept the ball well and used the width of the pitch well. They opened the Argentinian defence, dismantling that weak organised rear guard, in the 66th minute, Podolski being fed by Muller who was on the ground, squaring for Klose to tap in from close range. The Europeans' defence was so organised and disciplined, not leaving their defensive zones at all.
Schweinsteiger ran rings around the confused Argentina defence and pulled the ball back for Friedrich to score the 3rd goal with 15 minutes of normal time remaining. Klose closed the proceedings with a harder tap-in from a cross on the left to demolish the South Americans.
Quarter - Final Preview: Paraguay vs Spain.
I am a risk taker and I am happy about it. Paraguay will beat Spain. They must. I want them to. Spain cannot come in this South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup, play nothing against Switzerland, Honduras and play only 10 minutes against Chile and expect to be my World Champions. Life cannot be that generous if fighters like Ghana are going home.I mean, really! NO, NEVER.
Paraguay have the potential to rise to the occasion. They must not rely on my support and sit on their bums thinking everything is ok. They need to track Xavi and Iniesta big time. They need to watch Villa's runs behind the left back into the penalty area. They must fall into the Spanish trap of caressing the ball mindful, patiently luring them out of their defensive stunts. Brazil fell into one such trap yesterday. Well Brazil do not have a coach.
If I were Paraguay, I would not bother staying out of my penalty outside my penalty area. Paraguay must have a sea of red and wait for penalty kicks. They should not be enticed by the dangling carrot of a possible attacking opportunity. Spain are cunning. I wouldn't trust them with anything.
I await for a Dutch and Paraguay final, or else, it should be Uruguay and the Spaniards, Uruguay running out as winners.
What is your dream final, given where we are now?
Paraguay have the potential to rise to the occasion. They must not rely on my support and sit on their bums thinking everything is ok. They need to track Xavi and Iniesta big time. They need to watch Villa's runs behind the left back into the penalty area. They must fall into the Spanish trap of caressing the ball mindful, patiently luring them out of their defensive stunts. Brazil fell into one such trap yesterday. Well Brazil do not have a coach.
If I were Paraguay, I would not bother staying out of my penalty outside my penalty area. Paraguay must have a sea of red and wait for penalty kicks. They should not be enticed by the dangling carrot of a possible attacking opportunity. Spain are cunning. I wouldn't trust them with anything.
I await for a Dutch and Paraguay final, or else, it should be Uruguay and the Spaniards, Uruguay running out as winners.
What is your dream final, given where we are now?
Quarter - Final Preview: Paraguay vs Spain.
I am a risk taker and I am happy about it. Paraguay will beat Spain. They must. I want them to. Spain cannot come in this South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup, play nothing against Switzerland, Honduras and play only 10 minutes against Chile and expect to be my World Champions. Life cannot be that generous if fighters like Ghana are going home.I mean, really! NO, NEVER.
Paraguay have the potential to rise to the occasion. They must not rely on my support and sit on their bums thinking everything is ok. They need to track Xavi and Iniesta big time. They need to watch Villa's runs behind the left back into the penalty area. They must fall into the Spanish trap of caressing the ball mindful, patiently luring them out of their defensive stunts. Brazil fell into one such trap yesterday. Well Brazil do not have a coach.
If I were Paraguay, I would not bother staying out of my penalty outside my penalty area. Paraguay must have a sea of red and wait for penalty kicks. They should not be enticed by the dangling carrot of a possible attacking opportunity. Spain are cunning. I wouldn't trust them with anything.
I await for a Dutch and Paraguay final, or else, it should be Uruguay and the Spaniards, Uruguay running out as winners.
What is your dream final, given where we are now?
Paraguay have the potential to rise to the occasion. They must not rely on my support and sit on their bums thinking everything is ok. They need to track Xavi and Iniesta big time. They need to watch Villa's runs behind the left back into the penalty area. They must fall into the Spanish trap of caressing the ball mindful, patiently luring them out of their defensive stunts. Brazil fell into one such trap yesterday. Well Brazil do not have a coach.
If I were Paraguay, I would not bother staying out of my penalty outside my penalty area. Paraguay must have a sea of red and wait for penalty kicks. They should not be enticed by the dangling carrot of a possible attacking opportunity. Spain are cunning. I wouldn't trust them with anything.
I await for a Dutch and Paraguay final, or else, it should be Uruguay and the Spaniards, Uruguay running out as winners.
What is your dream final, given where we are now?
Why Ghana Lost.
Ghana and Uruguay were involved in a quarter-final duel that was more competitive than most of the matches we have seen at this South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup. What was outstanding was the speed of attack, timely and clean interceptions and incisive passing in midfield. Going forward, both defences made sure they cut dangerous balls going into sensitive areas.
Ghana; The Africans were guilty of lack finishing touch. They were allergic to the ball in the 18 area. They did well not to over-burden themselves with a need to meet the expectation of the people. It was counter to their self belief though, until about half-way through the first-half.
Ghana were such a cohesive unit, defending without silliness. John Mensah was particularly impressive in dealing with the notorious Suarez. The midfield gave too much respect to Diego Forlan. They failed to track him down. They let him draw a lot of confidence as he touched the ball far too often.
complacency on the penalty. The Black Stars of Ghana were their worst enemies, losing concentration at decisive moments. They failed to deliver the killer pass when they had the South Americans on the back foot. It is an attribute of strong teams to finish off anyone back paddling.
While they may be said to have not had luck on the day, the truth must be told. They failed 'a boys to men' test. Exactly when they needed to stand up, compose and tuck the penalty away into the semi-final, they fizzled away, ballooning the African hopes into the dark night. The black night turned into a nightmare for one shining Black Star, Asamoah Gyan. I defend him for that penalty miss. It was over-confidence. Half the foot was striking the ball while the other half was doing the African celebration dance at the corner flag.
Uruguay; The South Americans got to every ball first, winning the second ball as well. They ran rings for the entire first 25 minutes and could have been comfortably ahead, were it not for Kingsons' goalkeeping heroics. It was always going to be a tiring affair hitting on a wall.
Diego Forlan, a former Manchester United forward was the actual difference. Forlan let the two strikers play ahead of him, while he roamed the centre of the park at will. He collected all loose balls in midfield and fed the front-runners effectively. His telling work-rate came under check at the 20 minute mark, when he felt he had been doing the donkey work without Suarez turning them into goals.
Diego Forlan retired to a solo striking position, leaving Ghana space to crawl back into the game. Ghana enjoyed the majority of possession to the point of Sully Muntari's wonder strike that had been preceded by a few free-kicks for Ghana.
The Uruguayans showed resilience and endurance, getting the much-needed equaliser when they had to. They remained more disciplined under the Black Stars pressure.
During extra time, there was not much to separate the two teams up to the vital moment of sheer luck. A clear goal scoring opportunity was denied Steven Appiah by hand. The ensuring sending off and penalty were going to be the last activities of the eventful night. Gyan froze, and did the world for a lot of Africans. The crossbar seemed to have come a little lower for the ball to pass into the net. There was no way Ghana were going to survive what followed.
Sad day for Africa football.
Ghana; The Africans were guilty of lack finishing touch. They were allergic to the ball in the 18 area. They did well not to over-burden themselves with a need to meet the expectation of the people. It was counter to their self belief though, until about half-way through the first-half.
Ghana were such a cohesive unit, defending without silliness. John Mensah was particularly impressive in dealing with the notorious Suarez. The midfield gave too much respect to Diego Forlan. They failed to track him down. They let him draw a lot of confidence as he touched the ball far too often.
complacency on the penalty. The Black Stars of Ghana were their worst enemies, losing concentration at decisive moments. They failed to deliver the killer pass when they had the South Americans on the back foot. It is an attribute of strong teams to finish off anyone back paddling.
While they may be said to have not had luck on the day, the truth must be told. They failed 'a boys to men' test. Exactly when they needed to stand up, compose and tuck the penalty away into the semi-final, they fizzled away, ballooning the African hopes into the dark night. The black night turned into a nightmare for one shining Black Star, Asamoah Gyan. I defend him for that penalty miss. It was over-confidence. Half the foot was striking the ball while the other half was doing the African celebration dance at the corner flag.
Uruguay; The South Americans got to every ball first, winning the second ball as well. They ran rings for the entire first 25 minutes and could have been comfortably ahead, were it not for Kingsons' goalkeeping heroics. It was always going to be a tiring affair hitting on a wall.
Diego Forlan, a former Manchester United forward was the actual difference. Forlan let the two strikers play ahead of him, while he roamed the centre of the park at will. He collected all loose balls in midfield and fed the front-runners effectively. His telling work-rate came under check at the 20 minute mark, when he felt he had been doing the donkey work without Suarez turning them into goals.
Diego Forlan retired to a solo striking position, leaving Ghana space to crawl back into the game. Ghana enjoyed the majority of possession to the point of Sully Muntari's wonder strike that had been preceded by a few free-kicks for Ghana.
The Uruguayans showed resilience and endurance, getting the much-needed equaliser when they had to. They remained more disciplined under the Black Stars pressure.
During extra time, there was not much to separate the two teams up to the vital moment of sheer luck. A clear goal scoring opportunity was denied Steven Appiah by hand. The ensuring sending off and penalty were going to be the last activities of the eventful night. Gyan froze, and did the world for a lot of Africans. The crossbar seemed to have come a little lower for the ball to pass into the net. There was no way Ghana were going to survive what followed.
Sad day for Africa football.
Why Ghana Lost.
Ghana and Uruguay were involved in a quarter-final duel that was more competitive than most of the matches we have seen at this South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup. What was outstanding was the speed of attack, timely and clean interceptions and incisive passing in midfield. Going forward, both defences made sure they cut dangerous balls going into sensitive areas.
Ghana; The Africans were guilty of lack finishing touch. They were allergic to the ball in the 18 area. They did well not to over-burden themselves with a need to meet the expectation of the people. It was counter to their self belief though, until about half-way through the first-half.
Ghana were such a cohesive unit, defending without silliness. John Mensah was particularly impressive in dealing with the notorious Suarez. The midfield gave too much respect to Diego Forlan. They failed to track him down. They let him draw a lot of confidence as he touched the ball far too often.
complacency on the penalty. The Black Stars of Ghana were their worst enemies, losing concentration at decisive moments. They failed to deliver the killer pass when they had the South Americans on the back foot. It is an attribute of strong teams to finish off anyone back paddling.
While they may be said to have not had luck on the day, the truth must be told. They failed 'a boys to men' test. Exactly when they needed to stand up, compose and tuck the penalty away into the semi-final, they fizzled away, ballooning the African hopes into the dark night. The black night turned into a nightmare for one shining Black Star, Asamoah Gyan. I defend him for that penalty miss. It was over-confidence. Half the foot was striking the ball while the other half was doing the African celebration dance at the corner flag.
Uruguay; The South Americans got to every ball first, winning the second ball as well. They ran rings for the entire first 25 minutes and could have been comfortably ahead, were it not for Kingsons' goalkeeping heroics. It was always going to be a tiring affair hitting on a wall.
Diego Forlan, a former Manchester United forward was the actual difference. Forlan let the two strikers play ahead of him, while he roamed the centre of the park at will. He collected all loose balls in midfield and fed the front-runners effectively. His telling work-rate came under check at the 20 minute mark, when he felt he had been doing the donkey work without Suarez turning them into goals.
Diego Forlan retired to a solo striking position, leaving Ghana space to crawl back into the game. Ghana enjoyed the majority of possession to the point of Sully Muntari's wonder strike that had been preceded by a few free-kicks for Ghana.
The Uruguayans showed resilience and endurance, getting the much-needed equaliser when they had to. They remained more disciplined under the Black Stars pressure.
During extra time, there was not much to separate the two teams up to the vital moment of sheer luck. A clear goal scoring opportunity was denied Steven Appiah by hand. The ensuring sending off and penalty were going to be the last activities of the eventful night. Gyan froze, and did the world for a lot of Africans. The crossbar seemed to have come a little lower for the ball to pass into the net. There was no way Ghana were going to survive what followed.
Sad day for Africa football.
Ghana; The Africans were guilty of lack finishing touch. They were allergic to the ball in the 18 area. They did well not to over-burden themselves with a need to meet the expectation of the people. It was counter to their self belief though, until about half-way through the first-half.
Ghana were such a cohesive unit, defending without silliness. John Mensah was particularly impressive in dealing with the notorious Suarez. The midfield gave too much respect to Diego Forlan. They failed to track him down. They let him draw a lot of confidence as he touched the ball far too often.
complacency on the penalty. The Black Stars of Ghana were their worst enemies, losing concentration at decisive moments. They failed to deliver the killer pass when they had the South Americans on the back foot. It is an attribute of strong teams to finish off anyone back paddling.
While they may be said to have not had luck on the day, the truth must be told. They failed 'a boys to men' test. Exactly when they needed to stand up, compose and tuck the penalty away into the semi-final, they fizzled away, ballooning the African hopes into the dark night. The black night turned into a nightmare for one shining Black Star, Asamoah Gyan. I defend him for that penalty miss. It was over-confidence. Half the foot was striking the ball while the other half was doing the African celebration dance at the corner flag.
Uruguay; The South Americans got to every ball first, winning the second ball as well. They ran rings for the entire first 25 minutes and could have been comfortably ahead, were it not for Kingsons' goalkeeping heroics. It was always going to be a tiring affair hitting on a wall.
Diego Forlan, a former Manchester United forward was the actual difference. Forlan let the two strikers play ahead of him, while he roamed the centre of the park at will. He collected all loose balls in midfield and fed the front-runners effectively. His telling work-rate came under check at the 20 minute mark, when he felt he had been doing the donkey work without Suarez turning them into goals.
Diego Forlan retired to a solo striking position, leaving Ghana space to crawl back into the game. Ghana enjoyed the majority of possession to the point of Sully Muntari's wonder strike that had been preceded by a few free-kicks for Ghana.
The Uruguayans showed resilience and endurance, getting the much-needed equaliser when they had to. They remained more disciplined under the Black Stars pressure.
During extra time, there was not much to separate the two teams up to the vital moment of sheer luck. A clear goal scoring opportunity was denied Steven Appiah by hand. The ensuring sending off and penalty were going to be the last activities of the eventful night. Gyan froze, and did the world for a lot of Africans. The crossbar seemed to have come a little lower for the ball to pass into the net. There was no way Ghana were going to survive what followed.
Sad day for Africa football.
Ghana 1 - 1 Uruguay; Ghana lose 2-4 On Penalties.
It was Uruguay all over Ghana in this thrilling quarter-final encounter. The South Americans took the game to the Africans from the very first minute, putting them on the defensive. Ghana were on the back foot being nervous and surviving scare after scare from Diego Forlan and Vorcer, but Kingson was superb in goals.
In this nail-biting encounter, Diego Forlan initially played behind the two striking partners, causing all sorts of problems for the Ghana defence and midfield. He toiled for 30 minutes before moving to the centre forward position. At that point, Ghana crept their way into the game, fans finding their voices to cheer a fast and slick passing team.
The Black Stars of Africa had a succession of opportunities to put away before Sully Muntari fired from about 35 metres out a hard and low drive to beat the day lights out of the Uruguay shot-stopper, with virtually about the last kick of the first half.
The second half started with Uruguay upping the stakes with a clean as a pin direct free-kick to draw 1-1. Suarez had Africans' hearts in their mouths in the 63rd minute with a miss of the match after Forlan ran to a loose ball on the left, bringing in an early cross.
Kingson pulled off the save of the day, denying Suarez in the 70th minute a sure goal, parrying the ball over bar for a corner. Both teams started to commit errors in judgement picking up wrong options when going forward, delaying the coming of the winning goal.
The shape of the African team remained intact in extra-time, pressing in unison and retaining compactness under pressure. They were unlucky not to finish the South Americans earlier in extra-time but pushed relentlessly, Boateng almost finishing off a cross from the right.
Gyan made the African hearts break, when he missed a final minute penalty awarded when Uruguay defender handled the ball on the line and was sent off.
Penalties:
Uruguay: 1 1 1 0 1
Ghana: 1 1 0 0
In this nail-biting encounter, Diego Forlan initially played behind the two striking partners, causing all sorts of problems for the Ghana defence and midfield. He toiled for 30 minutes before moving to the centre forward position. At that point, Ghana crept their way into the game, fans finding their voices to cheer a fast and slick passing team.
The Black Stars of Africa had a succession of opportunities to put away before Sully Muntari fired from about 35 metres out a hard and low drive to beat the day lights out of the Uruguay shot-stopper, with virtually about the last kick of the first half.
The second half started with Uruguay upping the stakes with a clean as a pin direct free-kick to draw 1-1. Suarez had Africans' hearts in their mouths in the 63rd minute with a miss of the match after Forlan ran to a loose ball on the left, bringing in an early cross.
Kingson pulled off the save of the day, denying Suarez in the 70th minute a sure goal, parrying the ball over bar for a corner. Both teams started to commit errors in judgement picking up wrong options when going forward, delaying the coming of the winning goal.
The shape of the African team remained intact in extra-time, pressing in unison and retaining compactness under pressure. They were unlucky not to finish the South Americans earlier in extra-time but pushed relentlessly, Boateng almost finishing off a cross from the right.
Gyan made the African hearts break, when he missed a final minute penalty awarded when Uruguay defender handled the ball on the line and was sent off.
Penalties:
Uruguay: 1 1 1 0 1
Ghana: 1 1 0 0
Ghana 1 - 1 Uruguay; Ghana lose 2-4 On Penalties.
It was Uruguay all over Ghana in this thrilling quarter-final encounter. The South Americans took the game to the Africans from the very first minute, putting them on the defensive. Ghana were on the back foot being nervous and surviving scare after scare from Diego Forlan and Vorcer, but Kingson was superb in goals.
In this nail-biting encounter, Diego Forlan initially played behind the two striking partners, causing all sorts of problems for the Ghana defence and midfield. He toiled for 30 minutes before moving to the centre forward position. At that point, Ghana crept their way into the game, fans finding their voices to cheer a fast and slick passing team.
The Black Stars of Africa had a succession of opportunities to put away before Sully Muntari fired from about 35 metres out a hard and low drive to beat the day lights out of the Uruguay shot-stopper, with virtually about the last kick of the first half.
The second half started with Uruguay upping the stakes with a clean as a pin direct free-kick to draw 1-1. Suarez had Africans' hearts in their mouths in the 63rd minute with a miss of the match after Forlan ran to a loose ball on the left, bringing in an early cross.
Kingson pulled off the save of the day, denying Suarez in the 70th minute a sure goal, parrying the ball over bar for a corner. Both teams started to commit errors in judgement picking up wrong options when going forward, delaying the coming of the winning goal.
The shape of the African team remained intact in extra-time, pressing in unison and retaining compactness under pressure. They were unlucky not to finish the South Americans earlier in extra-time but pushed relentlessly, Boateng almost finishing off a cross from the right.
Gyan made the African hearts break, when he missed a final minute penalty awarded when Uruguay defender handled the ball on the line and was sent off.
Penalties:
Uruguay: 1 1 1 0 1
Ghana: 1 1 0 0
In this nail-biting encounter, Diego Forlan initially played behind the two striking partners, causing all sorts of problems for the Ghana defence and midfield. He toiled for 30 minutes before moving to the centre forward position. At that point, Ghana crept their way into the game, fans finding their voices to cheer a fast and slick passing team.
The Black Stars of Africa had a succession of opportunities to put away before Sully Muntari fired from about 35 metres out a hard and low drive to beat the day lights out of the Uruguay shot-stopper, with virtually about the last kick of the first half.
The second half started with Uruguay upping the stakes with a clean as a pin direct free-kick to draw 1-1. Suarez had Africans' hearts in their mouths in the 63rd minute with a miss of the match after Forlan ran to a loose ball on the left, bringing in an early cross.
Kingson pulled off the save of the day, denying Suarez in the 70th minute a sure goal, parrying the ball over bar for a corner. Both teams started to commit errors in judgement picking up wrong options when going forward, delaying the coming of the winning goal.
The shape of the African team remained intact in extra-time, pressing in unison and retaining compactness under pressure. They were unlucky not to finish the South Americans earlier in extra-time but pushed relentlessly, Boateng almost finishing off a cross from the right.
Gyan made the African hearts break, when he missed a final minute penalty awarded when Uruguay defender handled the ball on the line and was sent off.
Penalties:
Uruguay: 1 1 1 0 1
Ghana: 1 1 0 0
Thursday, July 1, 2010
2010 FIFA WC: First Quarter Finals.
[caption id="attachment_754" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Dunga The Winner."]
[/caption]I am not known for particular loyalty when it comes to world football, only waiting for the seduction of the charmer of the moment. This somehow helps my objectivity which I usually do not need any way. Given this, being loosely engaged to Barcelona and Arsenal being my ex, I should be sympathising with Spain, but they played one game so far.
Brazil: They came in without any identity to go by. Their home fans and media claimed they were unrecognisable. It is easy for a team to fall into that negativity. They rose to the occasion, and they played very solid at the back and devastating fast going forward. They do not allow any one near their goalkeeper. They remain compact gathering explosive power when being attacked. As soon as the siege is over, like a huge spring-loaded catapult, they unleash terror no defender can handle. From the way they have played so far, they are waiting to be crowned.
Netherlands: The Dutch have charismatic characters in footballing terms. Their talent is undoubtably an excellent attacking force. They have so much options going forward. The Netherlands were better off facing other South American sides that are not Brazil or Argentina at this stage. They are the more versatile European side than Germany who disciplined but rigid and Spain who are just a patient probing side. The Dutch combine these 2 elements well on a good day.
As for this quarter-final, they are unfortunate. They have to provide competition though. For their fans, you really didn't expect to beat Brazil this year, did you?
2010 FIFA WC: First Quarter Finals.
[caption id="attachment_754" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Dunga The Winner."]
[/caption]I am not known for particular loyalty when it comes to world football, only waiting for the seduction of the charmer of the moment. This somehow helps my objectivity which I usually do not need any way. Given this, being loosely engaged to Barcelona and Arsenal being my ex, I should be sympathising with Spain, but they played one game so far.
Brazil: They came in without any identity to go by. Their home fans and media claimed they were unrecognisable. It is easy for a team to fall into that negativity. They rose to the occasion, and they played very solid at the back and devastating fast going forward. They do not allow any one near their goalkeeper. They remain compact gathering explosive power when being attacked. As soon as the siege is over, like a huge spring-loaded catapult, they unleash terror no defender can handle. From the way they have played so far, they are waiting to be crowned.
Netherlands: The Dutch have charismatic characters in footballing terms. Their talent is undoubtably an excellent attacking force. They have so much options going forward. The Netherlands were better off facing other South American sides that are not Brazil or Argentina at this stage. They are the more versatile European side than Germany who disciplined but rigid and Spain who are just a patient probing side. The Dutch combine these 2 elements well on a good day.
As for this quarter-final, they are unfortunate. They have to provide competition though. For their fans, you really didn't expect to beat Brazil this year, did you?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)