Germany and Spain, a match up from the 2008 European final, where Germany were beaten 1-0 and found themselves spectators for long periods of the game. And so it was again. Spain held the majority of possession and Germany struggled to impose themselves on the game. It's hard to play without the ball. How do you cope with such clinical passing. An 88% passing success rate is hard to overcome, and when you chase the ball for such long periods, it's hard enough just catching your breathe in the rare moments of possession. Whereas previously Schweinsteiger had enjoyed the run of the midfield and dominated the play from their, here he was up against Xavi, a totally different type of footballer, he only wants two or three touches, and he never stops moving, he is perpetual motion. One of the best midfielders of the modern age, sublime first touch, he just drifts in and out of space, simple but so effective. he can spot a pass, they don't always come off, but he just always has the ball. opta stats have Xavi in possession of the ball every 46 seconds at the WC so far. More frequently than any other player. That is an amazing stat, and really highlights the dominance of Spain in the possession stakes.
On the other hand, Ozil was almost redundant tonight, so few touches and so few chances to make things happen. He may as well have watched from the sidelines, but at 21 he has, on 3 weeks viewing a great future ahead of him. Wonderful touch, great vision and pace. Xavi, Iniesta (who i thought was more wasteful than usual) and Pedro played around Ozil, Khedira and Schweinsteiger as if they weren't there for large periods of time. the decision to start Villa upfront on his own seemed a strange one, especially when Germany seemed to play a 5 man defense. They had width and a few times Ramos, Pedro and Iniesta found themselves out wide but with no one to aim for in the box. Spain don't seem to mind too much. they play tiki-taka football and if it means playing all the way back to the defense then so be it. Possession is king and they are faithful subjects. Klose didn't look like equaling (the real) Ronaldo's record tonight and surely the 3rd/4th place play off shouldn't count?
It's not as if Germany didn't try and they got men forward in numbers and at speed, but whilst they got one attack, they never seemed to get two in succession, not until the end when desperation was apparent. Puyol had a great game at the back, and scored only his third goal for his country, but possibly his most important. Coming into this tournament I wondered if he would be a weak link in the Spanish side, and that they would rely on Pique at the back, but it's been vice-versa. Pique has given away cheap corners and more worryingly, his time in England seems to be living long in the memory, he spends a lot of time on the ground, and sliding in seems to be a first thought not a last resort. But saying that, he and Puyol seem to have a great understanding, and his contribution throughout this World Cup can't be underestimated, and add to that the fact he has two good feet and his distribution is second to none for a centre back. Puyol has been, on the whole, very composed and his bullet like header more than made up for a chance in the first half where again he had a free header and didn't even hit the target. The roar from Schweinsteiger at that point seemed to sum up his frustration. It wasn't as if he had a bad game, but when you want to control a game as he has previous, there can be little as frustrating as not touching the ball. From being involved in all things, he was chasing everything and catching nothing. he couldn't stamp any authority on the game or open up chances, every time he did get the ball he was pressed immediately, time was at a premium. It's a credit to his temperament how he conducted himself, he never did anything rash or out of frustration, just kept plugging away.
You do feel that as Spain have gone on in the tournament, only scoring the 1 goal (they have won 1-0 in all knock out game at 2010) could come back to haunt them. the only prolonged period of pressure from the Germans came in the final 5 minutes, but even then it didn't seem likely, Spain held their nerve as if at a training match. The one chance Germany had was Kroos the substitute, who, from a Podolski cross is in space but fires a scuffed shot st Cassillas. it ma well have been Kroos first touch since coming on, but he should have done better, especially knowing how much of a premium chances come at against Spain. Spain had chances to make it two, Pedro trying to be the hero instead in squaring it to Torres late on. Villa before being replaced looks like he could make it two is denied by a superb challenge from Friedrich on the edge of the box, Friedrich had a superb game overall, but that's a lot of pressure for two centre backs to absorb. Xabi Alonso was superb for Spain, it seems unnecessary for Spain to play with him and Busquets, whilst Busquets also breaks up play, he doesn't have anywhere near the kind of passing range of Xabi Alonso. He really did work all night, never letting Germany settle on the ball, breaking up play and spreading the ball all over the park and with a definite emphasis on moving the ball forward. Great performance, makes you realise what Liverpool have been missing.
It's Spain that go through to meet Holland. There will be a new member in the winners enclosure come Sunday. Looking at the final, and at these counter attacking sides, how do they cope with Spain? Holland, Germany, Argentina, Chile, all of these teas play attacking football, but the ones they did play didn't come close to winning. how do teams like this beat a team that keeps the ball so well. A team that seems to treat games almost as training sessions? Mourinho set a template for beating Barca, and maybe Uruguay were the closest thing to it at this tournament. Absorbing pressure, quick break, never looking to control the game from the midfield.
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Uruguay have to make do with Saturday evening Suarez
The Netherlands make their first appearance in a World Cup final for over 30 years after beating Uruguay in the semi-finals. The scoring was opened by a wonder shot from Giovanni Van Bronckhurst, it apparently traveled 42 yards at 61mph (not convinced) from the left of midfield and hit the far top corner. It was a perfect strike. I'm not sure what gave him the idea to shoot from there but there hasn't been a better struck shot in this World Cup. It was an absolute blinder of a goal. It opened the scoring on 18 minutes, in what had been a fairly evenly contested affair. Uruguay were without Suarez after his red card in the quarters, and Forlan did cut a slightly forlorn (sorry) figure upfront alone. The Dutch had a few defensive changes but the front 4 players all stayed the same, Dirk Kuyt must be amazing in training...
Uruguay seemed slightly rocked after that and the game seemed to be slipping away from them. There is a small incident after De Zeeuw takes a boot square in the face as Caceres tries an overhead kick. It's all handbags and the referee does well to give himself some thinking time before giving out just two yellow cards. It takes a while for Uruguay to get themselves back in the game but for the last 12 minutes or so of the half they really start to trouble the Dutch. Stekelenburg isn't quite the assured keeper the Dutch are used to with only 9 appearances in all competitions this season, and the request for Van Der Saar to return to International duty isn't surprising. Despite only conceding 3 times before this game, he isn't a keeper that convinces. It was highlighted on 42 minutes when Forlan received the ball deep in a little space and with a lovely little twist of the hips brought the ball onto his left foot and unleashed a 35 yard drive. It dipped and swerved, Stekelenburg manages to get a hand to it but can't stop it going in. Whilst it was a great strike, and Forlan seems to be one of the players who has no problem with the Jabulani ball, the keeper should have done better. As an aside, Forlan is the first player since Lothar Mattheus to score 3 goals from outside the box in a WC finals.
Uruguay ran the first part of the second half and certainly looked the more likely to score, Forlan looked dangerous ad couldn't quite make a couple of through balls count. The Uruguayan attack did lack a certain cutting edge and pace without Suarez, but they certainly didn't want for trying. holland on the other hand were struggling to put passes together, and Van der Vaart's introduction looks to be a mistake, his first touch is terrible, his passes miss their targets both near and far, things look a little uncertain for the Dutch. It takes almost 20 minutes for the Dutch to find their feet, but - and maybe tellingly - Uruguay haven't created any real threat in this period. They've had possession but not created anywhere near enough chances. This costs them, when, in the 68 minute Sneijder scores again. This is his 5th goal from 7 shots on target, what a guy. There is a deflection and Van Persie sticks a foot out but doesn't make contact. Uruguay claim Van Persie was offside and, crucially, interfering with play. The replays show it's marginal and the linesman has - as seems to be the norm in this competition - given the benefit of the doubt to the attacking side.
If that wasn't bad enough, Holland find the net again 3 minutes later, Kuyt finds some space on the left and puts in a perfect cross for Robben to head home, in the space of 5 minutes Uruguay have gone from looking like potential winners to going home. It seems to be all over. Uruguay push but nothing seems to be coming, holland look to attack on the break but a few poor touches let them down. Forlan is replaced after 84 minutes, you have to think it's an injury, as there is no one else looking likely to create. Then in the 92 minute, Uruguay pull a goal back, a lovely strike from Pereira which sets up a grand stand finish. Unfortunately for Uruguay it seems their luck was all used up in the quarter final as a few half chances don't fall their way in the Dutch box and eventually the ref calls time.
The Netherlands are heading to their 3rd ever final, and will face either Spain or Germany. Though they played better tonight, and they do seem to be growing into this tournament, you do feel the Dutch have a few issues at the back, there are times they look nervous, and times they look too languid. Van Persie's involvement isn't nearly enough, I don't know if this is lack of service or game time.
Robben is a truly gifted footballer, and now he doesn't seem to be made of balsa wood he really does make an impact, but why does he have to scream everytime he goes down? It's exceptionally off-putting and just irritating, at times he sounds like a woman, it's too much. Ronaldo (not the real one) likes to spend time on the floor, but even he doesn't feel the need to yelp in agony. The other thing about Robben, whilst he is hard to play for a full back, his sheer one footed nature does make him easy to read, it doesn't make it easy to play him, but you know what he's going to do. Just a few times he should get to the byline and put the ball into the box, it gives the full back a couple of questions and creates uncertainty, surely he can put in a couple of crosses with his right foot? Boulahrouz came in at left bakc and played a superb game, one of hollands players of the match. Sneijder, despite his goal wasn't quite on form, and didn't come close to his quarter final level, but he's still a match for anyone, but against either Germany or Spain he's going to have to play above tonights performance. You do feel on his day he can unlock any team, as he showed time and again at Inter Milan, that is looking like £12 million well spent last summer...
I'm sorry to see Uruguay go home, apart from their first game against France, which was awful on both parts, I've really enjoyed watching them play. They have a great balance of play, tough to break down especially with Perez patrolling the midfield, but have a lovely approach play when attacking. The fact they are a country of 3.5 million people shows in the lack of depth available. Without Suarez, there was no one to replace him and it was Forlan that moved into a lone striker role. now he is for me one of the players of the tournament, I know I've said it more than once, but he's a wonderful footballer, shoot with both feet, good in the air, and an incredible footballing brain. It was a pleasure to watch him this World Cup, he doesn't make a fuss, he just plays football. his time at United will always haunt him in the UK but in Spain he has been superb for both Villareal and Athleti.
I'm sorry to see him and la celeste go home, but well fought and congratulations on being the last south American team in the competition. For quite a while it looked like South America were going to dominate this competition, Europe lost two traditional power houses in the group stages, and then a few more in the last 16. South America on the other hand were represented in all four quarter finals. But it wsa only Uruguay who progressed, and even then with a cheeky hand from Suarez. It's looking like the Europeans are once again finding domination in Africa. It's going to be an all Europe final, and maybe the Dutch can become the 8th nation to lift the trophy and where better for them to lift it? A new team for a new continent?
Uruguay seemed slightly rocked after that and the game seemed to be slipping away from them. There is a small incident after De Zeeuw takes a boot square in the face as Caceres tries an overhead kick. It's all handbags and the referee does well to give himself some thinking time before giving out just two yellow cards. It takes a while for Uruguay to get themselves back in the game but for the last 12 minutes or so of the half they really start to trouble the Dutch. Stekelenburg isn't quite the assured keeper the Dutch are used to with only 9 appearances in all competitions this season, and the request for Van Der Saar to return to International duty isn't surprising. Despite only conceding 3 times before this game, he isn't a keeper that convinces. It was highlighted on 42 minutes when Forlan received the ball deep in a little space and with a lovely little twist of the hips brought the ball onto his left foot and unleashed a 35 yard drive. It dipped and swerved, Stekelenburg manages to get a hand to it but can't stop it going in. Whilst it was a great strike, and Forlan seems to be one of the players who has no problem with the Jabulani ball, the keeper should have done better. As an aside, Forlan is the first player since Lothar Mattheus to score 3 goals from outside the box in a WC finals.
Uruguay ran the first part of the second half and certainly looked the more likely to score, Forlan looked dangerous ad couldn't quite make a couple of through balls count. The Uruguayan attack did lack a certain cutting edge and pace without Suarez, but they certainly didn't want for trying. holland on the other hand were struggling to put passes together, and Van der Vaart's introduction looks to be a mistake, his first touch is terrible, his passes miss their targets both near and far, things look a little uncertain for the Dutch. It takes almost 20 minutes for the Dutch to find their feet, but - and maybe tellingly - Uruguay haven't created any real threat in this period. They've had possession but not created anywhere near enough chances. This costs them, when, in the 68 minute Sneijder scores again. This is his 5th goal from 7 shots on target, what a guy. There is a deflection and Van Persie sticks a foot out but doesn't make contact. Uruguay claim Van Persie was offside and, crucially, interfering with play. The replays show it's marginal and the linesman has - as seems to be the norm in this competition - given the benefit of the doubt to the attacking side.
If that wasn't bad enough, Holland find the net again 3 minutes later, Kuyt finds some space on the left and puts in a perfect cross for Robben to head home, in the space of 5 minutes Uruguay have gone from looking like potential winners to going home. It seems to be all over. Uruguay push but nothing seems to be coming, holland look to attack on the break but a few poor touches let them down. Forlan is replaced after 84 minutes, you have to think it's an injury, as there is no one else looking likely to create. Then in the 92 minute, Uruguay pull a goal back, a lovely strike from Pereira which sets up a grand stand finish. Unfortunately for Uruguay it seems their luck was all used up in the quarter final as a few half chances don't fall their way in the Dutch box and eventually the ref calls time.
The Netherlands are heading to their 3rd ever final, and will face either Spain or Germany. Though they played better tonight, and they do seem to be growing into this tournament, you do feel the Dutch have a few issues at the back, there are times they look nervous, and times they look too languid. Van Persie's involvement isn't nearly enough, I don't know if this is lack of service or game time.
Robben is a truly gifted footballer, and now he doesn't seem to be made of balsa wood he really does make an impact, but why does he have to scream everytime he goes down? It's exceptionally off-putting and just irritating, at times he sounds like a woman, it's too much. Ronaldo (not the real one) likes to spend time on the floor, but even he doesn't feel the need to yelp in agony. The other thing about Robben, whilst he is hard to play for a full back, his sheer one footed nature does make him easy to read, it doesn't make it easy to play him, but you know what he's going to do. Just a few times he should get to the byline and put the ball into the box, it gives the full back a couple of questions and creates uncertainty, surely he can put in a couple of crosses with his right foot? Boulahrouz came in at left bakc and played a superb game, one of hollands players of the match. Sneijder, despite his goal wasn't quite on form, and didn't come close to his quarter final level, but he's still a match for anyone, but against either Germany or Spain he's going to have to play above tonights performance. You do feel on his day he can unlock any team, as he showed time and again at Inter Milan, that is looking like £12 million well spent last summer...
I'm sorry to see Uruguay go home, apart from their first game against France, which was awful on both parts, I've really enjoyed watching them play. They have a great balance of play, tough to break down especially with Perez patrolling the midfield, but have a lovely approach play when attacking. The fact they are a country of 3.5 million people shows in the lack of depth available. Without Suarez, there was no one to replace him and it was Forlan that moved into a lone striker role. now he is for me one of the players of the tournament, I know I've said it more than once, but he's a wonderful footballer, shoot with both feet, good in the air, and an incredible footballing brain. It was a pleasure to watch him this World Cup, he doesn't make a fuss, he just plays football. his time at United will always haunt him in the UK but in Spain he has been superb for both Villareal and Athleti.
I'm sorry to see him and la celeste go home, but well fought and congratulations on being the last south American team in the competition. For quite a while it looked like South America were going to dominate this competition, Europe lost two traditional power houses in the group stages, and then a few more in the last 16. South America on the other hand were represented in all four quarter finals. But it wsa only Uruguay who progressed, and even then with a cheeky hand from Suarez. It's looking like the Europeans are once again finding domination in Africa. It's going to be an all Europe final, and maybe the Dutch can become the 8th nation to lift the trophy and where better for them to lift it? A new team for a new continent?
German's Klose to two titles.
On paper this was the pick of the quarter-finals. Germany and Argentina looked fairly evenly matched. Both played attacking football and looked slightly fragile at the back. Both had in their last 16 games had fortuitous decisions go for them, Mexico seemed to be holding their own before Tevez scored from an offside position, Germany had seen a Frank Lampard goal not given despite it clearing the line by a good yard. In these matches they had already seen a gripping game between Uruguay and Ghana, a game where football produces the kind of drama you can't script. The Dutch had, as an opener relieved Brazil of a semi-final place despite going a goal down.
With one semi-final decided it was Germany and Argentina to decide who would face either Spain or Paraguay. So far in this tournament Germany have had one of the players of the tournament in Ozil and Argentina have had Messi inspiring and Tevez with Higain almost scoring at will. There has been talk of Argentina's and Diego's tactical knowledge, but so far, so good.
The game started brightly for the Germans and got brighter as the day went on. To score your first goal in the third minute of a game is a relief. Schweinsteiger puts in a superb ball from a free kick and Thomas Mueller is there to flick the ball home with Romero flapping in the wind. The defending is as poor as the delivery was impressive. no first man to attack the ball so a free passage to play into. no one really goes with the runner so he has an easy job of getting to the ball, there's no pressure to put him off, but taking nothing away from the delivery, it's really is superb. Schweinsteiger has really made his presence count in this tournament, particularly against the Australians and more importantly against the English.
At the break Argentina had the best of the last 10-15 minutes of the half bur had allowed the Germans far too much time in the midfield. Ozil had a quiet first half but Schweinsteiger was invited to dominate the middle of the park and he gratefully accepted. For large parts of the first 30 minutes Messi was having to drop into hi own half to pick up the all, World Player of the Year you may be, but there's a long way to goal from there. Such was the dominance of Schweinsteiger and the slightly overshadowed, but (thus far) utterly reliable Khedira that Messi hardly touched the ball in the last third of the field and service to Higuain and Tevez was stilted. Some of the responsibility lies with Di Maria who wasted a number of threatening positions and ran into dead ends, football intelligence doesn't seem to be something he's blessed with.
The second half starts with Argentina attacking and really pushing forward, Germany take their time to get started and are somewhat fortunate to still be infront after the opening 15 minutes. he Argentine midfield seems to improve and start to build attacks themselves, leaving Messi free further up the pitch, whilst he's busy he never seems to find that end ball. The game goes end to end and starts to stretch out, this can only help Argentina who have been crowded out in the final third of the pitch, but on 67 minutes Germany get their second goal and Klose his 13th in World Cup football From then on, there was only going to be one winner. Germany start to redevelop their ppressing game, as soon sa the Argentines cross the halfway line they press the all. It all becomes very condensed in the German half and again there is no room to move. Argentina become increasingly compact there is no real width to the Argentines game and they become increasingly predictable. Di Maria plays in Portugal and maybe you can see the gulf in class in the latter parts of the tournament.
When Germany score their third in 74th minute the game is over and the Argentines look as if they'd board the plane home there and then if possible. It has been questioned, but when tactics and a change in styles were needed the Argentine bench came up with nothing. No width left them toothless, as the Germans could deal with the play in front of them. The fourth goal in the 89th minute sealed the game and brought Klose level with Gerd Muller on the all time scoring list, and jut one behind the real Ronaldo. The deployment of Messi behind the front two strikers ended up being a hindrance in this game. Where Barcelona deploy him on the left and he drifts inside would have been a far more effective ploy in this game. He never had the room to really run at people and the few balls that the Argies got into the box had the Germans looking worried. Higuain is good in the air and Tevez is always a menace for loose balls. There was no real change in styles or tactics, a 2 goals down there was still time, but nothing changed. You also got the feeling Maxi Rodriguez wasn't the best choice, Veron, whilst not dynamic keeps the ball moving exceptionally well, he only take 1, maybe 2 touches then plays it on, he creates space and owns space. Maxi got lost in the mix for vast stretches of the game. Plus there was no one behind Messi that could really give them some spark, so service to those front three ended up being horribly limited.
Take nothing away from Germany though, they dominated this game and played exceptional counter-attacking football. The chances they got were put away in clinical style, Klose should have had three but the one that got away, got away over the bar by a good 10 yards and rising. Ozil didn't have anywhere near the level of performance he produced against England, but it didn't matter, Mueller was a handful throughout, Khedira did everything he needed to well and Schweinsteiger gave another dominant display, you get the feeling the injury to Ballack might have been a blessing in disguise. Boateng had n excellent game, having looked the weak link in the last 16 game, he really stepped up here and dealt with both Maxi and Di Maria excellently. How their style will match up against the Spanish tiki-taka football will be interesting, and how they use the possession they get will be crucial. This is the time for Ozil to ramp up his game, as playmakers will be at a premium.
With one semi-final decided it was Germany and Argentina to decide who would face either Spain or Paraguay. So far in this tournament Germany have had one of the players of the tournament in Ozil and Argentina have had Messi inspiring and Tevez with Higain almost scoring at will. There has been talk of Argentina's and Diego's tactical knowledge, but so far, so good.
The game started brightly for the Germans and got brighter as the day went on. To score your first goal in the third minute of a game is a relief. Schweinsteiger puts in a superb ball from a free kick and Thomas Mueller is there to flick the ball home with Romero flapping in the wind. The defending is as poor as the delivery was impressive. no first man to attack the ball so a free passage to play into. no one really goes with the runner so he has an easy job of getting to the ball, there's no pressure to put him off, but taking nothing away from the delivery, it's really is superb. Schweinsteiger has really made his presence count in this tournament, particularly against the Australians and more importantly against the English.
At the break Argentina had the best of the last 10-15 minutes of the half bur had allowed the Germans far too much time in the midfield. Ozil had a quiet first half but Schweinsteiger was invited to dominate the middle of the park and he gratefully accepted. For large parts of the first 30 minutes Messi was having to drop into hi own half to pick up the all, World Player of the Year you may be, but there's a long way to goal from there. Such was the dominance of Schweinsteiger and the slightly overshadowed, but (thus far) utterly reliable Khedira that Messi hardly touched the ball in the last third of the field and service to Higuain and Tevez was stilted. Some of the responsibility lies with Di Maria who wasted a number of threatening positions and ran into dead ends, football intelligence doesn't seem to be something he's blessed with.
The second half starts with Argentina attacking and really pushing forward, Germany take their time to get started and are somewhat fortunate to still be infront after the opening 15 minutes. he Argentine midfield seems to improve and start to build attacks themselves, leaving Messi free further up the pitch, whilst he's busy he never seems to find that end ball. The game goes end to end and starts to stretch out, this can only help Argentina who have been crowded out in the final third of the pitch, but on 67 minutes Germany get their second goal and Klose his 13th in World Cup football From then on, there was only going to be one winner. Germany start to redevelop their ppressing game, as soon sa the Argentines cross the halfway line they press the all. It all becomes very condensed in the German half and again there is no room to move. Argentina become increasingly compact there is no real width to the Argentines game and they become increasingly predictable. Di Maria plays in Portugal and maybe you can see the gulf in class in the latter parts of the tournament.
When Germany score their third in 74th minute the game is over and the Argentines look as if they'd board the plane home there and then if possible. It has been questioned, but when tactics and a change in styles were needed the Argentine bench came up with nothing. No width left them toothless, as the Germans could deal with the play in front of them. The fourth goal in the 89th minute sealed the game and brought Klose level with Gerd Muller on the all time scoring list, and jut one behind the real Ronaldo. The deployment of Messi behind the front two strikers ended up being a hindrance in this game. Where Barcelona deploy him on the left and he drifts inside would have been a far more effective ploy in this game. He never had the room to really run at people and the few balls that the Argies got into the box had the Germans looking worried. Higuain is good in the air and Tevez is always a menace for loose balls. There was no real change in styles or tactics, a 2 goals down there was still time, but nothing changed. You also got the feeling Maxi Rodriguez wasn't the best choice, Veron, whilst not dynamic keeps the ball moving exceptionally well, he only take 1, maybe 2 touches then plays it on, he creates space and owns space. Maxi got lost in the mix for vast stretches of the game. Plus there was no one behind Messi that could really give them some spark, so service to those front three ended up being horribly limited.
Take nothing away from Germany though, they dominated this game and played exceptional counter-attacking football. The chances they got were put away in clinical style, Klose should have had three but the one that got away, got away over the bar by a good 10 yards and rising. Ozil didn't have anywhere near the level of performance he produced against England, but it didn't matter, Mueller was a handful throughout, Khedira did everything he needed to well and Schweinsteiger gave another dominant display, you get the feeling the injury to Ballack might have been a blessing in disguise. Boateng had n excellent game, having looked the weak link in the last 16 game, he really stepped up here and dealt with both Maxi and Di Maria excellently. How their style will match up against the Spanish tiki-taka football will be interesting, and how they use the possession they get will be crucial. This is the time for Ozil to ramp up his game, as playmakers will be at a premium.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
It's a bar too many for Ghana.
As was oft repeated in the increasingly annoying ITV coverage 'Africa have never had a team in the semi-finals' and, alas that won't change this time round. Likewise, there will never be another African team that come this close and still miss out. Ghana are homeward bound and like the host nation proud, but heart-broken. None more so than Gyan, just a single kick away from the greatest night of his life, bar none. It was agony in the end. Absolute agony.
Following the dismissal of Brazil from the tournament by the Dutch, you thought this would pale in significance, instead it became the worthy headliner of the night. So painful. Kevin Prince Boateng has been for me one of the players of the tournament so far. He has matured so much in the last 3 weeks, he seems almost a different player. He has made this Ghanaian side click, it was telling when Stephen Appiah came on and Boateng had to move out to the right. Ghana lost their potency and drive. By the end of Extra time, Boateng looked like a man out on his feet such was his work rate. he has to some degree dragged Ghana this far. Devoid of Essien and largely Appiah reduced to cameo performances due to injuries, the new boy drove forward a team talented, quick and direct. He only got permission to play for them 4 weeks before the tournament started, having previously represented Germany from U15 - U21 level. With just one friendly game for his new country before the tournament it was a whirlwind introduction for everyone concerned. Though have no stats for him, Gyan must have covered huge amounts of ground tonight, he seems to be one of the hardest working strikers around, especially playing as a lone front man. Ghana looked strong at the back, a real unit, Mensah was a commanding presence at the back and despite a few frights they looked pretty solid.
Uruguay were a different side to the one watched against South Korea, there they looked in control and comfortable throughout. Despite Korea getting an equaliser, it never felt like Uruguay were in any danger. Here, despite the herculean efforts of Perez, Uruguay never took control of the game. Ghana were dangerous, Boateng found space between the two lines of players and was probing and playing with his head up, the need to shoot from all angles seems to have faded from his game. Forlan when he got the ball was easily the pick of the team, he use of both feet is superb, passing, shooting and control, a beautifully ambidextrous player. Suarez was his usual buzzing self, and after the game it seems unfair that should Uruguay get past the Dutch he could return for the final, he should be sent home, but such is football. Uruguay looked ragged for large part of the first half, but really came out and pressed further up the pitch in the second half and were rewarded when Forlan hit a beautiful dipping free kick around the hour mark, the ball threatens to bend into the near post but seems to straighten up and sail past the keeper. thats 3 of his 4 goals scored from outside the box. the last half hour of this game was real end to end stuff, both teams wanted to win it and it showed. For the final 15 minutews of the game, the ball seemed to bypass the midfield entirely, the formations resembled a more unorthodox 4-2-4 on both sides. There were chances a piece but extra time was enforced.
Extra time began as normal time had finished, end to end attacking football, there were few clear cut chances, both defences employing both great defending and last ditch saves to keep their opponents out. And then, in the final minute of extra time, Ghana from a corner deliver the ball into the middle of the six yard box, it's a horrible scramble, one shot is blocked on the line by Suarez and the follow up header is cleared off the line by the same man, but this time with his hands. It's a good spot from the referee, Suarez is immediately sent from the field, his head in his shirt. This is it, Ghana, twice scorers from the spot in the group stages, have with their last kick of the ball the chance to put themselves through to the semi-finals. If there were any neutrals at this point not cheering for Ghana they must be dead inside, I have been a huge Uruguay fan at this finals, I've loved watching them play, their combination of delightful short passing and surging counter-attack football, have been wonderful. At times they feel like a swashbuckling team with no inhibitions, pouring forward with abandon. Whereas the balance of play has been superb, gret forward momentum with a superbly organized and able defence protected magnificently by Perez, Pereira and Arevalo. Devoid of their first choice centre back pairing last night, the protecting midfielders can take a lot of credit away. Anyway, Ghana, last kick of the game for a place in the semi final (first African team to reach that stage in case you didn't know) and Gyan steps up (more shot off target that any other player at the finals) the keeper commits a little too early, Gyan aims for the top right hand corner, hits the bar and over, and that is the end of the game we go to penalties. Absolute heartbreak for the Ghanaians, and none more so than Gyan. He'll be replaying that penalty for weeks.
In the shootout, Gyan stepsup for Ghana's first, brave man and put the ball into the top right hand corner, proving that he can, unfortunately this time he needs his other players to step up as well. Unfortunately they don't. At 2 a piece Scotti scores for Uruguay and the captain John Mensah steps up, 2 pace run up and hits the ball straight at Musiera. Terrible strike, awful, Pereira skies it for Uruguay to even things up, Adiyiah, the 20 year old substitute steps up and as if taking his cue from his captain, short run up, poor strike and another save from Musiera, 2 shocking penalties in a row. Sureely it's Uruguays to win it, and they do with Abreu just dinking the ball down the middle. Incredible composure from 12 yards and Uruguay go through.
It's a harsh way to be dumped out of the competition, an yesterday it felt downright cruel. Ghana deserved to be in that semi-final, and their fate was in their own hands. That night will live with Gyan forever, that was his chance to make history, he did, for all the wrong reasons. So close. They must have felt cheated out of a place in the last four,m that ball was going in before Suarez clawed it out, but they had their chance, there was nothing more the referee could have done, 1 kick to change history. Instead the hearts of Africa were crushed.
Can a neutral still support Uruguay? I did before this game, I wanted them in the final, a country of just 3.5 million people, I was even thinking I'd like to visit Uruguay purely on the basis of their showing at this World Cup, not now. Diego Forlan is having a wonderful competition and getting the international credit he deserves. A truly gifted player. but now, after that, can you support them, it seems not. Had that penalty happened in the 32nd minute it wouldn't have felt so cruel, but the timing was incredible, you really couldn't write it any better, and that makes it all the harder to swallow.
Now Uruguay face Brazil's vanquishers Holland in Cape Town. Suddenly this game has lost some of it's appeal, Do I want Holland in the final? Maybe. Do I want Uruguay in the final? I'll know come 19.30 on Tuesday, it'll be bittersweet if nothing else.
Following the dismissal of Brazil from the tournament by the Dutch, you thought this would pale in significance, instead it became the worthy headliner of the night. So painful. Kevin Prince Boateng has been for me one of the players of the tournament so far. He has matured so much in the last 3 weeks, he seems almost a different player. He has made this Ghanaian side click, it was telling when Stephen Appiah came on and Boateng had to move out to the right. Ghana lost their potency and drive. By the end of Extra time, Boateng looked like a man out on his feet such was his work rate. he has to some degree dragged Ghana this far. Devoid of Essien and largely Appiah reduced to cameo performances due to injuries, the new boy drove forward a team talented, quick and direct. He only got permission to play for them 4 weeks before the tournament started, having previously represented Germany from U15 - U21 level. With just one friendly game for his new country before the tournament it was a whirlwind introduction for everyone concerned. Though have no stats for him, Gyan must have covered huge amounts of ground tonight, he seems to be one of the hardest working strikers around, especially playing as a lone front man. Ghana looked strong at the back, a real unit, Mensah was a commanding presence at the back and despite a few frights they looked pretty solid.
Uruguay were a different side to the one watched against South Korea, there they looked in control and comfortable throughout. Despite Korea getting an equaliser, it never felt like Uruguay were in any danger. Here, despite the herculean efforts of Perez, Uruguay never took control of the game. Ghana were dangerous, Boateng found space between the two lines of players and was probing and playing with his head up, the need to shoot from all angles seems to have faded from his game. Forlan when he got the ball was easily the pick of the team, he use of both feet is superb, passing, shooting and control, a beautifully ambidextrous player. Suarez was his usual buzzing self, and after the game it seems unfair that should Uruguay get past the Dutch he could return for the final, he should be sent home, but such is football. Uruguay looked ragged for large part of the first half, but really came out and pressed further up the pitch in the second half and were rewarded when Forlan hit a beautiful dipping free kick around the hour mark, the ball threatens to bend into the near post but seems to straighten up and sail past the keeper. thats 3 of his 4 goals scored from outside the box. the last half hour of this game was real end to end stuff, both teams wanted to win it and it showed. For the final 15 minutews of the game, the ball seemed to bypass the midfield entirely, the formations resembled a more unorthodox 4-2-4 on both sides. There were chances a piece but extra time was enforced.
Extra time began as normal time had finished, end to end attacking football, there were few clear cut chances, both defences employing both great defending and last ditch saves to keep their opponents out. And then, in the final minute of extra time, Ghana from a corner deliver the ball into the middle of the six yard box, it's a horrible scramble, one shot is blocked on the line by Suarez and the follow up header is cleared off the line by the same man, but this time with his hands. It's a good spot from the referee, Suarez is immediately sent from the field, his head in his shirt. This is it, Ghana, twice scorers from the spot in the group stages, have with their last kick of the ball the chance to put themselves through to the semi-finals. If there were any neutrals at this point not cheering for Ghana they must be dead inside, I have been a huge Uruguay fan at this finals, I've loved watching them play, their combination of delightful short passing and surging counter-attack football, have been wonderful. At times they feel like a swashbuckling team with no inhibitions, pouring forward with abandon. Whereas the balance of play has been superb, gret forward momentum with a superbly organized and able defence protected magnificently by Perez, Pereira and Arevalo. Devoid of their first choice centre back pairing last night, the protecting midfielders can take a lot of credit away. Anyway, Ghana, last kick of the game for a place in the semi final (first African team to reach that stage in case you didn't know) and Gyan steps up (more shot off target that any other player at the finals) the keeper commits a little too early, Gyan aims for the top right hand corner, hits the bar and over, and that is the end of the game we go to penalties. Absolute heartbreak for the Ghanaians, and none more so than Gyan. He'll be replaying that penalty for weeks.
In the shootout, Gyan stepsup for Ghana's first, brave man and put the ball into the top right hand corner, proving that he can, unfortunately this time he needs his other players to step up as well. Unfortunately they don't. At 2 a piece Scotti scores for Uruguay and the captain John Mensah steps up, 2 pace run up and hits the ball straight at Musiera. Terrible strike, awful, Pereira skies it for Uruguay to even things up, Adiyiah, the 20 year old substitute steps up and as if taking his cue from his captain, short run up, poor strike and another save from Musiera, 2 shocking penalties in a row. Sureely it's Uruguays to win it, and they do with Abreu just dinking the ball down the middle. Incredible composure from 12 yards and Uruguay go through.
It's a harsh way to be dumped out of the competition, an yesterday it felt downright cruel. Ghana deserved to be in that semi-final, and their fate was in their own hands. That night will live with Gyan forever, that was his chance to make history, he did, for all the wrong reasons. So close. They must have felt cheated out of a place in the last four,m that ball was going in before Suarez clawed it out, but they had their chance, there was nothing more the referee could have done, 1 kick to change history. Instead the hearts of Africa were crushed.
Can a neutral still support Uruguay? I did before this game, I wanted them in the final, a country of just 3.5 million people, I was even thinking I'd like to visit Uruguay purely on the basis of their showing at this World Cup, not now. Diego Forlan is having a wonderful competition and getting the international credit he deserves. A truly gifted player. but now, after that, can you support them, it seems not. Had that penalty happened in the 32nd minute it wouldn't have felt so cruel, but the timing was incredible, you really couldn't write it any better, and that makes it all the harder to swallow.
Now Uruguay face Brazil's vanquishers Holland in Cape Town. Suddenly this game has lost some of it's appeal, Do I want Holland in the final? Maybe. Do I want Uruguay in the final? I'll know come 19.30 on Tuesday, it'll be bittersweet if nothing else.
Friday, 2 July 2010
Sneijder inspires Dutch courage for 1st victory over Brazil
As it turns out this was the second most exciting game of the day, you'd think knocking Brazil out of the World Cup (and probably costing Dunga his job) should be the story of the day, instead, it sits behind the ending of Africa's participation this World Cup.
This was far from a classic game, it got scrappier as it went on, it was untidy, lacked rhythm and had no real flow throughout. There were glimpses of it in a first half that had the Netherlands looking shaky and out of their depth. Huge holes were appearing down the middle of the park, the defence weren't looking like a unit and struggling to deal with the running of Robinho from the left. Kaka was showing glimpses of the player we know he can be, Robinho still doesn't look the same player without Elano on the pitch. It only took 10 minutes for the Brazilians to make the breakthrough with a ball straight down the middle of the pitch from Melo, that must have traveled 20 yards and Robinho latches onto it with a first time shot. the keeper has no chance and the Dutch look stunned.Robben was tracking Robinho but was nowhere near him when he scored, but the defence couldn't be found, a simple goal and no more than Brazil deserved at that point.
For the remainder of the first half, Brazil look too much for Holland, Maicon is rampant down the right hand side, and defensively Brazil look tight,compact and together. There a few glimpses of promise from Holland, but Brazil deal with them all comfortably, Robben is looking slightly off the pace and his penchant for cutting inside onto his left foot seems has made him a little predictable. Sneijder has played some delightful balls from the midfield, one to Van Persie that must travel 50 yard which is inch perfect, he really is a wonderful player. Kuyt is hi usual self and full of running, Van Persie seems to be struggling to get in the game, but playing up on his own wth no support is making life easy for Lucio and co. The first half belonged to Brazil and Holland would have been happy to be just one goal down. There were glimpses of Sneijder, Robben and Van Persie, but really there was just one team in it.
It's amazing that apart from a blip against the Koreans, Brazil, the worlds entertainers have been
teaching everyone how to defend. Melo and Silva never seem more than 15 yards away from each other and protect that back four as if their families lives depended on it. the second half starts and Holland certainly seem a little brighter and intent on brining Van Persie into the game more and offering him more support, Robben is causing Bastos all kinds of trouble and is halted by him a few times, once or twice just mistimed, others cynical, and he's lucky to stay on the field before sensibly being substituted. The first Holland goal comes from one of his challenges on Robben outwide. The ball is worked back to Sneijder who puts in a good, but speculative cross, Julio Cesar is nowhere near it as he tries to punch, the ball glances of Melo's head and into the net. It's all square and Brazil seem shocked at what just happened. This it turn out was the beginning of the end for Brazil. Holland who had struggled with finding each other in the first half were suddenyl winning the 50/50 challenges and seemed to have the extra man. Which turned into a reality just after the Netherlands scored their second goal. Coming up to the 70 minute mark, Holland have a corner which Robben whips in and the irrepressible Kuyt flicks on at the near post after darting in front of Fabiano. The ball sails in to the six yard box where Sneijder is unmarked and heads into the net with the Brazilian defence statuesque.
Suddenly, 20 minutes to go and Brazil trail in a game for the first time in this tournament, is this when we'd see their true credentials? No, instead we see a collapse of discipline, passing and morale. Felipe Melo inexplicably gets himself sent off - the first player in WC history to score an own goal and recieve a red card - it's a straight red from the ref. At first it seems harsh, a late tackle on Robben for sure, but on replay, after the challenge he stamps on the wingers thigh. There is no other choice, it was rash, it was dangerous and it was cynical. Brazil a goal and a man down with just over 15 minutes to play. The game after this descended into a petty game, drawing fouls, a lot of players on the floor, all of which suited Holland as they let time waste away and deny Brazil the chance to get any kind of momentum going. Robinho who had been in fine form in the first half was anonymous in the second, Fabiano was lost up front and Kaka was trying but there was no one with him, handling him became easy for Van Bommel and De Jong between them. How Van Bommel avoided a booking I'll never know, he made 5, 6 challenges that could've warranted one. It was an amazing victory for the men in orange and deseved in the end. Brazil were the better side throughout the first half, but once Julio Cesar made the horrendous blunder for Hollands first, Brazil looked shaken. And for the first time in this tournament they looked defensively shakey. In the end Holland were good value for their win, and Dunga must be going home thinking his time is up. the press weren't keen on him before the tournament, they'll be baying for blood now, maybe he should give Capello a call...
Holland were a curious side today. Van Bommel and De Jong, once they got themselves together Holland looked like a different side, their compatibility allowed Sneijder far more freedom to roam higher up the pitch and create chances, find players and link with Van Persie. Robben saw a lot more of the ball and created all kinds of problems. He had Bastos turned throughout the second half. He's a curious player Robben, his was the foul that lead to the first Dutch goal, but his insistence on cutting inside is slightly predictable and sometimes you just want him to go past the man and play the ball into the box. He doesn't do that, a few times it would have created chances with Kuyt and Van Persie in the 18 yard box, it would also leave the defenders guessing a little more as to his next move. Yet his movement created space and some of his interplay with Sneijder was superb. There is more to come from the Dutch, and Uruguay in the last 4 must seem an inviting tie after beating the favourites. They deserved their victory and maybe Sneijder can add another medal to the three he picked up this season with Inter? Would you bet against him for player of the year if that plays out? Hup Holland Hup.
This was far from a classic game, it got scrappier as it went on, it was untidy, lacked rhythm and had no real flow throughout. There were glimpses of it in a first half that had the Netherlands looking shaky and out of their depth. Huge holes were appearing down the middle of the park, the defence weren't looking like a unit and struggling to deal with the running of Robinho from the left. Kaka was showing glimpses of the player we know he can be, Robinho still doesn't look the same player without Elano on the pitch. It only took 10 minutes for the Brazilians to make the breakthrough with a ball straight down the middle of the pitch from Melo, that must have traveled 20 yards and Robinho latches onto it with a first time shot. the keeper has no chance and the Dutch look stunned.Robben was tracking Robinho but was nowhere near him when he scored, but the defence couldn't be found, a simple goal and no more than Brazil deserved at that point.
For the remainder of the first half, Brazil look too much for Holland, Maicon is rampant down the right hand side, and defensively Brazil look tight,compact and together. There a few glimpses of promise from Holland, but Brazil deal with them all comfortably, Robben is looking slightly off the pace and his penchant for cutting inside onto his left foot seems has made him a little predictable. Sneijder has played some delightful balls from the midfield, one to Van Persie that must travel 50 yard which is inch perfect, he really is a wonderful player. Kuyt is hi usual self and full of running, Van Persie seems to be struggling to get in the game, but playing up on his own wth no support is making life easy for Lucio and co. The first half belonged to Brazil and Holland would have been happy to be just one goal down. There were glimpses of Sneijder, Robben and Van Persie, but really there was just one team in it.
It's amazing that apart from a blip against the Koreans, Brazil, the worlds entertainers have been
teaching everyone how to defend. Melo and Silva never seem more than 15 yards away from each other and protect that back four as if their families lives depended on it. the second half starts and Holland certainly seem a little brighter and intent on brining Van Persie into the game more and offering him more support, Robben is causing Bastos all kinds of trouble and is halted by him a few times, once or twice just mistimed, others cynical, and he's lucky to stay on the field before sensibly being substituted. The first Holland goal comes from one of his challenges on Robben outwide. The ball is worked back to Sneijder who puts in a good, but speculative cross, Julio Cesar is nowhere near it as he tries to punch, the ball glances of Melo's head and into the net. It's all square and Brazil seem shocked at what just happened. This it turn out was the beginning of the end for Brazil. Holland who had struggled with finding each other in the first half were suddenyl winning the 50/50 challenges and seemed to have the extra man. Which turned into a reality just after the Netherlands scored their second goal. Coming up to the 70 minute mark, Holland have a corner which Robben whips in and the irrepressible Kuyt flicks on at the near post after darting in front of Fabiano. The ball sails in to the six yard box where Sneijder is unmarked and heads into the net with the Brazilian defence statuesque.
Suddenly, 20 minutes to go and Brazil trail in a game for the first time in this tournament, is this when we'd see their true credentials? No, instead we see a collapse of discipline, passing and morale. Felipe Melo inexplicably gets himself sent off - the first player in WC history to score an own goal and recieve a red card - it's a straight red from the ref. At first it seems harsh, a late tackle on Robben for sure, but on replay, after the challenge he stamps on the wingers thigh. There is no other choice, it was rash, it was dangerous and it was cynical. Brazil a goal and a man down with just over 15 minutes to play. The game after this descended into a petty game, drawing fouls, a lot of players on the floor, all of which suited Holland as they let time waste away and deny Brazil the chance to get any kind of momentum going. Robinho who had been in fine form in the first half was anonymous in the second, Fabiano was lost up front and Kaka was trying but there was no one with him, handling him became easy for Van Bommel and De Jong between them. How Van Bommel avoided a booking I'll never know, he made 5, 6 challenges that could've warranted one. It was an amazing victory for the men in orange and deseved in the end. Brazil were the better side throughout the first half, but once Julio Cesar made the horrendous blunder for Hollands first, Brazil looked shaken. And for the first time in this tournament they looked defensively shakey. In the end Holland were good value for their win, and Dunga must be going home thinking his time is up. the press weren't keen on him before the tournament, they'll be baying for blood now, maybe he should give Capello a call...
Holland were a curious side today. Van Bommel and De Jong, once they got themselves together Holland looked like a different side, their compatibility allowed Sneijder far more freedom to roam higher up the pitch and create chances, find players and link with Van Persie. Robben saw a lot more of the ball and created all kinds of problems. He had Bastos turned throughout the second half. He's a curious player Robben, his was the foul that lead to the first Dutch goal, but his insistence on cutting inside is slightly predictable and sometimes you just want him to go past the man and play the ball into the box. He doesn't do that, a few times it would have created chances with Kuyt and Van Persie in the 18 yard box, it would also leave the defenders guessing a little more as to his next move. Yet his movement created space and some of his interplay with Sneijder was superb. There is more to come from the Dutch, and Uruguay in the last 4 must seem an inviting tie after beating the favourites. They deserved their victory and maybe Sneijder can add another medal to the three he picked up this season with Inter? Would you bet against him for player of the year if that plays out? Hup Holland Hup.
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