SPORTmania

SEA Game 2011 Football Final Malaysia vs Indonesia

2011-11-22T05:46:00.001-08:00

Malaysian players celebrate upon winning their SEA Games soccer final as Indonesia's goalkeeper Kurnia Mega, bottom, reacts at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, Nov. 21, 2011. Malaysia beat Indonesia 4-3 through penalty shootout (Full time 1-1 }(AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana)

Malaysia's soccer team celebrates after defeating Indonesia in a penalty shoot-out during their SEA Games soccer final at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta late November 21, 2011. REUTERS/Supri (INDONESIA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER)

Malaysian players celebrate upon winning their SEA Games soccer final match against Indonesia, at Gelora Bung Karno in Jakarta, Indonesia, Monday, Nov. 21, 2011. Malaysia won the game 5-4 through penalty shootout. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)

Sukan SEA 2011- Malaysia 1 Myanmar 0

2011-11-20T02:59:00.001-08:00

SEA Game Jakarta: Malaysia 2 Thailand 1

2011-11-10T01:10:00.000-08:00

Natarid Thammroddodpon (L) of Thailand scores for his team as goal keeper Khairul fahmi of Malaysia tries to block during their qualification match in South East Asian Game in Jakarta. Malaysia defeated Thailand 2-1.

Izzaq Faris Ramlan (R) of Malaysia celebrates with his team mates after scoring a goal against Thailand.

Pictures: AFP PHOTO / ADEK BERRY (Photo credit should read ADEK BERRY/AFP/Getty Images

Wenger says Barca still favourites

2011-02-17T06:10:00.000-08:00

LONDON (AFP) - – Arsene Wenger insisted Barcelona remained favourites to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals after Arsenal came from behind to score a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Spanish giants.

A goal apiece from Robin van Persie and Andrey Arshavin in the final 12 minutes sealed a memorable win for the Gunners after a largely dominant Barcelona had taken a first-half lead through David Villa.

Arsenal's slender advantage gives the Premier League side a fighting chance of progressing when the two teams meet in the second leg.

But while Wenger is adamant that Barcelona will be favourites to prevail, he believes his vibrant young team will be armed with a vital commodity when they enter the Camp Nou on March 8 -- belief.

"We are not the favourites now," Wenger said. "But what is important is we believe we have a chance and we'll go for it. Barcelona are still favourites. "But after tonight we know that we can beat them. And we didn't know that last year," said Wenger, referring to last season's quarter-final, which saw Barcelona crush the Gunners 4-1 in the second leg, 6-3 on aggregate.

"Tonight's result gives us a chance to go to Barcelona with belief. We know that it will be a very difficult game but we will prepare well and be highly focused and try to play our natural game," Wenger said.
"It gives a special lift to my team. Our players have shown their strength and togetherness and this result will reinforce that."
Arsenal's victory was also a vindication of Wenger's unrelenting commitment to attacking football.
While conventional wisdom dictated that the only way to beat Barcelona is via containment, Wenger insisted all along that his side would be true to their instincts and seek to fight fire with fire.
At the Emirates on Wednesday they proved as good as their word, when, despite ceding possession for long periods, they continued to throw men forward on the counter-attack.
When the final whistle blew, Arsenal had two strikers on the pitch, Nicklas Bendtner and van Persie, complemented by a midfield brimming with creative intent -- Samir Nasri, Cesc Fabregas, Jack Wilshere and Arshavin.
"I wanted to go for it offensively," said Wenger, as he explained his risky decision to substitute defensive midfielder Alex Song for Arshavin with Arsenal trailing 1-0 early in the second half.
"We needed to score two goals. I just took a gamble -- it could have backfired to 2-0 or 3-0 but it worked.
"I'm very proud for Arsenal tonight. Because everybody urged us to play differently to our nature and this result will strengthen the belief in our philosophy. That's important."
Wenger is only too aware that one big performance from Lionel Messi, however, could see his team's hopes unravel next month.
The mercurial Argentinian threaded through the pass for Villa's opener and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring after 15 minutes, when he committed Wojciech Szczesny with a lovely feint and beat the Arsenal keeper with a delicate dink, only to see his effort trickle just wide of the upright.
"Who doesn't worry about Lionel Messi?" Wenger said. "When we play in Barcelona that will be one of our tasks. But you never can keep him completely quiet. However we can take encouragement from tonight."
Wenger's counterpart Pep Guardiola said his side had paid the price for failing to convert more than one of the half-a-dozen openings their famously slick passing play presented.
"In general I'm happy with the performance -- the result is the thing I don't like," Guardiola said.
"It was a fantastic match for anyone who likes football. When two teams want to play attacking football its always nice. We're try to turn the tables on them at our place."
Guardiola predicted another classic could be on the cards in three weeks time as his team try to overturn the first leg deficit.
"They are going to attack and we are going to attack," Guardiola said.
"So if you have nothing better to do, I invite you to come to Barcelona because it's going to be a great match."

Taarabt Tantrum Put Fergie Off Making Move

2011-02-02T06:37:00.000-08:00

By Ben Johnston (Correspondent) on February 2, 2011

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Neil Warnock has revealved that Adel Taarabt has been watched by United scouts recently, and that a temper tantrum which saw him substituted in the first half against Hull has cost him his chance of making the move, at least in the near future.

“He let himself down on Saturday,” said Warnock. United came to watch him and he had a strop. I said on the bus that’s done that, hasn’t it? He can forget about joining United. I’m delighted because it means we’ve no chance of losing him now.”
This comes as confirmation that Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in the exciting winger, as could be expected of any player tearing up the championship in the way that Taarabt has this season.
Since being sold by Tottenham after Harry Redknapp got fed up of his lack of effort and commitment, Taarabt has developed into one of the most dazzling players in Europe. But despite his obvious talents, his mentality and decision-making leave an awful lot to be desired.
Sir Alex has previously tamed players of a similar mould, most notably mentoring Christiano Ronaldo into becoming the best player in both United’s recent history and the world.
However, the ease with which Taarabt lost his rag against Hull is worrying, and Ferguson must think that, with similar projects already underway with Gabriel Obertan, Ravel Morrison and Bebe, it is probably not worth the risk on Taarabt.

Fergie: Van der Sar will quit

2010-12-23T07:01:00.000-08:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Manchester United expect Edwin van der Sar to retire at the end of the season.
The Dutchman celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this year yet, apart from one mistake against West Brom in October, has still been performing to his usual high standards.
However, Van der Sar has always been mindful of the potential for a dip in standards and whilst the player himself has remained silent on the issue, Ferguson feels this campaign will be his last.
"We are planning for this being his last season," he said.
Given his vast experience, Van der Sar is bound to be an attractive proposition as a coach, although Ferguson admitted talks are still to take place on the matter.
"We have not discussed it," he said.
"But Edwin is a player who would be of interest in terms of his knowledge and standing in the game."
Having stated on numerous occasions his regret at not bringing in Van der Sar as an immediate replacement for Peter Schmeichel when the legendary Dane retired in 1999, Ferguson will want to avoid being similarly exposed this time around.
Already, Denmark international Anders Lindegaard has arrived and started training at United following his transfer from Aalesund, while Germany's Manuel Neuer continues to be linked with an Old Trafford move.
Lindegaard is certainly an interesting proposition, although Ferguson has revealed his newest recruit will not be eligible until after the Premier League encounter with Stoke on January 4.
"We can't register him until after the Stoke game because of the Bank Holiday," he said.
"But he is training with us now and that is important.
"It will bring him to a better level of fitness because he has not played for a few weeks. We will see how his progress goes."
It means Van der Sar is virtually certain to start the Boxing Day encounter with Sunderland, when United will look to consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Ferguson reported the majority of his squad have shrugged off the effects of flu, which would have ruled Nemanja Vidic and Anderson out of last weekend's trip to Chelsea, if it had not been postponed.
Paul Scholes and John O'Shea are missing due to groin and calf problems respectively as United prepare for a meeting with the Wearsiders, who had the better of a draw at the Stadium of Light earlier this season and are one of the Premier League's most progressive outfits.
"We were lucky to get a point at Sunderland," said Ferguson.
"It is the hardest game we have had away from home all season."
As usual, Ferguson will take stock of the league table once all four Festive matches have been completed, although he accepts postponements may make it a difficult task.
"My aim is to try and be the top by January 4. That would be good," he said.
"If we are, we have done well. By that time, the top of the league will have taken shape, depending on the weather. "
ESPNSTAR.com

Hodgson: This is not my team

2010-12-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has washed his hands off the mess the club are in, claiming the current squad is not his own.
The former Fulham manager has endured a difficult start to his Anfield career since taking over from Rafael Benitez.
A start that saw Liverpool in the drop zone after losses to Blackpool and Everton in October.
While Hodgson has managed to drag the club out relegation troubles into the top-half of the Barclays Premier League table, the Reds continue to produce disappointing results - the last being the 3-1 defeat at Newcastle.
In his own defence, the 63-year-old has reminded critics that he is still picking up the pieces left behind by Benitez.
He said: "It is starting to feel more like my side.
"But it is still a team that I have not put together. I want to make that clear.
"I took the team over and I have not made that many changes. I brought in Paul Konchesky to play left-back, Raul Meireles to replace Javier Mascherano and Joe Cole came in at the same time as me, as did Christian Poulsen.
"The other players I have inherited. So to really call it my team, I would have had to make a slightly bigger impact on those who have been brought in."
Hodgson also hopes he can be given more time to make his mark in the team - starting from the January transfer window.
He added: "I am more than happy to take responsibility for this squad but it takes a coach more than five or six months to make his stamp on a club.
"I am hoping we will do some good business in the transfer windows to come and then I will be able say, 'If you don't like it then I have no one to blame but myself'."
Liverpool are ninth in the standings, nine points behind fourth-place Chelsea.

ESPNStar.com

Blanc drops France W.Cup squad for Norway game

2010-07-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

AFP
PARIS (AFP) - – New France coach Laurent Blanc Friday has punished the country's farcical World Cup squad by dropping each of the 23 players for a friendly against Norway next month.

Blanc's decision to take action was approved by the French Football Federation's (FFF) federal council after a meeting with Raymond Domenech's successor in Paris.
France suffered a miserable World Cup campaign in South Africa, marked by striker Nicolas Anelka's expulsion after his foul-mouthed tirade at Domenech, infighting, and the players' refusal to train.

'Les Bleus' returned home in ignominy after failing to win any of their first round games, with Domenech refusing to shake South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parriera's hand following the final defeat to the hosts.

New France coach Laurent Blanc

(pictured) has requested that no
member of the 23-man squad who
played in their disastrous World Cup
campaign be called up for a friendly
against Norway on August 11 in Oslo.

Blanc, who will release his squad for the Norway game on August 5, refused to elaborate on his decision to boycott the World Cup squad.
France football has endured a woeful year, with Thierry Henry's controversial handball which put France into the World Cup at the expense of Ireland in the play-offs, their pitiful display in the competition itself, and then the scandal involving international stars Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema who this week put under investigation on charges of having sex with an under-age prostitute.
The crisis that engulfed Domenech's last mission as national coach resulted in the resignation of FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes, with his successor due to be unveiled on Friday.

ESPANA the World Cup 2010 Champion!

2010-07-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

Andres Iniesta lifts the World Cup trophy for Spain, which came into the tournament as the second-ranked team in the world and the best country never to win the World Cup. Now, the Netherlands move on as the best to never win it.

Vicente del Bosque's Spain finally shed its underachiever tag by beating the Netherlands 1-0 at Soccer City Stadium.

Spain's defense, led by Carlos Puyol (pictured), didn't give up a goal in the knockout rounds. Puyol was the hero in the semifinals, scoring in the 73rd minute against Germany to send Spain to its first World Cup final.

Andres Iniesta gets set to fire his game-winning shot on goal in the 116th minute. Iniesta, 26, an attacking midfielder, scored twice in six matches for Spain.

Andres Iniesta celebrated his goal by ripping off his shirt (an automatic, yet well-worth-it yellow card) to show a message translated to "Dani Jarque is always with us," a tribute to a former teammate who died of a heart attack last year.

Spain keeper Iker Casillas didn't give up a goal in the knockout rounds. The captain earned the Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper in the tournament, his third career World Cup.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/
Photos: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com

World Cup 2010 Final Netherlands 0 Spain 1 (Extra Time)

2010-07-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

Sergio Ramos (left) and Spain overcame Dirk Kuyt and the Netherlands 1-0 after a grueling game in extra time.

Spain's Sergio Ramos (C) reacts after missing a shot at goal during the 2010 World Cup final soccer match against the Netherlands at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg July 11, 2010. REUTERS

Iniesta scores in extra time to give Spain WCup

STUART CONDIE, AP

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Spain's place among world football's all-time greatest teams was assured Sunday when Andres Iniesta scored with four minutes of extra time remaining to beat the Netherlands 1-0 and clinch his country's first World Cup.
With the teams facing a penalty shootout after an often ill-tempered game of few clear chances, Iniesta collected a sliding pass into the area from substitute Cesc Fabregas and smashed the ball across goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and in at the far post.
The goal clinched Spain's fourth straight 1-0 victory in South Africa and made the team only the third to be world and European champion at the same time.
"This really is quite a cup," Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas said. "The European Championship was the most important moment of our lives, but today is much bigger than anything else."
At the final whistle, the Spanish players hurried to swap their blue shirts for their more familiar red colors in time to collect the trophy. They donned shirts decorated with a single gold star to mark their triumph, becoming the eighth nation to receive the honor in the tournament's 80-year history.
"I can't quite believe it yet," said Iniesta, who was voted man of the match. "I had the opportunity to score that goal which was so important to my team. It's something absolutely incredible. I simply made a small contribution to my team in a match that was very rough."
The Dutch players trudged forlornly to collect their runners-up medals, the third squad from the Netherlands to finish second in football's biggest game.
Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk took off his silver medal as soon as left the podium, with a look of disgust on his face at having failed to better the "Total Football" generation that lost the 1974 and '78 finals.
"We had our plan and of course we tried to play our football, but Spain is a very great team with a lot of great players," Netherlands winger Arjen Robben said. "We tried to stop them offensively.
"We've done everything we could today."
It was a less-than-classic performance by Spain and both teams created few clear chances at Soccer City, although the game opened up slightly after a cagey opening hour. The Netherlands broke up Spain's attempts to get its famous passing game going with physical play that brought nine yellow cards.
Defender John Heitinga got his second yellow and was sent off in the 19th minute of extra time to become only the fifth man to get a World Cup final red card.
With Spain also collecting five yellows, the total beat the 1986 record of six between Argentina and West Germany and made it the dirtiest World Cup final of all time.
"There were all sorts of things happening on the pitch," Iniesta said.
Extra time was littered with almost as many chances as normal time. Stekelenburg saved a low shot by Fabregas before Robben was blocked and defender Joris Mathijsen headed over at the other end.
With Wesley Sneijder crowded out and Spain striker David Villa continually forced wide in search of possession, Robben looked the most likely player to put the finishing touch to his team's uncompromisingly physical approach.
The winger broke free in the 62nd minute but his low shot to the far post was brilliantly kept out with the toe of Casillas' right boot.
He was clear again with seven minutes of normal time remaining, collecting Robin van Persie's flick from Nigel de Jong's hopeful punt forward. Robben held off Carles Puyol's attempts to wrestle him to the ground and tried to take the ball across Casillas, only for the goalkeeper to gather it at the forward's feet.
Villa and Sneijder had few chances to add to their five tournament goals, the latter unable to find his range with free kicks and most notable for the sliding pass between Spain's central defenders that set Robben free in the 62nd.
Villa went closest in the 70th when Stekelenburg somehow knocked his close-range finish over the bar, shortly before Sergio Ramos headed over the bar while unmarked.
Villa, Sneijder, Uruguay striker Diego Forlan and Germany forward Thomas Mueller tied at the top of the tournament scoring charts with five goals from seven matches. Mueller took the golden boot for the leading scorer, winning because of the number of assists he provided.
The Netherlands' physical approach only began after its attempt to defend deep in the opening exchanges allowed Spain 60 percent of possession and gave away chances. Stekelenburg had to dive at full stretch to keep out a header by Ramos, and Villa broke free of the defense only for the Netherlands to be saved by a narrow offside call.
The Dutch responded by pressing hard whichever Spanish player happened to be in possession, heralding a spell of five yellow cards -- three of them for the Netherlands -- in 14 minutes.
De Jong was lucky not to get a red card when he slammed his boot into Xabi Alonso's chest.
"They made it very difficult for us to play comfortably," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "It was a very intense match."
But one incident showed the Dutch fouls were perhaps down to surplus passion rather than a premeditated mean streak.
Casillas threw the ball upfield and out to allow Puyol to receive treatment after a heavy fall. In keeping with sporting convention, the Netherlands attempted to return possession to the Spanish but the punt back to Casillas deflected up off the turf and forced the goalkeeper to tip it behind for a corner.
Not a single Netherlands player went forward for the corner kick and Van Persie just rolled it along the ground for Casillas to pick up.
"Our fouls may be sad for a final," Van Marwijk said, "(but) I would have loved to win it with not so beautiful football."
Lineups:
Netherlands: Maarten Stekelenburg, Gregory van der Wiel, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Edson Braafheid, 105), Mark van Bommel, Nigel de Jong (Rafael van der Vaart, 99), Dirk Kuyt (Eljero Elia, 71), Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie.
Spain: Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Joan Capdevila, Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso (Cesc Fabregas, 87), Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Pedro Rodriguez (Jesus Navas, 60), David Villa (Fernando Torres, 106).

Germany clinches 3rd with late goal

2010-07-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Germany's Sami Khedira, left, scores his side's third goal during the World Cup third-place soccer
match.- AP

NESHA STARCEVIC, AP PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) -- Germany took third place at the World Cup for the second tournament in a row Saturday with an exciting 3-2 victory over Uruguay.
Uruguay, driven by striker Diego Forlan, almost forced extra time. Forlan's free kick crashed against the crossbar in injury time, the last kick of the match.

Germany's midfielder Sami Khedira (From left), Germany's defender Dennis Aogo and midfielder Mesut Ozil celebrate with their bronze medals after they won the 2010 World Cup third place football match Uruguay vs. Germany on July 10, 2010 at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth. -AFP

The match was heading for extra time at 2-2 when Sami Khedira scored a late header. The goal ended Uruguay's hopes of beating Germany for the first time in 82 years, while the Germans finished in the top three for the 11th time.
"We had hoped for more, and we did everything for it," Khedira said. "This was some kind of final and we did everything for it. We have a young team and ... can reach higher."

Forlan said after the game that Uruguay had surpassed expectations. "Obviously it's spectacular to be among the top four," he said. "If anyone had asked us at the beginning, we would've liked it. It's positive."

Germany coach Joachim Loew, his voice hoarse from flu, said that his team was going home "with a very good feeling."
"We achieved more than we perhaps expected," Loew said. "Immediately after this match there is no reason to be disappointed. After the match against Spain everyone was disappointed. But champions rise again."

"We have every reason to be fully satisfied with our tournament. There is no room for disappointment."

Uruguay had come from behind to lead 2-1 when Forlan volleyed in Egidio Arevalo's 51st-minute cross for his fifth goal of the tournament. Germany defender Marcell Jansen leveled five minutes later with a header after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera misjudged a cross.
"I think the match was a real match. They staged a great show," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said.
Loew also thought both teams played with passion.

"It was obvious tonight both teams wanted to win and not go home empty handed. I have to congratulate the teams on the effort they made and particularly my team when they were trailing," Loew said.

Man-of-the match Thomas Mueller, coming back from suspension in the semifinal, gave Germany the lead in the 18th minute, his fifth goal at the World Cup, sweeping the ball home after Bastian Schweinsteiger's swerving shot had been blocked but not collected by Muslera, who was at fault in Germany's first two goals.

Edinson Cavani equalized for Uruguay in the 28th when he slid a shot past goalkeeper Hans-Joerg Butt.

Uruguay has beaten Germany only once in 10 matches, in 1928. Germany beat Uruguay in the third-place match in 1970 -- the last time Uruguay reached the semifinals.
"I don't think it's too vain to think that if we improve a little we can aspire to certain prominence in future international tournaments," Tabarez said.

Mueller and Forlan are now even at five goals with David Villa of Spain and Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands, both of whom can increase their total in Sunday's final.

This match was very important for us. We made some mistakes and were about to lose it but we got it back. The team has proved we can play at the top level," Mueller said.

Germany's young team was missing five regulars through injury and illness, including striker Miroslav Klose. Klose, with a painful back, missed a chance to match or beat the World Cup scoring record of 15 goals, held by Brazil striker Ronaldo.

"Luckily, we won, because the disappointment over the semifinal was still there," Schweinsteiger said. "We were behind and we rallied, that shows the character if this team. I am very proud of this team although I have tears in one eye because we did not reach the final."

Sami Khedira scores the winning goal as Germany edge Uruguay 3-2 in

a thrilling encounter to win third place in the World Cup

Also missing for Germany were defender and captain Philipp Lahm and forward Lukas Podolski, also down with the flu.

In an action-packed match, Butt made two good saves from Luis Suarez and Forlan after his team's second goal. The 36-year-old veteran, who was third-choice goalkeeper in 2002, earned his World Cup debut instead of regular Manuel Neuer.

In its last three World Cup tournaments, Germany was runner-up in 2002 and third in 2006 at home.
Both coaches' contracts ended with the match. While Loew would not discuss his future, Tabarez said he might continue.
"I could go on ... That is a possibility but this is not the right time to talk about that," he said.
Loew is expected to have talks with the German federation after the team's return home.
Lineups:
Uruguay: Fernando Muslera, Diego Lugano, Diego Godin, Jorge Fucile, Edinson Cavani (Sebastian Abreu, 88), Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan, Diego Perez (Walter Gargano, 77), Maximiliano Pereira, Egidio Arevalo Rios, Martin Caceres.
Germany: Hans-Joerg Butt, Jerome Boateng, Arne Friedrich, Per Mertesacker, Dennis Aogo, Sami Khedira, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Marcell Jansen Toni Kroos, 81), Thomas Mueller, Mesut Oezil (Serdar Tasci, 90), Cacau (Stefan Kiessling, 73).

World Cup Final Preview SPAIN

2010-07-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Spain is playing in its first-ever World Cup final. Since winning the 2008 European Championship, and since November 2006, has lost only 2 games.

Iker Casillas

The Spanish captain, Casillas had a shaky start to the tournament which was unusual for the usually sure-handed goalkeeper. Nicknamed "Saint Iker", Casillas has long been regarded as arguably the world's best goalkeeper.

Xavi

Spanish playmaker Xavi is regarded as the finest passer in the world and the key to Spain's possession style in midfield.

Andres Iniesta

Iniesta is Xavi's sidekick at both club (Barcelona) and country and adds a bit more pace and creativity than Xavi. Also highly-regarded in world soccer.

Carles Puyol

The inspirational defender gives his all every game and delivers in the clutch on both ends, as shown by his winning goal against Germany.

David Villa

Spanish striker David Villa has scored 5 goals in the tournament and is tied for the tournament lead. He's had a hand in 6 of Spain's 7 goals in the tournament with 5 goals and an assist.

Vicente del Bosque

Coach
Former manager of Real Madrid, Del Bosque took the reins at Spain after its Euro 2008 triumph.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/

World Cup Final Preview NETHERLANDS

2010-07-09T08:58:00.000-07:00

The Netherlands is playing in its first World Cup final since 1978 and is in the middle of a 25-game unbeaten streak, winning 10 straight.

Mark van Bommel

The Bayern Munich star is a no-nonsense, hard-tackling (some would say dirty) holding midfielder for the Dutch, who also happens to be Van Marwijk's son-in-law.

Robin van Persie

Arsenal star Van Persie is regarded as one of the finest forwards in the world and was supposed to have more of an impact in the tournament. Other than a goal against Cameroon in the group stage though, he's been very quiet.

Wesley Sneijder

Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder is arguably the world's most in-form midfielder. He won the Champions League at club level with Inter back in May and is tied with Villa with 5 goals in this tournament.

Arjen Robben

Along with Sneijder, Robben makes the Dutch go. The speedy but injury-prone winger has been in superb goal-scoring form and can operate on both the left or the right wing.

Bert van Marwijk

Coach
The former Feyenoord manager has brought a more pragmatic approach to the Netherlands team by using dual holding midfielders.

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/

WC Semifinal Germany 0 Spain 1

2010-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Center back Carles Puyol (right) scored from a second-half set piece to send Spain to its first ever World Cup final. (Photo: Getty Images)

Carles Puyol's header in the 73rd minutes put Spain into World Cup final for the first time.
(Photo: SI )

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1007/soccer.world.cup.semifinal.spain.german/content.4.html#ixzz0t6gtwlS8

Spain beats Germany 1-0 in World Cup semifinal

2010-07-07T19:10:00.000-07:00

NANCY ARMOUR, AP
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) -- They pressured Germany the entire match and peppered its goalkeeper so many times a score seemed inevitable.
Finally, with a mighty swing of his head that sent his long, curly locks flying, Spain's Carles Puyol got it done.
With the World Cup final in reach -- and Queen Sofia cheering from the stands -- La Roja came through with their best game yet.
"We've shown that in the big moments we can grow even more," striker David Villa said after Spain's 1-0 semifinal victory over Germany on Wednesday night. "We should have scored more goals, but one from Puyol has put us in the final."
Spain will play for the World Cup title for the very first time, thanks to Puyol's goal on that powerful header in the second half. The game was a repeat, down to the final score, of the 2008 European Championship final when Spain beat Germany to win its first major title in 44 years.
European bragging rights are one thing. Being the world champion is something else.
When the final whistle sounded, the Spanish players on the field thrust their arms in the air while the substitutes raced out to join them. Two teammates grabbed Villa, who has scored all but two of Spain's goals here, and carried him on their shoulders.
In the stands, Spanish fans partied deep into the night, waving flags, banging on drums and singing chorus after chorus of "Ole! Ole! Ole!"
"This is one of the greatest moments for Spain, for us to be in the final of the World Cup, it's history," said Villa, who remains tied with Netherlands playmaker Wesley Sneijder for the tournament scoring lead at five goals apiece. "And we want to make more history in the final."
Somebody will.
Spain faces the Netherlands on Sunday at Soccer City in Johannesburg, ensuring a first-time champion. The Dutch, who beat Uruguay 3-2 on Tuesday night, have lost in their only two trips to the final.
The two teams have never met in the World Cup and their all-time series is dead even.
"I am sure the Spanish can win any game," Germany coach Joachim Loew said, "because they are dominant and it's hard to contain their attack."
Making opponents look bad is becoming Spain's trademark.
Spain has been the best team in Europe -- all the world, really -- for much of the last four years. It's lost all of two games since November 2006, one a shocker to Switzerland in the group-stage opener. With all but two members of the starting lineup playing for either Barcelona or Real Madrid, the Spanish play with a seamlessness and fluidity that's almost intuitive.
"They have been playing together for several years, they are very cohesive, their moves come automatically," German striker Miroslav Klose said. "They were simply the better team."
Injuries to Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas kept Spain from showing its full flair and polish in South Africa, leading some to question whether the European champions' time had passed. Against Germany, however, the Spanish showed they are still very much the team to beat.
After coming oh, so close several times -- including on back-to-back plays in the 57th minute -- Xavi swung a corner kick right into the scrum in front of German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the 73rd. With fellow defender and Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique next to him and screening Neuer's view, Puyol leaped and got the ball.
He headed it with such power that his long curls whipped across his face. Neuer dived to his left, but had no chance to stop the ball as it thundered into the net.
"We should have intercepted that ball," Loew said.
Not a chance.
Instead, the Germans could only watch in dismay as the Spanish players gathered for a group hug at the edge of the box, bouncing up and down and rubbing each other's heads. As the Germans trudged back into position, Lukas Podolski barked at his teammates in frustration.
This wasn't what the Germans envisioned after overhauling their team following the Euro 2008 loss, bringing in youngsters such as Mesut Oezil, Sami Khedira and goal-scoring machine Thomas Mueller, who was suspended against Spain after picking up a second yellow card in the quarterfinals.
The newcomers infused Germany with a speed and smoothness few other teams could match, and it rolled over old rivals England and Argentina by a combined score of 8-1.
But there's something about Spain that brings out the worst in the Germans, and they looked as if they were back in Vienna for much of the night.
Those counterattacks that were so devastating against England and Argentina never materialized, and the midfield spacing that had been so impressive was almost nonexistent.
"We can say Germany wasn't as good as we thought they'd be today," Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. "But that is due to the excellent performance of our team."
The Germans were devastated after the final whistle, with captain Philipp Lahm breaking down in tears and Bastian Schweinsteiger crumbling to his knees. Not even a consoling pat on the back from Puyol helped.
This was the three-time champions' third straight trip to the World Cup semifinals. Yet just like in 2006, they are headed for the third-place game.
"Right now, I really don't feel like playing for third place," Lahm said. "The disappointment is very big. We had a lot as our goal and we didn't succeed."
For the Spanish, it's everything they've been working for these last four years.
"We worked hard to get here and now we have made the final," Villa said. "It's a great thing."
One more big goal, one more big game.

WC Semifinal Netherlands 3 Uruguay 2

2010-07-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera couldn't stop a brilliant shot from the Netherlands' Giovanni van Bronckhorst. The defensive midfielder spun the ball into net from about 35 yards out to give the Dutch a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute. (Photo:AFP)

Equalizing the match at 1-1, Uruguay's Diego Forlan took a long-range shot that skimmed off the hand of Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. (Photo:Getty Images)

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1007/soccer.world.cup.semifinal.netherlands.uruguay/content.3.html#ixzz0syDvtbl3

Netherlands into WCup final, 3-2 over Uruguay

2010-07-06T19:14:00.000-07:00

BARRY WILNER, AP CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- Arjen Robben emerged from the bottom of an Oranje mosh pit, mud on his brow and a smile on his face.
For good measure, he threw kisses at his teammates and fans. His goal gave the Netherlands a 3-2 victory over Uruguay and a spot in the World Cup final.
Now that's a Dutch treat!
The big prize -- that elusive first title -- is still one game away. But this was such a moment to savor that most of the squad made a curtain call nearly an hour after the biggest Netherlands victory in decades, leading about 1,000 orange-clad fans in cheers that figure to last until Sunday.
That's when the Dutch play either Spain or Germany for the championship of the world.
"If you win the final, you make yourself immortal, at least in our country," Robben said. "We will do everything we can to take the Cup back."
Long wasteful with its soccer talent, the Netherlands sure has found the right touch in this tournament.
Stars Wesley Sneijder and Robben scored three minutes apart in the second half as the Netherlands advanced to its first title match since losing in 1978 to Argentina.
"We are so close," Sneijder said. "There is nothing bigger than the World Cup."
And nothing better than sharing it with their countrymen.
So out came Robben, Sneijder and their teammates long after the final whistle, to join the celebration in an empty stadium -- empty except for that rollicking section of fans still singing Dutch songs, waving flags, and bowing in unison. The players joined in from the field, several on the shoulders of others, some taking photos. Back home in Amsterdam, the victory touched off mass celebrations, too.
Winners of all six games in South Africa, 10 in a row overall and in the midst of a 25-match unbeaten streak, the Dutch have the look of champions -- with an Oranje hue, of course.
"This is unforgettable," said Sneijder, now tied with Spain's David Villa for top scorer at the tournament (five goals). "It was a tough fight and toward the end we complicated matters.
"Sunday we play in the World Cup final. I have to get used to that."
Besides the loss to Argentina in '78, the Netherlands fell in its only other appearance in the final, to West Germany in 1974.
Both of those title-game defeats came during the golden period of Dutch soccer, and in the opposition's homeland. No such worries this time, and no country outside of Africa has had as much fan support as the Netherlands.
Inside Green Point Stadium it looked like a Florida orange grove. Outside, a Netherlands fan in a blue and white bodysuit stood on stilts and played a vuvuzela -- badly. It was about the only thing that didn't measure up for the Dutch.
And a tournament that looked like a South American fiesta early on will end in a European showdown for the second straight World Cup. Sneijder and Robben made sure of that.
Sneijder's goal came somewhat unexpectedly because Uruguay had shut down the Dutch offense for much of the second half. His left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area barely ticked the leg of defender Maximiliano Pereira and, with Robin van Persie almost deflecting it again, the ball skidded past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.
Then Robben sent a cross from Dirk Kuyt past a flat-footed Muslera with a brilliant header. His teammates piled on in an Oranje Crush celebration, and Robben came up from it muddied and merry -- and with the knowledge that, ahead 3-1, the Netherlands was likely headed to the championship match.
Uruguay was without dangerous striker Luis Suarez, whose handball on the goal line in the final seconds of extra time against Ghana saved his team in the quarterfinals. He drew a red card for that, and spent his suspension on the bench watching his undermanned teammates come up just short.
Pereira made the Netherlands sweat with a goal in injury time, and Stekelenburg's late save preserved the biggest Dutch win in decades. The Dutch have now won 10 straight and are unbeaten in their last 25 games.
Robben was replaced late in the match, and at the final whistle he fell flat to the turf as he ran back onto the pitch. Mark van Bommel hustled over to where the ball came to rest, picked it up and hugged it. His teammates then began a joyous stroll around the field, some of them barechested, as the vuvuzelas blared and Dutch flags waved in the stands.
"This is very special," Van Marwijk said. "After 32 years we play the final again. Such a small country! We can be very proud of this."
The Jabulani ball Van Bommel grabbed has been a source of criticism for its unpredictability, particularly the way it can soar. When Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, a true defensive halfback, puts one in from 30 yards off the far goalpost, well, let the debate begin again.
The Dutch captain gave his team the lead in the 18th minute, and the Oranje pressed for more, but when they let up slightly on defense, the superb Diego Forlan pounced. He was given far too much open space in the middle of the field and, from just under 30 yards, his left-footed drive went off goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg's hand and into the net.
Stekelenburg was screened just enough by defender John Heitinga and didn't get a good view of the ball until it was too late.
While several Dutch players threw up their hands in frustration, Forlan celebrated his fourth goal of the tournament with a suave wave of his arm. Suarez leaped off the bench in jubilation.
Forlan left in the 85th minute and coach Oscar Tabarez revealed after the match that his star played with a painful thigh.
"From minute one he had a problem," Tabarez said. "I'm not dumb enough to take him out at 3-1 when the match wasn't lost. He was injured and could not continue."
Tabarez said the better team won.
"We did what we could, we accept the defeat," he said. "We're sad because even though nobody gave us a chance, we were close."
Van Bronckhorst was in his accustomed role early in the second half when he headed a long shot by Alvaro Pereira away from the net after Stekelenburg was caught out chasing a stray back pass. And the Dutch defense was under siege in the final minutes as Uruguay sought to tie it.
The Celeste will head to Saturday's third-place game, not bad for the last team to qualify.
But not nearly what they wanted. The Dutch and their fans have that.

The Final FOUR

2010-07-05T11:32:00.000-07:00

Getty Images

Germany, the Netherlands, Uruguay and Spain
are the final four teams as the tournament draws to a climax

World Cup: Villa gives Spain 1-0 win over Paraguay

2010-07-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

BARRY WILNER, AP

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- David Villa has millions of friends in Spain these days and two pretty good ones in South Africa -- the goalposts at Ellis Park.

Villa banked in the only goal of Spain's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the World Cup quarterfinals off not one post, but both of them. Villa took the tournament scoring lead with his fifth goal, in the 83rd minute, setting off a crescendo of blaring vuvuzelas in the stadium and further cementing his status as his nation's top player.

His goal Saturday night finished off a brilliant, three-way passing combination that typifies the way the European champions like to play. It sent Spain into the World Cup's final four for the first time in 60 years and highlighted a chaotic second half.

"The post wanted it to go in," Villa said.

Now Spain faces Germany on Wednesday in Durban -- a reprise of its 1-0 victory in the Euro 2008 final.

"Every game is different," Villa added. "I'm sure Germany isn't happy we got through."

One night after penalty kicks decided Uruguay's shootout win over Ghana, they were critical in Spain's victory as a somewhat subdued match suddenly got wild in a two-minute span of the second half.

Gerard Pique pulled down Paraguay's Oscar Cardozo in the penalty area on a corner kick, earning a yellow card and giving Cardozo a penalty kick.
With a stadium full of vuvuzelas reaching a crescendo, the striker who ended his team's shootout win over Japan was denied brilliantly this time by Iker Casillas, who dived left to block Cardozo's low kick.
"He will know this is the way of football," Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino said. "This can happen. It's important for him not to feel bad."
Seconds later, Villa broke free behind the defense and was hauled down by Antolin Alcoraz, who drew a yellow card. Xabi Alonso went to the penalty spot and sent a wicked drive into the net.
Again, the stadium rocked, but referee Carlos Batres of Guatemala waved off the goal, saying a Spain player entered the area too soon.
Given a second chance, keeper Justo Villar guessed correctly, diving left to stop the penalty kick. He also knocked the rebound away from Cesc Fabregas before defender Paulo Da Silva made a leg save at the goal line on another shot by Sergio Ramos.
After that wild sequence, it seemed anything was possible.
And for Spain, anything is possible with Villa on the field. Not only is he the Spaniards' best finisher, but he's a sparkplug with his darting runs and imaginative moves.
"He's at the top of his form," coach Vicente del Bosque said. "He's first to the ball every time. Villa had that hunger for the goal that allowed him to convert."
That goal came off the kind of attack that has carried Spain toward the top of the soccer world. Andres Iniesta surged through the Paraguay defense and passed to the right to Pedro, whose right-footed kick slammed off the goalpost.
The rebound came to Villa, and his shot hit the far post, then -- amazingly -- caromed across the net, off the left post and in.

Fans for both teams wore red and blended into the color scheme of the seats in Ellis Park Stadium. Even if you couldn't see them so well, you sure could hear their vuvuzelas blaring, especially when Villa scored.

But Paraguay, a nation that never has been a factor at the World Cup and hasn't won a major title since Copa America in 1979, wasn't about to fold. The final six minutes of regulation and three minutes of extra time featured free-flowing soccer at both ends, and Casillas once again had to rescue the Spaniards.

Lucas Barrios broke free on right wing and Casillas charged out of his net to stop his hard drive. The rebound went to Roque Santa Cruz, and Casillas scrambled back to make a spectacular stop to preserve victory.
"Then Casillas, he was extraordinary," del Bosque said. "Two magnificent stops there."

At the end, as the Spanish players rushed to mob Casillas, a distraught Cardozo walked away from teammates and team officials, holding his jersey over his face, wiping away tears.

A tournament that belonged to South America for two rounds now has only Uruguay remaining from that continent after Brazil and Argentina also lost in the quarterfinals.
With the likes of Villa, Xavi, Iniesta, Xabi Alonso, Ramos and Fabregas, Spain's game flows the way Brazil and Argentina have been known to do. It will need all of its creativity and a lot more precision against the Germans, who have scored four goals in three matches and routed England and Argentina in their last two games.
"The Germans have played a brilliant World Cup so far," Iniesta said. "We're also at the top of our game, I think. It will be a game between two rivals who enjoy having the ball and I think it will be a beautiful battle."
Paraguay's players couldn't have been more relaxed before the game, smiling and waving to TV cameras as they came off their bus, then talking on cell phones and joking around on the pitch 90 minutes before kickoff.
The Spaniards were more matter-of-fact, in direct contrast to their playing style. They gathered in a circle and chatted, only occasionally giving a wave to their fans as the stadium began to fill.
But they gave them a huge thrill at the end, thanks to Villa and Casillas.

Photos : AFP

FIFA World Cup Quater Final Argentina 0 Germany 4

2010-07-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Germany's Miroslav Klose scores a goal during a 2010 World Cup quarter-final soccer match against Argentina at Green Point stadium in Cape Town July 3, 2010. REUTERS

Germany's midfielder Thomas Mueller (R) celebrates scoring Germany's opening goal past Argentina's goalkeeper Sergio Romero during the 2010 World Cup quarter-final match Argentina vs. Germany on July 3, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town. AFP PHOTO

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stretches to make a save as Argentina score a goal that was ruled for offside during the 2010 World Cup quarter-final soccer match at Green Point stadium in Cape Town July 3, 2010. REUTERS

Germany stun Argentina 4-0 to reach semis

Reuters
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Germany stunned Argentina with an incredible 4-0 victory in the quarter-finals on Saturday as the favored South Americans followed Brazil out of the World Cup.
A third minute goal from Thomas Mueller and two second half strikes from Miroslav Klose, making his 100th appearance for his country, and one from Arne Friedrich gave Germany a semi-final date with either Spain or Paraguay.
Diego Maradona's Argentina, like Brazil who were dumped out by Netherlands on Friday, had been strongly fancied to reach the July 11 final.
Germany's early goal gave them confidence and they dominated the match, sternly resisting the attempts of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez to break them down.

(Writing by Paul Radford in Johannesburg; Editing by Jon Bramley)

Uruguay 1-1 (4-2 after pens) Ghana: Celeste Oust Black Stars To Progress To Semi-Finals

2010-07-03T01:51:00.000-07:00

Goal.com

After 105 minutes in Johannesburg, it's Uruguay 1-1 Ghana. Sulley Muntari gave the Africans a well worked lead late in the first half, but Diego Forlan equalised soon after the break with a wonderfully struck free-kick from just outside the area.

Three of Uruguay's back four went into the game with yellow cards. Ghana, meanwhile, were without midfielder Andre Ayew and Udinese defender Jonathan Mensah. Anthony Annan and Isaac Vorsah both entered the clash with cautions from previous games.

Ghana got the game kicked off, shooting right to left, but it was Uruguay who started to put the passes together in the first few minutes of the game. A speculative long-ball from Fucile nearly found Suarez, but the little striker was ruled offside. A dangerous cross and two corner kicks then peppered Kingson's goal, but the Black Stars did well to defend.

The first Ghana chance when Uruguayan centre-back Victorino conceded a foul on Asamoah Gyan just before the 10 minute mark. However, despite a decent delivery from Inter's Sulley Muntari, the final ball wasn't enough to trouble Muslera and Uruguay were soon off on the prowl again.

Suarez found himself with space to run at the Black Stars after poor control in the centre of the pitch by Annan gifted him the ball. He cut inside from the left, but his goal-bound strike was well stopped by the capable hands of Kingson. Uruguay were certainly looking like the side most likely to score at this point

A wonderful delivery fro.m yet another Forlan corner seen the ball come off the head of Cavani, before bouncing off John Mensah, and finally smacking Kingson right on the forehead. It was a well worked set piece that could have given the South Americans a deserved advantage, but the big 'keepers face saved the day.

Ghana finally perked up after 20 minutes, putting some passes together and eventually winning a set-piece in the final third. Muntari stood over the ball for a second time, delivering expertly, but none of the Black Stars registered enough interest, leaving the ball to fly past the back post and out for a goal kick.

Annan lost the ball once again midway through the first half, gifting Diego Forlan a free shot from just outside the area. The shot was high and wide of the mark, but it served to highlight a possible weak spot in the Ghanaian defence. Uruguay then took a quick throw in on the left and Suarez was able to roll Vorsah and let one fly. Again, Kingson made a wonderful save to keep the scores level.

Vorsah quickly made up for his mistake at the other end, finding enough space on a Ghanaian corner to direct the ball almost into the top corner of Muslera's net. It was not to be though, as the headed attempt went just wide of the post.

The Africans sustained the burst of pressure they had just created as Kevin Prince Boateng rounding his way towards the box, beating man after man, before squaring the ball to Gyan. It was a great pass, but the ball bobbled as it reached the striker, meaning he could only direct it past the post.

Having picked up a knock earlier in the game, Uruguay skipper Diego Lugano was forced to come off. Andres Scotti replaced the Fenerbahce defender during a troublesome time for the Uruguayans – Ghana were continuing to push forward in numbers. More alarmingly, Jorge Fucile lay on the ground with his eyes shut after an awkward fall in a challenge with Samuel Inkoom. He eventually got back to his feet, but the Celeste were well and truly rocked at the back.

After a flurry of attempts harangued Muslera's goal, including an ambitious but close overhead kick attempt from Boateng, a venomous, swerving, long range shot from Sulley Muntari caught the goalie off guard giving Ghana the lead at half time. At the break, it was Uruguay 0-1 Ghana.

Uruguay looked to recover quickly from the late first-half goal, Forlan whipping the ball into the box for an onrushing Cavani. Cavani looked to be fouled just on the edge of the box, but the referee waved play on, much to the attacker's disbelief. Soon after, Ajax's Nicolas Lodiero, who replaced Alvaro Fernandez at the break, seemed to block a Muntari free-kick with his hands. Again though, the ref motioned to get on with it.

Some great work from Fucile down the left won the South Americans a free kick on the edge of Ghana's box after John Pantsil scythed down the left-back. Diego Forlan opted to strike straight at goal and the speed of the shot saw it move in the air, fooling Kingson and finally ending up in the top corner. Uruguay were back in the game.

Boateng kept his head up after the goal, almost offering an instant reply as he played in Gyan. The striker seemed to take a little longer than he perhaps should have with the shot, but he troubled Muslera nonetheless. A good save from the Lazio goalie saw the ball out for a harmless corner kick.

Richard Kingson was almost made to feel like the second Ghanaian left ruing a mistake as his handling of an easy take gave away a free corner. However Forlan's delivery was uncharacteristically poor this time, and the 'keeper breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't long until he was under pressure from Forlan again though, as the clever forward broke forward before squaring the ball to Suarez at the back post. It was an extremely tight angle, even for the most seasoned of striker, but the 23-year-old held his head in his hands, clearly unhappy with his attempt.

There was then a decent penalty shout as Boateng went down the box after some muscling from Arevalo Rios and Maxi Pereira. The referee, for the third time, was still having none of it, unwilling to give anything other than a stonewall spot-kick. Ghana soon won a free kick from 25-yards to make up for it, but Gyan's strike was off-target.

Shots at both ends meant the game was explosive throughout the second period. Samuel Inkoom was hooked for the more experienced Stephen Appiah just as Forlan was allowed to strike another set piece at goal. The strike was a good one, forcing Kingson to scramble, but it only shaved the outside of the goal netting. Sebastian Abreu then took to the pitch in place of Cavani, heading straight to the front of the attacking line in a bold move by coach Oscar Tabarez.

Forlan almost added a second to his tally as the game edged into the last 10 minutes. A well timed ball in from the right found the Atletico Madrid striker, and he managed to get a foot to it. However, the touch from his heavily outstretched leg wasn't enough to tame the pass, and Kingson was able to wipe the sweat from his brow once more.

Sulley Muntari was hooked with minutes to go, A.C. Milan's Dominic Adiyiah taking to the stage in his place. With three minutes of extra time to play, both sides were scrambling to find that late goal that would avoid extra time. However, it was not to be, as the teams were too hurried in their actions to really create anything dangerous enough to trouble the 'keepers. After 90 minutes, the scores were even.

Ghana were the first to threaten as the first half of extra time commenced, winning an early corner. It didn't end well for Mensah though, as he was booked for dissent after claiming the referee should have done more about Fucile's heavy-handed defending of the set-piece.

Kwadwo Asamoah took it upon himself to rocket one towards goal from distance, and it was on target until it began to rise, but it would end up in the stands behind Muslera's goal.
Gyan looked like he might be in with a chance after Arevalo Rios made a mistake in his own box to gift the striker the ball. The rest of the Uruguayan backline managed to get back and rescue their chances of a long overdue quarter final though.
At the other end, John Pantsil looked to have fouled Abreu in the box. To most it looked like a penalty kick, but the referee's positioning dictated that he would wave for the lofty striker to get back on his feet.
Ghana threatened again in the second half of extra time through a decent set-piece delivery from John Pantsil. The initial attack was a bit scrappy, but the Ghanaians kept the ball well. The build-up saw the ball come back into Muslera's box and Gyan managed to get a decent header away, however the striker's nod went wide of the mark.
It was becoming increasingly more evident that the players were getting tired, both sides making silly mistakes through fatigue. It's worth mentioning that Ghana had already been through extra time against the USA on their path to this fixture.
A great ball in from the right saw Forlan free at the back post, but he foolishly opted to go for the strike with his left foot, forcing the ball wide of its intended target.
Ghana then began to push hard again. Appiah found space on the right to cross for Gyan who took the ball down well considering the pace on the pass. He turned his marker, but could only poke the ball towards Muslera who made a decent save.
A late flurry from Ghana saw a great flurry of chances heading straight for the net. A double goalline clearance meant the chances were kept out, but Suarez's second defence of the goal mouth was with his hands, prompting a penalty kick and a sending.

It should have been curtains for Uruguay at that point, but Asamoah Gyan (picture), who had already scored twice from the spot for Ghana, hit the bar with his penalty. The ball flicked over the bar and the ref blew his whistle. Penalties lay in store.

Uruguay were the first to take a penalty, Diego Forlan charged with the task of stepping up first. It was a cool finish, sending Kingson the wrong way and leading by example. Asamoah Gyan, who had just missed a penalty, then stepped up to match Forlan's strike. An absolutely perfect spot-kick, right into the top corner saw the scores tied.
Victorino was the second of the South Americans to shoot from the spot. Another expertly struck set-piece meant it was 2-1, but a similar strike from Stephen Appiah bought it level once again.
Scotti was next in line. It was low and central, but it was hard enough to beat Kingson. John Mensah was the Black Star to next take the long walk. The defender stood over the ball arrogantly, not taking much of a run up at all. After taking one step towards the ball, he struck it tamely and Muslera made an easy low save.

Pressure evidently got to Maxi Pereira, as the full-back raced towards his penalty, skying the ball way over the bar having put too much power in the strike. Adiyah failed to take advantage of the gift from Pereira, sidefooting the ball slow and low, easy enough for Muslera to make another save.

It was up to now Kingson to save the Black Stars. Abreu took to the box, sauntering up the ball in cool fashion, chipping the ball straight down the middle as he watched Kingson flop to his left.

After a penalty shoot-out and a hugely exciting match, Uruguay have progressed to the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

FIFA World Cup 2010 Quater Final Brazil 1 Netherlands 2

2010-07-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Holland gain an advantage in the Brazil-Netherlands quarter-final when Wesley Sneijder's header skims into goal via the head of a Brazilian defender.(AFP)

Brazil's Kaka (C) takes a shot on goal as Netherlands' Nigel de Jong tackles during their 2010 World Cup quarter-final soccer match against Netherlands in Port Elizabeth July 2, 2010. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)

Brazil's striker Robinho (C) scores the opening goal past Netherlands' goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg during the 2010 World Cup quarter-final football match Netherlands vs. Brazil on July 2, 2010 at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth. AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU (Photo credit should read PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)

PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 02: Felipe Melo of Brazil scores an own goal after a cross from Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands hits his head as goalkeeper Julio Cesar misjudges the cross during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Quarter Final match between Netherlands and Brazil at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on July 2, 2010 in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Netherlands shocks Brazil 2-1

ANDREW DAMPF, AP - 16 minutes ago

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) -- Soccer's perennial World Cup underachievers from the Netherlands knocked off mighty Brazil on Friday, stamping the Dutch as a strong contender to finally win that elusive title.
Wesley Sneijder, one of the shortest players on the field, scored in the 68th minute on a header for a stunning 2-1 quarterfinals win over the five-time champions. Brazil, which also went out in this round four years ago against France, lost its composure after falling behind, and defender Felipe Melo was ejected in the 73rd minute.
The Dutch made the championship match in 1974 and '78, lost both, and rarely have lived up to their talent in other World Cups. They did this time, helped by an own goal off the head of unfortunate Felipe Melo that brought them into a 1-1 tie in the 53rd.
Robinho gave the Brazilians the lead on Felipe Melo's brilliant low pass up the middle of the field that the striker put home with a low shot.
But soon, the Dutch took control, and the end of the match presented the unusual sight of the Brazilians scrambling wildly to find an equalizer.
It never came.
Instead, it was the Oranje and their fans doing the dancing.
After scoring, Sneijder sprinted around the field, tapping the front of his head, then ran to a TV camera and tapped the lens. He was in the middle of all the postgame celebrating, too, as his teammates swarmed him when the final whistle blew.
A few yards away, several Brazilian players lay on the turf, bewildered and beaten.

FIFA World Cup 2010 Netherlands-Brazil promises pure excitement

2010-07-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

ANDREW DAMPF, AP - 17 hours ago

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) -- Not much hype is required when the five-time champion faces the country that created "total football" in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Still, Brazil coach Dunga made a point of emphasizing just how spectacular Friday's match against the Netherlands might be.
Dunga, who was captain on the Brazil side that beat the Netherlands in 1994 and 1998, said Thursday that he would pay to watch the game if he didn't have a free pass for the sideline.

"Both sides play an attacking game, both feature very technical players, both know how to dribble and take risks, and both want to score," the former midfielder said. "So you can always expect a great football game.

"We all know that in the knockout stage all the games are open. You can't play defensively because all the players on the pitch are experts."

The winner will face either Uruguay or Ghana in the semifinals.

A two-time runner-up but never World Cup champion, the Netherlands enters on a team-record 23-match unbeaten streak. The Dutch feature some of Europe's top stars in Inter Milan playmaker Wesley Sneijder, Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

The Netherlands swept through the group stage with three victories and Robben and Sneijder found the target in a 2-1 win over Slovakia in the round of 16.

Brazil was also solid in the group stage, beating North Korea and Ivory Coast before a scoreless draw with Portugal, then restored its "beautiful game" in a 3-0 win over Chile in the second round.
While he still hasn't scored, Brazil playmaker Kaka is returning to form and his pinpoint passes have helped Luis Fabiano rekindle his scoring touch. Also, speedy forward Robinho has given the Selecao an added weapon again, notching the third goal against Chile.
Even with so many crafty players on the pitch at once, Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk doesn't agree with Dunga's prediction, practically pronouncing the death of "total football" -- the famous Dutch "clockwork orange" attacking style of quick passing and running off the ball.
The Dutch game reached its apex in the 1970s when the Netherlands reached consecutive World Cup finals -- losing to Germany and Argentina in 1974 and 1978, respectively.
"It was 'total football', and I also remember Brazil's samba football, but sport changes and football changes also," Van Marwijk said. "It has to do with the fact everybody is getting fitter, better organized so if you play as you did in former times I think it would be very difficult to win the World Cup."
Dunga must make do without suspended midfielder Ramires, while injuries to Elano, Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista leave the coach with few options in midfield. Elano is definitely out because of a bruised bone in his right ankle, while Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista are doubtful.
Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has returned to full training following a left calf injury and Van Marwijk declared him fully fit. But it remains unclear if Van Marwijk will put Van der Vaart back in the starting lineup after Robben returned against Slovakia and scored in his first start of the tournament.
Stadium venue manager Archie Charalambous said that all 42,286 seats had been sold, the first sellout in seven matches at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. There were 100 of the highest-priced tickets left, but those 2,100 Rand ($275) seats were all sold Thursday.
There are concerns about the worn-down pitch, and a sharp wind blowing in off the nearby Indian Ocean was also a worry.
"The wind factor is going to be problematic and troublesome for both teams, especially since the Jabulani ball has a very complicated trajectory," Dunga said. "It will be tricky, but the players we're going to see tomorrow know how to handle the ball."
Dunga's declarations about a spectacular game may have more to do with the coach's hope for a wide-open match than an expected up-and-down game.
"A lot of it has to do with the way Holland reacts, but quite clearly when both players go on the attack the quality of the game is higher," Dunga said. "It's a numerical issue. If 20 players stay in one half it's going to be more difficult to score, whereas if they spread around the pitch it's going to be more open. We always want a more open game because that's more beautiful."
While they haven't faced each other since 1999, these two teams know each other extremely well.
Brazilian trio Julio Cesar, Maicon and Lucio spent last season together with Sneijder in Italy helping Inter Milan win a historic treble -- the Champions League, Serie A and the Italian Cup; Thiago Silva and Klaas Jan Huntelaar were teammates at AC Milan and Kaka and Van der Vaart shared midfield duties at Real Madrid.
Brazil was beaten 1-0 by France at this stage four years ago in a match decided by a defensive error.
This game could also be decided in defense, and Brazil center backs Lucio and Juan are two of the best in the business, both possessing top tackling skills along with dangerous abilities in the air. And it was less than a year ago that Italy's Gianluigi Buffon declared that Julio Cesar had surpassed him as the world's top goalkeeper.
"Brazil doesn't depend on just three players but a whole collective," Dunga said. "The entire team is important and if they all play up to expectations we're going to get the results we're looking for."

From Yahoo Malaysia Sports

Soccer great says fewer outstanding players now

2010-07-01T09:53:00.000-07:00

KARL RITTER, AP - 36 minutes ago
JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Soccer great Eusebio believes top-tier players were more plentiful when soccer was less commercial.
The former Portuguese star was the top scorer at the 1966 World Cup with nine goals and is considered as one of the game's best ever players. Asked to rate the sport now and when he was playing, the 68-year-old Eusebio said it was difficult to compare.
"The only answer I can give you is that my generation, of the '60s, we played football," Eusebio said Thursday. "There were many good players all over the world. Every country had great players.
"You can't compare with today. Today football is commercial. You can count the good players on one hand."
Eusebio's joint news conference with former Germany striker Gerd Mueller, who scored the most goals at the 1970 World Cup, was hosted by Adidas, which sponsors the Golden Boot award for the tournament's top scorer.
Eusebio predicted that strikers Gonzalo Higuain of Argentina or David Villa of Spain would win the award, but wasn't impressed by the number of goals scored in the tournament so far.
"Did you say there have been many goals in this tournament?" Eusebio asked. "I haven't seen many goals so far in this tournament. The top scorers in this tournament have four goals, but there is still a lot of time left."
Villa, Higuain and Robert Vittek of Slovakia share the scoring lead with four goals.
The 65-year-old Mueller said his namesake in today's German team, Thomas Mueller, would win the top scorer award. The 20-year-old midfielder has scored three goals so far.
"He's a good player," Mueller said. "At 18, he was already in the squad. He's a very valuable player. On top of that, he's a very decent person, a good person and that's important, too."
Regardless of who scores the most goals, Eusebio predicted that Argentina forward Lionel Messi would be remembered as the best player of the tournament.
"As we all have seen on TV and in the stadiums, I have no doubt that this little player, who plays for Argentina ... will win this title," Eusebio said.

From Yahoo Malaysia Sports

Portugal Coach Carlos Queiroz Hits Back At Cristiano Ronaldo

2010-07-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Goal.com - 18 hours ago

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has responded to criticism directed at him by Cristiano Ronaldo in the wake of their World Cup defeat by Spain by declaring that no individual is bigger than the national side.
Ronaldo has since tried to explain his comments and Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has also weighed into the debate but Queiroz has insisted that players who think they are above playing for the national team don't have to play.
"While I am in charge of the national team, if the size of the shirt is too small for anybody, then do not need to be here," Queiroz told a press conference before noting that Ronaldo should contain his frustration and show some respect.
"In games of this intensity it is understandable that some frustrations are evident. At present, it may be that the frustrations are not sufficiently educated to be well contained.
"I don't want to win an easy friendship with him, I just want his respect. I want to make players better players and better people. If I need a lifetime to make them understand that the frustration must be contained I'm going to do it.
"Nobody is above the selection and never will be while I'm here."