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Finals
11-07-2010
Spain 1 - 0 Netherlands
Spain the dark horse of FIFA 2010
World cup football defeated Netherlands 1-0 in the extra
time as Andre Inesta's right footer across the goal
to lift the world cup for the first time. The Dutch
who lost in the 1974 and 1978 finals were bidding to
become the first side since Brazil in 1970 to go through
world cup qualifying and the finals unbeaten. Spain
dominated the opening minutes of the game and looked
to have a measure of the uncertain Dutch backline. A
spate of yellow cards disturbed their rhythm booking
five players in the first 28th minutes of the game.
Joris Mathijsen headed over for the Netherlands in what
was their only good chance of the extra-time period
before Iniesta struck his late and decisive blow.
Loosers Finals
10-07-2010
Uruguay 2 - 3 Germany
Germany fended off the spirited challenge of Uruguay
3-2 in Port Elizabeth to finish in the third place for
the second World cup in succession when Sami Khedira
nodded in a late winner. Germans set off in a comfortable
fashion with Thomas Mueller scored with a straightforward
finish. Uruguay forced their way back through Edison
Cavani and Diego Forlan put them ahead with an acrobatic
volley shortly ater half-time. Marcell Jansen equalised
as goalkeeper Muslera faltered. Khedira capitalised
on Uruguay's failure to clear a Mesut Ozil corner to
enable Germany complete the tournament in a happy note.
Semi Finals
06-07-2010
Netherlands 3 - 2 Uruguay
Netherlands entered the World cup final for the first
time since 1978 by edging past Uruguay in Cape Town
3-2 to see off a resolute opponent with two goals in
three second-half minutes by Wesley Sneijder and Arjen
Robben. The spectacular opening goal of Giovanni van
Bronckhorst, Uruguay equalised as goalkeeper Maarten
Stekelenburg faied to deal with Diego Forlan's long-range
shot. In the ninetysecond minute Maxie Pereira ran on
to a quickly taken free-kick of Eljero Ejia, curled
a precise shot into the bottom corner of the net. And
Uruguay in the last minute launched a few balls into
the Dutch box in vain.
07-07-2010
Spain 1 - 0 Germany
A second-half header from Carles Puyol secured a narrow
victory over Germany in an intriguing match in Durban
enabled Spain to enter the World cup footbal final for
the first time. spain won their third straight game
i-0 and will now play Netherlands on Sunday at Soccer
city. Far from a vintage performance Spain deserved
their victory after controlling a large part of the
match. Germany had adopted an increasingly defensive
line in the deep and did not take the game to their
opponents more while it remained goalless.
Quarter Finals
02-07-2010
Netherlands 2 - 1 Brazil
Netherlands reached the semi-finals in the World cup
2010 in a stunning second-half come back beating Brazil
in Port Elizabeth 2-1. Although Brazil took an early
lead through Robinho, the tournament favourites were
pegged back in the second-half but for Sneijder's free
kick flicked of Felipo Melo's head and flew into the
net. The weakness in the Brazil's defence in the 68th
minute found another cross from Robben's corner flicked
by Kuyt at the near post was headed in by Sneijder.
Despite being a man down when Felipe Melo stamped on
Robben efforts to save the match by Brazil was unsuccessul.
Uruguay 4 - 2 Ghana
Uruguay reached the semi-finals of the World cup after
ending the hopes of Ghana, the only African side on
a penalty shoot-out 4-2. Sulley Muntari struck for Ghana
first with a long-range opener on the stroke of half-time.
Diego Forlan equalised for Uruguay with a free-kick
ten minutes after the restart. The match took its dramatic
twist with Ghana dominant in the closing matches of
the extra-time as Uruguayan's looked tired. Asamoah
Gyan in the dying seconds of extra-time had missed a
penalty skimming the cross bar nevertheless scored the
first spot-kick in the shoot out. The low shots of John
Mensah and Dominic Adiyiah were saved by Fernando Muslera.
Sebastian Abreu's spot kick sealed Uruguay's entry into
the semi-final
Pre-Quarter
26-06-2010
Uruguay 2 - 1 Korea
Uruguay entered the quarter finals of the World cup
at the rain drenched Nelson Mandela Bay stadium at the
expense of South Korea. Uruguay's Luis Suares scored
at the 8th minute of a pass across the six-yard area
from Diego Forlan. South Korea equalised in the 68th
minute through Lee Chung-Yong pouncing on a attempted
headed clearance and nodded in from eight yards. In
pouring rain, with 10 minutes remaining Suares scored
again with a culing drive of the ball clipping the post
on its way in.
United States 1 - 2 Ghana
Ghana became the only African team to reach the quarter
final stage at the World cup to knock out United States
in an extra-time winner unleashed by Asamoah Gyan. Kevin-Prince
Boateng gave Ghana an early lead in Rustenburg with
a low strike. The Americans equalised after the break
through a Landon Donavan penalty.
27-06-2010
Germany 4 - 1 England
Matthew Upson of England scored just before half-time
after a vastly superior Germany had taken a stranglehold
on the game with goals from Miroslav Klose and Lukas
Podolski. Frank Lampard's superb lofted finish landed
feet over the line behind Geman keeper Manuel Neuer
but the goal was disallowed by the Uruguayan referee.
England continued the early stages of the second half
but stunning counter-attacks saw Thomas Mueller score
twice in the space of three minutes midway through the
second half to send Germany into the last eight. England
defence were all at sea with Upson and Terry caught
out of position.
Argentina 3 - 1 Mexico
Argentina beat Mexico 3-1 in Johannesburg to enter the
last eight of the World cup. Mexico seems to have never
recovered from a terrible decision after Carlos Tevez
headed Argentina in front despite being yards offside
when the ball was played by him. Mexico failed to come
back in the game when Gonzalo Higuian slotted a goal
giving Argentina breathing space by the bre
28-06-2010
Netherlands 2 - 1 Slovakia
A superb strike from Arjen Robben and a late Wesley
Sneijder goal gave enabled Netherlands to enter quarter
finals in the World cup beating Slovakia. Slovakia were
unable to cope with their opponent's pace and movement.
Slovakia scored off a penalty as Vittek stroked home
in the dying moments of the game. Slovakia offered little
threat in the first half but twice in a space of two
seond-half minutes threatened to draw level.
Brazil 3 - 1 Chile
While Chile took the contest to their opponents in the
opening minutes, Brazil gave Chile no room and gradually
took control of the game. Brazil took the lead through
Juan's header from Maicon's corner. Luis Fabiano latching
on to a pass from Kaka eased past Claudio Bravo and
slotted into an empty net. Robinho sealed victory with
his precise finish of a surging pass of Ramirez. The
five time world champions now face the Dutch in Port
Elizabeth on 2nd July.
29-06-2010
Paraguay 5 - 3 Japan
Paraguay won the first penalty shoot out of the 2010
World cup to beat Japan to reach the last eight to reach
the quarter final. Paraguay scored all five of their
penalties after a disappointing match had finished goalless
at the end of extra-time. Japan agonised at Yuichi Komano's
spot kick brushed the crossed the and flew over. Neither
team had been able to mount sustained spell of presuureeven
after the extra time.
Spain 1 - 0 Portugal
Spain , the European champions booked their place in
the quarter finals of the World cup by beating Portugal
through David Villa's goal. Spain had to survive the
missed chances of Portugal in the first half. Villa
scoresd in the 63rd minute. Portugal was unable to equalise.
Spain will now play Paraguay in the last eight.
11-06-2010
South Africa 1 - 1 Mexico
In the inaugural first day of the tournament on 11th
June Mexico's Rafael Marquez struck 12 minutes from
time to deny hosts South Africa a winning start to the
World cup in Johannesberg. The Mexicans were the better
team throughout but they fell behind when Siphiwe Tshabalala's
left-foot thunder bolt from an angle on the left gave
South Africa a lead in the 54th minute.
France 0 - 0 Uruguay
France and Uruguay truly laboured to a goalless draw
with lack of fluency although the former was arguably
the better team with a free kick in the injury time
but Thiery Henry's strike hit the wall. Uruguay finished
the contest with 10 men after substitute Nicolas Lodeiro
was sent off the field.
12-06-2010
South Korea 2 - 0 Greece
South Korea began their world cup campaign with a confident
2-0 win over Greece
in Port Elizabeth. South Korea impressed with goals
in either half from Lee Jung Soo and Park Ji-sung, while
Greece the 2004 European champions hardly threatened
their adversaries.
Argentina 1 - 0 Nigeria
Argentina made a winning start to their 2010 world cup
campaign with a solitary goal secured through a headed
goal from Gabriel Heinze. Argentine forward Lionel Messi
was the stand out performer for Argentina creating opportunities
for others on a number of occasions however thwarted
by superb saves from Nigeria's keeper Vincent Enyeama.
England 1 - 1 United States
England were forced to settle for a disappointing draw
against the United States when a 25 yards pot luck shot
of Clint Dempsey was allowed to squeeze through the
hands of Robet Green, the British goalkeeper five minutes
before half time. Steven Gerrard had only four minutes
after start slid a pass by Emile Heskey beyond Tim Howard
the US goalkeeper. Emile Heskey was found wanting by
shooting straight to Howard and Wayne Rooney had been
relatively quiet.
13-06-2010
Algeria 0 - 1 Slovenia
Slovenia defeated Algeria 1-0 in their opening game
in Group C in Polokwane. Robert Koren's late goal a
dipping 20-yard drive slid through the grasp of the
Algerian goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi seven minutes after
Abdelkhader Ghezzal had to leave the field with red
card. England having drawn 1-1 against US, Slovenia
's may achieve a place in the last 16.
Ghana 1 - 0 Serbia
An 85 minute penalty from Asamoah Gyan ensured Ghana
began their Group D
campaign victory against 10-man Serbia. Ghana dominated
in the midfield and
their task was made more difficult when defender Aleksandar
Lukovic was red
carded for his second bookable offence in the 74th minute.
Germany 4 - 0 Australia
Germany demolished a 10-man Australia to a flying start
to their 2010 World cup
campaign. Tim Cahill of Australia was given a straight
red card in the 55 minutes
for a clumsy yet malevolent challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Lukas Podolski
and Miroslav Klose in tandem set up their joint tally
of 88 goals in the international level and Thomas Mueller
added to the tally og Germans. While Australia had their
moments against the weaker German defence they were
overtaken by the brilliance of the German forwards.
14-06-2010
Netherlands 2 - 0 Denmark
Daniel Agger's self-goal set Netherland's campaign with
Dirk Kuyt completing the
tally in Group E in Johannesburg against the stubborn
Danish defence.
Japan 1 - 0 Cameroon
Japan got the only goal through Keisuke Honda in a drab
encounter at the Free State stadium after 39 minutes
to beat Cameroon in another Group E match.Japan's cause
was helped by the desperate showing of the African side
who had a great deal of possession of the ball and struggled
to create any chances.
Italy 1 - 1 Paraguay
Paraguay's growing confidence in the first half stunned
the world champions by taking lead in the 39 minutes
with a wicked curling free kick of Aureliano Torres
headed by Alcaraz into the net. Italy's equaliser saw
the Paraguayn goalkeeper Villar missing Pepe's corner
allowing the onrushing De Rossi score from close range.
15-06-2010
New Zealand 1 - 1 Slovakia
Slovakia were on course after Robert Vittek's 50th minute
header. But Slovakia paid or sitting back on their lead,
when in the third minute of the injury time, Winston
Reid headed a dramatic equaliser. The result in Rustenberg
leaves all four teams in Group F on a point each.
Ivory Coast 0 - 0 Portugal
Ivory Coast and Portugal contested a goalless draw at
the Nelson Mandela Bay
stadium. Portugal did come closest to scoring when Cristiano
Ronaldo struck a
post. Ivory Coast were courageous in defence without
actually managing to break
the deadlock inspite of Didier Drogba's reached out
to shoot in vain ended up as
a cross.
Brazil 2 - 1 North Korea
It took 55 minutes for Brazil to break the deadlock
as North Koreans proved more than capable opponents.
As the game wore on it was Maicon's devilish drifter
found the mark. Elano made the game safer for Brazil.
Ji Yun-nam controlled a high ball in the Brazilian box
and made no mistake with an unerring finish past Julio
Cesar. The Koreans warmed the hearts of the crowd with
their heroic display in vain.
16-06-2010
Honduras 0 - 1 Chile
In 48 years Chile earned their first world cup victory
as they beat Honduras to
emerge in Group H alongside favourites Spain. Chile's
style of play full of one touch passing, movement and
pace provided a refreshing change. Alexis Sanchez was
at the heart of Chile's good play although Beausejour's
goal came of a ricochet of a Honduras defender.
Spain 0 - 1 Switzerland
Switzerland served up the first major upset of 2010
world cup as Spain suffered a
shock defeat. Despite total control of the game in Durban
Spain went behind after 52 minutes when a long ball
found its way through Gelson Fernandes who bundled it
into the net. The Barcelona trio of David Villa, Andres
Iniesta and Xavi unable to make a break through Spain
slumped their second defeat in 49 games.
South Africa 0 - 3 Uruguay
Uruguay took control of Group A in Pretoria to beat
hosts South Africa. Diego
Forlan scored two goals and Alvaro Pereira added the
third. South Africa without
suspended keeper Khune and midfielder Dikgachoi they
a final group game against France.
17-06-2010
Argentina 4 - 1 Korea
Gonzalo Higuian scored a hat-trick as Argentina defeated
Korea at Soccer city.
Higuian struck once in the first half and twice in quick
succession after the break
An own goal from Park Chu-Young before the first goal
scored by Higuian. Lee
Chung-Yong capitalised Martin Dimicheli's error to finish
past Sergio Romero.
Greece 2 - 1 Nigeria
Greece came from behind to defeat Nigeria 2-1 keeping
their hopes alive of qualifying from Group B. Nigeria
took an early lead when Kalu Uche's free kick from a
wide area eluded everybody. Dimitrios Salpingidis drew
his side level on the stroke of half time. Enyeama could
not hold a low strike from Alexandros Tsiolis and the
rebound was pounced on by Torosidis into the net.
France 0 - 2 Mexico
Two second half goals gave Mexico their first ever victory
over France, the 2006
runners up on the vergeof elimination. Mexican substitute
Javier Hernandes broke the off side trap and beat the
French keeper Hugo Lloris. Later Cuauhtemoc Blanco 37
years old, another Mexican substitute sealed the victory
from the penalty spot after a third replacement Pablo
Barrera had been felled in the box.
18-06-2010
Germany 0 - 1 Serbia
Germany was beaten 1-0 at the hands of Serbia in a manner
bringing them down
to earth after the rout of Australia in the opening
match. Milan Jovanovic proved
the match winner with a 35 minute volle, a minute before
sent of Miroslav Klose
for two innocuous trips.
Slovenia 2 - 2 United States.
In a pulsating Group C encounter in Johannesburg Michael
Bradley struck a dramatic late equaliser as the United
States came from two goals behind to beat Slovenia.
Walter Birsa had put Slovenia ahead with a curling effort.
Slovenia doubled their effort when Ljubijankic slotted
low into the net. Within minutes Donavan scored surging
into the box a long ball over the top.
England 0 - 0 Algeria
England were led to a disappointing draw by Algeria.
England need to beat Slovenia to ensure qualification
to the knock out stages. Wayne Rooney was a disappointment
for England.
19-06-2010
Netherlands 1 - 0 Japan
Netherlands in a hard fought battle in Durban overcame
an impressively stubborn
Japan. Wesley Sneijder's powerful 52 minute winner from
just outside the box in a match of contrasting styles.
Ghana 1 - 1 Australia
Australia kept their hopes alive of entering the second
round to battle for a draw
against Ghana .They took an early lead through Brett
Holman before Harry Kewell was shown a straight red
for a handball on the goal line and Asamoah Gyan slotted
his second penalty of the tournament. Ghana lost their
way as the game wore on.
Cameroon 1 - 2 Denmark
Cameroon were knocked out of the tournament as Denmark
in a pulsating match
came from behind to beat them 2-1. The African side
had taken an early lead
through Samuel Eto. But Nicholas Bentdner equalised
from close range. Rommendahl later on precisely slotted
the ball across Hamidou Souleymanou into the bottom
corner.
20-06-2010
Netherlands 1 - 0 Japan
In a hard fought match Netherlands defeated Japan 1-0.
Japan's containment tactics Sneijder's powerful right
foot shot in the 52nd minute could not be saved by Eiji
Kawashima. Japan had the best chance to level the score
one minute from time but unmarked Shinji Okazaki fired
over from 10 yards.
Ghana 1 - 1 Australia
Aussies took an early lead through Brett Holman but
Ghana soon levelled. Asamoah Gyan converted the penalty
hen Kewell was sent off for a hand-ball on the goal-line.
Australia's chance of entering the knock out stage depends
if they win their match against Serbia by scoring atleast
three goals.
Cameroon 0 - 2 Denmark
Cameroon bowed out of the 2010 world cup in a pulsating
match against Denmark who came from behind as the early
lead taken through Samuel Eto. But Nicholas Bendtner
equalised from close range before veteran Dennis Rommedahl
beyond substitute Jean Makoun after the break to leave
Cameroon pointles after two games.
21-06-2010
Portugal 7 - 0 People's Republic of Korea
Portugal ripped North Korea apart in a scintillating
and attacking display in Cape Town to secure their first
win in the world cup. Portugal's first goal came in
the 29th minute with
Meireles tucking a low shot past Ri Myong-Guk. Simao
opened the floodgates and Almeida quickly made it 3-0
when he headed a cross home. With Ronaldo in top gear
he set up Tiago score and Ronaldo himself scored with
a header. Miguel Veloso's cross added the seventh goal.
Chile 1 - 0 Switzerland
Mark Gonzalez's late headed enabled Chile to overcome
a stubborn defence of Switzerlanwith a 10-man squad
Spain 2 - 0 Honduras
Spain got their world cup campaign on track with a comfortable
victory over Honduras in Johannesburg. Villa opened
the scoring in the first half with a stunning finish
into the top corner and doubled the lead with a deflected
drive from a distance. He misseda chance to complete
a hat-trick by missing a penalty.
22-06-2010
Mexico 0 - 1 Uruguay
Both Uruguay and Mexico qualify for the last 16 in world
cup despite Mexico's loss to Uruguay in Rustenburg as
Luis Suarez's irst half header saw Uruguay seal top
spot in Group A. Mexico dominated possession in the
final stages of the game as they went in search of an
equaliser with Uruguay dropping deeper and deeper.
France 1 - 2 South Africa
Although South Africa ended their Group A on a high
note with a battling win over France, they were eliminated
from the world cup on goal difference. Goals from Bongani
Khumalo and Katlego Mphela gave hopes of qualifying
at the interval they could not overhaul second placed
Mexico. France departed after a disappointing display
on and off the pitch.
Greece 0 - 2 Argentina
Argentina won their third straight game at the 2010
world cup to top Group B by eliminating Greece who stuck
to defensive tactics. Martin Demichelis scored the opening
goal with 13 minutes left. Messi's pass into the path
of substitute striker Martin Palermo who slotted home
with his right foot.
Nigeria 2 - 2 Korea
After a hard fought draw South Korea will face Uruguay
in the last 16 of the world cup with Nigeria securing
the second place in Group B. Nigeria created chances
throughout and took the lead when Chidi Odiah squared
for Kalu Uche to tap in early on. South Korea hit back
through Lee Jung-Soo. South Korea restored lead four
minutes into the second half but Yakubi slotted in a
penalty after Kim Nam-Il fouled Chinedu Obasi Ogbuke
to level the game.
23-06-2010
Slovenia 0 - 1 England
Jermain Defoe's close range strike midway through the
first gave England the three point they required to
finish second behind the United States in Group C. Slovenian's
despaired as the news of the victory of United States
against Algeria. Slovenia keeper Samir Handanovic kept
England at bay with fine saves from Defoe, Steven Gerrard,
then Terry's header and Wayne Rooney's shot at the post.
United States 1 - 0 Algeria
Landon Donavan's stoppage-time goal secured a narrow
victory over Algeria enabled the United States to enter
the last 16 of the world as winners of Group C. Until
that moment it has been a story of inspired saves from
M'bolhi , poor American finishing and a linesman's error
which denied Clint Dempsey a goal in the first half.
Australia 2 - 0 Serbia
Australia's rousing second half display knocked Serbia
out of the World cup but not quite sufficient for the
Aussie's to find a place in the last 16. A Tim Cahill
header and a long range strike of substitute Bret Holman
ensured that they still needed two more goals to snatch
the second place in Group D. Ghana who finished level
on level with Australia with four points go through
by virtue of their superior goal average.
Ghana 0 - 1 Germany
Mesut Ozil's stunning strike enabled Germany to earn
a victory over Ghana and also set up a World cup last
16-contest with England. Ghana with Serbia's loss to
Australia secured Africa's first place in the next round.
24-06-2010
Paraguay 0 - 0 New Zealand
Paraguay ensured they ensured top of the Group F with
a goalless drawe against New Zealand. New Zealand lost
in the process to qualify to reach the last 16 . With
three draws New Zealand stand above Italy, 2006 winners
in the points tally in the Group.
Slovakia 3 - 2 Italy
Slovakia clinched a place in the last 16 by winning
against Italy the reigning champions in a sensational
knock out amidst incredible drama and tension. In one
of the best games so far in the tournament Robert Vittek
scored a goal in each half ending Italy's hopes. Antonio
Di Natale puleed it back to 2-1 in the 81st minute leaving
Italy to score again to claim a place in last 16. Kamil
Kopunek however put paid to Italy's hopes by lifting
the ball into the net over the goalkeeper Federico Machetti.
Quagliarella scored in the injury time and Italy's last
dich effort did not help.
Denmark 1 - 3 Japan
Japan set up a meeting with Paraguay in the last 16
of the World cup securing a win over Denmark in Rustenburg.
Keisuke Honda smashed his effort into the far corner
in a free kick before Yasuhito Endo also assailed a
free kick in the second half whish curled a fine strike
around the wall. Jon Dahl Tomasson, after missing several
chances followed up his own penalty to pull one back
for Denmark. Japan restored the two goal advantage for
Ozaki to tap into the enemy net from a back pass from
Honda.
Cameroon 1 - 2 Netherlands
Netherlands progressed to the last 16 of the World cup
with a 100 % winning record in Group E with a late goal
from Klaas Jan Huntelaar against Cameroon. Cameron had
gone behind when Robin van Persie finished off a neat
move but levelled through Samuel Eto'os penalty. Dutch
had to do lot of defending in the closing stages but
counterattacked to score of Huntelaar.
25-06-2010
Portugal 0 - 0 Brazil
Brazil and Portugal qualified for last 16 as they played
out an uneventful goalless draw. In an anticlimaxic
and fractious game with Portugal defenders Pepe and
Felipe Melo of Brazil were booked. Brazil defender was
one of the five players booked.
People's Republic of Korea 0 - 3 Ivory Coast
Ivory Cast's hopes of progressing to the second round
despite beating a defensively frail North Korea ended
as Portugal drew with Brazil in the other fixture on
Group G. While Yaya Toure and Romaric scored two early
goals and Salomon Kalou came off the bench to score
the third goal an eight goal score to qualify was beyond
them.
Switzerland 0 - 0 Honduras
Switzerland and Honduras crashed out of the World cup.
The Swiss team needed a two goal win which they were
unable to break down the stubborn central Americans.
Further Spain's victory over Chile pushed the Swiss
side into third place in Group H.
Chile 1 - 2 Spain
Spain edged past talented although indisciplined Chile
who however joined the European champions in qualifying
for the World cup's knockout stages. The goals scored
by the striker David Villa and Andres Iniesta sealed
a 16 stage clash against Portugal on Tuesday. Chile
who picked up seven red cards in qualifying has to face
Brazil on Monday.
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