Denmark vs Japan

24/6/10 Rustenburg

Japan 3-1 Denmark

Goal Scorers: Keisuke Honda, Shinji Okazaki, Yasuhito Endo and Jon Dahl Tomasson [D]

The Samurai Warriors have drawn their swords. Their footwork is superb too. A gorgeous goal from Honda, kicking it oh so lightly, and the ball obeying, sweeping sweetly into the goals. Certainly one of the best in the tournament. The goals from teammates Okazaki and Endo were also superbly earned. The Danes were out of their depth, a reasonable conclusion, seeing as beating Cameroon is not a very difficult task at all. 

So, this is the second Asian team to move to the next round, with only N. Korea left to join their group. The South Americans all have qualified, with Chile already on six points. Unfortunately, the Africans were left behind and the Europeans barely held on. The Japanese [their hair looks odd] will now face the Paraguayans in the next round, hoping to advance beyond that, something they have not done before. 

Netherlands Vs Cameroon

24/6/10 Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Netherlands 2-1 Cameroon

Goal Scorers: Robin VAN PERSIE, Klaas Jan HUNTELAAR and Samuel ETO'o [penalty]

Holland became the second team after Argentina to win all their three matches. They started of in strong form, and in this match against Cameroon showed their classic manners of play, almost an easy advance to the last 16. Robin van Persie is one of the most superior players in the team, and one of Oranje's notable favourites, Arjen Robben made his comeback into the team. The fans were so bright and cheery, and it added to the happy Dutch ride to the next round.

Paraguay vs. New Zealand

24/6/10 Polokwane

It was a draw. So, Paraguay was now to proceed to the elusive next 16 class.


This is only the first step and there’s no reason why we have to settle just for this.

Denis Caniza, Paraguay defender.

Slovakia vs. Italy

24/6/10 Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Slovakia 3-2 Italy

Goal Scorers: Robert VITTEK (25', 73'),Kamil KOPUNEK (89') and Antonio DI NATALE, (81) Fabio Quagliarella (92)

The Champions of the world... are going home. They have been shoved out of the tournament by Slovakia. Of all people, the Slovakians beat them, and they did it well. 'Forza Azzurri' did not exist today, no, it was a tired Italian team, happy at having won the '06 world cup, they simply did not have the strength to pull the entire thing off again. They were actually playing some sort of walking soccer. The altitude does seem to get to the players a bit, and so does the cold. Well done to the Slovaks, but it just makes it worse for the South Africans, all these minions got through, and they are just lying dead on the side.

I was not quite as sad as having the French go home, but I think it is rather depressing to have the Italians out. I'm going to miss Fabio Cannavaro, he has to be one of most favourite players. Oh, I kept jumping up and down in hope, but they just could not play.

Those last goals came at minutes when the Italian fans held their palms together, almost knowing that their beloved team would not let them down. That very day the fans had been walking around Sandton Square, happy and relaxed, but now the tears ran pretty. Alas, Quagliarella's exquisite curl into corner of net, voted goal of the day by FIFA came way too late.


It might take a few world cups to get over this loss, after all, Italy have won four world cups. They are celebrated soccer champions. I wish it was a heroic defeat, but this was just sad. And that is a sorry way to end matters. 

“I assume complete responsibility for this failure.  When a team goes into a match as important as this with fear in their stomachs and heavy legs, it’s because the coach hasn’t prepared them well enough mentally, physically and tactically, but above all mentally. I offer my apologies to Italian sport, everyone.”  said the Italian coach.


Marcello Lippi and Raymond Domenech are going to be shipping of to Antarctica.

Arrivederci Italia...

Germany vs Ghana

23/6/10 Soccer City, Johannesburg

Stadium: an attendance of 83 000

Germany 1-0 Ghana

Goal Scorer: Mesut Ozil

It was one of the most tremendous soccer matches in this World Cup. It was worth watching, nail biting and it was also clean play, as the referee didn't feel the need to show us his evil side. 

I've watched three world cups properly, and I don't know why people keep saying the Germans only defend. These guys only play in the midfield. The Ghanaians definitely had one up on this young team, who kept losing the ball in the first half. It was almost 'oh no! please' soccer, where you keep shouting at the TV screen, because you're worried that they are going to lose. Ghana had enough chances, alright, they only needed a draw, but I was rather happy that they didn't get any goals in. They are a brilliant soccer team, and the better than all these other African sides.

You need fresh talent, and you also need experience. The Germans missed Klose, and I think they missed Ballack too. The rest of the team can be sprightly, but Muller was a bit unsteady and Ozil couldn't score sometimes. Philip Lahm is a leader by his never ending play, he is always dashing down to the front and made a prolific save. He is a person and a player of much merit.

Then, after almost an eternity, there was the Mesut Ozil goal. It was breathtaking. Brother, may Allah bless you. You are brilliant. It was as if the entire stadium sighed, both in raptures at the strike and in relief. You need to resilient to play the Ghanaians, because they are both strong and fast. Truth be told, the Germans could have lost. They barely scraped by. 

Well done to both teams.

Ghana will face the USA in the next round and Germany the English.

On the teams next clash with Deutschland, Frank Lampard said its "a huge glamour game".

Australia vs Serbia

23/6/10 20:30 Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Australia 2-1 Serbia

Goal Scorers: Brett Holman, Tim Cahill [A] and Marko Pantelic [S]

Group D was the most interesting, fiery and determined teams in the finals so far. See, every single team had a win, with Australia adding to that list tonight. The magnificent goal from Tim Cahill, where he proceeded to beat the corner flag, and vent all his frustration for that red card. A stunning spur of the moment strike from Holman, one of those that you don't see often, and Marko Pantelic getting a late goal for Serbia.

To be honest, I hardly watched the match. I was way too caught up with the German game. The Socceroos played a most worthy performance, and, like any of these underdog teams in the World Cup, should be well applauded for their efforts. They could have gotten through, just like how SA could have, but it was not to be.

See ya, mates!

U.S.A vs Algeria

23/6/10 16:00 Ellis Park, Tshwane/Pretoria

USA 1-0 Algeria

Goal Scorer: Landon Donavon

The last minute goal, into extra time, those few precious seconds and the American got a goal. Yes, they were through to the next round. They say it was their 'never say die' or 'never give up' attitude, and all credit to them for that. Although the Kiwis also scored in that last minute and I don't know what you would call their spirit

England vs Slovenia

23/6/10 16:00 Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth

England 1-0 Slovenia

Goal Scorer: Jermain Defoe

I'm miffed because South Africa got one of the most difficult groups and England one of the easiest ones. They said it themselves. Still, they can't play proper soccer. It's ridiculously unfair really. The other match going on at the exact time was USA and Algeria. US beat Algeria, if they had lost, Slovenia would have gone through, and if Algeria beat the Yanks by some goals, then somehow they would have advanced. US won, so yeah.

I would have preferred Algeria to go through, Muslim and African. Alright, their haircuts are entirely silly, but still. Anyway, England got through, everybody is happy and the illusion that England have the dream team still continues.

Nigeria vs. S.Korea

22/6/10 Durban, Moses Mabida Stadium

Nigeria 2-2 S. Korea

Goal Scorers: Lee Jung-soo, Park Chu-young [K] & Kalu Uche, Ayegbeni Yakubu [penalty]

Nigeria needed to win this one with a marginal goal difference, but they didn't. It is awful, because it is yet another disappointing performance by an African team, but I think the Taeguk Warriors were the better team to go through. This is a first for the South Korean team, who have never advanced beyond the group stages away from home soil. S.Korea now find themselves facing Uruguay in the next round, and I do hope they will win that one! 

Although the Super Eagles put up a fight, with the continent rooting for them, they scored two goals but the Koreans matched them, largely due to poor defense. Yakubu's missed an incredible sitter, resulting in their exit from the 2010 soccer world cup.

We would have died to win tonight; we tried so hard. No one can say we didn’t. Kanu on Nigeria's exit

Argentina vs Greece

22/6/10 Polokwane

Argentina 2-0 Greece

Goal Scorers: Martin Demichelis & Martin Palermo

Argentina continued their prolific form with Captain Lionel Messi championing the side to a two-nil victory over the ancient Greeks. The first team to win all their three matches, their conclude first in their group and head on to meet Mexico in the Last 16. This team -the only one to have had a hat-rick and conceding only one goal, S.Korea's- is a must winner for the World Cup. Their setting their sights firmly on it, and only the courageous are ready to go against them. 


“I wasn’t myself in qualifying but I’ve changed now. How? Now I feel comfortable and happy as part of the squad, thanks to my team-mates and to Diego. I feel at ease; it’s the first time that’s happened. I feel like I do at Barcelona, and that’s reflected out on the pitch,” Lionel Messi, Argentina attacker.


The team gelling well together is something that has been missing in the past matches, but with Messi now ready to take on the world together with his teammates, the rest of the teams should be rather afraid. 

Mexico vs Uruguay

22/6/10 Rustenburg

Uruguay 1-0 Mexico

Goal Scorer: Luis Suarez

Uruguay beat Mexico by one goal to nil, making them Group A's winner with 7 points, being the only team to advance without having a single goal scored against them. Mexico became the group's second qualifier with four points, edging out in front of South Africa by a goal difference. This would have helped Bafana had they scored one more goal. [Remember that offside goal?! If only the linesman hadn't been so miserly]. Actually I would have preferred if Mexico and Bafana went through instead, the Mexicans play cool soccer. And I don't like Diego Forlan or that diving Suarez.

South Africa vs. France

22/6/10 Blomfontein

South Africa 2-1 France

Goal Scorers: Bongani KHUMALO (20'), Katlego MPHELA (37') & Florent MALOUDA (70')

RED CARD: Yoann Gourcuff

We are proud of Bafana, they did well, and they won. They played with the spirit of lions and soccer that was lovely to watch. If only they had played like this against Uruguay! There is solace in the fact that they have beaten the former world champions, even if the French team is in a disaster. It is truly shocking to see how France exited the finals. We might have been weeping for our country, but the rest of the world was more worried about France.

When the first goal came from Bongani Khumalo, the Swazi boy, I think it took a second before we believed that we had actually scored in the first half. Then the vuvuzelas erupted, the sounds ecstatic, and Johannesburg was dancing once again. I loved that moment. Imagine how glorious they would have sounded if we had miraculously triumphed. 

I truly believe that S.A. could have gotten that last goal, the one needed to propel them to the last 16, but it was not to be. Also there was that guy Mphela who got the second goal, but kept missing after. I think the coach should have pulled him off, but I doubt there is a better striker than him. Anyway, I think Siphiwe Tshabalala is definitely one of the best players in the team, and he certainly gave us a goal to remember.

South Africa is the first host country to exit the world cup at the group stages. There is much to change, but we bowed out of the tournament gracefully. And we had tremendous fun supporting the boys, even if it was rather nerve racking at times. The team lost, but the colours of Bafana Bafana have united South Africa and that is a true victory. Allah Knows.

Bafana Bafana and Freedom

                                                                                                                                  AFP Photo 

It is only minutes now. We're counting the seconds.

South Africa will soon play the French and it is both teams' last match in the group stages. We only have to look at the French to see that they are a side full of talent and whether they remain angry with their coach, disunited or lackluster, they can still easily beat us. It doesn't matter who they are or what they do, it is up to the South African football team to play soccer with fierce determination and intelligence.

The fans have done their bit. They have gathered together and proclaimed to the world that they will support their national side. They will blow their vuvuzelas, wear yellow and cheer on the national side. Everybody is ready, and more than anything, we want to see a great match.  Bafana Bafana we want to see that you are appreciative of our trust in you, that you will try and win. Make us really and truly, five goals to nil proud.

That can't be done if you play it safe team, it can't be done if you've resigned yourselves to a draw, and it doesn't matter if Raymond Domench is staring down at you with those horribly huge black eyebrows of his. It doesn't matter if you're playing in the premier league or in a tiny team that nobody knows about, it is about playing for South Africa. Yes, we all love the world cup, and we know Argentina deserves to win, but there is nothing like cheering on your country.

And that, [besides all the technical stuff], is what stands between South Africa and Freedom. A deep breath, Uruguay/Mexico and a few goals. May Allah Almighty help us.

Go Bafana, GO GO!

Spain vs. Honduras

21/6/10 Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Spain 2-0 Honduras

Goal Scorers: David Villa [twice]

Oh, what a beauty, and yes, I'm talking about David Villa's glorious goal. His run was powerful but light, he struck for goal full of confidence and the ball obeyed, smashing itself into victory. So it was, Barcelona's latest kid turns out to be good buy. There are going to be a lot of eager fans awaiting his entrance. It was his night, although he failed to get that penalty and thus depriving himself of a hat-rick. I had already typed hat-rick and was just about to tweet it, when he missed. This is Espana's tricky conundrum, they don't score enough goals.


All these rough and tumble teams, like Honduras, should just go home. There has been enough wild tackles and dirty dives, and it doesn't matter what you do, as long as you continue to behave in a reasonable manner. 

Then there is El Niño, who looks rather unwell. He was disorientated, couldn't place the ball, and was exhausted. The guy did not seem to have enough strength and dragged himself all over until the coach finally called him off. I do hope he gets better soon, if Allah Wills. 

Chile vs. Switzerland

21/6/10 Nelson Mandela Bay, P.E.

Chile 1-0 Switzerland

Goal Scorer: Mark Gonzalez

RED CARD:Valon Behrami

Portugal vs North Korea

21/6/10 Green Point Stadium, Cape Town 


Portugal 7-0 North Korea 


Goal Scorers [there is a long list of them]: Meireles, Simao, Almeida, Tiago [2 goals], Liedson & Cristiano Ronaldo,


Yes, seven goals! I can hardly believe it.This is Ooh La La Soccer at its best.  A stunning game of smooth soccer, Portugal triumphed over the rest of the world with the World Cup's largest victory after eight years. 


 All the pessimists against the ball should be quiet and watch how the Portuguese danced with that ball, scoring almost deliciously. They didn't hold back and defend after three, they went forward to attack, and you just had to blink and they were celebrating once more. The ball drawn to the net as if it there was magnetizing force there, and we just watched in awe as the goals kept pouring in.  Enticing soccer from these Portuguese. 


They crafted the ball through the helpless Koreans and made endless passes, looking entirely at ease. The Koreans might have held the Brazilians back, but here they were dismantled and were stunned at the almost never ending streak of goals. The match seemed endless, I looked at the clock and was surprised that there was still 10 minutes until the end.


The first half did not note at the the impending victory. The Koreans themselves getting chances at goal. It was only until the 29th minute that Meireles fired in a goal.


After the second half, the Portuguese decided to show the world that they were going to slash those critics of theirs and win the trophy. Simao made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute. After some scintillating play, it was only three minutes after when Almeida to nodded it past the goalkeeper. Portugal were now tearing the Koreans apart, and the commentator remarked that it would be truly extraordinary if there were to get back on par. But Portugal were not taking any chances,they soon had their fourth goal, Tiago finding the net from Ronaldo's pass. Then Liedson got in on the score sheet after whipping past a defender.

And then, what I was waiting for, Cristiano Ronaldo's goal. Mr. Most Expensive Player in the World has had a tough time playing for his country, having not scored in for them in quite a long while. Then it almost happened, Ronaldo struck the top corner of the bar with a stunning strike, everybody sighing collectively.  Then the ball spun off Ri Myong-Guk and on to Ronaldo's back before  he dropped it from his head to his foot and tapped it in for an easy finish, ending it off with a relieved grin. Tiago's header one minute from time completed the magnificent seven.

The vuvuzelas roared in appreciation for the scintillating show the team had put up for them. 

“My goal was funny but I’m very happy,” said Ronaldo, "To score seven in a World Cup game is not easy, we played fantastic.”

Kaka's Red Card

The story of the match is another one full of exaggerated anger and deliberately scheming cheats who are out to get other people into trouble. This is all to do with Kaka’s red card. Keita ran into Kaka and then held his face with much angst.  The Brazilian was a victim of Keita’s so called near death and was then punished for being fouled.  

Ivory Coast played shameful soccer, and to accuse somebody of absolute innocence should be awarded with a suspension. Don’t they ever, ever get punished? The only person who gets a lot of attention when he does it is Cristiano. Otherwise all the corrupters out there are left to roam free while they destroy our world cup.

"It was a totally unjustified dismissal of Kaka, he was fouled and yet he was punished,"said Dunga with indignation.

"I won't make any comment about the red card,  I think all of you saw the image and everything else, so I have nothing further to say. The images are there for all to see and you are able to see what really happened."fumed Kaka after the game." 

Brazil vs Ivory Coast

20/6/10 Soccer City, Johannesburg

Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast

Goal Scorers: Louis Fabiano [2 goals], & Drogba [IC]

RED CARD: Kaka

Brazil played fantastically. I loved how they got the goals, most especially the first one. It was complicated, woven through a mass of defenders, concentrated passes and a striking shot by Fabiano to finish it off. Kaka has to be the hero; he controls the ball and gets it to wherever it is supposed to be, and they finish it off with proud shouts. He is part of that old class of players, the golden age, with the real R’s. By the way, Ronaldo would have scored 10 goals, with the defenders enjoying the Brazilian footwork instead of doing their jobs.

Luis Fabiano is not such a good guy. He handballed that second goal, taking it oh so neatly from his arm, bringing it cleverly down and scoring. The referee should have seen that! I don’t know if these crazy referees are only there to make sure gamblers get their bids right. And Lucio is gone fat. Man, I miss that old team. I wish they were here, and I wish the Brazilians played pretty soccer.

Brazil dominated. In fact, even though everybody thought that this match was going to be an absolute cracker, filled with sides full of ability, the Ivoirians, even though they were not scattered, were just pushed out of the way. Drogba scored that last goal, boosting a bit of moral, but they are not even close to be thought of as serious contenders against the the real teams, both European and South American. 

WELL DONE BRAZIL! Go for Gold

Italy vs New Zealand

20/6/10 Mbombela Stadium

Italy 1-1 New Zealand

Goal Scorers: Shane Smeltz [NZ] & Iaquinta

Italians do have nice names. It sounds full and rhythmic, and almost makes me want to support them. It reminds me of mozzarella, pizza, pasta and all sorts of delicious things. I know it’s fickle, but I do want them to stay in the tournament even if it is for that reason. The other important one is Cannavaro. Who wants him to go out at such an early stage? It would make this world cup with its slew of red cards so much more depressing.

The Kiwis held the Azzuri back with a fierce defence, deciding that they would go through to the next round. The Italians attacked all the time, but they could not break through that wall in their heads. I think this has a lot to do with something they have resigned themselves to, or just because so their old and cranky they can’t play soccer.

An early strike for New Zealand and a penalty for Italy. Another draw for either of the teams, although the dudes from down under have two goals from both matches, while the Italians only have the one. With the Paraguayans probably through, Italy will need to beat Slovakia. This must not be taken for granted, these young teams have been ignored for far too long, it is about they were respected, and we support them instead.

You can always dare to dream. It is a World Cup and anything is possible. said New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert.

The press said, ‘New Zealand, the Darlings of the soccer...’ They like to say ‘Darling’ that continent, it sounds sweet, but I’m not entirely sure the Kiwis deserve such an elevated title. I guess, compared to the Socceroos, who have been playing Aussie Rules and Rugby on a football field; it might make some sense.

Paraguay vs. Slovakia

20/6/10

Paraguay 2-0 Slovakia

Goal Scorers:  Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros 

The South Americans upstaged the Slovakians and easily beat them, as well as many attacks on goal, while the Slovakians only recorded one. 

Paraguay is the first team in Group F to progress to the top of the log, with four points. 

Roque Santa Cruz stated that since Paraguay have never been in the quarter-finals, it is the teams goal to get there.

Cameroon vs Denmark

19/6/10

Denmark 2-1 Cameroon

Goal Scorers: Nicklas Bendtner, Dennis Rommedahl [D] & Samuel Eto'o [C]

I have frozen fingers, they might just crack and fall of with indignation. African teams are simply hopeless. Although Denmark did not strike me as one of those who might lift the trophy when they played against the Dutch, it just shows the low standard of Cameroonian football. Nobody knows how to defend anymore [with the exception of N.Korea], their all just running to attack, or running somewhere and leaving their goalposts salivating for an attack from the opposition.

I do feel sorry for Eto'o. He scored that goal and I thought they might beat the Danish with some steady soccer, but alas, they were beaten. The last goal from Dennis Rommedahl was wonderful, and suddenly the Danes seem threatening and Japan will have to protect its defense with more determination.