Sunday, July 4, 2010

Spain vs Paraguay

3/7/10 Ellis Park

Spain 1-0 Paraguay

Goal Scorer: David Villa

The guy has five goals! That makes him the leading goal-scorer in the tournament. He is l

So, the last of the quarter-finals. That makes Germany and Spain get together to have a lovely chat. Their kits are both gorgeous, so it will look altogether well. Though Spain does have more of an upper hand in regards to gorgeousness. I'm sure they will have a wonderful time. Semi-finals are always better than finals. Quarters are better than Semis. Elation and Melancholy are always there to grace the occasion.



Germany vs Argentina


3/7/10

Germany 4-0 Argentina

Goal Scorers: Muller, Klose [2], Friedrich

I'm still stunned. The Brazilian defeat might have been a smack, but the Argentinian one was like a punch.
I was crying and laughing, these two teams are my favourites, and I can never decide which one to support, but the way Argentina lost! Oh, it was disastrous. It was horrible. Brazil, Italy and France might have lost, but these Argentinians were absolutely lost on that field. It was as if there were only German players, and they were just there to beg the time go by.

The Germans defended and then they ran. Its extraordinary, watching Bayern Munich just before the Cup, and I would never have thought they would turn on the dazzle and come and win the World Cup. They have mastered most techniques, but the true success of their team lies in their unity. It is never about the one player, every single member plays his spectacular best, and that is coupled together to watch brilliance move on that field.

The Germans played a defensive game, which totally dismantled the Argentinian brains. It was as if their heads were scattered everywhere, and they were just running around trying to pick them up. They got close, they were kicked of. The broke, and they ran, and they scored. The defensive of the 'Blues' was seriously lacking. Look at all the goals, and you will see that their just entirely clever.

It's simple: we were tactically brilliant.
Manuel Neuer, Germany goalkeeper.




Hey, Germany is Argentina's nemesis. They just crumble when they even hear the name. Seeing how it went yesterday, I don't think Argentina will ever win a world cup again. They are not part of the greats. I want them there, I know they are supposed to be, but they can't fit in. Their unbelievably unlucky.  Its not meant to be for them. Perhaps they should take up some other occupation besides soccer? I do feel sorry for Maradona, I wish that they could have done better. Messi looked completely helpless, his expression neither pain nor sadness, but haunting. There he was, drowning in a sea of loss. Nothingness closing life.

The Germans came here to win, and they take it very seriously. Its work for them, a battle, strength. They don't forget their objective. Their not here to play. Lavish all the words of praise and glory upon them.  Their going to beat Spain by one thousand goals, and their going to win the cup. They are my very favourite European side. They rock! Go GERMANY!

I can't stop thinking about Argentina.
I feel like I'm mourning something real, solid in my hands.

Allah Knows.

Argentina-Germany comment

Argentina vs. Germany is a match where I just can’t take sides. I have never been able to choose between these two teams, their different but somehow always so interesting. The German team is my favourite, but Argentina has to be one of those teams that I admire much. Remember ’06? That quarter-final where it got to penalties and Michael Ballack took the most clinically correct one I had ever seen. That goal Germany scored from that set piece. I wanted Argentina to go through too.

The Argentinean elegance and skill that is coupled to make a smooth game, is something to watch with awe. The best member of the team is by far, Maradona. The guy is so cool, and exciting, he just rocks. I don’t know a few of the members, but Lionel Messi being the world’s best player, simply makes this team superbly dangerous. Their brilliant, but they do have this tendency to stop somewhere, I don’t know why.
 The German proficiency in making everything so very right, so clean and gorgeously controlled, is worth its own weight. Their young, I wish Klose could get those goals of his; it would be great if everything got proper, if they were a bit surer. I’m sure they could get through; I think they have a better chance than the Argentineans’ because of a solid history.

So, Diego Maradona's Albiceleste or Joachim Low's Nationalelf? Let’s wait and see.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

URUGUAY vs GHANA

2/7/10 Soccer City, Johannesburg

Uruguay (1-1) 4-2 [penalties] Ghana

RED CARD: Suarez

Please, a moment of silence for this mournful day of soccer.

I hope that cheating Suarez gets banned for years.
Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty that could have taken Ghana to the Semis.
Then, Ghana lost on penalties. Hey, Allah knows.
Suarez said he saved the match, and was awarded for it.
I can't stand the Uruguayans, and all they do is keep advancing.
They will probably win the world cup.
And Forlan will be standing there, grinning slyly at us.

Netherlands and Uruguay are in the Semi-finals.
Please, give me strength.

Netherlands vs. Brazil

                                                                         GETTY IMAGES
2/7/10

Netherlands 2-1 Brazil

Goal Scorers: Robinho, Felipe Melo [own goal] and Wesley Sneijder

RED CARD: Felipe Melo

Brazil were playing beautifully in the first half. Fast, creative and so exciting. We all sighed happily, and rejoiced that the Samba was finally back. We had waited four years for this, four years to wear bright yellow t-shirts, four entire years to cheer when the team went through. There might be other teams, but there is always Brazil. We were entertained for only a half an hour, in four long years.

Robinho's first goal was glorious. Oh it was lovely. So utterly Brazilian. It was created by that entire team. The Dutch were lost. Then Felipe Melo scored an own goal. In the second half, Brazil lost their composure. Sneijder scored. They started fouling, Melo stamped his foot into that dude.

I don't care much about Holland, it does not break my heart when they lose. I thought I was over crying for this Brazilian team, but it seems I still have tears for them. Oh it is utterly outrageous. Oh Brazil!

The Dutch played well, they out ran them in that second half. I think Brazil were so stunned that they were losing, [their almost never losing] and they didn't know what to do. I so wish Kaka had scored some superb goals, I wish they had gone through.

Dunga resigned. Well he should have. Making them play all sorts of crazy soccer and not letting them be free. And, not bringing Ronaldinio to the World Cup.

This world cup is shocking!


PORTUGAL vs SPAIN

29/6/10 Green Point Stadium, Cape Town

Spain 1-0 Portugal

Goal Scorer: David Villa

RED CARD: Ricardo Costa

Well, the Iberian clash, Portugal vs. Spain was played out for the first time in World Cup history.

No. 7 was being overly dramatic, but I wish the Portuguese had gotten some goals. They had enough opportunities. I wish Cristiano Ronaldo did well, because everybody just blames him for everything. Of course, he could have done more, but the guy was not the only one in the wrong. Their coach could not come up with fresh tactics, and couldn't guide his team well. Ronaldo should never have been captain, he might be a great talent, but you can't choose someone as a leader because he is good at step-overs! And that red card was totally unnecessary. Crazy referees. So, bye Portugal. 

I think Spain truly has a chance of winning. The game was played out with intricate Spanish passes, almost twirling the ball instead of kicking it. The Spanish don’t run much, if I may; they mostly just pass, keeping most of the possession. They play so much in that midfield, it makes one dizzy.

They do have a bit of a problem scoring many goals. Torres is always in orbit, and if it were not for sparkly David Villa, I don't think they would have gotten very far. He is the player that is probably going to win that golden boot, and is on roaring fire form. There is nobody in the finals who can match up to his spirit. He is absolutely in love with soccer at the moment, and he is full of faith that he will score many tremendous goals. Go Espania! Ole, Ole, Ole...


Oh yes, Japan lost to Paraguay on penalties, even though they were the better side. They play good easy football too. So, that ends this round of the World Cup, which is going at such a scary speed, its so sad. I'm going to miss it! We had two rest days ahead of this game, and I felt rather disorientated. The day is weird when there are no matches. :(

Friday, July 2, 2010

Argentina vs Mexico

27/6/10 Soccer City, Johannesburg

8:30 pm

Argentina 2-1 Mexico

Goal Scorers: Tevez [2], Higuain [A] and Hernandez [M]

This is the most tantalizing matches of them all, even those that are to come. That is because I was there, at the magnificent Soccer City stadium, and feeling the soccer. You could see the players emotions, the tension sizzling in the air, and the hopes of 80500 people dancing on the field.

I had not wanted to go to the stadiums, and did not really feel the need. Then the tickets appeared, rather expensive unfortunately, but thats what you get if you buy them a few hours before kick-off. Allah bless us. So, my sister and I went out for the match. We waited about 20 minutes in the traffic to get to the parking, and Soccer City glittered and proudly welcomed the world. It is has a truly African look to it, the colours in the day are earthy, reds and oranges, it fits in quite well with the dry Johannesburg winter. At night, the calabash is a bowl of light. It might not be the prettiest stadium, but it is holds more than others, and is a statement of power.

We then walked for 20 minutes to get to the Stadium, its quite a distance, and the sidewalks were still unpaved, but the amazing thing was that it was safe. Being a South African, we almost never walk out at night, in fear that the criminals are looming everywhere.

There are thousands of people, milling about, the vendors selling hot chocolate, makarapas, vuvuzelas, and all sorts of fan paraphernalia. The Argentinian funs were more than the Mexican ones, I think it was because many South Africans chose to support Albiceleste too. We had to go through a metal detector, and then went to our seats, which was entrance G. There are no stairs, fortunately, but wide ramps, making it so much safer. So, we went, rather a long way up, and there were the orange seats, and there was the field.

The sounds of the vuvuzelas, the roar of it rather, was unbelievably loud. It almost stopped you from thinking. Yes, its loud in a room, but in a round stadium, where the sounds almost bounce back at you, and there are thousands blowing it with so much energy, its astonishing. I needed earplugs. And everybody is completely addicted to it. Their enjoying it so very much, it begins before the match starts and after it too.

The players were training on the field, and that was wonderful to watch. They psyche themselves up for the match, running freely, and almost in tune to the tremendous noise blasting around them. I can't understand how they concentrate with all that noise around them. Their being geniuses and they have to do it with the constant whirring of noise.

When the players walked out, the people blew those trumpets louder, but when Maradona appeared they roared. He is really, the biggest star of the world cup. He might have played soccer very many years ago, but they shout more for him than any other. Then the match began. If I may, the players look unbelievably normal. The TV makes it seem as if their great creatures, but their not. They also don't run as much as it seems on camera, as if they never ever get a moment to breath. The thing is, once its out of their half, the other players are standing and waiting for the ball. The fans are constantly throwing streamers and balloons around, so quite a few of them land up on the field. The lucky Argentinian goal keeper, who didn't have a lot of green shirts jumping at him, calmly took a streamer, gathered it up and threw it out. Amazing.

And as soon as Mr. Lionel Messi touches the ball, the crowd cheers in delight. Everybody wants him to score, to have the ball all the time, to have him take on Mexico by himself and run rings around them. I wanted him to score, it would have crowned the night. The stars sparkled above Soccer City, the weather icy. The substitutes seemed quite happy sitting on the bench with many blankets. I kept trying to keep my hands warm, and many were buying hats and earmuffs. The atmosphere was hot, it was stunning. It was worth it.

People can't wait for a goal. They play and play, you wonder when its going to happen, and then its there. Oh, what a gorgeous moment. It is a goal, even if you sigh in sadness for your team. Spectators always want to be entertained, they want a good match. Argentina's goal came at 26th minute, and everybody stands and cheers in happiness, the blue flags waving. Ah, a celebration.

However, that first goal was offside. Tevez had been in front of the two defenders, was passed the ball and then he scored. The ref allowed it. Then, the huge screen above showed the reply, clearly showing it offside. Of course, some of the players saw it, and the teams began shoving each other around, and justifiably for the Mexicans, seeing as it was not a goal. No can do, Argentina had scored. Sepp Blatter later apologized, but FIFA is undeniably, crazy. What are they, corrupt? The replay comes almost instantly, and you could wait for that.

Also, fouls. TV makes it seem so dramatic. They fall so many times, Messi does it a lot. Many times they just get up, and get on with it. Of course, there is rough play, but its not, as it might seem, awfully dangerous.

The second goal was rather easy, and Argentina had easily left the Mexicans behind, even though the Mexicans played well, showing a determined spirit. Then, Tevez's second goal, it sliced the wind, and it was brilliant. Hernandez scored for Mexico in the second half, and after that, the celebrating Argentineans, and the players passing the ball, waiting for the end.

Bye Mexico, well done! They have a good team, I wish they had gone through instead of Uruguay.

And so, my match. Praise be to Allah.

I give absolutely everything for this jersey and I run my socks off on the pitch just to keep my place.-Tevez.


Thursday, July 1, 2010

Germany vs England

27/6/10 Free State

Germany 4-1 England [Really, it should have been 2]

Goal Scorers: Klose, Podolski, Muller [2] and Matt Upson [e] (sorry Frank Lampard)

The Germans annihilated the Brits. They were left floundering, dazedly watching as the Germans kicked them out of World Cup 2010. People should stop listening to the English media, and get realistic. Deutschland wins once again, they walk away proudly, saluting their soldiers. They are most electrifying team here, and I could just cheer on their energy. Their also a united side, so they trust each other to get ahead and that makes for much better soccer. It is noticeable when some teams are not gelling with each other, or when the popular players look out of place with their teammates. 

The huge story of course, is of the disallowed goal. Frank Lampard [who has an extraordinary IQ of 150] scored an apparent goal, which bounced neatly behind the line and was then picked up by the goalie and thrown out. The referee did not see it. The world was in an uproar. It should have been 2-2! Even the top guns got involved, and Germany's Chancellor, Angela Merkel apologized to the English prime minister for it. It was a most horrible, disastrous and downright outrageous mistake. Referee Jorge LARRIONDA (URU) should be taken to task.

Well, to be fair, everybody knows, disallowed goal or not, the better team won. Yay!

Everyone worked his socks off for everyone else, and we were all committed to the cause. That's what made the difference. Miroslav Klose, Germany forward


The Germans, true to their traditions, were committed to the cause. That is something to be wary off. The English did not even know which cause to commit to. 



USA vs Ghana

26/6/10

Ghana 2-1 USA

Goal Scorers: Kevin Prince BOATENG (5')Asamoah GYAN (93')and Landon DONOVAN (62' PEN)

Yes! Takbir!

The Black Super-Stars are through. I was rather tired of Landon Donovan being the media's main interest as if he was the most popular player in the World Cup.

They were brilliant, the Ghanaians. Their goals were quick and sharp and they put up a superb show for the continent. Africa cheers in hope. Go Ghana!

Uruguay vs S.Korea


27/6/10 Nelson Mandela Bay, P. E.

LAST 16

Uruguay 2-1 S.Korea

Goal Scorers: Suarez [U] [twice] and Lee Yong [K]

So, the Last 16. It was a rather dreary start to next stage, but I hoped that Korea would beat the South Americans, but these guys are just too good. South Africa just gave them a boost of confidence when they lost so sorely to them. Suarez might be a diver, but he scored a beautiful goal. And so Uruguay became the first team to enter into the quarters.


Spain vs Chile

26/6/10 Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Spain 2-1 Chile

Goal Scorers: David Villa and Iniesta

David Villa scored the most gorgeously fresh goal. Torres jumped over the goalie, and this dude just came flying, kicked it and it swooped in, shouting victory. He is on roaring fire form, 'the King.' He is a superstar, and there is nobody that matches up to his personality and confidence. So, yes, they went through on top of their group and had to play Portugal in the Last 16. Luckily for them, the Swiss and Honduras kept it at a smooth draw, and so begins Spain's conquest.


Ivory Coast vs N. Korea

25/6/10

Corte d'Ivoire 3-0 N. Korea

The Portuguese thunderbolts struck the elephants and they all died. Pity, you need seven goals to get equal on goal difference. Disappointing African teams really. Drogba might be a good player, but he can't keep acting like immature Cristiano. You need to have special talent to pull of acts like those.


Brazil vs Portugal

25/6/10 Moses Mabida Stadium, Durban

Brazil 0-0 Portugal

Brazil did not score, Portugal didn't bother, it was a painful and worse, boring match. I have not enjoyed the way the Samba boys have been playing anyway, way too many fouls and also so much defense. It is effective, but its not pretty. So, the Brazilians finished on top of the group, and Portugal came second.