Felipe's Melodrama

    Brazil   1-2   Holland                       

       Port Elizabeth

World Cup favourites Brazil are out of the tournament following a cataclysmic second half collapse against the Dutch. The result has since triggered the resignation of Dunga as head coach.

The three previous World Cup encounters between the sides have all been World Cup classics. Their meeting in 1974 sparked the unstoppable rise of total football and the end of Brazil's samba style. The 1994 quarter final saw five second goals with the Brazilians edging out the Oranje with a late Branco free kick. France '98s greatest game took place in Marseille's Velodrome in the semi finals but Holland's indifference to penalties cost them a deserved final place.

Unfortunately the 2010 installment won't be as fondly remembered. Constant whistle blowing, cynical tackling and an awful playing surface limited the chances for any open free flowing football, the like of which is demanded from these two nations.

The mental collapse of Felipe Melo was what finally sealed the deal. His own goal and subsequent sending off summed up the Brazilian fall from grace in the second half. Their tempermant completely disappeared once the equalizer came and even more so following Holland's second goal. How Holland managed to turn this game around is a mystery as it wasn't particularly through their own doing but moreso down to Brazil's lack of discipline.  

The Selacao produced glimpses of their attacking potential in the first half. Clever interplay from the front three and the enthusiasm of Robinho in particular saw the Brazilians take control and the opening goal wasn't long in coming. Future villain Felipe Melo threaded a ball through the non existent Dutch defence from the half way line which Robinho ran on to and volleyed home first time. The goal was the epitomy of the game up that point. The South Americans were comfortable on the ball and confident of their ability to win the game. Meanwhile the dutch defense was clearly nervous and was caught out continuously before and after the tenth minute opener.

By half time their tally could have been as many as three as Kaka and Maicon came close. The under performing Netherlands players were happy to leave the field only one down. Their passes weren't sticking, Arjen Robben was indecisive with his dribbling and Nigel de Jong and Mark Van Bommel were living dangerously in midfield.

The Dutch never looked like scoring as the second half got under way. Robin van Persie couldn't control the ball and was easily snuffed out by Juan and Lucio. A rash tackle by the already yellow carded Michel Bastos changed the game. The Lyon right midfielder, yet Brazilian left back, was lucky not to be sent off but justice came only second later. A quick free kick resulted in a Wesley Sneijder cross. Buzz Lightyear lookalike Julio Cesar came for the cross but got nowhere near it as it bounced in off Melo's head. It was the first own goal Brazil have conceded in nearly 100 World Cup matches.

It wasn't much longer before the smallest player on the pitch scored the winning goal. Sneijder diverted Dirk Kuyt's flicked header into the top corner to score the first headed goal of his career. How the diminutive midfielder found himself in the space to produce such an outcome is unforgivable. The famed Brazilian defence was nowhere to be seen. It was as though their dominating confidence from the first half had evaporated after the first goal they shipped.

Melo's sending off sealed their fate. His stamp on Robben showed how he had lost his head, much like the rest of his team, who were becoming increasingly frustrated with the stop start nature of the game. Melo's temperament had been questioned after the game with Portugal as the Juventus player seemed more interested in fouling opponents than playing the beautiful game. Any worries were clearly justified.

The next goal looked more likely to come from Holland on the counter attack than from the Selecao, especially with Luis Fabiano inexplicably off the pitch. The five time champions huffed and puffed but never looked like turning things around, and even if they had the Dutch would surely have won out eventually against ten men.

Brazilians may now get their wish. Defensive tactics have left a shadow over the winning teams of 1994 and 2002 and this inglorious exit may be the final straw. With the Mundial on home soil in 2014 a return to the Brazil of Pele and Garrincha will be demanded, as opposed to the uninspiring team Dunga has put together in the past four years. The Copa America and Confederations Cup are in the bag but they half failed spectacularly when it mattered most.

One couldn't help but feel disappointed for certain players however. This was supposed to be Kaka's tournament but he never stamped his authority on it and Lucio has been the world's best defender for the last year but as captain he has failed to deliver a sixth crown.

Holland may not be everyone's cup of tea even in their own country but they move on to the semi finals, only one step away from a third final. Could this finally be the year that the Oranje claim the trophy they should have collected in 1974?   


Ghana Pay Penalty

Ghana   1 (2)-(4) 1   Uruguay

          Soccer City

Africa's last remaining hope are out of the tournament after losing a penalty shoot out to Uruguay. Never has an African nation come closer to reaching the semi finals of a World Cup but when they were practically handed a place in the last four Asamoah Gyan failed to right his name in history.

Gyan last second penalty was the product of Luis Suarez'x hand ball and sending off. The Ajax striker prevented a certain goal with his arms and effectively cheated the Black Stars out of a semi final place but the Ghana penalty taker should have been able to win the game from 12 yards out. A "sporting injustice" had taken place, according to Ghana coach Milovan Rajavec. Unfortunately the rules dictate that a penalty be awarded. In Rugby Union, for example, a penalty try is awarded is instances when a try is inevitable but illegally prevented by the defending side. FIFA may want to look at reinterpreting their own rules. Without Suarez's interference a goal was certain and Ghana would be in the semi finals.

One of the games of the tournament was only enhanced by the chaos of the closing minutes in Johannesburg's Soccer City as both sides attacked endlessly in confidence of winning the game outright. The negativity that encapsulated Paraguays victory over Japan was not on show in this quarter final as both nations believed that they were capable of winning with their own styles of play. Ghana throw caution to the wind and pose an unpredictable threat as eve their own players don't know what they're going to do next. On the other hand the Uruguayans attack with purpose in the confidence that their defensive line can handle all comers.

Urugauy's position as favourites was justified in the manner they began the game. Ghana couldn't get out of their own half as the Celeste pressed for an early goal, as they did against the South Koreans last Saturday. Richard Kingson was forced into a string of saves as he kept Suarez at bay. The Black Stars began to assert their own style as the game wore on however with Kevin Prince Boateng being particularly lively and enthused. After a first half in which both teams could have scored in was Sulley Muntari, Ghana's forgotten man, who opened the scoring with a swerving long range effort than was bending away from the goalkeeper.

That goal was a welcome reward for the Ghanaian endeavours of the first 45 but as they would have expected Uruguay were back in the ascendancy as the second half kicked off. Diego Forlan's dipping and swerving free kick from the left hand corner of the 18 yard box was the least they deserved. The equalizer could easily have been followed by a winner as the Uruguayans found plenty of space in the African half of the pitch. Suarez once more, had the best chance of the half to settle the game once and for all but he fluffed his lines.

Ghana were surely happy to reach extra time at all, much as they were against the US last Saturday in Rustenburg. The mayhem of the final minute came about from a free kick that should never have been. Ghana almost took full advantage from the penalty spot after the ball flew around the penalty area like a pin-ball. Suaez's handball saw him leave the field in tears as he though he had cost his country its dream. The sheer relief he felt was clear for all to see as he jumped around the tunnel upon realising Gyan had missed.

John Mensah can take equal responsibility for the defeat. His one pace run up was always going to result in a missed penalty. Before the spot kicks momentum and the ascendancy were always going to be on the side of the South Americans, and that proved to be the case. Sebastien Abreu slotted home his teams winning kick with effortless and poise. It broke the hearts of a continent and especially Asamoah Gyan but Uruguay return to the big time for the first time in 50 years. A third World Cup might just be possible for a nation of 3.5 million people.    

FIFA Discard Controversial Referees

The referees at the centre of Sunday’s two World Cup controversies have both been sent home from the tournament in South Africa.


The referees whose decisions denied Frank Lampard a goal in England‘s game with Germany and all but ended Mexico‘s chances against Argentina have both been discarded by FIFA.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter was forced to apologise to the English FA following the officials’ failure to spot that Lampard’s first-half shot had bounced two feet over the line when it crashed down off the crossbar.

Match officials, Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda and his assistants, Mauricio Espinosa and Pablo Fandino, have been told they are not being retained for the quarter-final stages and beyond.

The officials who failed to spot that Carlos Tevez was a few yards offside when he scored Argentina’s crucial first goal against Mexico have also been asked to pack their bags.

The Italian referee involved, Roberto Rosetti, was also one of the referees that Harry Kewell accused of favouring the bigger nations. The Australian was sent off by Rosetti for a handball in their group stage game with Ghana.

With only eight games remaining in the tournament FIFA have cut a number of referees. Mali’s Koman Coulibaly, who denied the US a legitimate late goal against Slovenia in his first World Cup game, has also suffered an early exit for his troubles.

France’s Stephane Lanoy has suffered the same fate for his role in the sending off of Brazil’s Kaka against Ivory Coast. The Brazilian playmaker was sent off for apparently shoving and elbowing Galatasaray’s Kader Keita but television footage clearly portrayed a playacting Ivorian.

His failure to control the game in what was a heated second half has ultimately cost him a place in the latter stages of the World Cup. World Cups, it seems, are decided by the smallest of details, even for referees.

Round of 16: Day 4

Paraguay Prevail Eventually

Japan   0 (3)-(5) 0   Paraguay  AET

Japan and Paraguay played out what was the only goalless game of the second round in Pretoria. While it may have been the dullest game of the last four days it still managed to end in high drama as Paraguay won in what was the tournament's first penalty shoot out.

Both sides qualified for this stage with impressive performances in their respective groups but both appeared to be more afraid of defeat at this stage as both were pursuing their first ever quarter final spot.

Paraguay topped Group F ahead of Italy and comfortably beat fellow qualifiers Slovakia, while Japan were one of only two second placed teams to win two of their three games.

Despite that, they both played out a dire encounter at Loftus Versfeld. Neither side seemed interested in going for the win, focusing mainly on not conceded, especially the Japanese.

The Blue Samurai played an intense, emotional affair with Denmark only days earlier and they looked to have used up all their energy in getting this far. Their lack of ambition swung the balance in favour of Paraguay, who probably did more of the two to actually win the game in 120 minutes.

The power of penalties can never be underestimated even after the most boring of games. Even with all that occurred in the previous two hours the shoot out had the drama and emotion to make this a memorable match up. The villain of the piece was Yuichi Komano, who struck his country's third penalty off the crossbar. His tears summed up the magnitude of his miss and the burden he'll have to bare for the remainder of his life.

Paraguay meanwhile slotted five perfect penalties to win by five to three in what was an emotional experience for all, including Paraguay's Argentinian manager Gerardo Martino who was in floods of tears after Oscar Cardozo scored the winning spot kick.

The South Americans move on to play European champions Spain in the quarter finals. Further defensive expertise should be expected in a game that may bare similarities to Paraguay's second round meeting with France in 1998, which was decided by a Laurent Blanc golden goal.    


Seleccion oust Selaccao

         Spain   1-0   Portugal

Spain defeated their Iberian neighbours in Cape Town on Tuesday night in what was a fully deserved victory over a poor Portugal team. La Furia Roja now go on to face Paraguay in the quarter finals in confidence that their World Cup dream is still alive despite losing their first game to Switzerland.

One goal from David Villa was enough to secure victory against a Portugal team that was lacking in direction going forward. The Spanish made the most of the Portuguese ineptitude by taking one of the few chances that came their way.

For all their problems, the Portuguese were probably the better side in the first half. They controlled the ball better and enjoyed a lot of possession. Spain were thwarted every time they tried to create something and the defence was comfortable for the most part.

Their problems were more evident in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo was selfish and wasteful and there looked to be no cohesion between the midfield trio, the wingers and Hugo Almeida up front. With the Portuguese unlikely to score, Spain could patiently bide their time in belief that another chance would come.

David Villa eventually popped up for la seleccion and gave them the goal that took them into the quarter finals for the third time in five tournaments. Their previous recent appearances ended in defeat in 1994 and 2002 but there is a feeling that this time may be different.

For the remainder of the game the Spanish passed the ball around effortlessly, almost creating chances at will for Sergio Ramos, Fernando Llorente and Villa, while the Portuguese persevered without an end result.     

For Portugal, the inquest will begin. Their own goals came against North Korea and they never looked like scoring against Ivory Coast, Brazil and Spain. Some players looked uninterested and Carlos Queiros is clearly not to everybody's taste.

Spain are not perfect either though. This is not the free flowing excitement of 2008 unfortunately mainly because both Fernando Torres is out of sorts and Sergio Busquets is on the pitch. Vicente del Bosque has preferred a safety first approach with two defensive midfielders as opposed to his predecessors approach of just having one in Marcos Senna. 

For Spain to thrill us once again they should revert to the formation of 2008 with David Silva replacing Busquets with Xabi Alonso reverting to the more defensive role and Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Silva allowed to pass and roam at will. Such freedom looks unlikely however. The opening defeat has left Spain worried of a repeat scenario and not conceding has taking precedence.       

  

Round of 16: Day 3

Clockwork Orange Keeps Ticking Over

Holland   2-1   Slovakia

Holland's World Cup has been so far fairly low key. Routine yet hard fought group stage victories were followed up by another such win on Monday afternoon against Slovakia.

Goals from the returning Arjen Robben and the diminutive Wesley Sneijder were enough to see the Oranje through to a first quarter final since meeting Brazil in America in 1994. The performance wasn't totally convincing once again however.

The Slovaks created a number of openings for themselves in the second half that forced Maarten Stekelenburg to finally prove his worth as the new Dutch number one. If the Eastern Europeans has kept their concentration Hollands second goal may never even have come and their last minute consolation may not have been in vain.

That would have been a misleading scoreline however. The presence of Robben clearly caused problems for the Slovaks and the Dutch created a host of chances, particularly early in the second half.

Their failure to find a second goal could have cost them as their opponents finally began to get a foothold in the game but Martin Skrtel's lapse in concentration allowed Dirk Kuyt to set up Sneijder for a tap in. Skrtel was arguing with the referee as Holland took a quick free kick.

Robert Vittek scored his fourth World Cup goal with the final kick of the game but it was too late to launch a comeback. Over all it has been a successful first World Cup for the Slovaks who will have been delighted to beat Italy to reach the second round in the first place. Anything after that would have been a bonus. 

Holland will need to raise their game if they're to overcome this Brazil team. Confidence will be high after twelve consecutive competitive victories but Brazil offer a totally new proposition. They possess superior defensive qualities to any other side and are also ruthless going forward. Those who suggest that the Dutch will finally play a team as open as themselves may be mistaken come Friday afternoon.

Netherland's teams have a reputation for in-fighting and this year now looks no different. Robin van Persie is believed to have have been angered by his substitution. The Arsenal striker would rather it was his nemesis Sneijder to have been withdrawn rather than himself and coach Bert van Marvijk was forced into calling a team meeting to discuss the matter.

With the Oranje so close to a first World Cup final since 1978 it will be a surprise if such insignificant matters will get in their way of giving the Selecao a good game on Friday.     

Brazil Finally Signal Intent

Brazil   3-0   Chile

Chile's World Cup dream came to an abrupt end in Ellis Park on Monday as Brazil finally showed the world what they are capable of.

The Samba boys were unconvincing in the group stages and only occasionally dazzled in topping their group. North Korea became hard to break down, Ivory Coast became an overly physical proposition and the final game with Portugal became no more than a dead rubber as both teams had already qualified.

In Johannesburg the Brazilians showed how defensively strong they now are, as well as how ruthless and clinical they can be in attack. The attacking triumvirate of Robinho, Kaka and Luis Fabiano all played their part in helping amass their three goal haul.

The absentees, Felipe Melo and Elano, were not overly missed as Brazil ran out comfortable winners. Once Juan and Fabiano put away two quick fire goals mid way through the first half the game was already over as a contest.

Chile were without three front line players and were clearly spent from their earlier endeavours in the group stages. Having come through one of the tournaments toughest groups and experiencing so many emotions even to reach this stage the Chileans looked incapable of turning around any deficit against the boys in canary yellow. 

Chances were hard to come by and Brazil looked extremely comfortable both in defence and when they went forward. Chile's own expansive game plan played into the hands of the Selecao, who looked like they could score whenever they felt like doing so. 

Warning signs are there for all to see now. Holland will have their work cut out both to contain their attack and break down their Champions League winners in defence.    

Round of 16: Day 3 Preview

Monday June 28th

       Holland v Slovakia

     Duban, 3pm (Irish Time)

The Netherlands are one of only two teams to go through the group stages three for three, the other being Argentina. The fact that they managed to do so without truly showing their hand will give them even greater confidence going into their second round meeting with Slovakia.

Prior to the tournament the Dutch mould have predicted a last 16 meeting with the Eastern Europeans but only a week ago surely they expected it to be Italy. They will be thankful that it is not the world champions who stand in their way, but Slovakia still pose a threat if their performance against the Azzurri is anything to go by.

After two dismally dull showings against New Zealand and Paraguay the Slovaks finally came out and played when they had to. They were first to every ball and much sharper against Italy. Their talented midfielders, Marek Hamsik, Wladimir Weiss and Miroslav Stoch, were finally playing to their true ability rather than playing in a straight jacket as they had done. Not only did they outplay Italy but they showed hey were scoring impressive and cleverly created goals, most notably the third from a quick throw in.

With renewed confidence on show in the Slovak camp, the Oranje will need to raise their game if they're to reach the quarter finals for the first time since 1998. A more cautious approach will no doubt be on show again from the underdogs and it will be up to Holland's midfield magicians to finally show the world what they can do.

Thus far Holland have been slow and narrow when going forward. Impact substitutions have made the biggest impression in all their games. Eljero Elia, Ibrahim Afellay and Arjen Robben have all played their part from the bench and it is almost time for Bert van Marvijk to dispense with Raphael van der Vaart for a more dynamic winger.

The defence, which was previously a worry, has stood firm but the main talking point has been the stuttering attack. Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie may not be best friends but if the two of them can finally come to life thentheir team may know no bounds.

The history books show that only three teams have ever won all their group games and gone on to win the trophy. Two of those came in the past 12 years however. France in 1998 and Brazil in 2002 didn't drop a point before picking up the coveted trophy. If Holland are to make it four than a comfortable victory in Durban is the best way to start.

Slovakia and Holland have never met before. The dutch are at full strenght but Robben looks likely to start from the bench again. Strba is suspended for Slovakia but the man who scored the crucial third against Italy is set to deputise, Kamil Kopunek.

Probable Teams:

Holland: Stekelenburg, Van Der Wiel, Mathijsen, Heitinga, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Van Bommel, Sneijder, Kuyt, Van Der Vaart, Van Persie.   

Slovakia: Mucha, Pekarik, Skrtel, Durica, Zebavnik, Kucka, Hamsik, Kopunek, Stoch, Jendrisek, Vittek.

           Brazil v Chile

Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 7:30pm

Brazil have not lost to Chile since a 2002 World Cup qualifier. That may not seem like a long time but they teams have played a host of games in the intervening period in which the Chilenos had their asses handed to them.

La Roja are rightly comended for their attack at all costs approach and it would be a blessing if other nations would follow suit but such a tactic has been their own worst enemy against the Selecao in their most recent meetings. In qualification Chile finished a point behind Brazil and even won more games than their round of 16 opponents, but they lost their two matches with their more illustrious South American cousins.

A 3-0 away defeat and a 4-2 home reverse will not make for inspirational viewing ahead of their game in Ellis Park, a stadium Brazilians are already very familiar with from last years Confederations Cup final and this summers opener with North Korea.

In 1998 the two nations met at the same stage. A Ronaldo inspired Brazil won 4-1 but a Chile team featuring Ivan Zamorano and Marcelo Salas gave as good as they got for the majority of the game. Ultimately the superior class of the world's best player was the difference.

The fear is that a repeat may occur this year. Marcelo Bielsa already has to plan without two of his centre backs, Waldo Ponce and Gary Medel. Left sided midfielder Estrada is also suspended following his sending off against Spain. The high number of absentees is hardly surprising considering Chile have committed more fouls than any other team.   

In comparison, Brazil will welcome back Kaka, Robinho and Elano to their starting line up following their absences from the dour goalless draw with Portugal. The team in canary yellow are yet to hit their stride but it is still 29 games since their last defeat and Chile have only beaten them seven times in 65 attempts.

Whatever Chile team Bielsa puts out they will still maintain the same 3-3-1-3 shape that is their trademark. If they can maintain the pace and intensity they have shown so far then this Brazil side may be there for the taking. The opposite can also occur however and Brazil may overpower their opponents yet again.

Either way, the tournament will finally be losing one of its five South American teams on Monday night.

Probable Teams:

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Juan, Michel Bastos, Felipe Melo, Gilberto Silva, Elano, Kaka, Robinho, Luis Fabiano.

Chile: Bravo, Isla, Jara, Fuentes, Carmona, Milla, Vidal, Fernandez, Sanchez, Beausejour, Suazo.  

Round of 16: Day 2

Germans In Bloem

Germany   4-1   England        Bloemfontein

Germany produced the most spectacular display of the tournament in thrashing the English 4-1 in Bloemfontein. The game was shrouded in controversy but there can be no doubting which team deserved to progress to the quarter finals.

Four goals of varying degrees of beauty were the least die mannschaft deserved from what was a fascintating last 16 tie between two of the World Cups traditional heavyweights. The pace, movement and passing of the German attack and midfield was so potent they looked like scoring from every surge into the oppositions half. 

Following this victory over one of their many Europeans adversaries, this young German team must now be considered serious contenders for the grand prize. Two weeks ago they were an unknown quantity but now they are the most promising team in world football with Mesut Ozil as their prized asset.

Once the scrappy early exchanges were concluded the Germans went about putting their stamp on the game. Ozil run from deep caught the English defence unawares and the first may have come after a matter of minutes had it not been for David James. The Three Lions had been given a warning of things to come.

For all their pace and clever interplay it was a very English move than provided the opening goal. A long punt from German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer bounced over John Terry only for Miroslav Klose to pounce and poke home his 50th international goal. 

Twelve minutes later they scored a second. Klose released the enthusiastic Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller down the right in the 32nd minute, who keep his cool and passed the ball across the box to Lukas Podolski who took one touched before unleashing a customary left foot rocket that went in off the far post.

At 2-0 Fabio Capello's team were yet to turn up. Wayne Rooney and Jermaine Defoe were isolated up front and the only shots that Neuer faced were speculative attempts from distance but then they got a lucky break. A short corner allowed Steven Gerrard the space to plant a cross on Matthew Upson's head who nodded into the empty net beyond the nervy Schalke 'keeper. 

The games pivotal moment came only two minutes later. Amid a scramble on the edge of the German 18-yard box Frank Lampard attempted to lob Neuer. The Chelsea midfielder achieved just that but the ball was adjudged to have not crossed the line. The majority of those in the stadium knew it was a goal but the referreeing officials believed otherwise.

Such a scenario once again raises questions about the use of goal line technology. One would have thought a bigger controversy than the Thierry Henry incident was unlikely to occur so soon but it already has. The most high profile game of the World Cup so far has seen an officiating error outrageous proportions. Another embarrassing moment for Sepp Blatter was only hours away as well, in the evening game in Soccer City.

England pressed for the remainder of the half and their opponents were clearly rattled and in dire need of the half time break. Engalnds pressure though, was no more than kick and rush, or huff and puff. Capello's prehistoric 4-4-2 system contained no element of surprise but the players didn't exactly help. The midfield was icapable of linking with the strikers and players couldn't find each other from ten yards. When a simple pass was on offer the likes of Gareth Barry and Gerrard were more interested in firing fifty yard hail mary passes diaganolly across the pitch, a tactic that saw them lose the ball rather than penetrate the German rearguard. 

A composed mannschaft came out for the second half. Jogi Low's team started passing the ball elegantly once more and ultimately just reward would come through two ruthless counterattacks. Firstly, a Lampard free kick rebounded off the wall and ten seconds later the ball was in the English net. With options ahead of him Bastian Schweinsteiger kept his composure to pick out Muller on the right hand edge of the penalty area who drilled the Jabulani past a hapless James, who was partly at fault. 

Only minutes later an attacking England throw-in became goal number four. With Terry in an advanced position an English defence was non existent. A long clearance come pass found Ozil on the left, who turned on the after burners to brush past Glen Johnson. Once on his own the Werder Bremen schemer waited for Muller to arrive at the far post, who was all to happy to end England's "golden generation". 

The Germans passed the ball effortlessly to a chorus of oles as the game became an embarrassment for the Premier League's superstars. Despite the misfortune surrounding the goal that never was, the Three Lions can have no complaints about their exit. All their talk of finishing the job in 90 minutes and being ready for penalties if they came about now looks a tad silly. The national confidence that followed the narrow win over Slovenia was completely in vain. 

The inquest will now begin into their spectacular demise. Capello may become the new Sven while the teams elder statesmen may be cast aside in favour of a more German approach. In the end it was the standard of the players rather than their manager that ended their World Cup dream. The English stars of the Premier League have a supporting cast of the world's top talent, and how they would love to call upon the likes of Javier Macherano, Didier Drogba and Nemanja, Vidic but put a bunch of Englishmen together and they cant pass the ball five yards in front of them.            

As for the Germans, there is no limit to how far they can go. Argentina's clueless performance against Mexico will see them become favourites to reach a third successive semi final when they meet next Saturday in Cape Town. Further showings like todays and that they may go even further than that. 

God Still on Diego's Side

Argentina   3-1   Mexico     Soccer City, Johannesburg

Another came that involved controversial undertones was Argentina's victory of the Mexicans at Soccer City. Diego Maradona's team made the most of their good fortune to set up a quarter final with their Nemesis from 2006, Germany.

A bright start from the Mexican players was rendered pointless once Carlos Tevez headed home from an offside position. The Manchester City forward was the closest man to the Mexican goal when Leo Messi clipped the ball towards his head but the referees assistant failed to see the blatant offside before his eyes.

The goal visibly rattled Javier Aguirre's team. The incident was shown on the big screen in the stadium and th injustice was there even for the officials to see. Both groups of players swarmed the assistant referee as the Mexicans hoped to have the goal rescinded and the Argentines tried to enforce the letter of the law and keep their goal.

The yellow card Rafael Marquez picked up for a heavy challenge on Barcelona team mate Messi was an indictment of how his team had crumbled, as was the second goal. Ricardo Osorio's under hit pass across his 18-yard box to Marquez only found Gonzalo Higuain who rounded Oscar Perez and slotted the ball into an empty net. World Cups are won and lost in such moment.

If the first goal was hard to come to terms with then the second was a killer. Their impressive start to the game that saw both Andres Guardado and Carlos Salcido seemed like a different match as the sides approached half time.

Departing the field at half time the Mexicans were still clearly upset about the previous 45 minutes. Both benches and staff members clashed on the side lines as the teams departed the field of play.

Tevez put the final nail in the coffin only minutes after the restart. His rocket from 25 yards left Perez with no chance as the ball shock the top right hand corner of the net. Much like his coach had done in 1986, Tevez followed up a controversial goal with a sublime one.

For the remainder of the game El Tri pressed forward but at times only half heartedly. Chances were few and far between and those that did arise were badly executed such as a header from Javier Hernandez and a tame near post effort from Pablo Barrera. Otherwise they were restricted to shooting from distance. 

The Argentine's looked a little lost for the majority of the second period. Rarely did their front three get on the ball and their play looked more off-the-cuff than pre-ordained. If Messi and Tevez aren't prominent in the game then Argentina may not have the fire power elsewhere to create and score goals, which is exactly how the second half was played. 

Hernandez pulled a goal back and in so doing proved his worth to Manchester United fans with the quality of his finish. It gave his side some brief hope of an unlikely comeback but as the clock counted down any openings were not forthcoming. In the end the Argentines could wind down the clock and turn their attention to next Saturday's grudge match. 

Four years ago la albiceleste were inglorious in defeat in Berlin. Jose Peckerman's disastrous substitutions had cost his team a place in the semi finals as Germany equalised and went on to win on penalties. Tensions boiled over after the shoot-out and revenge will surely be in the air for the likes of Gabriel Heinze and Javier Mascherano when they meet again next week.    

Round of 16: Day 1

Uruguay Role Back the Years

     South Korea   1-2   Uruguay          Port Elizabeth

South Korea threw everything they had at Uruguay in the second half of the last 16 clash but in the end the Red Devils fell to a wonder goal from Ajax captain Luis Suarez.

La Celeste will now move on to face the last remaining African team for a place in the World Cup semi finals next Friday, in what is their first quarter final in 40 years.

The two time champions started the game the brighter. Diego Forlan was prominent in everything his team did in the opening minutes but once his team scored after eight minutes he reverted into his shell. 

The Atletico Madrid goal machine whipped in a teasing but easily manageable cross that Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong decided to let role past him. As the hole South Korean defensive line decided to stop playing Luis Suarez was popping up at the back post to stroke the Jabulani into an empty net. 

Considering Uruguay's form in the group stages one would be forgiven for thinking the game was already over. With three games played the South Americans had conceded no goals even though they gave up the majority of possession, but this is a spirited and talented South Korean team who were creating history for Asian football by reaching the last 16 outside their own country. 

The Koreans came out to play once they fell behind. The Uruguayans left their attacking trio of Suarez, Forlan and Cavani alone in the Korean half as the remainder of the team retreated into their own. Led by captain Diego Lugano the celeste rearguard had forced the Red Devils into only shooting from distance. The South Koreans had raised their game however, playing at pace and passing the ball quickly while throwing bodies forward whenever they counterattacked. 

Once the second half came along the South Koreans had their opponents on the ropes. An equalizer seemed inevitable as the Uruguayan defence began to creak for the first time in over three and a half games. 

Eventually the Asians get their just reward for all their rain soaked pressure. A free kick is swung into the area from the left. It's headed up into the air by Victorino. The goalkeeper Muslera comes out to claim but gets nowhere near. Lee Chung-young gets his head to it, and guides it into the empty net. Uruguay concede a goal at last - and what a terrible one it is too.

With 20 minutes left the game completely opened up as both sides smelled blood. With the rain lashing down the game turned into a dog fight, especially with the pitch being torn to pieces. Despite the damage to the surface, it didn't stop Suarez winning the game for his country. 

Following a corner from the far side of the pitch, the Ajax man retrieved the over hit corner at the edge of the box to the left of the goal frame. One touch took him away from two defenders and gave him all the space that was required to bend a beautiful strike around the keeper and inside the far post. 

The magnitude of the perfect finish showed the importance of the goal. Suarez jumped over photographers to embrace the substitutes, injuring one in the process, but the smile could not be wiped from his face. It was a goal worthy of winning any game. 

South Korean fought valiantly until the final minute and they can take heart from not only a positive performance but a successful tournament. Their up and down group stage showings culminated in a daring display in Port Elizabeth. They left everything they had out on the field.

All five South American teams still remain as Uruguay live to fight another day. Ultimately it was their talent up front that was the difference as Suarez jumps to the top of the scoring charts with a host of others on three.

Montevideo was sent into rapturous celebrations as Uruguayans now firmly believe in their ability to win a third mundial and a first in 60 years.  

Black Stars oust Stars and Stripes

Ghana   2-1   USA   (aet)    Rustenburg

Ghana had already been the last African nation represented in the tournament and their stay is set to last for at least six more days having become only the third African side to ever reach a World Cup quarter final.

Where Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002) have previously fallen the Black Stars will be confident of going that extra step, especially if they can play with the unpredictability they showed against the US in Rustenburg.   

In their three previous outings, the Ghanaians scored just twice and both came via the penalty spot. As impressive as their attacking pace and options has been they haven't looked like converting it into goals, but they did in Rustenburg on Saturday night.

With only five minutes played Kevin Prince Boateng made the most of a stray ball in midfield. One touch to his left took him away from the American defenders and gave him the space to hit a low drive past Tim Howard from the edge of the box.

Much more was expected from the States here. While they were delighted to score the goal that got them to the second round this should have been the least of the pre tournament expectations. A quarter final was surely the minimum ambition of Bob Bradley's team and they have failed in that mission. When faced with the prospect of an erratic Ghana team rather than Germany, USA should have been able to take advantage of that blessing.

For the remainder of the half the African team were the better team. They used possession wisely and forged some opportunities. The American defence were nervous and always under threat when the Ghanaians had the ball. Saying that, the Americans were unlucky not to win the game in 90 minutes.

The Stars and Stripes dominated the second half. The entire team never stopped running and scoring chances came thick and fast until Landon Donovan finally created a penalty for his team single handedly. He seemed to say a prayer as he kneeled on the turf before slotting it in off the post while sending Richard Kingson the wrong way. The perfect penalty.

Beeny Feilhaber and Robbie Findley had further opportunity to win the game for the States, in a half where Ghana offered nothing going forward and the US dominated possession. Unfortunately for the Americans they lacked a striker capable of taking an accurate shot. Any chance they forged was aimed straight at Kingson.

With extra time still to come USA should were confident of completing the turnaround. They had passed the ball smoothly and been patient as they pursued an equaliser. They knew that chances would come if they held their nerve. 

In practically a repeat of the opening goal the American defence let a Ghanaian get away from them to score at the near post. Only a couple of minutes into the first half of extra time Asamoah Gyan moved joint top of the race for the Golden Boot following his stunning half volley that rendered Howard helpless. 

For the remainder of the match the Black Stars wasted time where applicable but also were confident in possession. As the game reached the closing stages they weren't so confident in defence however as they were bombarded with corners and long balls but in the end South Africa could celebrate the success of the continents last remaining son. 

For this team to overcome Uruguay a method to their madness will need to come about. Players like Asamoah, Gyan and Ayew, who is suspended, are certainly fine talents but their appears to be no strategy to their teams play in the final third of the pitch. Everything is off the cuff and instinctive which is wonderful to see if it comes off but for the majority of this tournament so far, it has not. 

USA will be wondering how they let this game slip away. Their second half showing alone should have won them the match but now their can be no complaints. The Ghanaians brought as much to the encounter as their opposition, in particular two stunning goals.    

Group Stage Awards

Best Game: Slovakia 3-2 Italy

Best Player: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Honourable Mention: Diego Forlan (Uruguay)

Best Goal: 1. Fabio Quagliarella (ITALY v Slovakia)

Best Team: Argentina

Best XI:
GK Diego Benaglio (Switzerland)
Fabio Coentrao (Portugal), Lucio (Brazil), Diego Lugano (Uruguay), Phillip Lahm (Germany),
Mesut Ozil (Germany), Keisuke Honda (Japan), Alexis Sanchez (Chile)
Leo Messi (Argentina), Diego Forlan (Uruguay), David Villa (Spain).

Worst Game: Slovenia 1-0 Algeria

Worst Miss: Ayegbeni Yakubu (NIGERIA v South Korea)

Worst Team: Algeria

Worst Refereeing Performance: Khalil Al Ghamdi (Chile v Switzerland)

Award for Diving Offences (team): SLOVAKIA v Italy

Award for Diving Offences (player): Kader Keita (IVORY COAST v Brazil)

Biggest Disappointment (team): 1. Serbia

Biggest Disappointment (player): Yoann Gourcuff

Biggest Disappointment XI:

Hugo Lloris (France),
Jonas Guttierez (Argentina), Nemanja Vidic (Serbia), Martin Demichelis (Argentina),
Felipe Melo (Brazil), Riccardo Montolivo (Italy), Stephen Pienaar (South Africa), Yoann Gourcuff (France)
Wayne Rooney (England), Antonio di Natale (Italy), Oscar Cardozo (Paraguay)  

Rising Star: Mesut Ozil

Surprise Package: New Zealand

Best Elimiated XI:
Diego Benaglio (Switzerland),
Stephan Lichsteiner (Switzerland), Ryan Nelson (New Zealand), Simon Kjaer (Denmark),
Gokhan Inler (Switzerland), Valter Birsa (Slovania), Milos Krasic (Serbia), Dennis Rommedahl (Denmark),
Peter Odemwingie (Nigeria), Fabio Quagliarella (Italy), Gervinho (Ivory Coast)