Sunday July 11 2010

Dateline

JULY 11, 2010
Netherlands vs Spain
Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa
Place watched: KC Live, Power & Light District, Kansas City MO

“You’re on the front line
Everyone’s watching
You know it’s serious
We’re getting closer
This isn’t over
…
Waka waka eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa”
- Shakira (from the song ‘Waka Waka (this Time For Africa)’ written for the 2010 World Cup)

Today began as most days do in Kansas City: brilliant sunshine, followed by a torrential rain, immediately followed by sunshine again. Despite the warm temperatures and 110% humidity, I made my way back to Kansas City Live at the Power & Light District – as seen on ABC / ESPN promos – where a fairly good-sized gathering was ramping up to view the final.

Being an impartial observer to this match was a unique situation for this fanista. Traditionally, I always choose one side or another to vociferously cheer on to victory. My allegiance may be based on geography, familiarity with the contestants, rooting for a significant under-dog, or just the fact that I prefer the color black over the color red and will get a tattoo stating this before going to Vegas to shout at the side of a roulette wheel. Sometimes, my allegiance is swayed for completely arbitrary reasons. Perhaps one team has a better-looking crest than the other side, or is sponsored by adidas versus another sportswear company. It could be anything, really. On this day, however, I had no loyalty (real or contrived) to either nation or team.

To many people, crazy hairstyles and bad facial hair characterize the World Cup, but to me, it is also about soccer. Sure, I have a wacky hairstyle and I decided to grow a really bad mustache during the 31 days in 2010, but the most enduring legacy actually takes place on the field. I think a lot of folks around the world forget that. The World Cup symbolizes epic struggles between nations, the indomitable spirit of the people of Spain, and the resilience of the Dutch… against the evil empire of England where the officiating crew originated.

Once again it seemed like sub-par officiating helped decide the final. Cheap yellow cards and a yellow where a red should be cast a pall on the match. I suppose it all evened out when John Heitinga was sent off for a second yellow when his first was really harsh; because perhaps Mark Van Bommel and certainly Nigel de Jong should have drawn straight red cards for violent challenges.

In the end, the result was fair. Spain won in extra time on a tremendous strike by Andres Iniesta. Both sides had good scoring chances, but Spain were clearly the better side. ¡Viva España!

http://www.jimmyconrad.com/blog/4105

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Match 63

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth
Uruguay 2 – 3 Germany
Place watched: The Brick, Kansas City, MO

The 3rd place match is usually anticlimactic, but I am glad the decision was made to have a clear 3rd place finisher. My research, just now, shows that this practice was started just a bit ago—1934. For some reason, I thought this match was added during my lifetime. This thought was either incorrect, or I am quite a bit older than I think I am!

Today’s match featured wide-open, attacking football that culminated in a highly entertaining match. As time wound down, Uruguay won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Up stepped Diego Forlan to take the kick. The stage was set for a leveling strike. He had come through for his side repeatedly in this tournament. Time after time he had evened the score, or provided the go-ahead goal that sent his team through to the semi-final match against Holland.

His shot sailed over the crossbar.

Even with the loss in the Bronze match, it had been a wonderful run for Uruguay. Only the most loyal Uruguay supporter would have predicted such overwhelming success in 2010, but they proved their critics wrong.

Semifinal - Take 2

Wednesday, July 7, 2010


Match: 62
Germany 0 – 1 Spain
Durban Stadium - Durban
Place watched: Johnny’s Tavern, Kansas City, MO


The last week day match of the 2010 World Cup was a good one on paper. Two of the most offensive-minded teams playing each other with a berth in the Final as the stakes, is as good as it gets! This was also a replay of the 2008 European Championship final in which Spain triumphed 1 – 0.

The match started a bit slower than I though it might. Germany, especially looked a bit tentative and not at all like the team we have seen throughout this tournament. Spain had a terrific scoring chance in the 6th minute when a through-pass put David Villa in on goal. His sliding effort was saved, but it was a taste of things to come. Just 8 minutes later, a short-corner was played to Andres Iniesta who drove a cross that found the head of Carles Puyol. His shot was high, but Germany looked rattled.

At the half-time break the teams were level. It would have been interesting to sit in on the half-time speeches by the managers. Whatever was said seemed to energize both sides. Spain, again had the better chances and were unlucky to not score. Second half German sub Toni Kroos also put a shot on goal that Iker Casillas turned away.

Finally, in the 73rd minute the deadlock was broken. Another Spanish corner found Puyol again. This time, his driven header found net.

After the celebration, Spain dug in and refuted all German attacks on their goal. One had the feeling Germany would score, but it was not to be. Spain were through and would face twice bridesmaid, never bride Holland. This result guaranteed a first-time World Cup winner.

Semifinal - Take 1

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Match 61
Green Point Stadium - Cape Town
Uruguay 2 – 3 Netherlands
Place watched:  Tape delay – Living room, Olathe, KS

Both today’s match and the semifinal tomorrow pit a multiple-time World Cup champion versus a traditionally underachieving nation.  In this contest, Uruguay have won 2 previous World Cups (1930 and 1950) both times as an underdog.  Holland had arguably the best side in both the 1974 and 1978 Cups, but came up one match short in each.  The Charrúas once again are not expected to go through; but since they were not supposed to get out of their group, per the pundits, they don’t mind.

Both sides were settling into the match when suddenly Holland struck from distance.  Giovanni van Bronckhorst shot from close to 40 yards out finding the upper 90 just inside the far post.   Not to be outdone, Diego Forlan equalized just before the half with a 30 yarder.

In the 70th minute, Holland scored via a deflected Wesley Sneijder shot. Robin van Persie appeared to be in an offside position when he flung his foot at the ball, but offside was not called.  Just a couple minutes later, Arjen Robben scored on a header to put the game out of reach.  A two-goal lead will surely be insurmountable.

Uruguay did not believe that.

In the second minute of stoppage time, their sustained pressure paid off when they scored on a corner kick.  Unfortunately it would be their last goal of the Cup.  A handful of chances, and 2 extra minutes of added time made things interesting but did not produce an equalizer.  Holland were through!

Last of the Quarters

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Match 59
Green Point Stadium - Cape Town
Argentina 0 – 4 Germany  
Place watched:  Reza’s Pitch, Bismarck, ND

So it appears that Reza’s is the only establishment in Bismarck that opens early for the World Cup matches.  You know what?  That is just fine with me.  Even 4 years ago, there would not have been any, so this is a good development.

From the opening kickoff, it appeared that this match will live up to the hype.  Each side had an early chance before Miroslav Klose was fouled just outside the area.  Bastian Schweinsteiger’s in-swinger was ever-so-slightly touched (or not, depending on which replay angle you are watching) by Thomas Mueller, hit Argentine keeper Sergio Romero in the shin, and deflected into the goal.

The action continued to be even throughout the first half.  Argentina had several good chances during a stretch in the middle part of the half.  The best chance resulted in a goal that was judged to be offside.  Upon replay, it was obvious all four attacking players were offside when the pass was struck.  It was rightfully waived off.

Halftime came and went, and the teams settled back into their rhythm in the second half.  While the two most offensive-minded teams produced a lot of chances, the resulting shots did not find their targets… until the 65th minute.

As Mueller lay on the ground after being tackled, he somehow picked out Lukas Podolski overlapping to his left.   Podolski played a square ball to Klose who calmly finished.

Argentina made an offensive change, leaving just 3 defenders in the back, and committed more men into the attack.  Unfortunately for them, that left additional exposure, and the German counter-attack produced another goal.

Down 3 goals, Argentine coach Diego Maradona stripped off his suit revealing an Argentina kit underneath, and substituted himself into the match.

Ha!  I kid, but I am sure he wished he could…

Germany added one more just to make things interesting.  It was a very decisive win against a previously impressive opponent.


Match 60
Ellis Park Stadium – Johannesburg
Paraguay 0 – 1 Spain  
Place watched:  Blarney Stone Pub, Bismarck, ND

This is the only match in the quarterfinals that had a definite favourite and underdog.  While, perhaps, none of the first 3 were predictable (indeed, the lower-ranked side won in every case), none could be classified as huge upsets.  On the other hand, if Paraguay were to win this match, it would be a HUGE upset.

Spain started this match a bit shaky with Paraguay dictating play early.  Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque has taken some heat for the side selection he has used in this tournament.  Today there should be no such criticism.  He started every star other than Cesc Fàbregas.  We will see how they respond.

The game was much closer than any of the pundits would have guessed.  In the second half, Paraguay finally won their first corner.  During the ensuing free-kick, Gerard Pique for Spain was ruled to pull down Oscar Cardozo in the penalty box.  The fouled player broke the unwritten rule and stepped up to take his own penalty kick.  Iker Casillas, the Spanish keeper, saved the strike and smothered the rebound.

Less than 60 seconds later, Spain was awarded a penalty when Antolin Alcaraz bundled over David Villa.  Xabi Alonso easily put away the spot kick, but was ordered to take it again after one (or more) of his teammates encroached hoping for a rebound.  The retake was saved and we were still scoreless.

Finally, in the 83rd minute, Villa put Spain in front for real.  His strike finished the Paraguayans who had battled valiantly, but came up short in the end.

The semi-final matchups were set:  Uruguay will play the Netherlands on Tuesday, July 6th and Germany will face off against Spain the following day.  Is it too soon to ask for more days off?

Let the Quarters begin!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Match 57
Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth   
Netherlands 2 – 1 Brazil
Place watched:  Reza’s Pitch, Bismarck, ND

This was the first of the highly-anticipated Quarter-final matches.  Two classy, entertaining teams with very different styles in a winner-takes-all match-up… this, along with crazy hairstyles and strange facial hair, is what the Cup is all about!

I was checking out a bar / grill that promised to be open at game time for every Cup match.  It is owned and operated by a guy who plays in a pick-up match I attend when I come back home to Mandan, ND.  It is a cool place and the people are very nice—I was handed a donut and cup of coffee when I walked in the door.

The match started with Brazil controlling the play and pace of the match from the opening whistle.  They were unlucky to not find the net in the first few minutes.  Brazil did strike in the 9th on a solid finish after an amazing through-ball put in Robinho.  Holland was lucky to get through the half only a goal down.

The second half started with more of the same.  A couple forays into Dutch territory produced good chances but no goals.  In the 53rd minute, against the run of play, The Netherlands scored.  After beating 2 defenders, Arjen Robben laid back a ball for Wesley Sneijder who played a cross through the 6-yard goalie box.  Brazil keeper Julio Cesar collided with his defender, Felipe Melo, and the ball ended up in the back of the net.

From there it was all Holland.

When Sneijder scored off of a well-taken corner kick to make it 2 – 1, Brazil’s frustration boiled over.  Felipe Melo fouled Robben and, as Robben lay on the ground, stomped on him.  The straight red card was well-deserved and Brazil never looked likely to score again.


Match 58
Soccer City Stadium - Johannesburg
Uruguay 1 – 1 Ghana  (Uruguay advance on penalty kicks)
Place watched:  Ground Round, Bismarck, ND

If it could be argued that the match this morning was the most anticipated match of the Quarter-finals, then this could be the one that caused the least amount of anticipation.  While neither of the teams were expected to get this far in the tournament, both had earned their spots.  I wrote a few days ago that Paraguay and South Korea both looked like they were playing not to lose, in this contest, both were playing like they had nothing to lose.

Just before the stroke of halftime, in the 47th minute, Ghana struck.  A powerful drive from 30+ yards by Muntari beat Uruguayan keeper Muslera.  Replays verified that the shot came out of nowhere.  It was a half-chance at best, but Ghana has made half-chance goals a living in this Cup.  Outstanding strike!


The second half began with Ghana in “prevent defense” mode, allowing Uruguay the bulk of possession.  Traditionally, the only thing this type of defense prevents is a win.

Sure enough, a foul well outside the area gave Uruguay a free-kick in the 54th minute.  Up stepped Diego Forlan, the Uruguayan striker with outstanding pedigree.  His well struck free-kick wrong footed Ghanan keeper Kingson for Uruguay’s equalizer.

Regulation ended with the scored tied at 1s.

In extra time, both teams continued to attack.  This was a very exciting match!  In the 2nd added minute of stoppage time, Uruguay cleared a shot off of the line with a hand.  A straight red card was issued to Suarez, and Ghana was awarded a penalty kick.

This hurts my soul to type given the stakes.  Gyan stepped to the spot and confidently smashed the ball off of the crossbar.  I was gutted.  To the dismay of the wait staff who had gathered around the one TV in the place turned to the Cup, I gathered my stuff, paid my tab, and walked out.  On the way back to my parents’ place, I received no fewer than 25 texts updating me with the result and I didn’t even want to look.  Gutting, simply gutting…

The last African team had been eliminated.

End of the round of 16

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Match 55
Loftus versfeld Stadium - Tshwane/Pretoria
Paraguay 0 – 0 Japan
Place watched:  Tape delay – Living room, Olathe, KS

This is the first match of the 2010 World Cup to be decided by penalty kicks.  Unlike every single other time I have commented on this topic, I have to agree with the result of this one.  I believe these two teams could have played for a million minutes and no one would have scored.

Both teams seemed to approach this match hoping not to lose instead of trying to win.  Each produced a handful of chances, but other than Matsui’s long-range blast hitting the Paraguayan crossbar, neither team looked likely to find net.

In the penalty round, only Komano missed, crushing his effort off of the crossbar, so Paraguay were through.


Match 56
Green Point Stadium - Cape Town
Spain 1 – 0 Portugal
Place watched:  Tape delay – Living room, Olathe, KS

This was the last match this week I would have to watch on tape delay.  It was not the first game I was watching after knowing the result, but it was the one I most wanted watch without knowing the result.

The winner of this game would face Paraguay in the quarter-finals.  Paraguay has played well, but is not nearly the daunting foe that Brazil or Argentina would be.   Fellow European sides Germany and Holland would also surely be tougher opponents.

The first half was hotly contested, with the best chances falling to Portugal.  When the second half began, it was Spain’s chance to shine.  David Villa’s fierce drive after a lovely passing combination was saved well by Portuguese keeper Eduardo.  Unfortunately for Eduardo, the rebound fell to Villa’s feet and he calmly finished.

It was the only goal of the match.  Spain would live to play Paraguay in the next round.