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.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
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!
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!
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