Clockwork Oranje Trumps The Repre With Ease

The most lopsided matchup of the last 16 World Cup matches was supposed to be an opportunity for the Netherlands to flex their footballing muscle and stamp their class on a low-key but effective campaign so far. Unfortunately, the Oranjemen again did just enough rather than dominate a match. Conversely, after falling behind to an Arjen Robben fine strike, Slovakia looked the better side as the Dutch sat back, defend and counter attacked with pace and power.

This is not a Dutch side that I enjoy watching but it is a truly effective one. Van der Vaart was the player sacrificed to make way for the fully recovered Robben. Risking the Dutch's most creative player in a crucial elimination match looked to be the right choice as Robben hit a sizzling near post strike to beat Jan Mucha in goal. Arjen Robben's pace and trickery are the most potent Dutch weapon and for him to be starting is a confidence booster for the Netherlands.

Continue Reading >>>

Group F Decided! The Repre And La Albirroja Advance

Marcelo Lippi's Italy struggled in this summer's World Cup finals. They even finished bottom in Group F with the surprise package, New Zealand in third place. The lack of creativity and quality became a real problem for the Azzurris. Paraguay looked set to progress but first they needed to fend off the Kiwis who, if they win, will advance to the knockout phase. Slovakia with one point after two matches, looked down and out, though still in with a distant chance.

Italy took on Slovakia in the final game with either side needing a win to try and make it to the last 16. Slovakia signalled their intent in the early stages of the game, with Marek Hamsik missing in front of goal. The Repre played the better football and it just goes to show how poor the Azzurris have been in this summer's football showcase. Italy was undone by their inability to beat New Zealand and had to face the dangerous Slovakia. Robert Vittek's two goals pushed him into the unlikely position of top goalscorer in the tournament together with David Villa and Gonzalo Higuain.

Only when the Italians were three goals down, did they manage to put to show any fight. The presence of midfield playmaker, Andrea Pirlo must have had something to do with that. The loss of Buffon quite clearly was a blow to the defence, as Marchetti is not as commanding as the Italian superstar. So a remarkable turnaround and a shocking defeat to Hamsik's side. Slovakia, unbelievably, took second spot in Group F.

Continue Reading >>>

Los Guaranies Stroll To Historic Win

Paraguay had never won a previous second group match in all their World Cup appearances but Gerrardo Martino's side are a different proposition this time round. The team qualified for South Africa, beating Argentina, Chile, Brazil in the process, to finish third with 33 points. It's a strong team with Dortmund duo, Valdez and Barrios, Sunderland-bound Cristian Riveros and Roque Santa Cruz.

Slovakia offered little in terms of attacking threat and it was all up to Los Guaranies to claim victory over the Repre side. Marek Hamsik was disappointing as captain of Slovakia. He was expected to lead the Repre as their most internationally known player but at 22, Hamsik seemed overawed by the occassion. We will have to wait four more years to watch a more mature and confident Hamsik as Slovakia's leader.

Continue Reading >>>

Danish-Kiwi Winston Reid Grabs New Zealand's First World Cup Points

Ricki Herbert said that the Kiwis aim to surprise Slovakia in their opening World Cup match at Rustenburg. New Zealand did exactly that, and in dramatic injury time fashion.

Winston Reid, who until three months ago still harboured dreams of representing Denmark, scored the equaliser giving New Zealand a fair share of the spoils against a tiring Slovakia. Reid's inclusion into the New Zealand's squad raised some controversy among fans of the All Whites but he most definitely played his part today to secure a historic point for his country of birth.

Continue Reading >>>

2010 World Cup Group F Head To Head

The defending champion, Italy is drawn in Group F with New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia. Marcelo Lippi is said to be struggling with his lineup and the general consensus is that as a powerhouse, Italy have regressed. Yet, history has taught us to write off Italy at our peril as they have the experience , mentality and tactical acumen to do well in competitions.

Continue Reading >>>