Brazil breezes past Chile

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Brazil Versus Chile; June 28^th 2010; 

Johannesburg - Ellis Park Stadium

A superb first half by Brazil. Two superb goals, one off a header from Juan and another of a brilliant three way passing between Robinho, Kaka and eventual scorer Louis Fabiano. I was wondering if I would be able to see this match, because of the fickle power. With Kapitane sending S.M.S. That Chile is superb in first five minutes I was getting worried, and then, the power came. It was Brazil all the way from there. Two chances made and missed in next five minutes, the game was on. Brazil was finding it difficult to attack with all Chiliean defence crowding at their players. Three corners and one hack on Lucio's leg, it was hot in the Chilean penalty box. 30 minutes into the game Brazil was looking good, making good moves from their half to opponents half, only to squander the all the good moves by a weak penultimate touch. Kaka and Robinho suddenly made all the difference. Dani Alves could sit back. Maicon need to make only the occasional runs, though he runs in the flanks for any move. A fake fall from Maicon drew boos, but for a referee who doesn't see Lucio being hacked and Kaka given yellow card(again) for something which Chile was doing all the while is nothing wrong. This ain't game for losing because of bad referee. Even you have to play against referee sometimes. Enough of being devil's advocate. I hope there is more goals in next half.

Second half was same affairs. Chile attacking and Brazil counter attacking, Chile not scoring and Brazil scoring one more. This time it was from a run by Ramirez which ended with a pass to Robinho who made a good finish. No more chance for Chile even though Sanchez tried his best. One person who has stood out in this Brazilian team right from first game is Michel Bastos. Even in the last minute he made a brilliant solo run, only to end with a slightly wide shot. He can shoot with real power, sprint with ball in full control, out run any defenders and take good free kicks too. This guy is a real dynamo. Nilmar came in and got a beautiful pass, which he was not able to control and head it in. A scoreline which was predicted in total. Brazil will meet Netherlands in quarterfinals.

Brazil 3(Robinho, Louis Fabiano, Juan) – Mexico 0

Albiceleste manages to win; in an earthly fashion

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Argentina Versus Mexico; June 27, 2010;

Johannesburg - Soccer City Stadium

A good game by Argentina. Tevez was OK. Messi still can't find a goal(Maybe someone should give him for free). Hernandez was excellent. This striker made quite a few chances and even showed a glimmer of light for Mexico until the third strike made it virtually impossible.

This sums what happened to Mexico:

Rafael Marquez, Mexico defender

You can't feel happy about being knocked out of a World Cup. We played well and we put an awful lot into it but it wasn't enough. We didn't have any luck and we lacked punch up front. The first goal was a tough blow to take and we couldn't come back from it. Unfortunately for us it's another failure and I just hope that the national side can make the quarter-finals one day.

Argentina 3(Tevez[2], Higuain) – Mexico 1(Hernandez)

PS: This post is written after getting angry over a silly squabble with a certain Jughead. So if anyone want to know actually what happened(other than Argentinians who obviously would have seen it), please click here.

Monsoon season, Power cut and WC don't go hand in hand.

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I have missed a match again. Netherlands wins against Slovakia. I saw their statistics, and Slovaks have a better win ratio. Well, that makes this match a tight one. Match started during power cut. Damn the K.S.E.B. Then it came after 5 minutes loss. Quantitatively w.r.t. score line nothing was lost, but qualitatively, a lot was lost. Then Arjen Robben strike. This guy is superb footballer. I am not able to understand why Van Persie is playing in center rather than in the wing. Until they lose, it will be all well for the Dutch. Half time, and power gone, again. I cannot see the match. I hoped Slovaks would win, but didn't happen.From the score line and considering last goal was by Slovakia on a penalty, I guess they might have attacked madly. Damn, if that would have happened then K.S.E.B. will have some serious Black Magic going on. 

Netherlands 2(Robben, Snjeider) - Slovakia 1(Vittek)

So again for more match info, please click here

The best quote I liked on the match was by Joris Mathijsen, Netherlands defender
There was a period in the second half when we went right off the boil. We were far too content just to knock it around at the back, but we picked up the pace again after about 70 minutes. I’m hoping we’ll turn in a better performance in our next match, but first, we’ll stop and celebrate being through to the next round. This game could be a turning point. All credit to Maarten [Stekelenburg], you feel very secure as a defender with him behind you, and he’s a worthy successor to Edwin van der Sar.

And for more puffed words on master craftsman Robben:

"You can see the kind of player he is and how important he is to us as a team," Hamburg youngster Eljero Elia told FIFA.com about the return of Arjen Robben to the Netherlands team. "The first thing he did was score a goal, and he created chance after chance after that."

Having played just 17 minutes of the Netherlands' three Group E victories, Arjen Robben – one of the true danger men of world football – made his return to the first XI with a bang on Monday night in Durban. Racing into space with his blinding pace, he left two Slovakia defenders for dead before firing low and hard past goalkeeper Jan Mucha to put one Dutch foot in the quarter-finals after only 18 minutes. "You can't expect anything in a World Cup, you have to fight for it, and I am thrilled to be back and helping out," said the Bayern Munich winger. "The coach told me I would be in the team before the game so I was ready, and I am thrilled to have done my part in reaching the quarter-finals."

Robben earned the unfortunate nickname 'hombre de cristal' (man of glass) during his time in Spain with Real Madrid and his injury woes are well documented. He looked like he might miss the entire finals here in South Africa after damaging his hamstring in a friendly with Hungary but coach Bert van Marwijk took his time with the player who, on his day, is one of the most explosive in the game. After leaving him out of two full games in the group stage, and only using him in the final stages of the third against Cameroon, the coach needed to call on his ace to cover for Rafael van der Vaart, who picked up a slight calf strain against the Indomitable Lions.

"It is obvious what he's worth as a player," Wesley Sneijder, scorer of the second Dutch goal in the 2-1 win, added to FIFA.com. "We needed him today." Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst was equally effusive in his praise of the speedy wide man, who had two more chances to score and generally terrorised the Slovakia defence for the full 70 minutes he spent on the pitch. "He's a dangerous player and one who puts a defence out of sorts and back on their heels. It's great to have him back."

Robben's early goal was only the second the Dutch – playing a more defensive brand of football than normal – have scored in the first half at these world finals. It was crucial in putting the Slovaks on the back foot. As Robben – a finalist with Bayern in this year's UEFA Champions League – continued to discuss his triumphant return, Van der Vaart strolled calmly and comfortably through the hallway behind him. He responded to journalists' queries as to his health with a South African style thumbs-up. It seems Van Marwijk may well have a selection problem in attack come the next match against either Brazil or Chile.

The hero of the hour, though, is not allowing himself to be distracted by the tantalising prospect of a date with the mighty Brazil in last eight. "It's time to relax now," Robben concluded. "We have to get our strength back and take what comes, be it Brazil or whoever."

Germany Versus England; June 27th , 2010

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Germany Versus England; 

Mangaung/Bloemfontein - Free State Stadium 

June 27^th , 2010

A great first half and a flop show in the second – only this can be said about the match. First half was brilliant attacking play by both teams, creating magnificent chances and scoring too. Klose scored a strikers goal, keeping off defender, controlling the ball while not losing the momentum and the shooting it past the goal keeper. It was the goal of the match. Second goal by Pudolski was equally good, but that goal was a mistake by James. He should have stopped it at this level. As usual Steven Gerard led the attack, and set up a brilliant cross to Upson for England, and brought down the goal difference to unity. Attack by England, and a brilliant 'goal' by Lampard, a ball which hit the top bar and went inside, only to come out to the hands of Never. England denied the goal(a la Geoff Hurst goal in '66) and no one protested. FIFA should be ashamed of this. England should have been given a fighting chance(was there one?). 

Half time whistle, and team was greeted by a tattooed 'legend', who is one of the person whom I don't like, mildly put. What the team decided at half time is anybody's guess – to attack blindly against a brilliantly counter attacking (remember blitzkrieg, anyone?) German team. They paid the price for such a tactical blunder, Mueller scored twice against a zero defense. As usual Lampard hit the post. This guy is not understanding that it is not a dart board, you have to put the ball inside the net. Though I liked the precision in that shot, after another free kick Lampard started complaining about the wall, or something, while Ze Germans went for a counter attack and Mueller coolly put one inside. Within a space of ten minutes, another goal, same guy, same mistake, albeit a missed free kick to woe upon. It is 4-1 and any one can second guess the outcome. 

Rooney was pathetic. Where is the brilliance he shows in EPL? I hate to say that a Red carded Rooney is better than a goalless one. Capello did some mistakes in substitution. Joe Cole should have been brought earlier, and Shawn Wright-Phillips. There was serious pace missing in the left flank for England. This golden generation of English team should have played better. I feel sorry for Gerard, who was in tears after the match. Is it the ego which does not allow the English team to be motivated by him? I did hope this team of opposing talents in leagues(even Spain and Italy fares better than English) would forge something for their nation. Well, still it is only leagues that the 'fans' can say to support the so called greatness of players and 'toughness' of the format. In the end of 90 plus 4 minutes of play, a better team won the game.

On lighter note, it was good to see girls, and really beautiful ones too, wearing Black, Red and Gold and The Cross of St. George on faces side by side, cheering even when they know one of their teams will go down, while other will be rejoicing. It was the best sight of the match, far better than any of the goals ;)

Germany 4(Klose, Pudolski, Mueller[2]) – England 1(Upson)

Ghana makes it true

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Ghana versus U.S.A; Rustenburg - Royal Bafokeng 
Stadium, June 26

The second match was going to be a wonderful match for me, until the darn power gone. It was like the half time whistle blew for the power to go too.

First half was excellent. The goal by Prince made U.S.A. one down, but American spirit, the one which I like as well as hate, came into show. They started attacking. Well, unlike Ghana whose moves were superlative, and when Gyan had a twisted foot with less than 6 minutes to go in first half, U.S.A. suddenly looked hopeful.

Second half was an affair of watching match through SMS. My good friend, Kapitane was giving me news, and bad news it was. U.S. was better team in second half. He said U.S.A. is attacking relentlessly. S$*#. Then SMS - Penalty and Donovan scores. As I came to know later, it was Dempsey who made Mensah make mistake, and concede a penalty. Then a better sounding news - Ghana is defending stoutly.

And I slept off. The combination of wonderful weather and pain in my hip has taken me out, once again. Whatever be that, I suddenly wake up to a beautiful dream. Ghana has won, and they are taking out some kind of golden trophy - a trophy similar to FIFA WC, except that there is only Africa etched and the figures were somewhat different. I guess I made another cup for African winners in my dream, as they are the only team left. Wonderful dream and to know that at least half of that is true, is a good omen. I got up to check internet(darn Kapitane didn't say anything else). It is 2-1 Ghana and Gyan's strike is at 93rd minute, shucks. Gyan scores his third. The youngest team agrees to carry the heavy weight of hope for an entire continent for another match.

U.S.A. is a great team - Dempsey, Donovan, Chirundelo, Bocanegra, Altidore all are good players. Still I like Ghana better. They are fast, play beautifully and use 'baby' less. Gyan is my player of match, but Ayew is for the jury.

Ghana 2(Boeteng, Gyan) - U.S.A 1(Donovan[p])

World Cup Between 19 and 26th of June, 2010

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After the brilliant start by Brazil and Argentina, I had to take a break, as my friend said, to be in suspended animation state, alongside some of other equally loyal followers of Jogo Bonito. Four days of revelry, where the matches were seen, assimilated and debated upon in various stages of self induced comatose, made me less confident on saying about them, and far less on writing. I was seeing Brazil win their second match in a brilliant fashion, and suddenly it is all hush for “any team other than Brazil” fans. Luis Fabiano scored twice - a fine first-half strike, then a second goal which Elano slotted in ahead of Didier Drogba's headed consolation. Kaka was sent off. Brazil missed him in the final match with Portugal. France was showing signs of tension, and suddenly all those broke lose, and national pride was put aside for personal prides. Last editions champions, and still looking like that, Italy was forever finding it difficult to score. They were making my predictions go awry. I should have been more confident about my opinions rather than about the opinions of azzuri fans. Well, I was also wrong. Cote D'Ivoire didn't get through, because I didn't want cocky Ronaldo to have the fun. Biased. And the great chokers, Furio Roja – Spanish team, also failed to impress, barely scrapping through. Anyway, rest of the matches were mainly dysfunctional. Brazil versus Portugal was a drab affair, with Brazil not knowing why they were not being allowed to score a goal in the first half, and going all frustrated in the second half. Portugal did not want to win, neither wanted to lose, they just played on. A boring game from Ronaldo as usual. Why is this guy not making his critics eat their words like Messi. Lionel Messi strives hard, and with captains arm band in the final group match, he was trying to make it right for his countrymen. This is where the glory of world cup comes. If shock exits are there, then their absence will be made up by shock presence of Slovakia. Slovaks played brilliantly to reach final 16. Switzerland after shocking Spain went back to their goggle scorelines, which made them see the door. Spain topped the group on goal difference, while Chile finished 2^nd. A fine line up of matches to come.

South Korea and Uruguay at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, June 26, 2010

The first of Knock out match between Uruguay and South Korea was simply outstanding. The Korean conceded a goal in the first half itself, and from then on started putting pressure on a Uruguayan team which was content with playing for 1-0 win. It started to rain too, heavily, making life difficult for the goalies first, and the players later. Koreans made it 1-1 with twenty minutes to go, with a great set piece and poor goal keeping. A long through ball, missed by a weak finish by Lee Dong-Gook(i guess). A chance missed, which might not come again. Koreans are making fun of Uruguayan defense, making outrageous passes, splitting the defense and even making Homer Simpson in Nike ad look better than the Uruguayan defense. Suddenly Uruguay wakes up, starts attacking again, though they take some time to get into an attacking mode. Ten minutes later, a brilliant right foot shot from Suares(who scored the first goal also) curves into the far post, hits the inside of bar and goes in. 2-1. Korea is one goal behind again, and with another ten minutes to go, they start attacks afresh. Another through ball, Terrible football, Lee Dong-gook is one on one after accepting Kim's pass with a cute first touch, but his shot is scuffed and straight at Muslera. The wet ball slips through, Lugano manages to get back and scramble clear. Final minutes with 3 extra minutes for stoppage time. Koreans scramble for an equaliser. Duri tries everything, his impatience seen in each throw taken. There is no imagination, only plain attack. Forlan controls the center while Lugano holds fort. In the end, Uruguay wins even though heart goes out to the way Koreans played.

Uruguay 2(Suares) – South Korea 1(Lee Chungyong)

Argentina wins in style, Mexico stuns France

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Argentina Versus South Korea, Johannesburg-Soccer City Stadium

I had to lose something(to explain would mean to dig my own grave, and take my bed out of my home) to see the Argentine and South Koreans play, and they didn't disappoint. A thrilling match was what they gave me. Argentina went on a scoring spree against Korea Republic with Gonzalo Higuain firing the first hat-trick of this FIFA World Cup to take a huge step towards the last 16, and that is booking a spot in final 16. They threatened in their last match, only to falter at the last second of the finish, but that was first match jitters. Now Higuain was all control and cool of star striker, and scored the first hat trick of this World Cup. Would he go on to be the Golden Boot winner? He has only Klose as his threat, as all other teams strikers are not that sure for goal. Maybe Pudolski, someone from Brazil(which is almost nil) will also be there alongside. Higuain started ahead of my favorite Milito and Aguirro, but he silenced me(in Facebook too :P) Korea didn’t expect to lose by such a large margin. Now everything will go down to the final group game. They didn’t play well and Argentina did. Now it is a run to the second place in the group(which it was right from the start of the world cup). Argentine fans are happy because they played a great game in every way: played good football(everyone made football of South Koreans pedestrain, while it was only the class of Argentine play that made it look so), created chances(Messi was superb in almost magical way) and were clinical in front of goal(Higuain's second goal being the ultimate example of steady nerves). We were deserved winners and we need to continue in this vein. We’re convinced that we’re capable of having a great World Cup. Now to quote the great man,

Diego Maradona, Argentina coach (and occasional Ball boy when it comes to regulation box).

I want to congratulate my players for having perfectly executed our game plan. We deserved a win like this because we’d already threatened this kind of result against Nigeria. Except from the [Martin] Demichelis error, we had all the play and did what we wanted with the ball. Korea [Republic] never managed to get behind us, they never had the ball and, aside from one counter-attack in the second period, I can hardly remember them having a shot on goal. Their goal was a shot in the arm for us and we went out and played with even more determination after the break. A headline to sum up today’s game? ‘Argentina were implacable.’

Argentina 4(Gonzalo Higuain, PARK Chu Young [o.g.]) - South Korea 1(LEE Chung Yong )

France Versus Mexico, Polokwane-Peter Mokaba Stadiu

France, finalists in 2006, are on the verge of crashing out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ after losing 2-0 to Mexico in Polokwane’s Peter Mokaba Stadium. Substitutes Javier Hernandez and Cuauhtemoc Blanco grabbed the goals as El Tri moved to within touching distance of the last 16 with a deserved win over Raymond Domenech’s lackluster Les Bleus. French never troubled the Mexican defense. They played poorly, uncharacteristically and deserved to lose against a better Mexico. Mexico was always showing a class, when they passed the ball, and when they began a move towards the French half. This delighted the fans of the game and they truly wished a French loss at this game. There was nothing worthy of saying from Ribery and rest of the Frenchies. At half time, the French would have felt fortunate to return to the dressing rooms with the scores level, but they emerged with renewed determination and forced a decent early save from Oscar Perez when Florent Malouda was given time and space to crack in a powerful right-foot shot. With Mexico struggling to replicate their first-half form, Javier Aguirre rang the changes, and it was one of his substitutes, Javier Hernandez, who provided the all-important breakthrough. Marquez again split the French defence with a simple through ball, and Hernandez, having sprung the offside trap, coolly side-stepped Lloris before side-footing into the open net. A resolute French response seemed inevitably, yet it never materialised. Instead, Mexico made sure of all three points when Blanco slotted a textbook penalty to the right of the helpless Lloris after Barrera’s thrilling run was halted by Eric Abidal’s sliding challenge. If this goes on France is sure to crash out, and my predictions are going to be true sooner than later. El Tri now march on to their final fixture against Uruguay knowing that a point will be enough to see them through to the last 16, while France face the hosts knowing that only an unlikely set of results will salvage their South Africa 2010 dreams.

Mexico 2(Javier HERNANDEZ, Cuauhtemoc BLANCO) – France 0

Greece versus Nigeria, Mangaung/Bloemfontein-Free State Stadium

Greeks are back in news. This time, not for financial debacles, but for football. Yeah, this is the same nation that won Euro cup beating Portugal under Otto Rehgal. And there is not a single name that I can remember then and now too – Papapokanosis, Stebagafordis, Stedikes, and what else. Boy, still they played a beautiful game. Nigeria is not the force it was years ago, time and again I say this to guys who say they will do something in this world cup. However much I want them to do that, they are not doing it, so what can I do, replace Sven Goran Ericksenn!! Unfortunately, the game started just like the last one and Greece went a goal down. My team(only me and my good friend supported Greece against a whole Police squad during the eventful night of Euro cup triumph, in the Police Academy, and guys, don't over react) needed quite some time to recover. Now who will go through in this group, other than obvious Argentine team, is anybody's guess. Nigeria, if they win against Korea will make it on basis of goal difference, and if they lose will make way for South Korea, if they win against Greece, else Greece goes through again, again only on goal difference. What the dickens was that!! This group is just shaping out to be just like that sentence. Still, Nigeria did play with their heart on their shirts. A beautiful game it was.

Greece 2 (Dimitrios SALPINGIDIS, Vasileios TOROSIDIS) – Nigeria 1(Kalu UCHE)

SA Vs Uruguay; June 16th, 2010, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

There is still ten minutes of play plus whatever injury time is there, and I do not think that there will be a Bafana Bafana Miracle. So it is Uruguay which goes into final sixteen for sure, with this win and draw in the game with France. On the world youth day, the boys(Bafana means boys in Afrikaans) would have hoped that the home crowd and lady luck would give them a victory and do their country proud.

The match was always tilted towards Uruguay with players like Forlan, Lugano and Suares, to make a game of it. Beginning itself was as predicted, with Forlan taking shot at goal with free kicks and couple of decisions going against home team, though the referee was right. Tshabalala tries to find a goal. Rest of the stuff by South Africans sadly are living up to their nickname. Folan shoots from 35 yards and the ball dips in. Lovely stuff from Forlan. He controlled it, spun round on to his favored right foot and shot. Goal. All the attacks from South Africa are met with. Nothing is happening till half time.

Again same story, until the 78^th minute when the incessant Uruguayan attack is met with no serious defense that goal keeper has to take drastic action. Would that save be legal if he had lunged and used his body? Instead, Khune's stretches his legs and brings down Suares. As South Africans worry for a penalty, and a yellow card, they are in for a shock as Khune gets a red. Everything changes as they are a man down, Steven Piennar(no relation to Rugby legend) goes off to get in Josephs. Forlan takes the penalty, drives the ball into top left corner. Josephs lunges correct but can not stop the powerful hit in a million dives. Its 2-0. Ten minutes to go. Forlan is looking for hat trick. Periera finds a chance to take the score to three. I stop watching. Says sorry to SA. You won't get another movie out of this tournie.

Good night ladies and gentleman, its South American(former) champions day,

Uruguay 3(Forlan, Alvaro Periera) – South Africa 0

First Upset of 2010 World cup

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Spain versus Switzerland; 

June 16, 2010, Moses Mabhida Stadium , Durban

European champions came into the tournament with unbeaten 14 game streak and a high per game goal average of 3 in last seven games. The Swiss hadn't beaten Spain in their last 18 meetings, over a period of eighty five years, but they had a very stout defense which stifled goalless draws in last world cup, until a penalty knocked them out of group stages. Spain had the best team in years, with players from Barca, Real, Valencia all making up the team. They had the coach, Vicente del Bosque, who had supervised the golden age of Real in recent years. Swiss coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld, has 19 majors including 2 European championships with two different teams. This was going to be as much as a players match, as much as it was going to be between tactics of the two coaches.

As the pre-match predictions was being made in favor of Spain, for a score line of at least 3-0, both the teams waited in the dressing room. Torres was not in starting eleven, so was Fabregas. It was an over confident team which took to field. The initial stages saw Spain having nearly 80 percentage of possession, and the Swiss on back foot. Even then there was hardly one good shot at goal by Spain. The Swiss defense was living up to its name. After 30 minutes of play, Spain was left short of ideas, and Swiss slowly took possession. The goal less end of first half made the predicted scoreline a far shot. Even then, last nights game between the other tournament favorites Brazil made every Spanish supporter feel they might win this, yet.

Second half saw Spain starting with same tempo. The famed line up of Xavi, Villa, X. Alonso, Silva was not testing the Swiss goal keeper, Diego Benaglio, and the rock solid defense. Six minutes into the second half saw the Swiss strike. Iker Cassillas was made to come out of line by a rush from Swiss striker, Erin Dedreyk, and the opportunity in the melee was taken gladly by Fernandes who put the ball inside the net. Swiss was one up. The world cup favorites were a goal down. Suddenly, panic spread in Spanish benches and Torres and Navis was brought in for Basquet and Silva. Torres immediately injected fresh pace and sting into the attack but still was ineffective. There was many opportunities missed. Spain was lucky not to concede another when a strike by Dedreyk struck the post and came back to Pique, who found it too bouncy. The ball was safely taken out by Puyol. The Spanish defense looked never in the form as in the days of Hierro. Same could be said of the attack, which was different when Raul was there. The best shot of the match and tournament till now, was from the boot of X. Alonso, who let out a fierce right footer which unfortunately hit the bar and rebounded towards the ground. If it had gone in, it would have been a sure contender for goal of the tournament. 90 minutes later, a five minutes injury time was given. Each of those 300 seconds was met with stout defense. The Swiss made it difficult for Spain and Benaglio was given a yellow for unnecessary time wasting. The referee was tough throughout the match giving really good decisions, and the right amount of cards. In the end, the match winner was the defense of Swiss with General Benaglio in the heart of backyard.

The first major upset has made this world cup look like a goal crunch one. Spain got lot of work to do, to live up to its reputation. As my brother rightly said, For a goal strike, it takes less than 30 seconds only, but in the whole of 90 minutes, there is not many of those 30 seconds, and to find it is really the thing that marks the winning team from other.

Switzerland 1(Fernandes) – Spain 0

Chile V/s Honduras; June 16, 2010, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

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Favoured Chile thoroughly dominated Honduras 1-0 on Wednesday, notching its first World Cup victory in 48 years.

The South Americans, making their first World Cup appearance since France 1998, had not won a World Cup match since defeating Yugoslavia to finish third as hosts of the 1962 tournament.

Constantly attacking, La Roja could easily have won by a much higher score but squandered many golden opportunities in the teams’ Group H opener.

Forward Jean Beausejour scored the lone goal in the 34th minute when he took a crossing pass by midfielder Jorge Valdiva in front of the goal and hammered it in.

Beausejour was named Man of the Match.

Chile 1(Jean Beausejour) - Honduras 0

Group of Death; Brazil versus Korea D.P.R.; Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, June 15, 2010

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The much awaited kick off of 2010 World cup, when world's best team takes to field for the first time in South Africa, started at 2350 IST. The match between other members of Group D was better than all other games, and this was supposed to be cake walk for Brazil. North Korea, as the D.P.R. Korea is known commonly, came without much hope. They had players who were unknown in the larger football playing world. One player, Ja Tae-Se(who), is supposed to be the best player in J-league(what?).

Before the match, both teams lined up for the national anthems of both countries. First, the Brazilian anthem played and the faces of all golden and green wearing crowd was one that wore a party look. They looked at North Koreans as nice young boys who had come to play with big brother, and expected an easy win. As the Korean anthem played on, tears came from Ja Tae-Se, which made the ceremony very much special for the games. The Koreans were playing after 44 years, last playing in 1966 England where they shocked Italy. They are known to be giant killers. The kick off was an elaborate wait, for each second was an eternity, and captains tossed for sides and kick. Lucio won the toss, and chose the field side, while the kick of was done by N. Koreans. Lights flashed in millions, while the match started with a flurry of attacks in N. Korean territory. Suddenly, Brazil was looking to make a goal, with Robinho making some fancy dribbling, but no goal. M. Bastos and Elano was shooting st the post with great power. Louis Fabiano was trying hard, playing physically against the Koreans earning many warnings from referee. By the fifteenth minute, Ja Tae-Se made many superb runs into the Brazilian territory, but either ran into Lucio or Juan or drove straight into Julio Cesar. This man was good, he had pace, skill and oodles of stamina. The Koreans were proving to world that they were no pushers in the group. They played with their hearts out. Brazilian post was tested couple of times by strong shots, while on the other side, only weak shots were tried at Korean end. One particular build up by N. Korea had at least 20-25 passes between some touch-miss by Brazilian players and ended with a shot at goal. They were proving it again. Brazil had majority of ball possession but couldn't find a weak spot in Korean defense which was solid as a rock. They managed to survive till the half time whistle. Dunga had a lot to think over his opponents in the first half. The Koreans took the first half honors, but still there was lot to worry for them too. Jon Ta se was the player who stood out in the whole match studded with stars like Kaka, Louis Fabiano, Robinho etc. He played well, but more than that he had heart.

And after the break, the teams took to field again. Brazil attacked immediately and with purpose. Maicon, Robinho and Kaka attacks. Brazilian attack with Kaka in center sees Kaka brought down and free kick given. The next best dead ball expert after Ronaldo is in this team, but instead of Kaka, Bastos takes it. The ball dips, but curls away. Brazilian has made Jabulani dip. They started to go for long range shots, played with the mid field looser than before, and managed to be on top, comprehensively, for the first time in the game. Then in 55^th minute came a genius of a goal which only a Brazilian can strike. A pass from Elano sees Maicon in a very awkward angle but he hits it almost from the out line of the field. The ball curls in and into the post it goes. Brazil has scored its first goal in this world cup. Brazil attack with Bastos and Robinho in left wing, Kaka in center, with Louis Fabiano along side, Elano and Maicon in right. Then the second goal which is perfectly Brazilian. A very imaginative play from Robinho saw him passing the ball that split the Korean defense, into the box, Elano runs in and puts it easily inside. Immediately, Dunga replaces Elano who is given a cheerful welcome into the bench. Bruno Alves takes his place and Nilmar comes in for Kaka. Brazil is not playing now, they are at the beach. They start to enjoy themselves, even after some good play by Koreans. The advantage is grabbed by N. Koreans who score in the 89^th minute with a brilliant field goal by Yun Nam. Again Jon Tae-Se was there. This guy deserves a goal. Only Louis Fabiano tries, to have his name in books. Rest of Brazil played as if on beach. Now three minutes of added time, and still Brazil ambles on. Whistle blows and Brazil wins. They have won it easily, and all the trouble they had in scoring, and ultimate goal from Yun Nam, was only due to their easy going. They better pick it up before the next match on 21^st. Anyway my team WON!! Yahoo!!

Group of Death opening match; Stalemate.

Portugal versus Cote D'Ivoire, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

The first match of group of death, between two nations of superbly gifted players was expected to be great. The teams having some of the best players in the world, Ronaldo and Drogba(who unfortunately was at the bench because of injury), and others like Deco, who was noticed with the Champions league win with Porto, Danny, Tourre brothers, Salomon Kalou, Meireles, Simao and Carvalho were evenly matched. The team of Ivory Coast was the best bet from African nations and they had many players who earned their living in premier leagues of France, Italy, Spain and England.

The game started with Portuguese flourish on the Ivory coast goal, when in 10^th minute Ronaldo, turned and shot a downward curling right footer into the right post, only to find the bar denying him and his country glory. The face of Drogba was wrought with tension and prayed profusely to the Man above. I wished to see him play, and hope that is answered soon. Captain Tourre understood the danger and suddenly Ronaldo was finding it hard to break free. A stumble in near the 30 yard by Ronaldo in expectation of a free kick was spotted by referee. He gave the advantage to Ivory coast, and the skirmish between Demel and Ronaldo earned both of them their yellow cards. This was fine refereeing where game was not stopped for silly reasons, while the integrity of the game still sustained. Deco came up with a brilliant pass to Danny who couldn't utilize his pace to put this ball inside the net. Aside that, first half saw a brilliant team work by Ivory Coast, with nice touche passing by Dindan, Ya Ya, Kalou and the rest of the team. The match was so beautifully poised at the end of half time, that the commentator was saying that a single goal will decide the match. I think a goal will make both the teams snap out of their defensive play and bring out the best. Maybe then both of them will play for a win. Anything can happen in the second half. And the referee blows the whistle to start the second half.

Cote D'Ivoire continued their form from first half and made Portuguese defense worried. After fifteen minutes of play the side bench saw Didier Drogba warming up, making the heart of everyone happy in the stands. The man who was in the form was Ya Ya Tourre, who along with Dindan and Givernho made many runs towards the Portuguese post. The first substitution was made by Portugal when Simao came in for Danny. Simao was to make good contribution, when the tide of the game turned for Portugal. Deco was also substituted and Portugal suddenly started to worry a confused Ivory Coast. The most admired player in the world cup from Africa came from the bench at the 60^th minute of play. There was a rousing reception for the jewel of Africa – Drogba. A placard said it all – Drogba: make Africa proud. Feel it, the time is here. Kalou Tourre was commanding the defense and team magnificently, denying Portuguese each time. A cramp towards the end made him strain himself, but still managed to hang in there to keep his team in the game. The game showed strength of character in both teams, as they fought viciously for the ball, elbowed and struck each others foot, but still managed to put their arms around each other. The most wonderful moment of the match was when Didier Drogba with arms around Christiano Ronaldo, shared a lighter moment. A foul on Ronaldo in the final minutes of play saw a freekick given for Portugal. Everyone expected a brilliant one from the best dead ball expert in the world today, but Ronaldo couldn't dip it in and the ball soared above the top bar.

When the normal time ran out, the Elephants suddenly woke up and made the most of the additional three minutes by making Portuguese sweat. Drogba had a good chance, when Keita, who came in a sub gave a good pass, in the penalty box. The chance was driven wild by a weak shot, which unfortunately didn't find any orange shirt to drive it in.

The good thing about the match was the great refereeing by Uruguayan referee, Jorge Larrionda. Though he is always criticized for being anti Portuguese, I thought he did good keeping the cards in check and letting the game go on. There has been couple of tackles which, as per rules, will draw a straight yellow, but even then was allowed to play on. The good thing was actually that referee was able to control the match, without any major scuffles and bad tackles even without giving yellow cards. That is good for game. Otherwise, if you don't give card and also allow bad tackles to get players injured, that means you are not fit for being there with the whistle.

In the end, it was perfect start for Group of Death, and both teams relieved before their match against Brazil. Now waiting for my team to get on to the field, and dance!!

Cot D'Ivoire 0 - Portugal 0