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

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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

New Zealand Wins(hearts) against Slovakia(as the game ends in a draw)

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New Zealand V/s Slovakia, June 15, 2010, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg.

The first of the three games on 15^th was was a pass over match, while the wait was was for big guns – Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. 

The game started as expected – dour. I was sleeping hardheartedly because whatever the team, I could not miss the excitement. The view was particularly more exciting – lying down, with the television perpendicular to vision, and the players in South African sun having their shadows on the ground, and my mind wanting to think the shadow being erect player and the white and blue guys as colorful shadows on multicolored background. There was mistimed passes which were taken by other team only to be given away again, but both teams ran their heart off in the first half. There was nothing to display in the score line for all their efforts because game was always beyond the box of either teams. A few moments of lightness, when a Slovak player named Czech was called by commentator as 'Check ov' Slovakia' which will anger at least a few Slovaks, but made the match a bit more enjoyable. Few times, Slovaks who were supposed to be better team, beat Kiwis in speed and made few noises. The second half started and within five minutes, a goal was conceded by Kiwis, Vitek scored. Nothing could stop the Slovaks now. The game was progressing towards full time, with extra time time added and score line still read, Slovaks are ahead. In the final 60 seconds of the game, a goal from Kiwis, from a Winston Reed header equalized the score. 

What an energy it gave to the match. The stands were all up and jumping with blue flags of New Zealand. The referee had to book the winner for his over celebration, but nobody minded, Kiwis, the least. The final whistle blew and the camera gave a close up of Nelson hugging Reid, for a gay long time, which summarized the happiness of Kiwis. In the end, as is always said, Football won.

New Zealand 1(Reid) – Slovakia 1(Vitek)