Paraguay's Penalties Propel Them To The Quarters!

The Paraguay-Japan game witnessed the first ever penalty shootout of this year's tournament. I had almost forgotten how nervous I get when watching them no matter who's playing. That could be to do with the fact that England didn't even reach the penalty shootout stage of the game this time around...! But anyway it's a cruel way to go out and this time was no exception.

The game itself was probably one of the poorest we have seen so far. No goals, no ambition, no courage. For both teams a spot in the quarters was going to be a first. Neither Paraguay nor Japan have ever made it out of the second round, so the prospect of each side making national history was clear for all to see. It's a shame then that both sides were so fearful and played so cautiously and tentatively, so that what we got was reminiscent of the opening games of the tournament - a tight, edgy and cagey encounter with few chances from either side and no real prospect of any goals being scored.

In fact, the longer the game wore on, it became inevitable that we would be heading to penalties. Neither side wanted to commit players forward for fear of being undone at the back and therefore either took chances from range, or didn't take none at all. Both sides were trying to play counter-attacking football and this is where they cancelled each other out. We have seen in previous games that the Japanese have been extremely organised and rigid at the back, always playing in straight lines and not really conceding too much. We saw a different Japanese side against the Danes - there they were playing with more fervour and enthusiasm and giving us a really good game. They were fresh, full of energy and adventurous in going forward. Unfortunately, the same could not be said about their style of play in yesterday's game.

As for Paraguay, well they were a bit better at breaking on the counter, but were just too slow at making anything happen. As soon as they got the ball, the pace slowed down completely allowing the Japanese defenders and the goalkeeper, Kawashima to make those vital blocks. Lucas Barrios went closest for the South Americans in the first half, getting in between two Japanese defenders only to see his effort on goal saved. His chance, finally breathed some life into the game 20 minutes in, as at the other end Matsui lashed a ball from distance only to see it whack the crossbar. That all came in the same minute and was about all the excitement we had in a pretty much unmemorable opening half.

It was pretty much the same story in the second half. Paraguay probably came closest to scoring out of the two sides after Riveros' header went wide. The game pretty much just floated from one team to the other without any real pressure or anything exciting happening. The introduction of substitute Nelson Valdez livened things up though. It was clear to see how much he wanted to win the game and get it over and done with, and indeed he came so close to scoring but Kawashima did well to smother.

Neither keeper made a save in the subsequent shootout, but as is so often the case one man's pain was another man's joy as Japan's third penalty taker Komano whacked his penalty onto the crossbar. The advantage was with Paraguay who put away all 5 spotkicks, with Benfica's Oscar Cardozo sealing the win. All the spotkicks, save Komano's obviously, were really well taken and it's always sad to see a side go out on penalties (unless you're on the winning team of course!). Cardozo's coolly taken kick sparked scenes of mass jubilation and tears of joy from the Paraguayan coach, as well as tears of despair from the Japanese.

The win for Paraguay means that now all 4 quarterfinals have 1 South American team present in what is looking a great year for that continent. There are also 3 European teams and 1 African. If Japan had made it through then we would have seen a representative from the Asian continent but ultimately a lack of ambition and an unwillingness to take risks cost them what would have been their first ever place at a quarterfinals. Although they did well, particularly against Denmark, they will no doubt rue the missed opportunity against Paraguay and their failure to take the game to the South Americans instead of sitting back, and hoping for something to come their way.

Brazil Beat Chile To Reach Quarters...

Brazil will now go on to face Holland in what will be one of the most anticipated quarterfinals after their comfortable and relatively untroubled victory over fellow South Americans, Chile last night. Chile, who finished second in Group H, were the first South American team to be knocked out of the World Cup and were unfortunately just not good enough to see off the 5 times winners.

To their credit, Chile have been exciting to watch in this competition, together with their coach, Marcelo Bielsa or "El Loco" as they like to call him. He has ensured that his team are well drilled and finish the job off properly, but they were always on the losing side of the battle coming into this game with key players - Estrada, Ponce and Medel suspended.

Chile started off the brighter - taking the game to Brazil, but it was nothing that the Brazilian defence coupled with the men in front of them - Gilberto and Ramires, couldn't handle. As the game wore on, slowly but surely Brazil assumed the ascendancy, enjoying more of the possession and more threat going forward. However, it was difficult for them to produce their classic moments of flair and style with Chile quick to get on to the ball everytime Brazil had possession. So if you can't do it the Brazilian way, well then you might as well do it the British way - from a corner kick. In what was the most un-Brazilian of goals, Juan headed home brilliantly after making great contact from Maicon's corner kick. He rose higher than the Chilean defenders who failed to mark him properly and Brazil were 1-0 up.

Chile were then forced to score or else go home without trying. This, as always, left them vulnerable to Brazil counter-attacking football, and in the end this was what was to be their undoing. Just 4 minutes after Juan had scored, a brilliant move by Brazil gave Luis Fabiano his third goal of the tournament. This goal was much more Brazilian in style than the first after Robinho was able to collect the ball on the left and square it to Kaka who was back after his suspension. Kaka took the weight of the ball and it was a perfect pass for Luis Fabiano who made no mistake in skipping past Bravo and slotting the ball into an empty net. A sumptious move which pretty much ended Chile's hopes of a comeback.

Robinho got on the scoresheet not long after half-time to really dent any hopes of a Chile comeback scoring a magnificent goal after a great long run from Ramires, who unselfishly passed the ball out to the Man City man to chip delightfully over Bravo who could do nothing to stop that from going in. Bielsa knew that Chile's time in SA was almost up, but he wasn't going to leave without trying. He used all 3 substitutes shortly after the goal, and Valdivia went close with his strike just going high. Suazo, who had been pretty disappointing until then, did eventually force a save from Cezar but it was well and truly out of their reach as Brazil completely slowed the pace down and Chile's attacking options became limited.

Chile have done themselves proud in this tournament, but were just in a different league to their South American neighbours. It probably didn't help that they were missing some of their best players either. I'd like to say something about the style in which Brazil are playing as it makes for intriguing reading, particularly with their game against the Dutch to come. As I mentioned in the post below, the Dutch are being criticised back home for the way they have been playing in this tournament. They have been winning but not doing so in their 'total' style. They have been clinical, efficient and ruthless. Well Dunga and this Brazilian team are very much the same if you think about it. And, Dunga has also been criticised by the Brazilian media for sacrificing the 'samba' style for a more systematic approach. Dunga has also been clinical, efficient and ruthless, much like van Marwijk. So it will be definitely interesting to see the two similar styles clash with each other from teams that have been known traditionally for their flamboyancy and artistry on the pitch.

Also, I would just like to say a word or two about Gilberto Silva. This man is the real unsung hero of the Brazilian team. He may not be the best going forward but boy does he do his job. Like when he was at Arsenal, Dunga employs him as the holding man - the man who must sit in front of his back four and shield them. Every ball that comes his way, every pass that goes astray - he makes sure he's on to it so that his defence doesn't get hit. Wow, he's so great I've even started writing poetically about him. But in all seriousness, he really is Mr. Reliable. There have not been too many cases when he has done much wrong and he definitely does his fair share of the work for Brazil. It's gonna be tough for the Dutch forwards to get much past him so they had better get their thinking caps on, to come up with ways of getting past the solid rock of wall that is, Gilberto Silva.

Robben's Back, Back Again!

The Netherlands made it through to the quarters after a relatively comfortable win over Slovakia, who coming off the back of their huge scalp against the (former) world champions, failed to offer up any kind of a challenge against this Dutch side, who are looking less and less like the Dutch we know and love to watch.

With Robben back in the starting line-up after a quick recovery things were looking decidedly rosier in the Oranje camp. Slovakia were looking to reach the quarter-finals in what has been an amazing first tournament for them, since they attained independence. It was pretty easy for the Dutch to keep possession of the ball and create chances with Van Persie, Sneijder and Robben all having shots on goal. Robben made his count though, in the 18th minute, and scored a goal that showcased the winger at his very best. Credit must go to Sneijder who sent a long ball forward to release Robben, after the Slovaks had lost control of it on the edge of the Dutch box. Robben used all his skill, trickery and mastery to control the ball, draw in the defenders, cut inside and lash the ball from 22-yards out. Injury? What injury? That was Robben's first goal of the tournament, and I'm sure it won't be his last. Slovakia seemed to have no reply, and didn't really give the Dutch keeper Stekelenburg much to do as the first half came to a close.

With the game still at 1-0 though, there was every chance for Slovakia to get back into the game. However, I could see no way back in for them, unless they had a good set-piece and scored from there. They offered no creative input whatsoever, and made it all too easy for the Dutch who were content to stay at 1-0 and were not really tested. Mucha made some fantastic saves in the second half, to keep Slovakia in the game, but his efforts were not replicated up front as a desperate Vladmir Weiss senior, put goalscoring substitute Kamil Kopunek on to try and get them a goal, as he had done in the Italy game. It was only much later when the Slovakians finally threatened the Dutch - first with Miroslav Stoch whose effort was well-saved by Stekelenburg, who did well to stay alert, despite being a spectator for most of the match. The next chance was definitely one to rue for the Slovaks as Hamsik squared the ball to on-form Robert Vittek, who despite being joint top scorer, was unable to finish the move, kicking the ball straight to the keeper.

With about 5 minutes left, the Dutch made sure that they were going to be heading to the quarters, with a coolly finished goal from Wesley Sneijder. Kuyt initially forced the keeper to commit himself, and Mucha, who had been pretty decent with his saves, committed himself out of his box, allowing Kuyt to unselfishly pass to Sneijder who tucked the ball into an empty net. It was a good job he had scored too, as Slovakia were awarded a penalty in injury time, which could have sent the game into extra time. Vittek was tripped in the area and added to his tally of 3 goals by slotting home from the penalty spot. Ultimately, it was only a consolation but a positive one nonetheless as they headed home, with their heads held high after a great debut to the tournament.

I mentioned before, that the Dutch won in an un-Dutch way. What do I mean by this? Well I've been saying before how we have been waiting for the Dutch to step it up a bit in this competition. Arguably, they've had an easy ride up to now and haven't really come out of fifth gear yet. They haven't really been tested and we haven't seen total football! To be honest though, I don't think we will see it anytime soon either. Why is this? Well, the Dutch seemed to have changed their style of play to better their chances of winning the competition. Remember: they have never won it, but have come damn close to doing so on two occasions in the years of Cruyff, Kluivert and van Basten. The Oranje Army has always been praised for its flamboyant, entertaining, aesthetic football but has been criticised for failing to be clinical or ruthless enough in big competitions i.e. failing to 'win ugly'. This time around though things are different. In fact the coach has been quoted as saying that his side are content to 'win ugly' causing a large amount of criticism in the Dutch press about the way their side has performed so far. Gone are the days of flair, flamboyance and fabulous flourishes. In their place we see rigidity, pragmatism and efficiency. The important thing for the team though is that they have won. Not only have they won all their games in the tournament so far, but also all of their qualifying games too. It is an unbeaten record that stretches 23 games. The 'new' style of play might not be all that we want to see, it might not be pretty but it has certainly been effective...so far.

But the question is: is it better for them this way? Will they be able to win things now? Is it a sacrifice that will benefit them in the long term and bring a future of greater promise? Perhaps. Only time can tell...

Maradona Marches On...

Yet another controversy. Yet another indefensible refereeing decision. And yet another shout for video technology. Sepp Blatter are you listening? I jolly well hope so because if yesterday's two matches, did not convince you of the need for some kind of technology, then I have no idea what will.

Argentina beat Mexico 3-1 last night to seal qualification to the quarterfinals, but the scoreline could have been so very different had it not been for a massive mistake by the referee's assistant. In a match that replicated the last 16 match in 2006, El Tri were hoping to take revenge on their South American neighbours and book themselves a place against Germany in the next stage of the tournament. And, it certainly looked possible, particularly in the opening stages as Mexico saw a great deal of the ball and had some clearcut chances to get themselves on the scoresheet. Concerns have been raised about the Argentinian defence as being the only chink in their otherwise formidable armour, and this certainly looked to be the case, as Mexico played their short, sharp passes in between the last line. There was really good movement by the Mexicans who were unlucky not to score first, when Carlos Salcido's shot crashed against the post and Guardado shot narrowly wide. It was a great start for the Mexicans but soon the tide turned against them with the aid of the referee's assistant.

Before Argentina's first "goal", they hadn't really looked to threaten in the opening stages of the game but Messi had done well to find some space and send the pass through for Tevez, who missed his first chance at goal which was smothered by Oscar Perez, but then was on hand to head home the rebound from a great pass by Messi. However, there was just one problem. Tevez was clearly offside when the ball was being played to him. The mistake was clear to see by everyone in the stadium, as it was replayed out on the big screen. That, in itself, was a mistake, as controversial decisions are not supposed to be shown like that, because of what happened next. As the referee, Roberto Rossetti went over to discuss with the linesman, Stefano Ayroldi a whole gaggle of Mexican players surrounded them and protested vehemently at the decision. Ayroldi knew that he had made the wrong call, but FIFA rules prevented them from ruling the goal out as he had not raised his flag.

At half-time, things got worse as a huge melee of players, managers, staff and referees were involved in altercations, no doubt, about the unfairness of the decision. 2 hugely controversial decision in 2 matches on the same day. And they could have made a massive difference to the outcome of the result. In the England game, the relatively inexperienced Germany side could have failed to get over the shock of leading 2-0, and then getting pegged back which might have affected their game somewhat. And, in this game Mexico who had started off the better of the two, could have at least been real contenders right to the very end. Instead, much like England, Mexico failed to recover from that goal, and as they went forward to score, they were left open at the back, making stupid defensive errors (exactly like England) and allowing Argentina to score and ultimately win the game and book their place against Germany.

Argentina's second came shortly after the first, when Osorio lazily tried to pass it to his fellow centre-back partner, but the ball was pounced upon by Higuain who worked it round the keeper and coolly slotted in to get his fourth of the tournament. Tevez scored a magnificent third goal not too long after the restart, doing well to control the ball, evade two defenders and create enough space to shoot from 25-yards out. It was a wonderful goal and some real, piece of Argentinian style. SAF's new recruit, Javier Hernandez got his second goal of the tournament, and what turned out to be nothing more than a consolation after he squeezed past Otamendi and Demichelis to finish off beautifully. There is still some weakness in that Argentinian backline - particularly Demichelis who appears to be a weak link. Messi, who is still yet to score in this tournament, produced a bit of magic very late on as he went on one of those marauding runs of his only to see his shot saved by Perez. For the Albiceleste though, a 2 goal cushion was enough to see them safely through to the next round, with Mexico, again failing to make the quarters.

Absolutely shocking decisions on a day of real, real controversy. Before the "Hand of Gaul" incident I must admit that I wasn't too sure about video technology. Only because once you start using it, people might demand for every single decision to be looked at rendering the referee pretty much useless. But since then, my mind's been changed. The handball incident did not affect one team but one nation. It prevented one whole nation from reaching the World Cup finals and basically allowed the other to cheat their way into it. And after the England/Mexico refereeing blunders, I cannot, for the life of me understand how, in a world where modern technology is so central to almost every aspect of our everyday lives, football is still living in the dark ages. I understand that there are people out there who do not want the controversial aspect of the game to change, because, they argue, that there wouldn't be any more talking points but this is the World Cup for goodness sake. Mistakes are being committed here at the highest level and that is just not acceptable, nor is it fair.

Sepp Blatter has stated that the reasons for not using video technology are that it is too expensive to implement on a global scale, it will take too long slowing the game down in the process, when viewing a replay the decisions are still going to be taken by humans and it takes the fun out of the debates that fans have over controversial decisions. Well, about the cost - quite frankly, that's rubbish. FIFA has enough money to set aside for this, and with the number of people and clubs that want video technology, I'm sure they will all be willing to donate to make this possible. It doesn't take long at all to view it on replay - in the England game, it took all of about 2 seconds - that's shorter than the time it takes for free kicks to be taken. Yes, the final decision will be made by a human but the whole point of a video replay is to spot something that did not get spotted before, or to verify a controversial decision made by someone else. As for the fans, well they'll still be able to find things to debate about. It's all about where to draw the line with video technology - should it just be for things like whether the ball goes over the line? Or should it be used to determine other things such as offside decisions, corner kicks, throw-ins, red card offences? That's something that needs to be seriously thought about and real guidelines need to be set before video technology can be implemented. I think that's what FIFA is scared about - where to draw the line. They don't want to kill the game entirely but something needs to be done. Maybe one solution is to have a system like "Hawkeye" in tennis, where each player gets a maximum of 3 requests to have a video replay. This ensures that the game is not spoilt by the player who can't keep disrupting the game everytime he is unhappy with a decision, and also makes sure he uses his 3 calls wisely instead of flippantly. However, there is absolutely no doubt about it. We need some kind of video technology, because two huge mistakes in the space of one day is two too many.

England are OUT.

It still hurts to say it. A day later, and the memories of yesterday's afternoon game remain fresh in the minds of England (and no doubt, German) supporters alike. England's 4-1 defeat was their heaviest in a World Cup Finals game and this crushing defeat will be difficult to erase from the mind, as it sent England crashing out of South Africa.

England had begun to get their momentum back (or so it seemed) after their 1-0 victory over Slovenia, having started off the tournament extremely poorly. Not only were the supporters disappointed, but the players too. Their high expectations of this England team were not naive and even they were puzzled as to why England had failed to beat the USA, and more strangely, Algeria.

The win over Slovenia secured second place for England, who were then put into the draw against Germany. Our old rivals - the Germans. The performance against Slovenia, was a start, an improvement, but we expected to see a near-perfect performance against the impressive, young German side, who would cause us more problems than Slovenia had. Capello was optimistic before the game - 23 players were fit and training - he had a whole squad to choose from now, but opted to go with the same players he had picked in the game against Slovenia.

To be honest, we could have been at least 4-0 down come half-time, because for the first half-hour of the game, Germany's youngsters made fools of England's experienced "golden generation". It was all too easy for the likes of Oezil, Mueller, Podolski and Klose to slice open the England defence like a hot knife through butter. If it wasn't for David James, then England could have kissed the tournament goodbye much earlier than they did.

David James did well to save from Oezil with his legs, as England literally parted to make way for Schweinsteiger's lofted pass out to the gifted playmaker. England weren't seeing much of the ball - with Rooney and Defoe stranded up front, as the Germans made good use of their possession. You sensed that the England defence needed to get their acts together otherwise James might not be so lucky next time the Germans came knocking.

And it wasn't long before they did, and this time, they found a way past. It was just simple route one football as Manuel Neuer's long clearance completely evaded the England players, and found its way over to Klose at the other end of the pitch. The England defenders weren't strong enough to challenge Klose, who controlled it and got his shot away with a cool, composed finish to leave James absolutely furious at his teammates in front of him. And quite rightly so, that was absolutely shocking defending. Upson, who had been chosen ahead of Carragher, and Terry were caught completely out of position and subsequently made to pay. They totally lost their bearings and for all their experience, they found themselves all at sea.

Again, it was James to the rescue, when the Germans were able to get in a few short, sharp passes to undo England's midfield and defence. It was just too easy for them - England were unable to close them down, or hound them for the ball, or tackle them which allowed them to slip the ball to Klose whose shot was quickly closed down by James. However, it wasn't long before Germany were able to make schoolboys of the England defenders once more. Again, we saw some good, incisive passing from the Germans on the left hand side and for some reason, the England defenders overcommitted themselves to the left, so no one spotted the run of Podolski on the right. Glen Johnson, who should have been on the right and therefore stopping the run of Podolski, was nowhere near him, allowing Mueller to slide the pass through to the Cologne player for their second goal of the game.

England needed to get themselves back into the game, and fast. Lampard almost got a goal back after a good cross from Milner on the right, but he failed to make proper contact with the ball. Mueller was again, given the freedom to run with the ball in midfield, and got his pass through to Klose, who was advancing in on goal sandwiched between Johnson and Milner. Luckily, this time between the pair of them, they were able to see the ball out. England were all over the shop, lacking in pace as the young Germans beat them for speed time and time again. There was some more shoddy defending from England from the resulting corner, as the ball pinged about all over the place with Klose again pouncing in on goal.

England, thankfully got the ball clear, and it was an England corner that led to Upson's goal. Milner passed the ball to Gerrard, who lofted in a good pass from outside the area, that met Upson who did well to stay in the air and guide it home pass the keeper. England were back in the game it seemed. And, just a minute and a half later, were so, so, so unlucky not to be on equal terms after an appalling decision by the referee and his assistant. With the momentum with England, they looked a different side as Milner passed it out to Defoe on the edge of the area, to slip it in for Lampard, who chipped the ball beautifully over the keeper and way over the line. WAY OVER THE LINE. For absolutely everyone watching in that stadium, the players, the managers, the staff, the fans and everyone else on their TV sets that was a goal. The whole of the ball had gone over the line by a clear 2 yards or so. Yet the only people who didn't believe this to be the case was the referee, Jorge Larrionda and his assistant, Mauricio Espinosa, who ruled it out for not going over the line. How the Germans got away with that one, we'll never know. All the England fans, players and staff had started celebrating, as had we at home, but those celebrations were cut short by that one stupid decision.

I brought up the whole 'controversial decisions in a World Cup' issue in one of the earlier posts. Wish I hadn't now. Sepp Blatter watched on from the stands as the England players protested to the referee at half-time about the ridiculous decision that had been made, preventing England from going into half-time on a level playing field. England, were lucky not to concede from Podolski's shot, once the referee had waved play on. Now that would have been a death wish. It was like the reverse of 1966 when Geoff Hurst's controversial goal secured the win for England against West Germany - this was the German's revenge.

England went into half-time needing to score another to level things up, and almost did so in the opening exchanges of the second-half. Lampard, who went another tournament without scoring, almost got the equaliser from a free-kick that he absolutely lashed past the German wall only to see it hit the bar, with Neuer beaten. With England desperately trying to get that much-needed goal, they were stretched at the back. Heavily stretched, as the likes of Terry and Upson tried to help things upfront. There was always that danger of Germany breaking, and that was to be England's undoing in the end.

It was literally from one end of the pitch to another with England's players over-committed upfront leaving acres of space, and few defenders at the back. Germany were scarily good on the break, attacking with such pace and speed that it left you breathless. They may have been the young guns, but they made England's more experienced players look like little boys out there. Gareth Barry lost the ball on the edge of the German box after Rooney had been awarded a penalty, that had been struck by Lampard, straight into the German wall. Once they got going, there was absolutely no stopping them as England quite simply fell apart. There was acres of room at the back, none of the England players could keep up with their European counterparts and they were free to use the width of the pitch, and within a few passes they got their third goal. Schweinsteiger did really well to get the ball out to Mueller on the right, and he calmly put the ball away, with England's defence looking on. They were so unorganised at the back, that it ended up with 5 England players stuck in the middle of the box, with no one closing down Mueller or Oezil in the wide areas. Absolutely shambolic defending.

3 minutes later, and the same thing happened again. This time it was from a throw-in with John Terry trying his luck in the German penalty box and committed up-front, Joe Cole lost the ball this time and all England could do was watch and admire this scintillating German side. Barry was unable to catch up with Oezil, whose pace was unbelievable and no one spotted Mueller, in acres of space, who was able to slide home his second and Germany's fourth after a fine pass from the supertalented Oezil. It was all over for England now. They tried in vain to go forward, and Capello went for broke, sending Wright-Phillips and Heskey on, but it was all too little too late. I didn't understand the Heskey substitution at all. I mean, here we are, needing to score 3 goals to get ourselves back in the game, and Capello puts on a player, who has been unable to score for so long. I mean, for goodness sake put Crouchy on. At least we might have a shot then. Crouch has a record of coming on and scoring late goals.

England could do nothing except pray that the 5-1 scoreline in Munich would not be emulated here by the Germans. They had nothing to offer and the game petered out with the last 5 minutes seeming like the longest 5 minutes ever. The result marked the end of England's tournament - a tournament that had looked so much full of promise and hope but was actually dire and disappointing. Questions will again be raised over the use of goal-line technology and the goal that wasn't given. Surely that goal would have changed things around - England wouldn't have been so overcommitted going forward, and wouldn't have let their 2-2 slip so easily. Still, we will never what could have been and on balance, you would have to say that Germany deserved their win. For the way they played and for the way they totally destroyed England, they deserve nothing but credit and praise. It wasn't they who made that ludicrous decision, and it will be interesting to see how far this young side can go in the tournament. At the end of it all, and looking at the tournament as a whole, England have no one but themselves to blame. Apart from that brief respite against Slovenia, who aren't the best of sides in this competition, they didn't really show up. The big name stars were nowhere to be seen and ultimately England failed to live up to expectations. The match against Germany was one of "what-if"; in fact the whole tournament was one of "what-if". What if Capello had taken Walcott? What if he had changed the system? What if all the players were fully fit? What if we had finished top of Group C?

Let the inquest begin...

Ghana Fly Flag For AFRICA!

Ghana became only the third African team to reach the quarterfinal stage of the world cup after a 2-1 extra-time win over the USA in Rustenburg last night. Having beaten S. Korea, earlier on in the day, Uruguay would be facing the winner of this encounter. Ghana are the only African team to have progressed to this stage of the competition, in what has been a largely disappointing campaign on African soil, therefore their victory did not just come as a victory for them but for the whole of Africa too.

Kevin Prince-Boateng got the match up and running, nice and early as he took advantage of some poor American defending to score in the 5th minute. He shot from 18 yards out with Tim Howard left berating his defenders as Ghana looked the stronger side early on. They were able to keep the ball, get their passing going, move freely and work their way in between the lines. The US were not having their best opening half, as they left far too many gaps and failed to close the Ghana players down properly. Their uncertain and hesitant defending left them far too reliant on keeper, Howard as Asamoah had a good shot, well-saved. The Americans had a chance of their own however, when Findlay got his shot away after some good work by Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey, but Kingson was equal to it. Ghana looked as though they were going to run away with it, but could not capitalise on their early lead. The US coach, Bob Bradley was, unlike his defenders, not the least bit hesitant about making big decisions including taking off Clark in the 30th minute of the game.

At the start of the second half, he replaced Findley with the impressive and very lively Benny Feilhaber, who immediately rewarded his coach with a goal. Ghana had become somewhat stale after scoring so early, and had seemed to have lost some of their gusto in getting forward. They invited pressure on themselves, and eventually the pressure told as the Americans, as they have done on so many occasions, came from 1-0 down to level the scores. Jonathon Mensah, who had not looked too great defensively, felled Dempsey in the box. It was a stonewaller of a penalty and a piledriver of a shot by Landon Donovan who saw the ball come in of the post with the keeper beaten. It was just the boost that the Americans needed and they ventured forward with greater purpose and endeavour as they tried to score another. If it wasn't for Kingson, the game could have been won by the Americans, as first Altidore, and later Bradley tried their luck at goal.

Altidore probably had his side's best chance to score, after latching onto a long ball and running in behind the Ghanaian defence, only to be brought to ground by some last-ditch defending, and seeing his shot go wide. As the game looked to be heading into extra-time, the Ghanaians were once again back in the match and looked physically stronger than their American counterparts.

Extra time did indeed beckon, and it wasn't too long before we saw another goal. This time it was by the Rennes forward Gyan, who has also looked very influential this year. He was able to control a long ball exquisitely on his chest, before taking his time to shoot and score the winning goal. It was then all about keeping the ball for Ghana, not doing anything too reckless or too stupid, and making sure they didn't become complacent or lazy at the back. The USA were tired and could not find a reply, even though they have come from behind to win so many times before. Gyan's goal was enough to send Ghana through to the quarters; but for the USA it was time to return home.

Credit must be given to the USA for the way they fought right until the end and for their never-say-die attitude. That's the attitude and spirit that got them to the top of Group C, and to the last 16, and they should be proud at least for how much they achieved, coming from a country where football or "soccer" is such a particularist sport. Perhaps the national team will increase the interest of the sport there, and they will come back much stronger next time. As for Ghana, well they will be thrilled to have made it, not only for them, but for their continent. It gives the Africans something to keep cheering about, and you can be sure they will have the most support come the quarterfinal tie against Uruguay. Ghana, will be missing Mensah and Ayew who were booked in yesterday's game. Ayew will be a big loss for them, and they need to sort out their centre-back pairing, because the two young centre-backs looked quite unsteady at times last night. Still, with all the support they will be getting, Ghana will be hoping to do Africa proud by becoming the first ever African nation to get to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Suarez Sees Uruguay Through...

They were the last team to stake their place at this year's world cup finals, and now Uruguay are the first team to seal themselves a spot in the quarterfinals after beating 2002 semi-finalists, South Korea 2-1, in Jo'burg yesterday.

In lashing rain, the winners of Group A played the runners-up of Group B in what appears to be the "easier" half of the table. For large parts of the game, it looked like South Korea were actually going to make it through to the quarters, for only the second time in their history, and for the first time on foreign soil. Within 5 minutes, they had a shot from a free kick which just hit the post. Had that gone in, it would have surely changed the way that Uruguay played during the game.

Uruguay were content to defend and break on the counter, like many teams we have seen already in this tournament. That might work when you are facing teams with a weak defence, but will it really be the winning strategy against sides who are much better at defending? Take Greece vs. Argentina for example - the Greeks operated in much the same way as the Uruguayans, but were undone in the end for failing to go forward, on the counter and break down the Argentinian defence. They refused to change their system, and ultimately said goodbye to the competition.

Fortunately for the Uruguayans, South Korea's defence was not in the best of shapes. This allowed them to score their first goal on the counter. It was the combination of Forlan and Suarez that again was responsible for taking Uruguay into the lead. Forlan stroked a low ball in across the face of goal, which was totally misjudged by the Korean keeper, Jung-Song Ryong who just watched as Suarez, who had taken a gamble, swept in to meet the goal and simply tap it into the net.

From then on though, all the pressing came from South Korea, with Monaco's Park Chu-Young getting the Asian side's best chances of the game, and being unlucky not to level the scores. With the score still at 1-0, and with Uruguay sitting on the back foot, it looked like the opportunity was there for South Korea to score one as they had the most possession and most of the play was in their opponent's half.

They got their break with 68 minutes on the clock, when Lee Chung-Yong capitalised on some indecisive goalkeeping by Muslera to nod in at the near post. Most of the goals S. Korea have scored in this tournament have come indirectly from deadball situations and this was no different. Victorino's attempted clearance could only fall to the Bolton player who did not miss from 8 yards out. The keeper should have done much better, as he failed to make any connection with the ball. I've said it before and I'll say it again - if the keeper is going to make that decision to come out of his posts, he needs to be certain that he's going to get there.

Looking as though the game was going to go to extra time, and possibly penalties, a great piece of fabulous individual skill from the potent Suarez was enough to give Uruguay the win they needed to advance further in the competition. The Ajax forward was on hand to receive the ball just inside the box, as it was swung in from the corner. He controlled it magnificently before swirling in a peach of a shot which hit the inside of the post and found its way in past a bemused and stunned Jung-Song Ryong who could only watch in shock. The bend on that ball was absolutely amazing, and it is definitely up as a contender for goal of the tournament.

The second goal was enough for Uruguay, as the South Koreans were unable to find a response, after only being level for 12 minutes. S. Korea were not creative enough in coming forward and breaking down the Uruguayan defence, and the South Americans were able to hold on to the ball without any real danger present. The only real shot on goal to level the game once more, came from ex-Boro player Lee Dong Gook, who during his time at the Riverside, had failed to score a single goal in the PL, and it was clear why. His shot was far too tame to test the keeper, and he should have done much better after finding himself in a good amount of space and with the keeper hesitating.

Uruguay's defensive strategy was enough to see them past a South Korean side, that should, in all honesty, have been far more clinical with their chances, but the question remains as to whether the team that won the first ever world cup, way back in 1938, will have enough left in the locker to undo sides who will not squander as many chances as South Korea did.

Spain, Chile IN; Switzerland OUT

After getting the tournament off to a shaky start, Spain finished the group stages on top, and will now go through to play in an "Iberian derby" with neighbours Portugal, in yet another intriguing all-European encounter. Spain beat 10-man Chile, 2-1 and Switzerland's inability to score saw them exit the competition, after their shock start to the tournament. Spain, like many of the "heavyweights" suffered from something like first (or second, in England's case) match nerves, but a win against Honduras and the victory over Chile meant that they were, in the end, comfortably through to the next round. Chile, who had been sitting pretty at the top of the group, since the opening Group H games, saw themselves slip to second-place setting up a potentially tricky tie against South American neighbours - Brazil. Life will be made a bit harder for Chile who will be without 3 players, who were suspended as a result of the cards they picked up in the game against Spain.

Spain began well with Fernando Torres again at the forefront of all the early chances. However, as stated before, he is still not fully fit, there's clearly something missing there as a fit Torres would surely have put those chances away. Again, he went without scoring in this game after failing to be clinical with the opportunities that were presented to him.

Chile soon upped the pressure though, and it was they who had the most possession and were cutting the Spanish defence open with some good through balls. Mark Gonzalez, who had got the winner against Switzerland, had a great chance to double his goals in the tournament after some nice work by Valdivia and Beausejour, but he failed to control it and the chance went missing.

Chile were rampaging about all over the pitch - they were putting so much energy into their movement, trying to get the ball fizzing about quickly all over the pitch and running around everywhere like madmen - I think it kind of confused the Spanish for a little while, as they tried to figure out how to get at this Chilean team who were doing really well at keeping the ball. But although Chile were trying to overtake the Spanish on every corner of the pitch, they were also losing their discipline and the first half saw 3 Chilean players getting booked with tackles flying in all over the pitch...they weren't pretty ones either. Waldo Ponce and Gary Medel were both booked and will miss the game against Brazil, which is a shame, because Ponce in particular contributes well to the Chilean team.

The first goal therefore came against the run of play for Spain, and due to a bizarre decision by Bravo, who had previously not let in any goals until last night. Torres had got the ball down on the left hand side, and he didn't look particularly threatening and it seemed as though he would take it down to the corner flag anyway. But, Bravo clearly not believing his defenders would be able to deal with Torres came rushing out of his goalkeeping area, right up to the 40 yard line and cleared the ball away from the oncoming Torres, only to pass it to David Villa, who took a speculative shot from 40 yards away and saw it bounce into the deserted net. A poor performance from the keeper, who should have just waited instead of coming out, or made sure he kicked it out of play or to a Chilean player because that cost them a goal, that hadn't looked likely to be scored until that moment. It was a great, if not, lucky goal for Barca's new front-man, and adds to his tally of 3 world cup goals in this tournament.

From that moment onwards, Chile tried to get a goal to level things up, going forwards and inevitably leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. Beausejour went closest for Chile after Spain had taken the lead, when he was one-on-one with Casillas, but a good recovering block by Pique saw the ball safely out of harm's way. But soon, Spain had taken control of the game after scoring their second goal, courtesy of Iniesta, who had been left out of the last game due to injury. Villa, Torres and Iniesta formed a triangle of play, working it up to the Chilean box, before Iniesta took a strike which landed in the far corner. It was a stylish goal from some stylish play and that was where we saw flashes of the Spain side, we expected to see right from the beginning of the tournament.

However, in the build-up to that goal Torres has been tripped by the already yellow-carded Estrada, who then received another yellow before getting sent off. It sparked a lot of confusion after the goal had been scored but replays showed that it was as an accidental trip-up and that Estrada hadn't even seen Torres, as he was fully focused on the ball. The referee had not viewed the incident himself either as he was looking at the ball too, but he went on the reaction of Torres and his teammates, most of whom had gathered around the ref, demanding Estrada to be sent off. It was a poor decision, reminiscent of Stephane Lannoy's one against Kaka, and will mean that Estrada will also miss the clash against Brazil.

For the rest of the half, Spain were in control as 10-man Chile tried to see themselves out to half-time. Chile were much better as the second half got underway despite their disadvantage. Marcelo Bielsa made some attacking changes by bringing on Rodrigo Millar and Carlos Paredes and he was immediately rewarded with a goal from Millar, who managed to find his way past a huddle of Spanish players to get his shot away from outside the box. It took a deflection of Pique before nestling in the back of the net and Chile were back in the game with the whole second-half remaining.

However, the goal didn't really improve the quality of play. If anything it probably deteriorated. Spain were content with passing the ball around and weren't as inclined to score the third goal. As the game wore on, both sets of players seemed unwilling to work as hard as in the first half, knowing that the current result would see them both through with Switzerland still at 0-0 with Honduras. Torres was then substituted for Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas in the 55th minute, and he was clearly unhappy about something - maybe the fact that he was struggling or the fact that he was coming off. But again, he was missing that bit of sparkle that we have seen when he is fully fit. Fabregas was once again, a lively substitute, almost scoring on arrival and then creating perfect passes for David Villa, who was playing up front on his own.

Xabi Alonso was also later substituted, after suffering a crunching tackle late in the first half and there are now doubts over whether he will recover in time to face Portugal in the last 16.

Brazil & Portugal Through After Stalemate

Brazil vs. Portugal. Two of the biggest names in football playing against each other on the biggest stage of them all. The entertaining prospect sends shivers down the spines of football fans the world over and has them licking their lips at what looks to be a thrilling, edge-of-the-seat game. You'd be stupid to miss it right? ...Well, no actually as the case may be. In fact, you'd probably be better off doing other things or watching the other game.

When the draw was made for the World Cup groups, way back in December, if any fixture stood head and shoulders above the rest it was this one. Two teams with real potential, sublime talent, fabulous flair oozing in class, style and intelligent football. It was a shame then that we saw barely anything of what we expected. This encounter, on paper anyway, promised to be enthralling, energetic and full of exquisite football. It could be described better as dull, dire, disappointing, DRAW.

Portugal started off as the brighter of the two sides, with Brazil playing without the injured Elano and the suspended Kaka. Portugal, currently second in the group, had pretty much rendered the other game between the Ivory Coast and North Korea meaningless thanks to their superior goal difference, and both teams were simply playing for pride. All Portugal really needed was a point to secure their position and Brazil were comfortably through to the next round, so they weren't really in desperate need of a win, unlike Italy yesterday. This is probably what made the game so fraught and niggly, ending up 0-0 at the final whistle. It stood in sharp contrast to the Italy-Slovakia game, with spectators unable to keep their eyes away from one game, but unable to keep their eyes from closing in the other.

Brazil soon began to dominate possession wise, and were able to pass it at will in midfield. However, that was about all they could do as for large parts of the first half they were unable to penetrate the Portuguese defence. When they did, it was largely down the wings, particularly with Maicon who, as the game wore on, was seen further and further down the pitch in the Portuguese third. Nilmar, had undoubtedly the best chance of the first half, but his shot was saved well by keeper, Eduardo who managed to get it on to the frame of the goal. Luis Fabiano, who has scored 2 superbly taken goal already, tried to add a third to his name but Eduardo again, was once more equal to it. Portugal have now kept clean sheets in all but 4 of their last 17 games, and it looked like they were going to keep it at 4, in part thanks to Eduardo's fine saves, but also to some good closing down and tracking back by the Portuguese defenders.

Fabio Coentrao and Raul Meireles have been really impressive so far in the tournament, but they were kept largely quiet by Brazil, as was Ronaldo. Most of the game tended to be played in midfield, before either team broke away, but it was a frustrating affair both for the players and the spectators. There were 7 bookings just in the first half alone preventing any kind of free-flowing football. What we got were a number of poorly taken free kicks, including Ronaldo's free-kicks which were well short of his best. Perhaps he should take a tip or two off Honda or Endo! Pepe and Felipe Melo seemed to be in a battle of their own down on the left hand side, with both constantly fouling the other, and both getting booked in the process.

There was a huge shout for a sending-off when Brazilian defender Juan clearly hand-balled some 40 yards from goal, as Ronaldo was closing down on a long-ball seeking to control it and get it past him. From Juan's reaction, he looked relieved to see just a yellow, but it could have been much worse had the referee deemed it to be denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The Portuguese players were clearly unimpressed, and Duda was booked for his protests.

Ronaldo, playing as the lone front man, improved slightly in the second half, having another great chance to run at the defence, but Lucio got in a sliding block just in the nick of time to prevent Ronaldo from scoring. Ronaldo, again set up the ball for Raul Meireles, who could only shoot wide and didn't do enough to trouble Julio Cezar. It was difficult for Brazil to really create anything, not only because they couldn't find a way past the Portuguese defence which was highly organised, but because they were playing at too slow a tempo, to have any real affect at going forward. Their coach Dunga was absolutely screaming down at the touchline, he was doing his nut in trying to make them play faster and get the ball moving quicker to at least try and trouble the Portuguese.

Brazil went close at the other end with Ramires striking a shot from distance, in injury time, only to see it saved by a diving Eduardo. The game petered out to a no-score draw provoking jeers from the masses of travelling supporters, who had paid good money for what looked a mighty promising encounter. Instead, what we got was a largely fractious affair, with no real tempo to the game whatsoever and no goals for either of the two sides.

Brazil go through as group winners, and Portugal will finish in second place, with either one of these teams possibly facing European champions, Spain. The Brazilians lacked their usual flair, trickery and "samba" football, whilst the Portuguese remained rock solid at the back, thanks in no small part to Eduardo. Portugal remain the only European team in the competition to have not conceded a goal...even the Swiss can't better that...and it makes one wonder how the opposition will be able to get a goal past them...

In the other Group G game, the Ivory Coast exited the competition with a bang, becoming the fifth African team to leave on African soil. They beat North Korea by 3 goals to 0, with Yaya Toure, Romaric and Chelsea's Salomon Kalou getting their names on the scoresheet. From watching the highlights, it looked as though Boka had a superb game. He seemed to be at the centre of everything and looked really impressive for the Elephants, who stomp out of the competition with 4 points to their name. North Korea finish bottom with nil-points.

Danes Undone By Stunning Free-Kicks As Japan Drive On...

Japan have made it through to the last 16 for the first time ever on foreign soil after a comfortable 3-1 win over Denmark yesterday, sending yet another European team crashing out of the competition. Denmark had to win yesterday if they wanted to join Holland in the last 16, but Japan could go through with just a draw. However, it was evident that Japan were not going to set out for a draw, they were there for the killing.

Previously criticised for being far too defensive and rigid in their shape and style of play, and accused of "anti-football", the Japanese completely changed their tactics against a fairly predictable Danish side, who had battled to victory over Cameroon, after going a goal down. From the off, the Japanese were far more eager to get forward, they were fresh, fit, a lot more physical and ran riot with the Danish defence.

They were troubling Denmark with their passing and movement and their ability to keep running and running. Denmark were unable to get good service down to Bendtner who was largely absent in the first half. Denmark did have a few chances in the first and second half, most of them falling to the captain, Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was unable to put them away. Their closest chance came right in the opening stages, when his shot missed the goal by mere inches. Tomasson, who needed two goals to break the all-time Danish goalscoring record has been stuck on 51 goals for the last two years, and it looked like much wasn't going to change in this game either.

For Japan, it was Grenoble's Matsui that looked lively down the wings and his shot was saved by Stoke's Thomas Sorensen. 17 minutes into the game, Japan were awarded a free kick some 30 yards out. Both Honda and Endo were standing over the ball poised to strike, whilst Sorensen arranged his wall. In almost a Ronaldo-esque fashion, Honda stood over the ball, took a long run-up and absolutely smashed the ball up over the wall and into the back of the net, passing a shocked Sorensen on the way in. Sorensen had stayed rooted to the spot and should have done much, much better. He appeared to move a little to the left, before realising the ball was coming to his right and by then it was too late for him to get a hand to it. If he had been in the right place, he would have seen it coming and been able to save it. Nonetheless, it was a fantastic goal from a striker that has really impressed so far in the tournament.

And minutes later, it was from another free kick that Japan doubled their lead. This time it was Yasuhito Endo, and it was far more closer to the goal, and in a more central position. Everyone watching, was thinking surely not...they can't possibly score from another free kick can they? But to the horror of the bemused Danes, they did, and what a spectacular strike. The ball curved just enough past the wall and past Sorensen before landing perfectly in the net. Hah, so much for the rubbish, hard-to-control, Jabulani ball eh?! It's probably because no one else knows quite how to control it like the Japanese. There's been a real shortage of goals from free-kicks...even the master Ronaldo, and Drogba have been unable to find the back of the net with them, but the Japanese had scored two in quick succession.

They nearly got themselves a third goal with Endo, just before the break but Sorensen was equal to it. It was Endo again who got the best chance for Japan, in the early part of the second-half, from yet another set-piece, and Sorensen nearly gifted them their third by dropping the ball back on to the frame of the goal. Now that would really have been game over for the Danes.

As it happened, the Danes almost got back into the game, with yet another miss from Tomasson and Larsen's volley hitting the bar. They got their chance to make it 2-1 when Daniel Agger was pushed in the box by the Japanese captain, Hasebe. Tomasson stepped up to take it, and after all his misses during the game, I half-feared he was going to miss the penalty and all. And...he did...but then followed up the rebound and got the Danes back into the tie with 10 odd minutes left. He nearly missed from the rebound too! But it was too little, too late for the Danes to try and score 3 goals and not concede any at the same time. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened as Morten Olsen threw on practically every attacking player he had leaving only 3 defenders at the back...and why not? If you're going to go out, you may as well do so having tried everything you possibly could.

It was that man Honda again, breaking on the counter, and weaving his way easily past the Danish defence, getting close to Sorensen and waiting for him to commit, before unselfishly passing it through to Okazaki to get their well deserved third goal. Had the game ended 2-1, it would have been a flattering scoreline to the Danes, because on the face of it all, Japan were deserved winners and will now go through to face Paraguay. Japan were too strong for the Danes, who finished third after Cameroon failed to pick up any points from any of their group games, losing 2-1 to the Dutch who topped the group with 9/9 points. Incidentally, Paul Le Guen, has announced today that he has quit his job as Cameroon boss after their poor showing in the tournament.

We have seen Paraguay playing really well so far in the tournament, but if this Japan team can play anything like they did against Denmark, then a possible quarter-final place beckons...

World Champions Are OUT!!!

Italy came, they saw and they crashed and burned at the final hurdle. The World Champions lost to Slovakia in a pulsating encounter that included 5 goals, a great off-the-line clearance, a disallowed goal and some brave refereeing by the assistant, Darren Cann, who must be the most hated man in Italy right now...

Like England, it had all come down to this final game for the team that picked up the world cup trophy 4 years ago in Berlin. Like England, Italy had taken only 2 points from their last 2 games and with Group F wide open, it was all to play for, to qualify for the last 16. Slovakia, who had come in having won just one point, had looked decidedly sluggish in their previous game against high-flying Paraguay, and were pegged back by surprise package NZ in the last minute of their first match. Italy felt that they could win it...they didn't really have a choice...they had to if they wanted to get themselves past the group stage.

Group F was so close infact, that even if Slovakia won in this game, NZ could still surprise everyone and qualify if they beat Paraguay. The experienced and fiery Gattuso started the game in place of Gilardino in Lippi's bid to secure the holder's place in the next round. The Italian media had already criticised Italy's laboured performances in the previous two matches. So imagine what it would be like if they went on to lose this game against the unfancied Slovaks, who had shown no real attacking intent or flair in their previous two games. Before the tournament began, betters everywhere would have probably waged their houses on Italy qualifying in what looked like a relatively "easy" group. But, yet again, this World Cup which has been so full of surprises up to this moment, threw up a right stormer of a surprise in what turned out to be the best game of the tournament so far.

From the first minute, we saw that the Italians had only one thing on their mind: win, Di Natale latched onto a ball in the first minute and took a shot only to see it go wide. But the attacking intent was clear. The game was immediately open from then on, with both sides going for it, knowing that they each had to win if they were to advance. Hamsik, the much talked about Napoli playmaker, has been disappointing in the previous games, but he impressed today, almost scoring in the 6th minute. As the first half unfolded, it was surprisingly Slovakia that were in the ascendancy. They had the most possession, were able to use the ball better, were eager to run at the Italians and a lot of the chances were falling their way, clearly frustrating the Italians.

Slovakia were playing some really good football, that we had not seen in previous games. They were passing the ball well, using the full length of the pitch to do so and were making the Italians work hard to win the ball back. Despite their chances, the first goal for Slovakia actually came courtesy off a Daniele De Rossi mistake, when his pass to his own player, was pounced upon by Kucka who picked out Vittek to score his second of the tournament. It was a great lead for the Slovaks but some sloppy play by the Italians which really cost them. It totally turned the game on its head as the Italians knew that they now had to get themselves forward and score, otherwise it was the end of the road. This inevitably left them open at the back and the Italians - masters of defending, were undone yet again in the second half.

Remarkably, 4 goals were scored in the second half in a 45 minute encounter that left you breathless. Maggio and Quagliarella were brought on by a desperate Marcello Lippi at the start of the second half, in place of Gattuso and Criscito. Gattuso had previously been responsible for a nasty gash on the knee of Strba, who looked like he was going to get replaced in the first half, by the youngster Kopunek, however, vitally, that substitution was put on hold as Strba felt okay enough to carry on.

Italy had made their changes putting on as many forwards as they could allow without weakening the back. And with 10 minutes off the second-half gone and still no change in the scoreline, it was time for the Italian legend that is Andrea Pirlo to make his mark. Having missed his previous two games because of injury, Lippi had one last throw of the dice to make. This was it. He could not go back because his 3 substitutions had been made. Pirlo, had to try and change things, whether he was fully fit or not. And, he certainly made a difference when he came on. Perhaps, it was something of a psychological affect, but Italy had their best moments in the game, once he had come on to replace Montolivo.

Slovakia, began to look shaky at the back, and were rattled by this new surge of Italian energy seemingly created by the power of one man. Italy came really, really close to scoring when Quagliarella took a vicious shot at goal, only to see a superb goal-line clearance by Liverpool's Martin Skrtel. The assistant, Darren Cann's vision was blocked by Skrtel's left leg, and it was really difficult, even looking at replays of it to tell, if the whole ball had crossed the line. Cann made the right decision because he couldn't give a goal if he himself was unsure about it. Whilst Italy cursed the refereeing at one end, Slovakia went on to the other end and doubled their lead.

Slovakia had a corner, which looked to be cleared by Chiellini, but the opportunistic and alert Vittek was on hand to slot it in at the near post. It was a shock to the Italians who had looked like they were slowly making their way back into the game, but it was pure joy on the face of the Slovakians who were now 15 minutes away from a sensational victory. The goal was yet another example of shoddy Italian defending, with both Cannavaro and Chiellini - said to be two of the most experienced defenders in the world - making terrible mistakes throughout the match. It was sad to see Cannavaro, the captain who had been so inspirational in 2006, unable to match the pace of the Slovaks in what was probably his last game at international level.

The game went up a notch as Italy refused to simply keel over. Instead if they were going out, they were determined to do so, fighting. Di Natale managed to get Italy back in the game, with the scores now at 2-1. Quagliarella did really well in weaving his way into the box, past the Slovakian defenders and was great at controlling the ball, before playing a little one-two with Iaquinta and shooting at the keeper. The rebound found its way to Di Natale who slot the ball in from close-range. Quagliarella was a great substitution made by Lippi and was probably their best man on the pitch. That goal caused something of an altercation between the Slovak goalkeeper, Mucha, who had earlier been warned by Howard Webb for feigning injury and time wasting, and Quagliarella. Howard Webb did well to sort it out and the game continued in much the same fashion it had before - lots of good attacking play, open end-to-end flowing football...and poor defending.

Kopunek, the substitute that had been getting ready to come on much earlier in the game, was finally brought on in the 86th minute and what a substitution it was! With his first touch, he scored with one minute of normal time remaining. Slovakia had a throw in and Italy were unable to clear it away, allowing Kopunek to take advantage of some hesitation, and get in between Cannavaro and De Rossi (who it's fair to say didn't have the best of games) before chipping the ball sweetly over the keeper. It was a bitter blow to the Italians, who needed only a point to qualify.

And to their credit, still they kept pushing, keeping the spectators watching right until the end of this fascinating contest. With 2 minutes of injury time played Quagliarella scored a wonderful goal, De Rossi doing the hard work to set him up before he scored a delicate chip from about 32 yards out. It was a beaut of a goal and you could see the tension on the bench as Buffon, Gattuso and the rest urged on their teammates to get that all-important third goal. And they almost got it as well but Pepe could only shoot wide of the post.

Finally, after 6 odd minutes of extra time, the final whistle blew and the Italians, followed the French, out of the competition. Not only did they go out, but they finished bottom of the group, under NZ who should be extremely proud of their endeavours in the tournament. The Slovakians were confirmed runners-up when news filtered through that the other game had ended 0-0. The Slovakians went mad whilst the Italians were in tears...it was a sad sight...

So where do the former champions go from here? Both finalists of 2006 are out and for Italy, it was Marcello Lippi who asked for all the blame to rest at his door. He was going to retire after the tournament had finished, and it appears that his retirement has come a tad earlier than they would have liked. Since the tournament began, Italy looked a shadow of the side that won the World Cup, four years ago. They are an ageing team and for many of the players, this was their last chance at glory in the world cup. But, Italy will come back, stronger than ever before. They will start afresh under a new coach, with some more youthful players and will come back fighting. It is sad to see yet another European team depart the competition but Italy can have no complaints. We saw them getting back into the game far too late on for it to matter...where had that Italy been all tournament long we wonder?

As for the Slovaks, well I doubt any of them thought that they would be going on to face Holland in the knock out stages, and from the way they played today, you wonder why they weren't able to do that in the previous matches and make life a lot easier for themselves. They can cause Holland problems, we've seen that they're capable of that, but they do have things to improve on. The last 16 encounter with the Dutch will prove very interesting indeed...

On a ground, where champions were once made, a long time ago in 1995, Ellis Park has now also seen champions fall, as the World Cup bids 'ciao' to the Azzurri...

England Will Face...GERMANY!!!

Germany secured top spot in Group D last night, after a 1-0 win against Ghana, and will now face Group C runners up - England. However, it was not all doom and gloom for the African side, despite their loss to two times winners, Germany, as they became the first African representation through to the last 16 of this tournament. In the other Group D game, Australia beat Serbia 2-1 and saw them miss out on qualification thanks to their inferior goal difference - mainly due to the large scoreline imposed on them by Ghana's opposition.

This tasty encounter was made even tastier by the fact that Group D was wide open after Serbia had beaten 10 man Germany in their previous game. Ghana had struggled to beat Australia, after Harry Kewell had been sent off, but only needed 1 point in this match to go through. Loew chose to start with Cacau in place of the suspended Miroslav Klose, and he immediately rewarded his manager for the decision, with a great shot at goal that fell straight into the arms of Kingson. Podolski also went close and missed. The chances sparked an open game of football with both sides attacking and not missing by very much.

Although Germany saw most of the ball, Ghana were very effective when they did get a hold of it, using their pace to run at the German defenders and get in behind them. Gyan, who has scored both of Ghana's goals in their previous two matches, looked good and had several chances, but lacked the sharpness to finish them off. Gyan had probably the best chance of the half, but it was headed clear by Philip Lahm off the German line. There was a suspicion there off handball, much like what Kewell was sent off for but Lahm remained on the pitch, and again looked impressive. He loves to get forward and did so very well in this game, but he was also really good at the back having a great overall game. The first half produced a thoroughly entertaining spectacle - the only thing missing was a goal or two, to really get things going.

We didn't have to wait long before we got one, and what a great goal it was too! Before Germany scored, Gyan again had another chance at goal, this one going straight at Neuer. He looks an impressive and lively player with the ability to affect things and change the game, but just lacks that bit of confidence or final finishing to his game. If he worked on that, he might see more of his chances going in and not getting squandered. Mezut Ozil who has really caught the eye since the tournament began, got his first goal of the tournament, after picking it up outside the 18 yard box and smashed a great left-footed strike past Kingson. He had been pretty quiet in the game up to that point, but the goal was superb. However, the Ghanaian defence had a lot to account for. Their failure to clear the ball out of their own area and failure to close down Ozil as he collected the ball was what allowed him to have the room and time to create the shot.

Soon news came through that Tim Cahill had scored for Australia, giving the Germans another boost as they knew that if Serbia won that game, then they were going out. In all honesty though that didn't look likely, even at 1-0 down, Germany looked comfortable on the ball, they were given the freedom to pass and did well in tracking down the ball everytime they lost it. Australia soon doubled their lead with Brett Holman scoring his second of the tournament. This pretty much confirmed that Germany would be through, and that Ghana would follow, unless the Germans could score a few more past them, and Australia upped their goal tally.

Ghana tried to get themselves on the scoresheet too, with some good chances at the other end, but they didn't really trouble the German defence and in the end, Germany ended the group stage with 6 points. A late Serbian goal also meant that Ghana were through, which was a massive relief for African supporters, after seeing the hosts, Nigeria and Algeria knocked out off the tournament.

As for England, well the big question is: can they beat Germany? We would have had a much "easier" route had the USA not scored that late goal, but remember: to be the best, you gotta beat the best. We know that history favours the Germans but it's knock-out football from now on: history doesn't matter, form doesn't matter...what matters is what happens on the pitch in the 90 (plus?!) minutes. Germany have looked a decent side bar that one defeat against Serbia which shows that they are not infallible despite their great start. England, have finally kicked into gear, but still have a lot of work to do. There's a lot at stake here but it is a winnable game for whoever wants it the most. The mind games have already begun with Beckenbauer spouting off again...maybe he should read one of my earlier posts...he claimed England were "stupid" in not finishing top off the group (did we ask Landon to score?!) and that the players are "burnt out" due to the stress of the PL...did the players look burnt out to you against Slovenia? Against Algeria - yes, maybe so but they were full of energy against Slovenia. Also, it is not only English men who play in the PL...but players of other nationalities too, some of whom are in the German national team...wouldn't they be "burnt out" too?

Anyway, it doesn't matter what his opinion is about the England team. What matters is the performance we see on Sunday. If it's half as good as what it was against Slovenia, we have a chance of making it through. But just incase, the boys should perhaps start practising those penalty kicks...

Have A Little Faith & Ye Shall Reap...

So: England have done it. They're through to the next round of 16. Did you ever doubt it?

England needed a performance yesterday. And a big one at that. Group C was wide open, with any of the 4 teams still able to qualify. There was pressure, and plenty of it, and England had to respond after their dire 0-0 draw against Algeria in the second game. England have been in this situation plenty of times before, with 1 do-or-die game and history has been on their side.

But, before the game got under way it looked like the pressure was getting to be far too much as JT let loose in a press conference. Terry decided to speak candidly and openly about what was going on inside the England camp, inferring that it was difficult for the players to speak their mind to Capello and that there were a few players unhappy with the tactics, and the players being selected. In fact Terry himself, suggested Capello pick Joe Cole, his Chelsea teammate, over the others. In the past, Terry has often been accused of not being honest enough, however this time he was perhaps taking the honesty thing too far, as it provoked a public reaction from the boss. What Terry forgot was that the press are like vultures, and they are ready to pounce on anything either openly stated or inferred, to grab the headlines. Our neighbours, the French, are testimony to that. It was down to Capello, Lampard and Gerrard for some damage limitation. After stating that Terry had made a "big mistake" by revealing the private happenings of the camp to the world's media, he reaffirmed that there weren't any cracks in the team, and that the boys were only focussed on the big match ahead. Luckily, Terry's honesty didn't quite reach the gastronomical proportions of the French fiasco and the team were able to put it behind them, and do their talking on the pitch.

And, they certainly did just that. From the off, England started with a high tempo, good pace, and bursting with energy to get going. You could tell that the players knew that they had to win this game and they responded. Straightaway, they were getting at the Slovenians, connecting well and eager to get forward. Jermain Defoe had been called up Capello in place of Heskey for this match, while James remained in goal. Upson took the suspended Carragher's place and Milner started in place of Carrick. Overall, these were positive changes by the manager, who retained England's standard 4-4-2 formation, with Gerrard playing on the right. For the best part of the first half, it was England that was superior in possession, chances, shots on target and playing attacking football. The ball was largely in the Slovenian half, and it didn't take long for their defence to crack to give Defoe his first goal of the tournament.

It was man-of-the-match James Milner's fabulous cross that was met by Defoe who slammed it in from close range. Milner was great all game long, especially out on the right with great balls in. The England forwards could not complain about the service they were getting this time around. What was also good about Milner's presence was that he was willing to stay back, which allowed Gerrard far more space to move forward, as we know he likes to do. The team was looking far more balanced and the players seemed to be enjoying themselves, despite the pressure. As England went closer for another goal, their chances increased with Lampard, Defoe and Gerrard all going close. Slovenia's highly rated goalkeeper, Handanovic was right in the heart of proceedings, but to his credit, made some superb saves to keep Slovenia in the game.

Slovenia didn't threaten James too much in the first half and England were able to get through to half-time with their heads held high. With the USA-Algeria game still stuck at 0-0, not only were England going through, as it stood, but they were going to top the group as well. Defoe almost had a chance to get himself a brace, straight after the restart but could only fire wide as England again pushed on to get another goal to make life more comfortable. Gerrard and Rooney worked well to create some good play between them, but it was a pass too much as yet another game went by without Rooney getting a goal. Terry also had a good chance, with a header from a corner, but unlike on so many previous occasions, he was unable to direct it into the back of the net.

There was always a danger that while the game stayed at 1-0, Slovenia could easily break and score. England's defenders had to be sharp and alert to the danger. I felt that Matt Upson started off a bit shakily, conceding possession in some dangerous areas and having to be helped out by his fellow teammates, but I suppose that is quite understandable. Luckily for England, he improved as the game went on and did enough to keep Slovenia out. Johnson and Terry were both great at blocking Novakovic who looked to shoot - the controversy of the week seemingly wiped from Terry's mind.

Rooney, who didn't look 100% fit, was substituted for Joe Cole, after limping quite heavily and being unable to continue. England managed to see out the game, having scored just the one goal, by being organised and defending well. It was certainly anxious times right up to the very end...but then England never do make it quite as easy as we want it to be, do they?! The closing stages of the game, saw some late Slovenian pressure but the England players did well in helping each other out, staying back and then keeping possession of the ball in the Slovenian half.

At the final whistle, we saw great emotion from the manager and from the players. They knew that it would have been inexplicable to have exited at this stage, as before this match they hadn't really turned up. Slovenia, on the other hand, were left in despair. At first, they thought that they had also gone through, but news slowly began filtering in that the USA had scored and beaten Algeria, courtesy of an injury time goal by Landon Donovan. It was really heart-wrenching to watch as Slovenia, despite being the smallest nation (in terms of population) represented at the World Cup finals, had done themselves really proud uptil now. The late US goal also meant that England finished second in the group, so would have to play whoever won in Group D. It was a great result for the Americans too, provoking joyous scenes of elation as they will now face the runner-up in Group D.

It was a great, positive performance from England: something that we've all been waiting for. There are still areas of improvement that they need to work on - for example, Rooney needs to get himself a goal or two to give him that confidence, England need to work on killing off the game - they could have made life far more comfortable for themselves had they been more clinical, and finally it's important not to get too carried away, as there are teams that are better than Slovenia in this competition. Still, what a difference a win makes. It will just give England and the fans that bit of much-needed confidence as they go into their tie against the Group D winners on Sunday. They will now have a base to build on and improve upon as we enter the knock-out stages. The players were smiling, the manager was smiling and the fans were smiling. England have always left it til late on plenty of previous occasions and this time was no exception. Still, the best teams or the ones that go on to win the competition, don't always have the best of starts do they?

"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to"...

Argentina Top Group With 9 & SKO Take Second Place...

Argentina rounded off a triumphant group stage by beating Greece to top the group with 9 points out of a possible 9. The Greeks, who had come from 1-0 down against Nigeria, to beat them 2-1 had to either win the game, or hope that Nigeria beat South Korea, in the other Group B game to stand a chance of going through.

The Greeks have been criticised for their defensive strategies that they have employed in their last few games, but coming up against a strong Argentina side, knowing a win would get them through, they decided to go with the tried and tested method as they knew that they could not afford to concede too many goals.

Greece therefore opted for a 4-5-1 formation, with Georgios Samaras as the lone striker up front. As the match wore on, it proved more and more difficult to get the ball out to him and for him to create any kind of chance to get the Greeks ahead. Greece were content with Argentina having the ball and being the more dominant in possession and in advancing forward. They made sure that they defended well and then tried to break on the counter.

Before this tournament began, many had been hoping to see Messi really set the World Cup alight however as I mentioned in an earlier post, it has been difficult to do so, because he has been man-marked. This was also the case in the game against Greece. Papaststhopoulos followed Messi around like a dog on a lead...seriously, wherever Messi went, he went too. It was a largely frustrating encounter for Messi, who was captaining his side in the game, after Maradona decided to rest some of his key players ahead of the last 16 clash against Mexico this weekend. Messi was forced to shoot from distance and didn't really do enough to trouble Greek keeper, Tzorvas. Tzorvas played a big part in keeping the Argentinians out for so long, making some great saves, keeping the danger out and providing a great safeguard for his defenders.

Greece's chances were few and far between. The play was almost always in their own half, and when the ball did find its way to Samaras, aside from a few rare occasions, he was unable to control the long, overhead balls and weave his way past the two central defenders. Romero was largely a spectator in this game, and it wasn't until shortly after half-time when he was finally forced to be alert to a great chance for Samaras. Fortunately, for Romero and Demichelis, who had let Samaras get past him too easily, Samaras shot wide.

Thereafter, it was all Argentina and Greece were made to rue that chance and their lack of attacking ambition, when Demichelis who had come from the back, smashed in a rebounded effort from 6 yards out. Greece, had to go forward. They didn't have a choice, especially as news was filtering through from the other match that South Korea were winning 2-1, after initially having gone down 1-0 in the opening 12 minutes, thanks to another Uche goal. Unfortunately, they did not seem to have it in them to make something and lacked that killer pass to get themselves back in with a chance.

For Argentina, the game began to resemble something of a training ground exercise, as they just passed, passed and passed the ball some more. They were happy to just make the Greeks run and run after the ball. The Greeks soon began to tire, and were unable to dispossess Argentina, who looked miles better than their opponents. Even Messi was given a bit more freedom to run around in. And, it was he who was responsible for the pass that found its way over to substitute Michael Palermo, to slot home with 1 minute of normal time remaining.

In the end, it was a comprehensive victory for Argentina (and for attacking football, some might say) over a very poor Greek side. In the other game, Yakubu had levelled things up for Nigeria after scoring from the penalty spot in the 69th minute. And, there was a great chance right at the end for Nigeria to win the game. But, a draw coupled with a defeat for Greece, was enough for the South Koreans to bugsy second place and they will now go on to play Uruguay in the other last 16 encounter.

Unfortunately for the Nigerians, another African side exits the competition along with Euro 2004 winners, Greece, who just weren't daring enough going forward to see them through to the next round. You know what they say, "you'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take"...

France Waves Adieu and Bafana Bafana Go Out Singing...

Well, we knew that it was going to be difficult for either France or South Africa to qualify. Their fate was out of their hands, and it was all down to the final result in the other game between Uruguay and Mexico. If that game played out to a draw, then neither France nor South Africa stood a chance. But if, and only if, either France or SA could get a win with a significant number of goals, to better Mexico's goal difference, then either one of the two sides would be through.

For France, well let's just say it was quite an eventful weekend for them, coming into yesterday's game. To be honest it's been quite an eventful tournament for them, just not where it matters most i.e. the pitch. Controversy off the pitch has shrouded the French team since they arrived in SA and hasn't done them any favours, after they could only pick up one point out of 6 before the clash with the hosts. Before, we go on about the game any further, I think it wise to sidetrack ourselves with this whole French fiasco, because it clearly took over all the preparations leading up to this vital game.

So Anelka got sent home because of a foul-mouthed tirade launched against the boss, in their game against Mexico at half time. This was why he was substituted apparently. But, according to the French camp and Domenech, it wasn't as bad as it has been made out to be, it wouldn't have gotten as out of hand as it did had Anelka just apologised and it wouldn't have been blown up out of proportion as it did, had the media not got wind of it. Sometimes, I think that the media, have a lot to account for. Apparently, there is someone in the French camp, that is a "traitor" - a "mole" who has been leaking the private goings-on, like this whole Anelka thing, to the press, who have taken it and squeezed out every last bit of juicy gossip they could. Surely, the media from one's own country, should be respecting their team and giving them the opportunity to advance as much as it can in the competition, without the added stress and pressure of private, internal affairs being laid out for all and sundry to see. Yes there's freedom of speech, but when it will damage a team, that has been preparing for the final matches, and are about to go into a game, which they need to win, surely this bit of juicy gossip can wait?

Had it not been for the media exploding on to the scene, Anelka might not have actually been sent home. He might have been "rested" against SA, but the French team may have wanted to keep the whole story under wraps, until they were back home. That wouldn't have resulted in the player's boycott of their training session, which in my opinion, was not only selfish but thoughtless too. I mean, they are about to play in their last game in the World Cup, they still have a chance to qualify, it might be small, but it's a chance nonetheless, and yet the players are acting as though they have already been dumped out of the competition and have seemed to have forgotten, that they are there for their nation, not for themselves.

The fact that Raymond Domenech could not talk them out of their "mutiny" and force them to train, probably highlights his relation to the team, the lack of respect and his own inabilities to control and "manage" the side. The players, from the way they were acting, seem to have their own way of managing the team, and whilst trying to make a point, inadvertently succeeded in not only displaying the magnanimous cracks within the team, but also in alienating their own fans and supporters, who according to the papers, were disgusted with their team's pathetic and "child-like" behaviour. The fight that Evra had with the fitness trainer and then the FFF's vice-president's resignation just typifies what many supporters see as the big-headedness of the French team. They see the players as largely overpaid buffoons who have no respect for the management, and who have no desire, ambition or passion to be playing in this world cup.

I, like many, don't understand what was going through the player's head at the time. Yes, they wanted to show solidarity, but ironically reports began to emerge of some players not happy with the boycott, and again, of the players and the coach being on two different planets and heading in completely opposite directions. Surely, the players should have put aside their differences, in place of the national interest and fought for their pride. They are supposed to be professionals after all and they had one shot still left to go through...it wasn't an impossible feat by any means. Even though they resumed training the following day, the cracks in the French team weren't going away, and surely the whole debacle of the previous days, would have remained in the player's minds and effected their mentality coming into the final game. Psychologically, they would have been ready to give up and just go home, before the game even got underway against Bafana Bafana.

The South Africans, on the other hand, would have been relishing the prospect of capitalising on a weakened French side, and making their supporters proud, by trying to get through to the last 16 stage. The stadium in Bloemfontein was packed to the rafters with swarms of yellow and green supporters, keeping an eager eye on the other match, which was happening at the same time. Bafana Bafana were a sharp contrast to their French counterparts in the tunnel - singing, dancing and generally enjoying the buzz from the crowd as they prepared to do battle. The French, on the other hand, were a largely changed side, from the ones we had seen on the two previous occasions, with plenty of new faces coming in. You wouldn't be surprised to hear that it wasn't down to injury worries or suspensions or anything else, but down to the events that had dominated the French preparations beforehand.

Evra, Henry, Malouda, Abidal and Govou all found themselves a place on the bench. In their place, on came, Clichy, Squillaci, Cisse and captain for the day, Alou Diarra. It was a controversial decision to leave their best players on the pitch - I didn't understand it. I mean I know what has gone on, but when you still have a chance, why would you make it harder for yourself? It was almost as though Domenech had forgotten his side did still have a chance. He probably thought it would be easier for him to manage the players on the pitch, than those watching from the bench. A further example of his ineffective managing abilities perhaps?

South Africa had to replace their keeper after Khune was sent off in the game against Uruguay, and also made some changes to their squad, determined to end the group stages on a high. And it took them just 20 minutes to take advantage of some poor keeping by Hugo Lloris, when a corner was swept in from his left. He swung at air rather than at the ball, allowing Khumalo a free shot at goal. He didn't need asking twice and suddenly the South African supporters were bellowing down their vuvuzelas sensing an upset could be on the cards here. With the other game still on level terms though, the South Africans were praying for some help from Uruguay.

However, they tried to make things as easy as possible for themselves by doubling their advantage, just before half time. For the French on the other hand, as if things couldn't get any worse, they did when Yoann Gourcuff was sent off for what looked like a high elbow in the box. It was a really harsh decision by the referee, but pretty much summed up a dismal tournament for the French where nothing has gone right for them. South Africa's goal came as a result of some poor defending, when the French lost the ball in their own area, giving Mphela the chance to bundle it home. South Africa were 2-0 up, the vuvuzelas had a life of their own, and the crowd began to believe that qualification was within touching distance. Add to that the fact that Suarez had just scored for Uruguay, against Mexico and things were looking decidedly more rosy for the hosts. They just needed a few more goals, or to hope that Uruguay scored one or two more...

Except it was France that finally got their first goal of the tournament, pretty much ending Bafana Bafana's hopes. South Africa's Mphela had several chances in front of goal, but they were saved well by Lloris. Mphela's closest chance came soon after the restart, when he just clipped the post and missed. It was a largely frustrating second half for the fans and the team and as the second half wore on Bafana Bafana became more and more desperate, shooting from range and not really getting anywhere. With elimination looming, Domenech sent on Malouda for Gignac, and finally gave Henry some playing time...not that it came to much. France were easily able to go forward whilst SA did the same at the other end, exploiting SA's weak defence, to score a goal, that came far too late to be of any relevance. It was an easy goal for Malouda to score in the end, after some good play by Sagna and Ribery and it was the only thing able to completely silence the vuvuzelas.

France were able to see out the game without conceding any more and they, along with the hosts, were subsequently ousted from the competition. So then came the end of Domenech's era as manager of the French side and instead of bowing out gracefully, he was keen to end it on one last controversial moment, by refusing to shake the hands of SA coach Parreira. Domenech spent 5 minutes trying to explain why he didn't want to shake it with all cameras pointed at him, when it would have been easier for him to have spent half a second just shaking the man's hand and being a gracious loser. It kind of summed up everything about this French team in a way. In this tournament, we saw the good, the bad and the ugly. The good thing about them? Well, they made everyone else look much better. The bad: well that was their football on the pitch...and the ugly? Well, I think that one's pretty obvious. It will no doubt be remembered as a shameful era in French football and one which French fans will want to wipe from their memories as soon as possible. Everyone knows that in football, it is often the failures that you're remembered for, not the successes and Domenech, who took the team to the finals in 2006, will probably be remembered for everything that went wrong in this illustrious crop of world class footballers.

It's a sad time for French football...

But for the Irish, well, they will see it as karma and will be bending over backwards laughing at this French "team" that cheated the Irish to get to the finals...and self-destructed when they got there...