World Cup Finals

World Cup 2010 Quarter Finalists Emerge

Uruguay are the first team to qualify for the quarter finals with two goals from Luis Suarez, but the South Koreans went out bravely after pulling a goal back at 1-1. The goal scored by Lee Chung Yong, before Uruguay’s second and decisive goal ten minutes from time.

Ghana are flying the flag for Africa after defeating the USA by two goals to one following 30 minutes of extra time. The Black Stars took the lead through Kevin Prince-Boateng but in the second half, Landon Donovan equalised from the penalty spot and momentum moved to the Americans. They failed to capitalise on this after making changes and just after the game entered extra time, Gyan avoided two USA defenders and struck the ball home from a wide angle.

England let themselves down again with a poor performance against a well organised and confident German side. Despite having a goal disallowed which was obviously the wrong decision; England cannot use this as an excuse for a very poor defensive performance. Ironically, their best player was goalkeeper David James and he conceded four goals, but these were too often due to his centre backs who’s sat navs were obviously made in Peckham, because they were continually lost or easily dragged out of position by energetic, focussed and (in contrast to England’s) in form, German forwards. Klose, Podolski and Mueller (2) were the German goal scorers with Upson and Lampard scoring for England. Why the latter’s goal was disallowed no one but the linesman and referee will know, but England were well beaten and Germany go forward as much the better of these two sides.

Four straight wins for the in form Argentine team left Mexico rueing another shocking refereeing decision after Tevez scored his first of two goals from an obviously off-side position. Higuain later scored his fourth of the competition. In the second half Tevez hit his second and best goal of the match, Messi still failed to open his goal tally and Mexico scored a consolation goal late on but will feel aggrieved at more controversial officiating in the 3-1 loss.

The Netherlands have a 100% record in the competition so far but held a lot in reserve as they disposed of the Slovakian side by two goals to one. The losers scoring from a late penalty. Robben and Sneijder sharing the Dutch goals.

Brazil will face the Netherlands in the quarter finals after they demolished a quiet Chilean side by three goals to nil. In fairness, Chile did miss three of their better players through suspension. Juan, Fabiano and Robinho scored for Brazil.

Paraguay are the fourth South American team to qualify for the quarter finals, winning a tense penalty shoot out 5-3 after a disappointing goal-less 120 minutes against Japan. No Asian teams progressed through to the final stages.

Portugal created chances in this match against Spain but failed to take any of them. Torres was good at the start but faded as the match progressed and was substituted before 60 minutes. The change seemed to spark Spain into life and they created an opening for David Villa courtesy of a Xavi back-heel. Villa needed two attempts to finish but he did so with aplomb, taking his side through to the quarter finals.