South American nations have had a great World Cup as opposed to the European nations.Tonight's match will see the first South American nation leaving the World Cup in the form of either Brazil or Chile. Already, Uruguay and Argentina have booked their places in the last eight and a third team is going to join them soon.
There is no doubt as to who are the favorites to win this all South American tie. Brazil have looked impressive and with Kaka, Robinho and Elano back into the side they will be all set to go against the Chileans. Chile have had a great world cup so far beating Switzerland to second place in Group H.
It will be interesting to see how coach Marcelo Bielsa manages the team after their 2-1 loss to Spain in the final group game. With the two teams having played each other in qualification, the teams may try and cancel each other. Brazil have been clinical as usual but their defence needs to organise themselves better. They've been caught flat several times in the their three matches only for Julio Cesar to pull out some great saves.
Brazil with Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva will look to assert their dominance at the center of the park and lay the foundation for their more creative players to score.
An exciting South American battle awaits us!!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Preview Second Round Fixtures
1. Uruguay X South Korea
The Uruguayans came across as a very defensive in their first game against the French. But, then manger Tabarez introduced a third striker in Diego Cavani and the move paid off as the team scored three goals against South Africa.
Uruguay have been solid at the back with players like Arevalo, Godin, Lugano, Victorino etc doing a good job as they are yet to concede a goal in this tournament. They are a typically solid South American team. They have looked to sit deep in their own half and try and hit the opposition on the break with talismanic captain Diego Forlan leading the line with two goals in the tournament.
South Korea have made history by making it out of the group stage for the first time when playing outside Asia. They have done well particularly with setpieces with three out of five goals scored from a set-piece. The highest for any team in the competition. But, after starting really well, a 2-0 win against Greece in the first game, they lost 4-1 to Argentina and then held on to a draw against Nigeria to qualify. To win, the Koreans will need a good performance from captain Park Ji-Sung, who can draw from his experience to play in big games for Manchester United.
Like the other Asian teams, the South Koreans are one of the fittest teams in the world cup. Their quicker movement could see them dominate the possession in the midfield. But, they will be vary of Forlan and Co. who will be swift on the counter.
The Uruguayans came across as a very defensive in their first game against the French. But, then manger Tabarez introduced a third striker in Diego Cavani and the move paid off as the team scored three goals against South Africa.
Uruguay have been solid at the back with players like Arevalo, Godin, Lugano, Victorino etc doing a good job as they are yet to concede a goal in this tournament. They are a typically solid South American team. They have looked to sit deep in their own half and try and hit the opposition on the break with talismanic captain Diego Forlan leading the line with two goals in the tournament.
South Korea have made history by making it out of the group stage for the first time when playing outside Asia. They have done well particularly with setpieces with three out of five goals scored from a set-piece. The highest for any team in the competition. But, after starting really well, a 2-0 win against Greece in the first game, they lost 4-1 to Argentina and then held on to a draw against Nigeria to qualify. To win, the Koreans will need a good performance from captain Park Ji-Sung, who can draw from his experience to play in big games for Manchester United.
Like the other Asian teams, the South Koreans are one of the fittest teams in the world cup. Their quicker movement could see them dominate the possession in the midfield. But, they will be vary of Forlan and Co. who will be swift on the counter.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Best Goals of the Decade
As the decade comes to a close, let us have a look at some of the best goals of the two World Cups played during this decade.
5. Roberto Carlos (Brazil vs. China (4-0))
This was a group game in the 2002 World Cup. Roberto Carlos opened the scoring for Brazil with this wonderful free-kick. It was the trademark Carlos freekick, thumping the ball with a long run-up with the outside of the boot. You can view the goal here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9v6s9dThfcI&NR=1
4. Jared Borgetti (Mexico vs. Italy (1-1))
This was a group game at the 2002 World Cup and Mexican forward, Jared Borgetii scored a fantastic headed goal past Buffon with the likes of Cannavaro and Nesta watching aghast. You can see the goal here:
3. Maxi Rodriguez(Argentina vs. Mexico (2-1))
This was a second round game between Argentina and Mexico at the 2006 World Cup. The game was a close encounter. The game went into extra-time with the two teams level at 1-1. This is when Maxi Rodriguez broke Mexican hearts with a very well received goal.
He controlled a cross-field lob just outside the 18 yard box and then unleashed a fantastic curler across the face of the goal leaving the goalkeeper hapless. You can view the goal here:
2. Fabio Grosso(Italy vs. Germany (2-0 ))
This was the semifinal match between Italy and Germany in 2006. The importance of the goal is really high because of which it ranks so high. The two sides played an entertaining goalless 90 mins. The deadlock was finally broken by Fabio Grosso who placed his shot that it was just out of Jens Lehmann's reach. Also, note the way Andrea Pirlo drew defenders towards him to make space for Grosso. Pirlo could have easily gone for goal from his position but instead he put Grosso in a good position to score. You can view the goal here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prfRx8gg7Oc
1. Esteban Cambiasso(Argentina vs. Serbia & Montenegro(6-1))
This is one of the greatest goals of all time. The Argentine players strung together 25 passes in a superb goal culminating in Hernan Crespo backheeling to Cambiasso to finish off the move. Truly a masterclass in passing football. You can view the goal here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R_iYLca2gc
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