World Cup Game 22 – Holland 1 vs. 0 Japan
Holland managed to secure top spot in Group E with a narrow victory over Japan in Durban, thanks to a goal from Wesley Sneijder. The game was deadlocked at half time though the upper hand was clearly with Holland, who had several good chances to score, including a close chance in the 4th minute when a cross from Van Persie which just missed Dirk Kuyt.
The first chances for Japan came after a half hour or so, with a few shots wide then a volley in the 37th forcing Stekelenburg into his first save. The goal came in the 53rd minute, when a poor clearance allowed Van Persie to play in Sneijder who rifled a shot at the keeper who should have done better after it deflected in off his arm. Holland now go into their final match knowing a draw will secure the top spot and a second round fixture against the Group F runners up, which could yet be decided in a tight group.
World Cup Game 23 – Ghana 1 vs. 1 Australia
After their heavy defeat to Germany, where they had Tim Cahill sent off, Australia were eager to improve against Ghana, and started well with the opening goal after 11 minutes as the goalkeeper spilled and allowed Holman a easy goal from close range.
Not too long after, Ghana were on the attack and after two strikes were deflected they had a corner which was swung in a led to a strike from Mensah, who saw his shot strike Harry Kewell block with his arm. Ghana were awarded a penalty and Australia lost a man for the second game in a row. After Ghana scored the penalty, Australia shut up shot to see out the half. Though Ghana were on the attack for large parts of the second half, Australia managed to hold on, and even create some good chances, but the game finished a draw.
World Cup Game 24 – Cameroon 1 vs. 2 Denmark
Cameroon became the first team to be knocked out of the 2010 World Cup after defeat to Denmark left hem bottom of Group E with no points. It was Cameroon who took the lead after just 10 minutes in this game, with Samuel Eto’o finishing. Denmark though continued to play and were rewarded a goal in the 33rd minute after a fantastic 60 yard cross field pass allowed Rommedahl to square the ball to Nicklas Bendtner who slid in to finish.
After the break, it was Cameroon who looked the better side, before Denmark began to re-gain control. The winning goal for Denmark came after 61 minutes when Rommedahl changed from supplier to scorer with a well taken finish, curling in to the bottom corner. Denmark now face a winner takes all final Group game against Japan, who are ahead of the Danes on goal difference only.
World Cup Game 25 – Slovakia 0 vs. 2 Paraguay
Goals in either half secured top spot for Paraguay as they beat Slovakia in their second Group Stage game. Vera was the man to break the deadlock after a solid start from Paraguay, with a good finish in the 27th minute. Slovakia took this as kick-start and improved, coming close in the 37th as Salata headed over the bar.
Slovakia improved further in the second half, increasing the pace of their play, but Paraguay still looked the better side. The South American’s forced several saves and could have scored one or two before the 85th minute when Riveros found the net following a cross from Da Silva. Paraguay are now in a strong position to finish top of the group.
World Cup Game 26 – Italy 1 vs. 1 New Zealand
Italy continued to stutter in this World Cup with a draw against New Zealand, which leaves them needing a good performance against Slovakia to assure progress to the next round. It was New Zealand who took the lead after just 7 minutes as Smeltz got his foot to a flicked on cross from close range.
It took a penalty, given by one of the Kiwi’s best players, Tommy Smith to draw Italy level after 29 minutes. Italy went on to dominate possession for long periods throughout the rest of the match, but the New Zealand defence was superb, throwing themselves at every shot. They possibly had the best chance to win the game with one of few visits to the Italian half as Chris Wood turned Cannavaro and dragged a shot across the goal, barely a foot on the wrong side of the post.
World Cup Game 27 – Brazil 3 vs. 1 Ivory Coast
Brazil secured their place in the second round with their second win which saw 4 goals and a red card against Ivory Coast. The Ivory Coast team came in to the game in a confident mood after their display against Portugal, but Brazil controlled the game throughout, opening the scoring brilliantly after 25 minutes as Fabiano scored his first of two following superb build up play by Robinho and Kaka.
The striker got his second in the 50th minute, and despite two handballs in the build up, the goal was a spectacular individual show of control and precision as he controlled the ball from the air, beating three defenders before a neat volley beat the goalkeeper.
Elano scored the final goal, and possibly the best, following a fantastic move which left Elano with a straight forward finish. Drogba regained some pride with a goal in the 82nd minute, before Kaka was harshly sent off after Keita’s theatrics conned the referee into action.