In one of the most aggressive World Cup Finals we’ll probably see, Holland had a clear game-plan which involved intimidating the Spanish with tackles which could, and most likely, should have seen them finish the game with 2 or maybe 3 players already in the changing room!

Despite the robust challenges facing the Spanish team, they stuck well to their task, and were on the front foot in the opening exchanges. , forcing the first save of the match after 5 minutes, when Sergio Ramos aimed a fine header to the far right corner of the goal.

The first card of the game came after 15 minutes, and went to Van Persie for a poor challenge on Capdevila, followed quickly with a yellow for Puyol. Over the next 20 minutes or so the game become more about the referee than the players, as Howard Webb was forced in to dishing out a further 3 yellow cards, to of which could easily have been red.

Mark van Bommel’s challenge on Iniesta was more than worthy of a red card, as he slid in and caught the Spaniard mid shin on his standing foot. And then De Jong turned Kick-boxer for a shocking chest high kick on Xavi Alonso, which the players has since revealed has broken a rib.

Spain seemed to be knocked off their stride for the first time and Holland, through Robben, began to look dangerous on the wing.

A bright start to the Second Half.

The second half started brightly for both teams; Puyol connected again from a corner but Capdevila couldn’t send it goal bound, while at the other end, Robben had the chance of the game. Send through by a fantastic ball from Sneijder, Robben waited for Casillas to move, but failed to chip over the Spain goalkeeper who stuck out a foot at the perfect moment to send the ball wide.

The game continued at a higher pace than in the first half, and the next talking point again came from Robben, as he raced through the middle of the defence, beating Puyol who almost brought the Dutch player down, he was once again thwarted by Casillas. Realising his chance was gone, he ran at Howard Webb to protest at not being awarded a free-kick, but in fairness, he rode the challenge, took another touch and then shot against Casillas, so advantage had been well played.

Fabregas was put in for Spain with just four minutes to go, as Del Bosque obviously had ideas on the period of Extra Time, and so it was to be as the 90 minutes came and went without a goal.

Into Extra-Time.

Extra-Time saw both teams try to grab the win and settle nerves, as chances came for both teams in the opening period. Xavi thought he won a penalty after being brought down, but Webb decided it was he who kicked Heitinga to trip himself. This was quickly followed by a chance for Fabregas who had the whole goal to aim at, but struck the ball at the German keeper’s feet.

Holland then had their own chances in extra-time as Mathijsen rose to head at an open goal, but the shot sailed over.

The winning goal came after Holland lost Heitinga for a second yellow card offence. Fabregas slipped a fantastic ball through to Iniesta on the right hand side of the box. One touch set the ball up for a fantastic cross-goal volley which defeated the palm of Stekelenburg to send the Spanish fans wild. Holland gave up at this point and the win was sealed for the European and now World Champions of football.

Spain booked a place in the World Cup final as the defending European champions played out an enthralling encounter in Durban, to win 1-0 against a young German side who have largely impressed throughout the tournament. For Joachim low’s side, this was a repeat of the heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the Euro 2008 final, but with new and emerging young and exciting players making the breakthrough, Germany are sure to be back in a major final soon.

Vicente Del Bosque’s brave decision to drop struggling striker Fernando Torres to the bench was the talk of the tournament for many football fans, as Bosque decided to replace him with the inexperienced young Barcelona striker Pedro to partner David Villa in attack.

Spain dominated possession, with the midfield trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso all involved in a combination of one-touch triangular passing, but failed to break down in which was a tight, crowded and well-organised German defence. This was the tactics employed by Joachim Low throughout this summer’s tournament, as his side looked to take advantage with fast flowing counter attacking football on the break.

In the second half, Spain again came out the better side with Xabi Alonso and Iniesta going close from well worked efforts, until the breakthrough finally came through in the 73^rd minute when defender Carlos Puyol latched onto a Xaxi pinpoint cross to rocket a header past the helpless German keeper Neuer and send the Spanish into celebration.

As the game went into the closing stages, Spain seemed to be experiencing the same feeling of déjà vu, as the game looked to repeat the same hard grinding result played out against Paraguay and Portugal to book a place in the 2010 World Cup finals against the Dutch.

Holland go ahead after 18 minutes.

After a lively start by both teams, Holland were the first to create a genuine chance as Dirk Kuyt had a 12 yard shot to take the lead, but sent it over the bar. And after 18 minutes it was Dutch Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst who sent the Orange fans wild with a spectacular bullet from 40 yards out. His shot from the left crossed the goal and hit the top right corner on its way in, giving him his 5th goal on his 105th game for Holland.

The first half continued with Holland dominating, but close to the break, Uruguay started to build, and in the 41st minute, Forlan turned his marker and struck a fierce shot from 35 yards out. The Keeper should probably have saved the shot but movement on the ball and the pace of the shot beat him and leveled the score.

Holland come out on top.

The second half didn’t start as the first had finished, with some tired looking play from Holland in the earlier part of the half. It was again Forlan who looked more likely to score, with another great free-kick finding the target, but also finding the Dutch goalkeeper on this occasion.

This spurred Holland into life and two goals in three minutes sent them through to the World Cup Final. The first of the two went to Wesley Sneijder whose shot was deflected to curl into the far corner. Van Persie looked to be offside for the shot, and even tried to poke the ball, but replays show it was a very tight decision, too hard for a linesman to get right most likely.

Then, a great cross from Kuyt allowed Robben to expertly head the ball low and off the left post to take the score to 3-1 with 17 minutes to play. Uruguay failed to give up though, and scored in the 90th minute via a lovely side foot effort from Maxi Pereira gave Uruguay a slim hope of equalizing. There was not enough time though, and Holland will face the winner of Germany vs. Spain to lift the World Cup Trophy.

While it might not have been a total upset, seeing Brazil leave the World Cup at the Quarter Final stage will definitely have raised some eyebrows! And after 10 minutes it looked as though the 5 time World Cup winners were on the way to the Semi-Finals after Robinho opened the scoring.

In fact, the entire first half would have given most the impression that Brazil were already on their way, but after the break Holland came out with much more endeavour, and were rewarded with their first goal after Julio Cesar flapped at a cross and an own goal from Melo followed.

This gave Holland some confidence and after 68 minutes Sniejder gave the Dutch the winning goal as he headed in from a corner after Kuyt flicked on Robben’s cross. Things got worse for Brazil as Melo earned himself a red card for a stupid stamp on Robben, born out of pure frustration. While Brazil still tried to save the game, the whistle blew and sent the Dutch through as favourites against Uruguay!

World Cup Quarter Final 2 – Uruguay 1 vs. Ghana 1 (Uruguay win 4-2 on penalties)

A fantastic game ended in total heartbreak for Ghana, as they had the chance to win with the very last kick of the ball from the Penalty spot, which was missed by Gyan who will feel the weight of a country after the loss.

The game was an exciting battle between to competitive sides, which swayed in the favour of Ghana after 45 Minutes with a fantastic long range effort. After an opening period which saw Uruguay as the better side, Ghana finished the first half and started the Second half the better team.

However, Uruguay were still a threat at the opposite end, and it was Diego Forlan who drew the contest level with what has to be the best free-kick of a World Cup sadly missing such touches of skill. His free-kick completely wrong footed the goalkeeper and sailed into the back of the net.

In the last minute of the game, it was Ghana who had the chance to win the game as Suarez turned goalkeeper and blocked a certain goal with his hands. Asamoah Gyan hit the Crossbar and sent the game to penalties, which they lost thanks to two missed efforts. Ghana will feel very hard done by following such a deliberate handball which saved Uruguay from a Quarter Final exit.

World Cup Quarter Final 3 – Argentina 0 vs. 4 Germany

Germany cemented their position as World Cup favourites with a superb display against Argentina in which they dealt Argentina one of their worst defeats at a World Cup. Germany took the lead after just 3 minutes with a great header to signal their intent, but Argentina picked themselves up and evened the contest for the rest of the first half, as both teams carved out chances with no further scoring.

It wasn’t until the 67^th minute that Germany added a second through the ever impressive Klose, who seems to come alive at International competitions. A fantastic move from Podolski left Klose with a simple tap-in from just off the line. This opened the game up and allowed Germany to punish Argentina on the counter, with the third goal coming from Friedrich, his first for Germany, thanks to a great move from Schweinsteiger which left him with a close range tap-in.

The fourth goal from Klose after 89 minutes after he expertly volleyed a sublime cross from Ozil to put the finishing touch on a fantastic result against Argentina who went into the game as favourites in many eyes.

World Cup Quarter Final 4 – Paraguay 0 vs. 1 Spain

Spain secured their place in the last four of the World Cup with a less than convincing display against Paraguay. Spain had been clear favourites going into this match, but Paraguay proved a harder opponent than expected. It was Paraguay who had the best chance to take the lead after they were awarded a penalty in the second half following a first half starved of serious chances.

Oscar Cordoza missed the penalty awarded as a result of Gerard Pique pulling him down in the box. Despite encroachment from the Spanish players, no re-take was awarded which was salt in the wounds for Spain who were awarded a penalty minutes later. After Xabi Alonso scored from the spot, the referee ordered a re-take, for encroachment, and of course, the result was Alonso missing the second attempt.

David Villa was there to spare Spanish blushes on the 82^nd minute mark after Iniesta went on a fantastic run and laid off for Pedro who hit the post. The rebound found Villa who finished, by virtue of both posts, to take the victory and allow Spain the chance to redeem themselves in the next round.

Holland set up a quarter final encounter with either Brazil or Chile, as the Dutch dominated in a well deserved 2-1 win over Slovakia in Durban. The Dutch were handed a boost before the game with Arjen Robben making his first competitive start of the World Cup campaign. Slovakian coach Weiss also made changes to his starting XI before the game with talented son Vladimir Weiss making the breakthrough for this crucial last 16 game.

It was two fine strikes from the Dutch that won the game, the first coming from an excellent trademark Arjen Robben goal in the 18^th minute when the winger used his pace to cut inside his man and rifle in a left-footed strike at the near post. Holland second of the game came late on in the 84^th minute when Dirk Kuyt beat the on rushing Slovakian keeper Mucha with his pace and power, to roll the ball unselfishly across to team mate Snedijer who tapped in an empty net in to seal the win.

Slovakia found a consolation goal deep into injury time, as Vittek pull one back for the Slovakians with a penalty, after Dutch keeper Stekelenburg fouled Jakubko in the box, sealing his forth and final goal of the tournament in a 2-1 defeat.

World Cup Game 52 –Brazil 3 vs. 0 Chile

Brazil sailed into the quarter finals of the World Cup with a comfortable and impressive 3-0 win over there South American counterparts Chile in Johannesburg. It was Brazil who controlled large parts of the game with Chile’s best spell coming in the first quarter, putting early pressure on the Brazilians from the kick off.

After seeing off the early pressure from the Chileans, Brazil scored there first goal of the game, coming from a Maicon corner as defender Juan took advantage of some awful defending from Chile to nod home the opening goal. Brazil doubled the lead in the 38^th minute when Kaka slipped in Luis Fabiano as the on-fire striker rounded goalkeeper Claudio Bravo before slotting home in typical Brazilian fashion. The game was finally sealed on the hour mark as Robinho latched onto a superb pass from Ramires and unleashed a curling effort into the far corner leaving Bravo with no chance.

World Cup Game 53 –Paraguay 0 vs. 0 Japan (Paraguay win 5-3 on pens)

Paraguay beat Japan in Pretoria on penalties to create history by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time. After a tense 90 minute and extra time period it was penalties that settled this tie with Paraguay edging Japan with a 5-3 win.

The game itself was a cagey encounter with Japan starting the more attack minded team, and in the early first half of the game the best chance fell to Daisuke Matsui whose 30 yard effort crashed off the woodwork leaving the Paraguay keeper Villar beaten. Paraguay responded with strikes from Roque Santa Cruz and Ortigoza but excellent defending from the Japanese denied the Paraguayans from breaking the deadlock keeping the game scoreless.

In the second half, both teams become very cagey and desperate with neither side finding a breakthrough, as the game looked like it would fade out to 0-0 draw. In Extra time both side came out flying with the Japanese Kawashima denying Valdes from inside the box and at the other end Villar palming out a powerful Honda strike. As the game went into penalties this first of the tournament, it was the unlucky Japanese player Komano who hit the bar with the third spot-kick to deny Japan the chance to progress, as Paraguay sank all five penalties with Oscar Cardozo grabbing the winner to send the South American’s into celebration.

World Cup Game 54 –Spain 1 vs. 0 Portugal

Spain booked there place in quarter finals of the World Cup thanks a David Villa 63^rd minute strike as Spain played out a much-anticipated encounter against the Portuguese in the Green Point stadium, Cape Town.

It was new Barcelona boy Villa that broke the deadlock scoring in the 63^rd minute of the match after Barcelona team mates Andres Iniesta and Xavi linked up inside the box, flicking the ball into Villa’s path with the striker scoring in off the bar from a rebounded save from goalkeeper Eduardo. Portugal rarely looked like scoring an equalising goal, and Spain could have made victory more emphatic against a Portuguese side, in which Cristiano Ronaldo was hugely disappointing.

As the game come into the closing stages, more misery was put on Portugal as Carlos Quieroz side were reduced to 10 men after defender Ricardo Costa stupidly lashed out at Capdevila, in what was a frustrating night for the Portuguese national side.

Uruguay booked there place in the quarter finals of the World Cup thanks to a Luis Suarez man of the match performance and brace sealing a 2-1 victory against South Korea in Port Elizabeth.

It was the on-form Ajax striker Luis Suarez who is regarded as one of the most exciting young strikers in world football that caused problems for the Korean defense, breaking the deadlock in the 8^th minute, when the striker capitalized on some woeful marking to tap in a whipped in Diego Forlan low cross, which was misjudged by the South Korean keeper.

South Korea got back into the game in the second half passing the ball around well but without creating many dangerous openings, until they grabbed an equalising goal in the 68^th minute when Lee Chung-Yong headed home from close range to square the game one a piece. However, the winning goal came from a stunning strike, as Uruguay striker Suarez grabbed his second goal of the game curling an effort in off the post in the 80^th minute to seal a deserved victory and a place in the quarters.

World Cup Game 48 –USA 1 vs. 2 Ghana (extra time)

The second game of the last 16 took us to the Royal Bafokeng stadium in Rustenburg, where the USA played out a hard fought encounter against a young Ghana side full of confidence. With Ghana the only African side left in the tournament, it was the Black Cats that took an early shock lead scoring in the 5^th minute of the match when midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng charged through firing in a low 18 yard strike to beat American keeper Tim Howard at his near post.

With both sides playing attack minded football, it was the USA who eventually found there breakthrough in the 62^nd minute, when Landon Donovan converted a second half penalty after Ghana defender Mensah appeared to have fouled Clint Dempsey in the box. As the match played out to a 1-1 draw, extra time was fast approaching with both sides still searching for that late winner.

The winning goal was finally found in the early first half of extra time as Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan used his upper body strength to hold off USA defender Bocanegra smashing home an unstoppable shot over the head of Tim Howard and setting up with a quarter final encounter against Uruguay.

World Cup Game 49 –Germany 4 vs. 1 England

England were knocked out of the World Cup in humiliating fashion as Germany comfortably beat them 4-1 in a game which was blighted with controversy. It was the Germans who got the game off to a flyer piling on the pressure in the early first quarter of the game with strikes from Metsut Ozil and Miroslav Klose.

The deadlock was broken in the 20^th minute of the game when German striker Miroslav Klose muscled out Matthew Upson to latch onto a long through ball poking home past David James for the opening goal. The second goal of the game came soon after as Muller and Klose combined with a one-two effort before squaring it to the unmarked Podolski who fired home under David James from a tight angle to secure a comfortable 2-0 lead.

England hit back forcing a superb reflex save from the German number one as Frank Lampard went close with a header from a dangerous James Milner cross. In the 37^th minute England finally got there break through when another attacking cross into the box from Steven Gerrard, was met by defender Matthew Upton as he powered home the header to pull one back.

With less than 60 seconds after the goal, the ball broke kindly to Frank Lampard as he volleyed the ball home off the underside of the bar taking the rebound over the line to send the English into celebration. However the celebrations were short lived, as the referee denied the ball had crossed the line, a decision which would later be regretted as television replays show Lampard’s goal was clearly over the line.

The second half of the match saw England fall to pieces as a dominant Germany side took full advantage wrapping up a quarter finals place, thanks to two well taken goals in the last 20 minutes from Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller.

World Cup Game 50 –Argentina 3 vs. 1 Mexico

A packed Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg watching a high flying Argentina side beat Mexico 3-1 to progress into the quarter final of the World Cup and set up a highly anticipated encounter against Germany.

It was the Argentines that got off to the best possible start opening the scoring in the 25^th minute when Carlos Tevez controversially headed home Lionel Messi’s clever chip, which appeared to be offside. The second goal for Argentina came from striker Gonzalo Higuain as he kept his cool to round keeper Perez and slide the ball home.

Tevez scored his second of the game in the 2^nd half, as the Man City striker struck a blistering 25 yard shot into the top corner, sending the Argentines into a comfortable 3-0 lead and making him a contender for goal of the tournament. Mexico pulled one back in the 71^st minute as Manchester United new boy Hernandez turned defender Demichelis easily to slam the ball high past keeper Romero and into the roof of the net.

World Cup Game 43 – Korea DPR 0 vs. 3 Ivory Coast

While unlikely, the Ivory Coast new going into this game that a 9 goal swing was required in order to progress at Portugal’s expense, with Portugal taking on Brazil in the other final game of the group. But, despite a comfortable win, this wasn’t to be.

The Ivory Coast team managed to score 3 goals in their final World Cup game to give the African fans something to cheer about. Yaya Toure opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a fine finish from the edge of the box. 6 minutes later, following a crossbar-bound header from Didier Drogba, Romaric followed up with the second.

After the break, Ivory Coast dominated and should likely have scored more goals, forcing some fantastic saves from the Korean goalkeeper. Salamon Kalou had the final say in the 82nd minute, finding the net following a Boka cross. The result might not have helped the African’s through to the last 16, but it did restore pride to Sven’s side.

World Cup Game 44 – Portugal 0 vs. 0 Brazil

As Brazil had qualified, and Portugal knew that conceeding not goals would more than likely guarantee there progress, this match was destined to be a draw.

There were few solid openings throughout the match, though both teams had oppurtunities to break the deadlock, eiher side of the break. The result puts Brazil through, top of the group, with Portugal second. What this does mean though, is that Portugal will face Spain in the last 16, which will be a fantastic knock-out game. Brazil face Chile, which while being a tough test, should see them play in the Quarter Finals.

World Cup Game 45 – Switzerland 0 vs. 0 Honduras

Both Teams went into this game knowing anything less than a win would send them home, so why neither looked particularly set on winning the game is anyones guess. Both teams failed to stress the other in a game with few chance.

Switzerland, having defeated Spain in their opening game will be the most disappointed, having taken points in each of the previous games against the group winners and runners-up, while Honduras in only their second ever World Cup won’t be terribly upset at their performance this year.

World Cup Game 46 – Chile 1 vs. 2 Spain

Spain set-up a first ever World Cup match against neighbours Portugal with this defeat of Chile in Pretoria. The game was a fiery one as both teams had players close to boiling over and Chile had Marco Estrada sent off for a second yellow card.

Goals in the first for Spain were enough to seal the victory, the first coming from David Villa who took his goal well with a fantastic 40 yard strike. Iniesta scored Spain’s second goal after 37 minutes to go in to the break feeling more than comfortable.

Chile though, had other ideas and came out fighting in the second half, and were rewarded after just 2 minutes when Rodrigo Millar scored Chile’s. This was the last of the game though, and Spain progress in first place, with Chile taking the Runners-Up spot.

England produced a vastly improved display and their best performance of the tournament so far as Fabio Capello’s men edged a 1-0 win over Slovenia to book there place in the last 16 of the knockout stages as group C runners up.

It was England who dominated possession throughout most of the game carving out a number of good opportunities and chances with an improved surge of urgency which was missing from the last two group games against the USA and Algeria. Slovenia only needed a point to progress to the last 16, and set up to adopted a solid defensive line which would hit England on the break at every opportunity.

However it was on the 22^nd minute that England grabbed a crucial goal, scoring from a superb James Milner cross which was met by Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe to head home the winner and spare Fabio Capello and his men any further embarrassment.

World Cup Game 36 – USA 1 vs. 0 Algeria

The USA triumphed to a well deserved victory in the Loftus Versfield Stadium as they scored a last minute winner against 10 men Algeria to seal there place as Group C winners ahead of favorites England and underdogs Slovenia.

Landon Donovan was the hero for the USA as he smashed home a Clint Dempsey rebound in a packed Algerian box into stoppage time to grab a 90^th minute winner. It was the American’s who dominated for the full 90 minutes creating several clear cut chances and opportunities with Clint Dempsey hitting the woodwork and having a goal disallowed for offside early in the first half.

Algeria were very poor, and only the heroics of Algerian keeper Rais M’Bohli kept them in the game saving countless shots from the attacking minded Americans. A red card for Antar Yahia summed up Algeria’s tournament when the nations captain was sent off for his second bookable offensive to send the Algerians down to ten men in the dying minutes.

World Cup Game 37 – Australia 2 vs. 1 Serbia

Serbia failed to take there chances against an Australian side playing with no fear, the Serbians who needed the three points before the game to progress to the knockout stages set out in an attacking style of play to score as many goal as possible, however the Serbians failed with there profligacy in front of goal missing a host of chances after dominating large periods of the game.

It was the Australians who took the lead in this Group D encounter scoring in the 69^th minute of the match thanks to a Tim Cahill header as the Everton man made amends for his sending off in the first group game. A few minutes later the Australians were ahead again, when a stunning 30 yard effort from substitute Brett Holman flashed past the Serbian keeper giving him no chance. A shocked Serbian got back into the game scoring in the 84^th minute when Marko Pantelic pounded from close range but it was little to late as Australia took all three points in an action packed match in the Mbombela Stadium.

World Cup Game 38 – Ghana 0 vs. 1 Germany

Germany set up a last 16 showdown with England after a hard fought win over Ghana in the Soccer City stadium, Johannesburg. It was a sensational strike from young German midfielder Mesut Ozil on the hour mark which saw the Germans progress as group winners after an excellent game of football in which the African side despite losing also qualified for the knockout stages thanks to an important Australian win over Serbia.

Both side played some excellent passing football, with Germany being the most dangerous testing Ghana keeper Richard Kingston from strikes from Podolski, Cacau and Ozil. Ghana did have there attacking moments with Asamoah Gyan going closest for the African side, having a penalty denied in the first half when Philipp Lham apparently handled the ball on the line. However, the game was separated with a piece of brilliance when Mesut Ozil powered home a strike from outside the box to book the Germans place and set up a much awaited encounter against the English.

World Cup Game 39 – Denmark 1 vs. 3 Japan

Japan ran out deserved winners in this group E encounter against a poor Denmark side in Rustenburg. With a win good enough to send both sides into the knockout phase of the tournament, It was the Japanese who took advantage scoring two excellent free-kicks one from Keisuke Honda and the other from Yasuhito Endo to stun the Danes and send them into a comfortable half time lead.

Denmark managed to pull one back in the 81^st minute when Jon Dahl Tomasson was awarded a penalty for Makoto Hesebe’s clumsy challenge on Daniel Agger, despite his spot kick being saved the forward pounced on the rebound to pull one back for the Danes. As the game came to an end Denmark pushed for an equalising goal but it was Shiniji Okazaki who found a third for Japan tapping into an empty net to dump Denmark out and send them into an interesting last 16 encounter against Paraguay.

World Cup Game 40 – Cameroon 1 vs. 2 Holland

Holland maintained there 100% record with a excellent 2-1 win over Cameroon ensuring them of a place in the last 16 as Cameroon left the tournament pointless in a disappointing World Cup campaign. The Dutch took the lead in the 36^th minute when Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie gathering a neat one-two pass from Van der Vaart to smash home between the keeper’s legs and send the Dutch into the lead. Cameroon responded in the second half, and were rewarded in the 65^th minute when Rafael van der Vaart was penalised for a handball after a Geremi free kick, Samuel Eto’o stood up to take the penalty and never disappointed calmly slotting the ball past Maarten Stekelenburg to level the game.

With a game against Slovakia awaiting the winners of Group E, the Dutch pushed forward to grab a winning goal, finally getting the rewards in the 83^rd minute when a long range shot from Arjen Robben cannoned off the post only to rebound to the feet of Dutch striker Klasse-Jan Huntelaar who passed into the net to score the second and winning goal.

World Cup Game 41 – Paraguay 0 vs. 0 New Zealand

New Zealand’s outstanding World Cup campaign came to an end in Polokwane with a hard fought 0-0 draw with group winners Paraguay. The All Whites continued to shock the world after playing out a bruising encounter against a Paraguay side full of confidence, but a lack of cutting edge in front of goal stopped the All Whites from doing the unthinkable and qualifying for the last knockout round of 16.

With only a point needed from the Paraguayans to ensure them of group F winners, a cautious approach looked like the tactics employed by the Paraguay coach as the team looked comfortable without taking any risks, relying mainly on set-pieces for there source of goals. New Zealand tried to grab that all important goal, but failed as a Paraguay held a tight defensive line to hold onto the draw and claim that vital point which would see them set up a last 16 encounter with Japan in Pretoria.

World Cup Game 42 – Slovakia 3 vs. 2 Italy

Defending World Champions Italy crashed out of the World Cup at the group stages, thanks to a wonderful display from Slovakia, as the teams battled out for a point to progress to the next round of the tournament. It was the Slovakian’s who took the lead in the 25^th minute when Robert Vittek slotted home a right footed shot from the edge of the box beating Italian keeper Marchetti. Italy desperately tried to draw level with Quagliarella going close having a volley cleared off the line in the early second half.

The Slovakian’s doubled there lead in the 73^rd minute of the game when Robert Vittek knocked in a Hamsik volleyed cross beating the Italian defender to the ball for his second goal of the game, as the game came to a end Italy were desperate to get something out the game and found themselves level when Di Natalie pounced to prod in a Qualiarella shot which was parried by the Slovakian keeper. A third soon came in the dying minutes for the Slovakians as Kopunek raced through to lob Marchetti before Italy pulled a surprised goal back deep into stoppage time from a stunning Quagliarella sublime lob, arguable one of the best goals of the tournament so far.

Portugal produced a stunning second half display to hit 7 past minnows North Korea in a game which saw six different scorers in a one sided encounter in Cape Town. After Portugal’s poor start to the World Cup campaign, only managing a draw against the Ivory Coast, it was Carlos Queiroz side who needed to get back on track with a must win over the Koreans.

The Portuguese started brightly and never disappointed with a stunning display of attacking football hitting the post early in the first half from a Ricardo Carvalho header.  After dominating for large parts of the game, Portugal finally found there breakthrough and in the 29^th minute Raul Meirles slotted the ball home past keeper Ri Myong Guk to send the Portuguese into the lead.

A very poor North Korea side battled hard to get back into the game, but it was Portugal who turned on the style with a second half flurry of goals from Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Almeida, and Tiago, breaking the North Koreans spirits in a blistering seven minute spell. The Portuguese still weren’t finished and three late goals from Liedson, Ronaldo and Tiago rounded off as an excellent display of football to send the Koreans to an embarrassing 7-0 defeat.

World Cup Game 29 –Chile 1 vs. 0 Switzerland

With Switzerland on the back of a superb win over European Champions Spain, the Swiss were in a jubilant mood ahead of this group H encounter against Chile. Both sides needed the win to put them on the brink of the last 16, and it was Chile who took all three points in a close matched encounter which saw the Swiss reduced to 10 men.

The main talking point of the game was the poor display from the Saudi Arabia referee Khali Al-Ghamdi who dished out several yellow cards for inexplicable reasons and sent off Switzerland Valon Behrami in the 30^th minute for nothing more than a tussle. Chile piled on the pressure after the sending off, and in the 75 minute finally got there reward after substitute Esteban Paredes rounded the Swiss keeper to cross it over to former Liverpool winger Gonzalez who headed home from close range.

World Cup Game 30 –Spain 2 vs. 0 Honduras

David Villa was the goal hero as Spain hit a brace to sink struggling minnow Honduras in a game dominated by the European Champions. After a disappointing opener to the World Cup, Spain got back to winning ways with a sizzling display of attacking football with Barcelona new boy Villa finding the net on two occasion in both halves, despite missing a second-half penalty.

Spain dominated for long periods of the game dictating the tempo, but struggled to break down a solid Honduras defence who never really threatened going forward, and it was the genius display of striker David Villa who made the difference and in the 17^th minutes a superb run into the box past two defenders gave Spain the lead as Villa slide the ball top corner. The striker added a second in the 5lst minute when his stinging shot defected off a Honduras defender to secure the win and his second for the day.

World Cup Game 31 –France 1 vs. 2 South Africa

After the recent fiasco involving the French squad on and off the pitch, this crucial group A encounter between France and South Africa was a chance for the team to redeem themselves  with a must win 90 minutes of football against a confident South African side in Bloemfontein.

With both sides relying on a favour from Uruguay or Mexico to reach the last 16, it was South Africa who put the early pressure on racing to an early lead when Bongani Khumelo headed home in the 20^th minute to give the Bafana Bafana the lead. The game then turned sour when French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff saw red for an apparent elbow on defender Macbeth Sibaya, reducing the French to 10 men.

The second goal of the game came from South African striker Katlego Mphele who bundled home the ball from cross range to send the Bafana Bafana into a comfortable lead, France managed to pull one back when Florent Malouda tapped in a square ball from Frank Ribery after some excellent link up play from the current Bayern Munich forward.

World Cup Game 32 –Mexico 0 vs. 1 Uruguay

Despite both sides knowing that a draw would be enough to send them into the last 16 of the World Cup knockout stages, both sides never looked happy playing for the point. It was a gung- ho approach from the two South American teams that made this a lively encounter with Uruguay striker Luis Suarez’s netting the only winner just before the stroke of half time.

Both teams battled out for the win with Mexico going close midway through the first half with a stunning 25 yard strike thundering off the crossbar, before Suarez made sure of the three points smashing home from inside the box to ensure Uruguay prevail as group winners.

World Cup Game 33 –Nigeria 2 vs. 2 South Korea

South Korea secured there place in the last 16 of the World Cup, thanks to a dramatic 2-2 draw with Nigeria in the Moses Mabhida stadium. It was the Nigerians that took an early lead when Kalu Uche fired home in the 12 minute to give him his second goal of the 2010 World Cup campaign. The second goal of the game came from South Korean player Lee Jung-Soo who diverted a dangerous cross from Ki Sung-Yong to level the game one a piece.

As the game progressed, both sides looked anxious with Nigeria looking the most dangerous coming close from both Obafemi Martins and Yakubu, but it was again the Koreans who took advantage scoring in the 49^th minute when Park Chu-Young curled a free kick low into the far corner give the on looking South Korean keeper no chance. However Nigeria did equalised in the last quarter of the game when Yakubu slotted home a penalty after a clumsy challenge from Kim Nam-II to give his side a share of the points.

World Cup Game 34 –Greece 0 vs. 2 Argentina

Argentina maintained there 100% record as they breezed past a poor Greece side in Polokwane. It was Maradona’s men who dominated the game for the full 90 minutes, leaving it until the least quarter of the game to score two deserved goals. Greece offering little in adventure, instead adopted a solid defensive line, which produced a man marking tactic used to stop world player of the year Lionel Messi in his attacking role.

This tactic worked for the first half of the game as star players such as Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero become virtually frustrated, however it was in the second half when Argentina finally made the break through scoring from a dangerous cross as Demichelis lashed home after some poor defending from the Greeks. The game was wrapped up in the last minute as Martin Palermo tapped in Argentina’s second after some excellent built-up play from Messi minutes after being denied by the woodwork himself.

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 4^th 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 37^th forcing Stekelenburg into his first save. The goal came in the 53^rd 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 33^rd 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 27^th minute. Slovakia took this as kick-start and improved, coming close in the 37^th 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 85^th 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 50^th 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 82^nd minute, before Kaka was harshly sent off after Keita’s theatrics conned the referee into action.