Dream Team of 2010 World Cup
Posted on July 15, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was waiting for at least one outstanding and brilliant team to outshine and dominate this tournament. So, to fulfill the unquenchable desire, we present a dream team which can deliver thrills and take some beatings along the way. The dream team of 2010 World Cup is unraveled. So, discover the potential and magnificent team.
Iker Casillas: He is one of the brilliant goalkeepers who reaps benefits because he is protected by the solid and impenetrable Spanish defence. The one of the most memorable saves was when he brilliantly stopped Arjen Robben’s attempt to score a goal in the final match.
Maicon: He is a strong and hard-running fullback who gave Brazil an upper hand in defence and attack. Also, he scores goals and one of the most magnificent goals of the event was his acute-angled drive against North Korea.
Gerad Pique: He never made it while playing for Manchester United as he is not well-suited to the physical demands of the Premier League. On the contrary, he is the strongest central defender for Spain. Responsible for sparking Spain’s creativity often.
Lucio: Brazil disappointed because of their absence of fluidity and forward tactics. But, watching Lucio tackle the ball and bringing it out of defence was a sheer delight.
Jorge Fucile: He was a real genuine find for Uruguay. The 25-year old fullback was the surprise package of his team. He truly epitomized the keen sense of positioning which worked in favor of Urugauy.
Mesut Ozil:He is undoubtedly the young star of 2010 FIFA World Cup. At the young age of 21, he could become the midfield play maker for Germany for a decade! The energizing performance speaks louder than words!
Xavi: He is one of the supreme players in the history of football. Deserved the man of the match in Spain’s semi final against Germany. The Spanish pivot has an tremendous penetrative and precise passing skills.
Andres Iniesta: Hard to split the Barcelona’s twin wonder midfield play makers. Their understanding and experience brings an refreshing feel to the Spanish game. Unmatched partnership in world football. He manifested the winning goal in the final match.
Wesley Sneijder: Amazing season for this player! This Dutch star won the Champion League and Series A with Inter Milan. With a superlative performance, he took Holland to the finals.
Diego Forlan: Had an irrepressible presence for Uruguay. Bore the burden very lightly as he scored one of the free-kicks to knock out Ghana.
David Villa: One of the stars who actually delivered while the rest failed. He scored prominent goals against Paraguay and Portugal.
Viva South Africa and Spain!
Posted on July 13, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
Spain begin as a clear favorite and emerged as the ultimate winner. Yet, the FIFA World Cup 2010 held in South Africa turned out to be a an unexpected event! Also, ‘La Roja’ were themselves responsible for several twists and turns in this dramatic tournament. Because Spain became the 1st team which won the trophy after losing hopelessly in the opening Group match. As both Netherlands and Spain played an risk-averse, defensive and tough final, the final match was a complete scrappy affair! The English referee, Howard Webb, showed a complete no-nonsense approach. The match played between the Netherlands and Spain witnessed a record number of yellow cards – 14 in total. Five yellow cards were shown to the Spaniards and nine for the Dutch.
Spain was sticking to their tried and tested method for the entire match: To dominate the possession in the midfield and patiently waiting for a good finish at the forward line. But in the end, Andres Iniesta’s attempt to score a goal in the 116th minute of the match paid off. Spain secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory. To set the records straight, Spain won the 4 knock-out matches by an identical margin. This is quite strange for an champion side.
It looked as if the Spaniards were more interested on playing among themselves rather than on scoring goals. But they didn’t have too much to worry about with their captain, Iker Casillas being present under the bar. He eventually won the Golden Glove award. In the entire tournament, Spain conceded only 2 goals which is a record for a winning team that they shared with Italy (2006)and France (1998).
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was not simply about the football. South Africa’s first attempt in hosting the World Cup was truly well-done. The hero of the closing ceremony of the tournament was Nelson Mandela, an anti-apartheid icon. He was uproariously greeted from fans in the Soccer City Stadium. This marks a beginning of new innings in the world of world football – an innings in which the African nations will hold an esteemed and prominent place with the South Americans and the Europeans.
Uruguay’s Forlan Wins the Coveted Golden Ball
Posted on July 12, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
Uruguay’s most famous striker, Diego Forlan edged out Sneijder and Villa to win the coveted Golden Ball of 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Golden Ball award is given to the best player of World Cup. He was his team’s heartbeat and he surpassed the expectations in reaching the semi finals of this tournament. He scored 5 goals en route to Uruguay’s finish in the 4th place after being defeated by Germany by 3-2 in Saturday’s showdown.
Forlan used to play for Manchester United earlier but now the ace is playing for Atletico Madrid. He scored a goal against the rival team, Germany and was also highlighted in matches against the Dark Horses, Netherlands and the hosts, Ghana.
Forlan was up against 9 other contenders for the coveted Golden Ball. This was primarily voted by the international media present in South Africa. He garnered 23.4% of votes to finish much ahead of Spanish striker David Villa and Netherlands schemer Wesley Sneijder. All the three players scored 5 goals in the World Cup but they missed out on the Golden Boot which was given to Germany’s superstar, Thomas Muller. Muller amassed the most number of assists for his team.
The World Cup final match-winner, Spanish midfielder, Andres Iniesta was also up for the award. Also, his Barcelona and Spanish fellow teammate, Xavi was in the list of contenders for the Golden ball.
The other candidates for the Golden ball were Argentina star Lionel Messi, Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan, Germany duo Mesut Ozil and Bastian Schweinsteiger and Holland’s dark horse, Arjen Robben. On the other hand, Spanish captain Iker Casillas received the Golden Glove award as he was the best goalkeeper in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Spain Wins the Holy Grail of Football
Posted on July 12, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
Viva Espania! For the 1st time in their history of football, Spain lifted the World Cup on sunday and added a feather to their meteoric uprise in grandeur. Spanish midfielder, Andres Iniesta scored the winning, single goal in the 2nd half of the extra time. Spain defeated the Dark Horses, Netherlands by 1-0 at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg. In the history of World Cup, they become the 8th world champion and joined the ranks with France, England, Uruguay, Argentina, Germany, Italy and Brazil.
However, there was no hint of the amazing display of team spirit and close passing that helped ‘La Roja’ to clinch and win the European championship title two years ago. On the contrary, Vicente del Bosque’s team ruled in an ill-tempered match. This match saw 14 players shown yellow card. From Holland’s side, John Heitinga was sent off the field.
This many number of cards has created an undesirable record for a World Cup final. Although, this didn’t bother Spanish captain, Iker Casillas when he lifted the 2010 FIFA World Cup trophy from the President of South Africa Jacob Zuma and FIFA head Joseph Blatter.
This victory lead Spain to be the first team right after Germany (1972-1974) to add a world crown to a European title consecutively. But, things were not looking fine for Spain after they lost the opening match against Switzerland by 1-0. The heart of the Spanish squad was the magnificent midfield trio of Barcelona players Sergio Busquets, match-winner Andres Iniesta and Xavi.
The Spanish team’s progress to 2010 World Cup glory has helped in bridging the distance between Catalans and Basques. This led many to look above their regional differences and cheer in unison for their team.
Franz Beckenbauer, German football icon, gushed that Spain is the best team in the world at the moment. At last, creative and beautiful football has paid due dividends!
Germany Defeated Uruguay to Win the 3rd Place
Posted on July 10, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
The match played between Germany and Uruguay had all the makings of a great game. It is being described as one of the best matches of 2010 FIFA World Cup held so far in South Africa! Both the teams played as if they were playing the final match. On the contrary, they were playing for the 3rd place. The two teams had made it far to the semi finals but they failed to sail through. This match gave them a chance to salvage their lost pride. Both played an exceptionally fast game.
It was Paul’s Octopus Oracle’s day once again as his prediction went correct. Germany won the match against Uruguay by 3-2. Fans were thrilled by the quality of the match being played by both the teams. Most commentators labeled this match as the best match of this tournament as they witnessed quality football at display. Whatever lacked in this tournament was displayed in this single game. End-to-end attack, stupendous goals and the best of the lot, thrilling speed.
The respective team tried their level best to win this match, so that they can at least win the title of the 3rd place in 2010 FIFA World Cup. In the end, it was Germany who emerged as the victorious side. They defeated Uruguay by 3-2. The German squad had to fight hard to win the place as the triumph didn’t come so easily. The German team has proved again to the world that they play football for their national glory.
Germany vs Spain 2010 FIFA World Cup Semi Final
Posted on July 8, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
The most thrilling and exciting match of 2010 FIFA World Cup was the Germany vs Spain match. The match was played at the Durban Stadium, Cape Town. Both Spain and Germany were looking determined and refreshingly confident to qualify for the finals. But in the end, Spain won by 1-0 eventually as they started playing the match in a attacking spirit. The Spanish player, Xavi was awarded the man of the match. Xavi conceded a heading chance to Puyol to score the single and match winning goal to have the big advantage over Germany.
The match played between Germany and Spain was a tough match as both the teams played very well. Although, Spain’s victory could not be simply tagged as a sheer luck. On the other hand, Germany played defensively throughout the match but at times, Germans were on a attacking mode. But the brilliant Spanish defense and mid-fielders stopped the Germans on their tracks. Spain had the most amount of ball possession in the match. Spain had 60% of ball possession before the end of the first half.
The attacking stream of the Spaniards was simply awesome. They also had couple of magnificent chances. But somehow, the Spanish team miscalculated every shot. The Spanish squad tried their luck first goal when Pedro passed the ball to David Villa in the 6th minute of the match. Villa efficiently went by the German defense but Manuel Neuer, the German goalkeeper prevented Villa’s chance.
Xavi, the Spanish Saviour attempted a shot from the corner towards Pique and Puyol, to which Puyol headed the ball and scored the single goal. The German team tried their level best to score a goal but they lost by 0-1.
Uruguay vs Netherlands: Semi Final Game Today
Posted on July 6, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
After the four quarter final matches that shocked the world, four teams are now left to face each other in the semi finals. The first semi final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is going to take place between Uruguay and Netherlands on the 6th of July. The match is going to kick-off at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. Both the teams have performed very well in the World Cup so far.
These two teams come with deep World Cup traditions. Uruguay has never reached this stage in the last 40 years, except lifting the cup on only two occasions – in 1930 and 1950. On the other hand, the Netherlands, who are famed for their elegant play for decades, had reached the final in 1974 and 1978 consecutively. But they have never won the cup.
Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan have led their team, Uruguay, with 3 goals each. Unfortunately, Surez is not going to play in today’s semi final match. He earned a red card while he saved his team in the dying seconds of regulation time against Ghana by his deliberate goal-line handball.
The gritty and amazing play of Mark van Bommel in the Netherlands’ midfield gives Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie the complete freedom to attack their opponents. Sneijder, who is an eagle-eyed play maker, has scored four goals so far in this 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Both the teams have an advantage also, as they played a very good match every time in this World Cup from the Day 1. They secured their positions determinedly and took odd chances. The winning team will go straight into the final match, whereas the losers will be consoled by playing for the 3rd place. The coach of Uruguay team, Oscar Tabarez and his Netherlands counterpart, Bert Van Marwizk, may be thinking about modifications in their confident squads. Let the semi final battle begin!
Argentina ousted from the World Cup by Germany
Posted on July 3, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
Argentina vs Germany match was a competitive match from the beginning. But to Argentinian’s dismay, the match turned out to be the worst nightmare, when the German team dashed their hopes to even score a single goal. Germany won the match with a great difference. The Germans did not give the Argentine’s a single opportunity. The match was held at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. The stadium was staggeringly full with the fans of both teams. The match was a power show by the Germans!
From the German side, Miroslav Klose made the team simply undefeatable. Also, they were the master of counter attacks. Germany started playing a great match from the beginning itself by scoring very early goal in the 3rd minute of the match. They got a free kick from 30 yards away from the goal post. Scheweinsteiger played the ball towards the penalty spot and Muller placed a wonderful header. The Germans got their fantastic goal. The Argentina team played a nice game afterwards, as they got several chances in the form of free kicks but they were unlucky to score a even a consolation goal. Maradona looked hopelessly from the side as his team was sinking down.
The second goal was again made by the German team as Klose tapped the ball, passed by Lukas Podolski, into the nets. Argentina had no chance to stand afterwards. The third goal by Germany was made by Bastian Schweingsteiger, who passed the ball to the defender after playing beautifully. The Argentina players could not do anything as Germany scored a 4th goal. The final score was 4-0. Maradona’s team was humiliatingly ousted by the valiant Germany.
This match was a superb match anybody could imagine for Germany! They showed a great performance in 2010 FIFA World Cup. They are now going to meet the other top contender for the cup, the mighty Spain. Spain won their quarter final match against Paraguay by 1-0.
Brazil Vs Netherlands: Humiliating Defeat for the Brazilians
Posted on July 3, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
Brazil was defeated humiliatingly by the Netherlands. All over the world, the reaction was of ultimate shock as the South American football giants coveted to win the FIFA 2010 World Cup was ousted by the Dutch team. This was the first Quarter Final match of the FIFA 2010 World Cup which was held in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Netherlands magnificently defeated the Brazilian team by 2-1.
The Brazilian team made its first attempt to score a single goal in the 10th minute of the game. Robinho made the successful attempt. It was a important opening goal for the Brazilian team. The Brazilian player, Felipe Melo, made a wonderful pass through the heart of the Dutch defense as Robinho scored a comfortable goal past the exposed Stekelenburg, the Dutch goal keeper. In the first half of the game, the Brazilian team was sailing smoothly ahead of their rival team, Netherlands.
Now, the second goal of the match was scored by the Netherlands. Sneijder, the Dutch player, scored his team’s first goal in the 53rd minute of the match. Robben won a free-kick from whom; Sneijder took a pass back on the right wing. He then curled in left-footed. He fooled the Brazilian players easily. Sneijder ran directly into Felipe Melo and the ball went into the nets as they collided. At that moment, Netherlands was in a tie with Brazil at a score of 1-1.
The winning and deciding goal was again scored by the Netherlands. The amazing Dutch player, Sneijder repeated his wonderful skills again as he scored the second goal for his team. This worked in favor of the Dutch team. Brazil tried their level best to score a goal again as the match continued. But they did not get any chance and at the end of the 94th minute, Netherlands was declared the winner. Since the 1974 World Cup, this was Netherlands first win over the South American football giants, Brazil.
Spain Oust Portugal by 1-0
Posted on June 30, 2010 - Filed Under Soccer | Leave a Comment
David Villa guided his team, Spain to the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter finals. Spain had a magnificent win over Portugal by 1-0 at Cape Town stadium. Now, the Spaniards will meet the Paraguay team who earlier won against Japan. The new entrant in Barcelona FC from Valencia, Villa scored his 4th goal in the World Cup, taking him to the leading spot on the goalscorer chart. He is ahead of star strikers Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain (3 goals), Diego Forlan (2 goals) and Brazil’s Luis Fabiano (2 goals).
David Villa scored the single goal of the match in the 63rd minute of the game, after his team made an immense comeback. He found enough space on the left side of the goalpost. They were under a huge pressure from the Portuguese team. The Portugal team squad looked better throughout the first half of the match, but they missed countless opportunities to score.
Both the teams met each other protecting their proud records. The Spanish team had won 29 of their 31 matches and the Portugal sqaud were undefeated from 19 matches since November 2008. Ricardo Costa was sent off the field in the late 90 minutes after elbowing Capdeville. Fernando Torres, the leading Spanish striker looked like a lost soul in his position up front. Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque will have some major concerns for their next match with Paraguay about their defenders and mid-fielders performance.
Paraguay defeated the Japanese squad on penalties in their match. So, they are now going to encounter with Spain in the quarter final.
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