Quote:
Originally Posted by
Blocker
That's different, what I understood is that your thread is a thread to discuss the world cup matches before the start of the tournament. In addition, no one submitted any news of the tournament.
I could have put these posts in your thread but the title wouldn't make any sense then. If you still think otherwise, feel free to ask a mod to move these posts in your thread, as long as the title changes a bit, I don't mind at all. In the end; it's all for the community, either here or any where else
Regards
---------- Post added 15.06.10 at 03:28 ---------- Previous post was 14.06.10 at 21:30 ----------
Fourth Day 15/06
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Netherlands vs Denmark 2-0
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Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk gave Rafael van der Vaart the nod to prove his worth at the left wing and started in the 4-2-3-1 formation we are all used to from the Dutch.
For Denmark, national coach Morten Olsen awarded striker Nicklas Bendtner a starting berth despite his alleged injury problems. Additionally, Simon Poulsen and Thomas Enevoldsen were somewhat surprisingly included in Denmark's starting XI.
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Oranje started the second half brilliantly and opened the score only one minute after the interval. Van Persie went after a long ball down the left wing and collected the pass before sending in a cross to the far post. Denmark defender Simon Poulsen tried to head the ball clear, but his attempt bounced off the back of Daniel Agger past the helpless Denmark goalie to make it 1-0 for the Dutch.............................
Netherlands decided the match five minutes before the final whistle. Sneijder sent Elia clean through on goal with a brilliant through pass. The Hamburg star's shot bounced back off the upright, but Kuyt was alert to tap the rebound home from close range to make it 2-0.
Goal.com
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The match was equally divided until the own goal in the second half, this goal gave the match to Netherlands. The funny thing is that the defender smiled widely after scoring the own goal, don't know how it is explained psychologically :D.
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Japan vs Cameroon 1-0
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Japan recorded their first ever World Cup win away from home soil on Monday, picking up a 1-0 victory over Cameroon.
The first half was a miserable affair, yet it somehow produced a goal from Keisuke Honda. Stephane Mbia came closes for the Indomitable Lions in the closing stages of the match, striking a wonderful shot against the face of the Japanese bar.
Goal.com
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Unexpected really, Cameron played so badly. I think it is a coach mistake, playing a striker (Etoo) on the right and killing all his talents. Records other than Japan wining there first game outside their country; first time that Cameroon lose their opening game in any world cup.
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Italy vs Paraguay 1-1
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Daniele De Rossi saved world champions Italy from defeat to Paraguay in their Group F opener in Cape Town after Antolin Alcaraz's 38th minute header had put the South Americans ahead.
The Azzurri dominated possession in the first half, but there had barely been any chances for either side until Alcaraz rose highest from a free kick to send Paraguay into a shock lead.
Italy were a changed team after the introduction of substitute Mauro Camoranesi, and equalised on 63 minutes through Daniele De Rossi.
Goal.com
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Paraguay showed Italy that they anyone can play with the 'Italian defence style'. They played for a draw from the start, the amazing free kick gave them the unexpected goal. Great that they scored and survived for more than 50 minutes against the Italians.
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---------- Post added 16.06.10 at 00:50 ---------- Previous post was 15.06.10 at 03:28 ----------
Fifth day 15/06
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New Zealand vs Slovakia 1-1
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New Zealand claimed their first ever World Cup finals point with a dramatic equaliser in stoppage time from defender Winston Reid with just seconds remaining on the clock.
Slovakia had thought they had done just enough to win after Robert Vittek had given them the lead with an excellent back post header from a superb Vladimir Weiss cross from the right. In a match in which the Kiwis had more than held their own, they will feel they richly deserved their point as every member of the side played above themselves.
Goal.com
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The quote summarize it all, New Zealand's first ever win, everyone expected Slovakia to win. Bad choice to try and protect a one goal lead!
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Ivory Coast vs Portugal 0-0
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Portugal and Cote d'Ivoire played out a dull as ditchwater scoreless draw in their World Cup Group G encounter.
If any further evidence was needed this was clear proof that despite a plethora of world class talent, the sight of two well drilled and organised sides led by pragmatic coaches does not provide for the kind of spectacle the South Africans had been expecting since being awarded the tournament. The distinct lack of action on the pitch was in sharp contrast to the intense anticipation that had surrounded the game off it.
Goal.com
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Apart from a couple of chances, the match was so boring.
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Brazil vs North Korea 2-1
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Brazil’s quest for yet another World Cup crown began in somewhat uncertain style, though they still managed to battle to a 2-1 victory over North Korea.
The first period was dominated by the Selecao, but the Asians were not totally impotent on the break. Nevertheless, at half-time there was no score. Maicon opened the scoring from an outrageously acute angle before Elano added a lovely second. Ji Yun-Nam scored a late consolation to worry Brazil, though ultimately it was not enough to plunder a hugely unlikely point.
Goal.com
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Big performance from NK, they blocked all attacks in the first half but they're playing against Selecao and it is hard to survive the whole match.
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