For many people the real world cup starts here. There can be no more teams trying to avoid losing by too many goals to guarantee a qualifying slot or teams playing meaningless matches. Now it is win or go home.
Friday – The last group matches
Friday saw the last of the group matches and today the knock out games start. Brazil and Portugal qualified from group G as expected. The match between these two teams was expected to be one of the best matches of the group stages and one that all fans were looking forward to as soon as the draw was made. Unfortunately it turned out to be a bad tempered match with very little entertaining football played by either team. The match that promised so much ended up as a dull goalless draw.
The other match in the group seems to have been a lot more entertaining with Ivory Coast beating North Korea 3-0. Despite that victory Ivory Coast still finished a point behind Portugal and yet another African team left the tournament. It is a real shame that despite teams like France and Italy being knocked out so many of the African teams have failed to progress in the African world cup. Of the African nations only Ghana has progressed to the last 16.
In Friday’s evening games Spain beat Chile with David Villa scoring an incredible goal after the Chilean goalkeeper felt the need to sprint 30 yards from his goal to make a tackle. Despite making the original tackle the ball broke to Villa and he scored. The match finished 2-1 which meant Spain won the group and Chile went through in second place.
Somehow Switzerland failed to beat Honduras in the second match despite Honduras having lost their previous two matches and a win being enough to put Switzerland in contention for second place in the group. The match finished goalless.
Knock out matches
After having had three or four games a day since the competition started we now only have two each match day for the next 4 days before we have the first free day. Teams are no longer playing for points. Now it is winner takes all and as we are in the knock out stages any drawn game goes to 30 minutes extra time split into two 15 minutes periods. If the match is still drawn at that stage it goes to penalties. Each team takes 5 penalty kicks and if the match is still even we go to sudden death. In that situation the teams take one penalty each and if they both score or both fail to score the sudden death is repeated until we have a winner. This means we cannot have a match ending 70-68 on penalties but we could have 70-69.
Today's matches
The first match is between Uruguay who won group A and South Korea who were second in group B. Most people expected France to be involved in this match but because they imploded and finished dead last Uruguay made it through. It will be interesting to see how far these teams go but even in a world cup with as many shocks as this one it is hard to see either of them going a lot further. I guess I have to predict a result so I am hopeful of a decent game so I will say 2-1 to Uruguay.
The second match is USA who won Group C which England were expected to win against Ghana who finished second to Germany in Group D. Ghana are the only African team left in the tournament and despite them only beating Australia to the qualifying slot on goal difference I will predict a victory for them. USA clearly impressed former president Bill Clinton who has extended his stay in South Africa to watch them. Despite his presence I expect Ghana to win 3-2.
There will no doubt be the odd team who decide they can’t compete with their opponent so they will defend for the whole match in the hope of scoring with a breakaway or winning on penalties. But in most cases teams will try to go out and win the game because while it is possible to sit and defend for one game it would be impossible to do it for the four games necessary to win the championship and there are teams now who will look at France and Italy being knocked out and other major countries like England not playing well and will now fancy their chances of causing a shock a lot more than they did at the start of the tournament.
Eventual tournament winner
Based on the matches so far I think the eventual winner of the tournament can only be one of four countries. Spain and Brazil were the pre-tournament favourites and have done enough to justify that position. The other two potential winners are Argentina and Germany. If I was going to pick only on what I have seen so far I would probably go for Argentina however history suggests another winner. Only one country in history has won the world cup in a continent other than its own and they have done it twice. Brazil won in Sweden in 1958 and in 2002 won the tournament jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea. So if history is to hold sway the winners have to either be Brazil or Ghana.
I grew up watching Brazil playing football the way we all wish it was played all the time. They invented the concept of the beautiful game. I always find it hard to go against Brazil and even though this is the least Brazilian Brazil team I think I have to stick with them to win the tournament.
As ever if you want to disagree with any of this please let us know in the comments. Or you can just say I am wonderful if you like.
True that the Brazilian dance culture permeates into their football style, b ut then their is heart and i think Maradona has a very big heart and as humble and weak as the media are making him out to be, he has gone to South Africa to win the CUP. He's done it before on the field and he will do it again off the field. Good luck to him. He's the one I have most respect for as the battle with himself is the biggest battle he's fighting, so the coveted World Cup will be a piece of cake! Vamos Argentina!!! I also have a soft spot for Mexico who are experiencing such a tremendous social collapse. Perhaps this will give those heartless Mexican bandidos some reason not to kill vulnerable beings for a while.....
I will disagree Mr Steven, you say that Uruguay and SK have no real chance of going any further... but they face the winner of USA-Ghana in the next round. There is every chance of at least getting to the semi finals.
It is, for me, Chile all the way... (for 90 minutes until they get knocked out by Brazil)
I agree Maradona has heart and theatrics but this will not carry his team to the final, Lionel Messi will. He is leaps and bounds ahead of any player in the World Cup and reminds me of Maradona 30 years ago. I am Scottish and have no ties to any team. I'd like to see England play the way they should with the list of talent they have. The U.S. has done well to make it to the final 16. However, I believe Portugal has the edge over Brazil, and my prediction is an Argentina, Portugal final with Argentina winning 3-2.
Uruguay v South Korea, should be an intersting match. Uruguay with a 3-1 win.
Oooh sounds good. Looking forward to this one ;)
If Forlan is on song, then should be difficult for the Koreans to defend
Looks already like an end to end game, promising!
Huh is the coach of South Korea ;)
Suarez scores for Uruguay!!
Uruguay score!!!!!!!
And hello all! ;)
GOAL!!!! Suarez for URURGUAY
Hello! Good timing ;)
Koreans caught ball watching there. Suarez not marked at all. :(
Rushed back for the game.
Sad that I missed Sebastian's pole though. :(
Awful stuff...
Random fact: 'SKO' means 'Shoe' in Danish...
game's gone a bit flat now...
Not really expecting much from this one. The USA game should be better though.
Yeah, early goal helped Uruguay lots, just need to defend to keep the lead
Thats the smart way to play it isn't it?
1 goal leads are pretty dangerous though. You never know what may happen.
They can be very dangerous. So far South Korea haven't looked too dangerous.... yet ;)
S. Korea going after it. Chu-Young has had 2 great chances.
Looks dangerous up front.
Yeah they're better now. I like their style of always pressing and attacking...
About 10 years ago I went to an All Whites vs. South Korea friendly match in Palmerston North. We ended up sitting with the Korean fans. They're absolutely mental - singing and chanting player's names and dancing the whole time :D
Sounds nice. :D
Sounds like a lot of fun.
We had a great time - they were a fun bunch of people!
This game is far from over, I think...
A whole half left...
Game of two halves...
We hope. :D
Half time: Uruguay 1 S. Korea 0
Kick off.
who plays the winner of this game?
Winner of the next match.
USA or Ghana
That was a great chance, but it goes sky high. :(
I'd like to see the Koreans come back into this, but I don't see how right now...
Goodness me. The Uruguay defense is awful but the S. Korean attack may just be worse. :(
What's the Korean word for 'pants'?
Can't hit a barn door with a banjo...
I have absolutely no idea. :P
That, I think, was a penalty. Ow.
S Korea GOAALLLL!!!
Goal Korea. Lee Chu-Young!
You guys are miles ahead of me. They haven't even started their attack yet!
:D
They just scored now!
Hehe.
Looks like Korea might go on and win it.
Uruguay should have never sat back. 1 goal leads are usually never enough.
Suarez missed a great opportunity there.
Forlán's been quiet today, hasn't he?
Quite. Hoping for him to suddenly pop up with a moment of inspiration?
Dunno. I don't mind who wins this one really. Same with USA vs. Ghana...
SUAREZ SCORES AGAIN!!!
Wooooow, what a finish. Luis Suarez 2-1 Uruguay!
*pays attention to TV feed*
Pouring heavily enough to be red-flagged here, much less for a tennis match to be stopped. But football holds on. ;)
OOOOOOHHHHHHHHH!!!!!1
Its a proper sport. Play in anything.
Game over Korea?
♥
Goalscorer off.
:D
Oooooh, SK so close, should have finished it better.
Horrid defense there. And really lousy goalkeeping. S. Korea might have scored.
Green v3.0? What version are we on now?
Did anyone mention the Uruguayan coach is the same one who was in charge for Italia 90?
Blimey... was he any good then?
Uruguay into the quater finals, South Korea are out.
Full time: Uruguay 2 Korea Republic 1
No idea... but he says this time he is more relaxed and can enjoy it...
What a second goal from Suárez eh?
Maicon's is still the best though. Or weirdest.
Gotta mention David Villa's too!
After the awful 0-0 draws, this world cup is filling up with goals. :D
Are we in for another shock tonight?
Either country getting to the quarters is a shock already, what more can they do? Both qualify? :P
It would have just been easier to say yes then ;)
what result would be a shock?
i'm backing USA, on the misguided assumption that more interest from the states would be better for the sport.
(i have no idea why i think this)
I'm trying to figure that out myself...
I'll echo what Guardian World Cup Daily said:
"If they lose, they don't care, if they win, they tell everyone!"
Quite true actually... I shall support them too then.
Plus I love how Arnie is trying to bring football to California.
yay!
oooohhh. Lou should be watching this. My coverage is showing photography at the world cup. Not nearly as dangerous as F1, but the ball does fly close sometimes.
ours is simply discussing england!
Now showing an almost crying Clinton. :D
ITV: England, England, what do you mean someone other than England is playing? Nah, we'll just talk about England instead.
completely hopeless. i can't stop it now though, or i'll have to watch more ads when i reload :)
oooh that sounds interesting, although football photography may possibly send me to sleep :(
ITV's coverage has been rubbish compared to BBC's I reckon. After the last game (Uruguay vs. Korea) they just talked about England!
do you read sports illustrated btw? some stunning sporting photos in there.
oooh, taking of football photography: http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/06/halfway_in_-_2010_world_cup.html
i love #23
Even with pretty pics like this? (well I think it looks cool anyway :P )
Those are true beauties. :D
Lets hope its the same tomorrow....
:)
#39 broke my heart. I really can't stand sports injuries.
(heart) #43 though. Wish I was her! Plus it was a good match too.
#wishfulthinkingthatshallnotcometrue :P
We'll do em.
I am listening to 'America's Suitehearts' blasting over the US national anthem. Is that a sign of disrespect? :P
Ghana kick off!
Play ball.
It seems as if Bradford City have turned up for this match.
GYAN SCORES FOR GHANA!!!
Goal
BradGhana!! KP Boateng.I meant Boateng. :P
just as the commentator points out that USA went 1-0 to England 2 weeks ago at this ground ... GHANA SCORES!!!
Keeper should have done better, left too much of a gap on his near post.
have stopped streaming for a sec, so christine can get to the end of doctor who. am still readings comments though.
Somehow, the ref who was in charge of Germany v Serbia gets another WC game...
http://twitter.com/honigstein/status/17110343096
Will he favour East Europe over West Europe again?
Definite yellow card that one.
Ooooh, kicked him in the calf, nasty.
Subsititution after 30 mins, Edu on for Clark.
beautiful save, that.
Great run by Asamoah.
love that image
Half time: USA 0 Ghana 1
that is not what we want :(
are the US playing badly, or Ghana well?
Both.
boo :(
The stats seem pretty equal on both sides. This is going to be dreary game unless something changes. :(
US kick off!
USA spurning their chances here...
Evening all
Evening Steven. :)
How's this match been? I have just started watching
hey chap. love the post. i like the idea of encouraging people to disagree with you :)
Hey Steven. Has been alright so far...
Penalty USA!!!! Dempsey seems injured.
It is just something to provoke comments.
Predictioning is easy though.
I like how I changed channels and someone scores, that's twice in two days :)
USA score off the post, Landon Donovan peno. 3 goals in 3 games.
1-1. I was starting to think my second prediction would be wrong
US scores just as my internet went down. :(
Do that more often ;)
nice record.
It's like Christine leaving the room
Editors on feed, footie on telly, perfect
Now that it is a draw, does it mean this match will become more interesting?
Ummm, going with feet in the box when your a keeper? Hands all the way.
Someone give me a shout if there's penalties. I like penalties :D
As a neutral, there is nothing more brilliant than penalties.
:D
There will be no penalties. I predicted 3-2 to Ghana and since I got the first game right it stands to reason I will get this one right to.
wow 3 more goals to come!
Did Mercedes really have car problems or were they just trying to spare Shumi's blushes?
He missed it!
How did Altidore miss such a great chance?
Rosberg has been faster than him all weekend
Wrong thread me thinks. ;)
:D
I think it'll be between Brazil, Argentina or Spain. I don't think Germany will make it much further, they aren't the Germany of old I reckon, whichever of Germany or England wins tomorrow will surely be beaten by Argentina. Ultimately I'm agreeing with you and going with Brazil.
I think Rosberg would be faster on a football pitch too
Booooooooo!
Germany and Spain for me.
Newly improved Germany plays Netherlands-like football, with a lovely (and healthy) sense of pride in and understanding of previous achievements. Without Ballack, I think they might just shed their runner-up status and truly shine.
Spain has the best attack and best midfield. I would love for them to repeat France's Euro-World Cup feat.
I don't rate defensive and violent Brazil, while Maradona is always good for a laugh. But I may be wrong.
I think Fernando Alonso is better. He is Spanish, after all. ;)
This could be the first match to go to extra time
Is that a good or bad thing?
Not sure. Just now it is just a thing. Depends whether both teams decide they need to sit back and take no risks for thirty minutes
We have extra time
90 minutes: USA 1 Ghana 1
Extra time to be played.
how does that related to f1?
:)
I'm glad it is so open this time, there's no dominant favourite. The quarters are going to be fun.
It relates to NASCAR. Green/white/checkered. But longer :)
More like green white checker in NASCAR
got ya!
Kick off.
NOW GYAN SCORES!!!!!
Ghana takes the lead
Goalll Ghana!! Gyan
If the golden goal rule still applied that would be game over
The golden goal is stupid. Nearly as daft as the silver goal. That's the daftest idea of all!!
Ahhh the silver goal, whoever invented that...
?
Whoever was leading after 15 minutes of extra time won, if not another 15 mins would be played
The golden goal is where they stop playing as soon as someone scores and they're the winner.
Golden goal meant that the first team to score in extra time won but that resulted in teams packing the defence and taking no risks so the silver goal was briefly introduced and that said if someone is leading at half time in extra time they win
oh. that sounds really daft.
Honestly what was the point of the silver goal though?? Such a weird idea....
It was so that teams would not sit back as they did with the golden goal because if they lost the first goal they had a chance to get a goal back
Yeah but why not just have the extra time?
They were trying to avoid games going to penalties and decided that rather than using extra time to break a tie and then have both teams score during extra time meaning that the tie breaker created a tie they should have the golden goal. When that didn't work they decided on the silver goal which gave them two chances at breaking the tie rather than one and therefore reduced the chance of penalties
Half time in extra time Ghana 2 USA 1
Half time of Extra time: USA 1 Ghana 2
eeeek.
!!
Corner kick... last minute.
1 minute of added time to go
50 secs to go, look like the US ruined their best chances
:(
Full time of Extra time: USA 1 Ghana 2
ahhhh, shame
Game over
Ghana win
Ghana wasted so much time though
Full time. USA ARE OUT.
First quater final - Uruguay v Ghana. Fantastic stuff :) Go Ghana!
That's why the ref added 3 minutes to a 15 minute period
US WIN 1-2 LOSS
/newyorkpost
hehe!
:D
Yay for Africa!
:D
This is also Ghana's best performance in a World Cup ever.
well, it is their 2nd world cup...
Shhhh, its still good.
Marcel Desailly is awesome :)
(heart) 1998 French team
♥
Who has suddenly gone from French to Ghanian?
Agree 100000%
Or even Ghanain to French to Ghanian
When you are born in one country and grow up in another, you're allowed to sometimes #JustLikeMe
Back to England vs. Germany waffle :/
what will itv discuss on monday?
The Post-Mortem.
England's plane home and how disappointing their flight was
The awesome game on Sunday
between Argentina and Mexico which finishes 4-3
Two great games tomorrow!
:)
Whether Fabio should be sacked even though he has a new contract, can Gerrard and Lampard play in the same team, can Gerrard play wide left, who is the best guy to partner Rooney
Same stuff they discussed in the build up to the world cup
It's not my personal belief. I love the German football team. They're bound to blame losing on "cheating" though. Or the referee.
Extending a contract before the World Cup, greatest idea ever.
Don't forget England's goalie issue, the calamity that led to the loss and who missed the penalties ;)
;)
Was Glen Johnson really the best person to take the first pen?
Is that the goalie that threw the ball into the net? I managed to miss that comedy moment.
Nope... and I've never seen a keeper throw it into the net either.
It was a crazy idea. It was done because his previous contract had a clause allowing him to talk to clubs after the world cup and the FA were worried that if they won the world cup he would leave. It never seemed to occur to them that the world cup could go wrong for them and then they are stuck with him
it's not the manager. The players are pampered and indifferent to playing for their country. They seemingly have no incentive to play well.
I found out today that the Danish Football team all got £50,000 just for turning up at the world cup ... even though they never got past the group stage. I mean, it's like turning up for work on Monday and the boss gives you a bonus for coming in!
Mock the Week:
"Adam and Eve had two sons who could not work together ... their names were Lampard and Gerrard" :D