Fifa World Cup
South Africa 2010
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South Africa 2010
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Jun 28, 2010
Guide to the ten World Cup grounds
Guide to the ten
World Cup grounds
CAPE TOWN STADIUM
Altitude sea level
Capacity 69,070
Total games eight
A skyline-changer of a stadium that replaced an 18,000-seater three years ago. Looks stunning and the spectators are right on top of the pitch to create some real noise and colour.
ELLIS PARK, JOHANNESBURG
Altitude 1,753m
Capacity 65,000
Total games seven
South African rugby's spiritual home, having staged the 1995 Rugby World Cup final. Reopened after a £45m facelift in June 2008 and hosted the final of last year's Confederations Cup.
VODACOM PARK, BLOEMFONTEIN
Altitude 1,400m
Capacity 48,000
Total games six
The pitch takes a battering from rugby, but organisers insist that won't be a factor. The locals are among the most fanatical in South Africam sport so should help generate a decent atmosphere.
LOFTUS VERSFELD STADIUM, PRETORIA
Altitude 1,214m
Capacity 51,762
Total games six
One of the oldest grounds in the country having been built in 1906. Not as modern as others and another pitch that suffers from too much rugby.
MBOMBELA STADIUM, NELSPRUIT
Altitude 660m
Capacity 43,500
Total games four
Thesignature feature of this new-build is the black and white seating to mimic a zebra's stripes. Drainage issues forced the pitch to be relaid but, unlike Wembley, the word is they've got it right.
MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM, DURBAN
Altitude sea level
Capacity 70,000
Total games seven
Its signature feature is the 'Arch of Triumph' but the whole stadium is beautifully designed. The pitch, we're told, is 'immaculate', which would be in keeping with the surroundings.
NELSON MANDELLA BAY STADIUM, PORT ELIZABETH
Altitude sea level
Capacity 48,459
Total games eight
A lakeside arena built for the competition which opened 11 months ago. It is faultless to look at with another eye-catching roof structure and the pitch has got the nod from people who have played on it.
PETER MOKABA STADIUM, POLOKWANE
Altitude 1,310m
Capacity 46,000
Total games four
Newly-built for theWorld Cup with fans towering over the pitch. It has a superb playing surface, but has been hosting matches for only a few months and because Polokwane is the smallest of the World Cup cities it gets just four matches.
ROYAL BAFOKENG STADIUM, RUSTENBURG
Altitude 1,500m
Capacity 44,530
Total games six
Well maintained and it's commonly accepted that this ground will have the best and truest playing surface of the ten. It's the only ground with an athletics track and there's not much cover, so the atmosphere may not be great.
SOCCER CITY STADIUM, JOHANNESBURG
Altitude 1,753
Capacity 94,700
Total games eight
Built in 1987 and staged the 1996 African Nations Cup final. It took a £300m upgrade to turn it into arguably the swishest stadium in Africa. "One of the most beautiful in the world" according to Diego Maradona.
| Johannesburg | Cape Town | Durban | Johannesburg | Pretoria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity: 84,490 | Capacity: 64,100 | Capacity: 62,760 | Capacity: 55,686 | Capacity: 42,858 |
 |  |  |  |  |
Port Elizabeth | Polokwane | Nelspruit | Bloemfontein | Rustenburg |
| Capacity: 42,486 | Capacity: 41,733 | Capacity: 40,929 | Capacity: 40,911 | Capacity: 38,646 |
 |  |  |  |  |
17 Best Websites To Watch FIFA World Cup 2010 Live Online For Free
17 Best Websites To Watch FIFA
World Cup 2010 Live Online For Free
Soccer Fanatics are desperately waiting for biggest sporting event of the year: 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa starting from 11th June till 11th July for the one whole month. This is the first time in the history that an African nation is hosting FIFA world cup.
32 teams, 64 matches, lots of star players and their gossips already created a lot of buzz in these recent days.
ESPN and ABC have teamed up to bring all matches live on television in US while BBC and ITV in UK, CBC in Canada, ESPN-Star Sports and Doordarshan in India are official broadcasters of FIFA World Cup 2010.
But how to watch World Cup matches when you are in office or your cable TV is not working? So, in this article, I am mentioning list of streaming websites where you can watch FIFA World Cup 2010 matches live online and without spending a single penny. All these live streaming websites are free and working.
1) Justin.tv
2) ESPN3.com
3) ATDHE.Net
4) ustream.tv
5) hostream.net
8 ) asiaplatetv.com
10) free-football.tv
11) MyP2P.eu
12) livesoccertv.com
13) LiveFooty
14) Watch-Free.tv
15) Firstrow.net
16) fromsport.com
17) tvbunch.com
If you know any other website for free live streaming of World Cup 2010 matches, feel free to share with our readers in the comments section below.
2010 FIFA World Cup™: Round of 16
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Fifa World Cup - South Africa 2010 - Team Rankings
THE SECOND leg of the Fifa World Cup 2010 starts on 26 jun. , with the final 16 teams who will be battling it out to be the next world champions. The top three ranking teams as of now are Argentina, Brazil and Netherlands and the stakes are running really high on Argentina this year. Giving a close competition to Brazil is indeed an arduous task, but Argentines will not settle for anything less than that. After these three teams, comes Portugal who off late have put up a spectacular performance.
- Argentina
Argentina led the pack in the last rankings and so it does this time as well. With the most entertaining coach and player's like Lionel Messi the team managed to retain their number one position from Brazil in team rankings. Madonna's appreciation by kissing each player on the lips did indeed give the entire team that extra kick - Brazil
Brazil is and was the undisputed champion and that showed in their last game against Portugal. The match ended up in a tie without Kaka and Elano. The Brazilians stood rooted this time being certain that their place in the top 16 is already reserved. - Netherlands
The Dutch did not have to leave the turf red faced. Though a strong team, Netherlands managed to stay where they are at number 3. According to their coach, Bert Van Marwijk, "Listen, if you win three in a row at a World Cup you are doing well, but I can't be happy about our game today.” But managing a win in their poorest form is true sportsmanship...isnt it..?? - Portugal
The team set the stadium on fire after they defeated Korea DPR by 7-0. They managed to keep the spirit of the game high by playing offensive against Brazil and landing up in the final 16. A challenge lies for Spain which might cost them a match in the next level of the World Cup. - Spain
Spain advanced to the 5th place from being 8th in the new rankings. David Villa's splendid kick from 40 yards did not only manage to push Chile behind, it also helped them to break the 6-3-1 Chilean formation. - Germany
Germany jumped to number from being number 12. Their last match against Ghana would been a disaster had the match been a draw or had Germany lost. - Uruguay
Uruguay slipped to number 7 position from number 5. Nevertheless, it was not that necessary for Uruguay to win the last match against Mexico, because even if they did they would have to face South Korea. Uruguay being two time's world champions was anyway in the last 16. - Paraguay
Paraguay was at number 7 last time. The team was held by New Zealand, who offered to play no less than the champions and some quality football. - Chile
The qualification of Chile in the second round, ensured that all South American teams reach there. There 0-0 draw with Switzerland ensured their advancement to the next level even if they lost by one goal to Spain. - USA
USA's Landon Donovan's last minute goal helped him sky rocket and let his team go on to the next level. Perhaps the biggest goal in the history their match against the runners up England may also pave an easier path. - England
Getting in the next level of the world cup and slipping down one point may not seem as hazardous. When Wayne Rooney played like Wayne Rooney their outstanding performance against Slovenia got the biased English tabloids revisit history in the form of a World War coverage when England plays Germany. - Japan
Honda drove the team with his precision, power and vision. Keisuke Honda, managed to curb the dreams of Denmark and advance on to the next level. - Mexico
The Mexican team reminds of the Aztec warriors. Their gut filled with steel, flair and some beautiful ball possession techniques will surely help them in playing against Argentina in their match. - Ghana
Congratulations Ghana for being the only African team to get there where till now no African team has managed to get. Thanks to Asamoah Gyan, the Black Stars may now even get to shine brighter than ever. - Slovakia
Slovakia climbed up 10 slots from being on number 15 from 25. While Italy was their prey for the day, Slovakia is now all the more ready to embarrass some immediate neighbours like Czech Republic. - South Korea
16th position and still going strong. South Korea has Park Ji Sung who is as dynamic as the entire tournament is. His amazing defences and team's collaboration has all that to take itself on to the next stages.
Fifa World Rankings
FIFA World Rankings June 2010
(released 26th May)
In the final World Fifa Rankings before the 2010 World Cup in South Africa Brazil leads Spain at the top of the rankings. Portugal are in 3rd place followed by The Netherlands, Italy and Germany.
England are the 8th best team in the world, with Argentina a place ahead of them in 7th.
Egypt are in 12th - thanks to its winning performance in the Africa Cup of Nations and are the top ranked African team.
Japan are in 45th; South Korea are in 47th position.
The USA are in 14th up two spots. Scotland are in 43rd position. The Republic of Ireland rise to 41st place.
| Ranking | Team |
| 1 | Brazil |
| 2 | Spain |
| 3 | Portugal |
| 4 | Netherlands |
| 5 | Italy |
| 6 | Germany |
| 7 | Argentina |
| 8 | England |
| 9 | France |
| 10 | Croatia |
| 11 | Russia |
| 12 | Egypt |
| 13 | Greece |
| 14 | USA |
| 15 | Serbia |
| 16 | Uruguay |
| 17 | Mexico |
| 18 | Chile |
| 19 | Cameroon |
| 20 | Australia |
| 21 | Nigeria |
| 22 | Norway |
| 23 | Ukraine |
| 24 | Switzerland |
| 25 | Slovenia |
| 26 | Israel |
| 27 | Côte d'Ivoire |
| 28 | Romania |
| 29 | Turkey |
| 30 | Algeria |
| 31 | Paraguay |
| 32 | Ghana |
| 33 | Czech Republic |
| 34 | Slovakia |
| 35 | Colombia |
| 36 | Denmark |
| 37 | Sweden |
| 38 | Honduras |
| 39 | Bulgaria |
| 40 | Costa Rica |
| 41 | Republic of Ireland |
| 42 | Gabon |
| 43 | Scotland |
| 44 | Ecuador |
| 45 | Japan |
| 46 | Latvia |
| 47 | Korea Republic |
| 48 | Burkina Faso |
| 49 | Venezuela |
| 49 | Lithuania |
| 51 | Bosnia-Herzegovina |
| 52 | Finland |
| 53 | Peru |
| 54 | Mali |
| 55 | Tunisia |
| 56 | Northern Ireland |
| 57 | Hungary |
| 58 | Poland |
| 59 | Belgium |
| 60 | Benin |
| 61 | Iran |
| 62 | FYR Macedonia |
| 63 | Canada |
| 64 | Montenegro |
| 65 | Bolivia |
| 66 | Saudi Arabia |
| 67 | Cyprus |
| 68 | Austria |
| 69 | Bahrain |
| 70 | Morocco |
| 71 | Zambia |
| 72 | El Salvador |
| 73 | Uganda |
| 74 | Panama |
| 75 | Senegal |
| 76 | Togo |
| 77 | Wales |
| 78 | New Zealand |
| 79 | Albania |
| 80 | Iraq |
| 81 | Jamaica |
| 82 | Belarus |
| 83 | South Africa |
| 84 | China |
| 85 | Mozambique |
| 85 | Malawi |
| 87 | Guinea |
| 88 | Angola |
| 89 | Moldova |
| 90 | Iceland |
| 91 | Oman |
| 91 | Haiti |
| 93 | Gambia |
| 94 | Uzbekistan |
| 95 | Trinidad & Tobago |
| 96 | Qatar |
| 97 | Kuwait |
| 98 | Syria |
| 99 | Estonia |
| 100 | Armenia |
| 101 | United Arab Emirates |
| 102 | Libya |
| 103 | Congo |
| 104 | Jordan |
| 105 | Korea DPR |
| 106 | Thailand |
| 107 | Rwanda |
| 108 | Tanzania |
| 109 | Azerbaijan |
| 110 | Zimbabwe |
| 111 | Namibia |
| 112 | Yemen |
| 113 | Kenya |
| 114 | Guatemala |
| 115 | Cape Verde Islands |
| 116 | Botswana |
| 117 | Vietnam |
| 118 | Sudan |
| 119 | Antigua and Barbuda |
| 120 | Georgia |
| 121 | Congo DR |
| 122 | Guyana |
| 123 | Ethiopia |
| 124 | Grenada |
| 125 | Faroe Islands |
| 126 | Cuba |
| 127 | Singapore |
| 127 | Luxembourg |
| 129 | Kazakhstan |
| 130 | Sierra Leone |
| 131 | Swaziland |
| 132 | Fiji |
| 133 | India |
| 134 | Bermuda |
| 135 | Tajikistan |
| 135 | Barbados |
| 137 | Indonesia |
| 137 | Suriname |
| 139 | Turkmenistan |
| 140 | Hong Kong |
| 141 | Equatorial Guinea |
| 142 | Maldives |
| 143 | Chad |
| 144 | Burundi |
| 145 | New Caledonia |
| 146 | Malaysia |
| 147 | Myanmar |
| 148 | Madagascar |
| 149 | Liechtenstein |
| 150 | Liberia |
| 151 | St Kitts and Nevis |
| 152 | Lesotho |
| 153 | Vanuatu |
| 154 | Netherlands Antilles |
| 155 | Eritrea |
| 156 | Nicaragua |
| 157 | Malta |
| 157 | Bangladesh |
| 159 | Sri Lanka |
| 160 | Lebanon |
| 161 | Nepal |
| 162 | Niger |
| 163 | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| 164 | Mauritania |
| 165 | Pakistan |
| 166 | Puerto Rico |
| 167 | Chinese Taipei |
| 168 | Kyrgyzstan |
| 169 | Philippines |
| 170 | Solomon Islands |
| 171 | Comoros |
| 172 | Mauritius |
| 173 | Palestine |
| 173 | Somalia |
| 173 | Cayman Islands |
| 173 | Laos |
| 177 | Samoa |
| 178 | Seychelles |
| 179 | Mongolia |
| 180 | Belize |
| 181 | Cook Islands |
| 181 | Bahamas |
| 183 | Dominica |
| 184 | Turks & Caicos Islands |
| 185 | Cambodia |
| 186 | Tonga |
| 187 | Dominican Republic |
| 188 | Djibouti |
| 189 | Afghanistan |
| 189 | Brunei Darussalam |
| 191 | St. Lucia |
| 191 | Guinea-Bissau |
| 191 | Tahiti |
| 194 | British Virgin Islands |
| 195 | Guam |
| 196 | Bhutan |
| 197 | Macau |
| 198 | Aruba |
| 199 | US Virgin Islands |
| 200 | Timor Leste |
| 201 | Andorra |
| 202 | San Marino |
| 202 | Anguilla |
| 202 | Montserrat |
| 202 | American Samoa |
| 202 | Central African Republic |
| 202 | Papua New Guinea |
How the rankings are calculated
Jun 27, 2010
Germany - England
Germany - England
( 4 - 1 )
England's World Cup ended in a mixture of humiliation and controversy as they were thrashed by Germany in Bloemfontein.
Germany's deserved win and convincing victory margin will be overshadowed forever in the minds of Fabio Capello and his squad by a moment they believe robbed them of the hope of reaching the last eight.
Matthew Upson had thrown England a lifeline just before half-time after a vastly superior Germany had taken a stranglehold on the game with goals from Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski.
But moments after Upson's header, in a grim echo of Geoff Hurst goal that helped England to victory over West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, Frank Lampard's superb lofted finish landed feet over the line behind German keeper Manuel Neuer, an incident obvious to almost everyone inside the Free State Stadium.
Capello was leading the England celebrations in his technical area, only to be stunned as Uruguayan referee Jorge Larrionda and his officials waved play on.
England's players and coaching team, including David Beckham, led vehement protests as the teams went off at half-time, but all to no avail and Germany made the most of their reprieve.
The Germans will feel a measure of justice has been restored 44 years on, but this was of no consolation to the modern-day England as insult was added to injury by Joachim Loew's gifted young side.
Lampard struck the bar as England dominated the early stages of the second half, but stunning counter-attacks saw Thomas Mueller score twice in the space of three minutes midway through the second half to send Germany into the last eight.
England, with some justification, will bemoan their luck but nothing must disguise the manner in which they were outclassed by Germany in stages of this game and also what has been an ultimately bitterly disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa.
The brief hope of revival offered by victory against Slovenia that saw England advance to the knockout phase was snuffed out emphatically here by their old World Cup adversaries as they suffered their heaviest defeat at a major championship.
England paid the price for sloppy defending that gifted Germany goals - with central defenders John Terry and Upson having their immobility exposed in embarrassing fashion.
Wayne Rooney will return home having had minimal impact on the World Cup, and Capello himself must examine how England can move forward after being handed this painful lesson by Germany.
Capello chose to keep faith with Upson - but the defender was the central figure in a moment of defending that was almost indescribably bad as Germany took the lead after 20 minutes.
Germany keeper Neuer's long clearance was routine, but both Upson and Terry were caught out of position, with the West Ham defender compounding his misjudgement by being brushed aside for Klose to stab home.
England keeper David James, who had earlier saved well from Mesut Ozil, prevented England from falling further behind with a crucial block from Klose as he raced clear, but it was only a temporary reprieve as Germany extended their lead 12 minutes later.
Again England were all at sea defensively, with Podolski left with time and space to score from an angle after Klose and Mueller carved them wide open.
England needed a swift response to at least have some hope of mounting a revival, and it came from Upson as he made amends for his earlier error. He beat the flailing Neuer to Steven Gerrard's cross to head into an unguarded net.
Then came the moment of huge controversy that will haunt England and Capello for years to come. Even from high in the stands at the Free State Stadium, it was clear Lampard's audacious chip had travelled well over the line behind Neuer, but as Capello celebrated, England were stunned to find play waved on.
Lampard's ill-luck continued as England made a purposeful start the second half. He fired in a free-kick from 25 yards, but it rebounded off the bar with the static Neuer beaten.
The danger was always that Germany would strike on the counter attack, and they did to deadly effect as Mueller reopened their two-goal advantage after 67 minutes.
From and England free-kick Gareth Barry lost possession on the edge of Germany's area, allowing them to sweep to the other end for Mueller to fire past James from Bastian Schweinsteiger's pass.
And it was all over three minutes later, with Barry at fault again. He failed to deal with a clearance near the touchline, letting in Ozil to provide Mueller with a simple finish.
England had nothing left to offer and their World Cup campaign ended with a whimper - although they will complain bitterly about the moment they will feel had a decisive effect on the outcome of the game.
 |
| Koman's off the hook, sort of |
While it's a bit harder for this space to be excited about FIFA World Cup 2010 after the USA was eliminated by Ghana 2-1 on Saturday, the fire for World Cup still burns. After all you have to love a sports event where Soccer fans Mick Jagger and Bill Clinton have a better chance of scoring than some of the teams.
Take Brazil vs. Portugal, and England in it's match against Germany. In the Brazil vs. Portugal match, neither team scored; it ended in a 0-0 draw and both advanced to the second round. Brazil won Group G play, while Portugal was two points behind them. Now, Brazil will play Chile in the second round, with Portugal vs. Spain.
Portugal needed a draw and so played like they did, much to the frustration of Brazil. "It's really boring when we have to play against an opponent with 11 players on the back, only trying to draw," Brazil's striker Luis Fabiano said according to The LA Times.
England and the Disallowed Goal Problem
Not scoring more than one or two goals was England's problem against Germany, which clobbered the brits 4-1. But some viewers will contend that had England not had a disallowed goal, they could have come back to at least tie the match.
The diallowed goal by Frank Lampard of England and that was made in the 38th minute, is so controversial it's the third highest topic on Twitter and rivals the USA v. Slovenia controversy of two Fridays ago that made FIFA referee Koman Coulibaly a household name. The problem is that it wasn't the real difference maker; arguably England still would have lost 4-2, but the goal error, again, points to the need for Instant Replay in Soccer.
That the diallowed goal happened again, and again in the USA v. Ghana match, sorts of gets Koman Coulibaly off the hook, but not FIFA. Instant Replay must be installed.
My view is it will happen at some point because too much more is at stake now that America has become aware of Soccer and because communications technology has allowed viewers to see what should have been. FIFA's credibility could be damaged by lawsuits and claims of corruption; it can ill afford an large backlash regarding its integrity.
Jun 25, 2010
South A
As soon as the groups were announced, I quickly worked out who I thought would advance out of the group stage and then how the rest of the tournament would play out. That was way back in December of 2009 and things for nearly every team have changed.
There is less than a week before the 2010 World Cup starts and with all the changes over the place it seems a good time to do an updated version of my predictions. Breaking it down by groups I will let you know my original teams advancing and then rest what all has gone on.
After I break down all the changes I will give you who I think will now advance to the round of 16 and beyond. Here are the teams in each group with their FIFA rankings.
Group A
South Africa (83)
Mexico (17)
Uruguay (16)
France (10)
Originally advancing: France, Mexico
This could be the first World Cup that the host team does not advance to the second round. South Africa could earn this distinction if they fail to reach the round of 16.
There is some hope for the host nation as teams prepare for the start of the World Cup. The Bafana Bafana has won 12 straight games with one win over Denmark a team in the tournament.
More good news for South Africa is that France, who needed a hand ball by their captain Thierry Henry to even advance to the World Cup, has played so poorly. In their final tune up match before the start of the tournament Les Blues lost to China in what was essentially a home game played at Reunion.
The play of Mexico has been up and down over the last couple of months losing to England and the Netherlands before righting the ship against Italy. Until El Tri defeated Italy in Belgium, they had not beaten a team that qualified for the World Cup off of home soil.
Uruguay could be playing the best of this group heading into the World Cup. The Charruas have not lost a match since losing to Argentina in 2009.
If South Africa is going to advance to the second round they will need a decent result against up and down Mexico and poor playing France. The Bafana Bafana could have some special magic if the hero of the nation Nelson Mandela shows up for their matches.
As things go on, I am worried that France will look more like 2002 version after the won the cup in 1998. Les Bleus made the finals in 2006 and a negative result in the year’s tournament looks all but wrapped up.
Mexico needs to use the win over Italy to build some consistency in a group that has the potential to let them advance out of. Only Uruguay looks like a near lock to advance.
Now Advancing: Uruguay, South Africa
Group B
Argentina (7)
Nigeria (21)
South Korea (47)
Greece (13)
Originally advancing: Argentina, Greece
Argentina is overwhelming favorite to advance out of this group. The main thing that could derail a long run by La Albiceleste is their coach Diego Maradona.
Argentina is on a role and has not lost since late 2009 to Catalonia. They have beaten one World Cup team Germany as well.
Nigeria is the third highest ranked African team behind of Egypt at 12th who did not make the tournament and Cameroon at 19th who is in Group E. The Super Eagles have won their last five matches even defeating North Korea who is in the world cup.
South Korea wants to advance past the group stage after failing to do so in 2006 in Germany. The Tigers of Asia have not played well in their warm-ups before the World Cup losing last two matches.
Greece is making its first World Cup since the tournament was played in 1994 in the United States. The Greeks were in the same group with Nigeria and Argentina in their only other tournament appearance which saw them lose all three games and give up 10 goals.
Argentina is the favorite in this group but the antics of Maradona could derail this team at some point in this tournament. Greece looks like the other team that will advance in this out of this group but lack of any type of World Cup success is a worry.
The Greeks did win Euro 2004 but most of that team is gone. South Korea will try to capture the magic from the 2002 World Cup.
South Korea is a long shot to advance out of this group. Nigeria is the wild card out of this foursome.
The Super Eagles have had recent World Cup success and could advance with an upset of Greece and beating South Korea like they should. Do not be surprised if Nigeria escapes this group.
Now advancing: Argentina, Greece
Group C
England (8)
United States (14)
Algeria (30)
Slovenia (25)
A lot has changed for England since this draw took place and the Three Lions looked like the favorites to advance. The British tabloids made a big deal about coach Fabio Capello’s no sex rule but injuries are the big story.
First to go down was set piece specialist David Beckham with a torn Achilles and now team captain Rio Ferdinand will miss the tournament with a injured left knee. The Three Lions look to be beatable but still have John Terry, Frank Lampart, and Wayne Rooney.
England has not lost a match since Brazil beat them back in November of 2009. At first glance the biggest challenger to England in this group looks to be the United States.
Scoring goals could be a problem for the US after the injury to Charlie Davies after a car accident. Further complicating the scoring problem is the injury to Jozy Altidore.
Defense could a problem for the Yanks if Oguchi Onyewu is not completely healthy. The US is on a two game winning streak heading into the World Cup.
This is Algeria’s first World Cup since 1986 and they have only managed one goal and a draw in that tournament. Les Fennecs beat top ranked African team Egypt in a playoff to advance to the World Cup.
Algeria has not lost a game since losing a World Cup qualifying match to Egypt in early November of 2009. They open group play against Slovenia who is playing in their second World Cup.
Slovenia’s first World Cup was in 2002 where the team went 0-3 and gave up seven goals. The Slavs beat Russia in a playoff to advance to the tournament.
Starting out most believed that England and the US would advance from this group. As the injuries begin to pile up the door opens slightly for Algeria and Slovenia.
The wild card of this group has to be Slovenia, who plays solid soccer for one of the smallest nations in the world. They will have to keep playing that way if they hope to seal one of the berths from this group.
Algeria has the talent to pull off an upset if the top three teams in the group do not come to play against Les Fennecs. Still the talent level between the England and the US should be the major factor.
Now Advancing: England, United States
Group D
Germany (6)
Australia (20)
Serbia (15)
Ghana (32)
Originally advancing: Germany, Australia
Germany also got hit with a reoccurring theme of this World Cup which is a major injury. This team has lost star Michael Ballack due to an ankle injury.
Ballack was supposed to help mesh a young German team in this World Cup. This team will now have to find away to come together without their super star.
Even without Ballack, Germany will be the favorite to advance out of this group. That could be derailed if this team does not find leadership after losing their star.
Australia biggest victory was moving from the Oceanic Confederation to the Asian Confederation. The difficulty for qualifying for the World Cup, a major obstacle for the Socceroos, was eliminated after the move.
This team went undefeated during qualifying and gave up only one goal on their way to being the first team to clinch their spot in the tournament. In Germany in 2006 the Socceroos made the round of 16 and have the ability of making it once again.
Serbia qualified for the World Cup beating out France in the group during European qualifying. The Beli Orlovi will be making their second straight World Cup appearance after making the 2006 cup in Germany.
This team looks poised to make it to the round of 16 having played five friendly’s in 2010. Of those five matches four were against teams who have qualified for this World Cup. Serbia only lost to New Zealand and played to a draw against Poland who did not make the tournament.
Ghana looks to build upon its round of 16 appearance in 2006 but the draw was not kind to them. The Black Stars were placed in what could be end up being an underrated group in terms of toughness.
In recent friendly’s Ghana is 3-1 but have only beaten one World Cup team Slovenia and lost to another the Netherlands. A second trip to the round of 16 would be great but might be a long shot.
This group looks like a couple of good teams will be left out in the cold since only the top two advance out of each group. Germany has enough talent to advance even without Ballack.
Serbia and Australia will be playing for the second spot but the wildcard in the group will be the Black Stars of Ghana. While they might not have the fire power to advance they could end the dream of either Serbia or Australia.
Now advancing: Germany, Serbia
Group E
Netherlands (4)
Denmark (36)
Japan (45)
Cameroon (19)
Originally advancing: Denmark, Cameroon
The Netherlands always look great in the group stage then when the real pressure of elimination games start the Oranje choke. Now add the loss of Arjen Robben to a hamstring injury for at least the group stage makes a deep run even more of a long shot.
This team has the talent to go far but can they find away to break their cycle of coming up short after the group stage. The Netherlands can advance and more than like should advance.
Denmark is making its return to the World Cup after making the 2002 tournament but missing the 2006 tournament. In their three other trips to the World Cup the Danes have made it out of the group stage every time.
The Danish Dynamite defeated Sweden to advance to the World Cup and their coach Morten Olsen is just the second Denmark coach to coach in 100 matches. Olsen is signed up to coach this team until the 2012 European Championships.
Japan is making its fourth straight World Cup appearance but the only time they have advanced past the group stage was when they were co-host in 2002. The Samurai Blue might not make it past the first round in this tough group.
The Japanese have played ten games in 2010 and five were against current World Cup teams. This team lost to all five World Cup teams and won three games but none were against teams in the tournament.
Cameroon has qualified for more World Cups than another African team. This team is returning to the tournament after missing out on the 2006 event in Germany.
Les Lions Indomptables will go as far as their un-injured super star Samuel Eto’o can take them. This team will compete with Denmark and Netherlands for one of the two spots for the second round.
I am going out on a limb here but I just do not believe in the Netherlands. This team always fails to live up to expectations. Also Denmark as of late has owned the Oranje.
Now advancing: Denmark, Cameroon
Group F
Italy (5)
Paraguay (31)
New Zealand (78)
Slovakia (34)
Originally advancing: Italy, Paraguay
Group F features the 2006 champions Italy. The Italians have aged since that win in Germany but still feature a talented team and if it is to be believed like a fine wine has gotten better with age.
Not even the Azzurri have escaped the injury bug with Andrea Pirlo who will miss at least the first two games of group play. In goal for the Italians will once again be Gianluigi Buffon, who made big saves in the shoot out against France in the World Cup final.
Paraguay is making its fourth straight World Cup appearance. While establishing themselves as one of the top three teams in South America, they have never moved passed the second round.
The Guaraníes has played five games in 2010 and four of those games were against current World Cup teams. Paraguay won two and drew two, with their only loss being to Ireland a non tournament team.
Australia’s move from the Oceanic Confederation not only helped them but New Zealand as well. The All Whites no longer had to fight Australia for a berth into the tournament.
This is New Zealand’s second World Cup appearance; in their first appearance in 1982 they failed to make it out of the group stage. Since March of 2010, New Zealand has played five current World Cup teams, losing to four and only beating Serbia.
This is Slovakia’s first World Cup appearance since gaining independence from Czechoslovakia. The Repre finished ahead of Slovenia to clinch their spot in the tournament.
Slovakia has played three games in 2010 and only one was against a current World Cup team, Cameroon, which ended in a draw. They also lost to Norway and defeated Costa Rica.
Italy is older than their 2006 installment but should have enough talent to advance from this group. Paraguay seems to always get pass the group stage but not past the second round.
New Zealand looks to be a long shot to make it out of this group. Slovakia is the wild card of this group and could find away to advance. Do not be surprised if the Paraguay against Slovakia match ends up deciding who advances.
Now advancing: Italy, Paraguay
Group G
Brazil (1)
North Korea (105)
Ivory Coast (27)
Portugal (3)
Group G without question is the “Group of Death” with Group H being a close second. Brazil should advance from this group the main question is whether they are first or second.
The Brazilians might could qualify an A squad and a B squad, the country has that much soccer talent. This team has not lost a match since June 15, 2008 against Paraguay and has only played four draws in 26 matches since that loss.
North Korea is odd man out in this group and has a slim to none chance of advancing. This just in, slim has left town, making that no chance of advancing.
Just to show how bad things are for the North Koreans. One of their best goal scorers Kim Myong-Won was faxed as a goal keeper and not an attacker. FIFA has ruled that he must stay at goal keeper after coach Kim Jong-Hun tried to get over on the governing body.
The Ivory Coast was figured to make a deep run in this tournament but that was before the draw. Then Les Éléphants got more bad news after star Didier Drogba broke his arm. He is hoping to be ready for the World Cup but that could be a long shot.
In a tough group without Drogba the Ivory Coast could see a once promising World Cup campaign go down the drain before it even stars. If Drogba does play one does have to wonder how effective he can be.
Portugal looks to be the main contention for Brazil in this group. The Portuguese have nearly as much talent as Brazil.
Since June 6, 2009, Portugal is undefeated in their last 13 matches with two draws. Look for this team to be a major contender in South Africa.
This group is simple, especially since the injury to Drogba; it is a two horse race between Brazil and Portugal. The winner of this group could get to avoid playing Spain if they win Group H.
Now advancing: Brazil, Portugal
Group H
Spain (2)
Switzerland (24)
Honduras (38)
Chile (18)
If this group had two teams in the top five of the FIFA rankings it would be the “Group of Death” but overall this group could be the toughest in the tournament. All four teams are in the top 40 of the rankings could make it hardest to qualify from.
Spain is most experts’ favorite in this tournament and it is hard to argue against that. The Spanish finally broke through in a major tournament winning Euro 2008.
La Furia has a loaded roster with players like David Villa and getting Fernando Torres back from injury. Spain has not lost a match since being beaten by the United States in the Confederations Cup.
Switzerland is making its second straight World Cup appearance. In Germany, the Swiss reached the second round.
Since qualifying for the World Cup, Switzerland has played four matches and has lost three of them with one draw. Their one draw was against the 2006 champions Italy and two loses were against non tournament teams.
Honduras is making its second appearance in the World Cup and their first since 1982. That team failed to make it into the second round but they were able to stun group member Spain with a 1-1 draw.
Chile is making its first World Cup appearance since 1998 in France. That team made the round of 16 and lost to Brazil, something that could happen in this World Cup if Brazil wins Group F and Chile finishes second in Group H.
During qualifying for this World Cup, La Roja finished second to Brazil and only a point behind them. Chile has not lost since losing to Mexico at Azteca Stadium.
This group looks to be Spain’s to lose with the other three teams playing for second. After their strong qualifying effort Chile might be the most likely to take second place. Still Switzerland and Honduras will have a lot to say about who moves on.
Now advancing: Spain, Chile
In the second round look for Uruguay to go down to Greece and Serbia to fall to England, while Denmark beats Paraguay and Brazil downs Chile.
The second half of the bracket will see Argentina defeat South Africa and Germany to beat the United States along with Italy over Cameroon and the best match of the second round Spain over Portugal.
In the quarterfinals, England gets by Greece and Brazil takes care of Denmark on one side of the bracket. On the other side of the bracket, Argentina outlasts Germany and Italy goes down to Spain.
The semifinals, Brazil will beat England and Spain will find away to get past Argentina. That leaves the finals featuring Brazil against Spain.
Take Brazil in the final to win their sixth World Cup and the first on African soil.
Jun 17, 2010
Greece - Nigeria (2 - 1)
Greece - Nigeria
(2 - 1)
Greece won its first-ever FIFA World Cup match, as Dimitris Salpigidis and Vasileios Torosidis scored against 10-man Nigeria in a 2-1 win Thursday at Free State Stadium in Group B play.
Kalu Uche scored in the 16h minute for Nigeria, but Salpigidis equalized with Greece's first-ever World Cup goal in the 44th minute and Torosidis scored the game-winner in the 71st.
Greece failed to score in its first World Cup appearance in 1994 and also lost its 2010 opener to South Korea without scoring, but tallied both goals after a red card to Nigeria's Sani Kaita in the 33rd minute.
(Nigeria)
Argentina sits atop Group B with six points following its win over South Korea earlier Thursday. Greece and South Korea each have three points and Nigeria is still alive despite a pair of losses.
Greece's only threat on goal in the opening half hour came in the 13th minute on a 50-yard shot from Konstantinos Katsouranis that Nigeria goalie Vincent Enyeama snared on the goal line.
Nigeria responded with its first scoring chance in the 16th minute, and Uche's free kick slid past Greece goalie Alexandros Tzorvas to open the scoring. Uche drove the kick to the middle of the area to teammate Peter Odemwingie, who let ball go just over his head and into the net past a fooled Tzorvas.
Greece was lifeless until Kaita was red carded for shoving and then kicking at Torosidis in the 33rd minute.
Greek coach Otto Rehhagel immediately brought striker Georgios Samaras on for defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos and abandoned the team's defensive style.
Salpigidis had Greece's first good opportunity in the 39th, when Enyeama came off his line to deflect his shot and Nigeria defender Danny Shittu cleared the rebound with Theofanis Gekas lurking.
(Greece)
Samaras' 41st-minute header was saved off the line by Nigeria's Lukman Haruna, but Greece broke through three minutes later.
Greece used a nice build up of nine passes, the last by Katsouranis, to set up Salpigidis just outside the area. Salpigidis drove a shot into the area, and it took a deflection off Haruna and sailed into the upper-left corner.
Greece's Georgios Karagounis opened the second half with a header over the bar and Uche followed with a chip-shot from the left end line that Tzorvas pushed over the bar in the 48th.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos forced Enyeama to make a save in the 55th, and Gekas failed to solve the impressive goalie in the 60th.
Nigeria countered Gekas' attempt with its best scoring chance after the break, but Ayegbeni Yakubu and Chinedu Ogbuke wasted two consecutive great chances.
Yakubu finished the break with a one-on-one chance against Tzorvas but his shot toward the right was deflected by the goalie's left hand. The ball rolled to the right to an open Ogbuke, who miraculously missed an open net.
Greece turned the pressure up after Nigeria's near misses and, after two more saves from Enyeama on Gekas and Samaras, scored the winner in the 71st minute.
Alexandros Tziolis tested Enyeama from 30 yards and, although Enyeama stopped the initial shot, the rebound rolled into open space on the left side of the area. Torosidis beat Enyeama to the loose ball and scored inside the left post as Greece became the first team in this World Cup to overturn a deficit.
Enyeama made another fine saves minutes later as Greece tried to seal the win, but Nigeria showed no signs of adding a late equalizer.
Nigeria lost 1-0 to Argentina in its opener, but still has a chance to advance with a win over South Korea on Tuesday, coupled with an Argentina win over the Greeks that same day and a swing in goal differential.
source15 - YELLOW CARD - Greece's Socratis Papastathopoulos is booked for pulling down Nigeria's Peter Odemwingie.
16 - GOAL - GREECE 0 NIGERIA 1 - Another goalkeeping error at the South African finals allows Nigeria to take the lead. Kalu Uche curls in a long range free kick which misses everyone, and deceives Greek keeper Alexandros Tzorvas who dives out the way allowing the ball to bounce into the net.
33 - RED CARD - Nigeria's Sani Kaita is given a straight red card for kicking out at Vassilis Torosidis for no apparent reason in a bizarre off the ball incident.
37 - SUBSTITUTION - Greece take off defender Papastathopoulos and bring on striker Giorgos Samaras.
40 - A nice interchange of passes by Greece has Dimitris Salpingidis through on goal but Nigeria's keeper Vincent Enyeama smothers his shot well.
41 - Greece almost equalise. Haruna Lukman clears off the line after a corner from the right is met by Samaras who directs a shot on goal but the Nigerian midfielder guarding the near post hacks the ball to safety.
44 - GOAL - GREECE 1 NIGERIA 1 - Greece find the back of the net as Salpingidis hits a low drive from outside the box and his shot takes a wicked deflection off Lukman and flies into the net past a helpless Enyeama.
45+3 - HALFTIME - The teams go in all square but the Greeks have their tails up after the Nigerian sending-off and their equaliser.
46 - SUBSTITUTION - Nigeria make a change at the start of the second half, with Chinedu Obasi replacing Odemwingie.
49 - Uche puts in a looping cross shot from near the byline and keeper Torosidis is forced to push over acrobatically.
55 - SUBSTITUTION - Nigeria bring on Elderson Echiejile for the injured Taye Taiwo.
59 - A deep cross into the Nigerian box is headed across his own penalty area by defender Joseph Yobo straight into the path of Fanis Gekas whose shot is well-saved by Enyeama.
Nigeria then break away at pace and in numbers. Yakubu Aiyegbeni gets clear on goal and Tzorvas makes a fine save, but can only palm the ball into the path of Obasi, who puts his shot wide of an open goal.
59 - YELLOW CARD - Alexandros Tziolis is booked for a foul.
68 - A terrific flying save by Enyeama denies the Greeks. Samaras rises well to meet a cross from the Greek right and send a header curling towards goal, but the keeper flies to his left in spectacular fashion to turn the ball away.
71 - GOAL - GREECE 2 NIGERIA 1 - A concerted spell of Greek pressure pays off. From a corner the ball is only cleared as far as Tziolis who drives in a low shot which Enyeama spills. Torosidis is first to react and he puts the ball into the net.
76 - Aiyegbeni twists and turns to find some space on the edge of the Greek penalty area and hits a fierce shot just wide of the Greek goal.
77 - Greek midfielder Giorgos Karagounis hits a powerful low shot which Enyeama at full stretch parries and the Nigerians manage to clear for a corner with Gekas ready to pounce.
77 - SUBSTTUTION - Nigeria bring on Rabiu Afolabi for the injured Echiejile.
79 - SUBSTITUTION - Gekas is taken off and Sotiris Ninis replaces him for Greece.
88 - YELLOW CARD - Samaras is booked for a late challenge.
89 - YELLOW CARD - Obasi goes into the referee's book for shoving Karagounis in the back.
90+3 - Tzolis almost gets Greece's third hitting a well-struck shot towards the bottom right corner, but Enyeama again pulls off a good save.
90+4 - FULL TIME - Greece get their first win of the tournament and join South Korea on three points in second place in Group B, while Nigeria are yet to secure any points.
Match Facts
Greece v Nigeria
Goals 2-1
1st Half Goals 1-1
Shots on Target 11-3
Blocked Shots 6-2
Blocked Shots 6-2
Corners 11-3
Fouls 13-14
Offsides 3-1
Yellow Cards 3-1
Red Cards 0-1
Passing Success 83.9%-78.5%
Tackles 13-9
Tackles Success 69.2%-77.8%
Possession 57.3%-42.7%
Territorial Advantage 57.7%-42.3%
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