Van Marwijk: Dutch will be underdogs

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has said that he is relishing Friday's mouthwatering FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final against Brazil - and was quick to hand his side the tag of underdogs.

Van Marwijk's men head into the clash in Port Elizabeth on the back of four straight wins, including yesterday's 2-1 triumph over Slovakia. However, Brazil are the five-time world champions and looked impressive in brushing aside the challenge of Chile last night.

"I'm looking forward to this match," said Van Marwijk. "Against Brazil, perhaps we might be the underdogs for the first time in South Africa. But we are here for one reason, to get the big prize. We have to believe in it. People might have laughed at us when we said we were capable of winning the World Cup. But you have to show a real mentality, a constant focus. I think we are showing that."

The Dutch have shown plenty of flair in attack, coupled with strong defensive displays. "In all of the matches we have played so far, we have shown that we can control a match," added Van Marwijk. "We have scored seven times. We have been able to show how good we play.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Brazilians look ahead

With the Seleção storming their way through the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, fans and players alike are excited by the prospect of the 2014 tournament to be hosted in Brazil.

In the build up to the showdown between Brazil and Chile at Ellis Park on Monday night, Brazil fans came out in their droves to cheer their team to a win and a Quarter Final spot against the Netherlands in Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Friday.

“We have been here since the start,” said Mauricio Conti, a fan following his team around South Africa. “We have enjoyed ourselves here very much. South Africa is an amazing country and very beautiful.”

Conti is one of many fans who is experiencing this tournament as a precursor to the 2014 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Brazil. “We are now very excited for 2014, we hope it will be a big party like it has been here in South Africa. We are preparing for it and we want to show the world, like South Africa has, that we can host a great tournament.”

The Brazilian fans are hoping their side can win the trophy in South Africa, giving their own tournament an added boost. “We are extremely excited for a win,” said Conti. “If we can take the trophy for the sixth time, and then again in Brazil, it will be too much.”

As the fans geared up for the game at Ellis Park, dressed in their costumes and dancing to their football anthems, there was a sense of victory in the air.

“We have had a good tournament, but we as Brazil fans always expect a lot from our team,” said Wendel Rios, a veteran of four FIFA World Cups. “We have the biggest soccer culture in the world and long history with this tournament, it would be great to win the first one in Africa.”

As South Africans dressed in the blue, yellow and green of Brazil streamed past, Rios commented on how impressed he has been by the local fans and how they have got behind his team. “The fans are great, their support for other teams is very good. I hope they will be joining us in Brazil for our World Cup. There is much African influence in Brazil, with a lot of African heritage. South Africans will be very welcome there.”

“With all the cultures in Brazil, the mixture of people and our passion for football, 2014 will be a great tournament. We want to show the world what we can do,” Rios added.

As an ardent football fan, Rios is excited by some of the exports that will be changing the tournament when it arrives in his home. “The vuvuzela is amazing, the sound in the stadiums is so huge, it has revolutionised football. We will have it in Brazil.”

For many Brazilian fans, seeing what South Africa has achieved is an inspiring and motivating factor for 2014. “We are prepared and excited, but South Africa has really raised the bar and done a good job. This means we must also do well to show the world what we are capable of,” said visiting fan, Lorema Bodelho.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Villa ends Portuguese dreams

A 63rd-minute David Villa goal proved enough for Spain to beat Portugal and reach the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The highly-anticipated meeting between these Iberian rivals, the first in six years, lived up to expectations, certainly in the first half when Carlos Queiroz's side were unlucky not to be rewarded for their endeavour in Cape Town. La Roja were dominant after the break, however, and El Guaje's close-range finish ensured they will now meet Paraguay for a place in the last four.

Both teams went into the match protecting proud records, with Spain having won 29 of their last 31 matches. Portugal were on a 19-match undefeated run dating back to November 2008, with 20 clean sheets in 24 matches since Queiroz assumed their reins.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque named an unchanged side from the one that beat Chile in their final group game, with the inclusion of Xabi Alonso allaying initial fears that an ankle injury would prevent his inclusion. Portugal, conversely, were forced into two changes as injuries to forward Danny and defender Duda afforded starts to Atletico Madrid's Simao and Hugo Almeida of Werder Bremen.

A high-tempo opening saw Fernando Torres unleash a goal-bound shot that Eduardo did well to parry away, before it was the turn of the in-form Villa to warm the hands of the Portuguese goalkeeper. It was far from one-way traffic, and Tiago's drive from 30 metres was only palmed into the air by Iker Casillas, with Almeida seemingly set to head into an empty net only for the Spain captain to recover and push the ball to safety at the midway point of the first half.

Soon after, Cristiano Ronaldo unleashed a venomous long-range free-kick which Casillas could again only parry, with the ball somewhat fortuitously avoiding a host of lurking attackers. It was proving an uncomfortable opening period for the Real Madrid custodian, who was captaining La Roja for a record 51st time, surpassing goalkeeping predecessor Andoni Zubizarreta at the head of the list.

The early energy gave way to a slightly more measured pace, with Portugal having the better of the latter exchanges in the opening half. A Seleção das Quinas seemingly resumed where they had left off after the interval. Tiago burst down the left flank with an impressive turn of speed, and his cross looped off the knee of Carles Puyol and over Casillas, only to narrowly bounce the wrong side of the post.

Spain's pedigree soon started to shine through and on the hour mark, substitute Fernando Llorente directed a diving header straight at a relieved Eduardo. Within 60 seconds Villa grazed the post with a curling drive, with the momentum having well and truly changed hands. Then came what proved to be the game's only goal. Xavi flicked a short pass from Andres Iniesta to Villa, whose shot was blocked by Eduardo. However, the rebound fell kindly back into the path of Villa who guided the ball home off the underside of the bar.

Spain controlled possession thereafter, as Portugal broke sporadically in their quest to save their South Africa 2010 campaign. Spanish defender Sergio Ramos came within inches of a rare goal after a strong run and shot on the right only to see the impressive Eduardo stick out a strong right hand and turn the ball narrowly around the post. Having joined Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain and Robert Vittek of Slovakia on four goals at the front of the race for the adidas Golden Boot, Villa was looking to go one better, and his thunderbolt from 30 metres would surely have found the net had it been marginally either side of Eduardo.

Portugal's stand-out player Ronaldo was kept largely quiet with a late red card to Ricardo Costa compounding the misery. Two principal stars delivered decisive performances for the victors with Budweiser Man of the Match Xavi making a significant contribution as his side enjoyed 61 per cent of the possession, while Villa left Green Point Stadium having settled the outcome.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Starters' success and Spanish history

Goals were in short supply, but there was still plenty of intrigue as the Round of 16 concluded with tense, dramatic victories for Paraguay and Spain. FIFA.com reflects on the day's statistical sub-plots.

appearances as Spain captain was the new record set by Iker Casillas this evening. By leading out the European champions in Cape Town, the Real Madrid No1 surpassed the benchmark set by another goalkeeping great, Andoni Zubizarreta.

nations were represented at the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ in 1930 and, of these inaugural participants, only Bolivia have still to reach the competition's quarter-finals. Paraguay left their South American neighbours in isolation by advancing to the last eight for the first time this afternoon.

of the eight Round of 16 matches have witnessed the group winners prevail, an all-time high. Group D runners-up Ghana were the exception to the rule with their extra-time win over USA.

successive penalty shoot-outs at the FIFA World Cup have now been won by the team taking the first kick. Paraguay’s victory over Japan continued a run that stretches all the way back to Korea/Japan 2002, when Spain – by beating Republic of Ireland – became the last team to step up second and emerge triumphant. Paraguay’s 5-3 victory was their first shoot-out win at a major tournament after they finished on the losing side to both Colombia and Uruguay at the Copa America in 1995 and 1999 respectively. Today's was also the first of 21 FIFA World Cup shoot-outs not to involve a European team.

hours and 27 minutes of FIFA World Cup football have now passed since Paraguay's goal was last breached after they kept Japan at bay throughout 120 forgettable minutes. In stretching this impressive defensive sequence, Los Guaraníes surpassed their previous record of 209 minutes without conceding. The Paraguayans, who have now failed to score in all four of their Round of 16 matches, also became the first team to play out two straight goalless draws at the FIFA World Cup since they themselves endured successive stalemates at France 1998. Yet perhaps we should have seen this scoreline coming, with Paraguay's last two encounters agains Japan – at the Kirin Cup in 2003 and 2008 – having not produced a single goal.

matches for Japan at South Africa 2010 witnessed the Blue Samurai start with exactly the same starting line-up. In the history of this competition, seven teams have fielded the same XI in four successive games, but only one – Italy at Argentina 1978 – did so in their opening four fixtures. Italy share the record for consistency of selection, having started with the same players in their last five matches in 1970 – just as the Netherlands would do four years later.

goals in three FIFA World Cup matches have enabled David Villa to equal a Spanish record set six decades ago. La Roja legend Zarra, who averaged a goal every international appearance, was the first Spaniard to score in three straight matches when he achieved the feat at Brazil 1950. Villa's goal was also the 200th scored at the FIFA World Cup by a player from La Liga, although the Spanish top flight still trails Serie A and the Bundesliga in this respect. Furthermore, with seven goals spread over Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010, the Barcelona new boy has overtaken Miroslav Klose as the leading scorer at the last two FIFA World Cups combined.

http://www.fifa.com

No stopping in-form Villa

Unbeaten in the group phase, Portugal keeper Eduardo had his unblemished record spoiled by the unstoppable David Villa on Tuesday evening. In scoring the only goal in Spain’s Round-of-16 win over the Portuguese, the Barcelona striker became La Roja’s top FIFA World Cup™ finals goalscorer, an indication of his inestimable worth to Vicente del Bosque’s side.

“Portugal were very tight at the back and their keeper was in great form,” said a magnanimous Villa after Spain had completed a slender 1-0 win. “They didn’t make it easy for us, but I got one sight on goal and luckily it was enough.”

“Their keeper was terrific,” said Spain midfielder Xavi in praise of the impressive Eduardo. “He made two or three great saves and even when we scored he made a superb stop from El Guaje.”

Xavi’s cute back-heel was instrumental in the build-up to the only goal of the game, though not even the praise of the influential Barcelona playmaker could make up for the disappointment Eduardo felt as he departed the Green Point Stadium.

“I had a good game,” said the Portuguese shotstopper, “but it wasn’t enough and in any case what really counts is the team’s performance and not what I do. It’s really frustrating to concede a single goal and get knocked out of the World Cup. Defence was supposed to be one of our strong points but there was nothing we could do to stop them getting through.”

“Spain started off very strongly and they controlled the game up to the half-hour mark, moving the ball around really well,” commented Ricardo Carvalho, taking stock of Portugal’s elimination. “We defended as a team but there wasn’t much we could do to stop Villa from scoring.”

“When you lose you just have to get on with it,” added Fabio Coentrao, talking exclusively to FIFA.com. “Spain played really well, especially up front. Villa scored a wonder goal, just the kind of goal they needed. Only a great striker can do the kind of thing he did.”

Patience is a virtue
Villa’s strike ensured a frustrating evening for Eduardo, who pulled off half a dozen magnificent stops to keep the Spanish at bay, forcing them to dig deep to conjure up a winner. In the end Spain’s typically patient, probing approach paid off, as Pedro, who came on for La Roja’s matchwinner, explained afterwards: “It was a very even game. They really kept things tight at the back and we found space hard to come by. We were far more comfortable once we scored, though. We know how to bide our time and that helped us tonight.”

Even more encouragingly for Spain fans, the team also rediscovered the quick passing game that had eluded them in South Africa until tonight. “This is the best we’ve played since we arrived here,” said substitute Fernando Llorente, who almost forced a breakthrough on two occasions, Eduardo denying him both times.

“We were on top of our game,” concurred orchestrator-in-chief Xavi, “especially in the second half, when we had control of the ball and played our best football. The goal did us a power of good and that’s when we started hitting top form.”

After several days of uncertainty, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque could afford a typically wry smile after it was all over: “When we play like that, it’s difficult to stop us.”

After tonight’s compelling performance, it is hard to disagree with him.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Paraguay squeeze into the last eight

Paraguay squeezed through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time in their history as Yuichi Komano's penalty miss sent Japan crashing out of the tournament. With the game goalless at the end of extra time in Pretoria, South Africa witnessed its first shoot-out and, after Komano had clipped the crossbar, Oscar Cardozo rolled home the winning spot-kick to give the South Americans a 5-3 win and a last-eight tie against either Spain or Portugal.

Neither side had ever reached a FIFA World Cup quarter-final, and perhaps the weight of expectation explained a largely uninspiring contest at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Paraguay enjoyed the majority of possession in the early stages but struggled to find their range as much as their opponents. The game suddenly, albeit very briefly, exploded into life around the 20-minute mark when both goalkeepers were finally awoken from their slumbers. First, Paraguay's Lucas Barrios turned neatly in the penalty area to escape the attentions of two Japan defenders, before firing straight at Eiji Kawashima. Then, a minute later, Daisuke Matsui crashed a curled long-range effort against the crossbar.

Paraguay almost made their mark in the 29th minute when Roque Santa Cruz found himself unmarked in the area. The Manchester City forward looked surprised to find Claudio Morel's corner at his feet, and that moment of hesitation proved his undoing as he subsequently flashed his shot wide. Shortly after, Honda's ball into the box appeared threatening but Carlos Bonet was able to step in and steer the ball to safety. Yasuhito Endo then whipped in a free-kick at pace but Santa Cruz, now on defensive duty, was able to clear the danger with a diving header.

Minutes later, Japan broke at pace and should have done better in a promising situation, with three advancing forwards outnumbering the Paraguay defence. Matsui squared the ball to Keisuke Honda but the CSKA Moscow star chose to ignore the run of the unmarked Yoshito Okubo to his left, instead opting to try his luck from distance. Disappointingly, his left-footed drive finished wide of Justo Villar's post.

Okada's side began the second half with a team huddle, aware they needed to break free of their first-half shackles if they were to make that crucial breakthrough. But it was Paraguay who fired the first statement of intent as Nestor Ortigoza did his best to change the pattern of the game but his mazy run into the box was eventually smothered by the Japanese defence. It was a rare moment of enterprise in a game that had so far failed to inspire. As Gerardo Martino's side picked up the pace, only the outstretched boot of Yugi Nakazawa prevented Edgar Benitez from finding the target, while Cristian Riveros could only plant his header into the palms of Kawashima. Marcus Tulio Tanaka was unlucky not to profit from Endo's dangerous corner or substitute Shunsuke Nakamura's knock-on, while Santa Cruz's looping header was easily beaten away as the game drifted towards extra time.

With another Japan huddle dismantled, Shinji Okazaki looped a header just over and Barrios's firm header was an easy collect for Kawashima, while Nelson Valdez's toe-poke was smothered and Edgar Barretto's hooked shot finished a yard over as both sides finally started to loosen up in the additional 30 minutes. Okazaki went close with a header in the dying minutes but it was left to penalties to decide the seventh quarter-final place. Only one player of nine missed but victory was Paraguay's by this narrowest of margins.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Honda gunning for Paraguay

Japan's talismanic forward, Keisuke Honda, is confident he can continue his fine run of form against Paraguay in the teams' Round of 16 showdown in Tshwane/Pretoria on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old converted striker has already scored twice in Japan's groundbreaking run in South Africa, establishing himself as a pivotal figure as Takeshi Okada's side have reached the last 16 for the first time beyond home shores. With Japan now bidding to go one step further and reach the quarter-finals for the first time, the CSKA Moscow man sounded an optimistic note as he told FIFA.com: "Paraguay are a strong team but I am confident I can score and my team can win the game to progress."

Honda struck a spectacular free-kick in the 3-1 victory over Denmark that secured Japan's last-16 berth. In thundering the ball past Thomas Sorensen from 30 yards, he enhanced a reputation as a dead-ball specialist, having earlier this year fired CSKA into the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals with a long-range effort against Sevilla. On his set-piece prowess, he said: "I particularly hope I can score for Japan with my free-kicks because I put a lot of effort into practising them. I have a powerful shot and so usually take the long-distance free-kicks and leave [Yasuhito] Endo to handle the rest."

While Endo also converted a free-kick against the Danes as Japan scored three in a FIFA World Cup game for the first time, it is Honda who is taking the majority of the plaudits for Japan's progress, given he also struck the solitary goal in the opening Group E win over Cameroon. Normally deployed as a midfielder, he was pushed up front as Japan's lone striker as Okada gambled on a solution to the team's lack of firepower in the run-up to the finals, when they hit only one goal in four friendly games.

And the new-found lethal weapon showed he can also provide a killer pass when he set up Shinji Okazaki for the late third against Denmark that made sure of second place in the group. "I want to score more goals but the most important thing is that the team get the win. I will do my best to help us achieve our goals and I really don’t care if I score or not so long as we win," said Honda, speaking after training on the eve of the Paraguay game.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Paraguay advances over Japan on penalty kicks

PRETORIA, South Africa -- Paraguay advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a 5-3 victory over Japan in penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw Tuesday.

Oscar Cardozo clinched the win with a low left-footed drive past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima. The only miss in the shootout was by Japan defender Yuichi Komano on the third try when he hit the crossbar. That made the difference.

source:http://www.washingtonpost.com

Martino: We're in with a great chance

As Paraguay attempt to reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time in their history, their Argentinian coach Gerardo Martino has been speaking to FIFA about his team’s exploits in South Africa. The 47-year-old has led the South Americans since 2007 and in the eyes of many, his clear thinking and positive attitude have been two of the major factors in guiding Los Guaraníes to the brink of history.

Such is the high esteem in which he is held by his players, Martino has successfully managed to change La Albirroja’s style of play from his early days, and the squad has been quick to acknowledge the coach’s foresight in helping them become a potent force in South American football. Now more aggressive and adventurous in attack, but with the same miserly defence, the Paraguayans are dangerous opponents for any team in South Africa.

Attacking adventure and defensive discipline helped Martino’s men cut a swathe through South American qualifying and they have not stopped there. In the first stage they topped Group F, leaving reigning champions Italy in their wake, and they have now set their sights on glory in the knockout stages. But Paraguay's opponents in Tuesday’s last 16 game, Japan, have FIFA World Cup ambitions of their own.

In an exclusive interview with FIFA, Martino spoke openly of his respect for Japan and the satisfaction he gets from working with such a talented crop of Paraguayan players. The feeling of respect between coach and players is, it seems, mutual.

FIFA: This is a historic opportunity for Paraguay. How do you see the game going?
Gerardo Martino: Yes, it’s a great opportunity. Personally I think we can make history in one of two ways. Either we play well, really well, even if we lose, or we just win regardless of the performance.

Japan present a very distinct challenge, and play in a markedly different way to the teams you faced in the group stage. What are you expecting from them?
Every team plays in a different way. The thing is, this is the first game where we know that the winner takes all. That changes things completely because as well as dealing with the opposition, we will have to keep our nerve.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Okada: Japan building for future

Japan coach Takeshi Okada admits it would be "wonderful" news for the sport back home if his side can reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals, but insists that must be just another step towards a more long-term goal.

The Blue Samurai have the chance to reach the last eight of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history later today when they take on Paraguay in Pretoria. Okada knows victory over the South Americans would be a boost but hopes it is not the limit of what can be achieved. "I would say for the football community it will be wonderful and encouraging news," said the 53-year-old.

"What the Japanese football community is aiming at, which is to become one of the top teams, will be one step closer if we qualify for the final eight. But I have to say if you only pile bricks vertically they will eventually fall down, so we have to support from both sides.

"I personally don't want to base everything on just one result or just one competition. We need to have a longer-term vision, to estimate and evaluate the level of Japanese football. We need to be aware of the journey and the path which is still ongoing."

He added: "This competition is a very good way to measure the level of a national team. This World Cup, for the fact we've been able to get this far, it is not only a credit for myself and my players, but also for the footballing community of Japan as a whole. I think objectively we can say with certainty that the overall level of the Japan players now is much higher than in the past. As for how far we can go, we keep challenging and keep going forward - that's all."

Japan have only once before reached the knockout stages when, on home soil in 2002, they were eliminated at the second-round stage by Turkey. Four years ago in Germany they failed to get beyond the group stages after finishing bottom of a pool that included Brazil, Croatia and Australia.

Paraguay have done better than that, and this is the third time in the last four FIFA World Cups they have reached the last 16. However, like Japan, they have not managed to go any further and they too will be hoping to claim their place in national folklore by getting to the quarter-finals for the first time.

Midfielder Cristian Riveros said of the prospect of making history: "I guess we're cool, we're at ease. The important thing is to get to the quarters. But we must go bit by bit and if we want to go any further we have to go through the various steps. If we make it we will certainly go down in Paraguay's history, so we would like to take another step forward, and then another after that."

source:http://www.fifa.com

Brazil inflict more misery on Chile

Brazil completed a hat-trick of victories over Chile at the FIFA World Cup™ by beating their South American rivals 3-0 to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final meeting with the Netherlands.

Dunga's side took control of the Round of 16 contest with two goals in quick succession in the last ten minutes of the first half through Juan and Luis Fabiano. Robinho added the third to inflict further punishment on the Chileans who may have ended a 48-year wait for a FIFA World Cup win in South Africa but evidently have not worked out how to better their old nemesis.

Brazil defeated Chile in the 1962 semi-finals and at this same stage of the 1998 tournament in France, scoring four goals in each game. They also beat La Roja home and away in qualifying for South Africa and even in the goalless opening 33 minutes at Ellis Park, there was scant evidence of a different outcome. Although Chile, playing in all white, had a larger share of possession in the opening quarter-hour, Brazil carried the greater goal threat from the off.

Luis Fabiano had an early sniff of goal when breaking down the inside-right channel in the fifth minute but dragged his shot past the far post. Four minutes later Gilberto Silva drew a full-length stop from Chile custodian Claudio Bravo with a 25-yard strike and from the ensuing corner, Kaka – back from suspension – had a sight of goal but fired wide. There was another nervous moment in the Chilean penalty box when Lucio took a dramatic tumble under Pablo Contreras's challenge and it came as no surprise when Brazil made the breakthrough in the 34th minute as Juan rose high to bury a header high past Bravo from Maicon's flag-kick.

Four minutes later Dunga's men had their second as Luis Fabiano got on to the end of a slick counter-attack to hit his third goal of the finals. Robinho surged down the left and slipped the ball infield to Kaka, who split Chile's central defence with a first-time pass to put Luis Fabiano in the clear. With Chileans appealing in vain for offside, the Sevilla marksman rounded Bravo and slotted home. Chile produced only one or two promising moments in the final third in the opening 45 minutes. And when Humberto Suazo, making his second start of the finals, had a sight of goal, he failed to trouble Julio Cesar with his shot from the edge of the box – their only effort on target before the break.

Marcelo Bielsa's side had begun the match showing four changes from the defeat by Spain, three enforced by the suspensions of Marco Estrada, Gary Medel and Waldo Ponce. And they began the second half with two more changes as Bielsa sent on Rodrigo Tello and Jorge Valvidia in place of Contreras and Mark Gonzalez. But though they tried to increase the pressure on Brazil's back line, their own defence was breached again just before the hour. Ramires strode forward from midfield, leaving two white shirts in his wake, and played in Robinho to curl a shot past the left hand of Bravo. It was Robinho's eighth goal in six matches against Chile and he came close to adding another with a low shot that Bravo tipped behind.

At the other end some of Chile's approach play was slick and they began belatedly to create chances. Valvidia flicked up the ball on the edge of the box and lifted a shot narrowly over the crossbar. With 15 minutes remaining Suazo then produced a smart turn to escape the shackles of Lucio but his shot was comfortably dealt with by Julio Cesar. He got even closer with a sliced effort that looped on to the top of the crossbar but it was not to be. Brazil march on.

Dutch, Brazil book meeting in style

Brazil and the Netherlands lived up to their status as the day's favourites by easing to respective wins over Chile and Slovakia. The duo will now meet in an intriguing-looking quarter-final at Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth on Friday.

That encounter will be the third time in the last five FIFA World Cups™ that the two sides have met in the knockout phase. The Brazilians emerged victorious on the two previous occasions, winning 3-2 in the last eight at USA 1994 and 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals of France 1998.

Brazil's class of 2010 were hugely impressive in booking their place in the last eight again, surging to an emphatic 3-0 defeat of Marcelo Bielsa's Chile at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, the setting for their FIFA Confederations Cup final triumph last year. Producing some compelling football at times, A Seleção once again proved lethal in front of goal, taking their chances with aplomb.

Falling some way short of the standards they set in the group phase, La Roja suffered the same fate that befell them at France 1998, when they lost 4-2 to Brazil in the Round of 16. For a team that had entertained high hopes of reaching the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history, it was a sad end to a tournament that had promised much.

In the day's first game, the Netherlands confirmed their title aspirations with another convincing display. A combative Slovakia were no match for the Dutch as they chalked up a 2-1 triumph, their fourth win in four games in South Africa. The last time the Oranje put together a run like this in the FIFA World Cup was at Germany 1974, when they lost to Franz Beckenbauer's West Germany in the Final.

Though Bert van Marwijk's men have yet to hit the aesthetic heights reached by the Clockwork Orange, Arjen Robben's first start of the tournament gave them an extra dimension up front, especially when linking up with Wesley Sneijder. The two conjured up the first goal, the Inter Milan midfielder playing a long ball over the top of the Slovakia defence for Robben to scamper on to, cut inside, and rifle home. Sneijder added a second late on to secure the Netherlands a place in the quarter-finals for the fifth time in the last nine FIFA World Cups.

Results
Netherlands 2-1 Slovakia
Brazil 3-0 Chile

Goal of the day
Brazil 2-0 Chile, Luis Fabiano, 38 mins: Receiving a headed pass from Luis Fabiano in the middle of the pitch, Robinho took off down the left before squaring to Kaka just outside the box. The Real Madrid midfielder's cute first-time pass took out Chile’s central defenders at a stroke and allowed the waiting Fabuloso to skip round Claudio Bravo and roll the ball home.

One to remember
Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg kept his side ahead thanks to a superb reflex save from Robert Vittek with 23 minutes remaining in Durban. Receiving a pass just inside the box, the big centre-forward turned and unleashed a fierce drive that brought the very best out of Stekelenburg, his one-handed stop proving the highlight of another assured display between the sticks.

Quote of the day
"We are proud at having reached the last 16 but the better team got through to the next round. At least with that penalty we can head home a little bit happier," Vladimir Weiss, Slovakia coach.

Stat of the day
5 - This is the fifth consecutive time and the 16th in all that Brazil have finished among the top eight sides at the FIFA World Cup. The last time that the five-time world champions went out at an earlier stage was at Italy 1990, when they lost 1-0 to Argentina in the Round of 16. Their other two premature exits came in the group phases at Italy 1934 and England 1966.

Voice of the fans
"I'm still proud of Chile's performance in the WC. I'm sure they will progress and get better, since they are a young side after all. Good job Brazil, you played a great game! I'm excited to see the Netherlands v Brazil match," FIFA.com user kami15.

Have your say
Will Brazil prove too strong for the Netherlands, or can the Dutch avenge previous FIFA World Cup defeats by the South Americans? How satisfied will Chile and Slovakia feel with their respective campaigns?

source:http://www.fifa.com

Dunga: We're getting better

Brazil coach Dunga warned that his tournament favourites' confidence is increasing with every match after they eased to a 3-0 victory over Chile. Budweiser Man of the Match Robinho rounded off a comfortable 3-0 win in Johannesburg'sEllis Park stadium after goals by Juan and Luis Fabiano to secure a quarter-final contest with Holland.

Dunga said: "We know there is always this expectation that Brazil will be the winners but being the favourite does not allow you to win the World Cup. Some people doubted that we would perform but as we go along that confidence is growing and growing and we hope to make it to the final."

Robinho, released on loan to Santos by Manchester City last season, insisted he would continue to put individual glory behind his team's achievement. He added: "I'm very happy with the goal and victory of my team and if I am able to be the best player and top scorer in the World Cup 2010, that will be fine but at the moment I'm concentrating my efforts on the team."

Kaka, on his return from suspension, also showed just why he is so important to Brazil but picked up a third caution of the tournament, from English referee Howard Webb. Dunga said he will raise the issue with the Real Madrid midfield star. "It is a problem - I don't want Kaka to be out suspended," he said.

Dunga said the quarter-final would provide Brazil's toughest challenge so far. "Holland have a great World Cup tradition and they are very similar to the South American teams so we have to be extremely careful," he said. "We have to be prepared to deal with extremely technical, excellent players. They are a solid team."

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa refused to be drawn on whether he would stay in his position and admitted Brazil had been too strong. He said: "The scoreline could have been lower but Brazil's superiority was too much for us, they took advantage of every crack we had in our defence.

"In terms of my own position, for the time being the situation is not right to evaluate what to do next."

source:http://www.fifa.com

Chile lacked punch, admits Bielsa

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa admitted his side lacked the necessary punch to trouble Brazil on Monday after they were beaten 3-0 in and exited the FIFA World Cup™. Brazil have now set up a mouth-watering quarter-final against the Dutch in Port Elizabeth on Friday, while Chile licked their wounds after a sixth successsive loss to their South American rivals.

"I had hoped we would have got closer to Brazil, it wasn't such a one-way match. We had some good chances coming down the right side, but we lacked the necessary punch to convert dangerous situations into goals," said Bielsa. "We weren't able to attack with a real hunger for goals. We tried to score, we got close, but had few genuine chances to score."

After nearly three years in charge, the Argentinian said now is not the time to decide whether he will continue as Chile coach. After guiding Chile to South Africa, their first FIFA World Cup finals since France 98, a disappointed Bielsa said he will wait before deciding his future. "The situation is not right for an evaluation," he said. "You can never leave such a tournament without a feeling of disappointment. You would give anything to continue, I just feel sad and disappointed. I am sorry."

The Argentinian admitted his side were always playing catch-up against Brazil. "The players made a huge efffort to showcase their talent and prove their worth," said the 54-year-old. "Right or wrong, we tried to impose our methods within the idea of some noble play.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Returning Robben helps sink Slovakia

Slovakia's fairy-tale run came to an end at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on Monday, with Arjen Robben returning to the starting line-up and helping fire the organised Oranje into the quarter-finals with the first goal in a 2-1 win. As the only debutants at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ head for home with their heads held high, the Dutch – who have never before won their first four matches at the finals – can now start preparing for a last-16 test against either Brazil or Chile in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

Vladimir Weiss's Slovakia were not overawed by their fancied opponents in the early going. Erik Jendrisek fired over the bar from a decent position after only two minutes, though if that was an intended warning shot, the Dutch – with nine points from their three games so far – are not a team that rattle easily. Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder both had good chances to score subsequently before Robben, in his first start at these finals, made his mark on the match. Chasing a long ball up from midfield, the Bayern Munich winger outpaced Radoslav Zabavnik up the wide-right channel, cut inside and fired low inside the near post, beating goalkeeper Jan Mucha who might have done better. It was only the second first-half goal scored by the Netherlands in South Africa.

Arsenal ace Van Persie had the next chances as the break approached. He surprised the Slovakia defence in the 41st minute but, after cutting in from the left, could only muster a tame toe-poke at Mucha. With just seconds to go before half-time, he then stole in behind the backline but failed to control Mark van Bommel's low cross, that was whipped in through the six-yard box. Robben was in the mood again when the second period got underway. After Van Persie dragged the Slovakia defence out of position, the ball fell kindly for the former Chelsea man, who wriggled inside the area only for his sizzling low shot to be thwarted by Mucha's fingertips. The goalkeeper was called into action again from the resulting corner, bravely blocking a Joris Mathijsen effort from close range.

Suddenly, Slovakia – who shifted into a more attacking 4-4-2 for the second half – came to life in the 67th minute. Marek Hamsik pushed the ball out wide for Dutch-based striker Miroslav Stoch, but his shot was tipped over for a corner. Robert Vittek was then guilty of missing a glorious chance only seconds later. Collecting the ball in acres of space and with bags of time, he shot directly into the palms of Dutch keeper Maarten Stekelenburg to groans from the section of the crowd not dressed in orange.

The Dutch continued to push forward in search of another goal and with six minutes to go, and the withdrawn Robben now on the bench, Dirk Kuyt chased down a long ball and crossed low for Sneijder. The Inter Milan man made no mistake with the goal at his mercy and calmly bulged the back of the net. Even though Vittek managed a consolation goal for the Slovaks in the dying seconds of stoppage time – netting from the penalty spot after Stekelenburg had brought him down – it was too late to signal a change of fortune. The Dutch now march on to meet either Brazil or Chile, who contest their Round of 16 contest at Johannesburg's Ellis Park later in the evening.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Tevez shines as Argentina oust Mexico

Argentina have set up another FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final against Germany after overcoming Mexico 3-1 at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium. Carlos Tevez emerged as the hero with a brace of goals, while Gonzalo Higuain was also on target as Diego Maradona’s Albiceleste set up a rematch against their 2006 conquerors.

The Mexicans ultimately proved no match for their clinical South American opponents, yet it all started so promisingly for Javier Aguirre’s side, with Carlos Salcido rattling the crossbar with a stunning long-range drive after just eight minutes. There was another lucky escape for Argentina just a minute later, when Andres Guardado drilled in a shot from the edge of the box that spun away from the far post just as the net looked set to bulge.

Maradona’s side were hardly lacking in attacking menace themselves, however, and Lionel Messi soon embarked on one of his trademark elusive runs before attempting a chip over Oscar Perez that the Mexico keeper judged well. Messi’s hunt for a goal at South Africa 2010 continues, but it wasn’t long before the Barcelona talisman played a key role as another of Argentina’s star forwards opened his tournament account.

Carlos Tevez might have thought his chance had gone when Perez raced out to block bravely at his feet, but Messi was quick-witted enough to return the ball towards goal, where the Manchester City striker was waiting to head home. Breaking the deadlock enabled Argentina to take a firm grip on proceedings, and within seven minutes that hold was strengthened as Mexico reached for the self-destruct button.

Quite what Ricardo Osorio was thinking when he played a square pass to the feet of Gonzalo Higuain is unclear, but it was a gift the Real Madrid striker readily accepted, coolly dragging the ball around the grounded Perez before side-footing into the empty net for his fourth goal of the tournament.

Even with the best part of an hour remaining, it was difficult to envisage Mexico finding a way back into this match, and Argentina could have been out of sight altogether by half-time had Higuain not headed wastefully wide with the goal at his mercy. Maradona’s men are capable of scoring at any time though, and from any situation – as Carlos Tevez proved six minutes into the second half.

The Albiceleste No11 benefited from a fortuitous break 25 yards from goal, but there was no luck involved in what followed, with Tevez lashing an unstoppable drive into the top-right-hand corner for one of the goals of the tournament. Mexico must have realised the game was up at this stage, but it was to their credit that they continued to attack with conviction, and they should have pulled a goal back on 63 minutes when Javier Hernandez headed over when it seemed easier to score.

The Manchester United-bound youngster made amends with 19 minutes remaining, however, brilliantly turning Martin Demichelis on the edge of the box before rifling a stunning left-foot shot into the roof of the Argentinian net. It would prove scant consolation for the crestfallen Mexicans, but while El Tri return home with their dreams dashed, Argentina can begin plotting revenge against some familiar foes.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Maradona: South America can't catch Europe

Argentina coach Diego Maradona believes South America will never catch up with Europe despite the continent's stunning success at the FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.

South America had five representatives in the competition and all five made it to the knock-out stages, with four of them winning their groups. Meanwhile, European heavyweights Italy and France were not only knocked out but also finished bottom of groups including such minnows as New Zealand and hosts South Africa.

Seven of the 13 European teams bit the dust in the group stages and only Germany, Spain and Holland won their groups. Even so, the club game in Europe is so much stronger and there is so much more money in competitions like the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, La Liga and Serie A, that Maradona believes South America will always lag behind.

Profile

Despite a tortuous qualification campaign, Argentina are travelling to South Africa with serious designs on winning the title for the first time in 24 years. To achieve that goal, the 1978 and 1986 world champions have pinned their faith in coach Diego Armando Maradona, the country's most famous footballing son and the inspiration behind the second of those memorable triumphs.

His task is made easier by the fact that he has a star-studded squad at his disposal, one that features several survivors of the team that reached the quarter-finals at Germany 2006, not to mention Lionel Messi and a host of other young stars with several youth titles to their name. Given that roll call, the Argentinians appear to have the resources to atone for recent disappointments and win the country's first international trophy since the Copa America in 1993.

The road to South Africa
The Argentinians made extremely hard work of qualifying for the finals, just as they did in 1985, the prelude to an electrifying charge to glory at the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™. The two-time world champions started the campaign under the stewardship of Alfio Basile, who made way for Maradona after a defeat to Chile on Matchday Ten had relegated them to third place. Yet after a series of setbacks, they eventually hauled themselves over the line with narrow victories in their final two games against Peru and Uruguay.

La Albiceleste collected 28 points in all, their lowest tally since the introduction of the ten-team group system, recording eight wins, four draws and six defeats. Three of those reverses proved particularly painful. After going down to their first competitive defeat to Chile, Argentina slumped to a humiliating 6-1 reverse in Bolivia and suffered only their second-ever home qualifying loss at the hands of Brazil. Maradona's men engineered a late revival, however, with Martin Palermo scoring a dramatic late winner in the driving rain against the Peruvians. And days later the Argentinians made sure of their place in the finals with a battling 1-0 win over La Celeste in Montevideo.

The star players
Most of Argentina's hopes are invested in Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the best footballer in the world. Having earned that reputation thanks to his consistently brilliant performances for Barcelona, La Pulga (The Flea) has yet to fire on a regular basis in the famous blue and white striped shirt, something he will be hoping to make amends for in South Africa.

Providing the midfield ballast for the darting Messi will be their captain and driving force Javier Mascherano and the hugely experienced Juan Sebastian Veron, who will be out to prove a point or two after coming in for criticism during Argentina's fateful display at Korea/Japan 2002.

The coach
Considered by many to be the finest footballer ever to walk the Earth, Diego Maradona now has the opportunity to repeat as a coach his finest achievement as a player. Straight-talking, impulsive and a born competitor, Maradona retains the aura that made him such a revered figure during his playing days and will be hoping to impart his experience and know-how to a group of players who figure among his most ardent admirers.

Prior to taking on the national job, the legendary former No10 enjoyed brief spells in the hotseat at lesser lights Mandiyu in 1994 and Racing Club a year later, before making a return to the playing fields with his beloved Boca Juniors. A nine-year sabbatical from the game ended with his appointment as Basile's successor, and having steered his side into the finals he now faces a challenge he has already risen to once in his career.

Previous FIFA World Cups
- Argentina have reached four FIFA World Cup Finals in all. They beat Netherlands in 1978 and Germany in 1986 but lost to Uruguay in 1930 and to the Germans in 1990.
- La Albiceleste will be appearing in the FIFA World Cup for the 20th time at South Africa 2010, their tenth consecutive appearance.
- Set to make his first appearance as a coach, Diego Maradona played in four successive finals competitions between 1982 and 1994.

What they said
"I tell my players that 30 days of sacrifice for the chance to kiss the World Cup is nothing in the life of a man. An achievement like that is like touching the sky. I played in World Cups and I reached two Finals. I know what it takes. I know how to lead the group and how to coach the players. I've earned the right to talk about the subject. I didn't come eighth, ninth or get knocked out in the first round. I know something about this." Coach Diego Maradona

source:http://www.fifa.com

Impressive Germany power past England

Germany's youthful side delivered a striking statement of intent by overwhelming old rivals England 4-1 in Bloemfontein to take their place in the last eight of the FIFA World Cup™.

Joachim Low's side built a two-goal lead through early goals from Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski and although Matthew Upson reduced the deficit before the break, the Germans made sure of their quarter-final place when Thomas Muller concluded two lightning breakaways with a quick-fire double midway through the second half. While Germany can look forward with confidence to a quarter-final meeting with Argentina or Mexico, England will go home to lick their wounds and reflect on yet another FIFA World Cup defeat by their old nemesis.

It was a lapse of concentration which allowed Germany to take the lead in the 20th minute, the goal coming after a spell of prolonged England possession. Manuel Neuer's long goal-kick upfield should have been dealt with by England’s central defenders, but Klose got between John Terry and Upson, outmuscling the latter before poking the ball past James with his outstretched right boot.

While having plenty of the ball, England were creating little in the way of genuine scoring opportunities, with only a Gareth Barry shot from distance which went straight at Neuer. Indeed, Germany should have doubled their advantage on the half-hour when Sami Khedira combined well with Muller to set up Klose, who fired straight at James. Yet Die Nationalelf did not have to wait too long for their second goal when Muller floated a delightful ball into the path of the unmarked Podolski. With England's defence stretched, the Cologne man had the time to recover from a poor first touch and produce a left-footed finish that squeezed through the legs of the goalkeeper and just inside the far post.

England pulled a goal back in the 37th minute when a short Lampard corner from the right was played to Gerrard who crossed into the box. Upson, atoning for his earlier error, rose highest above the Germany defence and with Neuer stranded, powered a header into the net. Meetings between these two sides often provide talking points and this one's came 60 seconds after Upson's goal when Lampard's shot from the edge of the box struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced down, with the referee ruling the ball had not crossed the goalline.

England started the second half strongly with Gerrard hitting a right foot shot just wide in the opening minutes and Lampard rattling the crossbar with a free-kick 30 yards from goal. However, Germany increased their advantage in the 67th minute through a counter-attack. Lampard's free-kick hit the German wall and with England having committed men forward, they were left exposed as Schweinsteiger broke quickly before playing a delightful ball for Muller, who had started the breakaway, to fire past James.

Germany's fourth was more or less a carbon copy of their third. With England deep in their opponents' half, searching for a way back into the game, Germany won possession on the edge of their box and sprayed the ball to Ozil on the left. The midfielder outpaced Barry and played in Muller to sidefoot home from close range. England, to their credit, never gave up and only a fine one-handed save by Neuer from Gerrard stopped them from reducing their deficit – the heaviest in their FIFA World Cup history.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Ayew comes of age

Sometimes it takes just one match to transform a career, 90 minutes or more after which no one will ever regard you the same way again. The Round of 16 meeting between the United States and Ghana was just such a game for Andre Ayew, the talented young Black Stars forward and son of former legend Abedi Pele.

“He was great this evening,” team-mate John Pantsil told FIFA.com after Ghana reached the quarter-finals courtesy of a 2-1 extra-time success. “I’m very happy for him. He’s imposing himself little by little in the team and he’s clearly one of the most talented players in the squad. Today he proved he could carry the whole side on his shoulders.”

Young and confident
A constant buzz of activity over 120 minutes at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Ayew popped up on the left, right and even through the middle after Kevin-Prince Boateng was taken off. Overflowing with the confidence of youth, he even had the audacity to keep sending the experienced Stephen Appiah back into position in the closing minutes.

“He’s a super lad,” added Anthony Annan, speaking to FIFA.com. “Since his arrival in the senior team, he’s always been very respectful towards the older players. He listens to their advice and worked hard to win his place. He’s not the type to always show off, even if he has the talent to justify it. We’re all very happy for him.”

The highlight of his contribution to a top-drawer encounter was undoubtedly the long ball he sent into space for Asamoah Gyan to bury the winning strike. Thanks in no small part to their gifted 20-year-old, Ghana have now become only the third African side in FIFA World Cup™ history to advance to the last eight, following in the footsteps of Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002.

"We fought like lions"
Living up to his reputation for humility, Ayew played down his display when given the chance to air his thoughts. “Of course, I’m happy to have been named Man of the Match in a World Cup game at only 20,” he told FIFA.com. “I think I had a good match, but it wasn’t en extraordinary performance either. The coach [Milovan Rajevac] put his faith in me and it was the least I could do to give everything for him.”

Without waiting for another question, Ayew then made a point of praising what was an excellent team effort. “Everyone played a great match tonight,” he added. “We fought like lions and showed plenty of determination and application. We deserve our place among the eight best teams in the world.”

The only negative was the yellow card which will rule the forward out of the Black Stars’ last-eight tie with Uruguay. “It’s infuriating,” he explained. “I’m now hoping my colleagues will qualify so that I can compete for a place in the starting XI for the semi-final. That would be a historic moment. For now, it's a case of job done.” Perhaps, but in helping them complete their task Ayew has evolved from boyish prospect to maturing stalwart.

source:http://www.fifa.com

A 'bridge too far' for the US

The US national team was struggling to deal with the end of their fairytale run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ after their 2-1 extra-time defeat by Ghana in Rustenburg on Saturday night.

After giving up early goals to start the match and extra time, there was definitely a sense of shock on the faces of the American players. It was, after all, a contest that had a familiar look to the US's group contests – but with a much different outcome. "It was a bridge too far really. We can't just keep producing magical moments," said goalkeeper Tim Howard after the loss. He was referring to his side's hard-won reputation as comeback kings in South Africa after the Stars and Stripes had recovered from a goal down to hold England 1-1, two goals down to hold Slovenia 2-2 and then scored a last-gasp winner against Algeria to send them through from Group C.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Forlan taking Uruguay's run in stride

Uruguay may be enjoying their best FIFA World Cup™ campaign in 40 years yet Diego Forlan insisted he and his teammates were taking it all in their stride.

In-form Forlan set up Luis Suarez for the first goal of his double in Uruguay's 2-1 last-16 defeat of Korea Republic Saturday to continue the former Manchester United player's stellar year and seal Uruguay's first FIFA World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1970. He scored a double in Atletico Madrid's UEFA Europa League final win and has also hit the back of the net twice for his country in South Africa.

"We're all very proud and happy and just enjoying everything we're doing and trying to do the best for each other," said Forlan. "Of course everyone wants to make it to the final, we're only two games away now, but that doesn't give us any added pressure, we're taking it one step at a time and will now start to focus on our next game, the quarter-final. It doesn't matter who we face along the way now, every game is tough."

Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez revealed what he had told the players in his pre-match pep talk before their last-16 victory in Port Elizabeth. "I said to them 'you as a group must go out there and show South Korea what you can do and give your best on the pitch

source:http://www.fifa.com

Black Starlets thrive on Day 16

Six Hyundai Best Young Player candidates were in action as the knockout phase got underway today. FIFA.com reflects on their performances.

Ki Sung-Yueng: Korea Republic bowed out, and their No14 ended his campaign in disappointing fashion. His set-piece delivery, usually precise, was hit and miss, while he was caught out of position on occasions.

Nicolas Lodeiro: Uruguay introduced the Ajax prospect with the scores at 1-1 on 74 minutes. And although La Celeste emerged 2-1 winners, the 21-year-old made little contribution to the victory. In truth, his passing was wasteful and he dallied on the ball when presented with one shooting opportunity on the 82nd minute.

Jonathan Mensah: The 19-year-old Ghana centre-back was a rock in Rustenburg. He won headers against the imposing Jozy Altidore, disposed the crafty Landon Donovan, and launched himself in the way of a goal-bound Clint Dempsey shot. Mensah was undoubtedly crucial to his nation’s victory over USA.

Samuel Inkoom: The Basel defender started well, but gave the ball away cheaply and repeatedly thereafter against USA. He was outmuscled by Altidore far too easily in the second half, although the striker’s poor finish spared the Ghanaian’s blushes.

Andre Ayew: The Ghana winger began brightly, outfoxing two American adversaries down the left before feeding Kwadwo Asamoah, and it proved a prelude of what was to come. He ran at defenders throughout and, in extra time, created the winning goal for Asamoah Gyan. Ayew was duly named the Budweiser Man of the Match.

Jozy Altidore: The USA striker missed a couple of half-chances, but he did create them for himself with pace and power. Indeed, Altidore frightened his markers throughout, winning his fair share of headers and never giving up.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Heroes rise for Ghana and Uruguay

It is a feature of the FIFA World Cup™ that the further a team progresses, the smaller their margin of error becomes, with every slip or stumble potentially leading to elimination. Equally, one stroke of genius can change the course of destiny, and so it turned out today.

Luis Suarez was the hero for Uruguay, and there could well be calls to erect a statue in his honour there this evening after his two goals edged La Celeste past Korea Republic and into the quarter-finals. Having plundered 35 league goals with Ajax last season, the striker moved himself level with Gonzalo Higuain, Robert Vittek and David Villa atop the South Africa 2010 scoring charts on three strikes. Suarez's second pinged in off the far post with goalkeeper Sung Ryong-Jung well beaten, leaving the distinct impression that the South Americans had luck on their side. Indeed, in the opening minutes Korea Republic's Park Chu-Young had also connected with an upright via a superb free-kick, but instead of nestling in the net his effort bounced away to safety.

Later in the day, the focus switched to the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, where who better than a Prince to land the first telling blow? Kevin-Prince Boateng it was who put Ghana ahead early in the game, before USA turned to their own footballing aristocrat to pull them level, the Stars and Stripes' all-time leading scorer Landon Donovan scoring with a penalty to claim his 45th international goal. Like Suarez, Donovan's spot-kick clipped the post on its way in to take him level with the tournament's leading marksmen on three goals – but that was where the comparisons ended. It was time for an African king to emerge, and it was Asamoah Gyan who gladly stepped into the role in extra time. His strike clinched Ghana's first ever last-eight berth and only the third for an African team after Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002. The match-winner likewise became the sixth player with a trio of goals to his name.

Results
Uruguay 2-1 Korea Republic
United States 1-2 Ghana aet

Goal of the day
Luis Suarez, Uruguay 2-1 Korea Republic, 80 mins: With so little to choose between two worthy opponents, it required something special to decide the outcome, and a player capable of a moment of magic. Having opened the scoring in the first half, Suarez took it upon himself to finish the job, and with ten minutes remaining he picked up a half-cleared corner on the left edge of the area, cut inside a defender and arced a delicious curling shot beyond South Korean goalkeeper Sung. It was a bolt of genius during the storm that raged over Port Elizabeth.

One to remember
We will never know if more clement conditions would have helped the Taeguk Warriors earn extra time. Lee Dong-Gook unleashed a low goalbound effort after 87 minutes, but the combination of Fernando Muslera's save and a water-soaked pitch slowed the ball down, allowing Diego Lugano to clear before the ball reached the goalline.

Quote of the day
"The South Koreans caused us problems, but we were able to fight back and call on our fighting spirit and heart to win. If we're able to get through a match like this, we can beat anybody," Jorge Fucile, Uruguay defender.

The stat
3 – Boateng's sixth-minute effort for Ghana was the third-quickest goal scored by an African team at a FIFA World Cup. The fastest was notched by Boateng's fellow scorer this evening, Gyan, who registered after two minutes against Czech Republic in 2006. South Africa's Siyabonga Nomvethe took just four minutes to find a way past Slovenia in 2002.

Voice of the fans
"Nobody should dispute the fact that USA played an excellent game. I like their fair tackles and open approach unlike other countries. Though my country is Ghana I will say WELL DONE USA. Better luck next time," FIFA.com user crackman4u.

Have your say
Uruguay and Ghana will now cross paths in the quarter-finals, with one assured a spot in the last four. Can either team go all the way and give the 2010 FIFA World Cup a surprise winner

source:http://www.fifa.com

Ghana strike, Celeste roll back years

With the Round of 16 underway, FIFA.com's latest statistical review focuses on a rare achievement for Uruguay and a historic landmark for Ghana.

minutes without a goal in open play came to an end for Ghana tonight when Kevin Prince Boateng scored in the fifth minute of their game with USA. Since Haminu Draman scored in the 22nd minute of their group game with USA at Germany 2006, their only goals in four FIFA World Cup™ games had come via the penalty spot.

minutes without conceding a FIFA World Cup goal ended for Uruguay when Lee Chung-Yong scored Korea Republic's equaliser in Port Elizabeth. Before that, the last goal they had let in was scored by Papa Bouba Diop for Senegal in the 38th minute of a group encounter at Suwon in 2002 which ended 3-3.

years is how far you have to look back for the last – and first – time USA were awarded a FIFA World Cup penalty prior to this evening. It came in the 1950 game against Chile, when Joe Maca converted in a 5-2 defeat.

minutes is when Benny Feilhaber comes into his own for the US. He has come off the bench at the start of the second half in each of the last three games.

years have passed since Uruguay last reached the quarter-finals. In 1970, they beat Soviet Union in Mexico City 1-0 with an extra-time winner before losing 3-1 to Brazil in the last four.

minutes had elapsed in Rustenburg when Maurice Edu came on for USA in place of Ricardo Clark. It was the earliest substitution by the US in the FIFA World Cup - beating the 36th-minute replacement of Jeff Agoos by DaMarcus Beasley in the Korea/Japan 2002 game against Poland.

matches had elapsed since Ghana last scored more than one goal. On 15 November 2009, their final 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier ended 2-2 with Mali and since then they had played five friendlies, five CAF Africa Cup of Nations matches and three FIFA World Cup games in which they scored either one or none.

teams have contested six matches at Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg and only Mexico failed to register a goal there.

times Uruguay and Korea Republic have met and five times La Celeste have emerged as winners. In their group-stage meeting at Italy 1990, Daniel Fonseca scored a last-gasp goal to earn a 1-0 victory.

goals makes Landon Donovan the leading USA scorer in the FIFA World Cup, overtaking Bert Patenaude, who scored four in the space of five days at the first FIFA World Cup. Donovan has now scored in three successive FIFA World Cup matches.

African nations have reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals and, like Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002), Ghana did it by coming through a Round of 16 game with a 2-1 victory after extra time.

players, John Pantsil and Richard Kingson, have played in all eight of Ghana's games in the FIFA World Cup – four at Germany 2006 and four in South Africa.

was the number of FIFA World Cup matches involving either USA or Ghana that had gone to extra time before tonight's meeting.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Hitzfeld bemoans lack of killer instinct

It's an old cliche, but the fact remains, if you don’t score, you don’t win. To their cost, Switzerland felt the full force of that pearl of wisdom in Bloemfontein on Friday night. Their passing was often pleasing tp the eye, but too many final passes went astray in their opponents’ final third. That inaccuracy ultimately lay behind the Swiss failing to do better than a scoreless stalemate with Honduras, leaving them agonisingly close and yet so far from progressing from Group H at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

More than just ill furtune
"What did we lack? Goals! It was terrific until we reached the edge of the box, but we just weren’t ruthless enough at that point,” a visibly frustrated Hakan Yakin told FIFA after the match at Free State stadium. "We’re obviously devastated now, because we started out determined to win by two clear goals and qualify for the knockout round. But we were unlucky on the night."

However, ill fortune cannot be the sole reason for Switzerland’s early exit from the tournament. Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was certainly having none of it, as he told FIFA.com: "Goalscoring has generally been our biggest problem recently. We lack the killer instinct,” said the coach, a UEFA Champions League winner with both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich in the past.

Dream start, nightmare finish(ing)
First-choice strike pair Blaise Nkufo and Eren Derdiyok certainly did not lack promising openings on the night, many artfully created by wide man Tranquillo Barnetta. Late sub Alexander Frei also came within inches of handing his side the lead. However, the chances for Hitzfeld’s men generally arose from crosses, while anything through the centre of the park was snuffed out. "Our final passes were poor, so we didn’t deserve to go through,” Barnetta frankly admitted to FIFA.

Nevertheless, Switzerland’s fundamental problems in South Africa run deeper than that. Injuries in the weeks running up to the finals, affecting both first-choice centre-forward Marco Streller and long-serving goal-getter Frei, meant Hitzfeld was obliged to field an almost entirely untried forward line. Streller never even made the trip, and Frei was clearly unfit. Perhaps even more critically, the coach and the players had to cope with the unexpected situation of a dream start which arguably turned out to be more of a curse than a blessing.

Soaring expectations
The dream start in question was the totally unlooked-for 1-0 win over mighty Spain, arguably still the shock result of the tournament, but one which may well have lulled the Swiss into a false sense of security and unjustified euphoria. Barnetta insisted he and his team-mates were "never blinded” by beating the European champions, but there is no denying expectations were running unrealistically high prior to the meeting with Chile. "Nothing went right in that game,” the Bayer Leverkusen winger ruefully reflected. The match was lost, the pressure mounted, and the Honduras clash became more about overcoming the demons within than forcing the ball over the line come what may.

At the end of the day, Switzerland were given a taste of their own medicine. There was no need to take the initiative against Spain, where Hitzfeld’s entirely justifiable tactic was to play to his team’s counter-attacking strengths, a passive approach requiring less skill and inventiveness than creativity. When it came to Honduras, however, where Frei and Co needed to dominate and show authority, they were very nearly beaten by a team deploying the weapons they themselves favour. Switzerland’s record in South Africa shows only one goal against in three matches, but with only one goal to their credit, it is perhaps unsurprising they failed to progress.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Drogba: Not too disappointed

Skipper Didier Drogba was in a realistic mood after Côte d'Ivoire came up short in their improbable goal pursuit against Korea DPR in their bid for a last 16 spot at the FIFA World Cup™ here on Friday.

Setting out needing victory by nine goals to nudge Portugal from the knock-out round, Côte d'Ivoire could only muster a 3-0 win over the already-eliminated Korea DPR in their Group G match at the Mbombela Stadium.

For the second straight FIFA World Cup, Côte d'Ivoire bumped into another hot group and are on their way out again at the first round stage. Four years ago in Germany it was Argentina, Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro and this time they were placed in another 'Group of Death' along with Brazil and Portugal.

"We are disappointed, but not too disappointed in a group like this with teams like Brazil and Portugal," the Chelsea superstar striker said. "We have a good team and good players but they are better than us really. Maybe we can be disappointed at not getting second spot this time, but overall we can't be too disappointed.

"If we were in a better group we would have gone through. We are unlucky to be in tough groups at both our World Cups, but to even play at the World Cup twice in a row is fantastic. To play Brazil and Portugal is like a dream for a country like ours. We were lucky to play against those nations."

source:http://www.fifa.com

Brazil stalemate suits Portugal

The Brazilian carnival rolled into Durban on Friday, turning the sunny Indian Ocean coastal city into Copacabana beach for a day. However, the South Americans were unable to reward their vociferous support with goals, drawing 0-0 with Portugal – a result that takes both sides through to the Round of 16.

Brazil had the first chance of a cagey, stop-start first half with a long-distance effort from the tireless Dani Alves, featuring in place of the injured Elano on the right flank. But the Barcelona star hardly troubled Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo as his try trickled harmlessly wide of the post. He had another chance on the quarter-hour mark from a similar distance, with the keeper collecting easily.

Those efforts set the tone for much of what would follow. With Robinho on the bench and Kaka suspended, Brazil were reduced to trying their luck from long range as Juilio Baptista proved unable to get much going in the space behind strikers Nilmar and Luis Fabiano. Up the other end, Cristiano Ronaldo was ploughing a lone furrow in a defensive scheme set up by Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz. Fabio Coentrao was the most dangerous man on the park for the Portuguese, bursting up the left flank and delivering inch-perfect crosses that caused the Brazilian defence some concern in the opening period. Neither Tiago nor Ronaldo could take advantage of the best chances the Benfica wide man carved open, however.

The half-hour mark brought the clearest opening of a hard-fought first half, which produced seven yellow cards. A sneaky ball across the six-yard box from Luis Fabiano found Nilmar lurking at the back post. He rounded Ricardo Carvalho only to be denied by the upright from a tight angle. Seven minutes before the break Luis Fabiano then had a golden chance with a header from a similar position, but was unable to do justice to Dani Alves's cross.

Real Madrid ace Ronaldo, who got the biggest roar from the crowd at the start, began to get himself into some dangerous areas after the restart, forcing the Brazilian back line – captain Lucio in particular – into some last-ditch tackles. His deflected free-kick from distance in the 51st minute had the fans in yellow feeling a little nervous as Portugal began to look more positive in their approach. With substitute Simao pulling the strings, Queiroz's side nearly took the lead on the hour. Ronaldo broke free on the right of the area and when Lucio made the tackle, the ball fell for Raul Meireles, who could only manage to fire wide from close range.

In the end, though, a 0-0 draw was enough for both sides to move on, Brazil as Group G winners and Portugal as runners-up, pipping third-placed Côte d'Ivoire by a point. The Brazilians will now meet the second-placed team from Group H – in action later in the day – with Portugal taking on that section's winners.

source:http://www.fifa.com

Brazil, Portugal explain drab display

In a game billed as a transatlantic clássico between Brazil and Portugal, two sides surrounded by high expectations here at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ failed to catch fire in a match largely played out in midfield. Yet given the two teams both expect fierce contests come the Round of 16, saving their gunpowder during Friday’s meeting in Durban may turn into a wise decision.

A Seleção fielded a much-changed midfield with Julio Baptista and Daniel Alves coming in to replace the suspended Kaka and the injured Elano, while Portugal also went for a different system to the one employed in prior games against Korea DPR and Côte d’Ivoire. Coach Carlos Queiroz lined up with Cristiano Ronaldo as his side’s lone forward ahead of a five-man midfield consisting of holding player Pepe and the more attacking-minded Danny, Duda, Raul Meireles and Tiago.

Though undoubtedly successful in stifling the Brazilian threat, the tactic also contributed to the play being bogged down in midfield areas, with little in the way of goalmouth excitement. “The plan was to try and open up a bit down the flanks and try and create enough space to play in,” Barcelona star Alves told FIFA.com after a goalless draw which secured top spot in the section for Brazil and second for Portugal. "We did manage to do that on the odd occasion, but to be honest it was generally very difficult

source:http://www.fifa.com