Uruguay vs France: World Cup 2010 Match #2
Uruguay will play against France on 11/06 20:30 in Cape Town
For the 2010 World Cup, Uruguay’s training base in South Africa will be located in Kimberley, in the province of Northern Cape. The national team made the decision and announced it Wednesday. The place is situated about 700 kilometers northeast of Cape Town, and 500 kilometers southwest of Pretoria and Rustenburg. Playing in Group A, Uruguay will facing France in Cape Town, next South Africa in Pretoria and then Mexico in Rustenburg. Uruguay won against Costa Rica in a two-game playoff to qualify for the next year’s World Cup in South Africa and the tournament starts June 11.
The host nation at Marseille 2008 should win against Uruguay so they will be spared of the humiliation of a first-round knock out. Meanwhile, Senegal should try to beat Iran and pray that France should also win their match up. In Group B, only by contrast first place is all that that will matter. We may get used to the idea sooner that the host nation will not be in the quarter finals. After a loss and a win on penalties in Group A, France must beat Uruguay if they want to keep their hopes on entering the last eight. If they win in regular time then Eric Cantona’s players will be through going to the quarters. But, if, it again goes to penalties or extra time, they will rely on the outcome of the game between Senegal and Iran. Making it even harder for Les Bleus is the reality that they have not yet beaten Uruguay at a FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Also in the 2006 semi-final stage and in the 2007 match for third place, the Celeste made a win on penalties.
Statistics show that Uruguay is a hard team to beat. They are not a classic South American team who is a lazy in defense. The truth is that they are strong, physical and does not play like an ordinary South American team. It will be tough and very physical, not a very nice match to watch. But France will score at least once in this game. The goal will be by Thierry Henry, the captain, from either a penalty spot or a free kick. The forecast will be a close match. France has not been at par with their playing in recent times and the Domenech era is ending. As what happened in 2002 and in Paris, a recent friendly, the Uruguayan type of play can control key French players and can even damage the counter attack. La Celeste the underdogs will make an upset in their first game, with a goal set by Diego Forlan.
Uruguay vs France FAN MADE Videos |
Korea Republic vs Greece – World Cup 2010
June 4, 2010 by Richard · Comments Off
Korea Republic will play against Greece on 12/06 13:00 in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth
The last time the Greeks took part in a World Cup, they were the last to finish among 24 teams. This time it might not happen since they have a solid chance at advancing. The Greece national football team represents Greece in international football and the Hellenic Football Federation is its controlling body. Greece spent most of their history in virtual anonymity. It only participated twice in the final tournaments of the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship, in 1994 and 1980 respectively. While South Korea’s World Cup experience in 2002 where they were co-hosts, they registered a 3-2-2 mark and ended up in fourth surprising. They were 1-11-5 in two other cup competitions.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is the venue of their match. It is set on the shores of the North End Lake. It is the first stadium dedicated for football in the city or surrounding areas. The stadium is newly-built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was finished a year prior to the start of the world’s greatest show on earth. This was a major milestone for the city. This Stadium will host the match for third place and a quarter-final in the middle of a total of eight matches during the FIFA World Cup. It has an eye-catching unique roof-structure and a spectacular view, that over looks the North End Lake. Before the construction of the venue, The EPRU Stadium or Eastern Province rugby stadium was the venue of all international football matches. The playing field is made of natural grass with the outer /surrounding area to be artificial turf. The first major test events was the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. This is the game that attracts a lot of crowds in South Africa.
On record, the two teams played each other only one with Argentina winning over Greece by four goals to zero.
The Korea Republic national football team is Daehanminguk Chukgu Gukgadaepyo-Team. It represents the country in international football competitions. The team, also named South Korea, is acknowledged as Korea Republic by FIFA. It is also believed to be Asia’s most victorious national team, since it started at the Summer Olympics of 1948. Being a two-time straight AFC Asian Cup champion, South Korea has gotten involved with seven World Cup final tournaments and happened to be the first and only Asian team to reach the semi-finals. When it co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Japan, it became qualified for its eighth World Cup final tournament, The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Korea Republic vs Greece Friendly 2007Tuesday, February 6th 2007 |
Argentina vs Nigeria In World Cup 2010
June 3, 2010 by Richard · Comments Off
Argentina will play against Nigeria on 12/06 16:00 in Johannesburg – JEP
This is a brief history of how Argentina played in this event. After a victory against Brazil in the semis, Sergio Batista’s squad must work together one more time to claim the title, and the heartbreaking loss from the 1996 Olympic Final against Nigeria. Following is the Argentina World Cup, a great game of football that ended in victory for Argentina.
The first half after the great attack and defense ended up with a draw, no one was able to produce a single point. And thankfully that half has finished. The heat seems to take its toll on Argentina, who is just not getting its act together. Both Messi and Riquelme are just not getting in the game and the defense is not up to par with Nigeria. With a lot of time left and this type of game keeps up, one mistake could spell the difference between gold and silver.
On the second half, on the 57 minute Di Maria, the best player for Argentina today, chips Messi’s pass over the keeper’s head and scores a goal, 1-0, from 50 yards out. Only time can tell if Argentina can keep their head in the game as Nigeria tries to equalize. Argentina has come to life and is in control of the game. The game has become much better and the attack is beginning to happen. Nigeria are now attacking Argentina’s defense. Messi had a space to run at goal but he is just off. The game ends and Argentina 1 – 0 Nigeria.
After a few scares in the final seconds the whistle blows and Argentina won the Olympic gold medal defeating a very strong Nigeria team to take revenge on their 96 final loss and retain the title that they won 4 years ago in Athens. While not the best display from Argentina. After a weak showing in the first half, Argentina put its act together and just at the right time to earn a well deserved victory.
The God of Soccer is truly in the side of Nigerian or else how can you explain the reversal of future that Super Eagles had? Against all possible odds, Nigeria has qualified today for the 2010 World Cup to be hosted by South Africa next year. It happened when they defeated Kenya 3-2 in Kenya and Tunisia by a lone goal that paved the way for Nigeria’s berth in the world’s biggest soccer fiesta. Obafemi Martins was instrumental for Nigeria’s all important lead when he acrobatically pounced on a loose ball in the box to score from a 2-2 tie.
Argentina Vs Nigeria 2002 World Cup
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England vs USA in World Cup 2010
June 2, 2010 by Richard · Comments Off
England will play against USA on 12/06 20:30 in Rustenburg
Not much of a review for the year 2009 as far as World Cup. The only thing that could be said is that the 2009 season was a brilliant year for the England fans, especially if you compare it to 2008. This England team also has certain weaknesses like the injured Glen Johnson with his knee that is weakness in the right back. But it is still a thrill that the team has a plan. Wayne Rooney looks great wearing an England shirt, Lampard and Gerrard can team up and there are lots of options down the wing. Massive thumbs up for Fabio Capello and a superb World Cup qualifying campaign and no doubt a great highlight. We’re all hoping 2010 is just as inspiring and that we put in a good showing at a certain little tournament in South Africa.
Everybody knows that England’s positional problem is goalkeeper. The left-sided problem was solved by Fabio Capello’s brain and Steven Gerrard/Wayne Rooney’s readiness to substitute. But a goalkeeper’s position is not a job you can solve with tactical tinkering. You either have a good keeper or you don’t.
David James is the most promising when he’s fit but it is rare these days. Robert Green is okay but discreet and has leaked some goals at West Ham. Ben Foster’s confidence is not that high while playing for Manchester United. Joe Hart has chances of playing on the World Cup. Alex McLeish backs in place of Joe for England World Cup. Alex McLeish Birmingham boss believes goalkeeper Joe Hart is in contention for England’s 2010 World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old, on a loan deal for the long season from Manchester City, has kept the sheets clean to help shoot Blues to seventh in the Premier League.
And with Fabio Capello England manager still uncertain about his first-choice keeper for South Africa, McLeish thinks Hart is among the leading candidates.
McLeish said that he knows that Fabio Capello and his staff find him favorable.
He already has an edge and his performances lately have shown he can be a candidate. He has a brilliant form and he is looking big and powerful right now.
He has improved a lot since he came to us. He may have had it before but we managed to bring out the potential. Joe has as great chance as anybody else to be part of the England squad. Last June 2008, Hart earned a cap England for his name, with a 3-0 debut win over Trinidad and Tobago. He has already played in some of Capello’s teams but not in any of England’s World Cup qualification or friendly matches other than the friendly in Port-of-Spain.
England vs U.S.A (a PS3 2010 FIFA World Cup Rehearsal) |
South Africa vs Uruguay In World Cup 2010
June 1, 2010 by Richard · Comments Off
South Africa will play against Uruguay on 16/06 20:30 in Tshwane/Pretoria
This is going to be a tough match to see. Cameroon had just a single point from their first two final round qualifiers and was in the bottom of the standings. It was that time that they separated ways with veteran coach Otto Pfister and looked for a more dangerous situation. But it turned out to be a good thing to appoint Paul LeGuen Frenchman for the last four games of the campaign. The former Lyon, Rangers and PSG coach insisted on a host of upgrades in the circumstances revolving around the players and got a three-man support team to help him. He also signed in Samuel Eto’o as captain that charged the dynamics of the group. It turned out to produce four successive wins and an African record of sixth trip to the FIFA World Cup finals.
Uruguay’s play-off win against Costa Rica was the last step in a South American qualifying tournament that started in October 2007 and means that the region will be represented by five teams at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The other four sides qualified in a different manner. Brazil strolled through in first place, while a re-energized Chile and the very consistent Paraguay both made an impression in finishing second and third respectively. And Argentina had a difficult time that nearly ended in a disaster. The website of FIFA evaluated the performances of the Zone’s five qualifiers.
This is not the first time Brazil ran out section winners. With coach Dunga providing a winning mentality to put up with a virtually seamless transitional phase, A Seleção highlighted how they won the last two Copa America competitions and the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009. The five-time world champions did not give away anything and even if they needed more time to find their range, Luis Fabiano eventually showed that the No 9 jersey is his for the future. With Kaka supplying the bullets, the Brazilians won their regional rivals again and preserved their record of not missing out a place at the FIFA World Cup™ finals.
Advancing to the finals for the third time by means of the play-offs, Uruguay will be competing for their 11th FIFA World Cup. Yet while the Celeste has one of the wealthiest histories in world football, Coach Oscar Tabarez has started a young team that depends on a core group of players. He has been at the Uruguay control before at a FIFA World Cup, leading the team in 1990 when they lost to hosts Italy in the second round. This World Cup 2010 South Africa vs. Uruguay game will be one for the books.
Serbia vs Ghana in World Cup 2010
June 1, 2010 by Richard · Comments Off
Serbia will play against Ghana on 13/06 16:00 in Tshwane/Pretoria
The two teams will be playing against each other for the victory of Group D, 2nd match. The match venue is Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria that was built in 1906 and now has a capacity of 51,000.
When you compare Ghana to Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Chile, Cameroon or Paraguay in a pool where all the teams with the exception of Algeria have almost the same quality and chances of altering the tournament. But it is very well known why it is hard to battle Ghana. First, everyone knows how good they played in 2006 and how far they were able to go if they have not drawn Brazil in Round of 16 which they also played very well. Second is the admiration towards Michael Essien, who is at the moment considered to be one of the world’s very best midfielders. Defending, making extraordinary goals, passing, he is an all around player.
The rest of Ghana’s players are not so strong compared to Ivory Coast or Cameroon, but the team has talent and. The final reason is Milovan Rajevac, the coach of Ghana. The Black Stars have a well-known tradition of bringing Serbian coaches to their down fall. In 2006, they were coached by Ratomir Dujković, who is in their country already a living legend and the man that delivered their first World Cup in history. At the moment, he is leading the Serbian U21 team and now the Ghaneans have chosen Milovan Rajevac to lead them to their second title of the World Cup is his fellow countryman. Now, the fact that he is Serbian that has a great knowledge of Serbian football is now the ace in the sleeve of Ghana.
So, going against Ghana is the first one will very well determine the outcome of both teams. For the same reason, Ghana must be faced with seriously and without a shade of arrogance. Preparation should be made properly and going into this game with a knowledge that they are capable of defeating a team that is definitely not weak like some who is not well versed with football. If Servia will play the way that it should then they can play in the qualifiers, this is everybody’s ball game and nobody should think otherwise. They are both balanced groups which can finish with 9 or 0 points easily and it all depends on the players. Watch the World Cup 2010 Serbia vs. Ghana any you will see just how good these teams are.
Nigeria vs Korea Republic In World Cup 2010
May 30, 2010 by Richard · Comments Off
Nigeria will play against Korea Republic on 22/06 20:30 in Durban
Nigeria vs. Korea Republic has Nigeria on the spotlight. Lars Lagerback is the first Scandinavian and the 23rd expatriate coach of Nigeria since Englishman John Finch in 1949, to handle the Super Eagles. He was considered to be a long-shot to get the post ahead of former England bosses, Sven Goran-Eriksson and Glenn Hoddle, the Swede gave an impressive interview to be picked ahead of a strong field of candidates last February.
Sani Lulu, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), hailed Lagerback as Nigeria’s ‘Special One,’ and declared that the bearing of the coach and sure footedness will pass on the right mentality and new spirit on the players. As stated in an exclusive interview with FIFA. Coach Lagerback gave his impressions, thoughts and expectations regarding his first adventure in Africa.
The website of FIFA sends its congratulations for the appointment as the coach of Nigeria. And asked about working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)?
Lars Lagerback said he is very thankful and impressed with the hospitality that he has received. It is a fantastic time with some kind words and sometimes tough words. The Nigeria Football Federation has done their homework and planned for friendly games and ensured that the team is busy and it will help the coach make good assessment of the players. Lars thinks he can do something and make more time for preparations.
Korea Republic had a hard time from Korea DPR, who held their arch rivals to a triple tie before a slim loss in the fourth game. But it did not prevent the South Korea from reaching South Africa 2010. Determined stalemates in Saudi Arabia during the last game make them earn the point that they needed to continue. Once the Taeguk Warriors’ were up front, at present Ahn Jung-Hwan and Lee Dong-Gook are waiting for the chance to take part in probably their last FIFA World Cup™. The two strikers work in tandem with each other during the qualifying for Germany 2006, but four years onward, only coach Huh Jung-Moo knows if the duo or one of them will make it to South Africa. Ahn and Lee have a lot of things in common. They immediately took the stage on their first appearance in the K-League in 1998, with Pohang as a starlet Lee got the Rookie of the Year award and Ahn got the Most Valuable Player the following season with Busan. Lee shone on the world stage with an impressive appearance in 1998 at France, Ahn made it to Perugia in 2000 with the Italian Serie A. Korea is out to prove something, so don’t fail to see the World Cup 2010 Nigeria vs. Korea Republic.
Portugal vs Brazil In World Cup 2010
May 28, 2010 by Richard · Comments Off
World Cup 2010: Portugal will play against Brazil on 25/06 16:00 in Durban
Portugal vs. Brazil Friendly 1st Half Highlights
Highlights from the 1st half of the friendly match between Brazil and Portugal (February 2007)
Greece vs Argentina In World Cup 2010
May 27, 2010 by Richard · Comments Off
Greece will play against Argentina on 22/06 20:30 in Polokwane
First a backgrounder of their humble beginnings. A surprise was made by Switzerland in Group 2. The Schweizer Nati finished ahead of Greece and brag about a generation of players that is reaching maturity and the recently winners, U-17 world champions just waiting in the sideline. 2004 European champions Greece got their spot due to a slim play-off win against Ukraine (0-0, 1-0), who was unable to give Andriy Shevchenko his last FIFA World Cup.
Greek Theofanis Gekas, 29, is a qualifying top scorer with 10 goals, even with Angelos Charisteas being another Greek candidate for the position. Wolfsburg’s forward Edin Dzeko also showed good form with nine times in the campaign.
The team is a hard nut to break under Otto Rehhagel. The 2004 European champions return to world football’s top table for the first time since they started in 1994. With a solid front and back positions, King Otto’s well oiled charges will be unwavering to keep away from what happened in the American adventure, which got them three straight losses. The Greek camp should be more confident after they edged out 2006 quarter-finalists Ukraine for the European Zone play offs.
Argentina dragged themselves over the limit at the end of a crusade that produced more questions than answers. National idol Diego Maradona took over the coaching duties from Alfio Basile on Match day 11, which endured several buffeting blows, with a disastrous 6-1 defeat in Bolivia and a 3-1 win at home against arch rival Brazil. Yet, just when it was like green and go, it looked like they might slip out, La Albiceleste came up with a last minute winner versus Peru and then recorded a win at the Estadio Centenario in Montevideo to make certain of their position. That loss was not very damaging for Uruguay who won over Costa Rica after being dispatch to the play-offs for the third straight time.
Argentina coach Diego Maradona said from the bottom of his heart, he will dedicate their qualification to the people of Argentina and to them alone, the people who believed in him. There are also some sections of people who don’t deserve it and they know who they are. He recalls those things that some people who didn’t believe in the team and his leadership, those who treated him like rubbish. Now all he has to say is that they are in the World Cup and they intend to give it everything they’ve got to win. With Argentina on the war path, this World Cup 2010 Greece vs. Argentina will be a very classic match up.
France vs Mexico In World Cup 2010
World Cup 2010: France will play against Mexico on 17/06 20:30 in Polokwane, here is how their story started. Costa Rica, for the first time since 1998 in France, will not be representing the North, Central and Caribbean Zone CONCACAF at a FIFA World Cup™. Los Ticos, even though leading the final round for months of qualifying in the region but suffered a late collapse and were defeated in a final rounds of the two legged play off by Uruguay.
Spain getting ten wins and the Netherlands with eight wins in a group with five teams got maximum points, playing great and efficient football. Vicente Del Bosque came in to replace Luis Aragones as Spain coach and Bert van Marwijk, in place of Marco van Basten at the Dutch helm, did not affect the team’s winning form.
Slightly under the pecking order, but still without a loss, came Germany with eight wins and two draws and Italy with seven wins and three draws, two teams who tend to uplift their stature as the tournament progresses. Meanwhile, Fabio Capello’s, England team has nine wins and one defeat has started to strengthen since being unsuccessful to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008.
Theofanis Gekas, a Greek, is the qualifying top scorer with 10 goals, even though Angelos Charisteas is a more likely Greek candidate for the prize. Bosnia-Herzegovina forward Edin Dzeko a Wolfsburg’s 23-year-old also showed remarkable form, scoring nine times in the campaign.
Nicklas Bendtner, Arsenal’s 21-year-old is a cornerstone of Denmark’s attack. He was voted 2009 Player of the Year in his homeland. For the meantime, Brazilian-born Portgual forward Liedson was a creditable stand-in for Cristiano Ronaldo.
While it’s time for Costa Rican fans and players to feel sorry about what might have been, neighbors Honduras are in celebration after booking passage to their first FIFA World Cup since 1982, joining old-timers Mexico and USA at the contest’s 19th edition. The website of FIFA takes a look back at 16 action packed months of first round action in the New World.
Mexico was thankful to the sparkling attacking play of Giovani dos Santos and very fast winger Andres Guardado. They gave great showing during the match. Captain Rafa Marquez turned up big after coming back from a serious knee injury during his return play. The return from retirement of Cuauhtemoc Blanco cannot be undervalued in Aguirre’s team either, as he turned back the years to help inspire El Tri late in the campaign and showed the stuff he is really made off. After all the stats given the World Cup 2010 France vs. Mexico will be a very exiting match to watch.
