Spain's World Cup winning team celebration Video and Photo

Spain's victorious World Cup squad have returned to Madrid amid scenes of joyous celebration in the capital city. An estimated one million people lined a five-mile route in the Spanish capital as the team paraded in an open-top bus.

Hundreds of thousands of Spaniards filled the Madrid streets to welcome the team home.

The Spanish players were given a police escort.

The Spanish squad poses for a group shot with the trophy on board their flight from South Africa.

King Juan Carlos, centre, and members of the royal family pose with the Spanish national team and World Cup at a reception at the Royal Palace.


Spain's World Cup winning team celebration in a plan



As the players walked up and down the aisles collecting autographs, chanting and dancing while blowing the vuvuzelas, they are presented with a cake from the flight crew.


The band leader Pepe Reina, helped by the trio of David Villa, Sergio Ramos and Xavi is seen here singing and teasing lovebirds Iker Casillas and his girlfriend Sara Carbonero.


The Spanish team paraded through a sea of fans in Madrid.


The Spanish World Cup squad were greeted by King Juan Carlos.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Netherlands vs Spain 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Best Photos

Netherlands vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2010 Final Game Images

Played at Venue: Soccer City (Attendance: 84,490), Johannesburg
Date: Sunday, 11 July 2010

Andres Iniesta struck a dramatic winner late in extra time to give Spain World Cup glory for the first time but condemned the Netherlands to their third final defeat.

The players ( from top L) Pedro, Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos, Joan Capdevila, Gerard Pique, and Xabi Alonso; ( from bottom L) goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Andres Iniesta, David Villa, Xavi and Carles Puyol.

The players ( from top L) goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, Robin van Persie, John Heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, Dirk Kuyt, and Mark van Bommel; ( from bottom L) Gregory van der Wiel, Nigel de Jong, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben.

Spain's Andres Iniesta, top left, scores his side's decisive goal past Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg, foreground.

Spain's Andres Iniesta, third from right, celebrates after scoring the decisive goal with fellow team members during the World Cup final.

Spain's players pose with the World Cup trophy after winning their 2010 World Cup final.

Spain's captain Iker Casillas (C) kisses the World Cup trophy.

Spain head coach Vicente Del Bosque, center, holds up the World Cup trophy.

Spain's Prince Felipe, left, his wife Princess Letizia, second from left at center, Queen Sofia of Spain, top left, Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, top right, and Princess Maxima, right, attend the World Cup final.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, left, shakes hands with Former South African President Nelson Mandela, center, as his wife Graca Machel.

Fireworks are seen over Soccer City stadium after the World Cup final.

Fireworks light up the sky above Soccer City stadium after the 2010 World Cup final.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Netherlands vs Spain 2010 FIFA World Cup Final HD Highlights Video and Match Report

Netherlands vs Spain Final FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Soccer City (Attendance: 84,490), Johannesburg
Date: Sunday, 11 July 2010

Andres Iniesta struck a dramatic winner late in extra time to give Spain World Cup glory for the first time but condemned the Netherlands to their third final defeat.

Netherlands vs Spain Final Match Report
Iniesta secures Spanish glory Andres Iniesta grabbed a late winner in extra-time as Spain won the World Cup for the first time.

Iniesta struck with four minutes remaining to settle a tetchy encounter which saw English referee Howard Webb brandish a record 12 yellow cards, plus a red for Everton's John Heitinga on a night when Holland shamed the 'Total Football' for which they have been synonymous since the first of what is now three final defeats in 1974.

Webb deserves a huge amount of credit for not setting a new record for red cards, let alone yellow, the first of which he showed to Robin van Persie in the 14th minute. Pretty soon combative midfield duo Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong joined him for challenges that could easily have ended their evening.

The feeling that if the match had been played on a park pitch rather than being a showpiece occasion watched by an estimated three billion, one, or both, would have been sent off was inescapable. Van Bommel's challenge on Joan Capdevila was bad enough.

De Jong's karate kick on Xabi Alonso was awful. That Wesley Sneijder was not even cautioned for a similarly woeful attempt at stopping Pedro could only be put down to either Webb being unsighted or the Dutch playmaker diverting attention by claiming to be injured himself. Spain were not complete innocents in all of this.

But it was the European Champions who were feeling most aggrieved, which only intensified when Webb did not see a niggly second-half challenge from Van Bommel that sparked a reaction from Barcelona playmaker Iniesta. Vicente del Bosque was particularly annoyed, jabbing his finger at either Webb or Van Bommel, who were both in roughly the same area of the pitch.

It made for such unsightly viewing and a final which did not even come close to matching its billing. In fairness any game that is preceded by an appearance from Nelson Mandela is going to struggle to live up to expectations. However, as the rather tasteless celebrations of Uruguay's Luis Suarez showed after his "real Hand of God" that denied Ghana a place in the semi-final, the ends justify the means.

And that is exactly how Holland would have viewed it if Iker Casillas had not made a quite brilliant save to deny Arjen Robben after the former Chelsea star had been set free by Sneijder. Robben must have thought he had done everything right. Running at pace until he saw the whites of Casillas' eyes, he shaped to go one way, then placed his shot to the other corner.

Casillas was committed in the other direction but stuck out a leg and turned the effort wide. It was by some distance the best opportunity of the regulation 90 minutes, although Sergio Ramos had a couple of decent openings himself, both headers, both from crosses from Xavi. On the first occasion, Maarten Stekelenburg flung himself to his right and made the save at a point early enough in proceedings that a goal could have changed the contest completely.

By the time, unmarked, Ramos headed Xavi's corner over, Webb had become as much part of the occasion as the players. It was the only Englishman to survive beyond the last 16 that Robben ran to when he threatened to sprint through again, only to be denied by Casillas. But losing possession did not come before Carles Puyol had made a desperate grab for the Bayern Munich winger, who was convinced the Barcelona defender should have been sent off.

On as a substitute, with a point to prove after mustering the grand total of 93 minutes prior to tonight, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas twice came close to breaking the deadlock in extra-time, when Xavi also had a penalty claim turned down. But Spain were not to be denied.

Fabregas slotted it through to Iniesta and after one touch to control it, his second was a crisp volley past Stekelenburg. The loss of Fernando Torres to a hamstring injury in stoppage time may have further consequences for Liverpool. But in Madrid and Barcelona that will not matter. In Amsterdam, only a shattered reputation remains now.

Netherlands vs Spain Final line-ups:

Netherlands: 1-Maarten Stekelenburg; 2-Gregory van der Wiel, 3-John Heitinga, 4-Joris Mathijsen, 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst; 7-Dirk Kuyt, 6-Mark van Bommel, 10-Wesley Sneijder, 8-Nigel de Jong, 11-Arjen Robben; 9-Robin van Persie.

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi, 6-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets; 18-Pedro, 7-David Villa.

Referee: Howard Webb (England)

Netherlands vs Spain Final Extended Highlights Video 29.04 mins


or
Netherlands vs Spain Final Short Highlights Video 05.28 mins


116 mins GOAL by Andres Iniesta (Netherlands 0-1 Spain)

Fernando Torres gets the ball on the left and clips a cross into the box. It is half cleared to Cesc Fabregas and he finds Andres Iniesta in the area - the little Barca magician takes a touch before volleying past Maarten Stekelenburg. He whips his shirt off and the Spaniards have gone mental.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Uruguay vs Germany 3rd Place Highlights Video and Match Report

Uruguay vs Germany FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Attendance: 36,254), Port Elizabeth
Date: Sat, Jul 10 - Third Place Game
Sami Khedira nodded in a late winner as Germany saw off the spirited challenge of Uruguay in Port Elizabeth to finish in third place for the second World Cup running.
Uruguay vs Germany Match Report
Germany survive five-goal thriller Thomas Muller staked his claim for the Golden Shoe award as the World Cup's top scorer as Germany secured the third-place consolation prize.

The 20-year-old midfielder currently leads the race after his fifth goal of the tournament - the same as Diego Forlan, David Villa and Wesley Sneijder but with more `assists'. Villa and Sneijder play in the final but Muller, the outstanding young player of the tournament, set the target in only his eighth appearance for Germany.

Muller opened the scoring in a rain-soaked Port Elizabeth before Edinson Cavani equalised for Uruguay, then Diego Forlan volleyed the South Americans in front before a goalkeeping error allowed Marcell Jansen to equalise. A thrilling game - the most open contest of the World Cup - was finally decided when Sami Khedira headed home to give Germany their second third-place finish in consecutive tournaments.

Germany's hopes had looked dented when Miroslav Klose - who could have broken Ronaldo's all-time scoring record of 15 World Cup goals - was ruled out by a back injury. Muller was back from suspension however, as was Luis Suarez, the man whose controversial handball prevented Ghana from reaching the semi-finals. It was Germany who seized control of the match in the opening exchanges with Cacau having a goal ruled out and Arne Friedrich thumping a header against the crossbar.

Germany made their dominance tell in the 19th minute when Bastian Schweinsteiger let fly from 30 yards and Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera misjudged the shot, allowing Muller to tuck home the loose ball with a minimum of fuss. That should have been the cue for Joachim Low's side to impose their game on the South Americans but instead Schweinsteiger, their skipper and inspiration all tournament, allowed himself to be caught in possession by Diego Perez and suddenly it was the Germans being hit on the break.

Suarez's perfectly-timed pass put Cavani through on the left and he finished expertly low into the far corner to put Uruguay on level terms in the 28th minute. Suarez, the striker who has been so deadly for Ajax, spurned an excellent chance to seize the lead when he fired wide late in the first half.

The same player was denied again in the second by a reaction block from Hans-Jorg Butt, seconds after he had thwarted Cavani, but Germany's keeper could do nothing when Forlan's first-time shot from the edge of the box. Egidio Arevalo muscled his way down the right and Forlan met his cross on the volley, the ball bouncing down into the ground and whistling into the net with Butt helpless.

But just when Uruguay looked on top another goalkeeping blunder allowed Germany back into the game. Muslera came for Jerome Boateng's cross but missed it completely, allowing Jansen to head into an empty net. Butt kept Forlan at bay while at the other end substitute Stefan Kiessling twice came close to restoring Germany's lead.

With eight minutes left Mesut Ozil's corner caused chaos in the Uruguay area and Khedira looped a header into the corner to make it 3-2. Kiessling scooped over from a great position before with the very last kick of the game Forlan blasted a free-kick against the frame of the goal.

Uruguay vs Germany line-ups:

Uruguay: 1-Fernando Muslera; 2-Diego Lugano, 3-Diego Godin, 4-Jorge Fucile, 16-Maximiliano Pereira, 15-Diego Perez, 17-Egidio Arevalo, 7-Edinson Cavani, 22-Martin Caceres, 9-Luis Suarez, 10-Diego Forlan.

Germany: 22-Hans-Joerg Butt; 2-Marcell Jansen, 3-Arne Friedrich, 17-Per Mertesacker, 20-Jerome Boateng, 13-Thomas Mueller, 4-Dennis Aogo, 6-Sami Khedira, 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger, 19-Cacau, 8-Mesut Ozil.

Referee: Benito Archundia (Mexico).

Uruguay vs Germany Extended Highlights Video


19 mins GOAL by Thomas Mueller (Uruguay 0-1 Germany)

A goal is scored by Thomas Muller from inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal.Bastian Schweinsteiger provided the assist for the goal.

28 mins GOAL by Edinson Cavani (Uruguay 1-1 Germany)

Edinson Cavani grabs a goal from inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. The assist for the goal came from Luis Suarez.

51 mins GOAL by Diego Forlan (Uruguay 2-1 Germany)

Egidio Arevalo plays a cracking - if unconventional - one-two down the right with Luis Suarez and his cross to the edge of the box is acrobatically volleyed into the ground and into the Germany net by Diego Forlan.

56 mins GOAL by Marcell Jansen (Uruguay 2-2 Germany)

Jerome Boateng delivers the ball,Marcell Jansen grabs a headed goal from inside the six-yard box. Assist on the goal came from Jerome Boateng.

82 mins GOAL by Sami Khedira (Uruguay 2-3 Germany)

A corner from the Germany right is headed into the six-yard box and after Diego Lugano cannot adjust his feet quickly enough to clear, the ball pops up to Sami Khedira to loop a header into the corner of the net.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Netherlands vs Spain 2010 FIFA World Cup Final Live Streaming

Netherlands vs Spain 2010 FIFA World Cup Final free online live Streaming
Venue: Soccer City, Johannesburg
Date: Sunday, 11 July 2010
Kick-off: 19:30 BST
Netherlands vs Spain Final Match Preview
The first World Cup on African soil will be throwing up a new World Cup winner after both Spain and Netherlands dumped out previous winners to book a place in the final on Sunday.

Tipped as favorites to lift the trophy, Spain have lived up to their expectations by qualifying to their first ever World Cup final and are clear favorites to lift the trophy in spite of scoring just seven goals in their six games.

Spain dominated possession in each of their knockout stage and are expected to follow the same tactics against a Netherlands side that will be looking to avoid falling in the same trap as the other teams.

The Dutch are the surprise qualifiers to the final, securing a brilliant 2-1 victory over Brazil in the quarter finals before beating Uruguay 3-2 in the semi finals to book a place in their first World Cup final in more than three decades.

Gregory van der Wiel should be back in action for the Dutch after missing out the semi final due to suspension while Spain are likely to name an unchanged line-up with Fernando Torres once again expected to sit on the bench.


Netherlands vs Spain Head-to-head:

- Spain and the Netherlands have never met at the World Cup or European Championship before.

- In over 90 years of competition, they have met just nine times: they have won four encounters apiece, and drawn once.

- This will be the first World Cup final that does not involve one of Brazil, Argentina, Italy or (West) Germany.

- Their most recent meeting was a 1-0 friendly win for the Dutch in Rotterdam in 2002.

Netherlands

- The Netherlands are playing in their third World Cup final. They lost the 1974 and 1978 finals, to hosts West Germany and Argentina respectively.

- The Dutch are bidding to become only the second team to qualify for the World Cup with a 100% record and win every match at the tournament itself (matching Brazil in 1970).

- The Netherlands have won six World Cup matches at a single tournament for the first time. This beats their previous best of five in 1974, when they lost in the final.

- Van Marwijk's side are on a 25-match unbeaten streak, a record for the Dutch. Their last defeat was in September 2008 (a 2-1 loss to Australia in Eindhoven).

- They have scored 12 goals in South Africa - only Germany have scored more (13).

- Wesley Sneijder has scored 7 goals in his last 8 internationals. He was credited with Holland's first goal against Brazil, despite Felipe Melo appearing to get the last touch.

Spain

- Spain have lost only two of their last 54 games (to USA and Switzerland). Defeat to the Swiss was a bad omen - no side has ever won the World Cup after losing their opening game.

- Italy (1994), Argentina (1990) and West Germany (1982) all reached the final despite beginning their campaign with a loss. Argentina (1978) were the last team to win the tournament despite losing a game in the group stage.

- This is the fourth time the reigning European champions have reached a World Cup final. The only side to have lifted Fifa's trophy, West Germany, beat the Dutch in the 1974 final.

- The Germans failed to double up against Italy in 1982, while the Azzurri lost to Brazil in 1970 two years after winning Euro '68. France also held both titles concurrently, though they were crowned world champions first (in 1998).

- The Spanish are through to their first ever World Cup final. They did reach the final four in 1950 under a different format, when the remaining teams played out a group stage. The Spanish finished bottom, behind winners Uruguay plus Brazil and Sweden.

- David Villa is one goal away from equalling Raul's record of 44 goals for Spain. He has already equalled the Spanish record for most goals at a single World Cup (five), set by Emilio Butragueno in 1986.

- Spain have completed 3,387 passes at the World Cup, more than any other side. The Netherlands have managed 2,434. Prior to the third-place play-off, Spain had the tournament's top four passers: Xavi (464 completed passes), Busquets (420), Alonso (399) and Pique (378).

Netherlands vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2010 Highlights

Read the rest of this entry >>

Germany v Spain Semi-finals Highlights Video and Match Report

Germany v Spain Semi-finals FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium (Attendance: 60,960), Durban
Date: Wednesday, 7 July 2010

Spain reached the World Cup final for the first time after a second-half header from Carles Puyol secured a narrow victory over Germany after an intriguing match in Durban.

Germany v Spain Semi-finals Match Report
Carles Puyol powered Spain into their first World Cup final with a thunderous second-half header as Germany were beaten 1-0 in Durban.

The Euro 2008 winners dominated possession but initially struggled to create clear openings against Joachim Low's impressive young side. But after failing to break through with their subtle approach, Spain eventually brought out the sledgehammer.

Iker Casillas deserves plenty of credit for his fine save to deny Toni Kroos moments before the goal. But when midfield schemer Xavi curled a corner deep into the German box, 32-year-old Puyol showed the German young guns what experience can bring as he rose highest and then powered an unstoppable header beyond Manuel Neuer.

For Germany it was a game too far. But with their impressive victories against England and Argentina, they have signalled a new dawn for their national team.

Spain's prowess has been known for some time. That is why they had the strength to leave out a strangely shot-shy Fernando Torres. And against Holland at Soccer City on Sunday, they will attempt to confirm their class, as FIFA waits to crown a new champion, no matter what the outcome.

It was one of those games that is usually described as being for the purist. An alternative assessment would be boring. There was nevertheless a bewitching tactical battle that Spain started in the ascendancy and Germany slowly hauled their way back into.

The format was fairly predictable. Spain dominating possession, Xavi and Andres Iniesta attempting to pierce their opponents defence with intelligent and incisive close passing, while Germany looked to hit back with greater power on the counter-attack.

Aiming to become the first team since West Germany in 1972 and 1974 to follow up a European Championship triumph by lifting the World Cup as well, Spain's problem was the ferocious discipline of their opponents' defence.

On their charge to the last four, Mesut Ozil, suspended wide-man Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose have captured most of the headlines. But Germany could not function without Arne Friedrich and Per Mertesacker doing the business at the back.

Having axed Torres, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque was putting more responsibility than ever on the shoulders of David Villa. Yet the Barcelona-bound forward had just one sight of the German goal, when Torres' replacement Pedro threaded a pass through for him to run onto. Neuer was out just as quickly to make a brave block.

Germany hardly touched the ball for 25 minutes and as it turned out, would have probably benefited from a more English-style route one approach. But when Spain finally paused for breath, Piotr Trochowski, the man entrusted to fill Muller's right-sided berth, forced Iker Casillas into a scrambling low save and thereafter the Spain skipper was the busier goalkeeper until the break.

The interval just triggered a repeat of the opening to the first half, as Spain totally dominated their bewildered opponents without making it count. Their best opportunity came when Pedro let fly with a speculative effort that was too strong for Neuer to hold. Andres Iniesta was onto the rebound in a flash, drilling the ball across goal from the left to where Villa, sliding in at the far post, just failed to make contact.

As they had done before, Germany began to make their presence felt midway through the half when Lukas Podolski chipped a cross to the far post which substitute Kroos met perfectly. In such moments are big matches won and lost. On this occasion Casillas thundered across his goal and made an impressive and important save.

Minutes later, Spain had their lead. That it should come in such a direct manner after the neatness that had gone before just highlights the paradox of the game. Puyol's skill was to evade the arm grabs that are now commonplace at all corners by beginning his run from deep. It had the added advantage of giving him the power to ensure once he had got his head to Xavi's corner, Neuer had no chance of keeping the ball out.

Germany did their best to press for an equaliser but in the end, they lacked enough nous. Indeed, had it not been for the greed of Pedro, who could have presented substitute Torres with a late tap-in, the margin of victory could have been greater.

Germany v Spain Semi-finals line-ups:

Germany: 1-Manuel Neuer; 16-Philipp Lahm, 3-Arne Friedrich, 17-Per Mertesacker, 20-Jerome Boateng, 15-Piotr Trochowski, 6-Sami Khedira, 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger, 10-Lukas Podolski, 8-Mesut Ozil, 11-Miroslav Klose.

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi, 6-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets; 18-Pedro, 7-David Villa.

Referee: Viktor Kassai (Hungary).

Germany v Spain Semi-finals Extended Highlights Video 07:35 mins


73 mins GOAL by Carles Puyol (Germany 0-1 Spain)

Xavi flings over a corner from the left and Barcelona captain Carles Puyol climbs highest to absolutely thump a header from 10 yards past Manuel Neuer. Fabulous header!

Read the rest of this entry >>

Germany v Spain Semi-finals Live Streaming Free

Germany v Spain Semi-finals FIFA World Cup 2010 free online live Streaming
Venue: Durban
Date: Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Kick-off: 19:30 BST
Germany v Spain Match Preview
Spain face their biggest test of this World Cup so far as they look to book a place in their first ever World Cup final when they take on Germany in their semi final clash on Wednesday.

The reigning European champions have lived up to their expectations by making it to the semi finals but have looked far from their best, scoring just six goals from their five games so far in this competition.Spain struggled against Paraguay for most of the game with both sides being awarded penalties but Oscar Cardozo saw his shot saved brilliantly by Iker Casillas while Xabi Alonso also failed to beat the Paraguay keeper. David Villa once again came to Spain’s rescue by scoring his fifth goal in last four games with just seven minutes remaining on the clock to send Spain to their first ever semi final appearance in the competition.

Germany on the other hand had a far more comfortable outing as they successfully exploited Argentina’s weak defense to slam home four goals and secure a thumping victory over the South American side. Germany are now clear favorites to lift the trophy and Spain coach Vicente del Bosque will be aware that his side will have to improve on their performance if they are to have any hopes of making it to the final.

The Spanish coach has all of his players available for selection though Fernando Torres is likely to be dropped to the bench after yet another disappointing performance. Germany on the other hand will be without key player Thomas Muller who was shown a yellow card against Argentina.

Germany v Spain Head-to-head:

- Victory at Euro 2008 was only Spain's second win in eight competitive games against the Germans. They also beat them 1-0 in the group stage at the 1984 European Championship.

- Germany are unbeaten in three previous World Cup games against the Spanish. West Germany beat Spain 2-1 at Villa Park in a group game in 1966. They won by the same score at the Bernabeu in 1982, when the sides met in a second-round group match. Defeat eliminated the hosts, even though they had one more match to play.

-Jurgen Klinsmann's equaliser earned Germany a 1-1 draw in a group game at USA '94, staged at Chicago's Soldier Field.

- Overall, the two nations have met 20 times: Germany have won eight and Spain six, with six draws.

Germany

- Miroslav Klose has scored 14 goals in 18 World Cup games, and is just one short of the all-time record held by Brazilian star Ronaldo.

- This will be Germany's 11th World Cup semi-final - they have reached this stage in six of the last eight World Cups.

- While Italy beat the Germans in 1970 and 2006, it is 52 years since a side other than the Azzurri defeated them at the semi-final stage (hosts Sweden eliminated them in 1958).

Spain

- The Spanish are through to their first ever World Cup semi-final. They did reach the final four in 1950 under a different format, when the remaining teams played out a group stage. Spain finished bottom, behind winners Uruguay, Brazil and Sweden.

- David Villa is one goal away from equalling Raul's record of 44 goals for Spain. He has already equalled the Spanish record for most goals at a single World Cup (five), set by Emilio Butragueno in 1986.
Germany v Spain FIFA World Cup 2010 highlights

Read the rest of this entry >>

Uruguay vs Netherlands Semi-Final HD Highlights Video and Match Report

Uruguay vs Netherlands Semi-Final FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Green Point Stadium (Attendance: 62,479), Cape Town
Date: Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Two goals in three second-half minutes by Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben helped to see off a resolute Uruguay side and put the Netherlands into a World Cup final for the first time since 1978.

Uruguay vs Netherlands Semi-Final Match Report
Dutch set up final showdown Holland will have their chance to exorcise the ghosts of World Cup finals past on Sunday after they beat Uruguay 3-2 to set up a final showdown with Germany or Spain.

Goals from Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben secured a semi-final victory over Uruguay in Cape Town and a chance to avenge defeats on the game's biggest stage in 1974 and 1978. Bert van Marwijk's side may not delight like the `Total Football' Dutch teams from the playing days of Johan Cruyff.

But having waited so long, the `Oranje' will care little for that as the prepare to bring their own glow to Johannesburg in a meeting with either Spain or their 1974 conquerors Germany. The occasion will also provide captain Van Bronckhorst with the opportunity to end his career in glorious fashion.

The 35-year-old brilliantly put his side in front tonight before former Manchester United star Diego Forlan levelled with a goal that ultimately was not quite enough, even though Maximiliano Pereira's strike gave a glimmer of hope in stoppage time. Memories of Forlan's dismal time at Old Trafford and a less than sparkling season for Dirk Kuyt at Liverpool should have sent shudders down English spines.

Knowing one of those players would be competing to become world champion at Soccer City on Sunday only emphasised what a chance England let slip through their fingers when they failed to finish top of what still looks like a straightforward group even now. That is not to say Fabio Capello's men would have made it this far. Nothing they did in South Africa suggested it.

But, as both Uruguay and Holland felt at times during their own quarter-finals that they were heading home, it proves glory can emerge from the most unlikely settings. Uruguay's moment of despair came following that controversial handball from Luis Suarez that denied Africa its first semi-finalist and left a continent in mourning.

Retribution came in Cape Town as, without his trusted strike partner, Forlan was too isolated to cause Holland damage that was beyond repair. The 31-year-old Forlan has long since proved his time under Sir Alex Ferguson's wing was an aberration. Two Golden Boots in Spain and the goal to beat Fulham in this season's Europa League final do that alone.

Still, with the clock ticking down towards half-time, there seemed to be little on when Forlan collected possession 40 yards out. But, offered space to advance into, he then delivered the kind of shot this hotly-debated Jabulani ball was made for. Big questions will be asked of Maarten Stekelenburg. Yet, in super slow-motion, it was hard not to have some sympathy for the giant goalkeeper as the ball shuddered in flight and then found the net with Stekelenburg just out of position.

Stekelenburg's part in the equaliser ensured Van Bronckhorst's opener was the better of two eye-catching first-half efforts. As with Forlan, there seemed no danger when the Dutch skipper received possession in a similar position, far from goal. Due to retire when this tournament is over, the 35-year-old defender could not have been any more accurate had he placed the 35-yard shot into the net himself.

High to the goalkeeper's left, so far into the corner that it struck the inside of the post before finding the net, it also had the speed of a tracer bullet, which left Fernando Muslera beaten. Uruguay had not made their impact in South Africa through dazzling skill and unchecked flair.

They are defensively aware and exceptionally well organised by wily old coach Oscar Tabarez. Yet the indignation with which Tabarez met legitimate questions about Suarez's conduct against Ghana was not becoming of a world champion. So, for all the effort of his team, and the excellence of Forlan, it was perhaps right that Holland should emerge victors.

They took their time about it though as Uruguay's defence threatened to hold firm, so it took a bit of good fortune to bring about a second goal. We will never know whether Sneijder's shot would have gone in without the deflection off Pereira. With it, at such close quarters, it deceived everyone in its wake. Even Robin van Persie was caught off guard as it flashed through a crowd of bodies so dense Sneijder had to watch carefully to ensure it had found the net.

Three minutes later, Robben rose to power home Kuyt's cross. For Forlan and Uruguay, the game was up. For Holland, the glory that proved so unobtainable all those years ago, is in reach again.

Uruguay vs Netherlands Semi-Final line-ups:

Uruguay: 1-Fernando Muslera; 3-Diego Godin, 6-Mauricio Victorino, 5-Walter Gargano, 16-Maximiliano Pereira, 22-Martin Caceres, 15-Diego Perez, 11-Alvaro Pereira, 17-Egidio Arevalo, 7-Edinson Cavani, 10-Diego Forlan.

Netherlands: 1-Maarten Stekelenburg; 12-Khalid Boulahrouz, 3-John Heitinga, 4-Joris Mathijsen, 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst; 7-Dirk Kuyt, 6-Mark van Bommel, 10-Wesley Sneijder, 14-Demy de Zeeuw, 11-Arjen Robben; 9-Robin van Persie.

Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan).

Uruguay vs Netherlands Semi-Final Extended Highlights Video


18 mins GOAL by Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Uruguay 0-1 Netherlands)

The Netherlands work it from right to left and when the ball gets to Giovanni van Bronckhorst 35 yards out to the left, it looks like he's got very little on. But the 35-year-old conjures up an absolute screamer, sending a stunning left-foot drive into the top corner, just flicking the fingertips of Fernando Muslera on its way into the postage stamp. Magnificent.

40 mins GOAL by Diego Forlan (Uruguay 1-1 Netherlands)

Uruguay captain Diego Forlan collects the ball 35 yards from the Netherlands goal, turns into some space in a central position and lets fly with a left-foot shot that seems to swerve in the air and bamboozle Maarten Stekelenburg, who can only help the ball one-handed high into his own net.

70 mins GOAL by Wesley Sneijder (Uruguay 1-2 Netherlands)

Decent move leads to a shooting chance for man-of-the-moment Wesley Sneijder and after it takes a deflection off Maxi Pereira, it might even brush off Robin van Persie's shin as it flies past Fernando Muslera into the bottom left-hand corner.

73 mins GOAL by Arjen Robben (Uruguay 1-3 Netherlands)

Dirk Kuyt cuts back on to his right foot down the left and his cross into the box - slightly behind Arjen Robben - produces a fabulous header from the winger, directing it into the bottom right-hand corner, in off the post.

90 mins GOAL by Maxi Pereira (Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands)

Victorio Maxi Pereira finds the net with a goal from the edge of the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Walter Gargano provided the assist for the goal.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Uruguay vs Netherlands Semi-finals Online Live Streaming

Uruguay vs Netherlands Quarter-final FIFA World Cup 2010 free online live Streaming
Venue: Cape Town
Date: Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Kick-off: 19:30 BST
Uruguay vs Netherlands Quarter-final Match Preview
Uruguay will be looking to qualify to their first World Cup final in more than six decades when they take on Netherlands in their semi final clash on Tuesday.

The South American side were not expected to progress this far in the competition and needed an element of luck in order to beat Ghana in the quarter finals. Ghana had taken the lead through Sulley Muntari but Diego Forlan equalized in the second half before Ghana were denied an extra time winner as Asamoah Gyan hit the bar from penalty spot before Uruguay prevailed in the penalty shootout.

Netherlands on the other hand qualified for their second semi final in their last three appearances after pulling off one of the biggest upsets by beating Brazil in the quarter final. The Dutch had gone behind thanks to Robinho in the first half, but an own goal by Felipe Melo and another by Wesley Sneijder helped them secure a 2-1 win.

The Dutch will be without Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong both of whom are suspended for the game while Joris Mathijsen is a major doubt after missing the quarter finals due to an injury. Uruguay on the other hand will be without Luis Suarez who was sent off while Jorge Fucile is suspended.

Uruguay vs Netherlands Head-to-head:

- The Dutch beat the Uruguayans 2-0 in their opening game at the 1974 World Cup. Johnny Rep scored both goals, while Uruguay had Juan Montero Castillo sent off. Diego Forlan's father, Pablo, played in the match.

- The only other meeting since then was a friendly in Montevideo in 1980 that the home side won 2-0.

- Uruguay also beat the Dutch on the way to winning Olympic gold in 1924 and 1928.

Uruguay

- Uruguay are in the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1970, when they lost 3-1 to Brazil.

- They have conceded only two goals in five games in South Africa.

- Uruguay are unbeaten in their last seven World Cup games, including their last two group matches in 2002 (which were both drawn).

- They won the tournament in 1930 and 1950, though the second of their triumphs did not come in an orthodox "final". Instead they competed in a four-team group stage, overtaking Brazil with victory against them in their final game.

Netherlands

- The Netherlands have won five consecutive World Cup matches for the first time. This beats their previous best run of four in 1974, when they reached the final.

- Van Marwijk's side are on a 24-match unbeaten run, a record for the Dutch. Their last defeat was in September 2008 (a 2-1 loss to Australia in Eindhoven).

- They have won each of their last three matches 2-1.

- Wesley Sneijder has scored six goals in his last seven internationals.
Uruguay vs Netherlands FIFA World Cup 2010 highlights

Read the rest of this entry >>

Paraguay vs Spain Highlights Video and Match Report

Paraguay vs Spain Quarter-final FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Ellis Park (Attendance: 55,359), Johannesburg
Date: Monday, 28 June 2010

David Villa snatched a late winner to book Spain's first appearance in a World Cup semi-final as they beat Paraguay in a largely disappointing quarter-final tie that nonetheless boasted moments of incredible drama.

Paraguay vs Spain Quarter-final Match Report
Villa sends Spain through David Villa enhanced his reputation as the World Cup's outstanding striker with a late winner to give a below-par Spain an historic 1-0 victory over Paraguay. The 28-year-old struck his fifth goal of the finals to send the perennial underachievers to their first-ever World Cup semi-finals.

It was tough on Paraguay who had matched the European champions for much of the game - and though this has been a World Cup of shocks, the needle would have gone off the Richter scale if the South Americans had triumphed. Spain now face Germany in the semi-finals - not since 1950, where they were part of a four-team final group, have they had such an opportunity to reach the final itself.

Both sides contrived to miss penalties before Villa came up trumps after Andres Iniesta had carved out an opening for Pedro, who hit the post with his new Barcelona team-mate producing the perfect follow up. Until then, Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino, who made no fewer than six changes from the side that scraped past Japan on penalties, had got his tactics just right.

Spain's coach Vicente del Bosque kept faith with the same starting line-up for the third game in a row but familiarity bred contempt for the first hour. Paraguay could have gone ahead in the very first minute had they taken advantage of an excellent opening. The Spanish defence was split open by Oscar Cardozo who found Jonathan Santana on the edge of the box but his shot was tame and Iker Casillas was not troubled.

Cristian Riveros headed over as Paraguay continued their refusal to be overawed while Xavi, dogged by Cristian Riveros snapping at his heels, had a poor first half. Those usually laser-guided missiles from his boot looked as though the control system had gone wonky. Spain failed to bring a single save out of Justo Villar in the first 45 minutes - Xavi's spin and volley that dipped just too late their one highlight, while Fernando Torres looked woeful.

After Joan Capdevila's free-kick was blocked, a break by Paraguay saw a stunning cross by Claudio Morel that was just missed by Santana. Villa, who had looked the liveliest of the off-colour Spaniards, dragged a chance wide before Paraguay were controversially denied the lead. Nelson Valdez brought down the ball and finished expertly but was flagged offside - replays showed he was just on - and he put his next chance high and wide after turning Carles Puyol inside and out at pace.

After 10 minutes of the second half del Bosque had seen enough and he sent on Cesc Fabregas for Torres and suddenly a drab game exploded into life. Paraguay were awarded a penalty after Gerard Pique hauled down Cardozo. The Benfica forward dusted himself down and stepped up but Casillas saved low to his left. Almost immediately referee Carlos Batres from Guatemala awarded a spot-kick at the other end after Villa was felled by Antolin Alcaraz.

Xabi Alonso put it away only to be made to re-take it due to encroachment and this time Villar came up trumps - and he then got away with clipping Fabregas who reached the loose ball first. Iniesta, who had been much subdued, suddenly woke up and brought a terrific save out of Villar with a curling effort, then lofted another effort high over the bar. Fabregas' hustling saw Xavi presented with a shooting chance and he hit it almost too well as it whistled past the post.

With seven minutes left Spain finally produced a goal worthy of their lofty reputation when Iniesta went on a fantastic run and set up Pedro whose shot hit the post, with Villa reacting instinctively to fire it in off the other upright. Now he has 43 goals for his country, only one behind Raul. It was left to Casillas to rival Villa as Spain's hero with a double save in the dying seconds to keep out Lucas Barrios and Roque Santa Cruz.

Paraguay vs Spain Quarter-final line-ups:

Paraguay: 1-Justo Villar; 2-Dario Veron, 14-Paulo Da Silva, 21-Antolin Alcaraz, 3-Claudio Morel, 8-Edgar Barreto, 11-Jonathan Santana, 15-Victor Caceres, 16-Cristian Riveros, 18-Nelson Valdez, 7-Oscar Cardozo.

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi, 6-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets; 9-Fernando Torres, 7-David Villa.

Referee: Carlos Batres (Guatemala).

Paraguay vs Spain Quarter-final Extended Highlights Video


82 mins GOAL by David Villa Paraguay 0-1 Spain

Andres Iniesta drifts past two players and tees up Pedro and after his shot crashes back off the post, it comes back to David Villa and - via both posts - his right-foot curler eventually finds the net.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Argentina vs Germany Highlights Video and Match Report

Argentina vs Germany Quarter-final FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Green Point Stadium (Attendance: 64,100), Cape Town
Date: Saturday, Jul 3 - Quarterfinal

Germany tore Argentina apart to book their place in the semi-finals and, for now at least, end Diego Maradona's dream of winning the World Cup as coach to go with his victory as captain in 1986.

Argentina vs Germany Quarter-final Match Report
Imperious Germany oust Argentina Six days after turfing England out of the World Cup with a magical display, Germany cast their spell on Argentina with a brilliant quarter-final performance.

Argentina were buried thanks to a third-minute goal from Thomas Muller and two second-half efforts from Miroslav Klose either side of one from Arne Friedrich. Even Diego Maradona would had appreciated it had he not been in the opposite dug-out. An imperious masterclass from a side on the march. Who knows whether Germany will win the World Cup. But when Fabio Capello talks about the future, about Euro 2012 and the improvements England will make, this is the team he must measure his own by.

And the gulf is huge. Games of this magnitude can often be dull, sterile affairs, where two giants cancel each other out completely. This spectacular never had a chance of being that way. An Argentina team containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, managed by one of the most creative forces there has ever been, is not exactly set up to defend. Germany's talents are not as well known.

But over the past week Joachim Low's team have made some statement. Wherever he was watching, Capello must have at least taken some comfort from the fact England are not the only ones to suffer. Nor are they the only ones with a goalkeeper prone to make errors. When Nicolas Otamendi brought Podolski down by the touchline, the start of what turned out to be a tortuous opening period for the young full-back, Bastian Schweinsteiger curled the free-kick to the near post.

Muller escaped Otamendi's attentions and rose unchallenged. The youngster should have sent a firm header into the corner. Instead, he got the faintest touch which deceived Sergio Romero, who must have thought he was going to be beaten anyway. It shot off the Argentina keeper's leg and rolled into the net. For a good 15 minutes, those famous blue and white shirts were seen twisting and turning in all directions as they tried to keep their opponents at bay.

Klose wasted a golden opportunity to double the advantage when Muller capitalised on Gabriel Heinze's error and squared for the veteran frontman. On his 100th appearance, it should have been his 51st goal. But he rushed the opportunity and side-footed over. Too young to be considered for Germany's triumphant Under-21 squad at last summer's European Championships, what a year Muller has had.

In reaching the Champions League final with Bayern Munich, he had already confirmed himself as one of the best young players in the world. On successive weekends, both England and Argentina have discovered the 20-year-old is a rich talent as well. Unfortunately, football can be a cruel sport and a harsh booking for handball means the youngster will miss Wednesday's semi-final in Durban.

After being hurt so badly so quickly, Argentina at least managed to clear their heads and began to respond. The problem was Germany's defence was rock solid, their movement choreographed superbly. Messi tried to sparkle but he was forced further back to gain meaningful possession, and then surrounded instantly to ensure there was no escape.

Another star name destined to leave South Africa without making a significant mark, or scoring a goal, Messi did his best with the scraps that were offered without making the mesmerising burst or defence-splitting pass his team craved. On the touchline, Maradona stood, knowing the difference between a great player and the absolute best is their ability to produce when the pressure is at its greatest, as he did in 1986.

Since then, Germany have gained revenge, both in the 1990 final and the quarter-final four years ago. In his amusing dismissal of England, German skipper Philipp Lahm said he wanted to win today, inside 90 minutes, for his country to finally defeat a big team. It was time for his youthful team-mates to announce their arrival. First, a prone Muller stabbed the ball into space and set Podolski free to present Klose with a tap-in.

Then, pushing forward even though the game was won, Friedrich was on hand to finish from close range after Schweinsteiger had cut through the Argentine defence like a knife through butter. Klose finished the rout.

Argentina vs Germany Quarter-final line-ups:

Argentina: 22-Sergio Romero; 15-Nicolas Otamendi, 2-Martin Demichelis, 4-Nicolas Burdisso, 6-Gabriel Heinze, 14-Javier Mascherano, 20-Maxi Rodriguez, 7-Angel Di Maria, 10-Lionel Messi, 11-Carlos Tevez, 9-Gonzalo Higuain.

Germany: 1-Manuel Neuer; 16-Philipp Lahm, 3-Arne Friedrich, 17-Per Mertesacker, 20-Jerome Boateng, 13-Thomas Mueller, 6-Sami Khedira, 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger, 10-Lukas Podolski, 8-Mesut Ozil, 11-Miroslav Klose.

Referee: Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan).

Argentina vs Germany Quarter-final Extended Highlights Video 14:41 mins


3 mins GOAL by Thomas Mueller (Argentina 0-1 Germany)

Free kick awarded for a foul by Nicolas Otamendi on Lukas Podolski. Center by Bastian Schweinsteiger,Thomas Muller finds the back of the net with a headed goal from inside the area.

68 mins GOAL by Miroslav Klose (Argentina 0-2 Germany)

Thomas Mueller somehow finds a pass to Lukas Podolski on the left and his perfect pass along the six-yard box is tapped in by a gleeful Miroslav Klose, his 13th goal in World Cup finals.

74 mins GOAL by Arne Friedrich (Argentina 0-3 Germany)

Arne Friedrich scores a goal from close in to the bottom left corner of the goal.
Assist on the goal came from Bastian Schweinsteiger.

89 mins GOAL by Miroslav Klose (Argentina 0-4 Germany)

Germany break with pace as Lukas Podolski sends Mesut Ozil away down the left and his floated cross lands perfectly for Miroslav Klose to volley into the corner past Sergio Romero. Klose now has 14 goals in World Cups, one behind the great Ronaldo.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Uruguay vs Ghana Highlights Video and Match Report

Uruguay vs Ghana Quarter-final FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Soccer City (Attendance: 84,017), Johannesburg
Date: Friday, 2 July 2010

Uruguay reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time since 1970, but ended the hopes of Africa after winning a truly extraordinary match at Soccer City on a penalty shoot-out.

Uruguay vs Ghana Quarter-final Match Report
Ghana bow out Uruguay 1 Ghana 1 (after extra time, Uruguay win 4-2 on penalties) Ghana bowed out of the World Cup in the most heartbreaking circumstances in one of the most amazing finishes to a match the World Cup has ever seen.

In this tournament's 80-year history, surely there has never been such agony for a country, and a continent. Luis Suarez had used his hands to keep out a header in the last minute of extra-time but his red card will be no solace to the Black Stars after Asamoah Gyan's spot-kick hit the bar and Uruguay triumphed in the shoot-out.

Soccer City was deathly silent as Ghana players collapsed in tears, while Uruguay celebrated their first semi-final appearance, in which they will play Holland, for 40 years. The South Americans' goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was the hero, saving twice from John Mensah, the Sunderland centre-back, and Dominic Adiyiah, but there was a nasty taste left in the mouth as Suarez was carried shoulder high by his team.

This had been a thrilling, exhilarating, and no-holds barred contest full of thunderous tackles and fierce commitment that really set this World Cup alight. Sulley Muntari, almost sent home earlier on in the tournament after a bust up with Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, had given his side the lead before Diego Forlan equalised with a viciously-swerving free-kick for his third goal of the finals.

Ghana carried the hopes of the continent with them, and especially South Africans, in their quest to become the first African country to qualify for the semi-finals. The South Americans, aiming for their first appearance in the last four since 1970, had only conceded one goal all tournament. Perhaps it was the burden of expectation, but Ghana looked nervous from the start while Uruguay, and Suarez in particular, emanated menace.

It was the Ajax striker who first threatened, sweeping past Isaac Vorsah and firing in a shot that Richard Kingson managed to parry. Forlan's dead-ball expertise was also causing Ghana problems and his corner deflected off Mensah's back and Kingson made a reaction save.

Kingson continued his superb form this tournament with a stunning save to tip over from Suarez - why he has been released by Wigan, and been third-choice keeper there for the last two years, is one of football's great mysteries. Ghana had done virtually nothing in reply when, inspired by Kevin-Prince Boateng, they suddenly began to play. Two great chances came in as many minutes as Vorsah planted a header from Muntari's corner just past the angle and then Gyan was inches wide after brilliant work by Boateng.

Then the German-born midfielder, still on the books at Portsmouth, who nearly conjured up a spectacular opener with an overhead kick before Muntari struck first-half injury time. The Inter Milan midfielder - himself ex-Portsmouth - hit a speculative shot from 30 yards out, Gyan ducked and Uruguay keeper Fernando Muslera was caught flat-footed as the ball sneaked into the corner.

The goal made for an open second half with Uruguay having to force the game, and the South Americans claimed a penalty when Edinson Cavani went down under Vorsah's challenge but replays showed Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca was spot on to wave the appeals away. It look ominous for Ghana however when John Pantsil swept away Fucile's legs on the edge of the box, and Forlan produced the perfect free-kick that went over the wall and dipped under the crossbar.

Even Kingson could do nothing. Ghana did not let their heads drop however and Gyan brought a smart save out of Muslera but Uruguay should have taken the lead when Forlan produced an outstanding cross that cut out the entire defence. You would have put your house on Suarez volleying home at the far post but instead he rippled the side-netting.

Boateng looked to be denied a legitimate penalty after a smart turn, with Muntari wasting the chance that presented itself afterwards. Kingson kept Ghana in it with a sharp near-post save from Suarez, and ensured extra time. Gyan was thwarted by a large-ditch block by Andres Scotti as Ghana hunted for a breakthrough then Pantsil was lucky not to be penalised after tangling with Sebastian Eguren in his own area.

Ghana finished the stronger with Gyan and Boateng going close before Forlan flashed a last chance wide. An incredible last minute saw Suarez sent off for saving Adiyiah's header on the line with his fist, and Gyan smashing the penalty against the bar. Then came the shoot-out, and terrible agony for Ghana.

Uruguay vs Ghana Quarter-final line-ups:

Uruguay: 1-Fernando Muslera; 2-Diego Lugano, 6-Mauricio Victorino, 4-Jorge Fucile, 16-Maximiliano Pereira, 15-Diego Perez, 17-Egidio Arevalo, 7-Edinson Cavani, 20-Alvaro Fernandez, 9-Luis Suarez, 10-Diego Forlan.

Ghana: 22-Richard Kingson; 4-John Pantsil, 5-John Mensah, 15-Isaac Vorsah, 2-Hans Sarpei; 6-Anthony Annan, 23-Kevin-Prince Boateng, 7-Samuel Inkoom, 11-Sulley Muntari; 21-Kwadwo Asamoah, 3-Asamoah Gyan.

Referee: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal).

Uruguay vs Ghana Quarter-final Extended Highlights Video 16:38 mins


45 mins GOAL by Sulley Muntari (Uruguay 0-1 Ghana)

Sulley Muntari picks the ball up in the Uruguay half and there's no-one anywhere near him so he takes a touch, moves into space and from about 35 yards he hits a sweet left-foot shot that curls away from a badly-positioned Fernando Muslera and flies into the corner.

55 mins GOAL by Diego Forlan (Uruguay 1-1 Ghana)

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Jorge Fucile by John Pantsil. Booking for John Pantsil for unsporting behaviour.Diego Forlan scores a goal direct from the free kick from outside the penalty area to the top right corner of the goal.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Netherlands vs Brazil World Cup Highlights Video and Match Report

Netherlands vs Brazil Quarter-final FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (Attendance: 40,186), Port Elizabeth
Date: Friday, 2 July 2010 Quarter-final

The Netherlands produced a stunning second-half comeback to reach the semi-finals as Brazil's World Cup imploded in a dramatic game in Port Elizabeth.

Netherlands vs Brazil Match Report
Sneijder dumps Brazil Wesley Sneijder dumped favourites Brazil out of the World Cup as Holland finally got the better of their South American nemesis with a 2-1 victory. But they had to come from behind to avenge their heartbreaking defeats of 1994 and 1998 and book their place in the semi-finals.

Robinho, who had already had an effort ruled out for offside, fired the Brazilians ahead with just 10 minutes gone, and the Dutch struggled to cope during the opening 45 minutes. But Felipe Melo's 53rd-minute own goal gave them fresh impetus and Sneijder won it 22 minutes from time as Melo was dismissed for stamping on Arjen Robben.

However, Holland will have to do without both full-back Gregory van der Wiel and midfielder Nigel de Jong for Tuesday's semi-final in Cape Town after both collected second bookings. Dutch legend Johan Cruyff had claimed dismissively before the game that he would not pay to watch this Brazil team, and if he did stay away from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, he may have been glad he did so at half-time.

Dunga's men may not possess the all flair of their forebears, but they had more than enough to cut Holland open almost at will, and the 1-0 lead they enjoyed at half-time was scant reward for their dominance. Robinho thought he had given the South Americans the lead with just eight minutes gone after Luis Fabiano and Dani Alves combined to carve open the path to goal and he supplied the finish.

An offside flag ended that celebration, but the #32.5million man did not have to wait too long for a chance to ease his disappointment. This time, it was defensive midfielder Melo who split the Dutch rearguard wide open with a straight ball down the middle, and Robinho left orange shirts floundering in his wake as he beat keeper Maarten Stekelenburg with consummate ease.

But for Stekelenburg, the game would effectively have been over by the break with the Ajax man pulling off a fine one-handed save to keep out Kaka's curling 31st-minute effort after Robinho and Luis Fabiano had left Holland once again chasing shadows down the left.

The keeper was relieved to see full-back Maicon's rasping drive, which bore similarities to Carlos Alberto's stunning strike in 1970, tear into the side-netting in injury time with the Dutch very much up against it. But they resumed in more determined fashion, and they got their reward within eight minutes of he restart when, after Sneijder had curled a cross hopefully into the penalty area, Julio Cesar and Melo challenged each other and the ball went in off the midfielder's head.

Robben started to cause problems in the wake of the goal, but Alves flashed a long-range effort just wide and Kaka also went close at the other end as Brazil responded. But it was Holland who took the lead with 22 minutes remaining when Kuyt flicked on Robben's corner and Sneijder steered a header into the net.

Melo received his marching orders five minutes later for senselessly stamping on Robben with his side's World Cup dream rapidly unravelling. Andre Ooijer's last-ditch tackle denied Kaka five minutes from time, and there was no way back for the five-time winners.

Netherlands vs Brazil line-ups:

Netherlands: 1-Maarten Stekelenburg; 2-Gregory van der Wiel, 3-John Heitinga, 4-Joris Mathijsen, 5-Giovanni van Bronckhorst; 7-Dirk Kuyt, 6-Mark van Bommel, 10-Wesley Sneijder, 8-Nigel de Jong, 11-Arjen Robben; 9-Robin van Persie.

Brazil: 1-Julio Cesar; 2-Maicon, 3-Lucio, 4-Juan, 6-Michel Bastos, 5-Felipe Melo, 8-Gilberto Silva, 13-Dani Alves, 10-Kaka, 11-Robinho, 9-Luis Fabiano.

Referee: Yuichi Nishimura (Japan).

Netherlands vs Brazil Extended Highlights Video 11:28 mins


10 mins GOAL by Robinho (Netherlands 0-1 Brazil)

Felipe Melo is on the halfway line and he plays a simple, direct pass forward where, incredibly, Robinho is onside and 20 yards out - he takes his time before slotting past Maarten Stekelenburg.

53 mins GOAL by Felipe Melo (Netherlands 1-1 Brazil)

Headed own goal by De Carvalho Felipe Melo.

68 mins GOAL by Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands 2-1 Brazil)

Arjen Robben curls over a corner from the right, Dirk Kuyt flicks on at the near post and there is Wesley Sneijder to head into the corner.

Read the rest of this entry >>

Paraguay vs Spain Live Online World Cup 2010

Paraguay vs Spain Quarter-final SA FIFA World Cup 2010 free online live Streaming
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Date: Monday, 28 June 2010
Kick-off: 19:30 BST
Paraguay vs Spain Match Preview
Paraguay will be looking to keep their historic World Cup campaign alive by pulling off another shock result when they take on Spain in their quarter final clash on Saturday

The South American side were expected to have a tough fight on hand to qualify to the knockout stages but finished at the top of their group table before a thrilling penalty shootout against Japan ensured that Paraguay qualified to the quarter finals of the tournament for the first time in their history.

Coach Gerardo Martino was delighted with the result and hoped that they can repeat the performance against a team that is one of the favorites to lift the trophy.

Spain on the other hand look to be slowly returning to their best form as they secured a narrow 1-0 win over Portugal in their knockout stage clash with David Villa scoring his fourth goal in three games.

Coach Vicente del Bosque expressed his satisfaction at the result and claimed that his players are now determined to become the first Spanish side to lift the World Cup

Paraguay vs Spain Head-to-head:
- They have met three times in their history. Two of those matches came at the group stage at the World Cup - they drew 0-0 in 1998 and Spain won 3-1 four years later. Their other meeting was a 0-0 draw in a friendly, also in 2002.

Paraguay
- Paraguay are in the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time. They are the 12th nation of the 13 that appeared in the inaugural World Cup in 1930 that has reached the quarter-final stage, leaving Bolivia as the only country not to have done it.

- Defender Denis Caniza is hoping to become the second Paraguayan to win 100 caps.

- Roque Santa Cruz has not scored a World Cup goal in 799 minutes. His last and only goal came in 2002 in a 2-2 draw with South Africa.

Spain
- They must make history if they are to win the World Cup, as no country has lost its first group match and gone on to lift the trophy.

- They have only lost twice in their last 52 internationals - and both defeats came on South African soil (2-0 v USA and 1-0 v Switzerland).

- David Villa is just one goal short of Emilio Butragueno's Spanish record of five goals at one World Cup, set in 1986.

- Spain have reached the last four just once in World Cup history, in 1950.
Paraguay vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2010 highlights

Read the rest of this entry >>

Argentina vs Germany Live Online World Cup 2010

Argentina vs Germany Quarter-final SA FIFA World Cup 2010 free online live Streaming
Venue: Cape Town
Date: Sat, Jul 3 - Quarterfinal
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Argentina vs Germany Match Preview
Argentina face their biggest test of this World Cup when they take on in-form Germany in their quarter final clash on Saturday.

Diego Maradona’s side have impressed many with their free flowing attacking football but their fragile defense is yet to be tested by a tough opponent so far in the competition.

Argentina have won their last nine games, including four in this competition, and are favorites to lift the title with the rest of the major footballing nations struggling to find form.

However they take on a Germany side that will be going into the match on the back of an excellent attacking display against England.

Tipped to struggle against the Premier League superstars, Germany completely demolished their arch rivals with Thomas Muller scoring a brace after Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski had given Germany a 2-0 lead.
Argentina vs Germany FIFA World Cup 2010 highlights

Read the rest of this entry >>

Uruguay vs Ghana Quarter-final Live Online World Cup 2010

Uruguay vs Ghana SA FIFA World Cup 2010 free online live Streaming
Venue: Soccer City, Johannesburg
Date: Friday, 2 July 2010
Kick-off: 19:30 BST
Uruguay vs Ghana Match Preview
Ghana will be looking to maintain their unexpected run in the World Cup by qualifying to the semi finals for the first time in their history when they take on Uruguay on Friday.

The African team has already bettered its best performance in the competition by dumping out United States in the knockout stage and qualifying to the quarter finals.

Having seen his side put up impressive performances, coach Milovan Rajevac will be optimistic that they can become the first African team to progress to the semi finals at the World Cup.

Uruguay on the other hand start the match as favorites to qualify for their first semi final clash in more than four decades. The South American side had failed to progress past the knockout stage since 1970 but have impressed in their four games with Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez being particularly impressive up front.

Uruguay vs Ghana Head-to-head:
- This will be the first full international between the two teams. The Ghanaian side that won the Fifa Under-20 World Cup last year drew 2-2 with Uruguay in the group stage.

Uruguay
- Uruguay have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1970. That year they beat the USSR 1-0 to reach the final four, before losing 3-1 to Brazil in the semi-finals.

- The Uruguayans have conceded only one goal in four games in South Africa.

- They are unbeaten in their last six World Cup games, including their last two group matches in 2002 (which were both drawn).

- Luis Suarez's goal against South Korea made him the first Uruguayan to score in successive World Cup matches since Juan Eduardo Hohberg in 1954.

Ghana
- The Black Stars are the third African team to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, following in the footsteps of Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002). Victory would make them the first to reach the semi-finals.

- Asamoah Gyan has scored three times in South Africa, and also netted at the 2006 World Cup. He needs one more to match Roger Milla's African record of five career World Cup goals.

- No African side has ever won a World Cup knock-out match without the game going to extra-time.
Uruguay vs Ghana FIFA World Cup 2010 highlights

Read the rest of this entry >>

Spain Vs Portugal Highlights Video and Match Report

Spain Vs Portugal FIFA World Cup 2010 HD Highlights Video, Match Report, Goal Videos

Played at Venue: Green Point Stadium (Attendance: 62,955), Cape Town
Date: Tuesday, 29 June 2010

European champions Spain survived a stern test from Portugal to book their place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup through David Villa's goal.

Spain Vs Portugal Match Report
Villa strike sees Spain progress Spain's crusade to add the World Cup trophy to their Euro 2008 title continued tonight with a closely-fought last-16 win over Iberian neighbours Portugal.

Vicente Del Bosque's side dominated on the ball as usual but were frustrated for long periods by Portugal, who had decent chances of their own at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium. Ultimately Spain's patience paid off, however, as David Villa's 63rd-minute goal secured victory exactly two years to the day since their European triumph in Austria.

They will now fancy themselves in a quarter-final clash with modest South Americans Paraguay while Portugal - who had Ricardo Costa dismissed in the final minute - face a disappointing trip home. Fernando Torres, without a goal in South Africa, tested Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo after just a minute and strike partner Villa also forced an early save.

The lively start continued when Villa, coming in from the left again, fired in a low effort which Eduardo stopped smartly. Another Torres shot from a short corner was not too far over the bar but for all Spain's dominance, he and Villa were largely restricted to playing out wide. Portugal had perhaps the best chance so far in the 20th minute.

Midfielder Tiago tried his luck from the edge of the box and after Iker Casillas could only push it high into the air, he had to scramble it away near his own goal-line. Xavi and Villa tried their luck at the other end before Spain team-mate Xabi Alonso saw a couple of long-range attempts stifled. Portugal had a clear chance in the 39th minute when Almeida was unable to properly connect with Raul Meireles' cross, to the disappointment of a better-placed Cristiano Ronaldo behind him.

Casillas raced out to halt Simao's run at goal before Tiago headed over a good chance. Seven minutes into the second half Spain defender Gerard Pique was outpaced by Almeida down the left and when the Werder Bremen striker's attempted centre deflected off Carles Puyol's thigh, the defender was relieved to see the ball go narrowly wide. Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz sent Danny on for Almeida while Vicente Del Bosque sacrificed Torres for target man Fernando Llorente just before the hour mark.

In the 60th minute there was nearly an immediate impact as Llorente's diving header from Sergio Ramos' cross was somehow saved by Eduardo at point-blank range, before Villa curled one just wide. The breakthrough came seconds later. Typically intricate build-up play saw Andres Iniesta feed Xavi who backheeled beautifully to the on-rushing Villa.

The striker saw his first shot saved well by Eduardo but hammered the rebound high into the net. Eduardo then got down brilliantly to turn away Ramos' drive from the right before Queiroz sent on striker Liedson and midfielder Pedro Mendes. Again Eduardo was called upon to parry a shot, this time from Villa, while at the other end Portugal talisman Ronaldo was dreadfully quiet.

Villa's cross enabled Llorente to head just wide before the goalscorer was taken off for a rest, replaced by Pedro. Danny had a dangerous-looking shot blocked well by Pique but moments later Portugal were down to 10 men when referee Hector Baldassi suddenly produced a red card, for defender Costa, for apparently lashing out at Joan Capdevila.

Spain Vs Portugal line-ups:

SPAIN: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos, 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi, 6-Andres Iniesta, 16-Sergio Busquets; 9-Fernando Torres, 7-David Villa.

PORTUGAL: 1-Eduardo; 2-Bruno Alves, 21-Ricardo Costa, 6-Ricardo Carvalho, 23-Fabio Coentrao, 16-Raul Meireles, 15-Pepe, 19-Tiago, 7-Cristiano Ronaldo, 11-Simao Sabrosa, 18-Hugo Almeida.

Spain Vs Portugal Extended Highlights Video 13:18 mins


63 mins GOAL by David Villa (Spain 1-0 Portugal)

Spain play some quickfire passes on the edge of the box, with Andres Inietsa at the heart of it, and after Xavi's flick puts David Villa in on the left, his first shot is saved by Eduardo and his second hits the underside of the bar and bounces the right side of the line for Spain.

Extra flick Portugal vs Spain - Euro 2004 Highlights

Read the rest of this entry >>