FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Quarter Finals Day 2 (3 July 2010)

Quarter-finals

GERMANY 4 - ARGENTINA 0

A rampant Germany had put four past Australia and England, but had anybody expected this scoreline against the Argies? Only Joachim Loew and his charges, who had the self-belief to score within 3 minutes (from Thomas Mueller, this World Cup's new star), and hang on before counter-attacking to devastating effect. Miroslav Klose's brace new means he equals Der Bomber Gerd Mueller's record and might soon overtake Ronaldo's 15 goals in the next two matches. Messi and Co. had no clue what hit them, and can the Germans go all the way? Thank goodness for this result; we will be spared of Maradona and his obelisk. Rating: 4/5

SPAIN 1 - PARAGUAY 0

David Villa does it again! While El Nino flopped, it was Villa who applied the finishing touch to a tense encounter which could have gone either way. Both teams had second half penalties, saved by Iker Casillas and Justo Villar respectively, and extra-time was looming. Enter Iniesta's wriggling move, Pedro's strike against the crossbar and Villa's killer blow. Paraguay, spoiler and surprise quarter-finalist, is out. Does that now mean we don't get to see Larissa Riquelme and her Nokias? Rating: 2/5 (first half), 4.5 (second half)

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 19 (29 June 2010)

Second Round:

PARAGUAY 0 - JAPAN 0

(Paraguay won 5-3 on penalties)

Honestly, both teams had surpassed expectations by making it this far. However there had to be one winner in a match that looked like 0-0 from the outset. Both teams defended stoutly and lacked lethal finishing. If only Matsui's strike had curved under the bar... Paraguay were perfect in the penalty shoot-out while Japan rued Komano's miss. While there are still hopes for an all-South American semi-finals, I do not see Paraguay getting past Spain in the quarter finals. Rating: 2/5

SPAIN 1 - PORTUGAL 0

El Classico! In the clash of the Iberian heavyweights, it was Spain that prevailed over Portugal. The match could have gone either way, with Portugal getting better chances in the first half, but it was Spain's dominance in the second half that counted. Goalie Eduardo kept the score respectable with a string of great saves, before David Villa's (who else?) decisive coup de grace. Cristiano Ronaldo was anonymous (other than the spitting incident) and that summed up Portugal's poor evening. Rating: 4/5

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 14 (24 June 2010)

SLOVAKIA 3 - ITALY 2

NEW ZEALAND 0 - PARAGUAY 0

GROUP F:
Forget North Korea 1966, South Korea 2002, Slovakia 2010 will be remembered as the biggest humiliation of the fabled Azzuri. The World Champions of 2006 have been ignominiously dumped out of the World Cup, finishing bottom of their group behind the likes of minnows New Zealand, Slovakia and Paraguay. Defensive lapses resulted in ALL three Slovakian goals, the last seeing sub Kamil Kopunek ghosting in from a throw-in to lob the ball over the hapless Marchetti. Marchetti is without a doubt Italy's Bonetti. Marcello Lippi and gang go home to another rotten tomato reception. The Kiwis, undefeated in this campaign have a lot to be proud about. Rating: 4.5/5

JAPAN 3 - DENMARK 1

HOLLAND 2 - CAMEROON 1

GROUP E:
Another shock, the Japanese down the Danes with two Braziliant free-kicks from Honda and Endo. Rivelino and Roberto Carlos would have been mighty proud. There will be no comeback for Jon Dahl Tomasson and company, who were brilliant against Cameroon but were overwhelmed by Japan's incessant attacks which resembled a raid on Pearl Harbour. Holland were efficient, with Cameroon and Samuel Eto'o disappointing greatly yet again. They will be the only African team that go hone with zero points. Rating: 4/5

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 10 (20 June 2010)

PARAGUAY 2 - SLOVAKIA 0

Was at the Esplanade attending a violin recital, and thus missed this one totally. Looks like the South Americans have it all going for them. Paraguay cements its position in Group F and look likely to go through with a final match against New Zealand.

NEW ZEALAND 1 - ITALY 1

New Zealand holding Italy to a draw in football seems as unlikely as Italy trumping New Zealand in rugby. But it happened, with the Kiwis getting a shock lead and Italy fighting back. Honestly, it should have been 0-0. Shane Smeltz's goal was from an offside position and the Italian penalty converted by Iaquinta was for the slightest of shirt tugs. All Whites goalie Mark Paston stood as tall as Pat Jennings while skipper Ryan Nelsen was a proper Bobby Moore. The Italians champs, whose reign looks to be over soon, were chumps. Rating: 4/5

BRAZIL 3 - IVORY COAST 1

Finally, the Brazil of vintage has come alive! This match had everything: scorchers of goals, missed chances and the inevitable red card. Luis Fabiano's second had shades of Maradona 1986, two handballs and a waltz through a sea of defenders before scoring. Kaka had two wonderful assists, before being sent off for tapping an Ivorian in the chest. How that Elephant collapsed, reminiscent of Rivaldo against Turkey in 2002. Refreshing to see Didier Drogba scoring, and still ending on the losing side. Rating: 4.5/5

FIFA WORLD CUP 2010: Day 4 (14 June 2010)

NETHERLANDS 2 - DENMARK 0

Missed this as I had opted to watch The Karate Kid with my son instead. No big loss and it wasn't the biggest of surprises. An own goal and Kuyt strike after some a good run by debutant Elia. Holland should top this group unless Japan and Cameroon can change things. Rating: N.A.

JAPAN 1 - CAMEROON 0

Cameroon were disappointing, with Samuel Et'oo employed out of position. Japanese defence was solid, and capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the only goal from Honda. Predictable headlines expected, so I'll add my own "HONDA MOTORS JAPAN TO THREE POINTS". Let's see what they can do against in Dutch. Rating: 3/5

ITALY 1 - PARAGUAY 1

World Champions my foot! The Azzuri are just not good enough to retain the Cup. Paraguay scored first and hung on till De Rossi's equaliser. Both goals came from set-pieces. New Zealand or Slovakia might just go top of this group. Rating: 2.5/5