Features, Ian John, World Cup 2010 POSTS

Deciphering the World Cup : Part Three : The Quarter Finals & Beyond…

Published by Ian John on June 10, 2010

After the results of the second phase games, this leaves us with just eight teams in the competition and the quarter final line up that whets the appetite of every football fan…

England V Uruguay
Argentina V Serbia
Brazil V Holland
Portugal V Italy

The Quarter Finals

England V Uruguay
England fans will fancy their chances against Uruguay, but an early Forlan goal will worry the English. Uruguay appear on top until a goalkeeping mistake hands England a fortunate equaliser through Crouch. After that moment, the English grow in confidence and two late goals from Wayne Rooney and Aaron Lennon are enough to send England into the Semi Finals. Winner : England

Brazil V Holland
Arguably the two best sides in the competition thus far clash in Port Elizabeth in what is a repeat of the 1994 Quarter finals. That day it was Brazil that triumphed and it seems likely the Samba stars will do so again as they race into an early lead thanks to Robinho’s goal. The Dutch however answer that with an equaliser in the second half through Kuyt. Extra time ensues and Rafael Van Der Vaart’s goal four minutes from time sees the Dutch delighted. However a last gasp equaliser from Fabiano keeps Brazil in the competition and takes the game to penalties where an uncharacteristic miss from Kaka gifts Wesley Sneijder the chance to end Holland’s penalty hoodoo, which the Inter Milan star duly converts. Winner : Holland

Portugal V Italy
The third quarter final at Ellis Park sees Portugal face off against an improving Italy. After a dour first have, enlivened only by the clever marking of Ronaldo by the Italian defenders, it is the Italians who take the advantage when Pirlo curls home a free kick. Portugal rally, as they did against Spain and level through Ronaldo forcing extra time. With no further goals in extra time, the game heads to penalties, where Portugal once again triumph as Italy miss two of their four kicks to end their defence of the World Cup trophy. Winner : Portugal

Argentina V Serbia
Last time these teams met in the World Cup Finals, Argentina thumped Serbia 6-1 and scored arguably the greatest team goal ever seen through Esteban Cambiasso. Serbia however have shown in this finals that they are a much better team and give Argentina real problems. The game goes to extra time and penalties remaining scoreless until Angel Di Maria skies his penalty and Milos Krasic slots home the penalty to stun Argentina and send Serbia through. Winner : Serbia

The Semi Finals

England V Holland
The first semi final sees Fabio Capello’s men take on Holland in what promises to be a clash of footballing cultures. The Dutch keep the ball well against England, but the English wingers speed causes problems for the Dutch defence. Wayne Rooney grabs the opening goal just before half time before Aaron Lennon creates a second for Steven Gerrard midway through the second half. Holland pull one back late on through Robin Van Persie and throw everything at the English, but England hold on to take their place in the final. Winner : England

Serbia V Portugal
The second semi final starts with Portugal the slight favourites and believing that fortune is on their side after two victories on penalties in the previous two rounds. Ronaldo starts well and teases former team mate Vidic into gifting the Portuguese an early penalty, however Ronaldo’s spot kick slams against the bar. Serbia, after a slow start, finally get into their rhythm in the second half and late on Milos Krasic’s cross is headed home by the giant Nikola Zigic at the back post for surely the winner to put Serbia into the final. Winner : Serbia

Third Place Match<

Holland V Portugal
Both teams opt to play a weakened second string side for the 3rd place clash. The game begins brightly enough but soon fizzles out as a spectacle. The Dutch win the game thanks to a second half strike from Eljero Elia and a late penalty which is converted by Klaas Jan Huntelaar. 3rd : Holland, 4th : Portugal

World Cup Final

England V Serbia
An unlikely final perhaps and the game begins in predictably nervy fashion. Serbia have the better possession but England create the better chances in a goalless first half. The second half hinges on a crucial moment when Lennon goes past Nemanja Vidic just outside the box but is hauled back by the Serbian defender. Vidic is given a straight red card for the tackle and from the resulting free kick Frank Lampard fires England into the lead. Serbia push hard with 10 men, but England’s pace on the counter always looks likely to create a second goal and 15 minutes from time it does so with Aaron Lennon crossing for Wayne Rooney to turn the ball home. Krasic hits the post as Serbia push everything into a last ditch attack but England catch them once again in injury time, Gerrard slotting in Joe Cole to wrap up the win and the World Cup for England… Winner : England, 2nd : Serbia..

Well, a man can dream can’t he?