Continuing with my updates on round 16 ….
Uruguay vs South Korea:
The start was good for Pre-quarters with a splendid match between Koreans and Uruguay. Suarez double blow at 8th and 80th minute after Koreans equalizer at 68th minute was a detonation on Koreans.
They fought bravely and swayed the hearts of the people. On the other hand Uruguay is continuing their dream run and entered the quarters and a lot will be expected from their front-run players Forlan and Suarez.
Ghana vs USA:
Ghana won the match after a late goal from Gyan in 93rd minute. USA played brilliantly but it was not their day and lost to Ghana.
Ghana’s win prolongs Africans hope but it will be a tough match for them in quarters playing Uruguay. One more win will make Ghana to enter semis and it will be a pleasure to Africans. So let’s wait and watch whether it is going to be Safari’s ride or South American’s ride to semis.
Germany vs England: Ohhhh!!! This was the most prominent match of this round as it goes back to 1966, where the rivalry started.
Germany’s youth team made a striking statement by overwhelming old rivals England 4-1. The controversial decision by line referee for Lampard’s kick at 2-1 can’t be taken as an excuse after their loss 4-1.
In 1966 World Cup finals England got the advantage from the referee and they won the World Cup. The result haunted Germans till date and this historic win will make England to go home facing the defeat from their old nemesis.
It’s again Klose who gave the initial lead and then by Podolski which turned the tables for Germany. Second-half goals by Mueller were breath-taking for Germany and heart-breaking for England. A lot was expected from Rooney who again disappointed the English people and his supporters.
Argentina vs Mexico:
The result was not a surprise as Argentina made it easy with 3-1. The first goal from Tevez was a controversial decision to not give it as an off-side, but the result was always obvious. Tevez ruled the Argentina’s hearts and became a nation hero.
It’s sad to see Messi not scoring a goal. But riveting to see Argentina’s play and undoubtedly they are the favorites now in this World Cup.
So, gear up to see the quarter final clash between Germany and Argentina.
Netherlands vs Slovakia:
It’s a one-sided match and Dutch won comfortably. Robben’s early goal gave them the lead and they won 2-1 after a last minute goal from Vittek to give Slovakia some relief.
Dutch were comfortably placed in quarters and their real challenge will be to face Brazil in quarters.
Brazil vs Chile:
Again a one-sided match with Brazil winning comfortably 3-0. Chile did not have a clue to break the Brazilian defense and lost miserably. Robinho finally scored for Brazil and gave some relief to Dunga. Kaka’s pass fetched the third goal but yet to see a goal from best player of world.
Paraguay vs Japan:
It was the first match which was decided on penalty shootout. It was a dull 120 minute game until penalty shootout was offered. Japan lost the penalty shootout and ended the hopes of Asians. Honda played magnificently in this World Cup but it got restricted after Japan’s loss.
Spain vs Portugal:
One more interesting match which ended with Villa’s goal paving way to Spain to enter Quarters. Ronaldo’s miserable play in the World Cup ended the hopes of Portugal. So finally Spain entered Quarters to face Paraguay which should be an easy draw for them.
Forecast: Finally the exciting matches are going to start. It will be a revelation to most of the teams to show their powers.
The most exciting match is undoubtedly between Germany and Argentina. It reminds us fifa 2006 when both the teams faced each other and match ended with penalty shootout. Argentina doesn’t want penalty shootout as they are aware of Germany’s record in shootouts. So they would pray to finish the game early.
But the Paulo(Octopus) picked Germany as the winners for the match so lets wait for the result. It predicted correctly all the Germany matches so this pick is very interesting.
The other matches are not tenacious unless there is some surprise in the outcomes. Most probably it could be Brazil vs Uruguay and Spain vs (Arg/Ger) in semis.
So lets wait for 1 more week to get the results ……
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