10' BRA Robinho (0-1)
14' NED Heitinga (YC)
37' BRA Michel Bastos (YC)
47' NED Van der Wiel (YC)
53' NED Felipe Melo (1-1) (og)
64' NED De Jong (YC)
68' NED Sneijder (2-1)
73' BRA Felipe Melo (RC)
76' NED Ooijer (YC)
Before the game even started, one of Holland's starting centre backs was ruled out for the game, and had to make a gametime substitution, starting Ooijer. It went from bad to worse and Brazil carved a pass through the entire Dutch team for an early goal. The Dutch began to build steam after that, but never really threatened again. The second half began with Oranje contiually breaking down the Brazilian defense that had been so stellar the first half. With the breakdown of their defense that had been so solid for them, the Selecao began to mentally deteriorate, looking more and more desperate to defend, and the Dutch almost out the game away for good late in the game.
NED Verdict: Finally, the Dutch attack looked what it's capable of doing, controlling the ebb and flow of the game through series' of passes and runs, baffling the Brazilians. Sneijder/Kuyt/Robben/RVP were magnificent as the the holding midfielders did their job and the defense got it's act together after an early miscue. Oranje advance to play Uruguay in the semifinal.
BRA Verdict: Another disappointing performance from the Selecao after it looked to be such a promising game for them. Felipe Melo almost single handedly lost them the game, but their star players really failed to shine when they were needed most. Luis Fabiano was especially invisible.
Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder (NED)
Uruguay (4)1-1(2) Ghana AET
20' URU Fucile (YC) (Misses Next Match)
45+2' GHA Muntari (0-1)
48' URU Arevalo (YC)
54' GHA Pantsil (YC)
55' URU Forlan (1-1)
59' URU Perez (YC)
77' GHA Sarpei (YC)
93' GHA Mensah (YC)
120+1' URU Suarez (RC)
120+2' GHA Gyan (pen miss)
URU Penalties
O Forlan
O Victorino
O Scotti
X Pereira
O Abreu
GHA Penalties
O Gyan
O Abreu
X Mensah
X Adiyah
Aside from some gorgeous strikes from Forlan and Muntari, this game will be remembered for what happened in added time of the final extra time period. After 120', Ghana began a full on assault after a dubious free kick was awarded. The initial attempt was thrown into the air, and Uruguay 'keeper Musilera did not clear it properly, and the ball fell to a Ghanaian defender who's shot was blocked at the goal line. Another Ghana player picked up the rebound and fired it on goal, where Luis Suarez had no choice but the bat the ball away with his hand, earning a red card for an intentional handball, also giving Ghana a penalty. With the final kick of added time, Asamoah Gyan hit the crossbar, sending the game into penalties, where the Uruguayans promptly won the match thanks to some of the worst penalties ever taken from Ghana, and the ultimate cheeky finish with the chip from Abreu.
URU Verdict: Probably their worst performance of the tournament, El Celeste needed a little luck to move on. Shaky in defense and not really working as a unit, Uruguay was tested over and over by a persistant Ghanaian side.
GHA Verdict: The Black Stars were absolutely the better side today, outworking the Uruguayans on all fronts. A "Hand of Odd" from Luis Suarez and a lack of mental fortitude will keep the pride of Africa from moving forward, but they should exit holding their heads high, knowing they have played amongst the world's elite.
Man of the Match: Luis Suarez (URU)
No comments:
Post a Comment