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Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Ronaldo a broken man as press blame him
By Agence France-Presse, Updated: Wednesday, June 30, 2010 9:59 AM
Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo confessed to being a broken man on Wednesday after his side's crushing 1-0 World Cup defeat to Iberian rivals Spain.
The 25-year-old Real Madrid star said he felt a deep sadness at their exit at the hands of the European champions, who progressed to a quarter-final meeting with Paraguay thanks to David Villa's fourth goal of the tournament.
"Ronaldo played one of his worst matches ever for the national side," commented Correio da Manha.
Publico took the same dim point of view of the superstar's displays.
"Ronaldo missed out completely on this World Cup. (Jose) Mourinho (the new Real Madrid coach) said that Portugal would not win this World Cup even if Ronaldo was going at 1000 kilometres an hour," it said in an editorial.
"But he (Ronaldo) did not even get near the speed of a cruise ship."
Ronaldo arrived in South Africa vowing to confirm his status as one of the game's most enduring talents, but he once again failed to produce his club form at country level at a major championships.
Sporadically decisive in the group phase, when he scored once in a 7-0 thrashing of North Korea, Ronaldo was unable to exert any kind of influence as the 2006 semi-finalists succumbed to Spain's fabled passing carousel.
Having played on the left against North Korea and as a lone central forward in the 0-0 draw with Brazil, the world's most expensive player began Tuesday's game on the right.
His first involvement saw him horribly mis-control a kick-out from Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo and his first dribble down the flank ended with a foul by Carles Puyol that went unpunished, much to the Real Madrid star's displeasure.
The skipper registered Portugal's first shot on target with a typically ambitious long-range free-kick and his next dead-ball effort, from all of 37 metres, forced a save from club-mate Iker Casillas.
But the number seven cut a subdued figure in the second half as Spain tightened their grip on the match and was left even more isolated when coach Carlos Queiroz withdrew strapping target man Hugo Almeida in the 58th minute.
Ronaldo appeared to be confused by Queiroz consistently changing tactics and the game finished without Ronaldo once getting the fans out of their seats.
To make matters worse, he was forced to deny that he insulted his coach.
"When I said put the question to the coach, it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference," explained Ronaldo, the 2008 World Footballer of the Year.
"I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone.
"I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities."
Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo confessed to being a broken man on Wednesday after his side's crushing 1-0 World Cup defeat to Iberian rivals Spain.
The 25-year-old Real Madrid star said he felt a deep sadness at their exit at the hands of the European champions, who progressed to a quarter-final meeting with Paraguay thanks to David Villa's fourth goal of the tournament."I feel a broken man, completely disconsolate, frustrated and an unimaginable sadness," the 94 million-euro man said in a statement.
Ronaldo was roundly blamed by the Portuguese media for the defeat."Ronaldo played one of his worst matches ever for the national side," commented Correio da Manha.
Publico took the same dim point of view of the superstar's displays.
"Ronaldo missed out completely on this World Cup. (Jose) Mourinho (the new Real Madrid coach) said that Portugal would not win this World Cup even if Ronaldo was going at 1000 kilometres an hour," it said in an editorial.
"But he (Ronaldo) did not even get near the speed of a cruise ship."
Ronaldo arrived in South Africa vowing to confirm his status as one of the game's most enduring talents, but he once again failed to produce his club form at country level at a major championships.
Sporadically decisive in the group phase, when he scored once in a 7-0 thrashing of North Korea, Ronaldo was unable to exert any kind of influence as the 2006 semi-finalists succumbed to Spain's fabled passing carousel.
Having played on the left against North Korea and as a lone central forward in the 0-0 draw with Brazil, the world's most expensive player began Tuesday's game on the right.
His first involvement saw him horribly mis-control a kick-out from Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo and his first dribble down the flank ended with a foul by Carles Puyol that went unpunished, much to the Real Madrid star's displeasure.
The skipper registered Portugal's first shot on target with a typically ambitious long-range free-kick and his next dead-ball effort, from all of 37 metres, forced a save from club-mate Iker Casillas.
But the number seven cut a subdued figure in the second half as Spain tightened their grip on the match and was left even more isolated when coach Carlos Queiroz withdrew strapping target man Hugo Almeida in the 58th minute.
Ronaldo appeared to be confused by Queiroz consistently changing tactics and the game finished without Ronaldo once getting the fans out of their seats.
To make matters worse, he was forced to deny that he insulted his coach.Ronaldo stalked off refusing to answer questions after the match save to remark to a TV crew: "How can I explain it (the defeat). Ask the question of Carlos Queiroz."
Ronaldo, who ended up trophyless at Real Madrid last season after his transfer from Manchester United, was roundly criticised at home for that and for not assuming his responsibilities as the national captain."When I said put the question to the coach, it is just because Carlos Queiroz was holding a press conference," explained Ronaldo, the 2008 World Footballer of the Year.
"I was not in a position to explain what was what. I am a human being, and like any human being I suffer and I have the right to suffer alone.
"I know that I am the captain, and I have always assumed and will assume my responsibilities."
Spain 1 Portugal 0
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo puts his skills at the service of his native Portugal in the second-round tie against Spain. The winning side will meet Paraguay next Saturday in the quarter finals.
Agence France-Presse
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Spain bypass Portugal to reach last eight
By Mitch Phillips
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Spain marched into the quarter-finals in their own inimitable style Tuesday when another display of patient, precise passing let David Villa deliver a 1-0 win over a Portugal side left chasing shadows.
The match was billed as a meeting between the second- and third-ranked teams in the world but the 1-0 scoreline gave little sign of the real gulf between the Iberian neighbors.
The European champions now face Paraguay on July 3 and have a strong chance of reaching only their second World Cup semi-final and the first for 60 years.
"We always controlled the game but in the second half we were better than Portugal, we had greater depth in our game and we controlled very well," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.Cristiano Ronaldo was a peripheral figure for Portugal, who clocked a couple of decent first-half chances but had few complaints after failing to score for the third time in four games in South Africa.
"Given the number opportunities, Spain had their victory and it sits well with what happened in the game," said coach Carlos Queiroz."It must be recognized that Spain moved the ball extremely well and had a greater degree of possession.
"We had a number of opportunities but we allowed Spain to play the same type football up to the point where they scored."
Spain looked dangerous from the off as Fernando Torres and Villa stung goalkeeper Eduardo's palms three times cutting in from the left in the opening seven minutes.Portugal plugged that gap however and, settling about their task, worked hard to ensure Spain's crisp passing made patterns in the midfield instead of inroads toward goal.
Portugal actually had the clearer chances of the first half as a swerving Ronaldo free kick almost got past Iker Casillas while striker Hugo Almeida missed a great headed opportunity.
Spain continued to dominate possession after the break but struggled to find a way through until Del Bosque's inspired substitution after 58 minutes.
Spain's defender Joan Capdevila (L) celebrates with Portugal's defender Bruno Alves after they won the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Spain vs. Portugal on June 29, 2010 at Green Point stadium in Cape Town. Spain qualified for the quarter-finals. AFP PHOTO / FRANCISCO LEONG (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
A weary-looking Torres gave way to Fernando Llorente and two minutes later the big striker forced Casillas into a great save with his first touch - a diving header.
His presence upset Portugal's concentration and spurred Spain to accelerate their approach.It paid off decisively in the 63rd minute when after another crisp move from deep, Xavi cleverly rolled Andres Iniesta's pass into the path of Villa and though the forward's left-foot shot was saved he reacted quickly to ram in the rebound with his right for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Sergio Ramos, Villa and Llorente all went close to a second, with Eduardo keeping his side clinging on.
But in reality Portugal, semi-finalists four years ago, were going out of the tournament and like a leaf in a whirlpool there was absolutely nothing they could do about it as Spain's incomparable possession play deprived them of the ball.
Portugal's disappointing night was completed with a harsh red card for Ricardo Costa after a mild off-the-ball clash with Joan Capdevila but Spain march on.
"It was a great collective effort, we tied to keep possession, keep the style of football we've been playing," said man of the match midfielder Xavi.
"I think this is the best match we've played in this World Cup."
(Editing by Helen Popper)
Paraguay 0 Japan 0 (Paraguay won 5-3)
Paraguay dedicating World Cup to Cabanas
AP - 4 hours ago
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) -- Paraguay's players are dedicating their success at the World Cup to Salvador Cabanas, the team's striker who is back home recovering from a gunshot wound to the head.
"What we are achieving is for him," said forward Cristian Riveros after a penalty kicks shootout victory over Japan pushed Paraguay into its first World Cup quarterfinal. "We called him from our room last week, and we'll continue to do so."
Cabanas was attacked on Jan. 25 in Mexico, and a member of a suspected drug cartel has been arrested as an accomplice.
The shooting took place at a Mexico City bar over an argument about soccer. The trouble started when the alleged shooter questioned Cabanas' scoring ability and the player responded angrily.
"He's always with us in spirit," Riveros said. "We have good news in that he's in his second recuperation stage and he's doing well."
Cabanas was Paraguay's top scorer in the World Cup qualifiers.
From Yahoo Malaysia Sports
FIFA World Cup 2010 Brazil 3 Chile 0
Chile throw everything they can against Brazil in the second-round tie at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The star-studded Brazilian side aim to overcome the Chileans and proceed to the semi final on Saturday in Cape Town. ( Agence France-Presse )
Monday, June 28, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 Netherlands 2 Slovakia 1
The Netherlands may have taken the lead over Slovakia but they struggled thereafter to hurt the Slovak back line, who held on for 1-0 at half time.
(Agence France-Presse)
Slovakia's goalkeeper Jan Mucha (R) saves a shot by Netherlands' midfielder Wesley Sneijder (L) next to Slovakia's defender Martin Skrtel (C) during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Netherlands vs. Slovakia on June 28, 2010 at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban. AFP PHOTO / JOE KLAMAR (Photo credit should read JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
Germany 4 England 1
Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer eyes the ball shot by England player Frank Lampard before the goal was disallowed during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Germany vs. England on June 27, 2010 at Free State stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein. English commentators launched scathing attacks on June 28 on their football team's dire performance against Germany which ended the country's World Cup hopes, as calls mounted for Fabio Capello to quit. Newspapers saved some of their criticism for the referee in the game who disallowed an England goal that had clearly crossed the line, during the country's heaviest ever defeat in the World Cup finals. AFP PHOTO / JEWEL SAMAD (Photo credit should read JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
German players celebrate their qualifiication for the quarter-finals after a 4-1 victory over England.
(Picture from sport. malaysia. msn.com)
Germany's midfielder Thomas Mueller C celebrates after scoring with Germany's striker Lukas Podolski L and midfielder Sami Khedira during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 match Germany vs England on June 27, 2010 at Free State stadium in MangaungBloemfontein. AFP PHOTO JEWEL SAMAD
Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer C eyes the ball after conceding a denied goal by England's midfielder Frank Lampard 3rdL during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Germany vs. England on June 27, 2010 at Free State stadium in MangaungBloemfontein. AFP PHOTO PAUL ELLIS
Germany beats England 4-1 in World Cup
NESHA STARCEVIC, AP - 10 hours ago
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -- Germany's latest World Cup victory over England will be remembered not for any of the brilliant goals, but for the one that didn't count.
Ask anyone -- players, coaches, thousands of fans in the stadium and millions more watching on television -- and there's little question that Frank Lampard put a shot in the net late in the first half that would have tied the score.
But referee Jorge Larrionda waved play on, and Germany used two second-half goals by Thomas Mueller for a 4-1 victory Sunday. The Germans are headed to the quarterfinals. The English are shaking their heads in disbelief.
"It's incredible," England coach Fabio Capello said. "We played with five referees and they can't decide if it's a goal or no goal. The game was different after this goal. It was the mistake of the linesman and I think the referee because from the bench I saw the ball go (in)."
Germany coach Joachim Loew couldn't argue that point.
"What I saw on the television, this ball was behind the line," Loew said. "It must have been given as goal."
It wasn't.
"The goal was very important," Capello said. "We could have played a different style.
"We made some mistakes when they played the counterattack. The referee made bigger mistakes."
Larrionda and assistant referee Mauricio Espinosa were not made available to comment. FIFA said in a statement that it "will not make any comments on decisions of the referee on the field of play."
Soccer's rules-making panel agreed last March not to pursue experiments with technology that could help referees judge goal-line decisions.
Germany went up on goals by Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski before England's Matthew Upson made it 2-1 in the 37th minute.
Lampard's non-goal came a minute later. After the ball landed across the line, it spun back into the arms of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Capello initially celebrated what he thought was an equalizer by clenching his fists and shaking his arms. But his face changed when he realized the goal had not been given.
As the players headed off the field at halftime, Wayne Rooney walked over to a linesman and gestured with his hands how far he thought the ball crossed the goal line.
In 1966, England and Germany were 2-2 in extra time in the World Cup final when Geoff Hurst's shot struck the underside of the crossbar, bounced down and spun back into play. That time, the referee consulted his linesman, who awarded the goal.
Hurst went on to score a third goal in England's 4-2 victory at Wembley.
This time, it was Mueller getting two goals.
"We heard that the ball was behind the line, that we were fortunate," Mueller said of Lampard's shot. "Before the last two goals, the game hung in the balance, England was putting on the pressure."
The 20-year-old forward finished two quick German counterattacks within 3 minutes to sink England's hopes of beating Germany at the World Cup for the first time since that '66 final.
Germany plays Argentina, which beat Mexico 3-1, in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Cape Town.
"In the knockout stages, Germany is always there," Podolski said. "We fought and ran a lot, just fantastic today."
Added Klose: "We were aggressive from the first minute and it was a deserved victory. Our target was to reach the semifinals and that's what we want to achieve."
It was the most lopsided England loss in a World Cup.
Mueller scored on the counterattack in the 67th minute, having started the move after a long clearance by Jerome Boateng. Mueller passed to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who patiently dribbled upfield and ran across the 18-yard line to feed the unguarded Mueller. His shot hit the hand of England goalkeeper David James and went in.
Three minutes later, Mueller struck again after a break on the left wing by Mesut Oezil.
"We played I think well at 2-1, but after the third goal it was a little bit disappointing," Capello said. "Germany is a big team. They played a good game."
Klose scored his 50th goal in 99 games for Germany -- his 12th World Cup goal -- by outmuscling defender Upson to a bouncing ball off a goal kick. Podolski gave the three-time champions a 2-0 lead, putting the ball through James' legs.
Upson headed in a cross from Steven Gerrard to make it 2-1, then Lampard's shot was not rewarded -- a decision sure to be debated for as long as international soccer has no video replay.
"I think if you look back at the game as a whole, we've been beaten by the better team," England captain Steven Gerrard said. "At 2-1, if Frank's ball had stayed I think it would have been a nice turning point in the game."
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) -- Germany's latest World Cup victory over England will be remembered not for any of the brilliant goals, but for the one that didn't count.
Ask anyone -- players, coaches, thousands of fans in the stadium and millions more watching on television -- and there's little question that Frank Lampard put a shot in the net late in the first half that would have tied the score.
But referee Jorge Larrionda waved play on, and Germany used two second-half goals by Thomas Mueller for a 4-1 victory Sunday. The Germans are headed to the quarterfinals. The English are shaking their heads in disbelief.
"It's incredible," England coach Fabio Capello said. "We played with five referees and they can't decide if it's a goal or no goal. The game was different after this goal. It was the mistake of the linesman and I think the referee because from the bench I saw the ball go (in)."
Germany coach Joachim Loew couldn't argue that point.
"What I saw on the television, this ball was behind the line," Loew said. "It must have been given as goal."
It wasn't.
"The goal was very important," Capello said. "We could have played a different style.
"We made some mistakes when they played the counterattack. The referee made bigger mistakes."
Larrionda and assistant referee Mauricio Espinosa were not made available to comment. FIFA said in a statement that it "will not make any comments on decisions of the referee on the field of play."
Soccer's rules-making panel agreed last March not to pursue experiments with technology that could help referees judge goal-line decisions.
Germany went up on goals by Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski before England's Matthew Upson made it 2-1 in the 37th minute.
Lampard's non-goal came a minute later. After the ball landed across the line, it spun back into the arms of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. Capello initially celebrated what he thought was an equalizer by clenching his fists and shaking his arms. But his face changed when he realized the goal had not been given.
As the players headed off the field at halftime, Wayne Rooney walked over to a linesman and gestured with his hands how far he thought the ball crossed the goal line.
In 1966, England and Germany were 2-2 in extra time in the World Cup final when Geoff Hurst's shot struck the underside of the crossbar, bounced down and spun back into play. That time, the referee consulted his linesman, who awarded the goal.
Hurst went on to score a third goal in England's 4-2 victory at Wembley.
This time, it was Mueller getting two goals.
"We heard that the ball was behind the line, that we were fortunate," Mueller said of Lampard's shot. "Before the last two goals, the game hung in the balance, England was putting on the pressure."
The 20-year-old forward finished two quick German counterattacks within 3 minutes to sink England's hopes of beating Germany at the World Cup for the first time since that '66 final.
Germany plays Argentina, which beat Mexico 3-1, in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Cape Town.
"In the knockout stages, Germany is always there," Podolski said. "We fought and ran a lot, just fantastic today."
Added Klose: "We were aggressive from the first minute and it was a deserved victory. Our target was to reach the semifinals and that's what we want to achieve."
It was the most lopsided England loss in a World Cup.
Mueller scored on the counterattack in the 67th minute, having started the move after a long clearance by Jerome Boateng. Mueller passed to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who patiently dribbled upfield and ran across the 18-yard line to feed the unguarded Mueller. His shot hit the hand of England goalkeeper David James and went in.
Three minutes later, Mueller struck again after a break on the left wing by Mesut Oezil.
"We played I think well at 2-1, but after the third goal it was a little bit disappointing," Capello said. "Germany is a big team. They played a good game."
Klose scored his 50th goal in 99 games for Germany -- his 12th World Cup goal -- by outmuscling defender Upson to a bouncing ball off a goal kick. Podolski gave the three-time champions a 2-0 lead, putting the ball through James' legs.
Upson headed in a cross from Steven Gerrard to make it 2-1, then Lampard's shot was not rewarded -- a decision sure to be debated for as long as international soccer has no video replay.
"I think if you look back at the game as a whole, we've been beaten by the better team," England captain Steven Gerrard said. "At 2-1, if Frank's ball had stayed I think it would have been a nice turning point in the game."
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Argentina 3 Mexico 1
Argentina's striker Lionel Messi (L) fights for the ball with Mexico's midfielder Andres Guardado during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Mexico versus Argentina on June 27, 2010 at Soccer City Stadium in Soweto, a suburb of Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
Argentina's striker Carlos Tevez (L) scores the opening goal past Mexico's goalkeeper Oscar Perez during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 football match Argentina vs. Mexico on June 27, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO / OMAR TORRES (Photo credit should read OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty Images)
(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
Argentina's striker Gonzalo Higuain (C) and Argentina's coach Diego Maradona (R) react after Higuain scored during the 2010 World Cup round of 16 match Argentina vs Mexico on June 27, 2010 at Soccer City in Soweto, suburb of Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
Tevez double puts Argentina into last eight
By Agence France-Presse, Updated: Sunday, June 27, 2010 9:48 PM
Argentina will meet Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals after striker Carlos Tevez struck twice - once controversially - to seal a 3-1 win over Mexico on Sunday.
Goals by Manchester City's Tevez and Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain, his fourth to become the tournament's top-scorer, means Diego Maradona's Argentina will now meet the Germans in Cape Town on Saturday in the last eight.
Argentina coach Diego Maradona was pleased with the win, but admitted Germany would be a step up from the hard-working Mexicans.
"I feel like pulling on the jersey and playing myself," said the former midfielder.
"We know Germany are a different team to the side we faced in Mexico. They are stronger, but we will field the right players to beat them."
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said two mistakes cost his side the game.
"In the first few minutes we were superior. But then we conceded a goal which was offside and then there was an error in the defence. Two mistakes made a dramatic difference," said Aguirre.
Mexico forward Javier Hernandez gave his side brief hope when he turned his marker in the 71st minute and smashed his shot past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, although it was too little, too late.
Argentina were not to be denied, but Tevez's first-half strike was awarded in controversial circumstances as replays showed he was offside when world footballer of the year Lionel Messi gave him the final pass.
The Manchester City star's shot was saved by Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez, but Messi followed up and chipped Perez for Tevez to head home.
The Mexican defence complained bitterly, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti allowed the 26th-minute goal to stand despite the furore caused by a replay of the incident on the stadium's giant TV screens.
Mexico captain Rafael Marquez picked up a yellow card almost from the restart for fouling Messi.
Things went from bad to worse for the Mexicans on 33 minutes when defender Ricardo Osorio's pass went straight to Higuain, who slotted past Perez to make it 2-0 at the break.
Rosetti had to step in to break up a pitch-side melee between the two sides as they walked off for half-time with tempers boiling over in the wake of the first goal.
Tevez settled the matter with a breath-taking strike on 52 minutes which he rifled into the net's top right-hand corner from just outside the penalty area, giving Perez no chance.
Tevez came off in the 69th minute to make way for Juan Sebastian Veron just as Argentina's Martin Demichelis cleared off the line before Hernandez scored Mexico's consolation.
This was the fifth straight finals where Mexico have exited the competition at the round of 16 phase and the last time they reached the quarter-finals was when the hosted the event in 1986.
Argentina remain on course for their third World Cup title after 1978 and 1986.
Argentina will meet Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals after striker Carlos Tevez struck twice - once controversially - to seal a 3-1 win over Mexico on Sunday.
Goals by Manchester City's Tevez and Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain, his fourth to become the tournament's top-scorer, means Diego Maradona's Argentina will now meet the Germans in Cape Town on Saturday in the last eight.
Argentina coach Diego Maradona was pleased with the win, but admitted Germany would be a step up from the hard-working Mexicans.
"I feel like pulling on the jersey and playing myself," said the former midfielder.
"We know Germany are a different team to the side we faced in Mexico. They are stronger, but we will field the right players to beat them."
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said two mistakes cost his side the game.
"In the first few minutes we were superior. But then we conceded a goal which was offside and then there was an error in the defence. Two mistakes made a dramatic difference," said Aguirre.
Mexico forward Javier Hernandez gave his side brief hope when he turned his marker in the 71st minute and smashed his shot past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, although it was too little, too late.
Argentina were not to be denied, but Tevez's first-half strike was awarded in controversial circumstances as replays showed he was offside when world footballer of the year Lionel Messi gave him the final pass.
The Manchester City star's shot was saved by Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez, but Messi followed up and chipped Perez for Tevez to head home.
The Mexican defence complained bitterly, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti allowed the 26th-minute goal to stand despite the furore caused by a replay of the incident on the stadium's giant TV screens.
Mexico captain Rafael Marquez picked up a yellow card almost from the restart for fouling Messi.
Things went from bad to worse for the Mexicans on 33 minutes when defender Ricardo Osorio's pass went straight to Higuain, who slotted past Perez to make it 2-0 at the break.
Rosetti had to step in to break up a pitch-side melee between the two sides as they walked off for half-time with tempers boiling over in the wake of the first goal.
Tevez settled the matter with a breath-taking strike on 52 minutes which he rifled into the net's top right-hand corner from just outside the penalty area, giving Perez no chance.
Tevez came off in the 69th minute to make way for Juan Sebastian Veron just as Argentina's Martin Demichelis cleared off the line before Hernandez scored Mexico's consolation.
This was the fifth straight finals where Mexico have exited the competition at the round of 16 phase and the last time they reached the quarter-finals was when the hosted the event in 1986.
Argentina remain on course for their third World Cup title after 1978 and 1986.
Friday, June 25, 2010
World Cup 2010 Ivory Coast 3 North Korea 0
Ivory Coast's players celebrate after midfielder Yaya Toure (2nd R) scored a goal during their Group G first round 2010 World Cup football match on June 25, 2010 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. AFP PHOTO / PEDRO UGARTE (Photo credit should read PEDRO UGARTE/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
FIFA World Cup 2010 Brazil 0 Portugal 0
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 25: Luis Fabiano of Brazil goes up for a header as Ricardo Carvalho and Eduardo of Portugal defend during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group G match between Portugal and Brazil at Durban Stadium on June 25, 2010 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 25: Luis Fabiano of Brazil is challenged by Raul Meireles (L) and Fabio Coentrao (R) of Portugal during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group G match between Portugal and Brazil at Durban Stadium on June 25, 2010 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
FIFA World Cup 2010 Netherland 2 Cameroon 1
Arjen Robben came on as a second-half substitute for the Netherlands in their 2-1 win over Cameroon that wrapped up top spot in Group E and a last-16 clash against Slovakia.
FIFA World Cup 2010 Japan 3 Denmark 1
Agence France-Presse, Updated: Thu, 24 Jun 2010
Japan's Yasuhito Endo (C) and his teammates celebrate his goal during the 3-1 win over Denmark which booked their second round spot in Group E.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
FIFA World Cup 2010 New Zealand 0 Paraguay 0
New Zealand's striker Shane Smeltz (R) kicks the ball during the Group F first round 2010 World Cup football match Paraguay vs. New Zealand on June 24, 2010 at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. AFP PHOTO / JUAN MABROMATA (Photo credit should read JUAN MABROMATA/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
Paraguay's striker Nelson Valdez (R) is challenged for the ball by New Zealand's midfielder Leo Bertos during the Group F first round 2010 World Cup football match Paraguay vs. New Zealand on June 24, 2010 at Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane. AFP PHOTO / HOANG DINH NAM (Photo credit should read HOANG DINH NAM/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
FIFA World Cup 2010 Italy 2 Slovakia 3
The champions are out! One of the biggest upsets ever sees Slovakia beat Italy 3-2! Slovakia through to the round of 16.
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 24: Robert Vittek of Slovakia scores the opening goal during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group F match between Slovakia and Italy at Ellis Park Stadium on June 24, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
World Cup 2010 Ghana 0-1 Germany: Mesut Oezil Strike Sends Europeans To Second Round
Ghana's defender Jonathan Mensah (L) fights for the ball with Germany's midfielder Mesut Oezil during the Group D, first round, 2010 World Cup football match Germany vs Ghana on June 23, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg. Germany won by 1-0. ARTICLE AFP PHOTO/Monirul Bhuiyan (Photo credit should read Monirul Bhuiyan/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
Germany squeaked out a 1-0 victory over Ghana on a gorgeous night in Johannesburg's magnificent Soccer City Stadium. While the weather was a chilly 11 degrees Celsius upon kick-off, the game soon heated up.
The European side were aggressive upfront, allowing the Ghanaians to respond with swift counterattacks. Neither side managed to score before the half, but playmaker Mesut Oezil struck on the hour mark to lift the Germans to victory and a first place finish in Group D. Following Australia's 2-1 win over Serbia, Ghana took second.
Having lost to Serbia in their second group match, the Germans faced a must-win scenario against Ghana. Nonetheless, coach Joachim Loew opted not to take a more aggressive stance than in previous matches, preferring his 4-2-3-1 shape over a multi-striker system. For the Germans, Cacau replaced suspended striker Miroslav Klose while Loew replaced unimpressive left-back Holger Badstuber with Jerome Boateng.
Ghana, by contrast, needed just a single point to advance to the round of 16, and coach Milovan Rajevac chose his starting line-up accordingly. The Serbia native retained his conservative 4-2-3-1 formation, and made just one change to his starting XI as John Mensah replaced Lee Addy, joining his namesake, Jonathan Mensah, in central defence.
Ghana kicked off the match and took a direct path for goal, but Asamoah Ayew mis-hit his strike, which looped off target. That would prove to be a rare venture forward for the Black Stars, who played like group leaders: tentative in attack, and content to defend their point.
Early in the game, Germany controlled the lion's share of possession, with holding midfielder Sami Khedira and playmaker Mesut Oezil freely moving forward to join Cacau. Ghana were superbly organised in their defence, however, and the Germans found it extremely difficult to earn clear chances.
The Ghanaians used their pace to counterattack their overcommitting opponents, and instead it was the Africans who earned the better chances on goal. The Ghanaian midfield was superbly industrious, and Gyan, Kevin-Prince Boateng, and Kwadwo Asamoah all did very well pressure the Germans deep and force counterattacks.
Only a heavy touch by Asamoah Gyan, misplaced ball from Kevin-Prince Boateng, solid defending from Arne Friedrich and aggressive goalkeeping from Manuel Neuer prevented the Black Stars from taking an early lead.
Germany were nearly gifted an own goal inside ten minutes, but goalkeeper Richard Kingson reacted quickly to parry Lukas Podolski's deflected cross out for a corner. In the 25th minute, the increasingly influential Oezil was played through on goal, but the 21-year-old was unable to finish as Kingson made a comfortable save.
Moments later, Ghana should have had a goal following a corner. Andre Ayew headed the set piece past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but Germany skipper Philipp Lahm cleared the shot off the goal line.
Midway through the first half, Ghana found their feet in midfield, and began to attack Germany more willingly, but like their opponents, were unable to make the final ball to produce a goal.
At the break, Loew was left to ponder his options to produce a goal, whereas Rajevac could be content with the result, though perhaps slightly disappointed his team could not have netted the opener.
As the second half began, the two sides took to the pitch unchanged, and Germany resumed their uncompromising attacking style, while Ghana defended and looked stellar on the break. The first five minutes of the second half were played almost entirely in Ghana's defending half, but the Africans were first to create a clear scoring opportunity. Asamoah was first to a through ball, but Neuer was quick off his line and blocked the midfielder's effort.
In the second half, Lahm moved into a permanent midfield position, and Friedrich, Per Mertesacker, and Jerome Boateng formed a three-man defence. The Germans looked strong on the right channel, but as was the case earlier, never had a reliable target in the penalty box.
As events would unfold, such a player was unnecessary. On the hour mark, Oezil finally broke his scoring duck with a gorgeous volley from the edge of the area. His shot sliced just enough to beat Kingson at the left post, sending the Germans temporarily atop their group.
Ghana responded immediately with a strong spell in attack. Ayew first delivered an exquisite cross to Tagoe, but the attacker's close-ranged header was cleared off the line by Jerome Boateng. Next, Gyan played a perfect back-heel to set up Ayew, but Lahm intervened at the last moment to deflect the resulting shot over the bar.
Lahm moved back into his normal role on the right side of defence and finally able to drop back to a less aggressive stance, the Europeans looked much more stable at the back, and like Ghana before, looked to score on the counterattack.
Ghana earned a good spell of possession, but were unable to get behind their opponents' back line. Despite being dangerously close to crashing out of the tournament, the Ghanaians seemed to lose their desire to score. It was a thin line that Ghana toed between facing the United States in the round of 16 and finishing third in their group.
In the end, that gamble paid off. Both sides played to a rather lacklustre conclusion, with Germany finishing first, and Ghana second in Group D. The two teams now advance to the second round to face England and the United States, respectively.
From Goal.com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
England 1 Slovenia 0
PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 23: Wayne Rooney of England leaves the pitch after being substituted by Fabio Capello manager of England during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between Slovenia and England at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on June 23, 2010 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
FIFA World Cup 2010 Latest England advances at World Cup, beats Slovenia 1-0
ROBERT MILLWARD, AP - 9 minutes ago
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) -- A revived England made the round of the 16 at the World Cup on Wednesday, beating Slovenia 1-0 on Jermain Dafoe's goal in the 23rd minute.
The victory gave England second place in Group C, behind the United States, which beat Algeria 1-0. Slovenia entered the day the surprise leader in the group but finished with four points to five for the U.S. and England.
Playing far more aggressively than they did in draws with the Americans and Algerians, the English went ahead when Defoe put in James Milner's cross from five yards out with a right-footed shot.
England continued to dominate after the goal, and Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic had to make two saves within a few seconds of each other to stop shots from Defoe and Steven Gerrard.
Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Glen Johnson also had shots on goal.
Bad defense by Slovenia handed Defoe a second chance in the opening minute of the second half, but he flicked the ball wide off Gareth Barry's headed pass.
Slovenia's best chance to tie the game came in the 68th minute after Barry lost possession and Terry and Johnson blocked shots from Zlatko Dedic and Milivoje Novakovic.
From Yahoo Malaysia Sports
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) -- A revived England made the round of the 16 at the World Cup on Wednesday, beating Slovenia 1-0 on Jermain Dafoe's goal in the 23rd minute.
The victory gave England second place in Group C, behind the United States, which beat Algeria 1-0. Slovenia entered the day the surprise leader in the group but finished with four points to five for the U.S. and England.
Playing far more aggressively than they did in draws with the Americans and Algerians, the English went ahead when Defoe put in James Milner's cross from five yards out with a right-footed shot.
England continued to dominate after the goal, and Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovic had to make two saves within a few seconds of each other to stop shots from Defoe and Steven Gerrard.
Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Glen Johnson also had shots on goal.
Bad defense by Slovenia handed Defoe a second chance in the opening minute of the second half, but he flicked the ball wide off Gareth Barry's headed pass.
Slovenia's best chance to tie the game came in the 68th minute after Barry lost possession and Terry and Johnson blocked shots from Zlatko Dedic and Milivoje Novakovic.
From Yahoo Malaysia Sports
Last-gasp Donovan fires USA into last 16
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 23: Anther Yahia of Algeria jumps for the ball under pressure from Edson Buddle (L) and Jozy Altidore of the United States during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group C match between USA and Algeria at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on June 23, 2010 in Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Then everything changed in the blink of an eye as Landon Donovan led one last attack. Jozy Altidore squared the ball into the danger zone, where M'Bolhi beat it away, but Donovan was able to latch onto the loose ball and passed it into an empty net, before being submerged among a sea of white shirts. It was the least Bob Bradley's team deserved, having also had a 'goal' disallowed for offside, struck a post and seen Jozy Altidore pass up a glorious opening.
Algeria, who also needed to win to give themselves a chance of going through, made the more positive start with Karim Matmour unleashing an attempt on goal in the opening seconds before Rafik Djebbour aiming a hooked shot against the crossbar. It was a decent attempt from the centre-forward, who took the ball on his chest, but the woodwork came to USA's rescue.
Djebbour tried again shortly after, from a wider angle, but his drive was always heading wide. The Americans answered in kind, with Clint Dempsey and Herculez Gomez - one of three changes in Bradley's line-up - failing to keep their efforts on target.
It was an open, entertaining tussle, reflecting both sides' need to win the game. Gradually, USA were beginning to dominate possession and create openings. In the 21st minute, they had the ball in the back of the net but their joy was quickly extinguished when Dempsey was ruled offside, as he applied the final touch after Gomez's shot was diverted to him.
That, at least, encouraged Bradley's team to think a breakthrough might not be far away, and they kept pouring forward. Donovan slid a lovely ball into Dempsey but Rais Bolhi did well to smother it. Two minutes later, the Americans were back to cause more panic in the Algeria penalty area. Bradley set up Donovan and when he couldn't turn it home the ball fell nicely for Jozy Altidore, but a heavy swing of his right boot sent the ball careering into the seats behind the goal.
For their part, the African side carried the greatest threat whenever Nadir Belhadj or Karim Ziani were on the ball. At the end of the first half, Ziani cut in from the left to position himself for the shot but was unable to keep it on target.
USA were cursing their luck again in the second half as Dempsey followed up after Altidore had made ground with a strong run. The Fulham forward shaped a bending shot with his right that came back off the post, then gathered the rebound, only to shoot wild and wide with his left foot.
Both sides had let-offs in the 68th minute. Bolhi came to Algeria's rescue again, parrying a close-range header from substitute Edson Buddle before jumping on the loose ball. The Africans immediately went down the other end, where a decent scoring chance for Ziani went the wrong side of the upright. Chances kept coming at either end and it came down to Donovan to at last make one count.
World Cup 2010 Argentina 2 Greece 0
Agence France-Presse, Updated: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 23:09:39 GMT
Palermo's moment of justification
Argentina's 36-year-old striker Martin Palermo justifies the faith shown in him by coach Diego Maradona as he celebrates the goal that gave his side a 2-0 victory. They now play Mexico in the second round.
World Cup 2010 South Africa 2 France 1
Agence France-Presse, Updated: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:46:24 GMT
France and South Africa miss the boat
South Africa's Aaron Mokoena tries to hold off French striker Djibril Cisse during their Group A match on Tuesday. Both teams were eliminated after a 2-1 win for the hosts.
France and South Africa miss the boat
South Africa's Aaron Mokoena tries to hold off French striker Djibril Cisse during their Group A match on Tuesday. Both teams were eliminated after a 2-1 win for the hosts.
World Cup 2010 Uruguay 1 Mexico 0
Agence France-Presse, Updated: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:46:24 GMT
Uruguay rumble into last-16
World Cup 2010 South Korea 2 Nigeria 2
Agence France-Presse, Updated: Tue, 22 June
Monday, June 21, 2010
Spain 2 Honduras 0
TOPSHOTS Spain's striker David Villa (R) is challenged for the ball by Honduras' defender Sergio Mendoza during the 2010 World Cup group H first round football match between Spain and Honduras on June 21, 2010 at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO / LLUIS GENE (Photo credit should read LLUIS GENE/AFP/Getty Images)(Photo Credit should Read /AFP/Getty Images)
PAUL LOGOTHETIS, AP - 6 hours ago
JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- Now that looked like a championship team.
David Villa scored two goals as Spain got its World Cup pursuit back on track with a 2-0 victory over Honduras on Monday.
Villa beat three defenders in the 17th minute before goalkeeper Noel Valladares got a touch to the Spain striker's rising shot but not enough to keep it out.
Villa scored his 40th international goal in the 51st when his shot from the edge of the area deflected off a defender to go over Valladares. But Villa missed a penalty kick in the 62nd at Ellis Park, sending it wide right.
Spain has three points and can still win Group H with a victory over Chile, which earlier beat Switzerland 1-0 to lead with six points. Switzerland has three points and Honduras has zero.
"We think this first group is very difficult and we have a tough game against Chile," Villa said. "Being world champions is a long way down the road, there's a long time to go, and many matches as well."
Spain's win eased the disappointment of an opening 1-0 loss to the Swiss.
"I think the other day we also (played well) but the result wasn't so good," Villa said. "We had a lot of possession a lot of chances we just didn't score."
This time, Villa single-handedly took the pressure off Spain, the European champion and a favorite coming to South Africa, with a superb individual effort. He dribbled between Honduras players before cutting past Osman Chavez to send a right-footed shot into the far corner of the net as he slipped to the ground.
Jesus Navas picked Villa out for the second goal, with the striker's shot glancing off Chavez into the top of the net.
Villa's fifth career goal tied him with four Spain players as the country's leading scorer in World Cup play and moved him within four goals of Raul Gonzalez's record 44. But he shot No. 41 wide on a penalty kick in the 62nd after Navas was tripped inside the area.
"Our loss to Switzerland is water under the bridge," Villa said. "Today, we played in the same style, we attacked with short passes and we had some very good chances."
Honduras barely remains alive in the tournament after also losing to Chile 1-0 last week.
"We lacked conviction," Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda said. "There's nothing much to explain except that we had a superior team in front of us."
Spain got back to its classy style and attacked from the start in front of 54,586 fans. It created a handful of chances inside the seventh minute, when Villa's long-range shot beat the outstretched Valladares but went off the crossbar.
Ramos headed Joan Capdevila's cross over the net while free at the far post in the 11th.
Spain's defense provided goalkeeper Iker Casillas with some nervous moments soon after. Casillas rushed to catch a high ball before blocking Amado Guevara's shot just before Villa's first goal.
Navas' speed kept Honduras off-kilter, while Fernando Torres uncharacteristically missed three clear chances in the first half.
Torres, making his first start since right knee surgery in April, headed over the crossbar before sending a shot high in the 33rd. He then wasted Villa's fine pass from inside the area at the close of the half.
Spain's striker David Villa R celebrates with Spain's striker Fernando Torres after scoring during the Group H first round 2010 World Cup football match Spain vs. Honduras on June 21, 2010 at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO LLUIS GENE
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