Germany Shows Its Strength

Germany tore Argentina apart to book their place in the semi-finals and, for now at least, end Diego Maradona's dream of winning the World Cup as coach to go with his victory as captain in 1986.Three-time champions Germany marched into the semifinals of the World Cup after destroying Diego Maradona's highly-rated Argentina side 4-0 on Saturday in a rematch of the 1986 and 1990 title matches.Maradona was celebrated for the freedom he gave his forwards, cheered for the blithe way he let his players do as they wished, but it became clear that he was not prepared for the part of the game that required obstruction and impediment of the creativity that he possessed as a player and valued as a coach.In building an ostentatious attack, Maradona neglected to shore up his defense for a day like Saturday, when the goals stopped coming for Argentina and the threats at the other end had to be countered with something other than indifference, lack of speed and disorganization.Maradona the coach proved far less able than Maradona the player, and Argentina’s last World Cup title, in 1986, receded further into the rearview mirror.Veteran striker Miroslav Klose celebrated his 100th international appearance with two goals in Cape Town, taking him level second in the tournament's all-time scoring list alongside compatriot Gerd Muller on 14.Klose found the net only three times in the Bundesliga all season in a miserable campaign for Bayern Munich but he has now beaten that tally at this tournament, as well as moving to within a goal of Ronaldo, who with 15 goals, is the all-time highest scorer at World Cup finals.Mueller opened the scoring after only three minutes when Schweinsteiger swung in a free-kick from the left and he escaped the Argentina defence to beat Sergio Romero with a downward header that the keeper got a leg to but could not keep out.Klose, who also won his 100th cap for Germany, should have made it 2-0 when Mueller broke into the area down the right and squared for him in front of goal. But he fired wastefully over, not that it appeared to matter much at that point.They did improve as half-time approached and Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain both forced Manuel Neuer into low saves, but Germany continued to threaten on the break.Arne Friedrich did the same in the 74th minute for a 3-0 lead. Finally, Klose delivered a volley in the 89th minute for the final score.

Brazil crash out to Netherlands in World Cup quarterfinals

The Netherlands came from a goal down to beat 10-man Brazil 2-1 in their World Cup quarterfinal clash in Port Elizabeth on Friday.The Netherlands scored twice in the second half to stun the five-time champion Brazil, 2-1, in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, the biggest Dutch win in the tournament since the team’s glory days in the 1970s.An early goal from Robinho had put Brazil in command, but in the second half the Dutch drew level when Wesley Sneijder's cross was deflected into his own net by Felipe Melo.The Netherlands tied the score on another defensive mistake. After Arjen Robben won a free kick near the right sideline, the ball was pushed ahead, and then back to Wesley Sneijder. Sneijder lofted a left-footed cross toward the goal, but Brazil’s goalkeeper, Julio Cesar, failed to catch it and it deflected into the net off the only other player who rose to challenge for it: Felipe Melo.The Dutch took the lead 15 minutes later when Robben drove a corner kick to the near post and Dirk Kuyt flicked it over his head to Sneijder, who was unguarded four yards in front. Sneijder merely redirected the speeding ball into the net. In the 73rd minute,Felipe Melo drew a straight red card and his shorthanded team could muster little more than desperate pleas for fouls and a few missed chances on set plays.The Netherlands advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 1998, and it will play the winner of Friday’s second game between Uruguay and Ghana. The result will also raise the criticism of Brazil’s coach, Dunga, to a fever pitch. He has unbashedly remolded his team from its flashy samba-style roots to a more pragmatic defensive juggernaut focused intently on getting victories. Now that the Brazilians are out, he will no doubt shoulder much of the blame.

The Great History of Brazil Versus Holland

Brazil vs holland 1974

With the game taking place in the final round of the second group stage, it was practically a semi-final. Both Holland and Brazil won their first two games versus East Germany and Argentina. The game will be remembered for some dirty fouling, mostly by the Brazilians, with Ze Maria and Marinho Peres stopping the Dutch with tackles more suitable for American football. Brazil might have had to win the game, but Holland were superior throughout. Leao made a great save from Cruijff in the first-half after a dreadful miskick by Ze Maria gifted the ball to the Dutch genius, and the keeper was then called into action again to prevent Wim Suurbier scoring from a brilliant Wim van Hanegem pass. the Dutch took a deserved lead on 50 minutes, with Cruijff setting Johan Neeskens for a beautiful shot over Leao. Just 15 minutes later and it was all over for the defending world champions, with Cruijff making it 2-0 after a great cross by Ruud Krol. With only pride to play for, some rude tackles continued from both sides, and eventually Luis Pereira was sent off for an absolutely shocking foul on Neeskens. With Pele watching from the stands, Brazil surrendered their crown and did little to improve their image.

Holland vs Brazil world cup 1974

Brazil vs holland 1994

First goal made by Romario with a nice pass of Bebeto at 52 minutes. Bebeto also made a goal at 62 minutes.
 The third goal came from Holland. Dennis Bergkamp made a nice shot and Holland got a goal. Another goal came 
from Aron Winter of Holland. And last goal made by Branco in a free kick. Brazil won that match at 3-2.
 

Brazil vs holland 1998.

The third and last time both sides met in a World Cup was 12 years ago. Once again, Brazil triumphed over the Netherlands. A penalty shoot-out had to decide which team would make it to the final. Former Brazilian international Carlos Dunga, Rivaldo, Ronaldo, and Emerson all converted their spot-kicks to help Brazil beat the Dutch 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 drawn game.

Ashley Cole: 'I hate England and the f***ing people!'

Ashley Cole launched a foul-mouthed rant about England and its 'people' days before flying out to the World Cup to play football for his country.The Chelsea defender shared the astonishing insult with pals using his BlackBerry hours before he boarded a flight to England's pre-World Cup training camp in Austria.Shortly before leaving for the tournament, Cole is said to have posted a status message to his online friends which read: 'I hate England and the f***ing people!'The 29-year-old posted it as his status message - alongside a picture of him sunbathing topless - allowing all those designated as his friends to see it.Cole said: 'I always try my hardest for England and Chelsea but the intrusion and pressure I feel is making my life hell.Cole already raised the ire of supporters after he was pictured laughing and joking with teammate Ledley King just hours after England's dismal 4-1 defeat to Germany. Cole, dumped by ex-wife Cheryl after repeatedly cheating on her and sex-texting women - posted his BlackBerry rant shortly after he started seeing ex-lapdancer Sarah Purnell.As Cole arrived back in the UK with the rest of the England squad yesterday, Sarah was waiting to see if their relationship will go into extra time.Cole's popularity was already on the wane after he left Arsenal for Chelsea in 2006 - a move many fans considered as an act of betrayal.

World Cup 2010: Nigeria president suspends team

The president of Nigeria suspended the national football team from international competition for two years after its poor showing at the World Cup, his spokesman said Wednesday.Ima Niboro, a spokesman for President Goodluck Jonathan, made the announcement Wednesday, saying the ban would enable the country to reorganize its football administration.The announcement by President Goodluck Jonathan's spokesman Wednesday also follows corruption allegations which surrounded the team in the run-up to the tournament. Spokesman Ima Niboro said all funds directed toward the Nigeria Football Federation would be examined and "all those found wanting will be sanctioned."Niboro also said that all funding for the World Cup squad, including the hiring of Swedish coach Lars Lagerback, would be investigated.Federation spokesman Ademola Olajire told that he had no information about the suspension."We have not been directed," Olajire said. "We have no letter" from the president.Nigeria's state-run television broadcaster made only a brief mention of the suspension Wednesday afternoon, first saying the president wanted to build a "permanent football house" for the program.The Nigerian Football Federation's executive committee had earlier tendered an apology to the government and "all football loving Nigerians" for the early exit.Nigeria risks being banned by FIFA, soccer's governing body, from all international soccer because of the political interference."At the time of writing, we have no official information on this matter," FIFA said in a statement. "However, in general, FIFA's position regarding political interference in football is well known."FIFA rules demand that national federations manage their affairs independently, or face suspension from world soccer. National and club teams, plus referees, would be barred from participating in international matches and soccer officials are prevented from attending meetings.FIFA president Sepp Blatter had already expressed concern over the French government's investigation into France's surprising first-round exit from the World Cup.Nigeria was eliminated from the World Cup with just one point, which came in a 2-2 draw with South Korea in its final game. Nigeria lost to Argentina 1-0 in its Group B opener and fell to Greece 2-1 in a game turned by the first-half expulsion of midfielder Sani Kaita.The Super Eagles haven't won a World Cup match since 1998, going out with two losses and a draw in 2002 and failing to qualify for Germany 2006.The Super Eagles haven't won a World Cup match since 1998, going out with two losses and a draw in 2002 and failing to qualify for Germany 2006.FIFA president Sepp Blatter had already expressed concern over the French government's investigation into France's surprising first-round exit from the World Cup."Definitely I can tell you that political interference will be dealt with by FIFA notwithstanding what kind of interference and what is the size of the country," Blatter said Tuesday in remarks about France.

Match Review: Round of 16: Portugal vs Spain.

David Villa was Spain's hero yet again as his goal helped them past Portugal and into the last eight of the World Cup.As David Villa ruthlessly proved, however, by scoring the goal that secured forSpain a quarter-final against Paraguay on Saturday, there is no time like the present to grasp the chance to claim glory.The Barcelona striker registered his fourth goal of the competition just after the hour as he stabbed a shot past Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo. Villa’s goal, on 63 minutes, finally broke the resistance of the Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo, who had produced a catalogue of saves to deny the Spaniards.Liverpool striker Fernando Torres nearly opened his account at the World Cup inside the first minute as he forced Portugal keeper Eduardo into a smart save.Portugal's first opportunity came in the 20th minute as Spain keeper Iker Casillas parried Tiago's shot into the air before punching clear when striker Hugo Almeida tried to turn the ball home.Ronaldo tested Casillas with a free-kick from distance and the keeper spilled his powerful shot, before Almeida should have scored when he rose to meet Fabio Coentrao's cross from the left.In the 63rd minute Spain made the breakthrough, through a goal made in Barcelona. Andres Iniesta found Xavi, whose flick found Villa, and though his first shot was saved, he tucked the rebound home off the underside of the bar.On the 75th minute mark, a lovely move by Spain intelligently created acres of space for Villa again on the left channel before the goal scorer attempted to pick out the top corner with a thunderous effort.Moments earlier, Portugal had been reduced to 10 men following the 89th-minute dismissal of defender Ricardo Costa for flinging at arm at Joan Capdevila.he sent off for an apparent elbow on Capdevila, and the red card signaled the end of Portugal's World Cup hopes.

Highlights:Portugal vs Spain

Worldcup, round of 16, match review- Japan vs Paraguay.

Paraguay beat japan by penalty: Paraguay booked a place in the last eight of the World Cup at the expense of Japan but only after a dramatic penalty shoot out in Pretoria. There were extraordinary scenes at the end with the Paraguayans flooding the field, the Japanese slumped in despair. There were inevitable tears from Yuichi Komano – who had slammed his penalty against the bar, the only player to miss in the shoot-out – but also from the victorious coach, Gerardo Martino.There were extraordinary scenes at the end with the Paraguayans flooding the field, the Japanese slumped in despair. There were inevitable tears from Yuichi Komano – who had slammed his penalty against the bar, the only player to miss in the shoot-out – but also from the victorious coach, Gerardo Martino.Neither side created many chances during 120 minutes of disappointing football, though Japan's Daisuke Matsui hit the crossbar and Paraguay forced goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima into a couple of smart saves.After a quiet opening 20 minutes at Loftus Versfeld Stadium Paraguay fashioned the first opening when Lucas Barrios got into the area and forced Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima into a good low save. Seconds later, Daisuke Matsui struck the bar s with a looping shot.Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz was the next to go close as he latched onto a loose ball in the area but he dragged his shot wide.Five minutes before halftime Japan created a chance for Keisuke Honda after Matsui squared the ball to him on the edge of the box. He elected to shoot, and sliced his shot wide, when Yoshito Okubo was unmarked to his left.Chances were few and far between for the rest of half as Japan sat deep and made themselves difficult to break down.As the end of 90 minutes loomed both sides retreated, more than happy to sit back rather than launch men forward, and the game duly went into extra time.In the second half of extra time Japan came close to a winner when Yuto Nagatomo's cross was met by Honda but Villar saved, but the game went to penalties.The first six penalties were converted before Komano smashed his shot against the crossbar. Then Cardozo held his nerve to clinch the game.

Match highlights:

The England football team have returned to the UK.

The players, who appeared tired and weary, arrived back at Heathrow Airport at 6.20am on a Virgin flight which had been specially chartered by the Football Association. They touched down at Heathrow Airport at about 0620 BST. As they arrived home after the 11-hour flight the players, many of whom were dressed in official England team suits, could barely smile as they walked across the tarmac to waiting cars. David Beckham led the team off the plane, with Jamie Carragher and Michael Carrick just behind him. Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard barely smiled. Players' wives, girlfriends and children were also among the group to emerge from the aircraft. Others including Christine Bleakley, 31, the girlfriend of England midfielder Frank Lampard, Joe Cole’s wife 26-year-old wife Carly Zucker and Toni Poole, 28, wife of former England captain John Terry left South Africa on a separate flight. The players are not expected to have an official reception. Before the flight the team arrived at O R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg on a coach bearing the slogan Playing With Pride and Glory, looking downhearted and sombre. There were no fans present and the players did not speak to waiting journalists.The team were knocked out by their old footballing foe Germany after slumping to a 4 – 1 defeat in Bloemfontein.It was England’s heaviest ever defeat in the World Cup finals and capped a miserable tournament in which they only scored three goals and won only once.It is not only the England team that will be arriving home today. Thousands of disgruntled fans will return in the coming days following a shorter than expected South African trip. At the airport in Bloemfontein, fans were rearranging flights and some were trying to sell off their tickets for the quarter and semi-finals.

Worldcup fever in Brazil.

Worldcup fever affects around the Brazil. In Brazil every people hope to get more success of their team. Brazilians are mad about football, beer, curvy women and partying. The World Cup unites two of those passions: football and drinking beer while watching the games. This country is so mad about football, or futebol in PortuguesBrazilians are mad about football, beer, curvy women and partying. The World Cup unites two of those passions: football and drinking beer while watching the games. This country is so mad about football, or futebol in Portuguese, that all banks and most shops will close half an hour before a game played by the Brazilian team, and only reopen half an hour after the game ends. Since this World Cup is being held in South Africa, most of Brazil’s games in the first half of the championship will be held at 11:30 am and 3:30 pm local time, wrecking complete havoc on regular business hours and any semblance of productivity.e, that all banks and most shops will close half an hour before a game played by the Brazilian team.Brazilian banks reduced business hours on Tuesday and Sao Paulo’s train and subway system moved rush hour up to noon to accommodate the throngs of football fans backing the country to win a sixth world title. The country's securities and exchange commission closed during the game and will continue to do so whenever the team is playing, according to a statement. many companies were setting up large screen televisions in offices and stores so that their employees could watch all of the Brazil games in comfort. Some companies even went further and said they will be providing snacks and refreshments to their workers, with one advertising agency in Sao Paulo even saying it would provide beer for its workers to drink! Employees were warned in the article not to overdo the beer at work, and to refrain from swearing at the TV screen too much as this might affect their reputation.

In Brazil, Hope Grows for More success:

Worldcup, round of 16, match review- Brazil vs chile.

The most successful team in World Cup history Brazil, looks to continue their quest for a sixth title by knocking out a red-hot Chile in a much-anticipated match of the Round of 16 on Monday. Brazil prevailed over Chile, 3-0, in a Round of 16 showdown in Johannesburg. With an organized defense, Brazil counterattacked against an overeager Chilean team and cruised for a relatively easy 90 minutes. Brazil worked its game plan to perfection to start the game, absorbing Chile’s early advances while looking for an opening of its own. That chance came in the 34th minute, when Juan found himself free in the box to head in a corner kick from Maicon, putting Brazil ahead, 1-0. Chile looked for an instant response, but it was the Brazilians who unlocked the Chilean defence for the second time in the space of two minutes with a beautifully worked goal. Robinho started the play with a striding dribble down the left side, before passing to Kaka, who was trailing the play down the middle. Then, with one touch, Kaka released Luis Fabiano into the box, and the striker just had to dribble past Claudio Bravo, Chile’s keeper, to double Brazil’s lead.The game was surely over from there. Brazil are too defensively closed and Chile just could not break them down.Robinho added a goal in the 59th minute, after Ramires made a slicing dribbling run through the heart of Chile’s defense.

Playing against Brazil is not good experience for chile at all. The two teams have met 65 times before

. chile won only 7 match and they lose 46 match.

Match highlights

Review: Brazil Football Team.

Brazil is the team who have got five championships (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002).The Brazil football team is the only team to have participated in all 19 World Cups. The Brazil football team, five times Soccer Worldcup Champions, is the only team to have participated in all 19 World Cups.
The History of Success: Brazil hosted the 1950 tournament, which finished in ruins as they were defeated in the finals by Uruguay. As proof of their dissatisfaction, the Brazilian soccer team has never worn white soccer shirts since that year. In 1958 in Sweden, they became the initial team to win the Soccer Worldcup in a different continent. The Brazilian soccer team's pinnacle performance was at Mexico 1970 where they embraced their third Soccer Worldcup victory. But unluckily, this glory was not to be repeated again until USA 1994.At the 1998 France Soccer Worldcup, they were once again referenced as the favorites but they failed again.But in 2002, at the Korea / Japan Soccer World Cup, the Brazil football team rose to the challenge and took the championship.
World Cup Football Record for Brazil at a Glance: 1930 (1st Round), 1934 (1st Round), 1938 3rd Place, 1950 RU, 1954 QF, 1958 Winners, 1962 Winners, 1966 (1st Round), 1970 Winners, 1974 4th Place, 1978 3rd Place, 1982 (2nd Round), 1986 QF, 1990 (2nd Round), 1994 Winners, 1998 RU, 2002 Winners, 2006 QF.
23 Man Squad for Brazil At FIFA Worl Cup Football 2010
Brazil's 23-man World Cup squad

Name	Age	Nationality	Position
Heurelho da Silva Gomes	29		Goal
Júlio César Soares de Espíndola	30		Goal
Doniéber Alexander Marangon	30		Goal
Juan Silveira dos Santos	31		Defense
Ânderson Luís da Silva	29		Defense
Daniel Alves da Silva	27		Defense
Maicon Douglas Sisenando	28		Defense
Thiago Emiliano da Silva	25		Defense
Lucimar da Silva Ferreira	32		Defense
Ramires Santos do Nascimento	23		Midfield
Gilberto da Silva Melo	34		Midfield
Josué Anunciado de Oliveira	30		Midfield
Júlio César Clement Baptista	28		Midfield
José Kléberson Pereira	31		Midfield
Felipe Melo de Carvalho	27		Midfield
Gilberto Aparecido da Silva	33		Midfield
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite	28		Midfield
Michel Fernandes Bastos	26		Midfield
Elano Ralph Blumer	29		Midfield
Nilmar Honorato da Silva	25		Offense
Luís Fabiano Clemente	29		Offense
Róbson de Souza	26		Offense
Edinaldo Batista Libânio	31		Offense