Coming into the tournament without injured talisman Michael Ballack, doubts over the future of coach Joachim Loew and the second-youngest squad in the competition, many might have expected Germany to struggle in South Africa.
But if their effervescent display in Durban is anything to go by, the three-time champions could be real contenders for the title come 11 July.
Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose continued their remarkable scoring record at international level with a goal apiece to take their joint tally to 88, Thomas Mueller and Cacau added the gloss, while in playmaker Mesut Ozil they appear to have found a real superstar.
They were aided by the harsh dismissal of Australia's key man Tim Cahill, given a straight red card for a clumsy but hardly malevolent challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger on 55 minutes.
Germany, though, had given notice of their attacking class long before that.
Klose has already been denied by Aussie keeper Mark Schwarzer when Podolski drilled in the opener from Mueller's cross, and moments after Klose had wasted another glorious chance, poking wide from eight yards, the Bayern Munich man nodded in Phillip Lahm's delicious cross to make it 2-0.
In fairness, Australia had the odd half-chance, Jason Culina heading a Brett Emerton cross over and Richard Garcia sending a snap-shot past the post - while a second-half appeal for handball against Per Mertesacker in the box might have warranted closer inspection.
But what Germany lacked in defensive strength, they more than made up for in pace, power and technique up front.
Ozil twice had the chance to get on the scoresheet having been sent through one-on-one, his first effort cleared off the line by Lucas Neill and his touch failing him the second time.
And then came Cahill's sending off, after which Germany's domination was absolute.
Schwarzer did his best to keep the score down, saving twice from Klose, and once apiece from Sami Khedira and Podolski as Germany tore through the Australia defences time and again.
Monday, June 14, 2010
World champions Italy had to fight back from a goal down to earn a point against Paraguay as they began the defence of their crown with an unconvincing draw.
Marcello Lippi's side looked like they would be on the wrong end of the first major shock of the 2010 World Cup when they fell behind to Antolin
Alcaraz's first-half header but an error from the South American side's goalkeeper Justo Villa gifted Daniele de Rossi an equaliser.
The ageing Azzurri, who featured five of their 2006 winning team in their starting line-up, looked short of ideas going forward and also have a concern over the fitness of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was forced off at half-time with an apparent back injury.
Italy did avoid their first defeat in their opening game of a World Cup since losing to the Republic of Ireland in New York in 2004 but this was not a performance to reassure their army of travelling fans that they are in any sort of shape to defend their title.
In the absence of the injured Andrea Pirlo, who is expected to return later in the group stage, it fell on Simone Pepe to try to open up the Paraguayan defence, but it was only in the closing stages of the game that he and his side managed any sustained spells of pressure.
Lippi's men dominated possession but their opponents' disciplined and regimented approach, in some ways reminiscent of many cautious Azzurri sides in the past, held firm.
Italy's best opening of the first half hour actually came on the break when Riccardo Montolivo dispossessed Salvatore Bocchetti on the half-way line but, after running to the edge of the area, his low shot barely tested Villar.
At the other end, Paraguay were growing in confidence and they had already wasted a couple of decent shooting chances when they stunned the world champions by taking the lead after 39 minutes.
Aureliano Torres curled in a wicked free-kick and Alcaraz leapt to beat Fabio Cannavaro and De Rossi and power home his header into the corner of the net.
Things got even worse for Italy at half-time when goalkeeper Buffon, another survivor of 2006 and still the anchor of their side, had to be replaced by Federico Marchetti.
Paraguay continued to look comfortable after the break and Enrique Vera came close to adding a second when he drove a fierce shot over the bar when the ball broke to him in the area.
But Italy were gifted an equaliser by the sort of goalkeeping howler that we have become used to in the opening days of this World Cup.
Villar flapped horribly at Pepe's corner and missed his attempted punch, allowing the onrushing De Rossi to force the ball the home from close range.
Italy looked a lot sharper after equalising and ended the stronger side but they were still finding things frustrating in the final third and had to settle for shots from distance.
Pepe fired wide after cutting in from the right and Montolivo had a low effort turned round the post before the end but the Paraguayans held on for the draw that their performance merited.
Alcaraz's first-half header but an error from the South American side's goalkeeper Justo Villa gifted Daniele de Rossi an equaliser.
The ageing Azzurri, who featured five of their 2006 winning team in their starting line-up, looked short of ideas going forward and also have a concern over the fitness of legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was forced off at half-time with an apparent back injury.
Italy did avoid their first defeat in their opening game of a World Cup since losing to the Republic of Ireland in New York in 2004 but this was not a performance to reassure their army of travelling fans that they are in any sort of shape to defend their title.
In the absence of the injured Andrea Pirlo, who is expected to return later in the group stage, it fell on Simone Pepe to try to open up the Paraguayan defence, but it was only in the closing stages of the game that he and his side managed any sustained spells of pressure.
Lippi's men dominated possession but their opponents' disciplined and regimented approach, in some ways reminiscent of many cautious Azzurri sides in the past, held firm.
Italy's best opening of the first half hour actually came on the break when Riccardo Montolivo dispossessed Salvatore Bocchetti on the half-way line but, after running to the edge of the area, his low shot barely tested Villar.
At the other end, Paraguay were growing in confidence and they had already wasted a couple of decent shooting chances when they stunned the world champions by taking the lead after 39 minutes.
Aureliano Torres curled in a wicked free-kick and Alcaraz leapt to beat Fabio Cannavaro and De Rossi and power home his header into the corner of the net.
Things got even worse for Italy at half-time when goalkeeper Buffon, another survivor of 2006 and still the anchor of their side, had to be replaced by Federico Marchetti.
Paraguay continued to look comfortable after the break and Enrique Vera came close to adding a second when he drove a fierce shot over the bar when the ball broke to him in the area.
But Italy were gifted an equaliser by the sort of goalkeeping howler that we have become used to in the opening days of this World Cup.
Villar flapped horribly at Pepe's corner and missed his attempted punch, allowing the onrushing De Rossi to force the ball the home from close range.
Italy looked a lot sharper after equalising and ended the stronger side but they were still finding things frustrating in the final third and had to settle for shots from distance.
Pepe fired wide after cutting in from the right and Montolivo had a low effort turned round the post before the end but the Paraguayans held on for the draw that their performance merited.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
England v USA betting preview World Cup 2010
The World Cup is here and England get their World Cup campaign underway today, the England v USA odds make England strong favourites to win the game despite USA being no mugs, they beat Spain and went close to beating Brazil in last year’s Confederations Cup, which was held in South Africa, so they have proven form here.
The England World Cup odds have drifted plenty recently, England were 11/2 a couple of months ago but have since drifted out to 8/1 after several mediocre friendly displays, but that doesn’t seem to have dented confidence in the England camp with Fabio Capello’s players sure they can win the World Cup.
The game against USA looks as though it should be high scoring, USA’s strength seems to be in attack and that should play to England’s strengths, they are not the best at breaking down stubborn teams but when they are attacked, they can counter attack and make the most out of Wayne Rooney’s lethal finishing. Wayne Rooney is going to be a major figure for England this summer and England need to get the most out of the Man Utd striker if they are to win the World Cup.
With goals set be plentiful on Saturday it should pay to back over 2.5 goals which looks great value at just under evens. Those looking for a bigger priced bet should concentrate on the correct score market, where it could pay to cover two outcomes, 2-1 and 3-1 wins for England. We know England have struggled to keep clean sheets under Fabio Capello, they have just six in twenty five games under the Italian’s leadership, and whichever one comes in you should win a nice amount.
Although confidence in England has been fairly low recently, a goal or two for Rooney against USA and his odds look set to crash and he is well worth backing now. Click the following link for the Wayne Rooney World Cup Golden Boot odds and take advantage of some great free bet offers whilst you are there.
The England World Cup odds have drifted plenty recently, England were 11/2 a couple of months ago but have since drifted out to 8/1 after several mediocre friendly displays, but that doesn’t seem to have dented confidence in the England camp with Fabio Capello’s players sure they can win the World Cup.
The game against USA looks as though it should be high scoring, USA’s strength seems to be in attack and that should play to England’s strengths, they are not the best at breaking down stubborn teams but when they are attacked, they can counter attack and make the most out of Wayne Rooney’s lethal finishing. Wayne Rooney is going to be a major figure for England this summer and England need to get the most out of the Man Utd striker if they are to win the World Cup.
With goals set be plentiful on Saturday it should pay to back over 2.5 goals which looks great value at just under evens. Those looking for a bigger priced bet should concentrate on the correct score market, where it could pay to cover two outcomes, 2-1 and 3-1 wins for England. We know England have struggled to keep clean sheets under Fabio Capello, they have just six in twenty five games under the Italian’s leadership, and whichever one comes in you should win a nice amount.
Although confidence in England has been fairly low recently, a goal or two for Rooney against USA and his odds look set to crash and he is well worth backing now. Click the following link for the Wayne Rooney World Cup Golden Boot odds and take advantage of some great free bet offers whilst you are there.
Korea Republic v Greece, World Cup Group B, Match 3
When the fixtures first came out, there were certain games I looked for. Korea Republic against Greece wasn't one of them and that is exactly the reason why it will probably be the best game of the day.
It's usually the games you don't expect to be good that are the ones you should have made time for and if I'm right, this will be the best game of the day while England v USA later will be an anti-climax. I hope I'm wrong by the way.
In between those two games we also have Argentina against Nigeria, but we will get to that later. For now, we really should focus on Korea Republic and Greece.
It's also a tough one to call but it is a hugely important game for both sides, as the other two teams in Group B, Argentina and Nigeria, are the favourites to go through. A draw isn't something either of these teams will be playing for and as such, I think we will see some end to end football. If you were not planning to watch this match, think again, it will be a great game - make time.
It's usually the games you don't expect to be good that are the ones you should have made time for and if I'm right, this will be the best game of the day while England v USA later will be an anti-climax. I hope I'm wrong by the way.
In between those two games we also have Argentina against Nigeria, but we will get to that later. For now, we really should focus on Korea Republic and Greece.
It's also a tough one to call but it is a hugely important game for both sides, as the other two teams in Group B, Argentina and Nigeria, are the favourites to go through. A draw isn't something either of these teams will be playing for and as such, I think we will see some end to end football. If you were not planning to watch this match, think again, it will be a great game - make time.
Oscar Cardozo isn't going to miss the World Cup
The Paraguay team have dismissed reports that Oscar Cardozo could be out of the World Cup and declared the striker could still make next week's opening match against Italy.
Cardozo scored 36 goals for Benfica last season but has been struggling with an ankle injury and has been training away from the rest of the Paraguay squad and the outlook is positive.
"I must clarify that Oscar Cardozo is not out of the World Cup, as has been implied in some media," said Paraguay team doctor Manuel Aguilar. "What's more, neither has he been ruled out of the first game."
So, there you have it, he might even make the first game against Italy in Cape Town on Monday evening. It will be a good game and Paraguay supporters will be hoping he can bring some of his league form to the national stage and if he can, we all here fancy Paraguay could surprise a few people at this tournament.
Cardozo scored 36 goals for Benfica last season but has been struggling with an ankle injury and has been training away from the rest of the Paraguay squad and the outlook is positive.
"I must clarify that Oscar Cardozo is not out of the World Cup, as has been implied in some media," said Paraguay team doctor Manuel Aguilar. "What's more, neither has he been ruled out of the first game."
So, there you have it, he might even make the first game against Italy in Cape Town on Monday evening. It will be a good game and Paraguay supporters will be hoping he can bring some of his league form to the national stage and if he can, we all here fancy Paraguay could surprise a few people at this tournament.
Germany have no chance of winning World Cup - Matthaus
Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus says his country have 'almost' no chance of winning the World Cup in South Africa and that he is unimpressed with the standard of Joachim Loew's squad.
"The problem with Germany is that they have no stars, no-one with any individual brilliance, now that Ballack is out," said Matthaus. "And their preparations have hardly been optimal."
"The loss of Michael Ballack was a blow, as he would have been a dominant personality at the tournament. And the Bayern contingent joined up with the rest of the squad very late.
"Expectations are high for Germany, but other countries have caught up fast. As I said, Germany lack the brilliant individuals who can settle a match on their own, and that's been obvious for some years now.
"But Germany have to make the quarter-finals at a minimum. Whether they go any further depends on a lot of factors. But I have Spain, Brazil and Argentina at the top of my list. They can pick from the best players in the world.
"Holland have great players too, but with the exception of 1974 and 1978, they've never really done well at the World Cup. There's a tendency for their individuals to play to the gallery, and that affects their performance as a team.
"I see Philipp Lahm as Michael Ballack's natural successor as Germany captain. But the only thing that bothers me is that he's a full-back, so by definition he's not in the midfield area."
Germany are in Group D up against Australia, Serbia and Ghana and were pre-World Cup were favourites to win the group, but injuries have had hampered their preparations and this is now one of the closest groups as far as the bookmakers are concerned.
"The problem with Germany is that they have no stars, no-one with any individual brilliance, now that Ballack is out," said Matthaus. "And their preparations have hardly been optimal."
"The loss of Michael Ballack was a blow, as he would have been a dominant personality at the tournament. And the Bayern contingent joined up with the rest of the squad very late.
"Expectations are high for Germany, but other countries have caught up fast. As I said, Germany lack the brilliant individuals who can settle a match on their own, and that's been obvious for some years now.
"But Germany have to make the quarter-finals at a minimum. Whether they go any further depends on a lot of factors. But I have Spain, Brazil and Argentina at the top of my list. They can pick from the best players in the world.
"Holland have great players too, but with the exception of 1974 and 1978, they've never really done well at the World Cup. There's a tendency for their individuals to play to the gallery, and that affects their performance as a team.
"I see Philipp Lahm as Michael Ballack's natural successor as Germany captain. But the only thing that bothers me is that he's a full-back, so by definition he's not in the midfield area."
Germany are in Group D up against Australia, Serbia and Ghana and were pre-World Cup were favourites to win the group, but injuries have had hampered their preparations and this is now one of the closest groups as far as the bookmakers are concerned.
Friday, June 11, 2010
France, Uruguay draw a blank
An opportunity to seize the initiative in Group A was missed at Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium as France and ten-man Uruguay served up a drab goalless draw. The earlier stalemate between South Africa and Mexico had presented their section rivals with the chance to claim top spot, but neither did enough to secure three points in a scrappy encounter in which Nicolas Lodeiro picked up the tournament’s first red card.
France’s difficulties at UEFA EURO 2008 and during FIFA World Cup™ qualifying has enabled them to sneak almost unnoticed into this competition, yet they reminded everyone of their considerable potential with some slick early play. Predictably, Frank Ribery was at the heart of the best of their attacking forays, and only Sidney Govou will know how he failed to convert the Bayern Munich winger’s inviting low cross after eight minutes. Ribery looked to have laid on a certain goal, with Govou inside the six-yard box when the ball arrived, but the Lyon player’s right-foot attempt lacked conviction and the ball trickled wide of the far post.
Les Bleus remained in the ascendancy, and Nicolas Anelka – who endured a frustrating evening – might have done better than head over from an intelligently weighted Yoann Gourcuff cross. The presence of Diego Forlan ensured that Raymond Domenech’s side were never able to rest easy, though, and the Atletico Madrid striker underlined his capabilities on 16 minutes with an effort out of nothing. Stepping inside from the left beyond William Gallas, Forlan unleashed a powerful right-foot drive that was heading for the net before Hugo Lloris got across to make a fine save.
Nonetheless, this was an isolated moment of concern for a French side who remained firmly in control, with Abou Diaby dictating the midfield pace. Gourcuff was also impressing, and with 18 minutes played he forced an alert save from Fernando Muslera with an audacious free-kick attempt on goal, inches from the left touchline. The game fell into something of a lull as half-time approached, but the tempo picked up again after the break, with Forlan blasting over after sneaking in between Gallas and Bacary Sagna. There was precious little penetration, however, and the growing frustration was summed up 12 minutes after the restart when Jeremy Toulalan tried his luck from all of 35 yards, bringing a comfortable save out of Muslera.
France introduced Thierry Henry in an attempt to re-establish their early superiority, but it was Uruguay who should have snatched victory, with Forlan wasting the best chance of the half, blasting wide from an unmarked position 12 yards from goal. Ultimately, however, La Celeste were happy to hold out for a point after second-half substitute Lodeiro earned a second yellow card for an ugly lunge on Sagna.
France’s difficulties at UEFA EURO 2008 and during FIFA World Cup™ qualifying has enabled them to sneak almost unnoticed into this competition, yet they reminded everyone of their considerable potential with some slick early play. Predictably, Frank Ribery was at the heart of the best of their attacking forays, and only Sidney Govou will know how he failed to convert the Bayern Munich winger’s inviting low cross after eight minutes. Ribery looked to have laid on a certain goal, with Govou inside the six-yard box when the ball arrived, but the Lyon player’s right-foot attempt lacked conviction and the ball trickled wide of the far post.
Les Bleus remained in the ascendancy, and Nicolas Anelka – who endured a frustrating evening – might have done better than head over from an intelligently weighted Yoann Gourcuff cross. The presence of Diego Forlan ensured that Raymond Domenech’s side were never able to rest easy, though, and the Atletico Madrid striker underlined his capabilities on 16 minutes with an effort out of nothing. Stepping inside from the left beyond William Gallas, Forlan unleashed a powerful right-foot drive that was heading for the net before Hugo Lloris got across to make a fine save.
Nonetheless, this was an isolated moment of concern for a French side who remained firmly in control, with Abou Diaby dictating the midfield pace. Gourcuff was also impressing, and with 18 minutes played he forced an alert save from Fernando Muslera with an audacious free-kick attempt on goal, inches from the left touchline. The game fell into something of a lull as half-time approached, but the tempo picked up again after the break, with Forlan blasting over after sneaking in between Gallas and Bacary Sagna. There was precious little penetration, however, and the growing frustration was summed up 12 minutes after the restart when Jeremy Toulalan tried his luck from all of 35 yards, bringing a comfortable save out of Muslera.
France introduced Thierry Henry in an attempt to re-establish their early superiority, but it was Uruguay who should have snatched victory, with Forlan wasting the best chance of the half, blasting wide from an unmarked position 12 yards from goal. Ultimately, however, La Celeste were happy to hold out for a point after second-half substitute Lodeiro earned a second yellow card for an ugly lunge on Sagna.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)