Favourites Brazil, on their way to capturing a 6th world cup, lost to an indomitable Netherlands side. The South Americans, coached by former player, Dunga, were ahead in goals. The Netherlands came from behind to snatch a victory, stifling the Samba dance.
The Black Stars of Ghana's chances of being the first African team to reach the semis were obliterated by Uruguay.
Ghana's Muntari scored the opening goal just before the close of the first half, 1-0.
Diego Forlan equalized for Uruguay with a setpiece that curled past the goalkeeper into the back of the net.
The match went into extra time. With 30seconds of extra time remaining, Ghana received a free kick that saw major scrambling in the box. The Uruguaian keeper was out of position, the striker, Suarez stood on the goal line. He prevented a goal, headed by Appiah, by using his hands. He was spotted and received the RED card, becoming the 12th player to be sent off the field.
Ghana received a penalty, and the golden striker, Asemoah Gyan stood over the Jobulani ball, carrying the hopes of all 800 million Africans. He kicked and the ball hit the goalposts. You could hear a pin drop when thousands of hearts stopped beating.
Asemoah Gyan (with Kevin Prince Boateng)
The game went into a penalty shoot-out. The first two players, on both teams, scored. Both the 3rd players missed. Ghana missed the 4th. Uruguay scored and tore the African heart apart.
Luis Suarez became a hero for his country, and the most despised player in Africa.
The Black Stars of Ghana became the Black Stars of Africa! We look forward to the brilliance of this courageous team in the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Maradona's Argentinian side will meet their South American compatriots, Brazil, at the airport. This team looked like potential winners of the tournament.
Tevez scored thrilling goals. Higuain was a golden boot contender with 4 goals.
Lionel Messi was instrumental in setting up the goals which saw them reach the Quarter finals.
Germany took an early lead. Argentina equalised but the linesman had his flag up, the goal was disallowed as an offside. The Germans carried on with the onslaught they brought on England and annihilated Argentina by 4 goals to none.
Germany meets Spain in their next encounter.
The other semi final is between Uruguay and the Netherlands.
I have no favourites at all out of these four teams left, I will back Spain though to win. This world cup has been an anti-climax, personally.
Semi Finals
Netherlands v Uruguay (Uru)
Germany v Spain (Spain)
Finals
Uruguay v Spain (Spain)
Past winners
Year Host Country Winner Score
1930 Uruguay Uruguay Uruguay 4-2 Argentina
1934 Italy Italy Italy 2-1 Czechoslovakia
1938 France Italy Italy 4-2 Hungary
1942 not held
1946 not held
1950 Brazil Uruguay Uruguay 2-1 Brazil
1954 Switzerland Germany Germany 3-2 Hungary
1958 Sweden Brazil Brazil 5-2 Sweden
1962 Chile Brazil Brazil 3-1 Czechoslovakia
1966 England England England 4-2 Germany
1970 Mexico Brazil Brazil 4-1 Italy
1974 Germany Germany Germany 2-1 Holland
1978 Argentina Argentina Argentina 3-1 Holland
1982 Spain Italy Italy 3-1 Germany
1986 Mexico Argentina Argentina 3-2 Germany
1990 Italy Germany Germany 1-0 Argentina
1994 US Brazil Brazil 3-2 Italy
1998 France France France 3-0 Brazil
2002 Japan / S. Korea Brazil Brazil 2-0 Germany
2006 Germany Italy Italy 1-1 (5-3) France
2010 South Africa
VS Yonke
No comments:
Post a Comment