World Cup 2010 Blog: “Liveblog: Paraguay vs Japan” plus 9 more |  |
- Liveblog: Paraguay vs Japan
- Apocalypse Watch: Sepp Blatter Apologizes
- 2010 Could Be the Highest Scoring Round of 16 Ever
- Jogi Löw Picks His Nose and Eats it
- Preview: Spain vs. Portugal, Round of 16
- The World Cup Awards: June 28th, 2010.
- Preview: Paraguay vs. Japan, Round of 16
- Tevez: “I was offside”
- Match Review & Highlights: Brazil 3 – Chile 0
- Liveblog: Brazil vs Chile, Round of 16
| Posted: 29 Jun 2010 04:00 AM PDT
Welcome to the liveblog of Paraguay vs Japan in the World Cup Round of 16. Make your comments before, during and after the match in the liveblog window. Read up on the match with our Paraguay vs Japan preview. Don’t just take our word on the match. Check out match comments from carefully selected Twitter accounts: FAN RESOURCES
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| Apocalypse Watch: Sepp Blatter Apologizes Posted: 29 Jun 2010 03:34 AM PDT
“It is obvious that after the experiences so far at this World Cup it would be a nonsense not to re-open the file on goalline technology.” the FIFA president said at a press conference today. And he added: “I have apologized to the two delegations,” (England and Mexico). ” It has not been a five-star game for referees. I am distressed by the evident referees’ mistakes. I have expressed my apologies.” It has not been a five-star game (I’m guessing he means tournament) for referees. That from the big boss, the constant defender of all things status quo in football. It will take me a day or so to sort this out in my head. Is this the start of a kinder, gentler, less overtly scary Sepp Blatter, who listens to the fans and takes some steps to bring the game into the 21st century? In short – no. But it may be the sign of a Sepp Blatter who has been talked to rather harshly by the English FA. Only time will tell if anything will come from this. But myself, I have to admit, I’m feeling a little optimistic. Do you think referees should have technology to help them? Read our referee expert’s thoughts on whether we should embrace technology in football
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| 2010 Could Be the Highest Scoring Round of 16 Ever Posted: 29 Jun 2010 01:38 AM PDT
Through six matches of the eight total, we have seen 21 goals, for an average of 3.5 goals per match. If that average holds, it will be the highest since the current format began in 1986. Here are the goalscoring stats for the previous six World Cups: 2006: 8 matches, 15 goals = 1.875 So even if both of tonight’s matches end in 0-0 draws and go to penalties, there will be more goals scored in this round than in 2006, 2002 and 1990. 2 more goals gets us even with France ‘98. And we are 5 goals away from matching the very first round of 16 in 1986. Can C-Ron, Villa, Honda and Barrios get us over the 26-goals hump? The neutrals will be hoping to see it happen, but however it ends up, this will be remembered as a very exciting round of 16. Now that we’re coming to the end of the Round of 16, start planning for the next round with our guide to the World Cup Quarterfinals
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| Jogi Löw Picks His Nose and Eats it Posted: 28 Jun 2010 11:02 PM PDT
Either way, I think we’ve found the real reason FIFA is dead set against using video replays in football. Because no one needs to see this on a big screen. [via Dirty Tackle and 101GG]
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| Preview: Spain vs. Portugal, Round of 16 Posted: 28 Jun 2010 07:00 PM PDT
THE BIG PICTURE On paper this should be an attacking blowout of epic Iberian proportions, but one of these teams isn’t following the narrative. Portugal, for all their attacking wingers and quality in midfield, have been transformed into a staunch defensive outfit – save for North Korea – and go into the game with zero goals conceded in the tournament and two goals conceded over the last year. They are an awfully tough lock to pick. The other side will be neighbors Spain, who also happen to be the world’s most gifted team going forward, making this a tremendous matchup. Of course Spain have already been snuffed out by a less talented Swiss side, but their last two games have been progress enough to think that they’ll at least break Portugal’s defensive stranglehold. So will Portugal be able to score against a team not North Korea? Will they be able to nullify Spain as Switzerland did? Or will Spain finally hit all cylinders and simply trample Portugal on their way to glory? Lots of questions, ninety minutes of answers. (Horrible, horrible tagline available for purchase for 2014.) WHAT’S AT STAKE Surprisingly both teams have poor World Cup histories: this is only Portugal’s fourth tournament ever and Spain have technically never made the semifinals. It’s always been quarterfinals or bust for La Furia Roja, so this one will have incredible meaning given their hype entering the gala. This before considering the potential opponents awaiting – either Paraguay or Japan – aren’t exactly terrifying on paper. There’s also the consideration that Spain & Portugal are bidding for World Cups 2018 & 2022. Maybe the winner of this one should get the final? OUR PREDICTION Spain seems to have gotten their stumbles out of the way early, which is always a good thing. Unlikely to be a blowout, but after learning a thing or two from Switzerland they’ll figure out how to break through a brick wall defense and nab that sacred quarterfinal spot. 2-1 Spain. FAN RESOURCES
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| The World Cup Awards: June 28th, 2010. Posted: 28 Jun 2010 05:59 PM PDT
That picture is of no current relevance, but it had to be used – subtlety must be rewarded. Team of the Day: Well, it’s a World Cup day…and Brazil played…and won…and therefore it’s Brazil. One of the few football rules being followed this tournament. Although that they only had to contend with the stale Dutch win over the giants of Slovakia certainly helped. There was a span of maybe forty-five seconds where Stekelenburg made two stunning saves – this a man who’d lost his job at Ajax last year – keeping the game even with Slovakia looking increasingly impressive. (And this is why the Dutch run might end here.)
How basic is that? i. Hit it into space.
The Bizarro World Cup continues.
Apparently John Terry’s Special Olympics defense earned everyone a medal. Speaking Of:
Someone tells me this is the original. Goonies Award: This one may be one of Kuyt’s finest Sloth moments. Think he’s about to eat Sneijder?
His friends aren’t helping either.
Be honest – one of these has much more appeal. (Furry ostrich legs, obviously.) Matchup of the Day: Brazilian temptress takes on a witch. It’s all trouble either way.
v.
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| Preview: Paraguay vs. Japan, Round of 16 Posted: 28 Jun 2010 03:40 PM PDT On game day, remember to join us for our Paraguay vs. Japan Liveblog
THE BIG PICTURE Paraguay’s defence is no joke, helped by the three central midfielders that protect the back four. Not sure how that will match up against Japan’s counter-attacking 4-1-4-1. There might be too many players in midfield for the game to be enjoyable, but also not enough players for Paraguay to control possession. Though Paraguay conceded only one in qualifying, they also scored only three times (including a 0-0 draw against New Zealand). The trio of forwards (probably Nelson Valdez, Lucio Barrios and the miraculously uninjured Roque Santa Cruz) will give Japan’s defence problems, but only if the ball gets to them. Should be an interesting tactical battle. More at the Paraguay blog. WHAT’S AT STAKE OUR PREDICTION FAN RESOURCES
Follow the action with our minute-by-minute Paraguay vs. Japan Liveblog
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| Posted: 28 Jun 2010 02:53 PM PDT
Carlos Tevez himself knows it too, and isn’t afraid to say so:
Maximum respect to Tevez for owning up. Seriously. I love when footballers are nice and honest and don’t try and pretend that nothing happened. I can think of plenty of footballers who would have claimed complete ignorance, pretending they’ve never even heard of this off side you speak of. You might argue that Tevez should have ‘fessed up to being offside immediately after the goal. Maybe during the arguments and confusions that followed the goal. But Tevez is honest. He’s not stupid.
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| Match Review & Highlights: Brazil 3 – Chile 0 Posted: 28 Jun 2010 02:24 PM PDT
The much hyped game between traditionally attacking Brazil and actually attacking Chile was anything but the high-flying affair it was could have been. Of course with Dunga on the sidelines it shouldn’t be too surprised – nor should you be surprised by the result: a commanding 3-0 Brazil win. Another day, another win without much care for the method (at least not from the coach’s seat).
The second was a near-complete collapse from the Chilean defense, who allowed Luis Fabiano into the box onside and completely unmarked with the ball at the foot of Kaka. Predictable result ensued.
The game was surely over from there. Brazil are too defensively closed and Chile just could not break them down, nor could they stop the odd chance Brazil fancied executing. It was a dominating performance capped off by a pearl of a goal from Robinho.
This one had an air of formality going in and nothing changed in the 90 minutes between whistles. Brazil are clearly one of the favorites, a strong team growing stronger, even if they’re missing that patented Brazilian flair. They’ll now match up with the Netherlands in a battle of Who Are We Again? – two teams dismissing their attacking histories for defensively sound, effective, result-oriented football. Which means the Netherlands & Brazil quarterfinal may just be the game to blow the lid off this World Cup.
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| Liveblog: Brazil vs Chile, Round of 16 Posted: 28 Jun 2010 08:58 AM PDT Now that the match is over, check out our Brazil vs. Chile Match Review and Highlights
Make your comments before, during and after the match in the liveblog window. Read up on the match with our Brazil vs Chile preview.
Don’t just take our word on the match. Check out match comments from carefully selected Twitter accounts: FAN RESOURCES
Now that the match is over, check out our Brazil vs. Chile Match Review and Highlights
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The end is nigh. The trumpets (vuvuzela?) have sounded and we are all doomed, because this must truly be the apocalypse. Sepp Blatter has apologized, and may even change his mind.
During the group stage of the 2010 World Cup, we heard one thing over and over again from those who enjoy whining about what they believe is wrong with football – there aren’t enough goals. Whether it was the Jabulani ball, or the 
Carlos Tevez was offside when he scored his first goal vs Mexico yesterday. You know it. I know it. All of Mexico knows it. The big replay screen at the stadium knows it.
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