That’s why we love football.  Unexpected results, crazy moments and the aftermath.  FIFA World Cup 2010 started slowly in the group stages, in which teams played with slow tempo and were cautious with their tactics.  The fun starts in the quarter-finals.  The games were: Brazil vs Netherlands, Uruguay vs Ghana, Germany vs Argentina and Spain vs Paraguay.

Brazil vs Netherlands

When i start watching the match, the score was already 1-0 in favour of Brazil.  I was thinking that there is no more hope for the Oranje.  But they came out strong after half time with two goals from Wesley Sneijder.  The great comeback started with a judgement mistake by Julio Cesar and a great ball into the box by Sneijder.  The goal turned the game around.  As the Dutch were growing in confidence, the second came from a set-piece and was headed in by Sneijder’s ‘bald’ head.  Then, Brazilian Felipe Melo trampled on Arjen Robben which earned him a red card.. and ultimately Brazil’s exit from the World Cup.

Uruguay vs Ghana

This tie may not seem to be the most interesting, but in fact, it is more dramatic than the other matches.  The score was level at 1-1 in extra time and the tie looked to be heading for penalty shoot-out.  Ghana, cheered by the whole Africa continent and perhaps most parts of the world, made a final push and almost scored a goal, but for goal line clearance and a hand ball by Suarez.  He got a red card and Ghana got a penalty, in which they missed.  The psychological advantage was on Uruguay’s side and they made full use of it in the penalty shoot-out.  Should the referee give a goal instead of a penalty and red card? I don’t think so, because the ball did not cross the line.  But it was ‘sporting injustice’ and it is a sad sad thing to see, such a hardworking team crashing out in this manner.  Suarez then claimed that this is the NEW ‘Hand of God’.

Germany vs Argentina

Do you know the definition of trashing? This match will give you a good lesson on what trashing is.  4-0.  Who would have thought that? With Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain in the team, how did Germany kept the clean sheet? Oh wait, I only mentioned strikers? How about the Argentinian defenders? ‘Missing’ is the word.  And it is Argentina team’s weak point.  Germany did very well to neutralize Messi (and therefore the Argentinian attacks) and counter attack to make Argentinian defenders looked like school boys.  In fact, the score would’ve been more than 4-0, but for misses by Germany.  The young blood from the German side really made an impact in this World Cup.  They are now strong contenders to win the ultimate prize.  Spain must be sweating on their foot and palms now.

Spain vs Paraguay

Who can deny that Spain plays the most beautiful football in this WC? Their passings and movements are just mesmerizing at times.  But just like Arsenal in the EPL, they find it hard to score goals.  Torres is not performing.  But who cares? Spain has a saviour a.k.a. David Villa.  Paraguay did not play badly in this game.  In fact, they actually scored a goal by Valdez, which was disallowed due to offside.  But the video replay showed that he was, in fact, onside.  Anyway, Spain got lucky this time.  But could their run of luck continue into the game against Germany? This is certainly going to be a cracker!

Semi finals and Finale of the WC will be at 2.30am here.  Should I watch, or not? I have work the next morning..But this is a 4-year-once thing.. I’m in dilemma…

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