Netherlands aim to topple Brazil
Brazil, without suspended Ramires and injured Elano, face the Netherlands today for the fourth time at a World Cup.
Brazil, without suspended Ramires and injured Elano, face the Netherlands today for the fourth time at a World Cup in what promises to be an explosive quarter-final.
They first met in 1974, with the European side prevailing 2-0. In 1994, Brazil overcame the Dutch 3-2 at the same stage of the competition before going on to win the title. Four years later in France the Oranje lost out again, 4-2 on penalties after drawing their semi-final 1-1.
But this time round, the Netherlands are in arguably better shape than they have ever been to exact revenge on their arch nemesis and extend their unbeaten record in South Africa to five games.
Holland’s previous international outings have often been marked by discord in the camp, sometimes along racial lines, but one of the hallmarks of the 2010 squad has been its harmony. That unity was briefly threatened by an outburst from Robin van Persie who when he was taken off during Monday’s last-16 win over Slovakia reportedly said “It is not me that should be substituted but Wesley Sneijder”.
Van Persie later denied that he had mentioned Sneijder, but just to be on the safe side coach Bert van Marwijk held a clear-the-air talk between the pair, with Sneijder later insisting nothing had happened.
Dunga’s Brazil meanwhile are aiming to become the first of what could be an all-South American cast list for the semi-finals.
The Selecao are seemingly coming to the boil at just the right time judged on their 3-0 last-16 rout of Chile, one of the most attractive sides at these finals. But they have their worries.
In midfield, Dunga is without Ramires, suspended after picking up a second booking against Chile. Elano, who has scored twice, is also out with the ankle injury he suffered against the Ivory Coast. Felipe Melo is also carrying an ankle injury and faces a race against time to take Ramires’ place on the left. Kaka is one of three Brazilians and no fewer than seven Dutch who will miss an eventual semi-final should they receive a second yellow card.
Uruguay, Ghana chase last-four dream
Uruguay are on the verge of their first World Cup semi-final appearance in 40 years with African hopes Ghana blocking their way at Soccer City in Johannesburg today.
Ghana, with all of Africa behind them, are out to create history of their own, but Uruguay are surfing the wave of South American success at South Africa 2010. They have won three of their four matches after an opening goalless draw with France and in Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan, Uruguay possess two of the most potent forwards in the tournament, while the defence, marshalled by skipper Diego Lugano, has only conceded one goal.
Meanwhile, Ghana are bidding to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. Ghana’s ‘Black Stars’ are the lone flag-waver for Africa in the first World Cup staged on the continent and there is an emotional outpouring of support for them as they face Uruguay for the first time.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2010.
They first met in 1974, with the European side prevailing 2-0. In 1994, Brazil overcame the Dutch 3-2 at the same stage of the competition before going on to win the title. Four years later in France the Oranje lost out again, 4-2 on penalties after drawing their semi-final 1-1.
But this time round, the Netherlands are in arguably better shape than they have ever been to exact revenge on their arch nemesis and extend their unbeaten record in South Africa to five games.
Holland’s previous international outings have often been marked by discord in the camp, sometimes along racial lines, but one of the hallmarks of the 2010 squad has been its harmony. That unity was briefly threatened by an outburst from Robin van Persie who when he was taken off during Monday’s last-16 win over Slovakia reportedly said “It is not me that should be substituted but Wesley Sneijder”.
Van Persie later denied that he had mentioned Sneijder, but just to be on the safe side coach Bert van Marwijk held a clear-the-air talk between the pair, with Sneijder later insisting nothing had happened.
Dunga’s Brazil meanwhile are aiming to become the first of what could be an all-South American cast list for the semi-finals.
The Selecao are seemingly coming to the boil at just the right time judged on their 3-0 last-16 rout of Chile, one of the most attractive sides at these finals. But they have their worries.
In midfield, Dunga is without Ramires, suspended after picking up a second booking against Chile. Elano, who has scored twice, is also out with the ankle injury he suffered against the Ivory Coast. Felipe Melo is also carrying an ankle injury and faces a race against time to take Ramires’ place on the left. Kaka is one of three Brazilians and no fewer than seven Dutch who will miss an eventual semi-final should they receive a second yellow card.
Uruguay, Ghana chase last-four dream
Uruguay are on the verge of their first World Cup semi-final appearance in 40 years with African hopes Ghana blocking their way at Soccer City in Johannesburg today.
Ghana, with all of Africa behind them, are out to create history of their own, but Uruguay are surfing the wave of South American success at South Africa 2010. They have won three of their four matches after an opening goalless draw with France and in Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan, Uruguay possess two of the most potent forwards in the tournament, while the defence, marshalled by skipper Diego Lugano, has only conceded one goal.
Meanwhile, Ghana are bidding to become the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup. Ghana’s ‘Black Stars’ are the lone flag-waver for Africa in the first World Cup staged on the continent and there is an emotional outpouring of support for them as they face Uruguay for the first time.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2010.