Ghana used its speed and athleticism to put on a show against an outmanned England squad at the Under 20 World Cup in Egypt on Tuesday. A stomach virus hit the England squad the night before forcing England to leave four back at the hotel and Ghana took advantage for sure.
England came out fast and dominated the early exchanges, but soon faded as Ghana took control. Centerback Martin Kelly was the only thing holding back the Africans. In the 38th minute Ghana finally got their deserved goal when Adiyiah got on the end of a good cross, turned and fired home for the lead.
The 2nd half started just as the first with England on the advance and turned just as quickly as Andre Ayew hit what might end up the goal of the entire Under 20 World Cup. The midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the box and hit a rising left-foot shot past three England defenders and into the top corner of the net. Ayew celebrated and the dancing began.
The final two goals came in the last 10 minutes as England tired. Ransford Osei and Adiyiah notched the goals and Ghana qualified for the knockout stages. England will need to go big in a final match with Uzbekistan to have any chance of advancement.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Brazil easily over Costa Rica at Under 20 World Cup
Brazil ran out easy winners over Costa Rica in both teams opener at the Under 20 World Cup in Egypt. Brazil wasted no time in announcing that they are one of the favorites at the tournament as they went right at the underdog Costa Ricans.
They were able to hold off the Brazilians for 20 minutes but then the flood gates opened as Brazil's quality in front of goal showed. Three goals in the last half of the opening stanza decided the game as Alan Kardec scored twice around a goal from teammate Giuliano.
The three goal defecit was too much to ask of Costa Rica and the 2nd half saw Brazil hold more possession rather than looking for more goals. They grabbed the 4th goal in the 74th Alex Teixeira. The final insult came in the dying moments of the game as substitute Boquito rifled a long range shot into the roofing to grab the fifth for Brazil.
Next up for Brazil is a matchup with the Czech Republic who defeated Australia 2-1 today. The winner will advance to the knockout round of the Under 20 World Cup.
They were able to hold off the Brazilians for 20 minutes but then the flood gates opened as Brazil's quality in front of goal showed. Three goals in the last half of the opening stanza decided the game as Alan Kardec scored twice around a goal from teammate Giuliano.
The three goal defecit was too much to ask of Costa Rica and the 2nd half saw Brazil hold more possession rather than looking for more goals. They grabbed the 4th goal in the 74th Alex Teixeira. The final insult came in the dying moments of the game as substitute Boquito rifled a long range shot into the roofing to grab the fifth for Brazil.
Next up for Brazil is a matchup with the Czech Republic who defeated Australia 2-1 today. The winner will advance to the knockout round of the Under 20 World Cup.
Uruguay over England at U20 World Cup
It was a very quiet game for the most part as btoh teams opened the Under 20 World Cup in Egypt. It seems both sides followed the old saying "You can't win a tourney on the opening day but you sure can lose one." Very organized and disciplined styles both England and Uruguay displayed on the afternoon. Neither team seemed to want to make the big mistake that would lead to the opening goal.
Uruguay only managed a shot on goal in the first half of play while Liverpool defender Martin Kelly put one narrowly wide off a corner on the other end. The second half was just as slow and tactical. The match looked destined for a scoreless draw until Uruguay got the breakthrough in the 84th minute of play.
Uruguay substitute Tabare Viudez found some space in front of the England back four and connected on a wonderful scissor kick to claim the winner. It is definitely an early contender for goal of the tournament and sent Uruguay to a stunning win over England.
Uruguay only managed a shot on goal in the first half of play while Liverpool defender Martin Kelly put one narrowly wide off a corner on the other end. The second half was just as slow and tactical. The match looked destined for a scoreless draw until Uruguay got the breakthrough in the 84th minute of play.
Uruguay substitute Tabare Viudez found some space in front of the England back four and connected on a wonderful scissor kick to claim the winner. It is definitely an early contender for goal of the tournament and sent Uruguay to a stunning win over England.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Spain rolls to open U20 World Cup
Spain had no trouble with tiny Tahiti in the Group B opener of the 2009 Under 20 World Cup for both teams. Spain has title ambitions while Tahiti is in their first major international tournament in the island's history. The pedigree showed as Spain raced out 8-0 winners on the day.
The result was never in doubt as it was 3-0 to Spain in only 17 minutes. It only got uglier from there as Spain notched four goals on each side of halftime with Aarón Esclápez, Emilio Lopez and Enrique Garcia accounting for two goals each in the match. Things will get tougher for Spain as Venezuela and Nigeria await on the schedule. Tahiti will just try to work for a good showing on their week in Egypt.
The other Group B game showed Venezuela grabbing an important 1-0 win over Nigeria. The goal came from Jonathan Del Valle right on the stroke of halftime. Nigeria had gone down to 10 men just minutes earlier as Haruna was shown straight red. The win for Venezuela will probably be enough to see them through as at least the second place team from Group B and leaves Nigeria needing a result against Spain to have any hope of advancing.
The other Group A match saw Italy and Paraguay battling to a scoreless draw. The result leaves host Egypt top of group after their 4-1 win over Trinidad yesterday.
The result was never in doubt as it was 3-0 to Spain in only 17 minutes. It only got uglier from there as Spain notched four goals on each side of halftime with Aarón Esclápez, Emilio Lopez and Enrique Garcia accounting for two goals each in the match. Things will get tougher for Spain as Venezuela and Nigeria await on the schedule. Tahiti will just try to work for a good showing on their week in Egypt.
The other Group B game showed Venezuela grabbing an important 1-0 win over Nigeria. The goal came from Jonathan Del Valle right on the stroke of halftime. Nigeria had gone down to 10 men just minutes earlier as Haruna was shown straight red. The win for Venezuela will probably be enough to see them through as at least the second place team from Group B and leaves Nigeria needing a result against Spain to have any hope of advancing.
The other Group A match saw Italy and Paraguay battling to a scoreless draw. The result leaves host Egypt top of group after their 4-1 win over Trinidad yesterday.
Egypt opens Under 20 World Cup with solid win over Trinidad
The hosts kicked off the 2009 Under 20 World Cup in grand style dispatching Trinidad 4-1 behind a pair of goals from Hussam Arafat. A huge crowd of 84,000 which included FIFA President Joseph Blatter and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak saw an entertaining match in which Egypt started nervously and were lucky to not be behind early on.
The hosts settled down though and the loud home crowd pushed them forward. Afroto notched the opening goal giving Egypt the lead in the 30th minute as he beat two Trinidad defenders and fired the ball through the keepers legs. Trinidad would not go quietly though as Jean Rochford answered just minutes later to even the score. Rochford slotted home after wonderful work by Jake Thomson.
The second half was all Egypt though as Hussam Arafat and Mohamed Talaat scored in the opening 15 minutes to give Egypt a comfortable 3-1 lead with only 30 minutes left to play. The fourth goal would come in injury time as Arafat would get his second goal of the match.
Tomorrow shows the other Group A match of Paraguay-Italy as well as Group B Nigeria-Venezuela and Spain-Tahita.
The hosts settled down though and the loud home crowd pushed them forward. Afroto notched the opening goal giving Egypt the lead in the 30th minute as he beat two Trinidad defenders and fired the ball through the keepers legs. Trinidad would not go quietly though as Jean Rochford answered just minutes later to even the score. Rochford slotted home after wonderful work by Jake Thomson.
The second half was all Egypt though as Hussam Arafat and Mohamed Talaat scored in the opening 15 minutes to give Egypt a comfortable 3-1 lead with only 30 minutes left to play. The fourth goal would come in injury time as Arafat would get his second goal of the match.
Tomorrow shows the other Group A match of Paraguay-Italy as well as Group B Nigeria-Venezuela and Spain-Tahita.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Costa Rica fires manager after poor stretch
Costa Rica fired Rodrigo Kenton after the squad fell from 1st place in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying to 4th without scoring a goal in 3 straight matches. Kenton has been replaced by Brazilian Rene Simoes. He is best known for his job in 1998 leading Jamaica to their only World Cup appearance. He has also coached the Brazil womens national soccer team.
Costa Rica is fighting it out with Honduras for the 3rd and final automatic World Cup berth from CONCACAF. With only two games left Costa Rica has last place Trinidad at home and then a daunting trip to face the US in Washington DC. Honduras plays the US at home and then travels to tricky El Salvador. It is going to be very tight and Costa Rica will probably need results in both matches or a Honduras collapse.
Costa Rica is fighting it out with Honduras for the 3rd and final automatic World Cup berth from CONCACAF. With only two games left Costa Rica has last place Trinidad at home and then a daunting trip to face the US in Washington DC. Honduras plays the US at home and then travels to tricky El Salvador. It is going to be very tight and Costa Rica will probably need results in both matches or a Honduras collapse.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
World Cup Under 20 Preview from Soccermogul
Check out the Soccermogul preview for the upcoming Under 20 World Cup from Egypt. Here is the link:
Under 20 World Cup preview
Under 20 World Cup preview
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Scotland eliminated from World Cup contention in Holland loss
Scotland had everything to play for Wednesday at Hampden. Unfortunately they ran into the Holland juggernaut which was perfect through 7 group matches thus far. The Holland quality outshined the Scotland desparation on the night.
Credit to the home Scots as they attacked with vigor all night being unlucky several times. Kenny Miller definitely had his chances to be the hero as he hit the woodwork and missed another close range strike. Scott Brown also barely missed as well.
The death blow came late. In the 82nd minute when Scotland defender David Weir deflected a header into the path of Holland sub Eljero Elia who fired into the net for the winner.
Coupled with Norway's win over Macedonia, Scotland was out. Both Norway and Scotland finished level on points, but Norway took goal differntial to claim the playoff spot.
Credit to the home Scots as they attacked with vigor all night being unlucky several times. Kenny Miller definitely had his chances to be the hero as he hit the woodwork and missed another close range strike. Scott Brown also barely missed as well.
The death blow came late. In the 82nd minute when Scotland defender David Weir deflected a header into the path of Holland sub Eljero Elia who fired into the net for the winner.
Coupled with Norway's win over Macedonia, Scotland was out. Both Norway and Scotland finished level on points, but Norway took goal differntial to claim the playoff spot.
Spain gains World Cup berth with Estonia win
Spain qualified for South Africa 2010 with a convincing 3-0 win over Estonia Wednesday in Merida. Turkey held Bosnia to a draw earlier in the day so Spain went into the game knowing a way would see them through to the World Cup.
Estonia opened well troubling the Spaniards early on, but Spain would display their dominance and take the lead in the 33rd minute of play. Cesc Fabregas would be the hero as he finished off a nice give and go with David Villa. Santi Cazorla would stretch the lead to 2 in the 79th minute and Juan Mata would end the match in celebration for Spain as he scored in the 90th to make it 3-0 Spain.
Bosnia sits comfortably in the playoff position leading 3rd place Turkey by 4 points with 2 games remaining.
Estonia opened well troubling the Spaniards early on, but Spain would display their dominance and take the lead in the 33rd minute of play. Cesc Fabregas would be the hero as he finished off a nice give and go with David Villa. Santi Cazorla would stretch the lead to 2 in the 79th minute and Juan Mata would end the match in celebration for Spain as he scored in the 90th to make it 3-0 Spain.
Bosnia sits comfortably in the playoff position leading 3rd place Turkey by 4 points with 2 games remaining.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Argentina slides further as Paraguay qualify for World Cup
The World Cup is looking farther and farther away for Argentina as they slipped further suffering a 1-0 defeat to Paraguay. The win clinches a berth in the 2010 World Cup for Paraguay and leaves Argentina teetering on disaster.
The goal would come in the 27th minute of play. Nelson Haedo exchanged a one-two with midfielder Edgar Bonet in a flowing attack that cut through the Argentina defence before fellow striker Salvador Cabanas set him up to score with a low shot past diving keeper Sergio Romero and inside the far post.
Argentina's hopes for a comeback was halted in the 52nd minute when Juan Veron was sent off for his second yellow leaving Argentina to play with 10 men the rest of the match.
Argentina sit 5th currently with Urugauy, Venezuela and Columbia all within two points of them. The top 4 in South America gain automatic berths to the World Cup while the 5th place squad will play the 4th place CONCACAF team in a playoff.
The goal would come in the 27th minute of play. Nelson Haedo exchanged a one-two with midfielder Edgar Bonet in a flowing attack that cut through the Argentina defence before fellow striker Salvador Cabanas set him up to score with a low shot past diving keeper Sergio Romero and inside the far post.
Argentina's hopes for a comeback was halted in the 52nd minute when Juan Veron was sent off for his second yellow leaving Argentina to play with 10 men the rest of the match.
Argentina sit 5th currently with Urugauy, Venezuela and Columbia all within two points of them. The top 4 in South America gain automatic berths to the World Cup while the 5th place squad will play the 4th place CONCACAF team in a playoff.
Slovakia grab huge win in Northern Ireland
Slovakia took a major step towards qualification for World Cup 2010 with a stunning 2-0 victory in Northern Ireland Wednesday. A 15th minute goal from Stanislav Sestak gave the visitors the lead as he tapped home a cross from Vladimir Weiss. The home squad tried to even the match as Slovakia sat back and looked to counter.
In the 66th minute the home hopes would be dashed as a counter paid off for Slovakia. Filip Holosko would grab the goal and set the Northern Ireland fans to tears. With the win Slovakia on 19 points with two games to play. Slovenia sits on 14 having to visit Slovakia next. A draw would be enough to see Slovakia to South Africa.
Northern Ireland is in big trouble needing to go to the Czech Republic and get a win while having Slovenia slip up in their last two matches.
In the 66th minute the home hopes would be dashed as a counter paid off for Slovakia. Filip Holosko would grab the goal and set the Northern Ireland fans to tears. With the win Slovakia on 19 points with two games to play. Slovenia sits on 14 having to visit Slovakia next. A draw would be enough to see Slovakia to South Africa.
Northern Ireland is in big trouble needing to go to the Czech Republic and get a win while having Slovenia slip up in their last two matches.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Paraguay looks to earn World Cup berth on Wednesday
Paraguay can book their place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a home win over a reeling Argentina side. It would mark the 5th consecutive World Cup appearance for Paraguay. A win would also put Argentina further down the table and in real jeopardy of possibly not even making the field at all. Paraguay will welcome back defender Julio Cesar Caceres back from suspension.
"Against teams that have players like Argentina's you must be prepared to pressure them and not let them think," Paraguay's Argentine coach Gerardo Martino told a news conference on Monday.
"Against teams that have players like Argentina's you must be prepared to pressure them and not let them think," Paraguay's Argentine coach Gerardo Martino told a news conference on Monday.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Brazil book their place in South Africa with win in Argentina
An impressive Brazil travelled to rivals Argentina and came away solid 3-1 winners. With the victory the 5 time World Champions secured their place in next summer's South Africa World Cup and left Argentina reeling.
It was a torrid opening half as both sides raced up and down the pitch, but in only 30 minutes of play it was Brazil ahead 2-0 thanks to two set pieces. Luisao opened the scoring heading home an Elano free kick and just 6 minutes after Luis Fabiano put home a ball on a scramble in front of the net after another free kick.
In the 60th Jesus Datolo gave Argentina life scoring on a long range strike, but Brazil would ice the match when Luis Fabiano grabbed his 2nd goal on the night. The loss leaves Argentina in 4th sitting only 2 points ahead of both Columbia and Ecuador. Argentina must now travel to Paraguay who can book their spot with a win.
It was a torrid opening half as both sides raced up and down the pitch, but in only 30 minutes of play it was Brazil ahead 2-0 thanks to two set pieces. Luisao opened the scoring heading home an Elano free kick and just 6 minutes after Luis Fabiano put home a ball on a scramble in front of the net after another free kick.
In the 60th Jesus Datolo gave Argentina life scoring on a long range strike, but Brazil would ice the match when Luis Fabiano grabbed his 2nd goal on the night. The loss leaves Argentina in 4th sitting only 2 points ahead of both Columbia and Ecuador. Argentina must now travel to Paraguay who can book their spot with a win.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Mexico pull shocker in Costa Rica winning 3-0
Mexico pulled the shocker of the CONCACAF final round of World Cup qualifying as they went to Costa Rica and shocked the hosts winning 3-0. It was a game dominated by the creativity and speed of young Giovani dos Santos who took the wind out of the Costa Ricans by scoring from long range in first half stoppage time. The powerful strike gave Mexico the 1-0 lead at the break and all the confidence heading to the second half.
The second half saw Mexico absorb the Costa Rican pressure and hit back scoring on two wonderful counterattacks. Both counters finishing with Giovani dos Santos laying clever square balls for Guille Franco and Andres Guardado to knock into empty nets.
The important 3 points boost Mexico up to 3rd in the table with a Wednesday home match against Honduras. Meanwhile, Costa Rica drops to 4th in the standings and must face a tricky trip to El Salvador.
The second half saw Mexico absorb the Costa Rican pressure and hit back scoring on two wonderful counterattacks. Both counters finishing with Giovani dos Santos laying clever square balls for Guille Franco and Andres Guardado to knock into empty nets.
The important 3 points boost Mexico up to 3rd in the table with a Wednesday home match against Honduras. Meanwhile, Costa Rica drops to 4th in the standings and must face a tricky trip to El Salvador.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Scotland defeats Macedonia sets up Holland showdown
Scotland survived a nervous first half scoring two 2nd half goals to defeat Macedonia 2-0. Macedonia were more than adequate foes as they stood right up to Scotland over the first 45 minutes of play forcing Scotland keeper Craig Gordon into action on several occasions. The team regrouped at halftime and played much better in the 2nd half.
Scotland took the lead in the 56th minute when a Steven Fletcher cross was headed home by Scott Brown. The lead was doubled when James McFadden put forth a terrific solo effort where he collected the ball on the halfway line racing forward skipping past defenders and rounding the goalkeeper before slotting into the back of the net with 10 minutes to go.
The win coupled with Norway's 1-1 draw in Iceland moved Scotland 3 points clear of Norway for 2nd place in European World Cup qualifying group 9. Only 1 round of matches remain in Group 9 as Scotland hosts group winners Holland and Norway hosts Macedonia. Scotland only need a draw in their Holland game to secure 2nd place and the playoff spot from the group. A loss to Holland and Norway can grab the playoff spot by beating Macedonia.
Scotland took the lead in the 56th minute when a Steven Fletcher cross was headed home by Scott Brown. The lead was doubled when James McFadden put forth a terrific solo effort where he collected the ball on the halfway line racing forward skipping past defenders and rounding the goalkeeper before slotting into the back of the net with 10 minutes to go.
The win coupled with Norway's 1-1 draw in Iceland moved Scotland 3 points clear of Norway for 2nd place in European World Cup qualifying group 9. Only 1 round of matches remain in Group 9 as Scotland hosts group winners Holland and Norway hosts Macedonia. Scotland only need a draw in their Holland game to secure 2nd place and the playoff spot from the group. A loss to Holland and Norway can grab the playoff spot by beating Macedonia.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Mexico facing tough tests in Costa Rica and Honduras
The next round of two World Cup qualifiers will go a long way in determining whether Mexico will have a place in South Africa 2010. Saturday Mexico is away to Costa Rica and then return home for a Wednesday match with a surprise Honduras side.
Mexico currently trail Costa Rica by 3 points in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. A win in Costa Rica would draw the two teams even, but wins are almost impossible to come by in front of the crazy fans and on the fast turf of Costa Rica. A draw would be a welcomed result for Mexico.
Whatever the result in Costa Rica a tricky return trip to face Honduras looms. Maximum points are a must if Mexico has any chance at qualifying. El Salvador at home and Trinidad away are the final two qualifiers. No matter the result in Costa Rica, winning the last 3 matches would put Mexico on 18 and right in the mix for a World Cup place.
Rafa Marquez is still out injured as well as Carlos Vela for Mexico. Costa Rica will be missing star striker Carlos Costly who is on suspension for yellow cards, but Costa Rica will welcome the return of Inter Milan striker David Suazo to take his place.
Mexico currently trail Costa Rica by 3 points in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. A win in Costa Rica would draw the two teams even, but wins are almost impossible to come by in front of the crazy fans and on the fast turf of Costa Rica. A draw would be a welcomed result for Mexico.
Whatever the result in Costa Rica a tricky return trip to face Honduras looms. Maximum points are a must if Mexico has any chance at qualifying. El Salvador at home and Trinidad away are the final two qualifiers. No matter the result in Costa Rica, winning the last 3 matches would put Mexico on 18 and right in the mix for a World Cup place.
Rafa Marquez is still out injured as well as Carlos Vela for Mexico. Costa Rica will be missing star striker Carlos Costly who is on suspension for yellow cards, but Costa Rica will welcome the return of Inter Milan striker David Suazo to take his place.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)