Uruguay held serve after winning last week in Costa Rica. All they had to do was draw at home Wednesday evening in Montevideo. The game was played in a driving rainstorm but the weather couldnt keep Uruguay from grabbing the lead and a 2-0 aggregate in the 69th minute of play as a Sebastian Abreu header sent the home crowd into a frenzied celebration.
Costa Rica wasn't ready to give in though and they evened the game only four minutes later through Walter Centeno. Costa Rica threw everything forward at the end but were unable to come up with the goal they needed and Uruguay claimed the 32nd and last place in South Africa 2010. Uruguay will be making their first appearance since the 2002 World Cup.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Algeria defeats Egypt for World Cup spot
Algeria pulled the upset as they took out the African champions with a 1-0 victory over Egypt in a playoff for the 2010 World Cup. There would be no magic for Egypt this time after last week when they scored in the 95th minute against Algeria to force the playoff.
Algeria came out with different intentions and the match was physical from the start. Nadir Belhadj sent a message earning a yellow card in the first minute and the game saw four cautions in the opening twenty minutes. Just a few minutes before halftime the breakthrough would come for Algeria. Antar Yahia was the hero as he smashed home a wicked volley and Algeria were on their way.
A contentious second half saw no goals as Algeria were able to see the match out 1-0 and book their place in next summer's World Cup in South Africa. It will be Algeria's first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Algeria came out with different intentions and the match was physical from the start. Nadir Belhadj sent a message earning a yellow card in the first minute and the game saw four cautions in the opening twenty minutes. Just a few minutes before halftime the breakthrough would come for Algeria. Antar Yahia was the hero as he smashed home a wicked volley and Algeria were on their way.
A contentious second half saw no goals as Algeria were able to see the match out 1-0 and book their place in next summer's World Cup in South Africa. It will be Algeria's first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Nigeria grabs place at World Cup 2010
A shocking turn of events allowed Nigeria to grab the Africa Group B last weekend. Tunisia was in firm control of the group and the World Cup berth only needing to dispatch lowly Mozambique. Instead they gave up an 83rd minute goal and lost 1-0 leaving the door open for Nigeria who trailed by two points.
Nigeria would need a win in Kenya. All would not go well though as Nigeria would trail at halftime in the match. On came Obafemi Martins to save the day though as he scored twice in the second half. Nigeria roared back to take a 2-1 lead, but Kenya would tie the match with only 12 minutes to play forcing Nigeria to score again. It was Martins the hero as he scored the winner in the 83rd minute.
Nigeria would need a win in Kenya. All would not go well though as Nigeria would trail at halftime in the match. On came Obafemi Martins to save the day though as he scored twice in the second half. Nigeria roared back to take a 2-1 lead, but Kenya would tie the match with only 12 minutes to play forcing Nigeria to score again. It was Martins the hero as he scored the winner in the 83rd minute.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Costa Rica in big hole to Uruguay in World Cup playoff
Uruguay is on there way as they took the first leg of their World Cup playoff at Costa Rica 1-0 Saturday. A 21st minute goal from Diego Lugano gave Uruguay strong hopes of playing in South Africa next year as the two sides head to Uruguay for the return leg Wednesday evening. A 51st minute red card to Costa Rica's Randall Azofeifa killed hopes of a rally by the home side.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Switzerland rolls to Under 17 World Cup Final smashing Columbia
Switzerland put forth their most dominant performance yet of the Under 17 World Cup as they smashed Columbia 4-0 in a semifinal in Nigeria. Switzerland has clearly proved they are deserving of a place in the final as they have rolled through with a perfect record.
Columbia proved little more than a speedbump as Switzerland dominated every phase of the game. The Swiss had the lead after only 14 minutes behind a 20 yard strike from Haris Seferovic. The referee judged the shot to have been blocked by an intentional handball in the box. A straight red card left Columbia with 10 men and a Swiss penalty kick. Ben Khalifa put away the penalty and Switzerland were on their way.
Columbia responded though and put together a couple of good attacks as Switzerland sat back a bit. A header from a set piece could have tied the match but was just off target. Haris Seferovic would strike again in the 36th minute on a counter to give the Swiss a 2-0 lead. Down a man and two goals behind, Columbia knew their fate and put up little fight from then on. Switzerland would add goals from Ricardo Rodriguez and Bruno Martignoni to provid the 4-0 final score as it was a day to remember for Switzerland. They'll face either Spain or host Nigeria in the Under 17 World Cup Final.
Columbia proved little more than a speedbump as Switzerland dominated every phase of the game. The Swiss had the lead after only 14 minutes behind a 20 yard strike from Haris Seferovic. The referee judged the shot to have been blocked by an intentional handball in the box. A straight red card left Columbia with 10 men and a Swiss penalty kick. Ben Khalifa put away the penalty and Switzerland were on their way.
Columbia responded though and put together a couple of good attacks as Switzerland sat back a bit. A header from a set piece could have tied the match but was just off target. Haris Seferovic would strike again in the 36th minute on a counter to give the Swiss a 2-0 lead. Down a man and two goals behind, Columbia knew their fate and put up little fight from then on. Switzerland would add goals from Ricardo Rodriguez and Bruno Martignoni to provid the 4-0 final score as it was a day to remember for Switzerland. They'll face either Spain or host Nigeria in the Under 17 World Cup Final.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Portugal suffer injury blow as Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out
Portugal soccer fans got bad news as superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup playoffs with Bosnia due to a lingering ankle injury. The news is a huge blow to a Portugal squad that faces a tough foe in Bosnia. The winner of the two legged playoff earns a spot in next summer's World Cup in South Africa.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in Portugal for an evaluation by Portugal National Team doctors and was deemed unable to play. He has been out since late September.
"After a clinical evaluation, it was concluded that the player does not meet the physical conditions to join the national squad training for the Bosnia playoff matches," the Portugal Federation said.
It would truly be a shame to not have a player of Cristiano Ronaldo's talent in South Africa for the World Cup and with the lackluster play of Portugal over the past year they are questionable at best to get past Bosnia.
Cristiano Ronaldo was in Portugal for an evaluation by Portugal National Team doctors and was deemed unable to play. He has been out since late September.
"After a clinical evaluation, it was concluded that the player does not meet the physical conditions to join the national squad training for the Bosnia playoff matches," the Portugal Federation said.
It would truly be a shame to not have a player of Cristiano Ronaldo's talent in South Africa for the World Cup and with the lackluster play of Portugal over the past year they are questionable at best to get past Bosnia.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Spain slips past Uruguay in penalties at U17 World Cup
Spain made heavy work of beating ten man Uruguay in their quarterfinal match in Nigeria. They gave up a comfortable 3-1 lead and needed a penalty shootout to finally book their place in the semifinals of the U17 World Cup. The Uruguayans showed tremendous spirit fighting back from the deficit, but in the end it was a road too far.
Spain looked in firm control from the start of the contest, Borja's sliding effort after five minutes going just wide of the near post after a teasing cross from Isco. Two minutes later, Iker Muniain had his wicked strike from 20 yards saved by Uruguayan goalkeeper Salvador Ichazo.
However, in spite of Spain's early dominance, it was the gritty South Americans who opened the scoring. After Sergi Gomez committed a silly foul on the edge of the box, Adrian Luna became the beneficiary of a heavy deflection off the head of Borja in the Spanish defensive wall and made it 1-0 in the 10th minute.
The Spaniards roared right back up the other end and were on level pegging just six minutes later. Federico Saurrate hauled down Pablo Sarabia in the area and Isco made no mistake from the spot. It looked like the talented Europeans would go on to run up the score after that, but they were hampered by some profligate finishing as the first half ended even.
First, a header from Isco smacked off the base of the post. Then Sergi Roberto saw his penalty kick saved well by Ichazo, after Saurrate was late on a tackle again and received his marching orders for a second yellow card.
The South Americans could not quite keep up with the pace in the second half. In the space of just two minutes, Atletico Madrid man Borja had made it 3-1 for the Spaniards. In the 49th minute Sarabia laid the ball on for the burly striker, who made no mistake from six yards out with a deft finish into the top corner. Then, just a minute later, Borja broke through the defence and coolly dispatched a fine finish past the despairing Ichazo.
The Uruguayans managed to give themselves a fighting chance in the 71st minute when Gabriel Mezquida battled hard and managed to strain and stretch to poke home for a goal. Gomez thought he had cleared the ball before it crossed the line, but the linesman and the referee were having none of it. The goal signalled the start of an almighty fightback as, with only six minutes to go in the game Sebastian Gallegos drew level after keeping his cool and hitting inside the back post to force extra time.
Spain rediscovered a bit of their form in the additional 30 minutes, moving the ball around well and creating chances through Borja, Isco and substitute Jordi Amat. But the Uruguayans continued to play on with raw emotion and kept the scores tangled through to the end, forcing a penalty shootout. After both sides scored their first two kicks, Mezquida and Jose Laureiro were both off the mark and signalled the end of Uruguay's brave fight. Spain will now take on Nigeria in their semifinal.
Spain looked in firm control from the start of the contest, Borja's sliding effort after five minutes going just wide of the near post after a teasing cross from Isco. Two minutes later, Iker Muniain had his wicked strike from 20 yards saved by Uruguayan goalkeeper Salvador Ichazo.
However, in spite of Spain's early dominance, it was the gritty South Americans who opened the scoring. After Sergi Gomez committed a silly foul on the edge of the box, Adrian Luna became the beneficiary of a heavy deflection off the head of Borja in the Spanish defensive wall and made it 1-0 in the 10th minute.
The Spaniards roared right back up the other end and were on level pegging just six minutes later. Federico Saurrate hauled down Pablo Sarabia in the area and Isco made no mistake from the spot. It looked like the talented Europeans would go on to run up the score after that, but they were hampered by some profligate finishing as the first half ended even.
First, a header from Isco smacked off the base of the post. Then Sergi Roberto saw his penalty kick saved well by Ichazo, after Saurrate was late on a tackle again and received his marching orders for a second yellow card.
The South Americans could not quite keep up with the pace in the second half. In the space of just two minutes, Atletico Madrid man Borja had made it 3-1 for the Spaniards. In the 49th minute Sarabia laid the ball on for the burly striker, who made no mistake from six yards out with a deft finish into the top corner. Then, just a minute later, Borja broke through the defence and coolly dispatched a fine finish past the despairing Ichazo.
The Uruguayans managed to give themselves a fighting chance in the 71st minute when Gabriel Mezquida battled hard and managed to strain and stretch to poke home for a goal. Gomez thought he had cleared the ball before it crossed the line, but the linesman and the referee were having none of it. The goal signalled the start of an almighty fightback as, with only six minutes to go in the game Sebastian Gallegos drew level after keeping his cool and hitting inside the back post to force extra time.
Spain rediscovered a bit of their form in the additional 30 minutes, moving the ball around well and creating chances through Borja, Isco and substitute Jordi Amat. But the Uruguayans continued to play on with raw emotion and kept the scores tangled through to the end, forcing a penalty shootout. After both sides scored their first two kicks, Mezquida and Jose Laureiro were both off the mark and signalled the end of Uruguay's brave fight. Spain will now take on Nigeria in their semifinal.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Switzerland beats Italy moves on to Under 17 World Cup semifinals
Switzerland continues to show they are for real at the Under 17 World Cup. After taking out Mexico, Brazil and Japan in the opening stages they defeated Germany in the quarters. Next up was a game Italy side that was lucky to slip past the USA in the round of 16.
Switzerland showed their class once again, but it was not as smooth as in previous rounds. Italy started brightly and looked for the opening goal early as they send several dangerous crosses into the Swiss box. Switzerland weathered the storm and eventually pushed their way into the match. Ben Khalifa provided the opening goal for Switzerland as he volleyed home a wonderful cross from Ricardo Rodriguez.
Italy would answer shortly after though when Federico Carraro curled a perfectly taken free kick around the wall and into the Swiss goal. The game would go to the half 1-1.
Both sides opened the 2nd half with intent upon grabbing the important lead goal. Chances were plenty as the play flowed back and forth. It was was the Swiss that would grab the lead in the 61st minute. Oliver Buff was the hero as he scored off a corner kick.
Again Italy would respond quickly. Right off the kickoff Italy was in the Swiss penalty area where Frederic Veseli took down Beretta and a penalty was awarded along with Veseli being sent off. Marco Fossati would take the penalty, but not hit it well at all. Swiss keeper Siegrist smothered the poor attempt and Switzerland was on its way. Despite having a man advantage, Italy would never really threaten again and Switzerland won 2-1 to advance to the Under 17 World Cup semifinals.
Switzerland showed their class once again, but it was not as smooth as in previous rounds. Italy started brightly and looked for the opening goal early as they send several dangerous crosses into the Swiss box. Switzerland weathered the storm and eventually pushed their way into the match. Ben Khalifa provided the opening goal for Switzerland as he volleyed home a wonderful cross from Ricardo Rodriguez.
Italy would answer shortly after though when Federico Carraro curled a perfectly taken free kick around the wall and into the Swiss goal. The game would go to the half 1-1.
Both sides opened the 2nd half with intent upon grabbing the important lead goal. Chances were plenty as the play flowed back and forth. It was was the Swiss that would grab the lead in the 61st minute. Oliver Buff was the hero as he scored off a corner kick.
Again Italy would respond quickly. Right off the kickoff Italy was in the Swiss penalty area where Frederic Veseli took down Beretta and a penalty was awarded along with Veseli being sent off. Marco Fossati would take the penalty, but not hit it well at all. Swiss keeper Siegrist smothered the poor attempt and Switzerland was on its way. Despite having a man advantage, Italy would never really threaten again and Switzerland won 2-1 to advance to the Under 17 World Cup semifinals.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Columbia rallies to defeat Argentina at Under 17 World Cup
Everything looked quite comfortable for the Argentina Under 17s as they were cruising along with a 2-0 lead over the Columbia U17s Wednesday afternoon in Nigeria in the Under 17 World Cup round of 16. A first half goal from Leandro Gonzalez Pirez and a second half strike from Sergio Araujo had Argentina up two with only half an hour to play.
Then things changed...and changed in a big way. Columbia clearly wasn't going to bow out of the tournament quietly. Jeison Murillo would give Columbia hope as he volleyed home a corner kick in the 63rd minute and the game was suddenly very much on. Just a minute after the Columbia goal, Argentina's Esteban Espindola was called for handball in the box. Columbia was awarded a penalty and Espindola was sent off leaving Argentina to play with 10.
Cuerro stepped up and fired the penalty home, but the referee called for it to be retaken due to player incroachment. The second time Cuerro put the spot kick in the same spot only to have Argentine keeper Martinez dive and make the save.
At that point the wind clearly came out of Columbia as they struggled to regain momentum. It looked like Argentina would be able to escape. That is until the 88th minute when substitute Jean Blanco fired a left footed strike into the corner of the net to tie the match. Only two minutes later Columbia would find the winner as Hector Quinones scored and Columbia were through to the quarterfinals at the Under 17 World Cup.
Then things changed...and changed in a big way. Columbia clearly wasn't going to bow out of the tournament quietly. Jeison Murillo would give Columbia hope as he volleyed home a corner kick in the 63rd minute and the game was suddenly very much on. Just a minute after the Columbia goal, Argentina's Esteban Espindola was called for handball in the box. Columbia was awarded a penalty and Espindola was sent off leaving Argentina to play with 10.
Cuerro stepped up and fired the penalty home, but the referee called for it to be retaken due to player incroachment. The second time Cuerro put the spot kick in the same spot only to have Argentine keeper Martinez dive and make the save.
At that point the wind clearly came out of Columbia as they struggled to regain momentum. It looked like Argentina would be able to escape. That is until the 88th minute when substitute Jean Blanco fired a left footed strike into the corner of the net to tie the match. Only two minutes later Columbia would find the winner as Hector Quinones scored and Columbia were through to the quarterfinals at the Under 17 World Cup.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Final 16 set at Under 17 World Cup Nigeria
After tons of drama and close matches the final 16 are all set for the kockout rounds of the Under 17 World Cup in Nigeria. There was a major issue in deciding the 16th spot as the group stages ended up with Brazil, United Arab Emirates and Holland all tied on 3 points and identical goal records of 3-4. The tie breakers finally came down to discipline records of yellow and red cards which UAE had the cleaner slate. Thus Holland and Brazil are eliminated and the UAE claim the 16th spot.
Several huge matches are on the horizon this week. Primarily everyone is looking forward to the USA-Italy matchup on Wednesday. Other big games show Germany facing a very hot Switzerland squad and Argentina facing South American rivals Columbia. Another very interesting game will be Korea against Mexico.
Argentina-Columbia
Turkey-UAE
Switzerland-Germany
USA-Italy
Spain-Burkina Faso
Iran-Uruguay
Mexico-Korea
Nigeria-New Zealand
Several huge matches are on the horizon this week. Primarily everyone is looking forward to the USA-Italy matchup on Wednesday. Other big games show Germany facing a very hot Switzerland squad and Argentina facing South American rivals Columbia. Another very interesting game will be Korea against Mexico.
Argentina-Columbia
Turkey-UAE
Switzerland-Germany
USA-Italy
Spain-Burkina Faso
Iran-Uruguay
Mexico-Korea
Nigeria-New Zealand
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