Poor Paraguay Pocket Picked!
04/07/10 00:39
Whilst Germans send the favourites packing!
Today saw the final pair of Quarter Final matches and this afternoon we saw Germany take on Argentina in what, on paper, could be one of the best games in the tournament. Of course on paper, England should have beaten Germany so maybe we should tear up the pitches and play on paper! From a neutrals point of view we needed an early goal and that's what we were treated to as that man Mueller headed a free kick past the ramshackle Argentinian defence that had Alan Hansen apoplectic with rage. This early statement really put Maradona's men under pressure and despite scoring an offside goal, they looked quite shaken by the organisation of the Germans. It stayed 1-0 until half time then the Europeans, just as they did against us, put the hammer down. Miroslav Klose who's eyeing the golden boot added to their tally in the 67th as he latched onto a Podolski pass that cut the defence wide open, this was starting to look vaguely familiar. Just seven minutes later Friedrich scored his first ever goal for his country from all of 4 yards, 3-0. As the blue and white stripes pushed to get back in it gaps started to open up and with a minute to go, Klose once again put his name on the list as he volleyed a sweet cross straight past Romero for their fourth, it all looked so easy! The whistle went at four nothing, the Germans were through and Angela Merkel danced in aisles like she was at some sort of wedding. The tragic Argies went home empty handed once again but provided us with an abundance of entertainment on the field from the likes of Higuain and Messi but none more so than Diego's touchline antics.
So the winner of this match now will play the winner of Paraguay (my tip for the trophy) and the hotly tipped Spaniards. So let's review the first half... erm? where shall I start? OK that'll do, it was altogether unremarkable! Paraguay had a goal ruled out for being offside and that was it. I was dreading more of the same in the second half but at 57 minutes the blue touch paper was ignited! The big number 3 for Spain decided he'd show Cardozo his new judo move as he man handled him to the ground to award the Paraguayans a penalty. Cardozo, who scored the winning pen in the shootout with Japan, stepped up to take the honours again but this time round keeper Casillas saved it! Was this their chance gone? The ball was immediately back in play and went straight to other end as David Villa ran head strong into Paraguay's area where he was brought down and won the Spaniards a penalty! What drama! In the space of less than three minutes this game went from a sleepy Sunday afternoon with a hangover to a banging Friday night out with the lads! But there was more... Xabi Alonso stepped and belted the ball in the left corner and as they run off celebrating the referee decided to call them back for a retake because of encroachment in the area before the ball was struck. Madness really as this sort of thing happens on every penalty. OK so take two. Alonso opts for the other corner and this time the keeper, Villar guesses the right way and manages to save it. Paraguay survive the flurry as the players steamed into the box and even the appeal for what seemed to be a stonewall penalty.
Now it was end to end, the handcuffs were off and all 22 men were up for it. And on the 82nd minute the deadlock was broken as Spain attacked and Iniesta's run set up Pedrito who belted it against the post, then Villa connected with the rebound to hit the opposite post only to see the ball comically run along the goal line and hit the other post again and in the net! Unbelievable. This time the goal was legitimate and Spain were in full flight. They managed to hang to full time with the one goal lead and send their opponents home to South America.... 'citing!
And so to the Footcall league...Kevin and Paul both picked Spain to win and stay one and two but Jon moves above Martin Arscott into third. Very few people predicted Germany to win as Argentina were considered red hot favourites. Those that did include Baby Steven, I'm Feline Fine (who's had a wonderful day with two correct predictions) also Dougies Dreamers and Little Green Dynamos all had a German victory. Lot's of players predicted Spain to win including Hoof Hearted, Super Danny Rose, Same Old Same As!, Kevzoe, FC Billie Paulie, Phoenix United, Relfy's Rams, Capt Frost and KC's Claret & Blue Army all picking up a very welcome two points today. And so we move on to the semi finals on Tuesday where correct predictions are worth 3 points so let's see how things unfold.
Stay tuned.
Dj