Van Marwijk: Dutch will be underdogs

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has said that he is relishing Friday's mouthwatering FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final against Brazil - and was quick to hand his side the tag of underdogs.Van Marwijk's men head into the clash in Port Elizabeth on the back of four straight wins, including yesterday's 2-1 triumph over Slovakia. However, Brazil are the five-time world champions and looked impressive in brushing aside the challenge of Chile last night."I'm looking forward to this match," said Van Marwijk. "Against Brazil, perhaps we might be the underdogs for the first time in South Africa. But we are here for one reason, to get the big prize....

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Brazilians look ahead

With the Seleção storming their way through the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, fans and players alike are excited by the prospect of the 2014 tournament to be hosted in Brazil.In the build up to the showdown between Brazil and Chile at Ellis Park on Monday night, Brazil fans came out in their droves to cheer their team to a win and a Quarter Final spot against the Netherlands in Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Friday.“We have been here since the start,” said Mauricio Conti, a fan following his team around South Africa. “We have enjoyed ourselves here very much. South Africa is an amazing country and very beautiful.”Conti is one of many fans who...

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Villa ends Portuguese dreams

A 63rd-minute David Villa goal proved enough for Spain to beat Portugal and reach the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The highly-anticipated meeting between these Iberian rivals, the first in six years, lived up to expectations, certainly in the first half when Carlos Queiroz's side were unlucky not to be rewarded for their endeavour in Cape Town. La Roja were dominant after the break, however, and El Guaje's close-range finish ensured they will now meet Paraguay for a place in the last four.Both teams went into the match protecting proud records, with Spain having won 29 of their last 31 matches. Portugal...

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Starters' success and Spanish history

Goals were in short supply, but there was still plenty of intrigue as the Round of 16 concluded with tense, dramatic victories for Paraguay and Spain. FIFA.com reflects on the day's statistical sub-plots. appearances as Spain captain was the new record set by Iker Casillas this evening. By leading out the European champions in Cape Town, the Real Madrid No1 surpassed the benchmark set by another goalkeeping great, Andoni Zubizarreta. nations were represented at the first-ever FIFA World Cup™ in 1930 and, of these inaugural participants, only Bolivia have still to reach the competition's quarter-finals. Paraguay left their South...

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No stopping in-form Villa

Unbeaten in the group phase, Portugal keeper Eduardo had his unblemished record spoiled by the unstoppable David Villa on Tuesday evening. In scoring the only goal in Spain’s Round-of-16 win over the Portuguese, the Barcelona striker became La Roja’s top FIFA World Cup™ finals goalscorer, an indication of his inestimable worth to Vicente del Bosque’s side.“Portugal were very tight at the back and their keeper was in great form,” said a magnanimous Villa after Spain had completed a slender 1-0 win. “They didn’t make it easy for us, but I got one sight on goal and luckily it was enough.”“Their keeper was terrific,” said Spain midfielder...

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Paraguay squeeze into the last eight

Paraguay squeezed through to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time in their history as Yuichi Komano's penalty miss sent Japan crashing out of the tournament. With the game goalless at the end of extra time in Pretoria, South Africa witnessed its first shoot-out and, after Komano had clipped the crossbar, Oscar Cardozo rolled home the winning spot-kick to give the South Americans a 5-3 win and a last-eight tie against either Spain or Portugal.Neither side had ever reached a FIFA World Cup quarter-final, and perhaps the weight of expectation explained a largely uninspiring contest at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium....

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Honda gunning for Paraguay

Japan's talismanic forward, Keisuke Honda, is confident he can continue his fine run of form against Paraguay in the teams' Round of 16 showdown in Tshwane/Pretoria on Tuesday.The 24-year-old converted striker has already scored twice in Japan's groundbreaking run in South Africa, establishing himself as a pivotal figure as Takeshi Okada's side have reached the last 16 for the first time beyond home shores. With Japan now bidding to go one step further and reach the quarter-finals for the first time, the CSKA Moscow man sounded an optimistic note as he told FIFA.com: "Paraguay are a strong team but I am confident I can score and my team...

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Paraguay advances over Japan on penalty kicks

PRETORIA, South Africa -- Paraguay advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a 5-3 victory over Japan in penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw Tuesday. Oscar Cardozo clinched the win with a low left-footed drive past goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima. The only miss in the shootout was by Japan defender Yuichi Komano on the third try when he hit the crossbar. That made the difference.source:http://www.washingtonpost.com...

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Martino: We're in with a great chance

As Paraguay attempt to reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time in their history, their Argentinian coach Gerardo Martino has been speaking to FIFA about his team’s exploits in South Africa. The 47-year-old has led the South Americans since 2007 and in the eyes of many, his clear thinking and positive attitude have been two of the major factors in guiding Los Guaraníes to the brink of history.Such is the high esteem in which he is held by his players, Martino has successfully managed to change La Albirroja’s style of play from his early days, and the squad has been quick to acknowledge the coach’s foresight in helping...

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Okada: Japan building for future

Japan coach Takeshi Okada admits it would be "wonderful" news for the sport back home if his side can reach the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals, but insists that must be just another step towards a more long-term goal.The Blue Samurai have the chance to reach the last eight of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history later today when they take on Paraguay in Pretoria. Okada knows victory over the South Americans would be a boost but hopes it is not the limit of what can be achieved. "I would say for the football community it will be wonderful and encouraging news," said the 53-year-old."What the Japanese football community...

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Brazil inflict more misery on Chile

Brazil completed a hat-trick of victories over Chile at the FIFA World Cup™ by beating their South American rivals 3-0 to set up a mouthwatering quarter-final meeting with the Netherlands.Dunga's side took control of the Round of 16 contest with two goals in quick succession in the last ten minutes of the first half through Juan and Luis Fabiano. Robinho added the third to inflict further punishment on the Chileans who may have ended a 48-year wait for a FIFA World Cup win in South Africa but evidently have not worked out how to better their old nemesis.Brazil defeated Chile in the 1962 semi-finals and at this same stage of the 1998...

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Dutch, Brazil book meeting in style

Brazil and the Netherlands lived up to their status as the day's favourites by easing to respective wins over Chile and Slovakia. The duo will now meet in an intriguing-looking quarter-final at Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth on Friday.That encounter will be the third time in the last five FIFA World Cups™ that the two sides have met in the knockout phase. The Brazilians emerged victorious on the two previous occasions, winning 3-2 in the last eight at USA 1994 and 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals of France 1998.Brazil's class of 2010 were hugely impressive in booking their place in the last eight again, surging to an emphatic...

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Dunga: We're getting better

Brazil coach Dunga warned that his tournament favourites' confidence is increasing with every match after they eased to a 3-0 victory over Chile. Budweiser Man of the Match Robinho rounded off a comfortable 3-0 win in Johannesburg'sEllis Park stadium after goals by Juan and Luis Fabiano to secure a quarter-final contest with Holland.Dunga said: "We know there is always this expectation that Brazil will be the winners but being the favourite does not allow you to win the World Cup. Some people doubted that we would perform but as we go along that confidence is growing and growing and we hope to make it to the final."Robinho, released...

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Chile lacked punch, admits Bielsa

Chile coach Marcelo Bielsa admitted his side lacked the necessary punch to trouble Brazil on Monday after they were beaten 3-0 in and exited the FIFA World Cup™. Brazil have now set up a mouth-watering quarter-final against the Dutch in Port Elizabeth on Friday, while Chile licked their wounds after a sixth successsive loss to their South American rivals."I had hoped we would have got closer to Brazil, it wasn't such a one-way match. We had some good chances coming down the right side, but we lacked the necessary punch to convert dangerous situations into goals," said Bielsa. "We weren't able to attack with a real hunger for goals. We...

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Returning Robben helps sink Slovakia

Slovakia's fairy-tale run came to an end at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on Monday, with Arjen Robben returning to the starting line-up and helping fire the organised Oranje into the quarter-finals with the first goal in a 2-1 win. As the only debutants at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ head for home with their heads held high, the Dutch – who have never before won their first four matches at the finals – can now start preparing for a last-16 test against either Brazil or Chile in Port Elizabeth on Friday.Vladimir Weiss's Slovakia were not overawed by their fancied opponents in the early going. Erik Jendrisek fired over the bar from a...

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Tevez shines as Argentina oust Mexico

Argentina have set up another FIFA World Cup™ quarter-final against Germany after overcoming Mexico 3-1 at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium. Carlos Tevez emerged as the hero with a brace of goals, while Gonzalo Higuain was also on target as Diego Maradona’s Albiceleste set up a rematch against their 2006 conquerors.The Mexicans ultimately proved no match for their clinical South American opponents, yet it all started so promisingly for Javier Aguirre’s side, with Carlos Salcido rattling the crossbar with a stunning long-range drive after just eight minutes. There was another lucky escape for Argentina just a minute later, when...

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Maradona: South America can't catch Europe

Argentina coach Diego Maradona believes South America will never catch up with Europe despite the continent's stunning success at the FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa.South America had five representatives in the competition and all five made it to the knock-out stages, with four of them winning their groups. Meanwhile, European heavyweights Italy and France were not only knocked out but also finished bottom of groups including such minnows as New Zealand and hosts South Africa.Seven of the 13 European teams bit the dust in the group stages and only Germany, Spain and Holland won their groups. Even so, the club game in Europe is so much...

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Impressive Germany power past England

Germany's youthful side delivered a striking statement of intent by overwhelming old rivals England 4-1 in Bloemfontein to take their place in the last eight of the FIFA World Cup™. Joachim Low's side built a two-goal lead through early goals from Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski and although Matthew Upson reduced the deficit before the break, the Germans made sure of their quarter-final place when Thomas Muller concluded two lightning breakaways with a quick-fire double midway through the second half. While Germany can look forward with confidence to a quarter-final meeting with Argentina or Mexico, England will go home to lick...

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Ayew comes of age

Sometimes it takes just one match to transform a career, 90 minutes or more after which no one will ever regard you the same way again. The Round of 16 meeting between the United States and Ghana was just such a game for Andre Ayew, the talented young Black Stars forward and son of former legend Abedi Pele.“He was great this evening,” team-mate John Pantsil told FIFA.com after Ghana reached the quarter-finals courtesy of a 2-1 extra-time success. “I’m very happy for him. He’s imposing himself little by little in the team and he’s clearly one of the most talented players in the squad. Today he proved he could carry the whole side on...

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A 'bridge too far' for the US

The US national team was struggling to deal with the end of their fairytale run at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ after their 2-1 extra-time defeat by Ghana in Rustenburg on Saturday night.After giving up early goals to start the match and extra time, there was definitely a sense of shock on the faces of the American players. It was, after all, a contest that had a familiar look to the US's group contests – but with a much different outcome. "It was a bridge too far really. We can't just keep producing magical moments," said goalkeeper Tim Howard after the loss. He was referring to his side's hard-won reputation as comeback kings in South...

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Forlan taking Uruguay's run in stride

Uruguay may be enjoying their best FIFA World Cup™ campaign in 40 years yet Diego Forlan insisted he and his teammates were taking it all in their stride.In-form Forlan set up Luis Suarez for the first goal of his double in Uruguay's 2-1 last-16 defeat of Korea Republic Saturday to continue the former Manchester United player's stellar year and seal Uruguay's first FIFA World Cup quarter-final appearance since 1970. He scored a double in Atletico Madrid's UEFA Europa League final win and has also hit the back of the net twice for his country in South Africa."We're all very proud and happy and just enjoying everything we're doing and...

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Black Starlets thrive on Day 16

Six Hyundai Best Young Player candidates were in action as the knockout phase got underway today. FIFA.com reflects on their performances.Ki Sung-Yueng: Korea Republic bowed out, and their No14 ended his campaign in disappointing fashion. His set-piece delivery, usually precise, was hit and miss, while he was caught out of position on occasions.Nicolas Lodeiro: Uruguay introduced the Ajax prospect with the scores at 1-1 on 74 minutes. And although La Celeste emerged 2-1 winners, the 21-year-old made little contribution to the victory. In truth, his passing was wasteful and he dallied on the ball when presented with one shooting opportunity...

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Heroes rise for Ghana and Uruguay

It is a feature of the FIFA World Cup™ that the further a team progresses, the smaller their margin of error becomes, with every slip or stumble potentially leading to elimination. Equally, one stroke of genius can change the course of destiny, and so it turned out today.Luis Suarez was the hero for Uruguay, and there could well be calls to erect a statue in his honour there this evening after his two goals edged La Celeste past Korea Republic and into the quarter-finals. Having plundered 35 league goals with Ajax last season, the striker moved himself level with Gonzalo Higuain, Robert Vittek and David Villa atop the South Africa 2010...

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Ghana strike, Celeste roll back years

With the Round of 16 underway, FIFA.com's latest statistical review focuses on a rare achievement for Uruguay and a historic landmark for Ghana. minutes without a goal in open play came to an end for Ghana tonight when Kevin Prince Boateng scored in the fifth minute of their game with USA. Since Haminu Draman scored in the 22nd minute of their group game with USA at Germany 2006, their only goals in four FIFA World Cup™ games had come via the penalty spot. minutes without conceding a FIFA World Cup goal ended for Uruguay when Lee Chung-Yong scored Korea Republic's equaliser in Port Elizabeth. Before that, the last goal they had let...

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Hitzfeld bemoans lack of killer instinct

It's an old cliche, but the fact remains, if you don’t score, you don’t win. To their cost, Switzerland felt the full force of that pearl of wisdom in Bloemfontein on Friday night. Their passing was often pleasing tp the eye, but too many final passes went astray in their opponents’ final third. That inaccuracy ultimately lay behind the Swiss failing to do better than a scoreless stalemate with Honduras, leaving them agonisingly close and yet so far from progressing from Group H at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.More than just ill furtune"What did we lack? Goals! It was terrific until we reached the edge of the box, but we just weren’t...

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Drogba: Not too disappointed

Skipper Didier Drogba was in a realistic mood after Côte d'Ivoire came up short in their improbable goal pursuit against Korea DPR in their bid for a last 16 spot at the FIFA World Cup™ here on Friday.Setting out needing victory by nine goals to nudge Portugal from the knock-out round, Côte d'Ivoire could only muster a 3-0 win over the already-eliminated Korea DPR in their Group G match at the Mbombela Stadium.For the second straight FIFA World Cup, Côte d'Ivoire bumped into another hot group and are on their way out again at the first round stage. Four years ago in Germany it was Argentina, Netherlands and Serbia and Montenegro and...

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Brazil stalemate suits Portugal

The Brazilian carnival rolled into Durban on Friday, turning the sunny Indian Ocean coastal city into Copacabana beach for a day. However, the South Americans were unable to reward their vociferous support with goals, drawing 0-0 with Portugal – a result that takes both sides through to the Round of 16.Brazil had the first chance of a cagey, stop-start first half with a long-distance effort from the tireless Dani Alves, featuring in place of the injured Elano on the right flank. But the Barcelona star hardly troubled Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo as his try trickled harmlessly wide of the post. He had another chance on the quarter-hour...

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Brazil, Portugal explain drab display

In a game billed as a transatlantic clássico between Brazil and Portugal, two sides surrounded by high expectations here at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ failed to catch fire in a match largely played out in midfield. Yet given the two teams both expect fierce contests come the Round of 16, saving their gunpowder during Friday’s meeting in Durban may turn into a wise decision.A Seleção fielded a much-changed midfield with Julio Baptista and Daniel Alves coming in to replace the suspended Kaka and the injured Elano, while Portugal also went for a different system to the one employed in prior games against Korea DPR and Côte...

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