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It's time: the FIFA 2010 CSE World Cup (OOTP)

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Italy v New Zealand

World Cup Group A

Line Ups -

Italy: Buffon, Santon, Criscito, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Gattuso, De Cegile, Montolivo, De Rossi, Balotelli, Amauri.

New Zealand: Moss, Boyens, Van Steeden, Old, Nelsen, Elliot, Oughton, Milne, Daniel, James, Wood.

Both teams have struggled thus far and though New Zealand are out Italy have a slim chance of qualifying, they need to smash some goals past Glenn Moss and hope that Uruguay do the same to Slovenia.

First Half

Italy kick off and after ten minutes Buffon is called into action, James turns and shoots from 30 yards but the big goalkeeper claws his shot away from the top corner. Two minutes later Italy break away down the left with Amauri, he heads towards goal and really should do better with his shot that goes well wide. Half an hour of Italy pressuring the New Zealand goal has got them nowhere, every time it looks like there might be a chance a Kiwi blocks it or heads it clear. The theme continues as Cannavaro looks to have scored, his low shot seems destined for the bottom corner but Boyens is there on the line to clear. Half Time approaches and still the Italians can't break through, Amuari looks the most likely with a couple of curling shots but they all sail wide of the mark.

Half Time - Italy 0-0 New Zealand

Second Half

Five minutes in it looks like Italy will finally score, Motta cuts it back to Balotelli who hits a ferocious volley from 6 yards out, somehow though Moss blocks the shot. With just less than 20 minutes to play a poor shot from Milne turns into a great pass to Daniel, the winger is 6 yards out but his shot cannons off Buffons legs, New Zealand are first to the rebound though and should surely score but Buffon is up to make a second wonderful save. Into the last 10 minutes and this time Milne 100% means his pass into the box, Smeltz is first to it and strikes it low into the corner for a GOAL to New Zealand, the Kiwi's have a surprise lead.

Full Time - Italy 0-1 New Zealand

A definite shock result in this one, Italy hadn't hit top form in the tournament but I don't think anyone would have backed New Zealand to win this game. The result is pretty meaningless as both teams are now out but for the Kiwi's but this is undoubtedly as massive win.

Man of the Match - Andy Boyens (7.5) is the only All White I've ever met and despite a few shakey moments early on, settled down and had a great game, keeping his winger quiet and he cleared Cannavaro's shot off the line just when it looked like Italy would break through. The win comes off the back of a heroic defensive performance from the whole team but this young man was judged the best of the lot.

Uruguay v Slovenia

World Cup Group A

Line Ups -

Uruguay: Castillo, Caceres, Diaz, Lugano, Britos, Mazi Pereira, Martinez, Arismendi, Albin, Chevanton, Cavani.

Slovenia: Handanovic, Ilic, Jokic, Rajcevic, Cesar, Birsa, Ceh, Koren, Stevanovic, Novakovic, Strbac.

For Uruguay this is a bit of a nothing game, anything but a loss see's them top the Group and they're already through anyway. Slovenia on the other hand have everything to play for, a draw see's them through in 2nd place but a win would put them top.

First Half

Uruguay kick off and are almost behind inside 5 minutes, a Slovenia corner is headed goalwards and it looks to have beaten Castillo, luckily Caceres is there to head off the line. Twenty three minutes in Uruguay look to counter attack quickly as their strikers play a nice one-two, Chevanton is through on goal and he blast his shot from just inside the area GOAL for Uruguay, it flew into the far corner without the keeper getting near it. Slovenia fight back straight from the kick off, obviously their forwards were taking note as Strbac and Novakovic play a one-two with the former running through on goal, his finish is different however as he calmly places it in the bottom corner for a GOAL to Slovenia. Into firs half injury time and Slovenia whip in a corner, Castillo goes flying out to get it but punches fresh air, GOAL for Birsa who is coming in at the back post to head into an empty net.

Half Time - Uruguay 1-2 Slovenia

Second Half

Novakovic starts the second half brightly with 2 efforts within minutes of each other, both are from range though and both drift wide. Twenty five minutes from time a Uruguay free kick causes all sorts of problems as it's crossed into the box, first a header is tipped away by the goalkeeper before a second header is cleared. Two minutes later Novakovic breaks into the box but is hauled down by Lugano PENALTY to Slovenia and Lugano has already been booked. RED CARD for the centre back. Ceh steps up to take the penalty GOAL for Slovenia as he drives it high into the roof of the net. Just moments later Birsa has a chance for another goal, he looks like he has a clear shot at goal but a last ditch effort from Caceres stops him. Birsa has another chance just minutes before the end, he gets in behind the defence and bears down on goal, this time he gets his shot away but it goes wide of the far post.

Full Time - Uruguay 1-3 Slovenia

Well quite a shock result there with Slovenia taking top spot in the Group, it also makes the other match in this Group irrelevant as both Italy and New Zealand are already out. Uruguay will probably be disappointed not to have at least taken a point but the Slovenians deserved their win.

Man of the Match - Milivoje Novakovic (9.0) may not have scored but he grabbed two assists and was a danger all through the game, Slovenia put much of their play through him and it worked. The veteran striker could have a big part to play at this World Cup.

Qualifyers from Group A - Slovenia, Uruguay

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Germany v Paraguay

World Cup Group B

Line Ups -

Germany: Adler, Beck, Lahm, Mertesacker, Friedrich, Rolfes, Schweinsteiger, Podolski, Ozil, Gomez, Klose.

Paraguay: Villar, Bonet, Morel, Veron, Caceres, Riveros, Ortigoza, Vera, Caceres, Benitez, Cardozo.

This is an absoloutely crucial game for both sides, Paraguay currently top the Group and a draw will be enough to see them qualify although against this talented German side even that could be tough. However the Germans haven't really hit form yet and consequently need a win to secure their place in the next round, a draw could be enough but it would rely on South Korea beating the mighty Greece.

First Half

Germany kick off and have the first shot, Podolski and Ozil exchange passes before the former shoots from 20 yards but it drifts over. Twenty three minutes in Ozil drills a pass into the feet of Gomez, he brings it down and plays a ball into the box for Klose, he looks like he's offside but the flag stays down, his shot beats the keeper but bounces back off the post. Just past the half hour mark Beck tries an ambitious effort, 30 yards out he side volleys it towards goal but it never troubles Villar. Two minutes later Klose plays a ball into the area for Gomez, Morel Rodriguez gets there first but only because he was pulling Gomez' shirt PENALTY to Germany. Podolski steps up to take it, he strikes it low and towards the bottom corner, Villar guesses the right way but GOAL for Germany as it's too powerful for the goalie to keep out. Cardozo almost scores a wonderful solo effort, he beats three defenders before getting his shot away but Adler punches it out for a corner.

Half Time - Germany 1-0 Paraguay

Second Half

Ozil tries to start the half with a bang, he shoots from 30 yards and his curling effort looks to have the keeper beaten for all money but it cannons off the bar. Germany win a corner and Ozil plays it short towards Friedrich, he shoots low with his first touch GOAL Germany from 12 yards out it beats both the goalkeeper and the man on the front post. Ten minutes into the half Schweinsteiger beats his man and whips in a cross, Villar comes for it but it finds the head of Klose, all he has to do is find the target but he hits the foot of the post. A big chance for Paraguay with 20 minutes left, Morel Rodriguez swings in a cross and it finds the head of Luis Caceres 6 yards out, he flings himself at it but so does Adler and tips it over. Fifteen minutes to go Cabanas has a great chance, his good control fools two defenders and he opens his body up for the shot, he bends it round Adler but can't score as the woodwork comes to the rescue again. In the last minutes of normal time Vera plays a lovely ball in behind the defence, Cabanas gets on the end of it and there's no denying him this time GOAL for Paraguay and that could make the 3 added minutes interesting.

Full Time - Germany 2-1 Paraguay

The fightback came too late in the end for the South American side, they allowed Germany to control the first half and it cost them here. It's a deserved victory for the Germans who were denied by the post several times and they now will progress.

Man of the Match - Mesut Ozil (7.7) was one of several good performers but his assist for what turned out to be the winning goal swings it his way. He was often involved in the most dangerous of the Germans attacks and will undoubtedly play a big part for Germany in the next round.

Greece v South Korea

World Cup Group B

Line Ups -

Greece: Sifakis, Seitaridis, Spyropoulos, Moras, Papastathopoulos, Tziolis, Ninis, Karagounis, Katsouranis, Torosidis, Samaras.

South Korea: Young-Dae, Young-Pyo, Chi-Woo, Jin-Kyoo, Chi-Kon, Dae-Ho, Ji-Sung, Keun-Ho, Ji-Hoon, Chu-Young, Young-Rok.

This really should be an easy game for the Greeks because 1) they're amazing and 2) because South Korea are already out. However the Koreans will want to go out with some pride left intact and costing the 2004 European Champions a place in the next round will be top of their agenda.

First Half

South Korea kick off and almost start well, Young-Rok blasts a shot from 25 yards out but it's too high. Two minutes in Seitaridis gets to the byline before crossing, he finds a Greek head but they can't keep the header down. Park Ji-Sung gets on the end of a ball into the box after 20 minutes, it's a tough chance on the volley and he fails to make the best of it. Just seconds later though Ji-Hoon doesn't make the same mistake, a nice ball into the box for him to run onto and GOAL for South Korea. Greece escape by the skin of their teeth just before half time, Chu-Young is allowed to run into the box unchallenged and it takes a good save to deny him.

Half Time - Greece 0-1 South Korea

Second Half

It takes fifteen minutes to see anything of note, Greece work the ball nicely into the box for Torosidis but his shot from a tight angle goes well wide. Just minutes later Greece are denied by a fine save, Ninis beats his man before picking out a cross, the header looks goalbound but the goalkeeper sticks out a big hand to keep it out. South Korea counter attack and Park Ji-Sung is through on goal he should double the lead but a great save from Sifakis keeps him out. Twenty minutes left Papastathopoulos clears the ball long, it bounces over the heads of the defenders and Salpingdis is onto it, he takes it to the byline before crossing GOAL for Greece, Samaras heads in from about a yard out. A little over ten minutes left, Christodoulopoulos brings the ball forward from the left wing, he cuts infield before unleashing a fierce effort at goal, it curls beyond the fingertips of the goalkeeper, GOAL for Greece and one that should surely see them into the next round.

Full Time - Greece 2-1 South Korea

Greece do things the hard way and come from behind to win, for the first 45 minutes they really looked in trouble but they rallied in the 2nd half and managed to get the win that will see them through.

Man of the Match - Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (7.3) came on as a sub and really changed the game for Greece, his direct running and skills cause South Korea problems and in the end he scored a wonderful goal to put his nation through.

Qualifiers from Group B - Greece and Germany

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Kenco

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Gutted that Paraguay are out in the first round, probably because they started with only 10 men against the Germans!

Or maybe it was because the only game we won was the one where GCB used their default tactics and starting lineup, and they might have got through if it wasn't for my interfering!

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South Africa v Serbia

World Cup Group C

Line Ups -

South Africa: Josephs, Mere, Masilela, Mokoena, Gaxa, Mhlongo, Pienaar, Kanono, van Heerden, Tshabalala, Chabangu.

Serbia: Stojkovic, Tomovic, Obradovic, Lukovic, Vidic, Krasic, Kuzmanovic, Kovacevic, Tosic, Lazovic, Zigic.

Technically there is everything to play for in this match, neither team is out and neither is through. However whilst Serbia sit top of the table and providing they don't lose here will be into the next round, South Africa must win and win well to make their goal difference better than their opponents today.

First Half

Serbia kick off but it's South Africa with the first chance, they work a free kick out to Mere but his volleyed attempt goes over. Five minutes later they're threatening again, van Heerden gets a good ball from Chabangu, he drives goalwards but the shot isn't good enough. South Africa are having all the play in the opening period, van Heerden has another chance but once again Stojkovic keeps the game level. Pienaar is next to try his luck, he tackles Obradovic 25 yards out and takes a pop but it misses the top corner by some way. Finally Serbia get some attack going thanks the Tosic, he gets away down the left and his cross causes a bit of confusion but South Africa hold on. Just past the half hour mark Tosic gets on the end of a great through ball, he has a decent shot but the angle is against him and he can only win a corner. Five minutes before the break Krasic does well to work himself some space, he floats a cross into the head of Zigic but his powerful header is straight at Josephs. A great chance for South Africa just before the break, the ball falls to Gaxa inside the 6 yard box but he messes it up.

Half Time - South Africa 0-0 Serbia

Second Half

Five minutes into the half Tosic whips in a corner, there's some pushing and shoving and a Serbian ends up on the floor PENALTY to Serbia. Lazovic steps up to take the spot kick GOAL for Serbia as he blasts it into the side netting. Just past the hour mark South Africa pump the ball forward, it doesn't look too dangerous but nobody deals with it, Pienaar races onto the ball and GOAL for South Africa as he tucks it into the bottom corner from 12 yards out. With less than 10 minutes to go Kuzmanovic goes flying into a tackle in the midfield, he catches the player and is already on a yellow card, you guessed it RED CARD for Kuzmanovic. Last minute of normal time now and Kolarov plays a ball into the path of Tosic, he gets to the byline before cutting it back to Lazovic GOAL for Serbia, the striker keeps his head and rounds the keeper to score from 6 yards out, a lovely goal which should see Serbia top the group.

Full Time - South Africa 1-2 Serbia

Three games in a short period looks to have taken it out of both teams, a game wrought with injuries and weary players didn't produce the best footballing game but it had it's moments. The South Africans can now rest as they will have no further part to play in the World Cup however Serbia need to pick themselves up and move onto the next match as they have won this group.

Man of the Match - Danko Lazovic (8.6) scored both goals to win the game and the group for his country, it wasn't a great game and therefore not hard to be the standout performer but today that man was Lazovic.

Chile v Japan

World Cup Group C

Line Ups -

Chile: Bravo, Fuentes, Medel, Contreras, Fierro, Valdes, Isla, Vidal, Valdivia, Suazo, Sanchez.

Japan: Ishii, Yamanaka, Yamasaki, Toda, Homma, Matsui, Nakamura, Honda, Hasebe, Suzuki, Morimoto.

This should be a cracking game as the winner will see themselves in the next round while the loser will be going home, Chile have battled to 2 draws while Japan have a win under their belt but the South Americans may still feel they have the advantage.

First Half

Japan start the game and it's almost a nightmare start, Sanchez wins a header in the box but the goalkeeper puts it behind for a corner. Two minutes later Suazo has a chance as Valdivia plays him in GOAL for Chile as the striker calmly finishes from about 8 yards out. Japan look to strike back inside 20 minutes, Suzuki cuts the ball back to Nakamura who's fierce effort is saved well by Bravo. Twenty five minutes in Japans job gets a whole lot harder, Nakamura picks up a second yellow for 2 silly fouls RED CARD for Japan.

Half Time - Chile 1-0 Japan

Second Half

Chile stry to start in the same way as they started the first and it's Suazo again with the shot, this time it's from 30 yards though and Ishii can save. Ten minutes into the half Isla produces a fine ball into the path of Fierro, the winger heads towards goal but his shot is blocked. Just more than 10 minutes to go Gonzalez plays a ball down the line for Sanchez, he ties his defender in knots before cutting infield and shooting from 10 yards out but he blazes it over the bar. Five minutes later we see almost the exact same thing, this time though Gonzalez gets himself into the box and Sanchez picks him out with a cross but the substitute can only head the ball over. Just a minute later Sanchez is threatening again, he holds the ball up 20 yards out before curling a beautiful pass into the path of Suazo GOAL for Chile and game over.

Full Time - Chile 2-0 Japan

After the early sending off Chile might well have pushed on and scored a few goals but instead we saw a disciplined and clever game from them, sitting back and picking Japan apart on the counter and getting their 2nd goal in the end. The win see's them through and they could be dangerous opponents for whoever they meet in the next round.

Man of the Match - Humberto Suazo (8.8) comes away with two goals which see his side get the 3 points and go through, his strike partner was also in good form and helped create a wonderful second goal.

Qualifiers from Group C - Serbia and Chile

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cookie15

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Yes, get in there!

A great hard fought victory for Serbia, although i'm a bit concerned at the state of the squad. Going through as group winners means we should, in theory, get a slightly easier game, but i doubt it!

From my reckoning Serbia could be without a number of players for the knockout stages. Any chance of a screenie nearer the time to see what the state of the Serbia squad is before picking a team for the knock out stages?

Good luck everyone.

P.S. Congrats to Chile for qualifying too!

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Whoopy D

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Slovakia v Australia

World Cup Group D

Line Ups -

Slovakia: Kuciak, Pekarik, Hanzel, Durica, Cisovsky, Sapara, Hamsik, Sestak, Svento, Weiss, Holosko.

Australia: Petkovic, Wilkshire, Jamieson, Williams, McGowan, Wehrman, Cahill, Emerton, McDonald, Viduka, Djite.

Austrlia have surprised everyone so far and sit top of the group with maximum points, a loss here though could still see them crash out because Slovakia would be level on points and have a better goal difference. It's hard to know what to expect from this Slovakia team, they smashes Algeria and then got smashed by Holland so here's hoping it's the former team which turns up today.

First Half

Australia kick off and they try to start with a bang, some good passing and movement gets Djite room for a shot but it's tipped onto the post and bounces clear. Slovakia finally find some go forward after 20 minutes, Hamsik and Weiss combine to play the ball into the path of Svento who earns a corner. Australia come forward with Viduka he shrugs off a defender before playing a good ball into Djite, he should score but is denied but a very good save. Wehrman puts the corner into the box it floats over the goalkeepers head GOAL for Australia, that man Williams is there to head in again to give his side the lead. Just a few minutes later Slovakia are on the attack, Weiss plays a great ball into Holosko who turns and shoots for a GOAL to Slovakia, it didn't take them long to get back level and a very nice goal too.

Half Time - Slovakia 1-1 Australia

Second Half

Fifteen minutes into the half Australia almost strike from another corner, this time it's played short and the shot forces a good save from Kuciak with his feet. Inside the last 25 minutes Slovakia come forward with Hamsik, he just about finds Svento on the left who lifts a pass into the box for the run of Sestak, he bears down on goal and collides with the goalkeeper but the ball breaks free and GOAL for Slovakia, Sestak gives them the lead. Dylan Macallister makes his way onto the pitch for Australia and within minutes of coming on has the ball in the back of the net, luckily for Slovakia the flag is up and it won't count. Slovakia immediately look to double their lead, Sestak plays it back to Holosko who shoots from 18 yards, it's a good effort but Petkovic pushes it away. Into the last minute of the game Holosko pulls out left and puts the ball into the box GOAL for Slovakia and it's the captain Hamsik who scores the goal which will ensure Slovakia progress, a wonderful volleyed finish into the top corner which no goalkeeper could've stopped.

Full Time - Slovakia 3-1 Australia

After Australia dominated much of the first half Slovakia finally got their act together in the 2nd and with a good win have secured their place in the next round. Australia now anxiosly await the result of the Holland game to come through to see whether or not they have made it.

Man of the Match - Rhys Williams (8.3) bagged himself another goal and was definitely Australia's best performer, his goals in previous games may be enough to see his country through to the next round but that will mean Algeria holding Holland to a draw or better which seems unlikely.

Algeria v Holland

World Cup Group D

Line Ups -

Algeria: Fabre, Bougherra, Belhadj, Yahia, Halliche, Mansouri, Ziani, Ghilas, Boudebouz, Djediat, Ouali.

Holland: Stekelenburg, van der Wiel, Emanuelson, Heitinga, Mathijsen, van Bommel, Elia, Robben. Sneijder, Huntelaar, van Persie.

This is crucial for Holland as they must win to ensure progression, they have no idea what will happen in the other game and will hope they can still win this group. Algeria are playing purely for Pride and will be hoping they can follow in the footsteps of New Zealand and be responsible for a big team going home early.

First Half

Algeria start the game and start it on the back foot, Holland have most of the opening 20 minutes but their best chance is a Robben header which goes over. Twenty five minutes in they have another headed chance, this time Huntelaar meets the free kick but again he can't keep it down. Ten minutes until half time and Algeria seem to be trying to kick Holland off the park, several players have picked up knocks but Holland are getting a lot of free kicks as a result. van Persie lines one up from 25 yards but he can't get it on target. van Persie has the last chance of the half, Sneijder floats yet another free kick into the box but the Arsenal striker heads over.

Half Time - Algeria 0-0 Holland

Second Half

Five minutes in Algeria almost take a shock lead, Djebbour turns inside the area and produces a good save from Stekelenburg. Almost an hour gone Holland have a great chance, the goalkeeper misses the ball in from a corner and Mathijsen is there to head the ball but he can't keep it down. Holland push on and desperately try to get a goal, van Persie has another headed chance but again fails to find the target. Sneijder and van der Vaart both see long range efforts saved before the best chance of the game, Kuyt works himself some space on the right wing and crosses to the far post where Afellay is arriving, he gets his head on the ball but it's cleared off the line.

Full Time - Algeria 0-0 Hollland

A shock result here as Holland fail to make the most of their dominant display, Algeria battled hard but at times looked vunerable however in the end they did enough to earn the draw.

Man of the Match - Anthar Yahia (7.4) was at the heart of, for the most part, a steady Algerian defence which kept Holland at bay for 90 minutes. There were times when it looked like the Dutch were going to break through but Yahia marshalled his troops well and they held on.

Qualifiers from Group D - Slovakia and Australia

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NeoAC

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Damn right Chile are through! Knew we would be! :D

And I like our chances against Slovakia. I think we'll be able to top the IRL performance of the Chilean side. It's a good thing I wasn't able to open the file then, I probably would have made too many changes.

And Italy and Holland, both depart! Italy a bit expected, but Holland? That is a shocker.

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France v North Korea

World Cup Group E

Line Ups -

France: Lloris, Sagna, Clichy, Rami, Mexes, Gourcuff, Malouda, Flamini, Cheyrou, Anelka, Henry.

North Korea: Myong-Gil, Song-Chol, Hyok-Chol, Myong-Jun, Yong-Chol, Myong-Il, Jong-Ho, Yong-Lee, Song-Rim, Yong-Jo, Su-Hyok.

Should be a formality with France convicingly taking 3 points but North Korea have shown glimpses of being able to play football, I completely expect the French to knock a few goals in today but we could be surprised.

First Half

North Korea get us going and are almost behind inside 3 minutes, it would've been the scrappiest goal ever as about 3 French players get in each others way but Gourcuff's shot is saved anyway. Five minutes in Jong-Ho very nearly catches Lloris out with a looping effort from long range but the goalkeepers efforts are for nothing as it drifts over. Fifteen minutes in the GOAL for France finally arrives, just seconds after Henry is denied by a good save the defenders let Anelka walk straight through them and he slots it into the bottom corner. It's been surprisingly even after half an hour when Flamini goes close, he's allowed to turn in the area but his low curling effort is pushed away. Three minutes before the break Henry picks up the ball 35 yards out, his low drive is good but the keeper stops him for about the 3rd time in the last 10 minutes.

Half Time - France 1-0 North Korea

Second Half

This half continues much the same way as the last, France attacking but not being able to break through, Gourcuff fires a shot into the side netting before Flamini breaks through only to be kept out by the goalie. Henry still can't get his goal 10 minutes in, Gourcuff puts the ball on his head but it goes over. Twenty minutes in Jong-Ho has a shot from a free kick, it's about his 5th long range shot and they've all gone over the bar. With fifteen minutes to go Mexes hits the bar, he rises to meet a corner and has everybody but the woodwork beaten. With eighty minutes played we see some nice skills from Henry, he backheels a ball into the path of Gignac but his shot is saved well again. Henry is determined to score and he has his most spectacular effort yet with 3 minutes left, Sissoko plays him in and he beats his man before shooting from 25 yards but it misses the top corner. Into the last minute of the game and we see some classic Henry as he runs away from two defenders before lifting the ball infield, it breaks to Anelka who shoots from 12 yards out and despite a fairly tight angle scores his 2nd GOAL of the game.

Full Time - France 2-0 North Korea

The result seeemed a foregone conclusion and as it turned out France won comfortably but the North Koreans put in another battling display and at times made it hard work.

Man of the Match - Nicolas Anelka (8.8) scored twice and didn't really do much else, he was effective while playing up front alongside Henry but was less so when moved out wide. Much more deserving was the North Korean keeper, Myong-Gil, who time and time again kept out the French, especially Henry.

Cameroon v Denmark

World Cup Group E

Line Ups -

Cameroon: Kameni, Angbwa, Perrier-Doumbe, Tchoyi, Assou-Ekotto, Makoun, Song, Meyong, Eto'o.

Denmark: Christiansen, L.Jacobsen, M.Jakobsen, Kjaer, Killerich, C.Poulsen, Jensen, J.Poulsen, S.Poulsen, Bendtner, Lekic.

Simple stuff really, the winner goes through while the loser goes home. We'll assume France are going to beat North Korea so really it's only 2nd place up for grabs but things are looking better for Cameroon, a draw will be enough to see them through.

First Half

Denmark kick off and it's Denmark with a great chance 6 minutes in, S.Poulsen runs straight at the defence and causes havoc before passing to Lekic, the striker finds the run of Jensen who is 8 yards out with the whole goal to shoot at but he puts it wide. Two minutes later Cameroon produce a very similar move, this time though Makoun steams onto the ball however again the shot goes wide of the mark. Fifteen minutes in Kjaer has a chance from about 3 yards out when S.Poulsen whips in a fantastic free kick but the centre back can't keep his header down. Twenty minutes in a Cameroon corner is poorly cleared and it's picked up by Eto'o on the edge of the box, his shot isn't struck with any real venom but the goalkeeper see's it late and can't quite do enough to prevent a GOAL for Cameroon. The African side almost double their advantage ten minutes later, Assou-Ekotto breaks into the box but he runs straght into Christiansen. Ten minutes left in the half Denmark play a corner shot to Killerich, his shot looks to be going in but Kameni tips it over.

Half Time - Cameroon 1-0 Denmark

Second Half

Denmark look to hit back early in the half, Jensen tries a shot from range but it curls well wide. Twenty five minutes left on the clock Denamrk whip in a corner, Kameni misses it and Kjaer bundles it home for the equalising GOAL for Denmark. Five minutes later Cameroon almost have their lead back, Tchoyi gets the wrong side of Jakobsen and gets a shot away but it's the goalie to the rescue. Just three minutes later Denmark shoot themselves in the foot when they literally throw the ball back to Cameroon, Eto'o finds Meyong who looks miles offside but he powers it into the top corner for a GOAL to give Cameroon the lead. Denmark almost draw level with 5 minutes to go, Rieks gets away down the right and his cross finds the head of Bendtner but his header falls onto the roof of the net. A golden chance to equalise falls to Lekic with 2 minutes to go, some nice passing and finally a great ball by Bendtner creates the chance but it's saved by Kameni.

Full Time - Cameroon 2-1 Denmark

Quite an exciting game as we expected with some end to end stuff and some good free flowing football. In the end it's the African nation who get the 3 points and in doing so send Denmark home.

Man of the Match - Simon Kjaer (8.9) did all he could do ensure his team progressed but it wasn't enough, he was certainly the Danes best performer in defence and was probably most of the reason Cameroon didn't score more goals.

Qualifiers from Group E - France and Cameroon

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England v Ivory Coast

World Cup Group F

Line Ups -

England: Hart, Richards, Warnock, Terry, Dawson, Wright-Phillips, J.Cole, Carrick, Lampard, Gerrard, Rooney.

Ivory Coast: Copa, Zokora, Boka, Toure, Lolo, Doubai, Romaric, Keita, Tiene, Kalou, Drogba.

Could be an interesting game here as England need only a draw to go through as group winners, if they're not too bothered about that then this game won't matter to them at all because they're already through. Ivory Coast on the other hand must win to stand any chance of going through and even then it's possible they'll be going home, but they will have a hard job on their hands holding up their end of the bargain against a so far impressive England side.

First Half

Ivory Coast kick off and force a top class save out of Joe Hart early on, Drogba strikes a free kick from 35 yards which looks destined for the top corner but Hart pushes it around the post. Englands first chance falls to Frank Lampard as Wright-Phillips cuts the ball back to him on the edge of the box but his powerful drive is straight at Copa. Eight minutes in Ivory Coast come forward down the left, a pass is slipped through to Tiene, the angle is against him but it makes no difference GOAL for Ivory Coast and it's his first ever. England really should level the score 25 minutes in, Crouch picks out Cole who breezes into the box and round Toure but his low effort is saved. Five minutes later it's the other winger with a chance, Gerrard plays a great ball in behind and Wright-Phillips gets onto it but Copa to the rescue once again.

Half Time - England 0-1 Ivory Coast

Second Half

Finally with 15 minutes to go in the half we get some noteworthy action, Defoe turns his man on the half way line and sprints away down the left, he only has Wright-Phillips in the box for support and his low cross finds the wingers feet six yards out. He should score for all money but PENALTY for England as Boka hacks him down. Michael Carrick is to be the taker and he steps up confidently GOAL for England as he hammers it with authority into the corner. Into stoppage time and as Ivory Coast attack Drogba goes down under challenge from Dawson, the Ivory Coast players want a penalty of their own but the referee is doing nothing. Ivory Coast need a goal and they nearly get it from a corner, Lolo flicks it on and Toure is only denied a goal by a last minute Dawson interception. England counter when Warnock plays a good ball for Defoe to race onto, his cross into the area finds only the goalie though. Seconds to go Boka swings in a cross from the left, Drogba rises to meet it but the challenge from Dawson puts him off and his header flies over.

Full Time - England 1-1 Ivory Coast

A very boring 2nd half almost turned into an exciting game of football in the last 15 minutes, England remain unbeaten thanks to a penalty kick while Ivory Coast know regardless of results elsewhere they're out.

Man of the Match - Siaka Tiene (7.6) was good throughout and caused a fair amount of problems for Micah Richards, he was slightly less effective against Glenn Johnson but even then he was lively and scored a goal to boot.

Mexico v Argentina

World Cup Group F

Line Ups -

Mexico: Ochoa, Castro, Pinto, Marquez, Maza Rodriguez, Araujo, Torrado, Acre, dos Santos, Vela, Vuoso.

Argentina: Romero, Ansaldi, Insua, Demichelis, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Fazio, Banega, Zarate, Di Maria, Tevez, Higuain.

Avoiding defeat will be enough to see Argentina through to the next round however they will be looking to win if they want to top the group, Mexico on the other hand have to win and even then it's not certain they'll go through so this should be an entertaining game with both teams having it all to play for.

First Half

Mexico get us underway and they're off to a flyer, Torrado breaks into the box beyond the defenders and just as he looks to shoot is upended by Demichelis, PENALTY to Mexico. Vuoso is tasked with putting this one away and he hits it well, low and to his left but SAVED by Romero. Argentina try to take the lead after 15 minutes with Di Maria cutting infield, he shoots from 25 yards but Ochoa tips his shot over with a good save. A mix up 25 minutes in almost costs Argentina, Fazio and Romero get in each others way to concede a corner which almost results in a Vela goal when it's played to him on the edge of the box but his shot doesn't make it through all the bodies. Great chance for Argentina with 10 minutes to go, Banega plays a great ball into Tevez who is 10 yards out and unmarked but Ochoa comes to the rescue with a good reaction save. Four minutes later they have another great chance when Higuain dribbles past 2 players before squaring to Di Maria, the winger must score for all money but shoots wide from 8 yards.

Half Time - Mexico 0-0 Argentina

Second Half

The first real chance of the half comes Mexico's way, Acre lines up a free kick but curls it wide. Inside the last ten minutes now and Cambiasso plays the ball into the feet of Tevez, he lays it off to his strike partner in Lopez who dribbles straight towards goal, his initial shot isn't great and Ochoa saves but Di Maria pounces on the rebound and shoots into an empty net, but after some delay the referee spots the linesman with his flag raised and the goal is not going to count. Just before full time Argentina break forward on the counter, Lopez passes to Aimar who moves it quickly onto Tevez, he takes two touches before firing off a shot from 30 yards but once again Ochoa denies him a goal.

Full Time - Mexico 0-0 Argentina

Despite the scoreline this was far from a boring game, it was end to end stuff and both teams had plenty of chances to score, Mexico will be kicking themselves after missing that early penalty especially as this result see's them out. Argentina were denied time and time again by Ochoa in the Mexico goal but in the end it matters little as they are through.

Man of the Match - Guillermo Ochoa (8.3) was the main reason the match ended level, he produced a number of top saves to deny Argentina and it's a shame we won't be seeing more of him in this World Cup.

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Nigeria v Spain

World Cup Group G

Line Ups -

Nigeria: Enyeama, Apam, Taiwo, Yobo, Yussuf, Mikel, Obasi, Akabueze, K.Uche, Yakubu, I.Uche.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Navarro, Puyol, Pique, Xavi, Iniesta, Navas, Mata, Silva, Torres.

A rather pointless match as it happens, Nigeria are out and Spain are through so other than confirming their status as group winners there isn't much in this game for Spain. Nigeria probably feel the same way and although they won't want to go home with no points, another loss really isn't going to matter.

First Half

Spain kick off but Nigeria have the first real chance, Yobo rises to meet a corner but his header is too high. Ten minutes later it's another Nigeria chance with the head, this time Obasi runs away down the right and crosses for Uche but it goes wide. Twenty five minutes into the game I.Uche gets the ball 25 yards out, he slips it into the path of K.Uche who's into the box GOAL for Nigeria as he powers his shot past a helpless Casillas.

Half Time - Nigeria 1-0 Spain

Second Half

Nigeria continue to look the better team early in the half, I.Uche gets away from his man and shoots from 20 yards out but his shot is wide. Nigeria go very close again with I.Uche breaking down the right, he crosses to the head of Yakubu and it takes a very good stop to keep his header out. Spain have been very lacklustre in attack so far and that is summed up with just over 20 minutes left, they exchange several passes around the edge of the box but Silva resorts to shooting from 30 yards. A few minutes later he's at it again although from slightly closer in, Silva turns into space on the edge of the box but shoots wide. Sergio Ramos decides to try his luck from 20 yards out with fifteen minutes to go, his powerful effort is pushed away by Enyeama for a corner. Into the final 5 minutes I.Uche breaks away again and bears down on goal, he should score but the shot is straight at Casillas. Spain launch a counter attack as Cazorla sends Torres away down the right, he gets beyond his man but his cross doesn't find Pedro or Iniesta.

Full Time - Nigeria 1-0 Spain

A shock win that in other circumstances could be massive but today it meas very little. Unless Switzerland or Honduras run up a big score then Spain are safe as group winners and Nigeria were going home anyway.

Man of the Match - Vincent Enyeama (8.2) didn't honestly have that much to do today which would've been a nice surprise for him. What he did have to do he did well with the save from Ramos being the best of the bunch. Kalu Uche was probably the best player on the pitch though, constantly causing issues for the Spain defenders.

Switzerland v Honduras

World Cup Group G

Line Ups -

Switzerland: Benaglio, Lichsteiner, Magnin, Senderos, Grichting, Padalino, Barnetta, Lustenberger, Inler, Hassli, Frei.

Honduras: Canales, Sabillon, Figueroa, Bernadez, Chavez, Acevedo, Oliva, Martinez, Leon, Palacios, Suazo.

Both of these teams have lost to Spain and beaten Nigeria and now everything rests on this game, a win see's either side through while a draw will suit the South Americans with their superior goal difference. It should be an exciting affair with both sides going all out for the win.

First Half

Honduras get us going but the game takes a while to pick up, finally after 17 minutes a speculative effort from Frei forces Canales into a good save. Just past the 20 minute mark Martinez plays a great ball for Acevedo to run onto, the midfielder bears down on goal but doesn't keep his head and Benaglio saves the fairly weak effort. Switzerland have the ball in the back of the net after 25 mintes, Barnetta cooly finishes a good ball into his feet but he strayed offside. Just a minute later Canales hits a long ball over the top, Suazo gets onto it and cuts the ball back to Palacios who is 8 yards out but can't find the target. Two minutes before the break Barnetta head off down the wing, he gets his cross in and GOAL for Switzerland, a bullet header from Hassli finds the top corner.

Half Time - Switzerland 1-0 Honduras

Second Half

Eight minutes in Frei stands over a free kick 25 yards out, he hits it with real venom and it only kept at way by a good Canales save. Just less than an hour gone Barnetta gets in behind again, this time he floats in a cross and this time Hassli directs it towards the far corner GOAL for Switzerland with it looping over Canales and into the back of the net. Inside the last 10 minutes Frei looks to put the game to bed, he spins his defender and drills a low effort towards goal but Canales saves again. Into the final seconds of the game Switzerland have a free kick 35 yards out, Frei hits it very well and it rockets it's way into the back of the net for a wonderful GOAL to Switzerland.

Full Time - Switzerland 3-0 Honduras

It wasn't the close game we were expecting but 3 goals, all of good quality see Switzerland safely into the next round. Alexander Frei may well have score goal of the tournament with that last second free kick to rub salt into the wounds of a Honduras side who didn't really play that badly.

Man of the Match - Eric Hassli (8.9) had never score an international goal before today but now he has two to his name. Both very well taken headers and he formed a good partnership with Frei to make haul Switzerland into the next round.

Qualifiers from Group G - Spain and Switzerland

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Ghana v USA

World Cup Group H

Line Ups -

Ghana: Larsen, Opare, Asare, Vorsah, Quartey, Annan, Sarpei, Essien, Pantsil, Ayew, Gyan.

USA: Howard, Spector, Bocanegra, Onyewu, DeMerit, Edu, Dempsey, Bradley, Donovan, Davies, Altidore.

It's another of those games where neither team has much to play for, Ghana are already out and it'll take a massive effort for USA to qualify. Even if they win there's no guarantee they'll go through, a draw or Portugal win means USA are out.

First Half

USA kick off and it's almost a horrid one for them, Ayew plays it down the wing for Gyan who crosses but Pantsil's header lands on the roof of the net. USA get very lucky with 8 minutes gone, Onyewu gives the ball straight to Gyan 20 yards out, luckily he can't beat Tim Howard. Twenty minutes in Ayew brings the ball down the left, he cuts inside and finds Gyan who knocks it on for Pantsil, he's into the area and round the keeper GOAL for Ghana and a very nicely worked goal it was too. Ten minutes out from half time Ayew has possession on the edge of the area, he beats a man or two before slipping it through to Gyan GOAL for Ghana as he powers a shot beyond the desperate dive of Howard.

Half Time - Ghana 2-0 USA

Second Half

It takes a while for the 2nd half to get going until USA finally carve out a chance, Dempsey plays Davies in on goal but Larsen is out to smother. A few minutes later Dempsey decides to take it upon himself to try and get them back in the game, he shoots from 25 yards but Larsen is down well to tip it wide.

Full Time - Ghana 2-0 USA

Quite a good performance from the African side as it turns out and USA don't need to worry about the other game because now they're out anyway. There was some good football from Ghana which we haven't seen much of so far from them, if we'd seen a bit more they might not be going home.

Man of the Match - Asamoah Gyan (7.7) got an goal and an assist to help his side to victory, his work alongside winger Ayew caused USA trouble all day and they could've had a few more.

Portugal v Brazil

World Cup Group H

Line Ups -

Portugal: Eduardo, Bosingwa, Ferreira, Carvalho, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Ronaldo, Nani, Joao Moutinho, Raul Meireles, Almeida.

Brazil: Julio Cesar, Juan, Marcelo, Lucio, Alex, Ronaldinho, Robinho, Hernanes, Kaka, Pato, Hulk.

A draw would do these two just fine, Brazil are already through and Portugal just need a point. However the result of this game will decide who has to face Spain in the next round and I don't think either of them will want to do that. Therefore it should be a good game with both teams doing everything they can to win.

First Half

Portugal kick off but start on the back foot, Brazil have some early chances with the best falling to Ronaldinho but Eduardo denies him. Just over 15 minutes in Almeida robs Lucio of possession in the Brazil half, he brings it forward before playing in Moutinho GOAL for Portugal as he slots it into the corner past the advancing keeper from 20 yards. Brazil have the chance to hit straight back with Pato, he bears down on the goal but blasts his shot wide. Half an hour in Almeida wins a header against Lucio and flicks it out wide to Ronaldo, he runs at his defender before whipping in a cross GOAL for Portugal as Nani gets first to the ball and converts from 2 yards out.

Half Time - Portugal 2-0 Brazil

Second Half

Brazil start this half brightly as well with Hernanes coming the closest yet, his volleyed effort from outside the box hits the bar on its way over. Ten minutes into the half Almeida is causing problems again, he gets to the byline and crosses GOAL for Portugal as this time Ronaldo heads in from close range. Twenty minutes from time Brazil look to capitalise on Portugal momentarily being a man down as Kaka makes room for a powerful shot but Eduardo is equal to it again. Into the last 20 minutes Almeida has the ball inside the area, he twists and turns looking for room to shoot but in the end lays it back to Tiago GOAL for Portugal as he powers it into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

Full Time - Portgual 4-0 Brazil

What a great performance from Portugal to destroy Brazil. They weathered an early storm and hit Brazil on the counter a few times to score their first two goals. Brazil had plenty of chance to score themselves but were very wasteful. Portugal will be delighted to win in such style and can now go through as group winners.

Man of the Match - Hugo Almeida (9.1) was undoubtedly the best performer, he had a hand in 3 of the 4 goals and was unlucky not to have one himself. He was backed up by a strong midfield performance but Almeida lead the line wonderfully, creating chaos at every opportunity.

Qualifiers from Group H - Portugal and Brazil

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Whoopy D

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So that's that for the Group Stage, now it's time for the 2nd Round.

Slovenia v Germany

Greece v Uruguay

Serbia v Australia

Chile v Slovakia

Argentina v France

England v Cameroon

Spain v Brazil

Portugal v Switzerland

Couple of interesting matches there, particularly Argentina v France and Spain v Brazil. Deadline for you fellows is Tuesday 10th August (got it right this time:thup:) That's one week from now.

In other rather embarrassing news, Jack Browne was sacked as manager of Brazil following their loss despite qualifying for the next round. Luckily his twin brother by the same name was on hand to take over the reigns.

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cookie15

cookie15

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Sorry, but i've been away for a couple of weeks and have only just got to a computer.

Whoopy any chance i can make the following changes for Serbia?

DR - Ivanovic

DL - Kolorov

MC - Milijas

MC - Kacar

Replacing - Tomovic, Obradovic, Kuzmanovic, Kovacovic

Tactics still the same.

Cheers

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