     |
|
Partners |
Ads |
User Login |
Not a Member Yet?
Becoming a member is easy and has many benefits! Register Today! |
Day 17th England Portugal
Posted by Carlito on 2006-06-26
Dull and ridiculous, these are the two words to respectively describe the two games of the 2006 Germany World Cup that were played yesterday in the round of 16. In the first game English and Ecuador played a boring match were neither team looked like they wanted to advance, while the expected classic between Holland and Portugal was ruined by bad refereeing.
In the first match, England failed to produce the offence they have been lacking during the whole tournament, but still managed to beat Ecuador 1-0. Rooney was left alone in front, and despite good hustling, the chances were rare. The best chance actually went to Ecuador, early in the game, off a Terry mistake, but Ashley Cole made a great defensive play. Unfortunately, Ecuador never threatened after that.
At least, a moment of Beckham brio allowed for the only goal of the match. Beck scored at the hour mark thanks to a trademark free kick. It would be enough for England to march on to the next round.
Portugal beat Holland, by the same score 1-0, but the match was a fiasco from beginning to end. It was a sad case of a referee loosing complete control of the game. 16 yellow cards, and four players sent off (Deco-Costinha and Boulahrouz-Gio), diving and unsportsmanlike conducts all turned this game into a farce.
Nonetheless, we can’t say the game was boring to watch, and within all the distractions, there some things worth remembering. A great goal by Maniche – who once again, after the Euro 2004, is the one to send Holland home in the 1/8 of finals –, a couple of dazzling moves by Van Persie who came so close to tie the game and a couple of good saves by both goalkeepers, Ricardo and Van der Sar.
We will also remember Ruud Van Nistelrooy being not only snubbed in the starting line up but also as a substitute.
Portugal will face England in the quarterfinals but without Deco and Costinha, and maybe without Cristiano Ronaldo who was the victim of a nasty tackle by Boulahrouz.
Posted by Carlito on 2006-06-26
Dull and ridiculous, these are the two words to respectively describe the two games of the 2006 Germany World Cup that were played yesterday in the round of 16. In the first game English and Ecuador played a boring match were neither team looked like they wanted to advance, while the expected classic between Holland and Portugal was ruined by bad refereeing.In the first match, England failed to produce the offence they have been lacking during the whole tournament, but still managed to beat Ecuador 1-0. Rooney was left alone in front, and despite good hustling, the chances were rare. The best chance actually went to Ecuador, early in the game, off a Terry mistake, but Ashley Cole made a great defensive play. Unfortunately, Ecuador never threatened after that.
At least, a moment of Beckham brio allowed for the only goal of the match. Beck scored at the hour mark thanks to a trademark free kick. It would be enough for England to march on to the next round.
Portugal beat Holland, by the same score 1-0, but the match was a fiasco from beginning to end. It was a sad case of a referee loosing complete control of the game. 16 yellow cards, and four players sent off (Deco-Costinha and Boulahrouz-Gio), diving and unsportsmanlike conducts all turned this game into a farce.
Nonetheless, we can’t say the game was boring to watch, and within all the distractions, there some things worth remembering. A great goal by Maniche – who once again, after the Euro 2004, is the one to send Holland home in the 1/8 of finals –, a couple of dazzling moves by Van Persie who came so close to tie the game and a couple of good saves by both goalkeepers, Ricardo and Van der Sar.
We will also remember Ruud Van Nistelrooy being not only snubbed in the starting line up but also as a substitute.
Portugal will face England in the quarterfinals but without Deco and Costinha, and maybe without Cristiano Ronaldo who was the victim of a nasty tackle by Boulahrouz.