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Day 21st Portugal France
Posted by Carlito on 2006-07-02
It seems like it was the old cliché “History repeats itself” in the second day of the quarterfinals in the Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup. England lost once again in penalty shootouts against Portugal, 3-1, while France beat Brazil 1-0. It was Brazil’s first lost in a World Cup since France beat them in the 1998 finals.
England’s defeat is a reminder of past disappointments for their fans. In 1998, Beckham got sent off in the quarterfinals against Argentina, this time around it was Rooney who got a straight red card in the second half for a tackle on Carvalho and then pushing Cristiano Ronaldo.
England played well once down to 10 men, even getting the occasional chances to go ahead. On the other end, Portugal got some chances too but somehow they were reluctant to attack and take fully advantage of the man advantage.
The match went to extra time, and Portugal started getting most of the possession and pressing for a winning goal. England held strong and forced penalty kicks. Unfortunately, the Englishmen stayed true to their reputation and Ricardo stopped 3 penalty kicks to help give Portugal a spot in the semis.
In the second match, France continued in their great run after having started this World Cup very slowly. The 1998 champions got the best of the 2002 champions Brazil 1-0. The goal came in the second half from a free kick delivered by Zinedine Zidane that reached an unmarked Henry who tapped it in behind a helpless Dida.
Brazil never looked like a team in control, not even getting one shot on net until very late in the match. As a matter of fact, the Brazilians never seemed at ease playing together throughout the whole tournament.
Some of the decisions from the Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will be put under questions; like playing Ronaldinho out of position, not starting youngsters like Robinho or Cicinho and relying on old players like Cafu and Roberto Carlos.
Nonetheless, we can’t take anything from France, who played their game and was helped by a domineering Zidane who played as well as he has ever played in his long and illustrious career. France will meet Portugal in the semis and try to book their ticket for the World Cup Finals.
Posted by Carlito on 2006-07-02
It seems like it was the old cliché “History repeats itself” in the second day of the quarterfinals in the Germany 2006 FIFA World Cup. England lost once again in penalty shootouts against Portugal, 3-1, while France beat Brazil 1-0. It was Brazil’s first lost in a World Cup since France beat them in the 1998 finals.England’s defeat is a reminder of past disappointments for their fans. In 1998, Beckham got sent off in the quarterfinals against Argentina, this time around it was Rooney who got a straight red card in the second half for a tackle on Carvalho and then pushing Cristiano Ronaldo.
England played well once down to 10 men, even getting the occasional chances to go ahead. On the other end, Portugal got some chances too but somehow they were reluctant to attack and take fully advantage of the man advantage.
The match went to extra time, and Portugal started getting most of the possession and pressing for a winning goal. England held strong and forced penalty kicks. Unfortunately, the Englishmen stayed true to their reputation and Ricardo stopped 3 penalty kicks to help give Portugal a spot in the semis.
In the second match, France continued in their great run after having started this World Cup very slowly. The 1998 champions got the best of the 2002 champions Brazil 1-0. The goal came in the second half from a free kick delivered by Zinedine Zidane that reached an unmarked Henry who tapped it in behind a helpless Dida.
Brazil never looked like a team in control, not even getting one shot on net until very late in the match. As a matter of fact, the Brazilians never seemed at ease playing together throughout the whole tournament.
Some of the decisions from the Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will be put under questions; like playing Ronaldinho out of position, not starting youngsters like Robinho or Cicinho and relying on old players like Cafu and Roberto Carlos.
Nonetheless, we can’t take anything from France, who played their game and was helped by a domineering Zidane who played as well as he has ever played in his long and illustrious career. France will meet Portugal in the semis and try to book their ticket for the World Cup Finals.