Preview: Germany vs. Spain
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Euro 2008 winners Spain were one of the favourites going into World Cup 2010, while Germany have been identified by many as the most impressive team in the tournament so far. Which should all add up to one excellent World Cup semifinal. It’s a rematch of the Euro 2008 final, which Spain won...
Preview: Uruguay vs. Netherlands, Semifinal
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Many will be shocked to see Uruguay still alive and kicking, and just one win away from the World Cup final. Theoretically South America’s fifth best team (based on World qualification) la celeste have outlasted Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina to be CONMEBOL’s sole remaining representative. Some might even be annoyed at Uruguay’s...
Preview: Uruguay vs. Ghana, Quarterfinal
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Hands up if you thought this Ghana team would struggle without injured captain/superstar midfielder Michael Essien. Now use that hand to slap yourself in the face. Gently, but still do it. That slap is from the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Kwadwo Asamoah , Anthony Annan and Dede Ayew, all of whom have impressed...
Preview: Netherlands vs. Brazil, Quarterfinal
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Now this is a World Cup quarter-final. Two of the best teams in the world finally facing each other, and only one going through. Even Brazil coach Dunga is excited: “We expect it to be very open,” said Dunga. “At this knock-out stage we can’t expect a closed, defensive encounter. From now on...
Preview: Spain vs. Portugal, Round of 16
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On paper this should be an attacking blowout of epic Iberian proportions, but one of these teams isn’t following the narrative. Portugal, for all their attacking wingers and quality in midfield, have been transformed into a staunch defensive outfit – save for North Korea – and go into the game with zero goals...
Preview: Paraguay vs. Japan, Round of 16
On game day, remember to join us for our Paraguay vs. Japan Liveblog
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Japan coach Takeshi Okada was close to laughing stock status coming into World Cup 2010. Not least because he made the seemingly insane claim that Japan would reach the semi-finals at a time when Japan was unable to make ball meet...
Preview: Brazil vs. Chile, Round of 16
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Brazil won their first two games of World Cup 2010, but were then held 0-0 by Portugal. However, Robinho, Kaka and Elano all missed that game (respectively rested, suspended and injured) and all three will likely return against for this Round of 16 game vs Chile. Striker Luis Fabiano has two goals from...
Preview: Netherlands vs. Slovakia, Round of 16
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Netherlands cruised through the group stage, winning every game and conceding just once. Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder have both already scored, and Arjen Robben and his comedy hamstrings made their rather exciting return to action in the final group game against Cameroon. Not to put too much pressure on the Dutch,...
Preview: Argentina vs. Mexico, Round of 16
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Two exciting teams face each other, with one quarter-final place the prize for the victor. Despite all the pre-tournament Diego Maradona mockery, his Argentina has looked like the real deal so far. The real Leo Messi has shown up, and is backed by a host of other in-form attackers, the majority of whom...
Preview: Germany vs. England, Round of 16
Get minute by minute updates in our Germany vs. England liveblog
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Ah yes, a rivalry at last. Unfortunately, it’s of the one-sided variety: England dislike Germany greatly, Germany dislike their Dutch neighbors. Nothing feels worse than unrequited hatred.
Fortunately the football will have to do, with both teams looking for an uptick from the groups....
Preview: Uruguay vs. South Korea, Round of 16
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The first game in the World Cup Round of 16. Excitement. Group A winners Uruguay vs Group B runners-up South Korea.
In three group games, Uruguay conceded precisely zero goals, while forwards Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez did damage to the South African and Mexican defences. South Korea were impressive in their first game,...
Preview: Switzerland vs. Honduras
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Switzerland’s World Cup campaign started with a dramatic win over Spain, but then deflated a little with defeat to Chile. Honduras are yet to score or register any points and so need a victory here to have any chance of qualifying. Switzerland could get away with a draw or even defeat but will...
