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Golden Ball to Forlán, Golden Boot and youth award to Müller: According to a media vote, Diego FORLÁN of Uruguay has won the Golden Ball as the top player of the 2010 Men’s World Cup in South Africa. His five goals and one assist propelled la Celeste to a shock fourth place. Two participants in the final, Wesley SNEIJDER of the Netherlands and David VILLA of Spain, won the Silver and Bronze Balls respectively. At the age of 20, Thomas MÜLLER of Germany was the runaway winner of the Best Young Player award, not least because his five goals and three assists at the tournament also earned him the Golden Boot. Villa and Sneijder, also with five goals and an assist, edged Forlán for the Silver and Bronze Boots respectively owing to their fewer minutes played. Spain claimed two more awards as Iker CASILLAS won the Golden Glove Award as the best goalkeeper, and the Spanish side as a whole earned the Fair Play award with only eight bookings, fewest amongst teams that advanced to the elimination phase.
[posted MON 12 JUL 2010 – 01:19:25 UTC]

Germany fight past Uruguay for third: Sami KHEDRA scored the winner in a back and forth encounter in Port Elizabeth in which Germany secured third place at the 2010 Men’s World Cup with a 3-2 win over Uruguay. Both teams did well to reach the semifinals, but it was Germany who ended up with bronze medals after taking an early lead from Thomas MÜLLER. Edinson CAVANI then equalised, and six minutes into the second half, a stunner of a goal from Diego FORLÁN put la Celeste in front. Marcell JANSEN pulled Germany level again with a header five minutes later. Finally, in the 82nd minute, Khedra’s header secured third place, but Forlán nearly sent the match to extra time with a thunderous free kick off the bar seconds before the final whistle. Germany finish in third place for the second tournament in a row as Müller, with five goals and three assists, moves atop the Golden Boot table.
[posted SUN 11 JUL 2010 – 01:24:14 UTC]

Golden Boot leaders to go head to head: The Golden Boot award at the 2010 Men’s World Cup will be decided on the last day, as the joint leaders after the semifinals, Spain’s David VILLA and the Netherlands’ Wesley SNEIJDER, are expected to compete in the final match. Both have scored five goals and have one assist, but Villa is the current leader, having reached his mark in just 529 minutes played compared with Sneijder’s 532. Nonetheless, the possibility exists of another player passing both, as Germany’s Thomas MÜLLER and Miroslav KLOSE and Uruguay’s Diego FORLÁN and Luis SUÁREZ are all expected to play in the third place match. Suárez has scored three goals, whilst Müller, Klose, and Forlán have each scored four. Müller has also recorded three assists, Klose and Suárez one. In case of a tie in goals scored, preference is given to the player with more assists, and then to the player who recorded fewer minutes. [Sneijder’s total includes both goals in the Netherlands’ 2-1 quarterfinal win over Brazil; his first goal was initially ruled an own goal.]
[posted THU 08 JUL 2010 – 02:32:57 UTC]

New champion to be crowned at Soccer City: The champion of the 2010 Men’s World Cup will be a first time winner after the Netherlands and Spain won their respective semifinals. The Netherlands continued their perfect record at South Africa 2010 by defeating Uruguay 3-2 in Cape Town, whilst Spain won 1-0 against Germany to reach the final and potentially become the first Men’s World Cup champion that lost its first match of the tournament. For the Dutch, it will be their third appearance in the final match, whilst the Spanish have never previously reached this plateau.
» Third place match: Uruguay-Germany, SAT 10 JUL 2010, Nelson Mandela Bay/​Port Elizabeth
» Final: Netherlands-Spain, SUN 11 JUL 2010, Johannesburg [Soccer City]
[posted THU 08 JUL 2010 – 02:12:34 UTC]

Draw places Brazil, Portugal into Group of Death: The draw for the final tournament of the 2010 Men’s World Cup was kind to the defending finalists, but not the losing semifinalists. 2006 champions Italy face Paraguay, New Zealand, and first time qualifiers Slovakia in Group F, whilst France, who fell to the Azzurri in the 2006 final, were drawn against hosts South Africa, Mexico, and Uruguay in Group A. The Group of Death is widely considered to be Group G, which contains Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d’Ivoire, and Portugal. The tournament’s opening match will be South Africa-Mexico at Johannesburg’s new Soccer City stadium on FRI 11 JUN 2010.
» Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
» Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, Korea Rep, Greece
» Group C: England, United States, Algeria, Slovenia
» Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
» Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
» Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
» Group G: Brazil, Korea DPR, Côte d’Ivoire, Portugal
» Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile
[posted SAT 05 DEC 2009 – 00:58:11 UTC]

Pots decided for South Africa 2010 draw: FIFA have settled on the pots, seedings, and draw procedure for the 2010 Men’s World Cup final tournament. The top seeds include hosts South Africa and the top seven teams in the FIFA world rankings of OCT 2009, who occupy Pot 1. Pot 2 contains the teams from the AFC, CONCACAF, and the OFC. Pot 3 holds the remaining teams from CAF and CONMEBOL, whilst Pot 4 contains the remaining UEFA teams. Each group will receive one team from each pot, and no group may contain more than two UEFA teams or more than one team from any other confederation. The draw begins at 17:00 UTC on FRI 04 DEC 2009 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
» Pot 1: South Africa, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Argentina, England
» Pot 2: Australia, Honduras, Japan, Korea DPR, Korea Rep, Mexico, New Zealand, United States
» Pot 3: Algeria, Cameroon, Chile, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Paraguay, Uruguay
» Pot 4: Denmark, France, Greece, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland
[posted THU 03 DEC 2009 – 02:54:28 UTC]

Germany goalkeeper Enke dead at 32: Germany goalkeeper Robert ENKE, widely considered one of the frontrunners to start for his national side at the 2010 Men’s World Cup, died on TUE 10 NOV 2009 at the age of 32. Lower Saxony police confirmed Enke’s death in an apparent suicide at a train crossing near Hannover, where he played for Hannover 96 and won Bundesliga goalkeeper of the year honours for the 2008-9 season. Enke is survived by his wife, Teresa, and his adopted daughter, Leila; their biological daughter, Lara, died at the age of two in 2006 of a rare heart condition.
[posted SUN 15 NOV 2009 – 09:23:27 UTC]

UEFA matchday 16 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on WED 14 OCT 2009.
» Poland 00-01 Slovakia: Heavy snow in Chorzów may have contributed to the disastrous start; just four minutes in, Seweryn GANCARCZYK bundled a cross into his own goal. Slovak goalkeeper Ján MUCHA spent the rest of the match keeping the inspired home side out of his goal, giving Slovakia the points they needed to win Group 3. Slovenia took second place by defeating San Marino.
» Switzerland 00-00 Israel: A second yellow for Avihai YADIN ended Israel’s slight hopes of advancing out of Group 2. The draw meant a second consecutive Men’s World Cup appearance for the Swiss and a playoff place for Greece, who won against Luxembourg.
» Andorra 00-06 Ukraine: Ukraine had little trouble with the wooden spoon recipients of Group 6 and earned a place in the playoffs.
» Portugal 04-00 Malta: Portugal completed their Group 1 comeback and earned a playoff place with an easy win over Malta, their fourth win in the last five matches.
¤ Qualified: Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland
» Advanced to playoffs: Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Greece, Ireland Rep, Portugal, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine
[posted FRI 16 OCT 2009 – 04:54:42 UTC]

UEFA matchday 15 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on SAT 10 OCT 2009.
» Russia 00-01 Germany: Miroslav KLOSE was the hero as Germany secured qualification from Group 4. Russia will have another chance in the playoffs.
» Estonia 00-02 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Bosnia-Herz also wrapped up a playoff place as the number two team in Group 5. Vedad IBIŠEVIĆ sealed the win with Bosnia-Herz’s second goal midway through the second half.
» Ukraine 01-00 England: Ukraine now have a leg up on Croatia for the Group 6 playoff place after their win over previously undefeated England. Three Lions goalkeeper Robert GREEN was sent off for a professional foul just fifteen minutes in.
» Denmark 01-00 Sweden: A thunderous strike from Jakob POULSEN twelve minutes from time proved decisive as Denmark won Group 1. Sweden must now hope for Portugal to slip up against Malta on WED 14 OCT 2009.
» Greece 05-02 Latvia: Fanis GEKAS took his tally to nine total goals in the qualifiers with four tonight, helping Greece keep second place in Group 2. A win against Luxembourg on the last matchday means at least a playoff place.
» Slovakia 00-02 Slovenia: The Slovaks blew a chance to secure their first trip to a Men’s World Cup as Valter BIRSA and Nejc PEČNIK scored for Slovenia. Slovakia will have another opportunity to take the Group 1 crown against Poland on Wednesday.
» Ireland Rep 02-02 Italy: Sean ST LEDGER sent the fans at Croke Park into a frenzy as he scored his first goal for Ireland Rep to take the lead in the 87th minute. But just two minutes later, Alberto GILARDINO equalised, and Italy earned qualification from Group 8. Ireland Rep are assured of a playoff position.
¤ Qualified this matchday: Denmark, Germany, Italy, Serbia
» Advanced this matchday: Bosnia-Herzegovina, France, Ireland Rep, Switzerland
× Eliminated this matchday: Austria, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Turkey
[posted SUN 11 OCT 2009 – 00:25:19 UTC]

UEFA matchday 14 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on WED 09 SEP 2009.
» Latvia 02-02 Switzerland: The Swiss held on to their Group 2 lead as substitute Eren DERDIYOK scored a late equaliser.
» Norway 02-01 Macedonia FYR: Norway secured second place in Group 9, but they may find themselves shut out of the playoffs as the worst runner up.
» Hungary 00-01 Portugal: PEPE’s early goal off a DECO free kick improved Portugal’s chances in Group 1, as Denmark were held in Albania.
» Northern Ireland 00-02 Slovakia: Goals from Stanislav ŠESTÁK and Filip HOLOSKO kept Slovakia five points clear in Group 3. N Ireland are tied with Slovenia for second but have played one match more.
» Wales 01-03 Russia: Russia kept up with Group 4 leaders Germany by winning in Cardiff. Germany and Russia are each assured of at least a playoff place.
» Belarus 00-00 Ukraine: Ukraine’s second consecutive Men’s World Cup qualification slipped further away as they could only manage a draw in Minsk...
» England 05-01 Croatia: ...leaving the door open for England to take the Group 6 crown in decisive fashion.
» Spain 03-00 Estonia: Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Group 5 draw with Turkey earlier in the day, coupled with Spain’s decisive performance, sent la Furia Roja through to South Africa 2010 as Iker CASILLAS broke Andoni ZUBIZARRETA’s national record of 56 clean sheets.
¤ Qualified this matchday: England, Spain
» Advanced this matchday: Germany, Italy, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia
× Eliminated this matchday: Belarus, Belgium, Finland, Luxembourg, Macedonia FYR, Scotland, Wales
[posted THU 10 SEP 2009 – 05:36:34 UTC]

UEFA matchday 12 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on WED 12 AUG 2009.
» Azerbaijan 00-02 Germany: Bastian SCHWEINSTEIGER and Miroslav KLOSE scored in either half, and Germany earned three points that increase the pressure on closest Group 4 rivals Russia.
» Norway 04-00 Scotland: A second yellow to Gary CALDWELL in the first half proved costly, as John Arne RIISE opened the scoring for Norway on the resulting free kick. His side cruised to the win and may yet reach the playoffs from Group 9.
» Belarus 01-03 Croatia: Ivica OLIĆ’s two goals led Croatia to a vital win in Group 6, adding further importance to the England-Croatia match on WED 09 SEP 2009.
× Eliminated this matchday: Azerbaijan
[posted THU 13 AUG 2009 – 07:37:55 UTC]

UEFA matchday 11 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on WED 10 JUN 2009.
» Macedonia FYR 02-00 Iceland: Aco STOJKOV scored in the first ten minutes, and Filip IVANOVSKI scored in the last ten. The net result was a win that brought Macedonia FYR into a tie with Scotland for second place in Group 9.
» Ukraine 02-01 Kazakhstan: A poor clearance by the Ukraine’s Andriy RUSOL allowed Tanat NUSSERBAYEV to put Kazakhstan ahead, but a brace from Serhiy NAZARENKO saved the day and put the home side into a tie with Croatia for second in Group 6.
» Finland 00-03 Russia: Aleksandr KERZHAKOV returned to the Russian side with style, scoring twice in his first match in the national shirt for more than a year. Russia are now within a point of Group 4 leaders Germany.
× Eliminated this matchday: Andorra, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein
[posted THU 11 JUN 2009 – 04:09:48 UTC]

UEFA matchday 4 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on SAT 11 OCT 2008.
» Ukraine 00-00 Croatia: After their nerves calmed, Croatia held most of the possession in this Group 6 match, but could not score past Ukraine keeper Andriy PYATOV.
» Sweden 00-00 Portugal: With talent like Zlatan IBRAHIMOVIĆ, Cristiano RONALDO, and João MOUTINHO on the pitch, this match was expected to offer many fireworks. But the shots were well off target, and the teams shared the points and watched Denmark become Group 1 leaders.
» Turkey 02-01 Bosnia-Herzegovina: Edin DZEKO put visiting Bosnia-Herz ahead midway through the first half, but with goals by Arda TURAN and Mevlüt ERDİNÇ in the second half, Turkey earned the win to keep pace with Spain and Belgium in Group 5.
» Poland 02-01 Czech Rep: Pawel BROZEK and Jakub BŁASZCZYKOWSKI were the goalscorers as they, along with Slovenia and Slovakia, pulled away from the back three in Group 3.
» Romania 02-02 France: Down 2-0 after just seventeen minutes, les Bleus fought back and earned a draw with goals from Franck RIBÉRY and Yoann GOURCUFF. Both teams remain tied for third in Group 7.
» Germany 02-01 Russia: Early in the second half, Andrei ARSHAVIN pulled Russia halfway back from a two goal deficit, but Germany held on to keep the lead in Group 4.
[posted TUE 14 OCT 2008 – 06:26:42 UTC]

UEFA matchday 3 recap: A quick summary of action around the UEFA group phase on WED 10 SEP 2008.
» Lithuania 02-00 Austria: Lithuania took over the Group 7 lead through two goals from Tomas DANILEVICIUS.
» Finland 03-03 Germany: Three times Finland took the lead, but each time Miroslav KLOSE was there to score an equaliser. Germany maintain their slim lead atop Group 4.
» Turkey 01-01 Belgium: EMRE Belözoğlu scored on a second half penalty, salvaging a draw after Wesley SONCK’s goal for Belgium. The teams are tied in Group 5, two points behind Spain.
» Switzerland 01-02 Luxembourg: The Swiss believed they had escaped ignominy when Blaise N’KUFO scored to draw level. But in the 86th minute, Alphonse LEWECK found net, and Luxembourg moved into an unlikely tie for third place in Group 2.
» Slovenia 02-01 Slovakia: Milivoje NOVAKOVIČ scored two goals, leading Slovenia to a tie with Poland for first in Group 3.
» Croatia 01-04 England: Since becoming independent, Croatia had never lost a Men’s World Cup qualifier at home. But Theo WALCOTT, who is only slightly older than Croatia itself, ended that record in decisive fashion with three goals. England, along with Ukraine, now lead Group 6.
» France 02-01 Serbia: After losing to Austria in their opener, France got back on track by defeating Serbia on goals by Thierry HENRY and Nicolas ANELKA.
» Portugal 02-03 Denmark: This wild encounter was 1-0 in Portugal’s favour with seven minutes remaining. But a late flurry culminated in a winning goal in stoppage time from Daniel JENSEN, putting Denmark in the thick of a three way tie for first in Group 1.
[posted THU 11 SEP 2008 – 05:08:06 UTC]

Qualifying draw to reveal all: The footballing world is descending upon Durban, South Africa for the draw for the 2010 Men’s World Cup qualifiers. Five Asian, twelve North American, nine European, and twelve African groups will be drawn in the festivities, which start at 15:00 UTC on SUN 25 NOV 2007. The CONMEBOL group phase and OFC final round are already underway and do not require draws. Below are listed the top seeded teams in each of the other confederations.
» AFC third round: Australia, Korea Rep, Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia
» CONCACAF first round: Mexico, United States, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Trinidad-Tobago, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, Guatemala, Canada, Guyana
» UEFA group phase: Italy, Spain, Germany, Czech Rep, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Croatia, Greece
» CAF second round: Cameroon, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Ghana, Tunisia, Egypt, Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Angola, Togo
[posted SAT 24 NOV 2007 – 19:45:26 UTC]

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