For the third successive World Cup Germany found itself in a medal position - silver in Japan, bronze in their own country and now bronze again in South Africa.

They were, however, made to fight for it by a Uruguayan team that emulated its 1970 forebears by making the semi-finals and losing the third-place play-off to the Germans. By scoring the first Thomas... Læs mere >>

Once more it was not a great World Cup final - there hasn't been one for 24 years - but at least the best team won. Spain's first World Cup was settled by one of the few outstanding figures in South Africa to actually shine in the tournament - Andres Iniesta. Spain became the third country after West Germany and... Læs mere >>

Holland made their way to their third World Cup final and their first for 32 years with an efficient rather than domineering performance over South America’s last remaining nation to ensure that for the first time a European team would win the World Cup outside its own continent. Perhaps it was a reaction to their victory over Brazil but, apart... Læs mere >>

Everyone – probably even the Paraguay manager, Gerardo Martino - expected Spain to go through. Nobody, however, could have foreseen that the pre-tournament favourites would have put up such a fight. Oscar Cardozo’s breakdown at the end confirmed what everybody at Ellis Park knew. Had the Benfica striker scored from his penalty, Spain might have cracked. In the end, they had... Læs mere >>

This was a spectacular example of how teamwork can demolish a side of talented individuals. Diego Maradona’s side was taken apart piece by piece by Joachim Low’s wonderfully-fluid and wonderfully-drilled side. Just as they had done against England, Germany targeted the weak links, in this case full-backs Nicolas Otamendi and Gabriel Heinze, and once Thomas Muller put them ahead, Argentina seldom looked... Læs mere >>

Both of these teams came from a goal down to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals, but which team will be featuring at Soccer City on 11^th July?

The answer is probably the Netherlands, who finally demonstrated their true potential with a second-half performance against Brazil full of attacking intent and tough tackling. They will once again approach this... Læs mere >>

Die Mannschaft have slotted four goals past England and Argentina during the 2010 World Cup, although the bookmakers continue to make them the outsiders for Wednesday’s semi-final against Spain. Germany look like a team on a mission to win this World Cup and should avoid defeat in what will be a repeat of the Euro 2008 final.

Although Thomas Muller will be... Læs mere >>

Nobody watching the first half at the Nelson Mandela Stadium could have predicted what was to follow. The Dutch manager, Bert van Marwijk, said his defence that lost Joris Mathijsen in the warm-up had been so overrun that they were fortunate to be only one goal down at the interval. Nevertheless, they attacked so well against a Brazilian side that was reluctant... Læs mere >>

Ghana came within one penalty kick of becoming the first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final. In the last seconds of a compelling match, Luis Suarez handled on the line and was sent off, allowing Asamoah Gyan to take Ghana through with what surely would have been the last kick of the game. He struck the post and Ghana... Læs mere >>

Once again, we will witness the world’s best passing team try to break down stubborn opposition and it might take a while for Spain to achieve the breakthrough. After all, you can’t fault a Paraguay team that have only conceded one goal in the entire tournament, although their opposition has been questionable.

Slovakia, Italy, New Zealand and Japan have all shown themselves to... Læs mere >>

Carlos Queiroz is something of a spin doctor, taking his Portugal side out of the World Cup with the remark that their fans had come to admire the “brilliance” of their play. In midfield they were sometimes lovely to watch but the cold fact remains that they only ever scored against North Korea and when Cristiano Ronaldo left Green Point Stadium... Læs mere >>

The first match of this World Cup to be decided on a penalty shoot-out was just about the most forgettable. Whoever won at the Loftus Versfeld would make a World Cup final for the first time in their history. The pressure told and when Benfica’s Oscar Cardozo drove in the winning penalty his manager, Gerardo Martino, burst into tears. Neither... Læs mere >>

For just the third time in World Cup history, an African team has made it to the quarter finals of the competition, with Ghana following in the footsteps of Cameroon (1990) and Senegal (2002). This has been achieved by having a resolute defence that has conceded just three goals in the four games played in South Africa.

Therefore, while Kevin Prince-Boateng... Læs mere >>

It’s impossible to predict anything other than a Brazilian win in Port Elizabeth on Friday afternoon. They comfortably came through the so-called ‘Group of Death’ and made short work of a vibrant Chile team on Monday night, thanks to some solid defending and quick attacking play.

As England might care to learn, the five-time winners are stronger as a unit than when... Læs mere >>

Are the Argentines being overrated by the media and the bookmakers? They came through Group B with flying colours, although Nigeria, South Korea and Greece were not great teams and La Albiceleste were also fortunate that Carlos Tevez’s offside goal was allowed to stand against Mexico.

Perhaps Diego Maradona’s team will get their first real test on Saturday when they meet... Læs mere >>

Just when everyone was talking about how Brazil would bore their way to the final, they produced their most complete performance of the tournament, featuring a superb midfield display from Gilberto Silva and Danny Alves. Chile, deprived of their first-choice central defenders, were exposed by the first goal, headed home from a set-piece by Juan, and then by the brilliance of... Læs mere >>

This was the game that saw the belated arrival of Arjen Robben, starting a World Cup match for the first time in South Africa, and scoring a beautifully-worked goal after 18 minutes. When they meet Brazil in the quarter-finals, the odds are likely to favour the Selecao but with Robben in this kind of form, nobody will want to write off... Læs mere >>

Once more a match turned on a refereeing error, when after Mexico had made a bright start at Soccer City, Carlos Tevez’s opening goal, which looked a yard offside, was allowed to stand. Mexico, who had just seen Carlos Salcido strike the bar from 40 yards, were completely unhinged by the decision, conceded a second when Ricardo Osorio passed straight to... Læs mere >>

This was not just a defeat by Germany, this was England’s heaviest reverse in any World Cup and drew the curtain down on their worst World Cup of modern times. Yes, they were denied what should have been an equaliser when Frank Lampard’s chip struck the crossbar and bounced back from a yard over the goal-line and yes they played quite well... Læs mere >>

When Asamoah Gyan kept his balance and shot home one of the goals of the World Cup, the applause could be heard the length of Africa. It was vital for this competition’s credibility that one of the continent’s nations emulated Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002 by reaching the quarter-finals and this Ghana did. The Black Stars, who took the lead early through Kevin... Læs mere >>

Argentina may be more fancied to win the tournament, Chile are more exciting and Brazil have more supporters but there is no South American team playing quite as well as Uruguay, a nation of 3.5 million that has made no sort of impact in a World Cup since 1970. Having conceded early when Jung Sung-ryong went for a teasing, low cross from Diego Forlan and... Læs mere >>

It’s an all-Iberian clash at the Greenpoint Stadium in Cape Town and it could be a lot closer than the odds suggest. While Spain recovered from a Group H defeat against Switzerland to top the section, they still look vulnerable defensively, with Chile creating plenty of first-half chances against them on Friday before being reduced to ten men.

There’s also a big question mark over the form... Læs mere >>

Japan’s Keisuke Honda had a field day against Denmark on Thursday, helping his team to score three goals, despite only needing a draw to go through from Group E. However, the Blue Samurai might have bigger problems when it comes to breaking down Paraguay.

Gerardo Martino’s team only conceded one goal during their Group F matches and that was an uncharacteristic mistake from goalkeeper Justo Villar. Aside... Læs mere >>

The Dutch are now unbeaten in over 20 games and they have a 100% record in the World Cup at the moment. Bert van Marwijk’s team have not been specialising in spectacular performances, although it’s all about being effective in this tournament, with Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong protecting the defence superbly.

While the Slovaks slotted three goals home against Italy, they should have a... Læs mere >>

It’s a shame that the match in Johannesburg might be spoilt by suspensions. While Kaka is back for Brazil after that red card against the Ivory Coast, Chile will have to cope without Gary Medel, Waldo Ponce and Marco Estrada, whose foul play against Spain causes them to miss one of the biggest games in the country’s history.

While manager Marcelo Bielsa will still encourage his team... Læs mere >>

Had Australia played like this from the start, they rather than Ghana might have qualified for the knockout stages in South Africa. Instead, in the words of their coach, Pim Verbeek, they were “killed” by the opening 4-0 defeat by Germany. With Tim Cahill restored to lead the Socceroos, Australia looked an infinitely better proposition and was with a trademark header that they took the... Læs mere >>

Germany as they had expected to, topped Group D but England’s lack of goals ensured they would have a rather harder task of making the quarter-finals than they might have expected. Joachim Low’s side was indebted to a wonderful piece of opportunistic shooting from Mesut Ozil and some fine defending from Philip Lahm to see them through against a Ghana side who also qualified despite not... Læs mere >>

London Donovan’s reaction in being handed the man-of-the-match award for the stoppage-time goal that ensured the United States would top Group C on goals scored was to break down in tears. It was a hugely emotional night played out in front of former president Bill Clinton and the United States just about deserved their victory. Algeria who finished last in the group and who failed... Læs mere >>

Finally, but not without a few changes, England produced a performance of substance. Fabio Capello resisted the temptation to drop John Terry after the former England captain had criticised his tactics and selection policy and the Chelsea skipper rewarded his loyalty with a fine performance against a limited Slovenian attack. Once Jermain Defoe, preferred to Emile Heskey struck, the result was never really in question and... Læs mere >>

After all that was said about them in qualification, Argentina topped their group with maximum points and a combined scoreline of 7-1, resting seven members of the side that overcame South Korea. Mexico, whom they meet in the last 16, will almost certainly possess more ambition than Greece, whose chief ambition seemed to be to stop Lionel Messi from playing. Man-marked relentlessly by Avraam Papastathopoulos, Messi... Læs mere >>

Nigeria left the World Cup but they are likely to win any prize given for the miss of the tournament when Yakubu somehow contrived to shot wide from three yards out when presented with a glaringly empty net. That summed up Nigeria’s time in South Africa. They took the lead against Greece and South Korea but in both matches squandered opportunities to kill the game... Læs mere >>

South Africa left the tournament early as many predicted but they left it gloriously. Two goals to the good against a demoralised French side reduced to 10 men it appeared Bafana Bafana had a real chance of going through on goal difference. But then in a rare moment of cohesion, Franck Ribery burst through and his cross for Florent Malouda snuffed out thoughts of the... Læs mere >>

The cynics suggested that since a draw would have suited both sides, that is precisely what the Royal Bafokeng would see. Not so, Uruguay ensured they would avoid a meeting with their great and dangerous enemy, Argentina with a goal from Luis Suarez two minutes before the interval. Uruguay qualified for the round of 16 without so much as conceding a goal and will fancy... Læs mere >>

New Zealand’s second taste of the World Cup finished rather better than their first. In 1982 they had come home pointless; here they returned without having lost a game and having finished above Italy. However, left in the air was the tantalising feeling that they could have even qualified. Shane Smeltz and Chris Wood both had chances against a strangely lacklustre Paraguay side and one goal... Læs mere >>

Like Brazil in 1966 and France in 2002, the holders exited the World Cup at the first available opportunity, although they went out in one of the most astonishing matches this tournament can have seen. Slovakia, who seemingly had the stuffing knocked out of them by New Zealand and Paraguay, suddenly produced some wonderful one-touch football, taking a two-goal lead through Robert Vittek before finally Italy produced... Læs mere >>

This has been a disastrous World Cup for Africa and not a very good one for Europe. While France and Italy have crashed out and England have stumbled, Holland have moved smoothly through the gears with each performance slightly better than the last. This victory against a Cameroon side that was only too ready to wave the white flag, featured two gorgeously worked goals from... Læs mere >>

Before this game the Denmark manager, Morten Olsen, said he did not even consider the possibility of losing to Japan. He will be regretting those words and the Danish FA might be regretting giving him a new two-year contract. Defensively Denmark were a shambles, with Thomas Sorensen as fallible as he had been heroic against Cameroon. Japan, whose manager, Takeshi Okada, came in for fierce... Læs mere >>

Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted that Brazil were a class apart from the Ivory Coast on Sunday, although perhaps we should avoid backing Dunga’s team to win this final Group G game. They need only a draw to finish top of the section and second place might be preferable depending on what happens in Group H later that day.

Kaka will be missing through suspension and Elano might also... Læs mere >>

A draw will be enough to see the Netherlands claim top spot in Group E and that’s why the bookmakers are prepared to offer bigger odds about the Dutch triumphing in Cape Town. However, manager Bert van Marwijk will want his team to keep the momentum going and they have the attacking weaponry to make life difficult for their African opponents.

While it’s not clear as... Læs mere >>

It’s something of a surprise to see Ghana as marginal outsiders for this match with most bookmakers, especially as they should have finished top of Group D after missing two glorious chances to score against Germany on Wednesday night.

Milovan Rajevac’s team will be flying the flag for Africa on Saturday night and they seem like a powerful and energetic team that are hard... Læs mere >>

Forget Brazil, Spain, Argentina or Italy. It’s Uruguay who have kept the most clean sheets in the World Cup to date, with La Celeste shutting out France, South Africa and Mexico to finish top of Group A. While they were only defensive against the French, Diego Lugano and Diego Godin are making sure that goalkeeper Fernando Muslera has little do in between the sticks.

There’s a... Læs mere >>

Chile manager Marcelo Bielsa has claimed that his team will adopt a typically attacking formation for this final Group H match in Pretoria, although it remains to be seen whether their customary 3-3-1-3 line-up will be in operation. Star striker Humberto Suazo was withdrawn at half-time against Switzerland and he might be on the bench as the south Americans look to try and get a draw.

Spain... Læs mere >>

Incredibly, Italy will probably go through to the last sixteen with three draws, although they will be desperate to win this match and have an outside chance of avoiding Holland in the last sixteen. The Azzurri have been disappointing in both of their other Group F matches, especially in defence where they have been slack with set pieces.

While it’s tempting to argue that the Italians are... Læs mere >>

New Zealand proved against Italy that their previous 1-1 draw against Slovakia was not a fluke. The All Whites were expected to be the whipping boys in Group F, although they go into this match in Polokwane with a genuine chance of going through to the last sixteen.

However, manager Ricki Herbert admits that the team are short on quality and this might be in evidence against... Læs mere >>

Despite scoring against Brazil on Sunday, it appears that Didier Drogba is not fully fit after his fractured arm, although that shouldn’t stop the Cote d’Ivoire from comfortably winning this match the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

An opening game against Portugal looked as though it would give the Elephants a chance of qualifying, irrespective of what happened against Brazil, although the Iberians’ 7-0 rout of the People’s... Læs mere >>

How do you turn a defensively-minded team into one that wants to score lots of goals? Especially with record scorer Alexander Frei missing injured and Valon Behrami out suspended? That’s the problem that’s affecting Ottmar Hitzfeld as he looks for a way to score at least two goals against Honduras without conceding.

After all, the central American side kept things tight against Chile to the extent where... Læs mere >>

Will England come to life after a selection of poor performances during the group stage? While the nation seems to think that Fabio Capello’s team can go all the way after beating Slovenia 1-0, they have not played particularly well in South Africa and big improvement is needed if they are to win in Bloemfontein.

Indeed, it’s puzzling to see the bookmakers quoting Germany at a bigger... Læs mere >>

While we can’t be sure who will win this game, it’s logical to assume the match at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium will be a low-scoring affair. Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson has already spoken about how the team will need to be patient as they search for a way to break down a spirited and defensive Japan side.

The Blue Samurai achieved a 1-0 victory against Cameroon... Læs mere >>

Sunday’s second last sixteen match takes place at Soccer City and Mexico will be looking for revenge after being beaten by Argentina at this stage four years ago. While Javier Aguirre’s team deserved to qualify from Group A, they have a couple of flaws which might result in them being second best against Diego Maradona’s team.

Defensively, they are prone to making silly errors, as they demonstrated... Læs mere >>

There's an exciting 'winner takes all' match taking place at Soccer City in Johannesburg on Wednesday night and it's surprising to see Ghana available at such a big price. After all, the Black Stars have managed four points from their opening two games and their physical style should mean that the Germans are in for a battle.

Miroslav Klose will be suspended for Germany and a failure... Læs mere >>

It's hard to see beyond a Serbia victory, especially after that win over Germany will have filled Radomir Antic's team with confidence. The White Eagles were transformed from the team that had laboured for long periods against Ghana, with Dejan Stankovic driving them forward and illustrating why he was part of Inter's Champions League winning team.

Milan Jovanovic and Milos Krasic were also superb during the game and... Læs mere >>

The States were seething with a sense of injustice after a perfectly good goal was scrubbed out by the Malian referee against Slovenia, although Bob Bradley will also be a) disappointed that his team went 2-0 down and b) delighted with the character shown to draw 2-2. Therefore, they will carry some momentum into this match and Michael Bradley illustrated in the last match that America... Læs mere >>

As Billy Ocean once sang "when the going gets tough, the tough get going" and so it might prove for England on Wednesday afternoon. It's hard to explain how world class players such as Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard performed so badly on Friday night, although a change of personnel and formation could help change fortunes. John Terry has shaken things up by insisting... Læs mere >>

Despite losing both of their Group B matches, Nigeria have actually played well during the World Cup and that 1-0 defeat against Argentina in Johannesburg might be as close as anyone gets to the Albiceleste this summer. While the Super Eagles deserved to lose that particular match, they were firmly in control against Greece before a moment of stupidity led to Sani Kaita being sent off.

The midfielder... Læs mere >>

Perhaps we should be careful when it comes to lumping on Argentina to win this final Group B match in Polokwane. Diego Maradona's team are now the favourites to win the World Cup, although we should note that a) they have only beaten Nigeria and South Korea thus far and b) we might see many star names rested for this game. Not that Diego Milito and... Læs mere >>

Kagisho Dikgacoi and Itumeleng Khune will be missing for the hosts in this final group match, something that must be especially galling for the midfielder as his home town is Bloemfontein. It gives Carlos Alberto Parreira a problem in that South Africa aren't blessed with quality in their starting XI and any squad depth is limited. Nevertheless, the team spirit harnessed by captain Aaron Mokoena is... Læs mere >>

Mexico have a decision to make on Tuesday night when they line up for their final group game in Rustenburg. Do they go for the three points which would ensure they finish top of Group A, or do Javier Aguirre's team bite the bullet and accept that a draw will see them through to the last sixteen and a match-up with Argentina. It's possible that... Læs mere >>

Spain have received a lot of criticism for their performance against the Swiss, although there wasn't a lot wrong with La Furia Roja apart from their inability to put the ball into the net. This should change when they take to the field at Ellis Park on Monday night, with the Euro 2008 champions likely to produce an attacking display of football which will surely prove... Læs mere >>

After a frustrating opening against North Korea, Brazil looked like World Champions at Soccer City and as Sven-Goran Eriksson remarked: “If you beat Brazil you must be almost perfect, especially when Luis Fabiano is coming at you like a train, it is very difficult.” The match was scarred by Kaka’s dismissal after Abdul Keita having been nudged on the shoulder... Læs mere >>

If Italy’s opening draw, against Paraguay, had given ammunition to Marcello Lippi’s critics, then this embarrassment of a display was a machine gun aimed at the Italy coach.

Frankly, the world champions were fortunate to escape with a draw since the penalty awarded for the mildest of tugs on Daniele de Rossi’s shirt looked harsh. By then Italy were already a goal down as, having talked about New... Læs mere >>

Even before the knockout stages begin, it seems a fair bet that this World Cup will be won, like all the others staged outside Europe by a South American team, who have yet to lose a match in South Africa.

It may not be Paraguay but after this efficient victory over a dreadfully pedestrian Slovakian side, they will  certainly be appearing in the round of 16. Slovakia,... Læs mere >>

The front cover of the Fifa brochure for this World Cup has a photograph of Nelson Mandela under the slogan “A time for Africa”. African teams have made a dreadful fist of this tournament, although Cameroon, who aimed 23 shots at Thomas Sorensen’s goal, should have taken something from this game.

As it was, they became the first team to be eliminated. Intervention from the players and the... Læs mere >>

It was the night that the vuvuzelas went quiet. For all the support that gathered at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium and for all the passion they inspired across South Africa, Bafana Bafana were completely unable to raise their game when it mattered. Uruguay, who had been no more than moderately efficient against France, outplayed them with considerable ease to record only their second World Cup win... Læs mere >>

When Gelson Fernandes played for Manchester City, not many in the crowd knew he was Swiss. Well, after the goal that finally set the 2010 World Cup alight, they do now. Switzerland had never before beaten Spain but, under the direction of the great Ottmar Hitzfeld, they were far from lucky; defending with magnificent organisation and even striking the post.

Spain had enormous amounts of possession and... Læs mere >>

This may have been Chile’s first win in a World Cup finals since they finished third in 1962, but their coach, the perfectionist Argentine, Marcelo Bielsa, was somewhat disappointed. If qualification from Group H is decided on goal difference – and after the shock in Durban this is more likely – then a 1-0 win over Honduras might not count for very much. Honduras, with Carlos... Læs mere >>

They had come to Ellis Park en masse to witness what was supposed to be a ringing demonstration of Brazilian flair but saw instead why Dunga has attracted so much venom in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro and why no team in this tournament  - not New Zealand, not Japan and not North Korea - can be truly written off.

Until they tired in the... Læs mere >>

With Brazil lurking in the shadows there was simply too much riding on this game for it to really ignite, although had Cristiano Ronaldo's shot not thundered against the post early in the first half, this might have ignited into a classic.

Ivory Coast's improbable manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson, resisted the temptation to start with Didier Drogba, although when he was introduced the Chelsea striker almost created the breakthrough... Læs mere >>

The jubiliation on the face of New Zealand coach, Ricki Herbert, and the look of despair from his opposite number, Vladimir Weiss, told the story of this match. Winston Reid's last-minute equaliser not only gave New Zealand their first World Cup point - which is one more than Greece -, but they have dealt a major blow to whatever hopes Slovakia had of qualifying from this... Læs mere >>

Italy started their defence of the World Cup in rather better shape than most of their critics in the Italian media suspected. Given the draw between New Zealand and Slovakia the next afternoon in Rustenburg, these two sides will back themselves to make the knockout stages.

However, once more the goalkeepers were at the centre of the drama as first Gianluigi Buffon, one of three members of... Læs mere >>

This was unquestionably the first big shock of the World Cup. Japan had arrived at their opening match in a state of shambles; Cameroon looked quietly efficient and, given Ivory Coast’s group, looked the best bet to be the African team that progressed furthest in this competition. All the calculations were undone by a cross from Daisuke Matsui that Stephane Mbia should have cut out.

Instead, Keisuke Honda... Læs mere >>

If as everyone suggests, Holland are one of the favourites for the World Cup, then this was not an especially impressive start against a Denmark side that defended dreadfully and attacked sporadically. Handed an own-goal from Christian Poulsen, Holland, derprived of Arjen Robben, struggled to make any inroads until Bert van Marwijk replaced the ineffectual Rafael van der Vaart with Eljero Elia, although it was Dirk Kuyt... Læs mere >>

There was plenty of fresh German talent on display in the shape of Cacau and Weder Bremen’s young playmaker, Mesut Ozil but it was the old stagers, Lukas Poldolski and Miroslav Klose, who broke through against an Australian side that caved in completely following Tim Cahill’s overly harsh red card. Joachim Low was right to stick with Klose who had disappointed for Bayern Munich this season.... Læs mere >>

A lot of people feared Serbia and quite a few thought Ghana without their inspiration, Michael Essie,n might struggle. As it was, should Serbia fail to beat Germany in Port Elizabeth, the dark horses will be out of the competition after two matches.

Ghana were very direct but until the former was sent off, Aleksander Lukovic and Nemanja Vidic succeeded at keeping them at bay. Zdravko... Læs mere >>

Robert Green is not the only goalkeeper to have endured a nightmare beginning to the World Cup. Algeria had Faouzi Chaouchi, who completely misjudged a routine shot from Robert Koren to give Slovenia three very unexpected points. Neither side deserved to win. Algeria packed their midfield, employed a lone striker and seldom threatened aggression while Slovenia looked simply ponderous.

Abdelkader Ghezza could stake a fair claim for... Læs mere >>

Even before the injury to Rio Ferdinand that cost them their captain and best centre-half, it seemed England’s defence and goalkeeper might be their biggest weakness. Robert Green’s glaring error as he somehow allowed  a soft Clint Dempsey shot to trickle through him was the most stunning image of the game; but if he is not world class, neither are his potential replacements, David  James and... Læs mere >>

If this was to be an indication of how the Argentina of Diego Maradona will approach the World Cup expect to be thrilled. El Diego unleashed a four man attack pivoted around Lionel Messi at a Nigerian defence critically short of match practice. He did not score, although but for some extraordinary heroics by the Nigerian keeper, Vincent Enyeama, he would have done.

Nevertheless, there... Læs mere >>

This match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein might not be one for the purists, with both teams eyeing second place in Group F behind Italy. Both sides took their lead in their respective opening matches, although were undone by corners.

Aside from that, Paraguay were pretty successful at keeping Italy at bay throughout the match and they could well stave off the threat of... Læs mere >>

We are accustomed to seeing Italy prosper from set pieces, although they were undone by a free-kick against Paraguay and it required a goalkeeping error for them to level matters in the opening Group F match.

However, we should expect them to keep a clean sheet against New Zealand, with the All Whites having lots of possession but offering little going forward against Slovakia until a late... Læs mere >>

North Korea made Brazil look like a very ordinary team at Ellis Park on Tuesday, although that hasn’t stopped the bookies from making Dunga’s team strong favourites to land another maximum haul against the Elephants.

The south Americans boast an excellent defence, although the midfield pairing of Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva are primarily responsible for protecting the defence rather than foraging forward and that puts... Læs mere >>

It was mission accomplished for both of these teams in the first match, with Holland managing a relatively comfortable victory against Denmark on Monday. While everyone is talking about the return of Arjen Robben to the starting line-up, it was Eljero Elia who caught the eye as a second half substitute and manager Bert Van Marwijk might turn to the Hamburg player and decide to give... Læs mere >>

Confidence is a huge thing in football and that’s why we should expect the Black Stars to land another victory at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. Ghana played very well against Serbia, with the African team controlling the match and getting their rewards when Asamoah Gyan slotted home a late penalty.

They don’t appear to be missing Michael Essien too much and we shouldn’t forget that... Læs mere >>

It’s possible that Denmark could have achieved a goalless draw with Holland if Simon Poulsen hadn’t headed the ball into Daniel Agger at the start of the second half. The own goal undid all the good work that had been achieved in the first half, although Morten Olsen will be encouraged by how much his team limited the Netherlands on Monday.

The manager will hope... Læs mere >>

The bookies make the Americans favourite to win at Ellis Park on Friday night, although there shouldn’t be much between these teams, both of whom will feel they have a chance of making the last sixteen after encouraging first game results.

Slovenia edged matters against Algeria and are likely to employ the same ‘safety-first’ tactics which saw them concede just four goals in World Cup qualifying and... Læs mere >>

Perhaps we didn’t see the real Serbia in their opening Group D match on Sunday. Despite having classy players in every department, it was a stuttering performance from Raddy Antic’s team, who cannot afford to lose in Port Elizabeth on Friday night.

While the bookmakers have pushed their odds on victory right out, this might be an overreaction to Ghana’s 1-0 win and also Germany’s 4-0 victory... Læs mere >>

England thought that the appointment of Fabio Capello would help to enhance their chances of winning a second World Cup, although it was a stuttering performance against USA which only saw the Three Lions manage a draw. Therefore, it’s imperative that they take all three points from this contest, especially as Germany are likely to play the runner-up in Group C.

England should be too strong... Læs mere >>

The pre-tournament favourites for the 2010 World Cup finally get the chance to prove their worth on Wednesday and the crowd at the Moses Mabhida Stadium should be treated to a rich brand of attacking football. Anyone who questioned Spain's credentials only had to witness their recent 6-0 demolition of Poland to see that Vicente Del Bosque's team will take some stopping in South Africa.

While Fernando Torres... Læs mere >>

The Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit could witness a few goals on Wednesday afternoon, especially with an attack-minded Chile in town. Marcelo Bielsa's team could be a breath of fresh air in the World Cup due to their unique attacking approach, which sees La Roja play three in defence, three in midfield and three in attack.

It appears as though star Chilean striker Humberto Suazo is going... Læs mere >>

They might not be favourites to win the 2010 World Cup, although the Selecao are ranked number one in the world and should take some stopping in South Africa. Kaka appears to be returning to form at the right time, while Luis Fabiano and Robinho are possibly on a par with Torres and Villa when it comes to a dangerous strike pairing.

We can be fairly confident... Læs mere >>

The Ivory Coast are trying to put a brave face on it, although Didier Drogba is highly unlikely to play against Portugal after injuring his arm in a friendly against Japan. The Chelsea forward is hugely important to the team, although he will have to watch the Elephants try and get something from the game in Port Elizabeth.

Portugal are also missing a key player in Nani,... Læs mere >>

During the 2006 World Cup, Italy adopted a typically cautious approach to matches, with all three of their group games yielding two goals or less. Against Ghana and Czech Republic, the team managed 2-0 victories and we could well see something similar at the Greenpoint Stadium on Monday.

Indeed, Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino clearly regards the match against the Azzurri as a 'bonus game', with the south... Læs mere >>

It's entirely possible that Cameroon might prove too strong for their opponents when the teams meet at Bloemfontein on Monday. It's a worrying sign for Japan that they have hastily arranged a friendly with Zimbabwe just days before this match takes place, with Takeshi Okada still looking for his best starting XI and formation.

While the Indomitable Lions may not have won any of their pre-World Cup friendlies,... Læs mere >>

The money continues to come for the Netherlands on the outright market, although first matches at the World Cup are often cagey and Ladbrokes' 1.57 offers little in the way of value about Bert van Marwijk's team winning in Johannesburg on Monday. This is especially when you consider that the excellent Arjen Robben has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Better instead to look at backing a... Læs mere >>

The Germans go into this tournament without Michael Ballack, a player that has featured for the team in the past five major competitions. It's clear that they are a weaker outfit without the Chelsea midfielder, although Bastian Schweinsteiger's conversion from wide man to a central role has happened at precisely the right time.

The Bayern Munich player stepped up to the plate with a recent brace against Bosnia... Læs mere >>

Friendly matches leading up to the World Cup can often be misleading, although it certainly appears that Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has been setting up his team not to concede goals or lose matches. The Black Stars' last four competitive games all finished with a 1-0 scoreline and they have also been involved in recent goalless draws with Malawi and Angola.

The Ghanaians will deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation... Læs mere >>

There are many reasons for thinking that the Slovenians will prove too strong for their opponents at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. For a start, they finished comfortably ahead of Poland and Czech Republic in qualifying, while Matjaz Kek's team also beat Slovakia home and away to finish second in the group. It's worth noting that just four goals were conceded in ten games and... Læs mere >>

To those who thought that South Africa would mount the worst display of any host nation since France were knocked out of the opening rounds in 1934, Siphiwe Tshabalaba's stunning shot was a jaw-dropping reply. Had Katlego Mphela not struck the post late in the second half, then South Africa might have pulled off the victory that would have given them one foot in the second... Læs mere >>

Whoever lost this match was pretty certain to be thinking about return flights from South Africa and after this error-ridden display against a highly entertaining and efficient Korean side, flights between Johannesburg and Athens will be particularly closely studied.

Greece were loose defensively, inspid in attack, where Angelos Charisteas and Georgios Samaras were both substituted and Loukas Vyntra is unlikely to forget the error that presented Manchester... Læs mere >>

Raymond Domenech has overseen three major tournaments as manager of France and they have all begun with a goalless draw. In 2006, the French were able to recover from a dreadful start to reach the World Cup final while two years later a 0-0 draw with Romania was the shape of uninspiring things to come.

His controversial decision to omit Thierry Henry and Florent Malouda was only... Læs mere >>

Sydafrika v Mexico preview

Sydafrikas 1-0 sejr over Danmark i deres sidste opvarmningskamp har resulteret i en stime på 12 ubesejrede kampe i træk, og det har lettet lidt på frygten for at Sydafrika skulle blive den første værtsnation der ikke går videre fra gruppespillet. Selv om Frankrig også er i gruppen, så anser den sydafrikanske træner Carlos Alberto Parreira det mexicanske hold som den bedste og farligste... Læs mere >>

Frankrig og Argentina kan v�re s�rbare i gruppespillet

Vi kan v�re n�sten sikre p� at alle de otte favoritter ikke vil vinde deres respektive grupper. S� forudsigeligt er fodbold heldigvis ikke. Frankrig og Argentina g�r nok videre til 1/8-dels finalen, men det er meget muligt at de begge kan ende som 2�er i deres grupper. Husk at Les Bleus endte efter Serbien i kvalifikationen og skal ogs� h�ndtere... Læs mere >>

Bet365 er en af de bookmakere som giver de bedste odds på Frankrig (2.20), men det er svært at blive begejstret for franskmændene i denne kamp. De endte på andenpladsen bag Serbien i kvalifikationen, og de havde heldet med sig da de slog Irland ud i play-off-kampen. Deres vej til VM kan altså ikke kategoriseres som prangende.

Mens Zinedine Zidane var Frankrigs inspiration bag deres flotte... Læs mere >>

De to hold skyder VM-slutrunden 2010 i gang fredag den 11. juni, og vi kan godt komme til at se en værtsnation i vanskelligheder. Mexico er det hold som spiller den bedste fodbold i gruppe A for tiden. For nyligt slog de Gambia 5-1 og fulgte kampen op med en 2-1 sejr over de tidligere verdensmestre Italien.

Javier Aguirre har skabt et meget angrebslystent fodboldhold, men... Læs mere >>

England have had a few problems going into the World Cup and it’s probably best to avoid backing them at the 1.50 available with Ladbrokes and bwin that they beat the USA in Rustenburg. A draw won’t be a bad result for the Three Lions in this opening match, with both teams looking to avoid defeat ahead of matches against... Læs mere >>

It appears that bookmakers and punters alike have forgotten how much difficulty Argentina had when it came to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. The Albiceleste are third favourites on the outright market and this must surely be down to the fact that the squad is studded with brilliant strikers, most of whom will be warming the bench.

Indeed, don’t expect... Læs mere >>

The Greeks have never won a World Cup finals match, nor have they ever scored a goal in this competition. Their only previous appearance was in 1994, although they have won Euro 2004 since then and have made great strides under manager Otto Rehhagel.

Nevertheless, Greece required a play-off victory against Ukraine to reach South Africa and recent friendly results suggest... Læs mere >>

Frankrig træder ind til deres åbningskamp i noget nær krisetilstand. Deres hotel er blevet kritiseret af den franske sportsminister for at være alt for luksuriøst, William Gallas surmuler fordi han ikke er blevet valgt som kaptajn og Thierry Henry har bekræftet at han starter på bænken. Deres sidste to opvarmningskampe var elendige præstationer - et 1-0 nederlag til Kina og en 1-1 uafgjort mod Tunesien.

I kontrast til... Læs mere >>

VM vinder - favoritterne

Vil Spanien dominere efter deres triumf ved EM 2008?

Spanien er v�rdige favoritter til at vinde VM for f�rste gang i deres fodboldhistorie.Deres tr�ner Vicente Del Bosque har talenter p� stribe til r�dighed. Bet365 tilbyder odds 5.00, hvis man satser p� Spanien som vinder af VM i Sydafrika, og det er et odds som med sikkerhed vil dale som turneringen skrider frem. Spanierne kvalificerede sig til... Læs mere >>

VM topscorer

Villa er en v�rdig favorit til at vinde the Golden Shoe.

Spilleren som vinder the Golden Shoe beh�ver ikke at v�re p� turneringens bedste hold for at vinde topscorerprisen. Mange af m�lene bliver scoret i gruppespillet hvor der kan scores mange m�l mod de d�rlige hold. Hvis vi skal give et kvalificeret bud p� sandsynlige kandidater, s� v�lger vi dog spillere fra de bedste af holdene fordi... Læs mere >>