Final score: Spain 1, The Netherlands 0
International sports, World Cup football
Johannesburg, South Africa (GenevaLunch) - The game is over, except in the hearts of fans, who will continue to turn over every move and every decision by the referee, for days to come.
The big one has been decided: Spain beat The Netherlands 1-0 with a goal in the final minute to take the 2010 World Cup football title. It was a game between two evenly matched teams, but where yellow cards and bad tempers ruled the day. The match remained scoreless until 117 minutes into the game.
Nelson Mandela was another real winner: the former South African president rode around the stadium in a small vehicle for the closing ceremony, winning the hearts of the crowd.
In Geneva, Festifoot, organizers of the city’s official World Cup festival, announced Sunday that 250,000 football fans took advantage of the outdoor screen – at the Esplanade des Vernets – during the past four weeks.
Read GenevaLunch’s recap of the 2010 World Cup.
Links to other sites: BBC, El Pais (Spa), Guardian, Le Matin (Fre), TSR (Fre), Xinhua
Germany wins over Uruguay - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
(GenevaLunch) – Germany has taken the third place for the second straight World Cup, beating Uruguay 3-2 in a match where the Uruguayans showed its finest qualities.
The Uruguayan team scored first, then fought like a lion to break their eight-game losing streak against Germany. However, the “charrúa” were unable to tie against Germany in-spite of a heart-stopping, last-second, curling free-kick that Diego Forlan sent to the goal.
The last time Uruguay played a World Cup final was in 1970 when it played, and lost, against Germany.
Although Uruguay lost against Germany, the team established some impressive records during the Cup. The squad scored the highest number of goals against the Netherlands, had 46 shots on goal, and Diego Forlan – scoring five goals – has also been nominated for the Golden Ball award.
After the win, Germany’s coach Joachim Loew said it is too soon to talk about his future and added that his team had much to feel proud of, “my team has been magnificent, their performance as a whole at the finals, and the number of goals they’ve scored, you have to be delighted.”
Paul, the oracle octopus, got it right once again. The eight-tentacled animal first sat on the box containing the Uruguayan flag, but then, moved over to the box with the German flag and opened it.
Although other teams are not its specialty, Paul also chose Spain to win the final.
A similar prediction has been made by Swiss football coach Ottmar Hitzfeld who believes Spain, “attacks well, knows how to avoid obstacles, is disciplined and has perfect organization.”
Hitzfeld, who is preparing the Swiss football team for its first Euro 2012 qualifying match against England, said to the 24 Heures newspaper that should Spain win the Cup, “it will highlight even further Switzerland’s win against Spain.”
Switzerland beat Spain 1-0 during their opening match of the World Cup.
Read GenevaLunch’s recap of the 2010 World Cup.
Oberhausen, Germany (GenevaLunch) – Paul, the two-year-old oracle octopus has picked Spain to win the World Cup final. The eight-legged oracle has correctly forecast the winner of every match played by Germany during the Cup.
Paul, who lives at the Sea Life aquarium in the German city of Oberhausen, normally only picks Germany matches. But Sea Life made an exception for the final. The “oracle” made his prediction by picking a mussel from the box emblazoned with Spain’s flag.
Because its specialty is predicting Germany’s matches, Paul was also put to pick third place. And guess, who Paul chose! Germany to beat Uruguay, the last of the South American team standing in the finals. Although, he wasn’t quite swift choosing the home team.
Paul the octopus picks Spain – Video of RT
Paul picks Germany
According to Reuters, two German television networks interrupted their programming for live coverage of the octopus’s picks. Unlike previous occasions when Paul has taken up to 70-minutes to pick a winner, the octopus picked Spain almost at once.
Networks in Spain, the Netherlands and elsewhere in Europe also broadcast Paul’s decision live.
Follow GenevaLunch’s recap of the 2010 World Cup.
Ghana fan rooting for his team - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
South Africa (GenevaLunch.com) – Uruguay has qualified to semi-finals after 40 years when Ghana missed three penalty shots, including one during extra time 1 (4) – 1 (2).
Ghana became the first country to score against Uruguay this far in the World Cup.
Uruguay kept the run of victories for teams taking the first kick in penalty shoot-outs.
Dutch fans celebrate historic win over Brazil - 2010 FWCLOC
Brazil eliminated!
Brazil the five-time world champion was eliminated in a spirited match by the Clockwork Orange when Felipe Melo from Brazil technically scored an own goal and Wesley Sneijder’s header then secured a 2-1.
This is the first time since 1990 that Holland beats Brazil at a World Cup. The own goal took place when the ball clipped Melo’s head during a defensive move.
Carlos Dunga, Brazil’s coach said his team is down as they weren’t expecting to be beat by the Dutch, and that he’s stepping down as head coach of the Seleçao.
“After the interval we weren’t able to play with the same style or level of concentration as we had in the first half. A World Cup match is decided by small details over the course of 90 minutes and unfortunately we fell short of our primary objective, the title.”
Brazil’s goalkeeper Julio Cesar said “We’re all really sad but we’ll leave with our heads held high. It’s not the end of the world.”
Bert van Marwijk, Netherlands coach, said it took only 25 minutes of to deal with their nerves, “I was pleased to be only 1-0 down at the interval,” he said.
Follow GenevaLunch’s daily recap of the 2010 World Cup.
The iconic open-armed Christ statue, the Redeemer, is back in plain sight in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The statue, that overlooks Brasil’s most famous city, underwent $4-million worth of renovations that covered it during four months.
In honor of Brazil’s football team, the Redeemer will be bathed in green and yellow light, the classic colors of the flag, and of the team’s uniform.
Other sources: Independent Catholic News, TV Globo (Por)
Paraguayans celebrate their win - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
South Africa (GenevaLunch) – Paraguay is the last South American nation to qualify for the 2010 Fifa World Cup quarter-finals. The Guarani squad beat Japan during penalty shootouts after both teams failed to score during regular and extra time.
This is the first time Paraguay qualifies past the group of 16.
Paraguay won 0 (5) to Japan 0 (3).
Japan’s coach Takeshi Okada, before the game said, “They are very solid in defense and fast in attack. They have strong individuals and many of them play in Europe. They may not be flamboyant, but they have the ability to do very well.”
The Samurai Blue have never passed the group of 16, and this was only the second time they qualified for the second round at a World Cup.
Follow GenevaLunch’s daily recap of the 2010 World Cup.
International sports, World Cup football roundup
Swiss coach to stay on until 2012
Honduras' Mauricio Sabillon fights for the goal against Swiss Xherden Shaqiri - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
South Africa (GenevaLunch.com) – Switzerland’s inability to qualify for the Group of 16 didn’t seem to take all of their fans by surprise, but it was nevertheless a sad day for Swiss football fans. The French-speaking press noted that the Swiss squad went from knowing victory to defeat in just three games.
Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said his team had tried hard and their loss was also his. For his part, Tranquilo Barnetta said the Swiss squad “lacked quality,” while Hakan Yakin seconded Barnetta’s opinion, “We’ve come up short due to our own limitations,” he said.
Hitzfeld, who is often described by the sports press as a “tactical genius” confirmed on 26 June that he will continue to head the Swiss squad until his contract ends in 2012.
With Switzerland out of the top two spots Spain and Chile qualified to the following round.
Uruguay to quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years
Luis Suarez celebrates his victory goals - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
Uruguay beat South Korea after an incredible match in which the South Americans took advantage of the few defense mistakes the South Koreans made.
The Korean coach said his team played well but meeting squads from other parts of the world is something they need to do more, to help their game.
In addition to the Koreans’ mistakes, Huh Jung-Moo believed luck just wasn’t on their side, an opinion shared by Uruguayan coach Oscar Tabarez. “Korea played a great game, but that slice of luck went our way not theirs this time—that’s football,” he said.
This is the first time since 1970, when Uruguay took the World Cup home, that the team has been able to qualify to quarter-finals.
Uruguay will meet Ghana who beat the USA 2-1 in extra time.
Soccer is a cruel game sometimes
Ghana fans celebrates - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
US football star, Landon Donovan expressed better than anyone what the US squad was feeling after being eliminated by Ghana: “We were a little naive tonight and at this level you can’t do that which is frustrating considering all the work we have done. I’m proud of what I have done and proud of what the team has done. Soccer is a cruel game sometimes. One minute you are on top of the world and the next minute you are bottom of the mountain,” he said.
USA coach, Bob Bradley said his team had gone down once too many times. “There was some chances for us but early in the overtime we went down again, and at that point, with everything we had put in physically we just didn’t have enough after that. At the moment it is just a stinging tough defeat.”
After beating the US Asamoah Gyan who helped Ghana to qualify to quarter-finals said he’s the “happiest man in the world.” Gyan said Ghana’s brings pride not only to his country but to “the whole of Africa.”
Follow GenevaLunch’s daily recap of the 2010 World Cup.
Adjid Bougherra of Algeria and Jozy Altidore of USA
Port Elizabeth, South Africa (GenevaLunch) - It could have all gone wrong but it didn’t, not at least for the US football team which clawed back during the stoppage time, to beat lion-hearted Algeria 1-0, nor for the England squad which triumphed over Slovenia kicking them out of the final 16.
Algerian goalie Rais Mbolhi turned out to be the worst nightmare for the US squad, assertively stopping the ball near the goal several times, until Landon Donovan lead the attack that broke Mbolhi’s solid performance.
After the game Algerian players said they believed they were a “solid, strong team” but they had lost to a squad that was relentless, “attacking until they scored.”
Fabio Capello’s squad secured a spot in the Round of 16 with a lone goal against Slovenia that until then was at the top of Group C. Slovenian defender Marko Suler said he thought his team played well.
“We had our chances, but didn’t score – and England scored from one of theirs. I’m pleased that we kept a big team like England on its toes for the 90 minutes; we just didn’t have any luck. We just can’t believe USA scored in added time,” he said.
While the uncertainty of chance might make for great television, ultimately, goals carry the day.
Germany to face England, Ghana against the USA
In the evening games Germany beat Ghana 1-0 to top their group. The Germans will face England in the next round. Australia beat Serbia 2-1, but both sides were still eliminated. Ghana will play the USA in the next round.
England kept their winning score against Slovenia - Photo 2010 WCLOC
Follow GenevaLunch’s daily recap of the 2010 World Cup.
Switzerland is celebrating its historic win over Spain - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
Switzerland is celebrating its historic win over Spain - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
International Sports, World Cup Football
Update 18:20 Durban, South Africa (GenevaLunch) - The Swiss football team got off to a flying start by beating the finest team of the last few years, 1-0.
Horns, Swiss-version vuvuzelas and more broke out in the normally more staid Geneva, Lausanne and other cities and towns.
Switzerland’s solid defense meant that even though the Spanish dominated possession there were few clear chances.
Switzerland took the lead when an old fashioned boot upfield led to a goalmouth scramble where the Swiss forwards powered past the Spanish defense.
Gelson Fernandes got the final touch on the ball after combining powerfully with fellow striker Erin Derdiyok. Switzerland then held against frantic but ill disciplined attacks.
The first major upset goes to Switzerland!!
Follow GenevaLunch’s daily recap of the 2010 World Cup.
Brazil and North Korea brilliantly close a day of exciting football
Brazil fans celebrate their team's win - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
Brazil 2 North Korea 1
As forecast, Brazil won 2-1 against a North Korean team that, surprisingly, was an equal match to the cariocas. The vuvuzelas could be heard not only in South Africa but in Geneva where fans were roaming the streets celebrating their team’s victory.
In spite of a lackluster performance, Brazil showed why it is one of the best teams in the world: it takes any chance given and scores.
“In football, the best teams don’t necessarily win,” said the 53-year-old DPR Korea coach Kim Jong-hun before the game started.
By winning the game, the five-time world champion gets three points and places itself at top of Group G.
The North Koreans played very offensively during the first half. “Our game is not all about playing cautiously. We can also play good attacking football when we need to,” said Jong-hun. And so the players did and scored the goal of honour a few minutes before the end of the match.
Arguably, the North Korean goalkeeper, Ri Myong Guk, could be described as the most valuable player of the match.
New Zealand 1 Slovakia 1
The All White scorer celebrates its first point at a World Cup - 2010 FWCLOC
This is what football dreams are made of, tying a game in the last few seconds of the stoppage-time and scoring your first point ever in a World Cup.
What was a given victory for Slovakia faded to a 1-1 tie for the All Whites. The results mean that the first and second place in Group F is up for grabs (Italy and Paraguay also tied on 14 June).
New Zealand’s coach saw the end result as a fair result. “We were never picked to get a point at a World Cup albeit we’ve only been twice. We got a result over Serbia but people want to tell you that was a friendly,” he said after the game.
Italy's fightback - Photo 2010 FWCLOC
(GenevaLunch) – Italy, the current world champions, started its title defense forced to fight back. The Azzurri tied Paraguay, a team that went to the field with one goal: to win.
Italy had to put every effort into tying the game during the second half of the match. The South Americans were in top form and scored during the first half, leaving Italy to catch up during a tight game in which both teams ‘owned’ the ball for similar time stretches.
“Both teams play a similar game,” said Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz minutes after the final whistle had blown.
“Italy are a tight-knit unit. They are well organized and it’s hard to catch them offguard, but while we didn’t create that many chances, we didn’t let them make too many either.”
According to Marcelo Lippi, veteran goalie, Gianluigi Buffon, did not play during the second half due to a previous back injury and it is unclear if he will be fit for Italy’s next game.
New Zealand and Slovakia meet 15 June. If either one of those teams win, they will take first place in the group, making it imperative for both Paraguay and Italy to win if they want to qualify to the second round.
Holland vs Denmark
International sports, 2010 Football World Cup
The party is on for Africa - Photo 2010 Fifa World Cup LOC
[Video]Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa (GenevaLunch) – The Ghana Black Stars recorded the first victory for the host continent with a 1-0 win over Serbia, to the delight of the vuvuzela tooting crowd. In fact the Serbian team helped in their own destruction by first having a player sent off and then conceding a stupid penalty.
England goalkeeper Robert Green was equally generous in donating a goal to allow the USA to draw 1-1. (See reaction of Glen Johnson below)
South Africa looked like they might win the opening game but conceded an equalizer to Mexico to end 1-1.
Germany and Argentina look the form teams from the first few days: the Germans thumped Australia 4-0 while Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0.
South Korea beat a disappointing Greek side 2-0.
France were held to a 0-0 draw by Uruguay in one of the dullest games.
Switzerland have a tough opening match against Spain on Wednesday afternoon.
Follow GenevaLunch’s daily recap of the 2010 World Cup.
Video: Glen Johnson reacts to USA draw
Recap, Argentina-Nigeria and US-England Preview
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Inside Cape Town's World Cup halls - Photo 2010 Fifa World Cup LOC
[Video](GenevaLunch) - The 2010 Fifa World Cup has officially started and all eyes are on the prize: the gold trophy to be given to one winning country 11 July.
Hundreds of fans weathered the wind and rain in Lausanne and Geneva to watch the live matches: South Africa vs Mexico and Uruguay vs France.
Alexander Frei Swiss captain hurt during training
(GenevaLunch) - Alexander Frei, captain of the Swiss football squad injured his ankle during the last training on Swiss territory, and might not be ready for the opener against Spain.
Frei, and the rest of the team, left for South Africa soon after the incident, but his sprained ankle might jeopardize his participation in the Switzerland-Spain match scheduled for 16 June.
If the Swiss want to qualify for the second round of the 2010 Fifa World Cup they must be in top shape to beat Spain, considered the top contender in the tournament, and Chile another strong opponent.
[Videos] Football fever is in the air
Cape Town stadium ready to go! ©2010 FIFA World Cup Local Organising Committee
(GenevaLunch) – There are only seven days left before the biggest football tournament in the world begins: The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. A 30-day football fest featuring some of the best soccer players in the world competing in nine town across South Africa.
Even if you are not planning a trip to Cape Town, you can still feel like at the World Cup by viewing the Switzerland-Italy match tonight 5 June at the Geneva Stadium.
Switzerland and Italy, the current world champions, have much to prove in this friendly: Both are coming from losing matches to Latin American teams.
Switzerland lost 0-1 to Costa Rica in Sion this week, and Italy lost 1-2 to Mexico yesterday in Brussels. La Tricolor, according to commentators, dominated the Azzurri from the start.
La Nati, as the Swiss team is called, has not yet announced how much it would pay the players should they qualify to the final, but England – who has just confirmed it has lost its captain Rio Ferdinand to a knee injury – is securing 475 thousand euros for its players. (See the interview with goal keeper David James below).
Although 475 thousand euros is a considerable amount, it is much less than what Spain, current European champions, has promised the members of La Roja if they win the Cup: 600 thousand euros, roughly CHF900,000. However, players stand to make at least CHF90,000 each, if they qualify to the second round.
Pay promises don’t stop there, Argentina is offering 510 thousand euros to the Albiceleste squad should they win; France 390 thousand to Les Bleus; Italy 240 thousand to the Azzurri; Brazil 180 thousand to the members of the squad should they bring home a sixth World Cup.
The South African team has promised 100 thousand euros to each player who scores a goal during the World Cup, providing the game ends in a victory.
GenevaLunch is joining this great sporting event, from home. Read our 2010 World Cup daily recap: goals, news, and more!
Videos
Interview with David James, England goal keeper on being the oldest player in the Cup andon the team’s preps
See how it feels inside an Argentinian stadium before a game, and hear an interview with the great Diego Armando Maradona (interview is in Spanish)
During the Football World Cup in Africa, football and music will be together!
30 concerts, food, bars…
On June 10, opening night with Luke and Bob Sinclar.
On July 5, reggae night with The Original Wailers.
On July 8, ABBA with Björn Again.
On July 9, Justin Nozuka.
Location: Vernets, Geneva
Link out: http://www.gen-events.ch/festifoot.html
Start date: 11 Jun 2010
End date: 11 Jul 2010
Every football game with a giant TV, concert, DJ, food, bars and place to play for children.
On June 11 Jose Alberto “El Canario” & Mercadonegro Orchestra.
On June 30: Yuri Buenaventura.
On July 1st: NAIF & Wind of Change.
On July 4: Children day.
On July 5: Portugal evening!
On July 8: Disco 80′s evening.
On July 9: Before-Lake party & Maya Party.
Location: Carouge, Geneva
Link out: http://www.genevefoot.ch/genevefoot/Accueil.html
Start date: 11 Jun 2010
End date: 11 Jul 2010
Zurich cafés 11 Juin - 11 July
Zurich, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – Zurich’s football fans who fancy watching the matches at their favourite cafes will now be able to do so sitting outdoors on the sidewalk or terraces, reports Le Matin.
The city doesn’t allow cafes and restaurants to broadcast with sound outside, for noise pollution reasons. An exception is being made for the World Cup after locals cried foul over the city ordinance. But – no exceptions allowed – cafes have a maximum of 15 minutes to turn off the sound after a match ends.
Philippe Senderos worried after Costa Rica scored - Photo of TSR1's broadcasting
Sion, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – La Nati added to the pain of all sports fans in Switzerland this evening. After the loss of Roger Federer at the French Open it was disheartening seeing the Swiss national football team lose. The Swiss were upstaged by Costa Rica, a team that didn’t qualify for the 2010 World Cup, during a friendly in Sion, Valais.
The sluggish Swiss team lost 0 to 1 in the second half after a Tico player avoided not one, not two, but three Swiss defenders who failed to stop him.
Winston Parks, a Romania-based striker who is not a starter, scored beautifully against a goalkeeper who just couldn’t stop the ball from scoring.
Swiss football players interviewed after the game said it is too soon to dismiss them from the World Cup.
To watch or not to watch, that is the question
Lausanne, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – One of the summer’s hottest debates could take place in the office: to let or not let the staff watch the World Cup football matches. Two IMD buiness school research fellows in Lausanne offer some pros and cons in IMD’s latest online debate. Karsten Jonsen says yes, great idea, arguing that a sense of “belonging” is important for individuals and companies can help foster this.
“It is important in office environments that people are able to make social connections and “bond” outside their normal work tasks. This helps build trust in a team, which can lead to smoother and more effective collaboration and higher job satisfaction. Social events like the World Cup bring people together and help augment the team spirit within the organization.”
On the other hand, says Willem Smit, “Allowing people to take time out to watch football during working hours is simply too costly, untimely and unfair.” He calculates that lost work time during the tournament will come to at least $10 million and possibly as much as $20m. And why stop at football, he asks. Why not be fair to those who are not big football fans and let them watch Roland Garros tennis or Wimbledon?
Ed. note: IMD’s Great Debate page allows you to comment and join in the debate.
Update 21:15 Zurich, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - The world football federation Wednesday 2 December approved the Final Draw procedure, publishing the “pots” of teams. The draw takes place in South Africa Friday 4 and will determine who plays whom, when.
The Irish will not play in South Africa in the 2010 World Cup: that is the final answer to their request to Fifa, the world football federation, to reconsider. Ireland lost to France in a headline-making qualifying game after French player Thierry Henry’s illegal handball move that was not spotted by game officials. The Irish had asked to be an extra team for the World Cup but Monday Fifa said no.
CNN points out that France, unseeded, would have been seeded had November rankings been used instead of October’s.
The pots for Friday’s draw:
Zurich, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) – International football federation Fifa says it will continue to offer second sales phase tickets online for the World Cup 2010 matches until midnight South Africa time (01:00 Swiss time) Friday 20 November, on a first come first served basis. The extension has been made in part to accommodate excited fans after Wednesday’s qualifying matches, with European teams Ireland versus France in Saint Denis, France.
The third and main phase for ticket sales online opens 6 December, the day after the final draw.
[allAfrica video] Football fans working up an early fever for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa are debating whether the popular vuvuzela musical instrument can be used by the country’s fans to cheer on their team next year. The plastic horn when “blown on its own . . . sounds like a wounded elephant. En masse in a stadium, it’s like a horde of angry bees descending on the opposing side.” allAfrica
