World Cup 2010 South Africa: Second Round Matches June 28th

NED 2:1 SVK - Arjen Robben’s 18th minute goal today in Durban set the tone for their elimination match with Slovakia. The Slovaks fresh off of their recent giant-killing of Italy began the game playing beautiful and composed football, with good passing and combination play. After Robben’s goal though, the Dutch seized the match by the scruff of the neck and went into tactical counterattacking mode. Although the Dutch had more quality chances at goal, Stekelenburg did well to keep out the few dangerous chances created by the Slovaks. For long periods of the game the action was mired down, not because of any lack of skill or effort, but just the opposite. Both sides were working so frantically to put their stamp on the match that they were canceling each others efforts. Sneijder added a second for the Dutch off of a counterattack on 84 minutes. Stekelenburg did make one error late in stoppage-time, fouling Jakubko in the area. The Dutch goalkeeper was booked for his trouble and conceded a penalty that was ably converted by Vittek. After the penalty was scored, the referee blew for full-time. The late penalty makes the match look closer than it actually was, as the Netherlands had the overall edge from the run of play. Vittek seems to have written his own ticket, and may have several attractive offers from big clubs. Small consolation for the Slovaks who are now eliminated. On another day, this match might have gone very differently. Cheers to the Slovaks for their incisive and pacy football. Netherlands advance to the round of 8.

BRA 3:0 CHI - In an evenly played match in Johannesburg, Brazil managed to dominate on the scoreboard. This match appeared to be an example of similar efforts from both sides, with the only difference being that Brazil finished their chances, while Chile were unable to. Brazil advance in the tournament thanks to goals by Juan, Luis Fabiano, and Robinho, all of which were scored between the 35th and 59th minutes. The Samba Kings advance to the round of 8, surprise surprise.

Tomorrow’s matches will round out the remainder of the round of 16. Paraguay will face Japan in Pretoria, and Spain will take on fellow Iberians Portugal in Cape Town. The Japanese have nothing to lose and only respect to gain. They are the only Asian side left in the tournament. Paraguay, you would think, will be expected to win. I expect an even and difficult fight between the Paraguayans and the Japanese. In the late match it will be the relentless attacking style of La Furia Roja pitted against the fluidity and deftness of touch that are hallmarks of the Portuguese game. As the two nations share a peninsula and are adjacent, we will see if familiarity indeed breeds contempt.