Group E:
Denmark 1:3 Japan - Despite the Danes superior possession and gritty tackling, Japan found themselves leading Denmark 0:2 in Rustenburg on 30 minutes. John Dahl Tomasson got one back for the Danes on 81 minutes, but Okazaki would hit a 87th minute dagger to end the match at 1:3. Japan punch their ticket to the second round 6 points to the good.
Cameroon 1:2 Netherlands - Though the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon made a game effort in Cape Town, they simply couldn’t get past the Dutch. Though many aspects of the match were dead even, the Dutch enjoyed the more frequent and dangerous goal scoring opportunities. After van Persie opened with a goal in the 36th minute, Cameroon gamely answered with a Thomas Eto’o penalty on 65 minutes. It was Huntelaar who would hit a late winner in the 83rd minute sinking Cameroonian hopes in South Africa. Netherlands cruise into the second round on maximum points.
Group F:
Slovakia 3:2 Italy - In a fantastic result that no one could have predicted, the scrappy Slovaks edged out the experienced Italians in Johannesburg, not only knocking the Italians out of the match, but knocking them out of the tournament. Vittek opened with two for the Slovaks in the 25th and 73rd minutes. Italy, out of sorts and with little time remaining, hit back in the 81st through Di Natale. Seemingly Italy was gearing up to try and eliminate the Slovaks on grit and pride alone. Kopunek promptly answered on 89 minutes with a dagger of a goal seemingly closing the door on Italian World Cup hopes. Quagliarella would hit a second goal for Italy in stoppage-time, but there just wasn’t enough match left for the Italians to level. The only way the Italians could’ve gone through was with a win. Instead the Squadra Azzuri return to Italy eliminated and heartsick. Slovakia through to the second round on 4 points.
Paraguay 0:0 New Zealand - After a scoreless draw in Polokwane, New Zealand finish a performance that saw them exceed their wildest dreams as they managed to go unbeaten in the group stage of a World Cup Finals. Unfortunately they didn’t win any matches either, and Paraguay cruise into the second round on 5 points.
Group G:
Portugal 0:0 Brazil - A scoreless draw in Durban was all that Brazil and Portugal needed to see them through to the round of 16. It was an ill-tempered standoff with seven total players booked. Though Brazil dominated possession and chances at goal, the two sides finished level.
DPR Korea 0:3 Ivory Coast - This match in Nelspruit was largely a formality with neither Ivory Coast nor North Korea starting the match in a position to advance, regardless of the result. Goals by Yaya Toure, Romaric, and Kalou earn respectability for the Ivorians, but not a second round World Cup berth. Chelsea and Ivory Coast standout Didier Drogba was named Man of the Match. North Korea ended a lackluster tournament that included a low point against Portugal where they were overwhelmed by a margin of 7:0.
Group H:
Chile 1:2 Spain - Pretoria hosted a match between group leaders Chile who were on 6 points and second place Spain, just behind them with 3 points. David Villa opened for Spain on 24 minutes. Iniesta would add a second in the 37th minute. Despite Millar’s 47th minute strike for Chile, Spain would prevail seeing the two sides tie for first on points. The tie was broken on goal difference with Spain’s +2 bettering Chile’s +1. This result saw both Chile and Spain through to the round of 16.
Switzerland 0:0 Honduras - This match in Bloemfontein was rendered meaningless by the Chile/Spain match. Honduras and Switzerland played to a mostly listless scoreless draw. Though both sides demonstrated flashes of skill, there were no goals to be had on the day. Both the Swiss and the Hondurans crash out of the tournament. Honduras particularly disappointed its supporters as they failed to score a goal in the tournament. Despite an early shock victory against the Spaniards, Switzerland were unable to find enough consistency to advance despite earning a respectable 4 points in group play.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
World Cup 2010 South Africa: End of Group Summary for Groups A - D
Group A:
Mexico 0:1 Uruguay - Uruguay finished group play undefeated by defeating Mexico in Rustenburg. Luis Suarez scored on a nifty header in the 43rd minute. Uruguay won the group outright with two wins and a draw and will advance to knockout play. Though Mexico did not earn a result, their points from previous group matches were enough to send them through to the round of 16.
France 1:2 South Africa - In Bloemfontain, France were defeated by hosts South Africa. First half goals by Khumalo and Mphela were too much for Les Bleus to overcome, though they hit back for one in the 70th minute through Malouda. Though South Africa were level on points with Mexico at 4, their goal difference of -2 wasn’t enough to beat Mexico’s +1 in the tiebreaker. South Africa played with a lot of heart, and a fair amount of style. Only their 0:3 loss to group winners Uruguay prevented them from advancing. France could not overcome poor form, (1 point from a possible 9) results, and their efforts were undermined by infighting within the squad and staff.
Group B:
Nigeria 2:2 Korea - In Durban, Korea had the twice as many meaningful chances as their opponents, the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Nigeria struggled to keep up, giving two fouls for every one by their Korean counterparts. Uche opened the scoring for Nigeria on 12 minutes, but Korea roared back scoring in the 39th and 49th minutes to take a 1:2 lead early in the second half. Yakubu’s penalty would tie the match on 69 minutes. Despite a few game efforts following this, neither side could hit a winner. Korea advance to the round of 16 with 4 points.
Greece 0:2 Argentina - Roundly outplayed, Greece succumbed to Argentina in Polokwane. Goals for the Albiceleste were scored by Demichelis and Palermo. Total shots 7:22 in favor of the Argies. Argentina on maximum points breeze into the round of 16.
Group C:
Slovenia 0:1 England - England, through a bit of magic from Jermain Defoe edge upstarts Slovenia in Port Elizabeth. Though the match was dead even in many respects, England enjoyed a 2:11 advantage in corner kicks. This result puts England through to the round of 16.
USA 1:0 Algeria - It wasn’t to be for the Desert Foxes, as a dramatic stoppage time goal from Landon Donovan saw the Americans not only through to the next round, but also gave them the title of group winners in a World Cup Finals for the first time in the history of US Soccer. Although the match was mostly dead even, Algeria had to foul twice as often as the Americans to deal with their quality.
Group D:
Ghana 0:1 Germany - The Germans seemed to have trouble with Ghana’s pace and unpredictability, and Ghana had trouble with Germany’s quality. At full-time in Johannesburg, Özil’s goal for Die Mannschaaft on the hour mark was the only thing separating these two game contenders in a match that could’ve gone either way. Germany and Ghana find themselves both through to the round of 16, with Australia’s win over Serbia ensuring the Serbs elimination.
Australia 2:1 Serbia - The Socceroos took a bit of their own back in Nelspruit, handing a defeat to a Serbian team that looked unbeatable during qualifying. A late Serbian goal by Pantelic in the 84th minute, couldn’t undo Aussie strikes by Cahill (69’) and Holman (73’) that saw the Serbs out of the tournament. Unfortunately for the Socceroos, their -3 goal difference compared to Ghana’s even one at zero, wasn’t enough for qualification to the second round. Too little too late for Oz.
Mexico 0:1 Uruguay - Uruguay finished group play undefeated by defeating Mexico in Rustenburg. Luis Suarez scored on a nifty header in the 43rd minute. Uruguay won the group outright with two wins and a draw and will advance to knockout play. Though Mexico did not earn a result, their points from previous group matches were enough to send them through to the round of 16.
France 1:2 South Africa - In Bloemfontain, France were defeated by hosts South Africa. First half goals by Khumalo and Mphela were too much for Les Bleus to overcome, though they hit back for one in the 70th minute through Malouda. Though South Africa were level on points with Mexico at 4, their goal difference of -2 wasn’t enough to beat Mexico’s +1 in the tiebreaker. South Africa played with a lot of heart, and a fair amount of style. Only their 0:3 loss to group winners Uruguay prevented them from advancing. France could not overcome poor form, (1 point from a possible 9) results, and their efforts were undermined by infighting within the squad and staff.
Group B:
Nigeria 2:2 Korea - In Durban, Korea had the twice as many meaningful chances as their opponents, the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Nigeria struggled to keep up, giving two fouls for every one by their Korean counterparts. Uche opened the scoring for Nigeria on 12 minutes, but Korea roared back scoring in the 39th and 49th minutes to take a 1:2 lead early in the second half. Yakubu’s penalty would tie the match on 69 minutes. Despite a few game efforts following this, neither side could hit a winner. Korea advance to the round of 16 with 4 points.
Greece 0:2 Argentina - Roundly outplayed, Greece succumbed to Argentina in Polokwane. Goals for the Albiceleste were scored by Demichelis and Palermo. Total shots 7:22 in favor of the Argies. Argentina on maximum points breeze into the round of 16.
Group C:
Slovenia 0:1 England - England, through a bit of magic from Jermain Defoe edge upstarts Slovenia in Port Elizabeth. Though the match was dead even in many respects, England enjoyed a 2:11 advantage in corner kicks. This result puts England through to the round of 16.
USA 1:0 Algeria - It wasn’t to be for the Desert Foxes, as a dramatic stoppage time goal from Landon Donovan saw the Americans not only through to the next round, but also gave them the title of group winners in a World Cup Finals for the first time in the history of US Soccer. Although the match was mostly dead even, Algeria had to foul twice as often as the Americans to deal with their quality.
Group D:
Ghana 0:1 Germany - The Germans seemed to have trouble with Ghana’s pace and unpredictability, and Ghana had trouble with Germany’s quality. At full-time in Johannesburg, Özil’s goal for Die Mannschaaft on the hour mark was the only thing separating these two game contenders in a match that could’ve gone either way. Germany and Ghana find themselves both through to the round of 16, with Australia’s win over Serbia ensuring the Serbs elimination.
Australia 2:1 Serbia - The Socceroos took a bit of their own back in Nelspruit, handing a defeat to a Serbian team that looked unbeatable during qualifying. A late Serbian goal by Pantelic in the 84th minute, couldn’t undo Aussie strikes by Cahill (69’) and Holman (73’) that saw the Serbs out of the tournament. Unfortunately for the Socceroos, their -3 goal difference compared to Ghana’s even one at zero, wasn’t enough for qualification to the second round. Too little too late for Oz.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
New York Rangers: Better Know a Ranger on the Bubble - Brodie Dupont
At the tender age of 23, Brodie Dupont’s career with the New York Rangers hockey club is at a crossroads. He is now a restricted free agent. His salary last year was $62,500.
What he’s done so far for the Rangers organization is to play three yeoman-like seasons for the Hartford Wolf Pack, the club’s AHL affiliate. He has played 225 matches for Hartford in the left wing position (Though he is able to, and has played at center), racking up 44 goals and 59 assists for 103 points. He has logged 311 minutes in penalties, which suggests that he has a reasonable amount of grit.
Prediction: Rangers retain Dupont
Although the Rangers have great depth at the center and left wing positions within the organization, Dupont seems to actually have a shot at making it in Manhattan. In addition, Dupont is a proven player at the AHL level where his contributions are consistent, as befits a professional player.
Dupont is going to want more money, so the Rangers will have to give it to him if they want him to stay. If Dupont demands a 1-way contract, all bets are off and Dupont will likely be cast adrift to be replaced by a forward from the new wave of entry-level talent who might fill in quite well at the AHL level once their amateur preparation is complete.
Monday, June 21, 2010
World Cup 2010 South Africa: BS&C Prediction Update
Here’s how things are shaping up with the predictions I made the day before the World Cup Finals started...
Group A:
Prediction: Mexico & Uruguay go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group A Points
Uruguay 4
Mexico 4
France 1
South Africa 1
Group B:
Prediction: Argentina & Korea go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group B Points
Argentina 6
Korea 3
Greece 3
Nigeria 0
Group C:
Prediction: United States & England go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group C Points
Slovenia 4
USA 2
England 2
Algeria 1
Group D:
Prediction: Germany & Serbia go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group D Points
Ghana 4
Germany 3
Serbia 3
Australia 1
Group E:
Prediction: Netherlands & Cameroon go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group E Points
Netherlands 6
Japan 3
Denmark 3
Cameroon 0
Group F:
Prediction: Italy & Paraguay go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group F Points
Paraguay 4
Italy 2
New Zealand 2
Slovakia 1
Group G:
Prediction: Brazil & Ivory Coast go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group G Points
Brazil 6
Portugal 4
Ivory Coast 1
DPR Korea 0
Group H:
Prediction: Spain & Honduras go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group H Points
Chile 6
Spain 3
Switzerland 3
Honduras 0
So essentially things are going reasonably well with the predictions. However in football as in life, few things are perfect.
With the group C logjam for the second berth to the knockout rounds, either England or the United States must disappoint me.
In group D, underperforming Serbia must play up in their third and last group match to make my prediction come true.
In group E, a disappointing Cameroon squad has dropped all points from it’s first two matches. For Cameroon to go through they must defeat the Dutch, which is highly unlikely, and then a series of equally unlikely events must take place for the Indomitable Lions to progress to the round of 16.
Though Paraguay and Italy seem to have group F sewn up, two surprise draws from New Zealand have made an interesting race of it. I defy anyone to predict who besides Paraguay will actually advance.
For my group G prediction to come true, Ivory Coast must win their last group match, and then they must hope that Portugal fails to beat Brazil AND that Brazil keep a clean sheet. Even so, it may not matter as Portugal has a +7 goal difference after their shellacking of North Korea. In an ideal scenario, Ivory Coast would have beat North Korea by a score of 10:0 in order to advance.
The group H prediction is ruined, as Honduras failed to represent for CONCACAF zone, dropping all points from their first two matches. Honduras have a slim chance to advance, but it is only mathematical, as they haven’t even managed to score a goal. I may get some stick from those at The Shin Guardian for taking a chance on Los Catratchos...unless of course, Honduras snap out of their funk and produce a 4:0 result over the Swiss.
I hope everyone is enjoying the Finals. I encourage you to write in with your opinions and ideas.
Group A:
Prediction: Mexico & Uruguay go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group A Points
Uruguay 4
Mexico 4
France 1
South Africa 1
Group B:
Prediction: Argentina & Korea go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group B Points
Argentina 6
Korea 3
Greece 3
Nigeria 0
Group C:
Prediction: United States & England go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group C Points
Slovenia 4
USA 2
England 2
Algeria 1
Group D:
Prediction: Germany & Serbia go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group D Points
Ghana 4
Germany 3
Serbia 3
Australia 1
Group E:
Prediction: Netherlands & Cameroon go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group E Points
Netherlands 6
Japan 3
Denmark 3
Cameroon 0
Group F:
Prediction: Italy & Paraguay go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group F Points
Paraguay 4
Italy 2
New Zealand 2
Slovakia 1
Group G:
Prediction: Brazil & Ivory Coast go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group G Points
Brazil 6
Portugal 4
Ivory Coast 1
DPR Korea 0
Group H:
Prediction: Spain & Honduras go through.
Current group standings after 2 of 3 group matches:
Group H Points
Chile 6
Spain 3
Switzerland 3
Honduras 0
So essentially things are going reasonably well with the predictions. However in football as in life, few things are perfect.
With the group C logjam for the second berth to the knockout rounds, either England or the United States must disappoint me.
In group D, underperforming Serbia must play up in their third and last group match to make my prediction come true.
In group E, a disappointing Cameroon squad has dropped all points from it’s first two matches. For Cameroon to go through they must defeat the Dutch, which is highly unlikely, and then a series of equally unlikely events must take place for the Indomitable Lions to progress to the round of 16.
Though Paraguay and Italy seem to have group F sewn up, two surprise draws from New Zealand have made an interesting race of it. I defy anyone to predict who besides Paraguay will actually advance.
For my group G prediction to come true, Ivory Coast must win their last group match, and then they must hope that Portugal fails to beat Brazil AND that Brazil keep a clean sheet. Even so, it may not matter as Portugal has a +7 goal difference after their shellacking of North Korea. In an ideal scenario, Ivory Coast would have beat North Korea by a score of 10:0 in order to advance.
The group H prediction is ruined, as Honduras failed to represent for CONCACAF zone, dropping all points from their first two matches. Honduras have a slim chance to advance, but it is only mathematical, as they haven’t even managed to score a goal. I may get some stick from those at The Shin Guardian for taking a chance on Los Catratchos...unless of course, Honduras snap out of their funk and produce a 4:0 result over the Swiss.
I hope everyone is enjoying the Finals. I encourage you to write in with your opinions and ideas.
New York Rangers: Better Know a Ranger on the Bubble - Erik Christensen
Erik Christensen provided a bit of stability for the Rangers’ ’09-’10 campaign at the center position. After being claimed off of waivers from Anaheim, Christensen ultimately ended up centering the Rangers’ top line which featured Slovak scoring sensation Marion Gaborik.
Christensen played in 49 matches (also played in 9 matches for Anaheim) for the Rangers last season. He scored 8 goals and added 18 assists for 26 points. He was +11 in plus/minus which tied him for second on the club. He wins roughly half of his face-offs. He spent the better part of 16 minutes a game on the ice.
The last year of his contract paid him $750,000. He is now a restricted free agent.
Prediction:
Rangers will re-sign Christensen if his salary demands aren’t excessive. Christensen is still relatively young and clearly has upside. A veteran player with 275 NHL matches under his belt, Christensen must help hold the fort for the Rangers until some of their prospects at center, such as Corey Locke, Paul Crowder, Brodie Dupont, Ryan Bourque, Ethan Werek, and Derek Stepan are ready to take the ice in Manhattan.
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup 2010 South Africa: URU 0:0 FRA
Cape Town - The first half in the Group A match between France and Uruguay was pretty much a snoozer. Only one chance was taken on goal by either side. France’s quality chance for Gourcuff, a curling, driven free kick headed for the top corner, was more interesting and dangerous. Forlan did a good job of holding up the ball for Uruguay, but when he got the ball there was little support for him. Although lots of tackling and jostling took place, there wasn’t much to see in the way of creative play. In fact what history will remember from the first half at the Green Point Stadium is that Ribery and Evra from France were both booked.
As the second half progressed you could see glimmers of the skill that players like Forlan, Gourcuff, Diaby, and Ribery have to offer. Everyone else seemed ordinary through 61 minutes. On 71 minutes neither side was any closer to scoring a goal. At the 72nd minute Henry replaced Anelka for Les Bleus. France clearly hoping that Thierry Henry has some of the old goal scoring magic left in his bones. On 73 minutes Forlan missed a sitter, blazing it wide left of the French goal. It bears mentioning that the French goalkeeper Lloris, looked less than convincing in the two times he was called on to handle trouble. Uruguay’s Lodiero, seemingly trying to break Sanga’s leg with a heavy challenge to the ankle, earned his second booking in the few minutes since he had come on and was sent off. This reduced Uruguay to 10 men with Lodiero missing the rest of the match, and at least the next one. Gignac came on for Govou, a forward on for a midfielder on 85 minutes. In the second minute of stoppage time, France was awarded a free kick as Diaby was adjudged to be fouled by Lugano. The free kick was placed just to the left of the restraining arc. Henry took the kick for France and the effort was blocked by a defender leaping in the wall. It was the last kick of the game. The match ended nil-nil and deservedly so. All four Group A teams earned a point from the first of three group matches.
World Cup 2010 South Africa: RSA 1:1 MEX
A good match, and a fair result. What more could you ask for from an opening World Cup match. Mexico dominated possession in the first half but were unable to cash in on the scoring opportunities they had created through Dos Santos, Aguilar, Franco, and Vela. For South Africa the second half was their time. After finally settling in a bit at the end of the first half, the trend continued for South Africa in the second. Through skill from Pienaar, Mphela, and Tshabalala with goalkeeper Khune keeping them in the match South Africa was better at holding the ball and executed some nifty counterattacks with pace culminating with the goal taken by Tshabalala at a dead run on 55 minutes. South Africa would hold the lead until late, despite continuous fierce effort on the part of Mexico to level. The Tricolores would see results from their efforts in the 79th minute, when a rebound from a shot fell to the feet of Marquez who took his chance with dispatch. Mphela would come close for South Africa hitting the post on yet another counter, but victory for the host nation wasn’t in the cards today. Mexico saved face for CONCACAF and South Africa earned a bit more respect for the Confederation of African Football. Both sides with something to show for their efforts, they each earn a point in the Group A standings.
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