A Three Goal Draw or a Win
Come on you whites!
With the first title of the season at stake and with the odds favoring the opponent, Real Madrid travel to the Nou Camp to face Barcelona in the second leg of the Supercopa knowing that only a win or a high scoring draw is capable of changing its fortune. Despite being the better of the two sides, Real were only able to manage a 2-2 draw earlier this week at the Bernabéu thus handing Barça the advantage of having two away goals.
History though favors Real, who have a 4-0 advantage over Barça in the Supercopa head-to-head tally but all that will mean nothing tonight. In all of the previous 4 encounters Real have always won at home and have won away only once and that coming a couple of decades ago. Also, yet again historically speaking, this Barça side is much superior to any of the other sides that they have had. The odds are definitely well stacked against us. That said, it is emerging victorious from a tight spot like this that marks a champion. At the end of the day we will know how far away we are from becoming the champion ten months later.
A win tonight will definitely do wonders to the confidence of our players. If they can be as promising as they were on Sunday I cannot see why they can’t stop the Barça juggernaut. Attack is the best form of defense they say and more so in this case as Barça’s weakest link is their defense and with their best defender and captain, Carles Puyol, unavailable we can certainly make use of this opportunity to sneak in a goal or two which would definitely turn the tide against the home team. And by scoring first, both the morale of the players as well as the balance of the game would favor us. Whether we decide to park the team bus in front of goal or play without a change in the mentality is up to the manager. Personally, I wouldn’t mind doing the former. To me its all about winning.
Karanka, who attended the pre-match press conference, also concurred with my opinion, saying:
We know a title is at stake and that the first leg score forces us to win. We really want to win in Barcelona, especially after Sunday’s match. We’re only thinking about our game, about the our work and about how we played the other day. We can win the Super Cup if we play like we did in the first leg.
Real Madrid traveled to Barcelona yesterday with 22 men tabbed for duty. Granero, Morata and Tomás Mejías were the inclusions from the side that was picked to play the first leg. I don’t see too many changes in the starting line up from the first leg. Mourinho played his strongest side on Sunday and I don’t think that fact has changed since. Coentrão might just get a start ahead of Di Maria probably but I highly doubt it as Di María is more of an established player on the side. The Portuguese would definitely play a part in the game though. And if all goes well, Morata too would.
Barça on the other hand have decided to not reveal their squad until an hour before the game. Pique, Busquets, Xavi and Pedro are all expected to play the game after missing out on the first leg. Cesc Fàbregas, who finally signed for Barça after a zillion years of speculation, has been training with the squad and might even get to make his debut. The Catalans cite that former Arsenal captain is undefeated against Real Madrid (a club against which he has played only two games in the whole of his career) and that he can’t do anything but dazzle against the Whites. I suspect if he’d make any sort of an impact tonight. Even if he does come on it would just be to show him off to the home crowd. €26 million worth Alexis Sánchez might also feature for the same reason.
As always I will be rooting for a Real Madrid victory tonight. 2-1 to Los Blancos!
Until after the game,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Sporting Gijon vs Real Madrid | Preview
Feisty affair on the cards
Real Madrid will face Sporting Gijon at El Molinon later tonight in round 11 of La Liga in what would be a feisty and fiery affair in the Asturian town considering all the pre-match havoc caused by both the managers thanks to some fairly good bad-mouthing. Real Madrid have not lost at Gijon since Raul’s debut season under Jorge Valdano in 1994 – a season which saw Real end up as League winners. But that has nothing to do with the game tonight as we all saw last season when Gijon were able to successfully though scrappily keep Real from netting for 90 plus minutes in the corresponding fixture. They might deploy the same strategy this season as well but we can expect them to be a lot more physical than they generally are as this game has past the stage when it was a totally on-the-field battle.
Real Madrid go into the game as league leaders and are currently on a 5 match winning streak. They will be looking to get their sixth on the trot but will have to do so without the likes of Kaka, Gago, Canales, Garay, Mateos and Dudek. Apart from these injured players we will also be missing Jose Mourinho, though only from the touchline as the Special One is serving a two-match ban for his sending off against Murcia. And that I feel will be crucial. Mourinho as we all know is very active on the touchline continually issuing orders to his players and spurring them on and his absence will and should definitely be felt. Aitor Karanka will take his place and I am sure there will be a lot of communication between Jose and his number two irrespective of how far apart they are. Someone who will be there and for the first time with the senior squad would be Fernando Pacheco who won his first call up to the senior team following the injury to Dudek. I still wonder why Mourinho prefers having three goalkeepers in his squad list.
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan, Fernando Pacheco
Defenders: Carvalho, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Albiol
Midfielders: Granero, Xabi Alonso, Diarra, Pedro Leon, Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria, Lass
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema
Sporting on the other hand have no injury worries and should line up full strength, if they do have hopes of beating us. What Real have to worry about is the fact that even though Sporting clearly don’t have enough in them to beat the top teams in the league, they do have the ability to cling on for a draw. They don’t mind parking the team bus in front of their goal and they don’t mind making it look dirty. They have creditable draws against Villareal, Atheltic, Sevilla and Mallorca and lost to Barca just by a goal’s margin clearly indicating their attitude towards these big games – just don’t drop three points. It will probably be tougher for us considering the reception we are bound to receive. Alberto Lora, arguably their best player, both agrees and disagrees with me.
Strategically I don’t think there are any specifics that we need to attend to. We will be reverting back to our usual line up. And that’s one good thing about this season. Our strategy for every game has been standard. We are making our opponents do changes to the way they play unlike the last few seasons when we used to change our line up based on the threats. I feel that this solidarity plays a critical role in the development of the team as a whole. I am not against changing formations but it is always better to stick with one and persist with it until and unless the situation calls for it.
Los Rojiblancos meet los Merengues at 19:00 CET and the match will be refereed by Turienzo Alvarez and I hope he can protect our players from the physical endurance that they might face. We cannot risk going back home with injured players at this crucial stage. A draw does seem probable but I surely feel it isn’t possible. Real are on a roll and nothing is going to change tonight.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Real Madrid vs Real Murcia | Preview
Yet another chance for Karim Benzema to impress
Year after year after year for about sometime now this has been a talking point every time a cup game comes up. Will Real Madrid take the Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad El Rey Don Juan Carlos I better known as the Copa Del Rey seriously or not? And every single time at least for the past few years even though the answer given to us prior to the game is a “Yes” it has inevitably always looked like a “No” when the game actually is played. And for the past couple of seasons it even seemed more like a “No chance in hell” than a “No.”
The last decent run we had in the competition was in 2003-04 when Real managed to reach the finals only to be defeated by Zaragoza in extra time. 3-2 was the final score in favor of Zaragoza. And ever since it has been more of an embarrassment. Valladolid, Zaragoza, Real Betis, Real Union and Alcorcon have all had the honor of eliminating us from the oldest competition in Spain. And this year Murcia have the opportunity to help us continue our dreadful run. The first leg at the Nueva Condomina ended 0-0 with Real coming as close as hitting the post once and despite Ronaldo and Casillas playing.
The second leg will be played tonight at the Bernabeu where Jose Mourinho and co still have a 100% record this season. And the manager has emphasized on the importance of the clash in last evening’s presser saying:
Our match against Murcia is the most important game in the season so far because it is the only one that could make us lose a championship. Losing one game in the Champions League is alright because there are five more to play. Losing one in La Liga is also okay because 37 remain. This match is even more decisive given the bad result we earned in the first leg. We will be eliminated if we lose and if we draw with the same number of goals. Our only option is to win the match; it is our duty to reach the next round.
And he is right if I may say so. After drawing a blank in the first leg we have no other choice but to go all out for a win tonight. Mourinho also stressed on the fact that the fans need to be at their best creating what he called a knock-out stage atmosphere at the Bernabeu. Frankly speaking, I felt that the crowd was fantastic in the weekend against Atletico despite the dull game on show. I am sure the fans will do what they have to do.
As far as team news is concerned the special one will not be able to count on Gago for the next three weeks and Mateos for the next two as both were ruled out with injuries on Monday. Also out are Garay, Kaka and Dudek. Answering about possible winter signings, our manager had this to say:
We will have two fantastic winter signings for free this year: Gago and Kaka. They still haven’t played a game. Things are going well and there isn’t much talk about the players we currently miss. They are very important to the team. Gago has to work hard and recover. It isn’t easy for a footballer not to play, especially when he has a lot of excitement. His time will come.
Mourinho has thus called up 20 players for the game. Lass returns to the squad after a long lay off. Isaac replaces Dudek as the third keeper while Alex also gets a chance to sit along side the senior team. Carvalho, Pepe, Ozil and Khedira have been rested for the game. The manager admitted that despite progressing to the next stage of the competition being a priority he will not be afraid to field our fringe players as he feels that this is a chance for them to prove that they deserve a starting place in the team. He went on to reveal 9 of the eleven starters for tomorrow.
The line-up will comprise Casillas, Arbeloa, Ramos, Albiol, Marcelo, Canales, Granero, Pedro Leon, Benzema and two others. The Copa del Rey should have special significance for Spaniards. We want people to be excited about winning the title.
I am guessing the other two will be Mahamadou Diarra and possibly Angel Di Maria as Ronaldo did not train yesterday and was given the day off. Also, in what has become a regulation, the manager continued to give Benzema hope that he would one day be a starter and that one day would be coming soon. As far as strategy is concerned I doubt if we will make any such changes. Most of the replacements made seem to be like-for-like.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan, Jesus
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Albiol
Midfielders: Granero, Lass, Xabi Alonso, Diarra, Pedro Leon, Di Maria, Canales, Alex
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema
Murcia coach Inaki Alonso won’t leave any of his players behind aside from the injured Jorge Molina, who will undergo surgery on Wednesday. Aguilera, who is also injured, gets the chance to travel with the squad.
The march towards the 18th title has just begun. Whether it ends prematurely or lasts until May depends on tonight. Lets hope its the latter.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid | Preview
Ronaldo, back to his diving best, would be threatening Atleti in more than one way surely.
And finally its here. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid square off at the Bernabeu tonight at 22:00 CET in the Madrid derby – a game which in recent times has been more of a cakewalk than anything else. We haven’t lost to our dear neighbors at home over the last eleven years and will look to maintain that and our undefeated streak by clinching all three points at stake tonight.
Real come into this game with a 2-2 draw at the San Siro that sent it through to the next round of the Champions League with two games to spare. With the Copa Del Rey game coming up on Wednesday the players will have to roll up their sleeves and get ready to work as like JM himself suggested in last evening’s presser no derby is ever easy. Atletico do have the players to do the job for them and as they have suggested time and again (even if it isn’t against us) they can pull a surprise over any team in this world.
Atletico is a very talented team in attack, they have a great midfield, their defense will be very focused and it’s unfortunate that their goalkeeper holds the same passport as Iker Casillas. It’s a very talented team that will make us fight for our lives.
And the players should indeed fight for their lives especially if they want to play more regularly. Mourinho clearly has a single set of XI players whom he thinks are the best XI to be fielded. Even though there is ample talent on the bench it is up to those players to displace the starters. And JM agrees. The likes of Granero, Benzema, Pedro Leon, Albiol are all excellent players who are fit to play in all the top sides in the world. But this is Real Madrid. And to be more specific, this is Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid. The player has to prove himself to get a ticket into the starting XI.
Today’s starters will be tomorrow’s subs, and today’s subs will be tomorrow’s starters. There is no set protocol here. This is not the same team to be used for eleven months. This is a day-to-day team.
Twenty players were called up to face Atletico tonight. Kaka, Dudek and Garay are apparently the only ones still injured while Lass, Gago and Mateos have been dropped for tactical reasons. Real will definitely start with the same XI that started midweek. The 4-2-3-1 formation will be retained. Considering Atleti’s weakness in the center of the field our midfielders will get to operate more freely and should have no problems creating chances. The only problems that we might face should come from the wings with Reyes and Simao against Marcelo and Sergio Ramos. Our full backs should concentrate more on defending than usual.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan, Isaac.
Defenders: Carvalho, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Albiol.
Midfielders: Granero, Xabi Alonso, Diarra, Pedro Leon, Khedira, Ozil, Di Maria, Canales.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema.
Quique Sanchez Flores meanwhile will be forced to make some changes with Godin and Asenjo unavailable due to injury and Perea serving a one-match suspension. He can however count on the services of Jose Antonio Reyes and Jorge Pulido. Forlan who hasn’t scored for 11 games running was benched midweek against Rosenborg. He probably would be returning to the side. De Gea has widely been acclaimed as the next Casillas. He will definitely play a vital role if Atleti are to get anything out of the game.
A win would keep us on top of the table and keep the momentum that we have gathered going. That’s what matters the most – to keep things running.
Let’s go and get them lads!
This is definitely a short preview but what the hell it really does not matter.
Until next time,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
AC Milan vs Real Madrid | Preview
Let me go you prick!
This is no David vs Goliath kind of a game. Its more of a David on David or a Goliath on Goliath kind of a match up cause these two are equally big names. When Real Madrid face AC Milan in a European night at San Siro it just cannot get better. The two giants are statistically the top two teams in Europe and possess several of the top players of the past, present and the future. With this build up I go into tonight’s post where I will be previewing tonight’s clash at the San Siro between these two heavyweights (lightweights in case you feel its a David vs David kind of a game).
Jose Mourinho leads his troops into the city of Milan knowing that it is one battlefield where Madrid have never tasted victory. To put it straight Real Madrid have never won at the San Siro in 13 attempts. In fact ten of the games have ended in defeat. But then again, Milan have an equally poor field record against Mourinho’s teams losing eight out of the eight times that they have previously met over the past three years. But its an all new playing field tonight. History does not matter and neither do statistics. All that would matter is how ready the teams are to take advantage of the mistakes made by the other.
Mourinho spoke of Real’s poor record at the San Siro during yesterday’s press conference saying:
The fact that Real Madrid have never won in San Siro doesn’t add pressure. This is a hard place to play and win in. Madrid has had great teams and has not won. This is a tough field. TheTifosi help their team a lot. I am sure Milan fans are worried because Real Madrid can win here. We can win. It will be a great match; perhaps the most watched on European televisions. And the referee is fantastic. We are all obligated to perform well.
YES WE CAN. And if we do then the two games left in this phase of the competition would be dead rubber as Real would already be through as Group Leaders. But JM insists that shouldn’t be the case.
If we qualify for the next round tomorrow, some coaches may believe that the next two matches are not important and that they can put the Champions League on hold until February. Real Madrid is always required to play its best. We cannot play those next two matches thinking that we have taken care of business.
Milan on the other hand need a win tonight and possibly on the next match day as well. They are just coming out a loss against Juventus in the weekend in what was an important tie with respect to their title race. But Massimiliano Allegri insists when a team like Milan loses the criticism is almost ensured. This came from a man who has even fewer Champions League games in his pocket than Tottenham Hotspurs have:
We lost an important game in the league, but we had won the previous four. It’s OK to emphasise the fact when a team like Milan lose, and of course we can improve on many things, but there are also many positive signs that make me optimistic. This is a strong group of players, playing at a good level, so we have everything needed to win. We have to keep Real Madrid under pressure – we can’t repeat the technical mistakes we made in the first leg.
And under pressure we shall be. Returning from injury from them are key players like Massimo Ambrosini, Thiago Silva and Ronaldinho who can possibly make a difference. And Sergio Ramos was quick to acknowledge the talent that Milan possessed in their ranks and the difference that they could make. Speaking to the press ahead of the clash, the right back who missed the previous tie with the Rossoneri said:
No one questions the talent of players like Ronaldinho or Robinho. They are game-breakers, but I am more concerned about the entire squad. They have very talented and experienced players. We all have so much at stake.
AC MILAN SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Christian Abbiati, Marco Amelia;
Defenders: Luca Antonini, Marek Jankulovski, Alessandro Nesta, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Thiago Silva, Gianluca Zambrotta, Mario Yepes;
Midfielders: Ignazio Abate, Massimo Ambrosini, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Mathieu Flamini, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf;
Forwards: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Filippo Inzaghi, Alexandre Pato, Robinho, Ronaldinho.
As far as the absentees are concerned Massimo Oddo has been ruled out for four to six weeks after sustaining a left thigh problem in training on Friday. Daniele Bonera was replaced before half-time in their game against Juventus after picking up a knock to his left shin.
Like me Jose too does not care about the way they will come at us. But come at us they will with all the vengeance that their old bodies can muster. In the previous tie they preferred to use their old warhorses against our young guns and paid for it dearly. This time I am sure that will change. Thiago Silva will probably play and he should if you ask me. This is the time of the season when we need to be challenged and this is time to prove ourselves to the rest of the world. If I were to be Allegri, I’d play all the four Brazilians along with Ibrahimobitch and Captain Planet and the Planeteers and bring in the Swat Kats if I must to try and stop Real from giving my team a footballing lesson. But hell Allegri is not all that smart or at least doesn’t seem that way.
Amidst all this Sergio Ramos also spoke about Karim Benzema (a topic which I have covered enough about) and Howard Webb as well who will be officiating the game. Ramos called him his lucky charm but I am not sure Xabi Alonso would agree with his fellow Spaniard. The last time Alonso and Webb were on the same field Alonso almost left with a broken rib courtesy Dangerous De Jong. I sure hope we return with nothing less than tired legs back home. An injury at this point of the season can cripple the team’s form.
Talking about injuries, (in what could possibly be a move to unsettle Milan’s tactics devised by none other than Professor X himself) Angel Di Maria, I heard, apparently faced a late fitness test to determine whether or not he was fit to play tonight. The high-flying Argentine apparently suffered a bruised knee in training on Monday but was included in the squad as the coach was confident that he would recover in time. Pedro Leon or Karim Benzema were touted as being his replacements in case he had failed to recover in time.
The only ones still injured are Kaka, Garay and Gago. The latter is almost fine again as he trained with the squad on Monday. Lass, who had been injured for the past few weeks, is fine once again. But the Frenchman has not travelled with the side as Mourinho insisted that players not fit enough for a weekend game cannot be fit for a midweek clash. The rest 21 have all made the cut.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Adan.
Defenders: Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Marcelo, Mateos, Carvalho.
Midfielders: Khedira, Alonso, Ozil, Diarra, Canales, Granero, Pedro Leon, Di Maria.
Forwards: Benzema, Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo.
I am confident that Real will be playing the same formation as they have been playing till this point of the season – the 4-2-3-1 convertible. But what can possibly change is who plays and who doesn’t. Knowing Mourinho I don’t think there will be any but something tells me that Arbeloa might just get a game. Apart from that I don’t think there will be any changes to the side. Ozil, Di Maria and Ronaldo should give their defense a handful and hopefully get the better of the Milanese cunts.
Moving on and in case you didn’t already know Ruben De la Red has officially retired from all forms of the game and will take up a coaching role with the side. The player had remained optimistic of eventually making a return to the game, but Marca reports today that De La Red has accepted a coaching role at the club until his contract expires. Reports suggest that Florentino Perez had promised De La Red that the club would not leave him after the incident against Real Union, and now as promised the club have given him a role which can develop his coaching abilities alongside Jose Mourinho and Castilla boss Alejandro Menendez. De La Red’s position is thought help him to progress into working with one of the youth teams at the club and help players progress through the ranks. Sad but I am happy for the player. He was arguably one of the best midfielders that Castilla had ever produced and definitely would have played a vital role in the team if not for the condition that he suffers from.
And that brings this post to an end.
Hoping for a Real win.
Until next time,
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Hercules CF vs Real Madrid | Preview
Real will be hoping to have better luck this time around
Real Madrid travel to the Jose Rico Perez to face a Hercules team which has done a fair bit of giant killing already this season. Victories against Barcelona at Camp Nou and Sevilla at home and not to forget the draw they mustered against Villareal have made them a potentially dangerous opponents who can pull a surprise to end our current undefeated streak.
Real are coming out of a 0-0 draw in the Copa Del Rey at Murcia where they were if not outplayed at least brought back to ground after a few high flying wins over the past few weeks. Despite the likes of Cristiano and Benzema starting the game Real failed to gain the much needed away goals that generally kills ties.
This will be the second time this season that we will be playing in Alicante following the friendly that we played there a couple of months back. Back then it was a comfortable 3-1 victory with Di Maria getting his first goal for Real and Benzema bagging a brace. A repeat performance would be much appreciated but this time around it will definitely be tougher as the likes of Nelson Valdez and the legendary French striker David Trezeguet have all but strengthened the newly promoted side.
Real are still without the services of Kaka, Gago, Garay and Lass but the much Sergio Ramos is fit and even completed the full game against Murcia without much of a trouble. Xabi Alonso, Mesut Ozil, Carvalho and Marcelo have all been recalled into the side after being rested midweek. Mourinho has left out Mateos this time around.
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Adan.
Defenders: Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Albiol, Marcelo, Carvalho.
Midfielders: Khedira, Alonso, Ozil, Diarra, Canales, Granero, Pedro Leon, Di Maria.
Forwards: Benzema, Higuain, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Mourinho, during yesterday’s post-match press conference said that the starting lineup will change from the one in Murcia and I guess we can expect pretty much the same side that started against Racing last weekday with Sergio Ramos probably coming in for Alvaro Arbeloa.
Sami Khedira, who has become one of the mainstays of the current crop of players at Real analysed the match for Bwin revealing that team-work will be the key to our success at Alicante. He also spoke about his wretched luck with scoring as he has hit the woodwork as man times as anyone else in the side saying:
I’m sure I will score soon. I’ve had chances to but was unlucky. I come closer to netting a strike each day. I’ve analysed my team-mates on the pitch, which will help me score.
He summed up the game as follows:
We know our match against Hercules will be difficult. We faced them in the preseason. They are dangerous and strong in attack. They have Valdez, whom I knew in the Bundesliga, and Trezeguet, who always finds room in which to score.
Talking about Trezeguet, the French World Cup winner, when asked about the game said:
We are prepared mentally and emotionally to face the current best team in Spain. They are in great form. It will be a game to learn from, to see what situation we are in. In the matches agains the great teams we’ve had great games. However, it’s been different against the smaller teams. We are going to try and have a good game at the Rico Perez and obtain a positive result for the team.
It looks as though Vigo’s men will have to do without Royston Drenthe, who is on-loan from Madrid this season and has a clause in the deal which means Hercules will have to stump up a significant fee if they want to play the Dutchman though I am sure about the effect Roy will have on their side even if he plays.
Real Madrid have never lost at Hercules and average atleast two goals everytime they’ve played there. I am confident that the game tonight will be no different.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Real Murcia vs Real Madrid | Preview
Be Quick or Be Dead
Real Madrid kick start yet another campaign of the Copa Del Rey, this time against Real Murcia. This isn’t just another Real Murcia side. This is a team which is at par with Real in at least one front if not all. Murcia along with us is the only other side in professional Spanish football that is yet to taste defeat. Murcia currently lie in Group IV of the Segunda Division B and is the team with the longest history in the Segunda Division.
But this tie is not about the league. This game is about the King’s cup. A trophy that has eluded us for ages now which has caused Mourinho to call up almost all of his best players for the game tonight. Only the likes of Xabi Alonso, Ozil, Carvalho and Marcelo have been left out. The rest of the starters have been called up. To emphasize on our intent a little more, even the almighty Iker Casillas will take part in a cup game after four years of exile. Cristiano Ronaldo will also be starting and infact will be making his Cup debut. Pepe and Arbeloa too have been confirmed as starters. Also, Sergio Ramos has been passed fit to play the game tonight.
Usually the domestic cup games are not taken seriously by the senior players at least in Spain but this time JM has signaled his intent of winning the competition. But does that mean the likes of Granero and Pedro Leon won’t be getting a chance here as well? No. That is not the case. Our manager has said that this will be the chance for Granero, Pedro and Benzema to prove their worth to him and tell him why he needs to make them a starter. Fair play isn’t it?
REAL MADRID SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan, Jesus.
Defenders: Albiol, Arbeloa, Pepe, Mateos, Sergio Ramos.
Midfielders: Khedira, Granero, Diarra, Canales, Pedro Leon, Di Maria, Juanfran.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema.
Tuesday’s match will be significant for both Pedro Leon and Raul Albiol. The midfielder returns to his place of birth and the city that saw him make his professional debut, while the defender will come face-to-face with his brother Miguel, a midfielder for Murcia.
Jorge Valdano managed to discuss Tuesday’s Copa del Rey opener ahead of the game at an event in Madrid. The Director General said that the team is heading down to Murcia with every intention of winning the competition. What interested me though was what he had to say about Karim Benzema:
Benzema is very young. Not everyone takes the same time to get going. Some like Ozil and Di Maria adjust in months, but others take longer whether it’s because of language or personality barriers. There is no doubt Benzema is talented and he will soon show us what he is capable of.
Is that the case? Hasn’t Benzema spent enough time in Spain already for him start paying back the club that spent so many millions on him? I am not questioning his talent, but I am unsure as to whether it is the language/personality barriers that prevent him from performing. I just feel that he is not working hard enough. I might be wrong but this is what I feel.
Someone who is at his peak though is little Marcelo. Marcelo recently hit the century mark in matches played for Real Madrid against Racing Santander and had kind words about the current state of affairs at the club:
I am very happy here and want to continue improving. I need to work hard if I want to play in many more matches. I am very comfortable in Madrid. I have been working just how Mourinho has asked me to. A few weeks ago I said that every training session with Mourinho is like a battle. All I need to do is put everything he tells me into play on the pitch.
And that is exactly what I feel Benzema, Granero and others wanting to start should do. Currently Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo and Higuain are performing at their best. The competition for a place in the side does not seem to be there. The bench strength we have compared to several other sides is brilliant. But that’s only on paper one has to admit. These players need to pick themselves up and get ready to battle.
Anyhoo, a cup game and a win is a must. It cannot be stressed further as to how crucial a win tomorrow will be as this is one trophy that has been eluding us for decades now. The players have a point to prove and the coach is intent on winning the trophy. The mood just can’t get better. Mourinho yesterday said that:
If last year’s situation [at Alcorcon] repeats itself, I will cross those who play off my list because they will be dead to me.
And I am pretty sure he means it.
Let’s hope that the cup misery ends tomorrow.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Real Madrid vs CA Osasuna | Preview
He's back!
After yet another irritating international break La Liga action returns and Real Madrid will play their first home league game against Jose Antonio Camacho’s Osasuna side. The match will witness the comeback of Pepe back to competitive First Team action since December last year. The other big news would obviously be the announcement made by Mourinho last evening that Cristiano Ronaldo will start tonight despite being ruled out of this and the next fixture against Ajax two weeks back. Jose Mourinho’s eight-year-undefeated-at-home streak will also be at stake.
After an uninspiring 0-0 draw against Mallorca on Matchday One, the fans are hoping for a much improved performance from the players as Barcelona have already taken an early lead over us. As we witnessed last season, it is games like these that decide the title race and winning thus becomes mandatory. The Cules play newly promoted Hercules to whom they lost both home and away during the Alicante based club’s previous stint in La Liga.
Mourinho has all his players fit except for Kaka, Garay, Gago and Albiol. Diarra though has been left out of the squad for tomorrow. The Special One, in his pre-match press conference, revealed nine out of the eleven players who would start tomorrow. The back four would have Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Carvalho and Marcelo. Joining them in the team would Khedira and Alonso as central midfielders. Ronaldo will start despite just recovering from an ankle injury. Higuain will play up front ahead of Benzema. The other two slots remain a mystery with Di Maria and Ozil most likely to fill it up.
Another good news would be the fact that Lass also has been called up having made a full recovery from the injury he sustained against Mallroca.
Osasuna, on the other hand, are without their two center-backs, Sergio and Josetxo, and goalkeeper Riesgo, all of whom will stay in Pamplona.
SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Adan
Defenders: Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Mateos
Midfielders: Khedira, Lass, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Canales, Pedro Leon, Di Maria, Ozil
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain
On the agenda are three points and a much better performance from the team overall. Let’s hope we achieve it.
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
RCD Mallorca vs Real Madrid | Preview
Mesut Ozil, one of the six, who could make their debut tonight
Finally it is here. The 2010-11 season of the Spanish Primera División has kicked off and Real Madrid start their campaign later tonight at the ONO Estadi against Real Club Deportivo Mallorca in what would be the first official match of Real Madrid under the reign of manager Jose Mourinho.
Real start their journey towards their 33rd League title with six new additions to the squad and under a new manager. Angel Di Maria, Pedro Leon, Sami Khedira, Ricardo Carvalho and Mesut Ozil have all been drafted in during the transfer window with the legendary Raul and Guti exiting the club they had played all their life for new challenges away from Spain. Manuel Pellegrini who took us to our best finish ever in the league last season failed to win a single trophy and was sacked as the treble winning Jose Mourinho was signed as Real’s new manager from FC Internazionale Milano.
Mourinho’s Real have had a pretty solid preseason which saw them lift three trophies in Munich, Hercules and at home in the 32nd edition of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy against Penarol. The tour of United States of America too was successful as Real won both their games there against Club America and Los Angeles Galaxy respectively. Their only draw came against Standard Liege at Liege where they drew 1-1.
The club has pinned a lot of hopes on Jose Mourinho, known worldwide as ‘The Special One’ to bring to the Santiago Bernabeu the major trophies, something which we haven’t won in two years. Like the manager himself admitted earlier in the week in a press conference, the club has indeed spent a lot bringing in a lot of youngsters to replace the old ones a few who were even deemed irreplaceable. We fans likewise too have a lot of hope and I personally am seeing Mourinho as the only one who can bring back to Real the glory days that we are all used to and end the barren spell of not winning Europe’s finest competition, something which we have won more than any other club in the world.
With such high hopes on his shoulders, Jose seems to be as calm as he always is and seems to be doing a good job till now. But all that wouldn’t matter when we face up against Michael Laudrup’s Mallorca.
Mallorca are about to start their 14th consecutive season in the First Division. Having been dumped by UEFA from participating in this season’s Europa League, despite finishing fifth in La Liga, Mallorca begin their campaign with the sole goal being to avoid relegation. Mallorca too like Real have made several changes to their squad. Key players like Aritz Aduriz, Borja Valero, Mario Suarez, Julio Alvarez and Mattioni have been replaced by Jonathan de Guzman, Cendros, Brazilians Joao Victor and Edson Ramos, and Fernando Cavenaghi. Emilio Nsue too has returned to the team this summer following his loan spell at Real Sociedad last year.
More than the trouble posed by Mallorca themselves, Real have other worries. As many as seven first team players are out injured including a few who are facing a long spell out. Pepe, Kaka, Garay, Albiol, Gago, Diarra (who would probably be leaving us soon) are all unavailable due to injury. Kaka, Garay and Gago are ones out with long term injuries. Drenthe has been excluded from the squad list whereas Castilla’s Mateos has been included.
SQUAD LIST :
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Adan
Defenders: Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Mateos
Midfielders: Khedira, Lass, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Canales, Pedro Leon, Di Maria, Van der Vaart, Ozil
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain
Mallorca have only one injury woe as center-back Ivan Ramis will miss the match against due to an injury and it is still uncertain if Fernando Cavenaghi will make his debut against the Whites.
The last time both sides clashed in Mallorca was on 5 May 2010, resulting in a 4-1 victory for the Madridistas with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring his only hat-trick till date and a solitary goal from Gonzalo Higuain. Pipita, speaking about the match ahead of the game to bwin.com, stressed on how important it is to win the first game, saying:
It is going to be a very important and exciting game. It is vital to start the season with a victory. We will have to fight their tactics with our own style. What we want is to win at Son Moix. We have a team capable earning the three points.
His partner up front, Karim Benzema, too spoke to AS about his hopes and aspirations for the season in an interview with AS.
Real would be hoping the two strikers really get going this season as they need it if they have any hopes of winning titles. The other attacking prospects too would be keenly observed as Mourinho begins a new era at Real. We might not play as beautifully as Barcelona does but we surely would get to know how we win games. That said, now I feel we do have all the qualities that a team needs to play good attractive football as well as the match winners that every team needs to win those games which decide the fate of the title.
I am not hoping for the treble nor am I expecting Real to play attractive football. All that I am expecting from this season is for us to show some sign of improvement and stability and justify the changes made during the season break.
Prediction: RCD Mallorca 0-2 Real Madrid
Para Siempre Blanco!
Hala Madrid!!
Real Madrid vs Peñarol | Preview
Mourinho's Real Madrid makes debut at the Bernabeu
Jose Mourinho’s Rreal Madrid stands undefeated in the preseason and will make its home debut at 22:15 CET tonight against Peñarol in the 32nd edition of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy. The match will serve to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first Intercontinental Cup final between both sides.
The match will be of interest for many reasons, mainly the debut of Mourinho and the team’s new players (Canales, Di Maria, Ozil, Khedira, Carvalho) at the Bernabeu. The coach has called up all his men for the game, as well as the academy’s Mateos and Juanfran.
One of the debutant, Angel Di Maria spoke to AS ahead of the clash and described how eager he was to thrill the Madridistas assembling later tonight. The Argentine also said he is optimistic regarding the coming season.
I hope I can thrill the Bernabeu in my debut. I want to prove I’m here for a reason. It must be amazing to play there. The pressure of playing for Real Madrid doesn’t scare me. I just think about what I am and what I have to do upon stepping onto the pitch. It is a beautiful thing to play with all these stars. It doesn’t scare me at all.
The agile left winger scored his first goal for the Whites against Hercules a couple of days back. Di Maria expressed his delight on having done that and went on to say that the pressure of performing does not affect him.
I wish I could end up playing like Di Stefano. Our last names shere the same first word… I hope things go well for me here. Scoring against Hercules helped me relax a bit and to have more confidence. I try to prove I want to be here on a daily basis. Mourinho asks me to do my very best in the training sessions and on the pitch. We will be in top form by the time the league starts.
One of the main attractions is the opponent. Peñarol faced Real Madrid in the first edition of the Intercontinental Cup back in 1960, losing to the Madridistas. The team also has many players who have played in the Spanish league, such as captain Antonio Pacheco (Espanyol, Albacete, Alaves), Marcelo Sosa (Atletico, Osasuna), Fabian Estoyanoff (Valencia, Deportivo) and Diego Alonso (Valencia, Atletico, Racing, Malaga).
Jose Mourinho has included 23 players in his squad list. Cristiano Ronaldo, Casillas, Ramos and Xabi Alonso have made the cut. Youth teamers Mateos and Juanfran have also been included. Pepe, Kaka, Diarra, Albiol and Garay will miss the matcn due to injuries.
SQUAD LIST
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Adan.
Defenders: Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Drenthe, Mateos.
Midfielders: Khedira, Lass, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Canales, Gago, Pedro Leon, Van der Vaart, Di Maria, Ozil, Juanfran.
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain.
Hercules vs Real Madrid | Preview
Mourinho's Real Madrid makes Spanish debut
Real Madrid are currently undefeated in the preseason. Their match against Hercules tonight at 22:00 CET will surely anticipate what the team may encounter in La Liga during the 2010/11 campaign.
Mesut Ozil could make his debut with the team, as he was included on the squad list by Jose Mourinho. Karim Benzema has recovered from his injury and also made the cut. On the other hand, Casillas, Ramos, Xabi Alonso and Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the match.
Hercules’s coach and players have stressed how incredibly motivated they are to face Real Madrid in the Ciudad de Alicante Trophy, especially now that they are back in the First Division 14 years after they were last relegated.
Their most dangerous men are former Real Madrid players Portillo and Tote, Farinos, Rufete and goalkeeper Calatayud. They have been joined this summer by former Getafe player Cortes, Zaragoza’s Abel Aguilar, Paraguayan international Nelson Valdez and Senegal defender Mohamed Sarr, who previously played for Standard Liege.
SQUAD LIST:
GOALKEEPERS: Dudek, Adan
DEFENDERS: Carvalho, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Drenthe, Mateos, Juanan
MIDFIELDERS: Ozil, Khedira, Lass, Granero, Canales, Gago, Pedro León, Van der Vaart, Di Maria, Juanfran
FORWARDS: Benzema, Higuain, Joselu
Standard Liege vs Real Madrid | Preview
The Whites face a Belgian side that has won once and drawn twice in Jupiter league action
Real Madrid face Standard Liege in their fourth test of the preseason. With three wins under the belt, one by way of a penalty shooutout, the Whites square off against one of the all-time classic teams of Belgian football.
Hoping to add onto their preseason success against teams with more football played at their feet, Real Madrid head to Belgium on Tuesday to play Standard Liege in an attempt to remain undefeated this summer.
It won’t be an easy task, however, as Stade de Sclessin is expecting a packed house in support of their home side that has yet to lose in three Jupiter League matches. Standard, who drew against Zulte -Waregem SV (1-1), defeated K. Lierse SK (1-4) on the road and most recently drew again versus Lokeren (3-3), have scored eight goals and midfielder Mehdi Carcela-Gonzalez sits atop the scoring chart along with Genk Jelle Vossen (four goals apiece).
Jose Mourinho will change things up with respect to last Friday’s friendly against Bayern Munich. This time round, the Portuguese coach will rely on two men, Higuain and Benzema, in attack. Casillas will get the nod in goal, Arbeloa, Albiol, Ramos and Drenthe will start on the back line and Gago, Lass, Granero and Van der Vaart will be in the midfield for kick-off.
While Castilla’s Juanan makes his first trip with the first team, Kaka, Pepe, Diarra and Garay are unavailable due to injury and Adan has stayed in the Spanish capital to a coaching decision.
Old friends will come face-to-face as Jose Mourinho and Ricardo Carvalho square off against Sergio Conceiçao, assistant coach to Dominique D’onofrio. The former Portuguese winger played under the Madridista boss and alongside Real Madrid’s newest signing at Porto, and along with the two won the club’s second European Cup.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek
Defenders: Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Albiol, Drenthe, Juanan
Midfielders: Khedira, Lass, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Canales, Gago, Pedro Leon, Van der Vaart, Di Maria, Juanfran
Forwards: Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid | Preview
All-star like atmosphere in Allianz Arena for a tribute to Franz Beckenbauer
With 13 European Cups titles between them, Real Madrid visit Bayern Munich on Friday night for a friendly in honor of the German side’s President of Honor, Franz Beckenbauer.
Mourinho’s third match as head coach of Real Madrid has arrived. After two come-from-behind wins in the US, this new Madridista team faces its toughest test yet. Bayern Munich bring back great memories for Mourinho as they were the last European side to fall to the Portuguese boss in none other than the 2009/10 Champions League final.
Two of Real Madrid’s most recent signings, Sami Khedira and Ricardo Carvalho, are likely to see their first action since moving to the Spanish capital. The German joined the squad in California last week and may make his Madridista debut in his home country. The Portuguese center-back, meanwhile, traveled with his new team for the first time since it was announced he would sign for Real Madrid last Tuesday. Other than Kaka and Pepe who are injured, Dudek, Arbeloa, Diarra and Gago have stayed in Madrid due to a coaching decision.
Allianz Arena will be a packed house as all 69,000 tickets have been sold. According to Bayern President, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, this is “the best possible opponent.” Philipp Lahm and Thomas Muller are of the same opinion. “Matches against teams that have been among the best internationally for decades are ones we all like to play,” said Lahm. “Real Madrid is an historic team. I am glad that we get to play a team of such caliber before the season begins,” added World Cup Golden Boot winner, Muller.
Although Bayern have been training for a longer period of time this summer, they are without the services of Arjen Robben, who is injured, and internationals Mario Gomez, Toni Kross, Martin Demichelis. “They cannot play two games in three days,” commented Bayern coach, Louis Van Gaal. Having defeated Schalke 04 for their first German Super Cup since 1996, against Real Madrid Bayern will try to exploit their fast, vertical play in what promises to be a thriller between two European powerhouses.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Adan
Defenders: Carvalho, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Drenthe, Albiol, Garay
Midfielders: Khedira, Lass, Granero, Xabi Alonso, Canales, Pedro Leon, Van der Vaart, Di Maria, Juanfran, Alex Fernandez
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema, Higuain, Morata
Referee: Mr. Wolfgang Stark
Los Angeles Galaxy vs Real Madrid | Preview
The Whites bring their preseason stage in the US to a close with a match at the Rose Bowl
Mourinho’s first match as head coach of Real Madrid went off without a hitch and the Whites beat Club America 2-3. The team knew how to withstand the pressure of coming from behind and gave signs of everything the Portuguese boss has worked on during the preseason stage in the US. On Saturday against the LA Galaxy, Mourinho expects his men to make even further progress prior to the trip home.
Mourinho is still unsure as to whether the most recent arrivals at training camp (Casillas, Van der Vaart, Albiol, Arbeloa, Ramos, Alonso and Khedira) will play on Saturday. Mourinho said:
We will play with the same system we used against America. This system requires a lot of hard work, effort and intelligence in order to cover ground. I don’t know if the players who just arrived can withstand so much, so we will see if they play during the second half against the Galaxy
“Real Madrid mania” has taken over Los Angeles and a large turnout is expected at the Rose Bowl, but Mourinho knows it has been a grueling preseason for his men and that the players have tired legs. Even though his men might not be in top form to play, Mourinho is convinced that preseason matches are the most intense workouts for this team adding:
Playing these matches offers us physical and pyschological wear and tear, which are basic principles for us during the preseason. We will see some important things during the match against the Galaxy.
The friendly will bring an end to Real Madrid’s 11-day stay in Los Angeles as the team is scheduled to fly back to Spain immediately after the match.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Casillas, Dudek, Adan
Defenders: Ramos, Albiol, Arbeloa, Pepe, Marcelo, Garay, Nacho, Tebar
Midfielders: Khedira, Xabi Alonso, Van der Vaart, Lass, Gago, Diarra, Drenthe, Granero, Canales, Di Maria, Pedro Leon, Alex Fernandez, Juanfran
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema, Morata
Referee: Mr. Arkadiusz Prus (USA)
Real Madrid vs Club América | Preview
The Whites make their preseason debut against a Mexican side whose league has already begun
The first match of the Mourinho era is only hours away from kick-off as Real Madrid face Club America at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park. The Mexican side has already played two official league matches this season and appears to have its axles slightly more greased than the Madridistas, but hype surrounding the match cannot be any greater.
Real Madrid’s first of two games of preseason prepartations in the US kicks off on Wednesday at 20:00 PST. It is finally time for Jose Mourinho to see how much his team has learned since training began two weeks ago. And although it’s just a tune-up match, many eyes will be watching.
The Portuguese coach has relentlessly stressed the importance of suffocating pressure on the opponent to steal the ball, fast transition play and opening the game up along the flanks. Players of the likes of Ramos, Marcelo, Di Maria, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pedro Leon will play a key role in ensuring that such concepts are successfully put into good use.
Mourinho now has his full squad on hand, but expect to see those who recently arrived in LA spending more time on the bench than on the pitch. One of the last to arrive, Iker Casillas, discussed Wednesday’s opponent. “America’s season has already begun. They have played two matches and have more experience than we do. We also know they are very motivated to play against Real Madrid and that they will play this game as if it was an official match,” said the Madridista keeper.
Expectations cannot be any greater as Mourinho’s Real Madrid take to the pitch for the first time, so expect the Whites to treat this as any other match and to seek the victory from the moment the referee blows the whistle.
SQUAD LIST:
Goalkeepers: Dudek, Adan
Defenders: Pepe, Marcelo, Garay, Nacho, Tebar
Midfielders: Lass, Gago, Drenthe, Granero, Canales, Di Maria, Pedro Leon, Juanfran
Forwards: Ronaldo, Higuain, Benzema, Morata
Referee: Mr. Jair Marrufo
Uruguay vs Germany
For evidence of just how much the play-off for third place at the FIFA World Cup™ means, you only have to go back to the summer of 2006 and recall the determination with which host nation Germany rounded off their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Portugal in Stuttgart. It was the same for 1990 hosts Italy, who bounced back from the huge disappointment of semi-final defeat to Argentina with a spirit-lifting 2-1 success over England.
What kind of match do you think we are in for? Will it be a tight encounter or an open game, with both sides fully exploiting their attacking potential?
And the showdown for the final place on the podium often proves most rewarding for dark horses that have lit up a tournament, such as Sweden at USA 1994, Croatia at France 1998 and Turkey at Korea/Japan 2002. What’s more, with the pressure off and coaches’ tactical leashes loosened, these games can result in end-to-end football, chances aplenty and goals galore.
The match
Uruguay-Germany, play-off for third place, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Saturday 10 July, 20:30 (local time)
This is the second time Germany and Uruguay have met to contest third place at a FIFA World Cup, with the pair doing battle at the same stage of Mexico 1970. At the finals 40 years ago, Die Nationalmannschaft had lost a semi-final thriller 4-3 to Italy, while La Celeste had been downed 3-1 by eventual winners Brazil, with the Germans snatching third spot thanks to a solitary 26th-minute strike from Wolfgang Overath.
The two teams also met in the quarter-finals at England 1966 in a match Germany won 4-0, and again at Mexico 1986, when the pair’s group meeting ended 1-1. In conclusive proof of their historical upper hand, of a total of nine international matches between the duo to date, Germany have won six and suffered only one defeat, which came at the 1928 edition of the Olympic Football Tournament.
Not that Oscar Tabarez’s charges will let the record books concern them, having exceeded all expectations with the country’s best FIFA World Cup performance since lifting the Trophy for the second time at Brazil 1950. As they seek a victory which would crown their impressive showing on South African soil, striker Luis Suarez returns after missing the semi-final defeat against Netherlands through suspension while captain Diego Lugano should be fit to play after missing said game with a knee injury. Leading scorer Diego Forlan, meanwhile, has been declared fit to play despite a knock against the Dutch and, with four goals so far, is only one strike behind adidas Golden Boot pace-setters Wesley Sneijder and David Villa.
Speaking of in-form forwards, the spotlight will also no doubt fall on Miroslav Klose, now just one goal behind the all-time FIFA World Cup record of 15, set by Brazil’s Ronaldo. However, his appearance in what will be Germany’s 99th match at the competition is in doubt after suffering he suffered a back injury against Spain on Wednesday, while midfielders Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira’s participation is also in doubt. German coach Joachim Low is therefore expected to give a run-out to squad players such as Serdar Tasci, Dennis Aogo and Stefan Kiessling.
Players to watch
Miroslav Klose vs Diego Forlan
This duo of vastly experienced strikers have four goals apiece so far and will be determined to further their respective Golden Boot hopes by finding the net again at the Port Elizabeth Stadium. The lethal pair both picked up knocks in their sides’ semi-final defeats, however, and may struggle to fire on all cylinders come Saturday evening.
The stat
10 – The signs suggest that the match for third place is unlikely to go to extra time, given that Germany’s last ten games – including friendlies – have all had a winner after 90 minutes.
What they said
Joachim Low, Germany coach:
Obviously we now have to get over our disappointment, lift the players’ spirits and prepare for this game just as seriously as we would any other. We want to finish the World Cup on an upbeat note because, despite losing the semi-final, we’ve had a very good tournament. I’m really proud of my team.
Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach:
This will be a difficult game, but we’ll go into it with the same attitude and commitment that we showed against the Netherlands. There’s no guarantee of winning, we’re preparing to do everything we can to clinch third place at the World Cup for Uruguay. However, I know Germany will make it very difficult for us, so we’ll have to fight to our last breath if we want to win.
The question
What kind of match do you think we are in for? Will it be a tight encounter or an open game, with both sides fully exploiting their attacking potential?
Germany vs Spain
There will be at least one European representative in the Final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, after Germany and Spain go head-to-head in the second semi-final on Wednesday evening. The match gives the Germans the opportunity to avenge their defeat to a Fernando Torres goal in the final of UEFA EURO 2008. No less than 19 survivors from that game – eight Germans and 11 Spaniards – will be on show in Durban, yet much has changed since that night in Vienna.
Can Miroslav Klose and/or David Villa make history in Durban?
La Roja have struggled at times to produce the same majestic football that swept them to the European title, while Joachim Low’s revamped unit are unquestionably the form side of the competition. Die Nationalmannschaft have been winning new fans with their adventurous approach and earning praise from even the most seasoned of observers, Franz Beckenbauer among them. “Germany have never played like this before,” said an admiring Kaiser after his compatriots had seen off Argentina in the last eight.
The match
Germany-Spain, Semi-Final, Durban, Wednesday, 7 July, 20.30 (local time).
While no side has scored more goals in the tournament than Germany’s 13, the statistics show that Spain have done more attacking than anyone. If those two pieces of information are anything to go by, this should be quite a match. The Germans have been nothing short of spectacular in South Africa. After putting four past Australia in the group phase, they clicked into top gear in the Round of 16, overwhelming England 4-1 with their rapid counter-attacking style and then put another four past Argentina in the quarters.
Though Spain have reached a semi-final for the first time ever, they have been unable to match the exacting standards they have set for themselves in recent times, reproducing their eye-catching possession football only sporadically. Victors by a single goal in their last three games, the European champions can justifiably point to some massed defences as the reason for their reduced creativity, but there will be no excuses for a lack of spark come kick-off time on Wednesday.
All the indications are that Vicente del Bosque will keep faith with the XI that started against Paraguay, which means a reprieve for the misfiring Torres, who has yet to score. As for opposite number Low, his most pressing problem is to find a replacement for the suspended Thomas Muller, with Piotr Trochowski, Toni Kroos and Cacau all in the frame.
Players to watch
Miroslav Klose v David Villa
The leading marksman at South Africa 2010 with five of his country’s six goals, the Spanish striker is just one away from joining Raul as La Roja’s top scorer of all time. No less important to his team than the in-form Villa, Klose is closing on another record. The German forward needs to find the back of the net one more time to draw level with Brazil’s Ronaldo as the leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup finals history with 15 goals. One behind the Spaniard in the South Africa 2010 charts, Klose has not given up hope of making off with the adidas Golden Boot as well.
The stat
3 – The number of times the two sides have faced each other in FIFA World Cup matches. Germany have yet to lose, winning 2-1 at England 1966 and Spain 1982 and forcing a 1-1 draw at USA 1994.
What they said
Joachim Low, Germany coach:
Spain are the favourites to my mind and their team play is just amazing. They don’t have one Messi, they have several, and they don’t make many mistakes either, unlike England and Argentina. We need to force them to make errors.
Iker Casillas, Spain goalkeeper and captain:
We haven’t come this far to finish fourth. We are going to fight hard against Germany to reach the Final, which is our one and only objective. We’ve reached a landmark for Spanish football by getting past the quarter-finals, but we know the Germany match is the most important in our history, even more so than the EURO 2008 final in Austria.
Have your say
Can Miroslav Klose and/or David Villa make history in Durban?
Netherlands vs Uruguay
The prospect of a Uruguay versus Netherlands semi-final was scarcely mentioned in the long build-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, yet these are the teams who meet in the last four on Tuesday evening in Cape Town. Both are there on merit too, as they have performed consistently well from the first day, defended resolutely, and taken their chances efficiently at the other end. The winners go forward to the Final, while the consolation prize for the losers is the third-place play-off.
The Netherlands have contested the FIFA World Cup Final twice in the past. Will all good things come in threes – at Uruguay’s expense?
The game
Uruguay-Netherlands, semi-final, Cape Town, Tuesday 6 July, 20.30 (local time)
After the drama and tension of their penalty shoot-out victory over Ghana in the quarter-finals, Uruguay are in the last four at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 40 years. La Celeste fell 3-1 to eventual winners Brazil at Mexico 1970, and went on to finish fourth. The Netherlands, who staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat five-time winners Brazil in the last eight, previously fought through to the semis in 1974, 1978 and 1998.
The teams’ solitary previous meeting at the FIFA World Cup came in the 1974 tournament. Johnny Rep fired a brace as the celebrated Dutch ensemble spearheaded by the great Johan Cruyff won the group stage encounter 2-0. The Uruguay squad that day included defender Pablo Forlan, father of current La Celeste marksman Diego Forlan.
Ahead of Tuesday’s clash, Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez and Netherlands supremo Bert van Marwijk are both mulling over enforced changes to their winning teams. For the South Americans, Jorge Fucile and Luis Suarez are suspended, and captain Diego Lugano is rated very doubtful with bruising and a stretched knee ligament. Young Nicolas Lodeiro will play no further part in South Africa after breaking a foot. For the Dutch, Van Marwijk is without suspended pair Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong.
Players to watch
Diego Forlan (URU) v Wesley Sneijder (NED)
Our two players to watch may not cross paths that often on the field of play, but the spotlight still falls on the respective teams’ leading scorers. Forlan shares top spot in the Celeste goalscoring list with Suarez, but the latter can only watch from the stands after his red card against Ghana. The task of piercing the Dutch defence thus falls fairly and squarely to Forlan, now up to 27 goals for his country, and whose three strikes at the current tournament have all come against African sides.
His Netherlands counterpart Sneijder also has four goals, and rates as an equally creative orchestrator of the Oranje’s versatile forward line. The world already knew all about Sneijder’s flawless technique and visionary passing, but his lethal finishing has taken many people by surprise.
The stat
100 – No-one can fail to be impressed by the Netherlands’ current run of form. Since the start of 2010, Van Marwijk’s men boast a 100 per cent record, with nine wins in nine matches, extending their unbeaten run to 24 games. Uruguay are themselves unbeaten in nine, winning five and drawing two of their seven games in 2010, giving them a win ratio of 77.7 per cent.
What they said
Bert Van Marwijk, Netherlands coach:
It will be a very dangerous match. The euphoria at home is massive at the moment and maybe it’s good that we’re so far away and can’t witness it. We really need to concentrate on Uruguay and that won’t be easy. They didn’t reach the semi final for nothing, so we have to really focus again and not think that we’re already there.
Oscar Tabarez, Uruguay coach:
Holland are tough opponents. They’ve not lost for almost two years. This generation is a little different to the traditional Holland – they are a very balanced side. At the back they give nothing away, they link well in midfield, and up front, they have hard-running, technically capable players like Van Bommel, Sneijder and Robben. They’re always on the front foot, looking to attack. It’ll be very difficult – but not impossible.
Have Your Say
The Netherlands have contested the FIFA World Cup Final twice in the past. Will all good things come in threes – at Uruguay’s expense?
Paraguay vs Spain
Paraguay and Spain might share the same language but they have entirely different approaches to playing football. While the South Americans have made stoic defence one of their hallmarks, the reigning European champions are committed to a possession-based, attacking game. Those contrasting approaches will be set in even clearer focus when the two sides meet in Johannesburg on Saturday evening. The reward for the winners is a place in the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.
Can Spain put an end to their quarter-final curse or will Paraguay continue to make history?
The team that comes out on top will be making history. In the last eight for the fifth time, Spain have never reached the semi-finals, although they did finish fourth at Brazil 1950 when the Trophy was decided by a four-team final group phase. As for La Albirroja they ave already broken new ground and are intent on venturing further.
The match
Paraguay-Spain, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 3 July, 20.30
Saturday’s showdown is the fourth meeting between the countries. Two of their previous encounters ended in goalless draws, one a 2002 friendly and the other a first-round match at France 1998. Spain scored the only win by either side when prevailing 3-1 in another first-round meeting at Korea/Japan 2002.
La Roja have not lost to South American opposition in the FIFA World Cup since Mexico 1986 (a 1-0 reverse to Brazil) but are in no mood to rely on the record books after their surprise group setback against Switzerland. Coach Vicente del Bosque has no injury or suspension problems and is set to keep faith with the system and the side that got Spain out of a tight spot in Group H before they edged out Portugal in the Round of 16. As they showed in the second half of that match, the silky Spanish are working their way back to top form.
Del Bosque’s opposite number, Gerardo Martino, has asked his players to pay special attention to Spain’s quality and the speed with which they move the ball around. The Argentinian supremo has also vowed that his men will not sit back and let their opponents dictate the play, urging his midfielders to press hard and deny the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez the space to thrive. With central midfielder Aureliano Torres an injury doubt, Martino’s other main concern is the fatigue his charges may be still feeling after their punishing last-16 tie against Japan.
Players to watch
Defence v attack
Having let in just the one goal to date, against Italy in their opening match, Los Guaraníes boast the tightest defence in the competition along with fellow quarter-finalists Uruguay. That record is sure to be put to the test against the enterprising Spanish, who have created more goalscoring opportunities at South Africa 2010 than anyone, though their finishing has not been up to the expected standard. That said, the in-form David Villa is the competition’s joint top-scorer on four goals with Gonzalo Higuain and Robert Vittek.
The stat
3 – The number of times Paraguay have reached the Round of 16 and the number of times they have lost to European opposition there. At Mexico 1986 La Albirroja went down 3-0 to England and lost to a golden goal to the host nation at France 1998. Four years later Germany ended their hopes with a 1-0 win.
What they said
Nelson Valdez, Paraguay striker:
They have players who can make all the difference, especially in midfield where we can’t afford to even let them turn round. We are really up for this game and that’s going to make up for any tiredness we might feel. The team can’t wait for this game to get started. We’re doing a great job but we still have more to give, and our best performances so far have been against the big sides.
Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach:
Paraguay are not unlike Chile. As we all know they gave us a lot of problems, and it would be silly of us to underestimate them. I’m not worried about overconfidence because there’s none of that in the squad. We have an awful lot of respect for Paraguay and they’ve been brilliant in getting this far, beating a strong Japan side the other day.
Have your say
Can Spain put an end to their quarter-final curse or will Paraguay continue to make history?
Argentina vs Germany
Quarter-final opponents back in 2006, Argentina and Germany are ready to cross swords again in Cape Town on Saturday. Up for grabs is a place in the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. With five world titles between them, La Albiceleste and Die Nationalmannschaft are two of the world’s most successful national outfits. Expectation is high ahead of their latest duel, especially with both sides in such vibrant form and memories of Germany’s tense penalty shoot-out triumph four years ago still fresh.
Can Argentina exact revenge for their defeat four years ago or will the Germans make it to the semi-finals at their expense again?
The match
Argentina-Germany, Cape Town, 3 July, 16.00
Argentina have been in flawless form to date, winning all three of their group games before disposing of Mexico in the Round of 16. Much-questioned before the tournament, coach Diego Maradona seems to have identified his best line-up, one that naturally includes Lionel Messi, a mere bit-part player at Germany 2006. The Argentinians can also take heart from their 1-0 defeat of the Germans in a March friendly in Munich, the only goal of the game coming from Gonzalo Higuain, who has been in scintillating form in South Africa.
In the last eight for an amazing 15th time in a row, Germany won Group D despite a surprise reverse against Serbia. Impressive against both Australia and Ghana, Joachim Low’s side turned on the power against England in the last round, swamping them 4-1 in a superb display of attacking football. These two giants of the world game have met five times before in the competition’s history. The Germans hold sway with three victories to Argentina’s solitary win in the Mexico 1986 Final. The other game, a group match at England 1966, ended in a goalless draw.
Players to watch
Martin Demichelis (ARG) v Miroslav Klose (GER)
Demichelis has had his ups and downs so far at South Africa 2010 but cannot afford to be on anything less than his best form against the relentless Klose. Team-mates at Bayern Munich, the duo know each other inside out and will be intent on capitalising on each other’s weak points in a head-to-head that could prove crucial to the outcome.
The stat
8 – The number of players on yellow cards going into Saturday’s match: Mario Bolatti, Javier Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze of Argentina; and Mesut Ozil, Cacau, Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller of Germany.
What they said
Diego Maradona, Argentina coach:
I’d love to be out on the pitch this time and pull on a shirt and play. It’s a game we can’t afford to lose but I wouldn’t compare it to the 1986 Final. Germany are a very tough side for sure. They’re more powerful than Mexico but we have the resources to beat them.
Miroslav Klose, Germany forward:
Look at the names on paper and Argentina are stronger than us. But it was the same with England. They had more experience and bigger names but that didn’t show on the pitch. We have a great team and we can definitely go out and do what we did in our last game.
Have your say
Can Argentina exact revenge for their defeat four years ago or will the Germans make it to the semi-finals at their expense again?
Uruguay vs Ghana
Although Uruguay have a rich FIFA World Cup™ history, they have not advanced as far as the quarter-finals since their run to the last four in 1970. Ghana, their opponents on Friday night, have never gone this far in the tournament before, having reached the second round four years ago on their FIFA World Cup debut.
Can Ghana eclipse Cameroon's exploits in 1990 and Senegal's in 2002 to become the first African side in the last four? Or will the two-time champions Uruguayans keep their good run going in a tournament where the South American teams have been immensely difficult to beat?
In both 2006 and in South Africa, the Black Stars were Africa’s only representatives in the knock-out rounds, and they can also become the first ever side from the continent to advance to a semi-final with a win. Standing in the way of Africa’s hopes is an in-form La Celeste led by one of the most dynamic front-lines at the tournament.
The match
Uruguay-Ghana, Johannesburg (Soccer City), 2 July, 20.30
For a team that struggled to qualify for the finals, Uruguay emerged as one of the dark horses of the opening stage after finishing top of Group A. After opening the event with a scoreless draw with France, they have secured three consecutive wins, largely thanks to the form of strikers Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez. Forlan scored a brace in the 3-0 dismantling of the hosts, while Suarez scored the trio of Uruguay’s goals in the 1-0 win over Mexico and 2-1 victory over Korea Republic. Edinson Cavani is the most unheralded of the attacking triumvirate, but the Palermo forward can also be lethal if unchecked. However, Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has earned a reputation for his tactical acumen, and the Serb has built one of Africa’s finest defences.
With so much history on the line, Ghana could be forgiven for being overawed with the occasion, but the Black Stars are seemingly unflappable despite being the youngest team in the tournament. A side boasting several players who won the FIFA U-20 World Cup last year, they finished runners-up at January’s CAF Africa Cup of Nations on the back of three consecutive 1-0 wins. They also held their nerve in a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over South Africa 2010’s comeback kings, USA, in the second round. Asamoah Gyan has scored three of the side’s four goals, and despite being hampered by an ankle injury, should be the fulcrum of the Ghana attack. Kevin-Prince Boateng also appears likely to win his fitness race, though the loss of starlet Andre Ayew to suspension will be painful. The door might now be open for the comeback of little-used Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari, and the possible return of previously injured centre-half Isaac Vorsah could also be a major boost.
Players to watch
Luis Suarez v John Mensah
A veteran anchor at the back for Ghana, John Mensah will need to call on all of his experience to stop the speed and creativity of the Uruguay attack. The 23-year-old Ajax striker Suarez is technically adept and capable of scoring from anywhere around the box. Although the powerful Mensah should have the advantage in the air, he could well be challenged for pace on the counter-attack, though the potential return of Vorsah could provide him with significant assistance.
The stat
7 – Asamoah Gyan has scored seven goals for Ghana out of the 11 they have tallied in full international matches in 2010. Ayew, Boateng, Muntari and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie have claimed the others.
What they said
Diego Forlan, Uruguay forward:
They are fast, strong, and they have done well in other games, even against Germany.
Asamoah Gyan, Ghana striker:
They have a great team, especially in attack. This is what we have to watch out for because they have players like Forlan and Suarez.
The question
Can Ghana eclipse Cameroon’s exploits in 1990 and Senegal’s in 2002 to become the first African side in the last four? Or will the two-time champions Uruguayans keep their good run going in a tournament where the South American teams have been immensely difficult to beat?
Netherlands vs Brazil
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will play host on Friday to a mouth-watering clash between two pre-2010 FIFA World Cup™ favourites in the Netherlands and Brazil, two sides who have so far exhibited a lethal brand of swift, counter-attacking football. The pair are yet to taste defeat at the finals so far, having topped their sections and come through their respective Round of 16 ties to confirm the fine form shown in finishing first in their continental qualifying groups. But something has to give on Friday with one of these big names set to fall short of reaching the last four.
In the teams’ two most recent FIFA World Cup meetings, in 1994 and 1998, Brazil knocked out the Netherlands. Will Dunga's Seleção make it three in a row on Friday?
The match
Netherlands-Brazil, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 2 July, 16.00
Both A Seleção and the Oranje hit the ground running here at the first FIFA World Cup on African soil, sealing berths in the last 16 with a game to spare. Having gone on to seal first place in Group G and Group E respectively, Brazil eased to a 3-0 win over Chile in their first knock-out tie while the Dutch were made to sweat in ousting Slovakia 2-1.
While the duo have met only three times on the biggest stage of all, these games have invariably been decisive. Indeed, at the 1974 finals a 2-0 victory for Johan Cruyff and Co sent reigning champions Brazil heading for the exit, while it was A Verde e Amarelo’s turn to knock out the Dutch at the quarter-final and semi-final stage of the 1994 and 1998 editions. Traditionally known for their open, attacking and adventurous football, both countries’ classes of 2010 are cut from a very different cloth. Both Dunga and Bert van Marwijk’s charges share many similar traits, both preferring to soak up opponents’ pressure before breaking quickly and clinically via a clutch of fast and technically gifted attackers. Be that as it may, a game featuring world-class talents such as Kaka, Luis Fabiano, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie is unlikely to be anything but fascinating.
Players to watch
Arjen Robben versus Kaka
The Netherlands and Brazil both went into South Africa 2010 with doubts surrounding the fitness of their leading men. Robben picked up an injury in a warm-up game against Hungary and Kaka was plagued by groin problems throughout his first season at Real Madrid – the club Robben left in summer 2009 to join Bayern Munich. The Brazilian No10 has gone on to provide three assists in three appearances at South Africa 2010, while the Dutch wing wizard marked his first start of the finals with the opening goal against Slovakia.
The stat
33 — The combined number of the games the two sides have gone unbeaten. The Oranje are on a sequence of 23 matches without defeat since a friendly reverse to Australia in September 2008, while Brazil have amassed ten games without a loss since a much-changed and already qualified Seleção lost a South Africa 2010 qualifier against Bolivia in La Paz in October 2009.
What they said
Bert van Marwijk, Netherlands coach:
Taking on Brazil is a tremendous challenge for us, but we’re staying focused on achieving our objective, which is the world title. The Brazilians have a mature and solid team, who give off a positive type of arrogance: an air of invincibility. For the first time, the Netherlands are going into a game as underdogs.
Juan, Brazil defender:
It’s hard for Brazil or the Netherlands to sit back. They play a similar game to us: they like to take the initiative. Quarter-final games are always very cagey and sometimes get bogged down. We’ll be trying to score a goal in the first half so we can play with a bit more freedom.
Have your say
In the teams’ two most recent FIFA World Cup meetings, in 1994 and 1998, Brazil knocked out the Netherlands. Will Dunga’s Seleção make it three in a row on Friday?
Spain vs Portugal
Set to take centre stage in Cape Town on 29 June is a glittering Round of 16 clash between two neighbours and contenders for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ crown: Spain and Portugal. Standing second and third respectively in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, the eagerly anticipated encounter between the Iberian duo at the Green Point Stadium is the sides’ first meeting at world football’s top table.
Will Fernando Torres finally get off the mark here at South Africa 2010? Or, come the final whistle, will Eduardo still be the only No1 yet to have conceded a goal at the tournament?
The match
Spain-Portugal, Round of 16, Cape Town, Tuesday 29 June 2010, 20.30 (local time)
Expectations are extremely high ahead of the last-16 meeting between two teams considered among the pre-tournament contenders for the coveted Trophy. And with La Roja and A Selecção das Quinas both having had to come through a gruelling group phase, one of the fancied pair will be heading home much earlier than expected.
European champions Spain arrived at South Africa 2010 as firm favourites for the world title along with Brazil, though Vicente del Bosque’s team were given a harsh wake-up call in an opening 1-0 defeat against Switzerland. Showing their mettle, La Selección gritted their teeth and won their next two Group H games against Honduras and Chile to qualify in top spot in their section and avoid a last-16 meeting with Dunga’s charges.
Portugal, for their part, safely negotiated a fiercely competitive Group G also containing Côte d’Ivoire, Korea DPR and Brazil. Carlos Queiroz’s solid side played out a goalless opening draw with Didier Drogba and Co before cutting loose in a 7-0 success over the North Koreans. Following that goalfest, another scoreless draw in their final game against the five-time world champions was enough to secure second spot and a place in the knockout stages.
Both coaches have near-to-full-strength squads from which to choose, though former Real Madrid boss Del Bosque will be without key midfielder Xabi Alonso and defender Raul Albiol. Opposite number Queiroz, who also once held the reins at Los Merengues, welcomes back midfield schemer Deco though cannot call upon the versatile Ruben Amorim.
Players to watch
David Villa v Cristiano Ronaldo
The Spanish striker’s three-goal haul so far at South Africa 2010 has taken his tally at FIFA World Cups to six in total, making Barcelona’s new signing his country’s highest ever scorer in the competition. The flying Portuguese winger, for his part, has struck just once to date in South Africa despite claiming the Budweiser Man of the Match award in each of his side’s three matches. The Real Madrid forward needed a total of 17 shots to score his solitary goal, which came in the demolition of Korea DPR, though Ronaldo can count himself unfortunate to have been denied by the woodwork on two occasions already.
The stat
33 – The Cape Town clash will be the two teams’ first meeting at a FIFA World Cup, but the pair share a lengthy footballing history featuring no fewer than 32 previous matches. Spain have the edge with 15 wins to just five victories for Portugal, though the latter are unbeaten in the duo’s matches at continental finals: drawing 1-1 at the 1984 UEFA European Championship and winning 1-0 at the 2004 edition of the same competition.
What they said
Vicente del Bosque, Spain coach:
Portugal are a great team and they’re about more than just Cristiano Ronaldo. Yes it’s true that Cristiano is one of their best players, but we mustn’t forget that the Portuguese are the only team that still haven’t conceded a goal at this World Cup. That proves that they’re a solid unit and not just a collection of individuals. Their game is based around defensive solidity, pace and counter-attacking, as well as having very skilful players. I foresee a very difficult game, like they all will be for the rest of the competition. Only the best teams are left in it now.
Carlos Queiroz, Portugal coach:
We’re ready to take on anybody. We’ve already played in critical games during qualifying and now we have another all-or-nothing match at a World Cup. That’s why we’re ready to give everything we’ve got on the pitch with only one aim in mind: staying in the World Cup. Portugal’s best is still to come.
Have your say
Will Fernando Torres finally get off the mark here at South Africa 2010? Or, come the final whistle, will Eduardo still be the only No1 yet to have conceded a goal at the tournament?
Paraguay vs Japan
History will be made whatever the outcome when Paraguay meet Japan in the Round of 16 – for whoever prevails in Pretoria will advance to the FIFA World Cup™ quarter-finals for the first time. Having gone beyond the group stage on three of their past seven finals appearances, Gerardo Martino’s Paraguay will be determined to build on their success in finishing top of Group F against a Japan side through to the knockout phase for the first time on foreign soil.
Having managed their first FIFA World Cup wins on foreign soil, can Japan continue their history-making run?
The match
Paraguay-Japan, Tshwane/Pretoria (Loftus Versfeld Stadium), 29 June, 16.00
Previously famed for their tenacious rearguard, Paraguay are not just about defence, their 4-3-3 formation including the vastly-experienced Roque Santa Cruz in attack alongside Borussia Dortmund duo Lucas Barrios and Nelson Valdez. Yet they also carry a scoring threat from midfield as Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros showed when each scored in their 2-0 win over Slovakia. Opponents Japan have shaken off the lacklustre form they showed in the build-up to this tournament to defeat Cameroon and Denmark en route to the last 16.
Coach Takeshi Okada’s tactical gamble has paid off in style, with Keisuke Honda thriving in a new attacking role. Behind him, Yasuhito Endo and Kakoto Hasebe have bossed the midfield and Japan showed against Denmark that their armoury includes a distinct set-piece threat – two of their three goals coming direct from free-kicks. Of course their tireless approach also gives them a seeming edge in fitness over some of their rivals. While there is likely to be no change in the Japan lineup, Paraguay have to make do without defensive midfielder Victor Caceres through suspension although centre-back Antolin Alcaraz could return after sitting out the last game through an ankle injury. It is the two sides’ first match-up at the FIFA World Cup but they are by no means strangers having met six times previously. The South Americans have recorded two wins to Japan’s one, though the Asians prevailed in the most recent friendly in 2003.
Players to watch
Justo Villar v Keisuke Honda
Injured in the opening minutes of Paraguay’s Germany 2006 campaign, Villar has been seeking to make amends this time and conceded just one goal during the group campaign. The 32-year-old Paraguay captain, however, will have to be wary of Japan’s danger man Honda, the midfielder-turned striker who has scored twice so far. The 25-year-old CSKA Moscow man has quickly become Japan’s new talisman over the past months, scoring six goals which led to six wins.
The stat
4 –South Africa 2010 marks the fourth FIFA World Cup for the 35-year-old Denis Caniza, who made his tenth finals appearance for Paraguay in the 0-0 draw with New Zealand. Hot on his heels are Roque Santa Cruz and Julio Cesar Caceres, who each made seven appearances during the past two FIFA World Cups.
What they said
Roque Santa Cruz, Paraguay forward:
With their pace and agility, Japan are a team hard to play against. They have players who can change the direction of a game so we have to come out very focused and keep running throughout the game.
Yuki Abe, Japan midfielder:
Paraguay’s defence is compactly organised. They have physical strength but are also good on the ball. I think they will be difficult opponents.
The question
Having managed their first FIFA World Cup wins on foreign soil, can Japan continue their history-making run?
Just another Madridista
Hala Madrid 
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