Day 9 saw 3 matches:
The Dutch were well-prepared for this match, not just in countering Japan's ultra-defensive tactics but also, ensuring that they take their chances ruthlessly, unlike Germany against Serbia and Spain against Switzerland. That said, their goal was fortunate, with the Jabulani ball bamboozling the Japanese keeper when Sneijder struck a fierce drive early in the 2nd half. With this win, the Dutch are through to the last 16 stage, while Japan will have to win against Denmark to seal their qualification.
Australia were left with to fight with 10 men for nearly 3 quarters of the match, after a debatable sending off of Harry Kewell, who, ironically, replaced the suspended Tim Cahill, red-carded in the Socceroos' first match against the Germans. Kewell was adjudged to have deliberately used his arm to defend a corner and despite being a man down, the Aussies held on bravely to secure a point and retain a thin chance of qualification. With this draw, Ghana now top Group D after Germany's shock defeat against Serbia. Great going so far for Africa!
A sumptuous match, with major portions of it being end-to-end stuff, thanks to schoolboy defending by both teams. In the end, the Danes held on after Cameroon threated to score an equalizer and Cameroon became the first team to crash out of this World Cup. A pity considering the innumerable chances they had and poor finishing put paid to their prospects. Rommedahl's skillful finish was a deserving winner, but the Danes' first goal was sheer Route 1 goal: a long ball by the centerback Kjaer picked out the flying Rommedahl down the right, who drove a low, dangerous ball across the 6-yard box that left the goalkeeper in two minds and Bendtner slid home with lethal accuracy. With the Dutch having already qualified, the 24 June match between Denmark and Japan will now decide who joins them in last 16.
No comments:
Post a Comment