Lesotho Soccer News: Spain beats Netherlands 1-0 to win the World Cup

Image sourec: nytimes.com

Spain beats Netherlands 1-0 to win the World Cup
By BARRY WILNER (AP)

JOHANNESBURG — Spain rules the soccer world, winning the World Cup at long, long last.

It came after an exhausting 1-0 victory in extra time over the Netherlands on Sunday. Two years after winning the European title, the stylish Spaniards did even better.

This was a physical test of attrition that sometimes turned dirty — a finals-record 13 yellow cards were handed out and the Dutch finished with 10 men. In the end, it was Andres Iniesta breaking free in the penalty area, taking a pass from Cesc Fabregas and putting a right-footed shot from 8 yards just past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

"When I struck it, it just had to go in," Iniesta said.

For the Dutch and their legions of orange-clad fans wearing everything from jerseys to jumpsuits to clown gear to pajamas, it was yet another disappointment.

Even with their first World Cup title tantalizingly within reach, they failed in the final for the third time. This one might have been the most bitter because, unlike 1974 and 1978, the Netherlands was unbeaten not only in this tournament, but in qualifying for the first World Cup staged in South Africa.

Soccer City was soaked in Oranje, from the seats painted in that hue throughout the stadium to pretty much everyone seated in them. Unlike when they lost to hosts West Germany and Argentina in previous finals, the Dutch were something of a home team this time.

The Spaniards, though, were the winners.

"We have all done an incredible job," Iniesta said. "I don't think we even realize what we have done."

They had pockets of supporters, too, to be sure, dressed in red and scattered around the stadium. They might have been the minority, but when the final whistle blew, they were tooting their vuvuzelas loudest in tribute to their champions.

The goal came off a turnover by the Dutch defense that Fabregas controlled just outside the penalty area. Iniesta stayed on the right and sneaked in to grab the pass and put his shot to the far post. Stekelenburg barely brushed it with his fingertips as it soared into the net.

Iniesta tore off his jersey after the goal and raced to the corner where he was mobbed by his teammates. Several Dutch players wiped away tears as they received their medals as runners-up — yet again. They won every qualifying match and all six previous games in South Africa before the bitter ending.

The Netherlands now has more victories in World Cup games without a title than any nation: 19. Spain held that dubious record with 24.

The Spaniards saluted their fans with arms raised high, then lifted their coach, Vicente del Bosque, in the air in celebration.

"This is immeasurable for Spain," Del Bosque said.

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas, the captain, accepted the trophy from FIFA president Sepp Blatter, kissed it and raised it for all to see while cameras flashed and confetti flew throughout the still-full stadium.

Soon, the entire team and staff gathered at midfield for a group photo. The players bounced up and down to the World Cup theme song, then took a victory lap as the trophy was passed to each member of the squad.

"It's the most beautiful that there is. It's spectacular," Iniesta said, referring to the gold ball.

Aside from a European title in 1988, the Dutch have been classic underachievers on the pitch. Results never matched the talent. These were no Dutch masters.

Yet the Spaniards haven't been much better. Other than Euro championships in 1964 and 2008, they rarely have contended in major tournaments. At least the Netherlands made those two World Cup finals and also got to the semifinals in 1998.

Second-ranked Spain started this World Cup in the worst way, losing to Switzerland. But Spain won every game after that, including a 1-0 victory over powerful Germany that was far more one-sided than the score indicated. No other nation has won the World Cup after losing its opener.

Yet the most dangerous player Sunday was Netherlands forward Arjen Robben. He had a rare breakaway in the 62nd minute after a brilliant through pass from Wesley Sneijder. He had the ball on his preferred left foot, but a charging Casillas barely got his right leg on the shot to deflect it wide of the gaping net.

Then it was Stekelenburg's turn, holding his ground after a misplay in front of the net gave the ever-potent Villa an open shot.

As play opened up, the crowd of 84,490 got quieter in nervous anticipation of the goal that would win the World Cup.

Robben again looked as though he might get it with a burst of speed past the defense, but Casillas sprinted from his net and smothered the ball before Robben could take a shot.

A second straight World Cup final headed into extra time, with the goalkeepers unbeatable. Stekelenburg, relatively inexperienced on the international level, made a spectacular left leg save when Fabregas broke free early in overtime.

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Lesotho Soccer: Five ways Netherlands can beat Spain

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World Cup 2010 Comment: Five ways Netherlands can beat Spain
Stefan Coerts assesses the keys to victory for Bert van Marwijk’s side...

Soccer City will host what promises to be one of the most intriguing and exciting World Cup finals so far, when two-time finalists the Netherlands  take on reigning European champions Spain.

Choosing a winner for such a tantalising affair is nearly impossible. The Oranje have so far won all their matches in South Africa, while Spain have won their last five games after starting the tournament with a 1-0 defeat to Switzerland.

The match will surely sit on a knife edge and promises to be a breathtaking encounter. If the Netherlands are to emerge the victors, they will do so because of the use of the following five 'tactics'...

1) Attack down Joan Capdevila's side

Spain have been extremely solid at the back at this summer's tournament and it's no coincidence they haven't conceded in the knockout stages so far.

However, the Furia Roja appear to be vulnerable at left-back, with Joan Capdevila looking like his side's 'weakest link'. The Villarreal defender is likely to face the difficult task of keeping Arjen Robben at bay and the Oranje would be well advised to get the Bayern Munich man involved as much as possible.

2) Constantly harass Xavi & Andres Iniesta

Barcelona midfielder's Xavi and Andres Iniesta have both been shortlisted for the 'Player of the Tournament' accolade following their impressive performances in South Africa.

Xavi and Iniesta are Spain's main source for creativity and the Netherlands will have to keep the duo at bay if they are to deny their opponents on Sunday.

The good thing for the Oranje though is that they have just the perfect weapon to do so. Holding midfielder's Mark van Bommel and Nigel de Jong have been simply outstanding at World Cup 2010 and the duo will have to turn out yet another stellar performance to help Holland to glory.

3) Use Wesley Sneijder

With Wesley Sneijder, Holland have one of the absolute stars of the tournament in their team. It appears as if everything the Inter playmaker touches turns to gold at the moment and Sneijder will be determined to add yet another trophy to his cabinet on Sunday.

The former Real Madrid star is still in the running to win both the 'top scorer' and the 'Player of the Tournament' awards, and Holland should use Sneijder as much as possible to take full advantage of his superb form.

Continue reading here...

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Lesotho Soccer World Cup: Uruguay 2-3 Germany

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World Cup 2010: Uruguay 2-3 Germany - Mueller & Forlan hot up golden boot race in end-to-end game as Joachim Loew seals third place

Confident Germans grab bronze...

By Robin Bairner | goal.com

Uruguay 2-3 Germany

Germany have grabbed third place at the 2010 World Cup, claiming the bronze medal position after a fine 3-2 win over Uruguay.

Die Mannschaft impressed early and moved ahead thanks to a predatory strike from Thomas Mueller but Edinson Cavani had tied the scores by the interval. The Celeste turned the game on its head when Diego Forlan’s well-taken volley found the net but their lead was also short lived, with Marcell Jansen levelling matters. Sami Khedira won the game with a header in the twilight of a fine fixture.

Traditionally the third place playoff is one of the most exciting games of the World Cup, and both sides showed early enterprise in Nelson Mandela Bay.

As early as the third minute Thomas Mueller would have the ball in the Uruguayan net, poking home from 18 yards, though his goal was disallowed for an earlier infringement committed by Cacau, who had been drafted into the team to replace the flu-ridden Miroslav Klose.

Moments later a rash challenge by another newcomer to the Europeans’ starting XI, Dennis Aogo, was lucky to escape with only a caution when he clattered into Diego Perez high and late, leaving the Uruguayan hardman to receive treatment.

Diego Forlan was typically the first man in sky blue to threaten, sending a free kick a foot to the right of Hans-Joerg Butt’s goal.

But it was Germany who were making most of the early running, forcing Jorge Fucile and Diego Lugano into some desperate clearances. The South American defence was very nearly breached on ten minutes when a deep corner from Mesut Oezil was firmly headed against the bar by Arne Friedrich, with Fernando Muslera beaten. Mueller could not wrestle home the rebound.

The Bayern Munich man had better luck soon afterwards. A thunderous long range drive from Bastian Schweinsteiger was poorly dealt with by the Uruguayan custodian, who spilled the ball out into the middle of the box. Mueller reacted when others did not, giving himself a simple tap in from ten yards.

Die Mannschaft were at this stage creating regular inroads into the Celeste’s defence but wouldn’t even enjoy the lead for ten minutes.

Forlan had already worried the German rearguard with a blocked back post header from a deflected cross by the time Cavani drew the sides level. Perez superbly picked the pocket of Schweinsteiger in the centre of the park, setting in motion a break that saw the Europeans outnumbered from the outset. Luis Suarez, booed relentlessly by the South African crowd, rolled a well-weighted pass to the Palmero striker, who took a touch before stretching to prod the ball by Butt and into the net.

The closing stages of the opening period, which were played out under heavy rain, did not bring the drama of the opening moments, though Uruguay might have grabbed the lead four minutes before the break. Forlan’s clever reverse pass released Suarez but the Ajax striker dragged his shot wide from a somewhat awkward angle.

Right on the stroke of half-time, Cacau nearly latched onto a deflected Mueller pass, though Fucile covered superbly across to avert the danger. Continue reading here...

Lesotho Soccer: FIFA World Cup Final Preview: Holland Vs Spain

http://www.flickr.com/photos/vramak/

With Holland and Spain to meet in the World Cup final at the Soccer City Stadium in Jo’burg on Sunday, the one thing that can be predicted with certainty is that there will be a new champion added to the most exclusive club in football.

With South American teams dominating up to the quarter-final phase of the tournament, nobody would have dared predict that Holland and Spain would meet in the final. But with both Argentina and Brazil shown the door in the quarter-finals, a European champion was on the cards, especially as the African teams did not justify pre-tournament predictions that foresaw their ascendancy.

The finalists are two extremely talented teams that play an open and attacking brand of football, far removed from the gritty game that has served Italy and Germany so well in the recent past. Holland were pipped at the post on two occasions, in 1974 and 1978, while Spain’s best performance prior to this edition has not exceeded a quarter-final entry. Ironically, this year, the two teams had to resort to more grit and ruthlessness, and less flair, en route to the final.

Quite in contrast with “total football”, the Dutch have played percentage football, with little expenditure of energy, to boast an all-win record at this World Cup.

Denmark, Japan and Cameroon were more grist to the Dutch mill, in the group stage. Slovakia was more of the same, in the round of 16, and Merwyjk’s men faced their first real challenge in the quarter-final when they met Brazil. Down by an early goal, following a defence lapse, Holland were given a life-line in the form of an own goal by Felipe Melo. Melo compounded his error by getting sent off for stamping on Robben, even as the Dutch, now 2-1 up, were cruising to an unlikely win.

Skipper Giovanni van Bronckhorst put Holland ahead of Uruguay with a 35 yarder from the left flank that was arguably the goal of the tournament.

Schneider and Robben then gave individual notice of Dutch masterclass, and despite an injury time fight back from Uruguay, there was only one winner on the day.

Midfielder Mark von Bommel has been Holland’s pillar of strength, and along with De Jong, due back from suspension, should direct the course of the match for the Dutch, in the final. Holland will also have back the services of their right back Gregory Van der Wiel, also returning from suspension. In what will probably be Van Bronckhorst’s last match for Holland, the skipper will be hoping for an encore of his performace against Uruguay.

Read more here

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Lesotho WORLD CUP 2010: Let me play! Fernando Torres begs for Spain starting place in World Cup final

By Ian Ladyman in Johannesburg

i.dailymail.co.uk

Fernando Torres has had a private meeting with Spain coach Vicente del Bosque and begged to be allowed to play in the World Cup final.

Torres is sweating on a place in Sunday night's line-up against Holland after enduring a dreadful, scoreless tournament and after being left out of the team that beat Germany in Wednesday night's semi-final in Durban.

It is understood the Liverpool striker spoke personally to coach Del Bosque at Spain's training base two hours outside Johannesburg and told him he will not let him down if he is reinstated for the final here at Soccer City.

Torres was left out against Germany after being substituted on the hour in Spain's two previous knock-out matches against Paraguay and Portugal. He was replaced by Barcelona midfielder Pedro against Germany, with David Villa being moved in from the left wing to play through the middle.

Del Bosque has not told his players yet who will play on Sunday but it is understood that Torres is now likely to be reinstated after looking considerably sharper than he had previously during his brief run-out from the bench against Germany.

In the Spanish camp there is enormous sympathy for Torres, who came into the biggest tournament of his career on the back of a season of injuries at Anfield and has not looked remotely like scoring in any of the games he has played over the last four weeks.

Former Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso said: 'He is a great footballer and a great guy. We have absolute trust in him. Great players are still great players, even when they haven't scored a goal.'

Torres didn't find out he was not starting Wednesday's semifinal until three hours before kick-off and Del Bosque is likely to employ the same tactic this weekend.

Even though Spain have never played in a World Cup final, they will start as favourites tomorrow.

Nevertheless, the threat of one of the players of the tournament, Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, cannot be ignored and on Friday Spanish defensive midfielder Sergio Busquets claimed that stopping the Inter Milan playmaker could be the secret to a Spanish victory.

Busquets said: 'We will try and stop him. It will be partly my job but I will try to do it with the help of the team. It will involve being tight and close to him and trying not to leave him time to think because if he does then he will easily play a good ball to a team-mate who's in a dangerous position for us.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2010/article-1293525/WORLD-CUP-2010-Let-play-Fernando-Torres-begs-Spain-starting-place-World-Cup-final.html?ito=feeds-newsxml#ixzz0tGT9yjIt

Lesotho Soccer: Netherlands World Cup 2010 Team Profile

Netherlands coach, Bert van Marwijk: “We can beat everyone”

Goalkeepers:
Michel Vorm; Maarten Stekelenburg; Sander Boschker

Defenders:
Gregory van der Wiel; Giovanni van Bronckhorst; Andre Ooijer; Joris Mathijsen; John Heitinga; Edson Braafheid; Khalid Boulahrouz

Midfielders:
Rafael van der Vaart; Mark van Bommel; Wesley Sneijder; Stijn Schaars; Demy de Zeeuw; Nigel de Jong; Ibrahim Afellay

Forwards:
Robin van Persie; Arjen Robben; Dirk Kuyt; Klaas Jan Huntelaar; Eljero Elia; Ryan Babel



Watch the World Cup 2010 Finals Live Here.

Lesotho World Cup: Puyol, a Star on Defense, Wins It With Offense

Lesotho Soccer News:  Puyol, a Star on Defense, Wins It With Offense

Puyol, a Star on Defense, Wins It With Offense
source: ROB HUGHES | nytimes.com

JOHANNESBURG — If you were to ask Carles Puyol which of the seven Barcelona players on the Spanish team that has reached the World Cup final he would expect to score the winning goal, he would place himself seventh and last.

Puyol is Spain’s rock. He is rugged, he stops others from scoring and he puts in his shift in the heart of defense, which he has done so for Spain and for Barcelona for the past decade. But give him a chance in the air, as Germany twice did in Durban on Wednesday night, and he would back himself to at least hit the target once.

His thumping goal, the forehead used like a blacksmith’s hammer in the 73rd minute, was typical of the man. The Germans often deployed 10 men in defense to try to stifle the Spanish rhythm, and it was atypical of them to leave a man so forceful, so athletic andso experienced with a virtual free header from a corner kick.

But by then, Germany had been run ragged. It is the most mentally exhausting thing on a soccer field to play without the ball. Spain, its passing so swift, its movement so superior, had the ball for almost five minutes more in each half than their opponents. Chasing the ball, being denied it, and not knowing where and how fast the next pass will be sucked the confidence and concentration out of Germany, which had thrashed both England and Argentina with four goals.

Lesson: You cannot win without the ball.

Second lesson: Puyol is not the player to leave unmarked in your penalty area.

If your man Miroslav Klose needs just one goal to equal the all-time World Cup record, do not expect that man Puyol to give him an inch to score it.

Germany effectively lost this contest to a club side. But Barcelona is a very special club. It plays in the autonomous region in the north known as Catalonia, and even if Vicente Del Bosque, the Spanish national team coach, is from Madrid, he cannot resist selecting the Barça players — or trusting their style.

The love of the ball, the passing from player to player, often just caressing rather than hitting the ball, is taught to all the boys who enter Barcelona’s academy, La Masia. It is a rare child who comes through it as nugget hard, rather than refined, like Xavi Hernández, Andres Iniesta — even, heaven help him, the team’s other central defender, Gerard Piqué.

Puyol is that rarity. He actually started as a goalie, flinging himself around with blind bravery, no doubt. When he damaged a shoulder, he switched to striker, and as he rose through the ranks of Barcelona youth sides, he was moved around from defense to midfield, back to defense as right back, before finally settling at center back.

With all that versatility, he could play. And naturally as a true Barça Catalan, he can pass. But mostly his job is to let no one past him. The Barça fans know him as the Wall.

In 580 games in his career, he has scored 15 times. His record for Spain in actually slightly better than for Barcelona because Wednesday was his third goal for Spain in 89 appearances.

“After everything Carles has given to the national team, he deserves a goal like that,” said Spain’s left back, Joan Capdevila. “The trajectory he brings here is so admirable, and what better present than to put us into a final.” Scoring, however, is only half the job where Puyol is concerned. To win the match, he had to ensure that Klose, or anybody else, did not get the chance to equalize. And when that job was also done, not only did Spain create its own history, Klose was denied his.

Somewhere in Brazil, one man will be very grateful. Ronaldo de Lima, still playing for Corinthians São Paulo, is the player whose 15 goals in World Cup tournaments stands one ahead of Klose.

It is fitting that Ronaldo keeps the record at least for another few days, or years if Klose does not score in the relatively meaningless third-place match Saturday against Uruguay. Continue Reading here...

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Germany 0-1 Spain

Lesotho Soccer: 'Psychic' Octopus Paul Predicted Spain Victory Germany

'Psychic' Octopus Paul Predicted Spain Win Over Germany



According to news.sky.com, The 'oracle' creature, who lives in Germany, maintained his 100% record of correctly choosing all of his homeland's results in the tournament after opting for Spain in the semi-finals.

His prediction came true and the Spanish went through to the World Cup final, after defeating the opposition 1-0 thanks to a Carlos Puyol goal.

Paul has now topped the Twitter trends.

So who will Paul pick between Spain and Netherlands?

Lesotho Soccer World Cup: Germany 0 - 1 Spain Video Highlights.

Lesotho Soccer World Cup: Germany 0 - 1 Spain Video Highlights.

World Cup Finals: Spain vs Netherlands on July 11, 2010 2:30 PM ET



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Lesotho Soccer World Cup: Germany 0-1 Spain

World Cup 2010: Germany 0-1 Spain - Bullet Carles Puyol header sends Spanish into first ever final with the Netherlands

Barcelona man rises high to knock out Germans...

Spain are through to face Holland in the World Cup final after a power-header from defender Carles Puyol was enough for the European champions to end the hopes of Joachim Loew’s Germany.

Both teams made one change from their regular line-up: Piotr Trochowski replaced the suspended Thomas Mueller for the Germans while out-of-form Fernando Torres was dropped in favour of Pedro Rodriguez in the Spanish side.

Germany kicked off but immediately and happily surrendered possession as they invited Spain to attack. The cagey opening was halted by an intruder streaking onto the pitch but it was the European champions who carved out the first real chance of the game on six minutes.

Pedro slipped in a sublime through ball to David Villa, who just managed to get a touch to it but it wasn’t enough to trouble an alert Manuel Neuer.

La Furia Roja continued to camp out inside the German half as Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Oezil provided glimpses of threat on the counter-attack for Die Mannschaft. But it was the Spaniards again who had the next chance after 13 minutes. From a short corner, Andres Iniesta drilled in a cross from the right flank and Carles Puyol stooped low to send a bullet header just over the bar.

Straight to the other end, an Oezil corner forced Iker Casillas to flap the ball nervously away as Joachim Loew’s side started to enjoy a bit more of composure and possession on the ball. Spain regained control as quickly as they gave it away, although they failed to create any meaningful goalscoring chances.

In fact, the next opportunity didn’t arrive until the half-hour mark and even then, Xabi Alonso’s 25-yard screamer flew wide of Neuer’s left post. Trochowski then showed how it was done when his left-footed pile driver from a similar distance forced Casillas to make a brilliant sprawling save.

Oezil managed to create more panic in the Spain box when he shimmed past two defenders but hesitated when he prepared to pull the trigger as Puyol pinched the ball off him. Vicente del Bosque’s troops finished the half the stronger with Sergio Ramos, Iniesta and Pedro creating openings, but it was Oezil who had a penalty shout turned down right before the whistle after a challenge from Ramos.

Read more at goal.com

Lesotho Soccer World Cup: Spain Soccer Team Profile World Cup 2010

Spain Soccer Team Profile World Cup 2010



World Cup appearances: 12
World Cup Titles: None

Overwhelming favourites to win the World Cup, Spain have built on their Euro 2008 victory to become one of the top teams in the world.

Spain have quality and skill running throughout their side, with goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defenders Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol, midfield maestros Xavi Hernandez and Andreas Iniesta, and one of the deadliest strike forces in the world in David Villa and Fernando Torres.

Characterised by their attractive, swift, one-touch football, Spain are the team to beat at this World Cup.

Spain had never won a major trophy until Euro 2008, and a question mark still remains on the ability to triumph on the world stage.

But the Spaniards were absolutely flawless in qualification, winning all 10 of their games, and that will make them confident about progressing from Group H, where they have to compete with Chile, Honduras, and Switzerland.
Squad:

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas, Jose Manuel 'Pepe' Reina, Victor Valdes

Defenders: Raul Albiol, Alvaro Arbeloa, Joan Capdevila, Carlos Marchena, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos

Midfielders: Xabier Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Javier Martinez, David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez

Forwards: Jesus Navas, Juan Manuel Mata, Pedro Rodriguez, Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres, David Villa

source: dnaindia.com

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Lesotho Soccer World Cup: Germany National Soccer Team 2010

Lesotho Soccer: Germany National Soccer Team 2010



Here is the current World Cup 2010 Germany National Soccer Team Profiles:

National Coach: Joachim Low
Assistant Coach: Hans-Dieter Flick
Keeper Coach: Andreas Kopke
Manager: Oliver Bierhoff

Players:

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
         Jorg Butt
        Tim Wiese

Defence: Philipp Lahm
     Arne Friedrich
     Dennis Aogo
     Holger Badstuber
     Jerome Boateng
     Marcell Jansen
     Per Mertesacker
     Serdar Tasci
     Sami Khedira

Midfield: Toni Kroos
      Bastian Schweinsteiger
      Marko Marin
      Mesut Ozil
      Piotr Trochowski

Offence: Lukas Podolski
     Miroslav Klose
     Thomas Muller
     Cacau
     Mario Gomez
     Stefan Kiebling

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Stylish Germany meets Classy Spain

Stylish Germany meets classy Spain in WCup semi

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -The World Cup's two most stylish sides meet on Wednesday when Germany and Spain decide which will play the Netherlands in Sunday's final.

Tournament organizers have yet to decide who will present the trophy at Johannesburg's Soccer City but at least the lineup will be complete after the second semifinal in Durban.

Germany is the favorite with many neutrals after hitting four goals in three of its five tournament matches. But European champion Spain has plenty of room for improvement even though it has eased through to the semifinals after a surprise opening loss.

The Netherlands made it to a first final since 1978 with a 3-2 win over Uruguay on Tuesday and coach Bert van Marwijk is warning his players to take nothing for granted.

Uruguay's World Cup adventure lasted longer than expected, but the disappointment of defeat was still hard to bear.

Thousands of football fans were dreaming of a return to the glory years of 1930 and '50 - when Uruguay won the World Cup - and crammed around giant screens in Montevideo to watch the team's first semifinal in 40 years.

But even with the euphoria over, fireworks were released and a halfhearted chorus of "soy celeste'' - "I'm a sky blue,'' as the national team is known - was heard as fans acknowledged their team's efforts.

Uruguay will play for third place against either Spain or Germany on Saturday.

World Cup organizers promise a high-tech closing ceremony featuring pop star Shakira, compared to the more traditionally African ceremony which opened the tournament.

Organizing committee spokesman Jermaine Craig says Sunday's show at Soccer City will be "more youthful and a bit more technologically advanced'' than the June 11 opening ceremony.

Craig says the nighttime event has "nice lighting effects and special effects planned.''

Maseru.Lesotho Soccer News source: sportsillustrated.cnn.com

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Lesotho Soccer World Cup: Uruguay vs Netherlands Highlights

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Lesotho Soccer: Netherlands into World Cup final, 3-2 over Uruguay

Image source: dailymail.co.uk

Netherlands into World Cup final, 3-2 over Uruguay
By BARRY WILNER

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)—Arjen Robben emerged from the bottom of an Oranje mosh pit, mud on his brow and a smile on his face.

For good measure, he threw kisses at his teammates and fans. His goal gave the Netherlands a 3-2 victory over Uruguay and a spot in the World Cup final.

Now that’s a Dutch treat!

The big prize—that elusive first title—is still one game away. But this was such a moment to savor that most of the squad made a curtain call nearly an hour after the biggest Netherlands victory in decades, leading about 1,000 orange-clad fans in cheers that figure to last until Sunday.

That’s when the Dutch play either Spain or Germany for the championship of the world.

“If you win the final, you make yourself immortal, at least in our country,” Robben said. “We will do everything we can to take the Cup back.”

Long wasteful with its soccer talent, the Netherlands sure has found the right touch in this tournament.

Stars Wesley Sneijder and Robben scored three minutes apart in the second half as the Netherlands advanced to its first title match since losing in 1978 to Argentina.

“We are so close,” Sneijder said. “There is nothing bigger than the World Cup.”

And nothing better than sharing it with their countrymen.

So out came Robben, Sneijder and their teammates long after the final whistle, to join the celebration in an empty stadium—empty except for that rollicking section of fans still singing Dutch songs, waving flags, and bowing in unison. The players joined in from the field, several on the shoulders of others, some taking photos. Back home in Amsterdam, the victory touched off mass celebrations, too.

Winners of all six games in South Africa, 10 in a row overall and in the midst of a 25-match unbeaten streak, the Dutch have the look of champions—with an Oranje hue, of course.

“This is unforgettable,” said Sneijder, now tied with Spain’s David Villa for top scorer at the tournament (five goals). “It was a tough fight and toward the end we complicated matters.

“Sunday we play in the World Cup final. I have to get used to that.”

Besides the loss to Argentina in ’78, the Netherlands fell in its only other appearance in the final, to West Germany in 1974.

Both of those title-game defeats came during the golden period of Dutch soccer, and in the opposition’s homeland. No such worries this time, and no country outside of Africa has had as much fan support as the Netherlands.

Inside Green Point Stadium it looked like a Florida orange grove. Outside, a Netherlands fan in a blue and white bodysuit stood on stilts and played a vuvuzela—badly. It was about the only thing that didn’t measure up for the Dutch.

And a tournament that looked like a South American fiesta early on will end in a European showdown for the second straight World Cup. Sneijder and Robben made sure of that.

Sneijder’s goal came somewhat unexpectedly because Uruguay had shut down the Dutch offense for much of the second half. His left-footed shot from just inside the penalty area barely ticked the leg of defender Maximiliano Pereira and, with Robin van Persie almost deflecting it again, the ball skidded past goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Then Robben sent a cross from Dirk Kuyt past a flat-footed Muslera with a brilliant header. His teammates piled on in an Oranje Crush celebration, and Robben came up from it muddied and merry—and with the knowledge that, ahead 3-1, the Netherlands was likely headed to the championship match.

Uruguay was without dangerous striker Luis Suarez, whose handball on the goal line in the final seconds of extra time against Ghana saved his team in the quarterfinals. He drew a red card for that, and spent his suspension on the bench watching his undermanned teammates come up just short.

Pereira made the Netherlands sweat with a goal in injury time, and Stekelenburg’s late save preserved the biggest Dutch win in decades. The Dutch have now won 10 straight and are unbeaten in their last 25 games.

Robben was replaced late in the match, and at the final whistle he fell flat to the turf as he ran back onto the pitch. Mark van Bommel hustled over to where the ball came to rest, picked it up and hugged it. His teammates then began a joyous stroll around the field, some of them barechested, as the vuvuzelas blared and Dutch flags waved in the stands.

“This is very special,” Van Marwijk said. “After 32 years we play the final again. Such a small country! We can be very proud of this.” Continue reading here...

Lesotho World Cup: Rooney, Ronaldo, now Messi - stars misfire in Cup

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Lesotho Soccer World Cup 2010 News:  

Rooney, Ronaldo, now Messi - stars misfire in Cup
By BRADLEY S. KLAPPER 

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Rooney, then Ronaldo and now Messi.

They were supposed to light up the World Cup after scoring a total of 114 goals for their clubs this season, but left South Africa with only one goal in 13 matches.

Wayne Rooney huffed and puffed but failed to score before England was sent packing by Germany. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo scored — once, in garbage time — but didn't run much at all before being eliminated by Spain. Argentina's Lionel Messi couldn't produce the magic when it counted, against the Germans in the quarterfinals.

All 25 or younger and considered three of the world's best players, they were the World Cup's biggest disappointments.

For Rooney, it seemed a case of fatigue or injury — he had knee, ankle and groin problems over the last two months of his club season. Whatever the cause, rarely did the 24-year-old Manchester United striker storm past defenders with a typically powerful run after a season in England in which he scored 34 goals to make up for Ronaldo's record transfer to Real Madrid.

Ronaldo's lone goal — against North Korea in a 7-0 rout — was little solace for a player hyped in a well-publicized commercial as Portugal's savior.

Even with the captain's armband, the 25-year-old forward did little to inspire his team. He rarely tracked back in defense, lost the ball when dribbling and looked a shadow of the player who was selected as the world's best in 2008.

That title went to Messi last year after he led Barcelona to an historic series of national, European and world club titles, and he continued his stellar performances with an astonishing 47 goals for his team in the 2009-10 season. The 23-year-old forward has often been accused of failing to reproduce his best form for Argentina, and will have done little to erase that charge in South Africa.

Diego Maradona has called Messi his heir apparent. But in his second World Cup, Messi failed to find the target and never conjured the magic of Maradona when his nation needed him, fading out of the match as Argentina was thrashed 4-0 by Germany.

"To see Messi cry in the dressing room, whoever says that he doesn't feel pride for his shirt is stupid," Maradona said.

Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi weren't alone.

From Brazil, there was Kaka. The 28-year-old playmaker was voted the world's best player three years ago, but was coming off a disappointing season after a lucrative move to Real Madrid, forced to play a deeper, more defensive role behind Ronaldo.

Back in his favored position just behind the strikers with Brazil, Kaka was sent off in the group match against Ivory Coast.

He came back for the round of 16 match as Brazil beat Chile 3-0, and nearly scored for a two-goal lead in the quarterfinal against the Netherlands. But when the Dutch came storming back in the second half to win 2-1, Kaka went quiet.

Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o and Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba have won five of the last seven African player of the year awards. With the weight of a continent on their shoulders, neither player could lift his team.

Eto'o, after moving from Barcelona to Inter Milan, was coming off a second straight season in which his club won everything possible — a triple crown of titles in the domestic league and cup, and the Champions League. He scored twice in three games in South Africa, but Cameroon was the first team eliminated.

Drogba broke a bone in his right arm just before the tournament and had to wear a soft cast to play. He missed a late chance to break a 0-0 draw against Portugal but scored a late consolation goal against Brazil. However, the damage was done — and even a solid 3-0 win over North Korea couldn't rescue a talented Ivorian team's tournament.

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Related Article(s) Lesotho Soccer World Cup:
Germany eliminates Argentina.

Coach Loew: Germany must force Spain into mistakes to win World Cup semifinal

Lesotho Soccer World Cup News:

Coach Loew: Germany must force Spain into mistakes to win World Cup semifinal
By Nesha Starcevic

ERASMIA, South Africa — Coach Joachim Loew says Spain is the strongest team Germany has faced at the World Cup and the only way to beat the European champions is to force them into mistakes.

Spain has been the most consistent team of the past two or three years and is the favourite for the World Cup title, Loew said Monday.

But he believes Germany can beat any opponent, including a Spain team whose passing game he praised as a model for his own style.

Germany lost to Spain 1-0 in the final of the 2008 European Championship and the two sides meet in the semifinal of the World Cup on Wednesday in Durban.

"We are not speaking of revenge, that hasn't been on my mind at all. We lost the final in 2008 because we were beaten by the best team of the time," Loew said.

"But we have hope that we can win. For me, Spain is the favourite for the title. It has been the most consistent team of the past two or three years and has played at a very high level. Spain has not one Messi, but several Messis who can decide a game," Loew said.

Loew was referring to Argentina star Lionel Messi, who was virtually shut out of the game when Germany routed Argentina 4-0 in the quarter-finals. Germany also eliminated England 4-1 and has scored the most goals, 13, while displaying perhaps the best football at the tournament.

Spain, however, will be a tough challenge, Loew said.

"They make almost no mistakes but we have to force them into making errors," said Loew, who devised masterful tactics to beat England and Argentina, seizing on the two teams' defensive liabilities.

"Spain is very strong as a unit, both in offence and defence, they have several players who can decide games and tactically they are very good. But at the moment we are capable of beating everyone." Continue reading here...

Netherlands stuns Brazil 2-1 to reach semifinals

Lesotho Soccer World Cup News:  Netherlands stuns Brazil 2-1 to reach semifinals
Associated Press

PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa — Brazil had never really been under duress in the World Cup until the quarterfinals Friday. How would it react, with resilience or agitation? Could it take a punch, or did it have a glass jaw?

Image source

Few could have imagined that a dominant first half would disintegrate into such a loss of composure in a 2-1 loss to the Netherlands. For a second consecutive World Cup, Brazil exited in the quarterfinals, its hopes of a sixth title shattered along with its equanimity and self-control.
As it crumbled, Brazil put a ball into its own net, grew unnerved by the diving of Dutch forward Arjen Robben, and played a man down for the final 17-plus minutes after committing an impetuous foul. One of the tallest teams in the tournament, Brazil gave up the winning goal on a header by Dutch playmaker Wesley Sneijder, one of the shortest men on the field.

As Brazil leaves unceremoniously, the Netherlands advances to the semifinals against Uruguay, which beat Ghana on penalty kicks. The Netherlands defeated Brazil for the first time in the World Cup since 1974 and the days of Johan Cruyff and gained redemption for defeats in 1994 and 1998, while also beginning to shed its image as a talented but underperforming team.

"Finally, finally, we won," Sneijder said.

While Dunga, Brazil's coach, faces caustic second-guessing for a style that favored muscle over beauty, Bert van Marwijk of the Netherlands gained validation for his assertion that the Dutch could win the World Cup for the first time.

"People mocked me for that," said van Marwijk, who became coach two years ago.

But if others doubted him, he did not doubt himself. "I said I'm not going to the tournament just to take part; I want to win," van Marwijk said. "I want the best prize. People might think (I am) arrogant. But if you beat Brazil, then you should dare to say this."

Felipe Melo, a Brazilian midfielder, will forever remain in the bull's-eye for everything that went right and wrong in this match for the departed co-favorites.

He re-entered the starting lineup for Ramires, who was suspended with two yellow cards. And in the 10th minute, Melo sent a pass through a yawning gap in the middle of the Netherlands' defense. The ball seemed to roll forever as if on a fairway after a tee shot.

The Netherlands had been forced to alter its starting lineup in central defense, when Joris Mathijsen injured his knee during warm-ups. Andre Ooijer replaced him, which led to early confusion that was harshly punished by Brazil. Robinho ran past Ooijer, and his partner John Heitinga, cocked his right leg at the top of the penalty area and swept the ball into the goal for a 1-0 Brazil lead.

His leg seemed to swing like a door closing on the Netherlands. Continue reading here...

Lesotho Soccer: Inspired Paraguay reaches quarterfinals

Lesotho Soccer World Cup News:

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World Cup: Inspired Paraguay reaches quarterfinals
source: Kevin Baxter | latimes.com

With an effort dedicated to teammate Salvador Cabanas, who was shot in the head in January, Paraguay defeats Japan on penalty kicks to get past the second round for the first time.

Reporting from Pretoria, South Africa — Physically, Salvador Cabanas was half a world away when Edgar Barreto prepared to take the penalty shot that would help decide Paraguay's World Cup future.

Spiritually, however, Barreto said he felt like his former teammate was standing right behind him. "His spirit is with the team," Barreto said. "He's always close to us."

Cabanas should have been on the field Tuesday as Paraguay, which defeated Japan, 5-3, on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw, moved into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in its history. Instead he was in South America, recuperating from a near-fatal shooting that left him with a bullet in his head.

 Gone, perhaps, but certainly not forgotten.

"Before we go out to train or whatever, we think of him. We know that he's over there but we know he's supporting us," Paraguay striker Edgar Benitez said.

Which is why Cabanas' ex-teammates are doing what they can to support him. Knowing they were guaranteed only three games in South Africa, the Paraguayans dedicated their first-round matches to Cabanas.

They went on to win their group, eliminating the defending tournament champions from Italy along the way. "We called him in his room," midfielder Cristian Riveros said. "We sent him a big hug."

Then came Tuesday, when Paraguay battled Japan through 120 scoreless minutes, setting up a penalty-kick shootout to determine which team would move on. Japan was the strongest team in the tournament on free kicks. Paraguay, with three goals, was the lowest-scoring group winner in the World Cup.

Yet it was Japan that flinched when Yuichi Komano's shot in the third round struck the crossbar. When Nelson Valdez and Oscar Cardozo followed by burying their attempts, Paraguay's improbable run continued.

"We've dedicated this to him," said Barreto, who set the tone for the shootout by beating Japanese keeper Eiji Kawashima with the first shot.

It's unlikely any of this happens without Cabanas, whose six goals in World Cup qualifying led the team and made Paraguay the second South American team to clinch a berth in the tournament.

Then came the morning of Jan. 25 when Cabanas, in Mexico City to play for his club team, walked into restroom on his way out of a trendy nightclub in an upscale neighborhood. Continue reading here...

Related Article(s) Maseru.Lesotho Soccer World Cup:
Paraguay eliminates Japan.

Japanese praise Blue Samurai for World Cup quest

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TOKYO: Disappointed Japanese fans heaped praise on their national football team early on Thursday despite the loss to Paraguay in the first penalty shoot-out of World Cup 2010.

Supporters in Tokyo screamed in despair when Japan's Yuichi Komano hit the crossbar with his penalty kick after extra time failed to produce a result.

Asia's final hope of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals was dashed as Paraguay's Oscar Cardozo scored the decisive spot-kick in Pretoria.

Some female fans wept as others crouched in both disappointment and fatigue at a Tokyo cafe run by former star striker Hidetoshi Nakata.

"I cannot take this," Akira Hayashi said at the cafe, where groans of dismay echoed as television footage showed the Paraguay team celebrate.

"But they really did their best," said the 22-year-old. "They really showed the Japanese spirit."

Taiki Nakazawa, 21, said: "They fought to the very last minute. Just an inch short in the penalty kick. Paraguay was only slightly stronger than us."

"Of course, it would have been better if they had won," Yamato Suekuni, 19, said. "But they really were impressive."

The streets of Shibuya, the buzzing centre of Japanese youth culture in Tokyo, were flooded by dejected fans, despite the late hour after a game that kicked off at 11pm local time. Continue reading here...

Related Article(s) Lesotho Soccer World Cup:
Paraguay eliminates Japan.