World Cup - Quarter Finals

Sneijder sinks favourites Brazil

The Netherlands shocked Brazil with a stunning second-half comeback to knock the favourites out of the World Cup 2-1. Robinho put the South Americans ahead after just 10 minutes, and Brazil looked in complete control in the first half.

But the Dutch were a different team in the second half. And two moments of madness from Brazil changed the game. The first led to Holland's equaliser, as Sneijder floated a ball across the box, goalkeeper Julio Cesar came for it, and flapped and missed, and it glanced off Felipe Melo's head and into the goal to make it 1-1.

Then on 68 minutes, the Netherlands took the lead with a brilliantly worked corner. Kuyt runs to the near post to flick it on, and Sneijder is there to turn into the goal with his head to complete a stunning turnaround.

After that, Brazil lost their cool and the game. Five minutes later Felipe Melo brought Robben to the ground, and then needlessly stamped on his leg, earning him a red card, and condemning Brazil to playing the last 15 minutes with just ten men.

Brazil never looked likely to score, and it was the Netherlands who could have added two or three more before the end. A massive shock. A deserved win for the Dutch. 2-1.

World Cup Last 16 - England v Germany

Deutschslapped!

A youthful energetic and exciting German team whipped England 4-1 to reach the World Cup quarter final. Klose and Podolski put them on their way with two goals in the first 30 minutes. And when Upson equalised it looked like England could make it a contest.

Then came the controversial turning point on 38 minutes. A Frank Lampard shot clearly crossed the line, but amazingly the officials miss it, and no goal is given.

England were poor, and Germany crucified them on the break twice in the second half with two goals from Mueller, after swift sweet passing movements the length of the pitch.

In the end, England were praying for the final whistle to put them out of their misery.

World Cup - Last 16 Uruguay v South Korea

Suarez stunner seals it for Uruguay

A brilliant curler from Luis Suarez won an entertaining game, and gave Uruguay the honour of being the first team through to the quarter finals of the World Cup. Suarez scored both goals in fact, and is looking like one of the hottest strikers at the tournament - if he's not bought by someone for big money over the summer I'll be very surprised. He currently plays for Ajax.

South Korea were worth their equaliser from Lee Chung Young when it came on 68 minutes. They had dominated the second half up to that point as Uruguay tried to defend its lead. But they just didn't have the quality of someone like Suarez. Uruguay are the first team from South America other than Brazil or Argentina to qualify for the quarter finals since 1978. And they'll be a test for Ghana or the USA in what must be the easiest section of the draw.

World Cup - Group G decided

Yawnfest from Brazil, Portugal but both advance

It was the clash that whet the appetite when the World Cup draw was made - Brazil v Portugal. It was meant to be a clash of flair, style and skill. But in the end the two teams played out a pretty boring 0-0 draw. Brazil say Portugal played with 11 men behind the ball and that's why it was so dour. Both teams move on, Brazil as group winners, and Portugal to a tantalising clash with Spain in the round of 16.

In other game in the group, the Ivory Coast put three past North Korea. And it could easily have been more. But even the 3-0 win wasn't enough to prevent them getting knocked out. Soloman Kalou scored the third goal, but bemoaned the tough draw the Africans got for the second World Cup in a row. Four years ago in Germany, they were drawn with Argentina, Netherlands and Serbia/Montenegro -this year it was Brazil and Portugal. "Hopefully at the next World Cup we'll have an easier draw and we make it to the next round," said Kalou.

World Cup - Group E decided

Exciting Japan beat Denmark to join Holland in Last 16

Two exquisite free kicks from Honda and Endo sealed the deal for Japan, who were lively and entertaining. They just needed a draw, but even when Tommasson scored from the rebound on his missed penalty with ten minutes to go, Japan did not sit back and defend their 2-1 lead. They continued to attack and rewarded with a third from Okazaki in the closing minutes. So their 3-1 victory sees them progress to meet Paraguay in the last 16.

Holland were already through to the next round, and they

clocked up three wins from three by beating Cameroon 2-1. Robin van Persie scored the opener, Huntelaar the winner, after Cameroon had equalised through an Eto'o penalty. A workmanlike performance rather than inspiring, but given that they had already qualified, that's all they needed. And they saw Arjen Robben come back from injury to make an appearance in the closing stages, which means they are definitely ones to watch as it progresses.

World Cup - Group F decided

Italy dumped out of World Cup by Slovakia, Paraguay advance

The most dramatic game of the World Cup so far saw defending champions Italy getting knocked out of the tournament by Slovakia. The Italians were poor, but stepped up a gear dramatically in the second half setting up the most thrilling conclusion to a game you are likely to see. We had disallowed goals, goal-line clearances, multiple goals but in the end, the tickets to Rome were being booked.

Slovakia went 2-0 with up with goals from Robert Vittek either side of half time. When Di Natali pulled one back for Italy on 81 minutes, it looked like they would get the equaliser they needed. But Skertel cleared off the line, and Italy had a goal disallowed for offside. Then, unbelievably, the Italians conceded again in the last minute, with substitute Kopunek sneaking past the defence to collect a line-throw and chip it over the advancing goalkeeper to put the result beyond doubt.

Or at least that's what you would think. Incredibly, there was another twist left. Quaglarella scored a beauty for the Italians two minutes into injury time, and there was still a late opportunity for Italy to score again, but Pepe volleyed wide.

Meanwhile, New Zealand and Paraguay were playing out a scoreless draw, which was good enough to see Paraguay progress. But it was heartbreak for the "All Whites" who couldn't find the breakthrough they needed, and end up with three draws from three games - but despite being unbeaten, they are going home.

World Cup - Group D decided

Germany and Ghana Go Forward

Germany beat Ghana 1-0 but both teams progress after Australia beat Serbia 2-1 in the Group's other final game. The only goal of the game was a brilliant one by Mesut Ozil in the second half. And Germany were lucky - Ghana had several close misses. But in the end the Germans progress to meet England at the weekend.

It was still party time for Ghana too. They are the only African nation to progress to Round Two. That's because Serbia could not find an equaliser in a tense conclusion to their game against Australia. Australia were 2-0 up at one stage, and had a slim chance of progressing at one stage - if they and the Germans both scored one more. Their goals came from Tim Cahill and Brett Holman. But Serbia pulled one back and piled on the pressure. But could not find the equaliser that would have sent them through.

World Cup - Group C decided

Donavan's injury time winner puts USA top of Group, England progress too

One minute they were out of the World Cup. The next, the USA were group toppers! Landon Donavon scored an injury time winner against Algeria to give US a deserved win. Meanwhile, England were much more convincing in their 1-0 win against Slovenia. Admittedly, Slovenia had one chance to score in the entire game, and the English couldn't translate their dominance, particularly in the first half into goals. But a win is a win and all of the discontent will probably be forgotten.

Jermaine DeFoe was the hero with a first half goal from a brilliant James Milner cross. Rooney

played a great game - but again failed to score. He hit the post when he looked certain to score and was later substituted by Capello for Joe Cole. Interestingly there was no handshake between Rooney and Capello as he left the field. Maybe things are still not good in that camp.

It's the first time since 1930 that the USA has topped their Group at a World Cup. And it was thoroughly deserved. Once again they had a perfectly good goal disallowed - Clint Dempsey ruled offside when he was clearly wasn't. They also had several shots very well saved and when Algeria were trying to run down the clock and settle for a draw that was actually no good to them, the USA were positive and went for it. I reckon the drama of the last minute winner will boost interest in the World Cup here ten-fold. Particularly when they topped the Group too!

World Cup - Group B decided

Argentina progress in first gear, South Korea hold on for draw against Nigeria

South Korea join Argentina in last 16 after one of the worst misses that the World Cup has ever seen. Everton striker Yakubu was two yards out, straight in front of goal, no goalkeeper to beat, and somehow managed to put the ball outside the post. It's a cliche but it really looked easier to score.

Minutes later, Yakubu showed steel to slot home a penalty to tie the match 2-2, but with his team needing a win to progress, it will be hard for him to forget that miss.

South Korea move on to the next stage for only the second time - the last was when they hosted the tournament in 2002. Lee Jung-Soo and Park Chu-young were the scorers for Korea. Their players shed tears of joy before leaving the pitch in Durban.

Argentina didn't have to leave first gear to beat Greece 2-0. The goals came from Martin Demichilis and 36 year old subsitute Martin Palermo. For long periods, Greece were still in with a chance of progressing by getting a draw but it really never looked likely. Argentina now face Mexico, South Korea face Uruguay in the last 16.

World Cup - Group A decided

France a mess, Hosts out despite win, Uruguay and Mexico advance

Host nation South Africa restored some pride and piled more misery on France by beating them 2-1 in the final Group A Game. A draw would have been enough for Uruguay and Mexico to both advance, but in a keenly contested match, Uruguay won 1-0, securing top spot in the group and avoiding Argentina in the next round.

South Africa are the first host nation not to progress past the group stages, but they restored a huge amount of pride by beating the runners-up four years ago 2-1. The goals from Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela gave their supporters hope they could pull off the impossible, but when they chased the goals they needed to overtake Mexico, France gained a consolation goal from Malouda.

The French farce has been highly entertaining for the rest of the world, but especially the Irish. Watching them implode has led to "Karma is a bitch" being the most popular Tweet of the week! First they send home Anelka, then the players refuse to train, and then in today's game Domenech leaves captain Patrice Evra on the bench, and watches as Gourcuff got sent off for leading with the elbow. A man and two goals down with just half an hour gone - it is embarrassing for a nation as proud as France.

Uruguay are the surprise winners of Group A - they beat Mexico thanks to Luis Suarez header in the first half. Despite predictions that they may play out a draw, both sides went for it with the prize of avoiding Argentina. And in the end both sides could celebrate at the final whistle.

World Cup Day Eleven

Villa misses out on hat-trick, Spain could rue lost opportunities

How many times in your career will you get a chance to hit a World Cup hat-trick. Spain eased past Honduras 2-0, but will the European champions regret not being able to capitalise on many many chances? David Villa scored a brilliant opener in the first half and a deflected second after half time. But then he missed a penalty kick and another one-on-one chance to complete his hat-trick. Spain had opportunity after opportunity, but too often tried to complicate things rather than take a quick strike on goal. They will still top the group if they beat Chile, but if they can't they may end up ruing the missed chances today. They looked impressive though.

Portugal goal-fest sets tournament alight

Portugal crushed North Korea 7-0, with goals from six different players including Ronaldo. They led buy just one goal at half-time. But a second half of utter domination and six goals set Portugal on course to progress from the group of death. They still have to play Brazil, but the glut of goals was just what they needed - as it's hard to see Ivory Coast being able to rachet up a similar scoreline against the Koreans, meaning the Portugese would progress on goal difference even if they lose to Brazil.

Chile overcome 10-man Switzerland

A harsh sending-off for Behrami after 30 minutes, left the Swiss struggling to contain a good Chile side in an entertaining game. Substitute Mark Gonzalez finally made the breakthough with 15 minutes left, as Chile went two wins for two games in the group. Derdiyok had a great chance to equalise in injury time, but shot wide.

WORLD CUP - France in disarray

Players won't train after Anelka expulsion

France's World Cup limps from disaster to disaster. The latest word from South Africa is that their players have refused to train on Sunday - in protest at the sending-home of Nicolas Anelka. It's clear that coach Raymond Domenech does not have the support of any of his team. The head of the French Football Federation quit in disgust saying he was sickened and disgusted by the scandal. Jean Louis Valentin said the players decision not to train as unacceptable.

The team arrived for training and got off their bus to greet fans. But captain Evra stayed on the to tell Domenech what was happening. Then Evra argued with fitness coach Robert Duverne, who was setting up training cones. Duvrne threw is accreditation to the ground and stormed off when h heard what was happening. Evra then gave a letter to the press office and bunch of spoiled brats, sorry I mean the players, got back on the bus and pulled the curtains.

Anelka was sent home from the World Cup on Friday after launching a verbal tirade on coach Domenech. Missing the point entirely, the French players are now focussing their ire on who the "rat" was who revealed what had been said to the media. "The problem of France is not Anelka, but he traitor among us," said captain Patrice Evra, "This comes from someone who is on the team and wants to hurt the team."

Yes, Patrice!!! The problem for France is someone talking to a reporter, not how crap the team has been performing on the pitch. The Scadenfruede for Irish fans, angry at France for cheating them out of a place in the World Cup, grows by the day.

World Cup Day Ten

Kaka sent off as Brazil qualify from Group

Brazil beat Ivory Coast 3-1, but had their star player sent off in a tempestuous final ten minutes. Fabiano scored twice for Brazil, once in each half and Elano added a third as Brazil seemed to be coasting to an easy win. But Ivory Coast turned up the aggression in the second half and were rewarded with a goal from Didier Drogba ten minutes from time. And Brazil did not like some of the tackles coming in from the Ivory Coast players. Some were truly nasty. Others were relatively harmless but Brazilian players began rolling around on the ground as if their leg had just been chopped off every time. Meanwhile, their coach Dunga was jumping up on down on the sideline every time a Brazil player was tackled - fanning the flames as the game turned sour. It was ridiculous - and not something one of the best teams in the tournament need to get involved in. And it came back to bite them. Every foul was followed by pushing and shoving, and eventually Kaka got two yellow cards in quick succession. Kaka is hardly a dirty player - the first yellow was for a bit of pushing and shoving and probably deserved. But the second incident saw Kader Keita of Ivory Coast just running into him and feigning injury. The referee, who had lost control of the game at this stage, reached for a second yellow, and one of the tournament's biggest names took the walk of shame. He didn't deserve it, but his coach and teammates played their part in cooking up the needless nastiness.

All White on the Night

New Zealand stunned the football world by grabbing a 1-1 draw with world champions Italy. They took the lead after seven minutes when Shane Smeltz snook in behind the Italian defence to poke home a free kick. The Italians were level within twenty minutes - when they were given a fairly generous penalty kick, slotted home by Iaquinta. New Zealand held on as the Italians piled on the pressure in the second half, and can than goalkeeper Mark Paston for a number of outstanding saves. The All Whites almost got a winner themselves when Wood shot just wide in the closing stages. We can add Italy to the list of big nations struggling at this World Cup. Meanwhile, the tournaments rank outsiders New Zealand are level with the Italians on points and with every chance of getting out of their group!

Paraguay sink Slovakia

Paraguay beat Slovakia 2-0 to send them top of their group - thanks to well taken goals from Enrique Vera and Cristian Rivero on 27 and 86 minutes. Slovakia on the other hand were void of inspiration, and look to be on their way out of this world cup. They face Italy on Thursday, while Paraguay play Australia. And with the Azzurri needing a win to progress, Slovakia look doomed.

World Cup Day Nine

Great Danes send Cameroon packing

Cameroon became the first team to be knocked out of the World Cup after losing their second game 2-1 to Denmark. The Africans can't progress no matter how they fare in their final group game against the Dutch. It was an entertaining game with loads of chances thanks to very loose defending. The winning goal was a cracker from Dennis Rommedahl who cut in from the right hand side and cracked home a curling shot to the far post with his left foot. Denmark can also thank goalkeeper Thomas Sorenson for a brilliant save, diving low to his right to prevent Emana from scoring.

10-man Aussies cling to survival

Australia played most of the game without Harry Kewell, who was shown a red card after 24 minutes for a handball. The awfully titled Socceroos had been 1-0 up at that stage, but the resulting penalty tied up the game. Australia did well to keep Ghana at bay for the rest of the game, but while they could still progress, it looks unlikely. It's the second game in which the Australians finished with ten men - their star player Tim Cahill watched today's game from the stands after being sent off in their opening game against Germany.

Dutch overcome stubborn Japanese challenge

Wesley Sneijder scored the game's only goal on 53 minutes as the Netherlands put themselves on course for the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Japan. Holland are now unbeaten in 21 games and moving along quietly and efficiently in this tournament.

WORLD CUP - Time to have fun at England's Expense

Here are two front pages from England's biggest selling tabloid, The Sun. Compare and contrast.

The first was the day after the World Cup Draw was made:

The second is today's headline, after their team was booed off the pitch by fans following a second draw at the tournament:

If that doesn't draw a smile maybe this will:

World Cup Day Eight

England bore their way to a draw

Showing no creativity, no ideas, and no hope of figuring in the later stages of this tournament, England drew 0-0 with Algeria, a team that Republic of Ireland beat 3-0 just a few weeks ago in a friendly. I would mention some goalmouth action if I could remember a single exciting moment. But I can't. David James started in goal ahead of butterfingers Green. Erm...their fans booed at the end.

On ESPN:

Steve McManaman: When they play in the jerseys of Man United, or Chelsea, they are stars. But when they put on the White jersey, not so good.

Alexei Lalas: How about this? They're just not that good. They are big names, big stars, get paid lots of money, are very famous. But they are just not that good.

USA robbed by ref after dramatic comeback

USA came from two behind to snatch a 2-2 draw with Slovenia, and should have won it, but had a goal disallowed in the closing stages for no apparent reason. Landon Donavan smashed a brilliant shot into the roof of the net from a seemingly impossible angle to start the recovery, and then the coach's son Michael Bradley did well to keep his shot down when scoring the second. A really exciting game though, and one that's sure to boost interest in the World Cup here (Americans love feeling a sense of injustice, don't they? Watch them moan justifiably about that disallowed goal)

Germans shocked by Serbia

Having thrashed the Australians 4-0 Germany shot up the favourites ladder, but they've been knocked right back down again by a 1-0 defeat to Serbia. Milan Jovanavic scored the winner in the first half - but the other key moment was a red-card for Miroslav Klose (two yellows in just 36 minutes) which left the Germans chasing the game with 10-men. It's not like they didn't have their chance - Lukas Podolski admits he feels like an idiot after missing a second half penalty. So now Spain, France, and now Germany have all lost games in the tournament so far. It's getting interesting.

World Cup Day Seven

France need a miracle

Mexico beat France 2-0, leaving Raymond Domenech's men with just one point heading into the final group games. Mexico look on course to progress along with Uruguay - they both need just a draw when they meet each other next week. But France must hope there is a result in that match, and that they beat South Africa - or it's another embarrassing exit for the 1998 champions. One of the Mexican goal-scorers Javier Hernandez signed for Manchester United before the tournament - it looks like Alex Ferguson knows what he's doing.

Greece in first ever World Cup win

Their country may be bankrupt, but Greek spirits were lifted by their first ever World Cup win. They came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1. The Africans finished the match with just ten men - midfielder Kaita got a straight red card in the middle of the first half. By then Nigeria were 1-0 up, but the Greeks drew level just before the break. And Torisidos was the hero when he poked home the winner on 71 minutes. What a disappointing tournament for the Nigerians.

Argentina hit their stride

The tournament favourites eased past South Korea with a 4-1 win that was never in doubt. They took the lead on 17 minutes when a Messi free-kick was deflected into the goal. And then Gonzalo Higuan added a hat-trick - the first on 33 minutes, and two in the space of four minutes in the last 15 minutes of the game.

World Cup Day Six

Swiss sink Spain in first major upset

Many people's pre-tournament favourites, but perennial underachievers, Spain were beaten 1-0 by a Swiss side, playing with an organised and dogged determination that will be familiar to Irish soccer fans. This win was very reminiscent of some of Ireland's World Cup wins. Spain, the European champions, are clearly the more talented team, with the likes of Torres, Xavi, Villa, and Alonso on board. But when Gelson Fernandes scored for the Swiss, with a scrappy goal, they stuck to their task and were rewarded with all three points. Spain still should have enough talent to get out of this group, though.

Hosts on verge of Exit

South Africa look like they won't make it past the group stages, after being demolished 3-0 by Uruguay. Diego Forlan opened the scoring with a screamer from outside the box in the first half, and then added a second from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Khune was red-carded for tripping Suarez when he seemed through on goal. Alberto Parreiro piled on the misery with a third in injury time. Some of the South African fans were streaming out of the stadium before the final whistle had even sounded. I wonder if South Africa does exit, what does it mean for atmosphere for the rest of the tournament?

Chile outclass Honduras

Honduras made history by calling being the first squad to have three brothers at a World Cup finals, but it was Chile who took all three points from the opening game in Group H. Jean Beausejour scored the game's only goal on 34 minutes. It was Chile's first win at a World Cup in 48 years. Worth celebrating.

World Cup Day Five

It was a cross, right?

Brazil, the top seeds, dominated the game but only won by a single goal. A goal, which was either pure class or a mis-hit cross, from Maicon on 55 minutes set them on their way. With 18 minutes to go, Elano settled it, latching onto brilliant through-pass from Robinho and finding the net. There was a tense final few minutes when Ji Yun-nam rocketed found the net in the closing stages. But it finished 2-1. Brazil are up and running and top of their group.

Ronaldo, Drogba stalemate in Group of Death

A scoreless draw but not a bad match by any means. With Brazil also in this group, both sides were tense and playing it tight, and cancelled each other out. It meant there were not very many goalmouth incidents, but both teams have enough quality to make an impact on the tournament yet. Cristiano Ronaldo came closest after rattling the woodwork 11 minutes into the game with a brilliant shot from distance. Didier Drogba, injured before the tournament, came on as a substitute during the second half, but barely touched the ball, until he had a half chance in injury time.

Kiwis dramatic draw

An injury time header from 21 year old defender Winston Reid gave New Zealand a draw and their first ever point at a World Cup finals. The "All Whites" went behind earlier in the second half to a Robert Vittek header that had a hint of offside about it, and looked dead and buried until the end. Reid got yellow-carded for taking his shirt off during the celebration of the goal - is this really a necessary rule, Fifa? Surely, someone should be able to celebrate the most important goal in his country's footballing history. Now, Reid has a yellow card and could miss a match if he gets booked in the next game. Silly rule.

SOCCER COMES OUT AS GAY - the onion

To Coincide with the World Cup, the satirical website Onion hits the mark again, by pretty much summing up what a lot of Americans think about football... oh sorry "Soccer"...

Soccer Officially Announces It Is Gay