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DeBlog: Eliminations Round

Don't miss our Group Stage Awards & Raspberries table on page 2.

July 9, 2006 - ITALY WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS - by 25 milimeters!

ITALY 1-1 FRANCE (5-3 penalties)
There is a football god, you see, a retired immortal who decided to rule the sport as a diversion. Every four years he takes up residence in the World Cup itself - his head is effectively the top dome of the cup - that very dome that received countless pats and kisses of affection and gratitude from the victorious Italian squad. One can't win the cup without His approval; make no mistake about that. He's there to make sure the winners are worthy.

Italy's World Cup This was a close match, but let's look at the facts. France's sole goal was the result of a questionable penalty, as most penalties are. The culprit, Materazzi, looked like he did his utmost to avoid causing it but Malouda went down and, appearances being what they are, Eizondo didn't hesitate to point to the spot. Zidane's take ricocheted off the crossbar down to about a foot inside the line before bouncing out - 0-1. An inch higher and it would have been a miss. In contrast, Italy's goal was a real goal from a set piece. Pirlo's takes were looking deadly, and this one was perfect for Materazzi who power-headed it into the net - 1-1. The difference didn't escape the god of football, who awarded Italy a half-point.

Now we'd have a real match - a bruiser where possession was immediately challenged by two or three opponents. Without space, we'd see no beautiful passing a la Portugal but a hard slog in hot conditions that saw players continuously drip sweat. In Martin Tyler's words, they were "slugging it out toe to toe."  The ball would stagnate often just off the sidelines as defenders rushed in from all sides to try and steal it away. Italy were stronger in the first half; France came back in the second half; we'd see no more goals.

Henry went all-out to work the ball to give Zizou a scoring chance but the latter was effectively neutralized by the Italian defense for most of the match. The best plays came from a very hard-working pair - Malouda and Ribery - combining to cross dangerously to where Henry was supposed to be all-alone, but Titi wasn't there when he needed to be; and Malouda and Ribery missed their own chances. Ribery threaded one to Malouda in the area and Zambrotta took him down. This one should've been a penalty but Elizondo wasn't about to give France another one (take that half-point away).

Henry's forays into the area are immediately closed down by one or two defenders. When he turns and weaves to break free from two of them to square the ball in front of goal...no one is there to convert it. Zidane's shots are blocked. Play is stopped when his shoulder pops in the 79th minute. He winces as the trainers pop it back and rejoins the game minutes later as a hero. In extended time he'd levitate and walk in the air right in front of goal to blast a header just above the crossbar (the definitive Canon photographic moment).

Italy played to their height advantage with terrific high balls into the area that tested the French defense. A Pirlo corner in the 35th minute sees Totti bang it against the crossbar. Moments earlier it looked like Toni couldn't miss a sitter in front of goal but Thuram slid a leg in to divert it. Italy gets three-teamed but secures a corner in the 48th minute. Totti seeks Cannavaro's head but it's an inch too high and Gallas gets his head on it. Toni heads a Grosso chip into the net in the 60th minute but Barthez has alread seen the offside flag go up. Pirlo has a chance in the 75th minute - a free kick just outside the center of the area. His shot looks on target, forcing Barthez to dive right, but the curling ball is just wide of the upright. As chances went, Italy's were more dangerous, dangerous enough for the god of football to award them an additional half point.

zidane's headbutt Exhaustion characterized the extended time play - a quick end-to-end hustle with no-end in sight, but Materazzi had one more contribution to make. A verbal exchange with Zidane escalates. Zizou had turned and was walking away when Materazzi delivers the clincher - and no one can turn a colourful phrase like an Italian can.  Fists clenched, he turns around to face an approaching Materazzi. Zidane does all he can to prevent his arm from unleashing a punch, but the effort leaves him powerless to stop his head. It swings forward and strikes Materazzi on the chest strongly enough to send him bouncing down in an arc. Elizondo missed it and needs to consult the assistant. The replay is damning. Exit a red-carded Zidane in tears. Malouda tries to explain and earns a yellow himself.

The show would go on - a cacophony of errors as all but Barthez are too exhausted to continue. The crowd whisitles; they want Zidane back. There's simply no game left in anyone. Domenech kicks his drink bottle when a Makelele run fizzles. Gattuso and Malouda go down then get up and give each other a sporting pat. We're going to penalties. The assistant coaches pull out their lists. Buffon gives Barthez a hug; neither will make a save.

Pirlo and Wiltord then Materazzi convert. It's 2-1 when Trezeguet steps up to the ball. He slams it into the crossbar and...it ricochets down to bounce just outside the line!  An inch lower and it would have been a goal! The god of football took the inch of Zidane's penalty back, perhaps because he weighed both teams and found France's advance to the Final less deserving by way of their result against Portugal or their goal performance in the Eliminations (5:1 vs. 6:0). But how could that be when France clearly had the edge on the merits of this match? Well, recall that there was only one real goal in this one: Italy's. We'll see no more misses in this shootout. Grosso steps up to the ball with the shootout at 3-4 to seal the contest. He slams it high and right into the back of the net.

We had pot au feu last night; we're having pasta tonight. Life can go on now.  

July 9, 2006 - GERMANY gets 3rd over Joyless Portugal

GERMANY 3-1 PORTUGAL
The atmosphere in Germny was electric as Germans fans everywhere cheered their team on to victory in the World Cup's Mini-Final. And that was even before the match that Martin O'Neill would call "the most meaningless match in the history of football." With the host nation's passion boiling over, who knows what might have happened had Germany not won. For the fans, it was the Final if not The Final if you know what I mean. Scolari said he had trouble motivating his team after their defeat to France, but once out on the pitch everyone gets sucked into the game.

Oliver Kahn, in perhaps his last cap, started for Lehmann and earned Klinsi's praise for sportingly giving way to Lehmann for most of the tournament. He said [sitting it out] made it "the toughest World Cup of his career."  Frings was back after claiming his suspension had been a FIFA "joke," and Schweinsteiger was back after sitting the semi-final out on the bench — and boy would he be back!  He'd be responsible for Germany's three goals.

Figo started on the bench but Scolari had to play him in the second half when Portugal was down by two goals. It would be a cross from Figo, possibly on his last cap, that would make Portugal's sole goal. Scolari had no qualms in starting Pauleta (probably on his last cap too) — and that would be his mistake as Pauleta failed to convert two fat and easy chances that you couldn't imagine a Thierry Henry missing.

The first half was fairly even and ended without a score. Germany played a very direct game and generated more chances than Portugal but Ricardo was up to the challenge. For their part, Portugal played a very attractive passing game - a joy to watch - but Kahn was equally up to the task.

Referee Kamikawa (Jpn) struggled to balance the whistle. He'll blow it 30 times but Portugal will end up thinking they got the short end of the stick. He'll blow it too often sometimes but not enough at other times - achieving some sort of overall balance. German fouls will be for physical play; Portugal's will be more cynical, but Kamikawa deserves credit for allowing advantage play and not influencing the outcome by falling for any biggies, particluarly in the more intensive second half.

Portugal's best chance comes in the 14th minute when Simao threads one forward into the area and Pauleta beats the offside trap with a well-timed start. All alone to the left of Kahn's goal, he sights the upper right corner but waits too long before firing. Kahn dives to make the save before the ball gets any height. In the 30th minute, Simao's mini-cross finds Deco in the area with a defender blocking his way. Deco makes a 165-degree turn and unleashes the ball blind to the upper right corner; he's 5-degrees wide.

Germany's best chances come early in the second half. A nice move sees a Jansen cross and flick-thread into the area with an attacker and defender giving chase. Ricardo gets there first. Now Cristiano Ronaldo threads one to Pauleta running in the area. Pauleta makes a sudden stop (as the defender runs on) and shoots but is unable to give his kick any power. Cristiano tries again and dribbles past two defenders but tumbles evading a third.

In the 55th minute Schweinsteiger brings the ball from outside-left of the area towards the middle then turns and fires a whopper at goal, surprising everyone but himself. Ricardo sees the blur of a ball too late to make what would otherwise be an easy save: 1-0.

Minutes later Schweinsteiger would be again on the left for a free kick. He blasts it knee-high just wide and gets the desired deflection into goal from a happless Petit, who now regrets coming in for Costinha at the start of the second half. Nuno Valente tussles his hair in sympathy for the own goal: 2-0.

Scolari exchanges the two Nunos as Valente retires for Gomes, and later Figo comes in for Pauleta - fine attacking changes that are way too late. Figo soon finds Cristiano Ronaldo who fires one directly at Oliver Kahn. But it's Schweinsteiger again from the left - it worked once so - moving to the center again then turning to unleash another corker, surprising everyone but himself. Ricardo sees the blur too late again and is powerless to stop it: 3-0. He celebrates by exchanging his jersey for a yellow card, and Klinsi subs him for Hitzlsperger, whose colliding consonants trip many a commentator into spitting at their mikes.

Portugal get their consolation goal in the 88th when Figo again threads a cross into the area as Nuno Gomes comes running by the far post. He dives right in front of Kahn to head it past the keeper: 3-1.

And that's how it ended, with everyone getting all philosophical about the result. The hosts get their great finish and a podium while Portugal end up 4th in a World Cup. Both could've done better. Both could've done worse. That's football.  

July 6, 2006 - Portugal Bow Out to France in Controversial Semi-Final Match.

PORTUGAL 0-1 FRANCE (penalty)

What do you do if you trip and are on the way down?

a) Thrust your arms forward to break your fall?
b) Roll into a ball to lessen the impact?
c) Stretch your arms and legs out and fall flat on your face?

What do you do when you jump off a plane to sky dive?

a) Thrust your arms forward to earn Olympic form points?
b) Curl into a ball to tumble quickly and out of control?
c) Stretch out your arms and legs to maximize drag and control?

What do you do if you are a football player and are on the way down?

a) Fall, get up quickly and continue playing?
b) Fall and spread your arms to appeal for a foul?
c) Yell and do an impression of a sky diver?
Okay, you know where I'm going ... this match was decided on a penalty, and I am obviously not buying the decision. I'll spare you the question and answer quiz from a defender's point of view. The facts appear to be: You may buy it or not, but ... it doesn't have to be this way! Proof that it is this way is that you can earn a yellow card for diving. And when it comes to a semi-final in the biggest football tournament in front of the whole world where the score is even and you are going down in the area, a yellow card is nothing compared to getting a penalty that could possibly earn you the World Cup. Nothing ... nada, rien, nichts, nashi, resh, zip. Not even a red card would serve such a purpose in the dying minutes of a game.

It is this way because the system of refereeing matches is inadequate: there are too many uncallable incidents because one set of eyes (and arguably another set in a remote location) cannot view an incident except from one perspective instead of 360 [degrees]; nor replay it in slow motion. So a referee calling an unclear incident is left with the following options:
a) Consult with an equally unknowledgeable colleague;
b) Decide by popularity, home advantage or best appeal;
c) Guess.
And that is why we have the spectacle of players taking dives and other players and coaches making diving signs - because a referee isn't given sufficient means to ascertain the facts, and so remains susceptible to influence. That is not football; it is acting. And it spoils the game and makes a mockery of the efforts of countries, players and officials. As a spectator, it insults my intelligence. Succinctly, it sucks.

You want to know how the game went? It was full of acting. And it was full of football too but that was irrelevant. The football was robbed of its significance because the game was influenced and decided not on the merits of the teams or players but on an official decision that - in my personal view - deserved more thorough scrutiny. Spectators were robbed of a contest; the teams were robbed of deserved glory; FIFA was robbed of a sense of diligence. Ah but the spectacle wasn't slowed down by a replay referee or more sets of eyes on the field, no-no mesdames et messieurs, zat meks eet good, non?

Frankly, non!  

July 5, 2006 - Germany Bows Out to Italy in Colourful Semi-Final Match.

GERMANY 0-2 ITALY (in extended time)
What a difference a day makes! Now that Germany have not done the impossible, we can get back to reality and consider the record. In Euro 2004 they didn't get out of Group D after drawing Holland and Latvia then losing 1-2 against the Czech Republic; in March of this year Italy hosed them 4-1 in an exhibition match (albeit in Florence), with Germany only getting the consolation goal towards the end from an Italian side that had practically stopped playing.

This game started before it even started, if you know what I mean. In the wake of Der Spiegel's verbal assault on Italians, Sky Italia dredged their video clips and found one of Frings throwing a punch at Julio Cruz in the melee following the Germany-Argentina penalties. Satisfied it was deliberate, FIFA deemed his actions "tantamount to an assault," and red carded him. Cruz, of course, denied feeling it; Frings said he took two punches and threw his arms up in self-defense; a clip in Germany showed contact was slight. Whatever ... Germany was denied their star midfielder for this match. That's 0-1 Italy right there.

Back in Italy, a judge just recommended the demotion of Seria A winner Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina, as well as prosecution of up to 25 officials and referees for match-fixing. Eight of Italy's starting eleven belong to those teams, but Lippi had successfully built a protective shell around his squad. Still, the Azzurri could be excused for feeling beleaguered, prompting the New York Daily News to write: "In Azzurri camp, it's Italy vs. the world." Lippi is unfussed by all the brouhaha; his experienced players "won't be affected by the atmosphere." Like hell! They thrive on it!  To wit, the team shed its customary defensive game (as easily as one changes shirts) to the dismay of critics of their playing style. Does that look like 0-2 to you?

And so the stage was set. According to Reuters, a hundred special trains and over a hundred charter flights brought 250,000 visitors to the "depressed" city of Dortmund (population 580,000) - "the ace up Germany's sleeve" - where Germany hadn't lost a match in 71 years. The carnival atmosphere was not purely black, red and gold, as "thousands of Italians" (more than half a million live in Germany) "in their brilliant blue Azzurri jerseys turned the grey mining town of Dortmund into a pageant of colour." The euphoria was short-lived, as is the chance now of Dortmund ever hosting another national match.

On to the game...

The Italians come out playing Germany's game - attacking - with Camoranesi getting an offside in the first minute. A Kehl foul on Perrotta sees Totti's free kick deflect off the wall and head left for the upright but Lehmann is there to collect it. Possession is Italy's with Germany struggling to retain the ball when they get it. Germany soon gets its first chance with a swerving ball from Ballack that is wide. Both sides will miss chances, with Italy being off target and Germany not poaching or blocked by Cannavaro and the strong Italian defense. Germany's best chance in the 34th minute fizzles when a Klose ball finds Schneider in front of goal with nothing but Buffon between him and the net. He fires but over the crossbar.

Lippi looks patient; Klinsmann is animated and goes into histrionics when Borowski is yellow carded for tackling Totti from behind. Referee Archundia (Mex) will only issue three yellows in this match - all for tackles from behind. The first half ends goalless with a slight comeback from the hosts though Italy owned the ball (58% possession) and fired 3/6 shots on target compared to Germany's 0/3.

Klinsmann sends his squad back out with instructions to use the space in the flanks, and Germany plays better, forcing the Italians to scramble to get the ball out of their half. Klose swerves through two defenders to reach the area but Buffon meets him and smothers the ball. Seconds later Grosso forces Lehmann to do the same but the offside flag is up. The game slows down as everyone catches their breath. Materazzi jumps to reach a Lehmann clearance and gets a knock on his head. Klose sportingly shakes hands but gets offended when Materazzi pats him on the face. Now Totti goes down tackled from the rear and Metzelder collects the match's second yellow.

Martin Tyler on SBS: "Italy has the guile but can they get the goal?"  More likely Germany will; the effort shows as Kehl's elbow manages to find Totti's face. Grosso goes down holding his head after a tangle with Klose. Only a replay will show he tried to headbutt Klose's knee. By the 62nd minute events swamp my note-taking ability but Germany is stronger - yet far from threatening to score. Schneider threads one into the area but no one is there. Looks like Italy is coming back. Klinsmann subs Borowski for Schweinsteiger. The ref has his eye on Toni, who fouls Metzelder. Lippi [I'd like to have some of what he's chewing] has his eye on the ref. Exit Toni for Gilardino. I can do it from here, thinks Pirlo, firing a shot all the way from Brescia. It's long but well aimed.

Nine minutes to go and Cannavaro fouls Podolski in the area. Redefining leniency, Archundia points just outside the line but within the penalty arc. Watch me, I can do it too, says Ballack, blasting it almost to the Vatican and staining many a cassock with rosso. Klinsmann subs Schneider for Odonkor, whose fresh legs will own the right flank from now on. Ballack fouls Gattuso. Totti flicks it over the defense to Perrotta who beats the offside but not a collision with Lehmann. Camoranesi tackles Kehl from behind and gets a yellow. Come on ref... no see? - he appears to say. A throw in from the left corner sees Kehl back-head it into the area, where not a white shirt can be seen. We go to extra time.

After Iaquinta comes in for Camoranesi, extended time starts with a bang as Gilardino beats the defense and fires one against the upright. A corner finds Zambrotta and he stuns the Germans by blasting one to the woodwork too. Kehl stuns Materazzi with a hard strike from a distance. Materazzi stuns him back by stopping it with his face before dropping to the pitch. A perfect lob deep into the German half earns Italy another corner, which Cannavaro heads out. Italy get two fouls as first Zambrotta tries to get Lahm's shirt then Cannavaro tries to get Podolski's. How 'bout swappin' 'em after the match, eh?  Lippi looks calm but pensive; Klinsi is running out of steam. Iaquinta and Ballack run into each other in the air. Iaquinta is too pumped to notice he was just strong-armed. Lippi unleashes Del Piero for Perrotta.

The second extended period starts. Neuville will close the match for Klose. It's now or never. It's close. It's left-and-right or up-and-down depending on your perspective as play switches from end to end. Lactic acid bites into the muscles of the players. Lippi knots his brow. Klinsmann sits quietly, exhausted. The game slows for all to catch their breath. Germany is caught in the area with Lehman out but Del Piero can hardly get his shot out - it's wide. Odonkor wants to be a hero and fires one and scores. In Austria. Pirlo too thinks he can't miss so he blasts one and doesn't - but neither does Lehmann, who swats it away for a corner. Two minutes to go ... everyone is thinking penalties.

And then it happens...

It comes from the corner on Lehmann's left. Pirlo gets the ball on the line ... shoot! No, he feeds Grosso, who hooks it to the goalkeeper's right post as Lehmann levitates, stretches ... and has a Matrix moment. The ball is going out. But it curls ... in! 0-1. The vol... er, stadium erupts. Grosso's eyes turn into sprinklers. Lippi swallows his chewing gum. Klinsmann gets up to spur his team on to try and get an equalizer; he's applauding. Odonkor runs it up the right to Ballack who shoots it wide. Germany go all out, paving the way for a counterattack. Gilardino runs it up and flicks it back to an open Del Piero. He sights the far top corner, and all too easily, slots the ball in. 0-2.

It's over. Klinsmann has taken his team as far as they'll go. So far had they come, in fact, that even critics of his laid-back California lifestyle turned supporters of the man that revived a "lifeless national team in time for the World Cup on home soil." It's good enough. The German squad is still young; too young perhaps to defeat a squad of seasoned veterans. We'll see in 2010.  

July 2, 2006 - Portugal and Italy go to Semis.

ENGLAND 0-0 PORTUGAL (1-3 by penalties)
It's hard to write about a nil-all match, but this one had plenty of twists, traps and traumata to make up for a lack of goals. Suffice to say that it was a close match between two closely-matched teams that tried to shut each other out - successfully for the most part. It was also an Eriksson-Scolari Part-III sequel with an 0-2 record, a coming together of famous club mates split into opposing camps, and a technical and not too unattractive demonstration of high-stakes, high-level soccer that was never going to result in a goalfest. Non partisans and non-cognoscenti may have been bored; we were enthralled.

It only takes six minutes for Portuguese goalkeeper, Ricardo, to be tested. First from a Beckham free kick that he punches away, then Gerrard comes dribbling in from his left to sail a dangerous ball across goal, and finally there's a shot from Rooney that he must hold. Now it's Cristiano Ronaldo's turn to trap a loose ball and test Ricardo's counterpart, Robinson, with a low shot. In the meantime we are treated to attractive passing football with Portugal showing strength in the first ten-minutes and England showing the same in the following ten.

An early foul by Hargreaves on Figo, followed by a tangle and foul on Ronaldo, serves notice that the Bayern midfielder will play an indefatigable if not key part in this match. Maniche blasts his first shot in the 13th minute - serving notice himself that this Chelsea midfielder intends to cannonade the English goal throughout the match (he never misses in practice, it seems). It's blocked, as will all his dangerous shots be in the future unless they are fired straight at Robinson. How England always manages to figure out which shot to block or not is baffling; it's as if... they just know.

About 25-minutes into the game, a tussle for one of those mid-height balls sees Tiago almost kick Rooney in the face. Rooney lifts a hand in anger at the close (but unnecessary) shave. Three minutes later Terry and Tiago meet in midair for a high ball and both go down and stay down until chirping canaries stop circling their heads. When Terry's eyes start seeing again, they are insulted by a yellow card that eliminates him from playing in the semis. The rest of the half sees both teams evenly trade fouls and chances that are all rejected. The first half ends 0-0, with Portugal having 52% possession.

Portugal deploy plan B early in the second half with a foul on Beckham by Nuno Valente. Plan C is to deny England free-kick chances in dangerous places, which seems contradictory until you realize they are responsible for only 3 of the first half's 15 fouls. Then again, Figo, Maniche, Ricardo and Valente could join Petit (yellow carded in the 43rd-minute) in missing the semis if they are cautioned in this match, while England have only Carragher and Robinson at risk.

Ronaldo runs up the left forcing Gerrard to make a dangerous but successful and clean tackle. Then Cristiano 'Dances With Balls' Ronaldo shows off some new steps. But it's Beckham from Rooney that dangerously finds Valente's arm in the area - ruled indeliberate hand ball. And that's it for Beckie, he fights back tears of frustration as he limps out of the game to make way for Aaron Lennon. Then Lampard gets his chance from a Gerrard corner. Mindful of past volleys, he kicks this one down only to see it bounce and sail harmlessly over the crossbar.

They'll get another chance in the 58th minute. Joe Cole starts it with his own interpretation of 'Dances With Balls' (it's only Cristiano's old stepovers) before crossing ineffectively. Lennon runs the ball from the right back into the area and towards a hypnotized Rooney. The ball is loose ... Rooney snaps out of it a fraction too late and kicks air. Onward it rolls disdainfully towards Joe Cole, who punishes it by sending it to the skies. Rooney is dispossessed later and Nuno Valente runs it up the left flank but the ball eventually finds its way to Rooney again... and disaster.

Challenged by Carvalho and tangled up with Figo, Rooney tries to run the ball but can't make any headway. The melee drifts right as Carvalho is down and Rooney steps back for balance, and in doing so, gives Carvalho his impression of an Italian grape crusher with studs. But it's the Chelsea defender who has sprung a trap!  Carvalho comes from Amarante in the district of Oporto - an area known more for viniculture than mining. And Carvalho comes equipped with a set gifted by his uncle who maintains the region's grinding ball mills. Rooney, you see, had come just this close to getting a foot crushed! Referee Elizondo (Arg) is right there and blows the whistle. And here's where everyone gets the story wrong:

Rooney protests about his foot and demands a yellow card for Carvalho. 'Dances With Balls' runs out and says, "It wasn't deliberate; it was Rooney who stuck his foot in it." "Oh yes it was too," counters an angry Rooney still smarting from the pain, and so saying, pushes Ronaldo. It's too much for Elizondo to sort out. Coming from a long line of hard-saddle Pampas cowboys, it's all too easy to imagine Carvalho's pain, and so he gets it all wrong by flashing a straight red to the injured party - Rooney!  What a mess! England lose their spearhead! A relieved Cristiano walks away thinking, "I can live with that." Exit Rooney. And Carvalho for maintenance - still a metallic baritone.

Those who thought England was done for had a surprise coming to them. With only ten-men, it becomes their finest hour. Eriksson subs Joe Cole for Crouch, who understandably can do the work of one and a half men, and Hargreaves makes up for the missing half man. Unbeknownst to Portugal, England is at full strength! The perplexed Iberians cannot comprehend why England is still attacking. By full time plus three Portugal is scoreless and it's still 0-0.

I could give you another 500 words about the extra time play, but here's the short version: The match continues full steam and ends with no goals. The last minute sees a corner to Portugal and a shot by Maniche that is blocked. Robinson's clearance sails all the way to Ricardo. Miguel gets it and crosses too high. Maniche has a last shot in the dying seconds. He skies it. And we're going to penalties.

Scolari doesn't drill his squad in penalties; he feels it "all depends on one's luck." Eriksson does, giving each a number of techniques to confuse the goalkeeper that only ends up confusing the penalty-taker. He should have studied the route from Portugal's digs to the stadium instead, because Ricardo bases his moves on the last eight turns on the drive in ... as in right, left, right, right ... and sticks to that pattern religiously. The trick rarely fails. And it gives the penalty-taker a sneaking suspicion that Ricardo knows where he's going to kick it to no matter where he does.

Ricardo stops the first and third penalty and barely misses the second. A nervous Carragher releases his prematurely and must take it again. Thus rattled, he tries harder and comes off the post. Robinson stops the first, guesses correctly on the second (it's off target) and sees Petit miss by miles on the third. Postiga scores with the fourth and Portugal are in if the wily Ronaldo converts. Robinson doesn't want to go out on a trick shot and decides to stand his ground. Cristiano kisses the ball, does a two-step dance then buries it in a top corner. There can only be one winner.

BRAZIL 0-1 FRANCE
No question that Les Bleus are feeling in the pink after their comeback from one goal down to deny Spain in the Round of 16. It took them all of 24 minutes to get the old geezers going in that match; 10 minutes would suffice for this one, and they would remain hot throughout the match. Brazil should've studied the France-Spain match closely, for therein lay the clues as to how the very same squad could stop the world's number one as easily as they stopped the hot Spanish team - the top performers of the Group Stage. If not for the penalty, Spain wouldn't have scored at all! If Brazil sported determination and confidence before the match, doubts would emerge soon after the start.

Domenech's squad, accused of underperforming in the Group Stage, were just building up slowly for the matches that count. Zenadine 'Zizou' Zidane (a.k.a. 'ZZZ' when asleep) was in top form as playmaker and player. He treated us to cheeky displays we had long forgotten he was capable of: a loft to clear a charging Ronaldo, who looks up in wonder as he sails by to see Zizou head the ball onward; a 360-degree turn to shake off two other challengers; rifle passes including a free kick - no doubt planned - that sailed over the melee in the area to find Henry arriving in a timely manner at the back post to score the winner.

Everyone performed, from Henry, who when not poaching or testing the offside rule, shot or delivered balls of opportunity, to the ever-threatening Vieira, the indefatigables Makelele and Ribery, the rock-solid rear line and Barthez at the goal. They functioned as a well-coordinated unit with Zidane orchestrating the plays, and like an accordion, they would fold back into their half when necessary to deny Brazil space to play their game.

Thankfully, Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo showed some restraint and kept control without over-influencing the outcome of the match. So how did Brazil manage to lose the match? Parreira may have miscalculated by fielding an unconventional formation at the start and failing to make adjustments when Brazil struggled to break through the Maginot Line. He may have not deployed Ronaldinho in his most effective position.... The answer however could be simpler: the Samba Stars were outplayed by the better team of the day.

So onward march Les Bleus to a match with Portugal in an all-European semi-finals. Bonne chance à tous.  

July 1, 2006 - Germany and Italy go to Semis.

GERMANY 1-1 ARGENTINA (4-2 by penalties)
A very scrappy start sees each team close their half off to the other. Germany's early charge grinds to a halt in front of a determined Argentinian defense. Apart from a 'hand of god' attempt in the 8th minute that must have pleased Maradona no end, we arrive at a stalemate as the Albicelestes too can't find much joy in going forward. Already cautioned in the 2nd minute, Podolski fouls dangerously again in the 20th but evades the red. Slovakian referee Michel lets him go after some words - advantage home team.

Argentina is content to pass the ball among themselves in their territory, slow the game, build confidence, and maybe draw some German players out while waiting for an opportunity to rifle a pass forward — and cede the ball to Germany. Germany is unbothered because no one will score from there. When they get the ball though, the Crew rush forward en masse hoping to unsettle the Italians with their fast-passing game. Problem is... there's no one to pass to who isn't covered. So when Argentina steal the ball, the Germans run back to their half and the pattern restarts.

Slowly but surely the South Americans claim ball ownership (58% by the end). It's clear that we won't see a goal in this half barring error, outstanding personal effort or a set piece. By the 36th minute both goalkeepers are considering ordering take out. A Podolski dive in the 45th minute earns him a free kick, confirming our suspicions. Klinsmann's game is disrupted; coach [don't spell it with an 'o'] Pekerman is somewhat satisfied, but he's not headed for victory either. Half time - 0:0.

Sure enough, the breakthrough comes early in the second half from a set piece. Riquelme's corner finds Ayala in front of goal and the header can't miss - 0:1. Unaccustomed to not leading at this stage of a game, the stunned Germans must switch gears and open up the game. The risk, of course, is that by doing so, Argentina will score more. In any event, we have a match now.

A corner sees Maxi Rodriguez head it out for another corner in the 63rd minute. The second one sees Abbondanzieri lose the ball and Ballack kick it down for a bounce only to have Ayala - the goal scorer - clear it at the line! Abbondanzieri stays down; Michel suspects it's time wasting. Germany get a free kick but Abbondanzieri needs to be subbed out. Franco takes his place in the 70th minute, followed by Cambiasso for Riquelme. I expect at least five minutes will be added at the end.

It's Germany's game by the 72nd minute, but a slip up by Lahm almost hands the ball to Crespo on a plate. Perez gets it and turns for a shot but passes to Rodriguez instead who fires it to the side netting. Germany have just evaded disaster. A minute later Rodriguez is down after a tackle finds the ball then both of his legs; Michel doesn't stop play. A dangerous free kick sees Podolski hit the wall. There's a sense of urgency now in Germany's game, and the Argentinians scramble to defend their goal.

Borowski comes in for Schweinsteiger and Cruz comes in for Crespo - Messi won't play!?  Two quick breaks and Franco almost fumbles a Borowski shot. Klose gets a chance, almost. He won't miss next time. It's a set piece now chipped in from the left and Borowski back-heads it into the area where Klose gets a push from behind — which only gives his header more power! Germany's done it! - 1:1.

Rodriguez crosses dangerously in the 83rd minute; the ball goes by two defenders but is cleared by a third. Germany go on the attack but a Lahm cross is too long. His job done, Klose goes out for Neuville. Germany attack again but Lahm's cross is long again. It's the Argentines' turn and Rodriguez is tackled in the area!  Penalty!!?  No! — yellow card for diving! Michel gets a pat - practically a kiss. Okay, maybe it was too close a call for a penalty but the yellow card was harsh. I can't help but think that if it happened in the opposite area.... Four minutes of injury time are added to the game; we'll need thirty more.

Argentina go on a huddle during the break. Praying? Planning? Germany rest; they come out stronger....

Tevez goes down early in extended time. No foul is called but Argentina are down to ten men while he gets treatment for a nosebleed? Four minutes later Cruz strong-arms Lahm as both jump for a header — yellow card. The Argentinians scramble in vain to get the ball out of their area. Metzelder fouls Cruz. Ballack's long ball is long, as is Mascherano's medium ball. Tussling in the area, Sorin fouls Odonkor - actually one of them slipped. Ballack collides with Ayala and dives dramatically. It's his foul but he gets no yellow card - advantage home team - the contact was slight.

Germany get a corner (maybe) in the 100th minute; Metzelder's header is out. Argentina go on the attack; Cruz fouls Friedrich. Ballack gives it away and Cruz chips it into the box — Lehmann has no problem collecting the ball. That was it for Argentina, the rest was mostly Germany. Looks like this is going to a penalty shootout unless the hosts score in the next 15 minutes.

The second extended play period sees Argentina start strong but unable to gain an advantage. We see offsides, misses and fouls, the most dangerous of which is Podolski on Ayala near the Argentinian box. The latter get a corner from a throw-in; it's cleared and Germany go on the attack. Frings has a shot and fouls Cruz; the Argentinians want a yellow card. They point to the spot of Ballack's dive; Michel is unmoved. Coloccini sights the top-left corner of the goal from a distance ...if Beckham can do it... Coloccini scores an almost. Friedrich fouls Tevez... Oh, why not! thinks Michel, issuing the yellow. Coloccini lobs a ball into the area - it jiggles - and bounces off the top of the crossbar while Lehmann, hypnotized by the jiggle, has a flashback of perhaps the opening ceremony (Schiffer?). Five penalties for his thoughts.

Franco gets hugs and kisses of encouragement from his team; Abbondanzieri has mixed feelings; Kahn gives stock tips to Lehmann, who worries about the strength of the German market. Four penalties suffice, because Lehmann stops two poor shots by Ayala and Cambiasso, while Neuville, Ballack, Podolski and Borowski have no problem finding the back of Franco's net. The hosts go through; Argentina is distraught. Credit Klinsmann's attacking 'never say die' play for the equalizer. Unfortunately, there can only be one winner.

ITALY 3-0 UKRAINE
Sorry to say it but a Ukraine victory would have been a big upset. They were never going to beat this Italian team, and almost fell as fast as Costa Rica did to Germany in the opening game. Camoranesi almost scores in the 3rd minute after an inspired run through the midfield. A mere 3-minutes pass before Zambrotta repeats the act but doesn't miss - 1:0. We'll see more than 30-minutes of play before a Tymoschuk shot from far downfield wakes Buffon up. He'll be tested later; for now Ukraine can't even get near his area. Shelayev takes a crack at a shot from far downfield too. The Azzurri think they have this in the bag.

Sure enough, Luca Toni shoots the side netting at the start of the second half. Cannavaro thinks he can chest a dipping ball, and goes down when it makes contact somewhere lower. A trainer arrives to question the nature of the injury, and Cannavaro, bent in half by the pain, smiles and says, "Don't even think about it."  Soon after Ukraine forces Buffon to make a save when Gusin heads it just off the post. Trying to clear it, Buffon headbutts the upright and see stars - or maybe euros swirling about his head. The corner is cleared but the ball is reluctant to leave the Italian half.

An Italian free kick sees Pirlo lob it over everyone. Totti has a shot but it's caught by Shovkovskyi. A wall of yellow shirts forms for a free kick in dangerous territory. Grosso runs ahead as Pirlo lifts the ball above the wall in a well-practiced, cheeky play that doesn't fool Shelayev. Now it's Ukraine's turn with two shots - Gusev's is saved by Buffon and Gusin's is cleared by Zambrotto - the goal scorer - right on the line!  Italy narrowly avoid disaster, but Ukraine won't be as lucky....

Italy has a corner in the 58th minute. It's short-pased then lobbed into the area where an unmarked Luca Toni heads it down and left into the net - 2:0. Ukraine runs forward and Gusin gets his head on the ball to beat Buffon but not the crossbar! Almost! We can do it!   They can't. Camoranesi goes down and ref De Bleeckere (Bel) doesn't blow the whistle. Lippi subs Camoranesi and Pirlo for Oddo and Barone. Zambrotto makes another run and crosses from the left to Luca Toni who only needs to tap it in for the clincher - 3:0.

Ukraine throws everyone forward to get a face-saving goal, and the Italians are happy to absorb the attacks and practice for their first big test with Germany.  

June 28, 2006 - Brazil to Play France.

BRAZIL 3-0 GHANA
Ghana's dream run ended in a glorious, entertaining - though sometimes painful to watch - match that showcased their big hearts and technical shortcomings. Their defense was a mess with offside traps more often than not backfiring on them, and their offense couldn't finish though not by want of trying. They penetrated Brazil's box easily enough, but less than half of their 20 shots were on target and only one tested Dida's luck.

In contrast, Brazil cruised to victory. It took less than five minutes for a rifle pass by Kaka to find Ronaldo alone in the area. A quick stepover to put Kingson behind and there was nothing between him and a record 15th World Cup goal. All of eight minutes would pass before Adriano and Ronaldo would be all alone in the area again...

...My turn! thinks Adriano, but Kingson wouldn't be faked and rushes out. Too late now, Adriano tries to slide it to Ronaldo but trips over Kingson to earn a caution for diving! Now it's Ghana's turn to test Brazil and Dida must tip a ball up for a corner. Shot - save - shot - offside. Attack - get the ball back - slide it into the area - try again - Amoah gets it - shoots - no power! The old bugaboo returns to haunt Ghana: They just can't finish!  It's to-and-fro-and-to again with the Black Stars getting the edge on possession and dancing into the Samba Stars' box but the latter look likelier to go home with the girls tonight. And that will be the pattern of the match with Ghana getting their best chance in the 41st minute...

...A corner finds Mensah's head within Dida slapping range and the header had power and direction - down. Dida flings his limbs apart desperately - 1:1 ... No! - the ball bounces off his trailing foot! It wasn't to be! The ball finds Addo near the area and Juan chops him down to earn a caution. The wall goes up but the shot is high. Now Brazil break with a run up the right side dragging along a line of defenders extending left with Adriano on the end. With the assistant focusing on the action in the foreground, Adriano, now marginally offside, collects the pass and puts Brazil ahead 2:0. It's just another of those situations that the inadequate officiating system cannot call; like yesterday's penalty against Australia.

The second half sees a string of non-finishes that seal the Black Stars fate. Brazil is in control of the match. You can tell that Dujkovic warned his players not to collect a second yellow just as the officials are being more lenient in issuing them. Brazil is now playing more for personal glory just as Ghana try to pass less, giving the Brazilian defense time to steal the ball. The South American defense cracks open again and Dida makes a crucial save in the 68th minute. It's clear that Ghana deserve a goal but aren't going to get it though not for want of trying. With ten minutes left on the clock Gyan earns his second yellow for diving and must leave the field. That's it for this match - morale sinks. We'd like to go home now, please.

Brazil pass the ball around to loud whistles of disapproval from the stands. Okay, we have time for one more. Ze Roberto beats the offside trap once again and walks the ball in to silence them. Amen.

FRANCE 3-1 SPAIN
If you take a look at our spreadsheet's Overview page you can spot the minor upsets easily. Two of the top eight are missing from the Quarter-finalists column: Switzerland and top-of-the-league-finishers Spain (9,7,8). Two made it from the bottom eight: Ukraine and France (5,2,3) - both finished second in their Groups. Switzerland lost by penalties; Spain lost because France beat 'em fair and square.

This was a classic match of youth and vigour against age and experience - beautiful to watch if not sometimes funny - and partly offset by Group H's deficit to G's in rest and recuperation time between Group matches (see our May 27 entry). The comedy was provided by Thierry Henry's look of injury every time he was called offside - and if he wasn't offside too often then the long ball was either too long, off target or intercepted. But Henry was setting the linesman up for the next too-close-to-call offside ... that never came.

Spain started out dominating the game with crisp passes and ball possession while the French geezers took all of 24-minutes to warm up. The French were content to lob the ball well north towards Henry. But the offside whistle would blow before he could even put his drink down and emerge from under his beach umbrella. Meanwhile, on the other end, Thuram steps on Pablo's ankle and brings him down in the 27th minute. Penalty!  Villa's shot is hard, low, and brushes the post — unstoppable. Barthez guesses right but can only tickle it with the tips of his fingers: 1:0.

The French spring their anti-offside-trap-trap in the 40th minute just after another offside call on Henry. He's still miles offside on the left, sipping his drink, while Ribery and Vieira tear up the right from midfield. A quick trade of the ball and Ribery, with only Casillas to beat now, goes around him to push the equalizer in. There's no offside call because Henry never got off his chair: 1:1.

Spain loses the plot in the second half as France becomes stronger with Zidane the playmaker and Henry eventually getting into the act. Casillas is tested in the 51st and 55th minutes and Spain scramble to get the ball away. The French are in full control by the 64th minute. The first yellow card appears in the 67th minute (must be a FIFA test) when Vieira catches Fabregas. Spanish attacks can't get through the now-solid French defense - and Barthez is there with his fists to punch any strays away.

Spain have 59% possession but nowhere to go with ten minutes left in the clock. We've seen matches turn around this late before, and this one is no different. A Zidane free kick in the 82nd minute finds Vieira and he heads it down into goal with Sergio Ramos perhaps deflecting the shot: 1:2.

It's all over but for 3-minutes of extra time. No it's not. After a Zidane caution in the 90th minute, France break again from midfield. Zidane gets the ball, dummies Puyol and scores the clincher: 1:3. The roar you hear comes all the way from Paris. Bars and cafés in France and Spain will clean up tonight. For different reasons.  

June 27, 2006 - Italy Bumbles Through to Play Ukraine.

ITALY 1-0 AUSTRALIA
Australia bow out of the World Cup with a creditable performance and pride intact after a listless match that saw two dodgy decisions change the course of the game. Australia started well with crisp passes and good spacing, dominating the ball. Italy threatened with long balls that found Luca Toni lightly marked in the Australian box but unable to convert. An incredible save in the 21st minute by Schwarzer with a trailing foot kept Australia in the game.

The Socceroos had 57% possession by the 31st minute, but their long balls were more likely to go astray while their attacking forays suffered from lack of lethality. The more Italy threatened the more tentative the Australian game became. Half time found Australia lucky to be level at 0-0.

Four minutes into the second half Materazzi trips Bresciano just out of the box and referee Luis Medina Cantalejo flashes a straight red!  The pundits will call it a harsh decision; Cantalejo will counter that he's under strict instructions from FIFA. Yesss! thinks Hiddink. With a man up, Australia has a chance of making it into the quarter-finals - if only they can finish!  Lippi looks completely unconcerned.

The Aussies, with 58% possession by the 61st minute, lift their game. Harry Kewell can't help; he entered the stadium on crutches as a spectator — and without him Australia looks increasingly like a toothless shark. Italian confidence is bolstered as the crisis passes. Lippi unleashes his big gun in the 74th minute: Totti comes in for del Piero. Six minutes later Hiddink counters with his: Aloisi for Sterjovski. Totti looks hungrier; his goal tally so far is zero.

Australia is reduced to static passes with no one finding space to make darting runs; the Italians are squatting on every piece of vacant real estate. Chances appear for both sides but it looks like Italy will hold Australia to a draw. Three minutes are added for injury time; it looks like we'll see thirty more. With seconds to go disaster strikes! Grosso cuts in from the left corner, dashes into the box, dummies Lucas Neill into the ground then stumbles over him — and falls. Up come the arms in a well-practiced move. Penalty!  Totti can't miss. Exit Australia — credit the Italian defensive game. We'll leave the topic of dodgy decisions for the tournament postmortem.

UKRAINE 3-0 SWITZERLAND
The game starts tentatively. Twenty minutes pass before a Shevchenko header hits the crossbar for the first Swiss scare. Three minutes later it's the latter's turn when Frei hits the crossbar and Barnetta volleys the rebound off target. The first half ends 1:1 — crossbars, not goals.

The second half is equally listless and I begin to despair at the prospect of no goals. So far the Swiss have yet to allow one in at all, while Ukraine tightened their defenses after Spain got through with four. Not that there were no chances for both teams with Shevchenko looking particularly lethal, the style of play was intoxicating, as in - dare I say it? - luring me into a stupor. Sure enough, it went down to a penalty shootout.

Wide awake now, I watched Shevchenko miss! The Swiss have it!  No they don't. Ukraine's next three penalties find the net, while the Swiss, the only team with a clean sheet in this (or any?) World Cup, break another record: the only team that fails to score any in a penalty shootout. Exit the gallant Swiss. Both Ukraine and Italy bumble through to a meeting with destiny.  

June 26, 2006 - England to Play a Decimated Portugal!

ENGLAND 1-0 ECUADOR
Another uninspiring English match that ended with them getting the goods thanks to a 60th-minute Beckham sweeping, curling and dipping free kick that slid in just inside the upright. And Beckie was sick — all over the pitch. You could be forgiven if this was the only match you chose to watch, but you would've chosen wrong.

PORTUGAL 1-0 NETHERLANDS
The Battle of Nuremburg it could be called, and although Portugal emerged the winner, they lost Deco and Costinha to red cards and Cristiano Ronaldo to injury in a match that saw 16 yellow cards; four of them repeated as reds. Russian referee Ivanov will get the blame for breaking the World Cup record for reds; indeed his face was coated in sweat as he dealt with a match that turned out to be the nightmare of any ref'. But how else do you deal with the sheer number of fouls, exaggerated displays of injury and unsportsmanlike behaviour? Any way you can! Then you take your medicine from the players, coaches, FIFA and the world press, not to mention the spectators. In situations like these, that's what you get paid for. On to the match...

Van Bommel misses a shot at 03' and fouls Cristiano Ronaldo. Ivanov stakes a claim for early control by flashing the yellow card. Four minutes later Boulahrouz completes the plan by raking Ronaldo's leg open with his studs. Ivanov flashes the yellow again but the damage to Ronaldo is done. Maniche retaliates on Van Bommel and collects a yellow card at 20'. Three minutes later Ronaldo initiates a play through Deco and Pauleta that ends up with Maniche blasting the ball past Van Der Sar to score. Maniche almost repeats the trick four minutes later.

A Kuyt (Ned) foul in the 30th minute is followed by another from Cocu (Ned) on Deco (Por); Costinha (Por) retaliates on Cocu and collects a yellow. Unable to soldier on despite two visits to the sidelines, Ronaldo fights back tears of frustration as he is replaced by Simao in the 34th minute. Van Persie beats the defense but ignores Sneijder to shoot and miss. Sneijder is livid.

Kuyt fouls Carvalho, followed by Deco on Van Bommel and Simao on Van Bronckhorst. Free kick - and it's Sneijder's turn to miss. Pauleta and Costinha shoot; Van Der Sar makes a crucial save. A deliberate hand ball by Costinha earns him a second yellow in the 46th minute, setting the stage for a Netherlands comeback in the second half.

Down a man, Scolari strengthens his midfield by sending Petit in for Pauleta. It doesn't take him long to try and settle the score with Van Bommel, earning a yellow card for his effort. Barely a minute passes before Van Bommel misses Holland's best chance by hitting the crossbar. Netherlands loses the plot and Van Basten pays a price for selecting a less experienced squad for the match - his players rush their shots and fail to take advantage of numerical superiority. He replaces Mathijsen, a defender, with midfielder Van Der Vaart.

Van Der Sar saves a Maniche shot; Ricardo saves a Sneijder shot, and Van Bronckhorst earns a yellow for a foul on Deco all in the 59th minute. Figo headbutts Van Bommel, who thinks about it before falling to the pitch. Ivanov flashes a mere yellow to Figo. Simao's free kick is just over the crossbar. Boulahrouz slides in front of Figo to steal the ball and manages to elbow him in the face. Figo thinks about it and falls in agony. Already booked once, Boulahrouz must leave the field. Fighting breaks out.

Van Basten takes Van Bommel out for Heitinga. Thinking he must put the ball out of play, Deco kicks it too softly to the sidelines. It might not get there. Heitinga thinks 'what the hell,' intercepts and decides to run with it. A flabbergasted Deco protests then trips him to earn a yellow. Fighting breaks out again and a Portuguese player falls to ground. Sneijder and Van Der Vaart see yellow. After consulting with an assistant, Ivanov restarts the game with a Netherlands' free kick. Heitinga doesn't find the goal. Goalkeeper Ricardo earns a yellow - for dissent?

Nuno Valente chops Van Persie down in the 76th minute and sees yellow. Deco protests as Cocu wrestles ball away from his arms. Thinking about it, Deco falls dramatically, earning his second yellow and a dismissal probably for sequestering the ball twice now. Ten minutes to go plus stoppage time and the Netherlands still have a 10:9 numerical superiority and a 1-goal deficit. Van Nistelrooij watches silently from the sidelines. Oh but a penny for Ruud's thoughts!

It's all Netherlands as the ball only leaves the Portuguese half reluctantly and briefly. Portugal has little interest in attacking; Holland peppers the area but can't score. Scolari takes Figo out for Tiago. Van Basten plays his last card, taking Cocu out for PSV striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink (where else). We marvel at how they managed to fit his name on the back of his shirt. Six minutes are added to the game but it's a complete mess. More shots fly and more fouls are committed. Eventually, Van Bronckhorst fouls Tiago in the 95th minute to collect his second yellow - now a badge of honour - g'bye. The match ends shortly afterwards.

Netherlands couldn't score an equalizer despite 62% possession and numerical superiority for a good part of the game. On the other hand, not much football was played in the second half. Portugal secured the win by team play over a divided and frustrated Holland. What's left of Scolari's squad will face England. Scolari feigned unconcern: We still have lots of talent ... and compared to the Netherlands, they're pussies! Okay, I made that last one up.  

June 25, 2006 - Germany to Play Argentina!

GERMANY 2-0 SWEDEN
Die Mannschaft started on a charge that saw Podolski finish balls from Klose in the 4th and 12th minutes to put Germany up by two goals. Sweden had no answer. When their predicament was sealed by a red card to Lucic in the 35th minute, Ballack took it as his mission to blast more goals through, but Isaksson parried the lot. The Vikings lifted their game but neither side could nudge the scoreline any further. Larsson missed an opportunity in the 53rd minute to convert a penalty and claw one back — it probably wouldn't have mattered.

ARGENTINA 2-1 MEXICO
Taking a cue from the earlier match, El Tri started on a charge that saw Marquez finish a fine set piece in the 6th minute. Argentina answered four minutes later with a Riquelme corner that either or both Borgetti [Mex] and Crespo [Arg] pushed into goal for the equalizer. Messi entered the field in the 84th minute and found the back of the net in injury time only to be denied by a controversial offside call. Eight minutes into extended time Rodriguez chested and volleyed magnificently to give los Albicelestes the game.

Exit Sweden and Mexico while Germany and Argentina await their date with destiny.