Ninety minutes of normal time could not separate the two and with just four minutes to go to penalties, pacey midfielder Andres Iniesta proved himself.

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The Spanish travelled to South Africa as pre tournament favourites and despite an opening match loss to the Swiss, came back and added another single goal win to their previous four.

Ninety minutes of normal time could not separate the two sides, and with just four minutes to go until penalties would be called, pacey midfielder Andres Iniesta proved himself to the world on the grandest of global stages, as he converted the goal which took his nation all the way.

Over 84,000 fans packed out the stands at the Soccer City Stadium, and with a carnival like atmosphere cheered on the side which travelled to the tournament as favourites to take the title, and the Dutch who had exceeded expectations.

It was a match which saw too many cards – thirteen yellows, resulting in John Heitinga getting sent off, and added a sour note to the end of the tournament.

However, as the men in orange drowned their sorrows, all individually doubled over in obvious regret and grief, the Spaniards, led by an evidently proud skipper Iker Casillas lifted the World Cup to rapturous cheers from footballing fans around the world as they played some stunning football.

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The Dutch will now rest up and suss out their competition for the 2010 World Cup when Spain and Germany play tonight.

The winner would face either Spain or Germany, with the two taking to their semi final fixture tonight, and so with the Netherlands coming away with a 3-2 win, guarantees an all-European final.

It was an exciting match from the kick-off, with the Dutch proving why they had entered the fixture as favourites after Giovanni Van Bronckhorst started the goal scoring in the 18^th minute.

Uruguay’s Diego Forlan then equalised with a superb swerving left foot shot four minutes from the break, although Wesley Sneijder delivered for the fifth time this tournament in the 70^th minute, with Arjen Robben sealing the win for the Dutch.

Maximiliano Pereira managed to net one for the South Americans in injury time, but it was not enough, and saw them on the bitter end of defeat at the penultimate stage of the competition.

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The results mean Spain will meet Paraguay at the Ellis Park Stadium on the 3^rd of July.

Opening the evening’s proceedings was the match between Paraguay and Japan at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

In what started out as a cautious game of football, the flurry of attempts on goal saw little in the way of reward. Ultimately, 120 minutes of football could not separate these two teams who had never made it to a World Cup quarterfinal, and so it went to penalties.

While both sides had their chances during standard play, neither could break through the oppositions defence, although the Japanese looked slightly vulnerable despite some strong football by Keisuke Honda.

Opportunities fell for Paraguay through Roque Santa Cruz who blasted a shot wide early on – although constantly looked dangerous.

Extra time saw no real opportunities for either side, and so came the dreaded spot-kicks, which saw just one man from nine miss – Yuichi Komano who struck the crossbar, and so Oscar Cardozo stepped up to send his nation through, and did so in style while Japan saw their dreams come crashing down.

The excited Paraguayans then looked to Cape Town to see who would be their next hurdle in the quest for the crown.

European neighbours Spain and Portugal took to the Green Point Stadium for their anticipated match, fighting for a spot in the quarters.

It was just a single goal, and another fantastically worked spectacle of football in the penalty area by David Villa which separated the two at 90 minutes, when he converted a rebound shot under the crossbar and bulging into the net.

For the first time this tournament, Spain finally came together as the side most knew they could be, and with Fernando Torres on form, along with the magician Xabi Alonso in midfield – sent a message to the remaining quarterfinalists they are in South Africa to go all the way.

It was a show of fine goalkeeping by both men on the backline, with Eduardo keeping the Portuguese in the game up until the final whistle with some quick reflexes preventing the Spanish from doubling their lead.

The Spanish also proved they can keep the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, considered to be one of the top two or three players in the world at the moment quiet, making sure he could not manipulate the tempo of the fixture.

The results mean Spain will meet Paraguay at the Ellis Park Stadium on the 3^rd of July, in a fixture which will see the South Americans looking to further their best ever run in the tournament, while the Europeans look to take the Cup itself.

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The results mean Brazil play the Netherlands in a mouth watering quarterfinal fixture, which will see one of the tournament favourites out.

First to discover their fate was Holland and Slovakia, with the two taking to the pitch at the Durban Stadium, as the tournament debutants took on one of the tournament favourites.

Slovakia has had a superb initial tournament, although the Oranje proved too big a task as they saw their tournament end with a 2-1 loss.

The return of Arjen Robben proved crucial for the Dutch, as he opened the scoring on the 18^th minute making the most of a speedy counter attack.

The Netherlands were unlucky not to double the lead before going in at the break, and instead saw Slovakia come out from half time with a more attacking 4-4-2, although in their attempts to push forward allowed Wesley Sneijder in on goal, and he doubled the lead six minutes from time.

Robert Vittek missed a crucial opportunity in the 67^th minute which could have made the difference, but managed to get his nation on the score sheet when he converted a penalty in the 94^th minute, although it was little too late.

While Slovakia head home after an impressive World Cup campaign, Holland looked to Johannesburg to see who their quarterfinal opponent would be.

The Ellis Park Stadium was host to Brazil and Chile as the two arch rival South Americans battled it out for a place in the quarters.

The five-time world champions have not looked their solid selves thus far in the tournament, slightly holding back in the group stage, and came out to silence any doubters as they dominated in their 3-0 win.

The Brazilians looked superb from the kick off, determined to score and Luis Fabiano was unlucky in the fifth minute blasting a shot just wide of goal.

The onslaught seemed to threaten the Chilean defence who looked nervous when dealing with Brazil’s attack which came thick and fast, although it was not until the 34^th minute until they broke through.

It was a superb corner by Maicon which saw Juan nod the first past Claudio Bravo, with Fabiano adding one to his name four minutes later after some superb play in front of goal culminating a counter attack.

Chile had just one shot on target in the opening 45, although Humberto Suazo’s attempt hardly rattled Brazil’s keeper Julio Cesar.

While Chile pushed in the second half, their attacks left gaps for Brazil to work their way through with Robinho putting the game past Chile when he made it 3-0 on the hour.

The results mean Brazil play the Netherlands in a mouth watering quarterfinal fixture, which will see one of the tournament favourites out, as they play off at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on the 2^nd of July.
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The result sets up a fantastic quarter final battle between Argentina and Germany on the third of July at the Green Point Stadium.

Kicking off the action on Saturday night was the fixture between Uruguay and South Korea at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

After topping Group A in style, the Uruguayans looked comfortable in the tie and came away as the first quarterfinalists in the 2010 World Cup as they came away with a 2-1 win.

It was a double from Luis Suarez – one early in the game, and one ten minutes from time which was the difference, although the South Koreans, who had already overcome pre tournament expectations managed a goal through Lee Chug Yong – but it just was not enough.

Also on Saturday night, the USA took on the only remaining African nation in the competition – Ghana at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Ninety minutes of action was not enough to separate the two, after a penalty from showman Landon Donovan for the American’s saw them level with Kevin Prince Boateng’s opener, and into extra time.

Asamoah Gyan struck the back of the net three minutes after the re start, and the USA could not find that crucial goal and saw their tournament done and dusted.

Therefore the first quarterfinal will see Uruguay take on Ghana at the Soccer City Stadium on the 2^nd of July for a place in the semi finals.

Sunday night saw old enemies Germany take on England at the Free State Stadium, both hoping to overcome one of the biggest football rivalries in the international game.

However it was a one sided affair, which saw the Germans come away 4-1 winners and through to the quarters after annihilating vulnerable English defence.

Miroslav Klose opened the scoring, with Lukas Podolski doubling it within ten minutes, up until then England had looked unthreatening, although reacted well with a header by Matthew Upson which saw them back in contention.

The flow was with the English, and Frank Lampard struck a screamer, which bounced off the crossbar into the goal and out to the keeper, with the referee waiving on play – despite the ball having crossed the line.

However the second half saw England pressurising and unable to handle the German’s counter attacks – which saw Thomas Mueller strike twice taking it to 4-1.

The final match of the weekend saw Argentina take on Mexico at the Soccer City Stadium, with more goals flowing.

The South Americans continued their fantastic performances of the tournament, coming away with a 3-1 win which sees them through to the quarters.

Carlos Tevez found the back of the net on the 26^th minute, with Gonzalo Higuain doubling the lead on the half hour mark, while Tevez put the game beyond doubt just after the break.

Mexico continued to push forward, but could only manage one goal through Javier Hernandez on the 71^st – which was not enough to threaten the fantastic Argentineans.

The result sets up a fantastic quarter final battle between Argentina and Germany on the third of July at the Green Point Stadium, as these two quality sides battle for a place in the semis.

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The results mean the USA will play Ghana on Saturday night, and Germany and England will relight a fierce rivalry on Sunday night in the first big clash of the tournament.

Kicking off the action England and Slovenia took to the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for their final group fixture.

It was a must win for England who have had a disappointing start to their campaign, coming under criticism from fans and media alike, and reacted impeccably to the mounting pressure as they responded with a convincing 1-0 win.

A flattering score line for the Slovenes, Jermain Defoe scored the crucial goal on the 23^rd minute, volleying in a fantastic cross from James Milner on the right – both new additions to the starting line up which went out in the lacklustre performance against Algeria.

It seemed a matter of time before the score line would double, but England just could not find that finishing touch, with Wayne Rooney frustratingly hitting the woodwork – although gives England their first win of the tournament.

Elsewhere in Group C, the USA and Algeria battled it out at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium at the same time – also hoping to make it through to the next round.

In the 90 minutes of play, Algeria came out stronger and looked more likely for the goal, but over the course of the game the USA worked their way in and saw a goal dissalowed for offside and hit the woodwork once.

While it looked like a goalless draw which would result in both sides exiting the tournament, it was the American playmaker Landon Donovan who stood up, and in extra time made the difference in Group C between being sent home and qualifying top of the group, which they did.

The USA and England ended the group phase level on points and goal difference, but with the US having scored more goals go through as leaders.

Next up Group D took to their last group games, which would decide who played the Group C winners in the next round.

First up was Ghana and Germany who played at the Soccer City Stadium – both knowing a win would secure them a spot in the next round – while Ghana could settle with a loss depending on the other games’ result.

In a match which could have gone either way, it was the Germans who came away victorious, with just a single goal separating the two – a superb strike by Mesut Ozil in the 60^th minute.

Despite the deficit, Ghana still looked dangerous, and were unlucky not to get an equalizer, however the score remained 1-0 and so eyes turned to the remaining fixture of the night.

Australia and Serbia took to the Mbombela Bay Stadium knowing a win was paramount to be in with a chance of progressing, and while the Serbians were favourites – the Aussies came away winners with a 2-1 victory.

But Tim Cahill’s and Brett Holman’s goals were not enough, with the Socceroos needing a three goal winning margin to be in with a chance of going through ahead of Ghana on goal difference – so it was not to be.

The results of Group D therefore see Germany go through in first place, with Ghana second as they head into the round of 16.

Ultimately, the results mean the USA will play Ghana on Saturday night, and Germany and England will relight a fierce rivalry on Sunday night in the first big clash of the tournament.

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Kicking off the action and Portugal came up against North Korea in the remaining match in Group G, and after a disappointing display went out to prove themselves as strong contenders for the title – and that they certainly did.

The Green Point Stadium saw the biggest score line of the tournament thus far with Cristiano Ronaldo and his men scoring seven goals to nil.

Raul Meireles scored first on the 29^th minute, and it was just the single goal separating the two at half time, although Simao, Hugo Almeiuda and Tiago all added one within 15 minutes of emerging from the break.

It was then a flurry of superb passing, nifty footwork and some great natural skill from skipper Ronaldo which turned into a show dominated by the Europeans who broke through again on the 81^st minute with Liedson adding a fifth, Ronaldo claiming one and Tiago rounding it off.

Portugal now sit second in the group, three points ahead of the Ivory Coast and with the goal difference certainly in their favour, however will be up against the big guns in their final group match as they come up against Brazil.

Group H took to the pitches last night with Chile and Switzerland kicking off the second group fixtures at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, desperate for a win.

Both claimed wins in their opening matches but Chile came away on top again with a simple 1-0 victory over 10-men Switzerland.

The Swiss proved once again there defence is fantastic with Chile not able to break through with an extra man on the field until the 75^th minute, when Mark Gonzalez hit the back of the net with a well timed header.

Rounding off last night’s action, Spain took on Honduras at the Ellis Park Stadium determined to get their campaign back on track.

It was David Villa who took the game by the scruff of the neck, and claimed both goals in the convincing 2-0 win flattering to the Central Americans.

Spain were superb all over the pitch and never looked threatened, with Villa’s opener perhaps the best individual goal of the tournament so far as he ripped his way through Honduras’ defence.

The current Europeans champions now sit in second spot in the group level on points with the Swiss – although ahead on goal difference, and face Chile, the table toppers in their last game still hopeful to progress top of Group H.

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Opening the weekend’s action, Germany and Serbia took to their second fixture, which saw the first upset of the weekend.

Opening the weekend’s action, Germany and Serbia took to their second fixture, which saw the first upset of the weekend as Serbia took all three points in the 1-0 win, where Germany saw a man sent off and missed a penalty.

Slovenia and the USA kicked off the action for Group C, which saw American come from a two goal deficit and finish 2-2 which sees the Group in a tight situation.

England and Algeria saw a goalless draw in the remaining Group C fixture, which means the final game for all four sides, will decide who makes it through.

On Saturday night, Ghana and Australia saw a 1-1 draw round off the second fixtures for Group D, which means the final game will also be the decider.

The Netherlands were lucky to come away with a win, and they scored a single goal to beat the Japanese and secure a spot in the next round from Group E.

The second fixture from the group saw Cameroon lose their goal lead to Denmark who came back to win 2-1, which means the Africans are the first nation to see their 2010 World Cup campaign not pass the group stage.

On Sunday evening Group F took to the pitches for their second fixtures in the group stages, with Slovakia taking on Paraguay.

The South Americans took the win convincingly 2-0 which sees them take to the top of the group although need a win in their final game to go through.

Italy and New Zealand closed off the Group F action for the night, with the All Whites providing a huge upset as they head the defending champions to a 1-1 draw and were unlucky not to come away winners.

The result means the final group game in Group F will be the decider between who makes it through and who does not.

Rounding off the action for the weekend and the five time champions Brazil never looked to allow an Ivory Coast upset occur as they looked comfortable in their 3-1 win, which means they are certain of a spot in the next round.

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2010 World Cup Second Weekend Results

Argentina went into the fixture as the favourites, and they did not disappoint with Lionel Messi proving why he has earned the title of the best player in the world.

Kicking off the action overnight, Group B started their second group fixtures as Argentina took on South Korea at Johannesburg’s Soccer City Stadium.

As the two time title winners went into the fixture as the favourites, they did not disappoint with Lionel Messi proving why he has earned the title of the best player in the world.

They came away with a 4-1 win, which sees Argentina the first team in the 2010 World Cup to reach six points, having almost certainly sealed their spot in the final 16.

Messi dominated all over the pitch, with the first goal being the result of a fantastic free kick which saw South Korea’s Park Chu-Young flounder and rebound the ball into his own goal off his shin.

With Messi involved again, Argentina sent waves of fear through the other nations still in the tournament with Gonzalo Higuain claiming the first hat trick of the world cup this year.

Just before half-time Lee Chung Yong took advantage of some lacklustre defending from the South Americans, and brought his side back into the tie, but it was not enough.

The underdogs’ keeper Jun Sung-Ryiong kept the side in the match, denying the Argentineans several opportunities to increase their lead further.

The second match of Thursday saw the remaining Group B nations take to the Free State Stadium, which saw Greece and Nigeria battle it out.

Nigeria went into the fixture favourites to claim the three points, and started well with a superb free kick by Kalu Uche on the 16^th minute which gave them the lead.

However it all turned on the half hour mark, when Sani Kaita made a rash outburst at Vasileios Torosidis when the ball ran off the pitch, and was given a straight red card.

Greece took advantage and changed their tactics, bringing on Georgios Samaras to change to a more attacking style.

The equaliser came for Greece just before the break, when Konstantinos Katsouranis set up Ditmitrios Salpingidis whose strike took a big deflection off Lukman Haruna to make it 1-1.

On the 71^st minute, Vasileos Torosidis claimed the winner, giving Greece their first ever win at a world cup tournament.

The win sees Greece in third place in Group B, level on points with South Korea, while Nigeria need a win of the South Koreans to have any chance of progressing through to the final 16.

Rounding off the overnight action in South Africa, Group A saw the remaining second fixture go ahead, with France and Mexico battling it out at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

France went into the game as favourites, but with yet another lacklustre performance were outclassed by and young and vibrant Mexican side who claimed a 2-0 win and see the final 16 within their reach.

It was the substitute Javier Hernandez who opened the scoring when the 22-year-old played the offside rule to his advantage, overcoming the French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, and claiming his first goal on the world stage.

While the Europeans made an attempt to equalize, they never threatened to score, and Pablo Barrera’s run on goals was abruptly stopped by a sliding tackle from Eric Abidal in the box – awarding the Mexicans with a penalty ten minutes from time.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco stood up to the spot, remaining calm under the building pressure, and secured all three points for Mexico when he struck the penalty perfectly.

Mexico now sits second in Group A, level on points with Uruguay at the top, and pre tournament favourites France now depend on other results going their way if they are to make it to the final 16, although need to secure a win over South Africa to have the slightest chance.

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Kicking off yesterday’s action in the host nation, tournament underdogs New Zealand took on Slovakia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Many were backing the Kiwi’s to end their tournament with no goals to their name, let alone points, but with a dogged performance from the All Whites – they snatched a point from the Slovakians.

The Europeans’ Robert Vittek struck the back of the net in the 50^th minute – a lead they certainly deserved and so they pushed for another, unlucky not to make it 2-0 soon after.

But in the final minute of extra time, Shane Smeltz put in a fantastic cross which Winston Reid took full advantage of and headed the ball past Jan Mucha.

The result leaves all sides in Group F level on points and goal difference, as Paraguay and Italy drew on Monday night.

Match 13 hit the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, and saw the first match of Group G get underway as Côte d’Ivoire took on Portugal.

With the group considered one of the hardest to qualify from, Portugal and the Ivory Coast have proved themselves as the contenders for the second side to make it through the stage – and have shared the points in their opening fixture.

It was labelled as the match which would decide who would most likely go through alongside Brazil, and neither of the two attacking sides managed to hit the back of the net in a mixed display of solid defence and unlucky attacks.

Both defences proved themselves as they did not allow each other to get a glimpse of goal, and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was disappointed not to break through in the first half.

The addition of Didier Drogba in the 66^th minute mixed things up for the West Africans, although the striker was visibly uncomfortable as he held his injured arm throughout his time on the pitch.

The last match of the day, and the second in Group G, saw Brazil play Korea DPR at the Ellis Park Stadium.

Many wrote the North Koreans off as a side who would not be able to provide any sort of challenge to the five time world champions, but the match was certainly not one sided.

The South Americans did come away with all three points after the 2-1 result, which saw Maicon strike with what seemed an impossible shot to take the lead in the 55^th minute.

Elano then doubled the lead in the 72^nd, but the North Koreans did not let the Brazilians run away with the lead, with Ji Yun-Nam getting on the scoresheet a minute from the final whistle.

The win puts Brazil at the top of Group G on three points, while the Ivory Coast and Portugal sit on a single point each and North Korea round out the group – proving this is going to be a close contest.

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