World Cup Today

Interesting stuff at the World Cup… TGO

Refer to information below. Source: Associated Press

By The Associated Press The Associated Press

JOHANNESBURG – A look at Day 18 Monday at the 2010 World Cup (all times EDT):

RESULTS

Netherlands 2, Slovakia 1, Netherlands advances to quarterfinals

Brazil 3, Chile 0, Brazil advances to quarterfinals

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HIGHLIGHTS

Arjen Robben returned to the Dutch starting lineup, and so did the craftiness of the Oranje offense in a 2-1 win over Slovakia. Robben scored the first goal as the Netherlands moved into a quarterfinals matchup with Brazil.

Brazil moved into the quarterfinals in pursuit of its sixth World Cup title, getting goals from Juan, Luis Fabiano and Robinho for a 3-0 victory over South American rival Chile. Julio Cesar got the shutout, his second in a row.

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STARS

Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder, Netherlands, each scored goals and sparked a creative Dutch attack in a 2-1 victory over Slovakia. Robben made his first World Cup start after missing the first two group games with a hamstring injury, then coming on as a sub in the third match.

Luis Fabiano scored his third goal of the tournament, helping Brazil beat Chile 3-0 to move into the quarterfinals. He received a one-touch pass from Kaka and dribbled past keeper Claudio Bravo inside the penalty area before scoring into an open net.

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HISTORY

Brazil earned its eighth consecutive win over regional rival Chile, and the 3-0 result extended Brazil’s unbeaten streak against the Chileans to 10 matches. The last loss came in a World Cup qualifier in 2000.

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GOAL OF THE DAY

The Netherlands showcased some of the brilliant passing and scoring that is a Dutch trademark. Wesley Sneijder sent Arjen Robben sprinting upfield with a long, accurate pass and the winger did what he’s been doing all season with Bayern Munich, scoring with shots from beyond the penalty area. His low, precise 20-yarder gave the Dutch a 1-0 lead and they beat Slovakia 2-1.

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LOOKAHEAD

Paraguay plays Japan (10 a.m. at Pretoria). Paraguay won Group F, allowing just one goal in three games (a win and two draws). Japan beat Denmark 3-1 to grab second place behind the Netherlands in Group E. Neither Paraguay nor Japan ever has gotten beyond the second round of a World Cup.

Spain, ranked second in the world to Brazil, faces No. 3 Portugal (2:30 p.m. at Cape Town). Spain won Group H after a difficult start, and its offense came alive against Honduras and Chile. Portugal finished second to Brazil in Group G with a win and two draw, but both draws were listless 0-0 matches. The Iberian rivalry comes to the big stage for the first time. Overall, Spain has won 15 of the 32 meetings, with Portugal taking five. The rest have been draws.

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QUOTABLE

“He’s a total genius, and when I saw him in the starting lineup I thought he makes the Dutch team 50 percent stronger — and I was right.” — Slovakia coach Vladimir Weiss on Arjen Robben, who scored the first goal in the Netherlands’ 2-1 second-round victory.

About The Great One

Am interested in science and philosophy as well as sports; cycling and tennis. Enjoy reading, writing, playing chess, collecting Spyderco knives and fountain pens.
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