Write-up by David Walker
The Earth Cup has been diminished from 32 to sixteen participating nations as the knockout phases commence. This is how the very last 16 faired as they battled for a place in the quarter finals.
Argentina were firm favourites to see off Mexico but Ricardo La Volpe’s aspect ended up not there to basically make up the numbers. Captain Rafael Marquez gave Mexico a shock lead right after 4 minutes but Argentina hit again five minutes later on through Hernan Crespo, though it is questionable no matter whether the Chelsea striker touched the ball. With the 90 moment draw secured at seven/2, the match looked to be heading for penalties right up until Maxi Rodriguez made what could be target of the tournament to send Argentina into the quarter finals.
Germany set up a mouth-watering quarter ultimate encounter with Argentina following viewing off Sweden. Lukas Podolski showed his Golden Boot credentials with two targets soon after 3 and eleven minutes to win the match for the hosts at odds of 8/11.
England have been predictably quick odds at one/two to beat shock 2nd spherical qualifiers Ecuador but their one- victory wasn’t convincing. Ecuador need to have scored early on when Carlos Tenorio’s latched onto an error by John Terry, but his shot was deflected off Ashley Cole and on to the bar. David Beckham curled in a decisive no cost kick after 59 minutes to secure victory.Portugal defeat fancied Holland at odds of 23/ten by way of a solitary Maniche goal following 22 minutes but it was four sendings off and plethora of yellow cards that was the game’s main chatting point. Maniche, Costinha, Petit, Figo, Deco, Ricardo and Nuno Valente have been all booked, with Costinha and Deco also obtaining their marching orders for Portugal, although Van Bommel, Boulahrouz, Van Bronckhorst, Sneijder and Van der Vaart saw yellow with Boulahrouz and Van Bronckhorst also seeing red.
Italy ended up odds on jollies at 4/seven to see off Australia but added time looked likely till the Italians won it with a controversial injury time penalty. Lucas Neill was adjudged to have fouled Fabio Grosso and Francesco Totti swept property the resulting spot kick to deliver ten-guy Italy into the quarter finals.
Switzerland and Ukraine have been concerned in quite possibly the worst match of the tournament so far, with 1st-time qualifiers Ukraine securing their area in the very last eight. The two sides played out a goalless, 90 minutes draw at two/1 and with no targets in extra time, the very first penalty shoot-out took location. Switzerland ended up equally bad from twelve yards out with the Ukraine triumphing 3-.
Brazil had been unconvincing against Ghana, but the three- scoreline will have pleased big hitters who took them at two/7. Ronaldo and Adriano gave Brazil a cozy 50 percent-time lead with goals following four and 45 minutes and Ze Roberto rounded off the win with a 3rd 7 minutes just before the finish.
Spain have been favourites to beat France, but it was the 1998 winners who pulled off the victory at 11/5. David Villa’s penalty gave Spain the lead right after 27 minutes, but Franck Ribery on forty, Patrick Vieria on 82 and Zinedine Zidane on 90 turned the match about in favour of the French.
About the Writer
David Walker runs no cost bets and Melanie Slade websites.