SoccerBible World Cup Update - 14/06/10
Day 4 of the 2010 World Cup, and Holland are another of the tournament favourites to record a victory in the opening game of their campaign. Germany have been the most impressive team at the World Cup so far, after their 4-0 demolition of Australia, but the Dutch looked confident as they dispensed with Denmark 2-0.
Goals for the Netherlands came courtesy of a Daniel Agger own goal, after team-mate Poulsen headed the ball against Agger's back following a Robin Van Persie cross, before Dirk Kuyt tapped the ball in after substitute Elia had hit the post.
There's been plenty to discuss at the World Cup, along with some interesting boot spottings, some great play and plenty to look forward to. Check out the SoccerBible's view on the latest goings on in South Africa...
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Lukas Podolski (Germany) |
Milos Krasic (Serbia) |
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Podolski absolutely smashed the ball into the back of the net, allaying any fears people may have that a lightweight boot can't be powerful. Interestingly, Podolski is just one of a host of former F50i wearers, who is opting for the leather adiZero's. |
Over the course of the season Krasic has worn a variety of Puma v1 football boots, and we've even seen him in the v1.815 Ferrari boots. To face Ghana, Krasic colour co-ordinated some blue v1.06 boots with the Serbia kit. |
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Adlane Guedioura (Algeria) |
Medhi Lacen (Algeria) |
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Midfielder Adlane Guedioura is the latest player to catch out boot-spotting eyes with a one coloured and de-badged boot, following on from Willam Gallas. The Algerian midfielder has done a good job disguising the Swoosh on his Superfly 1's |
Seems like Algeria-Slovenia was the match to be at for the boot spotters, as both Lacen and Belhadj sported miadidas inspired custom Predator X colourways. Here's Lacen in his kit-matching White/Green football boots. |
We all have to acknowledge the Germans did look impressive, and although it could be argued they were playing against ten men, even before Australia had Cahill sent off Germany had put together the play of the day. Three German players really caught the eye in yesterdays game; Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller, and all three combined to score Germany's opening goal.
The creative and energetic Ozil flicked a deft pass through to Muller who breached the Australian defence, before pulling the ball back to find Podolski in space, who rocketed the ball through the hand of Mark Schwarzer.
This slick German attack was just one of many throughout the game, with German looking a threat every time they attacked. They are looking like a formidable side that most teams will be hoping to avoid.
Italy begin defence of their crown - Italy v Paraguay (Group F)
World Cup holders Italy have the unwanted record of being the first defending champions to lose their World Cup opener, back in 1950. So, combine Italian superstition with the absence of playmaker Andrea Pirlo, and this could be quite a nervy tie. Italy will be the favourites with familiar faces Cannavaro, Buffon, Gattuso and De Rossi in the line-up, but they need to be wary of the Paraguayans attack, which includes friend of the SoccerBible Santa Cruz, and Benfica's top goalscorer Cardozo.
Gilardino will be spearheading the Italian attack wearing the Nike Elite series football boots, which have been catching the eye with their distinctive and unified colourway. Gilardino plays in the Nike Elite T90 Laser football boots, which have undergone the most dramatic transformation with a new Teijin upper material.
Posing a threat for the Paraguyan's will be Manchester City striker Santa Cruz, who plays in the Mizuno Wave Ignitus football boots. Which could prove a deadly combination with the Jabulani ball, the Ignitus features a panel which gives the ball an unpredictable flight path, but as we've heard throughout the tournament the ball is already capable of doing this.
But who will emerge victorious? The talk beforehand is all about the World Cup holders Italy, but they need to be wary of their South American opposition...have YOUR say and share your opinons now!
