Collective Soul

Match Day 4 – The Great Rising Sun June 14, 2010

An own goal and a late strike put The Flying Dutch unbeaten record on the run as they collect all 3 points at the expense of the Danish. The Flying Dutch or also known as Oranje were both playing below their standard for this game although the Dutch seem to be superior compare to Danish but a big blow for Daniel AGGER as he was not able to avoid it after Simon POULSEN clearance hit the back of him. Coming into the tournament as one of the favourite as well, the Dutch had several chance and with Wesley SNEIJDER were on form, it’s not easy for the Danish to contain them. Finally the deciding goal came in the 85th minutes after substitute Eljero ELIA strike struck the post and Dirk KUYT slotted home from the rebound. No complaint over the result though by the Danish.

Man of The Match: Wesley SNEIJDER (10)

Another Asian team is on the shining again and this time it’s the Rising Sun of the Samurai that show their power of being able to compete with the giant of other continental. Playing against Cameroon, many would expect the Blue Samurai would fall to the greater physical game of the African but it was a big mistake to think so. The Blue Samurai somehow managed to mark their first ever victory on foreign soil through Keisuke HONDA in the 39th minutes. Then they played well in defending the lead for the next 51 minutes to claim the victory. Japan definitely shocked many as they were beaten in all their warm up game before the tournament but now they show that even with the big name like Samuel Eto’o also find hard to break the resolute defend line of Blue Samurai.

Man of The Match: Keisuke HONDA (8)

Coming into the tournament as a defending champion doesn’t really give the Italian any advantages apart from adding even more pressure to repeat the archivement of World Cup 2006. Paraguay instead took the lead on the 39th minutes through Antolin ALCARAZ. As if it was the worst situation face by the Italian, the lost their first choice goalkeeper, Gianluigi BUFFON at the half time to be replaced by Federico MARCHETTI. The Italian only managed to break the scoreline in the 63rd minutes after Daniel DE ROSSI took advantage of unconvicing goalkeeping by veteran Justo VILLAR. Although the Italian seem to be like a champion team again after the goal, their failed to put the ball beyond Justo VILLAR. In the end, both team settled for a draw.

Man of The Match: Antolin ALCARAZ (21)

Damn, I bet on the Italian and they don’t look very convicing now … wrong choice? Bad new with the goalkeeper too 😦