The whole world Cup has long been reduced from 32 to sixteen collaborating nations because the knockout phases begin. That is how the final 16 faired as they battled for a location in the quarter finals.
Argentina were company favourites to determine off Mexico but Ricardo La Volpes facet were not there to simply make up the numbers. Captain Rafael Marquez gave Mexico a shock direct immediately after 4 minutes but Argentina strike again five minutes later as a result of Hernan Crespo, although it is questionable whether or not the Chelsea striker touched the ball. Along with the 90 minute draw secured at seven/two, the match appeared to be heading for penalties until eventually Maxi Rodriguez developed what might be target in the Match to mail Argentina to the quarter finals.
Germany create a mouth-watering quarter remaining experience with Argentina immediately after observing off Sweden. Lukas Podolski showed his Golden Boot qualifications with two aims just after 3 and 11 minutes to get the match for that hosts at odds of eight/eleven.
England were predictably brief odds at 1/2 to conquer shock 2nd spherical qualifiers Ecuador but their 1-0 victory wasnt convincing. Ecuador ought to have scored early on when Carlos Tenorio’s 꽁머니 latched on to an error by John Terry, but his shot was deflected off Ashley Cole and on on the bar. David Beckham curled in a very decisive cost-free kick after 59 minutes to protected victory.
Portugal defeat fancied Holland at odds of 23/10 by way of a solitary Maniche intention following 22 minutes but it absolutely was 4 sendings off and plethora of yellow cards that was the games major talking point. Maniche, Costinha, Petit, Figo, Deco, Ricardo and Nuno Valente were being all booked, with Costinha and Deco also acquiring their marching orders for Portugal, whilst Van Bommel, Boulahrouz, Van Bronckhorst, Sneijder and Van der Vaart noticed yellow with Boulahrouz and Van Bronckhorst also seeing crimson.
Italy were odds on jollies at four/seven to determine off Australia but extra time appeared possible right until the Italians received it with a controversial injuries time penalty. Lucas Neill was adjudged to possess fouled Fabio Grosso and Francesco Totti swept dwelling the resulting place kick to deliver 10-guy Italy into your quarter finals.
Switzerland and Ukraine had been associated with potentially the worst match in the tournament to date, with initially-time qualifiers Ukraine securing their position in the last eight. Either side performed out a goalless, 90 minutes attract at two/one and without having aims in additional time, the main penalty shoot-out occurred. Switzerland were being Similarly bad from 12 yards out While using the Ukraine triumphing three-0.
Brazil ended up unconvincing from Ghana, although the three-0 scoreline could have delighted massive hitters who took them at two/7. Ronaldo and Adriano gave Brazil a cushty half-time direct with aims following four and forty five minutes and Ze Roberto rounded from the win with a 3rd seven minutes prior to the close.
Spain ended up favourites to defeat France, but it absolutely was the 1998 winners who pulled from the victory at 11/five. David Villas penalty gave Spain the direct soon after 27 minutes, but Franck Ribery on 40, Patrick Vieria on 82 and Zinedine Zidane on 90 turned the match all around in favour of your French.