WC Quarter-Finals: Here We Go!

The WC q-finals will start today. The 1st match, Germany vs Argentina. Personally, I think these 2 sides should meet at the final coz no doubt they are the 2 most impressive teams so far in this WC. Even the mighty Brazil didn't leave such impact as the Klose & co. and the Crespo & co. Hopefully both teams will play as usual. I am expecting a lot of goals. Today's 2nd match will see Sheva meets his 'friends' in the Serie A. I don't think there will be a lot of goals in the Italy-Ukraine match.

Today's schedules:

World Cup (Quarter-Final): Germany vs Argentina
World Cup (Quarter-Final): Italy vs Ukraine

The 15th From O Fenomeno

Ronaldo contributed a goal in Brazil's 3-0 victory against Ghana. Ronaldo's goal, the opening goal for Brazil in that match, also was his 15th WC goals which means he became the all-time top goal scorer in WC history, overtook Gerd Muller as the tournament's most prolific goal scorer. While Ronaldo scored a record, Adriano's goal was a doubt. I think he was in off-side position. Yup, the referees are still normal human beings, but it is still a bit unfair for the brave Ghana team. Later, cruel 2 late goals from Vieira & Zidane saw France won 3-1 against Spain. I personally prefer Spain to cruise to the q-final but what can I say... No luck, I guess. Still no luck to the 'under-achiever'. The q-finals will begin on June 30th.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Round of 16): Brazil 3 Ghana 0
World Cup (Round of 16): Spain 1 France 3

Italy & Ukraine In Q-Final

Totti scored an injury-time penalty to take 10-man Italy to the WC q-final. 1-0 victory against Australia huh? Australia was a very tough team or it juz typical Azzuri? FYI, I didn't watch the match, so that's why I ask. Switzerland-Ukraine match ended 0-0 after the extra-time. In the penalty shoot-out, even the great Sheva missed his penalty-kick. Despite that, Oleg Blokhin's side still won 3-0 since Switzerland's 3 penalty-takers (Streller, Barnetta & Cabanas) weren't able to convert their kicks. 3 missed in-a-row?! Wow! That's amazing! That's football. Pity Switzerland....

A bit of F1, Alonso won again! Years ago, Schumi who was 'running away'. Now, it's Alonso's turn. I like F1 but I can't deny it's boring..

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Round of 16): Italy 1 Australia 0
World Cup (Round of 16): Switzerland 0 Ukraine 0 (0-3 in penalty shoot-out)

Today's schedules:

World Cup (Round of 16): Brazil vs Ghana
World Cup (Round of 16): Spain vs France

1 Goal Was Enough

Beckham's free-kick goal was enough to bring England to WC q-final. Juz 1 goal separated England & Ecuador?! Later, Portugal vs Holland in the other Round of 16 match. 1 goal separated Portugal & Holland. 1 goal also??? Oranje gone?! Oh no!!!! Oh no!!!! But the attention went to 4 red cards showed by referee Valentin Ivanov. If I'm not mistaken, it's a record, the most red cards showed in a single WC match.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Round of 16): England 1 Ecuador 0
World Cup (Round of 16): Portugal 1 Holland 0

Today's schedules:

World Cup (Round of 16): Italy vs Australia
World Cup (Round of 16): Switzerland vs Ukraine

Podolski's Brace & Maxi's Wonder

Germany & Argentina won yesterday and they will meet each other in the quarter-final which will be play in Berlin on next Friday, 30th of June. Podolski got his 2 goals in the early 12 minutes. And it proved enough for Germany to seal a place in the q-final. Later, Argentina won 2-1 (aet) against Mexico. Not as I expected, Mexico made it tough for the Argentinians. 1st task for the Argentinians, they had to come back from Mexico 1 goal lead, scored by Marquez. It took juz 4 minutes for Argentina to draw level. Crespo scored. That was it. It finished with 1-1. 8 minutes into the extra time, Maxi Rodriguez chested down Sorin's fine cross-field pass & then, he fired a left-footed volley which went into the top right-hand corner of Oswaldo Sanchez's net. Great goal! A worthy match-winner! Today, Portugal will meet Holland, a 'delicious' match. Yum..yum.. Haha.

Yesterday also saw Nicky Hayden got his 1st victory in this MotoGP season, his 2nd victory of his MotoGP career. The Dutch TT was a tough race for everybody, even for Hayden coz he overtook Colin Edwards only in the last corner. Not the normal overtook move, coz Edwards actually crashed at that corner. He got back on his bike & finished in 13th place. Pity. Today's race, the F1 Canadian GP. Hopefully the unexpected will happen...

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Round of 16): Germany 2 Sweden 0
World Cup (Round of 16): Argentina 2 Mexico 1 (a.e.t.)

Today's schedules:

World Cup (Round of 16): England vs Ecuador
World Cup (Round of 16): Portugal vs Holland

No Korea...?!

The Koreans are out of WC which also means no Asian teams qualify to Round of 16. Sad. Lucky France. Lucky Shevchenko too. I think Tunisia & Saudi Arabia deserved at least a draw in their respective matches yesterday. Today, the Round of 16 begins. I'll bet Germany & Argentina will go through.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group H): Saudi Arabia 0 Spain 1
World Cup (Group H): Ukraine 1 Tunisia 0
World Cup (Group G): Togo 0 France 2
World Cup (Group G): Switzerland 2 Korea Republic 0



Today's schedules:

World Cup (Round of 16): Germany vs Sweden
World Cup (Round of 16): Argentina vs Mexico

Win The WC Brazilians' Style

4-1 victory against Japan & a brace from Ronaldo?! After watching their 1st 2 matches, many won't bet on Brazil to score 4 goals or Ronaldo will score a brace, or even a goal! Nah...they showed why they already won WC 5 times. My 'Brazil Theory': They start slowly ('unconvincingly' is the more suitable word) in the group stage matches. Then, when come the knock-out stage, they will show their true potential. And in a blink of our eyes, we realize they win the WC!!! Ahhhh!! I like the Brazilians. But, do I like to see Brazil win the WC this time? For the 6th times? I don't think so.. I prefer Holland, Argentina, Spain, Germany or whoever except Brazil. Why? Coz if Brazil did win, it will be a boring news. Everyone know they can but WC is nothing without surprises. Ahha..can Ghana do it? They already eliminate 'The No.2'. Can they repeat the achievement against 'The No.1'? We'll see...

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group E): Czech Republic 0 Italy 2
World Cup (Group E): Ghana 2 USA 1
World Cup (Group F): Japan 1 Brazil 4
World Cup (Group F): Croatia 2 Australia 2



Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group H): Saudi Arabia vs Spain
World Cup (Group H): Ukraine vs Tunisia
World Cup (Group G): Togo vs France
World Cup (Group G): Switzerland vs Korea Republic

A Night To Remember For The Elephants

Despite already knew they will go home after the match against S & M, Ivory Coast produced a terrific finale to their 1st ever WC adventure. They scored 3 goals, coming from 2 goals down. A well deserved victory for Ivory Coast and it was 1 of the best match so far for Germany 2006. Elsewhere, Iran ended Angola's hope of qualifying to the next round, as they drew 1-1. However, Angola will still remember this match for another reason, their 1st ever WC goal, scored by Flavio. Today's action will see all 4 teams from Group E will do their best to gain 1 of the 2 spots for the next round. Later, Japan, Croatia & Australia will go all out to take the 2nd spot, behind Brazil.

Ok, now some local Malaysian football news. Yesterday, 4 teams succeed to make into the Super League 2006-2007. The 4 teams are Selangor, Sarawak, Terengganu & the DPMM Brunei. What?! DPMM Brunei?! Yup, they beat Pahang! The yesterday's 4 losers (Pahang, PKNS, Johor FC & Sabah) will now have to look to the 2nd round of play-offs for the chance to make into the top flight. The do-or-die 2nd round of play-offs will be play on 25th & 28th of June.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group D): Portugal 2 Mexico 1
World Cup (Group D): Iran 1 Angola 1
World Cup (Group C): Holland 0 Argentina 0
World Cup (Group C): Ivory Coast 3 Serbia & Montenegro 2



Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group E): Czech Republic vs Italy
World Cup (Group E): Ghana vs USA
World Cup (Group F): Japan vs Brazil
World Cup (Group F): Croatia vs Australia

Germany & England Kept Apart

In their respective last group stage matches, Germany won while England drew. The results mean they avoid to meet each other in the next round. In the next round, Germany will play against Sweden while England will meet Ecuador. Miroslav Klose scored twice yesterday which saw him as the tournament (in this 2006 edition) top scorer with 4 goals for the time being. Yesterday also saw the 2000th goal in the tournament scored by Marcus Allback.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group A): Ecuador 0 Germany 3
World Cup (Group A): Costa Rica 1 Poland 2
World Cup (Group B): Sweden 2 England 2
World Cup (Group B): Paraguay 2 Trinidad & Tobago 0



Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group D): Portugal vs Mexico
World Cup (Group D): Iran vs Angola
World Cup (Group C): Holland vs Argentina
World Cup (Group C): Ivory Coast vs Serbia & Montenegro

No Surprise

Switzerland, Ukraine & Spain won their respective matches yesterday, as expected. Since there was no surprise, there's nothing much to say really. Today, 4 matches will be played which will be the last group stage match for 8 teams. Germany & Ecuador will battle each other to be their group winner. Later, Sweden will play against England. England need a draw to become the group winner while Sweden, a draw is enough to see they go through to the next round but if they win, they will overtake England & emerge as the group winner.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group G): Togo 0 Switzerland 2
World Cup (Group H): Saudi Arabia 0 Ukraine 4
World Cup (Group H): Spain 3 Tunisia 1



Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group A): Ecuador vs Germany
World Cup (Group A): Costa Rica vs Poland
World Cup (Group B): Sweden vs England
World Cup (Group B): Paraguay vs Trinidad & Tobago

A Good Day For Asian Teams

Japan & Korea both played yesterday & both drew in their matches. Japan drew with Croatia 0-0 which means they still have slight chance to progress. But it will be tough coz they have to beat Brazil in their last group match. Korea pula seri with France 1-1. Compare to Japan, Korea have better chance to qualify to the next round. In another match, Brazil beat Australia 2-0 to book their ticket in the next round. But still, the 'mighty' Brazil didn't able to show their true quality. If they continue play like that, I don't think they can reach WC final or even the q-final coz there's a possibility they maybe have to face other tournament favourites such as Italy or Czech Republic in the next round.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group F): Japan 0 Croatia 0
World Cup (Group F): Brazil 2 Australia 0
World Cup (Group G): France 1 Korea Republic 1


Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group G): Togo vs Switzerland
World Cup (Group H): Saudi Arabia vs Ukraine
World Cup (Group H): Spain vs Tunisia

What A Day!

Yesterday's 1st match saw a cracker by Deco & a Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty bring Portugal to the next round. But, I think the 2nd match was the best of the day. When Czech Republic beat USA last week, I thought they will go through all their group stage matches without any problem. I'm so so wrong! Ghana scored 2 passed Petr Cech & co. Actually, it might have been more goals for Ghana but Cech produced his best form, the best keeper performance for the tournament, for now. The last match saw Italy & USA drew 1-1. The result didn't really mirror the action on the pitch. There was an own goal, a disallowed goal & 3 red cards which ended up 10 Italians played against 9 Americans most of the 2nd half. The draw & the Ghanaians' victory open up the group which all 4 teams still have chance to progress to the next round.

WC WC gak. Nak cakap gak a bit our Malaysian football. Yesterday, Kedah won 1-0 against Melaka which make Kedah the Malaysia Premier League champion. Yeah, the quality of the game was far far behind the WC matches quality. However, as a Malaysian, we must support our local football. Realistically, we will not play at the WC in the near future but who knows, a drastic change occurs & suddenly we realize our national squad is playing their 1st match in the WC final! Yup, miracle yet that's our hope, right?

Asyik bola je, let talk bout badminton, the Malaysian Open, held in Kuching. There are 2 victories to cheer. Chong Wei kalahkan Lin Dan while Chong Ming - Kien Keat beat their 'juniors', Fairuzizuan - Woon Fui. Congrats to our boys especially to Chong Wei who came from behind to beat Lin Dan who at that time, need juz a point to win. Congrats again!

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group D): Portugal 2 Iran 0
World Cup (Group E): Czech Republic 0 Ghana 2
World Cup (Group E): Italy 1 USA 1



Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group F): Japan vs Croatia
World Cup (Group F): Brazil vs Australia
World Cup (Group G): France vs Korea Republic

Six!!!!!

The Argentinians scored 6 (yes..SIX!) goals against Serbia & Montenegro. It was truly a very 1-sided match from the start. Maxi Rodriguez scored a brace while Cambiasso, Crespo, Tevez & Messi scored a goal each. With the win, the Argentinians confirm their place in the next round. 'The Oranje' also go through to next round with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast. It also means S & M and Ivory Coast have to say goodbye early. Pity Ivory Coast coz they showed spirited performance & fought bravely against Holland. No luck this time...

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group C): Argentina 6 Serbia & Montenegro 0
World Cup (Group C): Holland 2 Ivory Coast 1
World Cup (Group D): Mexico 0 Angola 0


Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group D): Portugal vs Iran
World Cup (Group E): Czech Republic vs Ghana
World Cup (Group E): Italy vs USA

3 Go Through, 3 Go Home

Germany, Ecuador & England are the 1st 3 teams that qualify to the next round of WC. While Germany & England go through as expected, it will be the Round of 16 debut for Ecuador. However, there's also bad news. Yesterday's results mean that Poland, Costa Rica & Paraguay will go home early. Goodbye Boruc, goodbye Wanchope, goodbye Gamarra..

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group A): Ecuador 3 Costa Rica 0
World Cup (Group B): England 2 Trinidad & Tobago 0
World Cup (Group B): Sweden 1 Paraguay 0



Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group C): Argentina vs Serbia & Montenegro
World Cup (Group C): Holland vs Ivory Coast
World Cup (Group D): Mexico vs Angola

Superb Spanish

4 goals scored against Ukraine shows the Spanish side is 1 of the main contender to lift the WC this time around. On paper, Ukraine is the main threat for Spain in their group. With this win, theoretically, Spain secures their place to the next round. Another 2 teams in that group, Tunisia & Saudi Arabia both shared a point each when they drew, 2-2. Another match saw Germany won against Poland, 1-0. Poland is on the verge of elimination. Poland has to pray that Costa Rica beats Ecuador today, in order to have chance to progress.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group H): Spain 4 Ukraine 0
World Cup (Group H): Tunisia 2 Saudi Arabia 2
World Cup (Group A): Germany 1 Poland 0


Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group A): Ecuador vs Costa Rica
World Cup (Group B): England vs Trinidad & Tobago
World Cup (Group B): Sweden vs Paraguay

Kudos Korea!!!

Korea recorded their 1st win in Europe soil. They did what Iran and Japan can't. I'm a bit shocked when the Togolese scored 1st. But in the 2nd half, with Ahn Jung Hwan came in, Korea came back with 2 goals. That's the spirit!!!!! In the 2nd match of the day, France and Switzerland shares a point each. Including this match, they already draw 0-0 3 times in their last 3 matches. 'Great' huh?! In another match, Brazil won over Croatia with a wonderful goal from Kaka, a minute from half-time. 1-0, not a great result for Brazil, I think.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group G): Korea Republic 2 Togo 1
World Cup (Group G): France 0 Switzerland 0
World Cup (Group F): Brazil 1 Croatia 0

Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group H): Spain vs Ukraine
World Cup (Group H): Tunisia vs Saudi Arabia
World Cup (Group A): Germany vs Poland

The Asian Did It Again

On Sunday, it was Iran. Yesterday, it was Japan who disappointed me. Just in the last 8 minutes, the Japanese conceded 3 goals! In the Iran case, they deserved to lose but for the Japanese (especially the keeper - Kawaguchi), it's a bit cruel to lose like that. In another match, Czech Republic showed why they are number 2, behind Brazil in the world ranking. Rosicky 1st goal (2nd for the Czech) just brilliant! The best goal so far I would say. Wenger should be smiling...

France & Brazil will play today. Hope to see their beautiful game, live up to their expectation. Also, another Asian team, Korea, will play today. Hope they will win. Go Korea!!!!!

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group F): Australia 3 Japan 1
World Cup (Group E): USA 0 Czech Republic 3
World Cup (Group E): Italy 2 Ghana 0


Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group G): Korea Republic vs Togo
World Cup (Group G): France vs Switzerland
World Cup (Group F): Brazil vs Croatia

Germany 2006 4th Day Wrap-up

3 match played. 1st, S & M vs Holland. Holland looked superior especially in the 1st half. A goal from Robben was enough to seal the victory. The 2nd match, Mexico vs Iran. I don't know what happened to Iran in the 2nd half. Did they play for a draw? I can't believe it, 3-1, a deserved victory for Mexico. The last match, Portugal vs Angola. When Pauleta scored, I thought Portugal might win the game by 3 goals margin, at least! Although they lost, kudos to Angola for showing why they are there, in Germany.

A bit about F1 British GP. A very dull, very boring race. I didn't see any overtaking, except the frontrunners overlap the backmarkers (of course :P). In tennis, Nadal beats Federer, again!

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group C): Serbia & Montenegro 0 Holland 1
World Cup (Group D): Mexico 3 Iran 1
World Cup (Group D): Angola 0 Portugal 1

Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group F): Australia vs Japan
World Cup (Group E): USA vs Czech Republic
World Cup (Group E): Italy vs Ghana

It's All About The Underdogs!

2nd day of Germany 2006 WC really showed the underdogs team always can spring surprises. England, 1 of the favourite to win the WC, narrowly won against Paraguay, 1-0. Worse, it was an own goal! The 2nd match of the day saw Trinidad & Tobago held Sweden to a goalless draw. T & T played with 10 men almost the entire of the 2nd half. On the 1st day, there goals everywhere. On the 2nd day, the underdogs shone. On the 3rd day? Watch out!!!

Also, don't forget the F1 British GP race & the encounter between Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal. FYI, Justine Henin-Hardenne won the French Open Women's Singles Finals.

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group B): England 1 Paraguay 0
World Cup (Group B): Trinidad & Tobago 0 Sweden 0
World Cup (Group C): Argentina 2 Ivory Coast 1


Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group C): Serbia & Montenegro vs Holland
World Cup (Group D): Mexico vs Iran
World Cup (Group D): Angola vs Portugal

Goals Galore!!!!!

Congrats to Germany & Costa Rica coz they have played a very entertaining opening match in the WC. 6 goals scored, and the best surely be the thunderous strike from Torsten Frings. Absolute screamer!!!!! Today, 2 big names will open their account in the WC, England & Argentina. Hope more beautiful game will be seen...

Yesterday's results:

World Cup (Group A): Germany 4 Costa Rica 2
World Cup (Group A): Poland 0 Ecuador 2


Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group B): England vs Paraguay
World Cup (Group B): Trinidad & Tobago vs Sweden
World Cup (Group C): Argentina vs Ivory Coast

On Your Couch, Get TV Set, Goal!!!!!

Here We Goal Again! The greatest show on earth, the World Cup, will begin today. The kick off is a Group A match between the host, Germany vs Costa Rica which will be play at the Munich Stadium, the Allianz Arena. Between the two, Germany is the favourite, of course. Without Ballack, can Costa Rica spring a surprise? We'll see... Another Group A match also will be play in Gelsenkirchen today which is Poland vs Ecuador. Hope we'll see a lot of goals from both matches!!!

Today's schedules:

World Cup (Group A): Germany vs Costa Rica
World Cup (Group A): Poland vs Ecuador

Assalamualaikum

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.....

Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to my blogspot. It will be the place for me to bla bla bla.. Most of them will be about sports (football especially). Besides the sports info, there will be some thoughts from me about things happen around me, or..around the world. Hope y'all enjoy!

Insya-Allah, wassalam.