Spain v Portugal

18:30 GMT, June 29, 2010

Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa

One of the most eagerly-awaited games at the World Cup so far sees Iberian neighbours Portugal and Spain meet in Cape Town.


Two teams full of attacking flair and blessed with technically gifted players, the hope is that this match will produce plenty of entertainment and a glut of goals. Portugal's game with Brazil may not have lived up to expectations, but in truth Brazil are not the gung-ho side they once were while Portugal can nullify the opposition.

The last time the sides met was at Euro 2004, when Portugal won 1-0 on home soil and Spain were sent tumbling out in the group stage. But that was Portugal's only win over Spain since 1981 across seven meetings, so Vicente del Bosque's side will go into the game as strong favourites.

Spain could be without midfielder Xabi Alonso for the second round tie, and he will face a late fitness test. Javi Martinez came on to replace Alonso in the victory over Chile and Del Bosque would have to decide whether to start with Martinez or bring Francesc Fabregas into the first XI.

Portugal made several changes for the match against Brazil, with Duda and Danny both being handed starts, but Liedson, Simao and Paulo Ferreira should all return to the starting team for this second-round clash. Deco is also fit again after injury.

Spain player to watch: David Villa. Villa, the top scorer at Euro 2008, is in great form at the World Cup. With Fernando Torres leaving his shooting boots back on Merseyside it is looking increasingly likely that Villa will be central to Spain's hopes of success. With a brace against Honduras and another in the 2-1 win over Chile which booked top spot in Group H, Villa is in the hunt for another Golden Boot.


Portugal player to watch: Raul Meireles . With a goal and an assist in the 7-0 drubbing of North Korea, Raul Meireles proved he can contribute in front of goal as well as in the centre of the park. Meireles is one of the first names on the team sheet for coach Carlos Queiroz, a solid and tough performer at the heart of the midfield who will look to break up Spain's attacks.


Key battle: Cristiano Ronaldo v Joan Capdevila. Former FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has had a good tournament so far, if not spectacular, and ended his long international scoring drought against North Korea. If Portugal are to advance into the quarter-finals, then Ronaldo is going to have to step up to the plate. Joan Capdevila is a steady performer and will have to put in one of his best defensive performances to keep Ronaldo at bay.



Trivia: Portugal's final group game was against Brazil, ranked first in the world, and Spain are ranked second. With Portugal ranked third, they will already have played the only two sides ranked higher.


Stats: Spain are the only team yet to receive a yellow card, while Portugal are the only nation yet to concede a goal.

Odds: Spain (2.00), the draw (3.20) and Portugal (4.33) with Bet365. Spain are 3.25 to be winning at half-time and full-time.

Prediction: Portugal have a reputation as an obdurate and organised side under Queiroz, and while that tactic may work against many teams, an opponent like Spain will pick you off. Spain win.

Goal-line technology

June 29, 2010

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has apologised to the Football Association over Frank Lampard's "goal" for England against Germany and said FIFA "will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and will have the first opportunity to discuss this in July at the business meeting of the International FA Board''.

Blatter had previously been staunchly against the use of technology, claiming that human error was part of the game. And FIFA ended all discussions over the use of technology at a board meeting earlier this year.

That seemed to put the idea to bed, but the controversy over Lampard's "goal" has forced Blatter into a corner.

Blatter told a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday: "It is obvious that after the experience so far in this World Cup it would be a nonsense to not reopen the file of technology at the business meeting of the International FA Board in July.

"Personally I deplore it when you see evident referee mistakes but it's not the end of a competition or the end of football, this can happen. The only thing I can do is yesterday I have spoken to the two federations [England and Mexico] directly concerned by referees mistakes. I have expressed to them apologies and I understand they are not happy and that people are criticising.

"We will naturally take on board the discussion on technology and have first opportunity in July at the business meeting.

"It happened in 1966 and then 44 years later - though it was not quite the same. I apologised to England and Mexico. The English said 'thank you and accepted that you can win [some] and you lose [some], and the Mexicans bowed their head and accepted it.''

The FIFA president added that the IFAB would only look again at goal-line technology and not video replays.

Blatter said: "The only principle we are going to bring back for discussion is goal-line technology.

"Football is a game that never stops and the moment there was a discussion if the ball was in or out, or there was a goal-scoring opportunity, do we give a possibility to a team to call for replays once or twice like in tennis?

"For situations like the Mexico game you don't need technology.''

Blatter added that FIFA would launch a new drive to improve refereeing standards at the top level later this year.

"We will come out with a new model in November on how to improve high level referees,'' he added. "We will start with a new concept of how to improve match control. I cannot disclose more of what we are doing but something has to be changed.''

Final score - after shootout - 127'
Paraguay
(5)0 - 0(3)
Japan

14:00 GMT, June 29, 2010

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria, South Africa


Paraguay progressed through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in their history after beating Japan in a penalty shoot-out in Pretoria.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Nelson Haedo Valdez - The Borussia Dortmund striker was an unexpected absentee from the starting line-up having impressed in South Africa so far and was one of the few players to look dangerous after appearing on the hour mark. As well as supplying clever movement, Valdez also scored his penalty and should be reinstated to the team when Paraguay face either Spain or Portugal in the quarter-finals.

Paraguay verdict: While Gerardo Martino's side continued to prove resolute in defence after conceding just one goal in the group stages, they lost some of the spark that saw them finish ahead of Slovakia, New Zealand and Italy in Group F. The decision to omit Valdez was a strange one and Paraguay looked brighter after his introduction. Roque Santa Cruz looked largely lifeless and it was his replacement, Oscar Cardozo, who scored the crucial penalty. They look ill-equipped for the next round.

Japan verdict: Gone was the side that dazzled in the defeat of Denmark. In a poor, poor game, Japan contributed to a succession of listless passes and a few missed chances. Daisuke Matsui rattled the bar in the first half but they struggled for inspiration in the final third. Having said that, few expected Japan to make it out of the group stages and a defeat on penalties in the second round is far from a disgrace for a side that struggled for form heading into the tournament. In the likes of Keisuke Honda, Yuto Nagatomo and Matsui they have players who have proved their quality on the biggest stage of all.

Could do better: Yuichi Komano - It is desperately harsh to single out one player from this aberration of a match, but when it really, truly mattered, Komano was found wanting as he was the only player to fail to score from 12 yards.

Stat attack: There had never been a penalty shootout at the World Cup that did not involve a European side until this game.

With neither side able to make the breakthrough during 120 minutes of precious few goalscoring chances or notable incidents, it needed the first shootout of the 2010 World Cup to separate the two nations.

And it was Paraguay who emerged victorious after Japan defender Yuichi Komano, looking to make it 3-3, slammed his effort against the crossbar.

That proved to be the crucial miss as Paraguay scored all five of their efforts, with Oscar Cardozo casually slotting home the winning spot-kick to send his team wild.

Paraguay will now meet the winners of Tuesday's match between Spain and Portugal for a place in the semi-finals, while the Blue Samurai head home after seeing their own dreams of a maiden World Cup quarter-final ended.

There was little to separate the sides during an evenly-fought first half that produced only a couple of moments to excite the fans at Loftus Versfeld stadium.

After a low-key opening 20 minutes in which defences were comfortably on top, the game briefly sparked into life with both sides going desperately close to scoring.

First Paraguay forward Lucas Barrios produced a great turn to break free in the area, and his low shot was blocked by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

Then, 60 seconds later, Daisuke Matsui rattled the Paraguay crossbar with a brilliant curling drive from outside the area that had the leaping Justo Villar beaten.

Paraguay ace Roque Santa Cruz and Japan star Keisuke Honda also had half-chances as the period drew to a close, but both players fired their left-footed efforts just wide.

It was little surprise to see the game deadlocked at the break, with neither side having been prolific scorers in qualifying for the last 16.

Paraguay netted just three goals - the lowest of any of the eight pool winners - and conceded only once in finishing top of Group E, while Japan's three matches produced only two more goals as they claimed runners-up spot in Group E.

With that in mind, Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino had stressed the importance of scoring first in this match, and that must have been the message he reiterated to his team at half-time as the South Americans began the second half on top.

They looked dangerous down the left, and from one of their attacks Cristian Riveros powered a glancing header goalward, but Kawashima plucked the ball from underneath his crossbar.

Although Paraguay were enjoying the better of proceedings, Japan also had a couple of efforts of their own through defenders Yuto Nagatomo and Tulio, but Villar was largely untroubled.

That would prove to be the case for both goalkeepers over the final half-hour of regulation time with defences once again dominating, sending the match to extra-time.

Paraguay enjoyed the better of the first period, with Barrios heading straight at Kawashima, who then came out quickly to block after Nelson Valdez had spun well on the edge of the area and poked a shot goalward.

Neither side came particularly close to snatching a late winner in the second half of extra-time, meaning this year's World Cup would have its first penalty shootout - with Paraguay taking the honours.

FT - Live ESP
1 - 0 v
POR
Full-time - 90'
Spain
1 - 0
Portugal

18:30 GMT, June 29, 2010

Green Point Stadium


Spain's crusade to add the World Cup trophy to their Euro 2008 title continued with a closely-fought second round win over Iberian neighbours Portugal.


MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: David Villa - In a game where Spain were again unable to quite hit the heights they are capable of, they required another goal from their predatory forward who claimed his fourth of the tournament to settle this second-round tie and move level with Robert Vittek and Gonzalo Higuain at the top of the goalscoring charts. Villa was a constant menace, as ever, and continues to demonstrate why he is the most feared striker in South Africa.

Spain verdict: Vicente del Bosque's side did not have to be at their best to progress on Tuesday night but in Villa they have a striker capable of settling any game. Midfield conductors Xavi and Andres Iniesta still have room for improvement, though the former's backheel to assist Villa was sublime, and the suspicion remains that Spain still have more in reserve. As they approach a quarter-final with Paraguay, Spain must consider whether dropping Torres will help bring the best out of the reigning European champions.

Portugal verdict: Outside of a 7-0 hammering of North Korea, Portugal did not score a goal in this World Cup and that is a damning statistic. Carlos Queiroz may have promised to attack Spain prior to kick-off but a performance full of endeavour did not materialise and Portugal's malaise was embodied by the frustrated figure of Ronaldo, who did little to justify his lofty reputation. Queiroz's side struggled with their shape in the latter stages and depart the World Cup full of regret having proved less than the sum of their talented parts.

Could do better: Fernando Torres - While his team-mate Villa moved to the top of the World Cup goalscoring charts with his fourth of the tournament, El Nino once again looked a little boy lost. His struggles at this World Cup are of real concern, and having not scored in qualifying he once again lived up to the tag of 'Spain's Emile Heskey' given him by the Guardian's Sid Lowe. Who would have thought Torres would fulfil the role of non-scoring striker, and a troubled one at that?

Stat attack: Xabi Alonso was the first Spanish player to be booked at this year's World Cup finals.


Vicente Del Bosque's side dominated on the ball as usual but were frustrated for long periods by Portugal, who had decent chances of their own at Cape Town's Green Point Stadium.

Ultimately Spain's patience paid off, however, as David Villa's 63rd-minute goal secured victory exactly two years to the day since their European triumph in Austria.

They will now fancy themselves in a quarter-final clash with modest South Americans Paraguay while Portugal - who had Ricardo Costa dismissed in the final minute - face a disappointing trip home.

Fernando Torres, without a goal in South Africa, tested Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo after just a minute and strike partner Villa also forced an early save. The lively start continued when Villa, coming in from the left again, fired in a low effort which Eduardo stopped smartly.

Another Torres shot from a short corner was not too far over the bar but for all Spain's dominance, he and Villa were largely restricted to playing out wide.

Portugal had perhaps the best chance so far in the 20th minute. Midfielder Tiago tried his luck from the edge of the box and after Iker Casillas could only push it high into the air, he had to scramble it away near his own goal-line.

Xavi and Villa tried their luck at the other end before Spain team-mate Xabi Alonso saw a couple of long-range attempts stifled.

Portugal had a clear chance in the 39th minute when Almeida was unable to properly connect with Raul Meireles' cross, to the disappointment of a better-placed Cristiano Ronaldo behind him.

Casillas raced out to halt Simao's run at goal before Tiago headed over a good chance.

Seven minutes into the second half Spain defender Gerard Pique was outpaced by Almeida down the left and when the Werder Bremen striker's attempted centre deflected off Carles Puyol's thigh, the defender was relieved to see the ball go narrowly wide.

Portugal boss Carlos Queiroz sent Danny on for Almeida while Vicente Del Bosque sacrificed Torres for target man Fernando Llorente just before the hour mark.

In the 60th minute there was nearly an immediate impact as Llorente's diving header from Sergio Ramos' cross was somehow saved by Eduardo at point-blank range, before Villa curled one just wide.

The breakthrough came seconds later. Typically intricate build-up play saw Andres Iniesta feed Xavi who backheeled beautifully to the on-rushing Villa. The striker saw his first shot saved well by Eduardo but hammered the rebound high into the net.

Eduardo then got down brilliantly to turn away Ramos' drive from the right before Queiroz sent on striker Liedson and midfielder Pedro Mendes.

Again Eduardo was called upon to parry a shot, this time from Villa, while at the other end Portugal talisman Ronaldo was dreadfully quiet.

Villa's cross enabled Llorente to head just wide before the goalscorer was taken off for a rest, replaced by Pedro.

Danny had a dangerous-looking shot blocked well by Pique but moments later Portugal were down to 10 men when referee Hector Baldassi suddenly produced a red card, for defender Costa, for apparently lashing out at Joan Capdevila.

Ronaldo spits at TV camera

June 30, 2010

Cristiano Ronaldo's disappointing World Cup ended on a sour note as he was caught spitting towards a cameraman following Portugal's 1-0 loss to Spain in the second round.

Portugal captain Ronaldo reacted angrily to the cameraman's attempts to follow him off the pitch in close proximity immediately after the final whistle, waving him away before spitting in his direction while looking down the barrel of the camera, an act that was broadcast around the world.

While he was taking his frustration out on the man behind the lens, Ronaldo's spit appeared to the global audience to be directed towards them in an ugly act that could upset many of the fans of one of football's most marketable men.

Ronaldo failed to fire in the tournament, scoring just once in Portugal's 7-0 thrashing of DPR Korea and otherwise lacking involvement as his side went scoreless in their other three matches.

After the match, he told reporters to "talk to Carlos Queiroz" about Portugal's elimination from the World Cup. During the second half of the second round match, in which David Villa scored the only goal not long after the break, Ronaldo appeared frustrated as Queiroz issued a string of tactical instructions from the sideline that ultimately failed to bring Ronaldo, or Portugal, into the game.

Netherlands v Brazil

14:00 GMT, July 2, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Brazil and Netherlands supplied the great World Cup teams of the 70s but, while Brazil clinched their third world title at the start of the decade, Netherlands had to settle for two runners-up spots in the tournaments that followed.


Even with Pele, Garrincha, Jairzinho and co long gone, Brazil have since added two more World Cups to their collection, but the Dutch have not since played in a final.

If Bert van Marwijk's side are to finally end their wait for the trophy, they must overcome Dunga's Brazil, a side marrying skill with hard work and who look justified as the favourites.

Netherlands will need to improve on their most recent showings - a tepid dead rubber against Cameroon and a defensively unconvincing 2-1 win over Slovakia - but they have an attack capable of hurting any side. Arjen Robben, who nearly missed out on the tournament through injury, has been exceptional in his limited playing time to date, while Wesley Sneijder is excelling after a hugely successful year with Inter Milan. Dirk Kuyt has also made a positive contribution and, at his best, Robin van Persie is one of the game's leading strikers. From the bench, Eljero Elia offers another potent threat.

Brazil are perhaps at their best against attacking sides but, having again been accused of being one-dimensional after the 2-1 win over North Korea, they have since demonstrated greater adaptability. Against Chile, Juan thumped home a header from a set-piece before Luis Fabiano and Robinho completed the scoring in more traditional fashion. Regardless of such improvements, though, this quarter-final looks like a game that will suit them.

"We know there is always this expectation that Brazil will be the winners but being the favourite does not allow you to win the World Cup,"Dunga said. "Some people doubted that we would perform but as we go along that confidence is growing and growing and we hope to make it to the final."

Netherlands player to watch: Wesley Sneijder. The creative heart of the Dutch team, Sneijder has shown exceptional craft and vision in supplying Arjen Robben in the last two matches. He enjoyed a hugely successful campaign at club level and he appears desperate to prove a point following his release from Real Madrid last summer.

Brazil player to watch: Robinho. Having been selected in a weakened Manchester City side against Scunthorpe at Glanford Park in January, few could have predicted Robinho's turnaround in fortunes. A loan spell at Santos provided him with regular football and restored his confidence, and he is again starting to look like the player who cost £32.5 million two years ago. His man-of-the-match performance against Chile was no flash in the pan, and he is likely to test the Dutch defence to its limits.

Key battle: Arjen Robben v Michel Bastos. Robben had looked extremely doubtful for the finals after suffering a hamstring injury in a warm-up game, but he was superb when he returned in the final group game against Cameroon and continued to shine against Slovakia. Against Michel Bastos, who plays as an attacking midfielder for Lyon, he will be confident of getting in behind the defence and causing endless problems.

Trivia: Falcons are used at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to keep pigeons and small animals away.

Stats: Netherlands and Brazil have met three times in the World Cup, with one win apiece and one draw.

Odds: Netherlands (4.00), the draw (3.30) and Brazil (2.00) with Bet365. A 1-0 win for Netherlands will give you odds of 10.00.

Prediction: While Netherlands look very capable of scoring goals, their defence is a concern and Dunga's Brazil tend to be at their best when soaking up pressure and breaking quickly. While it should be a hard-fought contest, Brazil look by far the most likely to progress.

Uruguay v Ghana

18:30 GMT, July 2, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Ghana will go into Friday's semi-final against Uruguay with continental advantage and the support of much of Africa, but the loss of several key players in the midfield could make this their toughest match to date.


Key man Michael Essien was ruled out long before the tournament started, but the performances of Andre Ayew and Kevin-Prince Boateng have compensated and Ghana have now matched the achievements of Cameroon and Senegal in reaching the quarter-finals.

Yet Marseille winger Ayew - the son of Ghana legend Abedi Pele - will be suspended after an unfortunate booking. Named man of the match against USA, team-mate John Pantsil said he proved "he could carry the whole side on his shoulders", and he supplied Asamoah Gyan for the winning goal.

German-born midfielder Boateng, who became eligible for Ghana just a month before the finals, has also proved hugely important, offering skill, creativity and goals, yet he could be ruled out. Coach Milovan Rajevac said he was injured in the final group game against Germany and, while he was fit enough to open the scoring against USA, he had to be substituted in the 78th minute.

It is fortunate that Inter Milan's Sulley Muntari, who was nearly axed after a dressing room bust-up, was allowed to remain with the squad and should be fresh to come in. A knock for Gyan, who has scored three of Ghana's four goals in South Africa, is a further concern, but it seems he is set to feature.

Uruguay, meanwhile, have conceded just one goal so far in South Africa, but their defensive solidity could be hindered by an injury to centre back Diego Godin, who has been ruled out. Fortunately for Uruguay, more significant is the continued presence of strike duo Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who have contributed five goals between them already.

After struggling in qualification, boss Oscar Tabarez has said he is surprised to see Uruguay among the final eight this year, but he feels they can continue to defy the doubters. "Let's see how far we can go on this stage," he said. "We are not building castles in the air, but I don't see why we should be resigned to anything. We don't have to renounce anything before playing the matches."

Uruguay player to watch: Luis Suarez. He scored 49 goals in 48 games for Ajax, and he has now found his goalscoring touch on the biggest stage. His goals have now seen off Mexico and South Korea already, and a clinical touch tends to make all the difference at the World Cup.

Ghana player to watch: Asamoah Gyan. Having scored both the country's group stage goals from the penalty spot, Gyan fired home in open play to secure victory against USA. While there is plenty of talent in midfield, options in attack have been a problem for Ghana, so it is essential Gyan is fit and firing if they are to progress, particularly given the doubts over Boateng and the suspension for Ayew.

Key battle: Diego Forlan v Richard Kingson. While few expected Wigan's third-choice goalkeeper to become a hero in South Africa, Kingson excelled against USA and he may need to turn in a repeat performance given Uruguay's firepower. Forlan has not scored since his brace against South Africa, but he remains a real danger.

Trivia: If Ghana win, they will become the first African team to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.

Stats: Ghana had gone 433 minutes without scoring in open play before Kevin-Prince Boateng fired home against USA. Uruguay had gone 390 minutes without conceding before Lee Chung-Yong scored for South Korea.

Odds: Uruguay (2.10), the draw (3.10) and Ghana (4.00) with Bet365. You can get 15.00 on Luis Suarez to score the only goal of the game for Uruguay.

Prediction: Ghana should be able to rely on the support of the majority, but Uruguay have progressed by keeping things tight while taking their chances. They were on the back foot for long periods against South Korea but rarely allowed them any clear-cut opportunities, and a narrow Uruguay victory looks the most likely outcome here.

Nigerian president bans Super Eagles

June 30, 2010


Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the country's national team from international competition for two years in response to a disappointing World Cup campaign.


Nigeria failed to make it out of the group stage and failed to win a game, though a late goal in a 2-2 draw with South Korea would have been enough to see them progress from Group B with three points.

President Jonathan has now withdrawn the Super Eagles from international competitions until 2012 in an effort to "enable Nigeria to reorganise its football" according to advisor Ima Niboro.

"This directive became necessary following Nigeria's poor performance in the ongoing World Cup," Niboro added.

FIFA said in a statement: "We have no official information on this matter. However, in general, FIFA's position regarding political interference in football is well known."

FIFA is vehemently opposed to governmental interference in football matters and Sepp Blatter has already warned French president Nicolas Sarkozy after he said he would investigate the team's disappointing campaign in South Africa.

FIFA banned Greece and the country's clubs from international competition in July 2006 in protest at government interference, though the suspension was lifted eight days later after the laws in question were amended.

Full-time - 90'
Netherlands
2 - 1
Brazil

14:00 GMT, July 2, 2010

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Wesley Sneijder dumped favourites Brazil out of the World Cup as Netherlands finally got the better of their South American nemesis.

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder - Over the past 12 months ample evidence has been provided that the Inter Milan Treble-winner is more than capable of determining the outcome of a game, and in Port Elizabeth he once again proved decisive. It was Sneijder's cross into the box that Felipe Melo headed past his own goalkeeper and Sneijder who edged Netherlands in front with a clinical header. He outshone his opposite number in the No. 10 shirt, Kaka, with ease.

Netherlands verdict: Yet again, Bert van Marwijk's side were unable to produce a dominant performance but they continue to grind out results, and who would bet against them having eliminated many observers' favourites for the tournament? Much like Brazil, Netherlands have eschewed their traditions of brilliant football and instead have produced a robust, well-drilled and determined side. It might not be Total Football, but it is total vindication for Van Marwijk's approach in this World Cup. They may rue the loss of Gregory van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong for the semi-finals due to suspension though.

Brazil verdict: Dunga's men looked to be on course for the semi-finals when Robinho scored after ten minutes but despite that early promise and some neat passing moves, they played within themselves in Port Elizabeth. An uncharacteristic defensive error allowed Netherlands to equalise and from then on, Brazil imploded. Poor marking allowed Sneijder to head home and when Felipe Melo was shown a deserved card for a horrible stamp on Arjen Robben, their fall from grace was complete. Defeat in this manner will surely ensure Dunga is savaged by a hostile press. A campaign that promised so much ends prematurely.

Could do better: Felipe Melo - It started so well when his perfect through-ball released Robinho for the opening goal, but the Juventus midfielder had a nightmare of a second half. Twenty minutes after heading the ball into his own net, Melo blatantly and petulantly stamped on Robben to earn a red card. He should hang his head in shame.

Stat attack: This is the first time since 1954 that Brazil has had two red cards in one tournament.

But they had to come from behind to avenge their heartbreaking pdefeats of 1994 and 1998 and book their place in the semi-finals.

Robinho, who had already had an effort ruled out for offside, fired the Brazilians ahead with just ten minutes gone, and the Dutch struggled to cope during the opening 45 minutes.

But Felipe Melo's 53rd-minute own goal gave them fresh impetus and Sneijder won it 22 minutes from time as Melo was dismissed for stamping on Arjen Robben.

However, Netherlands will have to do without both full-back Gregory van der Wiel and midfielder Nigel de Jong for Tuesday's semi-final in Cape Town after both collected second bookings.

Dutch legend Johan Cruyff had claimed dismissively before the game that he would not pay to watch this Brazil team, and if he did stay away from the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, he may have been glad he did so at half-time.

Dunga's men may not possess the all flair of their forebears, but they had more than enough to cut Netherlands open almost at will, and the 1-0 lead they enjoyed at half-time was scant reward for their dominance.

Robinho thought he had given the South Americans the lead with just eight minutes gone after Luis Fabiano and Dani Alves combined to carve open the path to goal and he supplied the finish.

An offside flag ended that celebration, but the £32.5 million man did not have to wait too long for a chance to ease his disappointment.

This time, it was defensive midfielder Melo who split the Dutch rearguard wide open with a straight ball down the middle, and Robinho left orange shirts floundering in his wake as he beat keeper Maarten Stekelenburg with consummate ease.

But for Stekelenburg, the game would effectively have been over by the break with the Ajax man pulling off a fine one-handed save to keep out Kaka's curling 31st-minute effort after Robinho and Luis Fabiano had left Netherlands once again chasing shadows down the left.

The keeper was relieved to see full-back Maicon's rasping drive, which bore similarities to Carlos Alberto's stunning strike in 1970, tear into the side-netting in injury time with the Dutch very much up against it.

But they resumed in more determined fashion, and they got their reward within eight minutes of he restart when, after Sneijder had curled a cross hopefully into the penalty area, Julio Cesar and Melo challenged each other and the ball went in off the midfielder's head.

Robben started to cause problems in the wake of the goal, but Alves flashed a long-range effort just wide and Kaka also went close at the other end as Brazil responded.

But it was Netherlands who took the lead with 22 minutes remaining when Kuyt flicked on Robben's corner and Sneijder steered a header into the net.

Melo received his marching orders five minutes later for senselessly stamping on Robben with his side's World Cup dream rapidly unravelling.

Andre Ooijer's last-ditch tackle denied Kaka five minutes from time, and there was no way back for the five-time winners.

Final score - after penalties - 120:00
Uruguay
(4)1 - 1(2)
Ghana

18:30 GMT, July 2, 2010

Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa

Ghana bowed out of the World Cup in the most heartbreaking circumstances in one of the most amazing finishes to a match at the World Cup finals.

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Diego Forlan - Now surely a shoo-in for the Team of the Tournament, Forlan was at the heart of everything that was good for Uruguay. Working the line excellently, dropping deep intelligently and taking all of Uruguay's set-pieces largely to great effect, Forlan capped his performance with his third goal of the finals.

Uruguay verdict: They started the game well but seemed to be over-run by Ghana's drive and athleticism. Credit to Uruguay for weathering the storm and gaining back control, despite losing two players to injury, and towards the end of normal time they deserved to win the match.

Ghana verdict: You can never fail to admire the spirit of a Ghana side many had written off before this game despite their displays en route to the last eight. After having a great spell either side of half-time they failed to take their chances, which enabled Uruguay to force their way back into the game, before laying siege to the South Americans' goal at the end of extra-time. A superb performance and they will be missed against the Dutch.

Could do better: Asamoah Gyan & John Mensah - First, it was Gyan who missed from the spot when he had the chance to prevent the game going to spot-kicks and send Ghana into the semi-finals. But even worse was Mensah's kick in the shootout. He took a five-a-side style one-step run-up and sidefooted the ball straight at Fernando Muslera. Dominic Adiyiah missed too, but Mensah's kick was unforgivable.

Stat attack: All four of Diego Forlan's World Cup goals have come against African sides.


Uruguay's Luis Suarez had used his hands to keep out a header in the last minute of extra-time but his red card will be no solace to the Black Stars after Asamoah Gyan's spot-kick hit the bar and Uruguay triumphed in the shoot-out.

Soccer City was deathly silent as Ghana players collapsed in tears, while Uruguay celebrated their first semi-final appearance for 40 years, in which they will play Holland.

The South Americans' goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was the hero, saving twice from John Mensah, the Sunderland centre-back, and Dominic Adiyiah, but there was a nasty taste left in the mouth as Suarez was carried shoulder high by his team.

Sulley Muntari, almost sent home earlier on in the tournament after a bust up with Ghana's Serbian coach Milovan Rajevac, had given his side the lead before Diego Forlan equalised with a viciously-swerving free-kick for his third goal of the finals.

Ghana carried the hopes of the continent with them, and especially South Africans, in their quest to become the first African country to qualify for the semi-finals.

Perhaps it was the burden of expectation, but Ghana looked nervous from the start while Uruguay, and Suarez in particular, emanated menace.

It was the Ajax striker who first threatened, sweeping past Isaac Vorsah and firing in a shot that Richard Kingson managed to parry.

Forlan's dead-ball expertise was also causing Ghana problems and his corner deflected off Mensah's back and Kingson made a reaction save.

Kingson continued his superb form this tournament with a stunning save to tip over from Suarez.

Ghana had done virtually nothing in reply when, inspired by Kevin-Prince Boateng, they suddenly began to play.

Two great chances came in as many minutes as Vorsah planted a header from Muntari's corner just past the angle and then Gyan was inches wide after brilliant work by Boateng.

Then the German-born midfielder nearly conjured up a spectacular opener with an overhead kick before Muntari struck in first-half injury time.

Muntari hit a speculative shot from 30 yards out, Gyan ducked and Muslera was caught flat-footed as the ball sneaked into the corner.

The goal made for an open second half with Uruguay having to force the game, and Uruguay claimed a penalty when Edinson Cavani went down under Vorsah's challenge but replays showed Portuguese referee Olegario Benquerenca was spot on to wave the appeals away.

It look ominous for Ghana however when John Pantsil swept away Fucile's legs on the edge of the box, and Forlan produced the perfect free-kick that went over the wall and dipped under the crossbar. Kingson moved two steps to his right and was caught out of position as the ball flew past him.

Ghana did not let their heads drop however and Gyan brought a smart save out of Muslera but Uruguay should have taken the lead when Forlan produced an outstanding cross that cut out the entire defence. Suarez was in a perfect position to volley home at the far post but instead he rippled the side-netting.

Boateng looked to be denied a legitimate penalty after a smart turn, with Muntari wasting the chance that presented itself afterwards.

Kingson kept Ghana in it with a sharp near-post save from Suarez, and ensured extra-time.

Gyan was thwarted by a last-ditch block by Andres Scotti as Ghana hunted for a breakthrough then Pantsil was lucky not to be penalised after tangling with Sebastian Eguren in his own area.

Ghana finished the stronger with Gyan and Boateng going close before Forlan flashed a last chance wide.

An incredible last minute saw Suarez sent off for saving Adiyiah's header on the line when palming the ball away with both his hands, and Gyan smashed the resulting penalty against the bar.

Then came the shoot-out, and terrible agony for Ghana.

Mensah was the true culprit of the two to miss for Ghana, taking just one step and sidefooting straight at Muslera.