The almost two-year management reign of Diego Armando Maradona ended swiftly on Tuesday night in Buenos Aires. Despite providing fans and enemies alike with an entertaining brand of football, unexpected results and a unique management style that favored hugs over tactics, Maradona could not escape the sack. According to Clarin from Buenos Aires, the Executive Committee of the Argentinean Football Association (AFA) rendered a unanimous decision: Adios to Mr. Maradona but thanks for the memories.

Announcement by AFA Spokesman, Cherquis Bialo

“Lo que tengo que informar en el nombre de la AFA es que el presidente dio cuenta a los miembros sobre lo conversado con el señor Diego Armando Maradaona, expuso los puntos salientes de su larga conversación de ayer y después de que el presidente hubo de haber rendido cuenta sobre la conversado, el Comité Ejecutivo con el pleno de sus miembros y por unanimidad ha resuelto no renovar el contrato con el señor Diego Armando Maradona en su caracter de director técnico jefe. Termina aquí una primera etapa vincular con el señor Maradona, que siempre tendrá abiertas las puertas de esta casa“.

“I have to inform you on behalf of the AFA that the President (Julio Grondona) discussed the key points with the FA members over his long conversation yesterday (Monday) with Mr. Diego Armando Maradona, and afterward the President had to take into account the discussion. The Executive Committee in its entirety has decided not to renew the contract of Mr. Maradona in his position of head coach. The first half (he used a football term) of Mr. Maradona stops here but the doors will always be open to him.”

Diego Maradona was the photo opportunity of the 2010 World Cup

“La lista de jugadores para el partido contra Irlanda (el 11 de agosto) fue confeccionada por Diego Maradona.”

Aunque el equipo:

“Será dirigido por Sergio Batista. A Maradona se lo estamos comunicando por esta vía“.

Translation:

Moreover, Bialo confirmed that:

“The list of players for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland on 11 August was put together by Diego Maradona.”

Even if:

“Sergio Batista will manage that game. We have communicated it in this manner to Maradona.”

Diego Maradona Holds No Punches

On Wednesday night from a restaurant, El Mangrullo, Maradona gave his side of the story in a prepared statement.

“Grondona me mintió, Bilardo me traicionó. Sabiendo que íbamos a tener más tiempo para trabajar, todo mi equipo y yo estábamos para seguir, que quede bien claro“.

“Grondona lied to me. (Carlos) Bilardo betrayed me. Knowing that we were going to have more time to work, all of my team and I were going to continue. That was made very clear.”

The 4-0 humiliation by Germany in the quarterfinals sealed his fate

“Grondona, en el vestuario, después del partido con Alemania, me dijo que estaba contento con el trabajo realizado y que quería que siguiera. El lunes me reuní con él y me dijo que quería que siguiera, pero que siete personas de mi cuerpo técnico no debían continuar. Cuando me dice esto me estaba diciendo que no quería que siguiera”… Yo defiendo a toda mi gente. Y no voy a cambiar porque tengo valores y códigos que no tienen ellos“.

“Julio Grondona, in the dressing room, after the game with Germany, told me that he was pleased with the work put in and that he wanted me to continue. On Monday, I met with him and he told me that he would like me to stay on but that seven persons in my back room staff could not continue. When he told me this he was telling me that he didn’t want me to continue… I backed all of my people. And I’m not going to change because I have values and codes that they don’t have.”

Translators’ Note:

Maradona first said that Grondona wanted him to stay on and then contradicted that statement when told that seven of his staff had to be sacked. I translated his comments verbatim.

Former teammate and U-20 boss, Sergio Batista, will be the interim manager

“Cuando estábamos de luto, Bilardo trabajaba en las sombras para echarme“.

Por último, le dejó un mensaje al próximo DT que asuma en el cargo, más allá del interinato de Batista:

“Agarre quien agarre, que sepa que la traición está a la vuelta de la esquina“.

“When we were gutted (after Germany), Carlos Bilardo was working in the background to sack me.”

Finally, he left a message to the next head coach that will take over after Sergio Batista on an interim basis:

“Be careful. Knowing that betrayal is just down the corner.”

Spanish language source: Clarin.com, 27-28 July 2010.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The last man to lift the World Cup trophy, Fabio Cannavaro, carried the sculpted golden figure into Soccer City. The Netherlands was on a 25 game unbeaten streak having won all 10 qualifiers and six on the trot in South Africa. Spain lost their first match in South Africa to Switzerland but were trying to become the first team to lift the Cup after an initial loss. In extra time after a less-than-stellar final, la Furia Roja of Spain won their first World Cup championship.

In comments made directly after the game made to Marca.com of Madrid, Vicente Del Bosque hailed his side, Raul singled out Andres Iniesta who himself praised his teammates. Sergio Ramos and Cesc Fabregas discussed their joy. Wesley Sneijder of the Netherlands concisely praised his opponents.

Vicente Del Bosque: “We owe everything to these magnificent players.”

“Se lo debemos todo a ellos, a estos magníficos jugadores… Sobreponerse al primer tiempo y terminó por imponer su juego… Me acuerdo ahora mismo de mucha gente pero las dedicatorias me las guardo para mí“.

Fabio Cannavaro presented the World Cup trophy before the game

“We owe everything to these magnificent players… We were outplayed in the first half and ended by imposing our style of play… Right now, I’ll remember many people but individual dedications I’ll keep to myself.”

“Esta final ha prestigiado al fútbol de calidad y de ataque y como contrapunto a esto, los equipos nos han presionado mucho, pero creo que el fútbol va adelante. Esta final lo ha premiado“.

“This final rewarded quality and attack-minded football and as a counterpoint to this, teams pressed us a great deal. But I believe that football goes forward. This final rewarded it.”

Real Madrid and Spanish legend, Raul, on Andres Iniesta: “Andres is a footballer with uncommon talent.”

“Andrés es un futbolista de un talento descomunal. Un futbolista con personalidad, que una vez más ha tenido la capacidad de resolver en un momento decisivo. Pero reitero, todos, los 23 jugadores han ofrecido una imagen extraordinaria. Felicidades a todos“.

“Andres is a footballer with uncommon talent. A player with personality who one more time had the capacity to finish in a decisive moment. But I repeat, all of the 23 players offered an extraordinary display. Best wishes to everyone.”

Iker Casillas raises the World Cup trophy for Spain

Andres Iniesta: “It was an incredible job by everyone.”

“Todavía no sabemos el alcance que tiene esto” y lo irán “asimilando poco a poco… Ha sido un trabajo increíble de todos“.

“This still hasn’t hit us yet… Little by little, we’ll take it in…. It was an incredible job by everyone.”

Howard Webb had a busy night with 12 yellow cards and one red. Here he is with Giovanni Van Bronckhorst

Sergio Ramos: “There isn’t a greater satisfaction than raising the World Cup.”

“No hay satisfacción más grande que levantar la Copa del Mundo… Más o menos sabíamos lo que nos íbamos a encontrar, como ha ocurrido con todos los rivales de España“.

“There isn’t a greater satisfaction than raising the World Cup… More or less, we knew what we were going to find (on the pitch) just as has happened with all of the opponents of Spain.”

Cesc Fabragas: “Everything came very quickly.”

“Algo histórico e inolvidable que hay que disfrutar… Todo ha venido muy deprisa… Quiero dar las gracias a mi familia por haber venido, porque no lo estaba pasando bien y además no estaba jugando mucho“.

“It’s something historic and unforgettable that you have to enjoy… Everything came very quickly… I want to thank my family for having come because things weren’t going well and I wasn’t playing much.”

Wesley Sneijder was consoled by his manager, Bert van Marwijk. The Inter Milan man had a tremendous tournament.

“España tiene el equipo mas fuerte del mundo“.

“Spain has the strongest team in the world.”

Spanish source: Marca.com, July 11, 2010.

Game Statistics

Spain 1-0 Netherlands

Goal: Iniesta 116′

Ball possession: 63% to 37% for Spain.
Shots (on target): 21 (4) for Spain to 14 (4) for The Netherlands.
Offside: 7 to 6 for The Netherlands.
Corners: 8 to 6 for Spain.
Crosses: 23 to 13 for Spain.
Completed Passes: 612 to 361 for Spain.
Pass Completion Rate: 84% for Spain and 69% for The Netherlands.
Contrasts (1 on 1 situations) Won: 78 to 62 for Spain.
Fouls Committed: 28 to 18 for The Netherlands.
Yellow Cards: 8 to 6 for The Netherlands.
Red Card: 1 for The Netherlands (Heitinga)

Match Official: Mr. Howard Webb of England.
Assistant Referees: Mr. Mike Malarkey and Mr. Darren Cann of England.

Statistics courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport, July 11, 2010.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The Netherlands will try to win the World Cup final on their third attempt. Czechoslovakia (1934 and 1962) and Hungary (1938 and 1954) are the other two countries besides the Netherlands who have featured in two World Cup finals on the losing end. (West Germany was on the losing end in 1966, 1982 and 1986 but won the World Cup in 1954 and 1974 before unification with East Germany). Will the third time be the charm for the Oranje or will la Furia Roja of Spain prevail in their first World Cup final appearance?

Ahead of their first World Cup final, the Spanish old guard, Iker Casillas, David Villa, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta, gave brief yet confident opinions. Dutch legend, Johann Cruyff, who has lived for many years in Spain, provided unique perspectives about both footballing schools of thought.

Iker Casillas: “We are very calm.”

“Estamos muy tranquilos. Es la sensación que tenemos todos desde dentro. Reflejamos como somos y estamos ahora mismo“.

“We are very calm. It is the feeling that all of us have inside. We reflect how we are and we are now the same.”

Some have called pitch-side television presenter, Sara Carbonero, a distraction to Iker Casillas.

Sara Carbonero

David Villa: “We aren’t going to leave a drop of sweat.”

“No nos va a quedar ni una gota de sudor. Nervios no tengo y sólo piensa en ganar la final…Toda España está pendiente de toda la selección. Estamos ante una cita histórica y deseamos que todo salga bien, que consigamos ganar y que todos lo celebremos cuando lleguemos a España“.

“We aren’t going to leave a drop of sweat… I’m not nervous and only thinking of winning the final. All of Spain is watching the entire team. We are heading into a historic date and we want everything to come out well… That we are able to win and everyone will celebrate it when we arrive in Spain.”

Is the Spanish press creating too much pressure and expectations on the team?

“Su esquema de juego es parecido al de Alemania, otra cosa es cómo vayan a salir, pero no lo tengo claro. Igual sí dan más libertad a los cuatro de arriba… Si aprietan arriba o se quedan un poco más atrás, ya lo veremos“.

“Their system of play is similar to Germany. Another thing is how they come out but I’m not sure. Similar if they give more space to the area up front… If they position themselves up top or if they stay a little more behind (the ball), we will see.”

Xabi Alonso On Sergio Busquets: “He is a team player.”

“Es un jugador de equipo, de los que a todos los entrenadores les gusta tener, que hace todo bien, que tiene mucha tranquilidad y que en todas las situaciones siempre está pensando en el bien del equipo, con responsabilidad“.

Liverpool man, Fernando Torres, has not shone in South Africa and may start from the bench on Sunday

“He is a team player. The type that all managers like to have who does everything well and is very calm in all situations. He is always thinking of the good of the team with responsibility.”

Andres Iniesta: “The initial defeat against Switzerland shook all of us up.”

“Estar aquí es grandioso. Estamos ante un cita histórica, una ocasión única para todos nosotros… Es un partido muy difícil contra una selección con unos jugadores que tienen una calidad tremenda… La derrota inicial contra Suiza nos trastocó a todos un poco. No teníamos margen de error. No podíamos fallar. Fue el primer partido y espero sea el único que perdamos“.

“It’s great to be here. We are before a historic date. A unique occasion for all of us. It is a very difficult final against a side with some players who have tremendous quality… The initial defeat against Switzerland shook all of us up. We didn’t have any margin for error. We couldn’t make mistakes. It was the first game and I hope the only one that we lose.”

Johann Cruyff: “It is true that Holland is owed a World Cup after what happened in 1974 and 1978.”

“Es verdad que a Holanda se le debe un Mundial después de lo sucedido en 1974 7 1978, pero aquí nadie está para regalar nada. Después de la Holanda de 1974, el Barça lo copió: ser amigo del balón. Mientras tú tienes el balón, el otro no puede jugar…

España está jugando más a lo brasileño-holandés que Brasil. España, desde la Eurocopa, está jugando tan bien que la gente copiará su estilo. El deporte también tiene una responsabilidad. Es importante para los niños ver jugar a una selección así. Sólo pensar en ganar no es bueno“.

Paul the octupus predicts a Spanish victory

“It’s true that Holland is owed a World Cup after what happened in 1974 (he played in the final of 1974) and 1978 but nobody gives you anything here. After Holland in 1974, FC Barcelona copied them: To be a friend of the ball. While you have the ball, the other team can’t play…

Spain is playing more like the Brazilian-Dutch style than Brazil. Spain, since the Euro 2008, is playing so well that other people will copy its style. Sport also has a responsibility. It is important for children to see a national side like this one. To only think of winning is not good.”

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The Dutch are known for expressing strong opinions about football or anything else. Whether it be in their native Dutch, English or in this case, Spanish, to Marca.com in Madrid. Former Real Madrid man, Wesley Sneijder, along with former Barcelona man, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, provided insights ahead of the final against Spain. Long-time Oranje star, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, and the legendary Dutch master from the 1970s, Johann Cruyff, weighed in with their opinions about the key factors in the final. Cruyff spent many years playing and managing in Spain for FC Barcelona.

Wesley Sneijder: “We will take special care not to lose the ball in the midfield against Spain because it would be fatal.”

“Tendremos un cuidado especial de no perder el balón en el mediocampo contra España porque podría ser fatal. Para la posesión del balón, tendremos que ser audaces y valientes… Si creamos oportunidades de anotar, tenemos muchas posibilidades de ganar… No dejaremos que jueguen los espacios o demasiado alto: sería una bendición para ellos“.

“We will take special care not to lose the ball in the midfield against Spain because it would be fatal. For the possession of the ball, we have to be daring and brave… If we create goal-scoring opportunities, we have great possibilities to win… We won’t let them play in space or too high. It would be a blessing for them.”

Giovanni van Bronckhorst scored one of the best goals of the entire tournament against Uruguay

“Sería fantástico recibir la Copa de Nelson Mandela. Espero verlo, sería fantástico. Estuve dos veces con él y fue algo muy especial. Sería bonito recibir la Copa de él“.

“It would be fantastic to receive the trophy from Nelson Mandela. I hope to see him. It would be fantastic. I was with him twice and it was something very special. It would be great to receive the Cup from him.”

Ruud Van Nistelrooy: “Spain will hold the ball but Robben and Sneijder can kill them on the counter.”

“España tendrá el balón, pero Robben y Sneijder te pueden matar a la contra… Nadie mueve tan bien el balón como la selección española y eso, unido a sus tres últimos años, la convierten en la gran favorita para ganar. Ya lo era antes de empezar el Mundial y ahora, más. Pero mal harían en fiarse, porque Holanda está muy bien“.

“Spain will hold the ball but Robben and Sneijder can kill them on the counter… Nobody moves the ball around like the Spanish side and that, combined with their last three years, makes them the great favorite to win. It was that way before the World Cup and even more so now. But it would be wrong to be too sure about it because Holland is very good.”

Wesley Sneijder is chasing history. If he wins on Sunday, he would become the only man to ever win a domestic title, Champions League and World Cup in the same year.

Johann Cruyff: “All of the Dutch preferred Germany in the final.”

“España, la copia del Barça, es el mejor anuncio del fútbol. Y la prueba de que jugando bien, queriendo agradar, apostando por un fútbol ofensivo, tienes más posibilidades de ganar que especulando. Todos los holandeses preferían a Alemania en la final. Por dos motivos fundamentales:

Uno, querían intentar ganar a los alemanes en una final, recordando la del 74. Y, dos, España se queda con el balón y Holanda, con menos físico y fondo que Alemania, que anoche las pasó canutas y acabó desfondada, sabe que no va a poder perseguir el balón durante los 90 minutos de la final“.

“Spain, a copy of Barcelona, is the best advertisement for football. And the proof is that by playing well, wanting to entertain, dictating with an offensive football, you have more possibilities to win than speculated. All of the Dutch preferred Germany in the final. For two fundamental reasons:

One, they wanted to beat the Germans in a final looking back to 1974. And secondly, Spain holds the ball and Holland, with a less physical nature than Germany, who the other night looked out of sorts, knows that they can’t chase the ball during the 90 minutes of the final.”

Spanish source: Marca.com, July 8-9, 2010.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

La Furia Roja of Spain booked their first appearance in the World Cup final after decades of disappointment. They will face the Netherlands who won all 10 of their qualifiers and 6 on the trot so far in South Africa. The Oranje have endured their own World Cup near misses. In 1974, they lost the final to West Germany, 2-1. In 1978, Rob Resenbrink of the Netherlands struck the post in injury time against Argentina. The Dutch subsequently lost in extra time, 3-1.

In comments published by Marca.com in Madrid, Spain boss, Vicente Del Bosque, hailed the great performance of his side. David Villa, who is the leading scorer at the World Cup, noted that this was their best game to date. Xabi Alonso mentioned how close Spain is to glory. Xavi singled out Carles Puyol as the soul of their defense. Pedro started the game in place of struggling, Fernando Torres, and discussed how these type of matches elevate his own performance.

Vicente Del Bosque: “The players were superb in defense and in attack.”

“Ha sido un partido extraordinario, hay que felicitar a todos los jugadores que han estado soberbios en defensa, en ataque. Ha sido un partidazo“.

“It was an extraordinary game. You have to congratulate all of the players who were superb in defense and in attack. It was a great game.”

“Alemania siempre ha estado en las finales… Es cierto que España ha estado alejada de los grandes eventos hasta ahora… No hay grandes diferencias respecto a 2008. Tras el Europeo nos quedó una impresión fantástica, es verdad que ahora hemos estado más irregulares…

Carles Puyol leaped high to head in the winner

La presión sobre Torres no influye porque está acostumbrado a jugar partidos de máximo nivel. Es un jugador avezado. Y de Casillas está todo dicho, es ambicioso y sigue con la misma ilusión de siempre. Está haciendo un gran Mundial y tiene la compañía de dos porteros excelentes. Estamos muy contentos con él y es un líder para nosotros.”

“Germany has always been in the finals… It is certain that Spain has been far away from the great events until now… There aren’t great differences in respect to the 2008 European Cup final. Since the Euro, we have maintained a fantastic run. It’s true that now we have been a little less consistent…

The pressure on Fernando Torres doesn’t influence him because he is used to play games at the highest level. He is a veteran player. And about Iker Casillas, it’s all been said. He is ambitious and follows in the same light as always. He is having a great World Cup and is accompanied by two excellent keepers. We are very happy with him and he is our leader.”

Sergio Ramos has developed into a consistent performer for Spain

“Creo que ha sido el partido más completo de la selección, el que mejor hemos jugado. Estamos en la final por méritos propios, hoy se ha jugado muy bien. Creo que ellos no querían meterse atrás pero han estado obligados por nuestro juego. Ha tardado en llegar el gol, pero al final el cabezaz del ‘Tiburón’, que ha estado enorme, nos ha metido en la final. Cuando el resultado es 0-0 peligra muchísimo“.

“I believe that it was the most complete game of the national team. The best one that we have played. We are in the final due to our own efforts. Today the team played very well. I believe that they (Germany) didn’t want to play behind the ball but they had to due to our play. It took awhile to get the goal but at the end, the header by Puyol was massive. It put us into the final. When the score was 0-0, it was very dangerous.”

Xabi Alonso: “Now, only a small step remains to reach glory.”

“Había que dar la talla y se ha hecho un partido muy maduro. Ahora sólo queda un pasito para tocar la gloria… Ha saltado como un jabato y ha metido un golazo“.

“You had to get it done and it was a very mature game. Now, only a small step remains to reach glory. Puyol took off like a small jet and scored a great goal.”

Xavi: “Puyol is the soul of our defense.”

Carles Puyol was a gracious winner and consoled Bastian Schweinsteiger

“La verdad es que nos ha costado muchísimo porque ellos defensivamente han estado muy bien, pero hemos tenido paciencia y al final ha llegado nuestro premio… Hoy e el el día de Puyi, no sólo por el gol. Él es el alma de la defensa… Estamos muy contentos y creo que somos los justos vencedores. No vamos a celebrar nada porque somos prudentes. Aún queda un partido por jugar contra Holanda“.

“The truth is, they pushed us a great deal because defensively, they did very well. But we were patient and at the end, our reward came… Today was the day of Puyol, not only for the the goal. He is the soul of our defense… We are very happy and I believe that we were worthy winners. We are not going to celebrate anything because we are cautious. Another game awaits to play against the Netherlands.”

Pedro and German skipper, Phillipe Lahm. Pedro made the history books by scoring in his 7th competition over the last season

Pedro es el único jugador de la historia que ha marcado en todas las competiciones oficiales. Lo ha hecho en Liga, Copa, Champions, Supercopa de España, Supercopa de Europa y Mundial de clubes.

Pedro is the only player in history who has scored in all official competitions. He had done it in the Spanish La Liga, Spanish Cup, UEFA Champions League, Spanish Super Cup, European Super Cup and the Club World Cup.

“Estoy muy contento de cómo ha salido todo. Estos partidos imponen un poco, pero me han ayudado mucho todos. Hemos tenido bastantes oportunidades de marcar algún gol más ante un gran rival“.

“I am very happy how things worked out. These games impose on you a little, but they helped me a great deal. We had enough chances to score a few goals against a great opponent.”

Spanish source: Marca.com, July 7, 2010.

The beautiful girl interviewing David Villa in the picture up top is Iker Casillas’s girlfriend Sara Carbonero

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Diego Forlan has been one of the brightest stars at the World Cup. The former Manchester United and Villarreal man, who now plays for Atletico Madrid, led Uruguay to a deep run in South Africa. He made comments after the match against the Netherlands to the online portal, Ovacion, of the Montevideo newspaper, El Pais. Forlan discussed his injury, the disappointment of a lost opportunity and his personal joy over his four goals in South Africa. Forlan’s teammate, Sebastian Abreu and their boss, Oscar Washington Tabarez, weighed in with their thoughts about the fighting spirit of Uruguay. Tabarez accepted the apparent offside position of the second goal by the Netherlands without any complaints.

“Ni tristeza ni bronca. Lo que siento más que nada es impotencia“.

“Neither sadness or gutted. What I feel more than anything is impotence.”

On His Injury: “The pain was getting worse… I don’t like to go out that way.”

Explica que su sensación es producto de:

“No haber estado físicamente para ayudar en lo que uno puede y en la medida que hubiera querido“.

Contó que su salida fue porque:

“tengo un dolor en el cuádriceps, arriba del tendón. No estaba para seguir dando una mano. El dolor fue aumentando y la lástima es que cuando los tuvimos ahí, para hacerles el segundo gol, yo ya no estaba bien. Eso es lo peor para mí, porque no me gusta irme de esta manera, sin poder dar lo que uno puede… Espero que para el sábado esté mejor“.

Diego Forlan and Diego Lugano watch the last frantic minutes from the bench

He explained that his state is a product of:

“Not having been fit to help out how one can and in the way that I would have wanted.”

He recounted that he was subbed out because:

“I had a pain in the quadriceps above the tendon. I wasn’t able to continue lending a hand. The pain was getting worse and the shame is that when we had been chasing the second goal, I wasn’t feeling well. That was the worse thing for me because I don’t like to be subbed out that way. Without doing what you could… I hope that it will be better for Saturday (the third place game in Port Elizabeth).”

“It was a unique opportunity.”

“Es una lástima, ¿no? Era una oportunidad única. Está claro que no perdimos ante un rival cualquiera, pero no fue un partido en el que se pueda decir que nos ha superado. Lo tuvimos ahí y hubo momentos en los que estuvimos cerca. Si hacíamos el segundo gol, cuando mejoramos después del descanso, pienso que el partido cambiaba“.

“Is it a pity, no? It was a unique opportunity. It’s clear that we didn’t lose against just any opponent. But it wasn’t a game that one can say that we were dominated. We played and there were times when we were close. If we had scored the second goal, when we were getting better right after the break, I think that the game would have changed.”

On His Goals

Diego Forlan scoring his 4th goal at the World Cup

La alegría personal fue su cuarto gol en el Mundial:

“Ando derecho, los tres que hice así, ya sea con pelota quieta o en jugada de campo, fueron más o menos del mismo lado“.

Translatoin:

The personal happiness was over his fourth goal at the World Cup.

“I went to the right. The three that I scored were like this on set pieces or during the run of play. They were more or less from the same side.”

Diego Forlan with Wesley Sneijder

“Creo que Uruguay dio una demostración de tesón y orgullo, sobre todo después de los dos impactos que recibimos en menos de cinco minutos (por el segundo y tercer gol holandés), que si hubiera sido otro equipo quizás tiraba la toalla antes de tiempo y nosotros luchamos hasta el final“.

“I believe that Uruguay gave a demonstration of tenacity and pride. Above all, after the twin impacts that we received in less than five minutes (for the second and third Dutch goals). Had it been any other team, who knows if they would have thrown in the towel before time and we fought until the very end.”

Oscar Tabarez: “It was a match worthy of a World Cup semi-final.”

“Fue un partido digno de una semifinal de una Copa del Mundo. Estoy orgulloso de mis futbolistas, aceptamos la derrota, el rival estuvo mejor, pero dignificamos el partido con esas ganas de no perder. Estamos tristes porque demostramos que no estuvimos tan lejos, y para nosotros es satisfactorio más allá de la derrota, eso está claro“.

“It was a match worthy of a World Cup semi-final. I am very proud of my players. We accept the defeat, the opponent was better but we honored the game with our fighting spirit of not wanting to lose. We are sad because we demonstrated that we weren’t too far off and for us, it is satisfactory. But it was a defeat. That is clear.”

Diego Forlan had no problems with the Jabulani ball

“Acabo de ver el segundo de Holanda y fue un claro fuera de juego. Pero bueno… son cosas del partido, no es la primera vez que pasa en un mundial, o en otro torneo, hoy nos tocó a nosotros, pero no es momento de llorar ni buscar excusas.”

“I have just seen the second goal by the Netherlands and it was a definite offside. But well, they are part of the game. It’s not the first time that it happens at the World Cup or in another tournament. Today, it happened to us but it is not the time to cry or look for excuses.”

Spanish source: Ovacion, July 7, 2010.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Mauricio Espinosa, the referee’s assistant during the England vs Germany quarterfinal match, gave an interview to Ovacion, an online portal of the El Pais newspaper from Montevideo, Uruguay shortly after his return from South Africa. Espinosa discussed the actual apparent goal by Frank Lampard, the nature of refereeing, how he didn’t see a replay at half-time, the work of his officiating team and the need to go forward.

Rare Public Comments

Match officials rarely provide interviews or explanations to the press. Especially after such a controversial situation. The match official for this quarterfinal was Jorge Larrionda. His views were not yet provided or published by El Pais or Ovacion. Let’s see what Mr. Espinosa had to say.

“It wasn’t a technical foul… I was situated in the correct place.”

“No se puede hablar de error, ya que no fue un fallo técnico. Esto fue una fatalidad en una pelota muy rápida que no la pudimos ver cuando picó adentro del arco, por más que yo estaba ubicado en el lugar correcto. Son las cosas que pueden pasar en el fútbol y que sucedió en ese momento y en ese lugar“.

“You can’t speak of an error. It wasn’t a technical foul. This was the misfortune (or fate) of a very fast ball that we could not see when it went inside the goal even though I was situated in the correct place. They are things that can happen in football and it happened in that moment and in that place.”

On What Happened

“El que se dedica al arbitraje sabe que esas situaciones no tienen resolución, uno siempre está expuesto; le podía haber pasado a cualquiera, pero nos tocó a nosotros. La vida sigue, el arbitraje también, por eso seguiremos adelante“.

“One who works as a referee knows that these situations don’t have a resolution. One is always on display. It could have happened to anyone but it fell on us. Life goes on as does refereeing. For that reason, we will go forward.”

Wayne Rooney and Mauricio Espinosa

Felt His Team Did Well Otherwise

El línea subrayó, por otra parte, que quedaron:

“Conformes con lo realizado, ya que en la parte técnica nos fue muy bien en los partidos que dirigimos, incluido el de Alemania e Inglaterra. Ahora hay que seguir adelante, no hay otra“.

Translation:

The referee’s assistant highlighted, on the other hand, that they remained:

“In accordance with what happened already on the technical part. We did very well during the games we called including the one between Germany and England. Now you have to go forward. There isn’t another one.”

The three match officials: Jorge Larrionda, Mauricio Espinosa and Pablo Fandino

Didn’t Watch the Replay in the Dressing Room at Half-Time

Espinosa narró que ya en el vestuario, en el entretiempo, se percataron de lo que había pasado.

“En el vestuario no miramos ningún video, pero uno podía percibir en el ambiente lo que había pasado. Por suerte el partido terminó sin problemas, a pesar de todo“.

Translation:

Espinosa recounted that in the dressing room at half-time, they sensed what had already happened.

“In the dressing room, we did not look at any video replay. But one could perceive in the environment what had happened. Luckily, the game ended without problems despite everything.”

En la concentración, siguió:

“Observamos los comentarios de la televisión y ese fue el momento cuando nos dimos cuenta de lo sucedido. Fue una amargura muy grande, por todo lo que nos habíamos preparado, durante mucho tiempo, para el Mundial de Sudáfrica. Pero cuando las cosas pasan, bueno, ya está“.

Translation:

In the gathering. He followed:

“We saw the commentaries from the television and that was the moment when we had to take into account what happened. It was a great sorrow for all that we had done to prepare, during a long time, for the South African World Cup. But when things happen, well, it’s done.”

David Beckham provides his opinion on the matter with Mauricio Espinosa

Translator’s Note

Whether they saw television commentaries during half-time or after the game itself was not clarified by the journalist at El Pais. The “gathering” may have been a post-match meeting between the match officials. Espinosa stated above that they didn’t see replays at half-time. I don’t know if FIFA provides a monitor or live television feed from the dressing rooms in South Africa. We know that FIFA no longer allow replays on big-screens at the stadiums after this incident and the one involving the apparent offside position by Carlos Tevez against Mexico on the same day.

Wayne Rooney shows how far it was over the line

El jugador inglés Wayne Rooney le reclamó a Mauricio Espinosa y con sus manos le indicó al asistente uruguayo:

“Entró al arco un tanto así“.

Pero el gol de Inglaterra, que era el del 2 a 2, no fue validado.

Translation:

The English player, Wayne Rooney, complained to Mauricio Espinosa and with his hands indicated (that it was a goal) to the Uruguayan assistant.

“It went into the goal by this much.”

But the goal by England, that would have made it 2-2, was not given.

Final Thoughts: “We can train to call offside…”

“Además, entrenamos muchísimo, pero esto que nos pasó a nosotros, es justamente lo que no se puede entrenar. Para poner un ejemplo, podemos entrenar para sancionar los fuera de juego y demás, que son aspectos técnicos, pero no lo que nos sucedió; que reitero, fue una fatalidad“.

“Besides, we trained a great deal, but this (situation) that happened to us, you can’t properly train for it. To give an example, we can train to call offside and apart from that, they are technical aspects. But that didn’t happen to us: I repeat, it was a misfortune.”

Spanish source: Ovacion, July 5, 2010.

Do you think that match officials should provide explanations to the press directly after a game the way that managers and players do? Or provide more communication with players and managers during the matches themselves?

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Uruguay has arrived at the semi-final stage of the World Cup for the first time since 1970. They are the last hope of South America after the early exits of favorites, Argentina and Brazil. Uruguay is a small but very decorated footballing nation. They hosted and won the first World Cup in 1930. Uruguay achieved world football immortality in 1950 by beating Brazil in front of 200,000 fans at Maracana Stadium in Rio.

Financial Incentives for the Final Four Teams

According to the BBC, reaching the semi-finals will put $18 million USD into the coffers of the Uruguayan FA. The winner of the World Cup will receive $30 million USD from FIFA. The runner-up will receive $24 million USD and the third place winner, $20 million USD. Teams that advanced to the round of 16 will receive $9 million USD. All 32 national teams received $1 million USD for expenses prior to the competition.

In comments made to the Montevideo newspaper, El Pais, protagonists of the penalty kick shoot-out win over Ghana, Sebastian Abreu and Fernando Muslera, weighed in with their thoughts on the quarterfinal and the upcoming tie with the Netherlands. Diego Lugano, who was injured and subbed out in the first half against Ghana, discussed his situation and the historic opportunity for his side.

Team Captain, Diego Lugano

“Hoy corrí, hice musculación con mucho peso sobre la rodilla (lastimada), pero los plazos entre un partido y otro son muy cortos pero todavía hay tiempo para el partido contra Holanda. Veré mañana cómo estoy“.

“Today, I ran and worked out putting a lot of weight on the injured knee. But the time to recover between one game and another is very short but there is still time for the game against Holland. I will see tomorrow (Monday) how I am.”

“Uruguay va a jugar uno de los partidos más importantes de los últimos tiempos. Es difícil imaginárselo, tienen muchos jugadores de nivel pero esta es una circunstancia muy especial. Es una buena oportunidad para demostrar la calidad del equipo. Creo que Uruguay tiene con qué pelear“.

“Uruguay is going to play one of the most important games in modern times. It is difficult to imagine it. They have many players at high levels but this is a very special circumstance. It is a good opportunity to demonstrate the quality of the side. I believe that Uruguay knows how to battle.”

Sebastian “el loco” Abreu on Holland

“Es un muy buen equipo, pero tiene sus puntos débiles y nosotros tenemos con qué atacarlos“.

“It is a very good team but has its weak points and we must attack them.”

También destacó el estar compitiendo de igual a igual con países de primer nivel, que:

“Si fuera a nivel política no podríamos competir. Es lo lindo que tiene un fútbol, que nos iguala a todos“.

Sobre su lugar en el banco de suplentes de la selección dijo:

“Me siento bien en cualquier lugar que me toque ocupar en la selección. Si me toca entrar bárbaro y si no trataré de colaborar de la forma que pueda.”

Sebastian 'el Loco' Abreu scored the winner from the spot against Ghana

Translation:

He also stressed being able to compete head-to-head with countries at the highest level:

“If it was outside of a political level, we couldn’t compete. It is the great thing about football that we (a country with only 3 million people) are equal to everyone.”

On his position on the substitutes’ bench he said:

“I feel fine in any position that I occupy on the national team. If I’m put in the game, great, and if not I will try to help out in any way that I can.”

Lazio keeper, Fernando Muslera, has only allowed two goals in five games with some help from his friends

“Sí, y eso me dejó muy contento, al haber atajado dos penales, eso les facilita las cosas, ayuda a los grandes pateadores que tiene Uruguay, como quedó demostrado en este caso.”

“Yes, and it made me very content to save two spot kicks. That facilitated things and helped the great penalty kickers that Uruguay has as was demonstrated in this case.”

En el penal del último de alargue, ¿qué pensó?

What did you think on penalty at the end of extra time? (The one by Asamoah Gyan).

“Nada, puse la cabeza como hay que tenerla en una situación así.”

“Nothing. I kept my head like I do for a situation like this.”

¿Cómo?

What do you mean?

“En blanco, sabía que debía tener la tranquilidad necesaria porque tenía que atajar ese penal.”

“A clear mind. I knew that I had to have the necessary calmness because I had to stop that penalty.”

Y apareció su amigo: el travesaño.

And your friend, the crossbar, appeared.

“Sí, ¡je!, por suerte, una vez más no me fallaron mis amigos los palos.”

“Yes, hey!, luckily, another time that my friends, the poles, didn’t let me down.”

Desde la tribuna, a la distancia, pareció que después que terminó la jugada le dijo de todo al palo.

From the stands in the distance, it seemed that after the play ended, you said something to the crossbar.

¿Sabés qué? ¡Tenía unas ganas de abrazarlo, de besarlo…¡ Es que, por suerte, ahí cambió todo. Le agradecía, le agradecía con toda el alma y le decía: “¡Sos un grande, sos un grande!“.

“Do you know what? I had a desire to hug and kiss it! Due to it, luckily, oh, there changed everything. I thanked it, I thanked it with all of my soul and said: ‘You are great, you are great!’ “

On Their Chances: God and Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez handled the ball and many players from Ghana thought that it was already over the goal line

“Vamos a ver, vamos a ver qué pasa. Dios y (Luis) Suárez, porque la verdad es que si él no mete la mano en ese momento ahora no estábamos donde estamos, nos ayudaron a llegar a las semifinales y ahora vamos a pelearla… Veremos, donde sea, nosotros seguimos soñando, y nos tenemos una confianza bárbara“.

“We’ll see, we’ll see what happens. God and Luis Suarez. Because the truth is, if he didn’t stick out his hand in that instant, we would not be where we are now. It helped us to reach the semi-finals and now we are going to fight for it… We will see, where it is, we are going forward dreaming and we have a tremendous confidence.”

Do you think that God intervened for Uruguay? Or would have goal line technology shown that the whole ball crossed the whole line which would have given the victory to Ghana?

Spanish source: El Pais, July 4, 2010.

Also see: Uruguay vs Netherlands Semifinal Preview.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The road ended abruptly for Diego Maradona and Argentina at Green Point Stadium in Cape Town. The roadblock was called Germany. For the second time in successive World Cups, the Germans broke Argentinean hearts. This victory was a humiliation for a proud manager and equally proud footballing nation such as Argentina.

In comments made directly after the match to Clarin of Buenos Aires, Maradona discussed the game, Lionel Messi, why modern-day stars don’t shine at World Cups and what he said to his players after the game. Gabriel Heinze also provided a brief quote.

“No creo que nadie esté contento con ésto en un país donde vive y se respira fútbol“.

“I don’t believe that anybody is happy with this in a country that lives and breathes football.”

El partido:

“La verdad que teníamos todo estudiado de Alemania, las marcas definidas, pero en el primer centro que viene nos hacen el gol. Después empezó otro partido. Nosotros le facilitamos la pelota a Alemania y ellos en ventaja empezaron a tener ideas, que no habían tenido en este campeonato. Ellos aprovecharon bien sus chances de gol.”

On the Game

“The truth was that we had studied everything about Germany and how to mark them. But on the first opportunity that came, they scored a goal on us. After that began another game. We lost the ball to Germany and when they were in advantage, they began to have ideas that they haven’t had in this competition. They took advantage very well on their goal-scoring opportunities.”

Argentina had no answer for Bastian Schweinsteiger

Sobre sus jugadores:

On His Players

“This doesn’t take away the pride to lead the players. And I want to thank the group publicly along with my staff and everyone that was at our side. I can leave (the job) tomorrow but it would please me if these young men follow on showing who they are and doing well for Argentinean football. The real Argentinean football.

You have to end with that lie that the player who plays outside of Argentina and makes his fortune can’t play in the Argentinean national team. Getting to the final wasn’t a hope but what will come staying on this path.”

¿Por qué Messi no la metió?:

Leo Messi had been ill with flu before the match. He had 30 shots, 15 on goal, in 5 games at the World Cup with no goals

Why Didn’t Messi Score?

“Because when he shot, the ball rose (took off) or because the keepers did very well. Leo played a great World Cup. And I say to see him cry in the dressing room, to anyone that tells me that he doesn’t bleed for the shirt, that person is a fool.”

¿Por qué las figuras del fútbol no brillan en los mundiales como sí lo hacían los cracks de antes?:

Why don’t the world football stars not shine at the World Cup as they used to do in the times past?

“I don’t know, perhaps the style of play that we have (speaking as a past player). I can’t find an explanation. Now it is different. I believe that we used to play for ourselves and today the player is more practical, plays more for the team and he wants to do everything for his teammates.”

Qué les dijo a sus jugadore en el vestuario?:

“What did you say to the players in the dressing room?”

“I thanked them for the work they had done. I didn’t speak of my future because it isn’t time to speak of my future. The best that I could do was to show appreciation for all of these days that we spend together and because they conducted themselves like real professionals. I don’t know what else to say. It was complete sadness. Today, at almost 50 years of age, it’s the hardest I’ve ever been hit in my life. To be in front (as the leader) of so many good players is like a knock-out punch by Mohammed Ali.”

Gabriel Heinze

“Yo saco muchas cosas positivas. Pero como siempre el resultado es el final y los que escriben son ustedes. Y los que hoy una vez más, desgraciadamente para mí, tienen el último capítulo para escribir son ustedes. Lo quería escribir yo una vez en la vida, pero para mí es más triste todavía que lo escriban ustedes. Pero bueno, así es el fútbol“.

“I take away many positive things. But as the result is always the final score and that is what you journalists write. And today another time, unfortunately for me, the last chapter is written by you. I would like to write it myself once in my life. But for me, it is already more sad what you are writing. But well, this is football.”

Spanish source: Clarin, July 3, 2010.

Diego Maradona exits South Africa for the last time

Germany 4-0 Argentina

Ball possession: 54% to 46% for Argentina.
Shots on goal: 20 to 18 for Argentina.
Shots on target: 7 to 6 for Argentina.
Offside: 5 to 0 for Argentina.
Crosses: 19 to 16 for Argentina.
Corner kicks: 5 to 4 for Argentina.
Passes: 450 to 378 for Argentina.
Completion rate: 86% to 80% for Argentina.
Contrasts won (1 on 1 situations): 65 to 46 for Germany.
Fouls committed: 18 to 13 for Argentina.
Yellow cards: 2 to 1 for Argentina.

Statistics courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport, July 3, 2010.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Brazil manager, Carlos Dunga, who played for many years in the Italian Serie A, responded directly after the elimination by the Netherlands to the Milan sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport. Former Selecao star, Ronaldo, weighed in with heavy criticism on Dunga and Felipe Melo. Romario, Dunga’s teammate on the 1994 Brazilian team, also provided a concise analysis.

Brazilian keeper, Julio Cesar, gave his thoughts on the first goal. Juventus man, Felipe Melo, thought that Wesley Sneijder‘s goal didn’t touch him and feels vindicated with his overall World Cup performance. He doesn’t care what people think of him.

Dunga Accepts Full Responsibility

“Siamo molto tristi, non ce lo aspettavamo di uscire così“.

“La responsabilità è mia sia dei momenti belli che quelli brutti. Mi considero il primo colpevole di questa eliminazione. Dalla programmazione in poi ho deciso tutto io, rispettando il lavoro della stampa. Dando risposte alle domande. Non abbiamo fatto niente di strano rispetto alle altre edizioni del Mondiale“.

“We are very sad. We didn’t expect to go out this way.”

“The responsibility is mine in the best and worst moments. I consider myself the first person to blame for this elimination. From the preparations, I decided everything myself respecting the work of the press. Giving answers to questions. We didn’t do anything strange in respect to other editions of the World Cup.”

“Abbiamo lavorato per un risultato diverso. E’ stata una partita difficile e particolare. Abbiamo fatto bene nel primo tempo nel secondo è cambiato tutto e non siamo riusciti a tenere la continuità, la stessa concentrazione. Certi errori al Mondiale li paghi, decidono i dettagli e non siamo riusciti a conquistare il nostro obiettivo di diventare campioni del mondo“.

“We worked for a different result. It was a difficult and unique game. We did well in the first half. In the second half, everything changed and we weren’t able to maintain continuity or the same concentration. You pay for certain errors at the World Cup. Details decide and we were not able to conquer our objective to become world champions.”

Dunga Defends His Players

“Gli olandesi mettevano pressione all’arbitro per certe decisioni. Non è una scusa sono cose che succedono ma solo chi sta nel campo può capire che succede. Gilberto Silva? È stato in tutto il torneo tra i più regolari, basta vedere le pagelle. Fare un altro cambio per cambiare gara? Con un giocatore in meno è difficile ragionare sui cambi. Ho scelto Nilmar per dare velocità in attacco. Dani Alves doveva darci una mano in mezzo, rimanere vicino a Gilberto Silva.

I cambi negli ultimi minuti non sempre danno i risultati. Ci prepariamo sempre per vincere. Logicamente il nervosismo è arrivato perchè l’Olanda è cresciuta nel secondo tempo. La partita stava cambiano a loro favore. Molti giocatori sono venuti qui e l’hanno vista come una grande occasione per entrare nel calcio brasiliano. Quando le situazioni cambiano ti viene paura di perdere. La squadra non riesce a fare quello che ha fatto in allenamento. Questo ti dà ovviamente nervosismo in più“.

Arjen Robben angered Robinho with his antics

“The Dutch put pressure on the referee on certain decisions. It is not an excuse since they are things that happen but only who is on the pitch can understand what happens. Gilberto Silva? He was one of the most consistent players in the entire tournament. It was enough to see his game ratings. To make another change to alter the match? With a man down, it is difficult to account for changes. I selected Nilmar to give more pace in attack. Dani Alves had to give a hand in the middle to remain close to Gilberto Silva.

Changes in the last few minutes don’t always provide results. We always prepare to win. Logically, nervousness arrived because Holland grew in the second half. The game was changing in their favor. Many players came here and saw what a great occasion it was to enter into Brazilian football. When the situations change, you fear losing. The team was able to do what it did in training. This obviously makes you more nervous.”

Felipe Melo and Julio Cesar gifted Wesley Sneijder a goal for the Netherlands

“Felipe Melo non venga a fare le vacanze in Brasile“. Tramite Twitter, Ronaldo individua il principale colpevole dell’eliminazione della Seleçao, centrocampista della Juventus che, prima di farsi espellere per un fallaccio su Robben, ha firmato l’autorete dell’1-1. Nell’occasione del pareggio Ronaldo commenta:

“Non riesco a credere alla mancanza di comunicazione fra Julio e Felipe. Quando esce Julio urla sempre, ma in quella occasione sono andati entrambi sulla palla.”

Translation:

“Felipe Melo, don’t come on vacation in Brazil.” Transmitted on Twitter, Ronaldo singled out the prime guilty party of the Brazilian elimination. The Juventus midfielder, who prior to being red card for the nasty foul on Robben, scored the own-goal equalizer. On the action of the equalizer, Ronaldo commented:

“I can’t believe in the lack of communication between Julio and Felipe. When he comes off the line, Julio always shouts. But in that occasion, they both went for the ball.”

Romario Weighs In

“Gli olandesi hanno approfitatto degli spazi lasciati in campo dai nostri.”

Afferma Romario, critico nei confronti della decisione di Carlos Dunga di togliere Luis Fabiano (e non Kakà) per Nilmar.

Translation:

“The Dutch took advantage of the space left on the pitch by our guys.”

Affirmed Romario, critical on the decision by Carlos Dunga to take off Luis Fabiano (and not Kaka’) for Nilmar.

Note: Romario was a teammate of Dunga on the 1994 World Cup champion team and also played part of his career in the Netherlands.

The usually sure-handed Julio Cesar accepted blame for the first goal

“Io e Felipe Melo non ci siamo coordinati. Ho sbagliato. Il primo gol dell’Olanda è stato un grande colpo per la squadra. Offro la mia faccia agli schiaffi. Il gruppo era molto fiducioso nell’hexa (sesto titolo mondiale, ndr). Nessuno aspettava questo risultato, ma nel calcio queste cose capitano. La nazionale entra alle competizoni solo per vincere. Ma dobbiamo uscire a testa alta“.

“Felipe Melo and I weren’t coordinated. I was wrong. The first goal by Holland was a great shock for the team. I offer myself for the insults. The group was very confident to win our 6th World Cup. Nobody expected this result but in football, these things happen. The national team enters competitions only to win. But we ought to leave with our heads held high.”

Felipe Melo: “I don’t give a damn what people think of me.”

“Il primo non penso sia stato un autogol, non ricordo di aver toccato la palla. Penso che questo è un momento brutto della mia carriera, un momento da dimenticare. Comunque ho fatto un buon Mondiale e non me ne frega niente di quello che la gente pensa di me, so delle mie qualità, della mia forza, so che la gente che capisce di calcio conosce la mia forza. Quindi, della gente che dice brutte cose, che dice brutte parole, che viene allo stadio per dire delle brutte cose, non me ne frega niente”.

Felipe Melo saw red for a stamp on Arjen Robben

“I thought that the first was not an own goal. I don’t remember having touched the ball. I think that this is the worst moment of my career. A moment to forget. Anyway, I had a good World Cup and I don’t give a damn what people think of me. I only know of my own qualities and of my strength. I know that people who understand football know my strength. Therefore, regarding people who say bad things, who say cruel words, who come to the stadium only to say ugly things, I don’t give a damn.”

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, July 2, 2010.

Notes

• This was the first time that Brazil was defeated with Kaka’ and Robinho playing together for Dunga. According to ESPN, they had won 30 with four draws before this match.
• Upon review, Wesley Sneijder was given credit for the first goal by the Netherlands. Straight after the game, La Gazzetta dello Sport from Milan thought that Felipe Melo put the ball into his own net.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, editor and translator from Washington, D.C. He writes the World Football Commentaries blog. He has written for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Football Media, Keeper Skool and Soccerlens.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News