The line between success and failure is never so blurred as it is during a World Cup. As we approach the final of this summer’s tournament, this writer takes a look at the aspects of the world cup that have failed to live up to the pre-tournament hype, whether they be players, coaches or behind-the-scenes issues. 10. Fabio Capello Just a month ago, the Italian tactician was being lauded as Sir Alf Ramsey’s natural successor. His unf...More

The knockout stage of any football tournament is always liable to increase both excitement and anticipation as the winner-take-all nature of the ties means there can be no second chances. Some teams may still insist on caginess over ambition, but eventually even they must conjure up a way of winning. The World Cup is no different. The last-16 provides an opportunity for the contenders to go through the gears and also gives an oppo...More

In what was always going to be a tight, competitive game, the battle of the two central midfields was one which was always going to be pivotal in the outcome. Milovan Rajevic lined up his Black Stars with the 4-5-1 formation that had got them to this stage. Of course, to execute a gameplan based around a lone striker, that individual has to be strong, mobile and one of the best players in the side. In Asamoah Gyan, Rajevic is fortunate ...More

The USA head into the first round of knockout matches today facing Africa’s last remaining hope in the World Cup. After entering the tournament with six teams all hopeful of progression through the group stages, it is only Ghana who remains contenders to win the competition. South Africa, Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria and Ivory Coast were all eliminated from the tournament while the scorpions battled through group D to take second place. ...More

Group C has been a mixture of emotions for one team in particular. England expected to take the full nine points available from the three games, yet only managed to scrape together five. The group winners were the United States thanks to their superior goal difference, after they also finished on five points. Algeria were the ones who finished bottom after a disappointing showing in the two games, only showing real heart against the Eng...More

While they might be considered the weakest quartet in the last 16, there isn’t likely to be a lack of drama and passion, and the knock-out stage of the World Cup gets underway. The first game see’s a solid, and free scoring Uruguay take on the battling South Koreans, while the late game see’s United States and Ghana continue their rollercoaster campaigns with plenty on the line. URUGUAY vs. SOUTH KOREA3.00pm –Port Elizabeth Stadiu...More