BASE IT SERVICES BLOG
BASIC To Perfection
Uruguay v Holland: Mark van Bommel revels in seek and destroy mission at World Cup
Jul 6th
Mark van Bommel is psychological warfare in a perm. Watch him today with his unceasing goading of the opposition, the effortless hypocrisy of his dealings with the officials, his relentless pursuit of mental weakness anywhere he can find it. He fouls, he laughs, he dives, he snarls. Is there a more compellingly irritating player?
Uruguay’s attack dogs will meet their match in the Green Point Stadium on Tuesday. Even shorn of his suspended side kick, Nigel de Jong, Van Bommel knows how to street-fight, as the Brazilians found to their horror.
As Dunga’s men lost their heads in the quarter-final, Van Bommel somehow managed to get away with six seemingly bookable offences.
Germany v Spain: Cesc Fàbregas keen to show his class in World Cup semi-final
Jul 6th
It has been a bit-part show for Cesc Fàbregas in this World Cup, but the Spanish midfielder is challenging striker Fernando Torres for a starting place in Wednesday’s semi-final against Germany, the team he calls the “strongest in the tournament”.
The favourites tag has been awarded, taken away, and re-awarded to the Spanish during the past few weeks even if, in truth, they owe much of their progression to the contribution of striker David Villa.
Germany v Spain: Bastian Schweinsteiger is the name on everyone’s lips at World Cup
Jul 6th
Bastian Schweinsteiger was being interrogated about life in the fast lane, his beautiful model girlfriend and the idea that, when he returns home to Munich after his triumphant World Cup, a Bavarian boy might be treated like an international pop megastar.
“Well, that’s up to you. It’s certainly not my objective,” shrugged Schweinsteiger, a faint smile flickering across his face. “I certainly don’t want to be a pop star; I just want to be a good footballer.”
Uruguay v Holland: match preview
Jul 6th
Read a full match preview of the World Cup 2010 semi-final game between Uruguay and Holland at Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, on Tuesday July 6 2010, kick-off 19.30 BST.
Uruguay v Holland
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: Tue July 6, 7.30pm BST
TV: BBC, ITV
The Dutch have Nigel de Jong and Gregory van der Wiel suspended so Demy de Zeeuw and Khalid Boulahrouz are likely to come into the team. Both Joris Mathijsen and Robin van Persie are expected to be fit after scans over the weekend on a knee and elbow injury respectively.
World Cup 2010: a change in mentality has helped Spain, says Fernando Hierro
Jul 6th
Former Spain and Real Madrid defender Fernando Hierro believes a change in mentality has been the main reason behind his country’s sudden improvement at major championships.
Spain are in the semi-finals of the World Cup for the first time, while they were also crowned European champions in 2008 for the first time since 1964.
Uruguay v Holland: World Cup pressure all on the Dutch, says Oscar Tabarez
Jul 6th
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez believes the pressure is all on Holland ahead of his side’s World Cup semi-final at the Green Point stadium.
Despite being blessed with numerous world-class players over the past 40 years, including Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp, Holland have never won the World Cup.
Uruguay v Holland: Arjen Robben is not a diver, claims coach Bert van Marwijk
Jul 6th
Holland coach Bert van Marwijk has come to the defence of Arjen Robben after fresh allegations about the winger’s diving at the World Cup.
Robben developed a reputation for diving during his three-year spell at Chelsea, but Van Marwijk believes that such theatrics are a thing of the past.
Germany v Spain: Joachim Löw aims to win midfield battle in World Cup 2010 semi-final
Jul 6th
Germany coach Joachim Löw believes that neutralising Andres Iniesta and Xavi will be the key to his side’s hopes of upsetting Spain in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in Durban.
The Barcelona pair played major roles when Spain were crowned European champions two years ago and have figured heavily once again at the World Cup.
Germany v Spain: Germany respond to Joachim Löw’s stylish vision
Jul 6th
Having seen off Lionel Messi, Germany are ready to dispatch the marvellous Spanish team who, according to Joachim Löw, come armed with several versions of the Argentine maestro.
The Germany coach waxed lyrical about his side’s semi-final opponents, telling of his admiration of the European champions, who make everything seem so “light and effortless” and who appear to have “not only one Messi but a lot of Messis, players able to decide any game.”
