Nick Wright previews this weekend's clash between York City Knights and Hull FC
Alex Reid looks at whether the once ever-present appearance of English clubs in the later stages of the Champions League is set to become a thing of the past
Craig Dobson looks at QPR's decision to sack Neil Warnock and replace him with Mark Hughes
James Tompkinson reviews an excellent pre-season victory for the York City Knights against Yorkshire rivals Leeds Rhinos
After missing Argentina’s game over Mexico on Sunday evening, the task fell to the Oranje to try and heal the pain Steven Gerrard and company had caused me the day before. Arjen Robben rose to the challenge in the 18th minute, putting the Netherlands ahead in their match against Slovakia with a lovely goal. The former Chelsea man picked up a long pass from Inter’s Wesley Sneijder, found himself some space and struck sweetly into the bottom right-hand corner.
Robben continued to cause Slovakia problems, and was unlucky not to get a second goal, forcing a fingertip save from keeper Jan Mucha in the second half. Slovakia had chances too, but in truth the game was always Holland’s for the taking. In 84th minute, the architect of the Netherlands’ first goal scored their second, securing a place for Bert van Marwijk’s side in the quarter finals. Sneijder ran onto a pass from Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt and struck home, thrilling the Dutch fans that had made the long journey to South Africa. Four minutes into stoppage time, a harsh penalty decision went against the Netherlands, and Robert Vittek pulled a goal back for Slovakia with the last kick of the match.
The second game of the day pitted a Brazil side seen as too defensive by some Brazil fans against Chile, who had stolen headlines with their 3-3-1-3 formation as a possible dark horse for the tournament. Chile came into this game on the back of a narrow 2-1 defeat to Spain, but this match was anything but narrow. Dunga’s side controlled the match, and were 2-0 up at half time. Juan opened the scoring with a strong header in the 34th minute, before Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano added a second four minutes later. Fabiano is hoping for a move to Manchester United or AC Milan this summer, having scored three goals in four games in South Africa, this World Cup has certainly enhanced his transfer prospects.
In the second half, Brazil added a third and final goal, setting up a quarter final tie with the Netherlands. The goal came from Robinho, who showed a passion rarely seen when he plays for Manchester City. It was a great goal from the man who’s spent the last six months on loan at Santos, and Robinho had chances to double his tally later on in the game. But 3-0 it finished, and Brazil are surely favourites for their clash with Holland. On this evidence, they may even be favourites for the World Cup.
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