occasional posts by risa aratyr
aratyr These matches will be remembered not for their smoldering rivalry (Germany/ England) or fiery action (Argentina/ Mexico) on the playing field, but for their incendiary effect on the already-hot video technology controversy raging off the pitch. Down a goal in the 39th minute, Frank Lampard’s blistering shot from just outside the 18-yard box came off … Read more WC Fields [k.o.(s)] — Germany v England / Argentina v Mexico
Moments after Clint Dempsey’s effort was turned away, Kevin-Prince Boateng robbed Ricardo Clark of possession in the center circle, took off in an exhilarating run, and shot a low ball past Tim Howard for Ghana’s first 2010 WC goal from open play. Perhaps Team USA had been lulled into complacency by watching their opponents’ rather … Read more WC Fields [k.o.] — USA v Ghana
Off the post for the Korean Republic — so close! Heartbeats later, a way too deep ball had Forlán backtracking like crazy to collect it, then returning it with a perfectly placed cross, dead between the Korean back line and keeper. The keeper came out for it, but succeeded only in leaving the goal untended … Read more WC Fields [k.o.] — Uruguay v South Korea
The Swiss certainly had their share of set pieces, due to late tackles by the Hondurans. Too bad they couldn’t convert them. They needed 2 goals to go on in the competition. They had their chances to score, but didn’t. Honduras held on and held the Swiss back. The relatively ordinary, as-expected run of play … Read more WC Fields — Switzerland v Honduras
Though the other 2 teams in the group (Portugal and Brazil) seemed by far the more likely to progress, Cote d’Ivoire clearly wasn’t resigned to relegation. Their lively start produced 3 opportunities in the first 12 minutes of the game and culminated in Yaya Toure scoring a minute later. His spectacular goal was fuel to … Read more WC Fields — North Korea v Cote d’Ivoire