June 25: The Daily World Cup Wrap

Two very different games ended with the same scoreline today. Cards galore today in the Portugal vs Netherlands game, but plenty of fantastic football too. Ruud Van Nistelrooy won’t have enjoyed watching sub after sub go on ahead of him in search of an equaliser, in what may have been his last World Cup experience. The England vs Ecuador clash was less exciting. I was hoping for a Crouch robot vs Kaviedes mask celebration competition, but had to settle for David Beckham dry heaving after scoring his free kick. Still, Ecuador go home with a much improved reputation in world football, while England and their “uninspiring” tag advance to the quarterfinals.

Daily Wrap Awards:

Top Man: Maniche. Should change his name to match-winner.

Top Team: Portugal.

Top Goal: Beckham. Bend it like.

Bit of Skill: Robin Van Persie’s Cruyff turn.

Saw That Coming: England churning out a dull win.

But Not That: 4 red cards.

England vs Ecuador | LiveBlog | England World Cup Gear, Ecuador World Cup Gear

England 1 (Beckham 59)
Ecuador 0

England came out in a 4-1-4-1, leaving medical miracle Wayne Rooney up front on his own. They produced yet another tepid display but squeaked through with a vintage David Beckham set piece. Though he didn’t do much else, Beckham’s 59th minute free kick was whipped into the bottom left corner from distance. He followed up that trick by vomitting all over the pitch.

Ecuador weren’t the same team that impressed against Poland and Costa Rica, though they had brief spells of impressive passing. Carlos Tenorio could have given Ecuador a shock early lead after pouncing on John Terry’s fluffed defensive header. As Tenorio wound up to shoot, Ashley Cole flung himslelf in front, doing just enough to deflect the ball onto the bar.

Sven’s men will finally face a proper test, when they meet Portugal in the quartrfinal in a repeat of their 2004 Euro Championship clash.

Video highlights here.

Fan Photo: England fans…

• Follow the links for more World Cup Blog photos and video, or submit your own to enter our photo and video contest. Thanks to Umbro and Subside Sports for providing the prizes.
• Want to discuss todays action? Go to the England or Ecuador team pages. .
• Buy World Cup tickets to England’s next match.

Portugal vs Netherlands | LiveBlog | Portugal World Cup Gear, Netherlands World Cup Gear

Portugal 1 (Maniche 23)
Netherlands 0

Unfortunately this great game of football will be remembered for the avalanche of cards dished out by referee Valentin Ivanov. It was a physical game, but not deserving 16 yellows and 4 reds. Here’s a quick rundown of who was sent off for what:

45 Costinha, second booking after handball
63 Boulahrouz, second booking after (maybe) catching Figo in the face
78 Deco, second booking for preventing a quick Dutch free kick
94+ Van Bronckhurst, second booking after a pretty bad tackle

The irony is that there was nothing in this game deserving of a straight red, but the cumulative effect of too many over-zealous yellows was the inevitable descent into 9-a-side football.

Speaking of football, it was brilliant. Both teams played a 4-5-1, but did it properly with fast skilfull wingers. Robin van Persie in particular was fantastic down the Dutch right flank. The game was decided by Maniche’s 23 minute winner, sidestepping a couple of defenders before finding the top right corner.

The Dutch had their chances, Cocu hitting the crossbar from 8 yards out and Van Persie shooting just wide after a fantastic Cruyff turn that had Portuguese defenders falling over themselves. Questions will be asked about why Ruud Van Nistelrooy sat on the bench for 90 minutes with a long(er than usual) face while the Oranje desperately hunted a goal.

Video highlights here, though for some reason the red cards have been edited out of existence.

Fan Photo: Portugal fans…

• Follow the links for more World Cup Blog photos and video, or submit your own to enter our photo and video contest. Thanks to Umbro and Subside Sports for providing the prizes.
• Want to discuss todays action? Go to the Portugal or Netherlands team pages. .
• Buy World Cup tickets to Portugal’s next match.