| |
Monday, June 26, 2006
|
|
25 June 2006: Portugal vs. Holland
Result: Portugal 1 - Holland 0
This game was definately 'The Game of Cards'. One after the other the referee issued yellow cards to the players of Portugal (and to Holland)! As if it wasn't enough, red cards were issued to two key Portugal players- Deco and Costinha were dismissed and won't play in the next game against England. PATHETIC! And to make matters worse, Cristiano Ronaldo sustained a thigh injury and was replaced by Simao. And to make matters terrible, Figo might not play in the next game. This decision lies soley in the hands of the FIFA committee as Figo was noticed for his 'hit and run' action against a player. SAD! The referee was crazy. He didn't issue the cards to the right players. Did anyone notice how he suspended Deco? Holland's player wouldn't let go off Deco and Deco got a red card! What kind of justice is this? Also, Holland lost on a lot of corners because of-again- the referee. He must have had a field day with all those yellow and red cards!
Portugal did not play as well as they do! The ball was held onto by Holland for majority of the game. But truly, what a game this was! Tension and pressure mounting from both sides, frustration and anger spilling from players...this is what happened even at the Euro2004 finals.
I'm depressed that Deco and Costinho will not play in the next game. They are a crucial part of the team esp. Deco. Maniche did an extremely fantastic job. He was extremely alert and quick to grasp the opportunity to score a goal when Pauleta made the pass. Pauleta would have scored a second hadn't it been for Van der Sar.
Surprisingly, Netherlands' coach Van Basten who reminds me of Hollywood star Will Ferrell didn't get Nistelrooy to play even in the second half! Netherlands played well. They put up a strong front. Well done.
I watched the game with a bucket of tension on my head and developed a headache when the players went in for half-time. I was depressed when the red cards were issued. I hope Ronaldo gets to play in the next game against the players of Manchester United :-D on Saturday when Portugal plays against England in the quarter-finals on Saturday, July 1.
May the best team win! |
posted by Neelofer @
9:10 AM
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
