With the seeded sides not laying their first matches until tonight, it gave the remaining 16-nations a chance to prove themselves on the world stage. With the seeded teams all expected to progress, this opening group match could potentially be the decider to see who qualifies alongside the seeds into the next round.
Group A: Japan came from behind to win their first ever World Cup match. Japan began the better as Mensur Suljovic began very shakily. Haruki Muramatsu and Sho Katsumi both looked lively and quickly took a 2-0 lead in the race to five. Maik Langendorf pulled a leg back and this seemed to wake Suljovic who found the double to level the match. Austria missed two darts at the double to take a 3-2 lead and Katsumi gobbled up the chance. But Japan failed to build on this and would miss six darts to go within a leg of victory. Suljovic equalised and then the Austrians found a 12-dart leg to put themselves 4-3 ahead. Japan were defiant though and Muramatsu would find two doubles to give Japan the lead in a very good quality match.
Group B: Denmark missed 12-darts at the double to win the match, but still just about managed to stumble across the line in a close match against South Africa. It wasn't the most thrilling of matches but Jann Hoffmann managed to find the double to win the first leg. Charl Pietersen got a nine-darter in the recent Q-School event and followed that up with a lively 116-checkout to level the match. Five missed darts at the double allowed Denmark to go 3-1 ahead before Laursen put them one away from victory. Those 12 missed darts allowed South Africa to level the match and force the first deciding leg of the afternoon. Denmark managed to regain their composure and finally fall into the two points courtesy of throwing first.
Group C: Canada also had to come from behind to beat Sweden in a deciding leg. John Part and Magnus Caris had moments of their experience shine through but it was Jeff Smith who started the brightest and took the first leg for Canada. Part took the second leg for Canada and missed three darts to win the third. This gave Sweden the momentum and Par Riihonen found the double to put them 3-2 ahead. Part managed to pull a leg back before Caris put Sweden a leg from victory. Sweden would then miss one dart to win the match as Smith forced a last leg shoot-out. Part would finally show his three time world champion class and hold his nerve to win the final leg with his final dart.
Group D: Spain began their campaign with a tough win over an impressive Italy side. The unknown Daniele Petric took the first leg with his first dart at the double. Carlos Rodriguez hit back for Spain before Petric again took the third leg with his first dart at the double. The wheels slightly felt off for Italy in the fourth leg as they missed four darts to allow Antonio Alcinas to make it 2-2. A 113-checkout from Rodriguez put Spain one leg from victory before finding the double to win the match 5-3. But the Italians did look very good in their first ever showing.
Group E: Poland win their first ever World Cup with Gibraltar still without one. Gibraltar actually began the better with Dyson Parody taking the first leg. The Gibraltarians also out scored the Polish in the second leg but three missed darts allowed them to level. It was deja vu in the next legs as Gibraltar would miss nine darts, giving Poland a 4-1 lead. Poland then missed three darts of their own to win the match, allowing Dylan Duo to prevent the inevitable for a leg. It didn't deter Poland for long and Krzystof Kciuk managed to get the double to give them a 5-2 win.
Group F: Finland perhaps provide a bit of a shock, beating USA in another final leg shoot-out. Darin Young put USA ahead before Larry Butler rolled back the years with a magnificent 116-checkout to go 3-1 ahead. USA then missed three darts to go within a leg of victory and Jarkko Komula found two doubles to level the match. America were then guilty of missing another three darts and this time Jani Haavisto made them pay. Butler was able to force a deciding leg before Haavisto won the match with a superb 114-checkout.
Group G: New Zealand's Craig Caldwell hit three 180s on his TV debut but Croatia still managed to beat them 5-3. The man of the match was Robert Marijanovic who hit three 140s in his opening four throws. It was his partner Tonci Restovic who took the first leg before Marijanovic made it 2-0. New Zealand fought back and three doubles from Caldwell put them 3-2 ahead. Restovic was a little slack in the opening encounters but he woke up and roared to take the next three doubles to give Croatia the win.
Group H: The performance of the afternoon came in the opening match where Belgium whitewashed Hungary. The Huybrechts brothers looked very good with Kim and Ronny sharing the doubles and high scoring. The only dart of the double Hungary had was in the fourth leg in which Meszaros Zsolt had an attempt at the bull.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Togo Join Ivory Coast In A Tempestuous Match
Togo will face Burkina Faso in the quarter finals after holding on to a point against Tunisia in a rather tempestuous affair and a real tale of penalties. Ivory Coast had already won the group and as Algeria were already eliminated, the other game in Group D was a dead rubber. But it was actually one of the most entertaining games as the Ivorians had to battle back from 2-0 down before finding two goals in the remaining 13-minutes to also scrape a draw before meeting Nigeria in the last eight.
With Togo and Tunisia playing on the beach pitch in Nelspruit, many would have been expecting a poor game especially with the crowd being at a minimal. With Togo only needing a draw to go through, it may have been a surprise to see them start the more attacking. They would get the breakthrough after 13-minutes when Emmanuel Adebayor put Serge Gapke through and neatly scored. But Gapke was clearly offside when Adebayor finally played the ball through and Tunisia had every right to feel aggrieved, especially if that cost them their place in the next round.
Tunisia finally got into the game a bit more halfway into the second half and they were awarded a penalty on the half hour mark. Dare Nibombe pushed Walid Hichri during a corner, Hichri did go down rather easily but a penalty was the right decision. Khaled Mouelhi stepped up and rather walked up to the ball before nonchalantly rolling the ball into the bottom corner.
The second half was more about penalties given and not given than any real clear cut shots or outstanding goalkeeping. Adebayor had a penalty shout early on in the second half before having a stone wall claim turned down on 69-minutes. The Spurs striker rounded the keeper, Agassa Kossi, before Kossi brought him down.
The Togolese were furious at the South African referee for somehow not awarding the penalty and seven minutes later Tunisia had been awarded a second penalty. Saber Khelifa had been tripped by Nibombe and the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Togo's anger threatened to boil over and Florian Ayite was booked for dissent before Adebayor joined for knocking the yellow card out of the referee's hand. Togo's protests hadn't finished as Kossi required a yellow card before finally going back onto his line. Mouelhi again stepped up and was as nonchalant as before. But this time his carelessness cost him as his effort hit the outside of the post and went to safety. Tunisia had a glorious chance to win it at the death but Fakhereddine Ben Youssef's close range effort was somehow parried away by Kossi and Togo's progression was ensured.
Despite already winning the group, it was a surprise to see Ivory Coast play a rather strong team against Algeria. Algeria had a glorious chance to take the lead after five minutes El Arbi Soudani was brought down by Ismael Traore, the referee pointed to the spot even though the foul took place just outside the box. Ryad Boudebouz stepped up but hit the post and Algeria remained without a goal in the tournament.
Algeria managed to redeem themselves when they were awarded another penalty on 64-minutes when Arthur Boka handled in the box. This time substitute Sofiane Feghouli stepped up smashed his effort into the corner. Algeria made it 2-0 seven minutes later Soudani headed a cross home, almost giving Algeria a surprise three points.
Ivory Coast responded on 77-minutes with Didier Drogba making 2-1 with a header from a looping delivery. Ivory Coast then levelled ten minutes from time with Wilfried Bony scoring after his shot was met with a wicked deflection to keep Ivory Coast unbeaten. Final table:
1. Ivory Coast 7 +4
2. Togo 4 +1
3. Tunisia 4 -2
4. Algeria 1 -3
With Togo and Tunisia playing on the beach pitch in Nelspruit, many would have been expecting a poor game especially with the crowd being at a minimal. With Togo only needing a draw to go through, it may have been a surprise to see them start the more attacking. They would get the breakthrough after 13-minutes when Emmanuel Adebayor put Serge Gapke through and neatly scored. But Gapke was clearly offside when Adebayor finally played the ball through and Tunisia had every right to feel aggrieved, especially if that cost them their place in the next round.
Tunisia finally got into the game a bit more halfway into the second half and they were awarded a penalty on the half hour mark. Dare Nibombe pushed Walid Hichri during a corner, Hichri did go down rather easily but a penalty was the right decision. Khaled Mouelhi stepped up and rather walked up to the ball before nonchalantly rolling the ball into the bottom corner.
The second half was more about penalties given and not given than any real clear cut shots or outstanding goalkeeping. Adebayor had a penalty shout early on in the second half before having a stone wall claim turned down on 69-minutes. The Spurs striker rounded the keeper, Agassa Kossi, before Kossi brought him down.
The Togolese were furious at the South African referee for somehow not awarding the penalty and seven minutes later Tunisia had been awarded a second penalty. Saber Khelifa had been tripped by Nibombe and the referee instantly pointed to the spot. Togo's anger threatened to boil over and Florian Ayite was booked for dissent before Adebayor joined for knocking the yellow card out of the referee's hand. Togo's protests hadn't finished as Kossi required a yellow card before finally going back onto his line. Mouelhi again stepped up and was as nonchalant as before. But this time his carelessness cost him as his effort hit the outside of the post and went to safety. Tunisia had a glorious chance to win it at the death but Fakhereddine Ben Youssef's close range effort was somehow parried away by Kossi and Togo's progression was ensured.
Despite already winning the group, it was a surprise to see Ivory Coast play a rather strong team against Algeria. Algeria had a glorious chance to take the lead after five minutes El Arbi Soudani was brought down by Ismael Traore, the referee pointed to the spot even though the foul took place just outside the box. Ryad Boudebouz stepped up but hit the post and Algeria remained without a goal in the tournament.
Algeria managed to redeem themselves when they were awarded another penalty on 64-minutes when Arthur Boka handled in the box. This time substitute Sofiane Feghouli stepped up smashed his effort into the corner. Algeria made it 2-0 seven minutes later Soudani headed a cross home, almost giving Algeria a surprise three points.
Ivory Coast responded on 77-minutes with Didier Drogba making 2-1 with a header from a looping delivery. Ivory Coast then levelled ten minutes from time with Wilfried Bony scoring after his shot was met with a wicked deflection to keep Ivory Coast unbeaten. Final table:
1. Ivory Coast 7 +4
2. Togo 4 +1
3. Tunisia 4 -2
4. Algeria 1 -3
United Open Gap To Seven, Villa Go Second Bottom, Reading, QPR and Wigan All Get Points
Manchester United 2-1 Southampton: The gap at the top has been extended to seven points after United once again come from behind to win it. Michael Carrick's poor back pass let Jay Rodriguez in and the striker benefited from David De Gea somehow jumping over the ball to stroke it home after just three minutes. United were level five minutes later when Shinji Kagawa played the ball through for Wayne Rooney to slot under Artur Boruc and level George Best's goal tally. United took the lead on 27-minutes when Robin Van Persie's free-kick was headed by Patrice Evra for Rooney to tap home and scoring United 1600th Premier League goal. Southampton are now three points from the relegation zone.
Reading 2-2 Chelsea: Reading somehow find another extraordinary comeback to come out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Chelsea took the lead in the dying moments of the first half when Fernando Torres' floated through ball was finished off by Juan Mata. Chelsea's man of the moment, Frank Lampard, doubled Chelsea's lead with a header from a corner which was helped in by Pavel Pogrebnyak on 66-minutes. Once again Adam Le Fondre came off the bench and once again he gave Reading the point. He neatly finished off a Hope Akpan ball with one touch, three minutes from time. An injury time free-kick from Adam Federici was headed on twice before Le Fondre volleyed home. Chelsea are now 13-points from the top but five points ahead of Everton in fifth.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Liverpool remain three points behind Arsenal as the Gunners sit four points off the Champions League after coming from behind to get a draw. An absolute shambles from Arsenal's defence was finally rolled home by Luis Suarez after five minutes. Liverpool were 2-0 ahead on the hour mark when Jordan Henderson finished it off after his run had initially been blocked. Arsenal responded and pulled a goal back four minutes later when Jack Wilshere's free-kick was headed home by Olivier Giroud. Arsenal would then make it 2-2 a further three minutes later when Theo Walcott found a magnificent finish into the bottom corner from an acute angle.
Fulham 3-1 West Ham: This is Fulham's second win at Craven Cottage over West Ham since 1974. The result also puts Fulham a point ahead of West Ham who are still seven points from the relegation zone. The deadlock was broken on ten minutes by Dimitar Berbatov who headed home a Damien Duff free-kick on the Bulgarians birthday, although he was in an offside position. Kevin Nolan equalised three minutes into the second half, latching onto a quick free-kick. But parity lasted for a minute as Fulham went up the other end and Duff's cross was headed in by Hugo Rodallega. The points were sealed in injury time when Mladen Petric knocked the ball off the post before the ball bounced off Joey O'Brien to make it 3-1.
Everton 2-1 West Brom: Everton go to within a point of Tottenham and fourth place after this win over West Brom. Everton took the lead just before the half hour mark when Leighton Baines fired in a shot from the edge of the area. Everton were awarded a penalty in first half injury time when Claudio Yacob felled Victor Anichebe. Baines again stepped up and beautifully put it into the bottom corner, sending Ben Foster the wrong way. Substitute Shane Long pulled a goal back on 65-minutes when Jonny Heitinga's touch on the goal line went up in the air for the striker to head home.
Norwich 1-1 Tottenham: Tottenham remain a point clear of Everton in fourth place after a late equaliser. Norwich took the lead on 32-minutes when Wes Hoolahan finished off an Anthony Pilkington ball across. The Spurs equaliser came ten minutes from time when Gareth Bale produced a fantastic run before unleashing a great shot into the top corner. Norwich are still only seven points ahead of the relegation zone.
Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle: Villa fall to 19th on goal difference after another crucial defeat. Newcastle took the lead through Papiss Cisse on 19-minutes before Yohan Cabaye fired in another special goal just after the half hour mark. Villa were given a penalty four minutes into the second half when Mathieu Debuchy pushed Gabriel Agbonlahor in the box. Christian Benteke stepped up and coolly converted but it wasn't enough and Newcastle now move four points clear of the relegation.
QPR 0-0 Manchester City: Another huge point for QPR sees them now move to within four points of safety. The point for City means that they slip to seven points behind Manchester United. It was the last game for Ryan Nelsen who is leaving QPR to become FC Toronto's head coach in the MLS.
Stoke 2-2 Wigan: Wigan come back from 2-0 down but still slip into the bottom three on goal difference. Ryan Shawcross put Stoke ahead on 23-minutes from a Charlie Adam free-kick. Peter Crouch then made it 2-0 three minutes in to the second half, finishing off a parried shot. James McArthur pulled one back three minutes later with a cool chip finish. Franco Di Santo equalised just after the hour mark to give Wigan a crucial point.
Sunderland 0-0 Swansea: This game was more of a mid-table battle than anything else. Swansea perhaps should have had a penalty and missed a couple of chances to win the game, but Sunderland held on.
Reading 2-2 Chelsea: Reading somehow find another extraordinary comeback to come out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Chelsea took the lead in the dying moments of the first half when Fernando Torres' floated through ball was finished off by Juan Mata. Chelsea's man of the moment, Frank Lampard, doubled Chelsea's lead with a header from a corner which was helped in by Pavel Pogrebnyak on 66-minutes. Once again Adam Le Fondre came off the bench and once again he gave Reading the point. He neatly finished off a Hope Akpan ball with one touch, three minutes from time. An injury time free-kick from Adam Federici was headed on twice before Le Fondre volleyed home. Chelsea are now 13-points from the top but five points ahead of Everton in fifth.
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool: Liverpool remain three points behind Arsenal as the Gunners sit four points off the Champions League after coming from behind to get a draw. An absolute shambles from Arsenal's defence was finally rolled home by Luis Suarez after five minutes. Liverpool were 2-0 ahead on the hour mark when Jordan Henderson finished it off after his run had initially been blocked. Arsenal responded and pulled a goal back four minutes later when Jack Wilshere's free-kick was headed home by Olivier Giroud. Arsenal would then make it 2-2 a further three minutes later when Theo Walcott found a magnificent finish into the bottom corner from an acute angle.
Fulham 3-1 West Ham: This is Fulham's second win at Craven Cottage over West Ham since 1974. The result also puts Fulham a point ahead of West Ham who are still seven points from the relegation zone. The deadlock was broken on ten minutes by Dimitar Berbatov who headed home a Damien Duff free-kick on the Bulgarians birthday, although he was in an offside position. Kevin Nolan equalised three minutes into the second half, latching onto a quick free-kick. But parity lasted for a minute as Fulham went up the other end and Duff's cross was headed in by Hugo Rodallega. The points were sealed in injury time when Mladen Petric knocked the ball off the post before the ball bounced off Joey O'Brien to make it 3-1.
Everton 2-1 West Brom: Everton go to within a point of Tottenham and fourth place after this win over West Brom. Everton took the lead just before the half hour mark when Leighton Baines fired in a shot from the edge of the area. Everton were awarded a penalty in first half injury time when Claudio Yacob felled Victor Anichebe. Baines again stepped up and beautifully put it into the bottom corner, sending Ben Foster the wrong way. Substitute Shane Long pulled a goal back on 65-minutes when Jonny Heitinga's touch on the goal line went up in the air for the striker to head home.
Norwich 1-1 Tottenham: Tottenham remain a point clear of Everton in fourth place after a late equaliser. Norwich took the lead on 32-minutes when Wes Hoolahan finished off an Anthony Pilkington ball across. The Spurs equaliser came ten minutes from time when Gareth Bale produced a fantastic run before unleashing a great shot into the top corner. Norwich are still only seven points ahead of the relegation zone.
Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle: Villa fall to 19th on goal difference after another crucial defeat. Newcastle took the lead through Papiss Cisse on 19-minutes before Yohan Cabaye fired in another special goal just after the half hour mark. Villa were given a penalty four minutes into the second half when Mathieu Debuchy pushed Gabriel Agbonlahor in the box. Christian Benteke stepped up and coolly converted but it wasn't enough and Newcastle now move four points clear of the relegation.
QPR 0-0 Manchester City: Another huge point for QPR sees them now move to within four points of safety. The point for City means that they slip to seven points behind Manchester United. It was the last game for Ryan Nelsen who is leaving QPR to become FC Toronto's head coach in the MLS.
Stoke 2-2 Wigan: Wigan come back from 2-0 down but still slip into the bottom three on goal difference. Ryan Shawcross put Stoke ahead on 23-minutes from a Charlie Adam free-kick. Peter Crouch then made it 2-0 three minutes in to the second half, finishing off a parried shot. James McArthur pulled one back three minutes later with a cool chip finish. Franco Di Santo equalised just after the hour mark to give Wigan a crucial point.
Sunderland 0-0 Swansea: This game was more of a mid-table battle than anything else. Swansea perhaps should have had a penalty and missed a couple of chances to win the game, but Sunderland held on.
2013 World Cup of Darts Preview
Hamburg again hosts the third World Cup of Darts which starts on Friday afternoon. The tournament has been expanded, creating eight groups of three nations for the first round. Defending champions England will be looking to retain their title with world number one and two, Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis, again donning the colours. If the tournament goes with seeding, England could meet Netherlands in a mouthwatering final with Raymond Van Barneveld and Michael Van Gerwen flying the Dutch flag. Here's a round-up of the groups:
Group A: England headline this group and although they should progress comfortably, there could be a potential shock if Taylor or Lewis fail to turn up. Mensur Suljovic returns for Austria and can perform on the big stage, on paper he'll be the carrier of the team with Maik Langendorf backing him up. Suljovic is ranked 59th in the world with Langendorf miles down in 175th. Austria did make it into the second round last year. Japan are the other nation in this group and Haruki Muramatsu had a good showing in the World Championships. He's currently ranked 91st while his partner, Sho Katsumi is unranked in the PDC and a real unknown. They'll be hoping for a better showing than last year where they lost to Sweden in the first round. If England play at their best or even in second gear, they should easily brush the other two nations away.
Group B: Eighth seeds Republic of Ireland are probably expected to get through, but if there is a seeded nation to fall short, it could be Ireland. William O'Connor hasn't quite lived up to expectation and sits 54th in the world while his partner, Connie Finnan sits way down in 109th which makes them arguably the weakest seeds. They did get into the second round after beating Malaysia last year. Denmark have the lowest ranked player in this competition with Jan Hoffman 258th in the world, but he did beat Brendan Dolan last year. Per Laursen is definitely the better known Dane and may be the carrier of the team, although he still sits 203rd in the world which makes them arguably the worst team in the competition. But Denmark did progress to the second round of last year's competition by beating Gibraltar. South Africa are definitely the dark horse in the group and had a good showing last year by getting to the quarter finals. Charl Pietersen, 119th in the world, and unranked Shawn Hogan once again team up despite Devon Peterson being 61st. This group could be decided in the match between Ireland and South Africa.
Group C: Fourth seeds Scotland were the disappointment of last year's tournament, losing in the second round to South Africa. Gary Anderson has just slipped out of the top ten this year but he and UK Open champion, Robert Thornton, should get through. Canada got into the second round last year with 24th in the world, John Part, headlining the side while his partner Jeff Smith may met the side down being 179th in the world. Sweden are the third team in this trio and are another one of those average sides. Sweden did make into the second round last year with Magnus Caris working his way up to 44th in the world. Par Riihonen is another unranked player in this tournament after failing to earn a tour card in q-school. Again if Scotland don't perform then they could be in for a shock against either side.
Group D: The promising Welsh team would have a horror group if this was football with Spain and Italy. But in darts, there should only be one winner if Mark Webster and Richie Burnett play like they can. The Welsh made it to the semi-finals last year before losing to England. The Spanish side do boast a victory over England in that shock result in 2010. Last year the Spaniards lost in the first round to South Africa and the pairing of Antonio Alcinas, 113th in the world, and Carlos Rodriguez, 148th in the world, return for their third attempt at the world stage. Italy are a late inclusion after the Philippines pulled out due to travel reasons. This gives two completely unranked and unknown players a chance to grace the television stage so it will be interesting to see Daniele Petri and Matteo Dal Monte play. Spain could be a dark horse in this group but, like with the others, Wales should have enough even in second gear.
Group E: Second seeds and last year's semi-finalists Netherlands grace this group and really should get through comfortably. World Championship runner-up Van Gerwen and the rejuvenated Van Barneveld really do look like an ominous pairing. Gibraltar narrowly lost to Denmark in the first round of last year's competition and Dyson Parody, 124th in the world, and Dylan Duo, 182nd in the world, return for their third appearance. Both can play on their day but really don't have enough to worry the Dutch. Poland didn't participate in the last World Cup but were involved in the inaugural competition in 2010. They lost to Russia in the first round but the unranked players, Krzystof Kciuk and Krzystof Ratajski, do return for their second showing.
Group F: The hosts will compete in this group and like Ireland would be candidates for a seed, if any were to, go out. Germany lost in the second round to USA last year and Jyhan Artut, 143rd in the world, and Andree Welge, 116th in the world, will get the opportunity to avenge that result when they meet USA again this year. Perhaps the much talked about youngster Kevin Munch is upset to miss out being 136th in the world but both Bernd Roith and Michael Rosenauer are ranked higher than Welge which poses further questions. The USA did lose to England in the following round last year and Darin Young will be confident about being able to do it again. Young is unranked but has shown that he can play, this time though, Young will be partnered Larry Butler who is also unranked instead of Gary Mawson. The final team in this group is Finland who narrowly lost to Croatia last year. Jani Haavisto looked very good in the World Championships yet is unranked and is joined by Jarkko Komula who is also unranked but did participate in the 2010 World Cup. This may end up being the most open group of the tournament, with Germany in real danger of missing out.
Group G: Last year's runners-up Australia will be looking for the same thing this year and will face New Zealand in the battle of Oceania. Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson made a good partnership last year and should easily have enough to go through. Croatia beat Finland in the first round last year before losing 4-0 to Wales. Tonci Restovic, 149th in the world, returns from last year's competition but this time he is joined by Robert Marijanovic who is ranked 119th in the world. New Zealand had the second lowest average last year as they lost to Austria. This time they have a different pairing altogether as Preston Ridd and Warren French make way for Phil Hazel and Craig Caldwell who are both unranked and are again a completely unknown team.
Group H: Northern Ireland have probably been given the worst group out of all the seeded sides. The sixth seeds are captained by Brendan Dolan with 51st in the world Michael Mansell again partnering him. The Northern Irish did make into the quarter finals before losing to Netherlands. It looks like it'll be a shoot-out between these and Belgium who is captained by Kim Huybrechts. The Belgians also made it to the quarter finals last year before losing to Australia. That year, Huybrechts was partnered by Kurt Van De Rijk. This time Huybrechts is partnered by his brother Ronny who is 155th in the world which is 13-places higher than Van De Rijk. If Ronny is as half as good as Kim, Belgium will be a very exciting team. Hungary will be the minnows of the group and may be able to improve on their 5-3 defeat against Canada in the first round last year. Nandor Bezzeg returns from last year but Meszaros Zsolt replaces Kristian Kaufmann in another completely unranked team.
Group D: The promising Welsh team would have a horror group if this was football with Spain and Italy. But in darts, there should only be one winner if Mark Webster and Richie Burnett play like they can. The Welsh made it to the semi-finals last year before losing to England. The Spanish side do boast a victory over England in that shock result in 2010. Last year the Spaniards lost in the first round to South Africa and the pairing of Antonio Alcinas, 113th in the world, and Carlos Rodriguez, 148th in the world, return for their third attempt at the world stage. Italy are a late inclusion after the Philippines pulled out due to travel reasons. This gives two completely unranked and unknown players a chance to grace the television stage so it will be interesting to see Daniele Petri and Matteo Dal Monte play. Spain could be a dark horse in this group but, like with the others, Wales should have enough even in second gear.
Group E: Second seeds and last year's semi-finalists Netherlands grace this group and really should get through comfortably. World Championship runner-up Van Gerwen and the rejuvenated Van Barneveld really do look like an ominous pairing. Gibraltar narrowly lost to Denmark in the first round of last year's competition and Dyson Parody, 124th in the world, and Dylan Duo, 182nd in the world, return for their third appearance. Both can play on their day but really don't have enough to worry the Dutch. Poland didn't participate in the last World Cup but were involved in the inaugural competition in 2010. They lost to Russia in the first round but the unranked players, Krzystof Kciuk and Krzystof Ratajski, do return for their second showing.
Group F: The hosts will compete in this group and like Ireland would be candidates for a seed, if any were to, go out. Germany lost in the second round to USA last year and Jyhan Artut, 143rd in the world, and Andree Welge, 116th in the world, will get the opportunity to avenge that result when they meet USA again this year. Perhaps the much talked about youngster Kevin Munch is upset to miss out being 136th in the world but both Bernd Roith and Michael Rosenauer are ranked higher than Welge which poses further questions. The USA did lose to England in the following round last year and Darin Young will be confident about being able to do it again. Young is unranked but has shown that he can play, this time though, Young will be partnered Larry Butler who is also unranked instead of Gary Mawson. The final team in this group is Finland who narrowly lost to Croatia last year. Jani Haavisto looked very good in the World Championships yet is unranked and is joined by Jarkko Komula who is also unranked but did participate in the 2010 World Cup. This may end up being the most open group of the tournament, with Germany in real danger of missing out.
Group G: Last year's runners-up Australia will be looking for the same thing this year and will face New Zealand in the battle of Oceania. Simon Whitlock and Paul Nicholson made a good partnership last year and should easily have enough to go through. Croatia beat Finland in the first round last year before losing 4-0 to Wales. Tonci Restovic, 149th in the world, returns from last year's competition but this time he is joined by Robert Marijanovic who is ranked 119th in the world. New Zealand had the second lowest average last year as they lost to Austria. This time they have a different pairing altogether as Preston Ridd and Warren French make way for Phil Hazel and Craig Caldwell who are both unranked and are again a completely unknown team.
Group H: Northern Ireland have probably been given the worst group out of all the seeded sides. The sixth seeds are captained by Brendan Dolan with 51st in the world Michael Mansell again partnering him. The Northern Irish did make into the quarter finals before losing to Netherlands. It looks like it'll be a shoot-out between these and Belgium who is captained by Kim Huybrechts. The Belgians also made it to the quarter finals last year before losing to Australia. That year, Huybrechts was partnered by Kurt Van De Rijk. This time Huybrechts is partnered by his brother Ronny who is 155th in the world which is 13-places higher than Van De Rijk. If Ronny is as half as good as Kim, Belgium will be a very exciting team. Hungary will be the minnows of the group and may be able to improve on their 5-3 defeat against Canada in the first round last year. Nandor Bezzeg returns from last year but Meszaros Zsolt replaces Kristian Kaufmann in another completely unranked team.
Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Holders Out as Ethiopia's Ill-Discipline Puts Nigeria Through
The holders of African Cup of Nations have been eliminated in the group stage. Zambia could only muster a goalless draw against Burkina Faso and it proved not to be enough, but become the third unbeaten to be ousted from the competition. Burkina Faso will avoid Ivory Coast in the quarter finals after managing to win the group on goal difference. On paper, Nigeria have set up a mouthwatering tie against the tournament favourites, but based on their performances so far, Ivory Coast may well be quite content with this fixture.
Nigeria only just scraped through to the knock-out phase and did so because of two penalties conceded by Ethiopia. Before either of the penalties had been conceding, it was looking like second place would be farcically decided by how many yellow and red cards Zambia and Nigeria had picked up. It almost got even worse as the second placed team could have been selected by a mere picking of lots.
With three of the four teams needing a win to secure a passage into the next round, it was extremely disappointing to see the lack of attacking intent or indeed goal threat imposed by them. With Burkina Faso only needing to avoid defeat to qualify, it was perhaps surprising to see them start the better against Zambia. But they were dealt an early blow when striker Alain Traore had to be stretchered off.
Despite this, Zambia should have taken the lead on 17-minutes when Collins Mbesuma was played in by Chisamba Lungu. But Mbesuma would strike it to the only place where he wouldn't score, apart from missing the target altogether, and hit it straight at the keeper. In the other game, it was Nigeria who started the better before they started conceding set-pieces.
With discipline a possible deciding factor on who progresses through, it was perhaps remarkable to see amount of bad challenges in both games. But the referees often dismissed a number of two footed challenges as just fouls. This may give a slight insight into why discipline does seem a little awry in this year's tournament.
It has also been disappointing to see how poor some of the service has been from the wings, but when the service has been good, the strikers have either not been in a good position or squandered the chance. Isaac Chansa was guilty of this right before half-time when his weak header was more catching practice for the keeper.
Nigeria had been the better side in the first half, but Ethiopia responded in the second in a bid to make a fight of the game. But they became unstuck 11-minutes from time when Victor Moses was brought down by Alula Girma in the box. The Chelsea man then got back to his feet to take the penalty and rolled it calmly into the bottom corner, asking the question why he didn't take the one against Zambia.
This question was even more affirmed in injury time when Moses converted a second penalty to guarantee their place in the knock-out phase. Moses was again brought down, this time by the keeper Sisay Bancha. Bancha had already been booked and would receive a second yellow card. This occurred five minutes before the end but because Ethiopia had used all three subs, Addis Hintsa had to go in goal. But he wasn't allowed to do so until he had changed his number to 23. After that rigmarole, Moses stepped up and again scored despite Hintsa guessing right. Final table:
1. Burkina Faso 5 +4
2. Nigeria 5 +2
3. Zambia 3 0
4. Ethiopia 1 -6
Nigeria only just scraped through to the knock-out phase and did so because of two penalties conceded by Ethiopia. Before either of the penalties had been conceding, it was looking like second place would be farcically decided by how many yellow and red cards Zambia and Nigeria had picked up. It almost got even worse as the second placed team could have been selected by a mere picking of lots.
With three of the four teams needing a win to secure a passage into the next round, it was extremely disappointing to see the lack of attacking intent or indeed goal threat imposed by them. With Burkina Faso only needing to avoid defeat to qualify, it was perhaps surprising to see them start the better against Zambia. But they were dealt an early blow when striker Alain Traore had to be stretchered off.
Despite this, Zambia should have taken the lead on 17-minutes when Collins Mbesuma was played in by Chisamba Lungu. But Mbesuma would strike it to the only place where he wouldn't score, apart from missing the target altogether, and hit it straight at the keeper. In the other game, it was Nigeria who started the better before they started conceding set-pieces.
With discipline a possible deciding factor on who progresses through, it was perhaps remarkable to see amount of bad challenges in both games. But the referees often dismissed a number of two footed challenges as just fouls. This may give a slight insight into why discipline does seem a little awry in this year's tournament.
It has also been disappointing to see how poor some of the service has been from the wings, but when the service has been good, the strikers have either not been in a good position or squandered the chance. Isaac Chansa was guilty of this right before half-time when his weak header was more catching practice for the keeper.
Nigeria had been the better side in the first half, but Ethiopia responded in the second in a bid to make a fight of the game. But they became unstuck 11-minutes from time when Victor Moses was brought down by Alula Girma in the box. The Chelsea man then got back to his feet to take the penalty and rolled it calmly into the bottom corner, asking the question why he didn't take the one against Zambia.
This question was even more affirmed in injury time when Moses converted a second penalty to guarantee their place in the knock-out phase. Moses was again brought down, this time by the keeper Sisay Bancha. Bancha had already been booked and would receive a second yellow card. This occurred five minutes before the end but because Ethiopia had used all three subs, Addis Hintsa had to go in goal. But he wasn't allowed to do so until he had changed his number to 23. After that rigmarole, Moses stepped up and again scored despite Hintsa guessing right. Final table:
1. Burkina Faso 5 +4
2. Nigeria 5 +2
3. Zambia 3 0
4. Ethiopia 1 -6
Monday, 28 January 2013
Ghana Comfortably Through As Mali Also Progress
Ghana set up a quarter final tie against Cape Verde after comfortably winning Group B. A point for Mali was enough for them to oust DR Congo out of the competition and will now face the hosts South Africa in the second last eight tie. Unlike the late drama in Group A, all of the twists and turns came early on although there were chances for both Mali and DR Congo to win their match.
DR Congo quickly put themselves into the ascendency as Lomana LuaLua hit the post before Yves Ilunga was brought down by former Liverpool man, Mohamed Sissoko. The referee pointed to spot and Dieumerci Mbokani of Anderlecht stepped up and converted, giving DR Congo the lead after just three minutes. If the scores remained the same for the remaining 87-minutes DR Congo would go through with Ghana still winning the group on goal difference.
Ghana began to take control of the group after just six minutes in their match with Asamoah Gyan finally opening his account with a cool short-range finish after a low cross. Niger thought that they had scored their first goal of the tournament by equalising and giving themselves a hope of qualifying on ten minutes. The ball went into the net from a set-piece but the referee disallowed it for an adjudged push in the box, a decision which was a little harsh.
Mali put themselves back into second spot after 14-minutes with the equaliser. Adama Tamboura worked well inside the box before laying the ball for Mamadou Samassa to tap home. This meant Mali would join Ghana with four points compared to DR Congo's three.
Ghana doubled their lead on 23-minutes when 21-year old Christian Atsu of Porto took full advantage of his first start in the tournament. Gyan floated the ball in for Atsu to chest down and roll home to almost guarantee themselves the three points.
Mali and DR Congo both created chances during the remainder of the first half. But the referee blew the whistle with the teams still level and Mali still going through. If anyone was going to score again in the other game, it was going to be Ghana as Niger failed to create and looked like they had already accepted their fate by half-time.
The only other goal in either game came four minutes into the second half and it once again came from Ghana to cap off a resounding victory. A header from Gyan was spilled by Kassaly Daouda and John Boye was on hand to scramble the ball over the line.
Mali were the stronger of the two sides in the second half but did have to face a late onslaught from DR Congo after being unable to find a winner. Fortunately for Mali, they managed to hold on as DR Congo couldn't produce a clear cut opportunity. Mali progress and, like Morocco, DR Congo fail to qualify despite being unbeaten while Niger exit the tournament without scoring a goal. Final table:
1. Ghana 7 +4
2. Mali 4 0
3. DR Congo 3 0
4. Niger 1 -4
DR Congo quickly put themselves into the ascendency as Lomana LuaLua hit the post before Yves Ilunga was brought down by former Liverpool man, Mohamed Sissoko. The referee pointed to spot and Dieumerci Mbokani of Anderlecht stepped up and converted, giving DR Congo the lead after just three minutes. If the scores remained the same for the remaining 87-minutes DR Congo would go through with Ghana still winning the group on goal difference.
Ghana began to take control of the group after just six minutes in their match with Asamoah Gyan finally opening his account with a cool short-range finish after a low cross. Niger thought that they had scored their first goal of the tournament by equalising and giving themselves a hope of qualifying on ten minutes. The ball went into the net from a set-piece but the referee disallowed it for an adjudged push in the box, a decision which was a little harsh.
Mali put themselves back into second spot after 14-minutes with the equaliser. Adama Tamboura worked well inside the box before laying the ball for Mamadou Samassa to tap home. This meant Mali would join Ghana with four points compared to DR Congo's three.
Ghana doubled their lead on 23-minutes when 21-year old Christian Atsu of Porto took full advantage of his first start in the tournament. Gyan floated the ball in for Atsu to chest down and roll home to almost guarantee themselves the three points.
Mali and DR Congo both created chances during the remainder of the first half. But the referee blew the whistle with the teams still level and Mali still going through. If anyone was going to score again in the other game, it was going to be Ghana as Niger failed to create and looked like they had already accepted their fate by half-time.
The only other goal in either game came four minutes into the second half and it once again came from Ghana to cap off a resounding victory. A header from Gyan was spilled by Kassaly Daouda and John Boye was on hand to scramble the ball over the line.
Mali were the stronger of the two sides in the second half but did have to face a late onslaught from DR Congo after being unable to find a winner. Fortunately for Mali, they managed to hold on as DR Congo couldn't produce a clear cut opportunity. Mali progress and, like Morocco, DR Congo fail to qualify despite being unbeaten while Niger exit the tournament without scoring a goal. Final table:
1. Ghana 7 +4
2. Mali 4 0
3. DR Congo 3 0
4. Niger 1 -4
Sunday, 27 January 2013
The Hosts and Little Cape Verde Through
The island of Cape Verde is populated by just 500,000 people. They progressed into this year's African Cup of Nations by beating Cameroon over two legs. Now they have overcome all odds by progressing to the quarter finals in a dramatic victory over Angola. The hosts South Africa ended up winning the group after coming from behind twice to earn a point against Morocco. All four members of Group A were on course for progression at one stage in a dramatic end to the group.
At the start of play, South Africa knew that they just had to avoid defeat to guarantee progression. A win for both Morocco and Cape Verde would also be enough for both of them progress. Angola had to win too and hope that South Africa didn't lose.
Morocco hit first when South Africa failed to deal with a corner. Issam El Adoua beats Itumeleng Khune to the corner and headed into the floor. The ball bounced up onto the underside of the crossbar before just crossing the line. As it stood, at this early stage, Morocco would win the group with South Africa progressing by a point over Cape Verde.
Angola kept their dream alive 12-minutes before half-time when Amaro's low cross was turned into his own net by Nando. At this point it still wouldn't have been enough for Angola as South Africa would still go through courtesy of that 2-0 victory over the Angolans. Morocco were still firmly in control of winning the group.
The remaining drama was late in coming, but it would come thick and fast. South Africa put Morocco's qualification in doubt on 79-minutes when May Mahlangu played a one-two with Tokelo Rantie before curling the ball beautifully into the top corner. This turned the group on its head as South Africa would now win it. But with Angola winning 1-0 in the other match, Angola would now scrape through on four points compared to Morocco's three.
But Cape Verde changed all of that with nine minutes to play when Heldon's corner was turned in by Fernando Varela after a goalmouth scramble. But Cape Verde's joy wouldn't last too long as Morocco would retake the lead in the other match a minute later. Abdelilah Hafidi found a cool finish after finding space in the box. This meant that with only eight minutes remaining, Morocco were once again going to win the group. South Africa would still just progress with four points compared to Cape Verde's three.
The drama still wasn't completed as South Africa would once again fight back with four minutes left. In slight deja vu to their first goal, South Africa's auxiliary striker, Siyabonga Sangweni, broke the offside trap before cutting back inside and curling the ball around the defender and classily into the bottom corner. This put South Africa back at the top of the group and Morocco would go through, agonisingly, on goals scored which was just one more than Cape Verde.
But the small Archipelago nation would have the last word in injury time and the substitute Heldon was at it again. This time he was the scorer that would send Cape Verde through whilst eliminating the Moroccan's with the latest of shows. Final Table:
1. South Africa 5 +2
2. Cape Verde 5 +1
3. Morocco 3 0
4. Angola 1 -3
At the start of play, South Africa knew that they just had to avoid defeat to guarantee progression. A win for both Morocco and Cape Verde would also be enough for both of them progress. Angola had to win too and hope that South Africa didn't lose.
Morocco hit first when South Africa failed to deal with a corner. Issam El Adoua beats Itumeleng Khune to the corner and headed into the floor. The ball bounced up onto the underside of the crossbar before just crossing the line. As it stood, at this early stage, Morocco would win the group with South Africa progressing by a point over Cape Verde.
Angola kept their dream alive 12-minutes before half-time when Amaro's low cross was turned into his own net by Nando. At this point it still wouldn't have been enough for Angola as South Africa would still go through courtesy of that 2-0 victory over the Angolans. Morocco were still firmly in control of winning the group.
The remaining drama was late in coming, but it would come thick and fast. South Africa put Morocco's qualification in doubt on 79-minutes when May Mahlangu played a one-two with Tokelo Rantie before curling the ball beautifully into the top corner. This turned the group on its head as South Africa would now win it. But with Angola winning 1-0 in the other match, Angola would now scrape through on four points compared to Morocco's three.
But Cape Verde changed all of that with nine minutes to play when Heldon's corner was turned in by Fernando Varela after a goalmouth scramble. But Cape Verde's joy wouldn't last too long as Morocco would retake the lead in the other match a minute later. Abdelilah Hafidi found a cool finish after finding space in the box. This meant that with only eight minutes remaining, Morocco were once again going to win the group. South Africa would still just progress with four points compared to Cape Verde's three.
The drama still wasn't completed as South Africa would once again fight back with four minutes left. In slight deja vu to their first goal, South Africa's auxiliary striker, Siyabonga Sangweni, broke the offside trap before cutting back inside and curling the ball around the defender and classily into the bottom corner. This put South Africa back at the top of the group and Morocco would go through, agonisingly, on goals scored which was just one more than Cape Verde.
But the small Archipelago nation would have the last word in injury time and the substitute Heldon was at it again. This time he was the scorer that would send Cape Verde through whilst eliminating the Moroccan's with the latest of shows. Final Table:
1. South Africa 5 +2
2. Cape Verde 5 +1
3. Morocco 3 0
4. Angola 1 -3
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