Luddite: One who opposes technological change.
Following Sunday’s controversial refereeing gaffs in which England was denied a goal and Argentina was gifted one, FIFA has admitted mistakes were made. Yet they refuse to countenance any change in the rules that would allow for technology to help when needed.
A FIFA spokesman, Nicolas Maingot, said the only mistake made was to show the replay on the big screen inside the stadium.
"There was a controversial action shown during the game on the giant screens at Soccer City,” said Maingot. “This should not happen…We will work on this and tighten up on this for the games to be played."
In other words, no more in-stadium replays like the one that apparently cued the Mexican team into Tevez’s offside position.
Instead of changing with the times FIFA is determined to take backward steps to protect their antiquated thinking!
Today’s Round of 16 Matches
Netherlands-Slovakia
Arjen Robben got his first World Cup start today following recovery from a hamstring injury.
It didn’t take long for the Dutch master to finish in artistic fashion. In the 18th minute he ran on to a long cross-field pass down the right wing from Wesley Sneijder, then cut inside to finish with a left foot shot to Slovakian ‘keeper Mucha’s near post. Netherlands 1-0 Slovakia.
It was a classic Arjen Robben goal: carry the ball with pace down the right, cut inside then bang,…left foot shot.
Sneijder got the second goal for the Dutch after Dirk Kuyt worked the ball down the left and into the Slovakian penalty box, attracting the Slovakian defense in the process. Kuyt then slide the ball casually to Sneijder in the center. Netherlands 2-0 Slovakia.
Robert Vittek pulled one back for Slovakia with a penalty kick in stoppage time. His shot from the spot was the last kick of the game, however, and the Netherlands now pass through to the Quarter Finals on a comfortable 2-1 victory.
Brazil-Chile
With all of the South American teams still in the competition, today’s match up between Brazil and Chile meant that one would finally be going home, and few would have put their money on Chile to survive the cut.
Yet although the Chileans had shown themselves a capable side that can play attractive football, they were outclassed today.
First half goals by Brazil’s Juan and Luis Fabiano, and a second half strike by Robinho, ended Chile’s hopes for advancement.
Brazil’s win, along with the Netherlands’ victory earlier in the day, sets up the delightful prospect of a Netherlands-Brazil match-up.
Watch Netherlands vs. Brazil at 10 am Eastern Time on Friday.
Coming up in Tuesday’s Round of 16 Action
The early game is Paraguay - Japan. Later we'll be treated to an Iberian derby as Spain and Portugal meet in what promises to be an epic clash.
Quarter Final Match-Ups
Friday July 2:
Saturday July 3:
