World Cup 2006 Review - Last 16 739076638797


The World Cup has been reduced from 32 to 16 participating nations since the knockout stages begin. This is how the last 16 faired while they struggled for a location in the quarter finals. 

Argentina were firm favourites to see off Mexico but Ricardo La Volpes side were not there to simply [http://saksham.org/wiki/index.php?title=Betting_Making_use_of_Horse_Racing_Choice_Systems Betting Making use of Horse Racing Choice Systems - wiki] make up the figures. Captain Rafael Marquez gave Mexico a surprise lead after four minutes but Argentina struck straight back five minutes later through Hernan Crespo, even though it is questionable if the Chelsea striker moved the ball. With the 90 second sketch attached at 7/2, the match looked to be heading for penalties until Maxi Rodriguez made what could be target of the event to send Argentina into the quarter finals. 

A mouth-watering quarter final encounter was set up by germany with Argentina after seeing off Sweden. His Golden Boot credentials were shown by lukas Podolski with two goals after three and 11 minutes to get the match for the hosts at odds of 8/11. 

Britain were incredibly short odds at 1/2 to overcome shock second round qualifiers Ecuador but their 1-0 victory wasnt genuine. Ecuador needs to have won early on when Carlos Tenorio's latched onto one by John Terry, but his shot was deflected off Ashley Cole and on to the club. David Beckham curled in a major free kick after 59 minutes to secure victory. 

England beat fancied Holland at probability of 23/10 by way of a individual Maniche purpose after 22 minutes nonetheless it was four sendings off and variety of yellow cards that was the activities major talking point. Maniche, Costinha, Petit, Figo, Deco, Ricardo and Nuno Valente were all arranged, with Costinha and Deco also getting their marching orders for Portugal, while Van Bommel, Boulahrouz, Van Bronckhorst, Sneijder and Van der Vaart saw yellow with Boulahrouz and Van Bronckhorst also seeing red. 

Italy were chances on jollies at 4/7 to see off Australia but additional time appeared likely before the Italians won it with a questionable injury time fee. Lucas Neill was adjudged to own fouled Fabio Grosso and Francesco Totti swept house the resulting position kick to send 10-man Italy into the quarter finals. 

Ukraine and Europe were engaged in probably the worst match of the tournament up to now, with first-time qualifiers Ukraine getting their invest the last ten. Both parties played out a, 90 minutes pull at 2/1 and without goals in more time, the first penalty shoot-out took place. Switzerland were equally bad from 12 yards out with the Ukraine triumphing 3-0. 

Brazil were unconvincing against Ghana, nevertheless the 3-0 scoreline could have pleased big hitters who took them at 2/7. Ronaldo and Adriano gave a comfortable half-time lead to Brazil with goals after four and 45 minutes and Ze Roberto rounded off the win with a third seven minutes ahead of the end. 

Italy were favourites to beat France, nonetheless it was the 1998 champions who pulled off the victory at 11/5. Mark Villas punishment gave the lead to Spain after 27 minutes, but Franck Ribery on 40, Patrick Vieria on 82 and Zinedine Zidane on 90 turned the match around in favour of the French.