Friday, June 18, 2010

Germany lose 1-0 to Serbia with Klose sent off

It's interesting to see the contrast between the Germany which lost 1-0 to Serbia, and the Germany which demolished Australia 4-0 . They're actually relatively similar except with the difference of Klose being sent off, and the other match of this group between Ghana and Australia will be played tomorrow.

Germany's Miroslav Klose (R) gets a red card from referee Alberto Undiano of Spain during a 2010 World Cup Group D soccer match against Serbia at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth June 18, 2010. REUTERS/Yves Herman (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP)
Germany - Serbia


It's remarkable the upsets that a World Cup brings, first we almost saw Brazil unable to score against DPR Korea, then we see Spain lose to Switzerland, and today we saw Serbia scrape out a win with plenty of luck.It started just like the Australia game, Germany held possession as Serbia tried to defend fiercely and quickly counter-attack with the likes of speedy Krasic.

Germany found it difficult to pierce Serbia, and they played much more sloppily than they did against Australia with plenty of passes going just wide to be intercepted by a Serbian player. But little by little Germany got into their stride, as Ozil spread passes and created a couple of chances, but nothing too great.

Eventually the big moment came, Miroslav Klose nipped Stankovic from behind got a second yellow card, and therefore a red card. A harsh decision which saw Germany's main striker sent off in the 37th minute, and just a minute later Serbia scored with Jovanovic. Krasic's good cross reached Zigic who headed it down for Jovanovic to volley in at close range for the ultimate upset goal. Then at the end of the first half in a penalty area scrap, Sami Khedira rockets the ball at the crossbar as the goalie was way off of his line, Muller's bicycle kick to follow up and it was blocked off of the line from a Serbian defender.
Serbia's Milan Jovanovic (L) scores against Germany during a 2010 World Cup Group D soccer match at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium in Port Elizabeth June 18, 2010.    REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SPORT SOCCER WORLD CUP IMAGE OF THE DAY TOP PICTURE)
After the half, Germany released itself on Serbia, putting everything into getting the two goals necessary for the win. Vidic gave away a penalty with an unnecessary handball,  a replica of the handball by Kuzmanovic against Ghana which lost them that game. Podolski stepped up to take the penalty but had it saved by Stojkovic, who celebrated with his teammates.

And although Germany pushed and pushed, Serbia came closest with Zigic scraping the top of the bar with a header. It just wasn't Germany's game as Serbia celebrate their chance of advancing to the next round with a fantastic upset.

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