The difference between success and failure in soccer is often measured in centimeters and so it proved for Uruguay and star striker Diego Forlan on Saturday.
With the last kick of the game in the third-place playoff against Germany, Forlan’s free-kick cannoned off the crossbar and Germany held on for a 3-2 victory at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Centimeters lower and Uruguay would have taken Germany to extra-time and Forlan would have become outright leading scorer at the tournament with six goals.
“Only a tiny thing was missing with the free-kick,” Forlan said.
Despite the small margin, Forlan made a big impact for his country at the World Cup.
“For the Uruguayan team, Forlan is a very important player,” coach Oscar Tabarez said. “He is the top football player for us. He has achieved many things. He has taken the leading role in our team. We almost can’t do without him.”
With his help, Uruguay got to the brink of the final, before a 3-2 semi-final defeat by the Dutch. Forlan scored from a vicious long-range shot in that semi-final.
There was also a swerving, dipping free-kick in the quarter-final against Ghana and a spectacular volley against Germany in the third-place playoff.
Forlan has now scored 29 times for his country, two off Hector Scarone’s all-time Uruguay record.
The goals from the 31-year-old Atletico Madrid forward were a major reason for Uruguay’s best World Cup performance since a fourth-place finish in 1970.
“It’s something spectacular to be among the top four,” Forlan said. “If someone would’ve asked us at the beginning, we would’ve liked it. It’s something positive.”
Tabarez said there may be one more World Cup in Forlan, who will have just turned 35 when the 2014 tournament kicks off in Brazil.
“It will depend on what Diego has in his mind,” Tabarez said. “Physically, there is nothing stopping him. He takes care of himself, so it all depends on what perspective he has himself for his future. He will go on contributing for our team. He is not like any other player.”
Taiwan’s top women’s badminton doubles duo, Hsieh Pei-shan (謝沛珊) and Hung En-tzu (洪恩慈), achieved a straight-sets victory over Japan’s Kaho Osawa and Mayui Tanabe at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Super 300 Macau Open on Sunday. The Taiwanese pair won the final 21-18, 21-12, marking the duo’s second title this year after their win at the BWF Super 300 Taipei Open in May. The match on Sunday was their first encounter with the Japanese duo, ranked No. 63 in the world. Hsieh and Hung, ranked No. 12, began the opening game well. Hung, who plays left-handed, performed strongly at both the net and the
Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko upset top-seeded Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-4 on Saturday night to reach the National Bank Open quarter-finals. “Your support was incredible,” Mboko told the crowd in French after a chorus of “Ole, Ole, Ole” chants echoed around the venue. “I’m really happy to win today ... It’s incredible. I’m so happy to beat such a great champion.” Gauff dropped to 2-3 since winning the French Open. She followed the major victory with opening losses in Berlin and Wimbledon, then overcame double-fault problems to win two three-set matches in Montreal. Gauff had five double-faults on Saturday after having 23 in
Jobe Bellingham on Tuesday admitted to having “anxieties” on following in brother Jude’s footsteps after joining Borussia Dortmund in the summer. Jobe Bellingham, 19, is two years younger than Jude Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid in 2023 after three years at Dortmund. A centerpiece of the England national team, Jude Bellingham has emerged as one of the best players in the world in recent seasons. The younger Jobe Bellingham joined Dortmund in June from Sunderland after their promotion to the English Premier League. He admitted he understood what the perception would be ahead of the move to Germany. “It’s something you do think about.
Before Tuesday’s 7-2 win at the Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy suggested “most people couldn’t tell you five players on our team.” A look at the standings would indicate more Brewers players soon will be recognized by more fans. After all, it is difficult to overlook a team that not only continues to extend their lead in the National League Central, but also boasts the best record in the majors. “What we’re doing in here right now is special,” right-handed pitcher Freddy Peralta said after allowing only four hits and one run in five innings, while setting a career high with
RSS