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by theshot (2006-02-07 21:41:03)
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MATCHES AND RESULTS > SEMI FINALS Tags: Egypt
Semifinal #2 Egypt - Senegal 2:1(1:0)
When teams of different style encounter each other, it is often a more lively, nicer to watch game and so this one was more entertaining to the more superficial view than the first semi final.
Senegal had developed a relatively tight grip on the match when suddenly Mendy played hand in his own penalty area.
Ahmed Hassan converted the penalty, though his first successful effort had been annulled because an Egyptian had run prematurely into the box.
In the 51st minute Senegal scored the equalizer when a long cross found Mamadou Niang who perfectly headed against the direction of ball and keeper.
A seesaw battle with equal chances followed until the 80th minute when the Egyptian coach substituted star Mido. An open controversy between both broke out at the sideline.
It seemed to have costed Senegal more concentration because the lions allowed a run down the left and a perfect cross to find ironically substitute Zaki, who headed in for the 2:1.
Senegal risked all and opened spaces for the Egyptians who had several huge opportunities after counter attacks.
In the 90thminute the referee refused to give a Senegalese a penalty after a situation in which probably 8 of 10 refrees had whistled.
Senegal had a last chance after 94 minutes (wide).
Eventually Senegal lost, like in the group matches, because of concentration lapses in defence, and a modest goal production, what rescaled their otherwise sophisticated performance.
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by theshot (2006-02-07 21:40:22)
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MATCHES AND RESULTS > SEMI FINALS Tags: Côte d'Ivoire
Semifinal #1 Nigeria - Côte d'Ivoire 0:1(0:0)
The 'Elefants' proved their flexibility with a different approach and setup.
The consequence: a less physical but more creative game of the two teams (compared to the Cameroon - CIV match).
The Nigerians, because of player material and style a little less flexible, have their attacking strengths in departments which collide with Ivorian strengths rather than their weaknesses. They stick to their typical 'brazilian' style, keeping the match open and strike in a sudden moment of brilliance.
This did not work out in the first half and so the Côte d'Ivoire had the clear majority of penalty area visits, still most of them could be contained as half dangerous by the Nigerian defence.
A long ball on Drogba surprised the Nigerians in the 47th minute. The Chelsea striker escaped and scored - 0:1
Nigeroia threw in Okocha who created some more dangerous situations. The idea to keep Nigeria with all their weapons scoreless seems ridiculous and the Ivorians drew too far back for some moments.
But they escaped a number of crossing attempts and a dangerous free kick situation and towards the end of the match improved very much on ball and time control.
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