FIFA World Cup 2010 Warm Ups

Most warm up games ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2010 witnessed packed stadiums, and fans got to witness their teams, maybe for the last time, ahead of the mega event. Match fitness, different combinations, secret strategies, choosing of the final 23, etc., were all on the agenda of the coaches of the team's final warmups.

Read about the world cup groups and venues at FIFA World Cup 2010: Curtain Raiser.

The Netherlands were all over Ghana in a friendly, in which they went on to win 4-1. Late in the second half, the Dutch were at their attacking best, and will be a real force to contend within the actual matches ahead. Even though the Republic of Ireland did not qualify for the world cup, they beat Paraguay 2-1. Although the South Americans dominated ball possession, they didn't have the finishing touch to prevail over the Irish. In a match played in England, Nigeria drew with Columbia 1-1, a game that was equally contested by both sides. Slovakia and Cameroon, both into the world cup, played a game in Austria, which also ended in a 1-1 draw. Slovakia had taken an early lead but Cameroon equalized with just 7 minutes to go from the end. In France, Paraguay battled a goalless first half with Ivory Coast, but the complexion of the game turned around completely in the second half, and both sides scored twice to end in a 2-2 draw. Strong world cup title contenders Spain played a match to forget, and an injury time goal got them a narrow 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia. Elsewhere, New Zealand stunned Serbia 1-0 in a friendly. In another game, the United States had to come from behind to beat Turkey 2-1, a win that will give them a lot of confidence for the finale. And lastly, fancied France could only manage a draw against Tunisia, and this leaves France with just one more warmup game to get their act together.

Also read about other warmup games that were played earlier:

• FIFA World Cup 2010 Warm-ups
• FIFA World Cup 2010 Warmups

8 days more to go for the FIFA World Cup 2010. Stay tuned!!!