Quarter Finals Recap

Laos vs. Greece: 3-1 Laos. The Greeks showed why they were able to go undefeated in Group C with a strong effort against Laos. Scoring the first goal, Greece really started to worry Laos. Laos kept it together though, tieing it before half. Laos kept up the pressure in the second, and managed to finally break through and take the lead off a low shot beating the keeper. They added a third before the game was over. Pretty good game to watch, and it was great seeing Greece contend in the game.

Canada vs. Ireland: Ireland 7-2. Canada gave up a couple more goals than I thought they would, but the result was still the same. David Brown scored 5 goals, which is testament to his talent, but he was left open constantly to take those shots. He's the tournament's leading scorer, shadow the guy. I was very surprised Canada couldn't figure that out. No way a team should let a guy score 5 on them. Anyway, it's clear that Ireland is absolutely dominating the tournament. They'll likely coast through the rest of the playoffs.

France vs. El Salvador: 1-0 El Salvador. El Salvador won on essentially the last play of the game in the second overtime. It was well under the 2:00 minute mark when they got a free kick at the top of the box, and Riggs picked the top right corner with the shot. Needless to say, it was heartbreaking for a France team that expected to contend with Ireland in today's semi-final. The game itself started out fairly slow, with both teams getting a feel for their opponent. France started to take control, and they held it for most of the game. El Salvador had a few flashes where they had opportunities, but France were holding them in check for the most part. France covered the El Salvador players close, not allowing them to get up to their tricks. El Salvador hung back defensively, daring France to make something happen. And in the end, France simply weren't able to finish their chances. Simple as that. El Salvador capitalized on one good opportunity at the end. A disappointing end to the tournament. Both teams played very good, and I guess every team but one will be disappointed at the end. El Salvador goes on to take on Ireland tonight, and they have the unenviable task of trying to take down a very strong Ireland team.

Poland vs. Norway: 3-0 Poland. Norway played much better this time around, and showed much more patience with the ball. Neither team was showing much, but then Poland started to wear them down after a 0-0 first half. The second half was all Poland, and the shots came from everywhere. Poland moves on to face Laos tonight.