Uruguay 2 Germany 3 in Pictures

Uruguayan players with striker, Luis Suarez back in the side poses for pre-match photos.

The German huddle. Their camp was hit by flu virus which cost them Misrolav Klose (I hope he has another World Cup outing to score 2 more goals and top the goal scorer's record), Lukas Podolski, Manuel Neuer and captain, Philipp Lahm. Even coach, Joaquim Loew was hit by the virus.

And who but not Germany's super 20 year old, Thomas Mueller to open the score sheet. 1-0 to Germany.

But Uruguay's Cavani would hit one pass Hans-Jorg Butt to equalise.

And in the second half, a brilliant play by the men in blue ended up with the ball in German's net once again with a superb volley by veteran striker, Diego Forlan.

The advantage only lasted for 5 minutes though with a header by Marcell Jansen putting the Germans back in the game.

A corner in the 82nd minute for the Germans produced the match winning goal, coming from the head of Sami Khadira.

And in the dying minutes, Uruguay was awarded a free kick. With Forlan stepping up to take the kick, German's fans hard to cross their fingers that the match did not go into extra time. Alas! Forlan hit the ball against the bar and the referee ended the match. It is 3-2 to Germany.

The Germans celebrating after the final whistle. They have retained their third spot and have been in the top four spot in their last three World Cup outings (they finished second to Brazil in Japan/Korea 2002).

The third place victors.

A very bright side. One would bet that the Germans can only get better from here.

Khadira, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Cacao posed with their bronze medals.

Loew can be very proud with his youthful team.

Match winner, Khadira.

The Germans making their round of honour to thank their fans.

It has been a bumpy ride for the Germans this time around. They started brightly by thrashing Australia 4-1 and then losing to minnows, Serbia 1-0 in their second match. They came up with the goods in their final group match though, defeating Ghana 1-0. In their last 16 match, controversy dominated as they thrashed England 4-1 and set up a meeting with Argentina, a mouth watering tie. In the quarters, they would play their cool and brilliant football, thrashing the men in blue 4-0. However, when it was most needed for the Germans to deliver, they bowed out to Spain's Carlos Puyol's goal in the semi-finals, setting them up with Uruguay in the third placing playoff match. And in an exciting game, Germany ended their 2010 campaign on high by defeating Uruguay 3-2. And what a way to do it. Klose taking his World Cup goals tally to 14, only one shy of all time leader, Ronaldo. Schweinsteiger having yet another good outing. And of course, Mueller, the wonder kid. Only 20 years old and already having 5 World Cup goals, including a brace against England. I for one look to a brighter future in the Germans and with Joaquim Loew staying, not many would bet against them doing so. =)

New Centreback

As the title who suggests, Arsenal has signed a new centreback who is set to replace the likes of William Gallas, Mikael Silvestre and Sol Campbell who are all tipped to leave. So here are so pictures and facts on the Gunner's latest signing.

Name: Laurent Koscielny (pronounced as 'cos-she'll-knee)

Date of birth: 10 September 1985

Place of birth: Tulle, France (he also has Polish ancestry)

Height: 1.87cm (6'1.5")

Koscielny began his youth career with French side, Guingamp at which he managed to impressed his coach and was given a senior contract. He stayed on until 2007, making 40 appearances.

He then transferred to another Ligue 2 side, Tours and played in their colours for two years. During those times, he scored 6 goals in 67 appearances.

He then moved to Ligue 1 side, Lorient in which he played a vital role in securing the side's final seventh position in the league. In his one year stint there, he made 35 appearances and found the back of the net on 3 occasions.

And on the 7th of July, the Frenchman sealed his move to The Emirates in a transfer that cost the Gunners 8.5 million pound.

The latest Gunner will be wearing the number 6 which was previously won by Phillipe Senderos who had just left The Emirates for Craven Cottage (Fulham).

And just an interesting fact here. Koscielny enjoys chess a lot and is looking into challenging Arsene Wenger frequently to hone his skills. =)

Well, I don't know about you, but I hope his arrival will strengthen Arsenal's defense. And of course, if they are to truly do that, they'll need to look for a new keeper and probably more centrebacks. Anyway, I am looking forward to a good Thomas Vermaelen-Laurent Koscielny partnership in the upcoming season. Koscielny and the partnership will certainly be tested with Arsenal's first game being against Liverpool on the 14th of August. That's TWO days before my 22nd birthday!!

Double F's - Fishes and Fruits

My house is turning into a fish and fruit sanctuary, I think. Don't believe? Well, let my pictures tell you the story.

Fighting fish. Not a very good picture. But if you see them in reality, you'll notice how beautiful they are. Oh yeah. They are all bred by my dad.

Fighting fish breeding tank. There are easily hundreds of them in this tank.

The one tank which is in the house. Zebra fish, more fighting fish and angel fish.

Top view of the aquarium.

My daddy's baby angel fish! They are so cute!

It's them again.

Them again, swimming in their tank.

Tiny mango tree but already growing fruits.

In the backyard, this huge banana is growing.

In the house, there are some more bananas, from another tree. And pineapple and cempedak.

What did I told you eh? And that is not all. We also have a papaya tree and so many other fishes!

A Quick Arsenal Update

As always, during the closed season, it's all about who's in and out. Only this time, the footballing world is more obsessed with the World Cup. So in case you missed what the papers are saying, here's a little update on The Gunners. =)

Signed...

Marouane Chamakh arrived at The Emirates last month on a free transfer from French club, Bordeaux. The Moroccan's arrival will provide an extra man upfront.

Possibly signed...

Yet another French man. The Gunners are looking into signing 24 year old Laurent Koscielny from Ligue 1 side, Lorient. The 6'1" centreback will fill in the gap left by Sol Campbell, William Gallas and Mikael Silvestre. I am not too sure about this news but now I am hearing that he has already been signed for 12 million Euro. Even his page on Wikipedia said so. Lol. Additionally, this centreback is capable of scoring goals when going forward. He has netted in 9 goals in 142 appearances so far.

On their way out...

Arriving from Chelsea a couple of years ago in a move that saw Ashley Cole going the other way, William Gallas had seen his ups and downs at Arsenal. He was made team captain and was later stripped of the armband when he lost his head in the game against Birmingham City two seasons ago. The game also saw the Gunners losing Eduardo for the remaining of that season due to a broken leg after a tackle of Martin Taylor two minutes into the game. Since then, Gallas had been severely criticised and I think his time at The Emirates is coming to a close now with Europe champions, Inter Milan looking to sign the French man.

Goodbye again, Sol Campbell? Campbell will always be remembered at Arsenal. During his prime years, he was just amazing. Remember that he was part of 'The Invincibles' too, the feat that saw the Gunners go 49 games unbeaten. He left Arsenal in 2006 but returned last season in which he was pretty instrumental at the back. Although he was not as fast as he once was, he fitted in well when Gallas was out injured. Word is, he is on his way to Celtic.

Mikael Silvestre's arrival was be shocking to me to start with. Mainly because prior to being a Gunner, he was playing at Manchester United. And the tradition is that no transfers are possible between Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool. But I guess that was in the 80's and 90's. Anyway, it looks certain that the French man is about to exit The Emirates. To be honest, he wasn't that good anyway and based on that, I am sure he will not be missed.

Rumoured...

Experience defender, Phil Jagielka would be an awesome replacement for the trio defenders who are leaving. And the 27 year old is also capable of playing in the midfield. I have always sort of like Jagielka and would be happy to see him in red. Arsenal's red that is.

The Germans are doing so well in the World Cup and of course, their stars are gonna be linked to new clubs as a result. So here's one that I've heard. Word is, Arsene Wenger is looking into signing Per Mertesacker from Werder Breman. The 6'6" 25 year old centreback would be such an awesome replacement for whichever defender of the same position who leaves Arsenal. I didn't know much about him previously but seeing him in the German squad, he is just awesome! I so want him at Arsenal. And his amazing height would be such a bonus!

Like it or not, I am gonna say it. Manuel Almunia sucks and Lukasz Fabianski is not gonna be good enough. Ever. Period. Lol. And seeing Mark Schwarzer linked to Arsenal is making me so happy. Although he is 37 years old already, who cares! In keepers, with age comes experience. And Schwarzer is no short of it. Remember that he and Fulham made it all the way to the Europa League final too!

Lastly, whether you are a football fan or not, I am sure you have heard about this...

Arsenal's talismanic captain, Cesc Fabregas being heavily linked to his boyhood club, Barcelona. And he fueled the speculations by saying he wants to leave. However, I think being on the bench so much for Spain in the current World Cup has made him realise that he is not gonna get what he gets at Arsenal if he leaves. Yes, the players and supporters will be there. But game time? Captaincy? Respect and love? He will play at Barca but certainly not this much. The Catalan side has so many good midfielders already and looking back at previous Gunners who left Arsenal for the Spanish side, no one made it. Thierry Henry was nowhere near where he was at Arsenal and I have heard that the disgraced French captain is now on his way to Major Soccer League side, the New York Red Bulls. Then there is Aliaksander Hleb. He was nobody before he came to Arsenal. He crafted his name when he arrived and when he left, he became a nobody again. Just a few games played at Barca and then he was loaned out. Not a good move if you ask me. And now he is actually advising that Fabregas do not follow in his footstep. Anyway, not that I am biased, I think previously unknowns who made their names at Arsenal and then leave doesn't make it big. Anyone remember Mathieu Flamini? Or how about the traitor Emmanuel Adebayor? So if you ask me, Fabregas, stay where you are well loved and respected. Don't throw it away for money and trophies. Keep your faith in Arsenal. Be patient and you will be rewarded.

That's a wrap. Hmm.. That was not quick after all. But it's all good wasn't it? To me, I am happy with the way Arsenal is approaching the market. Strengthening the one department that cost us the title last season and adding the strike force. Two words to sum it all. Exciting and brilliant! =)