Not the spectacle of football we were expecting in this final, thanks to the rather unsavoury tactics displayed by the Dutch team. Thankfully the Spanish were able to rise above it and fulfilled Paul the Octopus's prediction.
I'll be honest and say I didn't bother with the 3rd place play-off - a dinner party was a much more appealing alternative after a day of hard labour and a huge Strawberries and Cream frappucino! The fact that the Germans won doesn't mean a great deal in real terms, as for them, they still missed out on the final, and Uruguay were national heroes regardless of the result. Diego Forlan was later voted the best player in the tournament, and young Thomas Mueller won the Golden Boot thanks to 5 goals and his three assists (the assists were used as a tie breaker after about 4 players managed to notch 5 each throughout the tournament).
The final was bound to be a tense affair, with two teams, neither having tasted World success before (hell, the Spanish had never been past the Quarters and the Dutch were two time losers) facing off to be only the eighth different winners of the World Cup. The build up had seen the Dutch state that they had made plans to stop the Spanish passing game, and boy did they try it! Van Bommel, De Jong, Heitinga, the list of offenders goes on. In fact De Jong was extraordinarily fortunate to make it to half time after his chest high assault on Xabi Alonso.
The 2nd half saw much the same, except the Dutch started to come out of their shell, certainly for a while, with Robben having two good opportunities to score, thwarted by Casillas on both occasions, although the second time he was closely attended to by Puyol, which prompted Robben to sprint after English referee Webb to remonstrate. All he got was his name in the book. The ninety minutes ended with no break to the stalemate, and so another 30 minute war of attrition was waged by the tiring Dutch. Fabregas had been introduced and had a great chance, only to be stopped by Stekelenburg's leg. Then, as penalties loomed, Johnny Heitinga tried to swap shirts with Iniesta ten minutes early, and had his game cut short as he saw a second yellow card come his way. Gradually, Spain began to assert their dominance and finally, with a mere 5 minutes or so left, Iniesta lashed the ball into the corner of the net and sent Spain crazy. As the match ran down, there was more drama to come, with Fernando Torres pulling up sharply after coming on late on. There was nothing the Dutch could do, and when the whistle blew, the party started in Johannesburg, Madrid, and well, anywhere there were Spanish people!!!
Captain Iker Casillas managed to wipe the tears away long enough to receive the trophy from Sepp Blatter, raised it to the sky in triumph, passed it on to a team mate and then burst into tears again.
Rather harshly perhaps, the English officials were booed as they went up to receive their medals, but that's just sore losers for you. Even the greatest Dutchman, Johann Cruyff derided the Dutch approach and praised Spain as one of the few teams still playing a brand of 'Total Football'.
As for me, I've got no excuse now. Time to knuckle down and create more adventures for my legendary hero.... Dave!!!
Watch this space.
Monday, 12 July 2010
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
World Cup Semis
Dammit, the World Cup's nearly over. But at least we can now look forward to an exciting finale between the not-so-free-flowing Dutch and "let's try and pass the ball into the net" Spain. But nevermind that... yet.
Netherlands vs Uruguay: I don't think anyone would or could have predicted Uruguay to reach this stage. I get the feeling they knew that themselves, and thrived on the underdog/party pooper tag. The Dutch had won all their games without being spectacular, causing many to wonder if they had what it took to go all the way. So, the Dutch were seemingly favourites and started fairly confidently. And then there was possibly the best goal of the tournament so far from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (or as the annoying Clive Tyldesley kept calling him, 'Gio' - as if he's his best mate). But just before half-time, Forlan scored a screamer himself. The Uruguayans looked to be on top when half-time came. Then Van Der Vaart came on and the Dutch kicked up a notch. A suspiciously offside Van Persie wafted his shin at a Wesley Sneijder cross (the fact he missed it must have put off the keeper!), and then Robben nutted one in off his bald head to send the entire nation mental. The game was virtually secure until a late Uruguay goal set up a nervy finish, but the Oranje held on to book a first World final since 1978. But would fate hand them a chance to gain revenge on the Germans for 1974?
Germany vs Spain: Did anyone want the Germans to win outside of Germany? A large proportion of the world must have been Spanish for the night. The Spanish passed their way through the game, always patient, and not committing too much thus preventing the Germans continuing their successful counter-attacking play. But no matter how many times Spain put one inches wide or just failed with the final pass, you sensed the Germans only needed one chance to score. Thankfully the referee missed a dead set free kick for a foul on Ozil just before half time. It was outside the area, but a penalty could so easily have been given. Normal service resumed in the 2nd half as Spain continued to pass their way around the pitch. Then came the goal from one of the ugliest (?) players at the World Cup, Carles Puyol! The Spanish had more chances to put the game beyond Germany, Pedro for one (why didn't he pass to Torres??!), but yet again we were subjected to a nervous, twitchy last five minutes before the referee put us all out of our misery and sent the Spanish delirious.
So, 62 games played, 2 more left to go. Who will finish 3rd? Who will be crowned the new World Champions? Because, after all, neither Spain nor the Netherlands have ever won the World Cup before.
Now, which was the best game of the tournament so far?
Best Goal?
Best Player?
Biggest Disappointment?
Answers on a comment please.
Netherlands vs Uruguay: I don't think anyone would or could have predicted Uruguay to reach this stage. I get the feeling they knew that themselves, and thrived on the underdog/party pooper tag. The Dutch had won all their games without being spectacular, causing many to wonder if they had what it took to go all the way. So, the Dutch were seemingly favourites and started fairly confidently. And then there was possibly the best goal of the tournament so far from Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (or as the annoying Clive Tyldesley kept calling him, 'Gio' - as if he's his best mate). But just before half-time, Forlan scored a screamer himself. The Uruguayans looked to be on top when half-time came. Then Van Der Vaart came on and the Dutch kicked up a notch. A suspiciously offside Van Persie wafted his shin at a Wesley Sneijder cross (the fact he missed it must have put off the keeper!), and then Robben nutted one in off his bald head to send the entire nation mental. The game was virtually secure until a late Uruguay goal set up a nervy finish, but the Oranje held on to book a first World final since 1978. But would fate hand them a chance to gain revenge on the Germans for 1974?
Germany vs Spain: Did anyone want the Germans to win outside of Germany? A large proportion of the world must have been Spanish for the night. The Spanish passed their way through the game, always patient, and not committing too much thus preventing the Germans continuing their successful counter-attacking play. But no matter how many times Spain put one inches wide or just failed with the final pass, you sensed the Germans only needed one chance to score. Thankfully the referee missed a dead set free kick for a foul on Ozil just before half time. It was outside the area, but a penalty could so easily have been given. Normal service resumed in the 2nd half as Spain continued to pass their way around the pitch. Then came the goal from one of the ugliest (?) players at the World Cup, Carles Puyol! The Spanish had more chances to put the game beyond Germany, Pedro for one (why didn't he pass to Torres??!), but yet again we were subjected to a nervous, twitchy last five minutes before the referee put us all out of our misery and sent the Spanish delirious.
So, 62 games played, 2 more left to go. Who will finish 3rd? Who will be crowned the new World Champions? Because, after all, neither Spain nor the Netherlands have ever won the World Cup before.
Now, which was the best game of the tournament so far?
Best Goal?
Best Player?
Biggest Disappointment?
Answers on a comment please.
Saturday, 3 July 2010
World Cup Quarter-Final Report
Well, well, well, well, well etc, what a turn up for the books!!
Netherlands vs Brazil: Most people's favourites to win beaten by the orange dynamos. And I don't mean Dynorod! Despite being stuck at work until half-time and then not getting back until the score was already 1-1, I ran into the house, babbled something about ITV1, and sat down. Then I witnessed the winning goal and the stupid sending off of Felipe Melo. Silly boy!! To say it was a shock is totally unfair on the Dutch, because they are a pretty damn good team and let's not forget they have featured in two World Cup finals. They are now my hopes to win the tournament.
Uruguay vs Ghana: Poor, poor Ghana. I'll bet Mr Gyan wished he'd taken a bit more care in the 120th minute of extra time. Muntari's goal was tasty right on half-time. Forlan took probably the best free kick in the tournament, considering the ball is utter pants, to draw level and that's how it stayed until Suarez's attempt to play volleyball at the death. His reaction at the tunnel entrance when the penalty walloped against the bar said it all: "Thank God for that!" But the winning penalty by Sebastien Abreu was calm and cheeky, just the sort of thing South American's are famed for. Next stop Netherlands for the biggest surprises of this World Cup. And to think they were the first team I completed in my Panini World Cup sticker album!
Argentina vs Germany: What can you say about the bloody Germans?! Clinical, organised, quick, commitake ted. Another big name team taken apart at the seams, Argentina were a shadow of their early-tournament selves. Messi, Tevez and Higuain hardly got a chance. Miroslav Klose is now tied with Gerd Muller with 14 goals in World Cup finals games. The only slightly positive thing about the Germans continuing is the pronounciation of Bastien Schweinsteiger by our English commentators totally pissing of my girlfriend!! They knocked out the genius that is Diego Maradona, and for that I don't think I can ever forgive them.
Paraguay vs Spain: The European Champions move into the last 4 for the first time. After a fairly average first half, the game exploded into life with a mad 5 minutes. First, Paraguay missed a penalty. Moments later, Spain got themselves a penalty. Xabi Alonso calmly despatched the spot kick only for the referee to curtail the celebrations for encroachment. Cue the re-take and drama unbound as the penalty was saved. Finally, 7 minutes from extra time, the man of the tournament, David Villa popped up to spare Spanish blushes and send them through to (hopefully) thrash the Germans!!
Roll on Tuesday and Wednesday for the Semi-finals!!!
Netherlands vs Brazil: Most people's favourites to win beaten by the orange dynamos. And I don't mean Dynorod! Despite being stuck at work until half-time and then not getting back until the score was already 1-1, I ran into the house, babbled something about ITV1, and sat down. Then I witnessed the winning goal and the stupid sending off of Felipe Melo. Silly boy!! To say it was a shock is totally unfair on the Dutch, because they are a pretty damn good team and let's not forget they have featured in two World Cup finals. They are now my hopes to win the tournament.
Uruguay vs Ghana: Poor, poor Ghana. I'll bet Mr Gyan wished he'd taken a bit more care in the 120th minute of extra time. Muntari's goal was tasty right on half-time. Forlan took probably the best free kick in the tournament, considering the ball is utter pants, to draw level and that's how it stayed until Suarez's attempt to play volleyball at the death. His reaction at the tunnel entrance when the penalty walloped against the bar said it all: "Thank God for that!" But the winning penalty by Sebastien Abreu was calm and cheeky, just the sort of thing South American's are famed for. Next stop Netherlands for the biggest surprises of this World Cup. And to think they were the first team I completed in my Panini World Cup sticker album!
Argentina vs Germany: What can you say about the bloody Germans?! Clinical, organised, quick, commitake ted. Another big name team taken apart at the seams, Argentina were a shadow of their early-tournament selves. Messi, Tevez and Higuain hardly got a chance. Miroslav Klose is now tied with Gerd Muller with 14 goals in World Cup finals games. The only slightly positive thing about the Germans continuing is the pronounciation of Bastien Schweinsteiger by our English commentators totally pissing of my girlfriend!! They knocked out the genius that is Diego Maradona, and for that I don't think I can ever forgive them.
Paraguay vs Spain: The European Champions move into the last 4 for the first time. After a fairly average first half, the game exploded into life with a mad 5 minutes. First, Paraguay missed a penalty. Moments later, Spain got themselves a penalty. Xabi Alonso calmly despatched the spot kick only for the referee to curtail the celebrations for encroachment. Cue the re-take and drama unbound as the penalty was saved. Finally, 7 minutes from extra time, the man of the tournament, David Villa popped up to spare Spanish blushes and send them through to (hopefully) thrash the Germans!!
Roll on Tuesday and Wednesday for the Semi-finals!!!
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
World Cup Last 16 Report
Uruguay vs South Korea: Felt a bit sorry for the Koreans, but they defended sloppily for the first Suarez goal. They did well to get back level, but ultimately the Uruguayans' quality shone through to take their place in the Quarter-finals. Will they fancy their chances against the only African hope left?
USA vs Ghana: The Black Stars took an early lead and then fell into the dangerous trap of feeling comfortable. The Americans equalised and looked more likely to win in my opinion. They couldn't make the breakthrough and once Ghana retook the lead in extra time, USA looked tired and short on ideas. Ghana now face the equally unfancied Uruguayans for an unprecedented Semi-final place.
Germany vs England: Ah yes, ' the goal that never was'. We should not kid ourselves that this was a key turning point - the fact is, England were out-played, out-fought, out-thought, and out-ran. Poor performances throughout the side, baffling substitutions combined with ruthless German efficiency and abysmal refereeing decision to show up the so-called 'Golden Generation'. It's probably just as well England lost, had they faced Argentina, heaven only knows how bad it would have been!
Argentina vs Mexico: Apart from another horrific refereeing decision, a great game unfolded between two Latin American giants. Where Tevez scored one controversial goal, he matched it with a superb one. Diego's men through now to a repeat of the Quarter-Final from 2006 which went to the Germans on penalties and included a good ol' fashioned melee!! More of the same?
Netherlands vs Slovakia: The Dutch through thanks once more to steely determination and functionality more than free-flowing football. Robben returned with a goal, and the more he plays, the better he'll be. Slovakia weren't completely out of their depth, but never really caused any problems. The Dutch will clearly have to step up for their Quarter-final meeting with the Brazilians.
Brazil vs Chile: As expected, the Brazilians had too much for Chile. Although they showed endeavour and determination, they couldn't reproduce their form from the group stage and were eventually pulled apart by the skills and movement of the Brazilians. I'm looking forward to the Brazil / Netherlands Quarter-final!!
Paraguay vs Japan: Both teams were wary of losing this game. The Japanese had some great chances, as did the South Americans, but the deadlock remained unbroken for the whole 120 minutes to signal the first penalty shoot out of this World Cup. Eight well taken penalties later, it was a missed Japanese spot-kick that proved telling. Disappointing for me on a personal level, but just further evidence of the South American dominance in this tournament. However, I don't envy their next challenge!!
Spain vs Portugal: Thank God Spain won!! Portugal seemed intent to get men behind the ball and wait for penalties. Torres was off the pace yet again, and his replacement, Llorente, had plenty of chances. Bet Torres was cursing his luck! The goal, when it came, was well crafted as usual. A lesson to be learned for the English?? Now they have perhaps the kind of Quarter-final that most other teams would be envious of.
Now, we have 2 days without football... What the hell are we all going to do??!!!! Apart from watch Andy Murray get knocked out of Wimbledon that is...
USA vs Ghana: The Black Stars took an early lead and then fell into the dangerous trap of feeling comfortable. The Americans equalised and looked more likely to win in my opinion. They couldn't make the breakthrough and once Ghana retook the lead in extra time, USA looked tired and short on ideas. Ghana now face the equally unfancied Uruguayans for an unprecedented Semi-final place.
Germany vs England: Ah yes, ' the goal that never was'. We should not kid ourselves that this was a key turning point - the fact is, England were out-played, out-fought, out-thought, and out-ran. Poor performances throughout the side, baffling substitutions combined with ruthless German efficiency and abysmal refereeing decision to show up the so-called 'Golden Generation'. It's probably just as well England lost, had they faced Argentina, heaven only knows how bad it would have been!
Argentina vs Mexico: Apart from another horrific refereeing decision, a great game unfolded between two Latin American giants. Where Tevez scored one controversial goal, he matched it with a superb one. Diego's men through now to a repeat of the Quarter-Final from 2006 which went to the Germans on penalties and included a good ol' fashioned melee!! More of the same?
Netherlands vs Slovakia: The Dutch through thanks once more to steely determination and functionality more than free-flowing football. Robben returned with a goal, and the more he plays, the better he'll be. Slovakia weren't completely out of their depth, but never really caused any problems. The Dutch will clearly have to step up for their Quarter-final meeting with the Brazilians.
Brazil vs Chile: As expected, the Brazilians had too much for Chile. Although they showed endeavour and determination, they couldn't reproduce their form from the group stage and were eventually pulled apart by the skills and movement of the Brazilians. I'm looking forward to the Brazil / Netherlands Quarter-final!!
Paraguay vs Japan: Both teams were wary of losing this game. The Japanese had some great chances, as did the South Americans, but the deadlock remained unbroken for the whole 120 minutes to signal the first penalty shoot out of this World Cup. Eight well taken penalties later, it was a missed Japanese spot-kick that proved telling. Disappointing for me on a personal level, but just further evidence of the South American dominance in this tournament. However, I don't envy their next challenge!!
Spain vs Portugal: Thank God Spain won!! Portugal seemed intent to get men behind the ball and wait for penalties. Torres was off the pace yet again, and his replacement, Llorente, had plenty of chances. Bet Torres was cursing his luck! The goal, when it came, was well crafted as usual. A lesson to be learned for the English?? Now they have perhaps the kind of Quarter-final that most other teams would be envious of.
Now, we have 2 days without football... What the hell are we all going to do??!!!! Apart from watch Andy Murray get knocked out of Wimbledon that is...
Saturday, 26 June 2010
World Cup Half-Time Report
So, the Group Stages are now over. We know who has battled through to the knockout stages and who has bombed at the first hurdle. Here is my impression of all the teams and their performance so far.
Uruguay: I'll be honest and say I fancied them to get out of the group, but not as winners. Watching them against France, they were uninspiring, but then they came alive against the hosts, and again against the Mexicans. No doubt they'll be happy with their 2nd Round tie against the South Koreans, and have an eye on the Quarter Finals.
Mexico: Profited from an abject performance by the French this time out. Weren't particularly impressive in the opener against the hosts, and didn't exactly give the Uruguayans too much to worry about. But that's what you get with Mexico - dogged determination and write them off at your own peril. A repeat of their 2nd Round game against Argentina in 2006 awaits.
South Africa: A proud performance by the hosts in spite of their lack of world class talent. Gave the home support something to cheer about by not losing their opening game, but came undone against Uruguay. Also compounded the French misery in the last game, eventually going out on goal difference.
France: What can you say? In-fighting, divisions, sulking and more. A manager who lost all respect and dignity, players not performing to their ability, they only really showed glimpses of what they could do when it was too late. You wonder what incoming manager Laurent Blanc can do with them. I would suggest that quite a few of the squad have played their last international game, and have no one else to blame but themselves.
Argentina: Only good goalkeeping prevented them destroying Nigeria. In great form and with a front line to die for they're looking good bets to go far, and with Diego Maradona keeping us all entertained from the sidelines, they will strike fear into any team they face. Perhaps a little shaky in defence, but otherwise a force to be reckoned with. Unlikely to be troubled by 2nd Round opponents Mexico.
South Korea: I was impressed by the way they overcame the Greeks in the first game. They were out of their depth against Argentina, but that was to be expected. They were only a Yakubu miss away from going out, but they live to fight another day and take on Uruguay for a place in the Quarter-finals.
Greece: Seemed to think they'd done enough just to be there in the first place. No real intentions until they had the man advantage against Nigeria, otherwise they could quite easily have ended up losing all three games.
Nigeria: The so-called 'Super Eagles' flattered to deceive again. Only their goalkeeper prevented Argentina walking all over them. Then a unnecessary sending-off ended any real hope of making it out of the group. Could have beaten South Korea, but they wouldn't have really deserved it, would they?
USA: Caused England problems, without the help from Rob Green. Looked dead and buried against Slovenia, but dragged themselves back into it. Then a last gasp winner against Algeria to top the group, and avoid the Germans. Will fancy their chances against Ghana.
England: Where to start??!! But for a horrendous error by Green, they would have beaten the USA. Which would have papered over a poor, aimless performance. The debacle that was the Algerian game is possibly the worst ever England performance in a World Cup finals. Were better against Slovenia, but only because they knew they had to be. 'Rewarded' with a game against the old enemy Germany, it will be the true test of character and backbone the team need. They must ALL perform if they want to carry on in this tournament.
Slovenia: Ultimately unlucky not to progress, which they would have done but for America's late late show against the Algerians. Also benefitted from a keeper error in the first game, then looked in control before lettng the USA peg them back. Showed flashes of danger against the English, but it just wasn't enough in the end.
Algeria: Pretty poor showing. Didn't score a goal, and their only point was against the shambolic England. Hardly did the African continent proud.
Germany: After dismantling Australia, they had an abherration against Serbia. Podolski's missed penalty showed that they are human after all! Looked to be ekeing out a draw against Ghana until their best player, Ozil, scored a great goal. England will have to watch him closely.
Ghana: Not a bad showing considering their best player, Michael Essien, is missing. Could have shown a bit more adventure against Germany, but otherwise fairly solid, and the only African team not to fall at the group stage. Will feel they have a chance against the USA.
Australia: After their thrashing at the hands of Germany, they closed up and produced some respectable results. Only missed out on goal difference.
Serbia: After beating the Germans in their second game, they went into the showdown with Australia knowing they only needed to win and they would be through. They couldn't do it though, and the defeat left them bottom of the group, despite being seen as dark horses by some, me included.
Holland: Solid without being spectacular. The brand of 'Total Football' seems to be a thing of the past in my opinion. Admittedly they missed Robben, and the sooner he gets going, the better we'll all be.
Japan: Possibly their best ever performance at a World Cup. Some great players in the side, and against Denmark, I saw the two best free kicks of the tournament so far. An interesting game against Paraguay awaits in Round 2.
Denmark: I thought they would have enough to get through this group, but they showed hardly any real quality. A couple of errors by Sorensen in the Japan game undermined their chances.
Cameroon: Yet another African disappointment. Sadly the country are still in the shadow of what the 1990 squad achieved in Italy a full 20 years ago. Eto'o was played out of position against Japan, and unable to prevent defeats in the other two games.
Paraguay: Good against Italy, outclassed the Slovakians, and were in cruise control against New Zealand. Fully deserve their place in the next round and will certainly feel confident of a Quarter-final place. It won't be that easy though...
Slovakia: Nothing but steady. Thought they'd done enough to beat New Zealand, but fell asleep at the end. Poor against the Paraguayans, and then took advantage of the old and creaky Italians. A surprise name in the 2nd Round, but I don't anticipate them causing the Dutch any problems.
New Zealand: 3 games, 3 draws. Something to be proud of certainly. Only a dodgy penalty away from beating Italy.
Italy: Too old. Lacked any spark or creativity, and missed a goalscorer in the Inzaghi or Vieri mould. Admittedly the loss of Buffon was a huge blow, but it simply highlighted the dearth of talent in the Italian game at the moment.
Brazil: Laboured against the North Koreans, showed glimpses of what they can do against the Ivory Coast, before a stalemate with the Portuguese. But with the drudgery of the group over, they can open up and really dazzle us all. Regardless of Dunga's occasionally dour tactics, they have Robinho, Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Elano who can really play football.
Portugal: Seemed reluctant to show any real intent against the Ivory Coast, and bar a Ronaldo shot against the post were unspectacular. Then ran riot over the North Koreans to all but seal their 2nd Round place. A dull draw with the Brazilians to secure the runners-up spot, leaving a tasty 2nd Round tie against neighbours Spain. Ronaldo against David Villa. I will be watching this with interest. Hard to pick a winner.
Ivory Coast: Showed brief glimmers of what they can achieve, but still have to go down as an underachievement. Preparation was poor, with Sven not getting the squad together until only a few weeks beforehand and then Drogba's injury. With Didier Drogba probably playing his last World Cup, it's hard to see where a quality replacement will come from.
North Korea: No heroics to match those of 44 years ago. Did well against Brazil, but then seemed to think the hard work was done. Spectacularly undone by Portugal and less so by Ivory Coast. Still a triumph for the players.
Spain: Shock opening defeat to Switzerland, but then improved against Honduras (well, they ought to have done). Looked shaky to start with against Chile, but eventually showed some class to secure the group and avoid Brazil. Will have to be on top form to beat neighbours Portugal in a potential battle royale.
Chile: Quite a entertaining team really. Wins over Honduras and the Swiss had all but secured qualification, and started well against Spain, before loss of discipline cost them. An all-South American tie with Brazil awaits. Could get tasty with Chilean brawn taking on Brazilian samba skills.
Switzerland: Unremarkable despite beating Spain. Should really have had enough to sneak into the 2nd Round, but paid the price for not having any sort of creative spark in the team. Content to plod along.
Honduras: Nothing really to say about them, that's how little impact they had on this tournament. Ended the group stage matches with a dour and forgettable 0-0 draw.
Well, that's my summing up of the World Cup so far. I'll report back after each round is completed with comments and any talking points. Can England beat Germany? Who will survive the Spain/Portugal battle? Will the South Koreans get past Uruguay? If the results up to now are any guide, Christ knows!!!
Uruguay: I'll be honest and say I fancied them to get out of the group, but not as winners. Watching them against France, they were uninspiring, but then they came alive against the hosts, and again against the Mexicans. No doubt they'll be happy with their 2nd Round tie against the South Koreans, and have an eye on the Quarter Finals.
Mexico: Profited from an abject performance by the French this time out. Weren't particularly impressive in the opener against the hosts, and didn't exactly give the Uruguayans too much to worry about. But that's what you get with Mexico - dogged determination and write them off at your own peril. A repeat of their 2nd Round game against Argentina in 2006 awaits.
South Africa: A proud performance by the hosts in spite of their lack of world class talent. Gave the home support something to cheer about by not losing their opening game, but came undone against Uruguay. Also compounded the French misery in the last game, eventually going out on goal difference.
France: What can you say? In-fighting, divisions, sulking and more. A manager who lost all respect and dignity, players not performing to their ability, they only really showed glimpses of what they could do when it was too late. You wonder what incoming manager Laurent Blanc can do with them. I would suggest that quite a few of the squad have played their last international game, and have no one else to blame but themselves.
Argentina: Only good goalkeeping prevented them destroying Nigeria. In great form and with a front line to die for they're looking good bets to go far, and with Diego Maradona keeping us all entertained from the sidelines, they will strike fear into any team they face. Perhaps a little shaky in defence, but otherwise a force to be reckoned with. Unlikely to be troubled by 2nd Round opponents Mexico.
South Korea: I was impressed by the way they overcame the Greeks in the first game. They were out of their depth against Argentina, but that was to be expected. They were only a Yakubu miss away from going out, but they live to fight another day and take on Uruguay for a place in the Quarter-finals.
Greece: Seemed to think they'd done enough just to be there in the first place. No real intentions until they had the man advantage against Nigeria, otherwise they could quite easily have ended up losing all three games.
Nigeria: The so-called 'Super Eagles' flattered to deceive again. Only their goalkeeper prevented Argentina walking all over them. Then a unnecessary sending-off ended any real hope of making it out of the group. Could have beaten South Korea, but they wouldn't have really deserved it, would they?
USA: Caused England problems, without the help from Rob Green. Looked dead and buried against Slovenia, but dragged themselves back into it. Then a last gasp winner against Algeria to top the group, and avoid the Germans. Will fancy their chances against Ghana.
England: Where to start??!! But for a horrendous error by Green, they would have beaten the USA. Which would have papered over a poor, aimless performance. The debacle that was the Algerian game is possibly the worst ever England performance in a World Cup finals. Were better against Slovenia, but only because they knew they had to be. 'Rewarded' with a game against the old enemy Germany, it will be the true test of character and backbone the team need. They must ALL perform if they want to carry on in this tournament.
Slovenia: Ultimately unlucky not to progress, which they would have done but for America's late late show against the Algerians. Also benefitted from a keeper error in the first game, then looked in control before lettng the USA peg them back. Showed flashes of danger against the English, but it just wasn't enough in the end.
Algeria: Pretty poor showing. Didn't score a goal, and their only point was against the shambolic England. Hardly did the African continent proud.
Germany: After dismantling Australia, they had an abherration against Serbia. Podolski's missed penalty showed that they are human after all! Looked to be ekeing out a draw against Ghana until their best player, Ozil, scored a great goal. England will have to watch him closely.
Ghana: Not a bad showing considering their best player, Michael Essien, is missing. Could have shown a bit more adventure against Germany, but otherwise fairly solid, and the only African team not to fall at the group stage. Will feel they have a chance against the USA.
Australia: After their thrashing at the hands of Germany, they closed up and produced some respectable results. Only missed out on goal difference.
Serbia: After beating the Germans in their second game, they went into the showdown with Australia knowing they only needed to win and they would be through. They couldn't do it though, and the defeat left them bottom of the group, despite being seen as dark horses by some, me included.
Holland: Solid without being spectacular. The brand of 'Total Football' seems to be a thing of the past in my opinion. Admittedly they missed Robben, and the sooner he gets going, the better we'll all be.
Japan: Possibly their best ever performance at a World Cup. Some great players in the side, and against Denmark, I saw the two best free kicks of the tournament so far. An interesting game against Paraguay awaits in Round 2.
Denmark: I thought they would have enough to get through this group, but they showed hardly any real quality. A couple of errors by Sorensen in the Japan game undermined their chances.
Cameroon: Yet another African disappointment. Sadly the country are still in the shadow of what the 1990 squad achieved in Italy a full 20 years ago. Eto'o was played out of position against Japan, and unable to prevent defeats in the other two games.
Paraguay: Good against Italy, outclassed the Slovakians, and were in cruise control against New Zealand. Fully deserve their place in the next round and will certainly feel confident of a Quarter-final place. It won't be that easy though...
Slovakia: Nothing but steady. Thought they'd done enough to beat New Zealand, but fell asleep at the end. Poor against the Paraguayans, and then took advantage of the old and creaky Italians. A surprise name in the 2nd Round, but I don't anticipate them causing the Dutch any problems.
New Zealand: 3 games, 3 draws. Something to be proud of certainly. Only a dodgy penalty away from beating Italy.
Italy: Too old. Lacked any spark or creativity, and missed a goalscorer in the Inzaghi or Vieri mould. Admittedly the loss of Buffon was a huge blow, but it simply highlighted the dearth of talent in the Italian game at the moment.
Brazil: Laboured against the North Koreans, showed glimpses of what they can do against the Ivory Coast, before a stalemate with the Portuguese. But with the drudgery of the group over, they can open up and really dazzle us all. Regardless of Dunga's occasionally dour tactics, they have Robinho, Kaka, Luis Fabiano and Elano who can really play football.
Portugal: Seemed reluctant to show any real intent against the Ivory Coast, and bar a Ronaldo shot against the post were unspectacular. Then ran riot over the North Koreans to all but seal their 2nd Round place. A dull draw with the Brazilians to secure the runners-up spot, leaving a tasty 2nd Round tie against neighbours Spain. Ronaldo against David Villa. I will be watching this with interest. Hard to pick a winner.
Ivory Coast: Showed brief glimmers of what they can achieve, but still have to go down as an underachievement. Preparation was poor, with Sven not getting the squad together until only a few weeks beforehand and then Drogba's injury. With Didier Drogba probably playing his last World Cup, it's hard to see where a quality replacement will come from.
North Korea: No heroics to match those of 44 years ago. Did well against Brazil, but then seemed to think the hard work was done. Spectacularly undone by Portugal and less so by Ivory Coast. Still a triumph for the players.
Spain: Shock opening defeat to Switzerland, but then improved against Honduras (well, they ought to have done). Looked shaky to start with against Chile, but eventually showed some class to secure the group and avoid Brazil. Will have to be on top form to beat neighbours Portugal in a potential battle royale.
Chile: Quite a entertaining team really. Wins over Honduras and the Swiss had all but secured qualification, and started well against Spain, before loss of discipline cost them. An all-South American tie with Brazil awaits. Could get tasty with Chilean brawn taking on Brazilian samba skills.
Switzerland: Unremarkable despite beating Spain. Should really have had enough to sneak into the 2nd Round, but paid the price for not having any sort of creative spark in the team. Content to plod along.
Honduras: Nothing really to say about them, that's how little impact they had on this tournament. Ended the group stage matches with a dour and forgettable 0-0 draw.
Well, that's my summing up of the World Cup so far. I'll report back after each round is completed with comments and any talking points. Can England beat Germany? Who will survive the Spain/Portugal battle? Will the South Koreans get past Uruguay? If the results up to now are any guide, Christ knows!!!
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