Brazil v. North Korea 2-1 15/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group G, Day 5. (14 of 64)


Robinho destroyed the Korean defence.
[Photo: AFP/Getty Images via Daily Mail]


In a memorable night for the North Koreans, Robinho stole the show with an astounding performance at Ellis Park to give Brazil the expected win. This, however, was not the most magnificent display from the five-time world champions; they lacked punch touch and the Santos player made it more easy. The spirit of the amateur team of North Korea is something to applaud -an historic goal in the last minute gave the crowd hope for a late equaliser which did not arrive.

One thing to note: Kassai kept just one yellow card in a clean encounter. Usually we do not give that much credit to the man in charge of justice but this time he deserves it. Brazil will face Drogba's team in the 20th at Soccer City as the Portuguese have the Koreans the following day at Cape Town.



Elano, seconds before being subbed.
[Photo: Daily Mail]


During large parts of the first half, Brazil were masters and creators of the ball. We could see in Robinho their brightest hope to beat the "amateur" side of North Korea. With a couple of touches the ex-Man City marksman provided some ability in both flanks. Attacks from Maicon and Bastos showed how powerful the Brazilian team could get on the flanks. With the eleven Korean members behind the ball, this match looked like a cameo of those played at the Emirates and reviewed here.

Although it appeared a matter of moments for the goal, the "visitors" held any attempt at bay. Roberto Gómez Junco, Mexican commentator attributed the fact that he was talking of the Koreans because the Brazilians did not appear. Although this may very well apply to this match, we know that this judgements are vague and crass. Statistics talked: 66% of possession in just the first forty-five minutes.



Yun-Nam's strike.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Elano's shot, in the 46th, opened the game. Neither Dunga nor Hung Hum were content with their squads' performance. It was not until the 57th that Maicon broke the deadlock in what appeared to be a cross. He ran his right side, edged a defender and shot to beat Myong Guk. Later repetitions seem dubious of his intention, nevertheless a goal's a goal and in this particular case, we better be enjoying it rather than ignoring it.

With Fabiano missing a sitter there was a need for the Brazilian team to broaden the score. Elano did that after combining with Robinho. With this score, they reminded each and everyone of us that the status of "world class team" cannot be passed that simply. The match faded into a dull practice until the North Koreans dared the unimaginable; Yun Nuam added the spice this tournament needed as he ran past two centre-backs and shoot. This proved that in the following seconds the match will turn into a nightmare for Dunga, which it did. Eventually his men with all their difficulties came out victorious.

Ivory Coast v. Portugal 0-0 15/Jun/10

First Round, First Game, Group G, Day 5. (13 of 64)


The Ivorian keeper was beaten but the post prevented any celebration.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


As far as it went in Group G matches, the panorama looked bright with the sunshine in, ehm, Port Elizabeth when the Ivorians drew with Portugal in a goalless and nearly unemotional match. Even when points were shared there seemed to be at least three clear chancs and several factors must be taken into consideration: both teams' stars were under certain kind of spell. The Ivorian Drogba -Arsenal's tormentor- played with a cast and Ronaldo was fouled after putting a howler in the post.

Despite both team's inconsistencies, each managed to produce some mediocre chances on goal and some interesting deployments regarding tactical situations. The Ivorian's industrious midfielder Gervinho made some charming runs in his side while Ronaldo's brief ten-minute cameo should be enough to see him recover some confidence he left at Madrid.



CR9 facing the furious Demel
[Photo: AFP/Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Before Tiote's wide shot in the 15th minute, the best of the match was pretty much done as Cristiano shot twice; the latter, in the tenth minute, in the post. Barry's men, were defenceless against the possession the Portuguese were holding. With the passing of minutes the Ivorians regained possession and were able to reorder their defensive stance.

Fabio Coentrao's runs were practically the best the Europeans could show; on the other side it was Gervinho whose ability got him several times ahead of his marker, Paulo Ferreira. With fifteen minutes on the clock it was time for another exchange in possession as Danny and Deco made some frivolous attempts to grab a shot.



Cristiano and Meireles amazed.
[Photo: Getty Images via Telegraph]


Larrionda's poor refereeing was a factor; when he should have shown a yellow he let the play go on. Probably this is one of the causes of Ronaldo's poor performance. The second half went as the previous one: a feeble exchange of possession between large chunks of the game. Liedson and Simao were the main providers Portugal's plays. With the introduction of Drogba, in the 66th minute, things looked promisory for the Ivorians.

It was obvious that the lack of game and training did its worst on the Chelsea forward. His injury probably got him into a series of poor challenges. Drogba's final effort provided his team of an unusual chance to head into target. The problem of this early World Cup matches is that everyone in every team appears to be out of shape. Probably for some Premier League players of both sides the exhausting campaign may have taken its toll.

Italy v. Paraguay 1-1 14/Jun/10

First Round, First Game, Group F, Day 4. (12 of 64)



Alcaraz heads in.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


Aside from the fact that certain opinions of this World Cup had been taken into the usual common places -such as the Jabulani effect, the Vuvuzelas and the mediocre performances- today's first match of Group F had all those elements we could ask for a true exciting match. De Rossi's performance, as well as his decisive equaliser, was one of the main highlights of the evening as well as the strong position Paraguay took for nearly seventy minutes.

The defensive mistake that Villar made - another eclipsing situation of the tournament - paid dividends to the World Champions as they rose from another one of those dreadful performances to give their nation a sacred point in the group stage. The following match will not be decisive if neither of the teams prove to be worth enough the challenge.



De Rossi celebrates his late lead.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Actions in the first half began in a wet pitch. Just as if we asked for it, the weather decayed and the pouring rain, by the 20th minute, was affecting the game. The neatness and calmness of the South American team shadowed the Italian for almost thirty minutes since many of their approaches were poor and disorganised. Just after the Paraguayan momentum began to slow, the Italians took full advantage of their slip and won nearly all challenges.

Exactly in that tense moment, the "visitors" grabbed the lead just few minutes from the half time whistle. The dangerous freekicks and set pieces finally helped them as Torres set Alcaraz, who head past Buffon. Apparently the Juventus keeper got injured in that moment. The first time ended in the tonic of certain disgrace since the Italian keeper did not return and the panorama was sombre as hell.



The Roman edging three defenders.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


With the substitution made there was no big change in the way the team played; even after Camoranessi's entrance the Italians barely changed the approach they were making against the American team. Despite the efforts of Simone Pepe, there was little hope for the Italians in the ground; instead they had to take the aerial route and it was Pepe himself who set De Rossi as he pushed the ball to square things.

Villar's rookie mistake was absolutely pivotal for the development of the match. It was not until yet another substitution came from the prowling Italian team could capitalise their full attacking capabilities. As the match
wore, Di Natale managed to weave each and everyone of the plays that were salvaged by De Rossi. In the final minutes the Paraguayan team was devastated physically and the Italians, as they are, were content with the point shared.

New Zealand v. Slovakia 1-1 15/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group F, Day 5. (11 of 64)


Reid left it late to steal the show.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


For many viewers and football junkies across the Atlantic, it was a gross achievement to wake up at 06:30 to watch a really unimportant match, regarding the result. Today, the "Kiwis" stole the show with a late late goal from Winston Reid at Rustenburg. Even when the two goals came in the second part, overall possession was shared as well as the attacking possibilities. If there was an actual emotion to the match, it was the prospect of watching the progress of youngster Vladimir Weiss as well as some starlets in the Slovakian team. For me it was the insane, yet tactically brilliant formation that Herbert posed: a pretty well-balanced 3-4-3.

Where Weiss's men will not be happy in gifting two points the reality in the group is open to at least three possible teams at the moment. The All Whites made an impressive leap forward although it can only be attributed to a fine cross and a decent header. Whether this match resulted in another one in the infinite series of dull games in the beginning of this World Cup, there still is room for improvement for both sides.



Vitek scoring the first.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


The game started in a low tone when Weiss's attempts in the first ten minutes caused little struggles. As the minutes passed Sestak and Vittek both provided short range challenges to Paston's goal. Smeltz proved luck but, at least for the New Zealand part, the powder (or any trace of game) was wet. Mainly all action was held at the Kiwis' door; another proof of that was when Hamsik shot was palmed away by the busy "home" keeper.


If the previous half was moved by long range strikes the following provided some excellent individual displays such as the own which gave us the early goal, in the 50th minute by the afore-mentioned Robert Vittek. Sestak provided some space and when he crossed the contact was enough to beat Paston. The keeper denied Weiss and his full back Reid denied the scorer after some handy work by the Man City youngster.

It was until the very late minutes that the All Whites wrote history as Winston Reid hammered one in to level things. Although it appeared to be a cheerless cross of two whites against three blues, the outcome was fatal for the Slovakians Again, as in other groups, the points were shared, giving everyone one a zero goal difference.

Japan v. Cameroon 1-0 14/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group E, Day 4. (10 of 64)


Honda, the sole scorer.
[Photo: Getty Images via Telegraph]


With key absentees Cameroon let the victory pass in the second game of Group E at Bloemfontein earlier today. Japan now stand second in the respective standings after today's previous encounter. The key goal of Keisuke Honda gave frail hopes throughout the second portion of a rather dull match. The Africans were not sharp enough to put some advantage and cope with that horrid pressure of coming from behind. Since their last meeting in World Cup, dated well back in 2002, the Cameroonians made one of those dismal appearances such as the one in the Africa Nations Cup some six months from now.

All that's left for Le Guen's team is to throw everything against the Netherlands; a win will definitely put the Indomitable Lions back on track although the prospect of piercing the armour of the well-oiled Dutch machinery is by far difficult. We only see the real results in these types of tournaments well onto the very last second of every game.



Here, congratulated by friends.
[Photo: Eugene Hoshiko/AP via Guardian]


Benquerenca, the Portuguese referee for the match, began the encounter as the Japanese took possession which ultimately was shared with their counterparts. The match being closed to the first twenty minutes, saw some opportunities but nothing really as clear as the one that Honda galvanised. Near the 40th minute he encountered a rebound which he shot past Souleymanou. With the advantage the Japanese went to the dressing room with such a precious upper-hand.

In the following half the desperate attempts from the Cameroonians continued as there were only two or three clear chances for the Africans: the first a fierce Mbia post that shook the cross bar; the second was a strong challenge that Eto'o managed to deviate to land in the unlucky feet of Webo who shot at point plank just for Kawashima to save. Any remaining attempts from part of both teams proved worthless as the match was pretty much decided with the vital early strike from Honda.

Netherlands v. Denmark 2-0 14/Jun/10

First Round, First Game, Group E, Day 4. (9 of 64)


Kuyt finishes Elia's work
[Photo: EPA via Daily Mail]


One severely questions this match reports from FIFA when utter lies arise: "Fue un primer tiempo entretenido al que, si hubiera que sacarle un pero, sería la ausencia de un gol." [It was an entertaining first half to which if one should poise a question, it would be the absence of a goal.] Certainly neither the first half nor the whole encounter offered an "entertaining match" in any case; both teams, and particularly the Dutch, weren't able to truly find a way to work with the ball. Only through the bad luck of Agger and some flashes of brilliance by Elia the match had its "entertaining" bits.

I suffered, not just due to the schedule (6:30 AM in Mexico's time) but because on the dreadful state of the play. This match will probably go to the "worst" in the award section of every site and blog out there since it provided us some utter relentless gameplay. Bendtner and friends will need to step up the plate and win the following match against Cameroon if they are keen on scrambling any opportunites later. That will happen at Pretoria in the 19th and earlier that day, in the beautiful stadium of Durban, the Japanese will act as hosts of Van Marwijk's men



Well...
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


The news came in as Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner started as well as his fellow London team mate Van Persie. The match started with a pretty lively atmosphere (as you can see above) in a sunny half-emptied stadium. Where the Danish team played with an order worth of a troop, there were no real efforts nor highlights until a header from Bendtner that went to the side-netting in the 29th minute. In the final minutes Rommedahl shot wide as well as Kahlenberg. There was really nothing much to add to what was probably one of the dullest shows of "entertainment" across the world.


The second part began with a "goal" by Arsenal's Dutchman Van Persie. The forward managed to pull his mark away from the box and crossed; the result was a deviated header by Agger which found the back of Poulsen and also the back of the net. Sorensen saved with a perfect act of gymnastics the shot of Van der Vaart after a quick combo with Van Persie. When Elia came in for Rafael, in the 67th, things suddenly changed in that left side, as he thundered with a tremendous display of pace. Again Sorensen kept the efforts from the Dutch, specially Van Bommel's, at bay. In one of those escapades, Elia took advantage and set Kuyt who just pushed to double the lead. The match ended after some substitutions.

Germany v. Australia 4-0 13/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group D, Day 3. (8 of 64)


Cahill sent off by Rodríguez.
[Photo: Sky Sports]


Were there was a consensus in the major bet houses of a Germany win, the fact that it was so appalling was not of a surprise but of recognition. Even when Löw's team remains one of the youngest that have performed in the history of German World Cup teams, the performance showed some solid arguments. In spite of the thunderous scoreline, the Germans remained calmed and missed, through Klose at least a handful of chances. Even when this outstanding show of character produced several smiles, the Germans did suffer when the Aussies nearly scored in the very first minutes with the frightened Neuer's defence.

After the dreadful and boring previous group match were Ghana edged Serbia, the panorama looks brighter for both winners; they will face other in the very last game and if Löw's troops repeat a virtuous feat like today's, qualifications will be guaranteed in the very early stages of the tournament. Uli Hesse final comment is by far the most critical and brilliant piece out there.



The Bayern midfielder finishes bottom right.
[Photo: Sky Sports]


The blue Socceroos, which anyone near a TV or at Durban could have confused with a Rugby team, got themselves quick in the match when Cahill headed and García shot; the effort got deflected in the following rebound as Neuer kicked away. This proved to be a vital lifeline for the Germans since, if otherwise the Australians scored, the following goal would have not take place at all.

In the following five minutes Poldi grabbed the lead with a thunderous strike to the far post. The play which was worked by Özil found its way into the Köln striker. Although the German attacks did looked with certain authority, there were Australian ones that did. García shot wide when some shaky defending let some advantage to the "visiting" team. Before Klose doubled the lead, he missed a sitter when Podolski crossed to find him unmarked.

The goal was a similar manufacture of the previous play, Klose headed when Lahm curved the ball beautifully; Schwarzer can get most of the blame due to his late exit. Before the break Özil find two clear solo chances were he faced Schwarzer: in the first, the young midfielder lobbed the ball but Neill came to the rescue; in the second, he found another Podolski pass but he could not control the ball.



Klose closes in to 11 goals in three World Cups.
[Photo: Sky Sports]


Even when the Germans were not clinical in their finishes the Australians gave up every chance of scoring. Müller's shot, after a nice combination with Lahm, flew wide in the 54th. In the following minutes Chiquimarco did his joke and sent off Tim Cahill after a challenge which seemed only to suffice with a preventive card. The decision nullified the Aussies' game and he went to the showers with that feeling of angst.

After some approaches the Germans released the full strength of their attacking prowess into a defenceless Australian team. Obviously the spaces left after Cahill's departure let Müller with certain freedom and he took it rather nicely when, after some dribbling, he shot crossed to Schwarzer's far post and made it three. It was only a matter of time and with some substitutions that the Germans scored another, this time through Cacau.

Serbia v. Ghana 0-1 13/Jun/10

First Round, First Game, Group D, Day 3. (7 of 64)


The late and only goal of the evening.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


In the first match of Group D the Serbian team, through Kusmanovic, gifted the Africans all three points at Pretoria earlier in the day. The game from the Serbians was far from being brilliant; with performances like this I think that the state of such improvised tactics is by far the antithesis of what we would like to see at the World Cup. Even when Gyan had a late chance denied by the woodwork, the point of no-return made by Antic's men took its toll when in different stances Zigic and Pantelic scrapped precious chances.

Again as in the Algeria match, we saw a stupid mistake handball. Whether in that match it proved to be irrelevant, here it costed the precious victory. We saw in the opening game the inability of Mexico's full-backs to deal with the longer balls and this time, another miscalculation was what really costed the Serbians. Things do look ugly for they will face Germany at Nelson Mandela Bay in five days' time. On the other side Ghana face the Socceroos at Rustenburg.



Lukovic sent off after a moronic hand ball.
[Photo: PA via Daily Mail]


Efforts from set pieces or from the sides were particularly what prevailed in the first half. The first of them was a cross from Tagoe which found the young Ayew; the play was called offside. Pantelic crossed to Zigic, who failed to strike in what appeared to be a clear goal-scoring opportunity for the Europeans. The long balls from the Serbian centre-backs were the main threat as they jumped down the lines to find the wingers. A Pantsil throw in the Rory Delap's style got onto Gyan's head, the outcome, a decent save by Stojkovic.

Aside from the usual exchange in possession in the first twenty minutes of the second part the African side did not offered much to break Antic's defence. Lukovic got sent off in the 74th after collecting his second yellow card of the night. As Gyan flew past him, the Serbian defender grabbed him by the arm and immediately was awarded with his second card. Serbia's attacking options appeared finally through a Krasic shot Kingson palmed. The terrible experience appeared when Kuzmanovic handballed in the box with seven minutes remaining; Gyan converted and he could have doubled the lead with a late shot on woodwork.

Algeria v. Slovenia 0-1 13/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group C, Day 3. (6 of 64)


Fabianski has left school.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


It was due to a sloppy mistake, similar to Green's, that the Slovenians managed to grab all three points at Polokwane earlier today. Again some responses came from all quarters as the official match ball was blamed for the surreptitious flaw. With ten minutes to go, captain Robert Koren took the weak shot and Ghaouchi attacked the ball poorly. Even when the result seems pretty unfair, the Algerians suffered from the costly mistake in one of the most boring matches I have ever seen in the past six months.

The great step forward was made by the Europeans who sit relaxed in the top of the group with three points and one goal. In different parts the result will be welcomed more proactively.



Celebrating the lead.
[Photo: Reuters via Telegraph]


The crass mistake occurred ten minutes before the final whistle but before that, Faouzi Chaouchi looked solid in the few chances that throughout the first forty-five minutes the Europeans had. In the other half, Handanovic palmed an "early warning" freekick from Nadir Belhadj. In the 40th minute a corner from Ziani saw Halliche failing to head correctly; despite his great effort a more effective contact could have put his team ahead. Just before the break a lovely shot from Birsa made its way into the post as Chaouchi tipped away.

In the next half efforts from Kirm and Brecko covered all attacking options form the Slovenians for quite a while. On the other side, Ghezzal was brought in in the 58th minute. He got his first booking minutes away from his inclusion and then, after Belhadj made a cross, he tried to control the ball; the problem was that he made it with his hand. Batres correctly punished him and sent him to the showers. Then, Koren did his feat; it seems strange that both matches in this group have been decided by similar mistakes from the keepers. Fortunately for Robert Green, he will not be the only one in the spotlight.

England v. USA 1-1 13/Jun/10

First Round, First Game, Group C, Day 2. (5 of 64)


A view that most Arsenal fans are acquainted with.
[Photo: Mirror Football]


Robert Green - probably England's most hated men at this very moment- entered in the infamous side of the history of the World Cup after making a clownish cameo worth of Lukasz Fabianski. Whether the fault of the equaliser may fall entirely in his hands, I do think that the whole team is to blame; the unexceptional qualities of their attacks and the lack of concentration from the English kept them at bay from what could have been a two-goal lead without much effort.

The Americans did hold back from time to time and showed that, without all the big names, they could find themselves in a position to contend only against lesser and weaker rivals. The ratings at Mirror Football were without a doubt the best among a myriad of offensive pieces throughout British tabloids.

Fortunately for the Americans they play Slovenia, who remain a complete doubt, in Johannesburg the following Friday while England will be keen to make amends in Cape Town later that day.



Green fabiansking the match.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


Despite the abominable final outcome, the English did well enough to grab an early lead through the sole strike of captain Gerrard. The Liverpool midfielder found himself in a good position as Heskey set him between the two American centre-backs. The Liverpudlian finished with delight into Howard's opposite side. Notwithstanding the lurid joke of ITV the Americans got themselves into a horrid momentum. Certainly their defence was completely distracted and probably buzzed by the loathsome cry of the vuvuzelas.

Whilst England got the most of the situations of the first thirty five minutes, there was not a really dangerous effort from an individual play. Players like Milner or Lennon were frequently dispossessed. The advantage of the American team was by far granted due to the English mistakes. Onyewu headed wide in the 27th and Donovan's freekick were among the most dangerous situations just before James Milner got substituted due to an early injury problem.

Then in a pretty much naive play in the 40th minute, Dempsey shot a weak ball into Green's goal. The rest is history as he flapped the ball into his own net. One as viewer thinks of what was Rob Green thinking. Did the Jabulani made one of those famous strange bounces or was he not focused enough? The question barely needs any answer as he is the only one to blame. Giving goals in regular season is one thing but gifting a vital equaliser to the opposition in such a manner is hard as hell.



Terry demoralised.
[Photo: AFP/Jewel Samad via Le Monde]


Probably the terrible mistake hit the dressing room so hard that in the first minutes of the following half the Englishmen were completely lost. A reliable proof of that was the terrific run by Altidore who ousted the slow Carragher and shot on target; this time it was Green who prevented the young American striker from scoring.

Regardless the low morale due to the clanger, the English kept on trying. Probably this is a very spot on explanation regarding the effectiveness their attacks lacked. With the game reaching its final twenty minutes Rooney had two chances, one missed header and the other, a powerful shot that went just inches wide from Howard's goal.

The game for both team diluted into a classless match. The constant unsuccessful approaches from the Americans recouped with the ones by Gerrard made no decent match at all. Strangely the game ended with a dangerous cross from the unexistant Lennon, who nearly found Lampard alone.

Argentina v. Nigeria 1-0 13/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group B, Day 2. (4 of 64)


Barcelona mega star at his best.
[Photo: Mirror Football]


In a pretty moved match, Maradona's men got an easy result to go second in the table after the one-nil win against their African opposition of Nigeria. The match was itself quite entertaining; Messi and company tried hard to double or triple the lead. Indeed it was the little Barcelona forward who at least got denied in three occasions by the Hapoel keeper Vincent Enyeama. The feat of the Nigerian stopper was by far as equal as the efforts form the Golden Ball winner.

After the match at Nelson Mandela Bay Maradona's men secured the second place. Nevertheless the fact that in this match the "home" team got just one goal may play a part with the crucial goal difference, although that remains to be seen. Following matches take place in Bloemfontein and Johannesburg: in the first venue, the former EURO Champions Greece will host Nigeria; in the latter Argentina will take Korea in what probably is the deciding match of this group due to the previous results.



Heinze the scorer.
[Photo: Mirror Football]


In the very beginning, in the 2nd minute, Obasi tried luck with a wide shot after a lovely trick. The following minutes proved to be vital: Enyeama saved his team with a vital reaction from a Messi shot. Previously Higuaín scrapped a clear chance created by the Barcelona forward. From the corner of that Messi shot came the only goal of the match. Heinze took advantage of the awful marking and threw himself to make a diving header that only saw the back of the net.

After the stunner, things looked troublesome for the Africans as they got themselves acquainted with the full offensive prowess of the Argentinian attack. With the spectacular runs from Messi and the threat of Higuaín the Nigerians only made a single attempt through the left side, again with Obasi. If it was not for the lack of firepower the "visitors" had, probably a quick succession of passes could have dealt a major blow to the slow Argentinian defence.


Messi shot twice, as Enyeama was converting into a local hero. His efforts, particularly when he denied the shot on the 37th minute, were outstanding. In the following part, in the very beginning again, the Americans had the chance to double their lead, but again, the effort was not worth the chance. Lagerback's men were not shy to attack and put in troubles several times Romero's defensive apparatus. It was not until the 65th that Argentina could break through down the right side with Tévez - again Messi tried to the far post.

Far from being brilliant - unlike their counterparts- the Nigerian attacks nearly got them the equaliser, in the 65th minute, when Taiwo's shot went just wide. With the attacks from the Africans increasing Messi found spaces throughout their opposition's defence and clearly exploited them. As he advanced through the lines the outstanding effort from Enyeama denied him the goal.

Republic of Korea v. Greece 2-0 12/Jun/10

First Round, First Game, Group B, Day 2. (3 of 64)


Captain Park celebrates the win.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


The first match of the Group B had the first true winners of the World Cup as the Koreans knocked out of any possibility the Greeks. The match at Port Elizabeth was a mere spectacle for Asian supporters as their team became present in every aspect of the match. Possession statistics lie this time: 50% each even when the Koreans managed to pull a grand total of eighteen shots and six corners. The Greeks, with all their frailties, looked insecure and fragile in the back, despite they shared a limited number of chances.

Park Ji Sung became a part of history, collecting yet another highlight in his extensive career as he became the first Korean in scoring in three World Cups. The Greek team will probably go without much notice in the history of this tournament, their display was bland if not tasteless. They will face the tricky Nigeria in Bloemfontein on the 17th and the Argentinians will host the Koreans that same day in the other venue of Johannesburg.



The joy of winning
[Photo:Reuters/Howard Burditt via Le Monde]


The Koreans opened the score with a thundering strike from Lee Jung Soo in the sixth minute. All Greeks were expecting for something to happen and it did as least seven defenders battled five in the box. It was practically highschool defending. What was to follow was a series of attacks by both teams, where the Greeks appeared to have the goal, the Koreans managed to salvage their chances.

In the more moved second half, again the Greek team managed to escape in the first minutes but reaching the 52nd, a brilliant breakthrough came in courtesy Park Ji Sung. The defence is to blame completely for the goal: Vyntra failed to control the pass from the left and quickly the Mancunian player speeded to past the two on pursuit, the definition, superb. Despite some efforts from Gekas and Seitaridis as well as some acrobatics from Salpingidis the Koreans held the advances with rectitude and resilience to grab the first win of the World Cup.

Uruguay v. France 0-0 11/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group A, Day 1. (2 of 64)


Anelka controls.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


After the previous match in Johannesburg, the French and the Uruguayan team held goaless in the following match of Group A. The match at the gloirious stadium of Cape Town was another higly rated, highly expect showdown; the problem is that neither side took the edge or seem truly propositive. It was one of those matches when a mistake or a brilliant effor tcould have done the difference, nevertheless each team reserved the goals for another day.

As the official match report showed, the stalemate was identical to the one made nearly eight years ago in that dreadful World Cup. Now the group stands with the hosts on top and Mexico following -Domenech's team got the bottom this time. It appears this group will be decided until the very last day but prior to that, the Mexican take the French at Polokwane on the 17th and the Africans host the Uruguay team the previous day at Pretoria.



Gourcuff gets nullified
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Ribery's runs opened the match by a half-stunned "home" team. The Bayern winger found some way to go deep into the left side and crossed to find Govou; the latter missed the target on what could have been the opener. The match continued to favour the French although the physical presence of both Pérez and Arevalo, the holding midfielders, took some of the earlier French influence away.

The work force behind France's main assault was Abou Diaby. The young Gunner took the responsability to provide Gourcuff with several opportunities. A terrific shot from Forlán was well saved by Lloris in the 16th minute. In the following, Gourcuff tried luck with a long range freekick that was denied by Muslera. Depite the chances both teams enjoyed the following minutes became much of a bore. Each team saved their strong weaponry probably due to the respect each one had.



Gallas versus Forlán.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


The match went on as some of us in our homes were watching another draw in the first day of the World Cup. Where in München we saw a salvaging 4-2 on behalf of Germans and Costa Ricans (again my genitives) this time we obtained two matches, the latter a tactical stalemate in which, for at least twenty minutes nothing interesting happened. The so-called interesting highlight passed when who else but Thierry Henry called a hand ball in the box. It couldn't exist a more subtle definition of the concept of irony.

As a couple of subtitutions were made, one being Lodeiro for González, by each team the game went practically in the same tone, just that the runs from the French full-backs edged past the Uruguayan defence. With ten minutes to go Lodeiro got the first red card of the tournament as he salvaged Bacary Sagna's foot. It was a nasty challenge in which the Arsenal right-back got lucky. The following minutes were another siege, as in the previous group game, of the French trying to grab a late lead.

South Africa v. Mexico 1-1 11/Jun/10

First Round, First Game, Group A, Day 1.


Tshabalala, Shubidubi... ehrm, WHATEVER!
[Photo: AP/Martin Meissner via Le Monde]


Today, the World's largest football tournament began after the long usual wait of four years. Each time, hundreds of thousands of supporters watch each of the 64 games in order to see if their country or their favourite will step up to the challenge. This time, in the very beginning it was the turn of hosts South Africa and Mexico to open with an scintillating draw. With millions of eyes watching the inauguration, some pundits believed that it was the South African team who could have got the three points: I disagree. And not just because I am Mexican, but because Aguirre's team, with all its horrid defending, should have brought to at least two goals up in the very first minutes.

It all began even when some previews gave the advantage to the hosts and when history was against Mexico, Aguirre's men rise to give one of the poorest exhibitions of football a Mexican side has offered. Even when the South Africa team showed a lack of order and were critically overvalued, it was the support of the home crowd that took them to such confident places. Zonal Marking verdict was brilliant, as always.



Márquez brilliant control earned him a valuable goal.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


As if Mexico's history in World Cups would endlessly repeat itself over and over, the visitors dominated large portions of the match. Already with the first chance, in the 9th minute and with such an overwhelming superiority, the vuvuzelas did not stop for a second. Even when Aguilar had a clear one-way run in the right side, he dared not to cross until the 20th minute. Efforts from Márquez and Dos Santos proved Parreira wrong.

Franco's strike was saved by Khune and as the match wore off, the deadlock seemed to be unbreakable despite the advantages the African team was giving. Seven minutes before the halftime whistle Vela got an goal denied; he was clearly in offside despite the most ignorant replies from some Mexican (and respected English pundits). The half ended when the Mexicans tried to push harder and encountered resistance in the form of possession. For the first time in the game, in the 44th minute, the South Africans took control of the ball.



Two on one.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


With actions well under way, the Mexican suffered a stunner with just ten minutes from beginning: Siphiwe Shubidubi, sorry, Tshabalala fired a cracker top corner after a thunderous counter. In previous occasions the Mexicans have been vulnerable to quick counterattacks and set pieces -this was a dangerous proof of it. With nearly thirty minutes to go, the pressure piled up so much that the entire set of Televisa Deportes was fuming with each of Irmatov's decisions. Practically the game was a well-played match despite the obvious help from the FIFA.

The dynamic of the match was decided: the African team should wait, due to the poor physical presence they had, and the visitors poundered with all their might A quick succession of passes led Mphela alone to finish but the solid pressure and work from Pérez earned him dividends. With all three substitutions made, the Mexicans had fifteen minutes to equalise the scoreboard.

That did happen when the dreadful marking of Khune's defence gave the chance to Márquez to fire a well-taken shot after some dexterous control. With seconds to go, Mphela again proved luck with a shot on the post. Luckily for the Mexicans, the game was over before another long ball from hero Khune could reach the box.

Opening Ceremony 11/Jun/10

Dancers in "African" colours.
[Photo: EFE via Última Hora]


Just one day after the concert and a couple of hours before the game the Inaugural ceremony displayed an array of vast colours worth of and African ceremony - is there is such a thing. As nearly 90,000 vuvuzelas rang throughout the stadium we saw the display of several singers, dancers and artists from the continent. The absence of Nelson Mandela due to personal reasons was the sad note of the day.

I'll have to apologise for the lack of detail in the names since I-m not acquainted with the South African or even African music. Probably a lot more of research could have done the work but the real important thing was the match.

The dancers of the first section made an opening with a sort of flower of seven parts. In the second section a giant scarab appeared as well as a giant Jabulani. To tell you the truth one expects not really much from this type of ceremonies at this type of events; for example the last couple of Champions League finals have had some pretty spectacular designs in the build-up. Leave the opening, or the spectacle, to some other unworthy ceremonies (such as the Olympics).



Another take from the colourful display.
[Photo: Tiempo Sur]

Already in the third section a singer -completely unknown to me- stared, uh, singing. Canvas from different colours conformed South Africa in a very lively fashion. A group of rappers appeared and as things moved a second raper and Algerian singer joined the celebrations. The different sections featuring each singer whose country was involved in the tournament was a fine idea. Again with some flags opening and changing with the different African nations the forty-minute opening ended.

Mexico v. Gambia 5-1 30/May/10

Vela assaulted from the back.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet Photo Gallery]


In the rainy landscape of southern Germany, El Tri managed to pull out a large and contrasting victory against their African counterparts to end a clear deficit in their latest European tour. Were the previous two matches exposed certain weakness in some parts of Mexico's defensive system, this time the meager opposition did not help, as well as the pitch, to provide some real contention.

Where there were three different scorers, the scoresheet was a real disgrace compared to what could have happened if the Mexican players would ensured to put the ball in the back of net the same number of arrivals at goal. To tell you the truth, this match offered mere commercial benefits, when the sporting ones are being left aside. Mexico's last and final European clash is against the current World Cup holders, Italy. Meanwhile the final list will be reduced to 23 leaving one player aside. My bet is on a centre-back but Aguirre will probably leave out Jonathan Dos Santos.



Team effort not enough.
[Photo: Digital ABC]


The terrible conditions of the pitch, along with three different starters were the main news. Bautista, Michel and Jonathan Dos Santos all have their place in this the third different starting eleven in three matches. The game started in the odd side for he Africans as they faced an overwhelming opposition that required certainly an effort they have never made before. It was not until Chicharo's goal, in the 17th, that the match did quite start.

There were some nasty challenges on Guardado and Vela but the team managed to compose their attitude and attacked as they had the possible chance. Guardado's incursions on the left, throughout the first half made the difference. Mexico's captain and Barcelona defender Rafael Márquez played in a deep right-back role.


In the second half, the team only began its successive run with Hernández finding the net to grab his brace. It only took five minutes, two substitutions and one well-crossed pass to give Mexico another goal that will ease up things in their front. Six minutes later, another pair of substitutions were made, among them Alberto Medina. It was the Guadalajara winger who took on the first charge after missing a sitter from close range but his assist on Bautista kept things rolling for the "home" team as they scored their third.

In the 65th minute, Ebrima Sonha exposed Mexico's tactical failure in marking. The defending was comical; one can only hope that this happens only in this exhibitions and not against the likes of South Africa or France. Immediately after, Medina and Cuauhtémoc set Bautista gain, who after some struggle, managed to put the Mexicans up one more time. The final goal, despite the fearsome Gambian defending came from Medina as well, just ten minutes until the end. Some substitutions by both teams ended the match in quite a shaken atmosphere.

Netherlands v. Mexico 2-1 26/May/10

Kuyt congratulates van Persie
[Photo: EPA via Telegraph]


It only took Robin van Persie two out of four chances to finish the match in the rainy Badenova Stadion last Wednesday night. The so-called Mexican European tour progressed in another disgraceful evening and while those moments of truly genial manufacture against England seemed present there was no way the Mexican team could have been spared from a half-oiled Dutch machinery.

The poor start, paired with the awful weather, gave the Dutch players certain advantage that last for the whole night, as the Arsenal striker secured a brace after some comical defending. Nevertheless the drought was ended by Hernández, who continues to impress both here in his land and abroad. The Dutch striker was "pleased", according to Goal.com; no one could think otherwise as his efforts (particularly the second) were truly marvelous.

The next stop is near Bayern, where Mexico will fight their Gambian (is that the genitive?) counterpart. By the way, Arsenal.com published the related story featuring their two strikers, just in case.



Van Persie scores his second of the night.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


As early as the fifteenth minute, the Dutchmen produced at least, three clear chances, an offside, and a sitter wasted by van Persie as well as some woodwork from part of van der Vaart. It took less than two minutes after that to see the first goal by the team that was acting as "home": the Arsenal striker found himself free of mark - after some comical covering from Torres Nilo - just to push the ball in the back of the net. Ochoa and his defensive stratagem were ousted by a simple assistance from the captain van der Vaart.

Then, the Mexican managed to stabilise the game for at least some minutes, but again failed to impress as they lost possession and concentration. Over and over De Zeuuw regained the ball in nearly all his battles with the Mexican midfield. With the current agenda there was not a real threat from the North American team. Instead Afellay delivered one beautiful thirty-meter assistance to find a lonesome van Persie. The Gunner delivered all his class in a single well-executed volley to find the back of the net. With the second half under way, the team was two-goals behind.


With certain particular slow tempo, the remaining half began and the Dutch torrent started all over again, when the Liverpool striker missed a clear chance that would have put the final nail in the match. Instead with the passing minutes, the Mexican grew in confidence and assured some possession before entering into an attacking position. With the inclusion of Barrera this seemed seemingly planed as he provided speed and danger, with the most prominent attempts in the 58th minute.

It was probably due to the Dutch substitutions, particularly the dreadful display by Engelaar, which dropped the performance of the Europeans. Giovani made some runs, and nearly the Mexicans opened their score as both Vela and Hernández missed the dangerous cross from the Galatasaray striker. Six minute later in the 73rd, Giovani set Torres Nilo who crossed to Hernández who headed past Stekelenburg. Another row of chances came, one fearless shot from Giovani in a run and two set pieces: one by him and the other by Vela. With the high-spirited Mexican attack the match ended with another grasping match.

England v. Mexico 2-1 24/May/10

Some Paisanos outside Wembley.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet Photo Gallery]


At last, Mexico's final rundown against World Cup giants began with an honourable loss against England in Wembley. Whether this match posed many responses from both sides of the Atlantic, all of them should be considered with a pinch of salt. Whereas in England certain aspects of the game were highlighted -such as Capello's pre-evaluations or Wembley's pitch state- there was a sense of either extreme complacency or sheer optimism.

The problem of the match was the casual manner of three of the four goals as well as the dominance and physical shape of the English team. Even with a depleted squad the England national team managed to poke three goals out of nothing whilst the Mexicans provided show, spectacle and promise. Despite Mexico's defeat there were some quarters of supporters that managed to underrate the performance, making some utter disappointing comments.

Previews in Mexico gave the visitors a rather optimistic view of the situation whereas in England sites such as Football 365 evaded football matter to be a little less than apologetic regarding the state of the pitch. Naturally the response after the game was a sort of praise for the in-form Mexico team and their lack of punch.

Zonal Marking made a particularly interesting piece on Mexico's tactics as well as well as overtly-friendly Soccernet's verdict. Next friendly will be at Germany against the Netherlands while the English will face Japan before their debut in Rustenburg.



Ledley King scores the opener.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


The first fifteen minutes were among the best played in an International friendly for Aguirre's men: they enjoyed thorough possession, played quickly, fabricated several clear chances and found themselves pretty much in the physical edge. This was mainly because of the previously one hundred matches played by the Mexican team in U.S. soil for the last month or so.

The first of a series of runs against Green's goal was Juárez's in the 2nd minute followed by two Franco shots. Capello's worries were enhanced by the dismal attacking approach of his team. The Mexicans were on the prowl as they did not appear to share possession. And as if it were another custom-made script the Mexican team suffered from a set piece in which Ledley King score, after a header from Crouch. The corner kick was a needless fluke from Aguilar.

As the English attempts were closing to Mexico's goal, "Maza" Rodríguez had to make an imperious tackle preventing Rooney from an one-on-one chance. With the game closing in its final ten minutes, Mexican London players Giovani and Vela had an interesting counter attack, which Green saved. Salcido took a 20-meter howler that ended in the woodwork; Mexico's offensive prowess was due to the fact that England allowed to much possession as Capello usually does. In the following minutes another goal came from both the English and the Mexicans closed the gap with their own: Crouch took advantage of the horrid defending and scored with his hand in what appeared to be an offside sort-of "header." Then franco scored; the Hammer poked the ball past Baines' feet.



Johnson, after scoring a cracker.
[Photo: Andy Hooper via Daily Mail]


The following half saw a large array of substitutes appearing for both sides. That took the game in a different direction from what was shown in the first twenty minutes of the game. In the third minute Johnson took a beauty shot top corner as the Mexican defence let him run past three players. His effort was outstanding but the lack of pressure was another mistake to be given to Aguirre's team.

With the substitutions, the visitors were completely disorganised as they faced a quick deploy from Walcott and Rooney. Spaces left the Liverpool captain shot twice on goal, nearly scoring in the 69th minute. Barrera and Guardado's introduction made some tactical changes despite the defensive performance of the hosts. A couple of shots from the former as well as some dangerous runs provided that spark needed although it was not enough to see off some contention.

2009/2010 Jav Arsenal Awards

As the tradition that it is in this belated blog, I finally bring you the 2009-2010 Jav Arsenal Awards. In the previous seasons I have given this seemingly argumented award for the sole reason of entertainment and, ultimately, recognition. Always you can return to last season's prospects and see if our cherished oracle device could have spotted something in the fog. In the EURO 2008 we met some terrible players as well as some astonishing performances; this season is practically the same.

With the World Cup coming over the summer, I will make an extensive review of the tournament with each match played reviewed. The improvements made in this season's posts are the extensive grammatical revisions as well as the text blocks to facilitate reading. Original images from matches are available with the documented source as well as extensive links with previews and match reactions from other sites and blogs. The usual overall balance by each position is provided among with several common things with the other awards, and obviously new additions. Enjoy!

In the internet universe there are a couple of lists that include some type of awards. Tom Adams makes a thorough rating of all Arsenal players from last season. David Young produces some assessments which look into the next season rather than an actual score as we do here. Nevertheless his three pieces on the subject (1, 2, 3- duh!)
are particularly enlightening.

Gunnerblog's elections, although more brief, are similar to my ratings. There is no point in proving who an argument of who is right or wrong since this type of posts exist in the realm of the viewer and supporter's response and can easily fall in the biased section. Still his selection is well argumented. He also makes this incredible month-by-month season review which I highly recommend.


Best Young Player of the Season
Again, the average of age in the team, for this awards, is U-21.

Ramsey enjoyed a fairly successful season before his injury.
[Photo: Daniel Hambury/PA via Guardian]

Aaron Ramsey

The young Wales international made an outstanding start of the season enjoying 17 appearances and 4 goals. His form both physical and mental was absolutely and completely spot on. Before his horrid injury against Stoke the bloke made some key contributions and were his long passing kept him dissapointed in the past, he bounced off with more control and mental decision. We all hope the best for him in his long recovery; if he goes past it, a bright career in read and white looks promisory ahead.


Worst Young Player of the Season

One goal against Liverpool at the Emirates.
[Photo: Graham Chadwick via Daily Mail]

Fran Mérida

What in the name of the lord is Francisco Mérida making in Arsenal's first team? Is it because he his a fairly talented, young Spanish promise or because he fits the Cesc mould? I really ignore why the likes of this Spanish midfielder trains week in week out. He made two goals, one particularly good, and that was pretty much it. His contribution was minimum and the effort and passion driven by his feet was among the poorest standard. Probably when his contract expires he will return to his native land.


Best Player of the Season

The influential Spanish mastermind.
[Photo: John Sibley/Action Images via Guardian]

Cesc Fábregas

What more can we say about him? His best scoring tally in his stay at North London has booked him a place in Spain's World Cup final squad. Aside from the impressive 36 appearances he made 19 goals in all competitions leaving him as the sole maximum scorer; he was one of the four players in double-figure scoring. His contribution in key games as well as the inspiration and leadership took his performances worth of an Arsenal legend. It is imperative that Arsene keeps him this summer despite the ferocious attacks of Laporta.


2-Alex Song
3-Thomas Vermaelen


Worst Player of the Season

Deceptive, to say the least.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]

Lukasz Fabianski

He made ten appearances: some of them covering an "injured" Almunia, some of them by choice and some of them because this world does not seem to have a rational logic from time to time. We all remember that night in Portugal and also that game in Belgium. Despite of all his crass mistakes, lack of commanding, technique and ability, he had several chances to prove some courage. Instead the poor Pole managed to pull in every single appearance a sardonic joke that raised eyebrows across the continent. The rest is history.


2-Manuel Almunia
3-Fran Merida


Best Match of the Season


1-Arsenal 2-2 Barcelona (UCL)

Cesc in the reencounter
[Photo: Liga Futbol.net]

Although the match ended with a two-goal stalemate, we saw one of the most powerful sieges the history of football has seen: within twenty minutes the Catalans put in the edge of the sword the home team. The Arsenal managed to escape with the point but the spectacle was worth the watch; probably the most important match held at the Emirates so far.


2-Everton 1-6 Arsenal (EPL)

Sad Toffees.
[Photo: Oleole]

Practically, this match set everyone dreaming: the performance though brilliant, was enhanced by the dreadful defending and poor pre-season work the Liverpudlian made. One thing to note, was the applauses many home supporters made to the Gunners' effort.


3-Arsenal 4-2 Bolton (EPL)

Moments of tension
[Photo: Robin Jones/Digital South via Daily Mail]

The Gunners are masters in the act of late goals - both when receiving and making - and this match was not the exception.

4-Arsenal 5-0 Porto (UCL)

Nasri, in a true moment of brilliance
[Photo: Sportinglife.com]

The game was in itself a dangerous sand-trap since the home team needed it to win in order to go through the next stage of the Champions League: they just did that and with two perfect performances from two men, Nasri and Bendtner. The sole action of Nasri made it astonishing and he has been awarded, for that goal, the goal of the season award.


5-Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham (EPL)

A remarkable performance from both players.
[Photo: AFP via BBC Sport]

Arsenal's first game against Spurs resulted in a tremendous show of pounding and humiliation. Cesc Fábregas took the evening by surprise stealing the show with a Zidane-esque effort.


*-Arsenal 3-0 Aston Villa (EPL)

Beautifully taken.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]

It took some twenty-some minutes for an injured Cesc Fábregas to take the game from a bore fest into a safe win to grasp the fourth place.


Worst match of the season


1-Arsenal 3-0 Chelsea (EPL)

Drogba, the tormentor.
[Photo: NOTW]

The battle was done and dusted within the first half as Drogba pulled another trick from his special delivery hat to Wenger's men. Th Ivorian striker was in his prime as he scored two past the wretched defence.


2-Wigan 3-2 Arsenal (EPL)

Walcott scored the first, then he deluded.
[Photo: EPL Talk]

Arsenal's deceptive stance continued as the Latics came back from a two-goal deficit at their home ground.


3-Standard Liege 2-3 Arsenal (UCL)

Euforic!
[Photo: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images Europe via Zimbio.com]

Despite the positive outcome in Belgium, the Gunners enjoyed one of their poorest away performances in Europe for the past years. With the aid of the terrible defending of Vermaelen's countrymen, the visitors managed to pull all three points from the hostile ground


4-Tottenham 2-1 Arsenal (EPL)

The Welshman in the first minutes of the second half.
[Photo: Resultados-futbol.com]

When Garreth Bale scores you're pretty much in deep shit, isn't it?


5-Stoke 3-1 Arsenal (FA)

Full-er joy.
[Photo: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Europe via Zimbio.com]

Arsenal's only real possibility of winning something went down the cliff as Fuller scored in the fourth round of the FA Cup.


*-Man Utd 2-1 Arsenal (EPL)

Rare view from the stands.
[Photo: Soccernet]

And well, the bitter end of the almost-comical Wenger came in the stands of Old Trafford was among the highlights of a strange match.


Best Goal of the Season

I just thought that it would be a blimey thing to set an array of three or five goals, so I put ten of the best goals Arsenal scored throughout the season. The official site compilation, contained nearly all of mentioned below.

1-Samir Nasri v. Porto (Emirates-UCL)
2-Cesc Fábregas v. Tottenham (Emirates-EPL)
3-Cesc Fábregas v. Aston Villa (Emirates-EPL)
4-Cesc Fábregas v. Blackburn (Emirates-EPL)
5-Andrey Arshavin v. Hull (KC Stadium-EPL)
6-Alex Song v. Portsmouth (Fratton park-EPL)
7-Aaron Ramsey v. Porstmouth (Fratton Park-EPL)
8-Tomas Rosicky v. Everton (Emirates-EPL)
9-Abou Diaby v. AZ Alkmaar (Emirates-UCL
10-Cesc Fábregas v. Burnley (Emirates-EPL)


Best Young Revelation

1-Alex Song
2-Aaron Ramsey
3-Craig Eastmond


Best Revelation

1-Craig Eastmond
2-Sol Campbell
3-Henry Landsbury


Injured player of the Season

Heh?
[Photo: Soccerfansnetwork.com Forum]

In the nurse's favourites section we have Mexico international Carlos Vela. Robin is not mentioned due to his enormous contribution to the club, even with a five-month absence.

1-Carlos Vela
2-Eduardo da Silva
3-Johan Djourou


Players to Watch

Replacing his fellow countrymen?
[Photo: Marek Biczyk /Agencja Przegląd Sportowy via Sport Interia]

Defence: Havard Nordtveit and Wojciech Szczesny are the available prospects in this department.

Midfield:

Against Bolton.
[Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images Europe via Zimbio.com]

Craig Eastmond should establish himself as the best candidate to replace Song if the Cameroon midfielder encounters injury. Jack Wilshere's loan at Bolton gave him valuable playing time; he should be able to show his worth. Tom Cruise, Mark Randall and Henry Landsbury should secure valuable bench-places.

Forward:

Here Barazite in the Derby shirt.
[Photo: Getty Images via Telegraph]

Nacer Barazite again needs to prove that he is not a reserve player anymore. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Jay Simpson should also provide some show in the Carling Cup.


Best Goalkeeper: A Lucozade bottle.
Best Defender: Thomas Vermaelen
Best Midfielder: Cesc Fábregas
Best Striker: Robin van Persie


Best individual performance of the season

Followed by two.
[Photo: Reuters via Que.es]

1-Cesc Fábregas v. Barcelona (Emirates-UCL)
2-Samir Nasri v. Porto (Emirates-UCL)
3-Cesc Fábregas v. Tottenham (Emirates-EPL)
4-Emmanuel Eboué v. Sunderland (Emirates-EPL)
5-Vito Mannone v. Fulham (Craven Cottage-EPL)


Football Posts made during 09/10 season (as for 19/July):

-Barclays Premier League: 38
-FA Cup: 2
-Carling Cup: 3
-UEFA Champions League: 13 (counting qualification round and the Final review)
-International Friendlies: 1
-World Cup Qualifiers: 1
-Others: 6
TOTAL: 64