Three!

Thank you!





So we reached our third year (somehow last year's was on the 4th and the first on the 29th of October) without any pompous celebration: this belated blog might seem dead. Obviously that is not my intention but the workload I've had and the fact that I'm trying to finish a pretentious and consuming dissertation for my undergraduate course have not helped. I beg you, if you once followed or read this blog, to be patient. I hope that by the end of the year, all World Cup match reviews will be uploaded as well as Arsenal's current campaign. It's been a disaster but bare with me loyal readers.




(I know that's not a cake but it was the cakiest thing in the house.)


Of course I'd like to thank each and every person that has read this site, being a mere coincidence, a Google search or a frequent reader. Again I could not be more emotive. The entries and visits over the past year have duplicated and its a nice thing to see, that despite my lack of time and so on, there's still interest in the internet for the site. You know that the feedback is precious to me so please keep in touch. I'll try to revamp the site's image by the end of the year and certainly should post the ideal four times a week. I'm on Twitter if you use that (@javbrad). Thanks again.

Spain v. Honduras 2-0 21/Jun/10

Second Round, Fourth Game, Group H, Day 11. (32 of 64)


Here, the first of the two scored by the new Barcelona striker.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


The Spaniards can rest safely until the following match as David Villa's brace put them one step ahead of the qualification. After that "monumental lapsus" the Spanish looked for a controlling delivery. What they lacked was that gripping force we all saw in the last EURO, that spark and moment of inspiration and not perspiration. The sole genius of David Villa coped with certain defensive mishaps and was enough to see the CONCACAF affiliates off for the day. The Hondurans for their part, will leave home as any opportunity of advancing to the following phase was debauched this day. The following games will be crucial, as previewed in the last post.



And the second.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


Obliged to win, Del Bosque clearly intended his players to go forward in the very first moments of the game. David Villa had two great opportunities, one on the crossbar as Ramos also put his head wide on goal. It was not even the 12th minute and the Spaniards were all over the opposition. The Honduras team tried to neutralise the Spanish pressure when Suazo's runs became a niggling disturbance. Evidently, after all the hard work upon Valladares's goal Villa got a hold of a great lead after receiving, controlling and dribbling past three defenders inside the box. The effort was brilliant and even when he was falling over, he managed to make a solid contact to beat the keeper.

Still, Villa ran the riot on the left hand side in the following minutes. Navas also had a decent spell on his side even when the Hondurans could not manage to stop the attacking team. With ten minutes to go, Torres proved himself worthless and out of shape: two chances were scrapped by the Liverpool striker. Still his presence scared off many of the defenders and it can be argued that his sole being caused havoc among Chávez and Figueroa.



Multi-injured Pique.
[Photo: AFP via ABC.es]


As Welcome subbed Espinoza, Villa grabbed another goal in the match as he shot outside the box. Unfortunately for Rueda's men, the shot was deflected and the Hondurans were tracking with two goals. The following minute -52nd- Ramos set Torres who headed wide. The return of the long-awaited EURO style finally took on its victims and the Spanish were just confident enough to wander with the ball around the park. In the 61st minute Navas fell in the box and a penalty was awarded: Villa failed to produce a hat-trick as the ball went just wide.

Cesc came in and not much changed in the offensive apparatus of the Spaniards. The Hondurans finally began to peruse some of their physical superiority and pushed for a chance. Naturally this was risky due to the fact that a quick and sudden counterattack would annihilate any chances of qualification. Figueroa denied Villa his third as the match got to its end. The deep breath from Del Bosque was fair enough even when Spain miss that killing touch.

Chile v. Switzerland 1-0 21/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group H, Day 11. (31 of 64)


As in the previous EURO, Frey goes out.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


This was an interesting match in the statistical world. Today at Nelson Mandela Bay, the Swiss imposed a new long-life standing record of 559 minutes without conceding (yes I know the penalties against Ukraine doesn't count) during the course of three World Cups. While the match was rispid, due to the sent off of Valon Behrami, the Swiss imposed certain pace and style while defended in a similar fluid fashion as they did in their last game. Chile are still on the top and with a combination, certainly the EURO champions could leave the competition earlier than expected.

The following game, Spain against Honduras, will be crucial for the efforts of all four teams and this again will prove to be another treacherous group in which nothing is decided yet. Both games will be played at Pretoria and Bloemfontein on the 25th. Probably the most expected match will be the one of Spain but if you ask me, my football hunch tells me that the other one will prove to be the decisive one.



Offside.
[Photo: EPA via Daily Mail]


During the course of the match there were five bookings and one straight red card. In what appeared to be the dirtiest of matches in this World Cup, the Saudi referee Khalil Al Ghamdi did not manage well the situation from the beginning. It is a bit harsh that the note is on the disciplinary thing rather than the sportive. For example Arturo Vidal shot, which was countered by another fierce shot, were kept aside as Benaglio responded well. Carmona got booked on the 22nd, after making a harsh foul on Behrami. Probably this sparkled some of the near violent acts that got both teams into deliberating kicks and tackles: the best example was Behrami who punched with his elbow a Chilean player and got sent off with nearly fifteen minutes remaining.


The interesting stuff came with the next forty five minutes and naturally the game opened itself up due to the different things both teams tried to achieve. Despite a real interest of both squads in taking the three points the tackles remained the same with Inler and Fernández getting booked in the 60th minute. The goal was a beautifully woven masterpiece which was in offside position, hard to tell for the linesman since it was a close close call. Substitute Valdivia made a beautiful pass that split the defence that for the moment worked. Paredes, Fernández sub, crossed to find a lonely Gonzáles who hammered the ball and gave the late lead to Chile.

The opportunities that follow were clear but not enough to see a Chilean team securing their victory. Paredes, after a great set, missed the opportunity and took off wide. Valdivia also had his moment when he cut from the inside and shot after a great counter. The Swiss team were attacking fully and as they deployed their depleted arsenal cracks appeared in their defensive line due to the missing men. In the end Derdiyok shot wide after a great build up and the chances of a resurgence came all to a ghastly end for the European team.

Portugal v. North Korea 7-0 21/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group G, Day 11. (30 of 64)


Ronaldo lucky to score.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


This is the first match of the tournament in which we saw a clear and overwhelming team that did not make a single mistake and procured to exploit their opposition's mistakes. Seven goals came as the national pride of the Asiatic nation was shattered into shreds. They will be going home early as expected by the "reasonable" punditry around the world. Even when Jong Hun's men (is it correctly spelled?) surprised us with some special moves and a very decent goal against Brazil, the main fact was that they did not offered much of a competition and the Portuguese took advantage and strolled past them in quite a fashion.

This match ended Cristiano's goal drought that had lasted for about 16 months but that won't matter as they take Brazil in the over-hyped match the following 25th that we've already previewed in the last post. What is to note is who will apparently get the punishment of facing EURO 2008 champions Spain since the Iberians recent form could put them in a position of facing either Brazil or Portugal: a final?



Modelling session?
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


In spite of the outrageous result there was a bit of a concern since the Portuguese opened the score until the thirtieth minute. Before that, there were a bunch of chances: one by Carvahlo that hit the post in the 6th; Jong Hyok thundering wide strike in the 11th; Yong Jo cross in the 18th. It was in the 29th that the Portuguese unleashed their wrath after Simao set Meireles in the box to later finish. With the rain now getting heavier, the Europeans were cautious enough to not let spaces for Yong Jo to filter balls. Nevertheless the damage was done and it was more likely that the Portuguese midfield seized the game rather than the North Koreans made some sort of epic journey into glory.


It was until the second part that the Queiroz made some subtle tactical changes and the downfall, as the pouring rain at Green Point, began. Six goals, all scored from the 53rd onwards made the Korean team, which impressed at some specific times, a feeble copycat of a Sunday league amateur team. It was Meireles -eight minutes from the start- who after a great succession of pin-point passes returned the favour to Simao who finished deftly. The following goal arrived three minutes later when Hugo Almeida headed past Myong Guk. The play was a typical counterattack in which Thiago released Coentrao who crossed for the Bremen striker.

The damage was apparently done but more pain came from Portuguese four minutes later when Almeida, Ronaldo and Thiago associated to finish the game off. Although no more attacking opportunities came from the Koreans in the remainder of the match, Queiroz's men Meireles and Ronaldo missed their targets, the latter being a cracking shot which was deflected in the bar. Liedson, who was the replacement of Almeida, stroke a powerful volley ten minutes before the end in his first touch of the match. The following two goals were a strong statement regarding the fatal state in which the Korean defence manifested itself: Ronaldo got a gift from the centre-halves and after some rebounds over his head he found the ball and took it past the keeper; the second, was a well-timed header from Thiago as Veloso crossed.

Brazil v. Ivory Coast 3-1 20/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group G, Day 10. (29 of 64)


Arsenal's tormentor again on the scoresheet.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


In the spectacular Soccer City, the Brazilians got another powerful yet not with an attractive performance against an empathic African team of Ivory Coast. Where in the previous game the Brazilians struggled during about thirty seconds to grab the lead, here they provided a strong statement in the form of Robinho. The City forward was absolutely brilliant in all plays and a large amount of this night's success is due to him. Whether this will raise some eyebrows in the other side, Sven Goran Eriksson might not be completely certain of grabbing a qualification spot since the Portuguese face the tricky side of North Korea tomorrow at Cape Town. Regarding the refereeing again we saw the failure of the staff at FIFA to point a decent authority on the pitch since Stephane Lannoy did not punish Luis Fabiano twice-handed ball in his second ball as well as sending off Kaká.

The following games are going to be probably the best-attractive in the paper and least-attractive in their group situation; Brazil, already in the last 16 will take Portugal in the highly anticipated game that will probably decide who are the best two of the group while the Koreans face the Africans in an attempt to snatch something. The games will tale place in Durban and Nelspruit respectively on the 25th.



Luis Fabiano scores the opener.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


The match began with an unabashed frantic attack from the Brazilians as Robinho pursued and took a far chance for the target in the 1st minute; he had two players ready to strike at will. Reaching the early stages of the 13th minute they were too desperate already to score and kept any effort from the Ivorians at bay. Strangely with the tremendous amount of men Sven piled up in his own half, the Brazilians managed to move the ball around until the first clear chance came: Luis Fabiano, after a delightful play by Kaká, shot a cracker into the near post. The fierce shot was not a match for anyone as the Americans rose in the scoreboard.

With twenty minutes to play Dunga's men were on the prowl again, trying to find another weak spot to finish off the Africans. The hardwork of the Ivorian midfield resulted in a fierce battle in the last seven minutes of the half where both teams came from end to end to grab the last opportunity of the first part.



Elano follows suit.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


Seven minutes after the beginning the Brazilians again took control of the game when Luis Fabiano completed his brace with a good but polemic individual play. The Sevilla striker controlled the ball with the hand then, flicked it over the defender to yet again controlled it with the arm and stroke past Barry. Just before the third Brazilian goal, Robinho and Kaká exploited all the space left by the Ivorian saga. A shot at point blank let Kaká on the fringe of scoring but it was Elano who took the third in quite a manner.

The City midfielder was released after Kaká dragged two defenders and crossed for him to take all the glory. It seem a rather easy enterprise that the scoreline was only with three goals of difference. The hope of the night came from Didier Drogba when he managed to pull one goal out of nowhere: the run made by Gervinho destabilised the defence and Lucio could not follow Yaya Touré who was trailing in the back. The Barcelona midfielder crossed and Drogba headed to give the slimmest of hopes. In the final minutes the French referee went mad and gave Kaká his second yellow after lightly pushing Keita in the chest. The overreaaction made Lannoy to send off the Madrid mastermind.

Italy v. New Zealand 1-1 20/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group F, Day 10. (28 of 64)


Shane giving the pain.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


If you thought that the inanity of this hideous, flapping World Cup was supposed to continue, today the Kiwis gave us an spectacle far of what we could have imagined when they drew with the current World Cup champions at Nelspruit today. With that intrepid and interesting 3-4-3 formation, the New Zealanders embarked themselves into one of the greatest feats of an Oceanic team in the last couple years. Probably no one has told Lippi that this tournament has started -and after this, it may well come alive! To some this surprise would not have been the among the most welcoming, but for us lovers of football, a well-player, well-fought game that ends in a stalemate between the most ridicule of teams against a super power is not to be missed.

As in the vast majority of the groups things will be decided in the final games: 24th in Johannesburg and Polokwane were the Italians will try to grab a victory - plus goal difference - in order to aspire to win. The Kiwis, facing the qualified and relaxed Paraguay will hold great contest in order to snatch a pint and secure a feat which will probably live amongst the memories of all: New Zealand in the best 16 and Italy home. I look dear for that prospect.



Iaquinta from the spot.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Whether one could think that the Kiwis will steal the day off, it mattered little in the very beginning of the match. It only took them eight minutes to put the world in the brink of madness after a controversial goal from Shane Smeltz. After a long freekick into the box, Reid pushed Gilardino after heading towards Shane; the striker did not hesitate and poked the ball past Marchetti. The following minutes saw the reordering of the Italian squad in the pitch. The Kiwi tactics had certain effect with that strange tactical deployment and only Montolivo and Chiellini came close.

After a couple of chances, the Italians reorganised themselves and put the New Zealanders into pressure. Many of their plays came from the mistakes of the disorganised and goofy possession of their opposition. Montolivo hit the post after a thunderous shot which Paston admired in its entirety. In the 28th minute the chance for the equaliser finally arrived as De Rossi was brought down in the box: Batres punished the Kiwis and conceded the penalty which Iaquinta converted. Before the break De Rossi shot at Gaston as the Jabulani did its dreadful thing.


Throughout the rest of the next forty-five minutes Paston was busy enough to save early, with a striking volley from Di Natale. The offensive changes made by Lippi seemed to make the squad move towards a positive direction despite the massive amount of bodies Herbert's men piled up. A shot from Vicelich was the sole effort the "visitors" managed to pull. By the seventieth minute, substitute Wood made a cheeky little flick to snatch off Cannavaro and shot just wide. Through certain moments, there was a sense of the All Whites pulling the game off. I thought about another "monumental upset" in the making.

Montolivo, Camoranesi and Zambrotta made decent attempts on target but Paston the hero was spot on on all occasions. Slowly the Kiwis had the feeling of a real happening while the Italian fans in the stadium were gutted, not only because they face a team of "lesser" quality, but because the horrific performance they were making. With the final whistle the embarrassment was completed and on the other side, happiness reigned.

Slovakia v. Paraguay 0-2 20/Jun/10

Second Round, Fourth Game, Group F, Day 10. (27 of 64)


Another Americanista scoring.
[Photo: Daily Mail]

Sometimes football requires sacrifice and certainly one of the most valuable sacrifices made is not by the players, but by the hordes of fans who seemingly and with blind love get up early in the morning (Central Mexican time) to watch probably a game which nobody will - even some of the fans in their own countries. In this time the sacrifice brought us into another dismal match in which the Paraguayans edged the Slovakians with a solid and convincing two-goal victory.

Probably Paraguay are the team, based in their outstanding performances, who will have the edge in the next stage. Italy, a feeble ghost of that successful World Cup winning team, are far from being a contender and it wouldn't be a surprise or a shock that they could be left out due to their strange and despicable performances. All will be decide on the 24 at Johannesburg and Polokwane where the former World Cup champions face Slovakia and the Paraguayans feature the All Whites.



Skrtel versus Alcaraz.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]

The beginning of the game was representative of what this Paraguayan team has been doing throughout the tournament: hard working, handy job without any type of overtly-hyped stylish gameplay. From the beginning the work of the South American midfield created a chance for Santa Cruz, which was palmed away by Mucha. The onslaught against the poor Slovakian keeper -unaided by his defence- kept going with Valdez, Vera, Barrios and Riveros who combined shots against the European target in the 18th.

A magnificent goal was a result from the combination of the genius of Barrios with the effort of Vera: the playmaker set Vera who managed to put the ball in the back of the net with the outer part of his boot, in the 29th minute. The weak and feeble chances made by Weiss's men were a wide header in the 37th by Saláta. Before the break there was a clear red card foul in Riveros which went only yellow when Sestak stumbled him.


The following half was the ultimate proof of the dominance of the American team. Riveros's cameo was outstanding considering the area from which the ex-Cruz Azul player scored the second to end all aspirations of the "local" team. Santa Cruz, whose sole presence in the box was haunting enough for the opposition, crossed for Vera to shot. The effort went wide in the 70th. In the final second minutes of the match the overwhelming activity on Slovakia's half took its toll as a Riveros shot gave the two-goal advantage and secured the game finally. Impressively the Slovakians made their first shot on target in the final minute of the match.

Cameroon v. Denmark 1-2 19/Jun/10

Second Round, Fourth Game, Group E, Day 9. (26 of 64)


A great comeback sent another African representative home.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


Disgracefully, the Indomitable Lions suffered a shocking early exit in their second World Cup game against the resilient and hard working Danes. Probably Paul Le Guen may be considering not just the tactics and the players but also the general attitude of his team towards the little part they played in the tournament. It is sad to see some promising youngsters go home early - such as Alex Song for example - but this remains a doubt in the pecking order since his relative Rigobert was ahead of the fresh starter.

The entertaining match was solved by the quick and sudden reaction of the Danish midfield. The terrible and hideous defending that costed the Cameroonians against Japan surfaced again. Most probably the next match will be the less to important with the qualified Dutch team facing a impotent African squad. The entertainment will arrive thick and fast when the Danes face Japan try to pick the last ticket of the Group E. The crucial encounter will take place at Rustenburg on the 24th.



Congrats!
[Photo: Myjoyonline.com]


I need to stop for a moment on this one: "Perro" Bermúdez - that dreadful hideous barking mug which narrates pretty often much of Mexican footy matches - fabianskied (or greened) his transmission of the match after making a comment regarding "Blackburn Rovers en el futbol de Escocia" [Blackburn Rovers from the Scottish Football]. As far as I am concerned there is no top flight team in Scotland with that name - we could find it in the country just below.

Anyway, the early lead came through Eto'o in the tenth minute: after another defensive mistake was seized by the advancing African midfield Eto'o's position between the two defenders was accurate and he finished it cooly in front of Sorensen. The defensive mistakes on both parts did not diminish even when each team took precautions: both got away with some nice chances. Eventually Bendtner took advantage as he was set by a cross from the right hand side. Eto'o took a chance at the post again by the delusional Dane mistakes when beginning the play.


The following half was hectic at best and mistakes from both teams led the game into an open season shooting. Eventually Rommedahl reverted the scoreline and put it in the back as he dribbled past two players and shot against the poor Souleymanou. The Danish could have broadened the score but the African keeper denied Tomasson. While the Cameroonians were on the full advantage of their capabilities, it was quite funny that the match still remained at a the thin margin of a one-goal lead. In the final minutes Idrissou scrapped to decent chances to give their team the last surviving hope of recovery.

Ghana v. Australia 1-1 19/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group D, Day 9. (25 of 64)


Rosetti sends Kewell to the showers: two matches, two expelled.
[Photo: Daily Mail]


In the sunny evening at Rustenburg the Aussies were held in a one-goal match against the Ghana Stars in what is a new draw of the 452nd we have seen in this tournament. As in particularly every match so far, the referees made themselves clear and present as Rosetti sent off the poor Harry Kewell in what appeared to be an off-the-ball situation. To me, the ball came into his hand rather than the opposite. This tournament really needs something to lift its horrid and dreadful lull. Probably in future stages we will encounter some precious and memorable games nevertheless somebody sent a terrible terrible curse on the competition and so far I dread this awful start.

Again all options will be left in the final moments of this group since the panorama looks decent enough for a late surprise by any of the contending teams. We saw the Germans fall and in the following matches at the exact time in Johannesburg - in which Ghana will face Germany - we could watch the EURO runners-up fall in an outrageous fashion whilst in the other side, at Nelspruit, the Aussies will look to upset the onlooking Serbians. This group seems to be one of the most balanced in terms of results and the final day will be massive for home supporters and neutrals.



"Asamoah Gyan hit his second penalty of the tournament".
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


The hectic pace of the start saw the Australians taking some advantages regarding the Africans; in the second minute Kewell fell in the box in what was supposed to be an alleged penalty. Bresciano took a freekick, in the 11th, that the keeper Kingson managed to pull in a Green-esque fashion; Hollman scored afterwards. Again as in so many previous games the terrible approach from the keeper, the incomprehensible trajectory of the ball and the torrid moment made the scene even more dramatic.

Ayew, the pacey right winger, was the main threat as his 13th minute shot got deflected. In another well crafted, yet lucky play, he managed to scrub two defenders off and set a cross. The result was a fierce shot that occasionally landed in the moving arm of Harry Kewell; Gyan converted from the penalty spot. Tagoe's shot and an effort from Kevin Prince Boateng were denied in the final minutes. The hunger from the Black Stars to get the lead was enough to see them winning.


The drive of the Africans continued nearly a quarter of an hour into the second half with the main chance used in the form of a Gyan shot. The Aussies had their chance with the sub Chipperfield, as he headed wide off the mark after a pretty decent effort from Wilshire in the 66th. The African response was a violent cross from Gyan and another failure in delivering by Boateng.

Kingson, who previously committed that Jabulani mistake, was becoming a factor in the game as he saved a solo effort by Wilkshire; the Australian was alone and virtually had the open goal to score. In the last minutes the Africans went with all their might for the lead as they produced two dismal chances, both late: the first, a Mensah header; and the second, a shot by the ex-Gunner Quincy Owusu.

Netherlands v. Japan 1-0 19/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group E, Day 9. (24 of 64)


Dutch long range joy.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


In the monumental Durban, the Dutch national team secured their passage to the following round as they beat a lacklustre Japanese side with the minimum margin. Again another blunder was the main factor only goal of the game in what was a pretty much dull match. Sneijder shot was savable indeed but Kawashima - who previously had some decent matches, including the one against England - managed to pull a Green-esque effort to put his team in the thin line.

Again, whether it is the nature of the dreadful Jabulani or the simple meteorological conditions the sole fact that this match ball has been the main culprit of many of the previous mistakes is alarming. Despite this, what appears to be even more alarming is the other strange fact of underrated of the matches: if we are relying on the terrible mistakes to watch goals, probably we should revise the format, the date of the event, the calendars and so on. Strangely the Japanese have a good chance to qualify to the following stages: they just need three points and several goals in the next game against Denmark and the dream could become true only if they evade such a dreadful staging as the one we witnessed today.



Another one: how many there will be at this World Cup?
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


The clear dominion by the Dutch team was proved when Van Persie was fouled in the 8th minute. His fellow countryman Sneijder tried luck but shot a wide freekick. The attacks from the European team were mainly down the left hand side; in one of them Kuyt nearly made a wonder goal after an accurate cross. Nagamoto retaliated after a quick combination of passes that ended in another wide shot. Honda and Tulio headed wide for the "visiting" team near the 33rd minute mark. Whether the Japanese were making amends from the dreadful opposition they were providing, at least they grabbed several decent chances. One from Matusi and another from Van der Vaart were enough to kill the first part off.


The following half lacked emotion whilst the action remained: Van Bronckhorst provided Van Persie with an effective cross which the Arsenal man could not help but head wide. Eight minutes after the start, the London striker was able to control a loose ball and set Sneijder whose fierce shot bend Kawashima's hand and got in the back of the net. The response of the Japanese was a shot from Okubo in the 56th minute, several weak approaches were made by Okada's army but all were wide and weak. In the final minutes probably the encounter posed its best: Huntelaar and Afellay joined forces and the latter nearly scored. The following action, with all the Japanese on the prowl for the equaliser, was deemed to be decisive when sub Okazaki made a final decent shot as he chest-controlled and volleyed.

England v. Algeria 0-0 (18/Jun/10)

Second Round, Fourth Game, Group C, Day 8. (23 of 64)


Edgeless score.
[Photo: AP Photo/Julie Jacobson via Cleveland.com]

It was probably - according to some - the easiest match for the English team. Strangely, or perhaps not so, Capello's men proved to be all wrong, not just with their tactics but with their attitude towards the game. The desperate cry of the captain summed it up all: the English team need the three points in a pretty much square group where the Americans have two points, the Slovenians four and the Algerians two, At any point "another monumental upset could happen." Probably to go out from the World Cup could have more disastrous consequences for the English football than that disappointment exit before the EURO.

The following matches are decisive: the English face Slovenia at Nelson Mandela Bay while the Algerians will battle at Pretoria on the 23rd. All depends on how the English will cope with that frantic and indecisive lack of cohesion that at least, from the bench onwards, they are showing. I'll probably watch the US match, knowing their recent form, probably they will exhibit some kind of dangerous, in-the-edge, ninety-minute equaliser that will get them through.



Furious!
[Photo: ITV via Telegraph]


The start required - for the English to work - an impulsive an uncared-for offensive attitude towards M Bohli's goal. Obviously this did not took place and the nervy English team went ahead on schedule to provide some naïve attacks that fell in the realm of the repetitive. Gerrard marshaled the team up the Algerain defensive apparatus just to find a shaky M Bohli who nearly got one in after a lob from the Liverpudlian. James did almost the same as a lone and sloppy cross reached his box; he saved the effort by punching away the ball.

A combination between Gerrard and Rooney gave certain advantages to the "home" team since the Liverpudlian striker supported any attacks by receiving and moving. Gerrard's shot went into the hands of the keeper. Naturally the most important arrival came form the right side, where Lennon was left alone to cross. Belhadj headed, the deflected ball coming into Lampard. The shot was well saved by the efficient M Bohli.



A "horror show" according to the captain.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


The following half was a particularly well made sample which showed how off-the mark were the English team. The exposition of the offensive display was countered with the quick ability of the Algerian defence to convert an impeding attack unto a somewhat efficient counter. The problem was that neither of the teams were able to justify their efforts. Terrible times came to the viewer: a direct freekick was one of the two occasions which the Algerians drew some advantage.

On the other side, Rooney nearly slotted one in as a defender managed to deflect to the corner the ball. Gerrard made another header form a corner but the luck seemed to be fading away. Despite all the defensive issues that the Algerians tried to cope with, the English were not even in the match, regardless of the incredible amounts of opportunities and the freedom the Africans simply gave out to them. The match ended with the booing by the English fans against one of the most mediocre performances in the history of the game in recent years.

Slovenia v. USA 2-2 (18/Jun/10)

Second Round, Third Game, Group C, Day 8. (22 of 64)


Captain America scoring.
[Photo: Getty Images via Telegraph]


The Americans got robbed; yes we know it, and we know that this is particularly new for them since the sport's popularity is increasing by the minute but this things happen on a daily basis and unless technology - in some sort of form - is applied we will have an endless repetition of these situations in every football tournament in the world. We, who watch it on a weekly basis, have witnessed robberies of the size of countries. There is absolutely no need for recounting them and I'm sure you'll have your private collection of amazingly stupid decisions by either local refereeing or FIFA.

With this I'm not contributing to the idiocy of defending with any argument the referee and also to the fact that we know what happens when we do this kind of unkindly apologetic gestures. What strikes me the most is the amount of media coverage - particularly in the blogs - this incident has had. Obviously one expects this problems at the local league and certainly no in a stage of the most important world sport event.

Probably this is another futile rambling of my very own stash of lunatic responses against American football media. Nevertheless the Americans will have Algeria at Pretoria on the 23rd. That match will prove decisive since any mistake made by the Englishmen later today will open a Pandora box as in many other scenarios in the distinct groups that conform this messy tricky yet exciting World Cup. Brooks Peck at Dirty tackle provides two decisive responses from the happening: the first, an immediate one; the second, a response. The well-learned blogger left aside his nonsensical humour for a moment to complain.



Another view of the late scorer.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


Obviously the first parts of the match were among this inevitable dull and shallow beginning where the Americans looked quite dazzled as in their previous game with Gerrard's lead. Efforts from the Slovenian right-backs helped to put a dominance in the early minutes. This offered a pretty solid chance for Birsa to strike as the childish American defenders looked at the way he stroke the ball. Howard could not help but watch the astonishing effort in the 14th minute.

Despite the efforts from the Americans to edge closer to Handanovic's goal the proportion was nearly three arrivals to one, favouring the Europeans. Torres' effort in the 37th, a delightful freekick from the right edge of the box, was kept at bay by the Slovenian keeper. Brecko stole a precious little chance from Donovan as the Americans edged closer but it was the handy job of the Slovenian midfielders that snatched the ball; Novakovic got the touch and beat the offside trap to release Ljubijankic; the striker slotted the lead past Howard.


With the healthy lead Kek's men relaxed a little to much when facing their opposition. Landon Donovan secured a chance on the right side as he strolled past one defender who missed the clearance to beat Handanovic with a fierce strike. Three minutes into the match and the Americans were back in the game after the nightmarish start. Whether the flak the Europeans were receiving was not good enough for the equaliser, Altidore made some attempts which again Handanovic saved sternly.

If the match appeared to be brusque or sloppy in the very beginning, the crucial moment was coming in the final stage. It was again Captain America Michael Bradley who left it late with equaliser to give a thin ray of hope. The American special of the house, a quick counter attack followed by a late goal, was administered when a long ball came in for Altidore to flick it; the rest is history as Bradley slotted it and squared things up.

In the final moments, 85th to be more precise, the nightmarish previously mentioned occasion showed as the linesman disallowed the legitimate goal by Edu. Bradley's complains were completely spot on as what appeared to be was probably a penalty kick on at least two American players. Novakovic and Radosavljevic provided final chances by the prowling Europeans, nonetheleess time was up and the points were shared.

Germany v. Serbia 0-1 (18/Jun/10)

Second Round, Third Game, Group D, Day 8. (21 of 64)


Neuer, effortless.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet]


When Löw and his players were over the moon due to that previous win, the reality check came quick and sudden when the Serbia National team stunned one-goal against the EURO runners-up. In what appeared to be one of the toughest contest for the Germans, Antic's men rose above the dismal and unlucky performance they gave against Ghana to edge title contenders Germany. The game was tempestuous; everything that appears in a Copa Libertadores match - moronic bookings, handballs, numerous shots at woodwork and so on - was present in this polemic tournament.

Löw's attacking tactics were not enough to counteract the struggle that the defensive Serbian apparatus provided. There was the feeling of a lucky evening for the Germans since many of the attacking options were deflected by inches. Another faulty mistake by the Mannschaft and it will all be over sooner than what they think. Ghana will poise a several threat to Germany's ambitions at Soccer City on the 23rd. Uli Hesse, as always, gives a polite and well informed verdict on the mistakes by Lahm's men.



Another view of the goal.
[Photo: Getty Images via Telegraph]


The first half was a competitive struggle between each of the offensive forces. While the Germans provided a solid display in the left side, the Serbians did the same in the opposite. During the first fifteen minutes the Mannschaft tried to go ahead with arrivals from the flanks. The scrappy match, mainly by the fact that three Serbian players were already booked by the 20th minute, took a slightly interrupted rhythm.

A minute before the goal Miroslav Klose collected his second booking of the day. It seems, with the repetitions, that the decision was a bit harsh to be fair. The lack of attention of the German centre-halves was the main culprit of the goal in the 38th minute. Badstuber missed the cross by Krasic and Zigic sent Ivanovic who shot at point blank. In spite of Neuer's acrobatics the lead was well deserved, particularly with that dismal defending. Before the following part, the Germans had the precious chance of scoring the equaliser. Unfortunately for Khedira, his shot went into the crossbar as three Serbians were defending ferociously almost inside the goal.



In the repetitions, Klose sent off seems "a bit harsh".
[Photo: EPA via Daily Mail]


If the first part was chaotic, the next one proved to be all the more strange. The Germans tried for large parts of the game to break the stalemate that, in the 54th minute, the defence led by Vidic posed. Podolski was set by Özil twice and in the latter opportunity the Köln striker hit the side-netting. Stojkovic became the hero as he stole the goal from Podolski in the penalty shot. This was originated by the silly handball of Vidic, similar to that which gifted Gyan the penalty in the previous match.

The following minutes were a dismal and desperate effort from the Germans to score. Where this seemed to happen really fast, it was the prowess of Vidic's commanding decisions that the scoreline remained still. The strange tactical disposition of the Serbians allowed them to counterattack any minute they wanted to. The main problem was the fact that Antic's men did make an outstanding effort to double their lead until the end of the match.

France v. Mexico 0-2 17/Jun/10

Second Round, Fourth Game, Group A, Day 7. (20 of 64)


Hernández edges past Lloris, in clear offside.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


In Peter Mokaba, and with a hungry nation back at home, the Mexican side comprehensively edged a torn, battered and childish French team. Even when the display of Chicharito is being hailed here in Mexico as the uttermost football value of the recent years, the truth is that Aguirre's team beat a side that is in complete chaos, to say the least. The frenzy media has taken their time to cover up the French deception with lauds of glory as if we have already achieved something extra special in the history of the World Cup.

Hernández goal had a little history about it but all in all, it was in offside (of course that any French who complains would be taken in short time to Henry's antics). Despite the different reactions from the media here in my country, the Mexican team has a fairly good advantage in reaching the following stage. Obviously that still has to be decided when the tied-in-points countries face each other at Rustenburg on the 22nd. Zonal Marking's piece is remarkable, especially with the Mexican analysis.



Gourcuff and Gignac gutted.
[Photo: AFP via Telegraph]


Despite the hectic start by the Mexican forward all chances went out wide, beginning with Vela's in the 8th minute. Franco made a couple of dribbles and found himself in shooting position against Lloris -the ball went wide off the mark. Mexico's superiority was proved by Salcido, whose shot warned Lloris again. It seemed a delightful start, such as the one in Soccer City some days ago but the problem remained in putting the bloody ball in the back of the net.

Salcido's incursions were the most dangerous approach the team could offer in the first half but as if this was another Arsenal match, the impatient Mexican supporters back at home requested a lead before the break. Also, as if it were another Arsenal match, Carlos Vela went out injured; he was substituted by Pablo Barrera in the 31st. The very last minutes of the first part saw a particularly offensive French team -Ribery led the attack but time was up.



Blanco scores the second from the spot.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


As Gignac entered replacing Anelka, the Mexicans continued their pursuit just to encounter a revamped French squad. Malouda's shot was palmed by Pérez in the 56th. The time for another Mexican substitution arrived when Hernández came in for the booked Juárez. The problem began when the French attacks were more constant and deadlier. As the match wore and Blanco came in, in the 62nd, the cameo of Johannesburg was looming in the air.

Fortunately for the "visitors" Hernández pushed the defence and got himself in a pretty decent position to score -offside- and went past Lloris to slot it. One-nil and everybody was predicting Mexico as the newest football super power. The French team pressed with the little morale they already had; their desperate attacks left huge gaps in the defence and in one of those occasions Barrera edged two defenders and went down, although with some contact, with a weak challenge by Abidal. With ten minutes to end, the penalty kick was converted by Blanco and the match was pretty much over.

Greece v. Nigeria 2-1 17/Jun/10

Second Round, Fourth Game, Group B, Day 7. (19 of 64)


The Greeks overcame one-goal disadvantage.
[Photo: Reuters via Telegraph]


Although matematically speaking the Nigerians still have certain chance of going through the next stage, their hopes seem well and buried, most probably because of their torrid way of playing. Today in the Free State Stadium we witnessed an entertaining game that only saw some amusing parts in Kaita's red card.

Despite the terrific perfomance in the first minutes from the Africans, the former EURO champions managed to beat their opposition and took advantage of their defensive frailties after the sent off. It seemed as if the building that the Nigerians raised with effort, after scoring in the 16th minute, little by little fell apart with each storie encountering a terrible faith in the fall.



Uche scores the first.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


The game started quite positively for Lagerback's team since Obi Mikel took advantage of a free kick that was derived from a yellow card challenge on Papastathopoulos. It was the fifteen minute and Uche deviated the ball to have the lead. The nervy defending was of course a great part of the advantage. The Greeks took with philosphy the booking and were expectant in their own half. The captain Karagounis, always eager to get a shot from long range, took an opportunity and smashed it against the head of Yobo. What followed was a Pepe-esque style of mental rambling in the part of Kaita -he got the red card due to a stamp.

With nearly an hour to go, the Africans would have to work in the ten-men figure. Then on, it took some time for the Greeks to accomodate themselves as they hit twice in the last minutes of the first half. Samaras tried to flicked a rebound in the box -the effort was marvelously cleared off the line by Haruna. Salpingidis found the late equaliser when a fierce shot found Haruna's foot and went in.


In the opening minutes of the next half Tzorvas made an outstanding effort to prevent the second goal from the Nigerians when he palmed away an Uche cross in the 46th minute. Then the Greeks comenced their slow attack. One conclusion of that was that Gekas failed to poke the ball, in the 59th minute; what followed was a speedy counter which ended in the uneffective and misfiring feet of Yakubu.

Ten minutes after, Enyema saved again another chance to keep his teams' hopes alive. Unfortunately for the Nigerians Enyema's luck ran out when he made a mistake and Torosidis took the lead again in the 77th. Yakubu had a coupole of chances, none which were fully converted. Karagounis again took another shot and the story for Eneyema repeated itself. With ten minutes to go the costly mistake saw the poor African team going out of the World Cup too soon.

Argentina v. South Korea 4-1 17/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group B, Day 7. (18 of 64)


Hat-tricker Higuaín on the spot.
[Photo: EPA via Telegraph]


Three goals from the Madrid forward seemed to be enough to oust a naïve team of South Korea. Even when they knew of what they were capable of against Greece in the first game, Jung Moo's men were unable to repeat the feat due to the fact that the gigantic (metaphorically speaking) and scoreless playmaker Lionel Messi played an influential part in all goals this evening at Soccer City. In the first game of the day one could have expected so much from the wretched and slow Argentinian defence; even when a goal conceded seems to give them no difference at all it could prove worth for future opponents in the following phase.

The already-qualified Americans will face Greece in the last day of competition in group C at Polokwane in the 22nd. One must expect the inclusion of a B team, in the search for the perfection of nine points while the Koreans must deploy all their effective arsenal to reach the following stage.



Messi tries to lob.
[Photo: AP via Telegraph]


During large chunks of the game Messi tried to either assist or grab a goal. In one of this instances he won a freekick through which Argentina took the lead. Strangely the offensive threat poised by the Argentinians in that particular set up was quite weak nevertheless the deflection provoked by Chung Young costed the Koreans the goal. Probably the Koreans did not plan suffering the lead in that way.

Things did not look quite positive for Jung Moo's team since many of the mistakes that led to that free kick were exploited by the talent of that Barcelona player. Again, Argentina's 10 was participant in the second goal: Maxi crossed after a quick corner and Burdisso deflected the ball to find a lonely and eager Higuaín, who did not miss, in the 33th minute. Di Maria had an outstanding effort saved by Ryong just minutes before the Korean goal.

A minute before the break Chung Yong made amends to give his team a glimmer of hope which turned out to be a vast, grand kick in the following half. The goal was the sole fault of Demichelis who failed to control the ball; although the rest is history the slow reaction from the defence was a surprise to some.


In the next part Ryon Jung became a factor for the Korean team since many of his saves, such as an Higuaín and a Tévez shot, prevented Messi and others to score. Before the third goal, certainly due to the offensive prowess the Koreans enjoyed from the 60th minute onwards, Maradona's pupils had a troublesome period in which Hun Yeom missed a clear chance against Romero.

The following minutes, from the 75th, were a feast for Messi, when he and Kun combined to give the Barcelona striker a clear shot on goal that hit the post. Marksman Higuaín was there to put it in as the Argentinians led by two goals. A similar play gave them the three-goal lead in which Agüero set Higuaín who headed without hesitation. Another great run by the Atlético forwards in the final minutes nearly broadened the panorama, since the Koreans eagerly tried to score in the other end.

South Africa v. Uruguay 0-3 16/Jun/10

Second Round, Third Game, Group A, Day 6. (17 of 64)


Pereira heading the third.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


Today at Pretoria, in his second game, Forlán moved his team one step closer to the qualification as they beat the hosts with a three-goal advantage. The great moment of the Atlético forward was assured when Khune was sent off. Throughout the match the inexistant team of South Africa showed us their real face after that astonishing game against México. This step gives the Uruguayans the upperhand with a game in hand and knowing the result the Mexicans are pushed to get three points in their next encounter against France. Forlán and his minions face the Mexicans at Rustenburg in the 22nd and that same day the locals will try to beat France in Bloemfontein.



Pienaar can't get too close.
[Photo: EPA via Daily Mail]


Massimo Busacca started the game and immediately the 9.1 surround sound supported by the annoying, ever-present vuvuzelas came into the audience and broadcast. As early as the 8th minute, Suárez and Forlán combined to make a decent opportunity that ended in a wide shot over the bar. In several fronts the Uruguayan team dominated, largely in the flanks where Fucile's prowess was beginning to worry Parreira.

Near the 24th, Forlán got away with the opportunity to score and found the back of Mokoena; the deflected shot impressed more than two in the stadium and gave the lead to the visitors. Immediately afterwards Tavárez commanded the full attack of his forces and in the subsequent minutes Suárez had some decent opportunities, mainly with his shot in the side-netting.



Forlán on the spot.
[Photo: Reuters via Daily Mail]


It seemed a matter of minutes before Uruguay scored their second; Suárez run riot in his side as he fell in the box after an alleged penalty. South Africa's response was an M'phela header. There was not much of an action in the second part as each side looked carefully for their chances, specially the South Africans. The second of the night was courtesy of Forlán as he converted the penalty kick. The foul that led to the punishment was at times difficult to spot, but the slight contact made by Khune was worth the decision.

With ten minutes to go, Pienaar was subbed to bring the replacement keeper Josephs. Already in injury time, Forlán -the mastermind of the tournament so far- crossed to the wing for Suárez who later set Pererira to have the three-goal advantage. The flaws and lack of efficiency from the Africans showed the true nature of their footballing capabilities: what Mexico barely managed to pull out, the Uruguayans did with comfort and class.

Spain v. Switzerland 0-1 16/Jun/10

First Round, Second Game, Group H, Day 6. (16 of 64)


Offside? Certainly an idiotic defending.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


"The strange thing is though, that the more you look back on the Spain v Switzerland match, the less surprising the result appears" wrote Phil Ball when the shock of a first-game loss still surprises people around the globe when the all-conquering EURO Champions could not break the difficult deadlock that the World Cup debutant Ottmar Hitzfield built.

It seems that without the talismanic Alexander Frei the Swiss could make that no-goal stance into another landmark as they took that statistic to 484 minutes without conceding in the World Cup after the last goalless draw against Ukraine four years ago. Zonal Marking -the newest site for tactic junkies- has the final verdict: "Apologies to Switzerland fans, but the story here is not merely that the favourites were beaten, it’s that the favourites played absolutely awfully."

Throughout the game we saw some reminiscence of that last year's Confederations match against the US. It was effective defending, I think, rather than brilliant and we tend to forget what is effective in football since Barcelona has commanded us to do it. El País called them "too baroque"; I cannot agree more.



Fernandes going mental.
[Photo: Getty Images via Telegraph]


There appeared to be an urgent necessity for the Spanish team to go all the way forward and score with the first play. Of course it didn't happened as the match was in the good ol' list of stalemates at this World Cup. Xavi led some of his attacks as he pushed deeper with some through balls. Despite the effort and resistance from the "visitors" Piqué's position was wide off as he got to set Ramos on the right wing. The Madrid right-back played quick, escaped two defenders and shot wide in the 17th minute.

The match appeared more lively as in two minutes the clearer chances were made: for the Spaniards, Piqué took a shot as he found himself inside the box -Benaglio eventually saved it. The retaliation was on part of Ziegler, who had an opportunity with a freekick. It was a poor and weak effort as the EURO Champions began their full prowl for the victory. The siege was beginning to take some physical struggles and the EURO hosts as Senderos had to come out injured. The current panorama was dim in the light of a defeat.



Another shot of the goal.
[Photo: Mirror Football]


Again the Spanish got advantage of the full power of their offensive force, nonetheless, it was a lucky ball that gave the Swiss the lead. Derdiyok got a chance to go forward and eventually got pounded by Piqué. Then the Barcelona defender got back as Gelson found the ball and the series of strange and bizarre efforts from keeping the ball away on part of Casillas were worthless. The Swiss took the lead with an astonishing goal that was derived from the lack of positioning by the Spanish centre-halves.

Obviously after the stunners, Del Bosque ordered a full attacking deployment. Minutes later, with the substitutions being made, there were obviously some changes on the attacking order; Torres and Navas looked to bring some fresh legs onto the field. Despite the lack of form of the Liverpool man, the impact was immediate while Alonso could have equalised things when his shot went straight into the crossbar. When Iniesta came out injured, one could sense that feeling of dismay in the morale of the Spanish team.

The resilient defence was subject to heavy bombardment well into the last minutes. Three improvised centre-halves were not enough to stop the advances and the figure of Benaglio was vital for Hitzfield's aspirations. The urgency to put the ball in the box was countered with the calm of Switzerland's keeper to not play the ball.

Honduras v. Chile 0-1 16/Jun/10

First Round, First Game, Group H, Day 6. (15 of 64)


An Americanista scoring.
[Photo: AP via Daily Mail]


In the opening match of the Spanish-speaking group, the Chileans rose victorious in a quasi entertaining game. For the South Americans the score might have been bigger but their lack of options on attack were sound. On the other side Rueda's men got themselves in a difficult position since they have to literally go and beat the European champions in the following match at Johannesburg.

Another concerning problem for the CONCACAF team is the lack of mobility and fitness some players showed. Despite the tactically perfect offensive display Bielsa's men deployed, there is room for improvement in that department. The Chileans will face Switzerland at Port Elizabeth, as we are left pending with Spain's result today.



Palacios chasing.
[Photo: Getty Images via Daily Mail]


As the official FIFA match report cleared: "For Chile, it was a victory exactly 48 years in the making – the South Americans had not won a FIFA World Cup match since defeating Yugoslavia in the match for third place on home soil on this very day in 1962." But in reality it took us by no surprise waiting this time for the Chileans to find a gift in the back of the net. Before the lead, Bielsa's team took some advantage through his tactical mastermind. Possession and positioning were the key concepts for the model to work properly.

The match had its equilibrium: where the Chileans attacked, Rueda's men chased and quickly managed to weave some build-ups that ended in fierce rapid strikes. Fernández was the main threat as well as the incursions of Isla. In one of those runs, he crossed to find the unlucky leg of Mendoza, while the deflection went into Beausejour's knee. The strange goal was a solid reward for Bielsa.

In the following half it was the surprise in the very last minutes that could have given the Honduras team an equaliser, but before that, nearly through thirty minutes La Roja had all possession and control. Even when in the official match report (as quoted above) said the "home team" had effective counterattacks, it was only in the first half were the rapid succession of passes led to a good offensive display. Notwithstanding the fact that Rueda's men tried in the final minutes, it seemed very unlikely to me that a distraction could lead them to an equaliser.

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.