Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Moments of truth - round 3 group games

So this is when we see how my predictions fared...

Group A

I said:
France
Mexico

Qualified:
Uruguay
Mexico

I made a mistake in underestimating the Uruguayans, they have been excellent in the group stage, with Diego Forlán probably the player of the tournament so far.
My other mistake was underestimating the embarrassment the French team have become. All the signs were there in Euro 2008, the poor performances, early exit and arguments and in-fighting, none of these problems were rectified before this tournament. Include the crazy decision to let Raymond Domenech continue as team manager and all these things met in a perfect storm to leave the French bottom of a group they should have won comfortably. The tournaments biggest disgrace, until England play tomorrow. Nobody will be sad to see them go, just like nobody will be sad to see Domenech go. Laurent Blanc over to you....
I was right about Mexico though. They play Argentina in the next round which will probably signal the end of their tournament but they have been great to watch and deserved to qualify.
South Africa for all their pride and passion were just not good enough.

Group B

I said:
Argentina
South Korea

Qualified:
Argentina
South Korea

Argentina have been brilliant so far in this World Cup. They have so many talented players that they can field Milito and Aguero as a second choice attacking line! Take that Crouch & Defoe. They have entertained and Messi has been brilliant, although he hasn't yet scored. Maradona has been great to watch on the touchline and they deserve to go through if only for the look of sheer joy on Martin Palermo's face as he became the oldest debutant goalscorer in World Cup history against Greece.
Greece were outplayed by the South Koreans, got lucky against Nigeria and needed to win against Argentina to make sure they went through. Instead super coach Rehhagel played his normal restrictive, defensive tactics presumably so that if Greece got a draw and Nigeria won, the Greeks would go through. This nearly worked but thank God it didn't. I hope this is the last time we see Rehhagel managing anyone at a major tournament, the Greeks (and everyone else) deserve better. Set the Greeks free!
Nigeria were unlucky against Greece, and indiscipline and terrible finishing (mainly by Yakubu) let them down against South Korea, they had enough chances to win it but became the third African side to go out at this stage.
South Korea did just enough to get through to the next stage, although that will be as far as they go.

Group C

I said:
England
USA

Qualified:
USA
England

Almost despite themselves these two teams managed to get through. England, aside from the first halves against the US and Slovenia, were terrible. Like Franz Beckenbauer said they return to the old "kick & rush" game & lump it up to the big man when they are under pressure. Their problems are not solved because they changed the team and beat a poor Slovenia side. Although there were promising signs, like a commitment to passing the ball, the improved performances of Barry, Milner and Defoe and a return to a 4-4-2 formation that they understand, they will struggle in the next game. Wayne Rooney is another issue, he had another poor game, growing more frustrated as he missed chance after chance before he left looking angry and injured. Capello was right to substitute him. England have qualified with their best player playing badly in all 3 games. By finishing second in a group they should have easily won they have made things hard for themselves later in the tournament, the only good thing is that there will be a later in the tournament.
The US were going out until the last few minutes of their final game. Like England they have no-one but themselves to blame. They were poor in all of their games, apart from the second half against Slovenia. By virtue of scoring more goals than England they have won this group and in theory should have got themselves an easier draw in the next round.
Slovenia at least played to the highest standard they could and can count themselves a little unlucky, they beat Algeria and played well against the bigger sides in this group. They would have qualified if the US hadn't scored late in their final game.
Algeria again played up to their full ability. That ability is just not good enough. They worked hard in all their games, and have some terrible finishing to blame for not winning and not scoring. Unfortunately another African team leaves the tournament.

Group D

I said:
Germany
Ghana

Qualified:
Germany
Ghana

Ghana look like being the only African team to make it into the next round but they should expect to do well in their next game. They play the USA and will be confident of progressing to the quarter-finals.
Germany were excellent in their first game, unlucky in their second and just about deserved victory in their third. Mesut Özil's great strike from outside the area gave them the victory. They should beat England in the next round.
Australia finished by beating Serbia but by then it was too late. Major changes are needed to this team but they lack a new generation of talent necessary to make these changes.
Serbia ultimately paid the price for losing their discipline in their first game and for not being able to beat a poor Australia side. Some great players but I am glad that Ghana qualified along with Germany.

Group E

I said:
Holland
Denmark

Qualified:
Holland
Japan

Holland totally dominated this group like they were expected to do without even playing very well. If they can start to develop their performances they will be a real force in this tournament. They will improve if Arjen Robben returns to full fitness but they have a relatively easy last 16 game, then should play Brazil in the quarter-finals.
I am very pleased for Japan, they were excellent against Denmark in the deciding group game and they fully deserved the win and the last qualification spot. They will also be confident of beating Paraguay in the next game.
Denmark were disappointing against Holland, played well against Cameroon and weren't good enough against Japan. An over-reliance on the misfiring Jon Dahl Tomasson and the inconsistent Nicklas Bendtner meant that they lacked a real end product to much of their attacking play. In the final game the Japanese team worked so hard against them to prevent them from having any time on the ball all over the field and they couldn't get any rhythm to their play. Thomas Sorensen can probably be blamed for the two free-kicks the Japanese scored but that shouldn't take away from the quality of the strikes.
Cameroon were disappointing in every game, they failed to get the best out of Samuel Eto'o and most of the blame should lie with coach Paul Le Guen.

Group F

I said:
Italy
Slovakia

Qualified:
Paraguay
Slovakia

Again I made a mistake in over-estimating a big European team. Italy paid the price for their lack of urgency in the first two games and when they finally roused themselves, they were 2-0 down in the final game. Like France and England they should have easily won their group but the 2006 World Champions join the 2006 runners-up on the plane out of South Africa.
Also I misunderestimated how good Paraguay would be at this World Cup. They have played great football in their two draws and a win and deserve to top this group.
Slovakia had been disappointing until their final game, however on the strength of this performance alone they deserve to go through after knocking out the reigning champions.
I said New Zealand would struggle to get a draw in this group and in the end they got 3. They played with great heart and leave the tournament with their pride intact. They just didn't have enough quality to go through.

Group G

I said:
Brazil
Ivory Coast

Qualified:
Brazil
Portugal

Brazil were excellent in their first two games. They had already qualified when they played the last game and were not at their highest level. They and Argentina have been the best teams so far in this tournament, and could meet in the final.
Portugal qualified by virtue of one freak result against the worst team in the tournament. When they played against the two good teams in this group they could only draw but their 7-0 goals against the North Koreans ensured that they progressed to the next round. A draw against Brazil is nothing to be dismissed easily however Portugal will have to improve significantly to go further in the tournament.
Ivory Coast's exit means that only Ghana remain from the African teams in the tournament. This really is a shame but the other African sides came up against superior opposition. 2010 is too soon for an African team to win the World Cup.
North Korea are the lowest ranked team in this tournament and they showed why. Apart from a spirited performance is losing 2-1 against Brazil they never showed like being able to compete. This group was one of the hardest and they never had a chance of going through.

Group H

I said:
Spain
Chile

Qualified:
Spain
Chile

After losing their first game Spain had to come back strong and win the final two games to ensure qualification, which they did. David Villa continued his Euro 2008 form scoring 3 goals and probably the goal of the tournament so far against Chile. By finishing top of the group they avoid Brazil.
I am so pleased that Chile made it through, they have played great football and entertained in all their games. They definitely have a nasty streak and will be without a couple of players for the game against Brazil. If they continue to play as they have so far (and coach Bielsa is not one for becoming defensive) Chile v Brazil will be a great game.
Switzerland got a lucky goal against Spain and then tried to press and defend their way to the next round. Thank God they didn't and we get to see Chile instead of them against Brazil. Not enough attacking quality.
The step up in level was too much for Honduras. They lost their first two games and only got a draw against the Swiss because they aren't very good either. Spain and Chile were too good for this Honduras team.


My score:
12-16

So France, Italy, Denmark and the Ivory Coast let me down. But not as much as they let the French, Italian, Danish and Ivorian people down. Maybe I should have listened to this guy...
See you in the last 16!

Best goals from the third round of group games

Di Natale v Slovakia
Quagliarella v Slovakia
Özil v Ghana
Palermo v Greece
Honda v Denmark
Endo v Denmark
Villa v Chile

Thursday, June 17, 2010

South Americans (& Mexico) lead the way - second round of group games

South American nations are as yet undefeated in this tournament, which is more than can be said for the Europeans and Africans. This round produced more shocks as big names under-performed and failed to get results against less-fancied opponents. There were more refereeing howlers and the jabulani problems continue. France and England imploded off the pitch and embarrassed themselves on it. Still, the goals returned in an exciting round of games as a number of teams ensured qualification to the next round after only 2 games, and sadly Cameroon became the first team to be eliminated. Finally Brazil showed that they really are the best in the world (and this is supposed to be a defensive Brazil team...).
Round 3 begins tomorrow and we get to the business end of the tournament and start saying goodbye to more teams, unfortunately the next to go looks like the hosts. If Mexico and Uruguay draw in the early game, South Africa and France both go home...

Group A

Uruguay v South Africa

RSA were outplayed and out of their depth in this game. They were lucky to get a draw against Mexico and Uruguay found them out in this game. They were not helped by a penalty and red card for their goalkeeper but they never looked like scoring against the South Americans. It will be very difficult for RSA to qualify now which is a shame but not surprising. They were in a difficult group and this team is inadequate. Carlos Alberto Parreira, the foreign manager brought in to help this team through the group. has not won a World Cup game since 1994 when he was managing Brazil, all his other teams failed to win (Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, RSA - so far...). They should be confident of beating France in the next game though it may be too late.

France v Mexico

What’s French for au revoir? Another European nation with a big reputation came unstuck against less fancied opposition (see also Spain, Italy & England). France simply weren’t good enough and they won’t be missed in the next round. They were outfought and outplayed by skillful, speedy Mexicans who, if they could actually shoot on target, could have scored a hatful. It was left to substitute and new Man Utd striker Javier Hernandez and 37 year old Cuauhtemoc Blanco (in the process becoming the third oldest player ever to score in the World Cup finals) to put the nails in the French coffin. This was a team effort though and I lost count the number of times Mexican attackers tracked back to take the ball off promenading French midfielders. If I gave a crap about Thierry Henry's handball against the Irish I would say that they deserved this, but I don't so I won't. This result leaves Mexico and Uruguay only needing a draw against each other to ensure they both progress, you will not find a safer bet. France need a miracle, they won’t get one. Could Domenech be fired actually during a World Cup? Does he even care? Why was he there so long anyway?

Group B

Argentina v South Korea

And just like that it was fun again... Ridiculous talk of an end to the excitement after South Africa’s capitulation to a superior Uruguay side was blown away by Argentina’s all-action manager kicking every ball and directing the play on the sidelines and by their irrepressible play on the field. Argentina’s embarrassment of attacking riches proved too much for South Korea even though the lumbering Martin Demichelis tried to help out the other side with his usual ineptness. The least exalted of Argentina’s strikers, Gonzalo Higuain scored the third World Cup hat-trick for an Argentinian (after Stabile and Batistuta) after Park Chu-Young had deflected a cross into his own net for the first goal. Messi, Tevez, Di Maria and Maxi supported Higuain and this attacking quintet were just too good on the day for South Korea. Argentina should progress to the next round in style. South Korea did not play that badly but were outdone by the speedy passing and movement of Argentina and Mascherano snarling in midfield. They should be able to lift themselves for the game against Nigeria and should qualify with a win.

Greece v Nigeria

Greece were heading for a another defeat and an early and deserved exit from the tournament. The Greek goalkeeper was flummoxed by the movement in front of him at an Uche free-kick and dived out of the way leaving the ball, untouched by any player, to sail unimpeded into the net. The game swung dramatically back in Greece’s favour after a red card for Keita’s petulant kick at Katsouranis on the touchline. Then came another shot from outside the box, another deflection and another goal to level the scores. Nigeria could have taken the lead again on a quick break, only for Obasi to miss an open goal. The winning goal followed a mistake from the normally excellent Enyeama in Nigeria’s goal. To qualify Greece need to beat Argentina in the next game and hope South Korea don't win. Sadly it looks like it's all over for Nigeria.


Group C

Slovenia v USA

The great games keep on coming in round 2. In terms of population this match was the largest country against the smallest in the tournament. At half time the largest country, the US, looked clueless and heading for the exit. If they had lost it would have been almost impossible for them to qualify. Instead a couple of changes at half-time, bringing on Edu and Feilhaber, and some great attacking play from midfield saw the US draw level. They probably should have won the game and but for an incorrectly disallowed goal they would have. The US players were rightly furious with the Malian referee at the end of the game as this result leaves them on 2 points and hoping that results in the remaining games go their way.

England v Algeria

Oh England... There is so much wrong with this side that it won’t be a pity if they don’t qualify, but they still can. By beating group leaders Slovenia in the next round, they will go through. However if they play like they did today they have no chance of beating Slovenia. Again the most basic problem is that England do not have any player who is able to pass the ball regularly to a teammate. Another problem is that when you build your attack around one player, Wayne Rooney, and that player is not playing well you are screwed. Heskey is in the team as he supposedly gets the best out of Rooney. Rooney has had only 4 shots on target in the last 2 World Cups. He needs more help than Heskey can give... If Heskey is not helping Rooney score goals, and he isn’t, why is he in the team? Also what did Capello see in Aaron Lennon that he thought he could leave Theo Walcott at home? What is the point of Frank Lampard in this team? England showed France that they are not alone in needing major restructuring, getting rid of the older players and beginning again with talented youngsters. In the next game I hope Capello changes the whole thing but he probably won’t. If it were up to me I would go 4-4-2, with the same defence, a midfield of J Cole, Gerrard, Barry and Milner (if he's fit or Wright-Phillips if not), with Rooney and Defoe up front. It’s a team with pace, creativity and no confusing system for simple English players, they know their role in a 4-4-2 formation.


Group D

Germany v Serbia

The early favourites in this tournament came a cropper against a strong and resolute Serbia side, helped in large part by referee Alberto Undiano. This ref was as fussy as a grandma, showing yellow cards for meaningless collisions and giving Serbia the slice of luck they probably needed to beat Germany. More luck arrived following Vidic’s bizarre recreation of Kuzmanovic’s handball from the game against Ghana, then unbelievably Lucas Podolski missed Germany’s first World Cup penalty since 1974. Jogi Löw, wearing a fetching cardigan on the bench (as was his assistant, which makes me wonder who chooses the outfits? What if the assistant doesn’t want to wear the same as Jogi?!), took off two of the stars from the first game, Özil and Müller, replacing them with the more experienced, but less effective, Mario Gomes and Per Mertesacker. Most chances seemed to fall to Podolski and that trusty left boot let him down today. Nevertheless Germany created the most chances against 11 men and will still expect to qualify. Group D is now wide open when it once looked like a walk in the park for the Germans.


Ghana v Australia

In a now familiar story in this tournament, Australia went 1-0 up after Ghana keeper spilled a long range shot and Holman was on hand to turn the rebound into the net. Soon after, and unluckily for the Australians, Harry Kewell was struck on the arm by a goalbound shot while standing on the goal line. He deflected the ball off the pitch and was soon to follow it as the referee had no hesitation in giving Kewell a red card and awarding Ghana their second penalty in the tournament. Gyan scored again from the spot as Ghana drew level. Australia played bravely but they were never really threatening against a strangely disorganised and rythym-less Ghana who didn’t make their numerical advantage pay off. It finished 1-1 and Australia look to be heading for the exit, Ghana top the group and will be confident of progressing but will need to improve to go further in this tournament.

Group E

The Netherlands v Japan

I would really hate for the main story to come out of this World Cup to be one of goalkeeping mistakes and the unpredictable Jabulani. With every game the number of mis-hit passes rises and the lack of goals from outside the area stays prominent. And after 26 games there have been NO goals from a free-kick. With some of the best free-kick takers in the world on show this is more than just a statistical anomaly. This game looked to be petering out into another bore draw when the Japanese keeper failed to deal with a fiercely struck shot from Wesley Sneijder and instead redirected it into the net. Holland were/is flat, but have sealed their qualification for the next round.
Denmark v Cameroon

In a fantastically entertaining game Cameroon took the lead following a mistake in the Danish defence. This game ebbed and flowed and there were many chances for either side. It was a shame there had to be a loser. Denmark drew level and then took the lead with two of the best goals so far in the tournament. The first was an excellent quarterback-like pass ball from outstanding Simon Kjaer to the evergreen and lightening quick Dennis Rommedahl who then whipped the ball across for Nicklas Bendtner to slot home. The second was all Rommedahl as he beat his man in the penalty area and drove the ball in with his left foot. Two great goals which unfortunately for Cameroon sent them out of the tournament at the group stage for the 5th time in a row. This also leaves African nations with only 1 win from 11 games this year at the first World Cup in Africa. Denmark need to beat Japan in the next game to ensure they join Holland in the next round.


Group F

Slovakia v Paraguay

The dominance of South American teams in this tournament shows no sign of abating, as Paraguay continued their fine form from their first match into this one. Marik Hamsik, Slovakia’s hyped playmaker, was unable to spark his team into life as they struggled to break down an irrepressible Paraguay side. The excellent Lucas Barrios, Cristian Riveros and the return of Oscar Cardozo were all plus points for Paraguay and they could have won much more comfortably if Roque Santa Cruz hadn’t brought along his Bayern München form instead of his Blackburn form. Paraguay look set to go through and Slovakia need to beat Italy to join them.

New Zealand v Italy

Another BIG upset for a European team. NZ came to stifle the Italians and played their role to perfection. They opened the scoring early from a free-kick out on the left, there was a flick-on, a hint of offside and goal for Shane Smeltz against the World Champions. This was like a watching a Premiership game of a supposedly superior side against and less=fancied one, and the less-fancied sides often spring a surprise. Unfortunately there was to be no win here today for the Kiwis, as Daniele De Rossi was brought down in the area and Vicenzo Iaquinta stroked home the penalty. Paraguay now lead the group and Italy have to beat Slovakia in the next game in order to qualify.

Group G

Brazil v Ivory Coast

For everything South & Central American teams are doing well there are African teams doing badly. This game had everything; 4 goals, cheating, a red card, a fight, players being carried off the pitch, playacting and some Brazilian magic. The magic was provided by Fabiano’s first goal and Elano’s second goal in two games. Brazil bossed this game from start to finish and reminded the Africans and struggling European teams that Brazil are just better than everyone else. Without the ball they pressed and harried the Ivorians (even Robinho), with the ball they were quick and direct and carved open the African team’s defence almost at will. Luis Fabiano’s second would have been one of the goals of any World Cup if he hadn’t handballed it twice as he juggled through a mass of defenders before firing home. Drogba pulled one back with 10 mins remaining, then the game descended into a torrent of petulant fouls, mainly from the Ivory Coast, culminating in Kaka, of all people, being sent off for two yellows, the first for complaining about persistent fouling, and the second for being run into by Keita, who hit Kaka with his chest and went down like Rivaldo clutching his face in THE most shameless piece of acting so far in this tournament. That may well be the lasting memory of the Ivory Coast in this tournament unless other results go their way. Brazil on the other hand have won 2, scored 5, qualified for the next round and looked the best team so far in the World Cup. More power to them...


North Korea v Portugal

At last we got a proper, old-fashioned thumping. Towards the end of the second half I was hoping the ref would blow up early to put the Koreans out of their misery. This was a true demolition job and it could have been worse. Ronaldo had 5 or 6 chances that could have gone in before he finally got his goal, albeit with a stroke of good fortune as the ball ricocheted up from the goalkeepers challenge on his head and then fell perfectly for him to guide the ball into the net. You have to expect that Portugal will face bigger challenges than this, however they look good to take second spot in the group after Brazil as Ivory Coast will struggle to outscore the Portuguese in their final game against North Korea.

Group H

Chile v Switzerland

This was another laughable refereeing performance from an inadequate official. Maybe he thought he was exerting his authority of the proceedings by handing out yellow cards to anyone he liked but he was really showing up his insecurity in officiating in a World Cup finals. His coup de grace was sending off Valon Behrami for holding off Arturo Vidal, who then threw himself to the ground in a manner like Keita yesterday. This garnered the same result as yesterday, the innocent party was sent off and unlike yesterday when the game was almost over and won long before the sending off, this red card meant that Chile dominated the possession and chances for most of the game. They had to wait until the 76th minute for Mark Gonzalez to score the winning goal and it was almost 1-1 minutes before the end as Derdiyok missed a sitter that would have given the Swiss something to show for the hard work. As it is Chile top the group after 2 wins and look good to go through. They play Spain next while Switzerland will play Honduras.

Spain v Honduras

For a long time it looked as if Spain were set to recreate their Iberian neighbour’s performance and go goal crazy. Instead they only won 2-0, a scoreline which doesn’t do justice to the absolute domination from the Spanish side over their former colony. David Villa scored both goals, the first was a drive into the net following a tremendous jinking run round 2 defenders from his position on the right flank. The second was yet another deflected goal from outside the area with the jabulani. Villa later missed a penalty and his hattrick opportunity. Fernando Torres played most of the game and was similarly wasteful, spurning numerous chances. He will get better and with the incredible support from Spain’s midfield of Xavi, Alonso and Navas, who delivered a passing masterclass, the chances won’t stop coming his way. Spain move into second place in the group and can finish as leaders if they beat Chile in the final game.

Goals of round 2

Bursi v US
Bradley v slovenia
Hernandez v france
Bendtner v Cameroon
Fabiano 1st v Ivory Coast
Elano v Ivory Coast (mainly for Kaka's assist)
Villa 1st v Honduras

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Jabulanis, vuvuzelas and draws - the story of the first round

World Cup fever hits Villa Cafe.

What the 2010 World Cup has lacked in terms of goals it has made up for with closely contested games and baaaarrrggggs from vuvuzelas. It has been enjoyable to hear journalists not want to appear like fuddy-duddy, stick-in-the-muds and come out in support of these infernal racket makers. Tell it like it is: they are horrific! Football fans invent songs and chants and play music, what would you rather have: a Brazilian samba band or some idiot and 20,000 of his mates blowing on tuneless horns?
Some players have complained about the new adidas match ball, the Jabulani, others say it isn't a problem. What is certain is that many shots have been ballooned over the bar and no-one has yet scored from a free-kick. The only two goals from outside the box have been from goalkeeping mistakes (England & Algeria).
There have also been complaints about the lack of goals and attacking play, but its not really surprising as no-one wants to lose their first game and teams are understandably cautious. 16 of the first games this year have been 0-0 at half-time. This may sound odd but sometimes I prefer a 1-0 or 2-1 or even a 1-1 as it generally means it was an even game between 2 closely matched teams. Lots of goals suggests a mismatch or mistakes and the only real mismatch in terms of ability and application was Germany v Australia so far. I’m enjoying every minute of it! As the group stage progresses games will be become more open as the urgency for victory increases.

Meanwhile, back in Scotland...

As the first round of group games is over I will review what has happened so far and take a look at how my picks for qualification are doing.

Group A

South Africa v Mexico was memorable for a great opening goal from Tshabalala and a typically creative and attacking performance from the Mexicans. Mexico could have been 3-0 up in the first half and would have won the game were it not for some profligate finishing. France v Uruguay was disappointing as a spectacle and highlighted the problems the outgoing France manager, Raymond Domenech, has as he tries to organise his undoubtedly talented team. Pre-match disagreements over tactics unsettled at least one of his stars, Florent Malouda and has led to complaints from ex-players and armchair critics back in France. Uruguay play the hosts next and, despite being tough and organised against France, created little. Nicolas Lodiero was sent off in the opening game and Uruguay will have to rely on Ignacio Gonzalez for creativity in midfield. Forlán and Suarez will have to play better as they seek the goals that could put them through.
This group is still wide open after 2 draws and my picks, France and Mexico who play each other next, have a lot to do.

Group B

My picks for group B both won in their first games and will now play each other in the second game. As hoped for Greece were terrible and South Korea were just too creative and quick for them. Park Ji-Sung scored one of the goals of the opening round and the Koreans will make it difficult for Argentina. Greece should lose their next game against Nigeria too. Argentina v Nigeria was an entertaining game enlivened by moments of magic, but no goals, from Lionel Messi. The one member of the Argentina squad I have met, Gabriel Heinze scored the only goal with a diving header from a corner. The Nigerian goalkeeper and man of the match, Vincent Enyeama, deserves most of the credit for keeping Argentina restricted to 1 goal.
If South Korea can maintain the momentum for their final game against Nigeria it will look good for them and Argentina to both make it to the next round.

Group C

And in group C England dominated the opening game and again have some wasteful finishing and a great goalkeeping performance to thank for only coming away with a draw. Tim Howard replicated his Everton form in the first game leaving Alexi Lalas to curiously repeat, “He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, he just happens to be American”. I’m not really sure why Alexi feels he needs the extra clause at the end of that statement but Tim Howard deserves praise for his performance. Wayne Rooney doesn’t however and England will need a lot more from their best player if they are to progess. It was pitiful to see England start to lump long balls up to the big man at the end of the game, when they had created plenty prior to that with quick attacks particularly down the right wing. Whether Robert Green will play in the next game is debatable, if he doesn’t Capello might as well send him home now and if he does play then Algeria will be justified in shooting every time they get within range. In all fairness England should have won and the US didn’t offer much to really worry England. The problems, as always, were all of their own making, something Capello needs to remedy quickly to justify his £6m a year fee. Algeria v Slovenia looked to be heading for the draw that England and the US would have been pleased with until Abdelkader Ghezzal got himself sent off and the Algerian goalkeeper expressed his solidarity with the England goalkeeper by robertgreening the ball into his own net. Slovenia may present some difficulties to the US but the Americans should win. As should England against Algeria and I believe my two picks will still make it through.


Group D

On June 13th 2010, we witnessed something special though not as special as this. A Germany side full of youth, creativity, movement and attacking verve that continued the good work from Jürgen Klinnsman’s team in the 2006 World Cup. They totally demolished a poor Australia side and so far look the team to beat this year. The interchange of passing and position between Mesut Özil, Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klöse (who is 1 goal away from tying with Pele in the leading scorer in World Cups list...) and Sami Khedira left the Australian defenders bamboozled. This combined with support from the either wing from Lucas Podolski and Philip Lahm, provided 4 goals for the Germans. I can’t wait to watch them again.
Serbia were a lot people’s picks for the “dark horses” of the tournament, and with good reason. They are a talented, organised squad, however so are Ghana. These two looked like cancelling each other out until an inexplicable handball in the area from Zdravko Kuzmanovic, which followed a second yellow card for Alexander Lukovic. Ghana converted the penalty and probably deserved the win. Creative attacking play from Kwadwo Asamoah, Prince Tagoe and goalscorer Asamoah Gyan and a powerful performance from Kevin Prince Boateng meant Ghana on the whole outperformed Serbia’s more vaunted team. Serbia play Germany next, while Ghana should beat Australia, meaning it looks unlikely Serbia will qualify unless they can get an unlikely result against the Germans.

Group E

This group is looking good for the Japanese and the Dutch. Japan battled and fought their way past a disjointed Cameroon. Some bizarre tactics from French manager Paul Le Guen saw Samuel Eto’o out on the right wing and midfielder Stephane M’bia playing at right back. Even more bizarre was criticism of Eto’o from Cameroon legend Roger Milla before the game. Japan didn’t create an awful lot but got the one goal that counted through CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda. Cameroon play group leaders Holland next and will need to get the best out of Eto’o to beat the Dutch. Holland themselves were slightly fortunate to get a 2-0 victory against Denmark, the first goal being deflected from Simon Paulson via Daniel Agger into the net, leaving the Danes on the back foot from there on. Particularly impressive was substitute Eljero Elia, coming on for Rafael van der Vaart to great effect, he will give the Dutch another option if Arjen Robben is unfit again for the next game. Denmark will look to rebound from that loss by beating Japan and will be confident they can still qualify from this group, I am still confident my picks will do it.

Group F

Each match finished 1-1 in this group leaving everyone on 1 point. As even as you can get after the first game. The big surprise was New Zealand getting a 1-1 draw with virtually the last action as Winston Reid arrived unmarked in the Slovakia penalty area to head home. This was Slovakia’s first World Cup game as an independent nation however they didn’t make the most of their independence. This should have been 3 points for them and unless they improve they will struggle to beat the Italians or Paraguayans. These two teams played an entertaining game with Paraguay surprising the Italians by taking the lead. In the absence of Andrea Pirlo, Riccardo Montolivo played well only to get kicked at every opportunity. New Juventus loan signing Simone Pepe had a lively second half, changing wings and attacking with verve. However the Italians had to rely on one of their World Champions to pull them level, Daniele De Rossi steering home after the Paraguay goalkeeper completely missed a cross from the left wing. It looks more likely that Paraguay and Italy both will now qualify.

Group G

Ivory Coast v Portugal kicked off the Group of Death and played as if they were half dead. Cristiano Ronaldo hit the post with a long range strike but generally ran around throwing himself to the floor at the slightest touch from an opponent. Didier Drogba started the game on the bench and didn’t look like himself when he came on in the second half, his one chance was fired across the goal like he intended a cross rather than a shot. Portugal play North Korea next and the sterling performance from the Koreans will have left Portugal concerned for their prospects. Brazil scored 2 great goals from Maicon and Elano following a delicious Robinho defence-splitting pass. Kaka was disappointing, misplacing many passes and generally being harried of the ball by the industrious Korean team. This group is nicely poised with Brazil looking to seal qualification by beating Ivory Coast in the next game and Portugal needing to lift their game if they are to join them.

Group H

Chile impressed in their 1-0 win over Honduras with some inventive possession and incisive attacking play. Although they only managed one goal due (again) to some wasteful finishing. The story of these opening games, Germany apart, has been about the failure of supposedly superior sides to turn that superiority into goals. Chile entertained with their build-up play but had the same problems as the others. That said it is looking good for Chile to go through, they play Switzerland next while Honduras face a tough task against Spain. Switzerland’s result against Spain is surely the big shock of the tournament so far. In another entertaining game that could have gone either way, Spain came up against a team determined to defend in numbers and attack on the break. For all Spain’s neat passing, inventiveness and talent they were unable to break down a resolute Swiss side marvelously organised by Ottmar Hitzfeld. The goal was slightly fortunate but they they were equally unfortunate when Eren Durdiyok beat 3 defenders and Casillas only to see his shot rebound off the post. If Switzerland can repeat this performance against Chile then they look good to go through. Spain should be confident they can at least take second place although this would probably leave them with a game against Brazil in the next round.

Goals of the first round - in no particular order...

Park v Greece

Tshabalala v Mexico

Gerrard v USA

Podolski v Australia

Maicon v North Korea

Elano v North Korea

Monday, June 7, 2010

World Cup predictions: Group H

OK last one.

Group H:

Chile
Honduras
Spain
Switzerland

Chile are now managed by Marcelo Bielsa, an Argentinian who had a bad run as national manager of his own country, dropping out at the group stage 8 years ago. This time he has almost hero status in Chile after guiding them to the World Cup in South Africa. He likes to play fast, attacking football and will rely upon Matias Fernandez and wonder-kid Alexis Sanchez to provide the assists and the top scorer in qualifying, Humberto Suazo, to deliver the goals. They qualified in second place in a tough group and will expect to get out of this group. They play group favourites Spain last, and could have already guaranteed qualification before this game as they certainly have the ability to beat the other two teams in the group. Beating Honduras in the first game will be key.

Honduras qualified in third place after the USA beat Costa Rica in the dying minutes. Really Costa Rica should have had qualification sown up well before then. The beginning of the end was when Honduras played them off the park in a 4-0 victory last year. Led by Tottenham's Wilson Palacios and striker Carlos Pavon they will push Chile close for the second qualifying spot. Colombian manager Reinaldo Rueda has got them playing cautiously but well as they approach only their second finals appearance.

European champions Spain have been criticised for reportedly being promised a €600,000 bonus if they win the World Cup in July. Whether they need any more motivation is debatable. Spain will go into the tournament as close second favourites after Brazil but this surely represents their best chance to win their first World Cup after going out at the quarter-finals 3 times previously. It is hard to find a more complete team than Spain as they boast quality in every part of the pitch, and real strength in depth on the bench. With a midfield containing Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and may be not even finding room for Xabi Alonso, plus a strike force of new Barcelona striker David Villa and probably the best striker playing in world football Fernando Torres (not that I am biased or anything). It will be considered a failure if they don't make it to the final this year. They won Euro 2008 by playing football the right way, the complete opposite of previous winners Greece, and as such they won supporters across the world. In fact they have only lost one game since Vicente del Bosque took over and that was after they won the European Championship. Spain will make it out of this group and really can go all the way.

Switzerland qualified top of their group but that may be as far as their success goes in this World Cup. Managed by the incredibly successful German Ottmar Hitzfeld, they lack the strength in depth and attacking verve of their group rivals. Benjamin Huggel from Basel scored one of the goals of this season and Switzerland recently won the under-17 World Cup last year, although this tournament comes too soon for most of those talented young players. They won't qualify from this group.

Completing the list of who I think will make it to the knock-out stage are Spain and Chile, leaving Honduras and Switzerland waiting for next time.