World Cup Day 13- 23/06/10

Today saw the conclusion of probably the two most open groups in the World Cup this year. In both Group C and Group D, all four teams could potentially progress if results went their way.
First up was Group C. England faced Slovenia, while the USA were up against Algeria. For England, it had been a hugely disappointing campaign so far, with two poor performances in draws with the USA and Algeria. Slovenia had been much better, having beaten Algeria and almost beaten the USA, who came from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. Today was a far better performance from England, helped in no small part to the return to fitness of James Milner, who was outstanding, and the withdrawal of Emile Heskey, who had been poor all World Cup, and all of the last World Cup, and at Euro 2004, and at the 2002 World Cup and... you get the idea. England got the ball rolling after 22 minutes when a superb cross from Milner found the run of Defoe, who guided it into the back of the net. From then on, England never really looked like conceding, and up until the last few minutes produced a composed and ensured performance before nerves set in towards the end. But, they managed to hold on for the win which took them through to the last 16. The celebrations after the game were tinted slightly, though, by the news that Landon Donovan had scored a last-gasp winner for the USA, meaning it was the Americans who went through as group winners.

To find out who England and the USA would face in the last 16, we had to wait until 7:30 when Germany took on Ghana and Australia faced Serbia. The Germany match was a hugely entertaining, end to end affair, and really should have had more than one goal. But when the goal did come, it was well worth waiting for, as Mesut Ozil flicked the ball up on the edge of the box and hit a beautiful swerving volley into the corner. The goal was enough to give Germany the win they needed to top the group, but Ghana's position could still be under threat, as Serbia could finish second with a win over Australia. As it was, it didn't go as planned for the Serbians. We had to wait until the 69th minute for a goal in this one, when Tim Cahill rose well to head in a cross from the right. 5 minutes later, it was two, as Brett Holman was allowed far too much space to stride forward and fire in a shot from at least 30 yards. But, the Australian dream of scoring the 4 goals needed for progression was well and trully killed off when Marco Pantelic pounced on a Mark Schwarzer error to give Serbia hope. But it wasn't to be, and Ghana progressed through with Germany, to set up Germany v England and USA v Ghana.

My Predictions for World Cup Day 14- 24/06/10

Paraguay 2-1 New Zealand
Make no mistake about it, New Zealand have fought hard this world cup and won't go down without a fight. However, Paraguay have just had that little bit more class so far, so should be able to sneak this one.

Slovakia 0-2 Italy
The World Champions have struggled so far this competition, but generally Slovakia have been poor, so Italy should be able to do what it takes and get the victory to take them through, allbeit in second place as long as Paraguay win.

Denmark 1-1 Japan
Here are two teams who have shown some very good ability this World Cup, but have also blown hot and cold a little bit. For me, this is just too close to call, but it should make for some pretty exciting stuff.

Cameroon 0-3 Holland
Not a hard one to predict. Holland have, at times, been brilliant. Cameroon have, all the time, been rank rotten. Not too difficult a win for the Dutch.