World Cup Day 7- 17/06/10

I knew the competition would get more exciting after the first round of fixtures. Teams were far more defensive in their first games, more concerned with not losing than they were with winning. The second games are different though. Teams have already found their feet in the competition, they know what they need to do to improve and they play to win. We've become accustomed at the world cup so far to seeing around 4-5 goals on a 3 game day. In todays 3 games, we saw a totalof 10 goals, including a thriller in the early kick off.

That thriller was between Argentina and South Korea. Both sides were high on confidence after winning their opening games, and the match was played at a lively tempo. Argentina took the lead after a quarter of an hour, with Lionel Messi's free-kick coming off Park Chu-Yong and into the Korea net. 18 minutes later it was 2, as Gonzalo Higuain was left unmarked at the back post to head in a simple goal. The first half was scrappy at times, and Korea played fairly well and were rewarded on the stroke of half time in a similar manner to their second against Greece. This time it was hesitancy from Demichelis which let in Lee-Chung Yong to give Korea hope. The second half, however, was a different story. The Argentinians were a different class as they steamrollered their opponents, with Higuain adding two more to complete his hat-trick and round off an impressive 4-1 victory, which in truth could have been a bit more.
I'm really starting to fancy Argentina for the competition. Messi wasn't even on his best form today and the team was still a joy to watch. Tevez can cause problems to any defence, Messi is, well, Messi, Higuain is the most deadly finisher in the world, and their shaky defence won't get called upon too often because if their opponents do manage to break down their attacks, they'll still have Mascherano to try and get through. And on top of all that, they have Sergio Aguero, who came off the bench today and deserved a goal, and Diego Milito, a world class striker who still hasn't played at the world cup.

The other match in group B today was between Greece and Nigeria, both of whom needed a win after losing their opening game. Nigeria started as far the better side, with the Greek defence looking as vulnerable as it had against South Korea. This weakness showed on 16 minutes when a free kick from a wide area from Uche eluded everyone and sailed into the back of the Greek net. Nigeria, however, shot themselves in the foot when Kaita was foolishly sent off for kicking out at Torosidis, even though replays showed minimal contact and some disgraceful play-acting from the Greek.. What this did do was give the Greeks momentum, and they were rewarded just before half time when Salpingidis' shot took a big deflection of Haruna and found its way into the back of the net. In the second half, Greece produced an even better performance, playing the sort of attack-minded football which has been sadly missing from this world cup. 20 minutes from the end, they got their reward, when Torosidis pounced on an error from the otherwise reliable Enyeama.
First of all, let me come out and say that Torosidis is a cheat and a disgrace. Kaita raised his foot, yes, but the only contact, if any, was a stud slightly skimming the side of Torosidis' thigh, with the Greek going down holding his groin as if he had been shot there. You had to feel sorry for Kaita as well, who had played well and exited the pitch in tears. On that note, back to the football. Argentina are through, or as good as. The only way for them not to progress would be for them to lose to Greece (unlikely) and for South Korea to beat Nigeria. On top of that, the scores would have to be such that both sides raised their goal difference above Argentina's, which seems highly unlikely seeing as the South Americans have a goal difference of 4, with South Korea and Greece both being on -1. Argentina really are a team to behold, and their attack would frighten any defence in the world. If they can keep the pressure on the opposition, they can beat anyone. Their only concern is the defence, and in particular Demichelis, who has always looked suspect and gifted Korea their goal today. Nevertheless, barring a miraculous turn of events, Argentina will progress as group winners and look likely to face Mexico in the next round. I'm sure we all remember that match 4 years ago, when Maxi Rodriguez scored a trully sensational extra-time winner.

The days final match was in group A between France and Mexico. It started in a similar manner to the previous French match, though didi pick up and was more exciting. The first half was fairly even, without too much in the way of clear cut chances. However, once again, France coach Raymond Domenech once again showing tactical ineptitude by persisting with the ineffective Govou and Toulalan, and not even bringing Theirry Henry off the bench this time. France were punished in the 64th minute with a goal from new Manchester UTD signing Javier Hernandez, who just (and I mean only just) beat the offside trap to run clear and calmly round Lloris to give Mexico the lead. From then, Mexico were never really in danger of losing. Their victory was complete with 10 minutes left, Pablo Barrera being fouled in the box by Eric Abidal and veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco slotting home the penalty. It capped a trully dismal display from the French, and all I can say is... serves you right, Ireland would have been far more entertaining. France now have to beat South Africa and hope someone wins between Uruguay and Mexico, and even then they would be relying on goal difference and would only finish second, which would almost certainly mean a meeting with Argentina in the second round.

My Predictions for World Cup Day 8- 18/06/10
Germany 3-0 Serbia
Many people predicted a good tournament for Serbia this year, but against Ghana they really showed a lack of cutting edge, and Germany will provide an even sterner test. The 2006 hosts are on top form after their 4-0 thumping of Australia, and should overrun the Serbians in much the same way.

Slovenia 1-2 USA
Neither side showed a huge amount of quality in their opening fixture, so this game isn't likely to be a goal-fest. Slovenia were certianly better than Algeria in their opening game, so won't be any pushovers, but America just have the edge on quality, both of players and the way they play the game, so should get the 3 points here.

England 2-0 Algeria
It was a poor display from England against the USA, likewise from Algeria against Slovenia. But England are undoubtedly a better team, and rumour has it that Fabio Capello will be altering his tactics for this one and including Gareth Barry in the starting 11, allowing Steven Gerrard a more attacking role. That could just be the tactical switch which wins this game for England.