Round of 16 Preview and Review: Germany to win, Argentina to coast

Sweden v Germany

Germany seem stronger, having delivered consistent all round performances against vastly different teams. They are on form, having won all 3 games. Personnel wise, Ballack is back from injury, they have 3 strikers with goals - with Klose looking particularly clinical and are plahng at home. The play of their full backs have been an added bonus - often adding an extra dimension to a already strong attacking corps.

Sweden have failed to fire. They have seemed a little rusty and their performances have been more competent than creative. The good news is that their strikers are getting shots on goal, but their finishing is still a little woeful. Against teams that seem to want to play, Sweden have been effective, running and passing with aplomb in midfield. Their defence is a little slow but haven't been unduly shabby.

Germany have to play their natural game, keeping an eye to man mark Zlatan while remembering not to give Sweden any space just outside the penalty area. Their midfield should deal with the creativity, or lack thereof, of Sweden's midfield and their fullbacks should overlap at every opportunity. Forcing Larrson to play as a striker and not a half striker who can playemake is key. They also have to be tidy on set pieces as the Scandinavians are more than adept at scoring off them.

Sweden has to defend as a unit, up the park as the Germans are not the speediest. Close out Klose and cramp Podolski out onto the sides of the penalty area where the lack of angles seems to inhibit him. they have to be tidy in midfield, not giving the ball away. Willhelmsson should try to harry Ballack at every opportunity while Ljungberg has to track back to nullify Lahm and or Schnieder. It's a tough ask for Swden as they will be out footballed in the open. They have to keep it tight at the back and move balls up to Zlatan and Larsson while taking their chances off set pieces.

Prediction:
Germany to win 2-0.

Outcome:

Sweden were limp, Germany vibrant. Imposing their superiority on midfield, the Germans created more, ran more, passed more and shot more. Lehmann made some crucial stops in net for Germany while Zlatan turned and twisted but could not find any potency. Klose was seminal, Podolski was lively, Lahm the closest we've seen to a reincarnation of the old Roberto Carlos. Germany deserved it all the way.

When Larrson stepped up to take the penalty to clawa goal back - you just knew he was going to miss it. Miss it he did. Lucic was a bity unlucky to get sent off but Both Sweden and him have had a tournament to forget.

Germany 2 - Podolski 2
Sweden 0

Argentina v Mexico

Argentina have so many weapons and so many options that they can hurty ou from all angles. Impervious of any weaknesses only their lack of belief, if any, can do them in. Mind games are everything. Arguably the pick of the first round, they are on form and have rotated wisely and well.

Mexico have started brightly but then faded. They have the personnel to be a thorn in most teams' sides but their mental conditioning has to be questioned, their finishing going from clinical to abysmal in the space of one half of football. They are plucky, full of stamina and running and can work the ball around with gusto.

Argentina just has to watch the set pieces as the Mexicans are very flexible and versatile both in the air or on the ground. Control of the midfield is key as well as keeping Bravo and Zinha out of space. If they just pass and work the ball into the penalty box, Argentina's strikers will eventually notch a goal but they must not lose hope if the mexicans prove hard to break down or if they take an early lead off a well taken set piece. Riquelme has to be protected. Let him have space.

Mexico has to watch Riquelme. Crowd him out and narrow his options, and Argentuina will have trouble creating chances. They have to put the aging backline, marshalled by Roberto Ayala, under pressure with speedy runs and long passes into space. Cambiasso might be an excellent foil while on attack but his defensive anchoring is not up to speed. Pass around him or on the flanks and the South Americans could be beaten - Crosses are key. Be physical as the Ivorians showed.

Prediction:
Argentina to win 3-1

Outcome:

As predicted, Mexcio threatened of set pieces, taking a well worked lead off one of them. Riquelme was harried and seemed off colour. Mexico were unlucky wheh Jared Borgetti headed into his own net, and I think Crespo should have been fouled for lifting his boot so high. All the same, Argentina and Mexico both passed the ball around with aplomb and the game was lively end to end.

At the other end, Heinze was lucky not to be sent off when Fonseca capitalized on his mistake to poke the ball past him and be clean through on goal. Heinze got booked, but should have been sent off - the rules are clear. Mexico then, was lucky when Messi's goal off Tevez' pass was ruled out for an offside flag on the former. He may have seemed offside but one can clearly see a Mexican defender on the far side of the box playing Tevez onside. That levelled things up.

So, a really close game was decided in extra time by a mercurial one time volley from Maxi Rodriguez. Receiving a pass on the right corner of the box with a defender on him, he turned in one motion and fired a volley into the top left corner of the goal. Sanchez stood no chance. Goal came off open play and was the product of the one thing Argentina had that Mexico did not - matchwinners. Argentina just about deserved it, Mexico can hold their heads high.

Argentina 2 - Crespo/Borgetti og, Rodriguez
Mexico 1 - Marquez

Germany 2006 Days 13-15: Remaining Group Wrap-up

June 21.

Group C ends the excitement.

This group finally ended just as it had begun. Excitement, great goals, bad defending and a strangely muted Dutch performace.

In the game between the top two teams who had already qualified, the Dutch showed no initiative and lacked endeavour. Argentina had the group wrapped up yet they still ventured forward to attack and score some goals - no doubt bouyed by the fact that they had little to lose in finishing second - on this form Portugal should not trouble them. Holland's midfeld has been under par for the entire group stage and so it remained - Van Bommel, Cocu and co. unable to create a single noteworthy chance of substance. It might cost them as the tournament unfolds.

The game petered out into a rather underwhelming draw - one would have expected some fireworks atleast since both teams had qualified. No doubt they should step it up in the knockout stages.

Argentina took the group on GD, Holland finished second - both on 7 points.

The other game was a real cracker. Both Ivory Coast and Serbia had already been eliminated and were playing for little other than pride. There was some atrocious defending from both sides, first the Balkan nation going 2-0 up thanks to some comical giveaways from Cyrille Damoraud, playing while Kolo Toure was rested, and then gifting back 2 goals with Dudic conceding 2 penalties after palming twice in the penalty box. Despite the 2 goals Serbia were played off the park - Cote D'Ivoire retaining 65% of the posession and registering 27 shots with a mind boggling 19 shots on goal. Nadj getting sent off did not help the Serbs either. Overall Ivory Coast's win was well deserved and despite going out in the first stage can hold their heads high. Vibrant, adventurous and outrageously attack-minded they are definitely the best and most popular team not to go through.

Serbia were done in by bad coaching - Sasa Ilic and the tall Zigic should have started - as a pair they are much better than the Punch and Judy show of Milosevic and Kezman. After Vidic got injured they had no defenders, Gavrancic was pathetic and Krstaljic a shadow of the defender who conceded only 1 goal in qualifying. Stankovic finally played a decent game, his long pass to Zigic for the first goal was a beauty. They should have gotten more experienced peformances from Stankovic and Djordevic in midfield, Ljuboja and Koroman should have started and not the ridiculously out of depth Nadj. Finally, Duljaj was a constant weak spot and despite his effort was mostly at sea for all 3 games. They will rebuild and return - I know it. Football is in their blood, political disputes are terribly distracting, once they settle, the remnants will return - stronger and better.

Argentina 0
Holland 0

Ivory Coast 3
Serbia and Montenegro 2

Argentina 7
Holland 7
Ivory Coast 3
Serbia and Montenegro 0

Group D.

Well, Mexico tried really hard, despite going a man down they took the game right to Portugal. Portugal held on and in the end the win was more than enough for them to go through. Fonseca scored a blinder, Simao was immense, speedy, dribbly and deadly. The Mexicans played their second game in a row where they utterly dominated the second half, despite playing with only 10 men, but did not win. Bravo should have put that penalty away. Portugal were on the ropes at that point.

Angola made it interesting, Andre scoring a goal that briefly scared Mexico and made things a little tense but the Persians battled back and the draw in that game was a deserved result. I had been overtly critical of Angola, thinking them to be completely outmatched. However they battled manfully and only conceded 2 goals while drawing 2 games and losing only once - that too only to an early goal by Portugal. Iran ? Well, they played competently but do not have the tools to really threaten at this level, like the other Asian nations, the games against the African nations providing their best chance of success.

Overall this group was a bit of a snorefest, Portugal never really taking off and Mexico failing to deliver on their early promise. Let's hope the Mexicans can build this time on their 4th straight appearance in the last 16. Sadly, they play Argentina. Portugal did not mess up things this time around and kept their heads. Their matchup against Holland should be interesting.

Portugal 2 - Simao, Maniche
Mexico 1 - Fonseca

Angola 1 - Andre
Iran 1 - Bakhtiarizadeh

Portugal 9
Mexico 4
Angola 2
Iran 1

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June 22.

Group E holds the Czechs back.

The Republic Czeched out in some style, losing their last match and a player in a pulsating game versus Italy. Other than Nedved, they failed to ignite, Rosicky and Galasek seeming to be a little paralysed by the occasion. Italy on the other hand, with qualification stil on the line, played very well, good goals from Inter hackman Materrazzi and Pippo Inzaghi completing a Milanese rout of the Bohemians. The Czechs attacked right from the outset but the Italians held firm and eventually won 2-0 based on solid defence and a competent counter attack. Gattusso was immense in midfield for the Italians, Nedved, a one man wrecking crew for the Czechs, but Buffon played his best game of the tournament, making 8 saves. And in the end that made the difference.

Once again, despite having a stellar team the Czechs have failed to make an impact. With the retirement of this generation one can only wonder what the supply chain will throw up next. thei mentality has to be questioned. The Italians have been most impressive. Never once in this tournament have they looked under pressure, deep and resourceful they have rotated well, solid on all fronts and playing with some attacking verve. Lippi no dount thinks its 1995 and he is at Juventus. If they can keep their temper under wraps they should go far.

Ghana go through.

The point is that while Ghana may have certain players who are better as a team they are roughly on the same level as the US - arguably worse. Some may excuse their brutal physical style as youthful exuberance but I think that that reasoning only goes so far. There's a reason why they've commited more fouls than anyone else and I think also gotten more cards - they are rough. They played rough and ugly and got rightly whacked in the first game versus Italy, toned it down and came back strong against the Czechs and then had a scrapfest against the US.

The problem with the US is that even though they are tidy as a team they don't have any weapons and don't have any variation in style - this is why they fail against more talented and arguable more skilled sides. Kicking, running, passing and heading only gets you so far - to make the jump from being competently good (as the US is right now IMHO) you need a playmaker who can thread low percentage passes(Kaka, Ronaldinho, Riquelme, Fabregas, Xabi, Pirlo, Nedved). You need a ball winner or a holding midfielder (Gattusso, Emerson, Gilberto, Essien, Van Bommel, Makhalele, Ballack). You need attacking full backs (Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Italy - even France). You need a penetrative attacking midfield corps(Tevez, Messi, van Persie, Ljungberg) or a finisher (Crespo, Nistelrooy). You need a free kick specialist (Beckham, Ronaldinho). I'm not saying that the States need all of these, but they do need atleast one of the above. They have none - and it is this lack of specialization that does them in eventually.

The first 17 of the US are all very fit, competent players with good attitude and decision making - but they lack a match winner

1-1 should have been fair. Ghana may not have deserved to win but the US did not deserve to lose.



Italy 2 - Materazzi, Inzaghi
Czech Republic 0

Ghana 2 - Draman, Appiah
USA 1 - Dempsey

Italy 7
Ghana 6
Czech Republic 3
USA 1

Group F - Croatian fumbles, Brazillian fireworks.

In the end it was too easy for Brazil, they conceded early and then went on to utterly dominate the game. slamming home 4 goals to come from behind and slaughter the Japanese. Like Spain they have self belief, a deep squad and an innate ability to continue playing their natural attacking game even when trailing. In the end they won all their games, and displayed versatility in beating the defensively solid Croats and Australians as well as the trigger happy Japanese. Don't look now but Ronaldo is scoring goals again, the Brazillians are peaking at the right time.

The Japanese, in my opinion, played better than they did in 2002, playing in a harder group. They led against Brazil and Australia (they really should have beaten the latter) and held the technically superior Croats to a draw. Like the US, they have good all round players and decent physical ability but they don't have any weapons. This is what costs them in international tournaments.

Croatia flattered to deceive again. They played very well in their game against Brazil, should have beaten Japan having dominated the game, and should have beaten Australia today. They are a far better team but strangely have been more and more out of synch as the tournament has progressed. Twice they went ahead only to surrender the game back to the Aussies, for whom Kewell scored - Kewell has played only one a few decent games all year - this was one of them. After having scored to take a 2-1 lead in the 76th minute they should have locked down the defences and kept the Aussies at bay but strangely made no changes to their tactics and plodded on. So now, Australia, by virtue of their comeback win against Japan, have gone through. And Croatia have only themselves to blame.

Brazil 4 - Ronaldo 2, Gilberto, Juninho
Japan 1 - Tamada

Croatia 2 - Kovac, Srna
Australia 2 - Kewel, Moore

Brazil 9
Australia 4
Croatia 2
Japan 1

Germany 2006 Day 12 - Groups A and B

June 20.

Group A was one of the more exciting groups this year.

Germany led from the front. the hosts haveing an excellent round-robin start - winning all three games and scoring a fair smattering of goals.

It is nice to see this German team gel and build over the last couple of years and try to show people that their surprise. Last time around with a very young end inexpereinced team they crept their way steadily through the draw. Having lost the few remaining veterans in Jancker, Babbel and Hamann they injected new blood as they continued to build around Ballack. They had a nightmare Euro 2004 - drawing with Latvia - but here have come together in all the right places at seemingly the right time. Their play ir freshingly open, positive and their finishing is competent without being ruthlessly clinical. In Bernd Schnieder, Schweinsteiger they have the perfect foils to the midfield general that is Ballack. Their full backs have outdone themselves in their attacking wraparounds down the flanks - both Lahm and Arne Freidrich marauding horsemen supplementing any attack. Germany always have a knack of slipping through a draw - consistently challenging at all tournaments for as long as I can remember - this time though not bearing the weight that comes with being one of the favourites they have quietly and efficiently dismantled the rest of the group.

Ecuador were always tricky opposition, not bearing any suoperstar names and fielding only one player who plays in the top flight in Europe, Aston Villa's Ulisses de la Cruz, but still playing a counter attacking style designed to trip up any complacency in midefield or defence. They may have been criticised for relying a solid home record, colstered by the altitude of their home ground at Quito, but the fact remains that they got good results away from hom as well and in dismantling Costa Rica and trumping Poland. proved they are no pushovers. Continuity is important and in De la Cruz, Hurtado and Kaviedes have one of the longest playing set of defenders in world football. Add in the clinical finishing of Delgado and Tenorio - and you have a very frightening team who can upset anyone on their day. Both Delgado and Tenorio seem suited to the style of play in Spain or even Italy - expect to see a move for on of them soon. They have exceeded all expectations to get to the second round in some style, they deserved it completely.

I expected this game to be a draw - Ecuador's canny defending to be too much for Germany and since both teams were already through, no point in expending too much trying to engineer a win. I was surprised by the ease with which Germany sliced through Ecuador and by the end of it the 3-0 win was comprehensive. Germany's strikers played exceedingly well, Klose having yet another solid World Cup, Podolski finally getting on the score sheet. Ballack was immense and his replacement Borowski played just like him when he came on.

Germany have so far been solid all round, but more pedigreed teams await in the knockout stages, starting with Sweden.. Ecuador, canny as ever should give England lots of problems and might, just might eke out a win.

It is ironic, that on a day Poland were finally scoring some goals, the only Polish strikers who bagged goals were for host Germany. Defender Bosacki scored Poland's only 2 goals this campaign so in the end the only polish strikers who scored aren't even on the Polish team (for the record Borowski, Klose and Podolski are the 3 Poles on Germany's team). Underachieving campaign this time for Poland - all because their strikers could not put away decent chances. Good but not at the top level. Frankowski's shadow looms large over this team.

Costa Rica were capable on occasion but generally not god enough. Their defending was naive throughout and their midfield ws non existant. Like neighours USA, they are consistently good enough to get here but fall off thereafter.

Germany 3 - Klose 2, Podolski
Ecuador 0

Poland 2 - Bosacki 2
Costa Rica 0

Group B finally ends the torture.

This was one of the most boring groups this year with the standard of football only picking up on the last day with little to play for.

I called the draw between England and Sweden when the draw for the tournament was made. They always cancel each other out. Sweden have better strikers but England have a slightly better midfield. And since the Swedes are always a technical notch above the English anyway this game would be England scoring from open play, Sweden getting back from a set piece or dead ball. And so it was. Good goal from Cole although he may have been a bit lucky - let's see him try it against team which gives him less space.

Sweden were unlucky not to have Zlatan due to injury, England were unlucky to lose Owen - not that he's been very effective anyhow.

Having a choice to put on Walcott, Svennis threw in the white flag and sent on Crouch instead. When he had the option of replacing Rooney with Walcott he sent on Gerrard instead. What's the point of taking him to the tournament if he plays no games.

Sweden replaced Jonsson with the varangian styled Willhelmsson, probably with the intention of letting the latter atone for several missed free kicks against Paraguay with atleast a proper one here. Allback is one of the better 3rd strikers in the world cup, he's always a goal threat when he comes on and he got one here having started for Zlatan. Larsson, so clinical off set pieces, levelled things up off a free throw in the 90th minute. Campbell and Terry missing the bounch of the ball. Mellberg also hit the post of a free kick.

So England win the group, Sweden take second, underachieving football all round.

In the group's other game, Paraguay won an exciting contest with Nelson Cuevas scoring the clincher after a neat one-two with Roque Santa Cruz. Trinidad, try as they might could not find a goal, despite having the desire and effort. Unlucky to concede an own goal they just did not seem to have the skill required to break Paraguay down. They played a little bit more today, as opposed to their first 2 games, and came out on the attack ever so often but in the end Paraguay were too experienced and skilful for them.

Overall Paraguay was rubbish most of the tournament while Trinidad played well above their limits despite being negative.

Sweden 2 - Allback, Larrson
England 2 - J Cole, Gerrard

Paraguay 2 - Sancho (og), Cuevas
Trinidad and Tobago - 0

Final Standings:
England 7
Sweden 5
Paraguay 4
Trinidad 1

I had the same except Sweden pipping England on GD after both were tied on 7 points.

Germany 2006 Day 11: Spain and Ukraine bring pain while Togo out

June 19.

Battle of Tiny nations.

This was on paper, atleast a snore fest - a seemingly unimportant game betweem two minnows. Well both Togo and Switzerland are probably the 2 of the smallest countries at the World Cup. Togo is about 56,000 sq Km while the Swiss weigh in at about 41,000. Whereas Togo were making their debut, being one of the lesser lights on World Football, The Swiss are seasoned campaigners and belong to the middle tier of European footballing nobility.

This game went completely according to the form book. Despite Togo's eager start and ceaseless running in the first half, the Swiss took control and proved too strong. The Swiss are very well organised in defence, limited but resourceful in the middle of the park and competent when it comes to scoring. Having drawn France in their opener, they played another completely predictable game. Togo may have pushed them initially, but the Swiss eventually had too much experience. The main difference between European football and the rest of the world, is that Euro teams are always very well organised, resourceful and keep their shape. Arguably the best striker on the pitch may have been Emmanuel Adebayor for Togo, but what the Swiss lack in talent, they make up for in organisation and effort. Several times Togo, forwards and midfielders left too gaping a hold in the middle of the park, whereas the swiss were more composed. This side is a tricky one, better than the one featuring Stephane Chapuisat at USA'94, although as a spectacle they lack any glitter.

With 4 points they are in first place in their group and barring a debacle in their last group match may well make it through to the next stage. Once again their crunch game is against the Koreans. As I write this, the Swiss are now one of only 3 teams left who are yet to concede a goal (Brazil and Portugal are the other 2 - England, Spain, Ecuador and Sweden having conceded since the Swiss last played)

Togo have been distracted all tournament with pay disputes and the like. They haven't been bushwacked - yet, France is still to play them - and even though they are down and out, they have maintained some sort of a challenge till the final whistle in both their games.

Switzerland 2 - Frei, Barnetta
Togo 0


Ukraine crush Saudi Arabia.

In a day of predicatability, the Ukrainians bouncd back with a powerful riposte to their critics. They pummelled the defensively inept and tactically void Saudis 4-0. shevckenko finally scoring a World Cup goal.

Ukraine are quiet and efficient and play a simple style, their tactical savvy immense. Against the Saudi's they proved the void between The 2 continents as the Asian powerhouse was demolished by a second tier Euro team. I don't know why Mohammad Al Daeyea did not start this game for the Kingdom but his replacement Al Zaid ws every bit as comical as Al Daeyea was in the 8-0 defeat to Germany at Japorea 2002.

Rebrov looked born again displaying an attacking verve not seen since his Dynamo Kiev days partnering Andriy Shevchenko. The defence was a lot more confident and made fewer errors. Eastern Block teams have alwasy done the simple things well and proficiency at set pieces has always been their strength - they converted 2 goals off set pieces here and could have arguably scored more - such was the danger whenever the ball was floated high.

KSA are still clueless to the intricacies of defending set pieces and are uncomfortable with anything over shoulder height. Rusol and Shevchenko's goal were text book notches off a free kick and corner while Rebrov's goal was a joke. The Saudi goalie slipped trying to get across to palm away a hopeful long shot.

Ukraine's crunch game versus Tunisia should see them through. Not good enough for Spain on their day (few teams are), they are still too good for the likes of Tunisia or Saudi Arabia. The north Africans should give them a game but Ukraine should win that.

Ukraine 4 - Rusol, Shevchenko, Rebrov, Kalichenko
Saudi Arabia 0


Spain put on masterclass.

It's a sign of things when Spain shows as much stomach for a fight as they did in this game. Despite playign well they were down to a well taken Mnari goal within the opening 10 minutes, Zied dribbling past multiple attackers to set the small man up. However Spain responded in ike fashion. Not once sacrificing their attacking style, they turned on the boosters to powere themselves to 3 second half goals and pulverise the Tunisians.

Torres bagged 2, Fabregas set up 2, Raul scored a goal off a deflection and Spain could have had 2 more. Torres came alight in this game, showing us his full repertoire of tricks. Germany 2006 may well be his coming out party. His first touch was exquisite, his ball handling composed and his passing mature in its variety and range. Xabi Alonso and Xavi Fernandez combined well enough but like two medieval alchemists trying out new potions in the lab, they seemed to huff and puff over their cauldron with little end product. Conversely Senna had a bad game while Luis Garcia was strangely off-colour. Cesc came on and immediately showed us what we had been missing when he was on the bench - abel to operate in tight spaces and pass early, he unleashed an offensive campaign of narrow channel passing.

Yet it is a testament to Spain's attacking mentality that they started 3 attackers. and despite going 70 minutes without a goal, they continued to attack.

Spain look excellent, right behind Germany and Argentina as the pick of the first round. On this form they might very well meet continental rivals France in the second round. Prepare yourselves for a Spanish conquest if that ever happens.

The best part is that Spain still have to play the weakest team in the group - Saudi Arabia. Torres to edge out Klose for the golden boot ? It could happen.

Spain 3 - Raul, Torres 2
Tunisia 1- Mnari

Germany 2006 Day 10: Croats crumble, Braz beat Oz, France fumble.

June 18.

Croats Split with Sapporro Samurais.

I expected the Croats to win this game. Not by a huge margin but by one of those convincing yet underwhelming scores like 1-0 or 2-1. After playing very well against World Champions Brazil, in their opening game, they fell apart against a determined Japan.

I don't know what to make of Croatia - enigmatic, frustrating at times but consistently capable of turning over more illustrious foes. They are compact, technically gifted and in Dario Srnja and Dado Prso, (him of Christopher Lambert looks) have competent strikers who will take their chances and score goals without setting the game alight. Their midfield of Kovac, Kranjcar and Babic is dogged without being dominant and their defence, marshalled by France 98 veteran Igor Tudor, is neat and tidy.

Their whole World Cup campaign has, once again, lacked the explosive touch, symptomatic of recent tilts at international tournaments. They seemed off colour and sterile, an international Charlton or Bologna, good enough to make it to the final dance, but never good enough to challenge for manjor honours. One could say Yanagisawa played an inspired game to deny the Croats, but the fact remains that they never really had a clincher that could have won the game.

With Serbia getting systematical dismantled and dumped out of the tournament by Argentina, and Ivory Coast frittering away its chances, my hopes now fell on the Croats to take on the mantle of outside bets. They failed to light up, again. They were physically more imposing than the Japanese and possessed more talent, technique and organisation, but like a fading team whose best years seem behind them they failed to find the final telling pass. When Srnja stepped up to take the penalty you sensed he would fluff it, and fluff it he did, his final effort pathetic.

Japan battled hard, displaying mental resolve and determination to make up for their late debacle in their opening game against Australia. Nakamura, Nakata and Inamoto played well but what they lack in skill, they make up in effort and poise, running, running and running.

Other than the sun though, nothing else shone down. Once the final whistle blew you felt even the players had had enough. The game needs less games like this but sadly there are so many evenly matched out-of-form teams to go through.

I've labelled this group as Brazil's with the crucial match the decider between Croatia and Oz. On this form Australia have the upper hand and Croatia have to chase the game - but this group of middling professionals may find that group of motley journeymen too hard a group to beat.

Croatia 0
Japan 0


Brazil bruise Australia.

Some people called this game close. Some said Australia deserved a draw. Oh please. I'll admit - Brazil were not brilliant, but they still played well. Australia had little to offer. As predicted, their limited group of thugs sought to clamp down and crunch up any spark of Brazilian flair. They knew they could not win by trying to outfootball Brazil so they figured they'd out foul them and throw them off their game. I hate that attitude. Football is a game of goals and balletic attacking movement - not one of defensive communism. Australia, like Ghana in the their opener against Italy, disgusted me. If they had scored it would have been off a mistake by Dida, the Brazilian custodian, not because they created anything worth watching.

I enjoyed seeing them cut open in the final 20 minutes. Adriano's finish off Ronaldo's side pass was exquisite, seminal and technically perfect. That is what finishing is all about. Fred's second may have been fortuitous but the fact remains that the ball bounced off a post after Robinho had sliced through the apology of an Australian defense. Kaka should have put away a third but he was tense, rattled by the physical abuse he had had to put up with the whole game. I was most impressed by Lucio and Ze Roberto, the latter displaying all his years of experience with a mature, composed performance that was understated but crucial. Gilberto was everywhere, shielding, passing and cutting off angles.

Brazil should have stuffed Bolton - I mean Australia, but the 2-0 win and qualification will go down fine. They are yet to sparkle, but they should remind themselves that Oz played better than Serbia did against Argetina and so comparisions with their southern neighbours are misplaced and counter-productive.

The scary thing in all this is that Australia now only need a draw in their final game to proceed - a tragedy that should not occur.

Brazil 2 - Adriano, Fred
Oz 0

France fluff their lines.

France should have won this game but they looked clueless and shackled the whole time. After they went a goal up through Henry's simple finish, they briefly came out of their shell. However once the minutes ticked by and they had still not scored a seond goal, one could sense panic and anxiety mounting. Sure enough their nervoueness permeated through to the Koreans who scored a deserved equaliser. I've always been a little harsh on the Koreans but I have never discounted their effort - that shone through today as they maintained their grip on top place in the group. Park's goal was a little comical in fashion, Barthez showing why everyone rates him so low. But the Koreans got just reward for a gutsy, determined fightback.

Henry disappeared after scoring the goal, preferring to fall at the slightest contact in the box, Viera played rubbish. He was so bad that even Makhalele could not protect the hole that was being forged in the centre of the park. Zidane is past his prime - he has been for a few years now. It's a sign of things that the French team is built around 2 aging overseas has beens when they have a vibrant domestic team in Lyon. Abidal was wasted, Wiltord was his usual sloppy self.

At one point Viera received the ball on a breakaway on the right. Instead of either crossing, passing forward into the box where Henry and Wiltord were making runs, surging forward himself or shooting, he waited till THREE Korean defenders moved past him into position and then played the ball BACK to Abidal, just behind him. That move summed up the French - ponderous and tentative.

Domenech is a joke - he has wasted this team. Anyone who picks Barthez over Coupet is a Sven - Monsier Raymond is a definite Sven, down to the stylish eyewear.

Korea might still go through, France look headed out.

France 1 - Henry
Korea 1 - Park Ji-Sung

Off the beaten track - side stories at the World Cup

Top Marksmen by Club.

Despite being a competition between countries, it's always interesting to see how players from various clubs are doing. I personally try and keep track of Arsenal's and Milan's players but I decided to do some research and see which clubs have scored the most goals so far.

Here's the list as of Day 10 - Sunday June 18 2006 - (yes Arsenal is on top!)

5 Goals:
Arsenal 5 - Ljungberg, Van Persie, Rosicky 2, Henry

4 Goals:
Chelsea 4 - Robben, Drogba, Crespo 2

3 Goals:
Liverpool 3 - Crouch, Gerrard, Xabi
Man Utd 3 - van Nistelroy, Cristiano Ronaldo, Park Ji-Sung
Athletico Madrid 3 - Torres, Maxi Rodrigues 2
Werder Bremen 3 - Frings, Klose 2

2 Goals:
Barcelona 2 - Deco, Messi
Milan 2 - Kaka, Pirlo, Gilardino
Barcelona Guyaquil - 2 - Delgado (Ecuador)
Herediano 2 - Wanchope (Costa Rica)
Everton 2 - Cahill 2
Inter 2 - Cambiasso, Adriano
Al Saad - 2 - Carlos Tenorio (Qatar)
Valencia 2 - David Villa 2
Udinese 2 - Iaquinta, Muntari
Guadlajara 2 - Bravo 2 (Mexico)
Al Hilal 2 - Al Jaber, Al Kahtani (Saudi Arabia)

1 Goal:
Real Madrid 1- Beckham
Corinthians 1- Tevez (Brazil)
PSG 1 - Pauleta
Bayern Munich 1 - Lahm
Real Madrid 1- Beckham
Argentinos Juniors 1 - Kaviedes
Borussia Moenchengladbach 1 - Neuville
Palermo 1 - Zaccardo og
Troyes 1 - Jaziri
Bolton 1 - Jaidhi
Sevilla 1 - Saviola
Toluca 1 - Zinha (Mexico)
Alaves 1 - Aloisi
Celtic 1 - Nakamura
Duisburg 1 - Jung-Hwan Ahn
Ulsan Hundai 1 - Choon-soo Lee (South Korea)
Al Ahly 1 - Kader (Kuwait)
Lyon 1 - Fred
Modena 1 - Asamoah Gyan

Some of the usual suspects are on top, especially clubs who have multinational rosters like Arsenal, Chelsea and Milan.

Very heartening to see smaller clubs from around the world like Udinese, Guadlajara, Toluca, Al Hilal, Al Saad, Barcelona Guayacan and Herediano figure higher up. the best foot ball might be played in European club football, but good football is played everywhere.

Take a moment and savour the spread of the game.

Haircut XI

Lots of interesting hairstyles at this year's tournament. My choice team of coiffeured professionals:

Ljuboja - Serbia
Aruna Kone - Ivory Coast
Cisse - France
Aziawonou - Togo
Pimpong - Ghana
Loco - Angola
Nakata - Japan
Bakari Kone - Ivory Coast
Chun Soo-Lee - Korea
Torrado - Mexico
Puyol - Spain

I'll try and have some pictures coming soon.

Name Game.

Surely the trickiest team to report on would be one featuring:

Gilles Yapi-Yapi Yapo - Ivory Coast
Daniel Gygax - Switzerland
Pascal Zuberbuhler - Switzerland
Razak Pimpong - Ghana (He also doubles as the lead singer for UB40 =)
Illiasu Shilla - Ghana
Marek Jankulovski - Czech Republic
Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh - Iran
Yahya Golmohammadi - Iran
Khaled Boulharouz - Holland
Miroslav Szymkowiak - Poland
Haykel Gmamdia - Tunisia
Yacine Chickhaoui - Tunisia
Tsuneyasu Miyamoto - Japan
Pretty much any Ukrainian player

Germany 2006 Day 9: Portugal advance, Ghana plays football, Italy and USA grind to halt

June 17.

The return of Deco.

Portugal dispatched Iran on Saturday with minimal fuss. They didn't impress overtly yet were never troubled. In their opening game against Angola they seemed to lack an offenisve playmaker, someone able to start attacks, pass the ball into offensive positions and generally pull string upfield. The space in front of the box was neglected and control of that are was given away cheaply. Deco's return solved this immediate dilemma.

Brazilian born Anderson Deco is one of Europe's premier playmakers, Apprenticed at Porto, he has blossomed into the complete midfield general. second to only Ronaldinho, he is capable of unlocking most defences with a few nifty well placed passes. Tireless running, infinite passing, his combination with Figo was a work of art. Portugal were solid without being spectacular at the back, Unlike Japorea 2002 they avoided any catastrophic comedy at the back and escaped without major blemishes.

For the amount of shots he takes and pouting he does, Cristiano Ronaldo deserves a goal for obnoxious enterprise alone, he got one here while Deco scored the other one. Iran played competently enough but when you spend so much time defending against a team that attacks all the time there can only be one outcome. Despite their resolute defiance, and despite Ali Karimi's best efforts, Iran were eventually done in. You can't fault effort or attitude, as they did try, but they seemed to lack the overall quality required to succeed at this level... and Vahid Hashemian's finishing can only be described as non-existent. How he can call himself a striker is a tragedy. Mahdavikia and Karimi are 2 of Asia's finest midfield fulcrums, Vahid is one of the World's worst strikers.

Iran will be back. Portugal won't go far.

Portugal 2 - Deco, Ronaldo
Iran 0

Black stars explode.

I was terribly critical of Ghana's opening game - a bit overt it may seem, however I will stand by what I said - for the players they have they should really be playing better. They should be playing football, not spending their time cutting down the opposition.

I suspect coach Djukovic tore into them after their first game.

And boy did it work. This was a complete turnaround.

They attacked with purpose, broke with a vengeance, were slick in their passing and tireless in their running. They are a physical side, but this game they used it to supplement their offense, not characterize their defence.

Essien and Appiah were towers of strength in midfield, Kuffour and Kingston worked their socks off in defence and Asamoah and Muntari, fresh off difficult seasons in the depths of Serie A, were clinical in their finishing,

The Czechs didn't play badly at all. The first goal was a little flukey in that it bounced around a couple of times off a lofted free kick, but Ujfalusi did miss the clearing header, and it's hard to recover from that. Thereafter they threw numbers forward, trying to win the game, intent on salvaging something from the game, but inexplicably, they couldn't break though. Ghana held firm and the few occaions when the goal was threatened, Kingston stepped up a notch to make the save.

This is how Ghana should play. This is how they do play. African soccer took a huge step forward in this game. In one game, Ghana have ignited their hopes for progression while the Czechs took one back. Having started well against the USA they came unstuck against a faster, younger, more vibrant team. Woryringly they had no plan B. Rosicky and Nedved attacked with purpose but had no alternative route to goal. One might suspect that the tall presence of Jan Koller would have reduced their options a bit but Vratsilav Lokvec is still 6'6", enough height to trouble the defence. Galasek had a nightmare game, Jankulovski was absent and Ujfalusi made it a game to forget, by getting sent off, while conceding a penalty. Thereafter, chasing a game with only 10 men versus 11 - it was never going to happen. Ghana missed the penalty but had 6 more chances, Cech saving 5 but Muntari eventually scoring another goal. Game done and dusted

The Republic play Italy next while Ghana will be licking their lips for their upcoming tilt with the Americans.

Ghana 2
Czech Republic 0

Italians come unstuck.

Italy, so impressive in their first game, finally reverted to their old ways in this game. Like I had feared, their rookies commited some terrible errors and although the USA weren't a real threat, they clamped down enough to ensure the game finished a draw.

After a classic opening goal, Pirlo curling in a perfect free kick for fellow rossoneri to head home, Italy looked set on another compsed victory. But Zaccardo score an embarrassing own goal, turning in a corner when he was all alone and 5 feet away from goal. De Rossi then was completely unprofessional with a malicious elbow on McBride and got sent off. The game died down. Italy started defending and although the game descended into farce when USA had both Mastroeni and Pope sent off later on, the spectacle ended completely. Italy had no passion or desire, USA had little skill and were playing with 9 men.

I didn't watch after the 60th minute as I knew then the game would finish 1-1. This group is shaping up interestingly, Italy still leads on 4 points but everyone still has a chance of progressing. Group C may have been the group of death but Group E seems to be the tightest.

Pirlo is now the finished product, versalite and consistent, reminiscent of Robert Prosinecki at his peak. His dead ball delivery is exquisite.

Lippi must be troubled by the shambles of this game but he should not be unduly worried as his side still has enough experience to qualify, I would be more worried about the Czechs as they could win and still go out.

All goes to show - you never know in football - you never know.

Italy 1 - Gilardino
USA 1 - Zaccard (og)

Germany 2006 Day 8: Ivorians Impress, Mexico mess up.

June 16.

Mexico mangle qualification.

I've always struggled to understand Mexico. They play well against the top teams and come strangely undone against the lesser lights of world football. Perennial powerhouses of the CONCACAF region, they have a penchant for struggling against teams they should be putting away with relative ease. They always have strong showings at the Confederations' Cup, beating teams like Brazil with relative ease, but then they have lost to the likes of USA and Bulgaria at past World Cups - not to mention being beaten by a very poor Germany side at France '98.

After comfortably seeing off Iran in their opening game I expected them to dispatch Angola with similar panache - how wrong I was. Angola seem to have gone from strength to strength since conceding a comical opening goal in the first 5 minutes versus Portugal. They have a relentless midfield, a dogged defence, even my clown of the day Jamba seems to be a different defender, assured, speedier and tactically proficient. In Mateus and Ze Kalenga they have tireless running in the space behind the strikers and although their final delivery leaves a little to be desired, they cannot be faulted for effort. Up front, Julius Akwa is still a little immature in his shot selection and passing, but has a knack for getting into good positions.

I thought Mexico would systematically carve open the Angolans, but they failed miserably. Zinha was sloppy, Branco, Bravo and Osorio kept getting beat to balls by the Angolans and you got the impression that the physical might of Angola would keep the smaller but technically giften Mexicans at bay, and so it happened.

The opening 20 minutes was all Mexico, but inexplicably Angola did not concede. Thereafter, like against Portugal, Angola grew into the game and started to give as good as they got. That is till Andre was sent off with 10 minutes to go.

I thought the Mexicans would finally break through, but sensationally, Joao Ricardo saved first from Bravo and then Mexican captain Rafael Marquez, before Marquez also hit the post with a deflected free kick.

This result has serious ramifications for the Mexicans, if they lose to Portugal and Angola beat Iran by a sizeable margin, they could go out. However, I don't see that happening, atleast not yet.

Mexico 0
Angola 0


Holland go through.

So the expected happened. Holland, like Argentina, also won their first 2 games by beating Ivory Coast and have qualified for the round of 16. While their top-of-the-table clash with the Argentinians is going to be a heady affair that yours truly will be hoping to take in at the first attempt; Ivory Coast's next match with the Serbians will be little more than academic - with perhaps only pride to play for.

But what a match.

Holland scored first with Arsenal striker Robin van Persie scoring a scorcher of a free kick around the wall into the top left corner. Struck with venom not seen since he strucka lstminute equalizer against Southampton, it sailed through goalie Jean-Jaque Tizie's flailing arms to ripple the back of the net. Brilliant free kick - set piece of the tournament. However, I felt that Tizie should have blocked or atleast deflected it. He got in position but his arms were too wide apart and the ball went in between them. If the Ivorians have one weak spot it has to be their goalie. Tizie hasn't been directly at fault for any goal but he lacks the positioning and assurance needed to be competent at this level.

Then Holland, against the run of play, like Saviola's goal in Argentina's game against the Ivorians, scored a classic poacher's goal. Repelling an attack they broke down the centre before Van Bommel hoisted it left to van Nistelrooy who hoofed it from within the box into the top right corner. Meite was flatfooted, Tizie was stranded. It wasn't terribly pretty but it was deadly and accurate. All of a sudden Holland were 2 goals up.

The Ivorians then came back with a vengeance though, first Drogba rifling one in that just missed the right post before Aruna Kone sent one flying over from the right channel. Finally though, a quick through ball from the impressive Yaya Toure found Bakari Kone and he dribbled around 4 players at the top of the box before unleashing a rocket from the right corner of the penalty area, that sailed into the top left corner of the goal. Van der Saar stood no chance. Powerful and emblematic, it rocked the Dutch who were beginning to feel that they would be able to soak up pressure and then hit back on the break.

The Ivorians could have drawn level when they were on a 2 on 1 break, but Drogba mishit the pass square to Aruna Kone and the ball rebounded off a stranded Heitinga. There after the match was mostly Ivory Coast. They attacked, attacked and then attacked some more. Giovanni van Bronkhorst twice had to deny Eboue and bakary Kone from slipping around them while Van Bommel and Robben had to rely on diving to win free kicks - the latter getting booked for his troubles. Van persie cleared off the line while van der Saar had to make saves from Toure, Zokora and turned a Drogba header around the post. It was heady stuff and while Holladn had their chances in between - a peach of a shot from van Persie saved by Tizie midway through the second half - it was mostly the Africans who made all the running.

For a 20 minute period in the second half the ball didn't leave the Dutch half save for a goal kick, such was the Ivorian pressure. Once again Dutch defending proved remakable resilient and Ivorian finishing was a tad bit underwhelming. But that was the only part of their performance that guts and thunder.

Eventually they lost 2-1, Drogba picking up a yellow card which will rule him out of the cellar match against Ivory coast, but they really really really tried hard.

They may be going out, but they will be missed, easily one of the better sides in teh whole tournament, it is an eternal injustice that they were drawn in the same group as 2 of the favourites and form sides of the tournament. They pushed both all the way though. On this form Serbia should be quaking in their boots, a distant African thunder drawing to pound on Balkan shores.

Ivory Coast would have qualified from any other group save this one, being easily better that the pick of most teams in most of the groups. Give this side a year together, and they will be a fearsome footballing force to be reckoned with.

Henri Michel, your team may be going out but they've done you proud and will be missed.

Endnotes:
The Serbs won't have Kezman for their next match - a move that can only make them better. Ivory Coast won't have their only pedigreed striker, a move that weakens them significantly. That match should be another belter. Just my luck, both the teams I support are in the same group and get eliminated at the first hurdle.

Holland 2 - van Persie, van Nistelrooj
Ivory Coast 1 - Bakari Kone

Germany 2006 Day 8 Spotlight: Serbia versus Argentina

June 16.

Argentina's sublime performance.

I won't go through the incidents of the match as I am sure they have been showed and discussed enough. I'll just talk about what I thought about this match.

Argentine are good and played excellent. They easily turned in the performance of the World Cup so far. Serbia aren't a bad team and although they didn't play as badly as the scoreline would suggest, they were simply dismantled by a rampant Argentina who took all the chances they created. Serbia weren't abysmal but they were disintinctly sluggish and looked disjointed. They got to balls second, had no shape and were beaten by far superior Argentine movement and positioning.

Continuity and the desire to score goals are central to modern football. This Argentine team has both - 16 of the current squad have played toegether since they were juniors - and all that time their coach was Jose Pekerman, their current national coach. They also have an innate desire to seem to attack and although they are content to sit back and counterattack at times, they will go after a defensive team.

Random observances:

On Argentina's second goal, why were 4 Serb players ball-watching and not closing down Maxi Rodriguez ? 2 should have harried him and the nearby Cambiasso while 2 others should have closed down the space to the front and side of the box the play was on.

On Argetina's fourth goal, how did Stankovic let Crespo, who was on his outside get to the ball and poke it in ? Someone of his experience and stature should know better than to let the attacker on your OUTSIDE get to the ball first. You intercept or you shield. Rubbish.

Is Carlos Tevez, the new Edgar Davids ? I knew he was considered by manh to be theri best striker and one of the best players in the Brazillian domestic league - but he seems incapable of losing the ball. At one point he had the ball and was prompty swarmed by Stankovic, Gavrancic, Krstaljic and Djordevic. He dinked the first two and got tangled up with the latter pair, but out of that tangle emerged Tevez, upright and with the ball.

When he scored Argentina's 5th, he slotted through Gavrancic's legs and then dribbled past Dujlal before curling the ball home around the waiting Jevric - exceptional ball control, exquisite finishing.

For Leo Messi's goal - the 6th one - once again what was the left full back doing ? Dudic was nowhere to be seen.

For about 30 minutes at the start of the second half - the game was even. Serbia attacked, Argentina repelled, then the other way around - very par for the course. The former, through Dan Ljuboja actually showes some attacking promise but once again they were terribly disjointed in the centre of the park - Djordevic and Stankovic having a run out at the park. Then Kezman, easily one of the most redundant players to have worn a soccer jersey, unleashed a tackled that was more sloppy than malicious, and got sent off. His red card was more for his sollective aggression than for that one tackle, but it summed up his night. Generally rubbish, singularly trash. Kezman's international career should end after this tournament. He's incapable of stepping up to the next level.

After that sending off Serbia were once again on the ddefensive, the late introduction of Messi and Tevez further stretched an already wilting team. It's a testament to Argentina's depth that they can bring on such quality of the bench - it will server them well as the tournament proceeds.

On this form Argentina are one of the favourites, ominously for their rivals, they seem to have hit the red zone and are peaking just in time for the group stages. Having secured qualification, the top of the group clash between them and their perennial foes Holland should make for tasty viewing. Holland trail on goal difference and so will have to attack the South Americans, which will suit the latter just fine as they seem to have taken counterattacking football to a new level.

Serbia didn't create anything of substance and were unable to cope with Argentina's attack. Furthermore, Argentina converted anything they could exploit. With such discrepancies, there was only ever going to be one result.

Argentina should go far - Serbia will be back. Form is temporary, class is permanent.

Argentina:
Attack - 10
Midfield - 8
Defence -7
Substitutions - 10

Serbia:
Attack - 4
Midfield - 4
Defence - 2
Sustitutions - 5
Kezman - 0

Brazil, are you watching ?


Argentina 6 - Rodriguez 2, Crespo, Cambiasso, Tevez, Messi
Serbia 0

Germany 2006 Day 7: England & Sweden need Viagra, Efficient Ecuador

June 15.

Effete England.

How England can maintain their preposterous claim of being one of the favorites for glory this year is beyond me. On this form they are laughably out of their league against the heavyweights, woefully out of form. Their performance against Trinidad was limp, weak and insipid.

For 80 odd minutes England were listless, unable to string together a decent set of passes, attack the Trini box with any real purpose and were restricted to a few long range half chances. In a team without a playmaker, ball winning anchor or ball holder upfield, they quickly ran out of ideas. Trinidad, bouyed by their peformance against Sweden, played exceedingly well. Defending in numbers and breaking on the counter with pace, they held firm. What did England expect - that the Soca warriors would back off and allow them to waltz in ?

Peter Crouch got the best chance to put the English up 1-0 when he was unmarked, clear at the end of a perfect cross from captain Beckham, but instead of chesting the ball down and giving himself a moment to control and shoot the ball, he opted for the spectacular volley and almost sent the ball wide of the corner flag. That shot summed everything up, England were rusty, scared and totally not up to it. Trinidad on the other side almost went ahead off a corner when the ball bounced off Stern John's head and Terry had to clear off the line.

It took the late introduction of a semi-fit Wayne Rooney to galvanise England. Ironically for England, it was Trinidad who had been stroking the ball around purposefully till their first score.

Eventually, England scored 2 late goals, both off passes from Beckham and this will go down in history, on paper atleast, as a comfortable English victory, inspired by their captain and boy wonder. It was anything but. Group B might be rubbish, but so is England.

Endnotes:
Listening to a Japanese commentator describe Gerrard's long range thunderbolt, one got the impression he would be happier with England winning the World Cup than Japan.

England 2 - Crouch, Gerrard
Trinidad and Tobago 0

------------------------------

Sluggish Swedes.

Sweden matched England in their sterility. They tried gainfully to break down a resolute Paraguay and had to rely on a late, late strike from Arsenal midfielder, Freddie Ljungberg to win. Overall enthusiastic, they seemed a little out of their stride. Sweden are like Mexico, they play very well against good teams and are strangely disjointed against worse ones.

Paraguay are better than Trinidad on paper but their performances at this World Cup so far have resembled those of a team ranked outside the top 100. They have no midfield, their only attacker of any note is Nelson Valdez and their defence of Gamarra and Acuna is old and slow. I don't think they are capable of actually scoring any goals against any decent outfit. When one plays Paraguay it seems question of when you will score reather than if and you can almost take it for granted that they won't create much offense. How then, Sweden, had to wait till the 90th minute to score, is a mystery.

Swen have a competent midfield, and energetic defence and a world class offence. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, though was weak and ineffective, the second game in a row he's been seemingly off colour. Rifling through a few close range shots, he displayed intention, but lacked the ruthlessness one would normally associate with his game. Henrik Larrson was more classic in his attacking runs and shot takins, testing Bombadilla on both sides.

I must point out though that Sweden's lack of a dead ball expert is going to cost them dear. Time and again they got free kicks in promising positions but in Wilhelmsson they have one of the most wasteful free kick takers in the World Cup. One cannot afford to squander so many set pieces. When a game is tight those plays make the difference. Kim Kallstrom and Freddie Ljungberg were as penetrative as they could be. Probing the Paraguayan centreflanks for corridors to attack in. Zlatan went off with an injured groin at half time and his replacement Allback was a real handful as soon as he came on. Still though Paraguay held firm. Teams who seem more intent on keeping a clean sheet, as opposed to trying to score, are notoriously hard to break down, and so it proved with the South Americans.

Football is about scoring goals not preventing them. Sweden deserved this win - Paraguay were paraplegic.

Endnotes:
Sweden versus England should be an interesting game now with both teams having qualified with 6 points - hopefully we'll see some good attacking play. I still pick Sweden to win that game and head the group. Sweden have 3 good strikers, England seem to have Rooney back.

At the other end Trinidad should beat Paraguay but, it might turn into a snorefest.

Sweden 1 - Ljungberg
Paraguay 0

-------------------------------

Efficient Ecuador.

On paper a match between Ecuador and Costa Rica may seem to be more or less even. In reality though the Ecuadoreans are far superior. Steadily improving as a footballing power since their debut 4 years ago at the World Cup, they are now a well oiled machine. Continuity is a very important concept in team sports, especially in football. Ecuador has had the same core playing together for most of the last 4 years. Players know their roles, their positions and critically know how to play with each other.

Costa Rica are a handy squad, explosive on the odd attack but lacking the defensive savvy to pose too many problems. Ecuador didn't attack as much as the scoreline may suggets but they maintained their shape and composure and most importantly, took their chances, Poland and Ivory Coast take note. In the world game, chances are at a premium, when one comes along you have to make it count. Augustin Delgado and Carlos Tenorio are efficient and deadly, the 2 Ivans Hurtado and Kaviedes are solid in defence. In Edwin Tenorio, Valencia, Castillo and Mendez, Ecuador have a cultured midfield who know how to break down teams and play their strikers in.

Luis Marin and Paolo Wanchope battled gamely for Los Ticos, but in the end the South Americans were too smooth for their Central American rivals. Kaviedes adding a late injury time marker to make the game safe.

Interestingly, now Ecuador head the group on goal difference and as such will be hapy with a draw at Germany. Germany have to win the game to win the group. It should be an interesting match - Germany having to attack - Ecuador playing counterattack.

Ecuador 3 - Delgado, Tenorio, Kaviedes
Costa Rica 0

Germany 2006 Day 6: Spain play the Ukelele, Germany move on, Jaidhi scores off a header

June 14.

Arab Stalemate.

In all the commotion and excitement over the 4 African debutants as well as fellow first timers T & T, Tunisia's inclusion has been overlooked. Solid, rather than spectacular, the Tunisians booked their place by topping a top-heavy group featuring arch rivals Morocco.

Their team is an amalgamation of overseas talent sprinkled around Europe supplemented by some homegrown players and garnished by 2 naturalised Brazilians. In qualifying for their third WC in a row they have set a new standard for Arican consistency.

Boasting a strong defence featuring Radhi Jaidi and Hatem Trabelsi, they would give any team a stern examination with tight marking coupled with accurate passing.

The Saudis on the other hand have now made 4 straight finals, but since their heady USA '94 tournament where they reached the round of 16, they have regressed. Easily one of the worst teams in Japorea 2002 they seem to be stuck in perpetual limbo - too good for Asia, not good enough for the rest of the world. 3 times champions of Asia, they have won 2 matches in 3 World Cups.

I picked Tunisia to win 1-0, courtesy of a headed goal by Radhi Jaidi off a set piece.

As it transpired, Tunisian forward Jaziri, scored the goal of the tournament so far with an acrobatic bicycle kick to give the Tunisians the lead. Having dominated the game till them, one would expect them to close the match out, however Saudi Arabia showed remarkable resilience, digging in to not only equalise but then go ahead off an inspired performance from veteran star, and on the day, super sub, Sami Al Jaber. Eventually though right at the death Tunisia scored, courtesy of my man Jaidi, off a set piece header as I had predicted. The only difference was that this goal was a match saver, not a match winner.

Saudi Arabia showed more steel than their last outing in Japorea 2002, however their collective tactical naivete off set pieces has still not been rectified. Despite the presence of Hussein Sulimani, one of the best defenders in Asia, they defend poorly as a unit.

Tunisia 2 - Jaziri, Jaidi
Saudi Arabia 2 - Al-Kahtani, Al-Jaber

Uke nuked.

Ukraine really let me down. I knew they weren't going to outgun Spain, but I sensed they would have played their usual defensive game and clampled down on the spanish passing jamboree. With Cesc Fabregas on the bench and only Xabi starting, Spain would have to get into their stride early and prevent Ukraine from stifling the play. In the event, Ukraine badly misjudged their game plan, were a little unlucky to have Vaschuk sent off and in the process were torn to shreds by a rampant Spanish side. I have a feeling this year Spain may finally go deep in the draw. They are balanced, have a very deep and experienced squad, good goalkeeping and a tactically astute coach.

I felt this would be a repeat of the France-Switzerland game, Spain attacking, Ukraine repelling, Spain short balls versus Ukrainian long balls to Andriy Shevchenko, the best striker in the world over the last decade. I was hopelessly off the mark. Sheva got no service, didn't get a shot on goal and Ukraine were comprehensively dismantled.

Spain played excellently, displaying their full repertoire of tricks and a rare variety in their passing. Xavi played the archetypical defensive midfield role to perfection, Puyol was a colossus in defence, Xabi, Luis Garcia, Torres and Villa were simply sublime. The 4-0 scoreline was as apt for a fantastic Spanish ensemble, as it was for an inept Ukrainian shambles. Some of the passing by the Spanish was breathtaking in its entirety, refreshing in its playfulness. Villa scored 2, Torres and Xabi got one each and Spain were on their way to topping the group. This was supposed to be their hardest match - eventually it was a stroll.

Endnotes:
Remember, Spain have two X factors in the midfield, XAVI Fernandes and XABI Alonso, they're different players, not a typo !

Spain 4 - Xabi, Villa 2, Torres
Ukraine 0

Pole axed.

The Poles did more damage to themselves by losing their first game than the scoreline would suggest. It meant they would have to chase the game versus the top team in the group, who were coming off a winning start and were playing AT HOME.

Playing counterattack against a team with no choice but to attack you is usually one of the juicier situations in football. At home with 75000 screaming fans, it's virtually a stroll.

However Poland did play extremely well. Signalling their attacking intentions at the outset, they started more attacking options in Jelen. They attacked the whole time and had they had more composure in front of net or in the front of the German penaly area, they may have come away with a share of the spoils or even a win. There in lay the dilemma - Germany would have settled for a draw, Poland had to win. Costa Rica are a tricky quantity to try and beat in your final game.

Germany too, created the odd chance, although, with Ballack anchoring the midfield, their football was classic counterpunching. Of note - Podulski's reverse pass and cross combination with Bastian Schweinsteiger was one of the most artistic plays of this tournament, sadly he missed the far side by a mere couple of inches. Brazil are you watching ?

Magic Zurawski, Smolarek, Sobalewski and Jelen all had chances but their finishing, like in their first game, let them down. When they lost Sobalewski to some ill disciplined play in the second half, you knew they were done. Klinsmann then brought on the ideal player in pacy winger, David Odonker, and it became a question of when rather than if.

Once again Poland held firm but finally in the 93rd minutes, another sub, striker Neuville finally swept home a cross, from Odonker no less, and the German performance was complete.

In reality, it was hard justice on the Poles, if their strikers had taken their chances they may have had 4 points from their first 2 games and not 0. Now they are definitely on the outside looking in. This game reminded me of the Ivory Coast - Argentina game in Group C - even though Argentina had to face some enthusiastic and constant Ivorian pressure, they held firm and finished them off with some classic counterattacking.

Endnotes:
Had Ballack been substituted or had he started on the bench, at one point there would have been 14 Polish origin players on the pitch - Podulski, Klose and Borowski playing against their cousins across the Elbe.

Germany 1 - Neuville
Poland 0

Germany 2006 Day 5: Togo score, French don't, Brazil endure

June 13.

Debutants versus Team Coorea.

One of the curious aspects of South Korea's progression to the semifinals last time round was the revelation that their country is actually pronouced Cooooooooorea (stress on the 'o' and stretch it out). The other was the presence of several Lee's in their team. They started 7 Lees today, Tottenham's reserve right back Hyung Po one of them.

Now I'll level with you. South Korea aren't bad but they are, in no way, one of the better teams in the world. Their semifinal finish at Japorea was a fluke (yes I said it) based on several dodgy decisions, augmented by home field advantage, in crucial games versus Italy and Spain. It may have done wonders for the spread of the game - always important - but it did not raise the profile of the Koreans as a serious footballing powerhouse. They're okay, nothing special, not going anywhere.

Infact, Togo might be the only team they'll beat this year and even the Togolese wil be proud having scored a good first goal. Debutants maybe, they gave the South Koreans a mighty scare before succumbing to the collective experience of the far easterners. This is Korea's 5th straight World Cup. Eventually you develop a feel for things, eventually you rise above being constant underdogs. But the rest is up to you.

I did not see this game - the first one I have missed so far. But from the commentary I knew I had made the right call. Korea may be a bit behind the front runners of the world game, but they are still miles ahead of Togo. Emmanuel Adebayor and Mohammad Kader had a good game. The combined strength of several Lees proved too much eventually.

Togo should enjoy the moment - I knew I would.

Endnotes:
Khador plays his club football in Kuwait. Remarkable, the spread of the game.

Togo 1 - Kader
South Korea 2 - Chun-soo Lee, Ahn

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4 Games 0 Goals French fizzle, Swiss swelter.

Since winning the final game of the 98 WC, France have now played 4 games without conceding a goal. This game versus the Swiss had draw written all over it. The two teams were in the same qualifying group for the WC and drew both games. Though not quite the dour defense-fest one would have imagined, it was still a stalemate. The Swiss, though limited, are always a resourceful an handy outfit replete with midfield lieutentants in Streller and Barnetta and towering centre backs in Senderos and Djorou. The latter were of particular interest to France forward Thierry Henry as they are team-mates with him at Arsenal. Swiss cheese may have holes in it but this defence is water tight.

It seems to me that the French team have gotten lost on the mineyard of the opposing half. They seem unable to create the avenues of space they love to motor in and have seemed strangely out of synch for the better part of the last 2 years. Although having not completely lost their way, their football has lost the zing and exuberance associated with them in their glory years of 1997-2000. The plucky Swiss don't have the raw talent but like most limited teams have the tactical nous to do the simple things right and cause problems. Witness beating the Turks in a playoff for the tournament.

They hit a post and France could have had a penalty but the fact that neither team created a clear cut chance would worry both coaches. Ribery seemed nervous, Wiltord somnambulent, Henry off colour and Viera asleep. This is where coaching comes in. Talent and skill only take ou so far, it is the job of the manager to motivate and recharge.

I doubt this will wreak havoc on both their plans. I still pick France to win the group and second place to be decided when the Swiss edge the Korean Lee foundation in the key match.

Endnotes:
The Swiss probably have the most eclectic blend of names on the team sheet featuring players with Italian, German, Austrian, French, Turkish and Slavic ancestry. Coolest name - Gygax.

France 0
Switzerland 0

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Samba has touched down.

I touched on the breakup of the old Yugoslavian football team in an earlier post, mostly with regards to the Serbia and Montenegro team. This time it's their western cousins - Croatia. Despite having only a marginal advantage in talent over Serbia, Croatia have, however, been significantly more succesfull in the post breakup years. 3rd in 98, they have made successive tournaments on a consistent basis. 5 out of 6 tournaments since USA 94, their only omission came at the hands of ironically, Yugoslavia, in the race for Euro 2000.

Since then they have been solid, tight and efficient. They have no superstars or supremely gifted players, just a strong core who place emphasis on teamwork and tight marking. In Srna and Prso they have competence without much class. The disappearance of Goran Vlaovic and the fading of Milan Rapaic could have crippled their attacking corps but they have proved remarkabely resilient as a team - their players sprinkled around the top leagues in Europe.

Brazil are in a word - sensational. They have one of the best football teams ever assembled and are in devastatingly belligerent form. However Croatia with their tidy marking and tough defence could prove to be a tricky obstacle. The achilles heel of all expressive attacking teams is that they can come undone against a sticky, tough tackling team who close down the spaces. Unluckily for Brazil, they have 2 such teams in their Group in the Croats and Oz. Brazil persisted with the rusty Ronaldo, Croatia have the Kovac brothers.

As expected, Croatia pushed Brazil for the better part of the match before a moment of brilliance from Kaka settled things. 1-0 to the Selecao, Croatia can hold their heads high. Some expected a rout, Croatia are too good for that, this result was fully deserved and fully expected. Brazil may not have won 4-0 (although they played well in the face of a resolute Croatia) but great teams don't always have to crush the opposition, they just have to win. It's one thing to beat a team that tries to attack you, out-football you (Read Argentina beating Ivory Coast). It's completely another to beat one whose sole desire is to prevent you from creating anything. Football is about scoring goals in my book not about keeping clean sheets - however the travails of the modern game leave certain teams with no other option than to shut up shop and snipe.

The crunch game in this group will be Croatia versus Australia on June 22, one of the many final deciders this time around. That will be a real cracker. I still have Brazil and Croatia going through - on this evidence I'm not far off.

Endnotes:
In Bengali, my mother tongue, Kaka means uncle and Dida means grandmother - I doubt however, that either relative could have turned out for Brazil !

Brazil 1 - Kaka
Croatia 0