Snore Fest

Antolin Alcaraz has been the best centre half or central defender (depending on your terminology) at this world Cup.

Again, he was immense.

After a great season with Benfica, Oscar Cardozo scored the winning penalty as Paraguay won 5-3 on spot kicks after a BORING 0-0 draw in regulation.

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I have nothing else to say about this game.  If you do, please comment.

This is the second 0-0 draw Paraguay have subjected us to at this tournament.  Hopefully Spain will put them and us out of their misery in the Quarters.

Japan have done very well to get this far.  Shame they could not breach the South American's defence.

Paraguay 0 - 0 Japan.  Paraguay win 5-3 on penalties.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1263759/index.html

Holland ease past Slovaks

Don't look now but Holland have quietly gone about winning four games in a row.  Not even Brazil and Spain have managed that.  Only Argentina have a 100% record.

I don't think they have ever gotten out of third gear or even second gear.  Yet they have looked comfortable and sit in a mouthwatering Quarterfinal match against Brazil.

I think their best game so far was this win over Slovakia. Their passing seems more controlled and their movement more rhythmic.

After Sneijder's second goal, it looked like a rout was imminent but Slovakia steadied things.

Speaking of Slovakia, I think they have outdone themselves.  Remember how I said they would make it our of the group stages and may have perhaps done better against some of the other teams in the round of 16.  Potentially, a match against Japan may have been more encouraging.

Still they have acquitted themselves well.  There is no shame in losing out to Holland, one of my favourites for the final.

Robert Vittek scored their only goal from a penalty after he was felled in the box.  He now has four goals and will lead the race for the golden boot till the next round when David Villa or Luis Fabiano will take over from him.

Arjen Robben made a triumphant return to the starting lineup but his goal aside, did little, in my opinion.  I reckon Gilberto Silva will track his runs inside from the right flank and his options will be limited.

Holland 2 - 1 Slovakia

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1262589/index.html

Points to Ponder

Funny how things come full circle sometimes:

Brazil are playing like Germany of old, while Germany are playing like Brazil replete with 3 forwards - jogo bonito, anyone ?

Is Maicon v Giovanni Van Bronckhorst the biggest test for the marauding right back ?  And perhaps the only time so far he's had someone to contend with on that side ?  Can't wait.

Argentina, for all their attacking brilliance, are carrying a massive hole in the region just in front of their defence.  Mexico almost colonised it in their match.

Antolin Alcaraz has been the best central defender at the world cup so far, will he keep Villa quiet ?  Have Wigan beaten Arsene at his own game by getting him from Club Brugge ?

Spain have no left back and are now without a second striker.  Costly ?  Does Del Bosque not like Fab ?

Gilberto walks into the Brazil team which by all accounts is quite good and he more than holds his own.  However he could not make it into Arsenal's team.  What does that say about Arsenal and the Premiership ?

Finally, if Uruguay and Brazil get through their QFs will the former exact revenge for their 07 Copa Semi elimination on penalties ?

Effective, so un-Brazilian

Every World Cup, Brazil are one of the favourites.

Same at this one.

However, Brazil have looked functional without impressing terribly, the demolition of Ivory Coast apart.  I figured that eventually someone will knock them out when Brazil are unable to invent something out of nothing.

After watching them systematically annihilate Chile, I am not so sure anymore.

Kaka was back and they looked really really good.  Passing, moving, working to shift Chile's shape constantly.  Like a methodical version of Brazil.

There, I said it.  2010 Brazil have been playing like a methodical version of 2010 Germany.  And 2010 Germany have been playing like a fluid version of 2010 Brazil.  Bizzaro world indeed.

Anyway, coming back to the game.  I expected Chile to give Brazil a game.  They are well organized, crafty and very good at moving teams around.  They made no impact what so ever.  Brazil did to them what Chile have done to other teams.  Still, a decent World Cup for them, Chile have been brave and refreshing.

With Kaka pulling the strings to such harmonic effect, it seemed inevitable that Brazil would score.  And score they did, at regular intervals, with Luis Fabiano, Juan and Robinho all tallying.

Game over.  Dunga's stamp is complete.  Brazil look the real deal.

Maicon versus Giovanni van Bronkhorst should be a cracker when Brazil take on Holland in the quarter finals.  Methodical versus flair.  Guess which one is Brazil ?

I can't wait.

Brazil 3 - 0 Chile

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1262901/index.html

End to End Attack

I really wanted Mexico to do well at this World Cup.

Other than Brazil, England and Germany, they are the only team to make it out of the group stage at each of the last four World Cups.  When you consider that Holland, France (twice), Italy and Spain are absent from the group and that Mexico's players mostly play outside Europe, it's a very impressive statistic.

However, they got sucker punched by Argentina.

After roaring out of the gates, with Carlos Salcido rattling the crossbar early from long distance, they conceded a clearly offside goal.  Then, Ricardo Osorio had a brain freeze and gave the ball away and Mexico were two goals down.  Game pretty much over.

To their credit though Mexico kept fighting.  Argentina scored a proper goal eventually with Carlos Tevez rifling in a majestic shot form outside the box.  Still Mexico kept at it and eventually scored a great consolation through Javi Hernandez.

The offside goal was yet another dark spot on officiating at the World Cup, but in order to not sound like a stuck record, I'll just move on.  FIFA is stupid.  Deal with it.

To me, this was one of the best games so far.  Both teams kept going at it till the end, although Argentina took their foot off the gas a bit towards the end.  Relentless, irrepressive attack.

I thought Argentina looked good going forward but a bit dodgy in midfield.  Their destroyers had an off night but with Nicolas Otamendi impersonating a wall behind them, barely anything sneaked through.

Argentina's attack is firing on all six cylinders with Lionel Messi still to come to the party.  He did everything BUT score.  He should eventually pick it up against the bigger teams.  Tevez and Otamendi are their star performers though, consistent, spinal and completely composed.

I cannot wait to see Germany take Argentina on.

Argentina 3 - 1 Mexico

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1261773/index.html

Ze Germans, Yoda and FIFA's poverty

You don't have to be penniless to be poor.  Stubborn ignorance often works just as well.

 

1 - That goal should have stood.  Shame on the officials and FIFA for not being able or capable to spot and rectify this.

2 - It would have made no difference.

Germany were rampant, a runaway freight train.

They passed with menace, moved with intent and finished with panache.  Right from the first game against Australia, whom everyone wrote off as garbage, but who then almost made it through to the second round themselves, Germany have shown a fluidity not seen since Holland at Euro 2008.

Young, vibrant and pacy, their movement both on and off the ball rips opponents to shreds.  They always seem to have an extra man and don't waste time with sideways passes.  

They get the ball and immediately look to move forward.  The man on the ball runs with the ball and looks to pass in forward triangles.  Two or more men off the ball are always running towards the opposing goal.  This movement either moves defenders out of position, giving the man on the ball, time and space, to continue his run with the ball.  Or they ignore the runners and try to close down the man on the ball.  If so, he passes off to the other players running around him and the move repeats, closer to goal.

It's simply really, but executed so fast and with such synchronicity that most teams cannot cope.

England definitely had no answer.  Except for a five minute spell leading up to, and after their first goal, through a header by Matthew Upson, England were outclassed.

Yoda could have told you.

Movement creates space.  Space creates passes.  Passes create chances. Chances create goals.

So either you create chances or you prevent the opposition from creating chances (Mourinho, et al).  If you do either one of the two, you stand a good chance of winning.  Do neither and you will lose.

England couldn't do the first and didn't do the second.  Germany opened them up at will and could have scored more.  England looked out of it right after Lukas Podolski's goal, the second of the match, to put Germany up 2-0.

People will claim, it was unfair, a one off, or wonder how far this team has fallen.  I ask you this.  Were England ever any good ?  These players are above average, with Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney capable of occasional glimpses of world class form.  But overall they are one dimensional, un-inventive workmen who flourish in a one dimensional league, players who cannot perform outside their comfort zones, who over achieve for club but care little for country.

More importantly they lack a system and the desire to invent the game.

Football is about simple things and doing them well.

Germany, revamped with youth, possess both the desire and ability.  And they do the simple things well.  Pass, move. pass, move, shoot. Repeat.

Their front six of Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller interchanged at will, running at the defence and finding each other almost telepathically.  The fact that the latter three are recent additions from the U21 team make it even more impressive.  Allayed to this are the usual German qualities of work rate, concentration and effort.  It's an almost unbeatable combination.

This game made a compelling case for video technology.

But Germany laid down another marker.  No one looks as fluid as them.  They may not win the World Cup, but have been one of the best teams so far.

England, predictably, are out way before the big games.

Germany 4 - 1 England

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1261437/index.html

Ghana and USA put on a show

This game was mostly poor on quality but somehow intriguing.  Few games were more entertaining while being littered with bad play.

Ghana kept up the African continent's interest in the tournament with an entertaining win over USA.

I felt the game itself was not very high on quality with errant passing, too much scrappy play in the middle of the park and regulation giveaways.

That it took a goal of sheer invention and quality to decide it goes to show just how crazy and unpredictable football can be.

Kevin Prince-Boateng gave the Africans an early lead with a well taken goal.  USA seemed to be dozing and Ghana looked up for it.  But then it petered out.

Ghana had the most of the game with better possession and attacks that looked promising.  However, just as their group games showed, they were unable to step up from getting the ball in good positions in and around the box to potential chances.

So, the build up play was good, but chances were not created. And then the USA would take over.  The Americans would repeat the Ghanaian buildup at the other end with little end product.

You just knew the game was going to end a tepid uninspiring 1-0.  Despite the possession the Americans matched Ghana very well.

And so it continued.  The suddenly, USA had a penalty.  Jonathan Mensah, not John Mensah (who was also, confusingly on the pitch at the time), hauled over Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan converted the spot kick.

Game on.

The game lit up now with both teams deciding to go for the jugular instead of holding back. So much for new world football being tactically behind European football.

Extra time beckoned and as we were hoping for this contest to not go to penalties, Ghana struck again.

Andrew Ayew looped a long ball over the USA defence.  Asamoah Gyan cut in, controlled it beautifully and sent it into the roof of the net.  Not quite the hammer blow of a golden goal, but game, set and match.

USA defender Carlos Bocanegra was caught looking at the heavens to try and locate the ball as Gyan had it under control and had put some daylight between them.  The finish was superlative and no less than Ghana deserved.

Despite the majority of the game being slightly ugly to watch, the finish was of the best quality and Ghana would move on.

USA were out, but can hold their heads high after a great tournament for them in which they held their own against European teams, topped their group and looked a genuine threat.  They will return, stronger and more confident, in four years.  Donovan is definitely worthy of a place in the top echelons of forwards int eh game today.

Ghana 2 - 1 USA

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1260909/index.html

Karma and quiet momentum

There is much to be said for building quiet momentum.

In their first game against France, Uruguay were absolute garbage.  I don't recall them stringing together more than 3 passes all game.  Their midfield was AWOL, their attack non existent, bar Diego Forlan.  But, they kept their discipline.  Thanks to some atrocious football by the French, they remained intact.

Against South Africa they were much better, cohesive and generally coming together.  They won convincingly.

In their final group game, they looked as good as they ever will.  They were fluid, capable and at times, when Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez and Forlan interlinked, potentially rampant.

Against South Korea, having a mean tournament themselves, the Uruguayan team looked even better with classy finishing and adventurous tactics allayed to their normally disciplined positional sense and shape.  Forlan was inspirational, Cavani brilliant and Suarez joined the race for the golden boot with two strikes.  The second, sheer class.

Having reached the Quarterfinals against Ghana, they now look good to go even further.  Who knows, perhaps retribution for the 2007 Copa America semi-final awaits against Brazil ?

South Korea have played skilfully, but have scored far too many goals, for my liking, off defensive meltdowns and unmarked far posts.  I have nothing against good goals scored with build up and skill, but eventually luck catches up with you.

So it proved.

In a repeat of their opening goal against Greece, They conceded the first Suarez goal when he sneaked in unmarked at the far post to slide home a cross that evaded everyone.

Just deserts.

Lee Chung Yong and Park Ji Sung have been the class of the team, showing both invention and alacrity to go with their usual industry and discipline.  After years of making up the numbers as one of Asia's guaranteed representatives, South Korea has shown that it is deserving of a place at Europe's top table, at least for the near future.

2002 may have been a fluke helped on by dodgy refereeing.  2010 has been the real deal.

Uruguay 3 - 1 South Korea:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1260173/index.html

Group Deciders, who moves on ?

Over the past four days all the groups at the World Cup had their judgement days.  We found out who would progress and who would miss out.  Who would meet whom in the round of 16 and who would not.

It is a measure of how even and unpredictable this World Cup has been that except for two groups, the group winners have been undecided till the final set of matches.  Out of the 32 teams at the world cup, 26 were still in the running till the last day.

Group C:

Slovenia froze up at the final hurdle, allowing England to edge them in a very nervous match.  When the final whistle blew, Slovenia, despite the defeat were progressing.  However, events in the USA - Algeria match would soon change that.

England were far from impressing and looked decidedly tetchy after the goal.  Slovenia promised so much more but seemed unable to step through the gears and deliver.  A decent World Cup for them.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1256144/index.html

USA were on course for a frustrating draw against the Algerians, having gotten them better of a scrappy game.  A good goal from Clint Dempsey for ruled out for an phantom offside call.  However, just as injury time looked to be ending, a ball into the area bounced about and an onrushing Landon Donovan converted to seal the win and send USA through as group winners.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1256143/index.html

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Group D:

Germany continued their good form with an impressive defeat of Ghana.  The Ghanaians were sloppy at the back and wasteful at the front.  Germany moved the ball around with purpose and panache and a goal line clearance apart, never looked in trouble.

A mouthwatering clash with England awaits.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1256453/index.html

Serbia promised so much before the tournament but were terrible throughout.  A win over Germany looks more a fluke against 10 men with every passing day.  They played well in the first half against Australia but were unable to make their possession count for much.  Eventually Australia got going and scored two quick goals.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1256463/index.html

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Group E:

One of the few groups in which the winner was identified early.  Holland, although never terribly fluent, were the class of the group.  Their group stage was mirrored in their game against Cameroon.  They took the early lead, leaked a sloppy equalizer from a penalty and then scored a winner into an open net.  Their possession and domination deserved more  but they will take the the 2-1 win any day.  So 9 points, top spot, Holland sail into the the round of 16.

Cameroon, like most African teams, disappointed, Samuel Eto'o looked jaded, Achille Emana never got going and their defending was a shambles throughout.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1257799/index.html

Denmark, one expected would edge past Japan.  However the Japanese won the game convincingly and how.  Classic dipping and swerving free kicks from Keisuke Honda and Yasuhito Endo effectively ended the contest.  Although Denmark had the lion's share of possession, they did little with it.  Jon Dahl Tomasson scored a clumsy penalty rebound before Japan added a later marker to make the game safe.  Quality trumps quantity every time.

Like South Korea, Japan has impressed, adding technical skill and clever ball retention to their impressive all round game.  Denmark never really got going.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1257797/index.html

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Group F:

Italy were horrid throughout, needing late goals to snatch draws against Paraguay and New Zealand.  Despite threatening late with two late goals,. they slumped to defeat against a well organized and well motivated Slovakia side, 3-2.  Major retooling is scheduled after the tournament for an aging side with little creativity, a hole in the center of defence and a lop sided attack.  The defending World Champions are out, bottom of their group.

Slovakia played well throughout and deserved progression.  Compact and tightly knit with an energizer bunny in Marek Hamsik, running the midfield, they showed they are more than capable of upsetting a few apple carts.  Robert Vittek leads the goal scoring charts at this stage and the Slovaks are making waves at their first World Cup.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1257352/index.html

Paraguay, although unspectacular, kept up the impressive performances of the South Americans with effective, composed performances.  They were never going to lose to New Zealand and with qualification secured, they kept the ball well and snuffed out any chance of the Kiwis scoring.  The Kiwis have been the surprise of the World Cup.  They finish unbeaten, third in their group with an early lead against Italy thrown in for good measure.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1257350/index.html

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Group G:

Another one of those groups where the final order was more or less set before the final day.  Brazil impressed with solidity mixed in with occasional brilliance.  After having beaten both North Korea and Ivory Coast, they settled for a draw against Portugal, ensuring they go through as group winners.  Like in 1998, they meet with Chile next.

Portugal have improved with every game and could have beaten Brazil on day 3 but their 7-0 hammering of North Korea had effectively sealed their progression.  They play Spain next.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1258590/index.html

Ivory Coast were found out with no defence, a tepid midfield and only one scorer in Didier Drogba

North Korea came to make up the numbers and a late goal against Brazil apart, they did just that.  Hope fully they can build on this and cement their position at Asia's top table.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1258605/index.html

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Group H:

Spain needed to beat Chile to have any chance of advancing, they did just that with a magical long distance shot from David Villa.  Chile have looked very very good throughout but despite winning their first two games, stood a chance of going out.   Their 1-0 wins notwithstanding.  Still they kept at it and a late goal against Spain ensure that their goal difference, the first tie breaker, would not be adversely affected.  Spain have improved with every game and look like they are building nicely.  An all Iberian tie versus Portugal lies in store.

Oh and that was a dive by Fernando Torres.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1259072/index.html

Switzerland, having done the hard work, needed to simply beat Honduras to advance.  They couldn't breach Honduras.  A World Cup that started so well for them has ended with a whimper.  You would think it's par for the course with such a limited team but Switzerland showed that on their day they can stand up to and beat the top teams.  Switzerland can use this experience towards the Euro 2012 campaign.

Honduras showed they are competent but not capable.  Good outing for the squad who never quite looked comfortable at this level.

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1259073/index.html

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Final days for Groups A and B

I am so happy France got eliminated from the World Cup.

They contributed naught, brought nothing and are leaving with even less.  They cheated to get in.  Now they can get out.

By losing their final game the French left without even the slightest ripple and allowed the host nation to enjoy a win.  Whereas the French were moribund, Bafana Bafana were vibrant.  South Africa may be the first host nation ever to miss out on progression from the group stages, but they fully deserved their win.  They can leave with their heads held high.

I will miss their passing, Tshabala's electric running, Pienaar's relentless driving and Mphela's all round energy.

Except for Yoann Gourcuff, who is wasted on Les Blues, I will not miss anything or anyone on the French team.  Bacary Sagna, being an Arsenal man, tried hard and gets my sympathy, as does Gael Clichy.  William Gallas and Abou Diaby however, despite the same credentials, do not.  As for the rest of the team, good riddance to bad rubbish.

This is what happens when Patrice Evra is put in charge.  What a tool.

Match Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1254832/index.html

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Greece are basically the same as France, in that they offered nothing.  They only won their one and only game against Nigeria.  That too because of a man advantage and a combination of stupidity and bad luck on the part of the Nigerians.  The Greek goalie played well.  Everyone else contributed nothing.  They will not be missed at all.

Greece may have gotten in fair and square but like many other teams, they had no ideas when it came to attacking.

Otto Rehagel deserves credit for debuting the inspirational 6-3-1 formation to try and keep Argentina out.

Despite parking the bus however, Hellas were not victorious, as eventually, the Argentines barged through. Martin DiMichelis scored the first with namesake Palermo following up with a second.

Argentina have quietly gone from strength to strength and look like outside favourites for the tournament.  Captain Lionel Messi was unable to score for the third game running but ran the show overall.  He will definitely bag before the tournament is out.  Nicolas Otamendi and Juan Seba Veron look a class act in midfield and defence respectively.  They have a rematch against Mexico in the round of 16, whom they met at that same stage in 2006.

They will definitely fancy that game.

The team is coming together nicely.

Match Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1255368/index.html

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Uruguay finished off a strong performance in Group A with a win over Mexico to top the group.  Once again Diego Forlan was in the heart of things, passing off to Edinson Cavani who crossed for Luis Suarez to score the game's only goal.  With Mexico coming close on several occasions, the game looked likely to end either way but Albiceleste were composed enough to clinch the win and a third straight clean sheet.

Like Argentina, they topped their group and have looked better with every game.

Mexico had their typical Jekyll and Hyde tournament with sublime football mixed in with the odd nightmare.  With South Africa leading 2-0 and looking good for a third goal in their game, their was a chance that Mexico would miss out.  In the event, they lost but still progressed.  As opposed to their South American opponents, they seem to have regressed with every game.

They will definitely need to sort out their demons in the attacking third.  They got into good positions but were unable to apply the finishing touch.  Against Argentina, that may well spell their doom.  Still, Javier Aguirre is a wily customer and may well pull a rabbit out of the hat.

It's unlikely though.

Match Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1254843/index.html

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South Korea fought back from a goal down to take the lead in their game against Nigeria but eventually escaped with a draw that sees them go through to the next round.

They impressed throughout the group stages with an attacking cut and thrust that was displayed on a consistent basis.  Lee Chung Yung and Park Ji Sung have been their star performers throughout.  If they go full tilt they should be able to give Uruguay a good run for their money in their round of 16 clash.

In this game they scored a couple of usual plucky goals with the ball going in off leg when a header was intended and a sweet shot from inside the box which beat the keeper at close range.  Their defending was a shambles though with a clumsy penalty being conceded before Nigeria, through Ayigbeni Yakubu and Obafemi Martins both missing absolute sitters.

Nigeria have been the biggest disappointments in this group for me.  Despite missing an engine room with a capable partner for Kalu Uche, who strove manfully throughout, they had the personnel and attacking corps to score more goals against limited opponents.  However, they were anemic, in-disciplined and devoid of any attacking spark or passion for which their and West African football is famously renowned.

Both Martins and Yakubu have been rusty duds. Their defence has been terrible and if it weren't for Vincent Enyeama in goal, they would have lost more heavily in both their defeats.

The cycle is done.  The team is a collection of limited workmanlike cogs.  This generation will never capture the imagination of the Nigerian football fanbase.

Match Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1255325/index.html

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Brazil arrive

On Sunday, June 20, Brazil played Ivory Coast.

It was the second match of the 2010 World Cup or both sides in a very tight Group G.  It was the last game of the weekend wrap but I wanted to blog about it in a separate entry.

Brazil destroyed Ivory Coast.

It wasn't even close.

Luis Fabiano scored a brace and Elano added a third.  Didier Drogba got a late consolation when once again, Brazil's defence fell  asleep at the back with the game seemingly in the bag.

And then Kaka, yes Kaka, got a red card for nothing.

Brazil were like a finely tuned formula one race car, hitting all the gears while roaring in and out of corners.  Sleek, smooth and intent on complete goal scoring destruction.  They linked well while spraying passes all over the park.  Their movement was balletic, choreographed to perfection by Kaka in the attacking third of the pitch.

Throughout Dunga's tenure Brazil have been functional without being fantastic, solid without being spectacular.

But this was Brazil of old; displaying the kind of footballing synthesis between athleticism and grace that Tele Santana's teams of the mid eighties would have been proud of.

Forget talk about Luis Fabiano's handballs.  Balls bounced off the upper arm are not infractions and should be allowed on, especially when part of the artistic ensemble of ball control that he put on before outwitting the Ivorian defence to slot home his second.

If his first goal has been a near post bullet that rocketed into the roof of the net, the second was more sublime and subtle.

Elano's third was the culmination of a sweet set of passes.

The only regret they will take way from this game was the late dismissal of Kaka for a bit of pathetic gamesmanship by Kader Keita.  Kaka was walking in the box when Keita ran into him.  Perhaps out of instinct more than anything Kaka raised an elbow about half the way up and flicked off the approaching Keita.  Keita went down like he was shot, Kaka was sent off.

Dunga was absolutely incensed at the call.  His blood pressure had been rising all night as he saw the Ivorians resort to bad fouls, cynical tackles and crude hacks to keep his magicians at bay.  Already Elano had to be substituted when he was felled by Ismael Tiote.  With Kaka's dismissal, Brazil are now without their midfield maestro for their next 2 games.

Luckily, one game should not matter as Brazil have already sealed qualification from the group.  Still one wonders how much Kaka's absence at their round of 16 game will haunt them.

For Ivory Coast, it was a lesson in how far they have fallen.  At the 2006 World Cup they were an irrepressible attacking force, playing with verve, passion and pace.  They were fresh, eager and clean.

Now they are a team of nine journeyman flashmen plus the anchor of Yaya Toure and the battering ram of Didier Drogba.  Jaded, stale and cynical.

Running fast and passing the ball is nothing if there is no end product.  But for Gervinho's late introduction and the almost bizarre third goal off a long pass, the African's created nothing.

South American teams have impressed at this tournament.  African teams, bar Ghana, have generally been rubbish.

Full Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1252912/index.html

Weekend Wrap

For reasons explained in my earlier post, I was, well, unable to blog on the weekend.

Six games, some great goals and some entertaining games.  Let's run through them:

Day 9:

Holland ground out a solid but unspectacular win over Japan in the early game.  Despite dominating, Holland struggled to create a plethora of good chances and had to resort to the odd goal

Wesley Sneijder unleashed a bullet from outside the area on the left side that was too hot for Japanese custodian Eiji Kawashima to handle.  For Japan, Daisuke Matsui and Yoshito Okibo came close but didn't have the quality to put the final touch on a goalward shot.

Ibrahim Affelay had a brace of chances late in the game, but like Holland, he got into a good position and then lost steam.

Full highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1250821/index.html

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Australia showed remarkable gumption to hold Ghana to a draw in their second game, even going as far taking the lead.  They played much better than their first game and showed both tactical awareness and positional discipline.

Ghana huffed and puffed but didn't create much.  They had to resort to another penalty, this time when Harry Kewell handled on the line, to score.  Asamoah Gyan scoring his second penalty of the tournament.   Things mirrored Ghana's first game against Serbia when Kewell was sent off for the infraction as well.  Despite playing against ten men, Ghana failed to impress.

For Australia, their defence was less outpaced than in their first game as they were deployed deeper.  Brett Holman, the Nathan Bracken look alike, scored Australia's first goal of the tournament when he opened the scoring in the 11 them minute with a cultured finish.

For an Arsenal fan like myself, it was great to see Ex-Gunner Quincy Owuso-Abeyie come on late in the game.

Full Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1251043/index.html

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In the late game Cameroon and Denmark put on a counterattacking clinic in a game that ebbed and flowed with every minute.  Both sides created tonnes of chances.  Both sides scored good goals and passed the ball with verve and purpose.

Samuel Eto'o scored a good opener before Nicklas Bendtner and Dennis Rommedahl replied for the Danes.

Cameroon were cultured on the counterattack passing the ball up the middle but misfiring in the final third.  Denmark attacked off the wing with both Rommedahl and Jesper Gronkjaer particularly impressive.  The Danes showed pace not seen since the days of Danish Dynamite and the Laudrups.

Cameroon have disappointed everyone so far.  I expected them to do well with the World Cup in Africa but instead they became the first team to get eliminated with consecutive losses:

Full Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1251419/index.html

Day 10:

Slovakia slumped to an early defeat against a very impressive Paraguay side.

I expected the central Europeans to clinch a victory against a defensive Paraguay side but they were stymied and beaten by two goals.

Maresk Hamsik was marshalled well by Victor Caceres and Cristian Riveros.  As a result he could not create the passing that lights up the Slovaks play and was unable to release Stanislav Sestak and Robert Vittek.  Their only shot of the game came in injury time.

To add insult to injury, Paraguay exerted a fair bit of their own pressure and scored through Enrique Vera and that man Riveros.

Paraguay continued the strong showing by South American teams, which I did not see coming, to remain unbeaten in their Group.  Sovakia must be kicking themselves for throwing away a win against New Zealand as they slumped to the bottom of the group.

Full Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1251946/index.html

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New Zealand scored the second big upset of the World Cup by holding World Champions Italy to a draw in their second match.

Shane Smeltz scored the opener to stun the Azzuri as Fabio Cannavaro fell over at a free kick and handed the ball on a platter for the Kiwis to score.

Italy then drew level when Daniele De Rossi was hauled over by Tommy Smyth in the penalty box.  Vincenzo Iaquinta stepped up to score from the spot.  New Zealand then held on and moved to two points from two games, still unbeaten.

Italy, once again, flattered to deceive and failed to get out of second gear.  Once again Antonio Di Natale did not start and Fabio Cannavaro is showing his age with every game.  How the Italian must miss Nicola Legrotaglie.

Full Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1252285/index.html

Iberian Fireworks, Chilean Solidity

Three days of absence later this blog returns.  My midblog hiatus can best be explained by me enjoying summer a bit too much.  And with the weather we have had this spring and summer in Toronto, can you blame me ?

Anyhow, lots has happened, tonnes of goals and fair number of exciting games.

Portugal opened the floodgates against North Korea in spectacular fashion.  Not since Germany crushed Saudi Arabia 8-0 in 2002, has a World Cup match ended with such a cricket score of a scoreline.

Cristiano Ronaldo finally scored an international goal after 18 months, T(h)iago Silva scored twice and Raul Meireles, Liedson, Simao Sabrosa and Hugo Almeida all hit the target.  Everyone scored, everyone chipped in.  The defence had little to do.

Portugal were flowing and smooth, running into top gear from the opening kick off.  North Korea were found wanting and they were shown up as being out of their depth.

I expected North Korea to give a Portugal a harder time but after the second goal went in, they seemed to give up.  Their defensive organization was amateur.

For Portugal, a great result but merely a tonic since harder tests lie in wait, especially Brazil in their next and final group game.  Great game to put their shooting boots on and get some much needed target practice.

Too many goals, watch the final highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1253544/index.html

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Chile beat Switzerland in another tight but assured performance that finally paid dividends in the 75th minute when Premiership reject Mark Gonzalez headed in a cross from the right.  Swiss marking was a bit lax and three Swiss defenders were in the 6 yard box around the goal but none picked up Gonzalez at the far post.

Switzerland were well organized but a bit too defensive.  I understand this approach against a blockbuster attacking team like Spain; but against Chile, who although composed in possession, are no offensive thunderstorm; a slightly more positive approach is required.

In the event, Switzerland created nothing and contributed less to the game.  Despite the impressive defensive record, it was only a matter of time before Chile picked a hole in the defence.  Switzerland set a new record for minutes without conceding a goal, but you know they would have wanted at least a point from the game, more than that.

Chile always looked more likely to score and almost did so when an Alexis Sanchez shot sneaked in through a crowd of players.  However, having nicked a Chilean forward en route to the net, it was ruled offside.  Good decision.  Of additional note, and what may have tipped the tight game in Chile's favour, was the dismissal of Valon Bahrami for elbowing two Chilean players on the near touchline.  Another good decision by the Saudi Arabian referee.  Later when Nelson Vidal engaged in some argy bargy with the Swiss defence, he could have evened things up with another red card, but only brandished a yellow.

That second decision along with his pedantic propensity to deal out cards, spoiled an otherwise decent performance from him.

Chile looked slick, efficient and well on course for an unexpectedly deep run in the tournament.  They still have to avoid defeat against Spain, but look the part of a round of 16 team.

The folks at www.zonalmarking.net should feel more vindicated.

Full Highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1253765/index.html

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Spain put their nightmare opening game behind them and utterly dominated Honduras to win this game.  How they only scored two goals will remain something of a mystery.  I felt they were guilty of either overplaying the ball from promising positions within the box or of shooting a bit to early when another pass would have set them up just fine.



In fact, both of Spain's goals came from plays that may not have resulted in goals in other games.  David Villa was off balance for the first and although the ball tucked beautifully into the top corner, it could easily have gone over.  For his second, his shot was well hit but it deflected off Osman Chavez's shoulder on its way to the net.  When Villa was presented with a simple penalty to seal his hat trick, he hit it narrowly wide.



Still, despite the scoreline being kept lower than their play merited, Spain impressed.  Their pressing, passing and movement both on and off the ball are a joy to behold. it is this style of play that has many neutrals, including this blogger, tipping them for the World Cup.  Put simply, I want them to win the World Cup.

Honduras were second to almost every ball and had little answer to the deft passing displayed by La Furia Roja.  They did well to keep the score down.  Elimination from this group is no dishonor, they've been outplayed in both their games but not humiliated.

I just hope that Spain's ability to create chances but not score does not come back to haunt them.  Creativity is not an infinite well.

Full highlights:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/highlights/video/video=1254097/index.html