I need to get this post in quick and gloat over a fine Mexican performance and an absolutely terrible display from the French before David James spills a corner and England lose 1-0 to the plucky Algerians in about an hour.
I have been fairly good with my predictions so far this world cup, but none so more than my desire for the second round games to get going for the action to really start.....
Before that, credit to the Swiss. Where many (MANY) teams have tried to play defensively and on the break against better teams, they actually executed this perfectly against the Spanish. I don't know yet how I feel about a potential Spain - Brazil second round game. Obviously, great game, but should it be happening so soon in the tournament??
Anyway, moving on - and the second round of group games:
Uruguay - SA
France - Mexico
Order has been restored here. The weak SA team (and none more disappointing than Pienaar) are where they need to be - they're just simply too limited, and certainly didn't seem to have any 2nd gear at all to their play when going behind to a good Forlan strike - the first which could legitimately be attributed to the ball this world cup.
Always sad to see the hosts going out, and the fans streaming out of the ground before the end of the game was disappointing to see, but I like this Uruguay team. Maybe not spectacular, but they're in pole position now to win the group and avoid Argentina in the second round.
Oh, Monsieur Domenech. What an idiot. I just could not fathom his tactics, (not really playing with a true striker.....and oh, no shots on goal), nor his substitutions - you take Henry on the plane and don't give him a chance.... strange.
Highlights of the destruction of France:
Question of the day: How on earth did Sven almost fail to qualify with this Mexico team?!!??!
2nd Question of the day: How on earth did Sven get fired from that job and score the Ivory Coast gig?!?!
Argentina - Sth Korea
Nigeria - Greece
Greece. Like a good schoolboy bully, they only started to pick on the opposition when it was obviously they would win, actually starting to show adventure once the unlucky Nigerians were down to 10 men. Still don't fancy their chances against Messi....
Costly development of the day:
I've made two investments this world cup - Fabiano to win the golden boot & Brazil to win the thing (20/1); and also Xavi to be voted player of the tournament (14/1). Both I thought, offered good value, both, now, making me look quite foolish. 3 goals for Higuain will be followed by more, and given the fact that Messi set up all four goals, somewhat stands out above being stifled by a Swiss 5 man midfield......
Maradonameter:
3 out of 10: Again, another well dressed composed performance. Extra points scored for touchline backflick and being unable to resist mouthing off against his best pal Pele during the week, but not too crazy yet...
I have been fairly good with my predictions so far this world cup, but none so more than my desire for the second round games to get going for the action to really start.....
Before that, credit to the Swiss. Where many (MANY) teams have tried to play defensively and on the break against better teams, they actually executed this perfectly against the Spanish. I don't know yet how I feel about a potential Spain - Brazil second round game. Obviously, great game, but should it be happening so soon in the tournament??
Anyway, moving on - and the second round of group games:
Uruguay - SA
France - Mexico
Order has been restored here. The weak SA team (and none more disappointing than Pienaar) are where they need to be - they're just simply too limited, and certainly didn't seem to have any 2nd gear at all to their play when going behind to a good Forlan strike - the first which could legitimately be attributed to the ball this world cup.
Always sad to see the hosts going out, and the fans streaming out of the ground before the end of the game was disappointing to see, but I like this Uruguay team. Maybe not spectacular, but they're in pole position now to win the group and avoid Argentina in the second round.
Oh, Monsieur Domenech. What an idiot. I just could not fathom his tactics, (not really playing with a true striker.....and oh, no shots on goal), nor his substitutions - you take Henry on the plane and don't give him a chance.... strange.
Highlights of the destruction of France:
- [damn it. I got this far before the England game started.... I will put the horror show to one side and continue for now]
- Laughing every time upon seeing a close up of Sydney Govou. The resemblance to Homer Simpson is unsettling (Birchy, see, I do read your posts). His abilities as a footballer even more so.
- The FFF issued kiddie gloves worn by the majority of the players. (mostly with short sleeves). Very snazzy.
- Did enjoy the beer celebration in the stands - hope the seats aren't too sticky for the next game
- Mr Blanco. A legend. Probably the longest run up for a penalty in a world cup ever seen..... I had serious concerns that he would not make it all the way to the ball without taking a knee...
Question of the day: How on earth did Sven almost fail to qualify with this Mexico team?!!??!
2nd Question of the day: How on earth did Sven get fired from that job and score the Ivory Coast gig?!?!
Argentina - Sth Korea
Nigeria - Greece
Greece. Like a good schoolboy bully, they only started to pick on the opposition when it was obviously they would win, actually starting to show adventure once the unlucky Nigerians were down to 10 men. Still don't fancy their chances against Messi....
Costly development of the day:
I've made two investments this world cup - Fabiano to win the golden boot & Brazil to win the thing (20/1); and also Xavi to be voted player of the tournament (14/1). Both I thought, offered good value, both, now, making me look quite foolish. 3 goals for Higuain will be followed by more, and given the fact that Messi set up all four goals, somewhat stands out above being stifled by a Swiss 5 man midfield......
Maradonameter:
3 out of 10: Again, another well dressed composed performance. Extra points scored for touchline backflick and being unable to resist mouthing off against his best pal Pele during the week, but not too crazy yet...
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