Features, Ian John, World Cup 2010 POSTS

The Second Phase… An improvement for most

Published by Ian John on June 21, 2010

After arguably the most terminally bland selection of first group games in World Cup history, I know that because I celebrated a last gasp New Zealand equaliser against Slovakia as if it was Geoff Hurst wrapping up the win in 1966, the second set of group games got under way this week and, thankfully, for the watching public (or a good proportion of them), things improved markedly in the entertainment stakes.

Uruguay were much improved against South Africa, who looked well beaten long before Diego Forlan and co put the hosts in their place with a 3-0 victory. I have always stated I fancied Uruguay and Mexico from the first group so I was less than surprised to see the sulking French succumb to a 2-0 defeat to the Mexicans in one of the more entertaining games so far.

Argentina looked very strong against South Korea and so far, they are the team to beat in the tournament. Messi and co just effortlessly shifted through the gears to defeat South Korea and are now many bookmakers favourites… So I am more than happy that I lumped on them when they were still fourth favourites and 9/1 shots!

Nigeria continued the disappointing showing for African teams with an abysmal performance against Greece and some puerile petulance by one of their defenders that saw him sent off and handed Greece the win. I was even fortunate enough to witness Giorgios Samaras head at goal well.

The USA and Slovenia played out a hugely entertaining 2-2 draw that really the USA should have won, their winning goal from Edu being disallowed by the referee for some inexplicable reason. England played too and they were rubbish. You may have noticed.

The Germans, who were being confirmed champions last week, showed they are far from the finished article, losing 1-0 to Serbia, albeit thanks to some very officious refereeing that saw Klose sent off and Germany down to 10 men for most of the game. That said, Podolski missing a penalty is still the true shock moment of the finals so far for me. Ghana were held by ten man Australia which means that the African side are going to need a good performance against the Germans in the final game to progress, assuming Serbia can get a result against Australia… I think… To be honest Group D is so confusing, I don’t know who can win it and who can’t.

Holland were also none too impressive against Japan but edged a tight game 1-0 thanks to some powerful shooting from Sneijder and woeful keeping by Kawashima. Denmark defeated Cameroon to send the Cameroonian team home, the first team eliminated and to make this arguably the worst world cup for African teams since a confused Zaire defender hoofed a Brazilian free kick into the stand in 1974.

Brazil thumped Ivory Coast 3-1 and produced some good football in patches. Paraguay looked good against Slovenia. Italy huffed and puffed but were unable to defeat the mighty New Zealand. Suddenly I felt a lot better about England’s performance. France players have gone on strike over Anelka being sent home and Kaka was sent off for offensive eyebrows against the Ivory Coast… Well it must have been that as it can’t have been for anything else…

Today, With Spain needing to bounce back from a shock defeat to Switzerland, Chile looking strong and North Korea looking able to at least cause Portugal a few problems, it does look like being a much improved second phase for most.

Unless you are French, English, Italian or African of course…

Image Courtesy of ***Toksuede *** on Flickr.com

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