Features, Ian John, World Cup 2010 POSTS

Another One Bites the Dust…

Published by Ian John on June 29, 2010

It’s 48 hours after Sunday’s debacle and I’m sorry this article is a little late. I’ve actually got two articles to write today as I’m going to keep you abreast of the latest news and rumours in the Premier League for the next one, but for this I must dissect the second round of the World Cup and in particular the six games that have so far taken place.

Uruguay 2 South Korea 1 : In the end class was the difference. Both sides worked hard and both had their chances but in the end it was one moment of pure class from Luis Suarez that turned the game Uruguay’s way. It was a quality strike worthy of winning any game. Uruguay just about deserved the victory on the day and their forward line will cause any team problems in the latter stages of the tournament.

Ghana 2 United States 1 (aet) : Doh! The US will be kicking themselves after this game. Another evenly contested tie but both Ghana goals were down to some pretty poor defending it has to be said and despite having what I felt was the better of the game, the US failed to convert that into clear cut chances and paid the price. Still at least having one African team in the quarter finals is keeping most TV pundits happy.

Germany 4 England 1 : Forget the goal that wasn’t, forget the nonsense about “it wasn’t a 4-1 game” and “we were dominating the game”. If you defend like the Blind School XI and play with no intelligence or passion, then you get what you deserve. A spanking and a hiding and a wake up call to everyone that the whole is far, far greater than the sum of its parts. Mesut Ozil though is Marty Feldman (pictured) reincarnated isn’t he?

Argentina 3 Mexico 1 : Mexico I think have a right to be aggrieved. Tevez goal was miles offside and that did change the game totally, though to be fair, the ineptitude of the Mexican defender for the second goal cancelled that out completely and Tevez second was a belter. Argentina moved on relatively easily and this sets up an intriguing clash with Germany in the quarter finals.

Holland 2 Slovakia 1 : Yawn? I actually did fall asleep watching this game. The Dutch were everything England weren’t. Well organised, disciplined, strong tactically but my god weren’t they boring? Robben’s goal apart it was a turgid, limp encounter that I was happy to hear the final whistle after.

Brazil 3 Chile 0 : A Hugely impressive performance from Brazil once again. Once Juan had headed them in front then the result was inevitable. Chile, for all their effort, could not create a single meaningful chance against the Brazil back line. Fabiano and Robinho’s goals were both sublimely created and taken and by the end of the match Brazil were in cruise control. An ominous showing for all the teams left in the tournament.

Which brings us neatly onto todays games…

Paraguay v Japan : It’s hard to see how the Japanese, well organised though they are, could cause an upset here. The South American sides dominance of the competition thus far should continue. My only concern here is whether Paraguay will score enough goals to get through comfortably in 90 minutes or whether it will take extra time and penalties. Paraguay to edge a close encounter 1-0.

Spain v Portugal : A local derby in international terms and arguably one of the biggest games in this World Cup finals. Spain will start favourites, but Portugal have an uncanny knack of upsetting the applecart. In my jokey preview of the tournament I forecast this match and a Portugal win. It could still happen, but I hope it doesn’t. I think Spain are far better equipped to challenge the dominance of Brazil and Argentina and with so much on the line, I think the Spanish will get it right today. 2-0 to Spain, David Villa and a Xabi Alonso thunderbolt to send Cristiano home in tears.

So for 22 teams, it is already over. Two more will join them after todays games. 8 teams will be left with a chance of winning the world cup. In my view only 3 of those left in have a realistic chance of winning it.

Image Courtesy of ***Junior Misfit *** on Flickr.com

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