World Cup so far
Group A and B
It was expected that France will suffer humiliation and it did happen. There was clearly no unity in the team and it is a shame that the players were divided. Domenech has done his part in ruining the team. This clearly shows what happened before their final match against South Africa. South Africa did a great work. I wished the host nation advanced to the next round but they tried their best unlike Les Bleus. Uruguay and Mexico played very well to make it to the next round.
Argentina have been the best team so far. Three wins and in all the three matches they played beautifully to win. Surprising that Messi hasn’t scored a goal yet but still they have been brilliant. The surprise package of this group is South Korea. I don’t know how many people expected them to qualify but certainly I did not. South Korea showed exactly how they can beat other teams to qualify. Greece and Nigeria tried to make a late comeback in the tournament but it was just too late for them. Nigeria especially had their chance to beat Greece when they were leading 1-0 and Kaita foolishly got a red card which lead to 2-1 defeat. Greece were good against Argentina but they shouldn’t have lost to North Korea.
So now it is Uruguay v South Korea and Mexico v Argentina. Uruguay and Argentina look more likely to be the first teams to advance to quarter-finals. Not to underestimate Mexico and South Korea, but unless something goes really wrong, these two don’t stand a chance.
Group C and D
The Three Lions have been one of the teams that has disappointed everyone. The team lacked spirit in the first two matches and only in the last deciding match against Slovenia they showed their capability in pieces. Capello should have never started with Heskey in the first two matches. Rooney has so far been dismal. Only Steven Gerrard has been playing well trying to lead by an example. This is one thing which England fans wouldn\’t wish to see again. USA must deserve appreciation for finishing ahead of England. Honestly they were much better than England deserved to finish as Group winners. Early exit was expected from Algeria and Slovenia, but they played well especially against England.
Germany had an awesome first match but then lost to Serbia. It showed that Germans aren’t invincible but still their young players were fantastic. To perform at this level such young talents is really good. The young Germans are capable of doing big things as they showed it against Australia. And then finally we have just one surviving African nation reaching the last 16, Ghana. Without their inspirational captain Essien, Ghana still made it to the next round. The win against Serbia was crucial. Australia and Serbia were unpredictable with Australia being thrashed by Germany, Serbia beating Germany but then losing to Australia. Inconsistency cost them a lot.
Germany v England in round of 16 is a very huge match. It will be sad to see one of the tournament favorites bow out so early, but that is fate. England have made it tough for themselves. But there are two reasons for me to believe that England can make it to quarter-finals – Fabio Capello and Steven Gerrard. USA v Ghana on the other hand might not be huge, but Ghana being the sole African survivor should really keep their cool and go further.
Group E and F
I have been supporting Netherlands this time and so far they have been decent but not really been good. Despite underperforming, the Oranje have won all 3 matches. Van der Vaart has been out of form. Van Persie’s confidence should have improved after clinical finish against Cameroon and the return of Robben is a big boost. Japan, like South Korea, have been one of the surprises. Cameroon made a huge mistake by taking Japan lightly which cost them dear. But not to take away any credits from Japan as they outplayed Cameroon and Denmark to earn the second place.
Italy are the worst team of 2010 World Cup. Worse than France. This group should have been a cakewalk but pathetic Italy managed only 2 draws and lost to Slovakia in a thriller. New Zealand have been one of the most impressive teams. They didn’t qualify to the next round, but like South Africa, they leave with their heads up. Paraguay and Slovakia did their jobs and made sure that they progress.
Match against Slovakia will be tough one for Netherlands. As usual it might be the case where the Dutch keep on attacking while Slovakia defend. Its all up to how the Oranje break down SLovakia’s defense. Paraguay v Japan should be interesting. The two have done well in the group stages and it will be a close call. May be Japan can reach quarter-finals.
Group G and H
Ivory Coast should have been the African team that could have just caused the biggest upset but failed. they did deserve it as their player Keita did such a cheap trick to get Kaka sent off. Other than that, the usual favorites Brazil and Portugal are through. Brazil v Portugal was a disappointment. It was supposed to be a treat but turned out very boring.
Another surprise of this World Cup are Spain. They were supposed to be the best, even better than Argentina. But the loss against the Swiss in their first match made their situation very difficult. They did just enough to avoid Brazil in the next round. Surely if they need to do well, Busquets must sit on the bench and Cesc must be starting. Chile were much better than Spain and actually should have finished first. Unluckily they now face Brazil. Swiss weren’t that bad either considering that they beat Spain, but still it is a matter of consistency and they failed there.
Spain v Portugal should live up to the expectation. The neighbors will fight it out and even though Spain are yet to show their full potential, they will have the upper hand over Portugal. There will be one South American team that will exit for sure as Brazil take on Chile and Chile look like the ones going out.
