Group H (First Match):
- Chile: Probably the most entertaining, and mis-leading score line, 1-0 victory of the first set of matches. Chile played a highly entertaining style throughout the entire match and have a great young star in Alexis Sanchez. Unless Switzerland can pull off another incredible defensive outing Chile should be comfortably in the knock-out rounds by the time they play Spain.
- Spain: Perhaps it was a case of the hype getting to the team and the Spaniards expecting a victory to just happen. Equally possibly (and more likely) was that it was just not their day. They out-shot Switzerland 25 to 9 and held possession for 74% of the match. They are not in a position where they most likely have to win their finally two games and will look to demolish Honduras on Monday.
- Switzerland: Most shocking upset of the tournament and truth be told the team would probably be happy with their results even if they don't advance to the knock-out rounds. Took advantage of their opportunity (only 2 shots on goal) and should deploy the same strategy against Chile.
- Honduras: Lets be honest, Honduras are lucky to be here and lucky to have only lost 1-0. With a very angry Spain up next Honduras should try to enjoy the moment - or maybe watch the Switzerland game about 10 times before the match and put forth their best imitation.
Group A (Second Match):
- Uruguay: Diego Forlan started the goal bonanza that has occurred over the past two days and this squad are 95% assured to advance. Found their form and have setup a great match against Mexico to determine the group's top seed.
- Mexico: While I had predicted Mexico to top this group and they did win 2-0 both goals were suspect. A very tight off-side call and Barrera did a great job of selling the penalty call late in the second half. Mexico seem to have the skill to be a final 16 team, but could easily be knocked out by most sides.
- South Africa: Heart breaking. I think most people would like to see the hosts advance or at least play well, but they just don't have the quality to compete in this group. With Mexico's victory its all but over unless the matches fall the right way with a crazy goal differential scenario playing out. Hopefully they will at least out-play France on Tuesday, because you can see they at least want it more.
- France: Disappointing. A line-up full of world stars combining for zero goals in two matches and lackluster action. It would be a fitting end to the French's demise if they were to lose to South Africa and finish bottom of the group.
Group B (Second Match):
- Argentina: The world finally got to see this sides full striking power led by a hat-trick by the Real Madrid stiker, Higuain. Messi was world class as he has been for Barcelona the past few years and seems to finally be replicating that in the Argentina shirt. The Mexico/Uruguay loser will most likely have to face Argentina in the round of 16 which makes that match worth so much more.
- South Korea: The Asian teams got off to a great start, but it was obvious (as expected) that facing Greece and facing Argentina are two different battles. South Korea are still alive despite the loss and could likely advance with a draw. However, giving up 4 goals will hurt the confidence they had built up after topping the Greeks. Should beat Nigeria and advance.
- Greece: The Greeks took 27 shots - 11 on goal - if that stat doesn't shock you, you either don't know much about Greece or thought the Spain/Switzerland was expected. Credit to Greece though for taking advantage of the Nigeria red card and will now look for a favorable draw against Argentina in hopes of advancing.
- Nigeria: Africa's aspirations for a great showing in this World Cup have taken a second vital blow. After going up early the Super Eagles went a man down because of a rash act by Kaita. Nigeria had several chances to win this game even playing with 10 men, but lacked the finishing. Must beat South Korea and have Argentina beat Greece in order to advance.
Thoughts on the action over the past two days?
No comments:
Post a Comment