- USA: At this point I'm not sure why US fans get surprised any more by the slow starts by their team. The Americans have given up the first goal in 7 out of their 8 international matches during 2010, giving up an average of 1.875 goals over that span. Luckily, they had amazing effort in the second half and a great come back. While the Edu goal should have been allowed there is no reason to dwell on that at this point as they have been given a clear line to the knockout stages. Bradley should use his second half line-up against Algeria giving the starting roles to Edu and Feilhaber.
- England: We often see a collection of stars not play well together (see France), but this England side seemed not to care which is highly unlike their side. Rooney seemed almost apathetic for most of the match and the rest of the squad seem like they are waiting for someone else to either make a breakthrough play or a costly mistake. Despite sitting in third the English still have a chance to advance with a win over Slovenia and will hopefully wake up by Wednesday.
- Slovenia: Even the most fanatic Slovenia fan probably would not have predicted they would sit atop the table after two matches. However, here they are after playing a great opening half against the US. Can advance with a draw against the English and will confident in achieving that after watching England's last game.
- Algeria: Got their first point since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Surprisingly can still advance, but that requires the US and England both losing most likely. As bad as England was yesterday, credit must go to Algeria for being able to frustrate and contain them.
Group D (Second Match):
- Germany: After the first 20 minutes I thought this game would end as an 8-on-8 match. A series of harsh yellow cards and a second forcing Klose out of the match took the sting out of the German attack. After their opening match they were labeled world beaters, but clearly dropped back down to the rest of the pack which is good for the English and Americans who may come up against the Germans in the round of 16.
- Serbia: Came into the tournament as a trendy pick which quickly seemed over hyped after an opening loss to Ghana. Took the game to Germany even before the red card came out. Have their World Cup future back in their own hands as they take on Australia in their final match.
- Ghana: Two goals on two penalty kicks off of two hand balls. Who could have called that one? Not the most dominate team in their matches, but the only African nation to put up good results so far. This young squad will probably be a stronger contender in four years in Brazil and should their youth by not being able to capitalize being a man up for most of the match.
- Australia: A highly unlucky tournament for the Socceroos so far. Australia played well today and took the game to Ghana who seemed unwilling to take advantage of being a man up. Kewell's hand ball was unfortunate as the ball with struck with such velocity that he could not move in time, but its the letter of the law (and at least the ref got this call right). While mathematically still alive, the required victory over Serbia looks hard pressed, although they will get Tim Cahill back.
Group E (Second Match):
- Netherlands: While the Dutch have not been as impressive as many expected them to be, they are only one of two sides to earn 6 points after two matches of the first 20 teams to play a second time (with a max of 4 possible after round 2). Elia lifted the attack for the Netherlands late in the second half and is making a case to start going forward. The Dutch will certain welcome Robben back into the squad soon who can run at defenders, but now know they don't need to rush him into the next match.
- Cameroon: Heartbreak for the Lions as they are the first side to be eliminated from the 2010 World Cup. Eto'o put the game on notice with an early goal and its a shame to see the tournament lose one of Africa's (and the world's) biggest stars.
- Japan: Not a game Japan needed to win, but I was disappointed to see Japan set back into a deep defense for most of the match. Managed only two shots on goal and will need to come stronger against another good defense in Denmark on Thursday.
- Denmark: Much better performance from Denmark after taking a highly defensive stance against the Dutch. Stay alive with a win and now take on Japan for the 2nd spot in Group E. Highly entertaining game, as the next one should be. Sorenson came up big stopping all but one of Cameroon's 23 shots (7 on goal).
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