4 In, 4 Out - Day 12 Round-Up

And we began the beginning of the end today!

The first couple of games were Mexico vs. Uruguay, and France vs. South Africa. They were played simultaneously, so I shall blog them simultaneously! It was first blood to SA, when Bongani Khumalo put the ball in the French net, and the dream was on. It was made even better when Yoann Gourcuff was sent off for France, which was quickly followed up by another goal from Katlego Mphela to give them a 2-0 lead at the break. Just before the break, however, Uruguay had gone 1 up through a beautiful Luis Suarez header, and that was how the games stayed until the 70th minute, when Florent Malouda spoilt the fun and pulled one back for France. The games stayed that way,which means Uruguay and Mexico progress, with South Africa 3rd and France rock bottom. Rightfully so if you're Irish and you are still feeling aggrieved after THAT incident. Highlights are available here for both Mexico vs. Uruguay and France vs. South Africa.

The next games finished off Group B, with matches between Nigeria and the Korea Republic, and Greece vs. Argentina. With Argentina already 3 points ahead of the other teams, they looked certain to progress, but the rest was all to play for. A Kalu Uche goal put Nigeria ahead, but after 38 minutes, Lee Jung-Soo scored a brilliant goal to pull it level. The South Koreans then went in front after a tremendous free-kick from Park Chu-Young, which brought half time. In the other game, Argentina were battering Greece, with Lionel Messi, the captain of the evening, proving why he is the best football player potentially ever. After 70 minutes, Yakubu converted a Nigerian penalty to bring it to 2-2, after a brilliant bit of chopping from the Korean defence. Argentina then began to put their attacking force into line, with a smash-in from Martin Demichelis with 10 minutes to go, and then a Messi-created tap-in for Martin Palermo. Juan Sebastian Veron played the best game I've ever seen him play, and Messi was just a maestro in the team. Both games finished 2-2 and 2-0 respectively, which means Argentina progress as group winners, and the Korea Republic go through as runners-up. Nigeria vs. Korea Republic highlights can be found here with Greece vs. Argentina highlights found here.

 

Knockout Round
Uruguay vs. Korea Republic
Argentina vs. Mexico

It's All Kicking Off

After a week of relatively little controversy, we always have a day where everything goes a little bit mad. And for the 2010 World Cup, that day was today.

We started the day with the news that Wayne Rooney went a little mad towards the TV cameras yesterday, after England's bore draw with Algeria. He said 'Nice to see your own fans booing you, that's loyal support...' with a little more after that. Watch it. Good to see the footballers actually reacting to what the fans feel. Then a fan got into the dressing room to really tell them what he felt...



We then heard of Nicolas Anelka being sent home from the France squad, after a bust up with boss Raymond Domenech. Arguably the best player so far for the French, it was a snap decision that I think Raymundo may regret. Still, if that's how strongly he feels, its probably best to do it now, rather than let it linger.

We Should Be So Lucky... - Day 7 Round-Up

And after a week of games - 20, to be precise, we arrive at today. And what a mix we had. We got as we wished!

Argentina vs. South Korea was to kick us off today, and what a stunning game. The two teams I reckon will go through, head to head. With the likes of Messi, Aguero and Higuain up front from the start, we were in for a good game. A Messi free kick led to the own goal to put Argentina 1-0 up, and it was like Park Chu-Young was a statue - he just didn't move, and it hit him. Another Messi cross left Gonzalo Higuain to head in a second, and then a stroke of luck arrive when Lee Chung-Yong pinched the ball and popped it in the back of the net to make it 2-1. Half time obviously led to strong words by Diego Maradona, and they worked wonders. More Messi magic led to a third goal from Higuain, and then he got his hat-trick with one of the best goals of the tournament, involving all three of the strikers. Just magical. So the game finished 4-1, and now Argentina look certain to go through. Watch the highlights here.

Next up were Greece vs. Nigeria, and it was dull. Very very dull. We had a quick first half, with a belter of a goal from Kalu Uche, and then a sending off for a petulant kick from Sani Kaita. It was off the ball, and off the pitch, but it was still stupid, and you could tell he was disappointed. The Greeks turned the game around just before the break, with the first ever Greek World Cup goal from Dimitris Salpingidis, and then number two was scored by Vassilis Torosidis in the 70th minute, after a spill from the Nigerian keeper. To watch the highlights, click here.

Finally today, we had France vs. Mexico, and it was very, very attacking. It was even, and Mexico looked a very well-oiled machine in the first half. It was split equally during the second half, and was a very exciting, open game. Javier Hernandez scored for Mexico in what looked to be the decisive goal, but it was in fact Cuauhtemoc Blanco who coverted a penalty who won the game for Mexico. 2-0 was a brilliant result, and one that could end France's chances of even qualifying. If you wish to watch the highlights, click here.

What a day though! Next week starts tomorrow - happy days!

Bore Draws - Day 1 Round-Up

Well, that was an interesting day! Having watched both games, I think we can safely say we know which was the better.

We started off with South Africa vs. Mexico - a game that even Isobel enjoyed, even though she won't admit it. Siphiwe Tshabalala put SA ahead, with ex-captain Rafael Marquez striking back 12 minutes from time, to finish the game 1-1. It was a fast-paced, equally-attacking game, and it was a really good one to kick off the whole tournament. For highlights of the game, click here.


Then we had Uruguay vs. France this evening, and wow it couldn't have been more boring if it tried. What a seriously dull game. It was just 50:50 the whole way, until France actually started to try with 10 minutes to go, but it was far too late. If you're that way inclined, and want to waste a few minutes of your life that you'll never get back again, check out the highlights here.

It all bodes well for Day 2 though!

Group A - France

France. Possibly one of the greatest footballing nations of all time. They've given us some wonderful moments. I vividly remember last time, and THAT headbutt.....

But anyway, that was 2006. France have to try and go one better this time, and win the competition, rather than finish as runners up. Possible? You betcha.

They have the best chance of the group of qualifying as Group A winners, and should Group B go how I predict, could walk straight into the quarter finals. They have luck on their side so far. Leaving key players out the squad, like Benzema, probably won't help if they are to progress any further, but Domenech will have done what he sees fit.

Capital City: Paris
Captain: Thierry Henry
Manager: Raymond Domenech
Star Man: Yoann Gourcuff - this man is tipped to impress this summer, and impress big. If the recent rumours are true, Gourcuff, should he have a good tournament, will be off to Arsenal to replace Cesc Fabregas. Not bad for a kid who was on the fringes at AC Milan for years. His pace and passing accuracy could prove to be big factors in France going far. 
Group Games: Uruguay (11th June); Mexico (17th June); South Africa (22nd June)
Adam's Prediction: Win the group, win the second round game, and win the quarter. Then we'll see what happens then... 1st in Group A.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Steve Mandanda(Olympique Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Girondins Bordeaux) 

Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla), Marc Planus (Girondins Bordeaux), Gael Clichy(Arsenal), Anthony Reveillere (Olympique Lyon) 

Midfielders: Alou Diarra(Girondins Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich) 

Forwards: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille)