Whoopsy Daisy - Day 23 Round-Up

Well then. There goes that prediction.

The first game of the day was Argentina vs. Germany, in what was billed as the finest game to be played this World Cup. And it certainly looked like it was going to be - goals galore from either team should have given us a brilliant attacking lesson. But alas, as is with this World Cup, things don't go according to plan. An early header from Thomas Muller within 3 minutes put the Germans one up, and from there on in, it was difficult for Argentina to recover. Even with 6 of the best strikers in the world in their squad, the defence was poor, and by half time, they were a shambles. The weak link was Gabriel Heinze - a player I used to rate highly, but have realised he is an egotistical, cheating, diving scumbag who should be thrown off the plane home. The second half proved that. After 67 minutes, Miroslav Klose slid the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0, and within 3 minutes, Arne Friedrich put them 3 up as he pushed the ball into the net. With just seconds remaining, Germany made it an absolute riot by putting a fourth in the net, with Miroslav Klose now just one away from equalling the record for the highest number of goals scored at World Cups. 4-0 means the Germans go through, and sends the Argentinians home. To watch the highlights, click here.

The final quarter final was between Paraguay and Spain. It wasn't one for the faint-hearted, that's for sure. A dire first half came to a close with some great Spanish play, but all the action was in the second half. After 57 minutes, Paraguay were awarded a penalty, which Oscar Cardozo put straight into the arms of Iker Casillas, before just 2 minutes later, Spain were awarded one, which Xabi Alonso scored, then was told to retake, then was saved by Justo Villar. Strange stuff. David Villa got them out of trouble though, with a double-post bounce in the 83rd minute, and that's how the game finished. Heartbroken Paraguayans, and the Spanish were rather pleased.... It sets up a brilliant tie between Germany and themselves, so we have that to look forward to on Tuesday. For the highlights, click here.

The Pointless Farewell - Day 17 Round-Up

Ah, the inevitable goodbye follows slightly earlier than we're used to.

Again, two games today, and we got a bit of a belter to start with. Germany, Group D winners, against England, Group C runners-up. It was always going to be a good game, but I didn't expect the first half to be as good as it was. Now, as I'm English, I shall be referring to them as 'we', so apologies Germans... Germany did, however, start as the much brighter team, and exposed John Terry and Matthew Upson as two of the number of weak links in the team today. They began to run rings round them, and eventually, Miroslav Klose managed to squeeze the ball into the net after 20 minutes. It was the beginning of the end, because England were now deflated, and the ball just stayed at German feet, and the English really couldn't be bothered to go and get the ball. They expected it to come to them. And it was almost karma that Germany stuck another one in, with Lukas Podolski finding the net after just half an hour. It was a sucker punch, but Capello got the team back up on its feet, and Matthew Upson scored from a corner, and things looked a little brighter. It only took a minute for us to score again, with Frank Lampard putting the ball well over the line, but alas, karma struck back, and the Uruguayan linesman didn't spot a thing. A good two foot over the line, and didn't see it. Idiot. But that was that for England, and they near enough shut up shop before half time. The second half was a lot of possession play, and Germany always looked the more likely to score, and after 67 minutes, Thomas Muller did exactly that. And again, in the 70th minute. Steven Gerrard proved how poor a captain and a team player he is by taking a shot every time he received the ball, so as he could write the headlines and become the hero. Nob. They are a top team, and I really do hope that the quarter lives up to all expectations. To watch the match highlights, click here.

The next game of the day was between Group B winners, Argentina, and Group A runners up, Mexico. The South American derby had a lot to go to to beat the other game, but it sure as hell was going to try. Mexico did in fact start the brighter team, but it took 25 minutes for the Argentinians to break them down, with a highly controversial goal from Carlos Tevez. Having been nearly 3 yards offside, the assistant referee allowed for the goal to stand, before all the Mexican players saw a replay on the big screen. The ref then looked to have cancelled out the goal, but then allowed for the goal to stand! Very, very bizarre. It only took 8 minute for Gonzalo Higuain to score a perfectly legitimate goal, but the game was dead thanks to that stupid decision. After the restart, Tevez scored an absolute stunner, and then Javier Hernandez pulled a goal back with 20 minutes to go, but it certainly was too little, too late, and Argentina progress to play Germany thanks to the 3-1 victory. To watch the highlights of the game, click here.

I have to say, after today, I have become a big advocate of goal-line technology. I always thought it should be in the game - it works for other sports - but Sepp Blatter is far too ignorant and too absorbed in his own ego to allow for it to happen. Today just proves it certainly should be involved in football, before the Beautiful Game dies a horrible death.

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

Never Mind Favourites....

The favourites to win the World Cup before we kicked off were Spain, Brazil, Argentina, Germany and England. Only two of the teams have actually shown they could win the thing, but even thern, there are flaws right across their team.

Spain lost to Switzerland. England drew with USA. Germany even lost today to Serbia. It throws the groups completely open, and could lead to some shock exits come the second round.

Brazil looked a brilliant team, but against Korea DPR, couldn't string a set of passes together, and the defence looked quite weak. They didn't seem to be playing the beautiful football we're used to.

Even Argentina looked incredibly dangerous to back. Yes, they have three of the best forwards in the world, and yes, they will score bags and bags of goals, but their chink in their armour is the defence - gaps appear everywhere and things could go bad for them.

So who do I back?

Just wait and find out.....

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!

Outstanding Attacking - Day 2 Round-Up

Having now watched 5 out of the 64 games, we're beginning to get a bit of a feel for how its all going. And how attacking was today?!

First game of today was the Korea Republic against Greece,and it was a brilliant display by the Asian team. They showed that they really have recovered the form of the 2002 semi-finalists, and it was actually a very enjoyable game to watch - makes a change when it involves Greece. Highlights are found here.


Next up on the roster was Argentina vs. Nigeria, and it was the best game so far. First half was absolutely stunning - haven't seen a game of football like that in a while. Messi's jinking runs and Tevez's brute force matched perfectly, and the lack of defence for both teams were only uncovered fully in the last 10 minutes. The passing was brilliant too, and it bodes well for the next month. You can watch the highlights here.

Finally, we had England vs. USA. What a really poor game. When Gerrard put the ball in the net within 10 minutes, I thought we were on our way. But no, however we did it, we let the USA come back, and eventually ended up drawing 1-1, thanks to an absolute blunder from Robert Green. If I were Capello, I'd have pulled him off at half time, and let him know it wasn't acceptable. Second half was a little better, but we brought on slower players and brought the pace of the game right down, making Wayne Rooney a very unhappy bunny. Still, if you want to watch the highlights, click here.

Argentina Still On For The Big One

As those of you who have read the previous posts will know, I'm backing Argentina. I genuinely think they have enough attacking options, and enough of a team to win the competition.

Their performance against Nigeria earlier on was absolutely world class. I haven't seen a game like that in a very long time. So one sided, but only 1-0. Was just a wonderful spectacle to watch.

But is that it already? Will that really be enough to be world beaters and become the best team in the world? We'll just have to wait and see.

Group B - Argentina

Based on the group, and side of the draw, Argentina must almost be certain to do well this year. Since Diego Maradona took over, they've had some absolute beating - Bolivia 6-1 Argentina sticks out in my mind. But they've got a youthful team who really do have a lot of attacking flair and pace, and should show why they can be world beaters in these early group stages.

Their players seem to be all those in the shop window - Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria - the list goes on. This will play massively into Argentina's favour - the better they play, the more likely a move will be. But the better they play, the better Argentina play, and the more likely it is that they will get their hands on the coveted trophy. It only takes a second to score, and make yourself a hero....

Capital City: Buenos Aires

Captain: Javier Mascherano
Manager: Diego Maradona
Star Man: Lionel Messi - who else?! The man is a star - there aren't many players who have been hailed by the greats. He is just a fast, pacey, attacking machine, who has a bunch of skill, technique and tactical suave about him. Should Argentina get beyond the quarters, he surely has to be in with a shout for Best Player.
Group Games: Nigeria (12th June); Korea Republic (17th June); Greece (22nd June)
Adam's Prediction: Will walk the group. Will then win in second round, and quarters, and very possibly make it all the way to the final, but it'll be tricky once the semis take place. 1st in Group B.


Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon)

Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)