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

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!

And We Start Again... - Day 6 Round-Up

Today was the day we got to see the last of the 32 teams for the first time, and also began the second games. And it was a bit of a shocker.

The lunchtime job today was Honduras vs. Chile, and it was quite a straight-forward affair. With 20 shots throughout the game, Chile were the stronger team, but Honduras did have some very dangerous attacks. It was Jean Beausejour's shot that gave Chile their first World Cup win since 1962, and it remained that way till full time. Quite a poor match, but hey, better than some of the stuff we've seen so far. If you want to watch the highlights, click here.

Next up was Spain vs. Switzerland, and it was looking to be a big walkover. Oh how wrong we were. Even with 67% of the possession, Spain were the second best, and after Gelson Fernandes 52nd minute goal, Switzerland won 1-0. How? We may not ever know, but it really throws Spain's plan off. The Swiss also caused 18 fouls - with only 4 yellow cards. Weird.... For the highlights, click here.

Last game of the day was South Africa vs. Uruguay - first game where we've already seen the two teams. Teams looked good from the start, but very evenly matched, so I for one, thought we may very well be in for a draw. Diego Forlan looked to have finished that idea with an absolute thunderbolt in the first half to make it 1-0 Uruguay, and it proved that the uproar over the World Cup ball doesn't always end in mishaps. Second half was a little more open, but with Luis Suarez diving everywhere, things began to swing to Uruguay, and Itumeleng Khune, the South African keeper, was sent off, and Forlan then converted the penalty to make it 2-0. It was in fact the 5th red card of the tournament - and seeing as we've had 17 games, that's quite a few. The game finished with Alvaro Pareira heading in a third, but if you want to watch the highlights, click here.

Just cross everything that we have more games and more goals like what we've had today.

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)

Group A - Uruguay

The first ever winners of the World Cup, Uruguay, are in a tough group for them, and are bound to go out at the first hurdle. Even with some world-class strikers, the defence doesn't hold up, and against the likes of South Africa, Mexico and France, could find themselves on the end of a major whitewash.

Capital City: Montevideo
Captain: Diego Lugano
Manager: Oscar Tabarez
Star Man: Diego Forlan - the former United man, who is the most capped player in the squad, leads the front line again, in the hope of impressing. He may begin to tire quickly, as at the age of 31, he is getting slower, but this could lead to him creating chances for others.
Group Games: France (11th June); South Africa (16th June); Mexico (22nd June)
Adam's Prediction: Could very possibly finish without a point. Big goal difference deficit should leave them at the bottom. 4th in Group A.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Lazio), Juan Castillo (Deportivo Cali), Martin Silva (Defensor Sporting) 

Defenders: Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Diego Godin (Villarreal), Andres Scotti (Colo Colo), Jorge Fucile (Porto), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile), Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica) 

Midfielders: Walter Gargano (Napoli), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Penarol), Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm), Diego Perez (Monaco), Alvaro Pereira (Porto), Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile), Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia), Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax) 

Forwards: Luis Suarez (Ajax), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo), Edinson Cavani (Palermo), Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield).

Group A - Mexico

Mexico, who qualify again for the World Cup, are in prime position to perform well this year. Having not gone further than the knockout phase of the tournament since 1986, Mexico now need to regain the footballing hearts of their nation, and with a potential mouth-watering tie against the USA in the quarters, everything could go well for the Mexicans this year.

Capital City: Mexico City
Captain: Rafael Marquez
Manager: Javier Aguirre
Star Man: Andres Guardado - the speedy winger is expected to be big this year in South Africa. His long shot could be something we're talking about come the group stages, and it should ignite them to get further in the competition. 
Group Games: South Africa (11th June); France (17th June); Uruguay (22nd June)
Adam's Prediction: Should comfortably qualify, and may play Argentina in the second round. Could make for an inetresting tournament. 2nd in Group A, and to again go out in the second round.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Memo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Chivas), Oscar Perez (Chiapas) 

Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmmar), Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (Pumas UNAM) 

Midfielders: Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna)

Forwards: Pablo Barrera (Pumas UNAM), Adolfo Bautista (Guadalajara), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray), Guillermo Franco (West Ham), Carlos Vela (Arsenal).
 

Group A - South Africa

For the first time ever, the World Cup heads to Africa, and South Africa have the privilege of hosting the event in 2010.

Having qualified automatically, the team officially announced their squad on Deadline Day - 1st June. Based on this, I highly doubt they'll progress from their group - it looks far too difficult for them. But hey, that's what the World Cup is all about! Remember South Korea in 2002?!

Anyway, here's their factfile.

Capital City: Cape Town
Captain: Aaron Mokoena
Manager: Carlos Alberto Parreira
Star Man: Steven Pienaar - the Everton man seems to hold the team together, and with the way South Africa play, he really does fit in nicely.
Group Games: Mexico (11th June); Uruguay (16th June); France (22nd June)
Adam's Prediction: They may scrape a win against Uruguay, but I don't reckon they'll do too well. 3rd in Group A.

Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United) 

Defenders: Matthew Booth, Siboniso Gaxa (both Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Anele Ngcongoa (Racing Genk), Siyabonga Sangweni (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders: Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham), Thanduyise Khuboni (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Steven Pienaar (Everton), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Forwards: Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows), Bernard Parker (FC Twente)