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!

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.

Group B - Nigeria

Nigeria have never gone beyond the second round in the World Cup - the last time they even did that was 1998. And I'm afraid to say I don't think there will be any difference this time around. The lack of raw talent is worrying. Every English-based player is a fringe player, and those who do very rarely make it into the starting line up are inevitably dropped by their teams the next game.

The Nigerian Football federation have set Nigeria the target of semi finals. Unless something incredible happens, I think they may be VERY disappointed.

Capital City: Abuja
Captain: Joseph Yobo
Manager: Lars Lagerback
Star Man: Victor Obinna - if Obinna does well at the World Cup, he could well be on his way for a big-money move to England. Having spent the last season on loan at Malaga from inter Milan, and performing incredibly well, the man's pace and poaching ability could play nicely into a big move come the end of July.
Group Games: Argentina (12th June); Greece (17th June); Korea Republic (22nd June)
Adam's Prediction: I hate to say it, but its a distinct possibility that they may not even pick up a point... 4th in Group B.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikvah), Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv) 

Defenders: Dele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam), Rabiu Afolabi (Red Bull Salzburg), Elderson Echiejile (Stade Rennes), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Danny Shittu (Bolton Wanderers), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille), Joseph Yobo (Everton) 

Midfielders: Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), Sani Kaita (Alania Vladikavhaz), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth), Haruna Lukman (Monaco), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Kalu Uche (Almeria), John Utaka (Portsmouth) 

Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton), Obafemi Martins (VfL Wolfsburg), Obinna Nsofor (Malaga), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim), Peter Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow)