World Cup - Update 3

Update just before the last round of matches at the group stage begin. Next few days are likely to be very interesting with some good games lined up.

June 14

1. Germany vs Poland (1-0): Germany had to wait till the last few minutes to break the deadlock, but as expected are through to the second round. Poland on the other hand became the first side to go out. They will be disappointed coz they must have fancied their chances in the group.

June 15

1. Ecuador vs Costa Rica (3-0): Another fine performance by the South Americans, their real test will be against Germany though. They ll be happy to make round two.
   
2. England vs Trinidad & Tobago (2-0): Very poor first half, but an improved performance in the second half so England through to round two. They will be happy to see Rooney back on the field.
   
3. Sweden vs Paraguay (1-0): Another patchy performance by the Swedes. I doubt if they will be able to keep their record of not having lost to England for 30 (38 I think) odd years intact.
   

June 16

1. Argentina vs Serbia-Montenegro (6-0): What a superb performance. And Messi is back on the field too. Must be hard on the players of Serbia-Montenegro - playing last time together as one nation.
   
2. Netherlands vs Ivory Coast (2-1): Still not at their best, the Dutch will be happy to have qualified and knowing that they can play much better. Great game with the Argentina lined up.
3. Mexico vs Angola (0-0): The most boring game of the world cup. Period.
   

June 17

1. Portugal vs Iran (2-0): Easy win for Portugal and they will be happy to be in round two.
   
2. Czech Republic vs Ghana (0-2): What a disaster. I am rooting for the Czechs as well and to see them play so poorly was sad. They have the biggest injury worries and if Milan Barros doesn't start against Italy...well...I hope they make it to round two. Awesome performance from Ghana though.
   
3. Italy vs USA (1-1): Poor performance from the Italians and if even poorer performance from the referee has made Group E the group of Death.
   

June 18

1. Japan vs Croatia (0-0): The Croats will be disappointed to have missed the penalty. The Aussies would be the happiest with the result.
2. Brazil vs Australia (2-0): Brazil is looking solid and getting better.
   
3. France vs South Korea (1-1): Finally a goal for France, but they really don't deserve to make it to round two, even if they have a player like Thierry Henry and Zinedine Zidane. Has Zidane played his last World Cup game? (He picked his second booking in the game and will sit out for the next game) It will be pity if he goes out without a whimper. Maybe that will motivate the rest of the team to play better but instead there is a talk of rift in the team. Sad.
   

June 19

1. Togo vs Switzerland (0-2): Good performance from the Swiss puts them ahead of France in the group.
   
2. Saudi Arabia vs Ukraine (0-4): Maybe the game against Spain was just a nervous start for Ukraine. Very nice display to keep their hopes alive for round two.
3. Spain vs Tunisia (3-1): Another good Spanish performance. They are looking good this time.
   

Games to look forward to in the coming days -

• Sweden vs England - England should win this.
• Argentina vs Netherlands - First real test of strength for both sides.
• Czech vs Italy - Neither side can afford to lose. It will be an awesome game for sure.
• Croatia vs Australia - will decide which of these sides go through.
• Togo vs France - battle for survival.
• Switzerland vs Korea - will the Koreans keep the Asian flag flying.