World Cup - Update 4

It was time for tears of joy and tears of sadness as some teams made history while others made a quiet exit. The 16 teams making into round 2 have been decided. No major surprises there, except for the Czech's departure and Ghana becoming the only team to make it to round 2 from Africa. The Asian sides might have as well not participated. All of them played insipid and dull football and to think we want more places in the World Cup!!!!

But the Czechs are out, I repeat coz I really liked the side and it is basically the end of the road for some great players in the side.

Anyway on to the re-cap of matches-

June 20

1. Germany vs. Ecuador (3-0): Another good performance from the home side. They are playing better than anyone expected them to really. The group was a bit easy but even so. I think the English team will be happier to have avoided them.
2. Poland vs. Costa Rica (2-0): An easy wins for the Poles, atleast they end on a good note.
3. Sweden vs. England (2:2): Another patchy performance from both sides. The second goal conceded by England will definitely rank as amongst the worst goals conceded. Still they top the group and Ecuador should not be too much of a challenge. Pity that Owen is out.
4. Paraguay vs. Trinidad & Tobago (2-0): Paraguay had a chance if the Swedes had lost, but they never really deserved to go any further.

June 21

1. Argentina vs. Holland (0-0): Bit of a disappointment really. Both sides decided to rest most of their players and Holland didn't seem too interested to try and top the group.
2. Serbia-Montenegro vs. Ivory Coast (2-3): Great game, Ivory Coast really played well in all the games, they might have made it to round 2 had they been in Group G. They were definitely more attractive than France.
3. Portugal vs. Mexico (2-1): Portugal continue to play well. Holland will be a tough challenge in round 2. I think that game will be definitely worth watching. Mexico on the other hand continue to disappoint.
4. Angola vs. Iran (1-1): Angola needed to win and win well to advance. But they couldn't convert chances.

June 22

1. Italy vs. Czech Republic (2:0): The Italians were superb and the Czechs never looked likely to cause an upset. The injuries to key players really took them out.
2. Ghana vs. USA (2:1): Great performance from the Ghana side, I wish them all the luck against Brazil whom they ll next challenge.
3. Brazil vs. Japan (4:1): What a performance! Brazil were just unstoppable in the second Half.
4. Croatia vs. Australia (2:2): Really the best game of the lot...The emotions were running high and I didn't know whether to feel happy for the Aussies(Socceroos) or sad for the Croats. So close and yet so far. I know who will be feeling mighty relieved - the aussies goal keeper who let in the simplest of saves!

June 23

1. France vs. Togo (2-0): They had no choice but to play aggressively. But for the Togo goalkeeper, they would have won by a bigger margin. Spain should kick them out though.
2. Switzerland vs. Korea (2:0): The Swiss have looked good ever since their goal less draw against France.
3. Spain vs. Saudi Arabia (1:0): Spain rested all their star players and it took them 70 mins to get on the scoresheet. Still the best start to the world cup campaign for them.
4. Ukraine vs. Tunisia (1:0): Dubious penalty handed Ukraine the win. Very average performance from them so far.

So what's lined up now?

• Germany vs. Sweden - Germans should win this unless Sweden play more consistently.
• Argentina vs. Mexico - Argentina should win comfortably.
• England vs. Ecuador - England will win easily if they don't concede stupid goals.
• Portugal vs. Holland - Will be a fantastic game.
• Italy vs. Australia - Italy will win easily enough.
• Swiss vs. Ukraine - Swiss should win.
• Brazil vs. Ghana - Brazil will win.
• Spain vs. France - Spain will win.