Group A:
Uruguay 3 - South Africa 0
I had feared this would be the toughest game for the hosts, and it will likely become true. This could very well be the first year the host nation doesn't advance, and South Africa hasn't done really much to make an argument for their case. I am hoping for a miracle...
Oh, and Uruguay (along with the rest of South America) looked top notch.
South Africa rating: C
Uruguay rating: B+
Game rating: B
France 0 - Mexico 2
The one thing South Africa does have going for it is that their last game is against the French... or whatever that blue team is over there. Seriously, has anyone seen the real France? If so, will you tell them to show up. Even after their horrible performances they can advance (with a lot of luck)
France rating: D+
Mexico rating: B
Game rating: B
Standings:
Uruguay 4pts, +3 GD, 3 GF, 0 GA
Mexico 4pts, +2 GD, 3 GF, 1 GA
France 1pt, -2 GD, 0 GF, 2 GA
South Africa 1pt, -3 GD, 1 GF, 4 GA
- Everyone in the group still, mathematically, has a chance of advancing
Group B:
Argentina 4 - South Korea 1
Argentina = Class... offensively at least. They were amazing on one end of the pitch, but quite the nightmare on the other. It is precisely because of that, that I hope we see them advance. Entertainment in this cup is what we need, Argentina has plenty.
Argentina rating: B+
South Korea rating: C
Game rating: B
Nigeria 1 - Greece 2
Nigeria has their backs up against the wall after this result. Going into the game against South Korea they must win, and hope things really go their way. I doubt it happens, but crazier things have happened in this tournament. Greece looked a revitalized side after Nigeria went down a man, but they have Argentina last on their plate... It could be ugly for them.
Standings:
Argentina 6pts, +4 GD, 5 GF, 1 GA
South Korea 3pts, -1 GD, 3 GF, 4 GA
Greece 3pts, -1 GD, 2 GF, 3 GA
Nigeria 0pts, -2 GD, 1 GF, 3 GA
- Everyone in the group still, mathematically, has a chance of advancing
Group C:
USA 2 - Slovenia 2
What to say, what to say... Outside of the obvious complaining, a lot of praise and criticism must be made about this game. The first half for the Yanks was horrendous. Torres proved to be a bust on the grand stage, and the D was shaky as can be. However, with some corrections, things changed. Donovan proved, to me at least, he is the first true USA legend (his name will be on the back of my jersey shortly) and roofed the first goal. From there, the confidence just kept building. Via some good play Bradley locked it up at 2 a piece with the entire stadium, it seemed, on the US side just begging for the winner to cap off a ridiculous comeback... it came, but it didn't count (for some reason). The controversy, however, is great. So many people are talking about it. Everyone is watching the US now... the stage is set.
USA rating: B-
Slovenia rating: C+
Game rating: A
England 0 - Algeria 0
The dejected look on this fan's face explains it all. England has not yet arrived at this world cup, and if they don't, they will be home much sooner than anticipated. With their last match against Slovenia, things are looking crazy for the end of this group.
England rating: C
Algeria rating: C
Game rating: D
Standins:
Slovenia 4pts, +1 GD, 3 GF, 2 GA
USA 2pts, 0 GD, 3 GF, 3 GA
England 2pts, 0 GD, 1 GF, 1 GA
Algeria 1pt, -1 GD, 0 GF, 1 GA
- Everyone in the group still, mathematically, has a chance of advancing
Group D:
Germany 0 - Serbia 1
One of the biggest surprises of this round came through Serbia, a very talented team that showed its potential. Through a bogus red card, the Serbs took a numerical advantage and almost instantly made Germany pay. From there, it was shaky and lucky as Serbia stopped a penalty from Podolski to get all 3 points off the German team.
Serbia rating: B
Germany rating: B-
Game rating: B+
Australia 1 - Ghana 1
Ghana scored another penalty, who would have thought... Australia really did themselves no favors as Kewell wont be available for the next match just as their other star, Cahill, returns from a suspension. Ghana should have won and taken control of the group, but failed to do so and were a bit lucky at times to not drop all the points to a pressing but desperate Australia side.
Ghana rating: C+
Australia rating: B-
Game rating: B+
Standings:
Ghana 4pts, +1 GD, 2 GF, 1 GA
Germany 3pts, +3 GD, 4 GF, 1 GA
Serbia 3pts, 0 GD, 1 GF, 1 GA
Australia 1pt, -4 GD, 1 GF, 5 GA
- Everyone in the group still, mathematically, has a chance of advancing
Group E:
Netherlands 1 - Japan 0
Holland showed they are a great team, but they cant score many goals. This flaw, I fear, will be the thing that dooms them. If you cant score goals, you wont win, simple as that. Their sole goal was a great strike, but honestly a good keeper keeps it out. They are lucky, and already have their ticket punched to the next round, but they have a lot of room to improve if they want to go deep and win.
Holland rating: B-
Japan rating: C+
Game rating: B-
Cameroon 1 - Denmark 2
Cameroon was the first team to get their ticket punched... to go home, sadly. They played quite well and were a joy to watch in this last game, but it just wasnt their day. Denmark, on the other hand, looked lethal with thier opportunities and have a right winger that will burn anyone who doesnt respect him. If Bendtner can get fully healthy, this team could make some surprises in the next round... if they get there first.
Cameroon rating: B-
Denmark rating: B
Game rating: A-
Standings:
Holland 6pts, +3 GD, 3 GF, 0 GA
Japan 3pts, 0 GD, 1 GF, 1 GA
Denmark 3pts, -1 GD, 2 GF, 3 GA
Cameroon 0pts, -2 GD, 1 GF, 3 GA
- Cameroon is eliminated, Holland is already through as Japan and Denmark play each other for the other spot
Group F:
Paraguay 2 - Slovkia 0
Paraguay, along with all of the other 5 South American nations, are in prime position to advance (if they havent already secured it). Paraguay looks strong in their group, and likely will take first place as they face New Zealand last.
Paraguay rating: B
Slovakia rating: D
Game rating: C-
Italy 1 - New Zealand 1
Like any other good Italian, de Rossi aced his acting class. This proved very worthy as he earned his side a controversial penalty against New Zealand to draw it level. However, none of these Italian seem to have passed the advanced class of acting as they couldnt get the win over New Zealand... yeah, New Zealand
Italy rating: C
New Zealand rating: B
Game rating: C+
Standings:
Paraguay 4pts, +2 GD, 3 GF, 1 GA
Italy 2pts, 0 GD, 2 GF, 2 GA
New Zealand 2 pts, 0 GD, 2 GF, 2 GA
Slovakia 1pt, -2 GD, 1 GF, 3 GA
- Everyone in the group still, mathematically, has a chance of advancing
Group G:
Brazil 3 - Ivory Coast 1
Brazil showed they have top notch skill (especially with their arms) but they also showed they have top notch ego's to go along with it. While they were, without a doubt, the better side on the pitch, they were acting like they were in a whole different world and should be respected as such. The Brazilians really need to take a "chill pill" and let the game flow. You are going to get into some hard tackles when you play as they do, they have to understand that. If not, they will be undone not by a better team, but by a more composed team.
Brazil rating: A-
Ivory Coast rating: B-
Game rating: B
Portugal 7 - North Korea 0
This game proved a couple of theories out there right. First, and obviously foremost, North Korea is a bad team. They played their amazing in that first game, with a little luck, against Brazil. For a half, it looked as though they might have the same luck against Portugal... but it wasnt to be. Secondly, Portugal is a good team capable of winning it. While they have a very long shot, dont underestimate the power of this team. Lastly, Brazil is a bit overrated. Portugal put in 7 on these guys, Brazil put in 2... enough said
Porgual rating: A-
North Korea rating: D
Game rating: C
Standings:
Brazil 6pts, +3 GD, 5 GF, 2 GA
Portugal 4pts, +7 GD, 7 GF, 0 GA
Ivory Coast 1pt, -2 GD, 1 GF, 3 GA
North Korea 0pts, -8 GD, 1 GF, 9 GA
- North Korea is eliminated, Brazil is through, Portugal and Ivory Coast are playing for the second spot.
Group H:
Chile 1 - Switzerland 0
For all the offensive firepower this team posses, Chile is simply not putting the ball in the back of the net enough. With the very real possibility of 3 teams arriving at 6 points, goal differential is HUGE. Chile, sadly, could be the lone South American team not to advance despite finishing with more points than a couple of the others.
Chile rating: B+
Switzerland rating: B
Game rating: B+
Spain 2 - Honduras 0
Spain had to win this game or they were eliminated. They didnt come up short. In a convincing win, but with far too few goal scored, Spain pretty well sealed the fate of Honduras. While they still have a chance, Honduras is all but done in this world cup. Now they can play the role of spoiler and ruin the amazing opening win Switzerlan had against Spain.
Spain rating: B-
Honduras rating: D
Game rating: C+
Standings:
Chile 6pts, +2 GD, 2 GF, 0 GA
Spain 3pts, +1 GD, 2 GF, 1 GA
Switzerland 3 pts, 0 GD, 1 GF, 1 GA
Honduras 0pts, -3 GD, 0 GF, 3 GA
- Everyone in the group still, mathematically, has a chance of advancing
Best game of the round: USA v Slovenia
- I am a bit biased as a US fan, but that game was ridiculous and the reason many of us love this sport so much. You cant have the highs without the lows, and that game provided plenty of both.
Worst game of the round: England v Algeria
- England is simply awful, yet its fun to watch. It is a very real possibilty that England could not advance out of the group, and this game would be the one circled, in my opinion, as the one they really came short in.
Best upset of the round: Italy v New Zealand
- The Kiwis get their second point in their history against the defending champs, what a feat.
Surprise (good) team in this round: Portugal
- While it was against a dismal defense, putting up 7 goals deserves some credit.
Surprise (bad) team in this round: Italy
- Dropped points to New Zealand... just wow
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