Match 3
Greece vs South Korea (0-2)
The day started off with the low profile match between Greece and South korea.The South Koreans clearly outplayed the Greeks with a good 2-0 win.Veteran coach Otto Rehaggel's defensive tactics dont seem to take them forward anymore.after Their shock victory in euro 2004 they are back to doing wat is expected of a them-have a taste of the big stage and silently bow out after the first round.Maintaining almost the same squad and style have made them a vulnerable target even for average teams.Korea on the other side played some fine flowing football making them potential contenders for a spot in the knock round of the tournament.
Match 4
Argentina vs Nigeria (1-0)
The Messiah of Argentine football Diego Maradona and the potential future messiah Lionel Messi coming together in the quest for world cup glory was one of the most awaited sights of this world cup 2k10.Argentina made it through with minimum fuss by a single goal win over Nigeria.A spectacular diving header by Gabriel Heinze did the trick for the latin american giants.All eyes were on the little wonder Messi who provided some moments of magic for which he is known for.He impressed in the very first game bearing the responsibility of holding the game together in the classic no: 10 role.Apart from sum good passes and fine dribbling moves he made atleast half a dozen attempts on goal.Was it not for some great saves from the Nigerian goalkeeper, he should have started off the world cup campaign with a hat-trick or even more.Nigeria too made some good attempts via Obafemi Martins and Yakubu, but the argentinian defense held their nerves to earn well deserved win in their opening game. The most animated scenes were seen off the pitch as the camera frequently panned to the sidelines to Maradona following his team with the passion of a teenager
Match 5
England vs USA (1-1)
It was the biggest tie of group C as England took on arch rivals USA. The star studded and over hyped England were in for some serious challenge from a fast growing American side which proved had its poise, becoming the runners up in last year’s confederations cup. The match was undoubtedly the best one of the World cup so far. England took an early lead in the as early as the 4th minute of the game via Steven Gerrard. The best player of England’s golden generation showed off his class with a well placed flick into the back of the net from close range.
But the ‘star’ of the match was England goalkeeper Robert Green who fumbled a comparitively weak shot on target by Clint Dempesy into his own net.One of my fellow tweeters said –“Well he should hav put his body behind the ball #CopyPastedFromCricket “ while another one criticized Green to be a frequent ‘fumbler’ in the premier league. Anyways that was the thing that laid England down after playing wonderfully having taken an early lead.The match was full of energy and speed Aron lennon and London Donnovan kept on feeding their frontmen with accurate crosses into the box teasing the defenders on both ends.America’s young striker Altidore created some good oppurtunities with his speedy physical play but was unable to find the finish.Man of the match for USA was their stout centre-back Onyewu who kept the dangerous Rooney well in control all through the match.And co-striker Heskey couldnt find the target even after getting so many open chances.Engalnd would be dissappointed to not have won the game,but credit goes to the Americans who put up a solid performance executing their game plan well.
I feel pity for James, another mercurial goal keeper of England with a combustible temperament. He would not have allowed this goal even on his worst days. But you should appreciate the performance of the Americans, who are finally coming into terms with the beautiful game.
ReplyDeleteI liked Argentina-Nigeria game. The best match in the tournament so far. Argentina played attacking football, a refreshing sight in these times of lone strikers. But apart from Messi, none of the frontliners have a good game. Their defense too might struggle against teams with more firepower. And how much is the odds Maradona getting a card?
I have nothing much to say about Greece-South Korea match. Only thing worse than Greek football at present is their economy. Previously, they used to defend well at least. Even that too has vanished.
BTW, I have posted a Malyalam blog about WC here.
official football reviewer of FISAT
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