Half of the teams have played their first match, and for four of the eight groups, more concrete ideas about qualification are beginning to take shape. And while many of the results were predictable, the level of play – both the dull and spirited – has been the excitement factor this far. We’ll review groups A to D, and shed some light on what the first match results mean for qualification.
GROUP A
Germany defeating Costa Rica on opening day was on the script of perhaps every fan, yet the fact that the match left many enthralled hopefully sets the tone for the remainder of the tournament. And if the three points were unremarkable, the four goals were. Germany’s creative midfield, matched by the finishing instincts of Miroslav Klose, puts the host nation in the driving seat for the group. Along the way, it condemned a spirited, albeit flawed, Costa Rica. Elsewhere, when Ecuador scored two goals in spite of constant Polish pressure, the writing appeared on Group A’s wall. Poland, who were expected to defeat the South Americans, came off with nothing, and bring to their next match with Germany the arduous task of taking a point. At this juncture, you have to fancy Ecuador progressing – with the possibility of three more points against Costa Rica, it is much more than Poland can dream of. For Poland, anything less than a draw against Germany is a curtain call. Results against Costa Rica, whose two goals proved they weren’t making up numbers, are likely to decide who progresses with Germany.
Driving seat: Germany
Story of the group: Is there anything left for Poland after losing to Ecuador?
Surprise package: Germany’s midfield, who have thrilled with unGerman goals, dribbling, shimmies, and tricks, and all this sans Ballack
Rock bottom: Not Costa Rica, who have their hardest game dusted – everything could go pear-shaped for Poland.
Star moment: Lahm and Frings scoring piledrivers
GROUP B
When England’s lackluster game against Paraguay came to an end, the massive legion of fans knew all too well that the three points earned on the day masked the dour performance on field. Nonetheless, the cynicism was soon eased. Three hours later, Trinidad & Tobago’s majestic 0-0 draw with Sweden wrote World Cup history and effectively changed the entire complexion of the group. England had unexpectedly earned the role of Group B’s designated driver, having negotiated 3 points from one of the group’s tricky sides. How ironic it would turn out to be, that England who played poorly came off with three points, but for Sweden who showed fitness, workrate and dashes of skill, there was only frustration and heartbreak. By the time England leave the pitch against Trinidad & Tobago, of whom one cannot expect a repeat of heroics, their collection of what should be six points ought to set them up as group toppers. For Sweden and Paraguay, victory for either team will go a long way in translating into a second round ticket. A draw, ironic for Sweden because they are leading on points, will favour Paraguay, who still have Trinidad & Tobago to play. And so for those following the fate of Sweden, let not a draw against Paraguay mask the task that lies ahead – it is arguable that nothing short of a victory against Paraguay is enough to propel the talented Swedes into the knockout phase.
Driving seat: Undeservedly, England.
Story of the group: Sweden in trouble
Surprise package: 10-man Trinidad & Tobago’s majestic defensive show
Rock bottom: Not all is lost for Paraguay, whom you suspect can conjure points their next two games.
Star moment: Trinidad & Tobago celebrate like they win
GROUP C
The group of death has thrown out a couple of wins, no upsets, and the casual observer will be fooled into believing that Argentina and Holland have the group sewn up. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Ivory Coast looks every bit like the dark horse team of the tournament, and their late surge against Argentina, inspired by an amazing Didier Drogba, suggests that the remaining six points are in fact the Ivorians’ to lose. Holland’s boring 1-0 victory against the Serbs, like England’s win, masks problems in their ability to get their attacking lineup right. The dutch lack that bite in midfield that sets Argentina apart, especially when the South Americans play with both Cambiasso and Mascherano. While Robben appears like an inspired frontrunner for the tournament’s undisputed darling, the rest of the dutch looked decidedly lazy and lethargic, building up cautious and sometimes over-patient attacks that too often break down in the final third. Do not rule out dutch defeats against both the Ivorians and Argentina. There is plenty left to play in this group. Yet, with what could in fact be their toughest game out of the way, Argentina look set to score plenty of goals and qualify for the next round laps ahead of their counterparts.
Driving seat: Argentina
Story of the group: Holland was unconvincing in victory, Ivory Coast was inspiring in defeat – there’s plenty of drama left.
Surprise package: Didier Drogba’s leadership and professionalism
Rock bottom: Serbia & Montenegro’s negative approach will earn them few fans, and fewer points, in this group of attacking sides.
Star moment: Robben running rings around the Serbs
GROUP D
Mexico’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Iran would have sent a message, not just to the Portuguese, with whom they are largely expected to qualify, but also to the rest of the participating teams. Here is a Mexico that will punish defensive mindsets with beautiful passing, one-touch football, mazy runs and a potent goalscorer in Omar Bravo. Portugal barely defeated their former colony Angola 1-0, and were booed by their own fans. While their desire to score goals can be faulted, their ability to play well should ensure them at least another two points in the group, which should be enough. After their crucial first game, Iran find themselves in a similar position as Poland in Group A: with no points and their toughest game up next. Their unenviable task is juxtaposed with Mexico’s plump prospects of a game with Angola. When they play Portugal, Iran must be on their physical best, troubling the light-weight Iberians with strength and robustness. Anything short of a victory will see their dream of second-round football virtually fade away.
Driving seat: Mexico
Story of the group: Iran fails to make it a three-horse race
Surprise package: Somehow, Portugal’s lack of desire isn’t entirely surprising
Rock bottom: Angola’s enthusiasm will be tested when they meet more determined opposition, and this means more woe
Star moment: Mexico’s naturalized Brazillian, Zinha, winning the hearts of his new countrymen by scoring goal number three
[get this widget]
0 comments:
Post a Comment