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Seven yellow cards between these two rivals, all in the first half, were the most exciting thing in a match that both teams preferred ending in a draw, not knowing where Spain will finish at the time. Ronaldo tried to shoot from every range possible without hitting the target once, while Brazil just got the fans at the stadium and Dunga pissed off. People, don’t get mad – without Kaka Brazil are just a good defensive team without anyone to feed their very one-dimensional strikers. It’ll be better vs Chile, I think.

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Sven got his farewell match before he goes and tries to milk as much money for little production somewhere else, saying – “There’s a very bright future ahead for this side.” Whatever.

The Elephants pounced on the helpless Koreans from the get go, getting two quick goals from Yaya Toure and Romaric, with Toure’s goal being one of the best of the tournament so far.

North Korea just defended, hoping to get out of this without the 7-0 tag from the Portugal match, and despite shooting 28 times, including 15 on goal shots, the Ivorians only won 3-0, which didn’t help them anyway because of Portugal’s draw, with the group ending just as expected when originally drawn together.

Group H – Again, the favorites and the two teams that deserved to go through, did. Spain didn’t start out too well, but a horrible mistake by Bravo, the Chilean keeper, along with a no-good-reason sending off of Marco Estrada by another “genius” of a referee, Mexican Julian Rodriguez Santiago, meant the Spain would have a pretty easy time till the end.

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Andres Iniesta made it 2-0 with a clever shot from outside the box, with Estrada getting sent off seconds later. Millar enjoyed his shot getting deflected, making it 2-1 just as the second half began, but Chile, despite playing nicely with 10 men, didn’t look too worried about losing with the news of Switzerland’s inability to penetrate the not so impressive Honduran defense reaching the stadium.

The last 20 minutes, with Cesc Fabregas entering, were probably the worst for during this world cup, as the Spanish players just passed the ball from one to another, while Chile hardly made any attempt to get possession and somehow make it 2-2. Maybe they prefer Brazil to Portugal, or just the fear of conceding? It was hard staying awake, and the referee decided to agonize us with two minutes added.

Group Tables

Group G

1. Brazil, 7 points (5-2)
2. Portugal, 5 point (7-0)
3. Ivory Coast, 4 points (4-3)
4. North Korea, 0 points (1-12)

Group H

1. Spain, 6 points (4-2)
2. Chile, 6 points (3-2)
3. Switzerland, 4 points (1-1)
4. Honduras, 1 point (0-3)

Top Scorers

1. Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina), Robert Vittek (Slovakia), David Villa (Spain) – 3 Goals
2. Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Elano & Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Tiago (Portugal), David Villa (Spain), Lee Jung-Soo (South Korea), Kalu Uche (Nigeria), Landon Donovan (United States), Brett Holman (Australia), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), Keisuke Honda (Japan) – 2 Goals

Picture of the Day – Juan and his Balls of Steel

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Fan of the day – Super Hot Sara Carbonero, Again

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Tomorrow

Uruguay vs South Korea – The opening match of the knockout round, and despite the South Koreans being a dangerous team, Uruguay just look like a more complete side, yet to concede a goal in the tournament. They don’t open up their play, which will make it very hard for the Park gang, and I think Forlan, Suarez and Cavani will find the one or two chances to put Uruguay in their first quarter final since 1970.

United States vs Ghana – The last African hope against a team that’s getting more and more attention from usually an indifferent nation to soccer. Both have been fun to watch during the group stage, but I just don’t think Ghana have enough character and composure when they get chances to upset the Americans, who are just looking more and more impressive as the tournament progresses.

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North Korea were a bit disillusioned by losing only 2-1 to Brazil, thinking they can get anything from their match against Portugal if they open things up a bit. Wrong. They did get some long range threats at Eduardo’s goal, but were easily swept aside by an efficient Portugal side,with Fabio Conterao, Simao, Raul Meireles and yes, a bit of Ronaldo, showing some impressive footy. North Korea are out, and who knows how welcome they’ll be when they come back. Portugal are pretty much safe with their fantastic goal difference, unless they lose to Brazil and the Ivory Coast wins 8-0 or more.

Meireles, 1-0

Simao, 2-0

Almeida, 3-0

Tiago, 4-0

Liedson, 5-0

Ronaldo, 6-0

Tiago, 7-0

Yes, Valon Behrami’s sending off wasn’t exactly the greatest referee decision in the world, but still, Switzerland never really tried to attack before they were reduced to 10 men. Alexis Sanchez, Matias Fernandez and Jorge Valdivia had another good outing which needed more concentration in front of goal, but eventually Mauricio Isla’s cross found Mark Gonzalez to get Chile their deserved 1-0 and needing a draw to finish on top of the group against Spain.

Switzerland have 3 points after Spain and Chile, and will probably look completely different against Honduras, attempting to get as many goals as possible. Not sure if they have what it takes for a big win.

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Honduras, unlike Switzerland or North Korea (in the Brazil match), did try and play against Spain. Problem is, they are not a very good team. Del Bosque made the right choice, starting with two strikers, and although Torres was off everytime he had a chance, David Villa was there to give Spain a 2-0 win, that should have been much more.

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They did have dead moments in their game, but it was much better than against Switzerland, giving the team a much needed confidence boost against their match with Chile, needing a win, probably.

Villa scored the best goal of the World Cup so far, beating two players with a quick dazzling trick and had enough balance to score while falling down while covered by a Honduran defender. He needed help on the second one, as his shot got a touch of deflection from the Honduran defense. The penalty – he sent the keeper the way he wanted him to, but missed the post by centimeters.

And the miss…

Group Tables

Group G

1. Brazil, 6 points (5-2)
2. Portugal, 4 points (7-0)
3. Ivory Coast, 1 point (1-3)
4. North Korea, 0 points (1-9)

Group H

1. Chile, 6 points (2-0)
2. Spain 3 points (2-1)
3. Switzerland, 3 points (1-1)
4. Honduras, 0 points (0-3)

Top Scorers

1. Gonzalo Higuain (Argentina) – 3 Goals
2. Diego Forlan (Uruguay), Asamoah Gyan (Ghana), Elano & Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Tiago (Portugal), David Villa (Spain) – 2 Goals
3. 52 Players with one goal, 2 own goals

Picture of the Day – Pique’s Bandaged Mouth

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Fan of the Day – Sara Carbonero

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What We’ve Learned

North Korea – Not up to this level. I was actually happy to see the drubbing they got, we need games like this once in a while. A lot of people thought North Korea could be a legitimate threat after the trouble they gave Brazil. They just proved that playing with 11 men defending can work for any team, to a certain point.

Portugal – Got some confidence in them, despite the horribly weak opponents. Cristiano Ronaldo seemed happy, eventually, after getting one on his own, which is very important for the next stage, which I can’t believe they’ll miss. Simao looked good, and Fabio Conterao was the man of the match. Should be a hell of a match against Brazil.

Chile – Gotta start scoring more. They create tons of chances (19 attempts this match) but lack sharpness and concentration in the red zone. Alexis Sanchez had another brilliant game. Valdivia should start, not come in after 45 minutes.

Switzerland – What worked against a confused Spanish team didn’t work against the quick Chileans. Didn’t put Chile at risk for the whole 90 minutes, and now have to score, big time, against Honduras. Not sure they can. Don’t think they deserve too as well. Lichtsteiner was pathetic with his faking. Big drop from his excellent first match.

Spain – Looked much better against a soft Honduras side. Torres wasn’t sharp, but he’ll get there. Villa was excellent and should have finished with three or four goals. Still, something about Casillas worries me. Maybe, if you play to Barca CB’s, you should go with a Barca keeper, Valdez. Chile – Spain could be the best match of the group stage if both teams play their usual style.

Honduras – Need to enjoy their final match. Not good enough to get a first win.

Tomorrow

Mexico – Uruguay, France – South Africa – Mexico and Uruguay can settle for a draw, which usually happens when both teams need one, but there’s a chance that the fright of landing Argentina in the next stage will force Mexico to try and win this one. Still, don’t get your hopes up on too many goals. South Africa still have a shot, and will probably try and use their limited Arsenal and make this a disaster World Cup for the disgruntled French, who can’t wait for this nightmare to be over. But who knows, maybe this player revolt will bring out the talent in the squad.

Nigeria – South Korea, Argentina – Greece – South Korea need points, but will play their usual counter attacking style against the African side that seemed broken after the loss to Nigeria. Argentina shouldn’t have trouble with Greece, who will fight to get a point, but probably need a win to get through the group stage.

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New Zealand – Slovakia : 1 – 1 (Robert Vittek, 50th minute – Winston Reid, 90+)

Vittek

Reid

On to Group G, the group of death, and the first match, showcasing Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo, but not a whole lot of attacking football.

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And Group G’s closer – Brazil dominating North Korea in not so fashionable style, even having to withstand a small scare in the end, winning with a not too impressive 2-1.

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Brazil – North Korea : 2-1 (Maicon 55th, Elano 72nd – Ji Yun-Nam 89th)

Maicon

Elano

Yun-Nam

Group Tables

Group F

1. Italy, 1 point (1-1)
2. New Zealand, 1 point (1-1)
3. Paraguay, 1 point (1-1)
4. Slovakia, 1 point (1-1)

Group G

1. Brazil, 3 points (2-1)
2. Ivory Coast, 1 point (0-0)
3. Portugal, 1 point (0-0)
4. North Korea, 0 points (1-2)

Top Scorers

22 Player with one goal, 1 own goal.

Picture of the Day – The North Korean Ballet

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Fans of the Day – Two Brazilian Blonds, Easiest Pick Ever

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Tomorrow

Honduras – Chile
Spain – Switzerland
South Africa – Uruguay

*Goal Count – 23 Goals in 14 matches, 1.64. Five in three matches didn’t really helps us. We’re not asking for ten anymore – Six would be a huge improvement.

Another day that causes huge ambivalence – enjoying life with a World Cup in it, with three matches a day, but still not satisfied with the level of play and the amount of goals. All the goals from today’s matches, plus the usual – Best Fans and best picture, tables and top scorers.

Previous Posts – Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F

Brazil

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Yes, this is Kaka’s team. The offense works well when Kaka plays well, and his less than 100% fitness going into the tournament is causing a tad of Insomnia for Dunga I’m sure. But as good as Kaka is, and he does have days (not for Real this season) when he’s the best midfielder in the world, he needs a top class finisher to feed. Luis Fabiano, 25 goals in 38 caps for the national side, is that man. He delivers, and despite still not joining any elite European club, he is one of the best finishers in the game.

Brazil, despite not having Ronladinho, Adriano and Pato are a fantastic team, maybe the best side going into the tournament, with a solid game plan that has proven very successful ever since Dunga has taken over the team – 2007 Copa America and 2009 Confederations Cup. Brazil are always favorites in the World Cup, but they’re lack of “beautiful play”, according to critics, shifted the favorite tag to Spain. The two will probably meet at a certain point in the tournament, if things go according to plan. Hard to believe Brazil won’t finish first in this group.

Portugal

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With all the talent Portugal has, including the man who on some days is the best in the world (Cristiano Ronaldo), they have a very unpopular and defensive minded coach in Carlos Quieroz, who nearly didn’t make the tournament, needing a playoff win against Bosnia after finishing second in their qualifying group. Unlike Dunga, Quieroz doesn’t have any trophies, at least as a head coach and not an assistant.

Portugal are basing their bid on a strong defense, with Bruno Alves and Carvalho in the middle but missing the wonderful Bosingwa (injury). Pepe, usually a central defender, plays as a DM for the national side, and Deco-Simao and of course Ronaldo will  be the ones in charge of the firepower, with probably Liedson playing as striker. Portugal are in a tough group, but Drogba’s injury means the Ivorians won’t make it out of the “group of death”, leading Portugal to a probable meeting with Spain in the next round. If Ronaldo is his club-self  and not his qualifiers self (no goals), the Portuguese might make a surprising push deep in the tournament.

Ivory Coast

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With the money grabbing and fame lovin’ Sven Goran Eriksson on the sidelines (after almost ruining Mexico’s chances of making the tournament), there’s a belief in the Ivory Coast that they have the right figure on the sidelines to install the right tactics and game-plan with their talented players. Problem is, Drogba broke his arm against Japan, and if Drogba is less than 100%, it’s bye bye World Cup.

Still, the team which plays very physical and very quick football showcases some fantastic talent – Gervinho of Lille, Kalou from Chelsea and Yaya Toure from Barcelona who had a great season, stepping up as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Not enough depth and a shaky defense, healthy Drogba or not, will probably cost the Ivory Coast, again, a spot in the last 16.

North Korea

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Only question – How many players will defect once the World Cup is over for them, and will they break a record for goals conceded in the group stage.

Group Schedule

June 15th – Ivory Coast – Portugal (Nelson Mandela Bay), Brazil – North Korea (Ellis Park)
June 20th – Brazil – Ivory Coast (Soccer City)
June 21st – Portugal – North Korea (Cape Town)
June 25th – North Korea – Ivory Coast (Mbombela), Portugal – Brazil (Durban)

Predictions

1. Brazil
2. Portugal
3. Ivory Coast
4. North Korea

* – We haven’t forgotten about Zlatan, but Sweden couldn’t even make the playoffs, FYI. And that’s a real shame.

Franck Ribery, France and Bayern Munich

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France are favorites, even heavy favorites in their playoff clash against the Irish and also get to play the decider in Paris, but still, les bleus didn’t have it easy qualifying from their group, eventually missing automatic qualification to Serbia by one point. And if the French don’t make it (it’ll be the first time since 1994), the biggest blow to soccer fans would be Ribery not going to South Africa. The “Jewel of French soccer” as he’s been referred to by Zidane had a fantastic 2006 World Cup and when he’s fit (not often this season) and motivated (seems to have lost his motivation since not getting the move away from Bayern) is one of the more exciting players in the World. Problem is, he won’t be playing against the Irish. Yes, injured. Reason for concern, Domenech?

Andrei Arshavin, Russia and Arsenal

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The baby-faced 28 year old who has scored 16 goals in 48 caps for the Sbornaya made a name for himself during the 2008 Euro, when he led Russia to a Semi Final appearance while scoring 2 goals and giving a memorable performance in the Quarter Final win over Holland. He’s been in quite good form this season, scoring four goals from Arsenal so far and also scoring in Russia’s last (and meaningless) qualifying match, plus who can forget that four goal eruption against Liverpool last April? Slovenia, although not star studded, will be a tough opposition to the slightly favorite Russians, and if Arshavin can work his magic, we’ll be able to enjoy him in South Africa.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal and Real Madrid

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So many words written on paper and on keyboards about the young Madeiran as his Real Madrid team struggle against amateur teams and his national side, facing the very dangerous Bosnians this Saturday, won’t even have him for the playoffs. The most expensive player ever hasn’t played since getting injured while playing for the national team on October 10th and despite Carlos Queiroz’s hopes and prayers, he won’t have him. There’s no need to explain why we want to see Ronaldo there (despite him not being the most popular player in the World), but he’s partially the reason for Portugal even needing a playoff. He hasn’t scored for the national team (not including friendlies) since June 2008. He needs his friends to give him a chance to score some goals this summer.

Edin Dzeko, Bosnia and Wolfsburg

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We can’t say Bosnia gave Spain a hard time, but they did stun a lot of people around Europe, leaving Turkey and Belgium behind. Main reason? Edin Dzeko. The 23 year old Wolfsburg striker (28 goals in 2008-2009) scored 9 goals for the dragons during the qualifying matches, tied at second in the UEFA qualifiers with Wayne Rooney, second only to Theofanis Gekas of Greece (10 goals). He was chased by Milan during the summer but stayed in Germany, where he has four goals and four assists in league play so far this season. Bosnia are underdogs in their clash with the Portuguese, but they have Dzeko and Misimovic (also Wolfsburg) and an amazing crowd in Zenica, which could be a big factor in the second leg next Wednesday. Although still not a superstar like Ribery or Ronaldo, Dzeko and Bosnia (25 goals in 10 matches in the qualifiers) are a team that would be a fantastic new addition to the World Cup, even at the expense of the underachieving Portuguese.