One of the best results of the way first round of the World cup has concluded is that out of Uruguay, South Korea, USA and Ghana we will have one semi-finalist and probably a finalist too. This world cup has been a reminder that in a gradual but definite way, global inequalities in terms of talent and power are being done away with. Uruguay came into this world cup as the weakest Latin American side and nobody thought that they would be able to qualify ahead of France or even South Africa. But they enter prequarter finals with a much enhanced reputation and as favorites. Uruguay has emerged as a solid, disciplined and a very effective outfit. In Forlan and Suarez, they have probably the most dependable striking duo of the tournament. While we shower praise on Forlan and Suarez, let's not forget the fact that Uruguay is one of two teams (other team being Portugal) not to have conceded any goal so far in this tournament. Most importantly no other team has shown so much tactical flexibility as shown by Portugal. They played a closed and defensive game against France and denied them any opening. While against South Africa and Mexico, they played a much more free flowing and open game. Against Mexico they had their biggest test. Against brilliant Mexican midfield they not just managed to defend effectively, contrary to what was expected, they managed to create lot more chances than Mexico, and made them truly deserving winners of the group.
South Korea was and is the Asian hope. Nobody considered them to be winners but given the quality of players they have, everyone thought that they would be able to leave a strong impression on this edition of the world cup. They were the second best in the group but, are they good enough to advance further, is something to be seen. South Korea has looked fluent and comfortable when they play attacking football. That was the reason they won so comfortably against ultra defensive Greeks. But when it comes to defending Koreans looked a bit unorganized. It was their lack of organization at the back which helped Argentina tear them apart and helped Maradona gloat more than before. The area where Uruguay should be worried is the efficiency South Korea has shown with set-pieces so far. While Park Ji-Sung, Park Chu-Young and Lee chung-yong are hogging all the limelight, Ki Sung-Yueng has shown great discipline in midfield (especially in regaining possession) and of course in delivering set-piece assists.
Verdict : Given their tendencies to attack, these teams won't like to leave it to Penalties and we may have a result in normal time. I predict a 2 - 1 victory for Uruguay.
The man to watch : Diego Forlan. Simply because after playing in crazy Atletico Madrid for two seasons, he is just so used to carry weight of entire game on his shoulders and win games single-handed, it would be little surprise if he emerges as the lone differentiating factor between these two teams.
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