So here is a quick assessment of teams after all the teams have played their initial games. (Well, Uruguay and South Africa have played two! Laziness on my part!)
Group A
South Africa
In the first game they won everyone's heart. They were quick, flamboyant and stylish. However, their inability in front of the net was obvious. Their players lack big-game, big-stage experience and it became just too obvious in their game against Uruguay. Some of the charismatic runs by Tshabalala accompanied by the gush of Vuvuzela noise have made for great spectacle. However they lack depth at defense and their captain Mokoena as centre back has been a let down. Just for the sake of the spirit shown by them, I wish they win the last game against Les Bleus and make it to the next round.
France
French coach probably consulted the wrong astrologer this time. I had the opportunity of being in Paris on the opening day when France played against Uruguay and french coach left everyone clueless. Except Abou Diaby everybody looked misplaced. Domenech's bust up with Malouda did no favours and Sidney Govou has probably exhausted his good credit to deserve a place in starting line up. Ribery on right looked lost and Anelka was missing Lampard and Cole. But sorry Nicolas, they are in some other team. Last time, Domenech had similar inexplicable tactics, but then.....he had Zidane. This time....there is...and there won't be ...nobody nearly as good.
Mexico
Mexico looks good. If they can exploit cluelessness of the French in the next game, they can surely go to the next round. They were fluent, stylish and promise to be more entertaining in coming rounds. FC Barcelona product, Giovanni Dos Santos has looked to be very effective and if his performance against SA is any clue to go by, he can emerge as one of the true heroes of this edition. As captain they have Rafa Marquez - a seasoned campaigner who knows what it takes to perform at the big stage.
Uruguay
Uruguay are solid and stable. Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez are in top form and they were unstoppable against South Africa. After four points from two games, their place is next round is as good as secured.
Group B
South Korea
They were good. But then they were against boring Greece. Both Parks, Ji-Sung (MU) and Chu-Young (Monaco) looked very fluent and blunted famous Greek defence. Definitely will advance to the next round.
Greece
Once upon a time Greece had Alexander the great and they ruled the earth and then they lost it. Once upon a time Greece was European champs and then they lost it. Once upon a time, Greece had rock solid defence, now they have lost it. They are going home soon.
Argentina
Still many people are confused about Maradona's tactics. Still there are people who say that this team doesn't work, despite the heavyweights they have. But for me they are one of the favourites now. One good news for the team is arrival of Messi. God's favourite son looked every bit the charismatic inspiring leading performer Argentina needs. If he continues with the same attitude that he showed against Nigeria, we all shall see Maradona in birthday suite near Obelisco at Buenos Aires.....
Nigeria
They were absolutely unimpressive. Had it not been for Vincent Enayama, their superhuman goalkeeper, Nigeria would have lost 6-0 or 7-0. Homeward!!!!!
Group C
Slovenia and Algeria
I didn't watch you Sir! Enjoy your stay for a while and have a safe journey back.
England
A team so talented and so full of promise looked nervous and diffident. They still might progress to the next round but if they meet Germany there, it might be difficult for them. Poor show by James Milner is a matter of concern. Maybe in next game Shaun Wright-Phillips will start on left wing and that might help them create more pace and more chances for Rooney. And Robert Green and his howler.....no words!!
USA
They look every bit as strong and effective as they did in Confederations cup a year ago. They depend on Donovan to create game for them and he rarely disappoints them. Both forwards were not quite effective in the first game and were substituted. They need to be more effective upfront if they want to nurture greater ambitions, otherwise, second round berth is sealed.
Group D
Germany
Germany were surprisingly attractive and quite UnGerman. They have a very young and extravagantly talented group. Against Australia they looked champions. Lukas Podolski who always performs much better for national team than his club started the goal scoring and looked like scoring all the time. In Mesut Özil as an attacking midfielder, they have probably a superstar in making. If he keeps playing the way he played against Australia, by the end of this tournament he will be a global superstar.
Ghana and Serbia
Sorry gentlemen. I didn't watch you. Congratulations Ghana, for winning and keeping African hopes alive. But the gentleman from Serbia who touched the ball deserves special praise to keep African hopes alive.
Australia
Four years ago they impressed everyone. This time they looked like the same 2006 team for first five minutes. Then they were useless. Australia is an ageing side. They defended poorly and without possession midfield couldn't create any chances. Hope they continue playing like this and keep African hopes alive.
Group E
Netherlands, Cameroon, Denmark, Japan - I didn't watch you.....and no matter how well you do I won't pay any attention to you till next round.
Group F
Paraguay & Italy
Everybody knows that they will be in the next round.......so I won't watch them for now.
New Zealand
By the end of their game against Slovakia they were celebrating the draw, pretty much what they do in Cricket. They showed resilience, resistance and kept playing well.....anyway...they will go home soon.
Slovakia
Coach and his son have huge responsibilities on their shoulders. In their family every man's name is Vladimir and surname is Weiss and they are all supposed to make Slovak football proud. At least in first game Vladimir (son) did that...but Vladimir (father) needs to do some more thinking and sharpen his frontliners. Otherwise all good work and chances created by Vladimir (son) will go waste.
Group G
Brazil
All those who don't have a team to support, support Brazil. All those who have a team to support also support Brazil, eventually. But not this time, I suspect. Mr. Dunga, this is not Brazil we all love. If it wasn't for Maicon, and Robinho, Brazil looked like Italy playing in yellow. Just for the sake of sheer talent and confidence they might even win the world cup but they won't win hearts of every global spectator. Brazil was defensive, colourless and lacked punch. Dunga's totally unimaginative tactics put a lot of emphasis on Kaká and if he keeps underperforming, like he did against North Korea, Brazil will find it difficult to add the sixth trophy.
Portugal
Portugal are the biggest underperformers. In fact they were absolutely rubbish. Cristiano Ronaldo did what he does frequently in very important games....Nothing. He overacted and overreacted. He scowled and pouted. Once it started raining and his thick hair-gel started spilling down to his eyes, he disappeared. You deserve to go home Sir! Quickly!
Ivory Coast
They didn't expect Portugal to be so lacklustre and didn't know what to do. They have a decent defence and Gerinho looked impressive up front. Midfield and wingers need to create some more chances and show more creativity if they want to go past second round. But for now, second round looks every bit possible.
North Korea
You are my favorite. A team that has no supporters. (Apparently a handful of supporters at the stadium were hired Chinese actors). Still players did their best. In fact their tearful faces at the beginning of the game must have won them many supporters. Please excuse the excessive use of the word supporter.
Group H
Spain
Undoubtedly the most attractively playing team of the world. But they are as predictable as Brazil. Switzerland exploited this weakness. They were unlucky to have lost the first game. But if they want to regain their 'favourites' tag, they need greater sharpness upfront. Cesc Fabregas has to be in opening lineup instead of Iniesta next game to give more attacking options in the next game. One more thing....Casillas should give less press interviews.
Switzerland
Watching Spain Vs. Switzerland was kind of Barcelona Vs Inter Milan, Champions League Semi-Final second leg. Milan defended everything and blunted Barça's free-flowing football. Switzerland's tactics paid off in the first game. They didn't show much flair upfront and probably got lucky with the goal. But their victory has made the entire group very interesting and if they can manage a draw against Chile in next game, they have every chance to be in the next round.
Chile & Honduras
Good luck boys! See you when you face Spain!
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