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Round 1 Game 1 Highlights
Germany 4-2 Costa Rica
Hosts Germany – minus Ballack - laid down their marker with a 4-2
victory over Costa Rica inspired by two goals from Klose and one each
from Lahm and Frings, both stunning shots from distance. Pretty going
forward, they lacked conviction and pace at the back and were caught
twice by Wanchope, easily beating the German off-side trap and finishing
with composure.
Ecuador 2-0 Poland
Ecuador came away with a rare victory at low-altitude defeating an
average Poland team 2-0 with goals from Tenorio and Delgado and look set
to qualify in second place and a potential meeting with England in the
second round.
Trinidad and Tobago 0-0 Sweden
Trinidad and Tobago gained their first World Cup points ever, drawing
0-0 with Sweden with man-of-the-match Shaka Hislop playing only because
of a last minute injury to first choice ‘keeper Kelvin Jack. They
could have won the game but will be delighted with the draw and face
England in their next match full of confidence. Sweden can only be
disappointed that they failed to take even one of their many chances and
must now surely beat Paraguay to keep their second round ambitions
alive.
England 1-0 Paraguay
England struggled in the heat to a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay
thanks to an own goal by Gamarra after only 3 minutes. Comfortable and
in control in the first-half they relinquished command in the second and
Paraguay will consider themselves unfortunate to have lost the game.
Owen’s match-fitness remains a doubt and neither Gerrard or Lampard
were able to impose themselves in any meaningful way though the later
did go close with a number of long range efforts. England will qualify
for the next round with a win over Trinidad and Tobago and should do so
with ease if they create even just half the chances Sweden did against
the same opposition.
Peter Crouch has vowed to not do the robotic dance routine because the
World Cup is not the place for a bit of light-hearted celebration when
the serious task of winning the competition needs to be done. This is a
huge mistake; quirky celebrations (Roger Milla for starters) are as much
part of the World Cup as anything and should he score – not
particularly likely but you never know – he should click those bones
of his.
Argentina 2-1 Côte d'Ivoire
Perhaps the best game of the round. Whilst everyone is talking about the
other South American team, Argentina quietly and with some panache
overcame Côte d'Ivoire with goals from Crespo and Saviola. Juan
Riquelme in particular providing a touch of class to proceedings.
Serbia and Montenegro 0-1 Netherlands
A scintillating performance from Robben helped the Dutch to an
impressive opening victory and it was his goal that separated the teams.
Ruud ‘the horse’ Nistlerooy was not impressed with the pitch and
moaned that it was to blame for his poor performance. Hmm. Everyone else
seemed to manage ok.
Mexico 3-1 Iran
Every team needs that one player capable of that small piece of magical
creativity, a player liberated to perform and entertain as well as
provide that extra ingredient to separate teams so closely matched in
ability and tactics. In Zinha, Mexico found that player and his second
half performance inspired Mexico to victory against Iran. Surprise
inclusion Bravo vindicated his inclusion with two goals. Mexico look set
to be without Borgetti until the knock-out stages, which they look set
to reach. Iran cannot afford to lose to Portugal in their next game.
United States 0-3 Czech Republic
One day the United States will win the World Cup but not this year
(China to win it within 20 years as well anyone?). An average team
produced an average performance, undone by the goal of the round from
Tomas Rosicky and a performance to match. Jan Koller gave the Czech’s
an early lead with what the term ‘bullet header’ was created for.
The Czech’s oozed confidence and will qualify from the group along
with Italy and are surely contenders for the title.
Italy 2-0 Ghana
Naïve is a cliché far too often thrown at African teams but in this
case is a pretty apt description of what was nonetheless a spirited
(another cliché – sorry) display from the Ghanians. The most
‘worthiest World Cup team’ – according to the World Development
Movement (surely they have better things to do?) – went down to goals
from Pirlo and substitute Iaquinta. The Italians were relatively
impressively (they were playing Ghana) and their patience and know-how
was enough.
Australia 3-1 Japan
When losing, substitutions enable the coach to alter a teams tactics and
change the flow of the match. Hiddink is rather good at tactics. Three
late goals from Austrialian substitutes Tim Cahill (2) and John Aloisi
and Hiddink’s decision to throw on three big strikers gave Australia
their first ever win the in the World Cup. Japan shouldn’t have been
leading anyway – Schwarzer was fouled – but looked set to take the
three points. Their failure to score a second goal – and they had a
number of decent chances – proved fatal as they ultimately failed to
withstand the aerial bombardment thrown their way. Australia face Brazil
next. Never mind. Just beat Croatia.
South Korea 2-1 Togo
Togo scored first. Korea scored twice in the second half. Togo had a man
sent off. Not the best game of the tournament. By a long way.
France 0-0 Switzerland
Switzerland should have won this game. Despite their failure to take a
number of chances that came their way, they will be delighted with the
draw. France will not. Despite Zidane’s cajoling and clapping, they
were poor and uninspiring and Henry didn’t look interested. The match
also witnessed some of the most inexplicable referring to date: can
someone please tell me why Magnin got booked? Thought not.
Both teams should qualify.
Brazil 1-0 Croatia
Despite what you might have read Brazil will not coast to victory in
this World Cup. They might win it but they will play teams of greater
ability then Croatia, who despite being well-organized didn’t have
enough creativity or firepower. A wonderful goal from Kaka was enough
for Brazil, the best player of the famous quartet. The worst? The
Original Buck Toothed One. He was anonymous. No, in fact he was worse
than that. As Kovac said, marking Ronaldo was “easy”.
Spain 4-0 Ukraine
Can the perennial underachievers come good? Based on this display there
is no reason why not. A comfortable win over Ukraine with goals from
Alonso, Villa (2) and Torres gave Spain the most comprehensive win of
the round. They look strong at the back, composed and creative in
midfield and quick upfront. Shevchenko may have just signed for Chelski
but perhaps they should have bought Torres instead. If Spain go far, he
could be an outside bet for the Golden Boot. Another bizarre refereeing
display in this match; Vashchuk incredibly harshly sent off for
apparently shirt-tugging in the box. Don’t think so ref.
- Fran
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