Group Stage Analysis: Second Round

Monday, June 21, 2010

The second round of the Group Stage impressed the eye far more than the mistake-plagued first week. As teams begin to expand their open-field attack, goal-scoring opportunities abound. Players finally seem to be perfecting their touch with the Jabulani ball, manufactured by Adidas. Strikers have at last made their mark on the Cup, as several of them netted at least one goal for their squads. This barrage of goals was headlined by Gonzalo Higuain's hat-trick for Argentina against South Korea. The Real Madrid sharpshooter was the fortunate recipient of several well-timed passes.

Fans were left scratching their heads after witnessing countless woefully off-target crosses with the controversial ball. Both goalkeepers and outfielders alike have criticized the erratic flight of the ball, which was created for the World Cup. In 2006, the Teamgeist, also engineered by Adidas, faced similar scrutiny. The Jabulani is by no means the only source of controversy.

In Group A, the world watches the total implosion of the French Football Federation. In the wake of the dismissal of talented but immature Nicolas Anelka from the team, French football loses more respect every day. A former world football power, the team's captain Patrice Evra called France "a small footballing nation". Several senior officials for the French side have resigned, efeictive immediately. After announcing the resignation of the team's strength coach, team director Jean-Louis Valentin announced his own resignation. The strength coach, Robert Duverne, stormed off of the field in the middle of training. Sunday, the players refused to train.

Meanwhile, Koman Coulibaly, a financial inspector from Mali, was Man of the Match in the USA-Slovenia game. The first truly awful call of the World Cup was dealt to the Americans, who had a set-piece goal disallowed for reasons that remain unknown. Coulibaly stopped what would have been an incredible comeback victory for USA when he blew his whistle while the ball was in flight, but before an onside Maurice Edu finished a perfectly placed free kick. An evaluation of his performance is underway.

For each group, the decisive third round has matches that will either propel squads into the Knockout Phase, or will crush the hopes of an entire nation. With the quality of play improving over the last several days, expect the cream to rise to the top this week. The next five days will likely produce the usual suspects, along with some party crashers for the Knockout Stage.

Group A
Uruguay and Mexico are both nestled atop the group with four points each. Both Latin American sides were dominant in their second group stage matches. Uruguay picked apart host South Africa in a 3-0 victory. All-purpose orchestrator Diego Forlan was clinical in his passing and finishing, scoring two goals. The second was on a penalty shot.

Mexico earned three points in a win over France. The Mexicans appeared cohesive and energetic in the 2-0 win. The victory gives Mexico a realistic shot at winning the group. However, due to goal differential being the first tie-breaker, a draw between Mexico and Uruguay would favor the South Americans. Don't expect Uruguay to shut it down and try to defend for 90 minutes, though.

France, while not yet mathematically eliminated from the tournament, have disgraced the French Football Federation. Following their 2-0 loss to Mexico, Nicolas Anelka was dismissed from the side, apparently for insulting oft-criticized coach Raymond Domenech. Sunday, the team refused to train, in protest of their teammate's expulsion. Following the team's refusal to train, several key members of the FFF resigned. Faced with a minimal chance of advancing, the team must muster some sense of pride and dignity, as they face hosts South Africa this Tuesday.

Expect Uruguay and Mexico to draw, with both clinching a Knockout Round bid. Uruguay will have the goal differential advantage, and will play Group B Runner-Up. This tiebreaker will allow Uruguay to sidestep dangerous Argentina. South Africa deserve a win, and France is reeling. South Africa, 2-0.


Group B
Argentina have proved to be the class of the group, earning six points out of six in their first two matches. Following a workmanlike 1-0 win over Nigeria, Argentina exploited South Korea's porous back line in a 4-1 thrashing. Gonzalo Higuain earned the first hat-trick in a World Cup game since Portugal's Pauleta in 2002. Each goal occurred from point-blank range and were the result of great runs and passes by Messi and others.

Argentina will struggle to reproduce that level of scoring output against Greece, however. Greece are hungry and catching their stride, following a 2-1 win over a disappointing Nigeria side. Greece have a stout back line and will be desperate for at least a draw, in an effort to keep pace with South Korea. Expect Argentina to come out a little lax. If Greece are firing on all cylinders, they may pull off an upset, or at least a draw. Greece earns a draw, 1-1.

South Korea started their World Cup with an impressive 2-0 win over favored Greece. They were crisp and in-sync, and their captain and national hero Park Ji-Sung netted the decisive goal. Against Argentina, however, the Asian Confederation winners were outclassed. Argentina exposed some defensive weaknesses that Nigeria may be able to exploit. The Nigerian squad never got on track and have struggled to create chances in their first two matches. The absence of John Obi Mikel may have impacted the side more than expected. At this point, the team is playing for pride, although a group-stage berth is still a possibility. Nigeria overpower South Korea, 2-1, giving Greece the second position in Group B.

Group C
With just one win out of a combined four matches in group C, favorites England and USA are finding the competition much stiffer than they expected. England and USA both have 2 points following their second game draws. Slovenia, with 4 points, sit atop the group, with Wednesday's match against England looming large in the horizon. This will surely be the most important match in Slovenia's unremarkable football history. Slovenia have been the most threatening side in Group C, and may need only a draw to win the group. A loss, however, may end their World Cup.

On the other side of the scorecard, England are goal-deprived and looking frustrated. A surprise 0-0 draw against Algeria prompted criticism of Coach Fabio Capello's tactics and lineup. With just one goal and two points in their first two matches, this is not the World Cup start the Three Lions envisioned. Still, England have experience and world-class striking prowess. Eventually, a supremely talented England will find a way to pick up three points against Slovenia. Wayne Rooney should be ferocious in attack, and will look to break through for his first goal in South Africa. England in a close one, 1-0.

The United States have just concluded two of the more emotional draws in the team's history. Following USA's 1-1 draw to England, a disastrous 1st half against Slovenia threatened to end American hopes of a deep Cup run. Slovenia found the net twice in the first half. The first goal was a 20 yard strike by left-footed Valter Birsa. The 24 year-old midfielder, who plays professionally in France for Auxerre, had ample space and time to open up on Tim Howard. The second goal was capped as Slovenia danced as a group following a Zlatan Ljubijankic goal just minutes before halftime.

In the second half, however, USA came roaring back with two phenomenal goals from familiar faces. In the 48th minute, Landon Donovan dribbled deep into the box and stuck a shot in the upper right-hand post. The shot came from a very difficult angle and showcased Donovan's world-class skill. The Americans controlled possession but were unable to capitalize on opportunities. Then, in the 82nd minute, Michael Bradley capped a great run with a right-footed sliding shot that pulled USA level. Not content to take the draw, USA continued to press. With just minutes remaining, Maurice Edu finished a beautiful Donovan free-kick for what appeared to be the go-ahead goal. Inexplicably, referee Koman Coulibaly disallowed the goal. There was no explanation given for the whistle, and the game eventually ended in an improbable 2-2 draw. In the following days, there has been almost unanimous agreement that the goal should have been allowed.

Now, USA must push that aside and focus on an Algerian side that stifled England in a 0-0 shocker. The Americans are favored, but need to win to guarantee a Round of 16 berth. USA will come out aggressive and focused. USA advances with a 2-0 win.


Group D
Germany came back down to earth after a blistering start. The three-time Cup champions followed up their 4-0 win with a 1-0 defeat to Serbia. Germany played with ten men for most of the game, as Miroslav Klose was sent off in the first half. A huge penalty kick save by Serbian keeper Vladimir Stojkovic cost the Germans a chance to pull even. Now, Germany must regroup for a match against Ghana that will determine the Group D winner. With just three group points to Ghana's four, Germany must attack and go for the win.

Ghana, meanwhile, have been one of the few bright spots among African squads in group stage games. Asamoah Gyan has scored twice on penalty kicks in the first two matches. Ghana has battled and worked as a unit to earn their four group points. The team is clearly missing their superstar midfielder Michael Essien, as the Black Stars have struggled to create opportunities in the open field. In a must-win situation, Germany will rise to the occasion with a big win. Germany crushes Ghana's ambitions, 2-0.

Serbia rebounded well from a heart-wrenching loss to Ghana against Germany. Facing almost certain elimination with another loss, Serbia's stout back line smothered red-hot Germany. Nemanja Vidic, who anchors both the Serbian and Manchester United defenses, stopped Lukas Podolski and the German attack. Serbia is a very talented, physical side with stars from top clubs in all of the major European football leagues. Serbia will take on a suspension-riddled Australia with goals in mind. Serbia wins a lopsided match, 2-0.

Group E

Netherlands have yet to allow a goal and sit in first place in Group E. After impressive victories against Denmark and Japan, the Flying Dutchmen take on Cameroon, who have already been eliminated from the tournament. Attacking midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who plays professionally for Champions League winners Internazionale, has been key in both victories, garnering two Man of the Match awards. Netherlands have been able to amass six group points without star Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben, who suffered an injury in the squad's last friendly. Robben should be fit in time for the Round of 16. Netherlands are one of a handful of squads truly threatening to dethrone Italy as World Cup champions.

In a tuneup for the knockout round, "Clockwork Oranje" roll through a dispirited Cameroon side, 2-0.

Denmark and Japan, tied with three group points apiece, play each other this Thursday. Were the match to end in a draw, Japan would advance, as they own the tie-breaking goal differential advantage. Denmark have finally started playing to their potential following a back-and-forth 2-1 victory over Cameroon. Nicolas Bendtner, who plays striker in the English Premier League for Arsenal, has seen his form improve. Japan must find a way to stop the talented and confident 22-year old striker. Japan were able to contain Dutch striker Robin Van Persie, so the blueprint is in place.

Needing all three points, Denmark will use multiple runs by blazing fast Dennis Rommedahl to create scoring opportunities. Denmark advance with a 2-1 win.


Group F
Italy have found themselves in one of the more competitive groups in the World Cup. All four teams can still advance to the Knockout Stage. After surviving a pair of 1-1 draws, Italy still control their own destiny. A win against Slovakia, and il Azzurri advance. A draw, and the Italians can only hope that Paraguay are able to beat the All Whites. In their last match, Italy had to chase the Kiwis after New Zealand scored in the 7th minute. New Zealand star Shane Smeltz tapped in a beautiful Simon Elliot free kick. Italy were able to pull level on a penalty shot by Vincenzo Iaquinta in the 29th minute. Despite dominating possession, Italy were unable to score a go-ahead goal. New Zealand nearly pulled off an improbable win, as 18-year old Chris Wood sent a ground shot just wide of the post late in the second half.

Now, Italy need a win just to advance, and are unlikely to win the group they were so heavily favored to conquer. Italy will finally shake off the rust in a decisive 1-0 win over Slovakia.

Paraguay, meanwhile, followed their 1-1 draw against Italy with an emphatic 2-0 win over Slovakia. Midfielder Enrique Vera got Paraguay off to a great start with a 27th minute goal. Paraguay held on to the slim lead until the 86th minute, when Cristian Riveros made the outcome certain with a beautiful strike from just inside the box. Paraguay are red-hot and will look to seal a first place finish in the group. This is important, as the group runner-up will likely face the Netherlands in the Knockout Round. Paraguay defeat a courageous but outmatched New Zealand side, 1-0.

Group G

Brazil and Portugal used their second round matches to distance themselves from Ivory Coast and North Korea. Both squads head into the final week of the Group Stage with a virtual guarantee for a Knockout round berth. Brazil clinched a spot with a 3-1 win over Ivory Coast last Sunday. Luis Fabiano scored twice, both times in spectacular fashion. Elano added a third goal, ending any speculation about Brazil's scoring ability following a closer than predicted 2-1 win over North Korea.

Portugal came into their match against the reclusive North Koreans with goal differential in mind. Following a 0-0 draw with Ivory Coast, the Portuguese needed to beat North Korea by a substantial margin to put pressure on Ivory Coast. After scoring once in the first 45 minutes, the floodgates opened in the second half. Portugal scored three goals in less than ten minutes, on two different occasions. By the time Cristiano Ronaldo scored an absurd goal that bounced off of his back and head, Portugal had run the score up to 6-0. Portugal tallied one more goal, and won 7-0. Reports indicate that North Korea aired the game live back home, but it is unclear if the telecast was stopped early.

The 7-0 demolition, the 7th largest defeat in World Cup history, was not just for show, either. Ivory Coast would now need to achieve roughly the same scoreline against North Korea in order to pass Portugal on goal differential. While Ivory Coast will almost certainly win, it is unlikely they will be able to overcome the nine goal differential they currently have with the Seleccao das Quinas. So, it appears Brazil and Portugal will advance. However, with a likely date with Spain for the group runner-up, Friday's clash between the two Portuguese speaking football powers may change the complexion of the World Cup.

Brazil simply need to draw to clinch first place in Group G. However, a red card by Kaka against Ivory Coast means that the Carinhas will face Portugal without their star play maker. Despite the loss of Kaka, Brazil will remain stout on defense and will play for the draw. Brazil tie the game, 1-1, but win the group.

Group H
Following a shocking 1-0 defeat at the hands of Switzerland, Spain needed to regroup against an outmatched Honduras. La Furia Roja picked apart Honduras, as David Villa netted two goals against the Central Americans. Villa almost had the second World Cup hat-trick in five days, but he missed a penalty kick. Spain won 2-0, though it could be said that following their Iberian rival's 7-0 shellacking earlier in the day, more was expected. Spain now must beat Chile in their final group game to assure themselves of an advance to the Knockout round.

Chile, with consecutive 1-0 wins, has earned six points with great possession and cohesive team defense. Because of their narrow goal differential, Chile still has work to do against Spain. A bad loss to Spain, coupled with a Swiss victory over Honduras could spell disaster for the South Americans. To score six group stage points and fail to advance would be unbearable, though it appears that one of the teams from Group H may have to accept this fate.

Switzerland began their Cup with a dream 1-0 win over heavily favored Spain. The Swiss back line has been nearly impenetrable, as the squad broke the record for the longest amount of time in the World Cup without allowing a goal. When Gelson Fernandes scored for Chile in the second half on Monday, it was the first time in 559 Cup minutes that Switzerland allowed a goal. The streak dated back to 1994. Now, Switzerland will need a win and some luck just to qualify. The most likely scenario is that the Swiss beat Honduras, and hope Spain racks up the goals against Chile.

In the end, a Group H team will finish with six points, but will fail to advance. Look for Spain to build on their 2-0 win over Honduras with another 2-0 win over Chile. Switzerland will beat Honduras, 1-0, and will advance. Chile, who won their first two games, may be left scratching their heads.


Photos courtesy of Getty Images





Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

The opening games of the Group Stage have offered insight into the form and competitiveness of perennial favorites as well as ambitious upstarts. By far, the most impressive side has been Germany. The three-time World Cup champions obliterated Australia, 4-0, and didn't miss a beat against an Aussie squad that entered the tournament ranked 20th in the world. Even without their captain and star Michael Ballack, who will miss the entire Cup due to injury, Germany was firing on all cylinders, and look like the team to beat.

In Group A, both opening games resulted in draws. First Mexico tied hosts South Africa 1-1. Then, Uruguay and France battled to a scoreless draw in a match that was more exciting than the score would indicate. Flashes of brilliance from Diego Forlan might foreshadow a deep Uruguay run, if they could just finish with goals instead of near misses.

A Group B surprise, South Korea scored twice in a 2-0 thrashing of a boring, pathetic Greece team that at times seemed bogged down and wasteful. In the other Group B matchup, Argentina handled Nigeria in a blah-blah 1-0 win. Thursday's match between South Korea and Argentina ought to be a fast-paced, competitive affair.

Group C showcased the most talked about match in all of group stage, as England faced off against USA. American goalkeeper Tim Howard stole the show with a great Man of the Match performance. Minding the opposite nets was Robert Green, who may never be the same after one awful mistake in an otherwise decent performance. In the end, both teams walked away with a point. In the other match from Group C, Slovenia bested Algeria 1-0 in a game that was, quite frankly, hard to watch. All facets of the game were played at an amateurish level, with missed passes and awful shots coming from both teams. These two sides may not score another goal combined for the rest of group play.

Group D saw the aforementioned Germany roll through a shellshocked Australia, 4-0, while Ghana defeated favored Serbia 1-0 in a competitive, physical match. Serbia looked like the better squad for most of the game, until a hand-ball in the box resulted in a converted penalty shot. Friday's match between Germany and Serbia should be very entertaining, as Germany looks to keep the momentum, and Serbia fights for survival.

Group E saw two sides gain 3 points from their opening matches, as Netherlands defeated Denmark 2-0, and Japan upset Cameroon 1-0. Saturday's Japan-Holland matchup may determine the group winner.

Saturday, June 12th, 2010

USA 1, England 1

In what was largely regarded as the most anticipated soccer game in the history of the United States, England came out of the gate like the thoroughbred favorites everyone expected them to be. In the fourth minute, Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard made the USA central defense pay for falling asleep at the wheel. The American side looked out of sorts in the opening minutes of the game, and when they were gashed open by a perfectly placed Emile Heskey pass to the English skipper, the situation looked bleak for the Americans.

Still reeling from their game-opening gaffe, USA played kid brother to their Three Lions counterpart. By the 25th minute, Bob Bradley had calmed his troops down, and momentum began to level. The tide turned following a violent collision between USA goalkeeper Tim Howard and England forward Emile Heskey. Both players were going for ball, and Howard got there first. Heskey flew in studs up, spiking Howard in the chest and arm. Howard, who plays in the English Premier League for Everton, was tended to by medical personnel for several tense moments, before slowly getting up and regaining his composure.

Howard's brave sacrifice ignited the American side, and Donovan began to open up spaces for Jozy Altidore and Robby Findley. In the 40th minute, Clint Dempsey fired an ambitious line drive towards goal. England's keeper Robert Green squared up to corral the ball in his waiting mitts. He misjudged the ball's speed, direction, flight, whatever, and blew an easy save. The ball ricocheted off of his hands and arms, and crept into the goal. An astonished crowd exploded in celebration and frustration simultaneously. The game stayed level for the duration, but there were several opportunities for both sides during in the second half. Jozy Altidore had a combative, determined run that resulted in a shot being deflected by Green and then off the left post. Emile Heskey had another opportunity, only to launch a point-black shot directly at Howard. In the end, a 1-1 draw was the best these two squads could manage.

While each side earned a point in the draw, the Americans are much more pleased with the result than England. England is one of the elite international sides in Europe, and anything less than victory and three points is a failure for Fabio Capello and his side. Meanwhile, the Americans are quite satisfied to have earned a hard fought point, thanks to a goalkeeping blunder that may haunt the England over the next several weeks, and for years to come.

Man of the Match: Tim Howard

above: Robert Green's goalkeeping catastrophe cost England a win and, more personally, a possible starting spot in the Three Lions starting XI.

Argentina 1, Nigeria 0

Diego Maradona's first World Cup match as a coach resulted in a determined 1-0 victory for the Albiceleste. Argentina struck early when Gabriel Heinze capitalized on a well placed Lionel Messi corner kick and gave Argentina the lead in the sixth minute. Argentina had several more scoring chances, but Nigeria goalkeeper and Man of the Match Vincent Enyeama made several great saves. Although reigning FIFA player of the year Lionel Messi had a few nice runs and four shots on goal, the Nigeria defense contained him as well as anyone has recently.

South Korea 2, Greece 0

South Korea shredded what was thought to be a solid Greek back line, and became the first team to score more than one goal in a game in South Africa. South Korea was the superior side throughout the match. Midfielders Lee Jung Soo and Park Ji Sung netted in the 7th and 52nd minute, respectively. Greece had no answers in attack, and looked out of sorts for much of the game. Although ball possession was even, South Korea out shot Greece 18-6, and had 7 shots on goal to Greece's 2. Greece now faces the almost insurmountable task of somehow getting at least four points against world-class Argentina, and a hungry Nigeria. South Korea, with their two goal differential, sit atop Group B, after many, including this writer, had predicted a last place finish.

June 11th, 2010

Group A

South Africa vs. Mexico

In the Cup opener, the hosts defended Johannesburg in a gutsy 1-1 draw. South Africa struck first, as Man of the Match Siphiwe Tshabalala finished a blazing left flank run with power and accuracy. The 55th minute strike came after the opening minutes of the second half, during which Mexico appeared lacking energy and cohesion.

In the ensuing minutes, Mexico became desperate, shooting for goal from nearly 40 yards out on a free kick. Finally, Rafael Marquez was the recipient of a beautiful cross from Andres Guardado. The Barcelona defender corralled the ball and fired it towards the near post. The shot was perfect, and the score was level at 1-1.

South Africa was relentless, and came within inches of taking the lead back, but a Katiego Mphela shot caromed off of the left post. The 79' Marquez goal was the final score, and the squads walked away from the full 90,000 capacity Soccer City Stadium with a point apiece.


Uruguay vs. France

The second Group A game seemed to have the stronger two sides in the group. Uruguay and France jousted to a 0-0 draw. Embattled French coach Raymond Domenech made personnel decisions that drew the ire of several pundits. The decision to not put Thierry Henry into the game until the 75th minute seemed odd. The Barcelona forward has had a recent reduction in form and production for both club and country, but with very few goal scoring chances, it seemed logical to put Henry into the lineup earlier on. It will be interesting to see what changes Domenech makes to his lineup and tactics against Mexico next week. Man of the Match was Diego Forlan, whose prodigious technical skill was on display.