Tuesday, June 22, 2010
So another phase of matches have been played in the first round stage. Not as much moments to talk about in this one, but definitely many more goals as teams are more open and offensive! Sigh of relief all 'round, finally this $70 is gonna be worth it! So my top three moments of the second phase of games.
1. Portugal's 7-0 drubbing of Korea DPR. Credit must go to the Portuguese, even though it may seem as weaker opposition, as you must also note that it was only 1-0 to them at half-time. Their second-half performance was a joy to behold. Everyone played a part, there wasn't the huge focus on Cristiano Ronaldo, although his goal was the most comical yet graceful-looking. But magnificent really, Hugo Almeida's goal was probably the goal that epitomizes teamwork, everything football is supposed to embody, everything the French team doesn't.
2. New Zealand's shock opener and subsequent 1-1 draw against Italy. The All Whites rode their luck at times with Italian shots rattling their Kiwis bar, but it was probably more or less justified as Danielle De Rossi's pathetic fall from grace gave the Italian's a soft penalty. Ok enough of that. The moment was definitely All Whites' striker Shane Smeltz 8th minute opener from a New Zealand free-kick that shocked the footballing world. Dubious off-side claims but nonetheless great start by the super underdogs.
3. Mexico's 2-0 win over France. Although this tournament has had its fair share of shocks, I didn't really consider this a shock. Mexico are a well-drilled and really talented team, with great individual talents, and with France in a disarray, I was rather happy that Mexico did get the win. France didn't deserve anything out of the game, and now expect to be booted out in the group stages, like in 2002.
So yah the third phase of matches, the last also, will be done in half the time compared to the other two phases, as teams in the same group will have to play at the same time. So yah, hopefully England and Spain still get through, wouldn't mind Italy and France not making it though!
my thoughts at 11:35 pm