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World Cup – More of the Same. Yuck.

Posted by under *mixed, Sports |

So maybe this has been the worst World Cup ever. How many ties can there be before people just stop caring?  Well, that depends. I do not know if anyone cares at this point. I guess people will pay attention to the US game on Friday against Slovenia, but nobody will actually watch it. Friday at 10am is not the best time for a soccer game.

To the games:

Monday, June 14, 2010

GROUP E

Holland, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon

*Nobody cares about the rankings.   The first couple games proved they were useless.

Holland 2 – 0 Denmark

Denmark, along with so many other teams, just played for a tie.  After the Own Goal, the Danes had to push up from their own end and try to score.  I mean, I thought that was the point of soccer.  To score.  I was mistaken.  Holland was able to score again, which happens when the other team has to try and score.  Denmark is a good team and quite capable of beating both Cameroon and Japan.  They are not out of it, but I hope they attempt to score next time.

Japan 1 – 0 Cameroon

This was considered a bit of an upset.  Cameroon was supposed to win this game.  Japan had not played well in the months leading up to the World Cup.  For most of the game, though, Japan did not do anything special on offense.  They found a way to score a goal, but it was one of their only chances.  They played great defense, so I guess you can give them credit for that.   I’m quite sick of defense, if you ask me.

Cameroon’s best goal scorer and player, Samuel Eto’o, was left without any help.  Nobody could get him the ball.  He was left helping out on defense so he could get the ball.  I don’t see Cameroon doing well in this group if they cannot get the ball to Eto’o near the goal.

Holland is the best team in this group.  The rest will sort itself out.  Japan has a huge advantage with 3 points already.  5 points will probably give them second place and a spot in the next round.

GROUP F

Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia

Italy 1 – 1 Paraguay

Italy showed itself to either not to be a top flight team OR Paraguay is a better team than first thought.  Paraguay was the consensus second best team in this weak group, but Italy scored on a really bad mistake by Paraguay’s keeper.  Apparently the skill most sought after in a keeper is the ability to use their hands effectively.  Doesn’t seem like many of these guys can do that well.  Both Italy and Paraguay are fine with 1 point with New Zealand and Slovakia waiting for them.   They both suck.  I assume both of these teams will move on and goal differential will determine the placement in the next round.  Also, I would not be surprised if Italy continues to have problems scoring goals.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

GROUP F

New Zealand 1 – 1 Slovakia

New Zealand and Slovakia are not very good teams.  I’m saying that a lot in these opening rounds.  New Zealand scored in extra time to get a point.  Slovakia needed three points in this game because the chances of them defeating Paraguay or Italy are small.  They could tie both and, with 5 points, have a shot at the second round.  With a tie they are effectively out of it.   New Zealand is happy to have a point.

Italy and Paraguay should take this group.  Boring.

GROUP G

Ivory Coast, Portugal, Brazil, North Korea

Ivory Coast 0 – 0 Portugal

Portugal had one or two good chances.  The Ivory Coast had a few chances.  90 minutes and I’m getting sick of saying there is one or two good chances a team.  Score a damn goal.  The Ivory Coast appeared to be the better team, but who cares if neither team is trying to win.  They controlled the ball and made a better attempt at scoring.  Man this World Cup is doing nothing to improve the image of soccer in America.   There is always Brazil and Spain, right?

Brazil 2 – 1 DPRK

Brazil scored around the 55th minute and again around the 70th minute.  The second goal was perfect:  A diagonal ball into the box that was one timed into the far corner.  North Korea scored a goal late and appeared to have some life in them offensively.  If they play as they did in the last ten minutes of the Brazil game against Portugal or Ivory Coast they could cause a surprise.  Maybe a 1-1 tie!  I’m sick of this World Cup.

Brazil should take the group.  They played as best as they could considering Korea’s defense.  DPRK will play spoiler.   I will watch those games, though the fact that the North Korean fans are paid Chinese actors and musicians makes me want them to lose badly each game.  Seriously, look it up.

Thankfully, the second game in the Round Robin should allow for more goals.  Teams cannot play for a tie every game.  Three points will not do it.  At some point you have to take chances and try and win.  Any person that thinks there is beauty in defensive soccer is an ass.  There is beauty in holding a lead.  If you play for a tie you really take all the fun out of the game.

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