Ok the first stage of the World Cup is coming to an end and here's what I have seen. Brazil plays football like Monet painted! Other than Christiano Ronaldo's crazy lone goal, The Samba Boys have arguably, the prettiest goals thus far in the competition.
Along with Brazil, teams from the western hemisphere are faring quite well! Landon Donovan and the US, who has fielded one of their strongest world cup teams ever, which isn't saying much, will make it to the next round along with Chile and Mexico. Messi and Argentina are poised to go far. Messi, voted best in the world, hasn't scored yet but has lived up to billing as the best player on the pitch.
The biggest disappointment so far has been the big boys, France. All the world class stars on this teams and the horrible showing they have had is unacceptable. France lost to South Africa!!! Nuff Said!!!
A few of the African teams were struck by misfortunes. Ghana was without Michael Essien but has performed well and may be the lone African side to make it into the knockout stages. Who knows what would've happened if Ivory Coast would have had a healthy Didier Drogba... Even with a broken arm he has scored their lone goal of this World Cup. Nigeria totally underachieved even though they suffered injuries to big names.
Who else looks good? Germany, Spain and Portugal look great but my money is on the Brazilians. Robinho is my boy.
1 comment:
As I said to my England-supporting friend the other day, at least France behaved spectacularly while being shit. England's had a difficult time even being shit. This was before today's win over Solvenia, but their play is still shit.
I'm happy to see the Domenech days behind France and am optimistic about the future. They have a deep pool of talent, most of which was inexplicably left in France for the WC. What I took from the "crisis" was that the French players have balls and heart, even if neither showed up on the pitch. The team was doomed from the start and I now wish Henry's handball against Ireland had been called.
Thankfully the US caught a lucky bracket. Ghana and Uruguay both are tough sides, but both are also beatable. I don't remember the last time a sports game moved me like today's win did and I'd love to see our boys make it to the semis.
->Jacob from Vig
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