It's good to see the Netherlands back in the World Cup and they didn't disappoint against Serbia & Montenegro. They scored a great goal through Arjen Robben (who I can't seem to like, not only because he plays for Chelsea in the English Premier league or because he joined Chelsea after rejecting a move to Man Utd) and gave the Montenegran defence a lot to think about. Given that Serbia &Montenegro were undefeated in qualifying with only one goal scored against them, the Dutch look the goods to qualify from group C.
I was disappointed by the lack of attacking power from the Balkan team. Mateja Kezman looked out of sorts and the introduction of Zigic didn't help either. With Argentina winning their match against the Ivory Coast (2-1), who played well overall, Serbia & Montenegro look like being the first casualty in the "group of death".
I say this because the Ivory Coast team have firepower up front and I envisage them scoring more goals. The only difference between them and Argentina was Juan Riquelme, who orchestrated both goals and is the key to their third trip to the podium. Argentina is one of my favourites to win it this year and their clinical display only reinforces that theory even though the Argentinean press gave their performance a lukewarm reception.
In other matches, Angola went down to Portugal through an early goal by Pauleta. Luis Figo, thought by some to be too old and past his best, turned on a burst of speed to surprise the still settling Angolan defence, centred the ball in the box and Pauleta comfortably collected his first goal of the World Cup. Honorable mentions for Cristiano Ronaldo who saw a header come back off the cross bar and a powerful shot blocked by goalkeeper Joao Ricardo. The fairy tale would have seen Angola, under Portuguese rule until 1975, beat their colonial masters but alas for yours truly, there won't be a discussion on the merits of football as a statement of empowerment for the post-colonial state...yet.
The Africans did finish strongly with the Benefica based Mantorras causing the Portuguese defence a few problems. Portugal looked comfortable enough but will need to attack more if they are to beat Mexico, who beat Iran 3 - 1 in the other group D match.
Mexico with 67 goals in 18 qualifying matches, displayed their prowess in the air and on the ground with some well won headers and scintillating dribbling, which invariably led to three goals. Iran did fight back and got a goal back early but could not combat the spirited Mexican attack.
To end, the upcoming group F match between Japan and Australia will ensure half the population will arrive at work with bleary eyes tomorrow. After 32 years, here is the first step towards either a spectacular start or an ignominious exit. Maybe I'm exaggerating the importance of this game but the fact is that nothing more than a victory will do. A draw might suffice but then Brazil and more so Croatia will look forward to playing an Australian team down on confidence.
Japan are no easy beats either, drawing 2 - 2 against hosts Germany in a friendly prior to the World Cup. They are technically gifted, fast and have an element of unpredictability which can cause problems for the best of teams. To ensure a fighting chance Australia must get the three points on offer. To add to the pressure, Australia have never won a game at the World Cup or scored a goal. The last campaign, in 1974, returned two losses and a goal-less draw.
Well, its around four hours to kick off. Lets hope my next entry has some good news.
The Psynic
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