FIFA World Cup 2010 - Predictions/Discussions/Updates

[hellfire1]

Originally Posted by _____V_____

FINAL SCORE -

URUGUAY - 0


FRANCE - 0

Things were pretty much even till 25 minutes into the second half. Henry came in as replacement in place of Anelka (which was surprising), and almost as if in reply Diego Forlan suddenly found himself in front of the French goal with the ball in front. Would you believe it, he hit it wide from maybe 10 paces from the goal!

There were plenty of shots on goal and off it, but none in. The French dominated the last 18 minutes after Forlan's effort above, but even a free kick from in front of the box during the final minutes of extra time didn't materialise. France kept promising a lot, but delivered none. I d say their efforts in the front leave a LOT to be desired.

Although it makes you think what would have happened if the French had picked up a penalty kick for an involuntary handball by one of the Uruguayan defenders during those final moments...

And even after being reduced to 10 men, Uruguay held on till the end to hold France. Pretty commendable effort.

Told ya....

[_____V_____]

Well, Group A now stands wide open.

Both Mexico and South Africa should fancy their chances against France now, because they looked totally lacklustre in their opener against Uruguay.

None of the players left an impact on the game. Anelka was dubious, Ribery looked promising for the first quarter but then fizzled out, Govou was a big disappointment, Gallas was non-existent, and Henry looked out of sorts (possibly maybe because he didn't make the starting 11). The only two players who maybe gave it their best were Sagna and Gourcuff, who kept the Uruguayan goalie interested by 3-4 long rangers flying towards his goal.

Uruguay themselves were at sea. Forlan had at least two opportunities to make it 2-0 for them, but missed out. Their defenses need to tighten up considerably and more than once they left the goalkeeper stranded. The last 10 minutes of playing with 10 men and holding France back was slightly commendable, although it must be said that, with all due respect to Uruguay's defence, France lost on a great chance.

If this is how France plans to play the WC, I don't expect them to get past the Group stages. Even if they make it into the Round of 16 somehow, a QF berth will come as a surprise.

And boy, are the vuvuzelas loud or what!

[roshiq]

I think both France & Italy will be a big tel down this time.

Anyway, at the moment I'm pretty excited about the upcoming match against ARGENTINA-NIGERIA! I'll try to leave early from the office but most probably will miss the 1st match of today...S.KOREA-GREECE...hoping a win for Korea.

[_____V_____]

Rise and shine, people.

Day 2 of the WC, and the first match coming up is GREECE taking on SOUTH KOREA.

Greece has had a history in the WC. Unfortunately they haven't done awesomely well in any of the previous editions. Don't think they will pose much of a threat in this one, either.

South Korea is a side with potential. Park Joo Yung is an experienced campaigner and is very fast up front. He will need plenty of support from the others to take them through.

My prediction - 2 - 1 to South Korea. (only because I want to see some goals and keen tussles, not dreary draws like last night's match)

[_____V_____]

And its 1 - 0 to south korea in the 7th min!!

[_____V_____]

Half time score reads 1 - 0 to South Korea.

My prediction of the scoreline could have been a reality in the first half itself! Greece had a fantastic chance of going 1 - 0 up in the 3rd minute itself when Karagounis sent in a superb ball from the corner, and the player inside had a clear shot at goal inches from the front, but shot it over.

Then came the superb goal from Lee Jung Soo in the 7th minute. A very clear shot from the corner saw him placed at the correct place at the correct time and he calmly placed it by the side of the Greek goalkeeper into the net.

It was South Korea's fastest goal in the WC.

And in the 27th minute, Chu Young broke through the right side of the field in an awesome run. The pass was executed flawlessly to him and he had nobody in front to stop him except the goalkeeper and 1 defender. He took the shot from very close to the goal, and if the goalkeeper's leg hadn't touched the ball and lobbed it safely over the goalbars into the backside of the net, South Korea would have been 2-0.

It's been all Korea so far. Greece look a panicky, broken lot. Constant arguments between themselves aren't helping much either. There was some shirt pulling and heated words between the Greek goalkeeper and one of his defenders, which doesn't say much about the team spirit of Greece.

Let's see what the second half is like...I am betting South Korea to finish this on a canter - at least 2-0 or even 3-0.

[_____V_____]

2 - 0 to South Korea in the 52nd minute! :D

Park Ji Sung decided to join the party!!

[_____V_____]

FINAL SCORE -

GREECE - 0


SOUTH KOREA - 2
(Jung Soo 7')
(Ji Sung 52')

Well, Greece would be everybody's favorite whipping boy in Group B. Nothing home to write about them, except a string of missed opportunities in the final 20-odd minutes.

South Korea's defenses look a little suspect, but the way they keep building their attacks with patience and timing is very impressive. Watch out people, their matches against Nigeria and Argentina should be real crackers, if they aren't overawed by their opponents in the next two matches.

They are the first team to win a match in WC 2010. Congrats to the Asians!

[_____V_____]

And the firecracker of the day comes up shortly in 30 minutes time...

It will be ARGENTINA taking on NIGERIA!

Hope you are all home to watch it.

[zwoti]

i did pick korea to finish 2nd in the group, so far so good