Standard disclaimer: This is based on the matches that I have seen and not all matches.
One of the more innovative world cup calendars can be found here
I feel sorry for North Korea, they did reasonably well last week against Brazil, but the 7-0 KO by Portugal meant that their morale must have definitely suffered and ultimately they went out without a win.
England's stuttering campaign was resurrected with a win in their last match and there were many who expected a Phoenix like performance against Germany, alas it was not to be. Done in by the referee they surely were, however more so by their own lack of self-belief (imho). Germany shrugged off the scare before half-time and had asserted themselves well and truly by the time the second half was mid-way through. The 4-1 scoreline ultimately was a fair reflection on the approach of both teams to the match.
Brazil have been playing well and have taken their appointed spot (pre-quarterfinals today), however they were disappointing in their match against Portugal. First half was very contentious and if I am right, about 7-8 yellow cards were handed out. I guess the coaches talked sense into the players at the break and the second half was very boring, with a 0-0 result a fair reflection of the state of the match,
I haven't watched much of Argentina, apart from their opening match, however they seem to be going along nicely. Their match against Germany will be one of the more anticipated quarter-finals for this week, the same holds for the Spain - Portugal clash (however that is in the round of 16). It looks like the quarter-finals will be fought by 4 teams from Latin America, 3 from Europe and 1 from Africa (unless Japan manage an upset).
All in all, a good build-up towards the business end of the tournament, lets hope that this week gives us more competitive football than the previous two weeks.
1 comment:
Among the friends I have acquired on FB is Marcelo Lorenzeti (brother of Mauricio). True to a South American he is passionate football fan and has been very vociforous abou the games before and after. He should be rooting for Brazil. ARt (also on my FB friend list) is also active but in an armchair fan way.
I plan to watch two quarter finals. The afternoon ones (as per ET schedule) are for some reason not on ESPN3 but on ABC and I don't know if they are available on the net.
FIFA seems to have eaten their humble pie when the world has joined un urging the use of technology. Given the money and prestige at stake, a bad referee decision can be very costly (and undoable). That would still leave whom to give cards and award penlty kicks since those are somewhat subjective. But bad goals can be avoided.
Happy blogging.
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