7' KOR Lee J.S. (1-0)
51' KOR Park J.S. (2-0)
56' GRE Torisidis (YC)
Now I know South Korea isnt the most formidable side, and Greece wasnt really expected to make a big splash, but Greece should be thoroughly embarrassed, and they might as well just pack up and go home, as they won't be changing my mind they are one of, if not the worst team in the tournament. South Korea was able to dominate the game on all fronts because of Greece's ineptitude. Nothing flashy from the Koreans, but they were able to get the job done.
KOR Verdict: 3 points, mission accomplished. Korea looks like a solid team, very fundamentally sound. They're also a lot quicker then I thought they were. Greece didn't put up much of a fight, so it's difficult for me to see what this team is actually capable of. The match against Nigeria should be a crucial one.
GRE Verdict: They need to just go home now. What was supposedly a solid back four was rather porous the whole game, much akin to my favorite club team, Real Madrid. They were also unable to generate any threatening attacks, showing little creativity and not generating opportunities or even possession. Greece's winless streak in the World Cup should continue.
Man of the Match: Park Ji-Sung (KOR)
Argentina 1-0 Nigeria
5' ARG Heinze (1-0)
41' ARG Gutierrez (YC)
77' NIG Haruna (YC)
There were a lot of questions going into this game, most notably about Maradona; What his squad would be, and if he can actually coach. Of course Messi is always an issue, and how Mikel's absence (injury) would affect Nigeria. The two teams (though it was clear Argentina had a more potent attack) seemed rather evenly matched the entire game. Vincent Enyama was spectacular in goal for Nigeria, denying the Argentines almost every opportunity. I was rather impressed with the strength of the Nigerian defense, and they were also very creative on the ball, but never really gave Sergio Romero anything to do.
ARG Verdict: I thought Argentina played well considering how awful Maradona is as a coach, but I guess it's just a testament to how talented these players actually are. There was a lot of fine tuning to be done, but Argentina should be able to do great things based on raw talent alone, unlike France.
NIG Verdict: Had Argentina been a lesser foe, Nigeria would have been able to control this game. They gave the Albiceleste everything they could handle, save for threatening shot. But, the defense held up very well, especially against Ballon D'Or winner Lionel Messi. I think the Super Eagles can turn a few heads in this tournament, but as I said, the game against KOR should be intriguing.
Man of the Match: Vincent Enyeama (NIG)
England 1-1 United States
4' ENG Gerrard (1-0)
26' ENG Milner (YC)
39' USA Cherundolo (YC)
39' USA Dempsey (1-1)
47' USA DeMerit (YC)
59' ENG Carragher (YC)
61' ENG Gerrard (YC)
74' USA Findley (YC)
This was the first game I was unable to watch live, so most of what I am basing my analysis on is what I've heard or seen. Now I may not have watched this game, but as my friend put it Robert Green "dealt England a blow the world will never forget." The West Ham 'keeper made absolutely fatal error on a weak shot from Clint Dempsey, and allowed the Americans to equalize after Steven Gerrard struck early for the Three Lions.
ENG Verdict: From what I can tell, England looked very strong the first half, and rather disheartened the second. Should be interesting to see how they recover and if they decide to replace Green or not.
USA Verdict: Well, I was predicting a 4-1 defeat for the Yanks, and despite a soft goal, The Americans showed they can play with anyone. The match against Slovenia should prove to be crucial.
Man of the Match: Clint Dempsey (USA)
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