When England's first round opposition were announced, most people, at least those i know, agreed that the draw had been favourable. Many of those same people watched just about enough football to be aware that America are no longer a complete set of ponies. Seven points good going then, or so we said before our opening game. A draw with the toughest of the three sides shouldn't be viewed as a complete disaster then, eh? Hmmm.Earlier on that day, an extremely excitable South Korea easily whipped a lifeless Greece. The Argies, who many people predicted to struggle, took three points more convincingly than the scoreline suggests against a Nigeria side who admittedly did defend well at times. Rusty former United left-back Gabriel Heinze brilliant diving header settled it.
South Korea 2 Greece 0
South Korea were deserved winners against a dire Greece side. A great goal from Park Ji-Sung sealed it early in the second half. South Korea will hope to progress now while the Greeks need to beat Nigeria on Thursday to have any hope. (MM)
Probably the second best game so far, despite Greece being pretty shocking. The Koreans might find themselves getting mullered if they're that forward-thinking against Argentina but on this evidence would deserve a place in the second round. (DK)
Impressed with the Koreans here. Greece, well, nothing about them whatsoever. Embarrassing to think their anti-football won them the Euros. Korea/Nigeria should decide who follows Argentina through, but even shouldn't they make it, they're proving themselves to be an improving, up and coming, not to mention exciting footballing nation. Right-back Cha Du-Ri did very well. (BA)
Argentina 1 Nigeria 0
A funny game this. Argentina took an early lead as one Nigerian defender was clearly thinking about anything other than defending a corner, letting Gabriel Heinze in to score a good header.
Messi looked good and was unfortunate not to score due to some great saves from Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (expect to see him at Bolton next season). Higuain did not have his shooting boots on and Tevez worked hard with little end product.
Nigeria could have snatched something towards the end as the Argentinian defence (with left winger Gutierrez at right back) looked far from impenetrable. There should be more to come from Argentina. (MM)
Fairly disappointing game given the first ten minutes promised so much. Enyeama put several others in his profession to shame by proving it is possible to make saves with the World Cup ball. (DK)
After dropping probably his best midfielder, allegedly picking a squad player based on a dream, and telling half the world to suck his balls, it shouldn't have surprised is at all to see an average Championship left-winger playing at right-back. The Argies looks good in spells against a physical side. They'll be over the moon with a 1-0 win in their opener, as would anyone. They'll improve, though. (BA)
An interesting match that confirmed a lot of pre-match worries for England fans, mainly between the sticks. An early goal is not always a good thing for England as they so often retreat into their shell. Ball retention does not seem to have improved too much but the USA were held at arm’s length until Green’s clanger.
A draw was probably a fair result and brings English expectations back down where they belong. USA would hope to progress especially after seeing what Slovenia and Algeria had to offer.
Capello will welcome fit again Gareth Barry back into the side but has a very big decision to make as to whether Green retains the no.1 shirt. (MM)
Either it was too boring or I was too drunk for me to remember much about it. Not as bad a result as some have suggested though. (DK)
America are a good side, but i think Capello just got his tactics wrong. After two years of not playing Lampard and Gerrard together, culminating in a very successful qualifying campaign, why tinker with it? If we had absolutely no other options to replace Gareth Barry then why not take Scott Parker? Where was Joe Cole? Does it make sense to play someone who's been on their sickbed for three days?
Not a disaster, but we now know we can't slip up. (BA)
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