Before the tournament France and Argentina were two sides heavily tipped to stumble through the group stages, if make it at all. Both countries are managed by widely-derided tactical numpties who could most pleasantly be described as annoying arseholes. One has breezed through the group stage with minimal fuss and no headlines, the other have imploded quite brilliantly but may still yet squeak through...Argentina 4 South Korea 1
After Germany’s opening game, the second performance of the tournament that could be befitting of World Cup winners. Higuain’s hat-trick and an unfortunate own goal aside, there are defensive flaws that may leave them exposed against stronger opposition. However, this performance should have convinced those doubters that they are amongst the front-runners. South Korea had an off day but as said previously, a draw against Nigeria should be suitable to send them through. (EG)
The Argies do the business, and clueless nobs, myself included, begin to look like clowns for confidently predicting they'd struggle. The front three, all amongst the top scorers in their domestic divisions this last season, combined delightfully to leave us foaming at the mouths. Tevez - the pulse of the side, battled his heart out. Higuian - after doubts during his early Madrid career, continues his ascent into one of the most complete forwards in the world, and Messi gels it all together effortlessly.
South Korea should still make it through the group as runners up. (DM)
Greece 2 Nigeria 1
Sani Kaita, you crazy man. Nigeria were wholly dominant and were ahead until Kaita’s slow shirt-over-head trudge to the changing rooms after a wild kick out at Vasileios Torosidis, and from then on the pendulum not only shifted but exploded as Greece inevitably secured victory with a first World Cup goals in their history. However, despite an admirable comeback, Greece are an utter pain to watch. If Argentina predictably keep Greece rooted on three points in the final game, a point for South Korea against Nigeria will be enough to send them through, yet if Nigeria win three teams will be tied on three points and be separated by goal difference, then goals scored and if necessary, then head-to-head records. I love theoretical permutations. (EG)
Vincent Enyeama, for the most part, performed very well under lots of pressure, and the Israel-based 'keeper will emerge from the tournament as his country's biggest positive. I expect he'll make a move to one of the major leagues and revert to his former calamity self. Uche, the left-sided midfielder contracted to Almeria, also did okay, though his goal was obviously very fortunate.
Overall, very disappointed with a lacklustre Nigeria side, but their fans didn't expect to reach the second stage before the tournament. Oh for the golden days of Finidi George!
Ninis showed some nice touches for Greece when introduced, but hopefully they'll exit the tournament quite soon. Quite nice to see them score a couple of goals, though. (DM)
France 0 Mexico 2
Best piece of schadenfreude in the tournament so far. To say France were abject would be to give them too much credit. As delighted as the Mexicans should be with victory, the real worry for the French will be that they made their opponents look excellent when they were merely good. Abidal's challenge beggared belief (someone with so many medals should know better) but both Hernandez and Blanco took their chances delightfully well. Here's to a bore draw when they take on Uruguay next week. (DK)
Maybe not on a par with the best games of the tournament so far, but certainly one of the most enjoyable outcomes. This is not down to personal Francophobia, but because it was a pure victory for invention over stagnation. France looked completely pedestrian (a theme I will return to later) and incomprehensibly unmotivated by the prospect of a World Cup group match. On the other hand, Mexico were full of attacking verve and instinctive ball retention, with the dribbling and forward runs were a joy to behold in particular. They became one of my favoured teams this year with this display, whereas France were not just uninspiring, but painfully dull to watch. (EG)
Always thoroughly enjoyable to see the French implode. Worryingly, there are obvious similarities between them and England at present. As soon as you saw Govou's name on the teamsheet there was never any doubt that we were in for ninety minutes of popcorn munching.
Anelka, a proven player but alienated in their current system, had little effect, told the manager to fuck himself and has since retired - don't say the French lack style. Ribery, puzzlingly played in a central position, again had minimal impact on the game, leaving the English watching public scratching their heads at his oft-quoted £40m+ valuation.
Nice to get a peak at this little lad United have signed, and also to see a no-necked Blanco on the scoresheet. Salcido and Torrado played very well again. You'd think Mexico and Uruguay will now play out the inevitable draw, but both will probably want to avoid Argentina. (DM)
Derek McPherson, Daniel Kelly, Eddie Golby
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