World Cup Day 2

South Korea 2 - 0 Greece

An interesting clash of styles between the Korean’s high-tempo 4-4-1-1 and the Greek’s agricultural 4-3-3 (I’m looking forward to the tactical analysis on www.zonalmarking.net). Neither teams’ defence looked particularly solid and it was Greece’s deficiencies in that area that was their downfall at the beginning of both halves.

After just 7mins Lee found himself unmarked from an in-swinging free-kick and guided home from point blank range. The second half was just 7mins old when a careless pass in Greece’s defence was intercepted by Ji Sung Park and the Man Utd winger showed pace and composure to make space and slot passed Tzorvas.

Despite bossing it for the opening hour South Korea were content to soak up the resulting pressure form Greece. The only chance for the 2004 European Champions came after 80mins when Gekas turned and shot from the edge of the box drawing a fine save from Jung in the Korean goal.

What I learned about South Korea: They could well get out of the group
What I learned about Greece: They wont make it out of the group

Argentina 1 – 0 Nigeria

The Argentinians never really got out of 3^rd gear outside of an electric first 10mins. In that period they could have been 3 up if it weren’t for poor finishing from Higuain. Despite all their intricate play and thrusting runs the goal came form a corner when Heinze arrived late into the box and delivered a diving header into the top corner of the net.

Nigeria were limited to half-chances given up by a less-than convincing Argetinian defence as the South Americans dominated the midfield throughout the match. The Africans came closest to an equalizer after 70mins when Taiwo struck form out side the box only to see the all go inches wide.

Argentina should have finished off the tie but they came up against a goalie in Enyeama who was on great form. The game petered out in the last 10mins as perhaps the altitude was taking its toll.

What I learned about Argentina: Higuain is not a natural finisher and could find himself out of a starting place

What I learned about Nigeria: Their rigid 4-4-2 formation may need to be altered if they are to progress

England 1 – 1 USA

A match severely lacking in creativity as England once again failed to live up to the hype with a bafflingly sluggish performance. Having got the early goal it would have been expected of England to cruise to an opening game victory but a disjointed midfield and their persistence with long hoofs up the pitch they failed to hold on to the ball.

The US didn’t create much themselves and it’s questionable if they ever would have scored if it wasn’t for Robert Green fumbling the ball into his own net after 40mins. They matched England’s 4-4-2 throughout and battled admirably without ever looking on the rocks and probably just about earned the draw.

What I learned about England: They will have to find a shape to suit the available players

What I learned about USA: They might struggle when the onus is on them to break down the opposition