World Cup Day 7

South Korea 1-4 Argentina

An excellent first half performance form Agrentina saw them pin the Koreans in their own half, playing more direct than the first game (perhaps due to the loss of Veron) and deservedly being 2up before calamity struck and a defensive error gifted Lee a goal.

South Korea had their opponents on the back foot for the first 20mins of the second half but missed the 2 good chances that came to them. They were punished as Argentina gradually got back into the game and eventually ran rampant towards the end bagging another 2 goals.

The Koreans showed that the Argentine back line can be got at but in doing so you leave yourself open to a marauding counter attack.



Greece 2-1 Nigeria

A game turned by a needless red card which will leave the Nigerians wondering what could have been. For the first 30mins the Africans were comfortable against a typically negative Greece but losing a man so early saw them relinquish the initiative. Something the Greeks hardly took with vigour and but for a fortuitous deflection they would have still trailed at the break.

Greece eventually began mounting some pressure after the hour but the Nigerians were still looking dangerous on the break. It was another slice of luck that gave Greece their second when Enyeama, having been superb all match, palmed a long shot to the onrushing Torosidis who tapped home.

South Korea will be favourites to join The Argentines in the second round.


France 0-2 Mexico

The French lack of commitment was again on show as Mexico's flowing attacks often saw their players ghost past their opponents. The Mexican need for a cutting edge to those attacks again reared its head but thanks to a dubious offside decision and a softish penalty they got the goals they deserved. France showed no fight or desire for a comeback.

Point of Note: This was the first game where I was able to hear the crowd! Perhaps the novelty of the plastic horns is wearing off?