Time for our daily World Cup roundup. Day 4 saw the two most surprising results of the tournament thus far with Japan's upset over Cameroon and Paraguay's draw with Italy. So, what else stood out from today's action and who will come out on top in tomorrow's games that spotlight Brazil and the Group of Death?
1) Biggest Winner - Japan
-The Blue Samurai were one of the biggest underdogs heading into the tournament. In Group E, they lined up with Cameroon, Denmark, and Holland and were easily 4th best to get through to the knockout round. Now, after a surprising 1-0 win over Cameroon, they are in the drivers seat to advance. Even with a loss against Holland, a draw against Denmark could be enough to see them through. They never looked too dynamic in attack - but Keisuke Honda provided the goal to get the job done and net their first WC win off home soil. Japan and South Korea have represented Asia strongly so far, will North Korea continue the momentum against Brazil tomorrow? Evidently Kim Jong Il is now a master technician!
2) Standout Performer - Roberto Martinez
-The Wigan Athletic manager has been a revelation as a studio analyst for ESPN. The Spaniard has had great insight into games and makes tactics and in-depth analysis interesting while not shining the spotlight on himself. He's been the best of the waves of international analysts ESPN brought in for the WC. Perhaps most refreshing has been his exuberance for the game of soccer that glows in his analysis and lifts up the tournament coverage. His new signee, Antolin Alcaraz, even got the Paraguay goal against Italy today. ESPN has been outstanding thus far compared to past World Cups, we'll see if it keeps going.
3)Biggest Loser - GiGi Buffon
-The iconic Italian GK exited the Italy-Paraguay game at halftime and had to be substituted due to an apparent back injury and issue with his sciatic nerve. While it wasn't clear what exactly triggered this problem with Buffon, he is a question mark for the next game against Slovakia. It will be pivotal that Italy have their #1 GK for that contest because their WC fate may depend on it.
4) Best Game - Paraguay 1 Italy 1
-This was a real joy to watch with the underdog Paraguay squad going ahead of Italy in the first half and then trying to hold on. While a failed punch off of a corner took away the 3 points, the South Americans earned 1 with a draw. Italy tried to push for a winning goal but was held at bay by a resolute Paraguayan defense that now leaves Group F surprisingly open.
5) Biggest Disappointment - Cameroon Fires A Blank
-We touted Cameroon, as did many others, as a serious dark horse candidate and potential quarterfinalist. Now, it looks like a very long, uphill battle to get through. They have loads of talent and quality, but it doesn't appear like they know just what to do with it (props to our standout performer Martinez for explaining why the 4-3-3 doesn't fit Cameroon). Samuel Eto'o was a shadow today for much of the game and there was no accord to Cameroon going forward for much of the game. Only until late on when they threw everything forward did they threaten Japan...
6) Highlight - Mbia's Near Miss
-Check out the highlights here for the shot that rattled around the world.
7) Extra Time - African Disappointment
-With such fervor over the first World Cup on African soil, it's been disappointing to see the African teams not fair so well in their opening games. Thus far, only Ghana has been able to get a win - in Group D over Serbia. South Africa drew with Mexico, Nigeria fell to Argentina, Algeria was defeated by Slovenia, and today Cameroon lost to unfancied Japan. Cote D'Ivoire is perhaps Africa's best hope of a deep tournament run and a win tomorrow against Portugal would go a long way in boosting the hopes of the host continent.
Tuesday Preview
Group F
New Zealand v Slovakia
-Thankfully this will be the early game tomorrow, because I'm not expecting very many fireworks in this encounter. New Zealand would most likely be ranked 32nd or 31st in the power rankings for all World Cup teams and Slovakia should have their way with the All Whites. I'll be anxious to see how Marek Hamsik, the young Slovakian captain, performs on the big stage. NZ might make it difficult, but the Slovaks should get a comfortable win.
PICK: Slovakia 2 New Zealand 0
Group G
Cote D'Ivoire v Portugal
-This game has always been the spotlight game of the opening set of fixtures. The Group of Death features the talented, but injury affected Ivory Coast against the talented, but offensively ineffective Portugal. Adding to the drama is the suspense of whether or not Didier Drogba will play or not. Word is he has practiced with the team, so I would expect him to go. But, even with Drogba a question mark, Portugal (ala France) is in such shambles as far as chemistry and cohesion goes, that I see Cote D'Ivoire getting the African teams back on track.
PICK: Cote D'Ivoire 1 Portugal 0
Brazil v North Korea
-Nobody... and I mean nobody... knows what to expect from this game. North Korea is such a mystery that Brazil could put up 6 or 7 tomorrow, or they could be frustrated by a resolute defense. The North Koreans only gave up 7 goals in qualifying so they do have a pedigree in that area but lets face it - this is Brazil not Bahrain. Of course, Brazil will win, the unknown is how much. My best guess is that Brazil turns on the jets from the get go and Asian Wayne Rooney gets a goal back in the carnage.
PICK: Brazil 5 North Korea 1
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