Time for our daily World Cup roundup. Today we'll take a look at the games from Monday which saw Spain, Chile, and especially Portugal get huge wins. And then from today, we'll analyze the finishing up of Groups A and B and see who will advance tomorrow from Groups C and D with the United States facing a must win game against Algeria. Let's roll!
1) Biggest Winner - Uruguay
-First, it was fantastic to see Uruguay and Mexico play a proper game today knowing that a draw would send both teams through. Thankfully, both teams attacked with menace and Uruguay ended up getting the goal, the win, and first place in Group A. Luis Suarez scored off of a brilliant cross to open up his campaign at the World Cup and the dynamism that he presents with Diego Forlan is dangerous to the rest of the field. Uruguay face South Korea in the Round of 16 and will be big favorites to make the quarterfinals for the first time since 1970. If this team continues to fire on all cylinders, they are a darkhorse contender to make the semifinals.
2) Standout Performer - South Africa
-The South African team was heroic in their victory over France today. Heading into the final round of Group A play it looked impossible for either RSA or France to advance to the knockout stages. However, 2 goals in the first half against 10 men and a Uruguay lead over Mexico had the miracle talk floating around the world. Alas, it was not meant to be, but in their victory today Bafana Bafana showed heart, determination, and desire (a lot more than what the French can say). So, while they become the first host country to get knocked out in the group phase, South Africa should still be proud of their victory today, their unbelievable fans (yes, even the vuvuzelas), and the way they've made the country and the continent proud with a marvelous tournament thus far.
3)Biggest Loser - Nigeria
4) Best Game - Nigeria 2 South Korea 2
-Marvelous if you're not a fan of the Super Eagles. Coming into today's game, they needed a win against South Korea and an Argentina win to advance. Of course, the silly sending off and 2-1 loss to Greece put themselves in this situation, but it still seemed possible. While Argentina took the lead against Greece, Nigeria found themselves trailing 2-1 to South Korea in the second half when Yakubu had perhaps the worst miss in World Cup history...
Only a couple minutes later, Yakubu somewhat made up for his miss with a successful spot kick to tie the score at 2. But, a missed chip from Obafemi Martins 10 minutes from the end proved to be the last chance for the Super Eagles. After so many missed chances and close calls, Nigeria may be the team most kicking themselves for not making it to the knockout round.
5) Biggest Surprise -Portugal Come Out To Play
-Umm... I probably should have deleted that Tweet that predicted Portugal not being able to break down the mighty wall of North Korea. Shockingly, a team that was held scoreless by the Cape Verde Islands put up 7 goals in a World Cup game. Yes, it was North Korea - but Portugal had shown no signs of scoring against Cote D'Ivoire and was one of the most disappointing teams in the tournament runup. Like France, they have a lot of individual ability, but struggle to put it together. Hold off on putting any money on the Portugese though until you see how they perform against Brazil this week.
6) Highlight - David Villa: Goal of the Tournament
-David Villa's first goal against Honduras is the frontrunner thus far for the goal of the tournament. Villa's mazing run through multiple defenders and clinical finish sparked Spain to a crucial win in Group H.
7) Extra Time - Stop The Cheating & Diving!
-One of our favorite sites, EPL Talk, had a great article here about how the constant diving, simulation, cheating, and embellishment is stopping American sports fans from becoming soccer fans. Many people love the games but hate the constant cheating and acting from players. While Ronaldo may be one of the worst divers, at seems that at least once per game someone falls down clutching their face after being touched in the arm, or acts like their leg was shot with a cannonball after being knicked by a ladybug. It's pathetic and it needs to stop because it is an embarrassment to the sport.
Here's our suggestion to stop the cheating and diving - FIFA must set up a panel to review each game and hand out suspensions to people deemed guilty of diving, simulation, or clear embellishment. With the speed and space of the game, it is almost impossible to determine what exactly happens on the field at the time (see Kaka's sending off). Therefore, punishment must come via video review after the games and severe enforcement of cheating and diving must happen. The NBA and MLS have a similar disciplinary process where players can be suspended following games after looking at video. FIFA and international soccer must do something similar after this tournament is over to prevent this pollution of the beautiful game going forward.
Wednesday Preview
Group C - 10:00 ET
USA (2 PTS) v Algeria (1 PTS)
-With Robbie Findley suspended, who will play up front with Jozy Altidore? Edson Buddle looks the most likely, but if the US can't get a breakthrough early on I would expect Bob Bradley to not hesitate to make changes. Algeria has not looked close to scoring yet in this tournament, but the US would be smart to sit back and defend early on to not go down a goal early on yet again. The US should let the game come to them and be patient with Algeria. It is a game they should and will win to advance to the next round.
PICK: USA 2 Algeria 0
England (2 PTS) v Slovenia (4 PTS)
-Can England turn it on? I just don't know. Like France, England have some of the most talented footballers in the world, but the whole of the national team is never equal to the sum of its parts. With John Terry having a go at Fabio Capello in the media, the team is going through some turmoil in the dressing room. With England, the negative mojo affects them like no other country. It's hard to imagine them flipping the switch when under so much pressure. Slovenia will defend and get the draw to advance.
PICK: England 1 Slovenia 1
Moving On - 1) USA 2) Slovenia
Group D - 2:30 ET
Ghana (4 PTS) v Germany (3 PTS)
-The Group of Depth has come through as each team still has a chance to make it through. Ghana sit in the catbird seat currently, but they face an angry Germany side that didn't show up against Serbia. Ghana is Africa's last hope to make the knockout stages and they need at least a tie to advance. Ghana has the heart to get the job done, but Germany has everything else.
PICK: Germany 2 Ghana 1
Serbia (3 PTS) v Australia (1 PTS)
-A tough one to pick. Serbia will advance with a win, while even a tie might not be enough. Australia must win to have any hope of advancing. Serbia has to be favored in this situation and with Australia being afflicted with red cards they will be missing key players. Serbia will be riding high after defeating Germany and should get another win tomorrow.
PICK: Serbia 2 Australia 0
Moving On - 1) Germany 2) Serbia
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