World Cup Roundup - Day 5

Time for our daily World Cup roundup. Day 5 saw two physical draws and one surprising result in the last game of the day between Brazil and North Korea. We'll also predict tomorrow's games that compose Group H and South Africa playing Uruguay to begin the second round of games. So, what are the biggest stories as the first round of fixtures in the group stages come to a close? Only RSS tells ya like it is!

1) Biggest Winner - New Zealand

-The All Whites trailed Slovakia for 92 minutes in today's early game. Then, on a desperation cross in the final minute, Winston Reid headed in to earn New Zealand their first ever World Cup point. The equalizer comes at the 1:20 mark.

That goal meant so much to New Zealand and it was one of the defining moments of the World Cup so far. A team that is 2001-1 to win the tournament was able to get an inspired result and somehow stands tied at the top of the group... with the other 3 teams in Group F. Will they advance - certainly not (I think), but who had them getting a draw today? The great thing about the World Cup is seeing teams that should have no chance like the All Whites play with fire and passion and achieve something special.

2) Standout Performer - Jong Tae Se

-We heard so much coming into the tournament about the "Asian Wayne Rooney" and JTS didn't disappoint against Brazil. He certainly looked the part of a world class striker with his movement off the ball, physical strength, and willingness to fire from distance. North Korea was very impressive against Brazil today, and one has to wonder if the European clubs took notice of JTS.

3)Biggest Loser - Cristiano Ronaldo

-As one of my friends said watching the game with me today - Ronaldo is everything that is wrong with soccer. His constant diving, acting, simulation, or whatever you want to call it was pathetic. Give credit to Ian Darke, Efan Ekoku, and Alexi Lalas for calling out CR7 on his crying and cheating on the broadcast. Yes, he has that reputation as a diver, but it was consistent throughout the game and went beyond the pale. It's sad that someone with so much ability has to resort to such low tactics.

4) Best Game - Ivory Coast 0 Portugal 0

-This had the intensity of a knockout round game. There were some contentious moments, especially surrounding Ronaldo's constant diving, and loads of physical play. Ronaldo had the best chance going off the post in the first half... but they then sat back and let Cote D'Ivoire come at them in the 2nd half. The Elephants had multiple chances in the 2nd half even until the dying minutes but never could convert. Now it'll likely come down to goal differential to see who advances.

5) Biggest Surprise - North Korea Hangs With Brazil

-Well, it was a guess at best to expect what we would get from North Korea going up against Brazil today. While I expected a dominant, possession filled game from Brazil, I was shocked to see North Korea able to string passes together and take the ball into the attacking third repeatedly. Yes, perhaps Brazil took them lightly, but still, I was impressed at the organization and fierceness from such an unknown quantity. Let's not put this team getting run off the field by Cote D'Ivoire or Portugal in stone.

6) Highlight - Maicon's Impossible Goal

-Well... was it a shot or a cross? Only Maicon may ever know, but it sure was a spectacular goal from an impossible angle that put Brazil up 1-0 today against North Korea. My bet - it was a mishit cross, I mean come on, he looks back towards the penalty spot!

7) Extra Time - The Truth Behind The Lack of Goals

-Folks are up in arms about the lack of goal scoring over the first round of fixtures. Everyone from PTI to SI to the UK Telegraph & Wall Street Journal are wondering why we've seen a lack of goals with some voices becrying a dull tournament that lies ahead. Goals are down compared to the last 2 World Cups over the same time period, and we're on track for a record low goal output with a paltry 1.64 goals per game (the record low stands at 2.2 GPG in 1990). But, I think that the goals will come over the rest of the next month.

For starters - we've seen important matchups early on (USA/ENG, CIV/POR, URU/FRA) that teams can't afford to lose. Thus, we've seen teams load the defensive box and cut down space on attackers instead of venturing forward. Secondly, the light Jabulani ball combined with the altitude has led to a series of overhit crosses and free kicks going into the 10th row. As teams push for points over the next couple weeks and players get used to the Jabulani ball and the altitude, I would expect the goals to come.

Tuesday Preview

Group H

Honduras v Chile

-Thais is being dubbed as the most offensive minded game we'll see in the first round of fixtures. Honduras is in their first WC since 1982 and Chile since 1998. Honduras got in through an extra time goal by the US against Costa Rica while Chile soared to 2nd in CONMEBOL qualifying. Watch Chilean youngster Alexis Sanchez to star in a victory, Honduras has too much age to keep up with the high flying South Americans.

PICK: Chile 2 Honduras 1

Spain v Switzerland

-Spain has to wait longer than anyone to open up their World Cup campaign. I would expect them to try and send a message to the tournament that they are the undisputed team to beat. Spain will go out and at least try to match Germany's 4 goal haul against the Aussies to win the lead the unofficial power rankings after 1 game. In the Swiss, they should find little opposition.

PICK: Spain 3 Switzerland 0

Group A

South Africa v Uruguay

-It seems like more than 5 days ago since the WC started with South Africa and Uruguay drew with their Group A opposition. Now, we'll really find out about the 32 teams starting with the second round of group fixtures. Surely, Uruguay will come out of the defensive shell that they employed against France and attack South Africa. Bafana Bafana showed that it could handle the big stage, and don't discount the importance to them of playing on Youth Day. While it may go against our pre-tournament predictions, I'm backing South Africa to ride the home crowd to a win... at least I then have my bases covered, right?

PICK: South Africa 2 Uruguay 1