World Cup Roundup - Day 6

Time for our daily World Cup roundup. Day 6 saw the first HUGE upset of the tournament, and the second round of group fixtures start with Bafana Bafana looking ready to bow out. We saw certain bloggers (like us) try to erase our pre-tournament predictions and start over and some teams gain new life. So, what were the most memorable moments from Day 6 at the 2010 World Cup?

1) Biggest Winner - Chile

-For a team who hadn't won a World Cup match since 1962, the Chileans didn't play with any lack of confidence or flair in dismantling Honduras 1-0, a scoreline which certainly flattered Honduras. Although the Hondurans were considered one of the minnows of the tournament, Chile were perhaps more relentless on the attack (especially through the dangerous Alexis Sanchez) than any other team that has played in the tournament, save Germany. Let's not forget, Chile topped the CONMEBOL for much of the process, until they were nipped by Brazil at the end. And, with Spain's struggles, it's Chile who could be the surprise candidate to advance deep into this World Cup.

2) Standout Performer - Diego Forlan

-Forlan has now rocketed to the top of the Golden Boot standings with his two goal brace against the host South Africans this afternoon. As Ally McCoist said time and again on the ESPN telecast, Forlan was head and shoulders above the rest of the players on the pitch with his skill and composure. Forlan even helped start the movement that netted the 3rd goal of the game at the death. For a player who's international form hasn't always matched his club form, it was nice to see Forlan stand up and be counted today. With his strike partner Luiz Sanchez helping to lead the attack, don't be surprised if Uruguay finishes first in Group A on their way to a deep run...as we predicted (fingers crossed).

3)Biggest Loser - Spain

-For months and months, Spain was an unbeatable freight train running over every international competitor in their path. They'd lost once at the Confederations Cup last summer, but that was their only defeat since 2006! They coasted to the Euro 2008 Championship and looked poised to do the same at this year's World Cup. Now, after an opening 1-0 defeat to the Swiss, Spain are in the position of reliving their checkered past of choking on the biggest stage. One can imagine fans and media in Spain already driving around trying to find a cliff to jump off of. Even more problematic though are the fitness questions surrounding key players Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta. If Spain is serious about winning their first World Cup, they need to first get healthy, and second dominate Honduras in their next fixture. No team before has ever won the World Cup after losing their first match.

4) Best Game - Switzerland 1 Spain 0

-Sure, it wasn't necessarily the Beautiful Game that all true soccer fans would love to see. Even though Switzerland insisted on "parking the bus", Spain had no lack of scoring chances in the 2nd half after the Swiss opener. Also, the Swiss provided just enough chances on the counter to keep things interesting, the score could have just as easily 2-0 as 1-1. It was the type of thrilling, nail-biting affair that shows casual soccer fans that a 1-0 game can be just as exciting as a 4-3 goal fest, especially when it involves one of the two top favorites being upset in their first game. Here's the winning goal from Gelson Fernandes that may have already turned this World Cup on its ear.

5) Most Regrettable Pre-Tournament Prediction - Spain Winning It All

-Ok, this might be an instant overreaction (something readers will know I am not fond of) but, did anyone look at Spain today and see a potential World Cup winner, let alone a favorite to finish first in their group. It will take a massive turnaround, and potentially two convincing wins over Chile and Honduras, for Spain to qualify 1st in the group and avoid a 2nd round matchup with Brazil. Now, it would be foolish to write off the Spaniards after only one match, however, those who picked them to win it all at the start of the World Cup are certainly feeling foolish today.

6) Highlight - Fantastic Save

-Although matters looked bleak for Honduras for much of their match against Chile, their keeper Noel Valladeras made the save of the tournament thus far on a point blank header by Chile D Waldo Ponce. Without Valladeras's effort in goal today, the result could have been much more lopsided.

7) Extra Time - Bye Bye Bafana Bafana

-With their 3-0 defeat to Uruguay and the loss of red-carded GK Itumeleng Khune, it seems South Africa have a near impossible task to advance out of the group stage. They'll have to hope for a draw tomorrow between Mex/Fra and then a win without their top GK against France. Sadly, it appears this might be the first time in World Cup history that the host nation doesn't advance out of the group stage. And, vuvuzelas aside, it would be a shame for such a passionate home fan base to not see their boys advance into the knockout round. But, it seems their 83rd place FIFA ranking may be too much to overcome.

Thursday Preview

Group B

Argentina (3 PTS) v South Korea (3 PTS)

-Perhaps a bit of a surprise that this game would feature the two teams at the top of the table in Group B, but both played very well in dispatching Nigeria and Greece respectively. However, only one of these teams is facing a steep rise in competition, and that's the Koreans. While they were able to attack against Greece without threat of a counterpunch, that won't be the case against Diego Maradona and his array of attackers. Expect one-way traffic for most of this contest.

PICK: Argentina 3 South Korea 1

Nigeria (0 PTS) v Greece (0 PTS)

-These two sides were among the most disappointing in the first round of group stage matches, so both will be eager to get back on the pitch. The question is, how much offensive quality can either of these sides produce? The odds surely favor Nigeria creating more chances going forward than a Greek side who looked as if they were playing in cement against S. Korea.

PICK: Nigeria 1 Greece 0

Group A

France (1 PTS) v Mexico (1 PTS)

-With Uruguay's dispatching of South Africa, this game becomes even more important for El Tri, who've already drawn with the hosts. They will be coming in to this game knowing they must win if they hope to advance. Meanwhile, France is as usual surrounded by chaos and infighting, but are somehow in position to be in the catbird seat with a good performance. An early Mexican goal could really open this game up, which is what we see unfolding. Expect this to be the game of the tournament thus far, with Mexico pulling out a winner late.

PICK: Mexico 2 France 1