Aside from the USA/England showdown, teams in Groups A, B, C, and D played their first World Cup games this weekend. So, what were the biggest surprises and disappointments and the winners and losers from the first three days of World Cup action? Let's take a look at what happened this weekend and preview Monday's games with the roundup.1) Biggest Winner - Germany
-We said in our tournament preview that 3 things in life are certain: death, taxes, and Germany playing well in the World Cup. Germany certainly played well today - beating Australia 4-0 in Durban. In fact, Germany was far and away the most impressive team from the first weekend of the World Cup and was the only team to put up more than 2 goals. Germany had some question marks with top scorers Klose and Podolski struggling for their club teams, Michael Ballack missing, and youngsters needing to step up in key roles. All of those questions appeared to be answered in big ways on Sunday...
2) Standout Performer - Mesut Ozil
-Especially from Werder Bremen wunderkind Mesut Ozil. We spotlighted Ozil in our breakout players to watch in this tournament, and even had enough faith to take a flyer on placing him in our pre-tournament Best XI. But, we didn't expect the quality that he displayed in his first World Cup game on Sunday. Ozil was all over the place - making daring runs, moving fluidly around the park, and playing some killer passes setting up 2 of the German goals. Ozil, and Thomas Muller, appear to be the real deal and the other 31 teams better take notice.
3)Biggest Loser - France
-On the other hand, we also got what we expected from another European power - France. I thought Uruguay might be more daring going forward, but they were willing to sit back and play for the point. And, with France as offensively impotent as ever before, that might not be such a bad strategy. With so many skilled offensive weapons, it's stunning how France lack any threat or rhythm to their attack. Le sigh.
4) Best Game - Argentina 1 Nigeria 0
-This game wasn't a classic by any means, but it did produce drama throughout and featured a more open style than most of the other games from the weekend. Nigeria fought hard, but Argentina dominated much of the game and were unlucky to only get a goal from a ton of excellent looks. Leo Messi looked likely to score but was denied with a couple of tremendous saves. If Argentina stay strong at the back (and Maradona keeps his sanity) they can go far.
5) Biggest Surprise - Ghana Stands Strong
-Coming into the tournament, it was Serbia that assumed the underdog role, replacing Ghana from 4 years ago. However, the Black Stars stood tall and became the first African team to win a WC game on African soil. Ghana became an afterthought behind Serbia and Germany since losing Michael Essien - but they were able to get an 83rd minute PK from Asamoah Gyan to sneak out a 1-0 win over Serbia. With Australia struggling mightily today and 3 points from Serbia, Ghana has a huge edge in getting out of the group stage, just like 2006.
6) Highlight - Tshabalala!
-South Africa's midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala, one of the best names in the tournament, produced one of the best goals that this tournament will surely see over the next month. It was such a great moment as RSA took the lead against Mexico - and a great goal to mark such a meaningful occasion as the South African scored the first WC goal in Africa...
7) Extra Time - Red Card Sunday
-The officials had stayed out of the way and done a good job for the most part... and then we got Sunday - 3 red cards in 3 games! That was the first time in the history of the World Cup that we've seen that happen. Particularly hard done was Australia's Tim Cahill, who at age 30, might have now played his last World Cup game with a looming automatic 2 match suspension due to a soft straight red. Card happy officials are one of the worst maladies that can affect a World Cup. So, let's hope that the focus stays on the games and goals than the calls and cards. It's always unfortunate to see players sent off in the World Cup, so here's hoping that officials think twice before showing red so fans aren't seething red from seeing games affected by dubious decisions.
Monday Preview
Group E
Netherlands v Denmark
-Arjen Robben will not play for Holland, but it's still difficult to see them getting beat by Denmark. Make sure to wake up early at 7 AM (or use your DVR) because this will likely be the best match of the day. Denmark sailed through qualifying and will likely pair Nicklas Bendtner and Jon Dahl Tomasson in attack, while Holland features a multitude of playmakers even without Robben. Hopefully this game will turn the tide and we'll start to see more goals from here on out.
PICK: Netherlands 3 Denmark 1
Cameroon v Japan
-Conversely, this should be a much tighter affair. The South Koreans surprised Greece and most of the watching world with a sensational performance on Saturday, and Japan may be capable of duplicating it. Cameroon offers much more balance though throughout the midfield and attack. The Indomitable Lions will hopefully get some inspiration from Samuel Eto'o who is good enough to make the difference.
PICK: Cameroon 2 Japan 1
Group F
Italy v Paraguay
-The question for Italy - will they go the way of France and show a lack of scoring ability and expose their aging side... or will they strike just the right balance ala Germany and surprise the watching world? My semi-educated guess is that they'll trend towards the former. Paraguay will battle Slovenia for advancing out of Group F, and they might benefit from catching Italy early in the tournament. I can easily see this one ending level if Paraguay are able to sneak a goal.
PICK: Italy 1 Paraguay 1
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