The World Cup entered new waters yesterday, by providing us with a cracker of a game. Originally seen as a walkover for the Brazilians, North Korea battled hard against them in a tight 2-1 contest. Oh yes, only the second time more than two goals have been scored in a game so far this tournament.
It hasn't been pretty. Not pretty at all. We've seen some truley horrible defensive performances so far. But fear not. Spain play today! Hooray, Spain are the Mark Webber of the football world. Not really that good before hand, but then they get their first win and now everything is coming up roses for them. Euro 2008 champions and the favourites for the World Cup, they should be a delight to the tournament.
But before we talk about today, good news! The goals per game ratio is up to 1.64. But, still a bit to catch up to the current worst of 2.24, set by Italia 90 (Thats the one where England got to the semi finals, the late Sir Bobby Robson did his little dance and we realised that we were no good at penalites).
With the amazing improvement of the stats, lets have a look at some more:
- Already 44 yellow cards have been shown, which counts at 3.66 per game. But this is nothing compared to the 2006 World Cup, where on average 5.39 yellow cards were shown per game.
- Only one team has yet to get a yellow card, South Korea.
- Miroslav Klose is now just four goals away from equalling the all time record World Cup goalscorer. Sharing 15 goals with Ronaldo.
- If the goalscoring rate continues, only 105 goals will be scored. Making it the lowest of any World Cup featuring 32 teams. The lowest ever you ask, 147 in Germany 2006.
The games
Honduras v Chile, Nelspruit, Kickoff: 12:30 GMT+1, ITV1
Lets be honest. This won't be a brilliant match. I can't lie to you, Honduras are one of the weakest teams here. But they do have a player called Welcome, and if that doesn't make the dream team, then nothing will. Chile on the other hand are a handy South American team, finishing second in the qualifying to only a certain team called Brazil. Their fate lies down to Humberto Suazo, if he is fit he should be the key difference between the two teams. The last time Chile won a game in the World Cup however, was in 1962, when they hosted it. The referee, I find interestingly enough, comes from Seychelles.
Key Players: Wilson Palacios (Honduras), Humberto Suazo (Chile)
Spain v Switzerland, Durban Stadium, Kickoff: 15:00 GMT+1, BBC1
Now this is what I call good. Once upon a time Spain used to be a team who choked when it came to the big international events, they even managed to lose to England on penalties. Now though, with Euro 2008 won, they look good, very good. Big name players through the spine of the team, Iker Casillas, Carlos Puyol, Cesc Fabregas, Fernando Torres, Xavi, the list is endless pretty much. Its the strongest squad in the tournament in my book. Switzerland, are a tougher team to call. Despite hosting Euro 2008 they finished dead last, but still beat Portugal. Impressively, in the 2006 World Cup they didn't concede a single goal (Drawing with France 0-0, beating Togo and South Korea 0-0 but lost to Ukraine on penalites after a 0-0 draw). They have less big names in the team however. Should be a comfortable Spanish victory.
Key Players: Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Alexander Frei (Switzerland)
South Africa v Uruguay, Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Kickoff: 19:30 GMT+1, BBC1
And we start all over again back at Group A as the second round of games kick off in Pretoria. Both teams were forced to draws in the last game, and the effect on Uruguay is that red carded Nicolas Lodeiro is suspended for this match. I was disapointed in Uruguay in the last match and surprised by South Africa, this could be a close encounter yet again. I think it will be another draw, sitting on the fence here with 1-1.
Key Players: Siphiwe Tshabalala (South Africa), Diego Forlan (Uruguay)
So, another three games to keep us entertained (or help us if we've had a lack of sleep the night before). I have no idea how these games will pan out, I did predict for a heroic Korean victory last night. I did get the score right at least... So, here's my predictions:
- Honduras v Chile: 0-1 (zzz)
- Spain v Switzerland: 3-1 (Goals, hooray)
- South Africa v Uruguay: 1-1 (Could South Africa do the unthinkable and qualify?)
With that, I should see you in the comments.
Comparing the beautiful Spain to Mark Webber? Noooooo....
But other than that, a fantastic post! I am hoping for a S. African win though. And more choreographed celebrations. ;)
I am looking forward to Roger v Rafa.
I wouldn't if I were you. Roger would have an even lesser chance of beating Rafa here. ;)
in my head they are somewhere watching it together like BFFs :D
I wonder if Fernando Alonso will be going to any of Spain's matches? He was there for the Euro final 2 years ago and I can't wait to see more of his reactions.
Ops. Missed the kick off.
Nice informative post, RG, I learned lots
GOAL! Chile strikes!
Goal chile
That was mostly an own goal from Honduras
Hold on, I see RG already has the scores in the post. No need to watch the second half then
:D
But I think (especially since Honduras isn't nearly as good). this match may actually be a high scoring one. Maybe. ;)
It has been looking that way
kick off by chile.
How has this game been so far?
Looking forward to Torres and co. later on
So-so. Chile looks better though.
Everyone is. ;)
That was a fantastic free kick and a horrid header. Chile wastes another chance to seal this match. :(
That was unlucky, should've scored.
They should have scored many many times before. Hope they don't mess up like Slovakia did.
WHAT? Okay. Honduras are really really lucky.
Offside. :(
Full time: Honduras 0 Chile 1
It was... long.
Hooray for #psychicRG!
:D
La Furia Roja!! I see the famous Spain drummer. :D
Boo for no Fernando Torres in the starting line-up. He looks so lonely walking to the team lockers by himself. :(
Aww... poor lonely multi millionaire celebrity footballer! :P
There are Switzerland substitutes called Wolif and Eggiman. That would be a great crime-fighting duo.
*Wolfi
:D
what gadgets would they have?
goo goo g'joob
Erm. A wolf? And an egg.
I fear Eggiman would have got the raw end of that deal ;)
they dont seem to be a balanced duo!
Sounds good. A bait and a method of travel.
i hope he wouldnt crack up though jealousy ;)
:)
I like that every single ad break during the football I get to see Roger <3
Hehe. Hmm. I will rethink my crimefighting plans.
I'm gonna say 2-0 to Spain
I do hope Durban will supply more goals. Germany did very well here.
Only? More please!
ahh, another anthem I know from F1.
Swiss Davis Cup jackets are better than those ones.
Lots of them aren't singing. I wouldn't sing either.
ooh, Pique is out there. I hope he doesn't crash on purpose.
Alonso is there too. It could happen.
:D But the chances of the French meeting the Spaniards aren't high. And Spain probably wouldn't want that to happen either since they have lost to France in big tournaments far too many times.
:D
I would sing the welsh anthem because it is awesome.
Also, the Italian one. Even if I was playing against them.
I don't think the Spanish national anthem is sung. It has no lyrics that I know of.
OOOH. There's someone called Huggel? That's a great name.
KICK OFF!
:)
Good lord, that is quite some passing.
There'll be much more to come.
Hey all
Looks like Switzerland plan to press as soon as Spain get to the half way line
I wonder where Vettel plays in the F1 football team, given that he cant pass... :P
:)
I imagine he starts up front and tries to stay there
I want Spain to score lots just to see Tim's reaction
:(
But he plays midfield right I think. Along-side Alonso.
Capitals. Lots Of CAPITALS.
Beeb commentary: I'll let you know when Switzerland touch the ball, shall I?
Commentary: "Goodness me, a misplaced pass by the Spanish team." :D
my tv guy just said "if it carries on like this the Swiss will have to be introduced to the football at half time"
hahahah!
My video stopped working, but that's okay. I was only peeking at their passing skills anyways.
I am way too irritated by the fact that the commentators call some of the players by their full names, but not all of them.
Bah. Referee is getting in the way for too much.
Damn that howard webb.
... He should have passed. SERGIO. :(
uh oh mexican wave
+1. Not enough crosses into the box. I suspect it is because of the lack of a tall Spanish target AKA Fernando Torres.
Long shots. :( They need to send on Torres fast. Or at least Llorente. David Villa not holding the front-line well on his own.
What? No good.
Referee is not liked.
he's English of course not ;)
I think I have to be a Torres fan because I am the only person on Livejournal with the interest "Spaniards called Fernando"
Sergio! They are not concentrating. :(
:D I would be one too.
Spain?
Oh yes. A goal now please.
Yup. But now they are.
I love the way they all line up. It's like bull rush.
That was a really clever pass.No-one expected it at that angle
would someone hurry up and score, do they not know i'm staying up for this?
"Yes, but they won't expect it if we try that angle an 18th time, will they?"
Have I missed much?
I hope Switzerland don't score. They will just shut up shop
Lots of Spanish passing
The Spanish are far too short. After plenty of passing no one can get a cross into the box.
Has it been any good?
Top notch.
Passing I mean. Game not so much.
Oh well...
thats all jargon to me :D
We need Spain to score so Switzerland have to come out
Basically I mean: Send on Torres for the 2nd half.
so being tall helps in this game too? #justliketennis
If Peter Crouch was Spanish they would be winning
It helps in that you can reach crosses and head balls much more easily. When they need to do now.
For central defenders and strikers being tall is a big help
and what is a cross? :D
And goalkeepers
They have a Torres who much MUCH BETTER. :P
A kick that goes high from the sides into the box.
When someone lauches the ball to their opponents goal up in the air so some tall guy can head it
Why isn't David going for goal there? He must have imagined his strike partner is on the pitch. :(
ahh, so like what NZ did :D
Torres is definitely better than Crouch
Exactly
0-0 half time
How disappointing. Story of the tournament so far ;)
Except for Germany. Punters may be in for a shock here.
Why are the BBC films about South Africa always so serious?
Gotta love tim :D http://twitter.com/JAIMEALGUERSUAR/statuses/16312321502
thats awesome.
:D
I can't believe they aren't sending on Fernando. Either one. :(
Fail Whale :(
From Soccernet Gamecast:
Where are they now?
Anyone using the Soccernet iPod App?
Deary me!
SWITZERLAND!
WHAT!!!!! Okay this is going very badly.
Hm? They can't have scored?
huh?
They did.
they're 1-0 up :D
Wow!
They need Fernando. NOW.
This should get Spain going now surely, especially after their attack before that Swiss goal was really quite dreary stuff
I guess that makes it Tim 0-1 Buemi
Hehe!
Craziness! The Soccernet net stats have Spain's possession at nearly 3 quarters
Missed it. This is going to get interesting
That was dangerous from the swiss especially with Pique sliding in and Casillas off his line...
Torres is ready to come on for Spain
He'd better.
Fernando's on. LET'S GO!!!
Hahaha at that sign
Torres Please Come to United
:D
So... great to see Cesc Fabreagas and Alexander Frei playing brilliantly...
Hey folks
Not in your lifetime, dear. :P
Where? On the sidelines? :P
Commentator's curse
Ooooooh unlucky for Spain
In RG's post as the players to watch
Torres is already diving...
I mentioned them as my two players to watch.
Yeah.
Gelsen Fernandes doesn't sound like a very Swiss name...
Not really. He was looking for a free kick, not a penalty.
I agree.
By diving.
:P
Oh way miss. :(
Ball got stuck under Torres's foot
Puyol ran over my foot with his car when I went to barcelona (5 years ago), clearly this event is on his mind. I forgive you Mr Puyol.
:D
XABI ALONSO!!!
OMG Fernando Alonso!!
I mean Xabi Torres!
I mean, I mean... what a shot.
This is the Spain of old...
That's an odd way of getting an autograph!
:D F1 messing with your head?
Old as in 2008? Or older as in 2006?
He was driving out of the stadium's car park and everyone crowded his car, I just kinda got mixed into the crowd.
He does have quite a head of hair in real life.
Names are silly old things :)
Older than 2008!
But they have already gotten rid of Raul! :(
Switzerland!?!! When did they get replaced by Germany?
Switzerland hit the post!!!
5 defenders vs. 5 forwards. WHAT?
Not really. Switzerland isn't playing well, but the Spanish defense is worse.
Oh no. Andres!
Heikki rooting on team Buemi http://twitter.com/H_Kovalainen/statuses/16314873671
Switzerland are playing well, defending just about perfectly, not to bad going forward either.
This is a good game, whats going on with the World Cup..
Not really. Compared to N. Korea, their defense is a lot more packed and less fluid. Going forward is mostly lobs, but the Spanish defense is really really weak.
Good shot from Navas
I think its agreeing to disagree here, I'm finding the Swiss defence playing brilliantly as usual.
5 WC games in a row without conceding a goal right?
10-0-0 is not what defense is about, but to each his own.
True.
Who does Gelson fernandes play for? I recognise his name.
5Live commentator just said Man City
Used to play for Man City I just read somewhere.
Ahh that'll be it
Spain not bothering with defense. At all.
Really, Carles, it was just a bruise
Girly man with a good run there...
He has cut his girly tresses. :P
Watching Spain is like watching Spurs. 20 odd shots on goal, can't score, keeper plays a blinder, they go up the other end and grab a win.
FAIL
OMG. Like really.
Come on Suisse!
Passing football =/= win. Bosque needs to know that.
Get up silly spanish player
Spain were supposed to walk this group!
Wrong team there. :P
Instead they're trying to walk into the goal
So far failing at both ;)
Yup.
I have been calling this Team Roger all night, so it's right in my mind :D
thing about Spain, they always try to walk it in.
Goodness. That should have been a goal. Fernando really needs matches.
:D
hehehehe!
I think this is the perfect opportunity for me to go into work tomorrow and say "did you see that ludicrous display last night?"
5 minutes?!
5 minutes of added time?
What did Lord Triesman accuse the Spanish FA of? ;)
This is a viable option if the accent is included ;)
Eggiman is on.
Hahahahah.
Eggiman. Wasn't he in Sonic?
I'm practising as we speak
Love this:
http://twitter.com/back_of_the_net/status/16316004168
Dream Team?
That was eggy from Eggiman
I would like this to end because I still haven't decided who I want to win so it's stressful.
That guy things he is a puppet
They don't even look like scoring!
Any sign of Wolfi?
wooooo! I have decided in football I quite like when underdogs win :D
Full time: Spain 0 Switzerland 1
What a result!!
Wow, if anyone predicted that result they deserve a handshake.
That's the first big shock of the tournament
Oh dear! Good job I'm not a betting man.
Not a great game though...
how come the ones who aren't on field have to wear silly little Fifa bibs?
Seconded.
Heehee.
oh christ it's 2am. Stupid sport! This was meant to be my sleeping week before Wimbledon!
Second half was good.
So they're not confused with those on the field I think...
I am starting it here: Bosque to be sacked for not bringing Torres on earlier. At least there were chances after he got on (even if he screwed them).
So they clearly the subs and not the starting team.
Yes.
Torres was crap... way too rusty!
Two reasons. First it means they are not in the same colours as the guys on the fiels so don't confuse them or the officials. Secondly they are like a paddock pass so they are allowd to warm up at the side of the pitch
Agreed. Navas was a far, far better substitute
ah, are football fans easily confused?
Wow. Just... wow.
And they continue their streak of not conceding goals at the WC, them Swiss.
Spain is in trouble now...
Coz bow ties are cool
Ur, I mean bibs.
6 hours 4 minutes. Not bad at all.
But he distracted some of the defenders giving Villa more space. Plus you could see Villa was relieved to be able to pass to him after he got subbed on.
They need a tall target man because plain passing low won't get through the taller defenses.
8 hours 4 minutes even.
Navas helped stretch the game but his crossing skills needs more practice. Although that may be attributed to the ball too.
The Jabulani was supposed to help the Spanish passing game, but also caused their crosses to go more wayward then usual. They need taller strikers to compensate.
Spanish people are not tall, my friend! ;)
Tell that to the Gasols. ;) Oops, wrong sport. :D
That is why I kept asking for a Fernando (Torres or Llorente) to be sent on. Would have given them more chances in the 1st half.
The 1st team that failed me is my choice to win the whole thing. SIGH. ;)
I see a #blamefederer hashtag in my twitter feed :D
Spain had 22 shots overall, the most of any team in one match so far. And still got beat.
Should be #blamebosque by WTH. :P
I am finding it very amusing that the goal scorer speaks in French while their manager speaks in German. :D
Yay - a happy South Africa Montage!
Spoke too soon :(
May they bring me joy today. :D
Yeah I'd love them to win!
Underdog day please! ;)
Surely Honduras would have to have won earlier?
I think anyone winning in that match = a underdog win. Most were expecting both teams to just not turn up and end with a draw. :P
Chile finished second in South America Qualifying, one point behind Brazil. They are a very good team and not many people are aware of that.
Okay I may have just switched from my fave to the whole thing to my 2nd fave Germany. #fickleminded
Key. I expected them to win, but the punters and newspapers here in Singapore didn't.
Spain can get back into the thick of things if they beat Chile, and they hope Chile will trip up Switzerland...
Come on Bafana Bafana Bafana Bafana Bafana Bafana Bafana ....
Chile v Switzerland has just got a lot more interesting. I think there is a good chance all three teams could end up with 6 points, which could end in tears for Spain...
Not necessarily. In a 3-way tie, I think the odds are good that Spain will have the best goal difference. Or at least NOT the worst goal difference.
Possibly... all depends on how the rest of the games go. I think, poor Honduras, with the way Spain played may be on the wrong side of a heavy defeat.
Seconded. But they need to get Fernando in match form badly, or the very profitable Villa-Torres strike pairing will collapse
Who's watching then?
I shall be here.
meeeeeee
I wonder if the significance of the day will boost or hinder South Africa?
I've changed my mind, this game is going to have goals and tons of them
Foorrrlllaaannn
It would get very interesting if SA win this
Their change strip from sky blue is white?? That's a bit stupid
He was only 5 yards out from the ball I'd say...
Silly pienaar. wayyyy too early
Interesting tactical oddity
If you look at tactical information for this match and choose average position for each team both have all their players on the left side of the field so how do the two teams ever meet
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/gamecast?id=264033&cc=5739&ver=global
I have the game on but will be focussing on the Viva quiz in 40 mins :)
Good game so far, far better paced than most games we've had
They look like they want to win, which makes a change.
I know!
Forlan
Oh my word what a goal!
WHAT A GOAL!
Oh, deflected, slightly less oh my word what a goal then
apparently Forlan loves twitter too
awesome.
Wicked dip on that thing though...
I keep thinking of Fortran when I see the name.
I followed him a few hours ago. I think he was thrilled that I was following him that helped him to score...
Does that still exist. I remember hearing about that a very long time ago
yes. I think it's Still popular amongst math and engineering folks for high performance computing stuff.
The difference between Forlan at Man Utd and Forlan now is staggering
It's like Schumacher in reverse
Half time, 1-0 Uruguay. Football is getting better.
Forlan vs South Africa has been good
I'm a bit bored by this one. Good goal though...
@KarunChandhok
I'm not really a football fan but thought I would show my F1 team-mates some support & watch today's game -sent them rude messages instead !
and
The spaniards really don't like losing at football !! They are really not happy at HRT F1 today !!
That's a great way to get the mechanics to give Senna better treatment!
how did lugano mess that up?
I wouldn't say either of these teams are playing too well right now...
There may only be one goal in this, but it feels like we won't see another...
Ouch. Took his standing leg
oooooooh best chance of the game for SA...
How is that a corner if it comes off the attackers head? Muppet!
penalty!
Penalty!! Red its got to be a red.
It has all gone wrong for the home team now
Reserve keeper taking his time to put the penalty taker off
Anything that helps.
He's missed
Great penalty.
I should stop predicting then...
I thought that was going over the bar
Forlan becomes the first player to score 2 goals at this World Cup
Still might be 2-1, just not to the bafana bafana bafana bafana bafana bafana
Surprised to see fans leaving
And... They're off...
That was a bit optimistic
SA need to hope tomorrows match ends in a draw or they are done for.
One more for uruguay
Sweet goal, brilliant for Forlan. Am glad at least one of my players to watch had a good game..