Review of the First Round

This is based on the first match in the first round of the World Cup. Names might get spelt wrongly, kindly adjust...

Group A
Germany is the shining star in this group. Never knew that they could come up with so much of creativity. Lahm and Sweinsteiger are the stars to look out for. Even if they concede couple of goals they will outscore the other team. Should make for an interesting second round match. Well Poland seemed like they had never played a South American nation before. Well the Ecuadorians were far more physical and muscular in their approach than the Brazilians and Argentinians. Looks like Ecuador should coolly make it to the next round with the Germans

Group B
This was the shocker group. England played as badly as they can. Half of Malaysia, maybe more, support this country and the feelings have been hurt of this nation after the first match. I wonder how the British might be taking this. They need a Rooney to come and give them that spark, else it might be an exit too soon and that too could come at the hands of Germany. I expect Sweden to make it to the next round as well. But Trinidad and Tobago made themselves proud by taking a point from the Sweden match.

Group C
The group of death. Argentina played wonderfully well against a hard working Ivory Coast. Riquelme is one laid back guy but when it comes to setting up play he is just too good. I dont like Robben, he is too selfish. I agree that he played superbly in that match, but bugger did not pass to anyone and tried to score himself. He does the same thing with Chelsea as well. Serbia should have played better, to think that they qualified over Spain in their group. Anyway looks like the favourites Argentina and Nederland will make it, though I would want Ivory Coast to make it to the next round.

Group D
I dont like any of the teams in this pool.Portugal did not impress that much. The good thing about this world cup is that none of the first time qualifiers and supposedly weaker teams were pushed around. They gave a very brave display, either holding the stronger team to a goalless draw or not conceding more than one goal. I like the way the African teams play, little physical in their approach but very effective. They dont get fouled that easily, will manage to get up and win the ball again.

Group E
This is going to be a World Cup where two previously boring teams have suddenly started playing attarctive football. One was Germany and the other one being Italy. They are in with a good chance to make some progress in this World Cup. Czechs have played really well with the Arsenal star Rosicky, playing extra-ordinarily well. I think these teams will be able to give the Brazilians a run for their money and glory.

Group F
Brazil everyone's favourite played boring football except for the Kaka goal, which was a class act. But you can never under-estimate a Brazil team. The fact is I would like a South Americn team or an African team (not this year, but maybe in the future) to win the World Cup, as they need it badly. In these countries, they need a cup like this to uplift an otherwise doomed economy and spirit. this would mean a lot to Brazil/Argentina/Ivory Coast much more than it would to Engalnd/Germany. Last word on Australia. Japan thought they had the match in their pocket, until Cahill also came up with that moment of brilliance. Thats the best thing about football. After scoring one goal you cannot sit pretty on your laurels, the other team might not just level in the dying moments, but also outscore you!

Group G
There is something about France and World Cup. They cannot play well as a team. It was Zidane's brilliance that got them the cup. Henry would have scoerd for Arsenal if he had a half-chance as the ones he got in that match, but not in the World Cup, not when he plays for France. They were lucky to escape with a draw. I am sure Korea will give the French team enough trouble. If France doesnt play well, then Korea has a chance to go through to the next round.

Group H
The Ukrainian team was a disaster. Spain was lucky to get a penalty and their luck rode well with the game. Shevchenko got me negative points in my FIFAFantasy game. He was ex[ecting passes like he would get from his AC Milan team. Unfortunately, the crosses were too wide or were in no-mans land. Wonder what they will do now. I dont know if there is any scope of improvement. Why is Fabregas not playing for Spain. I am sure he can only make the proceedings more lively.