Day Eight

We saw a superb performance from the Argentinean’s with Gonzalo Higuian netting the first hat trick of the world cup. They completely over powered the Korean’s who only scored from a defensive lapse from Bayern’s Dimichelis. Bolton’s Chung-yong scored just before half time to make it 2-1 and we thought we had a game on our hands. Argentina came out increased their momentum in the second half and powered on to a comfortable win.


The middle game hinged on one critical moment, when Nigeria’s Kieta was sent off for violent conduct, which turned a typically defensive Greek side into one with a purpose, they brought an extra striker on after only half an hour. They were a goal behind at the time following Uche’s free kick, which was floated over towards the back post but nobody got a touch, not the way we expected to see the first goal from a direct free kick.


Salpingidis scored the equaliser, with the help of a massive deflection just before the break. Both Yakubu and Obasi missed great chances for the ten men to take the lead but Nigeria’s keeper, Enyeama became a fully paid up member of the Robert Green Club when he failed to collect a shot that gave Torosidis a simple tap in. The Greeks held on and Group B is now well set up with a game to go.


Nigeria can still progress despite having no points as yet, if they beat South Korea 2-0 and Argentina win against Greece the Super Eagles would move forward with Maradona’s men.


Mexico stunned the hapless French and could put them out if they draw with Uruguay, a result that would take them both through, no matter what the French do against South Africa. Following a close first half, in which Mexico’s left back Salcido impressed, Javier Hernandez sprung the offside trap and coolly took the ball round Lloris before slotting into the net just after the hourmark. The Mexican’s secured victory with a Blanco penalty ten minutes from time after Barrera’s run drew a foul from Abidal. Blanco, the 37 year old, just managed to complete his run up without help before despatching a cool pen in the bottom corner.


France’s best chance was a shot from Malouda that Olivier Perez tipped over, yet again there was no quality service for Anelka, or Gignac who replaced him at half time.


Predictions

I did post these yesterday so I will hardly gain anything for changing them now, especially as, yet again I only got one result but no scorelines correct leaving me with only eight from twenty games. Lets see what I manage on Friday


Germany 2 Serbia 1
Slovenia 1 USA 2
England 2 Algeria 0