Cup Crazy - 16 June
Friday, June 16, 2006
Day 8 saw the cream rise to the top in the "Group of Death" and an African first-timer bravely pick up a point. Brian shares his thoughts...
The Argentines Make Their Case
Absolutely breathtaking stuff from the Argentines today, who demolished Serbia and Montenegro 6-0. They are making a mockery of Group C, the so-called "Group of Death," with their solid display against Cote d'Ivoire and now this massacre of Serbia-Montenegro. Five different goalscorers beat the "Fantastic Four" - the much heralded Serbian defense that only gave up one goal in 10 qualifying games. While no one was writing them off, Argentina certainly was not one of the main recipients of all of the pre-World Cup buzz. Well now they are making us stand up and take notice. If anyone thinks this team isn't capable of winning the title, they are sadly mistaken.
Van Persie and Company Keep the Pace
While they've done it without the same amount of fanfare as Argentina, the Netherlands is also making a case to come out of Group C as the group winners. The Dutch put together a solid performance to beat Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 today. Robin van Persie hit a perfect free kick on 23, and Ruud van Nistelrooy added a second four minutes later. The Ivorians made a game of it with a goal shortly before the interval. But the Dutch were always firmly in control and Edwin van der Sar was rarely tested. The Elephants are going home, but they played gallantly in this World Cup and would have challenged for a spot in the Round of 16 if they were in any other group. As for the Dutch, they now have an epic contest on 21 June against Argentina to determine the Group C winner (and likely avoid Brazil's half of the draw).
Didn't See This One Coming
It was very surprising today to see Mexico and Angola finished scoreless. Mexico attacked throughout, but couldn't put one past Angola keeper Joao Ricardo. Things got a little dicey after Angola's Andre was sent off with about 10 minutes left. But Mexico, who clearly missed their target man Jared Borgetti, couldn't come up with a response. Portugal can put a strangle-hold on this group with a win tomorrow against Iran.
Tomorrow's Predictions
I missed on the Mexico-Angola game today, but picked the other two results. Here's what's coming up tomorrow:
Portugal 2, Iran 0
Czech Republic 1, Ghana 0
Italy 3, USA 1
Goodnight now.
Sorry for the abridged version tonight, friends. Pics courtesy fifaworldcup.yahoo.com. Give me a shout at bookableoffense@gmail.com.
The Argentines Make Their Case
Absolutely breathtaking stuff from the Argentines today, who demolished Serbia and Montenegro 6-0. They are making a mockery of Group C, the so-called "Group of Death," with their solid display against Cote d'Ivoire and now this massacre of Serbia-Montenegro. Five different goalscorers beat the "Fantastic Four" - the much heralded Serbian defense that only gave up one goal in 10 qualifying games. While no one was writing them off, Argentina certainly was not one of the main recipients of all of the pre-World Cup buzz. Well now they are making us stand up and take notice. If anyone thinks this team isn't capable of winning the title, they are sadly mistaken.
Van Persie and Company Keep the Pace
While they've done it without the same amount of fanfare as Argentina, the Netherlands is also making a case to come out of Group C as the group winners. The Dutch put together a solid performance to beat Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 today. Robin van Persie hit a perfect free kick on 23, and Ruud van Nistelrooy added a second four minutes later. The Ivorians made a game of it with a goal shortly before the interval. But the Dutch were always firmly in control and Edwin van der Sar was rarely tested. The Elephants are going home, but they played gallantly in this World Cup and would have challenged for a spot in the Round of 16 if they were in any other group. As for the Dutch, they now have an epic contest on 21 June against Argentina to determine the Group C winner (and likely avoid Brazil's half of the draw).
Didn't See This One Coming
It was very surprising today to see Mexico and Angola finished scoreless. Mexico attacked throughout, but couldn't put one past Angola keeper Joao Ricardo. Things got a little dicey after Angola's Andre was sent off with about 10 minutes left. But Mexico, who clearly missed their target man Jared Borgetti, couldn't come up with a response. Portugal can put a strangle-hold on this group with a win tomorrow against Iran.
Tomorrow's Predictions
I missed on the Mexico-Angola game today, but picked the other two results. Here's what's coming up tomorrow:
Portugal 2, Iran 0
Czech Republic 1, Ghana 0
Italy 3, USA 1
Goodnight now.
Sorry for the abridged version tonight, friends. Pics courtesy fifaworldcup.yahoo.com. Give me a shout at bookableoffense@gmail.com.
posted by Brian at 6/16/2006 09:50:00 PM 
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