Spain vs. Saudi Arabia/Ukraine vs. Tunisia
I'll be watching the Spain match this morning because they're more enjoyable to watch than the other three. Ukraine has the best chance of progressing now with three points and a "0" goal difference. The other two have point from the draw against each other. Tunisia has a -2 goal difference and the Saudis a -4 goal difference - they're just about done. Join me for some cross-game blogging this morning.
posted by gatorbob @ 9:50 AM
11 Comments:
Looks like the Spanish are resting Torres - Raul is on - and Fabregas has taken the place of Xavi Alonso.
Here's the Spanish side today:
SPAIN
19. Santiago Canizares
2. Michel Salgado
4. Carlos Marchena
12. Guerrero Antonio Lopez
20. Gutierrez Juanito
6. David Albelda
10. Jose Antonio Reyes
13. Andres Iniesta
17. Sanchez Joaquin
18. Francesc Fabregas
7. Gonzalez Raul
Now that I look at it, Spain has rested no less than TEN players for today's match and yet they've still got players of the quality of Reyes, Raul, Fabregas and Joaquin - and Canizares in goal. Impressive depth!
They've just told us that there has been an average of 5.25 yellow cards per game during this World Cup - that's far too many. Refs have been much too fussy over matters that fans don't care anything about.
Half an hour gone and the Spanish team is all over the Saudis but without Torres and Villa they have that nagging Spanish problem of no cutting edge. Pretty stuff in the midfield but no sharp edge.
The Saudis have been kicking lumps in the Spanish - one yellow card so far and plenty to come. We could see some penalties in this match.
Still scoreless in the Ukraine-Tunisia match. My Golden Boot man Sheva has got to get on his bike. This is a chance to rack up some goals. Torres is still top scorer on four.
GOAL: Spain 1-0; center back Juanito buries a brilliant free kick crossed in by Reyes.
Half-time: 1-0 Spain; they could've had a hat-full by now. Very impressive, dominant performance with essentially the B team.
This match seems to have settled a bit. The Spanish may stick another goal here or there, but they can't really be bothered to up the energy level.
They're even getting a bit sloppy at the back. It's pointless exercise though.
Ukraine-Tunisia is still scoreless even though Tunisia is playing with ten men. Ukraine goes through second on this result and will be delighted if they get Switzerland.
Yes! My boy Sheva has scored a penalty against Tunisia - he's now on two goals for the tournament. Still a couple of goals behind Klose the tournament leader.
Full-time: 1-0; Well, the second half was a complete bore. Spain are through top and they will not be well pleased with the look of their draw. They are likely to get neighboring rivals France in the second round as France has underachieved their way to second spot. Then it's likely Brazil in the quarters. Rough one.
I'll be back after some errands to catch the Group G matches; that group is still wide open with three sides with a chance to qualify for the second round. Should be more fun than this morning's play.
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