Lakenheath Old Boys

We are all former students at Lakenheath High School and other public schools in East Anglia. We were in school in the 70s and 80s and drank deeply from the well of British culture of those decades - the pints, the telly, and of course the footie!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

World Cup 2010 - Day 12

We're being thrown head-long into the third round of matches, beginning with Groups A and B. First up this morning, we've got an all-American clash between Uruguay and Mexico and the happy hosts against the French head-cases. Join me for all the usual LOB fun today.

300 Comments:

Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The tricky thing about these third matches is that, since that rigged 1-0 German win over Austria in 1990, the group games are played simultaneously, requiring hard choices and some DVRing.

I'll be watching the match that means something for the group - Uruguay v. Mexico - live on ESPN and then having a tape-delayed giggle at the expense of the riotous French on ESPN2 from noon to 2 pm.

9:17 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Here's what Group A looks like:

1. Uruguay GF 3 GA 0 GD 3 Pts 4
2. Mexico GF 3 GA 1 GD 2 Pts 4
3. France GF 0 GA 0 GD -2 Pts 1
4. S. Africa GF 1 GA 3 GD -2 Pts 1

Given that table, you can imagine Uruguay and Mexico playing out a draw, thus putting both France and South Africa out, but we've already seen some big surprises during this World Cup.

9:21 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yellow card and suspension trouble for Uruguay and Mexico:

Victorino and Lugano are on one yellow card for Uruguay.

Efrain Juarez is suspended today after two yellows for Mexico. Torrado, Franco, and Moreno are on one yellow.

9:28 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The teams for this first match:

Mexico: Perez, Osorio, Rodriguez, Moreno, Salcido, Torrado, Marquez, Guardado, Dos Santos, Blanco, Franco

France: Muslera, Maxi Pereira, Lugano, Victorino, Fucile, Arevalo Rios, Perez, Pereira, Forlan, Suarez, Cavani

Both sides going out with essentially attacking line-up. I mean, look at Mexico with Guardado, Dos Santos, Franco and Blanco. Blimey! The incentive for the winner today is avoiding a Round of 16 death against Argentina.

9:38 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The French side is hilarious, with skipper Patrice Evra dropped after leading a player revolt this week. In come the likes of Clichy, Diarra, Squillaci and Cisse. Wow!

9:40 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Another big question concerns the broadcasters. Of course, I'm not sure that ESPN will be able to avoid the temptation to show or mention the score from the other match but I'm hoping that they won't show the goals. I'll be switching off at half-time to avoid the goal recaps then.

9:48 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The anthems are finished and the pennants have been exchanged. Blanco seems to have taken over as skipper of El Tri.

We're ready to begin.

10:00 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

So, just to underscore the implications here. Mexico and Argentina will want to play for a win in order to avoid Argentina in the next round. If there is a draw, both sides go through with Uruguay top on goal difference.

Both France and South Africa are still in it, if there is a winner in this match. ESPN have already indicated that they'll be updating the score of the other match. I hope not too often.

10:02 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Franco is caught offside there. Cagey start so far. Both coaches have assured FIFA and the media that there has been no collusion.

10:05 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Uruguay have an early free kick opportunity. Forlan over it...Jabulani effort. Some boos from the crowd. There is almost no vuvuzela din here - presumably they're all at the other match.

10:07 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - a big mistake there from the Mexican central defenders and Suarez is in. Perez did well to narrow the angle and Suarez shot wide.

10:07 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Dos Santos with a great cross in and Blanco couldn't get there. He might have been impeded by Lugano.

10:08 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Blanco gets caught from behind by Diego Perez. No card.

10:09 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Salcido wins Mexico an early corner.

Short and rubbish.

10:10 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm really enjoying the chance to actually hear the crowd today.

10:11 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Perez makes a mess of a short free kick there. Nearly a cheap goal.

10:13 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Forlan wins a free kick. He'll no doubt want to have a go at goal from here.

10:13 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Hi Bob,
I am on break and here for the duration of the first round of matches.
I have the Mexico/Uruguay match on the computer and the other on the TV

Are they going for a draw in the Mex match?

10:13 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Forlan chips into the danger area and Perez punches out well.

10:14 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I may be okay for tomorrow. We may be back from the rehearsal by ten
My computer at the school has a program with ESPN available so I will have the USA on the computer and England on the TV

COME ON ENGLAND!!

10:15 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Morning, Dave! To their credit, both sides are giving it a go. They're both playing three up front!

Uruguay with the slightly brighter start although Blanco had a good headed chance.

10:15 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Excellent news, mate! My bro is back Stateside and is planning to do a sickie for tomorrow. He's at work today.

10:15 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Franco is in on goal there but hesitates too long.

10:16 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Both Victorino and Lugano are definitely risking the second yellow. Franco down on the turf again here.

10:17 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Btw, I'm trying to avoid the score in the France/SA match, so don't give it away, mate, okay?

10:18 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Uruguay win another corner here....

Oh - there was a free header there from Victorino. Should have at least put it on target.

10:19 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Now Guardado wins a corner for Mexico. Nice interplay with Dos Santos.

10:20 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

You are watching the top of the group clash? You are saying there aren't any vuvas

10:21 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Twenty minutes gone now and it's been a really lively and entertaining match so far. No goals, though.

10:22 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

From a corner and headed in

10:22 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oi, mate - I told you not to update the other match!!!

I want to watch it later!

10:22 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Mexico nearly in there. Corner.

10:23 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Sorry, I didn't see that post!!

10:23 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Guardado with a rocket there. Didn't cross the line after hitting the cross bar. Combined with a SA goal, that would have really changed the picture in the group.

10:24 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

No worries. Martin gave it away. I suppose it's hopeless. I'm glad that they didn't show the goal at least.

10:25 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I shall not make the same mistake again

The score is 8-2 right now

10:25 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

You're right, Martin will updated it the whole match.
Can I beat him to the punch?

10:26 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The French are hopeless. I want to be able to watch later just to see the look on all of their favorites. Imagine dropping the skipper for the last match!

10:26 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

What does SA need to happen?
Something else has happened in this match

10:26 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Given the goal difference situation, South Africa are going to need a lot of goals in both matches. I can't really see it. They're at -1 now and these two sides are at +3 and +2.

10:27 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wow! You beat Martin to the punch again.

10:28 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Can I beat him?
A red card for their striker. At first I thought it was Cisse.
It was elbow going up for a header. Not sure about a red.

10:29 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I reckon the best scenario for SA is for Uruguay to start pinging the goals in. The head-to-head between SA and Uruguay isn't favorable.

10:29 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bloody hell! Gourcuff is off! Hilarious!

10:29 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The goal difference between Mexico and SA is still 3. It's going to take a lot. But if SA are facing ten men, you never know.

10:31 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The pace of the match has dropped off noticeably here since the SA goal went in, particularly on the Uruguayan side.

10:33 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I said Mexico and SA, hey it might happen!!!

10:34 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Long throw in from Fucile but cleared out.

10:35 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

What about England wearing all Red?
Not sure if you replied to my email

10:35 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That would take a whole lot. The goal difference between SA and Uruguay is 4 and if even the head to head would put Uruguay through. SA would need to make up five goals.

10:36 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Did you see Wimpleton yesterday?
They had a match end at ELEVEN O'CLOCK on Centre Court last night

10:36 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I did - I said I'd be wearing my lucky red shirt tomorrow. May even sleep in it to get the mojo working.

10:36 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wow - no I was too focused on this stuff. Although, I did hear that Federer had a scare.

10:37 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Fed's opponent was two sets up and serving for the match in the fourh set

10:37 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

TWO NIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

10:38 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Diego Perez is trying to head the blood stanched from a wound. The fourth official is being picky with him.

10:38 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Ball in the net again!! But called offside.. the South African was offside

10:39 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Well - that is interesting. The GD is down to 2. But they need a Uruguay goal at the very least.

10:39 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Bloody hell - are the French even trying?

10:39 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Doesn't look like it

10:40 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Great save by the SA keeper. A free kick cross eludes everyone and bounces dangerously

10:41 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I would love to see South Africa continue on until at least the Round of 16 stage, although it would completely blow my predictions. I had France and Mexico!

10:41 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Lesson learned... you won't be able to keep away from the other match for these last round of matches

10:42 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Salcido tries a pop from distance. Jabulani!

10:42 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

True enough, but I'm trying.

10:42 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

"relegation fodder' Isn't that what you said about me and my predictions?
Again, I predicted Mexico and SA in that order

10:43 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

They even had bad camera work focusing on celebrating SA fans in this stadium. Why not let the telly audience enjoy as many games as possible?

10:43 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Uruaguay take the lead... good news for SA?

10:44 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - but we've got a lot of footie to play before that happens. It's still Uruguay and Mexico right now. That gives you one point.

GOAL! Suarez nips in at the backpost with a header that stabs a knife into Mexico....and SA!

1-0!

10:44 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I bet you the crowd will explode at the other game!!

10:45 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

So, now that does make things interesting. It's down to 1 goal difference between SA and Mexico here. All square on points. You could see SA pinging in a couple more goals now if the French are capitulating.

10:46 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Not a stab in SA!
It helps SA

10:46 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

One more goal for SA and they'd draw lots for the second spot, I think!

10:47 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yes - that's what I meant.

Half-time: 1-0 Uruguay in the lead, helping out the SA efforts as well. A lot to play for.

10:48 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Half time
Mexico 0 Uruguay 1

Still going in the other match

10:48 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Second match has gone to half

Wonder what fighting is going to go on in the French dressing room?

I wonder if they will sync up both channels for half time?

10:50 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm back for the second half now having successfully avoided the highlights of SA v. France in the shower.

11:04 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Here we go for the second half

11:04 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Has any World Cup side ever forfeited?

11:04 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Mexico have sacrificed Andres Guardado, who I thought was pretty good.

Blanco with an early free kick that is essentially a backpass to the keeper after an elaborate run-up.

11:05 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

At least no one was killed in the French dressing room at half time


Do they have to fly on the same plane home... TOMORROW!

11:06 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I was thinking the French might forfeit. If they did, sureley they would be banned from qualifying for the next Cup

11:07 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

If my reading of the tie-breakers is right it's:

1. Goal difference
2. Goals scored
3. Head to head

That would mean that if Uruguay scored again, Mexico would still go through having scored one more goal than SA, despite both having "0" as a goal difference.

11:07 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - because it would make a complete nonsense of the race for second spot. What would FIFA do about that? It's completely unprecedented I think.

11:08 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I really don't want any of these groups decided by drawing lots!
I feel if there is no way to separate them then they should count corners, shots or something attacking

11:09 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Presumably so. I'd heard that Gourcuff was behaving like a hermit, spending all his time alone in his hotel room. Now he's been sent off - what a shambles!

11:09 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I still think it's highly unlikely for any of these groups to be decided that way. The stars have to line up just so.

11:10 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I guess this tie breaker has been in affect forever but never has been used

oooh... SA hit the post!!!

11:10 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wow!

11:11 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Great move and nice shot

Ian Darke said if Brazil had made that move we would be purring


TH14 about to come on

11:11 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

If Mexico do score it will take away any complete ties, right?

11:12 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm assuming that Domenech wins the sack race, right?

Oh - Lugano with a powerful header. Perez saved well but someone should have been following up!

11:12 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Great save by the Mexican keeper
Tyler didn't seem too excited.. who is he becoming JP De la Camera(sp?)

11:13 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - a draw here would have both sides on five points.

11:13 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Just over the top by Cisse

The quality has been a bit better today

11:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I've noticed that Martin hasn't been that excited, even when goals go in. Is he getting jaded or is there a delay in his monitor?

11:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm glad that you approve.

11:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

So what's your England team for tomorrow?

11:14 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

That was last contribution.. he is replaced by TH14
Cisse shakes Dom's hand as he came off

11:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Castro on for Moreno now. They're sacrificing a defender for an attacking midfielder.

11:15 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Interesting - that won't go down well with the rest of the French squad, will it? And how about the French public, who hate Domenech? Is Cisse the "Deep Throat" in the squad who narced on Anelka?

11:16 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I think Mexico have to push for the equalizer. Blanco should come off. He hasn't kept up with the pace.

11:18 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Okay
I would have

Keeper

Hart
Defenders
Johnson
Dawson
Upson
A. Cole

Midfield
J. Cole left
Lennon Right
Gerrard Center
Rooney (behind the front two)

Forward
Defoe
Crouch


What do you think??

11:18 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Aguirre looking impassive on the touchline despite his team's fortunes hanging in the balance.

11:19 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'd have:

James
Johnson, Upson, Terry, A. Cole

Barry, Gerrard, Cole, Lennon in a midfield diamond with Barry at the bottom and Gerrard at the top.

Crouch and Defoe up front.

11:21 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Side netting by SA

11:21 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - a big miss from Rodriguez there. Free header. Should have scored.

11:22 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

A free header missed by Mexico!!

11:22 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The bottom line is that any 11 from the 23 man England squad should handily beat Slovenia.

11:23 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

You are really down on Waz

He has to come good.
I would just have him start in a deeper role. He has come back too far anyway! Have him start there

11:24 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I don't think he's fully fit. Unfortunately, he hasn't been honest enough with the England camp about it. And we don't have the luxury of a Premiership campaign to allow him to play himself into form. We need a win tomorrow. I might have him on for the last half hour under certain circumstances. But only with the instructions that he needs to stay up front - no drifting back into midfield at all!

11:26 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

SA are really going for it

Let me get this straight
If SA score again, will they be tied or will someone have a tie breaker?

11:27 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

ESPN's coverage freezes for a couple secs... get it sorted out ESPN... don't want any of that tomorrow

England... three up by half!

11:28 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Goal... THE FRENCH HAVE SCORED!!

Malouda with a well made goal

11:29 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Advantage Mexico

11:29 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

If I've got it right, if SA score a third goal, they would draw lots.

If Uruguay score a second here but SA don't score, Mexico would still go through having scored one more.

11:30 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Scratch that, then. SA now back down to -1 GD and Mexico and 1 GD.

11:31 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

They can't be completely tied now!

Good

11:32 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

All Mexican pressure now.

11:32 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Could you imagine if the US tie 0-0and England draw 2-2 and the two are tied complete!
This country would just HAMMER soccer even more

11:33 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

You'll remember that Mexico also drew Argentina in the Round of 16 in 2006. A great match that went to extra time and was settled by a Maxi Rodriguez golden goal.

11:34 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I can't imagine there being two draws tomorrow, especially not that scenario. Just two easy wins for England and the US. We still don't know what's happening with Group D either.

11:35 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

About fifteen minutes left. The hosts will need to score a couple of times to go through. Come on, the Bafana Bafana!

11:36 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I know what you mean about Group D and Group H!

Is it true is Spain come second then they would play Brazil?
If so, that would mean that England would be in that half of the draw if they win the group

11:38 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - it looks very likely that Spain will meet Brazil. We could also very likely have a Italy v. Holland.

I really hope we don't get an England v. Germany!!!

11:39 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Let Germany come second and they would be in the other half too

11:41 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - if England were to slip up and finish second and Germany finished first, it would start to get really tough for us. Germany in the Round of 16 and then Brazil or Spain in the quarters. Argentina in the semis!!! Ugh!

11:41 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Franco nearly in there but he hasn't looked sharp all game, maybe even all tournament.

11:42 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It's certainly going to get lively tomorrow. Seven sides are still in with a slim hope.

11:43 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Are you sure

If it was going the way I thought it was going to go
We would only have Brazil in our half. Now, if only Brazil and Argenting follow the form book then it would only be the Argies and not Germany, Spain and Brazil

11:43 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I reckon that Uruguay can feel fairly confident about a match-up with the Group B second placers, likely either South Korea or Greece.

11:46 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Time running out here and presumably for South Africa as well.

11:48 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'd have to have a look again, but I think I'm right about that. If we come second, we're a world of hurt.

11:49 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

3 minutes of added time

For the first time ever... the hosts will not make the second round
It is a shame... they really gave it a go today

11:50 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

We would be if everyone else held form...they haven't

11:51 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Struth!!

SA almost score... they should have!

11:52 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Uruguay have won the group and Mexico have joined them in the second round(in seconds)

11:52 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's it - Uruguay win and celebrate. They qualify top and presumably avoid Argentina. Mexico are also all smiles here knowing that they'll qualify second unless SA score twice in the closing seconds.

11:52 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

ESPN have switched over!! Bollocks to that. I'm switching over to the beginning of the match.

11:53 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

That's it... they are chearing in Mexico City right now

In Paris, not so much

11:53 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Dom is having some problem with the other manager... he was yelling at him!

11:54 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That sounds like good quality. That's why I taped this one so I can have a good giggle at the French while I'm having my lunch. Then I'll be all ready for Group B. After that, it's a swim in the pool at campus, perhaps a moment or two to check work in the office and then "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" at the Opera House. Loverly.

12:01 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Domenech and Parreira are looking reasonably happy about things at the beginning of this match. I'm going to comment a bit while I'm watching the tape of this one.

12:04 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Patrice Evra and TH-14 sitting together on the bench. Will either ever play for Les Bleus again?

12:05 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

In one of my favorite gags from this World Cup, Barry Glendenning was commenting on the Guardian podcast that he was really disappointed that Jeremie Toulanlan was suspended today as it robbed us of some commentary about the Tshabalala vs. Toulanlan battle that would sound like an old Dexy's Midnight Runners hit.

"Tshabalala....Toulanlan - la la la"

12:19 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

South Africa score - Dr. Khumalo with a header from a corner at the backpost. The French defenders were ball watching. Lloris should have come for the ball. Diaby lost his man.

1-0 SA.

12:23 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Mpela whistles one past the post. That could easily have been 2-0 SA in the 24th minute.

12:27 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Here's that Gourcuff red card. What happened there? Cisse was involved as well. Gourcuff went up for a header leading with the elbow. Perhaps a bit harsh. We saw several of those from Chris Killen of NZ the other day. Gourcuff comes off looking like thunder. Domenech has his head in his hands.

12:29 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Mpela scores. A tap in after some dreadful French defending. Lots of inquiries at the back there for France as the cross comes over from Tshabalala and there are several French attempts to clear before Mpela bundles it over the line.

12:40 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The crowd go potty as the ball hits the back of the net again. Shame - just offside there. That really would have made things interesting.

12:40 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Fantastic save from the SA keeper from a Ribery free kick. Cisse put him off a bit.

12:42 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Lloris makes a terrific save from Mpela there.

12:45 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The volume of the vuvuzelas goes up as people start to hear about that Uruguay goal going in. This was the high point of SA's dreams of making the second round.

12:46 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I've reached half-time in the SA vs. France match.

12:49 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Teams back out for the second half. Domenech stuck Florent Malouda on at the half.

12:50 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Mpela hit the outside of the frame there. What a miss!

Could have been 3-0!

12:55 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

TH-14 being readied for action now at the 51st minute mark.

12:56 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Decent hit there from Cisse. And now he's off for Henry.

12:56 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It sounded like there were some boos there from the French crowd when Cisse was substituted. Hard to tell because of the bloody mosquito buzz.

12:58 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Great effort from Mpela there and well saved by Lloris. The lad could have had a hat-trick today.

1:00 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Mpela now finds the side netting in the 61st minute. This is exactly the kind of performance that the fans deserved.

1:03 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

TH-14 grabs one down on his hand. Some boos from the crowd, not surprisingly. You can hear the boos from Dublin after that.

1:07 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Pienaar strikes one straight at Lloris. He's been livelier today but it's been a disappointing tournament for the Everton man.

1:07 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The French goal goes in. Nice move from Ribery down the right, finds Malouda in the middle for a tap in.

2-1 in the 69th minute.

1:11 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Something happened to the broadcast there. It went dark for a moment and I'd swear we've got a different commentator now. We had Ian Darke and Roberto Martinez there. It doesn't sound like Ian anymore and Roberto has disappeared altogether. Odd?

1:12 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

We've also lost the clock and scoreline up at the top right - it just says "Live" now.

1:13 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wow - it just popped back. Ian and Roberto are back, the heading is back. And the action jumped a bit forward. What happened there?

1:14 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The stuffing was knocked out of the SA effort with that Malouda goal even with twenty minutes left.

1:17 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I've run the tape forward to the end now, just to enjoy the last few moments of agony for the French.

They'll finish dead last in the group with only a point to their name. Shocking stuff from a team I expected to make it to the quarterfinals. Domenech is on his way already with Laurent Blanc to replace him for the Euro 12 campaign. But how many of these players would you keep around for that campaign?

1:20 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

A bit sad to see the South Africans go home this early. The first host nation not to qualify for the Round of 16. However, if they take their vuvuzelas with them, I'm reasonably satisfied.

1:21 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It is a second win for SA in the World Cup finals. And a historic win for them against the French.

1:23 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Here's the argybargy between Domenech and Parreira. Goodness knows what that was about. No handshakes there.

1:24 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Right - I've just got enough time for a quick bite before the Group B matches start up.

1:24 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

I am a happy camper
I just found out that the rehearsal is going to be here and not at the High School tomorrow. I will see the whole match!!!

1:28 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Fantastic news, mate! Fantastic!

1:56 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm getting set up for the afternoon's festivities. I'll be watching Argentina v. Greece live. I'm not going to tape the South Korea v. Nigeria match. They'll be giving away the score anyway and I can't be bothered. The first match I'll miss this World Cup.

1:57 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

You'll still see it!
It doesn't count. You're not missing it!
I still have one more class to go. I will probably have the tv on and off.
I'll be home again for half time

2:01 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Why don't you open up atdhe, Justin or p2p for one of the matches on the computer?

2:02 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Here's where Group B stands right now:

1. Argentina GF 5 GA 1 GD 4 Pts 6
2. S. Korea GF 3 GA 4 GD -1 Pts 3
3. Greece GF 2 GA 3 GD -1 Pts 3
4. Nigeria GF 1 GA 3 -2 Pts 0

As you can see, the Argies are in pole position and you can imagine them beating Greece easily today. But what if Nigeria beat South Korea? Well, then we're into the tie-breaker situation. Nigeria obviously lose out on the head to head with both Greece and South Korea but goal difference and goals scored are the first tie-breakers.

2:03 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The team news for this afternoon:

Argentina: Romero, Burdisso, Demichelis, Otamendi, Rodriguez, Veron, Bolatti, Rodriguez Maxi, Aguero, Messi, Milito

Greece: Tzorvas, Kyrgiakos, Vyntra, Papadopoulos, Torosidis, Tziolis, Papastathopoulos, Moras, Karagounis, Katsouranis, Samaras

2:08 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Looks like Diego is resting Tevez and hat-trick hero Gonzalo Higuain today.

The Greeks start with three up front in Karagounis, Katsouranis and Samaras. I'm surprised not to see the handy Salpingidis, who did so well against Nigeria.

2:09 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The suspension and yellow card situation:

Jonas Gutierrez is suspended after two yellows for Argentina and probably for the best. Javier Mascherano and Gabby Heinze picked up yellows in the last match and are rested.

For Greece, Torosidis and Papastathopoulos carry yellows into today.

2:14 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Adrian Healey and Ally McCoist on the commentary duty tonight. Nice one!

2:23 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Lionel Messi leads out his country's side for the first time tonight.

2:24 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Greeks fans are making a good fist of it at the anthem. I'm not sure that they'll be so happy after the match. I still expect the Koreans to see off Nigeria and for Argentina to breeze past Greece here.

2:26 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Diego's resting policy gives us all a chance to enjoy a bit of Aguero/Milito magic tonight. Both really looked tasty off the bench in the last match.

2:26 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

This is the first tournament in which I don't remember seeing the Argie fans doing the traditional ticker tape celebration before the match. I wonder why? Are FIFA banning scraps of paper now?

2:27 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I've got the Korea v. Nigeria match going now on the lap-top.

2:30 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Noticeably few vuvus blowing tonight.

Oh - Korea go close after a Nigerian cock-up in midfield. Side netting.

2:32 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Argentina not looking terribly fussed with attacking as of yet.

2:36 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Well done with both matches. The streak continues

2:37 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Why would Argentina change their shirt color to the Greek color!

2:37 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

A Jabulani blast from A Korean bloke.

2:38 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Thanks for the suggestion, mate!

2:38 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

What coverage is on the laptop
ESPN? BBC? ITV?

2:39 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Greeks are mad to think that they can rely on a Nigerian upset. The Super Eagles have looked anything but super in this tournament. I expect the Koreans to be in cruise control tonight.

2:40 PM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Argentina look far too much like Chelsea

2:40 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Hard to say - maybe Al Jazeera? I've got the volume turned down on it.

2:41 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL! The Nigerians have scored. And it's the Yak!

1-0 Super Eagles!

2:42 PM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Now that is interesting. South Korea now drop to -2 on goal difference, with both Greece and Nigeria on -1. Both also have 2 goals scored. Greece with the advantage on head to head.

2:46 PM  

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