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!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

World Cup 2010 - Day 7

SA 2010 sprang to life yesterday with a shock win for Switzerland against tournament favorites Spain. Let's hope for more today as Argentina continue their campaign against Nigeria. At the end of the day, Les Bleus have a must win match against Mexico. Join me for all the fun.

376 Comments:

Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Gooner has been discouraging me from continuing to look at Football365 website, which over the years has been a vital source of information about football, but has deteriorated into silly gossip during SA 2010. Every morning I wake up to mad headlines about how Michael Carrick is going to be used as the holding midfielder or Rob Green has been sent home. This morning - Defoe to partner Roon. No more!

6:56 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Right, then. Group B looks like this right now.

Group B:
South Korea - Played 1 GD +2 Pts 3
Argentina - Played 1 GD +1 Pts 3
Nigeria - Played 1 GD -1 Pts 0
Greece - Played GD -2 Pts 0

6:59 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The ESPN coverage has started up. Lovely jubbly!

7:01 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The teams are in for this morning's match:

Argentina: Romero, Demichelis, Samuel, Heinze, Gutierrez, Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez, Di Maria, Messi, Tevez, Higuain. Subs: Pozo, Rodriguez, Burdisso, Bolatti, Veron, Garce, Otamendi, Aguero, Palermo, Milito, Andujar, Pastore.

South Korea: Jung Sung-ryong, Oh Beom-seok,Lee Young-pyo, Cho Yong-hyung, Lee Jung-soo, Kim Jung-woo, Ki Sung-yong, Park Ji-sung, Lee Chung-yong, Park Chu-young, Yeom Ki-hun. Subs: Woon-Jae Lee, Hyung-il Kim, Nam-Il Kim, Bo-Kyung Kim, Ahn, Seung-Youl Lee, Jae-Sung Kim, Dong-Jin Kim, Dong-Gook Lee, Young-Kwang Kim, Cha, Kang.

7:04 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Diego Maradona has replaced aging midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron, who has a calf injury, with Maxi Rodriguez.

7:05 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Park Ji-Sung is the obvious man to watch for South Korea and the energetic Manchester United man orchestrated the success against Greece. It was easy to see why he is a favourite with Sir Alex Ferguson. Bolton's Lee Dong-Gook is on the bench for Jung-Moo Huh's team.

7:06 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm really shocked that Maradona has kept the faith with Jonas Gutierrez at right back. The Newcastle midfielder was the one Argentinian player who looked out of his depth against Nigeria and South Korea have the quality to expose him.

7:09 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Nice shot there of Diego giving all of the Argentinian players a kiss as they head out onto the pitch.

I agree with Roberto Martinez. Korea are definitely capable of an upset here if the Argentinians don't click.

7:23 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It's Ian Darke complaining about the "bitterly cold" weather in SA again alongside Johnny Harkes on the mic.

7:24 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Good morning Blue Devil. I agree with you about yesterday. We have a fascinating encounter ahead of us. Argentina should win,bit will South Korea have other ideas. They are capable of an upset.

7:25 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Morning, MUR! Last day of school today, eh? Congratulations on surviving another school year, mate.

7:27 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That is impressive. Park Ji-Sung has scored in three consecutive World Cups.

7:29 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Argentina get us underway in this fascinating match-up.

7:30 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Thank you Blue Devil. That is eighteen down and hopefully nine more to go. I am looking forward to this match as both teams should attack.

7:31 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Argentina win an early corner with Tevez trying to find Messi....

Poor corner, didn't beat the first man.

7:31 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Messi takes an early corner.They maintain possession.

7:31 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Really? Tev has only scored nine goals. Not very good. I wonder why Diego keeps playing him rather than trying Milito or Aguerro.

7:34 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Any comment on Spain's failure yesterday? It seemed to me that they didn't have a Plan B when the short passing game didn't work against Switzerland.

7:35 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I wasn't really impressed by Higuain the other day. He missed a hatful of chances.

7:36 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I would play Tev as he is a more prolific scorer than he was two to three years ago.He is definitely a match winner.

7:36 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Disappointing shot there from Higuain. He needed to feed his teammates but instead Jabulanied it.

7:37 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That's not true, Harkesy. He's claiming that there hasn't been a set piece goal. Paraguay scored from a free kick and Italy scored from a corner. But it is true that there hasn't been a decent direct free kick strike on goal.

7:40 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I was really taken by surprise by the result against the Swiss even though Spain were unlucky not to get a draw. The Spaniards seemed to have a hole at the center of the defense.Group H is wide open. As you mentioned yesterday, Spain could face Brazil in the round of 16 and exit the tournament early. South Africa may be the first hosts to be eliminated in the first round.

7:40 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Ki-Hun Yeom picks up the first yellow card for a rugged challenge on Messi. There were no Koreans booked in the opening match against Greece.

7:41 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Yeah - it's tricky for the Spanish now. I think the best they can hope for is a Swiss victory over Chile in the next match and putting a lot of goals by Honduras. That still might not be enough to claim top spot and avoid Brazil. A draw between Chile and Switzerland really makes it awkward.

7:44 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Di Maria is dispossessed as he tries to run through the South Korean defense. He will need to do better today.The Argies earn a corner.

7:45 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Free kick chance here for Argentina out wide left....

GOAL! I think that's an own goal from Messi's outswinger. Unfortunate. But it was a devilishly difficult ball to defend.

1-0 Argies!

7:46 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL !!! 1-0 Argentina as Park Chu Yong scores the o.g

7:47 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Chu-Young Park with the final touch off the knee there.

7:48 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I agree. I don't think he knew much about that. Credit to Messi for the excellent service.

7:48 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The South Koreans attack,but the shot is over.

7:48 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

First strike in anger for Korea there.

7:49 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Di Maria is fouled. Messi and Di Maria line up for the free kick.Messi crosses, but it ends being gathered by the keeper.

7:50 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Messi chips another dangerous free kick in there and DiMichaelis isn't a millions away from connecting with it.

7:50 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Does it seem as if the vuvuzelas are quieter today? We noticed almost immediately that as the Uruguayan goals started going in yesterday the vuvus got quieter. I wonder if they won't be a factor after South Africa are eliminated which I suspect they will be in the next match. They were woeful last night.

7:51 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Walter Samuel looks to have picked up some kind of calf muscle strain here. Burdisso is up to replace him but there's been some delay in getting him on.

7:52 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I need to make a correction as the own goal was scored off a free kick, not a corner. The delivery by Messi was outstanding. That was a difficult free kick to defend.

7:52 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Now Burdisso is coming on. He's got loads of experience.

Tevez with a nice run and cross. Higuain tries the acrobatic.

7:54 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It certainly was. Am I correct that Beom Seok Oh picked up a yellow card for manhandling DiMaria before that free kick?

7:55 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I agree with Ian Darke. Not enough strikers (Roon included) are gambling on attacking the near post on crosses.

7:55 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I agree. The vuvuzuelas seem to be muted. I missed the third goal as the final ninety seconds did not record due to " satellite difficulties." There was inclement weather at the time. I did get to see the referee blow the final whistle. I do not see South Africa advancing. Mexico vs France will be a crucial match as the winner should advance and the loser faces an uphill battle.

7:56 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Messi earns another free kick. The Koreans are struggling to handle the pace of the Argentinian attacks.

Messi might hit this one....

7:57 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Tevez hits it and it's just a fraction over the bar. Good hit.

7:57 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Messi passes to Tevez who shoots just over. That was close and the keeper seemed to know little about the shot.

7:58 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Park gets his head on the ball but it's only a half chance from the cross.

7:58 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Argentina is in complete control of this match. Should we count them as a dark horse in the tournament or is that premature?

7:59 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Messi in the middle of another good move forward but DiMaria's ball was poor.

7:59 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gutierrez fails to control near the corner flag as the South Koreans earn a reprieve.

8:01 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I've always considered Argentina to be one of the favorites. It was just the way the brackets worked out that had them playing Holland in the quarters and Spain in the semis. I had them losing out to Spain. But that picture has completely changed now.

8:01 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Tevez is fouled near the left corner flag and earns a free kick.

8:02 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Similar free kick position to where they scored the first one. Short one this time.

GOAL! Higuain starts his campaign with a simple header at the backpost. The Koreans went to sleep there.

2-0!

8:02 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It was Yong-Hyung Cho who stepped up and left Higuain alone there. Unusual lack of concentration from the Korean defender.

8:03 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL 2-0 Argentina as Messi and Maxi Rodriguez combine on a short free kick. Maxi's cross is flicked on and Higuain heads at eh far post. The South Koreans appeal for offside,but Higuain was level with the last defender.

8:04 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Chung-Yong Lee picks up a yellow card there. They could have some trouble with suspensions if they progress. That three in the first half here.

8:05 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Free kick chance now for South Korea...

Park Ji-Young, the own goalscorer hits it and it comes to nothing.

8:05 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Messi commits a foul and the South Koreans have a free kick. The free kick is headed clear.Argentina finally regain possession.

8:06 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I could not see who flicked on the header to Higuain. It was an impressive headed pass.

8:07 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Ian mentions an impressive outing so far for the South American sides. Very true. Paraguay and Chile did show up better than I'd expected. And Uruguay were excellent last night.

8:08 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I think it was your old boy Gabby Heinze. He's a real threat at set pieces.

8:08 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I would bet on Argentina defeating France, Mexico, or their neighbors across the River Plate in the round of 16.

8:09 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The keeper couldn't handle that cross from Higuain. It dropped to DiMaria who hit it on the volley. Good save there.

8:09 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nearly 3-0 as the keeper saves well from Di Maria.

8:09 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Argentina take a short corner and Tevez misses the header from a cross.

8:10 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh sure - France will have to turn it on today in order to progress and miss out on a death mission against Argentina in the Round of 16. I expect Mexico to give them a real game today. Should be fascinating.

8:10 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I wonder if we are in for a repeat of Germany vs Australia.

8:11 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I can understand Maradona putting Zanetti out to pasture, but surely there are some other Argentinian right backs that were available?!

That said, the Koreans haven't exposed Gutierrez today the way that the Nigerian winger did the other day.

8:11 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I don't expect Korea to fold the way the Aussies did. That said, if they lost a player to a second yellow, it could open up.

8:12 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I'm nervous about tomorrow too!

8:13 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - that would have been quite special from Messi if the chip had gone in. What a shame. He dazzled at the top of the box but the chip just drifted wide of goal.

8:14 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated because Mexico unexpectedly defeated France in a battle in 1868. A French victory would have changed history as the French had ambitions of making Mexico a French colony. The victory preserved Mexican Indpendence. I would love to see a similar result today. I am expecting a "chess match."

8:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Another free kick for South Korea. Straight into the wall. Poor.

8:15 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL! Bloody hell - the Argie defense have pressed the self destruct button there. A total mix-up by DiMichaelis let the Korean in there.

2-1 Game on!

8:16 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

That was a horrible free kick by the South Koreans. Park Ji Yung scores after a terrible defensive blunder by Di Michelis.

GOAL 2-1 Argentina as the South Koreans are back in the match. It is halftime.

8:17 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wow - and that's the last kick of the half. It really changes things. In the main it was a powerful performance from the Argentinians with a lot of quality on display. But that goal exposes the softness at the heart of their defense.

8:17 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Lee Chung Yong scored the goal. Di Michelis should have cleared the ball as it was seconds before halftime. The goal lets the South Koreans back into the match.

8:20 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The teams come out for the second half. Kim Seung Yil is on for Kim Yung Nam. We witnessed the highest scoring half of the tournament.

8:32 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Well, well, well. The Argies thought they were half way back to the team hotel with another win in the bag. Now that late goal by Lee Chung Yong makes things much more interesting. And as a long-time Argie football hater (I'm sure Buenos Aires is lovely), I couldn't be happier about it.

8:33 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Higuain with a great run and passes to Messi who sees his shot deflected for a corner.

8:34 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That was a really entertaining first half and the highest scoring one that we had. UWS was calling for more quality yesterday and I think he got it this morning. Unfortunately he's going to tune into Nigeria v. Greece in a couple of hours and I expect more moaning from the Schenectady area.

8:35 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

We should see an interesting second half.

8:36 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

UWS should be looking forward to Mexico vs France which should be a tactical battle.

8:38 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Koreans aren't out of this one by any means.

8:38 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - great move from Argentina but Higuain was denied by the keeper Sung-Ryong Jung

8:40 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Nearly 3-1 after a great save form Higuain. A great passing move as Di Maria and Tevez combine. Park Ji Sung heads the corner clear.

8:40 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Lovely interchanges between Tevez and DiMaria there. I've been really impressed by the Benfica winger. Very cultured player.

8:40 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Tevez unleashes a shot that's parried by the keeper. No one following up.

8:41 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That was poor defending by Beom Seok Oh who should know to channel the right sided Tevez out wide left instead of allowing him to cut inside.

8:42 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Tevez dribbles from the left and shoots from 25 yards out, but sees his shot saved.

8:42 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gutieerez is booked for a foul and will miss the next match. Masch is booked for a nasty foul just outside his penalty area.

8:43 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The Gutierrez gamble backfires as the Newcastle man picks up a yellow and will be suspended for the Greece match.

And now Masch - who starts on a yellow for me - picks up another yellow. A bad set of plays there for Maradona.

8:43 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Park Cu Yong's free kick is deflected for a corner.

8:43 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The corner is cleared.

8:44 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Chung-Yong Lee was in one-on-one and should have scored. Got the shot wrong in the end. But it was a brilliant move that exposed Heinze's lack of pace. Signs of danger for Argentina there.

8:46 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Yon Ki Hum misses a golden opportunity to level the match as Heinze is caught out of position. The late first half goal has certainly affected the Argies.

8:46 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Heinze gets free for a header from the corner. Well over.

8:46 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I agree with Ian Darke - Argentina can be beaten by a side whose pace exposes the back four.

8:47 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I was commending Argentina in the first half, but I am thinking of retracting those remarks.

8:48 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Argentina has a one goal lead with thirty minutes remaining.

8:49 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

They are looking pretty jittery at the back. Ian is claiming that they have the 1970 Brazil philosophy of "score one more than you." We'll see about that.

8:49 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Carlos Tevez receives a pass in the South Korean penalty area,but is outnumbered.

8:50 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Diego's intent on showing that he's still got it. Flashy flick there.

8:50 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

More good movement by Oh Bun Sook couldn't control the through ball.

8:51 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The 1970 Brazil side would often score several more than their opponents. I am hesitant about comparing this Argentina side with Brazil's 1970 side.

8:52 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Nasty challenge there from Jung-Woo Kim on Heinze. Certainly worthy of a card. Free kick from distance.

8:52 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Low drive from Leo and the keeper grabbed it well.

8:53 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Messi's free kick from long range is curled into the penalty area and eludes everyone. The keeper did well to gather the cross/shot.

8:53 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Well done on the predictions, btw. Third place is a good effort so far.

8:54 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Another foul from Gutierrez. He's got to be getting close to a red at this point.

8:55 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Gutierrez is struggling. Maradonna should substitute him .

8:57 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Good first time effort from Higuain. Well held. The game is stretching out a bit now. I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

8:57 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

South Korea earns a corner off a deflected shot.

8:57 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

The tournament seems to have come to life. It's about time.

8:58 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I agree - but I don't think Diego brought a natural right back. It'll have to be someone like Clemente Rodriguez, who's more of a Jamie Carragher style utility defender.

8:59 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Kim Nam Il shoots wide from distance after some great possession.

9:00 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I agree - the first round of games was unusually cagey. Now teams are coming out of the shells

9:00 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Tevez had a chance to play Messi in there but it was overhit.

9:01 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Deliberate handball by Gabby Heinze and that's a stupid yellow card to pick up. They could be in suspension trouble going into the Round of 16.

9:02 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Tevez is going off and Sergio Aguerro, who I really fancy, is coming on. No rest for the Koreans.

9:02 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Heinze picks up a cheap yellow for intentional hand ball. He should have let the ball go out of play. Tevez is replaced by Sergio Aguero.

9:02 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wow - Ramiro went walkabout there. Enormous clearance in the end.

9:03 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL! Higuain bags a brace after some excellent work between Aguerro and Messi who pulls a great save before hitting the post. Simple tap in.

3-1! And Diego is dancing!

9:04 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL 3-1 as Higuain scores a simple rap in after Messi's shit is well saved by the keeper, he shoots the rebound off the post, then Higuain taps in the following rebound.

9:05 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Higuain might have grabbed his hat-trick there with a lob.

Interestingly, several of our Predictions Game went for Messi and Milito (based on the Champions League final, no doubt). No one picked Higuain, who's now level on 2 goals with Diego Forlan.

9:06 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Messi and Aguero played a wonderful one-two prior to Messi's two shots.

9:06 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Maxi Rodriguez nearly goes into the book there. Free kick swung in but cleared out.

9:07 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

GOAL! Higuain has his hat-trick now!

Beautiful move there. The goal of the tournament so far. Lovely chipped pass by Messi. Stabbed into the back post and an easy header for the Real striker.

9:08 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

And Higuain comes off to a huge ovation.

9:09 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

GOAL 4-1 Argentina as Higuain scores the first hat-trick of the tournament as Aguero and Messi combine again in a move similar to the previous goal.

9:09 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Higuain is replaced buy Bollatti,the scorer that crucial goal against Uruguay in qualifying.

9:10 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

In all fairness, I could have probably scored the three goals that Higuain got today. DiMaria, Tev, Messi and Aguero have done all the heavy lifting for those goals and left the striker with two simple headers and a tap in. But I suppose as the old saying goes, he has to be there.

9:11 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Argentina take the short corner which fails on this occasion.

9:12 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Ian and John point out that this score-line really opens up a chance for Nigeria to beat Greece handily today and perhaps qualify with a draw against Korea in the last game.

9:12 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I agree again - this has been a powerful display against a very good, disciplined Korean side, but down the line there are major questions about Argentina, mainly because of Maradona's peculiar squad choices.

9:13 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I agree. Aguero sure made a difference. Diego has a decision to make. Does he start Tevez or Aguero? Higuain is a natural finisher. Many teams wish for that.

9:13 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Aguero weaves his way into the box but is well tackled.

9:14 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Aguero is off on a wonderful run before the last ditch tackle in the penalty area.

9:15 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Are there still questions about Timmy Howard's fitness. I thought he was ruled okay? Broken ribs? That's not good.

9:15 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Park Ji sung goes down in the penalty area, But the ref waves play on. Di Michelis seems to be a liability.

9:16 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Messi with another dazzling run. He's keen to get on the scoresheet. Broken up.

9:16 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Messi is off on a run before he is stopped by three South Korean defenders.

9:16 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

I agree - DiMichaelis could be a problem down the line. I've seen those penalties given.

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

Korea with a free kick now. They're desperate to reduce the goal difference now. Cleared out.

9:17 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I hope Tim Howard is fit to play. He is a key player if the U.S.A. hope to advance.

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

Park with a great effort on the volley there. Saved well by Ramiro.

9:18 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Park Ji Sung's shot is easily saved by Romero.

9:18 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Absolutely, right. I have a lot of concerns about Brad Guzan, the presumed #2, after not having played much for Villa this season. Timmy is key.

9:19 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Oh - Aguero nearly in on the fun there. Fabulous pace, but a bit wide. Not far from the mark.

9:19 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

It seems as if Nigeria should advance with a win against Greece and a draw against South Korea. Just as I predicted.

9:19 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Full-time: Argentina 4-1 winners!

An explosive performance up front masking some real defensive fragility at the back. Even Argie haters like me have to admire the sheer brilliance of the front line. Probably the most enjoyable match of the tournament so far. The Koreans did their bit to push Argentina.

9:21 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Argentina win 4-1 in the highest scoring match of the tournament and the first hat-trick.Higuain is now the leading scorer. This tournament has now come to life as eight goals have been scored in two second round matches.

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

Yes - you're doing well with the predictions so far.

9:21 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I will record the other games . I hope they completely record as there are thunderstorms in the forecast this afternoon.

9:23 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

I missed a goal because the last minute of South Africa vs Uruguay did not record.

9:24 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

It's a bit drab and cold here too. A perfect day to watch some footie. Enjoy your last day at school.

9:24 AM  
Blogger manunitedrules said...

Than you Blue Devil. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting with you during this entertaining match . I will join you at LOB tomorrow.Take care.

9:30 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Looking forward to it - should be an epic day of footer.

9:42 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That blow-out performance by Argentina really creates some fascinating narratives for Group B.

Nigeria should really fancy it now. They kept the score low against Argentina, thanks largely to their excellent goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama (were you watching Arsene Wenger?). With a comfortable win here (say, 2-0), they're in pole position to qualify with a draw against the Koreans in the last match. A draw today, however, means the Argies qualify top and Korea are likely to finish second.

9:46 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The teams news is in:

Greece: Tzorvas, Kyrgiakos, Vyntra, Papadopoulos, Torosidis, Tziolis, Papastathopoulos, Katsouranis, Karagounis, Gekas, Salpingidis

Nigeria: Enyeama, Odiah, Yobo, Shittu, Taiwo, Kaita, Etuhu, Haruna, Uche, Yakubu, Odemwingie

9:56 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

The players in yellow card trouble today:

Greece - Visikos Torosidis

Nigeria - Lukman Haruna

9:58 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

So here we go with the second match in Group B.

10:04 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Torosidis gets wide well and launches a cross that's just too long for the striker Gekas.

10:06 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Wow - Nigeria have come out without any sense of purpose in the first five minutes. I would have thought that they'd have been delighted with that news of the South Korea loss.

10:08 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Hey Bob,
I am now on my break and watching the game on my computer

Good performance by Argentina?
That useless striker from Saturday scores a hat-trick!! Of course, they were all inside the six!

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

It's Adrian Healey and Robbie Mustoe on the commentary. Adrian is commenting on what a big loss John Obi Mikel is today. I'm not sure that's true. He would have helped against Nigeria but today they need attacking flair and creativity.

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

Hiya, Dave! Extremely impressive attacking performance. But it masked some real problems for them at the back. Mascherano, Gutierrez and Heinze all picked up yellows today and DiMichaelis had a 'mare in the middle of defense, giving up the Korean goal.

But - Messi, Tev, Aguero, and DiMaria. What can you say? They were breathtaking at times. Higuain was the main beneficiary. He got a hat-trick simply by turning up at the back post at the end of sumptuous moves.

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

What are these two teams doing? They should be going hell for leather. They both have a chance of qualifying with a big win today.

10:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

What's for lunch today?

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

Just read of you comments

The second round has started off much better than the first!

Eight goals in two games

Off to make a few copies

10:14 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Katsouranis with a Pele/Beckham effort from half-way.

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

Absolutely - the tournament came to life yesterday with the Swiss win and then Uruguay took the ball and ran with it. Teams coming out of their shells now when they need to. It was far too cautious in the first round of games.

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

Socratis Papastathopoulos (gesundheit!) picks up a silly yellow card for shirt tugging.

Free kick in and....

GOAL! It went straight through from Uche's free kick. The keeper came out as if expecting a touch on but it never came. Just floated through into the net. Goalkeeping error? Maybe.

1-0 Super Eagles!

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

And now the keeper has given away a corner to Nigeria. Very casual from Tzorvas.

10:20 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

That goal is bad news for South Korea who will now have a tough match with Nigeria for second spot.

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

Liverpool defender Kiriakos hauls down Haruna. Another free kick now for Nigeria....

Straight into the wall. Out for a corner.

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

Nigeria seem to have the bit between their teeth now. They're not really very good, in all fairness, but the Greeks are probably the worst European team in this tournament. They've conceded goals within the first 15 minutes in their last four outings and haven't scored in their last five. Why exactly is Otto Rehhagel crowned King in Greece? It's been six years since that shock Euro 2004 win.

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

I know that African keepers have a poor reputation in Europe but a few Premiership managers might have a look at Vincent Enyeama who's now at Tel Aviv for a cheap summer buy.

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

Haruna dived in there. He's in yellow card jeopardy now so he's got to mind his P's and Q's.

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

Not a lot of quality football here. Sorry, Dave.

10:28 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Taiwo with a rubbish free kick there. They really haven't deserved their lead to be fair.

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

At this point, I'd love to see the French squeak into the Round of 16 and then have to play Argentina. And then perhaps a Uruguay v. Nigeria Round of 16 match. The winner would face England in the quarters if all goes to plan. Fancy playing Uruguay, Dave?

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

Adrian Healey mentions that there was a bit of an incident where Korea coach Lars Lagerback didn't shake Diego Maradona's hand after the match. That's not cricket, is it?

10:32 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Corner to Greece now...

Kiriakos headers it over the bar. Shittu put him off.

10:32 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

My apologies - it's fake Scot Derek Rae on the commentary today.

10:33 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Nigeria encouraging Greece onto them again now.

Oh dear - Keita seemed to kick out at Karagounis and he's off!!!!!!

Red card for the Nigerian. They're down to ten men!

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

That was really stupid. Just a rush to the head but it was nasty. He raked his studs down Karagounis's thigh.

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

In truth, if it weren't for that flukey free kick goal and the red card, I might be snoozing on the couch after a late night out.

But the second round of games, despite the lack of quality, is coming to life.

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

Rehhagel makes a shock attacking move. He's stuck Celtic's Georgie Samaras on for the bloke who picked up a yellow card earlier when Nigeria scored.

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

Oh - Salpingidis should have scored after a lovely ball from Katsouranis. And Gekas's follow up was cleared out by Shittu.

Greece on the front foot now.

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

Another corner to Greece. Nigeria are fading fast here.

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

Oh - Samaras has a header cleared off the line by Haruna. Vincent Enyeama's goal is living a charmed life.

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

On second look, it was Samaras with a casual flick toward goal - easily cleared.

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

If Nigeria are to hang on here, it'll probably take another MOTM performance from their goalkeeper.

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

GOAL! It's another flukey goal with a wicked deflected shot from Salpingidis with Haruna with the final touch. Enyeama had no chance.

1-1!

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

Believe it or not, that is Greece's first goal at a World Cup finals tournament.

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

A chance for Nigeria to hit back from a free kick....

Taiwo's kick went straight through to the keeper.

10:48 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Half-time: It's as if someone at FIFA has suddenly flicked a giant "Entertainment" switch. The quality hasn't been there for Dave but you can't fault the entertainment. The last two days have been excellent.

Nigeria seemed to be cruising it but they really are a bit Shittu in the end. The red card was absurd and it's got the useless Greeks believing in themselves and dreaming of a Round of 16 berth.

10:51 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

Back from copying
Saw the replay of the Greece goal

When did Nigeria go down to ten men?

10:51 AM  
Blogger United We Stand said...

What did you mean absurd?
He put his studs up high in anger.
I agree the Greek turned into an Italian but it was STUPID to do

10:56 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Welcome back from copy room, Dave. What I meant about the red card being "absurd" is that there was no reason for it. Nigeria were in the driver's seat. It happened about ten minutes after their goal (round about the 30 minute mark) and they were cruising it at that point.

Second half starting up...Greece seem to fancy it now.

11:06 AM  
Blogger The Blue Devil said...

Better from Nigeria there. Tzoras had to tip it over.

11:08 AM  

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