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[Blwe_torch]

I am watching the Japan vs Cameroon match at the moment. Japan seems to be having the upper hand as of now...but only just. They haven't won a WCmatch outside Japan.........so it is high time!

Meanwhile Netherlands do short-work of Denmark. The former are definitely missing the yester-years heroes like Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkard, Koeman....or even a fast winger like Overmars or Davids.

Denmark too is a shadow of their past self.......
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/events-tournaments/fifa-world-cup/top-stories/Netherlands-beat-Denmark-2-0-at-World-Cup/wcarticleshow/6047143.cms

[Blwe_torch]

Honda scores for Japan!
Bad defending by Cameroon...


Japan(world no. 45) has never won in WC outside Japan ...and Cameroon(world no. 19) has never lost an opening match in WC...

[Blwe_torch]

Great save by Jap goalie Kawashima!
Brilliant!
This may give Jap their first ever victory in WC outside Japan.

Yessss......they are celebrating!

[WicketView]

I am watching the Japan vs Cameroon match at the moment. Japan seems to be having the upper hand as of now...but only just. They haven't won a WCmatch outside Japan.........so it is high time!

Meanwhile Netherlands do short-work of Denmark. The former are definitely missing the yester-years heroes like Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkard, Koeman....or even a fast winger like Overmars or Davids.

Denmark too is a shadow of their past self.......
http://timesofindia.indiatimecom/sports/events-tournaments/fifa-world-cup/top-stories/Netherlands-beat-Denmark-2-0-at-World-Cup/wcarticleshow/6047143.cms

Great players they may have been, but in world cups, they were a collective dud. This team has already outperformed those guys' world cup campaign. Robben's return will boost the side, but they seemed to have quite some difficulty crossing to the striker.

[Blwe_torch]

I am watching the Japan vs Cameroon match at the moment. Japan seems to be having the upper hand as of now...but only just. They haven't won a WCmatch outside Japan.........so it is high time!

Meanwhile Netherlands do short-work of Denmark. The former are definitely missing the yester-years heroes like Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkard, Koeman....or even a fast winger like Overmars or Davids.

Denmark too is a shadow of their past self.......
http://timesofindia.indiatimecom/sports/events-tournaments/fifa-world-cup/top-stories/Netherlands-beat-Denmark-2-0-at-World-Cup/wcarticleshow/6047143.cms

Great players they may have been, but in world cups, they were a collective dud. This team has already outperformed those guys' world cup campaign. Robben's return will boost the side, but they seemed to have quite some difficulty crossing to the striker.

Yes, it was rather a disappointing Netherlands...very uncharacteristic.
I wish, they had someone like Ruud van Nistelrooy in the forward line.............whatever happened to him?

[WicketView]

Honda scores for Japan!
Bad defending by Cameroon...


Japan(world no. 45) has never won in WC outside Japan

True, but a low blow. They have performed better than many teams which may have won outside their home nation. In 2002 they progressed to the 2nd round topping their group but all their matches were in Japan. In 2006 they had a rather tough group, and did go ahead against Brazil, only to awaken the sleeping players and receive a  4-1 drubbing.

...and Cameroon(world no. 19) has never lost an opening match in WC...

[WicketView]

He got old and retired. Then made himself available but was not selected. I am not sure he would have made a big difference.

I am watching the Japan vs Cameroon match at the moment. Japan seems to be having the upper hand as of now...but only just. They haven't won a WCmatch outside Japan.........so it is high time!

Meanwhile Netherlands do short-work of Denmark. The former are definitely missing the yester-years heroes like Gullit, Van Basten, Rijkard, Koeman....or even a fast winger like Overmars or Davids.

Denmark too is a shadow of their past self.......
http://timesofindia.indiatimecom/sports/events-tournaments/fifa-world-cup/top-stories/Netherlands-beat-Denmark-2-0-at-World-Cup/wcarticleshow/6047143.cms

Great players they may have been, but in world cups, they were a collective dud. This team has already outperformed those guys' world cup campaign. Robben's return will boost the side, but they seemed to have quite some difficulty crossing to the striker.

Yes, it was rather a disappointing Netherlands...very uncharacteristic.
I wish, they had someone like Ruud van Nistelrooy in the forward line.............whatever happened to him?

[Blwe_torch]

Honda scores for Japan!
Bad defending by Cameroon...


Japan(world no. 45) has never won in WC outside Japan

True, but a low blow. They have performed better than many teams which may have won outside their home nation. In 2002 they progressed to the 2nd round topping their group but all their matches were in Japan. In 2006 they had a rather tough group, and did go ahead against Brazil, only to awaken the sleeping players and receive a  4-1 drubbing.

...and Cameroon(world no. 19) has never lost an opening match in WC...

Japan is my sentimental favorites for the WC anyway.
I am aware of Japan's abilities over the years.................infact, with their kind of talent, I am tempted to say that they have under-performed in the WC so far.....unlike South Korea, who have 'over-performed'........ their semi-final appearance in the 2002 WC at home seemed like 'got-up'.

[feverpitch]

The Dutch have always been undone by simmering rivalries between their superstars, and this time is no different --- already, the two year old feud between VanPersie and Schneider is out in the open. They have a history of self implosion, and this time too, it might be no different. But if Maarwijk manages to keep egos in check, they might well go all the way, as they did in the '88 Euro under Michels.

The last few days, Japan and Korea have shown how far they have come as footballing nations. Even with lesser hyped players than the Nakatas and the Seouls, they have displayed tactical nous, physical ability and skill to outclass potentially obdurate opponents. Particularly Cameroon in their backyard. Let's hop for the best for them. Let's also remember that when India qualified for the WC in'50, and went to the '56 Olympics semis --- the other Asian contestant, Japan lost 0-9 against the UK in the first round. How things have changed since then!

[WicketView]

The Dutch have always been undone by simmering rivalries between their superstars, and this time is no different --- already, the two year old feud between VanPersie and Schneider is out in the open. They have a history of self implosion, and this time too, it might be no different. But if Maarwijk manages to keep egos in check, they might well go all the way, as they did in the '88 Euro under Michels.

Quite so. They have had rivalries between superstars, and between superstars and the coach, and there has often been a component of underlying tension related to racism. One hopes that the last component gets diminished with time.

The last few days, Japan and Korea have shown how far they have come as footballing nations. Even with lesser hyped players than the Nakatas and the Seouls, they have displayed tactical nous, physical ability and skill to outclass potentially obdurate opponents. Particularly Cameroon in their backyard. Let's hop for the best for them. Let's also remember that when India qualified for the WC in'50, and went to the '56 Olympics semis --- the other Asian contestant, Japan lost 0-9 against the UK in the first round. How things have changed since then!

[WicketView]

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they
attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay.
Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

[Blwe_torch]

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they
attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay.
Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game.
The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time...............that was some fast paced game!

[Blwe_torch]

http://sports.in.msn.com/football/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4017317&page=4

Paraguay's goal scorer Antolin Alcaraz poses for a photograph with a supporter at the end of the drawn match.

[Blwe_torch]

Hero Honda!

(AFP) Tuesday 15 June 2010
Japanese media hail historic win

Getty Images

Japanese media on Tuesday hailed the national football side's historic first FIFA World Cup™ finals victory on foreign soil after their 1-0 win over Cameroon.

"Japan Won!!" screamed the headline in Sports Nippon, betraying the overall sense of surprise greeting the opening win for a side that has struggled badly for goals in the run-up to the tournament.

Most newspapers went with front page images of goal-scoring hero Keisuke Honda, whose 39th-minute goal broke the deadlock in Bloemfontein, and heaped praise on Japan's defence for holding on to the lead. "Honda's opening gambit awarded with firm defence," said the Yomiuri Shimbun. "The new ace proves himself in the first game," the Asahi Shimbun said, referring to the rivalry between CKSA Moscow forward Honda and Shunsuke Nakamura over the striker position in the national team in the past year.

Japan managed just one goal in four friendlies leading up to the tournament, along with two own-goals in a warm up against England.

In a scrappy first half against a Cameroon side boasting star striker Samuel Eto'o, neither side looked capable of breaking the deadlock until Daisuke Matsui manoeuvred the ball onto his left foot and delivered an inswinging cross from the right. The ball somehow eluded several Cameroon defenders and the unmarked Honda stabbed it past the despairing dive of Hamidou Souleymanou to give Japan the lead. Honda, who turned 24 on Sunday, scooped the man-of-the-match.

The media also praised under-pressure coach Takeshi Okada, who took Japan to its first FIFA World Cup 12 years ago in France, where they lost all three first-round matches. "Instead of trying to surprise the world, [Okada] concentrated on persistent defence to beat Cameroon," said the Mainichi Shimbun.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1245388/index.html#japanese+media+hail+historic

[feverpitch]

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay. Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game. The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time... That was some fast paced game!

Couldn't agree more with you about Italy. The only time I liked their playing was in patches in the 1990 WC. But then they had Baresi, Baggio, Donadoni, Mancini and other artists.

[Blwe_torch]

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay. Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game. The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time... That was some fast paced game!

Couldn't agree more with you about Italy. The only time I liked their playing was in patches in the 1990 WC. But then they had Baresi, Baggio, Donadoni, Mancini and other artists.

Yes, even the central defender Paulo Maldini was quite artistic.

[Blwe_torch]

Drogba on bench for Ivory Coast......in their match against Portugal......which is still 0-0 after 40 mins

[Blwe_torch]

Drogba did play after all....but that didn't help the score-line. It remained 0-0.

[Blwe_torch]

I am hoping North Korea does surprise Brazil, a bit later..............they lack WC exposure/ experience for sure.

[feverpitch]

Ha ha ha... North Korea are, from today my new favourites. The way they challenged Brazil and exposed Dunga's rugby boys was a revelation. They were unlucky not to get a point. I hope they beat Portugal. Maybe even Ivory Coast. Way to go!

[Blwe_torch]

Brazil struggle to beat North Korea 2-1
AFP, Jun 16, 2010, 01.49am IST



JOHANNESBURG (South Africa): Five-time World Cup winners Brazil opened their South Africa 2010 campaign with a workmanlike 2-1 win over Asian minnows North Korea on Tuesday.

Despite an attacking line boasting Kaka and Robinho, the South Americans had to work hard to break down dogged defending as the North Koreans worked tirelessly.

After a resilient first half, the North Korean defence finally cracked as Maicon scored from the tightest of angles before Galatasaray's Elano made sure of victory with the second goal in the Group G clash.

Boasting impressive ball skills, the Koreans attacked mainly through Jong Tae Se - dubbed the Wayne Rooney of Asia - who tested Brazil 'keeper Julio Cesar on several occasions and his side was never outplayed.

The North Koreans were finally rewarded for their tireless work with a consolation goal by defender Ji Yun Nam in the 89th minute.

Jong, who sobbed uncontrollably when his country's national anthem was being played, never stopped working and was left with a bloodied left thigh after one tussle with right-back Maicon in front of a 54,331-strong crowd at Ellis Park.

After a quiet opening half an hour, Brazil stepped up the pace and tested North Korean goalkeeper Ri Myong Guk, but could not get past him.

When the breakthrough finally came it was a piece of vintage Jogo Bonito - the beautiful game - which left Korean goalkeeper Guk howling into the turf.

Elano played on Maicon who fired in his shot across the goal which curled around the near post from a tight angle on 55 minutes.

The Koreans started to show signs of tiring after conceeding the goal and Pak Choi Jin was stretchered off after 69 minutes clutching his calf.

A defence-splitting pass from Robinho on 72 minutes finally broke the Korean resistence as Elano drilled his shot past Guk only to be immediately replaced by Barcelona's Dani Alves.

With time almost up, Ji finally gave the small group of Korean fans something to cheer about when he smashed his shot past Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Brazil next face Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast on Sunday in Johannesburg, while North Korea take on Portugal in Cape Town on Monday.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/wcarticleshow/6052255.cms

[Blwe_torch]

North Koreans still eyeing last 16
(AFP) Wednesday 16 June 2010

Poker-faced Korea DPR coach Kim Jong-Hun still has his eyes on a second-round berth for his side after their fighting 2-1 loss to Brazil at the FIFA World Cup™ on Tuesday. The North Koreans, playing in their first FIFA World Cup for 44 years, fought hard to keep out the five-times world champions until their defensive shield was breached 10 minutes after halftime.

Inter Milan right-back Maicon crowned his man-of-the-match performance with a stunning angled shot to break the deadlock and midfielder Elano made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute. Ji Yun Nam netted a consolation goal on 89 minutes to give the North Koreans some reward for their performance before 54,331 fans at a bitterly-cold Ellis Park.

But despite not coming away with any points from their tough opening game, coach Kim is still chasing glory for his team. "In order to reach our goal, we have to win our matches," Kim said. "I can't reveal our strategy. In the next five days before the next game we are going to prepare and review it and we will decide then if we are going to attack or defend more. Winning is the objective, but our aim is to win through to the second round."
We didn't win, but we have picked up some confidence and I think we will do well in the next two games.
Kim Jong-Hun, Korea DPR coach

Kim jumped for joy when Ji scored in the final minutes. "If you saw me being happy at our goal, it is because we showed that we are capable of scoring against the Brazilians and that is something to be proud of," he said. Based on Tuesday's stubborn resistance Korea DPR may yet cause further irritation to Group G hotshots Portugal in Cape Town on Monday and Côte d'Ivoire in Nelspruit four days later.

"We didn't win, but we have picked up some confidence and I think we will do well in the next two games," Kim said. "We never stopped looking for goals, we were able to score one goal, the team fought bravely, but against Brazil we weren't really fast enough down the wings, which is where their goals came from."

Star striker Jong Tae Se, who cried while the North Korea national anthem was played before the kickoff, said he was disappointed to lose. "I don't feel very well about losing," Japanese-based Jong said. "We could have got the three points and the win and it will be very different to our next game against Portugal. We must beat Portugal to stay alive in the World Cup."
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1246566/index.html#north+koreans+still+eyeing+last

[WicketView]

Drogba did play after all....but that didn't help the score-line. It remained 0-0.

He did get one chance to score ... could not convert the opportunity. Maybe his attempt was gingerly due to injury.


Wonderful game by the other Didier, though he picked up an unfortunate yellow. Ronaldo himself got an undeserved one later,
but was left out of the match for the most part.

[WicketView]

I would not be surprised if Korea find it tougher against lesser opponents. Their key has been the extra player in their own box. But these guys will have to overlap to attack, and other teams will pounce on the counterattack.  I wonder why the Brazilians did not try to run through the defence rather than slow the attacks to allow more men in and cross.

[Blwe_torch]

Yes...Drogba played well, and Ivory Coast could have really coasted to victory.

Meanwhile Spain, the top favorites take on Switzerland today.................................imagine, even a docile, low-key  country like Switzerland plays the WC ....and not India!! 


Favourites enter the fray

Generally regarded as the favourites for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, Spain’s first appearance in this year’s tournament is Wednesday’s major highlight. Up against Switzerland, an opponent they have yet to lose to in 15 outings, La Selección will be keen to get their campaign off to a flying start.

After triumphing in style at UEFA EURO 2008, the Iberians will be looking to finally make an impression at FIFA’s flagship tournament, where their best result remains a fourth-place finish back in 1950. The other match in Group H will also exhibit a strong Spanish accent, as Chile, second only to Brazil in South American qualifying, confront CONCACAF side Honduras, competing at this level for the first time since 1982.

The final encounter of the day sees host nation South Africa take on Uruguay in what promises to be an incredible atmosphere at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria. With all four teams in Group A deadlocked on a single point, the match is crucial for both sides. Fervently backed by an expectant nation, Bafana Bafana will need to keep their heads and concentrate on the task before them, in a game where the slightest error could prove crucial.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsoftheday/news/newsid=1245439/index.html#favourites+enter+fray

[dhruvdeepak]

North Koreans still eyeing last 16
(AFP) Wednesday 16 June 2010

Poker-faced Korea DPR coach Kim Jong-Hun still has his eyes on a second-round berth for his side after their fighting 2-1 loss to Brazil at the FIFA World Cup™ on Tuesday. The North Koreans, playing in their first FIFA World Cup for 44 years, fought hard to keep out the five-times world champions until their defensive shield was breached 10 minutes after halftime.

Inter Milan right-back Maicon crowned his man-of-the-match performance with a stunning angled shot to break the deadlock and midfielder Elano made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute. Ji Yun Nam netted a consolation goal on 89 minutes to give the North Koreans some reward for their performance before 54,331 fans at a bitterly-cold Ellis Park.

But despite not coming away with any points from their tough opening game, coach Kim is still chasing glory for his team. "In order to reach our goal, we have to win our matches," Kim said. "I can't reveal our strategy. In the next five days before the next game we are going to prepare and review it and we will decide then if we are going to attack or defend more. Winning is the objective, but our aim is to win through to the second round."
We didn't win, but we have picked up some confidence and I think we will do well in the next two games.
Kim Jong-Hun, Korea DPR coach

Kim jumped for joy when Ji scored in the final minutes. "If you saw me being happy at our goal, it is because we showed that we are capable of scoring against the Brazilians and that is something to be proud of," he said. Based on Tuesday's stubborn resistance Korea DPR may yet cause further irritation to Group G hotshots Portugal in Cape Town on Monday and Côte d'Ivoire in Nelspruit four days later.

"We didn't win, but we have picked up some confidence and I think we will do well in the next two games," Kim said. "We never stopped looking for goals, we were able to score one goal, the team fought bravely, but against Brazil we weren't really fast enough down the wings, which is where their goals came from."

Star striker Jong Tae Se, who cried while the North Korea national anthem was played before the kickoff, said he was disappointed to lose. "I don't feel very well about losing," Japanese-based Jong said. "We could have got the three points and the win and it will be very different to our next game against Portugal. We must beat Portugal to stay alive in the World Cup."
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1246566/index.html#north+koreans+still+eyeing+last

to be fair they have to win or their emperor and dictator will have their wives

[WicketView]

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they
attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay.
Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game.

Quite different then and now.

The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time...............that was some fast paced game!

[Blwe_torch]

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they
attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay.
Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game.

Quite different then and now.

The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time...............that was some fast paced game!

Yes. Though I wish, they had a play-maker like Roberto Baggio.

[WicketView]

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they
attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay.
Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game.

Quite different then and now.

The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time...............that was some fast paced game!

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay. Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game. The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time... That was some fast paced game!

Couldn't agree more with you about Italy. The only time I liked their playing was in patches in the 1990 WC. But then they had Baresi, Baggio, Donadoni, Mancini and other artists.

Are you thinking 90 or 94? Baggio did not play that much in 90 ... just enough to score that goal with Czechs. 94 was when he really
played.

 

[Blwe_torch]

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they
attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay.
Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game.

Quite different then and now.

The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time...............that was some fast paced game!

Italy drew with Paraguay. I always like it when Italy goes down a goal ... they attack much more, and it was too much for a much inferior team like Paraguay. Unfortunately, Italy could not make it 2-1 which I was hoping for.

Paraguay had a very good qualifying round, where they defeated both Brazil and Argentina. Somehow, I have never enjoyed Italy's game. The best they played( in my knowledge) is the semifinal against Germany( coached by Klinsmann) last time... That was some fast paced game!

Couldn't agree more with you about Italy. The only time I liked their playing was in patches in the 1990 WC. But then they had Baresi, Baggio, Donadoni, Mancini and other artists.

Are you thinking 90 or 94? Baggio did not play that much in 90 ... just enough to score that goal with Czechs. 94 was when he really
played.

That goal against the Czechs was a dream-goal....I remember that.

[Blwe_torch]

An upset on the cards?
Spain trailing Switzerland 0-1.......at 72 mins

[Blwe_torch]

Spain upset!!

[WicketView]

first clear upset.

[Blwe_torch]

I wish Torres had come out earlier

[vincent]

This is a great example of what I have seen over the last many years in Football Worldcup. One Team does all the running and shooting around and the other Team gets one or two opportunities and they score. Italy used to be the masters at this art of winning. As I watched game right from the begining I almost expected this to happen. Yes,both of them had one almost goal each (hitting the post). But that would not have made the difference.

[Blwe_torch]

This is a great example of what I have seen over the last many years in Football Worldcup. One Team does all the running and shooting around and the other Team gets one or two opportunities and they score. Italy used to be the masters at this art of winning. As I watched game right from the begining I almost expected this to happen. Yes,both of them had one almost goal each (hitting the post). But that would not have made the difference.

I remember seeing the same thing during my school days in 1982.......with the same Spain doing all the running and losing to a hapless Ireland, who barely got one opportunity and converted that!

[WicketView]

This is a great example of what I have seen over the last many years in Football Worldcup. One Team does all the running and shooting around and the other Team gets one or two opportunities and they score. Italy used to be the masters at this art of winning. As I watched game right from the begining I almost expected this to happen. Yes,both of them had one almost goal each (hitting the post). But that would not have made the difference.

I remember seeing the same thing during my school days in 1982.......with the same Spain doing all the running and losing to a hapless Ireland, who barely got one opportunity and converted that!

I did not watch that WC, but my impression was that in the eighties Spain did not have much of a defence and were an all out attack team and so would be much more vulnerable to such a debacle than today. Is this true?

[Blwe_torch]

This is a great example of what I have seen over the last many years in Football Worldcup. One Team does all the running and shooting around and the other Team gets one or two opportunities and they score. Italy used to be the masters at this art of winning. As I watched game right from the begining I almost expected this to happen. Yes,both of them had one almost goal each (hitting the post). But that would not have made the difference.

I remember seeing the same thing during my school days in 1982.......with the same Spain doing all the running and losing to a hapless Ireland, who barely got one opportunity and converted that!

I did not watch that WC, but my impression was that in the eighties Spain did not have much of a defence and were an all out attack team and so would be much more vulnerable to such a debacle than today. Is this true?

well...what i remember is an all-out attacking team, that was spain...............they had a star called Jesus Zamora, if I remember right. it goes without saying that the defense on that act was poor, as it was today.

[Blwe_torch]

The victory was Switzerland's first-ever over Spain in 19 games dating back 85 years.

[WicketView]

Uruguay run off with a 3-0 win with RSA after drawing with France. Should put quite a bit of pressure on both France and Mexico! Let us see what happens tomorrow.