World Cup Between 19 and 26th of June, 2010

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After the brilliant start by Brazil and Argentina, I had to take a break, as my friend said, to be in suspended animation state, alongside some of other equally loyal followers of Jogo Bonito. Four days of revelry, where the matches were seen, assimilated and debated upon in various stages of self induced comatose, made me less confident on saying about them, and far less on writing. I was seeing Brazil win their second match in a brilliant fashion, and suddenly it is all hush for “any team other than Brazil” fans. Luis Fabiano scored twice - a fine first-half strike, then a second goal which Elano slotted in ahead of Didier Drogba's headed consolation. Kaka was sent off. Brazil missed him in the final match with Portugal. France was showing signs of tension, and suddenly all those broke lose, and national pride was put aside for personal prides. Last editions champions, and still looking like that, Italy was forever finding it difficult to score. They were making my predictions go awry. I should have been more confident about my opinions rather than about the opinions of azzuri fans. Well, I was also wrong. Cote D'Ivoire didn't get through, because I didn't want cocky Ronaldo to have the fun. Biased. And the great chokers, Furio Roja – Spanish team, also failed to impress, barely scrapping through. Anyway, rest of the matches were mainly dysfunctional. Brazil versus Portugal was a drab affair, with Brazil not knowing why they were not being allowed to score a goal in the first half, and going all frustrated in the second half. Portugal did not want to win, neither wanted to lose, they just played on. A boring game from Ronaldo as usual. Why is this guy not making his critics eat their words like Messi. Lionel Messi strives hard, and with captains arm band in the final group match, he was trying to make it right for his countrymen. This is where the glory of world cup comes. If shock exits are there, then their absence will be made up by shock presence of Slovakia. Slovaks played brilliantly to reach final 16. Switzerland after shocking Spain went back to their goggle scorelines, which made them see the door. Spain topped the group on goal difference, while Chile finished 2^nd. A fine line up of matches to come.

South Korea and Uruguay at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth, June 26, 2010

The first of Knock out match between Uruguay and South Korea was simply outstanding. The Korean conceded a goal in the first half itself, and from then on started putting pressure on a Uruguayan team which was content with playing for 1-0 win. It started to rain too, heavily, making life difficult for the goalies first, and the players later. Koreans made it 1-1 with twenty minutes to go, with a great set piece and poor goal keeping. A long through ball, missed by a weak finish by Lee Dong-Gook(i guess). A chance missed, which might not come again. Koreans are making fun of Uruguayan defense, making outrageous passes, splitting the defense and even making Homer Simpson in Nike ad look better than the Uruguayan defense. Suddenly Uruguay wakes up, starts attacking again, though they take some time to get into an attacking mode. Ten minutes later, a brilliant right foot shot from Suares(who scored the first goal also) curves into the far post, hits the inside of bar and goes in. 2-1. Korea is one goal behind again, and with another ten minutes to go, they start attacks afresh. Another through ball, Terrible football, Lee Dong-gook is one on one after accepting Kim's pass with a cute first touch, but his shot is scuffed and straight at Muslera. The wet ball slips through, Lugano manages to get back and scramble clear. Final minutes with 3 extra minutes for stoppage time. Koreans scramble for an equaliser. Duri tries everything, his impatience seen in each throw taken. There is no imagination, only plain attack. Forlan controls the center while Lugano holds fort. In the end, Uruguay wins even though heart goes out to the way Koreans played.

Uruguay 2(Suares) – South Korea 1(Lee Chungyong)

Group of Death opening match; Stalemate.

Portugal versus Cote D'Ivoire, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Port Elizabeth

The first match of group of death, between two nations of superbly gifted players was expected to be great. The teams having some of the best players in the world, Ronaldo and Drogba(who unfortunately was at the bench because of injury), and others like Deco, who was noticed with the Champions league win with Porto, Danny, Tourre brothers, Salomon Kalou, Meireles, Simao and Carvalho were evenly matched. The team of Ivory Coast was the best bet from African nations and they had many players who earned their living in premier leagues of France, Italy, Spain and England.

The game started with Portuguese flourish on the Ivory coast goal, when in 10^th minute Ronaldo, turned and shot a downward curling right footer into the right post, only to find the bar denying him and his country glory. The face of Drogba was wrought with tension and prayed profusely to the Man above. I wished to see him play, and hope that is answered soon. Captain Tourre understood the danger and suddenly Ronaldo was finding it hard to break free. A stumble in near the 30 yard by Ronaldo in expectation of a free kick was spotted by referee. He gave the advantage to Ivory coast, and the skirmish between Demel and Ronaldo earned both of them their yellow cards. This was fine refereeing where game was not stopped for silly reasons, while the integrity of the game still sustained. Deco came up with a brilliant pass to Danny who couldn't utilize his pace to put this ball inside the net. Aside that, first half saw a brilliant team work by Ivory Coast, with nice touche passing by Dindan, Ya Ya, Kalou and the rest of the team. The match was so beautifully poised at the end of half time, that the commentator was saying that a single goal will decide the match. I think a goal will make both the teams snap out of their defensive play and bring out the best. Maybe then both of them will play for a win. Anything can happen in the second half. And the referee blows the whistle to start the second half.

Cote D'Ivoire continued their form from first half and made Portuguese defense worried. After fifteen minutes of play the side bench saw Didier Drogba warming up, making the heart of everyone happy in the stands. The man who was in the form was Ya Ya Tourre, who along with Dindan and Givernho made many runs towards the Portuguese post. The first substitution was made by Portugal when Simao came in for Danny. Simao was to make good contribution, when the tide of the game turned for Portugal. Deco was also substituted and Portugal suddenly started to worry a confused Ivory Coast. The most admired player in the world cup from Africa came from the bench at the 60^th minute of play. There was a rousing reception for the jewel of Africa – Drogba. A placard said it all – Drogba: make Africa proud. Feel it, the time is here. Kalou Tourre was commanding the defense and team magnificently, denying Portuguese each time. A cramp towards the end made him strain himself, but still managed to hang in there to keep his team in the game. The game showed strength of character in both teams, as they fought viciously for the ball, elbowed and struck each others foot, but still managed to put their arms around each other. The most wonderful moment of the match was when Didier Drogba with arms around Christiano Ronaldo, shared a lighter moment. A foul on Ronaldo in the final minutes of play saw a freekick given for Portugal. Everyone expected a brilliant one from the best dead ball expert in the world today, but Ronaldo couldn't dip it in and the ball soared above the top bar.

When the normal time ran out, the Elephants suddenly woke up and made the most of the additional three minutes by making Portuguese sweat. Drogba had a good chance, when Keita, who came in a sub gave a good pass, in the penalty box. The chance was driven wild by a weak shot, which unfortunately didn't find any orange shirt to drive it in.

The good thing about the match was the great refereeing by Uruguayan referee, Jorge Larrionda. Though he is always criticized for being anti Portuguese, I thought he did good keeping the cards in check and letting the game go on. There has been couple of tackles which, as per rules, will draw a straight yellow, but even then was allowed to play on. The good thing was actually that referee was able to control the match, without any major scuffles and bad tackles even without giving yellow cards. That is good for game. Otherwise, if you don't give card and also allow bad tackles to get players injured, that means you are not fit for being there with the whistle.

In the end, it was perfect start for Group of Death, and both teams relieved before their match against Brazil. Now waiting for my team to get on to the field, and dance!!

Cot D'Ivoire 0 - Portugal 0