World Cup 2006: Day 8

What a day of soccer it promised to be!! 2 games from the group of death and Mexico v Angola. I was totally pumped up to see all three games in the day. Argentina were the first to play, taking on Serbia & Montenegro who were fortunate to lose by just 1-0 against Holland in their first match. This time though, there proved to be no reprieve. Maxi Rodriguez put the Argentines ahead after just 8 minutes off a nice pass from Saviola, and then it was all Argentina! The Serbians seemed to have forgotten how to play as a team, and Argentina put on a footballing clinic as they strung together 12-14 passes in a row before a clever backheel by Crespo released Esteban Cambiasso to rifle a left footed shot into the net! Absolutely breathtaking team football, and by far, the best team goal of the tournament so far. The pathetic Serbs were then put deeper into misery as Rodriguez scored his second just before halftime as Saviola easily dispossessed Krstajic deep in his own half! 3-0 at halftime and the Serbians didn't look like they had the fight in them. It only got worse in the second half as Kezman was sent off for a terrible two-footed tackle on Rodriguez. The Argentines brought on Carlos Tevez and 18 year old boy wonder Lionel Messi in the second half, and they promptly inflated the scoreline further. Messi setting up Crespo for a simple tap-in, Tevez nutmegging two defenders on his way to a superb solo goal and Messi wrapping up the scoring feast with a sublime finish late on. 6-0 it ended and the Serbians were nothing short of an embarrassment on the soccer field. They totally gave up on the game and might as well have left the field in the second half, as the commentators duly suggested. Excellent display for Argentina on the other hand, and their only worry must be whether they have peaked too early in this competition!

So, it was up to Ivory Coast to salvage the Group of Death from becoming the Group of Thrashings. They faced Holland needing at least a point to keep their hopes of moving on to the second round alive. Holland started the brighter of the two sides and were up 2-0 within the half hour, as van Persie unleashed an unstoppable free-kick into the top corner and van Nistelrooy clinically finished off a beautiful through ball by Arjen Robben. Thankfully, in this game, the Ivorians woke up from their slumber and put on a brave fight. Bakary Kone pulled one back for the Africans with a superb solo goal just before halftime. The Africans pressed on hard in the second half and created a number of chances but were unable to increase their goal tally. Holland, surprisingly, went into a shell and were content just to sit on their one goal lead. 2-1 it ended with the gutsy Ivorians left to rue a bunch of wasted opportunities. Hard luck for them but at least they gave a good account of themselves and made for a very entertaining and watchable contest.

Mexico could virtually assure themselves of a spot in the second round if they beat minnows Angola in their second match. However, they would have to play the game without their leading goalscorer Jared Borgetti, who was out with a hamstring injury. Angola, coming off a determined defensive effort against mighty Portugal, looked for more of the same hardworking, defensive style against the favorites Mexico. In a rather dull and disappointing game, the Mexicans struggled to break down the stubborn Angolans and Omar Bravo squandered a golden chance when left one-on-one with the Angolan keeper after a terrible mistake in the Angolan defence. Rafael Marquez then had his long range effort superbly saved by keeper Joao Ricardo, and the Angolans hung on desperately even after having Andre sent off with 10 minutes to go for a second bookable offence. 0-0 it ended in one of the biggest upsets of this World Cup so far!! Mexico might yet come to rue this result especially if they falter against a strong Portuguese side. The Angolans will meanwhile enjoy their first ever World Cup point and will have a chance at making the second round even, if they can beat Iran in their final match!! Unbelievable!!

Well, folks, I am flying out to Ireland tomorrow so I will not post an entry tomorrow. It should be a great day of soccer and I am sorely disappointed at having to miss Czech Republic v Ghana and USA v Italy. Hopefully, I'll be back in front of a telly on Sunday and be able to post some comments as well. Enjoy the games....