World Cup 2006: An overview of Days 1-3
I know I have begun this blog just a little bit later than I had hoped for. However, from now until the end of the World Cup, I hope to be posting my daily ramblings on the World Cup 2006 matches that are played that same day.
First, a quick update to bring everything up to speed. 3 pulsating days of World Cup action had already passed us before today. Germany ran up an impressive tally of 4 goals against Costa Rica in the opening game, in a very entertaining first game, where the Central Americans displayed their talent at making the most of their opportunities scoring twice on 3 shots on the German goal. Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann earned himself the kudos of the entire host nation, by guiding his side to what was eventually a comfortable first win. Ecuador then mildly shocked the football world by comprehensively outplaying a dour Poland side 2-0. It is going to be an uphill battle for the Poles to make it to the second round; their next game is on Wed against the hosts!
Day 2 saw 3 games being played. England scrapped past a determined Paraguayan outfit 1-0 on a Carlos Gamarra own goal before the minnows from Trinidad & Tobago produced the first major upset of this tournament by holding Sweden to a goalless draw. This feat was even more remarkable considering that the Soca Warriors were down a man almost the entire second half. In the final game of the day, Argentina coasted to a 2-0 lead against Ivory Coast before the Africans made a desperate attempt to save the game in the latter stages of the game, and eventually falling just short 1-2. Great effort from Didier Drogba and co. but the classy Argentinians just managed to hold on in the end.
The youthful Dutch squad led by Marco van Basten opened their World Cup on Day 3 against Serbia & Montenegro with an impressive showing, particularly by Arjen Robben, though they only scored a solitary goal, scored by Robben, against the Eastern Europeans. CONCACAF powerhouse Mexico then overcomed a gutsy Iranian side and plenty of nervy moments before edging a close game 3-1 on the back of two late goals by Omar Bravo and Zinha. Hard luck for the Asian side who battled admirably for 75 minutes in that game. Euro 2004 finalists Portugal were next up against debutants Angola, and they began in impressive fashion with Pauleta scoring after just 4 minutes. However, the Portuguese were unable to add to their goal tally, and Angola put up a tough fight the rest of the game to lose just 1-0. Not a bad effort from the African minnows!
Great! Now you are up to speed. On to Day 4!
First, a quick update to bring everything up to speed. 3 pulsating days of World Cup action had already passed us before today. Germany ran up an impressive tally of 4 goals against Costa Rica in the opening game, in a very entertaining first game, where the Central Americans displayed their talent at making the most of their opportunities scoring twice on 3 shots on the German goal. Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann earned himself the kudos of the entire host nation, by guiding his side to what was eventually a comfortable first win. Ecuador then mildly shocked the football world by comprehensively outplaying a dour Poland side 2-0. It is going to be an uphill battle for the Poles to make it to the second round; their next game is on Wed against the hosts!
Day 2 saw 3 games being played. England scrapped past a determined Paraguayan outfit 1-0 on a Carlos Gamarra own goal before the minnows from Trinidad & Tobago produced the first major upset of this tournament by holding Sweden to a goalless draw. This feat was even more remarkable considering that the Soca Warriors were down a man almost the entire second half. In the final game of the day, Argentina coasted to a 2-0 lead against Ivory Coast before the Africans made a desperate attempt to save the game in the latter stages of the game, and eventually falling just short 1-2. Great effort from Didier Drogba and co. but the classy Argentinians just managed to hold on in the end.
The youthful Dutch squad led by Marco van Basten opened their World Cup on Day 3 against Serbia & Montenegro with an impressive showing, particularly by Arjen Robben, though they only scored a solitary goal, scored by Robben, against the Eastern Europeans. CONCACAF powerhouse Mexico then overcomed a gutsy Iranian side and plenty of nervy moments before edging a close game 3-1 on the back of two late goals by Omar Bravo and Zinha. Hard luck for the Asian side who battled admirably for 75 minutes in that game. Euro 2004 finalists Portugal were next up against debutants Angola, and they began in impressive fashion with Pauleta scoring after just 4 minutes. However, the Portuguese were unable to add to their goal tally, and Angola put up a tough fight the rest of the game to lose just 1-0. Not a bad effort from the African minnows!
Great! Now you are up to speed. On to Day 4!
posted by Manoj at
2:57 PM
3 Comments:
Manoj, I don't know how Brazil will play tomorrow. As many said, Brazilian players might lose for their own team. But you remember I was more concerned with Australia than with Japan...Unfortunately I did not see the matches today, but so many goals at the end makes me consider Japan is behind in terms of physical conditioning. When a team can no longer hold the opponents, goals are finally scored, match is finally decided.
By
paula, at 3:55 PM
Robben was his usual haughty, selfish and extremely skilled self. Holland might run into problems if they focus pass down the left flank all the time. A sprightlier right back + physical defensive midfielder combo could keep Robben in check.
By
karthik, at 8:34 PM
Yeah you are right, Karthik. However, if the Dutch left side is stopped, they could always give the ball to van Persie and let him run riot on the right!! They didn't even need that against the Serbs.
Paula, Japan just couldn't hold on once Australia put 4 strikers on the field! Great subs by the coach Hiddink really. From what I saw, your concern is probably correct. Japan didn't seem dangerous but the Aussies were very physical. Hopefully, Brazil will run riot today!! :-)
By
Manoj, at 11:35 AM
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