Looking forward to the Germany-Poland game.
Second round, and the drama increases. The Poles are desperate to get a win after their loss in the first game.
Bring it on.
Looks like Ballack will be in the starting 11. This one promises to be tense and exciting. Can't wait....
Ukraine caught a "hugh" break when Tunisia - Saudi Arabia drew. They can now go through by beating both of those teams, which is entirely possible.
We are at the point where every team has played once. Quick impressions by Group:
A - Ecuador was a surprise winner over Poland and now must be favored to advance along with Germany. Poland must get a result against Germany to have any hope.
Germany & Poland to go through
B - England is the luckiest team in the Cup so far having scored via an own goal, played well below their standards, failed to put Paraguay away but in the end hanging on and then benefitting from T&T's (Cup sentimental favorites in the first set of games) shock draw with Sweden. A win over T7T puts England through.
England & Sweden to go through
C - No surprise here -- Argentina and Holland will go through.
D - No surprise here either - Mexico and Portugal to go through.
E - Again, no surprise here, although the poor showing by Team USA was unexpected. Italy & Czech Republic to go through.
F - A somewhat more uncertain group. Brazil failed to put Croatia away and played well under their capabilities. The Aussies managed a great late comeback. Brazil to definitely go through -- but they look far from invincible in this Cup. Aussies likely to join them.
G - The "Group of Mirth" -- with France failing to score in their fourth straight Cup match, Switzerland finally having a clean sheet after 22 matches giving up at least one goal, and South Korea having a lot of trouble with a Togo team that has a Nogo coach. Anything is possible in this group -- but South Korea and -- surprise -- Switzerland will go through. France, however, is capable of turning around and winning this group if they can restart their constipated offense.
H - Spain was very impressive with a 4-0 win over Ukraine, who suffered a dubious red card. Ukraine benefitted from the late equalizer by Tunisia and along with Spain should go through.
The first sixteen matches actually featured very few shocking results. Will this continue, or will a World Cup Power get tripped up and fail to make the round of sixteen?