Will be interesting to see if Spain maintains their impressive form. If so, they will be strong contenders. I think Switzerland should do ok against Togo.
I was really shocked that France let the victory slip away from them yesterday (although they did score a second goal that wasn't counted). If they had played the entire match with the same urgency with which they played after S. Korea equalised then they would've won.
As it is, that might be the last time anyone ever sees Z. Zidane play. It's a shame because he was a really classy guy and an extraordinary player. It's really even doubly sad because he got a yellow card for no apparent reason- the ref just imagined the foul (much the same as he didn't see the second goal France scored).
Having said all that- South Korea are a really gutsy and motivated side. I find myself continually wanting to count them out because they are really newcomers to the World Cup stage but they keep impressing me. I could see them making it to the quarters or even semis again.
I was totally impressed with their fans yesterday. They sang the entire match through- they were even singing Beethoven's 9th (the Ode to Joy). I found that especially nice to watch the match with that being sung in the background.
The World Cup is the greatest sporting event on Earth for a good reason.
Agree about the Korean fans -- they were great at the stadium and they had 20,000 in the Staples Center at Los Angeles.
I think that suspending players for a second yellow card when the first wasn't in the same game is STUPID! It was bad enough before, because it put starts out of games (like Ballack) which is never a good marketing move, but with all of the yellows now it has become ridiculous.
About Zizou -- is he planning to retire from international competition only, or is he also leaving club competition?
Great pity about Zidane. Not a very auspicious way for a great player to exit the game.
I award a red card to the ref!
Zidane did nothing. Uh no, Zidane ran over a guy and pushed him for no reason on a dead play.
Typically French and rewarded for the terrible behavior. He has no one to blame but himself.