Knock-out Begins
And so, the group battles are over and we've in fact already got our first two quarterfinalists for this World Cup.
As expected, there have not been too many upsets and almost all the usual suspects have made it. I picked 13 out of the final 16 correctly but only the inclusion of Ghana and Australia actually surprised me. Ukraine making it did not - they were always the logical choice but I don't make decisions with my brains alone, both fortunately and unfortunately.
The early exit of the Czechs provided the biggest jolt, of course, particularly after their excellent first match against the US of A. That the 2nd-ranked team in the world have faltered so drastically after losing one Jan Koller to injury have raised more than a few eyebrows. And Gooners must be feeling a tad disappointed by Tomas Rosicky's lacklustre performances after a brilliant start that made many think he could just be one of the stars of this year's tournament. Well, the good thing is we have seen what he is capable of and here's looking forward to seeing more of that brilliance in the EPL and cup competitions in the seasons to come. And again, the fates of the US and the Czechs have shown the world just how rubbish FIFA rankings really are.
Also glad that Titi has found his scoring boots for his country again. In fact, France would probably have joined the Czechs and the Americans had it not been for Titi's two goals. Way to go and hopefully it would shut some people's mouths up, unlikely though that may be.
Last night, in the first two knock-out matches, we have seen hosts Germany marching imperiously on with a methodical 2-0 dismantling of Sweden, while Argentina made a meal of their encounter with a feisty Mexico side before snatching the win AET courtesy of Maxi Rodriguez's stunner of a goal. See how enamoured the scribes are of the winning strike here - apparently, it is "unlikely to be matched by anyone this World Cup," despite there being another 14 or so matches to go featuring the talents of Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Holland.... and oh ya, Engerland, of course.
Anyways, the dear 3 Lions will play again tonight and I will be rooting for the underdog. At least there's a higher chance of Ecuador entertaining us.
Tomorrow, Italy takes on the Aussies. Will always miss Maldini but isn't Cannavaro looking awesome still? And in every aspect too. ;) FORZA AZZURRI!!
As expected, there have not been too many upsets and almost all the usual suspects have made it. I picked 13 out of the final 16 correctly but only the inclusion of Ghana and Australia actually surprised me. Ukraine making it did not - they were always the logical choice but I don't make decisions with my brains alone, both fortunately and unfortunately.
The early exit of the Czechs provided the biggest jolt, of course, particularly after their excellent first match against the US of A. That the 2nd-ranked team in the world have faltered so drastically after losing one Jan Koller to injury have raised more than a few eyebrows. And Gooners must be feeling a tad disappointed by Tomas Rosicky's lacklustre performances after a brilliant start that made many think he could just be one of the stars of this year's tournament. Well, the good thing is we have seen what he is capable of and here's looking forward to seeing more of that brilliance in the EPL and cup competitions in the seasons to come. And again, the fates of the US and the Czechs have shown the world just how rubbish FIFA rankings really are.
Also glad that Titi has found his scoring boots for his country again. In fact, France would probably have joined the Czechs and the Americans had it not been for Titi's two goals. Way to go and hopefully it would shut some people's mouths up, unlikely though that may be.
Last night, in the first two knock-out matches, we have seen hosts Germany marching imperiously on with a methodical 2-0 dismantling of Sweden, while Argentina made a meal of their encounter with a feisty Mexico side before snatching the win AET courtesy of Maxi Rodriguez's stunner of a goal. See how enamoured the scribes are of the winning strike here - apparently, it is "unlikely to be matched by anyone this World Cup," despite there being another 14 or so matches to go featuring the talents of Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Holland.... and oh ya, Engerland, of course.
Anyways, the dear 3 Lions will play again tonight and I will be rooting for the underdog. At least there's a higher chance of Ecuador entertaining us.
Tomorrow, Italy takes on the Aussies. Will always miss Maldini but isn't Cannavaro looking awesome still? And in every aspect too. ;) FORZA AZZURRI!!
posted by snowcalla @ 5:42 pm (UTC+8)
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