The 4 matches of Day 12:
This match was of little significance to both teams, considering South Africa's underwhelming performances and France's implosion of epic proportions outside the pitch. The only thing worth fighting for in this match was to avoid meeting a rampaging Argentina in last 16 and Uruguay probably were better value for the win and finish as group toppers, leaving Mexico to face Argentina in a repeat of last 16 meeting in '06 (remember Maxi Rodriguez' stunning goal in extra time?). This was also the first of the final round of group matches, which always kick-off simultaneously to ensure concentration of the players on the match at hand and ward off any rumors of match fixing. So, while this was going on, South Africa, the gallant host nation, was dreaming one last fantasy to creep into last 16 by facing France.
As expected, a thoroughly distracted France had an almost complete overhaul of the playing 11, with captain Patrice Evra, Florent Malouda, Jeremy Toulalan (suspended), Sidney Govou, and Eric Abidal on the subs bench. Gourcuff made a return to the 11, and made an even hastier return to the showers by getting himself sent off for a high elbow. Then, France conceded soft goals, one from a set piece and the other from unbelievably chaotic defending. A miserable, demoralizing campaign by any standards. Radical changes are needed to infuse a fresh breath of life into the squad and while Zidane may declare that Gourcuff is the new direction for French football, I beg to differ. Too many egos within a team is sure to prove counter-productive. South Africa, the nation were left with mixed feelings and a profound feeling of regret at having drawn their opening encounter with Mexico. What might have been?
Nigeria have flattered to deceive at this World Cup and it wouldn't be really harsh to say that they have been the most disappointing of the African teams. Having lost both of their opening 2 matches, they needed a big win against a hardworking Korean side, but that was easier said than done. They did get an early goal, though, but Ayegbeni (suspiciously offside) and Martins missed absolute sitters in the 2nd half and they paid for their profligacy by crashing out. Korea also needed some luck in the shape of Greece-Argentina match result to go their way, but they were very industrious throughout. Their second goal, a sublime freekick, was a peach but they won't be receiving such gifts from tougher opposition later.
With qualification to last 16 assured, Diego Maradona sent a second-string squad onto the pitch at Peter Mokaba Stadium, with the world's premier player, Lionel Messi, donning the captain's armband. Despite the lack of stars like Higuain, Tevez, Mascherano, and the unsung Samuel, Argentina still carried plenty of firepower, too strong for Greece's liking. The only grey spot was last season's top scorer in Serie A and Champions' League, Diego Milito not creating any opportunities for himself. And to make matters worse for him, Martin Palermo, the much0-derided 36-year-old sub who had replaced him, ended up with a goal to his name a minute from time. Diego was seen prancing up and down whenever his team scored (or even came close to scoring). I really wonder if all that crazed passion is beneficial for his already storied health?
So, with Groups A and B finishing their pool encounters, this is the first set of last 16 matches that we have in store:
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