Day 2 saw 2002's co-host Korea Republic take on 2004 European Champions, Greece; one of the marquee sides of the tournament, Argentina clash with the unpredictable Nigerians and transatlantic cousins, England and USA square off in the first Group C clash.
8 years ago, the Koreans surprised everyone with their hustle-bustle brand of football, accounting for heavyweights like Portugal, Spain and Italy before succumbing to the rock-solid Germans. And 6 years ago, Greece said "Anything you can do on the world stage, we can do it in Europe!" and duly dispatched France and Czech Republic before packing off the hosts, Portugal in Lisbon in a nervy final. The stage was set for the battle of overachieving underdogs, but what followed was anything but. Korea played a brand of football that was definitely more than their pressing style and Greece looked a pale shadow of the all-conquering team in 2004. Inspired by their Manchester United star, Park Ji Sung, Korea were full value for their win and with more pedigreed opponents to come in the shape of Argentina and Nigeria, they will now entertain realistic hopes of qualifying for the last 16.
Ever since Maradona took over the reins of Argentina, opinion remains largely divided over his coaching skills and ability to motivate a squad that most teams would die to have. An enviable pack of forwards (Lionel Messi, Diego Milito, Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, and Sergio Aguero), supported by a midfield that has seen the likes of Esteban Cambiasso, Fernando Gago, and Javier Zanetti find no place and a rejigged defence has ensured that Maradona will earn bouquets and brickbats in equal measure. The return of veteran warhorse Veron also didn't go down well in certain quarters but Maradona being Maradona, there was little anyone else could do. So, it was with a fair sense of trepidation that I watched them take on Nigeria, wondering what was in store. I wasn't disappointed when they, for the umpteenth time, scored off a well-planned set piece, but after that, frustration crept in as Messi and Higuain either missed or had their shots saved by the absolutely sensational Vincent Enyeama, the Nigerian goalie. In fact, Nigeria could have got a goal of their own and spoilt Maradona's party. An interesting fact: 8 years ago, Argentina opened their account with a 1-0 win over Nigeria, through a well-worked corner delivered by Veron and headed in by Batistuta. They went on to splutter and stutter against England and Sweden and crashed out in the first round. Will lightning strike twice? Diego and his fellow Argentines will certainly hope not.
Maybe I'm being very paranoid, but I get the impression that most websites and news channels have been focusing a bit too much on England this time. The hype started since Terrygate threatened Capello's plans, so much so that Chelsea had to resort to issuing disciplinary guidelines to their players. Along with this, the storied past of England and USA dates back several centuries and this contest surely would prove to be competitive. And so it was. While England drew first blood with some slack marking by the American defence, the USA hit back with a speculative strike by Dempsey just outside the area. Robert Green committed an epic clanger (with some English tabloids cruelly dubbing his error as "Hand of Clod", a reference to the infamous "Hand of God" goal by Maradona in '86) and the Americans were delighted with the point.
No comments:
Post a Comment