4:45 pm

Unexpected


I watched all 3 matches last night.
Damn, I hope this footie bug blows off quick because between my shifts and the late night matches (3am Singapore time) I am buggered.

But I digress.... all I wanted to say was that at this stage, you really can't know what to expect. England vs Paraguay was sheer drudgery. 1-0 to Eng and in the end, it was an own goal from the Paraguayian side. What a rip-off. The second match was ok. but the third! Oy!

I was really REALLY struck by the Ivory Coast side. The Argentinians were great as well. But beautiful beautiful football. Smooth, loving passes accurately fielded. Intelligent play, ball went to where (and whom) it was meant for, and some dazzling dribbling by Argentina.

Why is this unexpected? Because, to me, this was the least interesting of the 3 matches. I didn't expect great football. I did expect Argentina to win but I didn't expect the *quality* of footie. I am most impressed.

Now, just to share why my heart is breaking...... because my other favourite, the USA team, is playing Italy. Holy shit. Argh! Can they do it? Can they draw? I'm not sure if they can win. I mean, I don't like the Italians but I cannot deny the standard of their footie. And whilst the Americans can been going from strength to strength, they're still considered newbies, eh?


I'm crossing my fingers and toes for'em on June 19th.

3 comments:

Johnny Wadd said...

England will have to do better than sitting round protecting a gift goal if they want to be a serious contender.

Anonymous said...

I agree, England just did not live up to the names they have on the roster. And failing to convert some excellent crosses by Beckham was a disappointment.

I too am concerned about USA vs Italy. BUT I think the USA team is under valued and overlooked. I think that will play to their advantage. I'd expect a slow first half but USA will explode second half. Just my $.05 since you cannot buy much with 2 cents nowadays.

Fiona Kathleen Hogan said...

Hi Johnny and Casper,
If ENG continues to play this way, I expect them to wash out in this round or, at the most, the semis.... Dismal!

PS Casper, I think the USA team will spring some surprises and I'm really gunning for them :)