The first day of 4 matches, and I actually watched them all today - very likely the only day I'll manage to do that. Just as well, we had 4 hours of football without a goal. But sometimes is not about that.
Argentina - Saudi Arabia 1-2
He's not the best of all time, he's not the best of his time, he's not even the best Argentinian of his generation, that accolade goes to Aguero. Scored from a fictional penalty, but missed from 16 yards with a clear line of shot, with 10 minutes to go and 1 goal down, for the sake of doing an extra turn. Kudos to the Saudis for not shying away from the fight, and coming out deserved winners. Yeah, there was some bit of running down the clock at the end there, hence the 6 yellow cards, but towards the end of the game it was the Saudi keeper asking the doctors to move faster. Well done, Saudi Arabia, only one more step towards qualification. By the way, what's your human rights record like?
Denmark - Tunisia 0-0
Relatively dull game, getting slightly more animated towards the end. I am disappointed in Denmark, and pleasantly surprised by how well Tunisia held their own. It's probably not gonna be enough, but going home proud of the performances is still something. I thought both teams should've had a penalty for handball, the Danish handball a bit more obvious, but it didn't happen equally. So bad refereeing still, only in this case two wrongs did make a right.
Mexico - Poland 0-0
I thought Lewandovski's penalty was soft as well. He missed, so it doesn't matter. Bit of a waiting game this one, feels like the teams were afraid to be too aggressive. Poland had the physicality, Mexico had the speed and technique, but neither knew how to use their talents for maximum advantage. This group is now wide open, and no one is guaranteed a spot.
Australia - France 1-4
Brilliant start for the Socceroos, but at the end of the day it was a typical men against boys. Once they got going, France looked in control and completely dominated. Nothing to be ashamed of, ozzies, you did your best and that's all anyone can ask for. The gulf in class is simply too wide.
Two more heavyweights starting tomorrow, Germany and Spain, and they're in the same group! Let's see how that pans out!
Niciun comentariu:
Trimiteți un comentariu