World Cup

[sleigh]

*Sigh* Germany had their traditional mediocre second game, and drew with Ghana -- which may not be good news for the US team if they don't win their game with Portugal tomorrow. If they *do* win, then they'd be through to the second round regardless of the results of the third matches in the group: their six points would be enough, as even in the worst case scenario (a German win over the US and a Ghana win over Portugal) Germany would finish with 7 points, the US with 6, Ghana with 4, and Portugal with 0.

NOW... If the US draws with Portugal tomorrow, then the second round ends with Germany at 4 points, the US with 4 points, and Ghana and Portugal with 1 each.

BUT... if the US loses to Portugal tomorrow (certainly a possibility), then the second round ends with Germany at 4 points, the US with 3 points, Portugal with 3 points and Ghana with 1 point.

SO... The game tomorrow is critical for the US team. If they beat Portugal, they'll play on in the second round. But a draw or (especially) a loss to Portugal puts everything in the group into chaos, and those third games will determine who goes through and who goes home.

Should be an interesting game to watch!

Comments

[aulus-poliutos.livejournal.com]

Indeed, the first half of the German team was back to those boring old passes toward the own keeper our team is so (in)famous for. Certainly a disappointment after the match against Portugal. The second half was much better, but the result deserved for both teams. Ghana surely put up a fight.

Yeah, the next matches will be fun to watch.

I pity Iran; that last minute goal for Argentina does not represent the overall game at all. And wow are the Swiss a bunch of fighters. 0:5 behind and then they still make two goals against France. Portugal in the same (slightly less worse, actually) situation stumbled around like half-drowned dogs, and Spain like beheaded chicken.

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

Germany looked untouchable against Portugal, then vulnerable and tentative against Ghana (who I thought utterly outplayed the US in their game, even though the US won).

Yes, that goal in stoppage time for Argentina ruined a courageous match by Iran, who deserved having a draw game. I especially felt sorry for their goalkeeper, who'd made some great saves during the game.

And yes, kudos to the Swiss for refusing to lie down and die, though I think France knew the game was over at 5 - 0 and started resting themselves.

"Half-drowned dogs..." Nice image!

This World Cup certainly has had some surprising outcomes. Who thought Costa Rica would go through to the next round in a group with Italy, Uruguay, and England?

[aulus-poliutos.livejournal.com]

I didn't have Costa Rica on the list, but I love they way they play. Just no respect for the big names. *grin*

But the biggest surprise was Spain. I mean, not only did they lose, that can happen, but the way they lost. No fighting spirit, no system ... nothing. And that from a team that had won the championship 4 years ago. In a Fantasy novel, I'd suspect some voodoo witches tampering with this WC. Someone needs to call Harry Dresden. *grin*

Just well I don't write Urban Fantasy or I would have another plotbunny frolicking in my yard now. ;-)

[sleigh.livejournal.com]

Yep. Spain just looked mediocre all around.

[aulus-poliutos.livejournal.com]

And another last minute goal.

Well, as it stands now, both our teams will only need a draw to get on.