If you were to rank the 32 teams qualified to play in the 2010 FIFA World Cup prior to opening day, what would your list look like? Well, everyone's might be a little different, but I'm sure the defending champions from Italy would be up in the top couple squads on the list. And pardon my pessimism, but I don't think anyone could have put New Zealand into the teens, let alone the mid-to-low twenties. And if you had to pick one match that was an absolute lock -- well, alright, maybe you would have picked Brazil against Korea DPR -- but nobody would have given New Zealand a snowball's chance in hell today against the Italians.
1-1. Your final score. And by the time the final whistle blew, New Zealand had joined the list of underdogs who have either defeated a heavy favorite or given them an exceptional run for their money. South Africa tied Mexico in the opener. Uruguay's defensive mindset worked a draw against the French. (And as if matters couldn't get worse for France, they ensued to drop a 2-0 decision to Mexico and have their best player and their fitness coach quit on them. France's troubles are a whole new story, though.) The US and Algeria both tied favorite nation England. Serbia defeated powerhouse Germany. Cameroon started 0-2 to be eliminated before the blink of an eye. Ivory Coast worked a tie against Christiano Ronaldo and Portugal. Switzerland knocked off heavy favorite Spain. Paraguay tied the Italians. And for the second straight match, the Italians allowed a big time underdog to escape with a point.
That whole paragraph is full of upsets. And for the non-soccer fan, you may be tired of all these draws and extremely low scores. But realistically, in the first couple matches for each team, they're avoiding elimination at all costs. You can count on seeing teams more desperate for goals in the coming days, because a draw won't do it -- they will need wins.
It has been a wacky world cup, and New Zealand is the latest chapter of the unpredictability that has characterized 2010 South Africa. Will there be more upsets in the making? Ivory Coast is kicking off as we speak against arguably the best team in the world. Will the Brazilians hold off the scare?
Who knows. But at this year's world cup, matches are anything but a guarantee.
From what I've heard from soccer people, Italy wasn't expected to do much this time despite their status as defending champion. Even so they should have beat Paraguay and New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteI like this world cup despite the somewhat large amount of ties; it hasn't been the normal dominate teams winning every game with ease. Look at England, they could easily be eliminated if they don't beat a hot Slovenia team. This one is going to be hard to call, but my prediction is The Netherlands takes it all. Gut feeling.
Yeah, I agree. I think this Cup has been great so far. Italy only has 3 starters from the championship team four years ago, so you're right about that. If I had to predict a winner right now, I'd have to go with Brazil as they tear apart Ivory Coast right now. They're a real explosive team, and all the other favorites have given us reason to doubt.
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