Today was another exciting day of the World Cup. We had Portugal against Korea, Chile against Switzerland, and Spain against Honduras. The boring part of today's score lines was that all three games were shutouts. But before you think that means another set of low-scoring, unexciting affairs, let me warn you that the winning teams combined for 10 goals today.
So where did those 10 come from? A massive scoring outburst from Christiano Ronaldo and the Portugal squad that took down Korea, 7-0. Yes, 7-0 -- no typo. It was a masterfully dominating performance and it brought the People's Republic of Korea down from its high hopes. In Korea's opener, they lost a 2-1 decision to Brazil that left some believing they may be able to hang around with the big boys. Portugal assured us otherwise today.
The other two scoring affairs were pretty calm matches. In the morning game here in the States, Chile took down Switzerland, 1-0. In the afternoon game and what was the final of the three games today, Spain knocked off Honduras, 2-0. Spain, after a huge upset loss in their first match, needed to come up big with a win to avoid an ever-so-unlikely early exit before the knockout stage. Luckily for the Spaniards, it seems that their futból boys have gotten their act together.
We're now just two days away from the United States' big match against Algeria. Can the US earn a win and squeeze through to the knockout round? If the cards fall right, the Americans could end up winning Group C. It all rides on Wednesday's games, and the US will be doing everything in their power to earn the win in theirs.
Chile beat Switzerland, not China. I hate to be that guy, but I thought it'd confuse some people.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Chile/Spain/Honduras/Switz. group could lead to an interesting end. If favored Spain beats a hot Chile team (no pun intended) and Switzerland beats a disappointing Honduras team, then we have 3 teams with 6 points. GD would come into play then, which would lead to an interesting end instead of Spain just going through with ease.
I'm personally pumped for the US game vs. Algeria. Making it to the knockout round would be huge for US soccer and could really get the sports deservedly more popular here. It'd be a plus if small Slovenia beats a highly favored (and under-performing) English team.
Sorry to write a research paper, just giving my thoughts. Love the blog.
Haha no don't worry about being "that guy" Ed, I'm glad you pointed that out. Stupid mistake on my part. But yeah, I agree. It's always much nicer to see the groups play out in a down-to-the-wire and unexpected fashion rather than have the favorite run away with it.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm pumped for the US Algeria game too. It would be huge for US soccer, and honestly, the way they played the second half of last game... I think they have a shot against anyone. When they put their very best on hte field, and anchored by one of the best keepers in the world, they're a tough out. Forget making the knockout round -- this team has a chance to advance in the knockout round. That would be something special for soccer in America.
Thanks thanks for the compliments on the blog lol. Spread the word to your friends if you enjoy it, the most viewers the better it gets.
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