By Paul Downey.
It is fair to say that the first round of games of this tournament were cagey affairs, but as it has progressed the competition has come alive. Here are a few games that lit up the Group Stages, and remember if you don’t agree please vote another choice in the comments section.
Germany 4 Australia 0 – The Germans set an early marker in the tournament with a rout of Australia, with goals from Podolski, Klose, Muller and Cacau.
Argentina 4 South Korea 1 – Gonzalo Higuain grabs a poacher’s hat trick, but the Argentinians also show defence frailties as Martin Demichelis’ error brought the Koreans back into the game at 2-1.
Uruguay 3 South Africa 0 – The South Americans and especially Diego Forlan shows his class with two goals to leave the hosts on the brink of elimination.
Greece 2 Nigeria 1 – Nigeria take the lead before having a player sent off, and an error by the otherwise faultless Enyeama gifts Greece the win.
Portugal 7 North Korea 0 – The gulf in class is made clear by the Portugese in the second half as six goals including a double from Tiago ensure they have one foot in the second round.
Cameron 1 Denmark 2 – Cameroon lead early on through Eto’o, but the Danes reply through Bendtner and Rommehdahl. Eto’o almost levels late on but hits the post, in an end-to-end pulsating encounter.
Germany 1 Ghana 0 – Mesut Ozil’s second half thunderbolt is enough to see of Ghana in a wide open encounter. Both sides wasted numerous chances, with Ghana unlucky not to leave with a point.
Slovakia 3 Italy 2 – The surprise of the tournament saw plucky Slovakia stun holders Italy by storming into a two goal lead via a Robert Vittek double. Di Natale pulled one back for the Azurri, but sub Kopunek restored the two goal advantage before Quagliarella’s superbly chipped consolation in stoppage time.
Denmark 1 Japan 3 – Denmark were considered minor favourites to advance but were stunned by two superb free kicks from Honda and Endo. The Danes pulled one back through Jon Dahl Tomasson, before some magic from the superb Honda gave Okazaki an easy tap in late on.
Spain 2 Chile 1 – An opportunistic finish by David Villa set Spain on their way, but not before Chile posed plenty of problems with their slick passing and direct play. It could have been a very different story if the South Americans could have kept their discipline. Chile still went through and could pose more problems to Brazil than Portugal and the Ivory Coast did in the Group stages.
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