World Cup 2010 Rd 2 Review

The Second Rd of World Cup South Africa has just concluded and man what a week it has been. We have been entertaining with stunning goals, tremendous tackles, emotional flair ups, upsets and even star struck referees. This was the week when the top strikers of the world seem to realize that they were at at the World Cup and decided to put on a show for football lovers around the world. There are so many highlights to choose from. What will it be? Portugal's 7-0 drubbing of N. Korea? or the Argentinians 4-1 dismantling of S. Korea? Brazil's samba against the Ivory Coast or Slovenia and USA exhilarating 2-2 drama filled match up. If its goals you want it was there. Uruguay's Forlan wonder strike, Brazil's Fabiano's questionable juggling performance or the Netherland's Wesley Sniejder long distance shot...tooo many to chose from.

If you were routing for the underdogs you would have been saddened by the poor turn out of the African teams, but you could to dare dream after viewing Germany being defeated by Serbia or defending World Champions Italy being held to a draw by football minnows New Zealand. There was also the sad performances of favourites England against North Africans Algeria and the embarrassing performance of a French team in turmoil. When it came to drama and controversy there was a lot of that too. German striker Klose being sent off for two light fouls. American midfielder Edu having his winning goal dismissed without a clear explanation from the referee and a referee who got caught up in the amazing skill of the Brazilians. He failed to notice that Fabiano handled the ball twice before scoring an amazing gaol, decided to smile and have conversation with him asking about his technique and then sent off his team mate Kaka for a simple push. Ahh can you imagine the drama that will unfold in the final rd of group stages? I cannot wait.

Team of the Round, Argentina: This was a hard choice because this rd had some amazing team efforts but Maradona's group played against the most competitive opponent and came out with the spoils. The other two nominees for this category are Portugal and Brazil, both played against sides that they were expected to win based on their caliber and world rankings. Maradona build a team that possesses attacking power orchestrated by the playmaking skills of World's greatest Lionel Messi and the amazing work rate of Carlos Tevez and so far it has worked. The S. Koreans came from a convincing 2-0 performance against Greece and looked to at least gain a point from the South Americans.

The latter had other ideas and ran riot in attack, Messi's free movement and dribbles turned Korea's defense into knots and allowing Real Madrid striker, Higuain to lurk around the penalty box and poach three goals for a fantastic hat trick. Maradona replaced central midfield playmaker Veron with winger Maxi and went for a more fluent attacking approach. Di Maria the expressive winger who played a subdued role in the opening match against Nigeria, was given a more free attacking role and this was evident by his constant testing of S. Korea's defense. S. Korea found themselves pushed back and were taken off guard when they conceded an own goal after a Messi free kick and this settled Argentina into cruise control.

I thought that Tevez relentless work in both attack, midfield and even defense was top notch but I feel that Argentina really became dangerous when he was substituted for Kun Aguerro who was more direct in attack. He stayed mostly to the left and linked up with Messi to present Higuain with his hat trick and almost got himself on the score sheet with a beautiful individual display. This partnership lead to one of the best attacking moves of the tournament. Messi flicked the ball in attack to Kun who crossed the ball immediately without bringing the ball down to the waiting Higuain, who made no mistakes in heading the ball into the back of the net. There is definitely questions about their defense since everyone seemed to push high up to attack. As a result the S. Koreans were able pick off a consolation goal but it does not seem to matter because Maradona seems to have taken that his team has enough lethal firepower to outscore their opponents while conceding the occasional one or two goals. Runners up: Portugal, Brazil, New Zealand.

Goal of the Tournament Spain's David Villa VS Honduras: Man, this was another hard decision there were many great goals in this round David has won this one because the next best Fabiano's goal in my opinion was questionable. Spain was under extreme pressure to earn points after their shock loss. The Spaniards decided to put this pressure to rest against lower opponents Honduras. Bolstered by the presence of his partner Fernando Torres, David was able to cause trouble in the attacking third. In the 25 minute he dribbled through the Hondurans from the left and the kicked a stunning diagonal shot into the top of the net, superb. Runners up: Brazil's Fabiano vs N. Korea, Uruguay's Forlan vs S. Africa, USA's Landon Donavon vs Slovenia and Slovenia's Birsa vs USA.

Player of the round, Gonzalo Higuain: This was another hard choice with so many top players showing up in this round. The 20 plus goal Argentine striker is the top player because he has joined the elite ranks of scoring hat tricks at the World Cup. No matter how easy the goals may look this is not an easy feat and this is evident by the fact that top players are struggling to score. Higuain pushed his way into Maradona's team after being virtually ignored. His contributions in the qualifiers and domestic form, forced Maradona's hand to include him in the team to S. Africa.

It was alleged that his French background made him an unlikely selection but he proved his critics wrong and not only made the final cut but was selected to start ahead of Maradona's son in law Kun Aguerro and Milito two players who some analysts feel should be chosen ahead of him. His failure to score in Argentina's goal against Nigeria increased the rumblings, critics feeling he should be replaced because he had his chance to prove himself and failed. I too knew and respected his potency but thought Kun would have been a better choice.

Argentina got off to a nervy start but was soon relaxed after the Koreans conceded an own goal. This led the team to attack with confidence. Messi dribbling through the middle causing commotion. In the 33th minute Gonzalo scored his first goal of the competition with a poaching headed effort. His next two goals came when Tevez was replaced by Kun. Kun made an immediate impact partnering with Messi pressuring the Koreans into mistakes. In the 76th minute he made another poachers goal kicking in a rebound from Messi's attempted shot on goal. He then finished his performance in fine style heading a brilliant goal that ended a move that started with a chip from Messi to Kun who crossed the ball into the box. This was an absolutely stunning performance. Gonzalo has shown the world that he has what it takes to perform at the highest level for his international team. It is good to see a player that has been in the shadows of his team mate Messi shine. Maradona should be applauded for taking him off to get the applaud and recognition he deserved from the supporters. Runners up: Forlan, David Villa, Enyeama, Kun Aguerro, Fabiano, Paston (New Zealand's Goal Keeper).

Game of the Round, Slovenia VS USA: This was quite a surprise, I did not expect much from this match. I could have not been more wrong, the match turned out to have all the attributes of a good football match. Goals, entertainment, determination, emotions, turns and twists and a bit of controversy. The first half of the match started with Slovenia having the upper hand taking the game to USA. In the 13th minute player Birsa decided to test US keeper Tim Howard from long range and kicked the ball, that curved in the air and left Howard flatfooted as it hit the back of the net. If things could not get any worst for the Americans the Slovenians scored again. Ljubijankic got through the defense and scored a lovely low driven shot that foiled Howard. Things were looking up for Slovenia that already had 3 pts from a win against Algeria.

In the second half US coach, Bradley decided to make two changes he placed Edu in the midfield and also brought on Fielhaber. The US look for an answer to the Slovenians. In the 48th minute Landon Donavon beat his defender on the right flank and raced towards the box. He then cut inside looking for the pass but saw no team mates in sight. He then took the ball towards the keeper and shot a powerful shot into the top of the net, a stunner. The game then became a midfield battle Slovenia trying desperately to hold on to their lead and the US pushing forward to tie the game. The US pressure paid off with midfielder Michael Bradley placing the ball in the back of the net through a crowded penalty box in the 82 minute. The US tasting blood continued to take control of the game filling their opponents box with players. Substitute Edu in the dying moments finally sent the ball into the back of the net with a volley and sent the US in euphoria but the African referee blew the whistle to stop play for some unknown reason. The goal was disallowed and both teams cancelled each other out for the rest of the game. After the final whistle US players rushed to the referee livid demanding an explanation for disallowing the goal. This match had everything. Runners up: Brazil vs Ivory Coast, Portugal vs N. Korea.