So what do we all make of the first round of world cup games? Well albeit with Spain still having to play tonight.
The balls
Is it just me or does all the controversy about the balls seem to be getting brushed under the carpet? The organisers are claiming the altitude is a factor and the manufacturers ADIDAS are saying the balls are rounder and more perfect than ever before?
But other than Ronaldo last night I can't recall a free kick going even close to the goal? Ask English goalkeeper Robert Green and Algerian keeper Faouzi Chaouchi what they think of the balls? I don't know about you but Green's was far worse in the scheme of things.
I just hope they start heading towards the goal more often that they have this past week.
The Noise!
A swarm of bees is the first thought, but that incessant noise of the horns is driving me and plenty more people insane. Even the great Christiano Ronaldo has spoken about them being banned. Or is he worried about the wind generated from the vuvuzelas putting his ever so perfect hair out of place?
The crowd
Again not a great advertisement for the world game when there are plenty of spare seats in the stands. Not quite on the scale of what you would see at ANZ Stadium in a Rabbits v Tigers game but for the biggest sporting event in the world I was a little surprised at the New Zealand v Slovakia game to see so many spares.
New Zealand
Anyone else find it ironic that they had an easier path to the finals once Australia had left the Oceania confederation and now they arguably have drawn an easier group and now have one more point that us Aussies?
Although they were pretty ordinary in the game you have to praise the fact they played for the full 90 minutes and in the end dragged a draw out of the game. If they get more points than Australia in this tournament we are in for a hard time. Might give them a reason to finally forget the underarm bowling incident.
The Games
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
OK so maybe I am a little harsh on the beautiful game but come on. Balls that were meant to create more goals has only made it harder to hit the target. Should they bring in a system of 0-0 draws being worth less points than a score draw?
Germany were easily the pick of the bunch but was that purely because they played the Aussies who were woeful?
France and Greece were disappointing but South Korea looked sharp. Italy got out of jail and England probably did as well.
But this tournament is not a patch on what I remember of Germany 2006. Let's hope now that all the teams realise they have to start winning games we might gget some more attacking play.
Finally - The Aussies
So now we have all had a chance to digest what happened does anyone see us scoring a goal in the whole tournament? Call me old fashioned but I thought the idea of the game was to score more goals that the other team. I think in hindsight the Pimbecile should have taken Scott McDonald if he was planning on playing 4-4-2 in the first game and I think he would have been better served with a couple of young blokes at the back like Mark Milligan, Michael Beuchamp or Sasa Ogenovski (who never made the squad)?
It's obvious to me that Kewell is not fit and should never have gone to South Africa. Ditto Bresciano who have now both wasted a spot for a younger fully fit player (Nick Carle and McDonald).
I watched Mark Bosnich's response after the game and he had a very critical view of Verbeek and his selections. he asked why both Kewell and Bresciano didn't warm up with the team if they are supposedly fit? He also asked why Richard Garcia played up front when he has never played up front in his life. Why did he employ a 4-4-2 formation when he hasn't tried it in any of the friendlies?
In any case Verbeek did at the very least take responsiblity for the team selection. At the end of the day it was a disaster.
Tim Cahill was robbed there is no doubt about it. But this isn't a friendly game against the Kiwis and this is now the real deal. He only has himself to blame for challenging a guy from behind whilst sliding in. Yes with the benefit of the replay it was harsh but it was also unneccesary. All he has done now is let his team down who will have to play without him against Ghana and if you believe the reports possibly Serbia as well.
I hope they get Kewell on the park up front with Josh Kennedy and I hate to admit it but Brett Holman looks like he will get a start as well since he played well against the Germans. Grella needs to have a rest and put Culina as holding midfielder where he belongs. Valeri with him as well?
Of course we all hope they can pull off a win against Ghana so we then at least have a chance to qualify for the second round.
Daz
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