Gut und nah (The games of 6.21.2006)
Netherlands v. Argentina
Argentina is a team to beat. They shellacked Serbia and Montenegro in the biggest blowout yet of the tournament, a shocking 6-0 stunner that sends SnM packing for home. The Netherlands survived their match against the Ivory Coast with a 2-1 result. This match will be the most colossal matchup of the tournament thus far. Both teams will be in the next round but the victor of this contest will have a certain swagger that will definitely establish momentum for the next round. Argentina emerges with a hard-fought 1-0 victory and earns more votes from the hoi polloi as best contender for the crown.
Serbia and Montenegro v. Ivory Coast
Serbia and Montenegro have had an unquestionably disappointing tournament. After their opening game loss to the Netherlands they collapsed under the weight of the admittedly awesome Argentine juggernaut in a 6-0 slaughter. The Ivory Coast has achieved decent results against two world powerhouses, losing a 2-1 contest against the Netherlands and a 2-0 matchup against Argentina. These are hardly shameful results against these teams. Regardless, both SnM and the Ivory Coast will be packing after this game. SnM is punch drunk after their staggering shelling at the hands of Argentina and succumbs to the Ivory Coast 2-0.
Portugal v. Mexico
Mexico came screaming out of the starter block with a big win against Iran but looked like a piece of antique furniture (no finish) in their matchup against Angola which resulted in a 0-0 tie. They will have to do better against a Portugal team that appears to be somewhat overrated after a lifeless 1-0 win against Angola and a 2-0 win in their last game against Iran. They netted the 6 points they needed to advance but they don't appear to be dominating the lesser teams against which they've been matched. The results of this game will sort out the truth and set the pace for both teams in the next round. But what to make of a 1-1 tie? Both teams look for answers as they prepare for their next round opponents.
Iran v. Angola
After a 2-0 loss to Portugal, Iran will be heading home after their final game. The Iranians never hit their stride after their opening loss to Mexico. The upcoming match against Angola is simply for pride. Angola, on the other hand, has had a surprisingly good run in this tournament. True, they haven't scored a goal yet. However, their 0-0 tie against Mexico in their last game proves that this team is a worthy opponent. Angola could qualify for the second round based on goal differential if they can come up with a big win against Angola and Mexico loses big to Portugal. This won't happen from an Angola side that is heavy on heart but a little light up front. Angola nets their first goal of the tournament but loses to Iran 2-1 and both teams go home to ponder what might have been.
Argentina is a team to beat. They shellacked Serbia and Montenegro in the biggest blowout yet of the tournament, a shocking 6-0 stunner that sends SnM packing for home. The Netherlands survived their match against the Ivory Coast with a 2-1 result. This match will be the most colossal matchup of the tournament thus far. Both teams will be in the next round but the victor of this contest will have a certain swagger that will definitely establish momentum for the next round. Argentina emerges with a hard-fought 1-0 victory and earns more votes from the hoi polloi as best contender for the crown.
Serbia and Montenegro v. Ivory Coast
Serbia and Montenegro have had an unquestionably disappointing tournament. After their opening game loss to the Netherlands they collapsed under the weight of the admittedly awesome Argentine juggernaut in a 6-0 slaughter. The Ivory Coast has achieved decent results against two world powerhouses, losing a 2-1 contest against the Netherlands and a 2-0 matchup against Argentina. These are hardly shameful results against these teams. Regardless, both SnM and the Ivory Coast will be packing after this game. SnM is punch drunk after their staggering shelling at the hands of Argentina and succumbs to the Ivory Coast 2-0.
Portugal v. Mexico
Mexico came screaming out of the starter block with a big win against Iran but looked like a piece of antique furniture (no finish) in their matchup against Angola which resulted in a 0-0 tie. They will have to do better against a Portugal team that appears to be somewhat overrated after a lifeless 1-0 win against Angola and a 2-0 win in their last game against Iran. They netted the 6 points they needed to advance but they don't appear to be dominating the lesser teams against which they've been matched. The results of this game will sort out the truth and set the pace for both teams in the next round. But what to make of a 1-1 tie? Both teams look for answers as they prepare for their next round opponents.
Iran v. Angola
After a 2-0 loss to Portugal, Iran will be heading home after their final game. The Iranians never hit their stride after their opening loss to Mexico. The upcoming match against Angola is simply for pride. Angola, on the other hand, has had a surprisingly good run in this tournament. True, they haven't scored a goal yet. However, their 0-0 tie against Mexico in their last game proves that this team is a worthy opponent. Angola could qualify for the second round based on goal differential if they can come up with a big win against Angola and Mexico loses big to Portugal. This won't happen from an Angola side that is heavy on heart but a little light up front. Angola nets their first goal of the tournament but loses to Iran 2-1 and both teams go home to ponder what might have been.
posted by STB at
6:54 PM
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