Noch ein bisschen (The games of 6.23.2006)

Saudi Arabia v. Spain

This game matters little for Spain after their 3-1 victory over Tunisia. The Spanish side will almost surely finish at the top of Group H based on goal differential (+6 at the moment) even if they were to lose against Saudi Arabia and Ukraine were to win against Tunisia. Saudi Arabia is coming off a 4-0 shelling courtesy of the Ukraine which was preceeded by a last minute defensive breakdown against a feisty Tunisian squad. Spain will still play to win even thought they will be most likely resting some key players and protecting those carrying yellow cards.
Resting some of the stars isn't a problem for Spain; they have talent to spare on this team and, unlike many previous World Cup tournaments are finally playing up to their potential. Saudi Arabia has had a disappointing tournament. Although they can statistically still get second place the level of play that they have shown can't be leaving their supporters with much optimism. Saudi Arabia will fall 3-0 to the Spanish machine and be heading home.

Ukraine v. Tunisia

The Ukraine was shamed in their opening 4-0 loss to an overwhelming Spanish side. Since then their stock has improved. Their last match was a convincing 4-0 win against an admittedly vulnerable Saudi Arabia. Tunisia is a surprisingly stubborn squad that stalemated Saudi Arabia and was up 1-0 against Spain before getting shelled in the second half and losing 3-1. This has the potential to be a surprisingly good game. Ukraine is the better team on paper but if there is an upset to happen on the day Tunisia would be the team to serve it. However, the Ukraine is
gaining steam and can't afford a loss if they want to advance. The Ukraine wins a hard fought 3-1 victory and rolls into the second round.

Switzerland v. South Korea

With France, who currently has 2 points, playing the easiest team in the group both Switzerland and South Korea, with 4 points, need a win to insure advancement to the second round. Neither team seems that inspired; the Swiss came away with a less-than-dominating 2-0 win against Togo in their last game and South Korea locked with France in a 1-1 draw. Unfortunately for South Korea, their cause in the last World Cup was clearly helped a great deal by playing in front of a home crowd. They will stumble against Switzerland and lose 1-0. A French victory
against Togo will send the South Koreans packing and hoping that the World Cup returns to Seoul sometime soon.

Togo v. France

With two unmotivated ties (the latest a 1-1 tie against South Korea) and facing the very real
possibility of not advancing, France has to be feeling the ghost of their 2002 World Cup tournament, where they not only failed to advance but never even found the net. Togo has no chance of advancing after falling 2-0 to the Swiss and theoretically shouldn't give France too much trouble. In fact, this is France's game to win, tie or lose. That shouldn't be too comforting to French supporters; France often arrives at decisions that are certainly not in their
favor. France pulls off a 2-1 victory which leaves more questions than answers.

Schneller, immer weiter (The games of 6.22.2006)

Czech Republic v. Italy

Italy is a top tier team that just doesn't look like it wants to win. Coming off their 1-1 tie with the US, Italy still sits atop Group E with 4 points. The Czech's are hungrier but trying to rebound after their shocking 2-0 loss to Ghana. Neither team wants to have to face Brazil in the first game of the second round. The action is wild in Group E with any team still able to qualify (or not qualify) for the next round. The Czech's are too banged up and their suspensions won't help them at all; Italy is content to sit on the pitch and won't take control either. With a US victory in the other game in Group E, a 2-2 tie puts both teams in the next round and gives the Czechs the unenviable position of facing Brazil.

Ghana v. USA

The Americans came up with a mixed result against Italy. A victory would've helped their cause more, but the Ghana upset of the Czech Republic still allows them a decent chance at advancement. Their ideal result in the remaining games would be a victory against Ghana and an Italian win against the Czechs. The USA looked much stronger against an Italian side that will eventually need to decide whether they want to constantly be crumbling to the pitch like wet tissue paper or stand up and play football. The first 20 minutes showed how much more prepared the Amis were against Italy; unfortunately the Azzurri struck first and, in a wild mix of action, the Italians then scored on themselves. The center referee Jorge Larrionda then appeared intent on ruinging the rest of the game for the 46K fans and the millions watching on TV. After a nasty elbow dished out to Brian McBride by De Rossi resulted in a warranted red card, the referee seemed intent on equaling the sides, showing red to Pablo Mastroeni after an ill-timed side tackle and then issuing a second yellow to Eddie Pope after a similar tackle. While these tackles were almost certainly fouls, they were hardly egregious or unsportsmanlike and the players hadn't even been issued a warning. However, they most certainly ruined the game. Perhaps this is expected from a referee that was banned from the last Cup for officiating irregularities but it's surprising that he was allowed on the pitch for any more games. This was clearly the most poorly officiated game of the tournament thus far and it's hard to imagine that FIFA couldn't find someone more qualified. The two goals scored in the first half would prove to be the only two goals of the game when a strike by Damarcus Beasley was called back due to offsides. The USA finally appeared aggressive, although their offense still left something to be desired. They will need it all against Ghana. Ghana will come into the contest riding high after upsetting the Czech Republic 2-0. However, they will have to stand without the goal scorers from the Czech match, Muntari and Gyan, after they accumulated a second yellow. A draw suits Ghana more than the US side but doesn't make their advancement certain; expect both teams to come out looking for a win. Key for the US will be setting the pace early like they did against Italy. The first team to score in this one will ride it all the way. It will be the USA coming out on top with a 2-1 victory and then they will rely on the Italians to get them into the second round. No matter who places second in Group E there will be little time for celebration as attention will immediately be needed to plan how to maneuvre around the Brazilians in the knockout round.

Japan v. Brazil

Brazil is coming off a 2-0 win against a suprisingly resilient Australian side. Japan stalemated against Croatia and walked off the pitch after the final whistle with a 0-0 tie. Expect Brazil to rest some key starters as they are almost certain to place 1st in Group F based on goal differential even if Australia wins against Croatia. Brazil's bench is still better than many of Japan's starters and Brazil continues in the tournament unscored upon in crusing to another 2-0 win against Japan. The Japanese are flying home after this one.

Croatia v. Australia

Croatia had a frustrating 0-0 tie against Japan and they need a win here if they want to advance. Australia came up with a late minute win against Japan and a 2-0 loss to Brazil which has them sitting nicely in second place in Group F. The Australians have surprised all but their most diehard fans with their stellar performance. However, Croatia puts it all on the line and comes away with an emotional 2-1 victory that vaults them into the second round.

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.

Ja, gut, aber... (The games of 6.20.2006)

Ecuador v. Germany

Germany struck late against Poland and pulled off an exciting 1-0 win against Poland. Ballack and co. looked strong the whole game and came frustratingly close to scoring on multiple occasions but couldn't find the back of the net. Germany was well-met by an underrated Poland side so the less-than-overwhelming win isn't as much of a concern, unlike other big name teams (hello England!) that have struggled early in the tournament. Ecaudor has turned out to be the snarling underdog and is sitting atop Group A (yes, even above Germany based on goal differential) after their 3-0 win against Costa Rica. Ecuador is a team that will continue to win if they can maintain their momentum. Even though their slot in the next round is guaranteed, expect them to throw it all against the Germans. They'll come up short in a 2-1 loss but go down swinging.

Costa Rica v. Poland

Poland's participation in the tournament has come to a frustratingly early exit as they succumbed to Germany in a 1-0 loss. Costa Rica is in the same situation after their 3-0 shelling courtesty of the rolling Ecaudor side. This is a game that matters only for fans of either side. Poland is the stronger team and will come away with a 2-0 win and something to build on in South Africa in 2010.

Sweden v. England

England is fresh off yet another unconvincing win (2-0) against yet another vastly overmatched squad. Without a goal line stand by Terry right before the halftime whistle, England would've gone into the locker room at halftime down 1-0. It took two strikes late in the second half to finally put the game away. Ericksson was forced to play his Rooney card, Owen was all but non-existant, and Lampard appeared to have something against someone 20 rows up behind the goal as that was where he continually blasted the ball. England supporters everywhere have to be concerned about how their team will perform in the knockout round. Sweden, on the other hand, appears to have improved their stock, if ever so slightly. While their advancement isn't a sure thing, it would take a big Sweden loss and a big TnT win to knock them out of the tournament. Sweden and England battle to a 1-1 tie and, rather than entering the knockout round with a big bang, enter it with a flat cola fizzle.

Paraguay v. Trinidad and Tobago

TnT have turned out to be the tournament darlings. With their inspiring 0-0 tie against Sweden and their spirited but unfortunate 2-0 loss to England, this is a team that is fun to watch. TnT is still in this tournament even if they don't have entire control over their own destiny. They will come out swinging against a Paraguayan side that has been statistically eliminated from advancement after a crushing 1-0 loss to the Swedes. Expect a 1-1 tie in this one; it won't be enough to advance TnT but it will be more than anyone had ever expected from this side.

Umleitung

Please be patient with FC Kummerspeck as we travel for an away game in Alaska against FC Soapy Smith