It was another snooze fest at the World Cup yesterday and not even the 'Samba Stars' with their glittering array of wizardry on show could spice up what I believe is the dullest opening to a World Cup Finals in my memory.
The day started with New Zealand taking on the Slovakians. The Slovaks controlled most of the game but failed to build on their opening goal scored by Vittek and were made to pay when Winston Reid wrote himself in New Zealand football folklore with just thirty seconds left on the clock and giving them a draw. Hard to see either of these teams figuring though if the Slovaks get their act together they could make the quarter finals.
What could have been a classic actually served up the first scoreless encounter of the tournament when Portugal played the Ivory Coast. The biggest footballing ego on the planet was on show but apart from an effort which smashed against the post Ronaldo slowly drifted out of the game alongside his team. Slowly the Ivory Coast came into the game and can count themselves a little unlucky not to come away with all three points at the end. Drogba made an appearance near the end will will please manager and everyone's favourite man whore, Sven Goran Erikson and both sides will feel they still have a chance to make the round of 16.
Next up was five times world champions Brazil and they had to work hard in order to post a 2-1 win over their North Korean counterparts. Goals from Maicon and Elano had the Brazilians cruising mid way through the second half and although a late goal from Yun Nam threatened to spoil the Brazilian party it was not to be for the North Korean minnows.
Today gives me a chance to look at my favourites for the World Cup, Spain. Underachievers they have always been but this current squad could have the armory to produce for the nation a long overdue success on the world stage. Today also brings a start to the second round of matches. All I can say is I damn well hope it's better than the first.
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