Talking About Match Day 3 and 4

Match day 3 was quite disappointing. To refresh your memory, the final scores were
Angola 0 Portugal 1
Mexico 3 Iran 1
S&M 0 Netherlands 1

I expected Portugal to put more goals past Angola, maybe 3-0, but they failed to even create clear-cut chances. In fact, Angola were the better side I feel, though their striking departments needs alot more help. I always liked watching African teams play. They play with freedom and flair. They can make strong runs, and are tough, and you don't see them rolling on the ground for half the game like those players of Europe. The Africans also like to take long-shots, which makes the game unpredictable. But having said that, they don't have the strength in depth to be able to cause real problems for tactical defenses. Ivory Coast is fortunate to have a player who can unlock such defences in Drogba, but for Angola last night, that factor was clearly missing.

I was tipping Iran to provide an upset victory, and it looked that way in the first half. But I guess after those two defensive errors in a row lead to Mexico's second goal, the Iranian's lost heart - or the Mexicans packed their defense - or both. A 3-1 score was probably unfair on them, but they had plenty of positives to take from that game.

S&M vs Netherlands was nothing short of disappointing. I expected more fight in such a game, unfortunately, it was all Netherlands. The Dutch players chased when they lost the ball, and pressuring even the defenses. I was very impressed with their closing down, allowing S&M to create very little. When the ball did break for them though, they had Metaja Kezman to screw it up for them. He collided into his striker partner twice, and miscontrolled half-chances on a couple of occassions. He was duly subbed off. Netherland's attack looked impressive though with Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy - from 3 of the top clubs in England - combining with deadly effect. Their movement was fantastic and with hard ball-winners like van Bommel and Cocu behind them, it give them plenty of freedom to attack.

Today's games will be interesting and much closer though.

I was looking forward to Australia playing, but I don't think they can overcome Japan. After watching their friendly matches, Japan looks a much better side than Australia. Although the Australian physical approach might put them off. The severe lack of height in the Japanese team might also work against them, they might lose the game because of that set-piece which they couldn't clear because of height. It would be a tough game to call, but I think it would end something like 1-1. The thing I'm quite certain of is that there will many Japanese players rolling on the ground for half the match.

USA vs Czech Rep will be an awesome game I think. It's offically 2nd vs 5th in the world. How on Earth they came about such rankings I have no idea, but no way are USA 5th in the world! Nevertheless, they ain't pushovers and they will make it tough for the Czech Rep. However, the Czech might prove to be too strong for the Americans. They have excellent dynamics to their attack with Rosicky and Nedved pulling the strings, and Baros and Koller up front, two very different players will test the American defence in adaptibility. I do see the Czechs taking out this game though maybe 2-0.

The final game of today is Italy vs Ghana. Though you proabably don't know a player from Ghana other than Michel Essien, they have a good chance of taking this match. The Italians are known to be predictable and also screwing up at big competitions. Though Ghana - like the other African teams - have this problem of having no good strikers to finish the game off. The score might end 0-0, but I wouldn't disregard a Ghanian upset!

I hope you all enjoy today's matches. And remember to tip your winners on this site!