Sunday June 13th, 2010 (Montreal, Quebec) The World Cup is off to an electrifying start after Groups A through D played their first round of matches this past weekend.
Group A
South Africa 1 – Mexico 1
Host nation South Africa had a tough test versus an in-form Mexican squad. Considered the under dogs of Group A, South Africa used the fans enthusiasm to play an excellent opening game of the World Cup. South Africa scored first ten minutes into the second half only to have Mexico tie the game in the 79th minute. South Africa had a chance to take all three points in injury time but they were denied by the goaltender’s best friend: the post.
Uruguay 0 – France 0
A match which saw very little emotion or action from both teams ended in a deserved scoreless draw. World Cup finalists four years ago France had a very poor performance and will need to make some adjustments if they intend to make it out of this group.
Next Matches
June 16th – South Africa vs. Uruguay
June 17th – France vs. Mexico
Group B
Argentina 1 – Nigeria 0
World Cup favourites Argentina took the first game in Group B against a very tough to beat Nigerian team. Argentina were able to put one ball past an inspired Nigerian keeper. Heinze headed the ball in off of a corner kick early in the game. Messi and Higuain had several chances to double the lead during the game but Nigerian goalkeeper Enyeama made several outstanding saves to keep his side in the game. In the end Nigeria could not muster up any offence and settled for the 1 – 0 loss.
Korea Republic 2 – Greece 0
Korea dominated this match from start to finish and took all three points versus a very weak Greek squad. The 2004 European Champions were not able to do much against a dominating Korean squad. Korea scored early in the first half and early in the second off to put the game out of reach. They had several opportunities to score a third goal but Greek goalkeeper Tzorvas did his best to keep the score line respectable.
Next Matches
June 17th – Greece vs. Nigeria
June 17th – Argentina vs. Korea Republic
Group C
England 1 – USA 1
England had a great start to the match scoring four minutes in. Heskey sent a through ball to Gerrard who put it past a helpless Tim Howard. This awful start to the match could have been USA’s downfall until the unthinkable happened. A weak shot by Clint Dempsey found the back of the net and tied the game after England’s keeper Robert Green fumbled the ball into the back of his net. That seemed to take all the gas out of England as they were not able to regain the lead after that terrible mistake. USA played a solid match and deserved a draw versus powerhouse England.
Slovenia 1 – Algeria 0
It was a historic win for Slovenia in the opening game of Group C. The first ever World Cup win for Slovenia as they beat 10-man Algeria. Algeria was reduced to 10 men after striker Ghezzal received his second yellow card in the 73rd minute. In the 79th minute Koren took a weak shot which fooled Algerian goalkeeper and was enough to take all three points and take control of Group C.
Next Matches
June 18th – Slovenia vs. USA
June 18th – England vs. Algeria
Group D
Ghana 1 – Serbia 0
Ghana took all three points after a late penalty was awarded for a hand ball in the area. Gyan stepped up and put the shot passed the Serbian keeper. Serbia were reduced to 10 men after Lukovic received his second bookable offence in the 74th minute.
Germany 4 – Australia 0
Germany dominated the match start to finish and easily put away Australia in the first game of Group D. Podolski and Klose scored in the first half while Muller and Cacau scored two minutes apart in the second half. Germany looked in great form today and will look to keep that going against Serbia in their second game.
Next Matches
June 18th – Germany vs. Serbia
June 19th – Ghana vs. Australia
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