Since there's no post for now as we are still in the semester break, which will be finishing soon, allow me to write something on the World Cup 2010.
To date, 56 matches have been completed. From 32 countries to 16 countries and now to 8 finalists. The two main surprises that hit this World Cup were the defeats of France and Italy. No one would have expected this to happen - France being the champs in 1998 and Italy in 2006. It is known that France team has some internal misunderstandings which lead to the defeat. But how Italy get into that position too? I have no idea. It can be the influence of overconfidence. Italy going off in the first round was a big loss. Both France and Italy teams came down to the last standing in their respective groups.
It can be clearly seen that most Malaysians support Brazil and England. England, being the origin of world class football, shows some difficulties in their own England team. A lot of stars in their team, but still fails to proceed to top 8. Germany, on the other hand, looks strong with their brand new players and with some experienced ones. The difference between these two teams - one likes to play as individual, the other plays as a team. That makes a lot of difference. Holland and Spain still yet to show their real skills and it was unfortunate for Portugal to meet Spain in round 16.
Now, we go to African teams. South Africa found it hard to proceed to next round due to the red card issuance to their main goalkeeper. It's a big risk of not allowing the main goalkeeper to play in any matches. Ivory Coast initially looks good when they draw with Portugal, but the main drama happens during the match with Brazil, when one of the Brazil player was awarded red card due to an Emmy Award acting by an Ivory Coast player. As you can see, it was also the desperate minute for them to enter the next round. Maybe they were 'too' desperate. Ghana, on the other hand, is still having lucks since they don't have to play with the 'giants' yet. Cameroon was confirmed eliminated when they lost in the second game during the group match. A few years ago, Cameroon was one of the well played African football team in the World Cups, except in the year 1994 where they were defeated 6-0 by Russia.
Asian was not bad in this World Cup with a lot of improvements, especially Japan. South Korea and Japan managed to enter the top 16. Japan was the final Asian country to be eliminated from World Cup. I would say that Japan did play well indeed. Losing with penalty kicks with Paraguay was an unlucky defeat. I could see the tears flowing profusely from the players, fans and their coach. They really want to win the game. But their future will be different. Some of Japanese and South Korean players might have the chance to play for some prestigious clubs soon. This will indirectly change the standards of football in their country. Who knows, they could be the top 8 in the next World Cup!!
South American teams? I have nothing to say, they are just too good. Good luck for Europe vs South American matches - Brazil vs. Holland and Argentina vs. Germany. As the octopus says, Germany may win the match. :)
That's all from me...
XOXO.
