Argentina 1 - 0 Nigeria
England 1 - 1 United States
South Korea v Greece
A scrappy match that turned out to be far more interesting than one would be inclined to anticipate given the swaths of empty seats visible in the stadium. After an energetic start from Greece, a set goal by Lee Jung Soo turned the tide towards South Korea, who quickly emerged as the more resolute and able team. Representing Korea's better half, the South Koreans went on to show impressive skill, speed, accuracy and even some fancy footwork. Greece on the other hand expended all its energy on ball chasing, without a hint of strategy, increasing the odds against their ability to produce a goal. It was a shoddy performance by the Greeks that brings into question both their motivation and preparedness to compete for the World Cup.
Argentina v Nigeria
A lot of people participating in soccer pools have money riding on Argentina, a popular team whose powerhouse image rides as much on the coattails of soccer god Maradona, who now serves as team coach, as it does on any real playing ability. Today's performance against Nigeria reached an early climax in the 6th minute when Gabriel Heinze head-butted a side kick deep into the net. After that, neither side offered a spark of excitement. For Argentina, the game played out like 80 minutes of a burning-fuse without an explosion. The saddest part was that fans were denied the added enjoyment of charged reactions from camera-loving Diego Maradona, who watched intently from the sidelines like an anxious father.
England v United States
Guess what world, we DO know how to play soccer. For once, US fans had a real opportunity to scream and shout for the team, thanks to Clint Dempsey and a rascally ball that seemed to squirm like a greased pig out of the hands of British goalie Robert Green. It was a game-tying goal that is well-deserved. This year's US team is cohesive, focused and organized. A far more capable team than we've seen at previous World Cup performances, with a far more advanced understanding of the game. England's frustration was evident throughout the scrimmage in the second half, as was USA's determination.
Man, can this guy take a kick to the chest! Tim Howard, the US team's stalwart goalie, shook off what appeared to be an excruciating injury incurred as British forward Emile Heskey's cleated foot rammed into his chest during a goal attempt. It didn't seem possible but Howard played through the second half with the same ferocity as the first. Online reports say that he's been closely monitored, appears OK, and will be able to play in Friday's match against Slovenia.
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