I don’t usually like the style in which the Germans play their football. Add to that - (a) they were playing against a weak Costa Rica team and (b) the poor ESPN-Star preview for the World Cup, I was deflated soon after I switched on the TV set. Harsha Bhogle is a good cricket presentor but why bring him to football. The commentator for the opening game was also pretty drab - the player looks up in the blue sky as he scores.

There was gloom given the history of low scoring dull matches we have seen for inaugral matches for the world cup historically - only 9 goals in the previous 10 matches. The six goals in the opening match then, exceeded my expectations. Germany were playing more attacking football than they usually do, Wanchope provided excitement for Costa Rica. I did not like the game as much despite the many goals. However, given my early deflated spirit, I was more than happy with match 1. The big pointer from game 1 was this though - Germany let weak Costa Rica score twice. The German defense was shown up in this match and it is a big worry for them for the tougher matches in the second round.

The second match for the day proved brilliant. It is, in all likelihood, the most crucial encounter for the group with the winner, in all possibility, advancing as the second team along with Germany. The opening 20 minutes or so saw Poland dominate attack. However, Ecuador kept pushing and thwarting the Polish attacks physically if there was even an hint of the Polish coming near the Ecuador box. Then, Ecuador scored. The match changed significantly from then on with Ecuador playing one touch football and being the team which kept attacking. They could have scored 2 more goals during a short period had the strikes materialised. The first half, thus, can be split into two.

The second half saw Ecuador continuing to play their strategic football - attack when you can but make sure that nothing comes near the box for possible goals. Poland were frustrated. There were either stopped at midfield or by the strong Ecuador defense. The Ecuador goal keeper hardly needed to defend any thing. Then, Ecuador scored again for a 2-0 lead in the 80th minute courtesy Delgado. In the period between then and the final whistle, Poland had three chances - two of which hit the pole. The question which can be asked - why could the Poland surge not have come earlier?

Regardless, it wasn’t Poland’s night and quite a few Polish fans will be crying tonight. In Ecuador though, there is celebration like never before. This is the first time Ecuador has won 2-0 in a world cup match, in only their second victory in their history. More significantly, it is a victory which is likely to propel them to round to. The biggest victory ever in Ecuador football history has just taken place. A big step has been taken.

It has been a perfect first day from the world cup and I couldn’t have asked for more!

From yesterday’s predictions, I got one game right, at least in regards to which team will win, and one wrong. However, none of you guys got both games right either. ;)

Day 2 Predictions

England 2 Paraguay 1

England should be good enough to manage Paraguay. A super Steven Gerrard among the two scored by England.

T and T 0 Sweden 2

T and T aren’t very strong and Sweden shouldn’t really have a problem with them.

Argentina 3 Ivory Coast 1

This promises to be a cracker in the first match in the group of death. People are expecting Argentina to show weakness. I am expecting them to make a statement.

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