First Round analysis
South Africa vs. Mexico: High expectations greeted this opening day figure. The temperature was high and the game was as expected ; limited goals with both sides just trying to settle in. [5/10]
France vs. Uruguay: An extremely stale affair with neither side looking like they wanted to win the game. Both sat deep and seemed contempt with a point. [2/10]
South Korea vs. Greece: MISSED GAME
Argentina vs. Nigeria: MISSED GAME
England vs. USA: A game which had been built up for weeks and did indeed start very well. Perhaps one in which a goalkeeping error grabbed more headlines than the football on show. [6/10]
Algeria vs. Slovenia: Every World Cup has an absolutely shocking game, 2010's being this one. The football was poor. Both teams were very deep and the fact that the game produced a goal was a small miracle in itself. [1/10]
Serbia vs. Ghana: Again conformed to the mentality of sitting deep and hoping to sneak a goal through a set-piece. I felt that each team did make an effort to play some attractive stuff but the result was only changed by a needless handball. [5/10]
Germany vs. Australia: Much, much better. The German fast-paced wide football that we have come to expect did not disappoint. A very handsome scoreline which was deserved by the exciting football being performed. [7/10]
Holland vs. Denmark: The biggest disappointment of the first round. A game I was very much looking forwards to, as I’m sure many others were, however - to bloody disappointing results! The Dutch won the game 2 goals to the Dane’s nil, but that doesn’t excuse their sloppy and defensive approach. [4/10]
Japan vs. Cameroon: MISSED GAME
Italy vs. Paraguay: The Italian’s ageing squad shone brightly as Paraguay took an early lead. Good attacking play by Italy brought the score back to 1-1. An enjoyable game to witness. [6/10]
New Zealand vs. Slovakia: MISSED GAME
Ivory Coast vs. Portugal: Another shocking encounter which basically, shouldn’t have been the case. A game which boasted the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou promised so much, least of all - goals! A pathetic 0-0 result. [2/10]
Brazil vs. North Korea: Best game of the first round. Brazilian style football is always a joy to watch but N.Korea, a team many had expected to roll over, dug their heals in. The Koreans were quick to close down and always looked to move up the pitch and attack. An absolute delight to watch and a credit to The World Cup. [8/10]
Honduras vs. Chile: MISSED GAME
Spain vs. Switzerland: The biggest shock of the round. Spain played their usually game, stringing umpteen passes together before cracking a shot towards goal. Their football once described by Arsene Wenger as ‘Out of this world’ could not break down the determined Swedes however. A goal mouth scramble gave the Spanish a 0-1 defeat. [6/10]
