We've Now Seen 'em All!

Finally, the first round of matches in all the groups are over. We’ve seen all the 32 teams in action once. (In fact, we’ve now seen Germany and Poland twice, and already Poland are almost out of the cup, unless Costa Rica beats Ecuador.) Here’s what happened in Groups E, F, G and H –

Group E –

Group E began with the Czech Republic’s game against the United States. The Americans were supposed to give the Czech a run for their money. In reality, The Czechs produced an awesome display of power and skill to batter the Americans into stunned submission. There was something simple, old-fashioned and wonderful about the first goal – a cross from the wing – a firm header from a giant centre forward, Jan Koller – 1-0. Then Koller’s Dortmund club-mate Tomas Rosicky produced two beauties either side of half-time to seal the issue. For once the American’s had to feel the effect of carpet-bombing, while the Czechs rung a warning bell for the other favourites.

The next match was even better, perhaps, with Ghana surprising Italy with their speed, strength and control. However, Italy replied with no mean spirit, and skill, and won the match with goals from midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta, one in each half. With the win, Italy, too, signalled better things in future matches, while Ghana are going to be more than a handful in their remaining games.

Group F –

This group was kicked off by Japan and Australia, two teams unlikely to go too far in the World Cup, or so the experts think. Australia dominated the first half, but Japan took the lead through a most controversial goal by Celtic’s Shunsuke Nakamura. As the second half progressed, it looked as though that with all Australia’s huffing and puffing, Japan would hold on. In fact, the East Asians lost a couple of golden opportunities to increase their lead. Then with about six minutes of normal time remaining, Australia hit back, and how! Substitute Tim Cahill struck two mighty blows and another sub, John Aloisi nailed the coffin. In typical Australian fashion, the men from Down Under had turned impending defeat into emphatic victory within minutes. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Brazil, the defending champions and the firm favourites, started against Croatia. The Croats weren’t overawed, and produced some fine passing and hard running to worry the Brazil defence from time to time. However, Brazil always threatened to produce some magic, and Stipe Pletikosa produced two splendid saves. Then the influential Croat captain Niko Kovac had to be replaced owing to injury. Three minutes later Kaka produced a magnificent goal to give Brazil the lead. In the second half, the Croats came on strongly and harried Brazil to no small degree. However, the goal was not to be found, and Brazil survived to achieve their eighth straight win in World Cup finals.

Group G –

South Korea, semi finalists in the last World Cup, started Group G against Togo, who were going through their own problems. The Koreans were expected to win with comfort, but it was Togo who took the lead in the first half through Mohammad Kader. The Togolese really impressed with their flair and confidence, and the Koreans looked worried. Then in the second half the Togo captain Jean-Paul Abalo was sent off, perhaps unjustly, and the Koreans sniffed a chance. Lee Chun Soo equalised superbly from a free kick, and the substitute Ahn Jung Hwan won the game with another brilliant strike.

In the next Group G match, France and Switzerland played the second goal-less draw of the tournament. After failing to score a single goal in 2002, France dismayed their supporters once again with their inept finishing. Zinedine Zidane looked in wonderful form in midfield, but the support up front was miserable. Switzerland had their moments, but were satisfied with a point in the end. They looked a well organised team, and might even have won the match with a bit more enterprise. France's ageing team, however, needs to do a lot more to leave a mark on this competition.

Group H –

The last group was kicked off by Spain and Ukraine. This was expected to be a close match, but Spain shocked the first-timers with two early goals. Their two young strikers, David Villa and Fernando Torres troubled the Ukranian defence time and again. Xabi Alonso started the scoring after a corner, then Villa scored from a free-kick. Villa added a second in the latter half, from the first penalty of the competition before Torres completed a 4-0 rout. Spain, the perennial under-achievers, have laid down the gauntlet.

In the second match, Saudi Arabia and Tunisia played an exciting 2-2 draw. Tunisia led 1-0 in the first half with a goal from Zied Jaziri. The Saudis came out strongly after the lemon break. Their young striker Yasser Al Kahtani finished a splendid move to equalise. Then veteran substitute Sami Al Jaber scored coolly to take the Saudis ahead. This was history of sorts – Al Jaber thus became one of the few players in the world to score in three different World Cups. He had earlier scored in 1994 and 1998, missing out in 2002 when Saudi Arabia, like France, failed to score a single goal. Tunisia’s goalkeeper Ali Boumnijel became one of the oldest World Cup players. He is now 40 years and two months old.

So, we have now seen all the teams on display. We’ve had lots of exciting football already, with the promise of a lot more.