Tuesday 18 May 2010

The World Cup so far : group stage ramblings

See - the World Cup is great!
As we entering into the second set of games in the group stages, both excitement and relief is taking over from impatience and apathy, at last. Frustrated appraisals such as, "the World Cup's shit“ and complaints of boredom are dwindling, and they're being replaced by renewed optimism. Do we all agree now that the World Cup's great? Good.
We now have open play and attacking football. The goals are flowing. And, significantly we have some welcome surprises on the cards. In their opening game, Spain reminded me of a peacock who would spend all day parading its pretty colours only to be shot in the head by a sniper. Or something. They blew it and in the process they demonstrated how important it is to take one's chances. Dilly dally at your peril, and so on.
The dark side of the World Cup is rearing its beautiful head. The form book has done little more than confirm what we already knew. Yeah, Spain, Germany and Argentina are good value for winning the World Cup yet Spain lost their opening game and, as I write, Germany have just lost 1-0 to Serbia. As well as Spain's group H, group D has turned on its head and is anyone's for the taking.
My faith in the World Cup was never in doubt and without reserve, I promise you it’ll only get better. As the nation prepares for England’s second game tonight (hopefully the team will be following suit) only a win will appease the naturally our critical nature. Fingers crossed.

ps. France look to be pretty much out of the tournament. Oh dear…

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