So, the World Cup has started, and with the day’s action over, I shall review todays results.

Germany vs Costa Rica (Match Report)
Aside from the Germans impressive starting and ending goals, I have to say that they looked pretty ordinary, and their defence was dire at times. Lahm’s opening strike was a beauty, as was Frings goal, both showing why goalkeepers will hate the new ball, but it bodes well for players like Lampard and Gerrard. The two Costa Rican goals were executed beautifully, however the german defence was lacking on both occasions, and they were nearly undone several more times. Podolski looked like an adequate replacement for Ballack, although how Klinsmann will accomodate his star man in their next match vs Poland is an interesting quandary. At times Costa Rica looked pretty good, but they were unable to cope with balls played into the box at times, and Klose exploited this fact twice. In conclusion, I thought it was an excellent start to the World Cup, and although the Germans look good attacking, their defence will struggle.

Poland vs Ecuador (Match Report)
Another great result for Ecuador, following on from their win vs Croatia in the last World Cup, Poland performed dreadfully IMO, failing to really deliver any final balls, and at times players seemed to be tackling each other. Both goals were taken well by the Ecuadorians who again have shown that they should not be considered lightly, especially as at times they showed some impressive defensive qualities.

Overall I don’t think we have seen a side that is capable of winning the tournament, and judging by the poles performance my predictions of them reaching the knockout stages could be far fetched, making the Costa Rica vs Ecuador match very important.

Posted on Friday, June 9th, 2006 at 10:02 pm.
Filed under Football, Reports, Sport, World Cup.
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