Koreans do Asia proud

France 1 – T Henry (9)
S Korea 1 - Park Ji-sung (80)

Well done South Korea. They never gave up and ended up with a draw with 1998 champions France. In fact, in the last few minutes the Koreans looked like increasing the score and winning the match. Unfortunately it was not to be but now the Koreans lead Group G with four points. A draw with Switzerland in the last game should be enough to see them through to the second round.

As for France, why didn’t they play attacking football when they were already leading? It looked as though they were only riled up for action after the Korean goal. Now, with only two points from two games, France increasingly looks dangerous of missing out of the second round all together in the second successive tournament.

Anyway, the good news for France is that they have finally scored a goal in the World Cup after almost eight years – the last they scored was in the final victory over Brazil in 1998. But they still remain without a World Cup win since that day!

Today things looked as though they will change with Thierry Henry giving them the perfect early start. They then went on to dominate the game, pushing the Koreans back to their half, but without making any real inroads.

The Koreans had their chances but the best of the lot came 10 minutes from time, thanks to some sloppy French defending. From the French point of view, it was a soft goal to give.

Forget Ronaldo, bring on Robinho

Brazil 2 – L Adriano (49), C Fred (90)
Australia 0

The lesson for the defending world champions is that they should start with Robinho. Brazil only started playing after the young striker was brought on to replace the off-form Ronaldo in the 72nd minute.

To his credit though, Ronaldo tried harder today than his team’s opening match. He ran more, had a shot or two at goal and even assisted Adriano for the first goal. But he is not as sharp as he should be. This was clearly evident when he air kicked a good goal-scoring opportunity.

Australia gave a good fight and created many chances. They too had some clear-cut opportunities, with Kewell being the biggest culprit. And they were hard on the heels of the Brazilians, not allowing them to play their usual flair football.

However I thought Brazil was defensively strong. They withstood all Aussie pressure. I enjoyed watching the central defenders Juan (in pix, on the ground) and Lucio play their way out of trouble.

But the player most impressed me today was not one of the special quartet. Midfielder Ze Roberto, for me, was the vital clog in their play. He tidied up, he created chances and he defended too. (In pix, with jersey no 11)

Brazil has now gone nine games unbeaten in the World Cup and will look to add to that against Japan next week, with Robinho in the side I hope.

A frustrating game to watch

Japan 0
Croatia 0

For me, this is a game to be forgotten soon. Nothing happened in this game that is worth remembering, except for the penalty save by the Japanese keeper.

This goalless draw did not do much to help either side's hopes of progression.

Croatia will be happier with the point with Australia to come next, while Japan face the awesome task of having to beat Brazil to stand a chance of qualifying from Group F.