Chit Chat Bola: World Cup Edition

Where did the minnows go?

In between the thesis writing, eating and in general, living, I managed to catch two games today involving former (and reigning) World Champions and the minnows of the world football scene.

The afternoon game saw Brazil play Australia; on paper, a walkover for Brazil as they play an Australian side that had not made a World Cup appearance in recent times. The final result, 2-0 to Brazil, however, did Australia no justice as Brazil were made to huff-and-puff to secure their three points. Under the tutelage of Guus Hiddink, who steered South Korea to the semi finals in 2002, Australia mounted a fair challenge, and were unlucky not to get onto the scoresheet. Marco Bresciano, who plies his trade in Italy, impressed me immensely, as did defender Lucas Neill of Blackburn Rovers. The 6-0 Brazilian whitewashing (Brazilian waxing?) of Australia that I hoped for did not quite materialise.

South Korea, now managed by Dick Advocaat, played France in the second game. The French side were under heavy criticism for their recent performances. Looming over top Premiership striker Thierry Henry's head was the weight of the dearth of French goals in the World Cup - the last time a French player score in the World Cup finals was Emmanuel Petit, against Brazil in 1998.

When Henry finally did score, early on in the game, no less, one could hear the collective sigh of relief of the French World Cup squad... and the thought crossing the minds of every supporter of the French team: 'About feckin' time'. A clear goal by Patrick Viera, however, was ruled out. However, the French side were nothing if not overconfident, and instead of trying to secure their position with another goal, they seemed to strut on the pitch like vain peacocks. The Koreans were clearly outplayed, but with the lack of French desire to score, they decided to get in on the act. Park Ji Sung scored the equaliser, which seemed to shake the French awake from their slumber. But they failed to break the Koreans down, and face possible elimination in the first round - agan.

Impressive, I thought, were the Australians and the Koreans. One the back of a nine-man USA team holding European giants Italy yesterday, it becomes more and more clear that there are no such things as minnows in the World Cup anymore.

posted by Idlan @ 2:02 PM