Thoughts on today

Game 1: New Zealand v. Slovakia, New Zealand wins 1-1.

Didn't pay too much attention to this one, neither team impressed.

Game 2: Ivory Coast 0, Portugal 0

I have been looking forward to this one and watched the game in its entiriety.

Game has some early electricty, and started off very chippy and never really settled. After an early Ronaldo screamer of the post neither side showed much offensively, although Ivory Coast had the better share of possesion. Around the 20 minute mark Ivory Coast began to show signs of life led by Kalou and Gervinho.

As the game started to get cooking, I felt the referee really sucked the life out with some touch fouls and three yellow cards. The Ivory Coast men really had it out for Christiano Ronaldo and accused him of diving several times. From the 25th minute Portugal really sat back and did almost nothing with the ball. They struggled at times to get it past midfield. Yaya Toure was dominant in the middle winning balls and intercepting passes.

Around the 35th minute I began to notice the pitch was detoriating. Players slipped a number of times and the ball seemed to bounce rather then slide on passes.

2nd Half:

Ivory Coast started out once again playing physical, but Portugal seemed to be pushing forward more then they had showed in the first half. At the 57th minute mark the game really opened up with both sides taking turns running the ball up and down the field.

Deco came of in the 61st minute without ever making an impact. It made me think of his time at Chelsea which never really got off the ground especially after the departure of Big Phil Scolari. Barcelona really did sell him off at the right time, they never missed a beat in the midfield with the likes of Xavi and Iniesta.

Drogba made an appearance in the 65th minute but did not have any meaningful touches until injury time when he had a chance on goal. He choose to cross rather then shoot but no one was in the middle.

Towards the end I thought the Ivory Coast began to look tired. The back four especially seemed worn down and no surprise given their size.

In the end it was a somewhat enjoyable game for a scoreless affair but I was expecting more. This World Cup could use some goals but it is natural for teams to be cautious in the opening match of any tournament.

Brazil 2, North Korea 1

Quick shots: Brazil were patient for much of the first half. They took a number of shots from outside the penalty area but never really threatened. I was really impressed by North, not only in their defense and organization but their passing going forward.

Robinho looked like the best player on the pitch, and the two Brazil goal were great(Maicons' goal was a shot). The lone North Korea goal was well taken but it was due to Brazil falling asleep in defense.