World Cup Day 8: More Upsets and English Disappointment

Disappointment from Rooney

While some teams did disappoint on match day 8, the overall the entertainment value was as high as ever for the FIFA World Cup. Germany suffered a disappointing loss at the hands of the Serbians, while the Americans mounted a massive comeback that almost saw them take home a 3-2 victory after being down 2-0. And last but not least the English, oh the English – they drew a 30th ranked Algerian team. What was that Wayne Rooney? Guaranteed win…I think not.

Game #1 Germany 0 vs. Serbia 1

The early game saw yet another huge disappointment from a top 10-ranked team. That’s right – Spain, France and Germany have all conceded defeat to lower ranked teams. The tipping point for the Germans came in the 37th minute after Miroslav Klose received his second yellow card of the game, which resulted in his automatic ejection from the match. Not one minute after he was thrown out, Serbia took advantage and scored. I guess it shows how much the Germans really rely on Klose, especially considering Lukas Podolski missed a penalty kick in the 60th minute.

In my opinion, this loss can be pinned solely on Klose. After receiving his first booking, the German striker should have had the piece of mind to say “OK. Maybe I won’t play the ball as hard as I normally would”. You would think a player of his stature and experience would think otherwise. But then again who ever said athletes were smart.

Regardless of my opinions over the mental fortitude of Miroslav Klose, the Germans will be hard-pressed to win let alone make it out of the group stages. They face their toughest opponent in Ghana. Should be exciting. Everyone does love an underdog.

Game #2 USA 2 vs. Slovenia 2

The one thing that I do have to say about this game is that I feel sorry for those American fans who shut off their TVs after the Slovenians jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half. They missed quite a comeback by their compatriots.

Let’s fastfoward to the second half, where the Americans are down 2-0 and Landon Donovan is streaking down the left flank for the American side. Now Donovan had a pretty good season in England yet was a ghost in the first World Cup game; so to say the pressure was on his shoulders is an understatement. So with Donovan coming down the flank, he lets a bullet of a shot go right at the goalie. The ball was like a heat seeking missle aimed right at the top corner of the net. The goalie had no chance. Suffice to say the comeback was on. The Americans ended up scoring the tying goal and even scored the go-ahead goal before it was called off due to pushing in the box.

For a World Cup match between the USA and Slovenia, you couldn’t have asked for more. You had a copious amount of goals, some nice set plays and an improbable comeback. All in all, well worth the price of admission.

Game #3 England 0 vs. Algeria 0

What could be said about this game? I could talk about the lack of creation through the middle of the field for the English. I could even question the decision to leave Rooney to create his own chances up front. But what it comes down to is not what the English couldn’t do, it’s what the Algerians did. They played a solid game that was based on steady defensive coverage and an overall team mentality.

It’s funny how the 2010 World Cup has shown that solid talent doesn’t always beat a solid system. While we won’t know how this World Cup will end, it has surely taught us a thing or two about wasted talent.

On Day 8, look for the Netherlands to extend their lead over Group E. Also the Black Stars of Ghana look to take control of Group F in their second match against Australia.

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