By Kenneth Tan/Red Sports
Day Six presided over a couple of shocks with reigning European champions Spain somehow falling to Switzerland 0-1, while hosts South Africa were thrashed 3-0 by Uruguay. Meanwhile, Chile edged past minnows Honduras 1-0 to win their first World Cup match in 48 years.
Let’s move on to Day Seven where big guns Argentina and France will be in action against South Korea and Mexico respectively. Meanwhile, Euro 2004 winners Greece will take on Nigeria.
The match between Argentina and South Korea promises to be a tantalizing clash between South American guile and Asian steel, with the action not only limited on pitch as Diego Maradona will have old scores to settle with Huh Jung-Moo.
Will Argentina’s individual brilliance outclass the Koreans? Or will the Taegeuk Warriors shock the footballing world with their strong team play?
France and Mexico will look to capitalise on South Africa’s collapse yesterday to achieve a win that will see them go into the crucial second position in Group A.
Will Franck Ribery recapture his form that he has displayed for his club Bayern Munich? Or will Mexico’s three-pronged strikeforce of Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez and Giovanni Dos Santos prove too hot to handle?
Greece and Nigeria will be a clash between contrasting styles – strong defensive mentality versus fast attacking football.
Will Greece recapture the form that won them the Euro 2004 title? Or will the Obafemi Martins-led Nigerian strikeforce shoot them down?
Our pundits Parvesh Dhillon and Alfred Ali look ahead to the various clashes.
Parvesh Dhillon of VJC. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Alfred Ali of VJC. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Argentina vs South Korea
Alfred Says: 1-0 to Argentina
It’s the clash of the top two in Group B. After winning their respective opening matches, both teams will look to continue their form. Lionel Messi has shown that he can produce his club form for his nation with his menacing display against Nigeria. The South Koreans are beaming with Asian pride after beating Greece 2-0.
Argentina’s Juan Sebastian Veron is expected to miss the match through an injury with Liverpool’s Maxi Rodriguez ready to replace him. South Korea could welcome back striker Lee Dong-Gook following a thigh injury and will possibly adopt a more conservative shape against the Argentines.
However, in their game against Greece, Huh Jung-Moo’s men demonstrated why they are Asia’s finest side with a positive, controlled and cultured performance. The iconic Park Ji-Sung scored a memorable goal, and more magic will be required if South Korea are to cling on to top spot.
The score line would depend on Argentina’s performance. Do not expect a rout by any means as South Korea are a fine side. South Korea seems capable of holding Argentina to a draw. However, with Messi in such fine form, almost nothing can stop this wonderkid from wrecking havoc. It will be a tight match and a minor shock could be on the cards.
Man to Watch (Argentina): Lionel Messi
After a great performance marred by the absence of a goal in the first match, his country will be relying on him to supply the goals. His sensational runs allow him to weave past defenders with such ease that the opponents have no idea what hit them. His teamwork and understanding with fellow strikers Higuain and Tevez makes them capable of terrorising any defense in the world.
Man to Watch (South Korea): Park Ji-Sung
It would be none other than their iconic captain Park Ji-Sung who scored a memorable goal against Greece. More magic will be required from him if South Korea are to cling on to top spot. His energy would once again be necessary to cause another upset in the World Cup.
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Greece vs Nigeria
Alfred Says: 2-0 to Nigeria
After a lacklustre performance by Greece against the Koreans, coach Otto Rehhagel will be busy tinkering with his tactics. Greece’s inability to find any way to penetrate South Korea’s defense has to be rectified if they are to score and win this match.
Nigeria have performed well in their first match against Argentina, especially goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama whose heroic displays stopped Messi from causing trouble and saved Nigeria the humiliation. Young central midfielder Haruna would hope to repeat his fine performance from the game against Argentina where he destroyed Argentina’s attack numerous times,
Nerves will be jangling as both teams know that another defeat could be enough to bring an early end to their World Cup campaign. However, I’d say that Nigeria have the slightest edge over their opponents after falling to Argentina by only a goal. Therefore, I think that Nigeria will take this match 2-0, spelling the end of Greece’s campaign.
Man to Watch (Greece): Giorgos Karagounis
Even though he was ineffective in the game against South Korea, the Greeks will look to the experienced midfielder for inspiration. His free-kick abilities would be a prized asset for Greece’s set-pieces and he will be keen not to repeat his nightmare performance against South Korea after being taken out at half-time.
Man to Watch (Nigeria): Obafemi Martins
He was impressive from the moment he entered the match against Argentina. The Wolfsburg man will be a real threat to Greece with his pace, direct style and good finishing abilities.
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France vs Mexico
Parvesh Says: 2-1 to Mexico
I expect the Mexicans to win. The French looked very lacklustre and were unconvincing in their 0-0 draw against Uruguay.
Both teams will also want to be level on points with Uruguay after they beat hosts South Africa yesterday. The Mexicans will undoubtedly be encouraged after they came back from a goal down to force a draw with South Africa and honestly, I don’t see France overcoming this motivated Mexican side.
France are still experimenting with their 4-3-3 formation and I doubt Raymond Domenech can conjure anything to inspire his team. Hopefully, the likes of Florent Malouda, Franck Ribery and Gourcuff get their act together and make things happen for the French.
Man to Watch (France): Florent Malouda
The Chelsea midfielder was left out of the starting XI against Uruguay and I hope for both France’s and Domenech’s sake, he starts against Mexico because this guy is brilliant when he’s on form.
Man to Watch (Mexico): Giovanni Dos Santos
The attacking flair of Mexican midfielder Giovanni Dos Santos will be a threat to the French backline and can definitely make things happen. If he can reproduce another solid performance like the one against South Africa, he will have a huge say in the outcome of this game.
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| GROUP A | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
URUGUAY  | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
MEXICO  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 |
SOUTH AFRICA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 4 |
FRANCE  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 1 |
| GROUP B | P | W | D | L | F | A | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ARGENTINA  | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 9 |
SOUTH KOREA  | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
GREECE  | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 3 |
NIGERIA  | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 1 |
For the World Cup fixtures list with Singapore broadcast timings as well as group tables and the list of CCs with free screenings, go to: http://redsports.sg/2010-world-cup-fixtures-groups/
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