The World Cup is finally here. Every 4 years, countries get together and play a soccer tournament to figure out the world champion. It's no easy process, during the 4 years prior to that, countries set up their teams and then play regional tournaments to decide who makes it to the next world cup. This time, it takes place in Germany. Being a soccer fan since i was a kid, this is THE tournament to watch. It's where you cheer on your team (or teams) and pretty much put yourself and your pride behind each team.
I've been up at 6am every day since Friday, which is when this tournament started. Games are at either 6am, 9am, or 12pm, my time. I've been fortuante enough to be in a job that allows me to watch them. hell, we even have a partnership with them. Needless to say, i'm very excited to see the matches.
Now for some comments. I'll keep it short.
Germany: they started off their first game winning 4 - 2 against Costa Rica. Its been a long time since we've seen such a high scoring first game openner. They have a solid defensive team, with decent ball handling and little chance of errors. being the host team, you get a slight advantage in that you have the extra pride in your team. they'll get far, no doubt.
I missed the England vs Paraguay game, but i saw the end. Ive never been a fan of English soccer, since its dubbed "kick ball style". basically long passing and headers, not my style. but they are always strong, and will also get far. Paraguay should be doing well too.
I slept some of Trinidad & Tobago vs Sweden. but from the sounds of it, Sweden didnt live up to their standards. Trinidad pulled off a tie, and played a very well game, but they still have a lot to prove.
Serbia vs Netherlands: Netherlands is a team i really wanted to see in the world cup again. they had awesome players in 94 with great skills. sadly, they didnt prove to me that they have what it takes. maybe my hopes were still that they'd be as good as the previous team back in 94.
Mexico vs Iran. Iran played well, but Mexico stepped up and took the lead. I am cheering for Mexico because, well, I'm mexican. But honestly, they still need to prove themselves. They lack that intelligent play making ability right now. they greatly improved during the 2nd half. If they keep it up, they may have a chance to go far, but honestly... the other countries are so much stronger. but hey, everyone has a chance.
Angola vs Portugal. Angola held their own but fell apart toward the end. they lack a lot of skills and ball control. Portugal, i was very impressed with. every player had great ball control and passing. I really believe they will get far. so far the best team ive seen.
Australia vs Japan. This was the last game i saw (gonna watch the US vs Croatia game in a bit). Japan controlled most of the game and were up 1 - 0 for i'd say 80% of the match. unfortunately, they couldnt keep it together long enough and wound up losing 1 - 3, all in the last few minutes. Australia isnt a great team, they also lack some playmaking, but they pulled it off.
Winning your first game is crucial in this tournament. Winning one game and having a tie practically guarantees you going on to the next round. Two wins is a definite. hopefully the rest can do well. My notes so far are that Brazil and Czech Republic will have the strongest teams. I still need to see how France and Italy will do, since they are also power houses.
aaaaaaaaaaanyway....... time to go watch the US game. :)
