The second round of matches in the World Cup brought more of an entertaining football spectacle as teams look to assert themselves in their groups. Pre-tournament favourites Argentina and Brazil comfortably won their matches against South Korea and Ivory Coast respectively to virtually seal their passage to the last 16. Holland have also looked reasonably assured, beating Japan, but the main talking point of the tournament so far is how the biggest European teams have struggled.
Despite Spain winning 2-0 over Hondouras on Monday through two David Villa strikes, his first a delicious curler into the far corner, they looked quite susceptible in defence and lacking potency in attack despite the slick passing style they play and boasting the two best strikers in the world, Villa and Fernando Torres. Nerves did come into play, especially coming under pressure from the defeat to Switzerland, and finding out that Chile, who had won the opening game, defeated the Swiss to leave Spain with the highly possible prospect of meeting Brazil in the last 16. I think the arrival of Cesc Fabregas gave Spain an attacking purpose against the Central American side and a willingness for a midfielder to get in behind opposition defence.
I am not the only one to be incredibly dissapointed with England's performance on Friday against Algeria. It was insepid, players showed little desire to take the game by the scruff of its neck, and England had Emile Heskey doing stepovers. He would be the last person you would think of capable of unlocking an opponent's defence, even Algeria. Fabio Capello is stubborn, no doubt about it. The Italian believes Heskey is key to the team to bring the best out of its key goalscorer, Wayne Rooney. But so far in these two games, there has been little sign that the two have been able to provide any threat.
His tactics and managerial preparation has also been called into question. I don't fully support his policy of naming his side two hours before a kick-off, even if it is a successful formula in his managerial career thus far. Players train for a few days not knowing whether they will be in the first 11 on matchday, when possibly concentrating on the opponent would claim more prudence in priorities. The media have spoken with regards to formation, and it does seem unanimous: a 4-4-1-1 system must be employed. The main concern is Gerrard has never played together with Rooney as an offensive partnership. It is a tough problem for Capello, as is the decision to deploy Joe Cole down the left flank in place of Gerrard, who was a major dissapointment against Algeria in the same role.
There was very little balance. I certainly got the impression of that when Gerrard slowly drifted infield as the match progressed. The system lacked potency - Ashley Cole was unable to maraud down the left as he was occupied with keeping Karim Ziani and the opposition right-back (his name escapes me) quiet, which he was unable to do, not entirely his fault but more so the system. The decision to reinstate James into the starting line-up was also bold, but to the detriment of Robert Green's England career. That had to have mentally ruined the West Ham goalkeeper. I just hope there will few clangers at Upton Park this coming season. Not that he or West Ham fans should be thinking of that, England still have to get out of the group.
Slovenia should be an easy test. England beat the Balkan nation 2-1 last year in an unconvincing fashion at Wembley. I think the players and fans hope for a repeat, even if the performance is dire, England must win to keep their World Cup ambitions alive for at least another few days.
France have absolutely crumbled in this tournament. Reports of player unrest in the French camp, with the fitness coach having an altercation with captain Patrice Evra disintegrating French spirit. These astonishing chain of events happened long before France jetted off to South Africa. Manager Raymond Domenech has been criticised by the French press for being incredibly stubborn, narrow-minded and for not instilling confidence and unity in the French contingent. All of the unsettling air in the camp came to a crescendo at half-time when France were held 0-0 at half-time against Mexico when Nicolas Anelka reportedly verbally insulted Domenech. The striker did not return to the pitch in the second half, and eventually capitulated to a 2-0 defeat. Domenech was seen standing against the dugout, looking as if he was not bothered about enocouraging his players. A shambolic performance capped by a shockingly awful manager, irrespective of their finalist appearance at the 2006 World Cup.
Portugal smashed seven past a tired North Korean side evidently lacking in attacking quality. Despite the North Korean's work ethic, they were gradually undone by the class of Portugal's midfield and Cristiano Ronaldo, who cut a subdued figure for most of the first half where Portugal left the period only one goal in front.
Holland virtually confirmed their spot in the second round with an unconvincing win over Japan. Wesley Sneijder broke the deadlock in the 55th minute lashed a powerful right-foot shot that only keeper Elji Kawashima could only deflect into the net when well placed to make a save.
The European teams haven't fared well, and it seems that the Asian and South Americans teams are beginning to find their feet in this tournament. Let see if things take a turn for the unexpected in the final round of games.
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