World Cup Day 2

England 1 – Paraguay 0 (Group B)

England got off to a fast track start scoring in the first 5 minutes on an own goal by Carlos Gamarra. Paraguay’s goalie got injured and had to come off. So it appeared that the table was set for an England feast right ? Well even though England dominated this game that early goal was the only one they ever got. In a tournament where goal differential is key, that could come back to haunt them.

More importantly, England didn’t show a killer instinct when they had Paraguay down. In the last fifteen minutes they seemed content with simply possessing the ball and didn’t aggressively attack an aging Paraguay team that could simply not do a thing against the English defense. England had some nice buildups in the second half with their best play coming in the 74th minute on a beautiful buildup as they swung the ball from one side to another and culminated with a Lampard shot that the Guarani keeper had to deflect over the bar.

England better hope Rooney can get back quickly because although their defense and midfield played very well, their strike force of Crouch and Owen I don’t think can threaten the big fish in this tournament.

Argentina 2 – Ivory Coast 0 (Group C)

This game featured a flying start from Ivory Coast, who played extremely well, with great speed and agility, in the first 15 and last 10 minutes of the game. Dressed in bright orange, they resembled the Dutch team, not only in looks but in style. Drogba scored in the 82nd minute to make it a game but they couldn’t find the equalizer. Unfortunately for the Ivory Coast, Argentina played magnificently in between, scoring two goals on assists by their brilliant midfielder Riquelme.

On the first goal, Riquelme took a corner kick which caused some confusion in the box. Crespo, perhaps the world’s best predatory striker, scored on a kind of flying half volley to open the scoreboard. In the 38th minute, Riquelme once again slotted through a perfectly weighed ball to Saviola, who neatly toe-kicked it pass the Ivory Coast keeper.

Argentina remained firmly in control of this match until the final 10 minutes. Code d’Ivoire scored on a goal in which their speed and athleticism was in full exhibit. The play started with a piercing run on the left of the 18 yard box. With great speed, the winger crossed the ball back to the other side, where another run and cross found Drogba, who using some very fancy footwork put it in the back of the net. Ivory Coast couldn’t get the equalizer despite applying heavy pressure.

Overall Argentina has to be very happy with a positive result playing without was is undoubtedly their best young player Messi in what is also undoubtedly the Group of Death of this Cup