JUNE 24 — This is the first time in five World Cups I have decided to stay at home, preferring to watch on Astro rather than brave the dangers of Brazil.
By the way, travelling in the region, I have to say, fans in Malaysia should be happy with Astro’s coverage.
There has been two rounds of matches and we now know who is going home. As a diehard England (and Manchester United) fan, I am sad England will be going home, albeit from a tough group containing three past world champions.
I had prayed and hoped Italy beat Costa Rica and then Uruguay, and England could have been the first team to progress to the second round after losing their first two matches.
To be fair, England have not played badly, especially when going forward. But for the first time in decades, their defence is nowhere near world class.
How I wish they had the mould of a (John) Terry-(Rio) Ferdinand central defence partnership. Strange that the two players that destroyed England’s and my dream are playing (Luis Suarez) or have played (Mario Balotelli) in the Premier League.
We have Holland, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica (unbelievable at the start of the World Cup), France, Argentina, and Belgium confirmed for the second round.
Italy face possible elimination as their match against Uruguay is a do-or-die affair for Uruguay, who need a win to progress. And Suarez has proven to be a match winner.
Four games have been outstanding — Holland’s 5-1 demolition of Spain, Germany’s 4-0 thrashing of Portugal, France’s supreme 5-2 victory against Switzerland and the last match yesterday, the pulsating 2-2 draw between USA and Portugal.
The first goal by Robin van Persie was a gem. The accuracy of the pass and the directed header will remain in many viewers’ minds as a wonder goal.
This is especially as Holland were 1-0 down to the 2010 world champions and Spain did have the better of the first half.
The matches have also shown the gap between countries have narrowed substantially and one may even say, is non-existent (Costa Rica and Iran come to mind).
Several teams have the necessary determination, skills, teamwork and managers to win. The mauling of Spain, Portugal and Switzerland showed Holland, Germany and France are strong contenders for the crown.
Belgium — the dark horses — can also make Europe proud.
From South America, Brazil and Argentina are pundits’ obvious picks for the Cup, especially Brazil, who are playing on home soil. The other South America team to impress is Chile, their 2-0 victory over Spain, undoubtedly the highlight of their campaign.
The number of goals scored so far has made this World Cup more entertaining than previous Finals. There has been three scoreless draws — Brazil-Mexico, Iran-Nigeria and Japan-Greece. And this was due primarily to the brilliance of the Mexican shot stopper and the good work from the Iranian goalkeeper!
Who else will advance is the million dollar question.
Group B is decided with Holland and Chile meeting to decide top spot while in Group A, Brazil and Mexico should advance (they played at 4am).
From Group C, Ivory Coast should beat Greece to join Colombia in the next round.
As for Group D, it is anybody’s call between Italy and Uruguay. Looking at Suarez’s form, he will be the answer to Uruguay’s prayers. Italy will play for a draw but I suspect Suarez will sneak it and Uruguay progress.
In Group E, Switzerland have a better chance of joining France as they play Honduras while Ecuador have to play France.
In Group F, Iran and Bosnia have proven difficult to beat. But their fates are out of their hands as Nigeria have four points and they are likely to finish runners-up to Argentina.
All four teams can still qualify from Group G, but Germany and USA are the favourites as a draw is sufficient to see both teams through. The Americans have really impressed as a team.
In Group H, Belgium have qualified but all the other three teams can join them as the second-placed team. Looking at the matches, I expect South Korea to lose to Belgium and Russia to beat Algeria in which case Russia will join Belgium.
So we will probably have Brazil and Mexico (Group A), Holland and Chile (Group B), Colombia and Ivory Coast (Group C), Costa Rica and Uruguay (Group D), France and Switzerland (Group E), Argentina and Nigeria (Group F), Germany and USA (Group G) and Belgium and Russia (Group H) in the second round.
* Datuk Siew Ka Wei is Redberry Group Managing Director and an ardent England and Manchester United fan.
** This is the personal opinion of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
