Day seven, 17/06
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Argentina vs South Korea 4-1
Quote:
Argentina secured top spot in World Cup Group B courtesy of a 4-1 victory over South Korea in Johannesburg.
It took an unfortunate own goal from Park Chu-young to give Argentina the lead, and with the momentum, Gonzalo Higuain soon made it two. For periods of the first half, Argentina played some wonderful football and would have fully deserved their two-goal advantage at the interval, only for Martin Demichelis to make a huge error, allowing Lee Chung-yong to reduce the arrears. Largely unflustered, Argentina countered their exposed opponents late in the day, with Higuain rounding off two fluid moves.
Goal.com
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Argentina played a great match, however, it's still too early to rate the team (look at Germany). The own goal opened the match and made it very easy for Argentina.
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Greece vs Nigeria 2-1
Quote:
Greece made Nigeria pay for the sending off of Sani Kaita by clinching a 2-1 win, leaving the Super Eagles on the verge of World Cup elimination.
Kalu Uche's free kick put Nigeria ahead, but after Kaita's red card for a kick on Vasilis Torosidis, Dimitrios Salpingidis equalised. Torosidis then rubbed salt in Kaita's wounds by striking a 71st minute winner.
Goal.com
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Keita will never forget what he did for his country! Nigeria had the chance to get back in this tournament and because of a moment of craziness anger they are knocked out of the competition, really sad!. I didn't read much news about Keita violent attack but the moment I saw it; I thought the Greek must have told him something, unbelievable kick.
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France vs Mexico 0-2
Quote:
France stand on the brink of World Cup elimination after being defeated 2-0 by Mexico.
Both teams showed enterprise in the opening half of the game, but Mexico looked the likelier side to strike prior to the break. El Tri did find the net midway through the second period with substitute Javier Hernandez registering the opening goal. Cuauhtemoc Blanco then hammered a second nail into the France coffin to give the Mexicans a famous victory.
Goal.com
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Outstanding performance from Mexico, they really deserve to win it. France, no comment; a 'fresh team' is needed.
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Day 8, 18/06
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Serbia vs Germany 1-0
Quote:
Germany were one of the best performers in the first round of group matches, handily dispatching Australia 4-0, the only side to score more than two goals in a game in the opening fixtures.
But that thumping win against a woeful Socceroos has turned out to be a facade as Joachim Loew’s men looked ordinary against a sharper Serbian side.
Goal.com
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Another match lost because of 'inconsiderate' behaviour from a player. The red card didn't affect Germany that much but it made vulnerable for a few minutes in which the goal was scored in. In the second half, Serbia got more chances because the Germans were concentrating on attacking.
Germany is still on the top but surely they want to qualify in top place.
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Slovenia vs USA 2-2
Quote:
Slovenia were denied a place in the last 16 of the World Cup by a fine USA comeback. Having slumped to a 2-0 deficit at the interval, Bob Bradley’s men responded superbly after the break to earn a 2-2 draw.
It was Slovenia who showed better in the first half, deservedly leading thanks to goals from Valter Birsa and Zlatan Ljubijankic, but Landon Donovan’s powerful shot from a tough angle pulled the Stars and Stripes back into the game just after the restart
Goal.com
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Great come back from the US, I thought the game was theirs before the match started but for some reason (underestimated their opponent) they conceded two goals. With the result of England's match, the group became so complicated.
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England vs Algeria 0-0
Quote:
Princes William and Harry could provide little inspiration for England, as Fabio Capello's men slumped to a goalless draw with Algeria that has thrown their World Cup ambitions in a stark light.
Goal.com
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I really laughed when I saw goal.com title; "Teethless lions", I thought; when did they even become lions...1966? does winning a single world cup (By cheating) makes you a lion, I wonder what would Brazil call themselves then!.
Algeria with their strong determination managed to take a point which maybe very useful and England against all expectations took one point as well. There will be very strong competition in this group for qualifying to the next stage.
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