Day 1: Germany vs. Costa Rica, Poland vs. Ecuador

Welcome to Si and Ed's World Cup Wunderblog; we have decided to watch every game of the world cup as i'm sure you all have too. However, if you are less committed to the cause than us, you can feel as if you were really there, in our untidy claycroft kitchen, by reading our daily reports. We'll cover all the games and goals, so hold tight and prepare for the sporting experience of a….4 year period.

Game 1: Germany vs. Costa Rica

4-2

Germany:
Lahm 5 Klose 16,60 Frings 86

Costa Rica:
Wanchope 11,72

The less said about this game the better, neverless here are a collection or our rants and whinges.

Ed: If I have to see another goal like Frings' , I'm gonna have to denounce football in favour of cross–stich. What is the point in a game where it is this easy to score a goal? It was a speculative effort booted with no skill, yet its uncontrollable curve left the keeper no chance. Goals like that should be scored as a result of awesome skill. Football should showcase sporting abiity. Here's hoping this World Cup won't be peppered with randomness like that. With that ball, you don't have to do anything to score a goal.

Simon: Despite coming away clear victors, I would not be happy with the performance were I Jurgan Klinsmann. Germany did not have to work particularly hard for their goals, the first was an inch perfect shot from 18 yards, the next two were more a result of woeful defending than German inspiration and the last, well enough has been said. The real point of interest was the two goals that Germany conceded. In both cases the back four were not in line, stationary and ball watching. Germany's defence played high up the pitch and relying so much on the offside trap will be their undoing against sides of any quality.

Game 2: Poland vs. Ecuador

0-2

Ecuador:
Tenorio 23 Delgado 79

It's difficult to know whether our enjoyment of this match can be attributed to the skill on show or merely the lack of proper football in the preceding game.

Simon: A bit of an upset here, which will make the group an interesting one to watch unfold. Ecuador immediately looked more comfortable on the ball than their latin american counterparts did in the earlier match. Their quick crisp passing was enjoyable to watch but their opening goal was a result of a prepared set play. Delgado's headed flick from a throw enabled Tenorio to superbly nod past Boruc inside the far post. Although Poland ask some questions with crosses and the odd long range effort they never really looked like they would score and when Kaviedes and Delgado broke the offside trap it was all over.

Ed: Quality defending from Ecuador was one of the surprises from this game. After the ineffective appearances four years ago, and the incredible Agustin Delgado upfront, I was pleasantly surprised by their solid display. Of particular note was the quality of their passing, quickly and skilfully keeping the ball. The lacklustre Poland attack could do nothing to break past the Ecuador defence, whether on the wings, the favoured option, or through the middle. They would bring it out wide and simply lose it. Skilful attacks brought two goals, pace and thoughtfulness from the two attackers for the second. As a Southampton fan, I was surprised to see Delgado not be lazy and distracted.

Day 1 Summary:
Goals: 8
Alcohol Consumed: 12.9 Units

: 10 Jun 2006 11:20 |  Comments (0) |  Report a problem