I wasn't really planning a World Cup update for today. I didn't watch any of the games today. The game between Switzerland and Togo was rather unconsequential to France's WC prospects, really. No matter the outcome of that game, France needs to beat Togo to advance to the round of 16, with a defeat from either Korea or Switzerland. A tie would basically mean that the position are to be determined by goal differentials (goals scored minus goals received), in which case Korea (+1) is at a disadvantage against Switzerland (+2). Which would also mean that France needs to win by two goals.

I made the mistake of not watching the Tunisia-Spain game, which I hear was quite amazing. Tunisia was actually leading Spain 1-0 by the end of the first half. All of which changed by the last ten minutes of the game, when Spain scored three goals, including one penalty kick. But like most groups, Group H is mostly undecided, with only Spain locked for the round of 16.

As for tomorrow's game, nothing is really at stake for the Ecuador-Germany game. It will still be interesting to watch for the sake of good football. Well, at least from the Ecuardorean side, unless Germany decides to take risks and play like they did against Costa Rica.

The game to watch really is England-Sweden, although I expect Sweden to win. For all their hype, Rooney and Beckham won't factor much in the game. Their play has been lukewarm so far. On the other hand, that Ljungberg guy ...

And apparently, the editors of the New Republic and the London Review of Books are also blogging about the World Cup. Which I find quite fascinating. Meanwhile, the people of the New Criterion are probably bashing it. (But yeah, who cares)

Not poetry updates for now. I have no clue as to what I have received in the mail.

Comments

Jessica Smith said…
Beckham is old.
Freddie is hot.
Sweden will win,
Or they will not.
François Luong said…
O ye woman of little faith! Of course Sweden will win
Jessica Smith said…
Sweden will win because Rooney with re-injure and Zlatan will pull a miracle goal. And it's hard for Beckham to lug around that oxygen tank.
Johannes said…
I'm nervous.

I just hope Paraguay doesn't lie down and choke against Trinidad, as they have nothing to play for.

I don't think Zlatan will play. He is apparently injured.

Instead they'll play with Ahlbäck who I think is a pretty mediocre striker (though he did assist Freddie in the last game). Seems like he's often in good position but can never finish. It was the same thing last world cup.

However, perhaps he'll do a better job of playing up to Henrik Larsson, which Zlatan has not been doing. Larsson is really the go-to-guy and he hasn't been getting anything to work with in the first two games.
François Luong said…
There is a reason why England has a Swedish coach. England has never won against England in 54 years. Rooney is a non-factor. He just ran on the field, every now and then with the ball, when England played against Trinidad & Tobago.

And I think, Johannes, that you are underestimating national pride. There is no way Paraguay is going home without scoring a goal. Or trying to have at least one victory.

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