FRANKFURT, Germany
Tuesday’s games
South Korea 2, Togo 1. The dynamic Mohammed Kaler gets a lovely goal that puts Togo to pogo’ing at the break, but it’s all high-pitched disco squeals from there as Korea adds an extra attacker, Togo has a defender sent off and another is injured and has to be taken out – and Park Ji-Sung takes control.
France 0, Switzerland 0. Well, they drew 0-0 and 1-1 in qualifying, so this makes sense. For cryin' out loud, how many 90-minute segments could they play without anyone coming out on top? That would make for an experiment - and a serious test of staying awake. And don't look now, but South Korea leads the group and I cashed my bet from this morning. Dae-Ha-Min-Guk!
Brazil 1, Croatia 0. The Croats found a simple way to deal with the vaunted Brazilian jogo bonito – hack ‘em, chop 'em, knock 'em down. With a little luck, they might’ve got a point. But anyone who says Brazil is a cinch off this is talking thru their (Cat in the Hat) hat.
Wednesday’s menu
Spain v Ukraine. The top two teams in the group start off. Hard to make a call here, half-fit Sheva still a question mark to play against the usual Spanish riddle. At least Raul’s not starting – edge to Spain, that, with all that younger and pacier talent among the attack options. Spain 2, Ukraine 1.
Tunisia v Saudi Arabia. The other day I walked right through the security cordon surrounding the swish Frankfurt hotel where the Saudi crown prince has been staying. Can't be sure, but I believe the last two were their centre backs. Tunisia 1, Saudi Arabia 0.
Germany v Poland. Mucho police on hand for this one, Hardhat Night at the old footy yard: Free riot armour to the first 20,000 fans. Germany 2, Poland 1.
Quote of the day
“I hope they're on the first plane back from Deutschland. They've got the players to do well, but they're not my team. I'm from the People's Republic of Mancunia. I'll have to leave if they win it. The country will be full of cockneys going on about it for years" - Primal Scream bass player and Manchester United fan Mani lends his support to Sven’s lads (from The Fiver).
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