And it's decided! ...not.
9:02 AM
Let's go with Spain and Tunisia first.Tunisia put up quite the fight! They led 1 - 0 till Raul equalised in the 70th minute or so. But then Torres had to shoot and they gave away a penalty, so final score 3 - 1. It was rather reminiscent of the Japan-Australia match, but the latter was much worse.
Spain was rather disappointing at first, but they picked up speed towards the end (it's rare that teams in the position of hanging on to a 1 - 0 lead and who get equalised and even topped can get back the mental determination to wrestle the lead back, with all the fatigue and everything.) Not too bad, they're definitely the Spain we know back in '02. But I'll credit Tunisia for putting up a decent fight. I fell asleep quite a lot, so I can't say much. Only woke up to catch them goals from Spain. oh and from Tunisia - I was awake then too.
Then finally! Teh deciding matches for group A. Germany's secured top position now beating Ecuador 3 - 0. Disappointing. I only managed to catch the second half. But you know, I don't remember Ecuador sucking so bad, nor Germany being that good. Germany put up one hell of a defense, even tougher than Poland or Costa Rica. And they're fast, very fast. Speed of the Hitler days. Wahahaahah! But this is looking more like the World Cup finalist of '02! They did very well, and Ecuador did disappointingly - I'm wondering if it could be that they are resting on their laurels. They made many mistakes, mistakes which rankled of a loss of determination. It's almost as if they couldn't be bothered - or weren't going all out. Disappointing. And here I thought Ecuador could win on determination. They certainly showed good stuff beforehand.
But really, I don't think they have much to worry about. The most likely winners of Group B are England and Sweden. Neither are particularly as awe-inspiring or as scary as Brazil. I think Ecuador, if they can get back their determination, can whip some English ass.
Speaking of which, I think Cafu rules. I just love his attitude. He never ever fights back with teh referee. There you go, a man of experience. He knows it doesn't pay. He grins it off and shakes hands and he isn't even being sarcastic. He's wonderful. It was a waste in the Brazil-Aussie match that after all that pride-swallowing his little team-mate had to spoil it off by protesting. Your captain's a good example, follow him, smartass. Ronaldinho's so good natured too, but I think Cafu ruleth.
Tomorrow will be the Group B deciding matches. Don't gamble, it's unhealthy!