Group C
9:13 AM
Group C was a tussle between Mexico and Angola. Since Mexico and Angola had drawn, and Angola had been beaten 1 - 0 by Portugal and Mexico had beaten Iran 2 - 1, Angola could actually make it through to final 16 by whipping Iran, and if Portugal whipped Mexico.Unfortunately, Iran, having nothing to lose (having already lost), were not about to give up the game easily (they'd have looked like total wimps! Tha's tha spirit!) gave Angola some trouble. And I'm glad they did. Angola doesn't deserve to go to the final 16 much. They've got to whip their striking into better shape. Mexico performs better, being able to strike much better. They utilize their chances better.
Of course, that ran a bit to the contrary for today's match, but of course it' s Portugal we're talking. Of course, it's actually Portugal's bench they were playing, but still. Actually I thought that was a pity. I think it'd have been worse if they had teh regulars playing. But Portugal's bench, against Mexico, seems decent. With Portugal's main playas all benched with yellows, they had no choice, but the benchers have proved themselves to be alright.
Two penalties in a game - pretty interesting. Mexico couldn't make theirs (Bravo missed), which was a huge pity - they felt that too. And quite a few chances, missed. They were beginning to look a bit like Japan, except that Japan's mistakes are more atrocious.
But anyway, in the end, it's all decided for this group. The Iranians managed to salvage a bit of themselves and drew with Angola, putting them out of the game, and Mexico was able to scrape through to final 16 with a 2 - 1 loss to Portugal.
Portugal's awfully fouled up though - lotta fouls they've got there. Let's see what happens next.
Group D - another undecided, except for Argentina. Holland, having drawn, need to win Argentina tomorrow. Woops, my memory is failing me. I just checked - I have the wrong group, Holland won against SnM - I thought they'd drawn. Well they won, so no matter what, they're in. It's just a matter of placing now. But I think they'll do fine really. Portugal's benched like no other. They'll survive - might be all down to penalties in the final 16. Kind of close match.
I'm too afraid.
I've decided that if Japan wins Brazil, I'll cut my hair. Butch. *sniff* As a sign of loyalty. If they lose, I'll....trim the other side, losing my Rukia look - nah, not worth it. If they lose, I'll just, uh - damn, I have to do something, I don't know what. Ah heck, I'll figure it out. Maybe I'll mourn by not blogging for a week or something (in the public blog, not here.)