World Cup Day 12 – White Flags, Red Cards and Green Envy

Posted by Kevin Breathnach on June 22, 2010 | No Comments

This afternoon was spent flicking eagerly between the final games of Group A. Disaster was confirmed for the French FA, as ten-men France crashed out of the World Cup having registered only one goal. Uruguay beat Mexico by 1-0 in a match everyone – bookies included – expected to end in a draw. Credit where credit’s due to Uruguay for not just sitting back.

The result meant South Africa needed to to win by four goals to qualify for the next round. 2-0 up at half time, that didn’t seem out of the question. Alas, the match finished 2-1, and so Bafana Bafana went out on goal difference. Though the hosts are out, they can hold their heads high. That’s more than we can say for an abject France. They looked completely unenthused in the first-half, passing poorly and failing to get back. South Africa were by terrible in front of goal, yet still managed to knock two past Lloris.

When, at the final whistle, it came time for the managers to shake hands, Raymond Domenech pulled his hand away, raised his thumb to his nose, and entoned, “nehneh, neh, neh, neh”. Well, not exactly. But he didn’t shake hands, and as Johnny Giles would say, bad behaviour is bad behaviour.

This blog is based in Ireland. So you’d think that we’d be take a perverse pleasure in seeing France being knocked out of the World Cup in complete disgrace. After all, it was they who denied us the opportunity to play in South Africa this summer – and by dubious means at that. But instead of schadenfreude at France’s early exit, we’re actually offended. Though the Irish team is by no means world class, you get the feeling that Doyle, Lawrence and an on-form Duffer would have played their heart out. Besides which, the comedy value of seeing Paul McShane play on the world stage would have been almost limitless.

Before Argentina’s game against Greece this evening, Alan Hansen said we could be in for another 7-0. Once again, BBC pundits were found out. At half-time, the game was tied at 0-0. South Korea came from behind against Nigeria, only to lose their lead to a Nigerian penalty. At 2-2, with Greece losing against Argentina, Nigeria knew that one more goal would be enough to put them through. Not for the first time, however, an African side looked weak in front of goal. Obafemi Martins missed a sitter in the dying minutes, which would have made Nigeria the first African side to progress to the next round. Instead, a South Korea side which looks comfortable on the ball, but fragile at the back, move into the next round, where they will face Uruguay. That should be a free-flowing game to look forward to.

Conclusion:

1. Never listen to Alan Hansen. He’s a fool.
2. Never try to shake Raymond Domenech’s hand. He’ll make you look like a fool.
3. Only a fool would pass up the chance to see Paul McShane put to the test.

Feel free to share your views on today’s World Cup action by leaving a comment below.

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