12. USA
Finishing one spot ahead of the English must have tickled the Americans’ amusement. They were unfortunate to succumb to Ghana in the last 16, a team they faced as reward for topping Group C. They were deserved winners of a group that was, prior to the tournament, viewed as weak and England’s for the taking: but the group turned out tricky, with Algeria and Slovenia proving tenacious opponents. Many will say they had no right to draw with England in the opener, and they wouldn’t have done had it not been for Rob Green’s typically English howler that set the tone for the Americans’ cross-Atlantic cousins. Had the USA beaten Ghana they could have gone as far as the Semi finals, which would have been embarrassing and wholly annoying, given the Americans’ tendency to crow unduly over their bizarre worldwide successes. Twelfth is a great result and the Red, White and Blue can head back to the States with their pride intact.
11. Portugal
The Portuguese provided us with the most entertaining – if slightly cringe worthy – game of the tournament when they beat North Korea 7-0, with six of those goals coming in the second half. Ronaldo finally got on the score sheet for his country after a two year dearth of goals. And then they lost 1-0 to Spain. That one David Villa goal was the only one they conceded in the tournament, despite having to sidestep both the Ivory Coast and Brazil in the group stages. They were incredibly unlucky, and are deserving of a top 10 finish. That said, the Portuguese have had plenty of luck go their way in the last decade, so maybe this year – when they genuinely merited a result – is payment for those previous flukes.
10. Chile
Wow – a top 10 finish for Chile? Are you serious? The Chileans were one of a host of impressive South American minnows who went further than expected. With Paraguay and Uruguay joining them in the Last 16 and the ever-present Argentineans and Brazilians making it through too, South American teams limited the places available to UEFA sides to a mere 6 (Holland, Spain, England, Germany, Slovakia and Portugal). Chile seemed to cope well with the Jabulani ball from the offset, but they too struggled with finishing and managed only a goal a game in the group stages before losing out to Brazil in the second round. This result can not be faulted at all – the Chileans did fantastically and should be lauded for their determination if not their cleanliness – the Chileans were vicious (but rather than whinge, let’s just say ‘enthusiastic’).
9. Japan
I was thoroughly surprised to see Japan do so well. They were drawn in a tough group with the Dutch and Danes, not to mention the Cameroonians, who are capable of beating anyone on their day. They looked strong against the Danish and were very unlucky not to beat Paraguay in the Last 16, losing a heartbreaker on penalties. Since co-hosting the World Cup in 2002, the Japanese have proved themselves a solid unit and are now an international mainstay. Whether they will ever win the World Cup remains to be seen, but they are, and will continue to be competitive. They should make it to 2014 with ease and once they’re there, who knows what could happen?
Pick up THE HARE newspaper at Night and Day; Bar Centro; or Tiger Lounge in Manchester town centre, or the Oakwood in Glossop.
E-mail theharenewspaper@hotmail.co.uk with questions, comments or contributory pieces.
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