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Sunday, 25 July 2010

World Cup Round-up: 20-17...



20. South Africa
The hosts probably surprised a few with their efforts; missing out on a place in the last 16 on goal difference and nothing more. Mexico advanced in their place to face Argentina – a game Bafana Bafana would surely have lost in a similar fashion to the Central Americans – and by doing so, made South Africa the very first host nation to fall at the group stages in the history of the tournament. Leaving Benny McCarthy – the country’s all-time leading goal scorer – at home looks like a bigger mistake with every passing day when you consider that one more goal would have been enough to springboard them to the next round. One thing can be said though: the boys in Green and Gold were no embarrassment and by scoring possibly the best goal of the tournament to get the finals off to an explosive, and slightly surprising, start, they endeared themselves to neutrals the world over.

19. Switzerland
Prepare yourselves for four years of crowing.
“We beat the world champions.”
I can hear it already and it makes me mad. Switzerland – one of my favourite European underdogs – somehow managed to stifle Spain in the opener and went on to grind-out a victory that, in all honesty, could and should have been greater. The Swiss then went on to lose to Chile as expected, but, by virtue of their shock sinking of the Spanish Armada, had their fate in their own hands when they stepped out to face Honduras. They drew 0-0, which is categorically, diabolically disgraceful. A couple of goals past the second worst team in the tournament after popping one past the best should have guaranteed them routine passage to round two at the expense of Chile. As it is, they didn’t even push the group to tiebreakers. Switzerland don’t deserve to be ranked in the top 20 given their squandering tendencies. Love them as I do, this team let themselves down. Euro 2012 beckons.

18. Slovenia
Went down to England 1-0 and, in the process, lost the chance to progress after a decent win over a surprising Algeria side. Slovenia were capable of flashes of brilliance, fluid attacking play and possessed a steely resolve, but fundamentally they lacked a bit of quality. Drawing with the USA might seem okay, but consider that they were 2 to the good and went on to concede 3 (not 2) legitimate goals and wound up with a draw courtesy of poor officiating and it looks less impressive. This team might get to the Euros, but only because competition isn’t as stiff for the dregs. They are not a world class side by a long way and need to scour the birth certificates of some undeclared Brazilians quick-time.

17. Côte d'Ivoire
All in all, a disappointing showing from a team that boasts a truly stellar backbone. Drogba was off and the team looked flaccid throughout. Sven was able to work his international black magic that cursed England and Mexico before. I have a feeling this is the last we’ll see of this team for a while – their star players are all in their prime and qualifying from Africa is not the stroll it once was. Egypt will likely take their place next time round and from a neutral’s perspective, that’s no bad thing.


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