A different kind of football fumble.South Korea 2-0 Greece
(click on goals for vids)
7' Lee Jung-Soo
52' Park Ji-Sung
South Korea were quick and incisive in a dominating performance over Greece. Sharp with the ball, well organized in their tactics, physically stronger than most anticipated, and tireless in their fitness -- the Reds ran circles around the Europeans. Greece were the opposite of all the Korean characteristics -- slow, pondering, lacking cohesion -- they seemed to be playing a listless game of makeshift strategy. Supporters of the Greeks will hope that the Pirate Ship can correct its course for its remaining matches against Argentina, and Nigeria.
Argentina 1-0 Nigeria
6' Gabriel Heinze
The Albicelestes created gobs of point-blank chances of which they finished only one. Messi looked potent as ever in his mazey runs into the box but lacked the final touch for which he's become so famous. Nigeria appeared the most physically imposing of all the sides who've played so far... very big, very strong. Their athletic keeper, Vincent Enyeama deserves much credit for keeping the scoreline so low. It will be particularly interesting to see how they matchup against the South Koreans.
England 1-1 USA
4' Steven Gerrard
---------------------------- 40' Clint Dempsey
English captain Steven Gerrard exposed a disorganized American back line in the fourth minute of play with an easy first goal. Then, in a gaffe that will unfortunately be remembered for decades to come, English keeper Robert Green mishandled a straightforward save on a Clint Dempsey shot which gifted the US the equalizer. The result however might be seen as a fair one as the two sides battled evenly in a nervy, goalless contest for the entire second half. US Keeper Tim Howard won accolades for his gutsy, rock-solid performance in net.
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