World Cup 2010 Week 2

• By: Editor
• On: 25/Jun/2010
• In: South Africa Travel Tips

Group A

This group certainly had it all - drama, controversy and some fine football - but none from one of the pre tournament favourites France. With plenty of squad disharmony, inept management and players being sent home due to indiscipline, it is little wonder that Les Blues were sent packing. Two humblings at the hands of Mexico (0-2) and brave hosts South Africa (1-2) meant that France finished bottom of the pool. Mexico and Uruguay progressed, and South Africa received credit for their great spirit and character - France anything but.

Group B

Argentina excelled in winning this group, Maradona's La Albiceleste won all three games comfortably. They were joined in the next round by the technically brilliant South Korean outfit who held on in a thrilling final match with Nigeria to progress in second place.

Group C

More drama in this group, and guess what, England were at the centre of it! I know, I was shocked too. After the one man revolt by former captain John Terry was crushed by manager Fabio Capello, England finally played some decent football, got some width back in their play, and emerged winners over Slovenia by 1-0. England had to improve after a terrible performance against Algeria after a 0-0 bore. England looked like topping their group, and Slovenia joining them in the second round - however the USA didn't read the script and an injury time winner by the mercurial Landon Donovan won them not only qualification to the knock out stages but the top place in the group. One goal changed everything. And as a result, for a team that was almost out of it, the route to the semi final does not look a daunting task for the USA team.

Group D

Less drama here, Germany recovered from the unfortunate defeat to Serbia by beating the efficient Ghana who also made it through. Serbia were a huge disappointment in South Africa; their star players failed in the main to shine, and losing to both Australia and Ghana was a poor return for the Balkan team.

Group E

More straightforward again in this group. Holland won their three pool games at their ease. Japan were very impressive in beating Denmark 3-1 to seal their passage to the second phase and won many friends for their exciting attacking football.

Group F

Perhaps the biggest shock of all came in this group, as 2006 World Champions Italy made their exit - after a humbling 1-1 draw with New Zealand they had to get something from their final group game with Slovakia. For me, this was the best game of the tournament. Slovakia played some great football, as did Italy to their credit, but the first time world cup qualifiers Slovakia won 3-2 to go through. Paraguay topped the group as they had 5 points. The All Whites of New Zealand won many plaudits for their great defensive displays, and but for a curious refereeing decision could well have beaten the out of sorts Italian team.

Group G

Yet to be officially decided: but Brazil are definitely in the driving seat after winning their first two games in impressive fashion. Portugal look like securing second spot as they have the superior goal difference on the Ivory Coast after their thumping 7-0 win over North Korea.

Group H

Are Spain heading for the exit door? They probably need to beat Chile to secure a place in the 2nd phase, after their shock opening day loss to a strong Swiss outfit. Chile beat the Swiss 1-0 in their next game, while Spain got off to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Honduras.  Is the next shock of World Cup 2010 on the cards? Chile will most probably attack Spain, so the 2008 European Champions will have to be on their guard. In this group, you could have three teams on 6 points but one missing out. Unfortunate that.

Second Round

There are eight matches in the second phase of the world cup, and these games kick off on Saturday 26th June as follows:

Sat 26th 3pm Uruguay v South Korea, Port  Elizabeth

Sat 26th 7.30pm USA V Ghana, Rustenburg

Sun 27th 3pm Germany v England, Bloemfontein

Sun 27th 7.30pm Argentina v Mexico, Johannesburg

Mon 28th 3pm Holland v Slovakia, Durban

Mon 28th 7.30pm Brazil v Chile, Johannesburg

Tues 29th 3pm Paraguay v Japan, Pretoria

Tues 29th 7.30pm Spain v Portugal, Cape Town

The game that stands out in the 2nd round without a doubt is the age old rivalry renewed between England and Germany. Since the World Cup Final of 1966 this game is always a keenly contested decider. It is a match between the age and experience of Capello's England and the youthful exuberance of Low's Germany. Don't miss it!

If you are in South Africa for the 2010 Tournament and based in one of the major cities but want to visit some of the local attractions, you are well advised to hire a car. Check out our Car Rental South Africa page for the best deals that are available.

Are you enjoying the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? What are your thoughts on the upcoming second round fixtures? Let us know your thoughts.