World Cup Round-Up – Day Three – City, Please Buy The Germans

After the disappointment of England’s failure to get a win under their belts against the USA, attention turned to Group C’s other game featuring Algeria and Slovenia.

Both teams played an open game but in the end it was a solitary goal by Slovenia’s for West Brom player Robert Koren that secured the win. Algeria keeper Faouzi Chaouchi looked like he’d been taking goalkeeping lesson from Rob Green as he tried to scoop up the shot but missed hopelessly mis-timed it and allowed the shot to sneak into the net, giving Slovenia their first ever win at a major tournament.

With such goalkeeping on display in Group C, Friday’s game between England and Algeria should see a glut of goals. The win means Slovenia top the group while Algeria sink to the bottom.

With Group C done and dusted in the first games, Group D took centre stage with Ghana’s match against Serbia, which saw the tournament’s first penalty but the supporters had to wait until the 85^th minute to see it. Zdravko Kuzmanovichandled and Asamoah Gyan stepped up to give Ghana the points in a 1-0 win.

Serbia, coached by a certain Raddy Antic, had to play the last sixteen minutes with ten men following Aleksandar Lukovic’s sending off for a second bookable offence and the Serbs face a tough battle if they are to remain in the competition as they face Germany next.

Talking of Germany, if City buy anyone this summer, please make it the German national side. I know they were only playing Australia but Germany were ruthless as they powered their way to a 4-0 win to become the tournaments top scorers.

Lukas Podolski opened the scoring after just eight minutes when he rifled home a left foot shot from the edge of the area. Miroslav Klose mad it 2-0 with a header on 27 minutes to give the Germans a 2-0 lead at half-time. Australia did have their chances to score but were denied by either excellent defending or poor finishing.

In the 55^th minute, Everton’s Tim Cahill was harshly given a straight red when only a yellow at the most would have sufficed when he made a clumsy challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger.

But by that time, Germany were in complete control and a third goal came in the 68^th minute. Thomas Mueller made himself some space before hitting a shot that went in off the post and two minutes later, Brazilian born Cacau made it four when he converted Mesut Ozil’s cross.

So Germany easily top the group and on this display should have no problems qualifying to face the runners up in England’s group.

For God’s sake Fabio, win the group.

Monday’s game see group E start with Nigel de Jong’s Holland taking on Denmark at 12.30, followed by Japan v Cameroon at 3pm. If you have internet access at work you should be able to watch it live.

The evening game sees Group F begin with holders Italy taking on Roque Santa Cruz’s Paraguay. I don’t understand why the Italian squad doesn’t feature former blues Bernardo Corradi and Rolando Bianchi. Must both be injured.