World Cup Update

So, the first week has gone and the first round of matches is complete.  With 16 games and just 25 goals it hasn’t been the goalfest every fan wanted.  Blame the ball, negative tactics or vuvuzelas, only Germany, who have had the ‘Jabulani’ ball longer than any other team managed to score a few.

So after the first game round robin portion of the tournament, here are my “Awards of the week”

Best Goal

Siphiwe Tshabalala – South Africa

Quick and well finished, scoring in the opening game for the host nation.  What the goal meant for the nation and the tournament added to the fact it was a really good finish.

Best Team

South Korea

6 to pick from including North Korea’s brave showing against Brazil, New Zealand’s first ever point and the “SpainKillers”Switzerland.  But South Korea play with a reckless flare that few teams dare attempt.  They beat Greece 2-0 and did it with style.

Best Player

Tae-Se Jong – North Korea

Cried during the national anthem, maybe because of pride or perhaps his family are held in some camp and a win against Brazil is the only way to see them again.  Either way, he taunted the Brazil defence that consisted of mostly top Champions League players.  Very quick with a powerful shot, Jong was my pick for the week.

Least Valuable Player (AKA The Muppet Award)

Nicolas Lodeiro – Uruguay

With so many goalkeeping mistakes I was sure to pick an outfield player.  This guy came on, did very little except get sent off 17 minutes later.  He made no impression on the game but made quite an impression on Sagna’s ankle.

Best Moment

Thierry Henry – France

Isn’t Karma a bitch? After cheating his way in to the World Cup after a double deliberate handball against the Republic of Ireland, ‘Terry Henry’ had the audacity to *SCREAM* for a penalty for handball final minutes of the game against Uruguay.  He didn’t get it and I think we’re all glad.  Was it a handball? Who cares, no penalty and I will go ahead and assume it was the right decision from the referee.

That’s my 5 awards for the week, I’ll be back on the 22nd to run through the second round of results and look ahead to the group deciders.

@jestatharogue