Bit of a let down

Hmm, on reflection maybe I shouldn't have had such confidence in Argentina v Holland being classic when there wasn't really anything on the game. If only there had been though, there was the suggestion throughout that we would have been in for some fireworks. The players gave the impression all game that they were just itching to have a go at each other, but you could feel the coaches tugging at their leashes, making them wait for the real thing.

For Argentina, their work for the first phase was done. They have ensured that for the remainder of World Cup 2006, the opposition will be quivering as they take the field, and with good reason. Some might say Argentina played a reserve side in this game, but seeing as that meant the inclusion if Tevez and Messi it's hardly worth mentioning. I think that's what's known as a strong squad. They toyed with the Dutch in the first half, putting together the odd bout of passing that threatened to develop into another wonder goal, then realising that the moment just wasn't right. You could almost hear the Argentine players saying 'Shall we? Shall we? Nah. You know? This would be wasted on you lads tonight, I think we'll just keep that one to ourselves for now'. The Dutch must have felt like hostages in that first 45, doing whatever was asked of them, whilst desperately hoping to be released from their ordeal as soon as possible with the minimum damage done. The second half however, felt as though the tables had been turned, with the aggressors becoming lazy. As the game entered the last 20 minutes I don't think Holland could quite believe they were still getting a point, so decided to try their luck for all three, and came very close to getting them. In the end the group looked sensible. Argentina, the outright World Cup favourites with everyone except the bookies on top, the Dutch doing enough to get through, the Ivory Coast with some well deserved points, and Serbia & Montenegro with a well deserved naff all. Who would have predicted, by the way, that by watching Argentina v Holland you would have chosen the wrong game?! Did anyone tell Ivory Coast & Serbia and Montenegro that they were already out? Five goals, red cards, a stunning comeback, and all in a supposedly meaningless game. What a waste! No surprise however to see Serbia & Montenegro's defence become the first in the tournament to blow a two goal lead.

There is no middle ground with the last games of the group phase in a World Cup, they are either dreary dead rubbers, or absolute bedlam with imaginary tables flashing across your TV screens every two minutes. I think we can expect more of the latter today, when the madness of group E descends on us again, and then what ought to be a straight fight for second place between Croatia and Australia. Group D, played yesterday afternoon, almost got there, as Portugal quickly began walking all over Mexico, opening the door for Angola. The Africans however were unable to take advantage, although they did manage to do what had looked completely beyond them in the first two games, namely scoring a goal. As it turned out, the real issue was who won the group and avoided Argentina, and Mexico looked like they really wanted to avoid Argentina, attacking in the second half as though qualification itself depended on it. I think the referee's only reason for turning down Mexico's claims for a stonewall second penalty was that Bravo had missed the first by so far there was clearly no point in giving it.

Mexico failed to avoid Argentina. Could be a bad move. They'll be serious next time.