Messi sure was fun to watch today, even if he didn't score.

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Agreed.... if he can score a couple against Korea that will go far in raising his confidence level with the national jersey...

Ok Argentina won and that's important but....... why did they play football for 10 minutes and the other 80 they played as if the game was about to finish? Why they didn't care about trying to score 1 or 2 more goals against this really weak Nigeria?
I know they did generate various chances but is just because of the huge difference between both teams and not because they really looked for it.
I liked very much this thing that a spanish TV commentator said about Argentina during the game: "El arte de que no pase nada"

I do think the Koreans will be disciplined though and if the back line isn't a little more stout they could steal a point. However, as you state, it really doesn't matter since Argentina is going to advance. Then we'll see how they stand up against the better teams.

Im betting that Korea will not end the match with 11 players.... not because they are unfair but rather because the Argentine strikers will get their defense carded early in the game, and the refs seem to be using the yellow cards with ease.... Im putting some $$$ on a Korean red card during this game.... ;)

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btw... Im also looking for Brazil to win big tomorrow against the weak N. Korean squad....

I see at least 3 goals from the brazucas....

Anything less than 3 I think might be a disappointment. I've already heard that North Korean media isn't showing the game live so they can have their own highlight reel after the game. Part of me would love to see that piece of propaganda

In terms of South American teams, I saw parts of the Italy-Paraguay game. Either Italy just looks old or Paraguay has a very underestimated side.

To your other post about cards, it might only take one tackle to secure a Red after seeing the one handed out in the Germany-Australia game. I'm all for liberal use of the cards but if they start sending off guys for stuff like that there will be a lot of people getting sent off.

They are positively ancient - but as they defend most of the time it might not matter much.

I see what you are saying... but for the talented players like Messi its a good thing that the defenders are thinking twice before axing away..... ;)

Yes, I'd rather see players like Messi, Kaka, Ronaldo, etc showing off their immense skill and flare than writhing around on the ground like a bunch of crybabies as well.

Of course in Christian Ronaldo's case, he's pretty much a crybaby all the time so it really doesn't matter if someone decides to chop him down a few times :D

All gifted players are sometimes crybabies.... its part of the sport unfortunatetly.... :(

Darned Brazil.... they didnt score in the first half and then only were able to score twice..... grrrrr :mad:

I think Paraguay will go deeper than most thought. They are playing with heart, but the defence is a little slow.

I was in Asuncion 2 weeks ago, i wish i could have been there today. I bet it would be a party.

Same for Buenos Aires.

Yes... Paraguay did show rather well against the Italians.... Martino is one hell of a coach and they may be able to make it into the second phase... ^

So every side has played a game so what do you think of it so far?

I know it doesn't really get going till the next round but I must say I've been very disappointed in what I've seen so far.
Germany have been the only team that have really stood out and entertained me.....and not only because they were able to score four goals. The rest have all been much the same....mediocre. Lets hope it gets better...it surely can't get even worse?

I'll stick with Brasil to win it.