Brazil yet again disappointing, but France are in serious trouble

Sunday saw Brazil display yet another unconvincing performance against a very determined Australian side who had the world champions in trouble at lots of time. Though the match ended 2 nil for the Brazilians but in my opinion 2-1 would have been a fair result( some might say a draw would have been perfect). Good to see Ronaldinho showing his class again and Ronaldo getting in some form but it was Robinho who was more impressive and Brazil looked a different team up front when he came on.

For Socceroos Bresciano and Kewell were in menacing form, Kewell in particular should have scored when Dida dropped the ball in front of him and the Aussie’s winger instead of making it 1-1 hit his shot over the bar. But full credit to the Australians who didn’t take any pressure and were in positive frame and who knows maybe a bit of luck they might even have caused an upset. In the end Brazil’s power was too much to handle and substitute Fred sealed the game for the defending champions who now have progressed to round 2. Australia will now play against Croatia who early in the day blew up a perfect chance to achieve second spot in the group when they drew nil nil with Japan. Croatia missed a perfect opportunity when in 22nd minute Japanese goalkeeper made an excellent save from the spot. Minutes later they hit the cross bar. Both sides missed quite a few opportunities and game was largely disappointing and the result hasn’t left any one of them in a good position so all to play for on last day.

The shocker was yet to come, France one of the hot favorites were held to a draw in what was the surprise of the Cup. Koreans once again demonstrating their never say die approach and somehow got the equalizer and when they did the crowd (as commentator called it sea of red) went wild. Korean crowd is special and they always add an extra touch.

Though France were extremely unlucky when a clear goal was disallowed by the ref, though replays showed that ball had crossed the line and the goal should have been awarded. If that had been allowed I wonder what would have been the result. But France missed their opportunities too and a 1 nil advantage is never an advantage really. Now they have a tricky last game ahead against Togo but they will also depend on the result from the other match.