Teams of the Round (1)

The first game week has flown by. Since Brazil's controversial 3-1 win over Croatia in last Saturdays curtain raiser, the football on display has been terrific. We've just about had it all. Goals, goalkeeping howlers, upsets, red cards, controversy and debatable refereeing decisions. Virtually every game has had a talking point. It has been truly entertaining.

But who will win it? Since the 2002 World Cup, I would say this years edition has to be the most open. Anyone can win it. For me, there are no clear favourites; no one team that stands out head and shoulders above the rest. But there have been those that have impressed me in their opening games, and those teams are listed below as my 'teams of the round'.

Germany 4-0 Portugal

I think everyone probably expected Germany to win, but not in the manner they did. Germany looked weak at the back early on as Portugal threatened a number of times on the break, and it looked as if Germany would have to fight hard in order to achieve a result. However after initial scares, Germany quickly settled and stamped their authority on both the game and group G. Thomas Muller was of course outstanding, and his 3 goals follow on from his outstanding form in the 2010 World Cup whereby he won the golden boot. Germany's dominant display was exacerbated by their handling of the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, reducing him to a number of long range strikes. Although Pepe was sent off Germany still disposed of the 4th best team in the world* with considerable ease. The 7 time finalists haven't gone all the way in a while. But is this their year? Can't see why not.

*Portugal are ranked 4th in the World according to the FIFA world ranking



Thomas Muller bagged the first hat trick of this years World Cup

USA 2-1 Ghana
USA were considered no hopers from progressing through group G. Many prior to the tournaments start even labelled their group the 'group of death'; showing the extent of the task that lay in their wake. Ghana beat them easily 4 years prior in the last 16, meaning the United States were seeking revenge. 30 seconds. That's how long it took Clint Dempsey to strike. It was a blistering start by the Americans, and although they were not able to penetrate the Black Stars aback line as easily as they did in the 1st minute, they really impressed me. Their work rate was superb; their trio in midfield really stood out for me. Beckerman, Bradley and Jones were everywhere and although their resilience was broken when Ghana equalised, Brooks was able to restore their advantage and win the game for them just minutes later. It may not have been pretty, but they really showed their grit and determination to get a result. They may only need 1 more point progress from their group, given the heavy defeat inflicted on Portugal by the Germans. Many would've predicted they'd be going home early, but this result means they may stick around longer then many thought.

Uruguay 1-3 Costa Rica

Uruguay are indisputably a 2 man team. They rely heavily on their two front men to hit top form; Luis Suarez (below) and Edison Cavani. When they don't fire, they don't win. Simple. With Suarez missing and Cavani off form, Urugauy had little fire power up front and their frailties at the back were exposed. The man to do this: Joel Campbell. The Arsenal winger was superb all game. Whether it was running at the defence or shooting from range he was a constant menace. He alone will be enough to worry Italy and England and if he performs in one or both of these games, we may well be seeing a major shock in Group D. No one gave Costa Rica a chance. No one. But they are only one result away from reaching the last 16, and with that unexpected progress from the dubbed 'Group of death'.
 

France 3-0 Honduras

You would expect France to beat a lowly ranked side like Honduras and in the end they managed to comprehensively. But what really impressed me was their ability to cope with the Hondurans physicality. The Honduran players were flying into challengers all over the pitch and whereby this may have rattled a high calibre team and throw them off their game; the French seemed unphased and were excellent throughout. Benzema was superb up front, as was Griezmann, and the Hondurans never really threatened the French goal. Yes Palacios was sent off in the first half and yes they were up against 10 men for large periods. But they coped with a strong, resolute side. Tougher challenges await, but they could go far. They may prove very tough to beat.

Team of the round:

Spain 1-5 Netherlands

There can only be one team of the round. Beating the highest ranked side in the world* is one thing, but putting 5 past them and winning by 4 is something else. Let's not forget Spain have won the last 3 major tournaments they have played in: Euro 2008, The 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. To be humbled in such a manner must've taken quite a remarkable performance. And it was: Because of Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben. Like Uruguay the Netherlands are very much a 2 man team. They were shaky in defence and could've found themselves 2-0 down early on, but up stepped Robben and Van Persie. If they perform, it is rare they will lose. To decimate a side like Spain is not down to luck, it's down to sheer brilliance. If they carry on their form, then it would take a brave man to bet against Holland winning this years World Cup.

* Spain are ranked 1st in the world according to the FIFA world ranking