Best and Worst of Round 2.

Round 2.

BEST:

Portugal vs. North Korea (7-0). Now, ignoring Ronaldo's lucky flick off the head, which he acknowledged with an ear-2-ear smile, this was a masterclass showing. I don't know what happened to North Korea between Game 1 (vs. Brazil) and Game 2 (vs. a weaker Portugal). But this is simply going to rev up the final group game between Brazil and Portugal...has to be the Game of the Group Stages.

Mexico vs. France (2-0). As an Italy fan, all I can do is shout WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE (like a little child jumps with joy)....or OUIIIIIIIIIIIIIII (the french yes). It wasn't men against boys, skill didn't have anything to do with it. Mexico simply wanted it more. They hustled after every loose ball and it was very strange to see a walking French team, even with possession.

Argentina - South Korea (4-0). More accurately, Messi 4 - South Korea 0. Wow. Wondershow. Has there even been a player who didn't score who shined so brightly? Even with Pipita's hattrick, the commentators themselves were waxing lyrical over El Mesiah's man of the match performance.

WORST:

Italy - New Zealand (1-1). Ok. I need to say it again. This is Italy's worst assembled group of players since....well, there you go. To say this is one of New Zealand's best results ever is really doing disservice to their players because this was an awful Italy. No, this was not Italy. This was a group of players resting on their laurels from four years ago. In what is without a doubt the easiest group to qualify from, Italy have yet again surprised the faithful by leaving it till the last round. What goes up, must come down....I've heard.

England - Algeria (0-0). To say England has underperformed in this world cup is giving the players too much credit. England were placed in the second easiest group in this world cup. "Rooney who?" Harry Redknapp, manager of Tottenham Hotspurs in the EPL, a huge admirer of Rooney absolutely slandered his performance Friday night. A number of players were played out of position and/or did not live up to their billing. Is it fair to say that this England squad is just not that good....?

South Africa - Uruguay (0-3). I want to clarify by saying this was not a bad match in any way. Forlan's brace was downright clinical while the spraying of the passing brought back memories of Uruguay early last century. It is bad because this effectively knocked out the hosts of the competition. This is the first time this has ever happened. I guess it had to happen sometime, right? Well, one thing I can see hat's tpositive from this is that the vuvuzelas might die down as the locals go to less matches?

Dark Horse: Serbia. Beating Germany is quite a task. In fairness, Germany were reduced to 10 men and still managed to create good chances and possession. Serbia should have solidified their lead further.

Man of the Match: Mali's Koman Coulibaly, for disallowing USA's Maurice Edu's completely legitimate goal. Winning the Slovenia match would have sent USA into the next round. (I apologize to all US supporters for my anti-USA stance....but as a foreigner, I think you can see where I am coming from).