Drawing Conclusions: Groups' First Games

Now that all the first games of the group stages have been played, it’s time to reflect on the best, worst, most surprising, most disappointing, and most purely knuckle-headed moments we’ve had the privilege to see. Oh yes! I almost forgot: what about all those goals we were supposed to see thanks to the world’s most hated ball?

Best Team: Germany

In a tournament marked by tentative play, Germany was the only team that played fluidly, and used the width of the field effectively. After overcoming a couple of nervy hiccups in the first few minutes of the game, the Germans settled down and imposed their will on the Australians who, even with Cahill on the field, never looked like they had a chance.

Worst Team: Greece

Putting aside their dismal word cup record, the Greeks were expected to compete in their group; however, Greece’s embarrassing display against South Korea seems to suggest that there will be little chance of knockout-stage football for the former European cup winners. Seldom did the Hellenes threaten the Koreans; actually, they threatened themselves with their shoddy passing.

Most Surprising Team: South Korea

Everyone knows that the Korans aren’t pushovers, but their performance against the Greeks was a warning to their future opponents. The Koreans looked dominant and relaxed in the midfield, mixing up their passing, and posing a constant threat to the Greek defense.

Most Disappointing Team: Serbia

Much was expected from the potential dark horses, however, similarly to 2006, the eastern Europeans were a huge disappointment, getting outplayed and outfought by a depleted Ghana team. The Serbs could never assert their game, and rarely strung more than a few passes in a row.

Most Surprising Result: Switzerland 1 Spain 0

Who saw this coming? All of a sudden Portugal and the Ivory Coast feel a lot better about second place.

Most Impressive Player: Mezut Oezil

A classy display against Australia has once again put the Werder Bremen midfielder on the radar screen. Oezil’s classy feint opened up the Australian defense for the first goal and he assisted Cacau on the fourth after he once again carved up the Aussies with an insightful run down the left. Oezil’s trickery is a perfect addition to a team that is known for its boring, mechanical, yet effective, style of play.

Most Disappointing Player: Milos Krasic

Krasic definitely didn’t live up to the hype. Seemingly being chased by every major club in Europe, the Serb was supposed to dazzle the world with his speed and ingenuity. Unfortunately, Krasic never broke out of his lull and drifted insignificantly throughout most of the game. On the one occasion he could have scored, Krasic shot directly at the Ghanaian goalkeeper, forcing nothing more than a routine save.

Bigsoccerhead Knuckle-head Moment: Zdravko Kuzmanovic’s Handball

In a tournament where there have been a few knuckle-head moments (think England’s Robert Green and Algeria’s Chaouchi), Kuzmanovic’s handball against Ghana reigns supreme. Why the Serb decided to lift both his hands as he tried to head the ball is anyone’s guess, but no one will doubt whom Serbians will be pointing fingers at if the country fails to qualify for the next round.