La Copa Mundial: Day 6

The old saying is, "If you aren't going to try, then don't show up." Now, who said it? I don't know. Does that saying actually exist? Probably, but I really just made it up here for my purposes.

To the Ukraine: If you aren't going to try, then don't show up. The point is this: There are World Cups only every four years, and many players, if at all, only play in one. So why show up and just take a game off? It doesn't make sense. The same goes for the Americans. If you don't want to be there, drop out. Then again, both of those teams played two world-class sides in Spain and the Czech Republic, respectively. Am I rambling at this point? Yes.

--Despite winning 4-0, Spain didn't really impress me that much. It was more the Ukraine playing very poorly. Spain is still very good, don't get me wrong, I just don't think they are as good as the 4-0 result would suggest. I expect them to play collectively better when Raul and Cesc Fabregas are healthy, which is scary for Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. The Ukraine still has a great shot of getting through to the second round, with two very winnable matches against the same two teams, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Don't expect the Ukraine to repeat today's awful performance.

--The worst match in the entire World Cup in terms of pre-game significance and hype turned out to be a fantastic match, as Tunisia and Saudi Arabia drew 2-2. The real question is, can Angola-Iran match the intensity and excitement of this match? If not, that match could be the worst match we'll see. Anyway, I think both teams played very well. While I still consider Ukraine the favorites to take second in this group, these two teams proved they will not make it easy for them. I expect two great matches in the next 10 days: Ukraine-Saudi Arabia on the 19th, and then Ukraine-Tunisia on the 23rd.

--The World Cup is down to 31 teams basically, after Germany trumped Poland 1-0 with a last-gasp goal. Poland needs the following to happen to even have a shot to through:

Costa Rica beats Ecuador 2-0 or by two goals
Germany beats Ecuador 2-0 or by two goals
Poland beats Costa Rica 3-0 or by three goals

Now, Costa Rica could very well beat Ecuador, but by two goals? Doubtful. Germany will probably rest some players in their final group match, so a 2-0 result over an Ecuadorian team that will need at least a draw is very unlikely. And Poland hasn't scored yet, so who's to say they will come alive for three goals, if not more, against Costa Rica? In other words, while it is still very slightly possible to advance, Poland is pretty much done at World Cup 2006.

--Germany is through to the next round. If Ecuador beats Costa Rica tomorrow, the group is decided, making the final match Germany-Ecuador the deciding game for first place. How exciting. Oh, and by the way, Michael Ballack looked decent in his first match back from injury. Not great, but certainly not awful. He will gain more composure against Ecuador and should be back in top form for the second round.

--Tomorrow will be very fun to watch, with Ecuador and Costa Rica both needing a result. I expect them to draw, and mathematically eliminate Poland.

--England should beat Trinidad & Tobago easily, but after the Trini performance against Sweden, anything is possible. England has a better midfield than Sweden, so they will look to score with their poaching midfielders Beckham, Cole, Gerrard and Lampard. Also, watch Owen and his fitness. He looked a little slow in the Paraguay match, and might still be hampered by a healing broken foot. If Trinis draw this match, they have a shot to get through. But I say England wins 2-0.

--This is a gigantic match for Sweden against Paraguay. Sweden has to win, in my opinion, with their last match against England fit for a draw. Paraguay will be eliminated with a loss, but not with a draw. So they might do well with a tie, turning their attention to Trinidad & Tobago for the result they need. If Sweden's attack can figure out Paraguay's defense, it will be a long day for the Paraguayans. But unless Sweden improves on their finishing around the net, they will have trouble with a tough, defensive opponent like Paraguay. I think Sweden will win by a goal, 1-0 or 2-1.

Intrigue and excitement now creep into the World Cup picture as the second matches come around and carry more significance. You will see more urgency out of teams, particularly from the ones that played poorly the first go around. Anyway, the best few days are coming up, with matches through Saturday consisting of:

Sweden vs. Paraguay -- attacking football against structured, defensive style
Argentina vs. Serbia & Montenegro -- possession-intensive attacking against extremely tough defending
Holland vs. the Ivory Coast -- possession and attacking against flair and excitement
Czech Republic vs. Ghana -- Smooth attacking against confidence (this could be a major letdown game for the Czechs after beating the Americans.)
Italy vs. the United States -- Technical brilliance and patient attack versus urgency and aggressive attacking

Like I said a few days ago, the World Cup gets better every day. It doesn't die down like the NCAA Tournament or the NBA Playoffs. So expect great matches with increased intensity and stronger urgency. Enjoy!