Zwei durch Zwei durch Zwei

These past two days have been very eventful. I've got two days to recap (It was my brother's birthday yesterday). Some very important games were played, and the final standing into the Round of 16 are being established. We're beginning to see the schedule for the next set of matches starting to set up, and it will not disappoint. Many hearts were broken these last few days, but many of the big names are still in it. There were 8 games since the last post, many played for show, and other played for very high stakes. I will try to keep recaps as brief as possible. The schedule has been doubling up the matches, meaning that there are 2 going on at the same time. 4 groups have already been defined, they just await their opponents. So, here we go. The two top teams from Group A met up yesterday morning in Berlin, Germany. The host nation took on the South American powerhouse that is Ecuador. Simultaneously, Costa Rica faced off against Poland, in what was mostly a ceremonious game played to complete the initial round of qualifying in Hanover, Germany. The big battle was between Germany and Ecuador as they fought for the coveted 1st place slot. However, the South Americans proved that they were nowhere near the level of the Europeans, as they fall 3-0 against the German might. On the flipside, Poland finally found the rhythm they were so desperately lacking in the face of the total collapse of the Costa Rican team. They finally managed to earn 3 points, while sending the Ticans home with 0 points. Final score 2-1. Up next, we move to Group B as they look to define the final standings of their group. First, we had Sweden vs. England in Cologne, Germany, while on Kaiserslautern, Germany, we had Paraguay vs. Trinidad and Tobago. England was looking to get their third win, while the Swedes were looking for their second. The Brits played a very dominant game, very strategic and offensive. But the Swedes were not easily pushed aside. They gave as well as they took, and in the end, both teams had to settle for a single point. 2-2 final score. The second match saw the Tobogans looking for their second point after a tie against Sweden, and the Paraguay was looking for their first. The Paraguay that the entire Latin American community was hoping to see this World Cup finally decided to show up, and despite it being too late, they went out in a blaze of glory. Final score, 2-0. That leads us to today's competitions. Early this morning Mexico took on Portugal in Gelsenkirchen, Germany while Iran faced off against Angola in Leipzig, Germany. Mexico was in serious danger, as the Angolan team posed a considerable threat. All they had to do was win by at least 2 goals, and Mexico would be sent packing. Needless to say, it was a very stressful morning. The Portugese opened up the board early, playing superior to "El Tri", and demonstrating that superiority when they find the net yet again in the 1st half. 5 minute later, the Mexicans retaliate, and manage to find an opening the Portuguese defense. Ultimately, the score remains frozen all through the second half. Final score, 2-1. On the flipside, Angola finds the net early in the second half, but the Iranians desperately wanted their first point, and earn it. Final score, 1-1. A few hours later, we move into group C where Argentina met with Holland in Frankfurt, Germany and the Ivory Coast took on Serbia and Montenegro in Munich, Germany. The top two teams, Argentina and Holland, tied at 6 pts. a piece, were looking to be the superleader of the group, while the Ivory Coast and Serbia and Montenegro sought their first point. Argentina and Holland both played a great game, probably the most exciting of the tournament so far, but despite their hardest efforts, the match remained scoreless throughout. Final score, 0-0. The other match saw a newly invigorated Ivory Coast, who I believed played a great World Cup despite their inability to gain any points, take on an inspired Serbia and Montenegro. This did not seem like a ceremonious game, but rather more like a championship one. Both teams managed to find the net as they desperately sought out their first win. In the end, the Africans were just too much to overcome, and the final score ended in favor of the Ivory Coast, 3-2. So, at the end of these past 2 days of action (8 games played, 4 teams advance, and 4 teams go home), Groups A, B, C, and D look like this:

Group A:
1. Germany (9 pts.)
2. Ecuador (6 pts.)
3. Poland (3 pts.)*
4. Costa Rica (0 pts.)*

Group B:
1. England (7 pts.)
2. Sweden (5 pts.)
3. Paraguay (3 pts.)*
4. Trinidad and Tobago (1 pt.)*

Group C:
1. Argentina (7 pts.)
2. Holland (7 pts).
3. Ivory Coast (3 pts.)*
4. Serbia and Montenegro (0 pts.)*

Group D:
1. Portugal (9 pts.)
2. Mexico (4 pts.)
3. Angola (2 pts.)*
4. Iran (1 pt.)*

(* Indicates eliminated teams)

Tomorrow: 2 more groups will be defined! Scheduled for action tomorrow: Italy vs. Czech Republic, USA (Come on Guys!!) vs. Ghana, Croatia vs. Australia, and the champs, Brazil vs. Japan

And still to come: Round of 16 kicks off this weekend people!!! This time it is down to only one game. This is where the men get seperated from the boys. It's "Win or Go Home!" in the most severe way. The excitement is only getting started!