Columbia (3) - Greece (1) - Group C
Not much to say here. Greece was completely outclassed. As one announcer quipped, it isn't a good thing when your greatest offensive threat is your left back. (But a shout out to all the outside backs who know how to get up on the attack!)
Columbia scored at 5' and never really looked back.
Columbia looks to be the class of Group C and should easily make the Round of 16, perhaps as 1C, playing against 2D in Rio in Match 50. As 2C, they would play 1D in Recife in Match 52.
Costa Rica (3) - Uruguay (1) - Group D
Costa Rica overcame an early 0-1 deficit to beat pre-tourney favorite Uruguay. Uruguay scored its only goal on a deserved PK when a Costa Rican defender simply grabbed an opponent around the waist in the box. But Costa Rica regrouped and dominated the rest of match, winning it going away. Group D is now wide open, and it will be interesting to see how the other pool matches go.
Italy (2) - England (1) - Group D
Super Mario had the game-winner against England, and Italy must now be considered the favorite for the top seed in Group D going into the Round of 16. The highly anticipated England-Uruguay game will feature two teams fighting for their tournament lives.
Ivory Coast (2) - Japan (1) - Group C
Japan jumped out to a 1-0 lead but couldn't hold off the charging Elephants who looked the more experienced team in their 2-1 victory. Credit goes to Drogba for creating space for his teammates when he subbed in at 62', changing the complexion of the match. I, for one, am always to see older players still having an impact. One wonders if the US will miss Donovan's experience in this WC.
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