Going into the matches today, Group C had already been decided (group of death, my foot), while Portugal had already advanced out of group D, and both Mexico and Angola had a chance to be the second team out of the group.
Group C
Both Argentina and Netherlands had already qualified for the second round with 2 wins out of 2 matches, leaving today’s matchup of world powers without many stars on the pitch. Most of them were sitting on the bench with no intentions of entering the match. They might as well have watched it at the local pub. Argentina need a draw or win to take first place in the group, while Netherlands required a win to avoid second place. While it was entertaining, it seemed more of an exhibition than a real match. In the end, a 0 – 0 draw gave both teams what they wanted, no injuries, no yellow cards of note and onto the second round.
The Cote D’Ivoire and Serbia and Montenegro match on the other hand was a slug fest. CIV fell behind at half, 2 -0, and came storming back with 20 total shots in the match, and 9 corners, good enough for a 3 – 2 win, and 3 points. Though both teams are headed home, it was a great match to watch.
Argentina takes first place with 7 points, while the Netherlands takes second in the group with 7 points as well. Argentina had a much better goal differential, thanks to its 6 – 0 beating of Serbia and Montenegro.
Group D
Portugal entered their third match knowing it had all but secured first place in the group, and therefor, rested many of it’s stars. Mexico, on the other hand, needed a tie or win to secure their second round spot. Too bad Mexico didn’t show up, and lost 2 – 1 to a watered down Portugal. They were in the match, but just never seemed to control it at any one point. You just knew that if Portugal were in trouble, they could substitute a couple of guys and score at will. When Omar Bravo missed the PK that would have tied it at 2, you knew the match was over. I am sure as the match came to a close, all of the Mexican players and fans were watching the Angola – Iran game more closely than their own.
With Mexico losing, Angola had a shot to advance to the second round with a win over previously winless Iran. All they had to do was beat Iran by 2 goals, and they would advance. It was just too much, as Iran and Angola tied, leaving both teams out of the second round. So. Mexico advances with 4 points, the lowest so far in the tournament.
Second Round
Argentina and Mexico will match up on June 24 in Leipzig, and you have to figure Mexico will once again drop out in the round of 16. The winner of this match will move on to play the Germany/Sweden winner. Portugal gets a great prize for winning their group, the Netherlands. They will match up on June 25 in Nuremberg, with the winner to play the England/Ecuador winner. This should be one of the highlight matches of the round of 16, with two great teams going at each other.