Ukraine 1 – 0 Tunisia
Spain 1 – 0 Saudi Arabia
I believe there was some football this afternoon. Having just returned from a sixteen mile walk over Kentmere Pike, I found myself more captivated by the dual charms of my cup of tea and bottle of ale. Anyone who managed to sleep through the Ukraine/Tunisia match would have enjoyed merciful release from one of the worst matches so far. From what little I saw of the other Group H match, there wasn’t much to recommend it either. I mean, really… beating Saudi Arabia by only a single goal, and from a dodgy free kick as well.
This has been one of the easiest groups of the competition, and Ukraine have been thoroughly disappointing. Even Spain should probably have dominated more against such hopeless non-opposition. So what sizzling superstars will Spain and Ukraine be up against in the next round? Oh, dear God…
France 2 – 0 Togo
Switzerland 2 – 0 South Korea
All of the media attention on Group G has revolved around the deterioration of French football, the debut appearance of plucky Togo and the likelihood of South Korea being able to shine on foreign soil. Away from the media glare, Switzerland were solid, effective and got the job done. They’ve easily been the most consistent team in the group and can look forward to a potentially easy second-round match against Ukraine.
France finally found second gear, but benefitted partly from Togo’s inability to cap their ranging attacking moves with actual shots on goal. A draw with Spain may just finish off this poor France setup for good, or who knows… it might finally spur them into action.