The World Cup is here once again and the closet football fans come out pretending to know everything there is but in reality not knowing very much. I'm one of these so I'm going to give the basic commentary on what's been happening so far.

Group A

• France 0-1 Senegal

The first match here was the first of the tournament. France v Senegal. This was supposed to be a walk over for the current holders France, or so we were told. But what happened? The pundits tell us that France was sloppy and the Senegal team were surprising. Senegal beat France 1 goal to 0. Yes, some team that were supposed to be useless beat the champions. Good on you all Senegal! This has, apparently, opened this group up to all comers.

• Uruguay 1-2 Denmark

Everyone says that Denmark deserved to win this match because they were the superior team. I'm going to disagree. Uruguay went into this match expected to loose but they put on a good show, testing the Danish team to their limits at times. The Danish team kept resorting to playing by the book, the plays, and the set pieces. Uruguay showed flair and imagination.

Group B

• Paraguay 2-2 South Africa

This was worth watching. Both teams played to their fullest. The result justified the team's efforts.

• Spain 3-1 Slovenia

Slovenia started this game with great gusto, but seemed to loose heart after a while. Spain controlled this match with some tight football, but Slovenia kept showing signs of talent.

Group C

• Brazil 2-1 Turkey

Turkey put on a performance, Brazil put on an Oscar winning performance. What a shame eh? Both teams played their hearts out, Turkey probably more so. But why oh why did Rivaldo have to spoil it all for everyone. Not just for the Brazilian team, but for everyone who takes part, whether playing in the teams or watching. 'Ow, my head, my head.' But you got hit on the leg. In come FIFA, the people in charge, 'No, no, that's not right, slap your wrist and pay a £5000 fine.' £5000! Is that it? How badly is that going to dent his wage? I doubt he'll even notice it.

• China 0-2 Costa Rica

China was a little unlucky here, but they just couldn't seem to gel anything together. There was occasional spurts of inspirational talent but, for some reason, they never really managed to finish. Costa Rica worked hard and deserved their result.

Group D

• South Korea 2-0 Poland

Didn't they do well? Okay, so Poland didn't play at their best, but South Korea played superbly. There was little to nothing that could be faulted in their performance. They managed classic text book football mixed in with interspersions of some pure creative genius. Good on them! The match was a pleasure to watch and I personally can't wait to see them play again and hope that they go through to the next round. If they can keep this form, there shouldn't be a problem there.

• USA 3-2 Portugal

Another surprise score line here. The Americans? Winning Football? A lot of Americans don't even know that it's called football. It's not Soccer, its Football. But here we see them showing talent for the game they can't name. Both teams played well and there was a lot of action to be watched. A good game and a good result.

Group E

• Republic of Ireland 1-1 Cameroon

Cameroon showed their metal throughout the first half of this match, Ireland showed them how to play in the second. It was truly, and I've been dying to use this phrase, a game of two halves. I've no idea what was said in that dressing room at half time, but it did the trick.

• Germany 8-0 Saudi Arabia

There's not much to be said here. Both teams started well, but Saudi Arabia seemed to give up after about 20 minutes. They might as well have gone home. It could have been the intimidation of playing against the Germans, or it could just have been that they couldn't have been bothered.

• Germany 1-1 Republic of Ireland

This is more like it eh? Sorry to all the German fans out there, but I'm biased. Germany dominated the possession, there's no doubt about that. But Ireland once again showed their spirit and played their hearts out until the final whistle, and got the equaliser that they deserved. Ireland may not currently be showing themselves as a team that could walk away with the championship, but they are showing that they are determined to give it a go.

Group F

• Argentina 1-0 Nigeria

Nigeria played rather well in this match. Rather well to the point that they held off Argentina to only lose by 1 point. This puts Nigeria into a good standing, one which would serve them well if they were in any of the other groups. Against the talent in this group, though, they are going to have to play a lot better. Argentina seemed to be resting themselves as they never really got their act together, relying more on the odd lucky chance.

• England 1-1 Sweden

Always set to be a tough match, or a complete walk over for Sweden, or an easy game for England. It all depended on who you listened to. England's defence was good, the rest was poor. They seemed to be constantly giving the ball away to Sweden who seemed to have trouble doing anything with it. So much more was expected of both teams. It might well have been that they were of equal standard. What that standard was I'll reserve judgement on for the moment.

Group G

• Croatia 0-1 Mexico

An early Red Card leading to a Penalty and a goal. That was about it for the game. Even down to ten men on one side there was little to watch. Mexico failed to take advantage of their advantage and the game suffered as a result.

• Italy 2-0 Ecuador

Italy showed more confidence here than newcomers Ecuador. Which was a shame really as Ecuador promised to burst out with some talent? In the end though Italy's experience showed through. Hopefully with the first match out of the way Ecuador can get over their nerves and show us all what they are capable of.

Group H

• Japan 2-2 Belgium

This match was very tight all round with Japan seemingly surprising the Belgian team with the talent that they displayed. Japan was quick and clever with their use of the ball and deserved the draw, maybe even a win. Belgium played tight and deserved the goals they got.

• Russia 2-0 Tunisia

Russia had to work for their victory, but they did deserve it. Tunisia put on a good show, played well and showed that they deserved to be part of the World Cup. Russia showed why they are the group favourites.

h2g2 World Cup Links

• World Cup 2002 by The Grand Master's
• VSC World Cup 2002 Zone by Ormondroyd.
• The Virtual Supporters' Club by Ormondroyd.

06.06.02 Front Page

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