The Elephants get a Lesson in "Joga Bonito"
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Another interesting day of futbol took place all over South Africa today. Paraguay took on Slovakia, Italy faced New Zealand and the Brazilians faced Cote d'Ivoire. The saga continues. On to the reviews.
Italy v New Zealand
After a first round of games that saw most teams being understandably cautious I hoped we would see the defending champions come out gunning to secure three points against 78th ranked New Zealand. Wait, I momentarily forgot that we are talking about Italy. New Zealand's Shane Smeltz opens up the scoring in the 6th minute to give them a shock lead. Daniele De Rossi DIVES in the box (yeah I said it) and earns the Azzuri a penalty that is tucked away by Vincenzo Iaquinta in the 28th minute. 1-1 draw. After the second round of play the Italians are tied for second place with two points. A dismal showing by the current World Champions.
Paraguay v Slovakia
I didn't wake up in time to catch this game (working late sucks especially during the World Cup). It ended 2-0 with Paraguay sitting at the top of Group F with 4 points. Enrique Vera opens up the scoring in the 26th minute to put Paraguay ahead. Cristian Riveros secures the 3 points in the 85th minute from an assist by Paulo da Silva.
Cote d'Ivoire v Brazil
This is probably the game the whole world was looking forward to. Why? The strongest African side versus the Brazilians. The stage was set for a game of epic proportions. And it did not disappoint. Except for the hideous, suffocatingly-tight jerseys donned by the Elephants. But this isn't a fashion blog, so onto actual futbol commentary. For the first twenty minutes I was very proud of the Elephants for holding onto the ball and more or less controlling the tempo of the game and pressing forward. Unfortunately, my pride took a massive hit in the 24th minute when Luiz Fabiano decided that it was a good idea to score his first goal in a World Cup against the Ivory Coast. The build up play was beautiful one touch futbol between Fabiano and Kaka to set up the goal.
Three minutes into the second half Fabiano, with his confidence peaking, scores a pretty nice goal that was preceded by what is, perhaps, the greatest display of patty cake ever. In real time the goal was exceptional. He made the Ivory Coast defense look like a volleyball net and then places the ball on his left food to guide it past Boubacar Barry. However, thanks to the super duper slow-mo instant replay fancied by ESPN/ABC in this World Cup, it becomes evident that Fabiano's first touch was with his left arm and his "chest" touch to control the ball right before he fires it home was indeed his right bicep. Rubbish. What infuriated me the more, thanks again to the super slow mo, was the referee jogging back with Fabiano after the goal and touching his left bicep and smiling with Fabiano presumably saying "I saw your handball, but sick goal bro! I wasn't gonna disallow that!" Despicable.
Dindane is taken off and Gervinho comes on. Why? After his exceptional display against Portugal in the first round of play why did he start their most important game on the bench?? I am seriously appalled at some of the decision making in regards to African sides so far. The better players are either not played or are brought on when it is a little bit too late. Anyhow, the difference is immediately evident. Gervinho presses forward and cuts through the Brazilian defense, but again the finish is just not there. Then the lesson in Joga Bonito is completed by Kaka's beautiful pass into the box that Elano catches with his left foot and slices it past Barry to put the Brazilians up 3-0. Game over. Didier Drogba was a non-factor in this game until his header in the 78th minute from a beautiful cross from Yaya Toure. It was a beautiful finish and I won't rag on Drogba too much. It's tough playing with a broken arm. I commend him for playing the entire game.
The fight.
We need to address (we meaning futbol fans and lovers of the sport and FIFA and the players) the issue of diving and hideous acting in futbol. It's horrible and it's a disgrace. You bump into Kaka, who's clearly just guarding himself, he hits you in the chest and you fall to the floor clutching your face. Stop it. Perhaps the holiest and well-mannered player in all of futbol gets sent off for a bogus challenge. Why not give the diver a card? It's all over though, the Brazilians already had the game in the bag and now Ivory Coast find themselves with only one point after two games. Keep the faith boys, hopefully Portugal can draw agaisnt North Korea, get obliterated by Brazil and you can defeat the North Koreans. I highly doubt it will happen like that, but again, you never know.
Enjoy the games. The saga begins again tomorrow morning with Portugal taking on North Korea. Thank you all for reading, drop a comment if you will or catch us on twitter: @LiveBrtheFutbol rambling on about futbol and other uselessness. Until next time, joga bonito!!
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