A combination of a new computer, a router that wouldn't route (then, eventually, would), an e-mail system that would receive but wouldn't send e-mails and some other 'compatibility' stuff meant that Day Fifteen of the 2010 World Cup was, pretty much, the one that never happened as far as yer Keith Telly Topping was concerned. You usually get one every tournament. The point at which, briefly, the real-world kicks back and says 'Oi! Bonny lad, you've spent a fortnight watching this nonsense! Well, not today, sonny Jim. I've got plans for you.'
For the record, in the first two games, Brazil and Portugal played out a spectacularly dull 0-0 draw, a game so depressing it even made Mick McCarthy sound more morose than usual. What was perceived as a potential standout game of the group stages failed to deliver on its promise on any level as Portugal's desire to secure the point that would definitely seal qualification from Group G limited any free-flowing football from either side.
The game was also marred by a very unsavoury incident in which the Brazilian defender, Juan, deliberately handled the ball and every Portuguese in the gaff rushed from all corners to the referee brandishing imaginary red cards cards. It was, probably, a sending off offence but the referee, perhaps was influenced in a way that boys from Lisbon didn't expect and only produced a yellow. It was, however, a very horrible sight - professional footballers deliberately trying to get a fellow pro sent-off. In the other game, needing cricket score against North Korea and for Brazil to do them a favour, Cote D'Ivoire got neither - they could only manage three goals against a plucky but limited North Korea, a result which sent both teams packing.
In the evening games, Spain at last produced a bit of form, beating Chile 2-1 in a cracker in Pretoria. Spain's unquestionable class was just enough to edge them past a talented - but ill-disciplined - Chile team who deservedly joined the European champions in qualifying for the knockout stages. Chile, who picked up seven red cards in qualifying, must face five-time winners Brazil on Monday without their strongest team after three key players were lost to suspension in a first half they had threatened to take charge of with admirable invention before losing their heads.
Meanwhile, Switzerland crashed out of the World Cup after a desperately disappointing display against Honduras. Needing a two-goal win to guarantee a place in the last sixteen, the Swiss lacked a cutting edge and were unable to break down the stubborn central Americans, who wasted several chances to sneak a victory on the break in a hectic finale. For Ottmar Hitzfeld's Swiss team, the euphoria of their opening victory over pre-tournament favourites Spain seemed a distant memory as wave after wave of attacks fizzled out or ended with a wayward shot. As someone who sat through their knackerless 2006 World Cup campaign and, specifically that match against the Ukraine in which both teams played for, and got, penalties I'm afraid I can't feel sorry for them, despite their fine performance against the Spanish.
So, it was a day of mixed fortunes and not much great football. Looks like I didn't miss much.
Goals: 101
Red Cards: 13
For the record, in the first two games, Brazil and Portugal played out a spectacularly dull 0-0 draw, a game so depressing it even made Mick McCarthy sound more morose than usual. What was perceived as a potential standout game of the group stages failed to deliver on its promise on any level as Portugal's desire to secure the point that would definitely seal qualification from Group G limited any free-flowing football from either side.
The game was also marred by a very unsavoury incident in which the Brazilian defender, Juan, deliberately handled the ball and every Portuguese in the gaff rushed from all corners to the referee brandishing imaginary red cards cards. It was, probably, a sending off offence but the referee, perhaps was influenced in a way that boys from Lisbon didn't expect and only produced a yellow. It was, however, a very horrible sight - professional footballers deliberately trying to get a fellow pro sent-off. In the other game, needing cricket score against North Korea and for Brazil to do them a favour, Cote D'Ivoire got neither - they could only manage three goals against a plucky but limited North Korea, a result which sent both teams packing.In the evening games, Spain at last produced a bit of form, beating Chile 2-1 in a cracker in Pretoria. Spain's unquestionable class was just enough to edge them past a talented - but ill-disciplined - Chile team who deservedly joined the European champions in qualifying for the knockout stages. Chile, who picked up seven red cards in qualifying, must face five-time winners Brazil on Monday without their strongest team after three key players were lost to suspension in a first half they had threatened to take charge of with admirable invention before losing their heads.
Meanwhile, Switzerland crashed out of the World Cup after a desperately disappointing display against Honduras. Needing a two-goal win to guarantee a place in the last sixteen, the Swiss lacked a cutting edge and were unable to break down the stubborn central Americans, who wasted several chances to sneak a victory on the break in a hectic finale. For Ottmar Hitzfeld's Swiss team, the euphoria of their opening victory over pre-tournament favourites Spain seemed a distant memory as wave after wave of attacks fizzled out or ended with a wayward shot. As someone who sat through their knackerless 2006 World Cup campaign and, specifically that match against the Ukraine in which both teams played for, and got, penalties I'm afraid I can't feel sorry for them, despite their fine performance against the Spanish.So, it was a day of mixed fortunes and not much great football. Looks like I didn't miss much.
Goals: 101
Red Cards: 13
