Is it all in the name?

Group  H

Belgium      2                Algeria    1

Fellani (70)                           Feghouli (25pen)

Mertens (80)

Many peoples dark horses Belgium finally got their world cup underway.  A lacklustre first half performance saw the Belgians fall behind to a 25th minute penalty.  Second half and a couple of changes in personnel and system paid dividends, and Belgium's direct play meant the turned this game around to take all three points.  

Group   H

Russia    1                       South Korea   1

Kerzhakov (74)                         Lee KH (68)

This was a cautious game between two cautious teams, Korea were probably the more adventurous of the two and took the lead, when a long range shot was thrown into his own net by the Russian keeper.  Russia clawed one back a few minutes later as this game turned out to be the second most boring game of the tournament so far, only Iran and Nigeria's nil-niller is above this in the shit game charts.

Group   A

Brazil   0              Mexico   0

Although this was a goalless draw, there was quite a bit of action, notably from the Mexican goalkeeper who put in a man of the match performance by stopping chance after Brazil chance with any part of his body he could.  Brazil had most of the chances but Mexico held their own in what was quite an entertaining game. 

Brazil have started this world cup quite slowly, some might say it is a lot to do with the pressure they are under as firm favourites to lift the trophy and also with the competition being in their own back yard.  I personally think its a lot more straight forward than all that.  In the past just the names of the Brazilian players would strike the fear of god into the opposition.  With the exception of maybe Neymar and Hulk, which names can possibly live up to such awe inspiring names of the past like Zico, Socrates, Junior and Falcao.  Not to mention Pele, Garrancha, Jarzinho, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.  When they look to the bench to bring on a new face, they can't bring on a name like Careca, Bebeto or Romario.  Instead off comes Oscar, Fred and Jo, to be replaced by who?   Bernard, Sid and Bill?  

Not so much the Boys from Brazil, more like Carry on up the Redeemer, starring Harry H Christ!!

I am sure they will improve as the tournament goes on, and after all they are still unbeaten and only have conceded 1 goal so I still expect them to win this group comfortably.  Second place in this group is not going to be so easy though, with Mexico looking strong and Count Kovac's Croatia only having to overcome a hapless Cameroon tonight, it should leave the final game between Croatia and Mexico as an all or nothing, winner takes all shootout for second spot.  Could be a right Humdinger!