Game # 5 - Colombia vs Greece

I guess this one really went the way it was expected. Greece have a sadly lacking record in the World Cup despite really talented squads in both 1994 and 2010. The issue has always been the ability to put the ball in the back of the net - and this one was no different with only Samara and Gekas really coming close. Colombia, on the other hand, looked like they were always going to win this - and the three goals to nil that they won by reflects that. They looked exciting and goal-hungry so perhaps they can keep on going in that way for a few more games.

Game # 6 - Uruguay vs Costa Rica

It all looked like it was going according to plan - half-time and Uruguay (who so many have mentioned as their dark horse pick for the Cup itself) were a goal up and seemingly very comfortable. Clearly Costa Rica were having none of that because two quick goals knocked the heart out of Uruguay early in the second half with a third just completing the rout. Just to top it off, the Uruguayan Pereira got himself sent off, the first of this competition. It put Costa Rica top of their group and Uruguay on the bottom - that goal difference is always important.

Game # 7 - England vs Italy

Chronic under-achievers vs chronic over-achievers and it went exactly that way again. It was at least fairly clean and definitely entertaining. Sturridge's goal was exactly what he was on the team for but the Italian machine was able, as always, to grind out thorough-going team goals, exactly the type of enterprise England so often fails to respond to. 2-1 to Italy was probably a fair reflection of the game, England had more shots but less possession and you can't allow that against a team like Italy. Still England were competitive throughout and that bodes well for their other two games.

Game # 8 - Cote D'Ivoire vs Japan

Definitely a game of two contrasting halves with Japan dominant (and scoring) in the first and then Cote D'Ivoire dominating in the second (once Drogba came on) and scoring twice to win 2-1. Considering that he came on in the 62nd minute and four minutes later Cote D'Ivoire were suddenly two goals to the better, you could argue that Drogba had an impact and I suppose he did but it was much more in the nature of a psychological one than a physical because the Japanese seemed to spend so much time waiting for Drogba to move that they barely noticed many other players moving and shooting (and indeed scoring). Given their dominance in possession, shooting (especially shots on goal at 10-4) and corners, the result was definitely in line with Cote D'Ivoire's stats.