Game # 12 - Germany vs Portugal

Almost from the start, it was obvious that this game was only ever going to go one way - the controlled restraint of the German play was going to overcome the erratic flashes of Portuguese brilliance. That the score was "only" 4-0 was one of the few surprises. This is not to say that Portugal were awful because they weren't. It is simply to say that the Germans walked on to that pitch and they were simply GOING to win regardless. It wasn't rampant flashy football despite getting 4 goals, rather it was utterly confident, steady football that was intimidating in its restraint. If this team unleashes itself later in the tournament, I suspect some team is going to have a whole bucket load of goals scored against it. Very impressive - Germany is my pick to win the World Cup (followed by a very close Netherlands).

Game # 13 - Iran vs Nigeria

Bored now - and not just because of the scoreline. I was really hoping that Nigeria would be great this time, remembering the wonderful team of the 1994 Cup. Given that there are some surprisingly familiar names (I'm assuming next generation, not really people playing 20 years later) like Emenike, Ameobi and of course Keshi - who, as a player, was injured just before the 1994 competition and never even made the squad - I was really hoping the Super Eagles might swoop. Sadly, even though Iran did play a heavily defensive style of play, Nigeria really didn't even come close to breaking through. Dull game and not a good advert for it at all.

Game # 14 - Ghana vs USA

Ghana was another side that I hoped were going to really make an impact, given their excellent 2010 World Cup record. This side just took too long to get into rhythm, probably at least a little disconcerted by the first US goal, coming after only 29 seconds. When they got into that rhythm at last, they certainly troubled the US repeatedly in the end of the first half and then start of the second half. Eventually Ghana got their long-deserved equalizer and that looked to be it, only for the US to score their winning goal just minutes later. Both sides looked good in the game with the US running a very slick passing game and Ghana all power and speed. If Ghana settles faster, they will be a really force to be reckoned with.

Game # 15 - Belgium vs Algeria

Given the intense hype that Belgium came into this competition with, you might be forgiven for thinking this would be a walk over. Even though Belgium did eventually win 2-1, this never an easy game for them. Indeed, until the two subs came on (both of whom scored a goal), Belgium was definitely looking a bit lackluster. It was Algeria who scored first (from a penalty, admittedly) but it was them who were full of running and enterprise for very long patches of the first half and Belgium looked shaky. With the introduction of Mertens and Fellaini, Belgium woke up and scored, the first from Fellaini just 5 minutes after coming on and then from Mertens just ten minutes from the end of the game.

Game # 16 - Brazil vs Mexico

Just to show that I am not prejudiced against draws (and a goalless one at that), I really enjoyed this game. I thought that that Brazil were even better in this game that their first but they just happened to encounter a man playing out of his skin - the Mexican goal keeper Ochoa. It wasn't just one game-saving save, it was a whole string of them. Just to give you an idea, the Brazilians had 14 shots at goal, 8 on target, for no result. The Mexicans themselves created fewer chances (with just three shots on target) but played a good game too. I think both teams are now in with a good chance to go through.

Game # 17 - Russia vs Korea Republic

Sadly, another fairly dull draw with neither side doing much to be excited about. Akinfeev must have felt very disappointed in the way he simply gifted the first goal to the Koreans but to the Russian team's credit, they kept going and, if anything, were woken up by that goal. They were woken up to such an extent that they equalized just 6 minutes later. Unfortunately, with another 16 minutes still to go, both teams seemed to decide that it was better to settle for the draw rather than go for the win and risk getting caught at the back so it finished very dully, though not without a final flourish from the Russians. Both will need to play better if they are going to progress out of the group.