Day 10

It's day 10 of the world Cup and the first match of the day was between Japan & Croatia. I missed the game, but it ended in a nil-nil draw with both sides having their chances. Japan's keeper came up with a massive save on a penalty kick while Japan missed a sitter and squirted the ball wide of an empty net. Brazil & Australia are at half-time and the score remains at nil-nil here as well. The primary difference in this game is that Brazil has eleven fantastic players while Australia has one fantastic team. The Brazilians are not playing effectively and have been unable to net a goal due to a very effective Australian defence. Of course, as I write this, the second half has started and the Brazilian's have stepped up the pace a bit and scored in the 4th minute of the half. This gives Brazil 193 goals in 88 World Cup matches compared to Australia's 3 goals in 4 World Cup matches. Ronaldo, himself is tied with Pele for World Cup goals and is only 2 off the record. He could very well set a new record in this competition. So, knowing that, and knowing that teams scoring first are 18-2-2 in this year's tournamet, Australia have an uphill battle. Even though I pulled Brazil in the blind World Cup pool I'm in, come on the Socceroos! **UPDATED** and at the death of regular time, substitute Fred within seconds of his arrival taps one home giving Brazil a 2-0 lead and pretty much securing both their passage into the second round and Brazil's record-holding 9th consecutive World Cup win. The game is over and Brazil are headed to the second round for the 10th straight time. Australia, however, is still very much alive, but need to beat or draw against Croatia in 5 day's time. Next up is South Korea vs France. I think I'm going to watch this one from a bar. Cheers. More later. Until the, Wastrel On!