Later of group stage

Most of group stage matches are over. Lot of big names in world football fallen apart in front of smaller nations (football wise) due to flow of techniques through out the world with those European coaches. Specially defensive tactics. Now it has been usual fact that if any nation played 100% defensively they most probably can avoid a defeat. This is an important fact for Spanish supporters which I'll explain later on.

At this moment 8 teams filling half of spots of knockout stage are already qualified for the same. France were the most disappointing team so far. Couldn't seal any victory. They kept Karim Benzema and Samir Nasri, two players that could convert half chances to goals, at home when they were coming to South Africa. I'm not telling they lost because of those 2 players. France was one team who had great chemistry between players. But we didn't see it this time.

Another disappointing team is Spain. If Chilie play fully defensively Spain will most probably join France on their way back. And Chilie are more than capable of doing it, specially Spain have only one goal scorer they can rely on, David Villa. Chilie has to mark him really well without giving any space to David Villa, or otherwise he'll do what he did to Honduras

No I didn't forget Fernando Torres, the best center forward in world football, but not at the moment. The Kid has lost his rhythm and confidence, so will not be a big threat to Chilie defensive minded players. Other than them they have world class midfielders like Iniesta, Xavi, Xabi Alonso...they'll keep their possession, supply the ball to strikers really well, but non of them are goal scorers except Cesc Fabregas.

Therefore there's a big chance for Chilie to make their match against Spain draw, which is enough for them to go to the next round. If Chilie went for attacking and lost to Spain, then there's a chance for them to being thrown out of the competition. So they'll play defensively and do what ever it takes to not to loose and if they don't loose, then Spain will have to go home.

So this world cup has created a great exciting atmosphere already in group stage. Wonder how it'll be in knockout rounds. With the heat of it I'll stop here with following note.

Team of the Moment: Brazil

Player of the Moment: Luis Fabiano.