Z/Web

What is it about the World Cup that brings out the best of teams? Paraguay has been talking a lot, but so far their performance in the competition has been poor. But they needed a big win here (as well as help from Spain). Unfortunately, things immediately went downhill. In the first half, one of their defenders was sent off for his second yellow. Then Slovenia had the gall to score a goal! That gave Slovenia confidence and rattled Paraguay, who started playing even worse, with even leader Chilavert fumbling the ball. But Slovenia’s attack went to their heads and they forgot about defense, sending too many forward. Substitute Jorge Campos capitalized, scoring twice for Paraguay. Chilavert almost made history scoring on a free kick, but the shot was blocked by the Slovenian keeper. Then Slovia had a player red carded for a bad tackle and the sides were even. Paraguay countered with a great goal from the top of the box to give them the two goal lead they needed to advance. Incredible. With Spain defeating South Africa, Paraguay go to the second round! Gutsy performance from a team a man down. Final: 3-1 Paraguay.

Boring game. Started out well, but by the second half it was obvious England was content with a draw. Afraid of Nigeria’s speedy counter-attacks, they never committed forward. Both teams had a few chances, but overall there just wasn’t much happening. Nigeria goes home with a point, so they gained some respect, and England advances with a draw. Final: 0-0.

Awesome game. In the first half it was all Argentina with 65% possession. But Sweden’s defense was impressive: organized and confident, they repelled attack after attack. It helped that Argentina, while they had tons of shots, couldn’t put hardly any on frame, but contrived to miss high and wide. Then Sweden went ahead on an incredible free kick goal. Argentina fought back, but it looked like they were done (a draw would not advance them). Finally, in the 88th minute, Argentina was awarded a penalty kick for a foul in the box. Ortega’s feeble penalty was blocked, but Crespo pounced on the rebound and put it away to level the score. But the lifeline came too late. Minutes later the whistle blew and the “Group of Death” had claimed another victim: Argentina. Wow! Favorites to win the whole lobster, they’re now on their way home. Amazing. England and Sweden advance, Nigeria and Argentina go home unhappy. Final: 1-1.

Good game. Unfortunately for South Africa, they didn’t quite get the result they wanted. Spain didn’t seem that concerned about the result (having already qualified), but the motivation of an extra day’s rest by finishing first did the trick as they pressed hard to win. South Africa came back twice to tie, but in the end Raul put Spain ahead. That result, combined with Paraguay’s two-goal win, sends South Africa home (the teams finished even on points and goal difference, but Paraguay scored six goals in group play while South Africa only scored five). Final: 3-2 Spain.