June 15 Games

From Javier.....

A strong anti-vuvuzela movement is spreading around the world, but FIFA chief Blatter dispelled via Twitter any move to ban the vuvuzelas. The anti-vuvuzela tide has a slight air of xenophobia about it. For the England games I prefer the vuvuzelas to the endless mindless repetition of the obnoxious chords of "Rule Britannia". Perhaps the USA was helped by not being able to listen to the English bands with that stupefying hymn.

The big theme for now in the World Cup are the unforced errors from goalkeepers and field players in allowing harmless balls into the net, conceding stupid penalties, scoring own goals or going for afternoon tea in crosses. In football psychology and confidence are essential; luck is an extra necessary ingredient to those who seek it. For now only Argentina and Germany have proven hunger and confidence.

In yesterday's games Denmark decided to help the Dutch by scoring a billiard-like own goal. Japan beat a surprisingly weak Cameroon, whose coach has placed Samuel Eto in a field position where his effectiveness as a striker is not exploited. The Italians offered us a typical Italian start to their World Cup against the Paraguayans. Don't be fooled, the Italians will be contenders in the end.

The Simulator estimates for today's games are:

Slovakia strongly favoured over New Zealand.

Portugal with more chances than Ivory Coast. But I estimate Ivory Coast's chances are better than the ones above.

And of course Brazil strongly favoured over North Korea. Be careful here because North Korea upset Italy in 1966. Brazil's biggest enemy is itself: motivation against a wall of ten indistinguishable and feisty defenders. Let's hope the referee lets the North Koreans know early on that fouls will be costly.