Greece 2 (Salpingidis 44, Torosidis 71) - Nigeria 1 (Uche 16)
France 0 - Mexico 2 (Hernandez 64, Blanco 79p)
The shocks continued on matchday 7 with Mexico all but ending the tournament of 2006 finalist France with a 2-0 win, Greece coming from a goal behind to beat 10 man Nigeria 2-1, and Argentina rocketing into tournament favouritism with a 4-1 annihilation of South Korea.
But it is to the disaster of the French we turn first. France are on the brink of elimination from the tournament after producing another insipid display to lose 2-0 to Mexico. After a fairly even first half, the calamity began when second half substitute Javier Hernandez was able to break the French off side trap, round the keeper, and slot home to give the Meixcan's a lead they arguably deserved on the balance of second half play. All hope was lost when 37 year old Cuauhtemoc Blanco coolly slotted home a 79th minute penalty to become the 3rd oldest World Cup goalscorer in history, and virtually stamp the plane tickets of the 2006 finalists. France showed absolutely no desire or heart for the challenge after going 1-0 down and in fact they surrendered as meekly as they did some 70 years ago around this time. There seems to be no team spirit or togetherness in the camp and the selection policy remains appalling with Thierry Henry remaining on the bench for the entire game, even when it was obvious France needed someone with a bit of creativity on the field. This a glorious result for Mexico who now go equal top of the group with Uruguay on 4 points. A draw between Mexico and Uruguay in their final group game would see both sides advance - and that usually means that a draw will be the result if past World Cups are anything to go bye.
As bad as France were, Argentina were good....and then some!!! The men in the light blue and white stripes are now outright World Cup favourites after demolishing South Korea 4-1 in the best performance of the tournament so far. Their attacking players absolutely starred. Lionel Messi was everywhere, and was at the heart of almost every goal. After missing a host of chances in their group opener Gonzalo Higuain more than made up for himself netting a hattrick to take the lead (and favouritism) in the race for the Golden Boot. Carlos Tevez was superb linking up defenders, midfielders and strikers alike. They scored goals from quality set pieces and barnstorming runs from open play. In short - they were unstoppable. Let's hope they haven't peaked too early as happened in 2006. The Koreans were brave, but were simply outclassed by a team of superstars actually playing as a team (take note France). The win all but guarantees Argentina's advancement (barring a 10-0 loss to Greece in their final group game - unlikely!). Despite the heavy loss Korea is still in the box seat to advance to the round of 16 after Nigeria inexplicably went down 2-1 to Greece in the other Group B match. A draw for Korea against the Africans in the final group game will be enough to see them go through barring a highly unlikely Greek victory over Argentina.
Updated odds to advance - Group A - Uruguay ($1.05), Mexico ($1.05), France ($11), South Africa ($40). Group B - Argentina (n/a), South Korea ($1.70), Greece ($4.50), Nigeria ($5)
What We Learned - All the reports of division in the French camp are true. They have been atrocious here. No teamwork, no togetherness, poor team selection, and for the second time in three tournaments they face going home without even scoring a goal. Another sad morning for French football.
The Falcon's Spud Of The Day - Raymond Domenech (France - manager) - Surely the worst ever manager to take a team to the World Cup final. Not starting Henry (again!), let alone leaving him on the bench despite going 1-0 is an unforgivable error of judgement and management. The quicker this guy is sacked the quicker French football will recover. Zizou for national manager anyone?
Tonight's Games - It is a night of distinct World War II flavour with England, the USA, and Germany all in action, and all favoured to win their matches. In Group C England takes on Algeria, while the USA faces European minnows Slovenia. While Germany meets Serbia in a match Aussie fans hope will end in a big German win. I think the 3 big guns should all get the 3 points on the night.
Suggested Investment - Still no collect outside Germany would you believe, I am going to stick with the multi's for now and take England-USA-Germany all to win tonight. Germany especially look massive overs at $1.65 to beat Serbia. Surely I am due!?!
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