Review: Day 8

Group D

          Germany   0-1   Serbia

Serbia have blown Group D wide open with their win over the ten men of Germany in Port Elizabeth. A single goal from Liverpool bound forward Milan Jovanovic, scored only a minute after Miroslav Klose’s sending off, was enough to settle an open contest.

The victory for the White Eagles puts them back in strong contention for a place in the second round. With only the Socceroos to come, Raddy Antic’s team will be confident of acquiring the six points that should be enough to secure qualification.

The dismissal of Klose in the 37th minute was the touch of good fortune the Serbs needed following their disappointing opening defeat to Ghana last Sunday. Germany, however, have every right to feel aggrieved about a decision that ultimately changed to outcome of the game.

Alberto Undiano, the Spanish referee, handed out five yellow cards in the opening half an hour, and once Klose tackled Dejan Stankovic from behind everybody knew what was coming. The Inter Milan midfielder was going nowhere but somehow the challenge earned the Polish born German a second yellow and an early shower.

Bastian Schweinsteiger vented his frustration in his post match comments. He said: "If there is a red card at this World Cup in every game, you have to wonder where the sense is.

"It doesn't make it much fun. I am lost for words. I am furious and bitterly disappointed." The Bayern Munich midfielder believed the game was like a non contact sport in the first half.

Serbia took advantage of the red card immediately however. The much improved Milas Krasic crossed the ball to the back post for Nikola Zigic to head down to Jovanovic, who scored from six yards. The former Standard Liege player showed his delight by jumping the advertising hoardings and embracing his brethren in the stands.

Despite their one man deficit, the German’s attacked endlessly thereafter in pursuit of an equaliser.

While the goals may not have flowed this time, this young mannschaft were still entertaining to watch with Mezut Ozil and Sami Khedira just as creative in midfield. If Lukas Podolski had been wearing his shooting boots the Germans would have taken at least a point.

In the second half his team mates carved two openings for the Cologne striker but he shot just wide on both occasions. His best opportunity came from the penalty spot after an hour. Nemanja Vidic handled needlessly in his box, much like Zdravko Kuzmanovic did in his teams opener. Luckily for Vidic and his country Vladimir Stojkovic guessed correctly and saved Podolski’s tame effort.

It was not all Germany though and both Jovanovic, Zigic and Branislav Ivanovic had further chances to extend their lead when the game became an end to end contest late on.

Despite their defeat the Germans will still take heart from another encouraging performance while the Balkan country are now back in serious contention to even top Group D come next Wednesday.

Group C 

           Slovenia   2-2   USA

The smallest nation at this years World Cup took on its strongest in Ellis Park in what proved to be one of the tournaments most exciting games so far. It had all the ingredients of a thrilling game- goals, late drama, and a spirited fight back. All that was missing was quality players, as the Americans in particular huffed and puffed their way to a well earned draw. 

And they would have won if not for the baffling decision of Malian referee Koman Coulibaly to disallow a late Maurice Edu effort, a player who was otherwise rubbish. His failure to allow the goal to stand infuriated Team USA who still don't know what it was ruled out  

Once the US fell two goals behind style went out the window. Their World Cup life was on the line and defeat was not an option. Defeat would all but have eliminated the States from a competition in which much had been expected. 

Slovenia were well worth their early lead. The Americans were flat and uninspiring and the Slovenes had clearly been buoyed by their late victory of Algeria last Sunday. Valter Birsa was pulling the strings for the Europeans and set his team on their way with a beautifully finished shot from 25 yards. By half time their had been a second as the US defenders were caught cold on the break. 

Landon Donovan's solo smash in the 48th minute brought his team back into the game. Luckily, the Slovenian goalkeeper had no interest in trying to save the captain's shot in case he hurt his face, as was the ferocity of it.

The equaliser came late when the long ball option finally paid off. Michael Bradley ran on to Jozy Altidore's headed flick to poke past the 'keeper. Altidore was troubling the Slovenia defence all day but for all his physical presence he lacked composure on the ball. He got his lines right this time though and Bradley was the happy recipient of his assist. 

With ten minutes remaining there was still time for the a winner and both teams went for it. USA should have picked up the three points but maybe a draw was the correct scoreline in the end as the Slovenians provided as much entertainment as the Americans.

The country of little more than 2 million people will now need at least a draw against England on Wednesday in order to reach the last 16 but they have put themselves in a great position. The US were on the verge of elimination but now a win over Algeria could see them top Group C. 

            Algeria   0-0   England      

England internationals always make for compelling viewing. They are a team either loved or loathed but everybody has an opinion on them and there is potential that continues to be untapped. For all the questions, theories and interesting asides to surround the England team this game was perhaps the hardest to watch in a long time.

Fabio Capello had moulded his team into a winning machine during an impressive qualification campaign but ever since the wheels seem to have stopped turning, especially in Cape Town against African minnows Algeria.

From the first minute to the last this was an appalling game with rarely a flash of skill or even a shot on goal between both sides. England were devoid of ideas, shape and strategy. The team's superstars looked unsure of what they were supposed to be doing.

As for the opposition, the Desert Foxes were lacking in ambition but happy to come away with a point in the end. That first point means a win over the US next Wednesday could see them qualify.

On the basis of this match though, either side winning their last game could be a tall ask. All four teams need to win on the last day so that series of games should make for fascinating viewing. Two open attack minded games should be in store.

Between now and then, Capello and his staff will need to figure out whats gone wrong. Urgency is completely gone and Wayne Rooney has not been the same post Allianz Arena. They need their best player now more  than ever. In 1986 Gary Lineker delivered in their vital final group game against Poland, the same may be needed of Rooney.

If the Three Lions perform like that again their World Cup will be over and the hunt for that holy grail will continue for another four years.

What will be ultimate shame for England will be the legacy of their manager. Capello's image in the English world will take a severe hit if his team don't make it past the quarter finals. To fail in escaping the group, he'll have questions to answer, a group that the Sun called EASY.