Day One: Games - 1, 2

So finally all the anticipation culminated in Friday's opening match between Germany and Costa Rica. There never really was a doubt about who would win, but the pressure was enough I'm sure to make some skeptics feel as if there would be an upset on the opening day itself. However, that did happen at the expense of Poland who lost to an impressive Ecuador. As for the Germans, they ended up emphatic winners over the Costa Ricans. Here's my analysis:

Match 1: Germany vs Costa Rica

Result: GER 4 - 2 CRC

Goals:
GER - P. Lahm, M. Klose (2), T. Frings
CRC - P. Wanchope (2)

MoM: Miroslav Klose

Stats-a-Surprise: Germany's 21 (10) shots against Costa Rica's 4 (2)!

Comments: Germany played like a solid team more or less. Though they totally dominated most parts of the game, their defence needs to be more aware, otherwise they'll pay a heavy price in the knockout stages. However that's taking nothing away from Costa Rica. They had 2 shots on target and both were converted by Wanchope. Lehmann, I thought, was lacking a bit in confidence. But I guess he has an excuse: the defenders, especially the two central defenders Metzelder and Mertesacker. However, the defence-midfield link, especially during counter attacks, was very good, especially on the left flank. One player who was probably forgotten in the aftermath of the Klose brace and Frings Ubergoal, is Schweinsteiger. He was moving around the pitch well, and like i said earlier, linked up very well with Lahm on the left side. Klose's first goal came off his assist. He's going to make an impression on the World Cup for sure. At least Germany hopes so...

Match Rating: 8 (Probably the best first-half I've seen in a long time!)

Match 2: Poland vs Ecuador

Result: POL 0 - 2 ECU

Goals: ECU - C. Tenorio, A. Delgado

MoM: Augustin Delgado

Stats-a-Surprise: 11 corners for Poland against Ecuador's 2!

Comments: I didn't see this match in it's entirety, but from what I saw, the Ecuadorians looked impressive enough to proceed to the next round. Poland were unlucky not to score, they kept counter-attacking, but couldn't get that vital goal (/s), something which is evident from the 11 corners they had. The Ecuador 'keeper wasn't that great, but their defence was solid, getting back, tackling well and clearing dangerous balls. But honestly, the better team won the game. Ecuador converted their chances, Poland didn't. And that's what counts. I wonder whether the Polish coach is regretting not calling up Jerzy Dudek...

Match Rating: N/A

That's all for Day One. Looking forward to Day Two, when England face a stern test against Paraguay, Sweden go up against Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina lock horns with dark horses Ivory Coast. Cya all. Good night and/or Good Day!

Notes:
The comments consist entirely of my own opinion about any match, team or player and I doubt if they will ever be offensive enough to invite nasty comments/replies.
The bracketed figures in the Shot statistics indicate Shots on Target.
The Match Rating is my opinion/rating based on how exciting/interesting the match was.

Update: Forgot to add the photo which I took...