The Tribune

AFTER looking at all of the countries play their first round of group matches at the World Cup one thing is for certain: no match is easy, even if you score first. 47 goals have been scored, an average of 2.94 per match, with lots of upsets and entertaining matches. This has been the best start to a World Cup yet.

How will some of the heavyweights bounce back from their not-so-successful start to their campaign? Managers will have to be smart with their team selections, some have to deal with red cards and injuries so their decisions may make or break getting out of the group. Now that players have got their feet wet, professionalism and composure will be essential for new players at the World Cup.

Continental review

North/Central America

CONCACAF has surely impressed. Mexico tying Brazil at home, the USA finally defeating Ghana at a World Cup finals and Costa Rica beating a strong Uruguayan team. This group has shown they have the heart and determination to win matches; the Mexicans have shown Brazil they too have attacking flair and how strong they can be defensively. Thought to be the weakest in football CONCACAF is proving how much the World Cup means to them, beating Asia and Africa with three wins, only one behind South America and three less than Europe.

Asia

Bad start for the Asian countries. It is still early but Japan and South Korea might give Asia a fighting chance. South Korea look the most promising, very strong technically and composed under pressure, but Japan won’t go away that easily.

Africa

Ivory Coast is the only team to have won its first match but this doesn’t take away from the great performances of the other African countries. A talking point with this group is their strength and power individually. They are very physical teams with great individual skill but unfortunately putting away chances has been difficult. I expect one of these countries to go far despite the mediocre start.

South America

High expectations for Brazil and Argentina to go far but it is early and proving more difficult than most suspected. Entertaining football with quality technical players, the ball is always on the ground with fast, one touch passing and third man runs. Now the first round of matches is over these teams will be able to settle down and play their style with consistency.

Europe

The legendary countries of the World Cup, where the best leagues in the world are. Bosnia, France, Netherlands, Switzerland and Italy all looking strong in their groups. The Dutch look promising after their thrashing of Spain but it is just the beginning - lets not forget Spain lost their first match in 2010 and became champions. England lost to Italy but did show promise with their young players like Sterling and Sturridge. The best team thus far has to be Germany: they attack and defend in numbers with great organisation in their back line, their player roster is stacked with superstars so rotation of players will be essential for their success as matches take a toll.

My top 11

All countries have now played. While it is early to judge after one group match and players will change a few have stood out already. Ochoa made some great saves against Brazil to keep them tied and Dempsey was enormous for the US victory over Ghana despite suffering a broken nose.

The two players who have lived up to their pre-World Cup hype are Hazard, for Belgium, and Dos Santos, for Mexico, both doing what is needed of their team to win. Blind and Robben are a great Dutch combination and Campbell is dangerous whenever he gets the ball for the Costa Ricans. Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo have all been satisfactory compared to what we are used to seeing: as matches go on they will be able to find their feet and be the world-class players we know them to be.

Hepple’s World XI

(3-4-3 formation)

Goalkeeper – Ochoa (Mexico)

Defenders – Silva (Brazil), Marquez (Mexico), Hummels (Germany)

Midfielders – Dos Santos (Mexico), Blind (Netherlands), Robben (Netherlands), Hazard (Belgium)

Forwards – Campbell (Costa Rica), Muller (Germany), Dempsey (USA)

World Cup facts

You think superstars have strange demands? Wait till you hear what the football teams asked for during the World Cup. Some of the craziest things demanded include:

Portugal wanted six security guards with two assigned to Cristiano Ronaldo.

France asked for two types of liquid soaps: one for washing hands and the other for showering. The players’ room should also be identical even in colour.

Uruguay demanded each room should have silent air-conditioning units.

Ecuador demanded every room should have a basket of Ecuadorian bananas every day.

Japan wanted a jacuzzi in each room.

Germany didn’t like the accommodation provided and built their own World Cup hotel and training camp. Beat that!

Source: www.unbelievable-facts.com