Finished watching the Group G games off the DVR. My notes:
  • Brazil's individual skill is amazing, as usual. Against the other two teams they will score often, Jabulani be damned.
  • The North Korean defense is coordinated and very solid. After watching the steaming pile that was the Portugal-Ivory Coast match, I'm not sure either of them are capable of breaking down the Koreans, much less progressing. Portugal will only beat NK on a Ronaldo dive and subsequent free kick combo. And the karma from that will be devastating.
  • On that note, someone really needs to break Ronaldo's leg. I can't believe refs give him any calls given the multitude of YouTube diving videos available. The crybaby goes to ground more than a terrier. If Portugal had any self-respect, they would man up and drop him from the international squad. What a disgrace.
  • North Korea actually has a nice two-touch through the midfield. Didn't see it much since Brazil held the ball so much, but it's not bad. I had NK as the Wooden Spoon winners, and losing this match at least 3-0, now I think they might very well get to the round of 16.
  • Apparently ESPN has hired Martin Tyler and Ally McCoist to do the premier games. Excellent job with Brazil-NK, they did the Germany-Oz match as well. Ally, Ally , Ally!