Day three of the 2010 World Cup saw Germany bring a brand of free-flowing, attractive football to the competition during their 4-0 thrashing of Australia. And thank heavens, because Slovenia’s 1-0 win against Algeria and Ghana’s 1-0 trumping of Serbia offered about as much excitement as pair of a concrete breeze blocks…
Talking point of the day
Australia’s seemingly ancient back four (including former Rangers centre-half Craig Moore, age 58) struggled against the youthful pace of Germany’s attack from very early on. So when the Socceroos’ only outlet, Tim Cahill, was harshly shown the red card for a challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger, the Antipodeans’ number was up. They’ll have to cope without their skipper for the next game against Ghana.
Goal of the day
Lukas Podolski’s opener for the Germans was pure class. The outstanding Mesut Ozil turned his marker inside out on the right wing before feeding Thomas Mueller, whose excellent ball across the penalty area was smashed home by the effervescent Podolski.
TV moment to savour
Ghana’s supporters were understandably over the moon when their side became the first team from Africa to win a World Cup game on African soil. One of their fans expressed his delight by wearing a large pot – with smoke coming out of it – on his head. Clive Tyldesley was hugely impressed.
Should England be worried?
While their Group C opponents Slovenia and Algeria (whose fumbling goalkeeper performed a remarkable impersonation of Robert Green) showed all the attacking threat of a pair of lame fieldmice, a potential knockout game against Germany looks a terrifying prospect for Fabio Capello’s men.
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