Sunday, June 21, 2009

World Cup 2006 Blog

World Cup 2006 Blog

Link to World Cup Soccer - South Africa 2010

Confederations Cup Group A Results and Highlights: Spain and South Africa go Through

Posted: 20 Jun 2009 07:13 PM PDT

South Africa knew going into today that they didn’t need to score against Spain to advance to the next round of the Confederations Cup, and they didn’t. They didn’t even manage a single shot on goal. It didn’t matter.

What they did need was for Iraq not to score against New Zealand, and Iraq came through with a vengeance. Final score in their match with New Zealand: 0-0.

And Spain and South Africa go through form Group A.

Before the tournament I predicted a +8 goal differential for Spain in the group stages based on the weak competition. I wish I’d put money on it, because that’s exactly what they got. Eight goals for, zero against. I’ll be very curious to see whether the stronger competition from Group B will put up more of a fight.

On an interesting note, today’s games were firsts for both Spain and New Zealand. Spain sets the record for most consecutive games ever won by a national team with 15, and New Zealand gets its first point ever in an international tournament.

Proving yet again that success is all a matter of perspective.

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for our liveblogs of the Group B matches, Egypt vs USA and Italy vs. Brazil.

Spain-South Africa Highlights:

Iraq-New Zealand Highlights:

Confederations Cup Open Thread: Iraq vs. New Zealand, Spain vs. South Africa

Posted: 20 Jun 2009 10:59 AM PDT


Today is the day for Group A! As in: The day to see who comes in second behind Spain. (The group winner has been a foregone conclusion since the groups were drawn.)

South Africa plays Spain today, and I’d state with close to 100% certainty that the Bafana Bafana have all the points they’re gonna get with 4. Iraq are sitting on 1 and could still theoretically go through with a win over New Zealand and some goals. (This would be their first win in a year if it happens.) Iraq currently has a -1 goal differential, with South Africa at +2.

Both games are being played at the same time to keep the results in any game played first from affecting the results of the second. (Because the betting syndicates hate that.)

I’ll be hanging out here on the site during the matches. If you’re watching either game in the vicinity of your computer, stop by this post and leave comments to keep me company. And especially keep me informed in Iraq-New Zealand, because it’s not being shown till later in the day where I am, and my online streaming hasn’t worked well lately.

(Also, tomorrow, Sunday, June 20, we’ll be doing liveblogs for the final group games of US vs. Egypt and Italy vs. Brazil. These games are going to be fun, and Chris and Daryl are giving up parts of their weekend to keep you entertained.)

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