Day 10 Review

Belgium v Tunisia

Prediction: 2-0 Belgium

Result: 5-2 Belgium

This game started like a house on fire with Belgium getting an early penalty and quickly nabbing a 2nd soon after. Within a minute of going 2-0 down Tunisia manage to grab one of their own to make the game a contest again.

The game remained open for its entirety and could have easily ended 9-4 if both teams took their clear cut chances. Its hard to judge Belgium's defence when there team seemed to be playing at a walking pace and picking forward balls at will. It seemed as though they just weren't too fussed at doing their job because they knew they would be scoring again even if they conceded. It will be a real challenge for them in their final game against England and a real test to see if Belgium indeed have what it takes to win the World Cup.

Belgium all but guarantee a round of 16 spot with such a large win whilst Tunisia will need Panama to beat England in order to stay in. Something that doesn't seem likely.

Korea v Mexico

Prediction: 2-0 Mexico

Result: 2-1 Mexico

Korea clearly learnt from their last game and realised Son was their main man, deploying him centrally as part of a front 3 instead of on the wing again. Sadly it didn't help with their defensive woes. Mexico split them apart again and again and only some poor shooting kept them from scoring. A 1-0 halftime lead from a penalty all Mexico could show for their dominance.

A very easy 2nd half for Mexico. A 90th minute strike from Son made it a little interesting but all-in-all Mexico were happy with the win and didn't feel the need to attack more. Korea generally just looked outclassed and could never really get good attacks going. They had 2 good chances but lacked quality up front and spurned them.

With 2 losses things are bleak for Korea. Mexico with 2 wins are all but confirmed for the next round.

Germany v Sweden

Prediction: 1-0 Germany

Result: 2-1 Germany

Germany again didn't look themselves. Their defence was static and slow and they had no creativity going forward. Sweden grabbing a quick first half goal didn't even give them a rise in their game. It looked for all money that they were going to be the 3rd straight defending champions to be knocked out in group stages.

2nd half Germany started showing glimpses of the the monster we know they can be. A quick equaliser to minutes into the half sparked them into attack. They looked more and more positive for the next 20 minutes until Sweden finally came back into the game and once again showed Germany's defence was not up to scratch this tournament. They created a few good breaks which eventually lead to Boateng being red carded. Kroos eventually saving the defending champions tournament with a 95th minute winner.

Germany were once again uninspiring, but seeing as their last game is against Korea they will probably make it through. Sweden would need to overcome a very competent Mexico to have any chance of qualifying through the group now. This result also means that technically, Korea are not yet knocked out.