2010 World Cup Splinters | Day 2

by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

>Group B: Diego Maradona wins World Cup debut as Argentina’s manager

Heavy favorites despite some qualifying woes and a cavalcade of Argentinian players during that time, Argentina took the field with its most beloved player now at the helm. Diego Maradona’s squad did not disappoint. Argentina took to the offense early and often in their 1-0 victory over Nigeria as they managed 20 shots (7 on goal). Three of those shots on goal came from FIFA’s player of the year Lionel Messi in the first half. He had three deft touches with the left foot although all were deflected.

The lone goal, however, came in just the sixth minute. Messi’s first shot goal was deflected, which led to a corner. Defender Gabriel Heinze, left unmarked on the set piece, scored on a header in the very next sequence.

Speaking of deflections, Nigerian golakeeper Vincent Enyeama did all that he could to stop the offensive juggernaut of Argentinian scorers. It was his outstrectehd hand that stands out for Nigeria, who was otherwise out of sync until late in the game. The Nigerian offense managed 12 shots with only 1 shot on goal. Enyeama finished with 6 saves in a game that the broadcasters said could have easily been out of control without the valiant efforts of the Nigerian goalkeeper.

The story remains Maradona and his tactics towards achieving what he did as a player in 1982: win the World Cup. As previously mentioned, many of his decisions on and off the field have been questioned. Today, though, he looked energized and practically child-like in his sideline demeanor. From celebrating the quick strike to embracing his assistant coaches after the victory, one has to wonder if Maradona’s enthusiasm will spark the already super-talented Argintinian side.

Argentina will return to Group B action Thursday against South Korea. The Korean Republic looked impressive earlier in the day against Greece winning 2-0. Their offense was potent and because of goal differential, currently hold the top spot in Group B.

>Group C: US, England draw 1-1

The World Cup nightmares seemed to be happening again for the Americans. Just four minutes into the game, the United States conceded a goal to England’s Steven Gerrard.

That goal was matched later in the half by Clint Dempsey’s rather routine strike. England’s goalkeeper, Robert Green, was placed firmly in front of the ball as it approached. In his attempt to corral it, the ball hit off of his right hand and slowly slipped into the goal. In what has become the dominant storyline for England this World Cup, Fabio Capello’s decision to go with Green in goal suddenly became a catastrophe.

The first half saw plenty of opportunities for both sides. Landon Donovan had a free kick nearly converted, but the ball missed its intended target, Jozy Altidore, and careened off the head of defender Oguchi Onyewu. American manager Bob Bradley decided to start Altidore rather than hot-footed forwards like Herculez Gomez and Eddson Buddle. Altidore suffered an ankle sprain ealier in training.

The second half brought fewer opportunities but close ones to say the least. Altidore hit the post after Green deflected it. England’s Wayne Rooney took a shot at the near post off of a corner only to have the U.S.’s goalkeeper, Tim Howard, swallow it up.

Substitutions for more fire power like Peter Crouch and Eddson Buddle did nothing to produce the goal that would have won it for either side. Check out the shots on goal here.

The remaining two teams in Group C, Algeria and Slovenia, will play tomorrow. Soccer analysts seem to think that Slovenia has the best chance of stealing the second spot whom most believe should go to the Americans.

Both teams return to Group C action on Friday, with England facing Algeria and the United States playing Slovenia in what may become a must win.

Share your World Cup thoughts on ‘The Pine’ below!