Who We’re Watching in the 2010 World Cup: Group Stage Roundup
Who's hot, who's not and who's headed home? We got your Group Stage Report Card.
10. Diego Milito (Argentina) - Grade D
The Argentina forwards are all very talented, it is hard to figure out who will get minutes each game. Milito has been involved, but not scoring goals.
9. North Korea - Grade B+
They got "nuked" and lost all 3 games. Aggregate score 12-1
8. Robin Van Persie (The Netherlands) - Grade C+
Van Persie has looked a little inconsistent. He appears rusty after the long injury. Despite this, his play has been pretty effective and setup a couple of Dutch goals.
7. Thierry Henry (France) - Grade D
Well, France imploded, but Henry was not the primary reason. Anelka got booted and some staff quit. Irish eyes are smiling.
6.
Lennon / Walcott (England's Right Wingers) - Grade C
At the time of writing, it was unclear if Walcott would be in the team. He is not, but Lennon is there on the wing. He looked okay, sending balls across the box. Guys like Rooney and Lampard have not been able to finish.
5. Trendy Haircuts - Grade C-
Nothing seems to be influencing the runways of New York and Milan, however here are a couple good ones.
4. Tim Howard (USA) - Grade A
He delivered big time vs. England. He was pretty solid vs. Slovenia. He did well vs. Algeria and sent Donovan on the last minute break to score the winning goal.
3. Stephen Pienaar (South Africa) - Grade C
Pienaar did not score any goals, but he played well. South Africa went out on a high, beating France.
2. Fernando Torres (Spain) - Grade C-
He has looked a bit rusty, but he still has time to get going. Right now, Villa has been the man, while Torres is just a good distraction for defenders.
1. Luis Fabiano (Brazil) - Grade B+
He has scored 2 times already, however one was an admitted handball. Fabiano appears to be right on course, pushing Brazil forward. Watch this:
Honorable Mentions
Chinedu Obasi (Nigeria) - Grade C+
Nigeria did not fare so well, however Obasi showed moments of flair. I am predicting he moves to a bigger club within a year. His teammate, Yakubu, totally blew it in front of goal.
Zahia Dehar (French Prostitute) - Grade F
She did not make an appearance, however France was pretty well "f***ed" this world cup.
Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire) - Grade B+
Despite his arm injury, he was able to play and scored for his team. Ivory Coast did not advance, but they were in the Group of Death after all.
David Villa (Spain) - Grade A
He stepped up and banged home 3 goals in the group stage. Providing that clinical finishing required to win games. This goal against Honduras is straight sick, and Messi-esque.
Meanwhile, this goal against Chile -- while a bad play by the keeper in some respects -- is also YouTube fun.
Knockout Stage Additions
Keisuke Honda (Japan)
He lit up Denmark and has been the main man for Japan. They could keep progressing if he plays this well.
Giovani Dos Santos (Mexico)
This little guy has pace, quickness and ball skill. Dos Santos is the engine that jump starts the Mexican attack.
Lukas Podolski (Germany)
He has great speed and a rocket of a shot. So far he has narrowly missed the goal several times, but he is very lethal upfront. His firepower works well with Ozil and Klose in the attack.
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