Togo 1


17. MOHAMED KADER (31')

South Korea 2




14. LEE Chun Soo (54')


9. AHN Jung Hwan (72')

• Venue: FIFA World Cup Stadium, Frankfurt


• Referee: POLL Graham


• Temperature: 27°C 82°F


• Conditions: Fair

Many people predicted that the South Koreans might not do as well at this World Cup as they did four years ago when as co-hosts they made it to the semi finals of the 2002 Fifa World Cup.

The critics were probably smiling when the Togolese took a first half lead with a well-timed shot by Mohammed Kader.

In truth, I was really surprised by the fact that they were able to get so quickly into the game and attack well in the early exchanges.

The ‘Taeguk Warriors’ as the South Koreans are known did not lie down and took their chances, when the Togolese were reduced to ten men in the 53rd minute they quickly made their numerical advantage count and scored soon after.

They were good for their victory and it had to be Ahn Jung Whan the man who knocked Italy out four years ago, to prop up again and make certain of victory.

Togo played better than expected taking into account that their preparations over the past few weeks were hampered as their coach Otto Pfitzer walked out, because of a pay dispute.

He was then asked to come back which he did, in all this time they lost out on some valuable training as their attention was focused elsewhere.

Togo now have two tough games ahead and will need to play above themselves if they wish to continue further on in the competition, for South Korea the signs are looking good and a place in the second round is highly attainable.

FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Match Number 14

France 0


Switzerland 0

• Venue: Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion


• Referee: IVANOV Valentin


• Temperature: 27°C 82°F


• Conditions: Fair

As predicted by myself before the game, Thierry Henry was given a tough time by his Arsenal team mate Phillipe Senderos doing defensive duties for the Swiss.

Overall it was a game of few opportunities and when they did come, the strikers were not in the mood to convert their opportunities.

The best chance came Switzerland’s way when Tranquilla Barnetta’s free kick rebounded off the post although Alexander Frei came rushing in he could not do much with the follow up.

France overall were disappointing and if they want to avoid a repeat of the early exit that they made from the previous FIFA World Cup in 2002, than they will definitely need to lift up the tempo of their game.

Some of France’s big names such as Henry, Zidane, Viera and Ribery need to improve their form on an individual level for Le Bleus, should they wish for a second world title.

France have what could be a ‘trickery game’ against the Koreans on Sunday but I do feel that they could overcome that assignment, provided that Raymond Domenech’s get his star men to shine.

FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Match Number 15

Brazil 1




8. KAKA (44')

Croatia 0

• Venue: Olympiastadion


• Referee: ARCHUNDIA Benito


• Temperature: 28°C 84°F


• Conditions: Fair

Brazil made a winning but unconvincing and shaky start to their World Cup Campaign, I really expected more from them in various aspects of their play but they did not produce much. We expected a lot more out of Ronaldinho although he showed some good touches it was not what we know he is capable of doing.

Kaka took his goal well and he was one of a few Brazilian players who could walk out of the Olympic Stadium with his head held high, unfortunately the same could not be said about Ronaldo.

The Real Madrid striker looked slow and lethargic - there were times when he did not even make an attempt to get the ball if a defender was an inch faster than him.

I thought that for the most part Croatia played more creative and attractive football as they took the game to the defending World Champions.

If Croatia maintain the same standard that they displayed against Brazil in their next two matches against Japan and Australia I feel they could nick the second spot in the group and proceed to the next round.

In conclusion it must be said that although Brazil made a nervy and slow start to the World Cup things should pick up for them in their next game. I do not think that they will finish the group as anything but the group winners.