Group G - FIFA 2010 World Cup

Initially nick named the "Group of Death"

Matches in Group G

1. Brazil : Classy as ever. Sweet clean passes are the hallmark of their game. Watching Brazil play football has such a soothing and calming effect. There are hardly any yellow cards shown to them. Clean passes and clean tackles. No rough play at all. Kaka's red card was definitely a spur of the moment decision by the referee and was not because of a bad tackle while the ball was with Kaka. Robinho and Fabiano were exquisite in their display of Brazilian magic. After the first match, Kaka started showing his flair of passing the ball. This is one speciality I like about Kaka and other players in Brazil. They are not keen on scoring, but creating opportunities for their teammates. With 2 wins in 2 matches they have already qualified for the Knockout stages from this group. Their next match with Portugal is a mere formality.
2. Portugal : Rusty start to the tournament. Ended up with a draw against Ivory Coast, creating even more problems for themselves in this group of death. They had to win against North Korea and Brazil in their next 2 matches. But, what transpired in the match against North Korea was something super natural. The class and finesse with which they scored the first 4 goals completely devastated the North Koreans. By the last 15 minutes, when North Korea finished trying all they could with their attacking and fast paced game, one could see that their defense had tired. With the rains and wet ground adding more troubles to them, Portugal ended up scoring 7 goals !!! This match completely changed the nature of this group. Portugal now have such a huge lead in their goal differences that Ivory Coast need to beat North Korea by more than 9 goals. I am sure North Korea will be expecting this and be ready for the attack.
3. Ivory Coast : I expected a lot from this team. They were said to be the best in-form team representing Africa. Unfortunately, they were in a group alongside Portugal and Brazil. But, it was their presence in this group that made people call it the group of death. They were unlucky to end up with a goalless draw in their first encounter with Portugal. They had more chances than the rusty Portugal. Should have gained more points from that game to make it easier for them in the later matches. They could not defend well against the guile of the Brazilians. And now, with Portugal almost certain of qualifying from this group as the second best team, their 3rd match against North Korea is just a formality. 
4. North Korea : Played very well against the mighty Brazilians. Had some great defense. They got great raves for holding back Brazil for a goalless draw in the first half of their match. It needed a great magical finish from Maicon to go behind the strong defense of North Korea to score the brilliant first goal. They were a tad unfortunate in their second match against Portugal. With the rains it wasnt easy anymore. Their defense was completely broken apart by the grit and class of Portuguese players. Both the teams were in a do or die situation. The final scoreline was just too harsh on the North Koreans. Their defense wasnt that bad. With 2 losses in 2 matches, they are out of contention for qualifying for the Knockout stage.