Brazil beat Croatia 1-0 in there opening match.

Full time Brazil comes away with a 1-0 win thanks to a great goal by Kaka in the 44th minute. Croatia played the defending champions even but Brazil earns the three points and is now tied with Australia atop the Group F table. Thanks for joining us for the game. We’ll be liveblogging from now until we go to the grave.90:00 Tudor shown a yellow card for Croatia. Not much added time. This one looks like it is going to Brazil.

87:58 Krancjar with a header over the net. Croatia trying to come up with one last miracle. Brazil rolling it around and watching the seconds tick.

86:36 Ronaldinho seemed to enjoy that steaking action. Flares are being lit in the Croatia sections. Maybe Croatia should be allowed to play with 12 men. That streaker had some good speed.

85:09 Streaker on the pitch. He gets down and kisses Prso’s shoe. Well played streaker but you are spending the night in a German jail. That might have been the highlight of the game. he was fully clothed and painted face with croatia colors.

83:45 Great shot of the Croatia fans dancing and singing in the stands. Will they be able to will their team a goal late in this one?

82:03 Cafu still has wheels on the right side and earns a corner. It is flicked away without harm. A lot of people in Australia rooting for a Croatia goal right about now.

80:11 Brazil’s performance kind of reminding me of England’s. Enough to get a result but not especially impressive. The tournament is still early but hopefully the good teams will play like they are capable.

78:56 Robinho falls down lack a sack of potatoes. Jerko Leko is a bit of a hack.

77:45 Brazil looking happy with a 1-0 result. Croatia lacking desperation. Bob desperate for another beer.

75:56 Crowd in the stadium sounds restless. I can relate. This game hasn;t been that great but an exciting final 15 could change all that.

74:43 Every time Croatia is close to the Brazil goal I say “There it is” and it just hasn’t happened yet.

73:29 Adriano is indeed playing. Just not well.

72:20 Croatia with 20 minutes to get the equalizer. I’m out of beer so the game better pick up or I will be one unhappy Bob. Until the postgame parties kick off in Berlin. It is going to be happening here tonight. You guys and gals should stop on by.

71;04 Public service announcement: we’re liveblogging every game in this stinkin’ competition so please join us each and every day. You will be rewarded in the afterlife. That is a money back offer.

69:47 Babic with a direct shot on goal but right at Dida. Croatia needs to think about aiming for the corners. Good opportunities abound but they still trail by a goal.

68:53 Robinho comes in for Ronaldo who takes his beer keg belly to the bench. After a month in Germany I will look the same way.

67:12 Croatia with another close in opportunity but it is kicked away by Juan. The Croatia attack is getting about 97% of the job done but needs to find a way to finish.

65:47 Thanks to all of you who are tuning in from work. Let’s bring the world’s economy down one football match at a time!

64:24 Croatia with the corner and it is hopelessly off the mark. Did you know that FIFA made Croatia add more white to their uniform before the start of the tournament? Silly, but true.

63:09 Is Adriano even playing in this one? He has been a non factor. Ronaldo also hasn’t down much. Brazil’s chances coming from their pace on the wings.

61:45 Cafu sets up Ronaldinho who’s header is stopped by the Croatian keeper. Just like that Brazil is on the attack. Ronaldinho crosses himself and shows the need for dental work.

60:45 Brazil rolling it around like it is a practice session. Croatia walking around like it is a practice session. This game has lost pace fast. It is a good thing. I think my fingers are starting to bleed.

59:02 How would you rate the performance of Brazil up to now? I’d say B-. Probably would give Croatia about the same grade. Neither team really making it happen.

57:47 Klasnic off and Olic on for Croatia. Kaka dragged down outside the area and Brazil awarded a free kick. Jerko Leko the one who made the tackle. Jerko Leko. Can’t get enough of that. Ronaldinho takes the kick and it is headed just off.

55:43 Brazil lulls the Croatian defense asleep and Ronaldo crushes one over the bar. Just when you are ready to fall asleep they attacl.

54:14 Brazil looking to be asleep in the start of the second half. They seem content to roll it around and watch the clock tick off.

53:01 Klasnic with a pickle of a shot that Dida eats up on the ground. Croatia wisely firing away and trying to get it back.

51:17 That was a great save from the Brazil keeper. Prso really hit that one square but it is still Brazil up by a goal. Drinking a nice pilsner this half for those scoring at home.

50:21 Prso with a strong shot that tests Dida to the fullest. Wow that was close.

48:23 Brail hasn’t looked unstoppable in this match but they have been effective. Always kind of interesting to see how teams start a tournament. Whether they peak early or work their way into form.

46:23 For those wondering, and I know there are a lot of you out there, Bob is indeed my name. In Russian it translats to “green bean.” Not sure what it means in Croatian but given the crap I have gotten for not liking their kits it probably means “dead man”

45:01 The second half is underway. Can Croatia come back against the tournament favorites or will Brazil samba its way to three points? Gosh it is hard to type with that picture below hanging around.

Halftime Not the greatest half but an evenly played one. Brazil strikes in the final minute with a great goal from Kaka. I’m off the get more beer and to soak my fingers in ice. I’ll be back right before the start of the second half. Go ahead and leave your thoughts about the first half. Your comments are great.

45:00 Croatia played them even but a late first half goal gives Brazil a huge lift heading into the dressing room. With a blink of an eye Kaka hammered that shot. Can’t turn your back on Brazil for a second.

43:25 GOALLLLL. Kaka with a blast. Where did that comes from? He takes two dribbles and smacks it from outside the box with his left foot. Great shot.

42:02 Emerson booked for a bad foul in the midfield. Nothing more to say about it.

41:124 Ronaldinho playing hacky sack in the box. Anyone notice he isn’t smiling much today?

39:27 Cafu with a shot on goal and it is handled by the Croatia keeper. Read today that Cafu is in trouble with the law for getting an Italian passport illegally. Kovac out for Croatia and Jerko Leko comes in. One of my favorite names in the World Cup. Say it with me: Jerko Leko.

38:02 Croatia with a free kick from the left side of the field outside the area and it is almost redirected in by Tudor and/or Kovac.

36:57 Emerson with a shot that sails high over the bar. Emerson looks like my third grade physical education teacher. None of that matters to you, but if he is reading this blog I’d like to say hi to Mr. Benz.

35:02 Niko Kovac down again for Croatia. He has something wrong with his midsection. Don’t we all. He gets up gingerly. Looks like a rib but I am not a doctor. I only play one on the Internet.

34:00 Neither team controlling the match. Croatia has held its own thus far and Brazil does not appear to be on top form. This one is going to be interesting.

32:56 Yellow card for Niko Kovac tripping Kaka. Kind of a weak yellow if you ask me. Ronaldinho over the ball just outside the Croatia area. Drilled into the wall.

31:57 Your Berlin weather forecast: It is about 90 F/30 C give or take a few. I’m sweating my balls off. Apologies for my language.

30:23 Adriano drags down a Croatia player, kind of. Wouldn’t have noticed Adriano was even playing out there until that one. Kovac down on the ground. We might need to amputate something. He’ll live.

27:46 Klasnic and Prso causing problems for Brazil on the left side. If I were Croatia’s coach I would tell them to keep it up. I’d also be a much better dressed man. He is looking swell on the sideline.

26:56 Klasnic (the Croatian player, not the pickle) fires it over the crossbar. Corner kick to Croatia an it is cleared away.

25:16 Neither team looking especially sharpe but it is still early. The expectations for Brazil to play a beautiful game are always great.

24:16 Ronaldinho even sweats in a cool way. Man I am jealous of that cat.

22:34 Nike Krancjar with the shot. His father on the sideline looks very well dressed tonight. He is much more stylish than that Togo coach. How could you wear jeans in 90 degree heat at the World Cup?

21:45 Game starting to bog down a bit in the midfield. Can we watch a Nike commercial with Brazil instead?

20:15 Lucio is probably the player I know the least on Brazil’s roster. He wins that award tonight. Congratulations to Lucio, Mr. Lucio and Mrs. Lucio.

19:24 Croatian cross is knocked out by Roberto Carlos and there is a corner. Headed away without a threat. Brazil has had the better run of play but hasn’t been able to crack the board yet.

17:45 Referee letting both teams play but it hasn’t been physical yet. I’m surprised Croatia isn’t knocking Brazil around a little more.

16:18 Croatia defense looking a bit vulnerable but Ronaldo isn’t moving well out there. This might be a night when Adriano or Kaka have to come through. What a luxury Brazil has.

15:15 Roberto Carlos might spend all night firing away over the goal. For an older player the bald one still got game.

14:07 Roberto Carlos with a bomb and the Croatian keeper is forced to knock it over the bar. Ronaldinho follows up with a shot that requires another save. A couple of close calls there.

13:46 Someone needs to lend Prso a vowell for his last name. He is a talented player even with his last name limitations. Keep an eye out for him. #9 for Croatia.

12:14 Both teams playing lots of men behind the ball and don’t want to give up the advantage near the box. Hopefully Brazil will open ip the pace a bit or I might need to get another beer. That France match was a stinker, eh?

11:02 The Croatian kits make me feel dizzy. They are starting to grow on me. I think I’ll head to a pizza shop after the match.

9:57 Ronaldinho tries to connect long with Ronaldo but it is well off the mark. A bit of a slow start to the game as both teams work out the nerves.

8:23 Kaka gets a pass in the middle of the field and hammers it high and wide over the bar. Still no score.

7:55 Both teams feeling each other out a bit. Croatia showing no fear against the tournament favorites. They earn a corner kick and Dida skies up to grab it.

6:14 Every other player on Croatia is named Kovac. That is convenient when you LiveBlog.

5:12 Croatia defense a bit too quick with the pass. Can’t afford to turn the ball over as much against this Brazil quartet up front. Wouldn’t want to be the Croatia keeper tonight. Actually, I would, but I suck in net.

4:05 Croatia attacks down the left side and gets a shot off but it is well off the mark. Croatia is going to try to attack this Brazil defense and see if it is vulnerable to speed.

3:03 Brazil getting the samba into play early with Ronaldinho dancing around like a ballerina. What a joy to watch.

2:17 Ronaldo knocked to the turf and a tremor is felt in Berlin. He is packing some weight. I bet he plays well though.

1:35 Corner kick to Brazil. Ronaldinho lines up to take it. His shirt is untucked and it is a kick that sails wide. No threat.

:29 Brazil hasn’t scored yet. They’re overrated. Just kidding.

Kickoff We are underway in Berlin with the defending champions Brazil taking on the third place finishers from 1998 Croatia. Berlin is rocking. Thanks for joining in and for leaving your comments during the match. For those scoring at home I am enjoying a cold pilsner right now. My apologies to those of you who are working and unable to imbibe too.

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France and Switzerland finishes the second draw of the tournment and it finished 0-0.

 

Full-Time: Thank goodness that borefest is over. Switzerland weren’t as uninspiring as, say Poland or Paraguay, and they had their share of chances which could have made this a real contest. The French showed they know where the goal is, but Henry could not find his normal killer instinct. Let’s hope he can get it back as it would be a shame for a player of his obvious talent to have a poor World Cup. The French can probably argue they were good enough to win it, but I wouldn’t say they dominated. Looking at the rest of the group, they probably aren’t unhappy with the result though.

92:26 - Frei misses a header from point blank range and get a yellow card for this trouble. Replay shows it’s well deserved after using his hand ala Maradona to try and score. He still missed which shows he’s not as talented as Maradona.

91:35 - Free kick for the Swiss wide right, surely the last attack of the game.

89:40 - Saha chest down beautifully for Dhorasoo but Tiramisu fires inches wide. Would have been a wonderful finish to an otherwise uninspiring game.

88:50 - I really don’t want this game to end as a draw. Who will step up and be a hero. Henry has ballted hard, but his shooting boots were left in the dressing room. Perhaps Trezuguet pawned those too. He’s a sneaky little bugger.

87:12 - A close up of Saha shows he’s trimmed his hair. Is this a disply of team support for those less fortunate in the team (cough…Zidane…cough…Barthez…cough…Henry).

85:25 - Degen suffering from some cramps. My girlfriend usually likes to eat chocolate when she has cramps. Luckily Switzerland is known for its chocolate and I fully expect Degen to recover swiftly. He’ll probably also ask me to mow the lawn during the next game.

82:00 - Nice one-two between Wiltord and Zidane. Wiltord jams his knee into the pitch under challenge and needs attention. he looks to be ok, but I can’t look at more replays of that. It just looks painful. In fact, Wiltord has been replaced by the very French sounding Dhorasoo. No bling for Dhorasoo as he throws his wedding ring at the French bench before running onto the field. Don’t worry Mrs Dhorasoo, he still loves you and Trezuguet isn’t ruinning into the locker rooms to pawn it off. Honest.

80:55 - Substitution for the Swiss. The equally wonderfully named Wicky makes way for Xavier Margairaz. I hope they’re not shutting up shop. This game is still here for the taking.

80:00 - Vieira earns the jeers of the crowd - French and Swiss alike - after a poor cross into the area. Just not seeing the quality we’d expect from a French team.

77:50 - Just struck me that we’v barely seen any shots from outside the area today. Certainly none from outrageous distances like we’v seen in other games. If there were any doubts about the effectiveness of the Teimgeist ball when shooting from long ranges, I think those have been answered in the opening days of the World Cup. Neither team today has tried their luck.

74:30 - Substitution for the Swiss. Mueller comes off and is replaced by Djourou who plays for Arsenal. Let’s hope he has an attacking bone in his body.

73:03 - Swiss really digging in now. I don’t know if we’ll see much of them in attack for the rest of the game unless they get a lucky break.

71:20 - Yellow card for the Swiss player Cabanas after a sliding tackle on Sagnol. Yellow card for Zidane after he tried to get on with the game and the ref decided he should have waited for the whistle. Bit harsh in my opinion.

69:52 - Sad point of the match. Ribery is out of the game. There is no more Ribery. On the plaus side, Louis Saha is much, much easier to type. I’ll try to work in an occasional Ribery for those following along.

67:33 - Players taking advantage of the break in play to suck down some water. Still very hot in Stuttgart. Free kick to the Swiss on the right side. Zidane clears and Magnin gets a touch of the magic spray. Replay shows his ankle twsisted like a pretzel. I’m impressed with the qualities of the magic spray.

66:00 - Still no replay of the Swis chance. Must be a French TV director. There we go, now I see it. Fantastic save with his feet by Barthez. Croupet will have to grudgingly give him that one.

64:30 - Great chance for Switzerland. Gygax’s header at the far post well saved by the Bald One. France is beatable with this defence. Of course, any team is beatable the longer it stays 0-0.

63:00 - Yellow card for Abidal for kicking the ball into the crowd after it had already gone out. The free kick sees Barthez awkwardly punch it away. He mutst have had problems seeing that.

61:44 - Nice chance for the Swiss capably defended by the French. No Maginot Line here today. I think I have to mention that at least once today, it’s compulsory. Props to those in the comments who beat me too it.

60:06 - More fouls starting to come thick and fast. Let’s hope the ref can keep this under control.

59:23 - Ribery has a shot blocked on the penalty area and I get to say his name again. Swiss fans and I are happy for different reasons.

57:25 - Not much imagination from the Swiss in attack. They’re standing in a line in midfield and you could throw a blanket over them, to borrow a cliche.

55:35 - Philipp Degen booked for the Swiss after tugging on Zidane’s shirt. Let’s hope Zidane’s little face holding routine did not influence the referee there.

54:08 - No Beckanbauer sightings in this game as yet. Is that a snub for the French team? He was with Platini at the previous match. Speaking of the French master, where is he today? Should he not be watching this game?

53:00 - Shot of Gygax on the sideline as a potential substitute for the Swiss. His name sounds like a drug. Maybe it can help Zidane and Barthez with some hair restoration.

51:10 - Ribery. I just like saying his name.

49:50 - Nice attack by Switzerland that does not result in a shot after Degen is blocked out of it on the 18 yard box. French counter sees Henry drifting left, but is eventually called offside after a one-two with Ribery.

48:10 - Vieira shoots from the edge of the area and Henry nearly blocks it while trying to get out of the way. Getting hit might actually have directed it goalwards. Story of the day for French shooting.

46:45 - Hard man Vieira bumps ‘keeper Zuberbuehler. The Swiss are a physical though and no handbags were thrown.

45:10 - Second half underway. Sun will be right in Barthez’s face for much of it. A good idea for the Swiss to shoot early and from distance.

Anyone have opinions about the handball in the box? I’m sure our Referee blogger will have somethign to say about it and I’ve been impressed with his breakdowns of the various games’ controversial decisions. This could be another. My take is that the ref made the right choice.

Half-time: Pretty even half, France looking the better team, but flashes of danger from the Swiss. I picked the Swiss as draw specialists before the tournament and they’re proving me right. I say that now because every other prediction I’ve made has not come true and I want to see a result in this game, not a draw. If I say it, it can’t be true, so come on boys, give us a goal.

44:10 - Swiss player Barnetta booked for a foul I missed. I gotta learn how to type without looking at my fingers.

43:23 - Most of France’s breaks have come from back Swiss defending - committing in isolated areas and missing the tackle which allows the French to pick their pass in the penalty area. Too bad their pass selection has so far been poor.

40:49 - Swiss defender Magnin booked at the next break in play. Could not have been for the hack on Henry as there was no free kick at the time. Strange decision from the referee. Henry back on the pitch and he appears fine.

40:15 - Henry is down after stretching to keep a ball in play. He’s off the pitch so Switzerland is under no obligation to kick the ball out of play. Whistles from the crowd but what can the Swiss do?

38:45 - Henry again released by Zidane but his shot is straight at the Swiss ‘keeper, Zuberbuehler. Henry will have to find his range soon if he keeps getting all these chances. Switzerland will have to find a way to deal with him or cut off his supply line.

37:00 - Ribery breaks into the Swiss box but for some reason gives up the resposibility of shooting in favour of a pass that goes behind Henry who shoots with less power and the ball strikes the hand of the Swiss defender. Could have a case for handball but I agree with the referee. The player did not move towards the ball with his hand and his head was turned in the other direction to protect himself.

35:40 - Very late flag for offside against Henry on a Zidane pass. Replay shows it was the right decision. Starting to hear the French fans wind up now.

32:40 - Nice close up camera work of the dribbling skills of Philipp Degen of Switzerland. We haven’t seen too much of that this World Cup, but then again, Brazil has not taken the stage yet. Stay tuned for our liveblog during that match later tonight.

30:50 - Shot just over the bar from Ribery. Nice chance. Saying his name makes me laugh: Riberte, Requality, fRanternity. Ahhhh, liveblogging, it makes no sense.

30:10 - Sagnol tripped while defending for France. Contender for Flop of the Day.

29:14 - Zidane tripped and another look at those special boots. Let’s hope they have the magic touch today.

27:56 - Does anyone else want to paint a moustache on Barthez to see how ridiculous it would look? Or is that just me?

26:40 - Sustained pressure from France now on the edge of the Swiss area, little one-twos involving Zidane. But it coms to nothing and Switzerland breaks free.

22:50 - Great free kick which comes back off the post. Frei only needed the slightest touch after the offside trap was Les Miserables. He couldn’t direct the rebound goalwards and the danger passed. Huge chance for Switzerland, big wake-up call for France.

21:50 - Nice period of posession for the Swiss. Results in a foul by Vieira about 40 yards out.

20:00 - Nice ball from Zidane puts Heny into space in the Swiss penalty area, but his touch and the defence pushes him wide and he can only deliver a cross across the goal face without any venom, nor any support.

19:40 - Game reaching somewhat of a stalemate in midfield. The crowd doing their best to liven things up.

16:40 - Switzerland is spelled Schweiz in German which is a lot shorter to type considering using that for the duration. Then again, I have copy & paste. France is Frankreich, which sounds extremely German and not at all French. Plus it’s harder to type. However, I love Germany in French - le Allemange. Sounds so much sexier.

14:00 - Vieira bangs his shot into the pitch and it bounces high over the crossbar. Shot of French coach Domenech on the sideline looking far trendier than Otto Pfister.

13:05 - Instead an angled cross to the far post, headed clear by Switzerland. Corner France and the screws are starting to turn.

12:22 - Hard foul on Wiltord. This is Zidane range.

10:20 - Zidane brought down. Did he borrow some boots from a Swedish player? What colour are those. On the plus side they’re easily noticeable in the shadow.

09:34 - Switzerland building nicely before giving away possession cheaply in midfield. Their game looks based on a short, quick passing game which is nioce to see after a fair amount on long ball stuff so far this World Cup.

07:01 - Zidane looks to be cruising. Much like Nedved yesterday for Czch Republic, using his experience to be involved in the game without running himself into the ground on this hot, hot day.

05:22 - Header from Henry after nice buildup play from Zidane released Wiltord, who got a nice cross that Henry just could not keep down. Good chance for France.

03:41 - Great fan support for Switzerland in the crowd today. A sea of red at the end they are defending. Fantastic last ditch tackle by France to deny a run into the box from Switzerland. It was in the shadow so I can’t tell who it was.

02:15 - Jinking run by Zidane showing shades of his younger self. I kinda want to see him do well consdering its the last time we’ll see him on the World stage.

00:30 - Switzerland kick off and once again we battle with a creeping shadow on the pitch that makes things diffucult from a viewing perspective. Let’s hope that’s not the story of the tournament.

00:01 - We’re off! Microscope is on the French team after their woeful performance in the ‘02 World Cup. The pressure and spotlight of defending champions is of them and they’ve had a solid build up despite some selection controversy and the sad loss of Cisse with a broken leg.

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South Korea defeated Togo 2-1 in there opening match.

 

 

Full Time: S. Korea gets the result everyone expected but not the margin.

91:40 Romao plants himself in front of a S. Korean player and the free kick is sent back towards midfield. The crowd boos, they want another score.

91:40 I want a miracle.

90:00 3 min injury time.

88:00 One last push by Togo, free kick curls outside the goal without touching anything. Well placed kick, good set piece.

86:50 Korea’s killing time. Interesting that Togo hasn’t really looked tired in this game even though their fitness was a main concern.

85:46 Another long cross. Togo is a tall team but not that tall.

84:40 Togo corner. It’s long and Togo heads it back out.

83:02 Another field goal for S. Korea.

81:30 8.5 minutes to go and the celebrations are starting in the stadium. A bit premature if you ask me.

80:30 Sniper attempt from Kader and I thought it had a chance. A little less air.

79:09 I wonder how the S. Korean media will react to the 1-0 half time lead of the Sparrowhawks?

77:25 I’m looking for a Togo score and if it weren’t for that pesky offsides rule I would have gotten it.

73:45 S. Korea has another great shot blocked and the Togo goalie hangs onto it after a moment.

72:15 A glance off the defender bends Ahn’s shot out of the goalie’s reach.

72:00 Goal S. Korea!

68:40 I hate to say it, but Adebayor actually wasn’t long enough to get a good touch on that ball. Would have been an easy goal.

67:50 Subs for S. Korea. Kim on, Lee off.

66:19 I almost like to see S. Korea getting close to the goal because Togo’s best chances have come from counterattacks.

65:30 Routine save by the Togo keeper but I don’t really trust him.

64:22 Adebayor is the star of ths squad. He needs to take that shot instead of passing it back to center.

62:23 A cross from the right dies in front of the net and Togo gets a great shot. Misses high but it made Sean’s “Togo COULD score again” comment look brilliant.

59:30 Togo’s Malm falls down back pedaling and does his knee pretty good. He’s off the field and Forson comes on.

58:26 Another shot too high for S. Korea. The NY Giants fieldgoal kicker scouts are writing down names.

56:01 Togo’s defense has some holes but they’re doing a decent job being physical. One mistake and a penalty evens the score and S. Korea looks like it’s descending for the kill. My guess is it will be 2-1 in the next 10 minutes.

54:08 Lee Chun Soo puts the kick in the upper left corner and the keeper misses. Goal S. Korea.

52;04 Mohamed Kader gets a kick in the foot and he’s down for awhile. Second yellow for Jean Paul Abalo when S. Korea breaks ago and its a free kick for S. Korea.

49:19 S. Korea probably got a very stern lecture at the half. Card for S. Korea but I missed who go it. Stupid typing.

47:50 Mohamed Kader has moves and gets around 4 defenders to get a shot off. Adebayor who?

46:35 A free kick for Korea and an open shot that wasn’t finished and I’m beginning to a trend in Korea’s chances. I’m hoping it stays that way.

46:00 We’re ready to watch some history here. 45 minutes of tense defense for Togo.

Halftime: Togo’s bicycle kick attempt was a bit awkward at the end but the rest of the half looked good for what was supposed to be an overmatched Togo squad. They’re up 1-0 off a beautiful ground goal by Mohamed Kader.

45:00 A cross across the goal is too close for comfort and then a header makes me long for half time.

44:18 Togo is about the size of West Virginia in the United States and they’re leading against S. Korea.

42:22 The half is winding down and the Koreans look frantic, their early chances got them nothing.

41:18 Great shot by Senaya. Almost got through to the top of the net.

40:30 1-0 Togo with a free kick.

39:40 South Korea is relentless. They’re going to score.

38:14 Korea is getting some open angles for shots but they’re all wide. It’s making me nervous.

36:59 Pfister looks like a pimp moonlighting as a coach with that chain.

34:48 Corner for Korea looks like it’s headed toward the goal but it’s just the camera angle. Then the follow booted into the stands. Everyone here wants the upset.

33:33 Free kick for S. Korea blocked by the wall.

32:33 Best goal of the Cup by Kader.

30:45 Mohamed Kader with a beautiful floor shot across the goalie. Best goal Togo has ever scored. Buy your buddy a beer and see if they can hold on.

30:40 GOOOOAAAAALLLLL TOOGOOOO!

29:04 Free kick s. korea from deep on the right side and Togo takes possession.

27:04 My expectations are on the rise for Togo, they haven’t trained but they’re competing and look like they’ll be a danger to draw against S. Korea. Barring a second half fitness collapse I expect a close game.

25:01 62/38 advantage Korea for possession.

23:05 Two yellows for Togo. Free kick for Korea goes wide left.

22:39 Korea levels a Togo player and the world cup yellow card party continues. Only the card went to Togo… I don’t get it.

20:40 A little squib through the defense to the keeper and the crowd is nearly dying. Either they have no idea what they’re watching or they want to be on the field.

18:40 Togo levels Park on the right side and S. Korea gets a good cross out of it.

17:00 S. Korea gets a chance down the left side again and the stadium goes nuts at a different volume than other games I’ve seen. I can’t imagine what it will be like if they score. No danger of that so far.

15:30 Togo with a cross that would have been dangerous if it wasn’t 18 feet in the air.

13:00 I hear that Adebayor makes 30K a week at Arsenal. I’m curious what the possession time differential is in this game. My guess is about even.

11:15 Offsides Togo after another long range pass.

9:00 Mostly midfield play the first 9 minutes with an occasional attack. Togo passed from long range and got a decent run at the ball. The shot missed high.

8:30 Adebayor is definetly the man for this squad. Get him the ball.

6:40 Togo looking more cohesive than expected. Nick’s getting excited.

5:30 Decent attack by Togo’s Adebayor.

4:42 A glimpse of Togo coach Otto Pfister shows him dressed to go out clubbing in jeans and jacket. I guess we know where he was going to go if he left the team.

3:00 A lot of expectations on S. Korea, but they seem pretty composed and in control. They’re mostly just booting it into the Togo end and the Togo keeper is sending it back. Not bad so far.

1:38 If Togo can keep Korea scoreless for more than 4 minutes they’re doing better than Angola.
00:32 A pretty aggressive attack down the left side by korea. Free kick after a trip. Nothing comes of it.

00:00 The 13 June games have started, my next 9 hours are set in stone.

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