Whoopy's World Cup 2010: Lets OOTP

[Blackcats]

Sent my tactic and team via e-mail, hope its all alright as its pretty complicated. I wanted to make sure that I am optimising my squad to its very best.

[Charlesbeams]

sent my tactics

[Denther]

Is there any point in me sending in tactics for South Africa

Hopefully should be with you by tonight

[dafuge]

van Persie didn't make it

[PaulHartman71]

sent Australia stuff in fwiw

[hasdgfas]

7 subs, right? I can't keep the sub numbers straight.

[Charlesbeams]

im pretty sure you are allowed 12 subs, but only allowed to use 3 of them

[PaulHartman71]

yeah, it's everyone else in the squad on the bench.

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Hi Whoopy, great job so far mate. This is a real monster sign up you've created and must be a nightmare to organise! KUTGW!

Am I right in thinking we can upload a tactic for you to download? Or is it easier to simply e-mail it? Am not sure how large the files are! Or are you limiting us to the standard FM tactics provided?

FWIW, my plan is to email/upload/select three tactics. A starting tactic and tactics to use from 65 minutes depending on the result - although the actual formation doesn't change. I don't think it's that fair to expect you to trail through hundreds of potential outcomes.

Come on the Uruguay!

[PaulHartman71]

tactics uploaded are about 2K, take next to no time to upload/download. I've PM'ed him my tactic/s with the link for him to download fwiw

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Originally Posted by PaulHartman71

tactics uploaded are about 2K, take next to no time to upload/download. I've PM'ed him my tactic/s with the link for him to download fwiw

Cheers. Will do that then.

[Kenco]

Whoopy, can I e-mail you my details and .tac file? Can't find your address, can you let me know it? Thanks.

[Whoopy D]

Just like to say thanks to everyone who's sent me their tactics etc so far, it's a fairly dificult thing to keep simple if that makes sense, but everyone so far has done a good job of keeping it understandable.

dafuge - I was a bit surprised about van Persie, I was unable to call him up despite his profile saying he should be back in 3-10 days, so not entirely sure what happened there.

[Whoopy D]

Originally Posted by Kenco

Whoopy, can I e-mail you my details and .tac file? Can't find your address, can you let me know it? Thanks.

Definitely, saves my inbox on here getting clogged up Email address is : fchandler7@hotmail.com

[Kenco]

Originally Posted by Whoopy D

Definitely, saves my inbox on here getting clogged up Email address is : fchandler7@hotmail.com

e-mail sent.

[Whoopy D]

Just bringing this over to the new page for those who might've missed it: The first deadline is Friday 3rd July at 11pm (UK time) For all players to get me their starting 11's/tactics etc!

[weeeman27bob]

Will get mine in later today

[d-machine]

Might've been mentioned earlier, but what happens if someone misses the deadline? Do you just pick a random lineup?

[Whoopy D]

Originally Posted by d-machine

Might've been mentioned earlier, but what happens if someone misses the deadline? Do you just pick a random lineup?

If the deadline is missed I'll holiday that manager for the match and his ass man can take control of the game.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Dammit why am I sick? I will do my best to get mine together before the deadline... Thanks

[canvey!!]

Originally Posted by Whoopy D

If the deadline is missed I'll holiday that manager for the match and his ass man can take control of the game.

Could you please do this for me anyway?

[Whoopy D]

Don't have time to mess about with tactics or just really confident canvey? Either way I'm happy to do it, means less work for me

[canvey!!]

Originally Posted by Whoopy D

Don't have time to mess about with tactics or just really confident canvey? Either way I'm happy to do it, means less work for me

Don't have that much time and really confident I'd mess it up if I did do it .

[Tomaldinho]

Originally Posted by Whoopy D

If the deadline is missed I'll holiday that manager for the match and his ass man can take control of the game.

Whoopy my PC is screwed and I can't get on FM. I can possibly get you a first XI tonight depending on whether I can steal someone's laptop but if not could you just holiday for me too? Cheers.

[weeeman27bob]

I can't remember all the players i selected and I've deleted the PM now This could be interesting.


EDIT: Forgot I can look at the screenshot

[bermybhoy]

Whoopy, I might need to go down the holiday route as well. I might have time to do tonight it if I get away from work on time, but 4 hours behind which cuts it fine. Not had a chance this week

[weeeman27bob]

Just sent my instructions in and they were epicly long

[Whoopy D]

Somehow managed to forget I'm out Saturday morning so I'm not going to get much chance to do anything. Therefore I'm going to extend the deadline by 24 hours to Saturday at 9pm. (UK time)

[Striker475]

Whoopy, i probably wont be able to reply until 12th July AEST then. im not going to have any time tomorrow morning, tis all.

[SteadfastMeat]

Greece Lineup & tactic submitted.

[magvest]

Sent the lineup and tactic for Germany..

[dafuge]

Is there a save game uploaded for us to use to send in our teams?

[weeeman27bob]

Originally Posted by dafuge

Is there a save game uploaded for us to use to send in our teams?

Why do you need one?


Everything for your team is in the screenshots and the fixtures are in the group overview.

If we mere mortals can cope, surely you can?

[The Golden boy]

Originally Posted by dafuge

Is there a save game uploaded for us to use to send in our teams?

Couldn't you just use the one you used to pick your squad?

[dafuge]

Originally Posted by weeeman27bob

Why do you need one?


Everything for your team is in the screenshots and the fixtures are in the group overview.

If we mere mortals can cope, surely you can?

I deleted the previous save game and it would save me a bit of time finding my squad again to choose my team. I could do with a proper look at my players as I'm not too familiar with all of them.

I suppose I could download the old one and go through it again. I'll have it done later.

[dafuge]

My Holland details have been sent.

[weeeman27bob]

Originally Posted by dafuge

My Holland details have been sent.

Is your team going to be....... wait for it....... van-tastic?

[dafuge]

Originally Posted by weeeman27bob

Is your team going to be....... wait for it....... van-tastic?

Oranje total football is back

I will be playing Shekshy Football

[Whoopy D]

Originally Posted by weeeman27bob

Just sent my instructions in and they were epicly long

Just out of interest, did you PM or email them to me? Either way I haven't received any tactics for England

[SJ234]

Originally Posted by dafuge

Oranje total football is back

I will be playing Shekshy Football

I though you stuck with the same tactic?

[weeeman27bob]

Originally Posted by Whoopy D

Just out of interest, did you PM or email them to me? Either way I haven't received any tactics for England

I emailed them to you.

Probably sent it to the wrong address.

Will send again now.

[dafuge]

Originally Posted by SJ234

I though you stuck with the same tactic?

Ssshhhh, don't tell them that. I'm trying to pretend I will be playing extravagant attacking football instead of the dull defensive counter attacking football I usually play.

[weeeman27bob]

Originally Posted by dafuge

Ssshhhh, don't tell them that. I'm trying to pretend I'm an exciting youth of today instead of the dull old person I normally am

Fixed


Old fogie

[dafuge]

I get abuse at work for being too young, now I'm getting abuse here for being too old.

I can't win

[weeeman27bob]

Originally Posted by dafuge

I get abuse at work for being too young, now I'm getting abuse here for being too old.

I can't win

Anything above 19 is positively ancient.

[dafuge]

Originally Posted by weeeman27bob

Anything above 19 is positively ancient.

Under 19 means you are child, under 30s are the youngsters in my eyes.

[weeeman27bob]

Originally Posted by dafuge

Under 19 means you are child, under 30s are the youngsters in my eyes.

I remember when I thought you were 40+ once

[Whoopy D]

Originally Posted by weeeman27bob

I emailed them to you.

Probably sent it to the wrong address.

Will send again now.

Cheers. Got them now, just a bit long

[weeeman27bob]

Originally Posted by Whoopy D

Cheers. Got them now, just a bit long

I had to make sure you know what you are doing.

As long as nobody gets injured or sent off and we are winning by more than two goals it's easy.

It would get complicated if we were winning, then had a man sent of in conceding a penalty which they converted.

[Lower Leagues Rule]

Hmmmm Thanks Dafuge make me feel good being under 30, even if only by a little.

[dafuge]

Originally Posted by weeeman27bob

I remember when I thought you were 40+ once

Bound to be my mature and professional manner

[weeeman27bob]

Originally Posted by dafuge

Bound to be my mature and professional manner

I think it's more likely I found you dull and boring

(but yes it was actually what you said)

[himan]

You have my tactic right now if it's all right. If something isn't clear please ask in a PM, cause I play FM in dutch and I may don't know all the English words

[Robert_296]

missed the deadline, I'll put together a team quickly.

[Robert_296]

In fact, just holiday me please. I'm sure my assistant will get a better team than me for this match.

[SJ234]

Originally Posted by dafuge

Ssshhhh, don't tell them that. I'm trying to pretend I will be playing extravagant attacking football instead of the dull defensive counter attacking football I usually play.

It works though. I can't criticise as my fc united seems to be playing a similar brand of football, nothing like my arsenal team of old

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Uruguay starting line up emailed to you Whoopy!

I've kept it as short and simple as possible!

[spartans5]

Holiday me for this one, I will figure a squad out for my next match, haven't had the time recently

[iacovone]

Missed the deadline

[PaulHartman71]

Whoopy changed the deadline, it's now 9pm UK time. You still have just over 2 hours.

[iacovone]

Great news

[Walcott\'s Wonderkids]

Sent mine a few hours ago, but you should already know that Whoopy!

[iacovone]

Sent mine

Mon Egypt

[bermybhoy]

Still missed the damn deadline. On the upside that's because it didn't rain for the first time in weeks, so was out.

[Whoopy D]

In typical FM style we decided to throw tradition completely out the window and instead of kicking off with the host nation as is the usual procedure, the World Cup got underway with Nigeria taking on defending champions Italy.

World Cup Group A
Nigeria V Italy
FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
11.6.2010

Many people are expecting this to be a one sided game with World Champions Italy running out comfortable winners however with the manager on holiday and a resoloute looking Nigeria squad it could be a very different story.

Line Ups
Preview

First half report
Italy get us underway here in Johannesburg but it's Nigeria that force the first attacking moment of the match after just 2 minutes. A throw in from the left hand side is flicked on by Uche but it goes harmlessly wide. Nigeria come forward again just minutes later, this time Obinna gets down the left and cuts back for Obodo who's defelcted shot goes for a corner. The corner is cleared but Nigeria come straight back and Martins is played in only for Buffon to make the save. Italy finally get an opportunity, Montolivo gets free and shoots from 12 yards and forces a corner. Nigeria deal with the corner but Montolivo retrieves the ball, he looks up and puts a cross into the box, Christian Maggio goes to ground under challenge from Taiwo, the referee points to the spot without hesitation, a penaly to Italy for a push. A very debatable decision but a real chance here for Italy. Montolivo steps up to convert the spot kick, it's not a great effort by any means but it beats the keeper to his left hand side GOAL and 1-0 Italy after 18 minutes. Italy push on and some scrappy play leads to a shot from Cassano but its goes over the bar. Italy are back on the offensive and really pushing now, first Cassano and then Pirlo force good saves out of Enyeama. Nigeria are coming out of their shell a bit having gone behind, on the half hour mark Obodo plays a good ball through for Uche but his shot is straight at Buffon, a wasted chance. Italy look to increase their lead as we near the break, they win the ball and some good passing results in a De Rossi shot from 20 yards but a comfortable save. Five minutes before half time Cassano puts Balotelli clean through on goal, the youngster uses his pace to get away from the chasing defenders and strides into the 18 yard box, the keeper forces him wide and Balotelli produces a weak effort, big chance wasted. One last chance for Italy in the first half see's a good run down the left by Cassano, he drives towards goal and blasts a shot high and wide.

Half Time Score - Nigeria 0-1 Italy

Second Half Report
It's been a fairly open game so far with Nigeria starting the better of the sides, as expected Italy came back and with a bit of luck have taken the lead. It should be an interesting 2nd half as Nigeria look for an equaliser. A slow start to the half and it's 10 minutes before we see our first yellow card of the tournament and it's awarded to Chiellini after a foul on Obafemi Martins about 35 yards from goal. Nigeria come close ten minutes later, some good work from Martins down the left before he finds Obodo in space, he plays a great ball down the right hand side for Utaka who cuts inside and fires his shot across goal, good save by Buffon. Joseph Enakarhire gets himself a yellow card as he fouls Balotelli to stop him getting to a through ball, free kick to Italy 25 yards from goal but it's wasted. Italy force a corner and Pirlo gets his head to it forcing a spectacular flying save from Enyeama. Just minutes later another set piece for Italy as Taiwo gives away a free kick on the edge of the box, it's floated across but Shittu heads clear. Nigeria make their first Sub, Eke Uzoma replces John Utaka and Nigeria switch to a 4-3-3 with Obinna moving up front. The move almost pays off for Nigeria as Obinna gets space in the penalty area but he blasts his shot over and is promptly replaced by Yakubu. Nigeria's desperation for a goal has cost them, Montolivo gets down the right left flank and drills a cross in for Cassano to tap in from close range. GOAL for Italy and they should see the game off now, 2-0 after 77 minutes. Italy immediately make some changes to try and secure the win, Gattuso and Palombo replace Pirlo and De Rossi. Nigeria go very close with 10 minutes left when Martins unleashes an effort from the best part of 35 yards and it looks to be flying in until Buffon gets a hand to it and puts it behind for a corner. The corner comes in and a scramble insues resulting in a free kick given away by Shittu. Andrea Barzagli comes on in place of Balzaretti for Italy. Nigeria make their 3rd and final change as Femi Ajilore replaces a tired John Obi Mikel. Italy almost add a third with 89 minutes on the clock with Cassano turning and shooting on the edge of the box but it's palmed away. GOAL for Nigeria. This game isn't over yet. Martins and Yakubu combine down the left and the cross comes in, it's headed away to the edge of the box where Obodo is lurking and he smashes it first time into the top corner. No chance for Buffon and 2-1 and Obodo's first ever goal for Nigeria, game on.

Full Time Score - Nigeria 1-2 Italy

A spirited performance by Nigeria see's them lose narrowly to the favourites, an open and exciting game to kick off the tournament and a quality goal from Man of the Match, Christian Obodo to cap it all off.

Overview
Match Stats
Player Ratings

[iacovone]

If we can expect updates of that quality every game, this is going to be a great thread . Sounds like Nigeria did well there really - Buffon is going to be so key this tournament

[weeeman27bob]

Yes i second that. Brilliant updates.

[Whoopy D]

Quite glad you said that really, I was unsure how to go about the updates and tried about 4 different styles before I settled on that one I'll probably make a better job of it now that I'm decided on what style to go for.

[joetheref]

Great update Whoopy, if the updates are gonna be this good it could be a while before it gets to Iran down in Group G

[JSalter]

Great read, would have been nice to get a point but a defeat was expected really. I just hope we can do enough to beat the other teams in the group.

[canvey!!]

Good to see the favourites winning while on holiday - bodes well for Fiorello Canvey.

[TaylorB]

Updates are great Whoopy. Nigeria can be proud of their performance against the holders though.

[iacovone]

Whoopy how long does it take you to write them up out of interest?

[Whoopy D]

Originally Posted by iacovone

Whoopy how long does it take you to write them up out of interest?

Obviously depends on how much happens in the game but it probably took me 30-45 minutes to watch the match, take notes and then convert that into the report. Shouldn't take as long now that I can put it straight into my chosen style.

[Striker475]

Woohoo, underway!

I'll try and keep up from my holiday (by the way, highly recommend you see Uluru at sunset at some point in your lives) but hopefully the Sweden game won't be til Sunday!

[Walcott\'s Wonderkids]

Great updates Whoopy, really good read.

Could I make one small request though... would it be possible for each 'half of text', to be broken up into 3 or 4 manageable sections (depending on the amount of activity in that half)?!... just makes it a little easier on the eye (well my eyes!) to read.


KUTGW

[Greasy Chip Butty]

Absolutely super update Whoopy - if you can keep that up, this is set to be one of THE great sign-ups.

[d-machine]

Awesome update Whoopy

[PaulHartman71]

thought Nigeria might scrape a draw there. Great update Whoopy

[Whoopy D]

World Cup Group A
Poland v Chile
Rand Stadium, Johannesburg
11.6.2010

This should be a pretty tight game in all honesty, Chile are a very strong attacking team while Poland will probably look to their defence to keep them alive. With Nigeria losing earlier in the day the winner will give themselves a good chance at sneaking through.

First Half Report (in paragraphs for the benefit of WW )
Chile get the game underway and it takes just 3 minutes for the first chance of the game, Suazo has an effort from 20 yards but it's straight at the keeper. The game settles down a bit until 10 minutes in when Waldo Ponce wins the ball in his own half before looking for and finding Suazo, 35 yards from goal the Striker gets his head up and see's the keeper of his line. No time for delicate chips though so he hammers his shot goalwards and GOAL for Chile, Suazo beats the keeper from 35 yards. A great strike leaves the keeper looking stupid, 1-0.

Poland look to bounce right back and Jelen goes on a mazy run past 4 players before crossing but it comes to nothing. Poland come very close to an equaliser moments later as a header seems destined to nestle in the far corner but Sanchez heads off the line. Chile are starting to control the game, Suazo breaks down the left but his cross only finds Boruc in the Poland goal. Another chance for Chile as Sanchez produces a terrible effort from less than 6 yards, should've scored. It seems Suazo fancies his chances from range again, he's had about 3 shots in these first 25 minutes, a curling effort beats the keeper but rebounds off the post, unlucky.

Half an hour in and Jelen seems to be Poland's main threat, he has an effort go over the bar but it's looking promising for the Pole's. Just as I say that Suazo plays Sanchez through in on goal, he bears down on the keeper and slots it in from an angle. GOAL for Chile and it's a goal apiece for the two strikers, 2-0 Chile. First yellow card as Robert Lewandowski trips Ponce and the Polish striker is booked. Going into half time and this would be the perfect time to score for Poland, Jelen is at the heart of the attack again as he carves out a chance for Guerreiro who misses. Chances at both ends before the break but neither team can convert, Chile with the better of the chances and the game as a whole so far.

Half Time Score - Poland 0-2 Chile

Second Half Report
Free kick for Chile some 35 yards out after 6 minutes of the 2nd period and Matiaz Fernandez strikes it. A good effort and it rattles the bar, unlucky. Poland press for a goal and a couple of efforts are blocked before a final shot from 20 yards goes over the bar. Poland come their closest yet after 58 minutes as Iwanski smashes a shot from 25 yards, it hits the bar and Chile clear. Poland have been very wasteful today. Possibly frustrated, Iwanski picks up a yellow card just seconds later.

Poland make some changes, it's Janota and Kazmierczak on for Gargula and Guerreiro. 35 minutes left and Chile go close as a free kick finds Matiaz Fernandez, his low shot forces a good save from Boruc. Poland break away and force an equally good save from Bravo at the other end. Poland make their last change, it's Dawid Janczyk on for Jelen. With fifteen minutes left it's not looking good for Poland, Sanchez produces a great bit of skill to beat 2 defenders on the edge of the box, his shot is poor though and straight at the keeper. A good shot from Suazo forces a corner. The ball is floated across and Ponce rises high to win the header and he finds the back of the net. GOAL for Chile and this game is over, 3-0.

Chile's first change, with the game over Matiaz Fernandez makes way for Luis Jimenez. Chile make another Sub minutes later, Rafael Caroca replaces Vidal. Zewlakow picks up a yellow card with 5 minutes to go for a foul on the edge of the box, a threatening free kick for Chile and a chance to increase their lead. Tello lines it up but it hits the wall. Poland seem to have given up and Chile are just keeping the ball, that is until Jimenez decides to try his luck from 40 yards, just over the bar. It's one last change for Chile as Vidangossy comes off for Mirosevic. Good work from Suazo in stoppage time forces a corner, Chile keep it in the corner and run down the clock.

Full Time Score - Poland 0-3 Chile

A pretty surprising result from the neutral point of view, I was expecting a Chile win but not by quite such a margin. Waldo Ponce picks up a goal and an assist to earn him Man of the Match and Chile give themself a great chance to progress.

Line Ups
Overview
Match Stats
Player Ratings

[joetheref]

Another good update Whoopy KUTGW

[Blackcats]

Great Result there for chile. Getting dead worried that my france team will do rubbish

[magvest]

Great match reports Whoopy!

KUTGW mate!

[PaulHartman71]

wasn't expecting Chile to win by such a comfortable margin there, that gives the Polish Manager a huge job now.

[Robert_296]

These updates are fantastic Whoopy. The effort that is put in for them is superb, especially seeing as you will have to do a lot of them.

[PaulHartman71]

If my maths is correct (and it probably isn't) there are a total of 64 games in the actual World Cup finals

[dafuge]

Originally Posted by Robert_296

These updates are fantastic Whoopy. The effort that is put in for them is superb, especially seeing as you will have to do a lot of them.

whs

The updates are fantastic but I don't think people will mind too much if you cut them down a bit as you are creating an awful lot of work for yourself, unless you really have the time to do it all like this.

Keep it up, looking forward to seeing Holland in action

[Robert_296]

6*8=48 group matches
8 2nd rnd
4 QF
2 SF
1 Final

63 matches Paul.

[dafuge]

There's a third place playoff match.

[PaulHartman71]

yeah, what daf said

[Lower Leagues Rule]

WOW these updates are just awesome Whoopy, a great read and some good results so far, no upsets which is a little disappointing, but its a start.

[Cardiovascular]

Excellent update Whoopy

Up the Honduras!

[spartans5]

A dominant performance from Chile, not what I was expecting to be honest, hopefully they can keep it up.

[Whoopy D]

World Cup Group B
USA v South Korea
Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
12.6.2010

Line Ups
Preview

This is a tough game to call, two teams filled with experienced international players and both teams have produced a couple of upsets in the past. I'm going to predict a draw.

First Half Report
South Korea get the game underway and straight from the kick off they look to pass the ball about but they give the ball away and the USA break, a cross finds Altidore unmarked in the box and his shot cannons off the crossbar, a lucky escape for the Korean's. USA are pushing for an early goal and Edu finds DeMerit with some space, his shot is poor though and an easy save. S.Korea show the sort of football they're capable of after just 5 minutes and a very nice move see's Park Ji Sung float in a cross which is headed over by Jae-Jin. An exciting start to the match. GOAL for South Korea inside 10 minutes as they attack down the left and earn a throw in, the ball breaks to the right edge of the area where Park Ji-Sung hammers it into the top corner. A good goal and a surprise 1-0 lead for S.Korea.

USA look to come back almost straight away as Altidore finds Donovan in the area but he shoots wide, Altidore again threatens the S.Korea goal but his shot is parried away and cleared. Altidore has been casuing all sorts or problems and he's at it again, a good turn and pass find Szetela with space and he slots past the keeper GOAL USA and they're back in it a 1-1. Good composure shown by the American winger as he slots home from close range. Half an hour in and consecutive free kicks help USA up the pitch and after some scrappy defending the ball lands at the feet of Altidore but he is again denied as the keeper puts it out for a corner.

Cho Dong-Kun becomes the first player to be booked, a lot of fouls from S.Korea and he pays the price for it, another yellow card minutes later, this time to Kim Guen-Chul as he obstructs Altidore on the edge of the area, a very dangerous free kick to the USA, Beasley takes it quickly but it goes over. A ball down the right flank sets Donovan on his way and he gets to the ball first, he puts the ball in first time for Bradley who controls before slotting into the far corner GOAL USA and a thouroughly deserved one, S.Korea started brightly but the USA have been all over them since the S.Korea goal. With 5 minute until half time it's 2-1. South Korea don't learn their lesson and Donovan is in again down the left, his cross finds Bradley again but this time Kim Young-Kwang makes the save.

Just before the break the Korean's get back to playing some good football and Park Ji-Sung is allowed some time, he finds Dong-Kun on the edge of the area who strikes it towards the top corner GOAL S.Korea. Howard is left beaten by a great strike and S.Korea are back in the match. USA get a free kick on the right hand side of the box , Kim Dong-Jin is booked for the foul.

Half Time Score - USA 2-2 South Korea

A really exciting game so far which has been, as I predicted, pretty even. S.Korea look deadly going forward but very vunerable at the back, USA on the other hand look pretty comfortable at the back, both goals coming from long range striker but good going forward through Donovan and Altidore. Should be an interesting 2nd half.

Second Half Report
USA get an early free kick and it's whipped into the box, there is a scramble for the ball which results in a yellow card for Jozy Altidore. Ten minutes later and another yellow card for the USA, this time it's Onyewu. Yet another booking to the USA, this time it's DeMerit as he gives away a free kick on the edge of the box. Kim Guen-Chul hits the free kick high over the bar. A very tired looking Choi Sung-Kook makes way with Cha Du-Ri replacing him on the hour mark, S.Korea make another change a couple of minutes later as Lee Chun-Soo comes on for Baek Ji-Hoon.

The first real action for some time as S.Korea force another save from Howard from 25 yards and more moments later when Kwak Hee-Joo is booked for a foul on Donovan, right on the edge of the box. Beasley's effort hits the wall and Bradley has a go but puts it over the bar. USA win the ball back from the goal kick and attack down the right, Donovan and Szetela put together some good passes resulting in a cross which finds Beasley who strikes first time GOAL USA and DaMarcus Beasley puts his side back into the lead with 20 minutes left. Another booking, this time for Lee Ho, USA also make a sub replacing an injured Altidore with Eskandarian.

This game has been poor discipline wise, another booking with Oh Bum-Seok being the guilty party. 15 minutes to go and USA attack down the right again, the ball is knocked back the edge of the box where Edu is waiting GOAL USA as the midfielder hits it first time and it flys into the top corner, some quality goals on display today but that may be the best of them. Surely game over now? S.Korea aren't done yet though, Cho Dong-Kun breaks into the box and beats the keeper only to see his shot rebound off the bar, final throw of the dice for S.Korea, Kim Dong-Jin has been poor and he looks tired, he's replaced by Jang Hak-Young.

S.Korea have tried but failed to make any chances, Bradley has a go from range but the American's shot goes wide. Park Ji-Sung carves out a chance for Kim Dong-Kun in injury time and despite time and space he fails to score, Howard will be grateful for the poor effort. 5 minutes into the 3 that were added on, one last long ball forward nearly comes off for S.Korea as Jae-Jin is narrowly beaten to the ball by Howard.

Full Time Score - USA 4-2 South Korea

A very exciting game from 2 evenly matched teams, USA edge out winners in a slightly flattering 4-2 scoreline but take nothing away from the Americans, they dealt with the fluent, attacking style of S.Korea and managed to break down their defence.

Overview
Match Stats
Player Ratings

[PaulHartman71]

exciting stuff, and a very interesting result. Not as interesting as predicting who North Korean fans would have wanted to win though.

[Kenco]

Interesting formation from South Korea.

[Whoopy D]

World Cup Group B
Brazil v France
Johannesburg Stadium, Johannesburg
12.6.2010

Line Ups
Preview

A real clash of the titans here then as the most successful team in World Cup history takes on a team who are usually there or there abouts when it comes to the final. France will be wanting to put memories of 2006 behind them and get this tournament off to a good start while Brazil will also be looking to do well what with Italy closing in on them when it comes to World Cups. This game could go either way but I'm going to go for a 1-1 draw.

First Half Report
Brazil kick off and have an effort on goal within a minute as Maicon finds himself completely unmarked inside the box but his shot is comfortably save by Lloris. France have their first effort after 4 minutes when Mexes rises to meet a Nasri free kick but the defenders header goes harmlessly wide. We don't have to wait long for Kaka to impose himself on the game and he gets his first shot away after 10 minutes and France are relieved to see it go wide but he's at it again just 5 minutes later after some lovely passing from Brazil gives Kaka another chance, this time Lloris makes the save. France quickly go on the attack and it's with Ben Arfa on the right flank, he cuts it back to the edge of the box to Nasri, he takes a first time shot, low and hard into the bottom corner and GOAL for France, the young Arsenal player starts the scoring, 1-0 to France.

A dull period follows the goal, Brazil force a couple of corners with nothing realling coming from them before Flamini has a pop from 25 yards on the half hour mark, unfortunately for him it misses by some way. Five minutes later and another long range effort from France, this time Toulalan tries his luck but Gomes saves, a bit of head tennis follows his clearing kick and when the ball finally reaches the ground Rafinha is booked for a fould on Nasri. With just over 5 minutes until half time a major blow for France as William Gallas picks up an injury and is forced from the field, Sebastien Puygrenier takes his place.

France don't let it affect them though and win a throw in on the left hand side, the ball comes to Ribery who looks up, puts in a low cross to the feet of Nasri who takes it first time GOAL France and it's Samir Nasri again. A good cross from Ribery and an excellent finish, the goal comes 4 minutes before the break and might just kill of Brazil. Benzema wins the ball back straight from the kick off but is fouled by Eduardo and the Brazillian is booked.

Half Time Score - Brazil 0-2 France

A surprising scoreline as far as I'm concerned, the French have been by far the better team and Brazil have barly managed an attack on Lloris' goal. It will need to be a much changed Brazil 2nd half if they want to score some points but don't put it past them.

Second Half Report
Alexandre Pato tries to inspire Brazil shortly after kick off as the youngster goes on a nice run, beating 2 players before getting his strike horribly wrong. France go on the attack and string together some good passses but Toulalan wastes possession with a long range shot, Brazil try to go forward but France are right back at them, this time Ben Arfa shoots over.

Brazil decide to change things up on the hour mark, Juan replaces Alex and Luis Fabiano comes on for Adriano. Luis Fabiano is immediately involved and Pato is away down the left wing, he loses the ball and in frustration fouls Sagna and picks up a yellow card, further frustration for Pato as he is subbed off moments later, his replacement is Marcelo. Twenty minutes to go and Brazil still don't look like scoring, more long range shots from France but they all sail over the bar until Benzema finally forces a save from Gomes. Finally Brazil get some go forward, Maicon down the right hand side and he forces a corner, Marcelo whips it in but it's easily cleared although only back to the taker, he decides to have a go and forces a routine save from Lloris.

With just over 10 minutes to go the ball breaks to Nasri 25 yards out, undoubtedly confident he goes for his hat-trick but it's a comfortable save. With barely 5 minutes to go France make a double change as Benzema and Toulalan make way for Henry and Diarra. Two minutes from time and Nasri has the chance for his hat-trick from a free kick however he passes to Henry who has a go from range, Gomes holds it with ease. A minute after the alloted stoppage time is up Brazil get a free kick, Kaka takes it but Lloris makes a easy save and see's out the game with the ball in his hands.

Full Time Score - Brazil 0-2 France

A great result for France as they pretty much control the game and an inspiring performance from Samir Nasri gets them through the game. It's a bit of a cliche but as far as Brazil were concerned it "was their tactics" A lot was asked of Alexandre Pato and he was more often than not battling against 4 defenders, a poor showing from Brazil and they're now in danger of not progressing.

Overview
Match Stats
Player Ratings

[TaylorB]

That results shocked me Hopefully Brazil don't qualify as it means that Scotland will easily win the competition

[Blackcats]

Get in there france, my tactics seemed to work a charm

[Walcott\'s Wonderkids]

Originally Posted by Kenco

Interesting formation from South Korea.

I'd like to 2nd that!!!

Good win for France there, will put the pressure on Brazil for the other 2 group matches!!!

KUTGW