![World Cup Expectations and Upsets [Update]](https://progresspond.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/pattern-1-1280x640.jpg)
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It’s been a slow start lacking spectacular matches in the poule round. There has been low scoring matches, goalkeeper gaffes, some great goals scored and astute defending play by many nations. Examples of defensive play are Paraguay, Uruguay, Denmark and North Korea. Poor performance by the World Cup holder Italy, Spain, Portugal, England and overall the African nations. Which nations will reach the last 4?
Big upsets:
Switzerland – Spain 1-0 * Spain could face Brazil in knock-out round
Japan – Cameroon 1-0
The beautiful Spanish sports reporter Sara Carbonero was nearby her boyfriend Casillas during the warming-up ahead of the match against Switzerland. Just enough of a distraction for Casillas and the 1-0 loss?
As a grand finale after the match, Casillas was interviewed on television to explain to his 25-year-old girlfriend and reporter for station Telecinco how he had botched the game. It brought him visible embarrassment in front of the cameras.
See also my previous diary – Conservatives Hate Obama and the World Cup
Great stuff:
South Africa – Mexico 1-1
England – USA 1-1
Argentina – Nigeria 1-0
Paraguay – Italy 1-1
Holland – Denmark 2-0
Germany – Australia 4-0
Smaller nations’ surprise:
Ivory Coast – Portugal 1-1
New Zealand – Slovakia 1-1
North Korea goal scored against Brazil
"But I will not let myself be reduced to silence."
