FIFA World Cup 2010 – Uruguay vs. South Korea; South Americans to reach for glory or another upset?
Now when the group stages have finally finished, this FIFA World Cup 2010 has finally started to take its true shape. With the last World Cup’s finalists, Italy and France eliminated in the very first stage; this world cup is truly going to be the epicentre of upsets.
From group A to group H, all the South American teams have done remarkably well. In group A, Uruguay and Mexico played at their best and although they were paired up with last world cup’s finalist, France. Both the South American teams managed to qualify for the next round. Uruguay ended up at the top of the group along with Mexico at number two. In Group B, Argentina topped their group and did not lose any game they played. Likewise, in group F, Paraguay topped their group. In group G, Brazil made it to the second round along with Chile from group H.
Now, Mexico is set to face Diego Maradona’s Argentina while the Uruguayans managed to escape the threat of facing Argentina and are going to face the South Koreans. South Korea is not a team that has impressed the football fans a lot, but they still managed to knock out the very bold Nigerians and the very defensive, Greece. There were tears of joy in the eyes of the Korean fans when they qualified for the round of sixteen.
Since, the South American teams have been really impressive, it is going to be a really tough job for the Koreans to beat the Uruguayans. However, as this World Cup 2010 unfolds itself, we can expect many upsets as already a lot have occurred.
Uruguayans had an amazing run in the group stages. Their first match was against the French which ended in a goalless draw and failed to amaze the football fans who were watching and expecting a lot more from it. Then they had to face the host nation, Bafana Bafana, and there they managed to impress their fans. An outstanding performance by Atletico Madrid star, Diego Forlan sealed the deal by scoring two goals; the first one, an amazing shot from close range and the second one was from a penalty kick. The last goal was scored in the ninety second minute and the match ended with the host nation left goalless and disappointed as the Uruguayans celebrated their first world cup win, which was three goals to nil. Next, they had to face the other South American team Mexico. They had to beat them to make sure they do not face Argentina in the next round. The match ended with a final score line of one goal to the Uruguayans and no goals for the Mexicans but both the teams managed to qualify for the next round.
On the other hand, the South Koreans were just a little lucky to be a part of the next round. Argentina thrashed them with a three goal margin, they did not have much to look forward to in the group, but they still did not lose hope. There first match was against the Greeks which ended really well for the Koreans. They won the match two goals to nil, thus, ending at the top of the group after the first match. Then they faced the mighty Argentineans and lost to them with a three goal margin, four goals to one. There last match was against Nigeria. Koreans needed a draw to qualify for the next round and they did exactly what they needed. The referee blew the full time whistle with the score tied, 2-2. So, the Koreans celebrated for being a part of the round of sixteen.
Ultimately, it all comes to this, Uruguay vs. South Korea. No one knows yet how this is going to end up. If Korea manages to beat Uruguay, it is surely going to be another huge upset of this World Cup. The Koreans do not have more than a fifty percent chance to win this but no one can say anything for now. Let us wait and watch the world cup to see whether the Asians can overcome the South American domination.
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