ext_281244 ([identity profile] freakytigger.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] poptimists2006-03-14 10:36 am
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SPAIN STUMBLE SETS UP JUICY CLASHES

Group H Final Results

The Pop World Cup Group Stages ended with a bang - or maybe a bark - last night as Ukraine's shock win over Spain let them leapfrog the Iberian side to top Group H. Spain, already qualified after a win over the Saudis, stumbled to unexpected defeat as their brisk but one-dimensional attacking play simply could not cope with the Ukranian tricks and tempo changes. Spain went ahead within the first five minutes, but proved incapable of defending a lead and were punished on the break twice by their flamboyant opponents. The defeat leaves [livejournal.com profile] katstevens with a very difficult tie against France in the round of 16 - a game pundits are already predicting to be one of the matches of the tournament. Meanwhile Ukrainian boss [livejournal.com profile] juror8 is rewarded for his bold tactics by a winnable game against minnows Togo.


A Tunisian fan looks on in horror as the Saudis equalise

Tunisia's slim hopes of qualification rested on their ability to get a win over Saudi Arabia and on results elsewhere going their way. In the event neither end of the bargain was upheld: despite leading for much of the game they were unable to land the killer blow and a Saudi equaliser sent [livejournal.com profile] dorsalstop's dreams crashing to earth while restoring some pride to [livejournal.com profile] martinskidmore's side. The results in this group have been a poor reflection of two teams who have played good football throughout but who have simply lacked the firepower of their European opponents.

Group H Results In Full
UKRAINE - 148 points (Qualify as winners)
SPAIN - 136 points (Qualify)
TUNISIA - 113 points
SAUDI ARABIA - 103 points


Wednesday 15th March: Germany v England
Thursday 30th March: Trinidad and Tobago vs Ecuador
Wednesday 5th April: Ivory Coast vs Portugal
Wednesday 12th April: Iran vs Serbia and Montenegro
Wednesday 17th April: Ghana vs Japan
Wednesday 24th April: Brazil vs Czech Republic
Wednesday 1st May: France vs Spain
Wednesday 8th May: Ukraine vs Togo


Watch this space at lunchtime for a poll to find the players of the tournament so far.

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