SPAIN STUMBLE SETS UP JUICY CLASHES

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

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 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 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 dorsalstop's dreams crashing to earth while restoring some pride to 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.

Comments

[chezghost.livejournal.com]

Latest odds courtesy of Paddy Power:

England: 6/1
France: 7/1
Germany: 7/1
Japan: 8/1
Brazil: 10/1
Iran: 13/1
Trinidad & Tobago: 25/1
Portugal: 25/1
Spain: 25/1
Ukraine: 33/1
Serbia & Montenegro: 50/1
Czech Republic: 50/1
Ecuador: 66/1
Ghana: 100/1
Ivory Coast: 100/1
Togo: 100/1
Poptimism World Cup abandoned due to Bird Flu: 250/1

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

Some excellent prices there Mr Power!

[boyofbadgers.livejournal.com]

Spain def. look worth a punt at those prices.

[freakytigger.livejournal.com]

Yes! The game with France is tough but winnable and if they get through that the draw might open up.

[katstevens.livejournal.com]

Given current form my money is on Brazil The depth of Spain's attacking play has not yet been fully revealed!