mindless ramblings

Thierry Henry scored the early goal to put the French ahead against the Koreans, but they paid the price for sitting back when Park Ji-Sung equalized in the 81st minute to bring it to 1-1. The Koreans piled on the pressure in the last quarter of the game and it really paid off. They are one of the most hardworking teams I have ever seen and they fully deserve the point they came away with. The French are unable to play like the team they used to be, despite the amount of talent on display. Even if they qualify for the Second Round, which is by no means certain, I wonder how far they can progress.

Togo’s actions on the pitch have been overshadowed by pay disputes and the coach walking out, and they went out of the tournament after a 2-0 defeat by the Swiss. I thought the French goal drought at the World Cup was long, but the Swiss waited 12 years before Alexander Frei finally scored to break the duck in the 16th minute. The Swiss now lead the group, and a draw with the Koreans in the final game should be enough to see them through.