Samurai's, Samba, & French Somber

Match 27: The first match of Sunday saw Croatia take on Japan. Japan manager Zico was heavily criticized for tactics after losing 3-1 to Australia in its first contest after letting in all three goals in the final seven minutes. Croatia on the other hand lost their first to Brazil 1-0. This match would be another hard-fought back and forth contest. Japan surprised most by having a noticeable edge in time of possession, and looked to be in tight formation much of the game. Croatia created many dangerous opportunities early but never could capitalize, and by the 30th minute the tempo had picked up due to Japanese pressure on Croatia. As the match broke for halftime the second half picked up right where the first left off, with squandered opportunities for both sides. As the match remained deadlocked both managers needed to find offense, since a draw would not help either squad advance. Japanese attackers Junichi Inamoto and Keiji Tamada were subbed in, as well as Croatian striker Ivica Olic, and all three had dangerous chances that just missed finding net. Despite one late chance for Japan in the 89th minute the closing of the match ended without much excitement and both sides were frustrated with a draw................

Match 28: Brazil took on Australia in the middle match of the day, both sides were pleased to see the draw in the previous match, and the winner of this would be granted a spot in the next round. Brazil received criticism after their rather uninspiring 1-0 defeat of Croatia last week. Australia was still energized after a brilliant come back against Japan that gave them a 3-1 victory. The match started out with Brazil controlling the tempo and Ronaldo feeding Kaka a pass that was volleyed just wide of goal. Just minute’s later Australia countered with an opportunity of their own and Dida was forced to make a strong save from a Mark Viduka strike outside the 18. The half would end with each side creating dangerous opportunities in injury time, but with no score yet. In the 49th minute the Brazilians were able to break the clean sheet, Ronaldo played a square ball to Adriano who then cut inside megged a defender and played placed the ball inside the near post, 1-0. Throughout the remainder of the half Australia pressed Brazil hard, and had a number of opportunities, but could just not connect of finish. Then in the 90th minute Fred was able to tap in the rebound of Robinho's shot, and seal the fate of the match. Brazil clinched a spot in the round of 16, despite still not playing up to their potential...........

Match 29: France vs. Korea. In their first match France drew Switzerland 0-0, and Korea beat Togo 2-1. At a glance of the official match report, it is obvious that another tight match was played without one side completely dominating, even though France was heavily favored. In the 9th minute Thierry Henry scored the first world cup goal for France since the '98 cup finals as he collected a deflection in the box and calmly slid the ball past keeper Woon Jae Lee, 1-0 France. For the remainder of the half it seemed as though France had the clear advantage, but the never enjoyed another goal that many thought was due. After half time was when Korea stepped up their play out on the pitch. The match would go back and forth until the 81st minute when Ji-Sung Park equalized by poking the ball over Frenchman William Gallas sending the crowd into disbelief. The match would remain 1-1 as the whistle blew, and the Koreans were atop the group after two wins, while a dejected French side knew they blew an opportunity to pick up three points, instead they had a total of two after two draws.