Brazil topped the table with Portugal taking second place into the last 16, but the teams were booed off the pitch in what was a cautious but listless performance from both sides.

The first half saw a flurry of yellow cards but no real passion was seen on the pitch, the cards were more for tit for tat fouls from both sides. It’s been a long time since i’ve seen such a boring match especially from two teams that are known for their flair and attacking football.

But, because the outcome of the group had more or less already been decided the fans had to put up with a performance that was just ridiculous.

From a tactical point of view it’s completely understandable, but when the match has been hyped as probably the best fixture of the tournament and the stadium is packed to capacity the palyers have a responsibility to play with a will to win.

Anyway, I hope the rest round really picks up in the quality that is expected from world cup 2010. We want to see the passion, hunger, desire and will to win.

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The teams are not playing to the expectations we all have of thrilling contests between nations from all round the globe. May be it’s early days and teams are being a little over cautious about going forward and being caught in the counter attacks.

But, and it’s a massive but, the world has been waiting for this football extravaganza for 4 long years and the teams are made of the best professional football players a nation has to offer.

We as paying fans, whether at the stadiums watching live games or paying for the privilege of watching the matches on TV screens at home or in pubs and clubs around the country need to be compensated for our commitment by players and teams with an equal amount of commitment.

After all we are paying for them to travel to these exotic locations to entertain us.

Germany’s demolition of Australia was probably the only game up to world class standard, but then again Australia didn’t really turn up for the match.

New-comers New Zealand managed to scrape a draw against Slovakia. The Ivory Coast held on to a 0-0 draw against an uninspiring Portugal with all their world class talent.

The real shocker was how North Korea kept the mighty Brazil at bay until the second half and managed to put a goal past Julio Cesar late in the match losing just 2-1. A small victory for the communist state.

Lets get the thoughts of our readers through commenting on this post.

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