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Monday, June 19, 2006 , 10:04 AM

Japan 0-0 Croatia

Brazil 2-0 Australia

France 1-1 S.Korea

On Japan vs Croatia:

To me it's a pretty boring match, classic type of match where there's the occasional chances of breaking the deadlock, but otherwise unhappening. For me, my man of the match is Japan's GK Kawaguchi cuz he made several brilliant saves( esp for that penalty!!! haven seen a good penalty save in a looooooooong time), otherwise the score could well have been 3-0 advantage to Croatia. And I thought Nakamura had a really good game. Nakata was great in that he tend to surprise opponents by firing goals be it long or short range. Hence, this scoreline doesn't really help matters for both camps. japan remains at the bottom with 1 point and Croatia ahead at third place based on goal difference. However, Japan's captain Miyamoto and Croatia's key player Kovac will miss the next round( key qualifying round) as they picked up their 2nd yellow cards. Japan will face Brazil, and Croatia vs Aussies in the next round. And please Mr Commentator, Kaji is 'Kah-Jee' not 'Kah-jai'! LOL.

On Brazil vs Australia:

I died many times alone watching this match. My heart stopped many times when the Socceroos taunted the VERY leaky Brazilian defence. Even from a Brazilian fan, all of us know that the only thing Brazil's worth all the hype is mainly it's strikeforce, but even that has fallen apart based on yesterday's match. It was heartbreaking for me to watch, to see Ronaldo struggle his way around usually 3 or 4 Aussie defenders to launch his goals, that's usually way off course or deflected. I hate to say this but Ronaldo's a shadow of his past. Strikers are one of the most injury proned positions in football, and their shelf life really depends largely on their match fitness. Owen and Ronaldo can go drown their sorrows together cuz their situation is pretty much the same. Ronaldo knows he can't do what he does best in the past, and he didn't hide that frustration and disappointment. *sobs* By 2nd half, if I were Zico( coach), I'd wanna tear my clothes apart change into jersey and bang in goals. Dang. This match is so darned similar to that England match where they played like shit, but miraculously managed to grab 2 very precious late goals to save their a**es.

FINALLY!!! At the 49th minute, Ronaldo did a series of sidesteps and squared in to Adriano who struck the ball into goal!!!!!!! 1-0 to Brazil!!! Man I actually screamed BRAZIIIIIIIIILLLLLLL!!!!! And the second goal came from this player Fred, he just subbed in and shortly after he bagged a goal! A 2nd goal to me was pretty unlikely then, but Fred( funny name very un-footballer) he knew how to stand at the right place at the right time! Woohoo~ and I ran around the living room yelling Brazil. -.-" Ronaldo was subbed by Robinho, and I think this decision was good for all of us, including Ronaldo.

Did this while waiting fer rain to stop. Guess a chinese saying.

Aussies did really well against the FIFA world ranked no. 1 Brazil. But they're really physical, and their multiple man marking system just didn't go well with me, or any other Brazilian fan. Cuz whenever a Brazilian player gets the ball, there'll be 2 or 3 or even 4 aussies (depending on player reputation) closing down on you and nip the ball away. Yeah yeah good defending but they didn't win the ball based on skill but based on numbers. Aargh! But Viduka and Emerton really stood out in the Australian camp.

My man of the match: Dida (Brazil)

He made uncountable saves otherwise the scoreline could have been 2-2. He looks like the only Brazilian player to really give his all last night.

Gentleman of the match: Cafu (Brazil)

He actually shook hands with the ref after being 'awarded' a yellow card. Man he can be a PR officer when he retires! I think this quality makes him a great captain. Whatta gentleman. Oh and he playes 4 consecutive World Cups! Amazing or what!?!

Unhappy man of the match: Harry Kewell (AUS)

After the final whistle was blown, Kewell came waving a defiant finger at the ref, must be contesting one of his decisions. But I can empathise with him, cuz Aussies had a good game and the 2 goals must be devastating for them.

Conclusion: Watch out for the next matches Brazil vs Japan and Australia vs Croatia. Will be helluva match. And Brazil please recharge on ya ginga/samba magic!!! Where's joga bonito!?!

Why must it rain whenever we wanna go swimming? Let's hope the rain stops soon! : )
Went to town yesterday with my sis and mum to get clothes for the wedding dinner (my cousin's wedding) which is this coming Saturday. I hope everyone has a blast then! Haha. After walking the entire stretch of Orchard (I guess my legs will disown me pretty soon), from Taka to Tangs to Far East then all the way back to Taka then Centrepoint. I finally got clothes from m)phosis and the price is pretty reasonable. Sis got a top from m)phosis too. Sugoi! I lied to my cousin that I got a cheongsam haha and I hope she's not readin this! Haha. Mum got a top only when we were back at Northpoint, a brown top with very unique cutting. Haha and we were more than agreeable with the price. : )

Shopping can be a real workout I tell you, try working your way around the Sunday GSS crowd at Orchard and ya'll know what I mean. It's like some rugby practice. Haha. Saw Von, Jamie and Ron chatted a lil then went on shopping cua they're heading for Bugis and we just went there so... Yup. That wraps up my Sunday. ahhh tired but rewarding. : ) I have a love-hate relationship with shopping. Haha and Ah Shing's so cool la went to pub to watch Soccer, bourbon coke and peanuts PLUS soccer= Sheer heaven. LOL.

Cool. So now there's thunder to go with the rain. Just great. I wanna swim!!!