Blown it

So many uninspiring games so far. Even the Dutch looked a bit lacking and two nil flattered them for the most part.

Cameroon blew it again. They're out. You can't lose your best chance and they underestimated Japan, putting Eto'o out wide right where he had least impact. Le Guen needs some grey matter checking. Cameroon showed nothing until the end and then they just humped it up field. Japan were just very organised and very negative.

Anyway, Italy will contest another quite dull game tonight. Paraguay are more negative than the Italians according to Gabriele Marcotti and that can't be great.

Interesting to see what Lippi does with this new batch with a few oldies interspersed for experience. No Pirlo tonight so wonder who gets playmaker responsibilities. De Rossi is a gem and if Cardozo plays, his left foot might do some damage. Last chance for Roque Santa Cruz you feel but I have least expectations for this game. Quite an open group if Paraguay pull something divine off. Slovakia and New Zealand tomorrow.

Looking forward to seeing Marek Hamsik tomorrow lunchtime. He's even in my fantasy XI after a season with Napoli in which European powerhouses have been mooted as his next destination. Should do some damage against New Zealand, however, they'll be riding a bit of a crest after beating Serbia in preparation. Slovakia will be speedy and tricky on their wings. Miroslav Stoch (of Chelsea for a time) and Vladimir Weiss (his dad is the national coach) are bound to make an impact from the flanks. The latter has come on for Bolton late in games and looked stunning. Wonder if Man City will take him back.

1 nil to Italy tonight. And a 3 nil drubbing inflicted on the All Whites of New Zealand for tomorrow.