The World Cup Day 4

OK, I did a lot better today. Both of my picks to advance in Group E won, Switzerland over Ecuador 2-1 and France over Honduras 3-0 plus Argentina beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-1.

The standings after four days:

Group A: Brazil (3), Mexico (3), Cameroon (0), Croatia (0)
Group B: Netherlands (3), Chile (3), Australia (0), Spain (0),
Group C: Columbia (3), Ivory Coast (3), Japan (0), Greece (0)
Group D: Costa Rica (3), Italy (3), England (0), Uruguay (0)
Group E: France (3), Switzerland (3), Ecuador (0), Honduras (0)
Group F: Argentina (3), Iran (0), Nigeria (0), Bosnia-Herzegovina (0)
Group G: Germany (0), Portugal (0), Ghana (0), United States (0)
Group H: Belgium (0), Algeria (0), Russia (0), South Korea (0)

We've now completed 11 games. In 2010, after 11 games, there had been 4 draws, 9 shutouts, including a 0-0 draw between Uruguay and France, and a total of 18 goals for an average of 1.6 goals per game.

This year, after 11 games, there have been no draws, only 3 shutouts and a total of 37 goals scored for an average of almost 3.4 goals per game. It must have something to do with the water in Brasil.

The US plays its first game tomorrow and if they want any chance at all of making it to the round of 16 they have to beat Ghana. Unfortunately Ghana, with its precision passing game, usually gives the US fits. I wouldn't hold my breath.

Then there is Germany v. Portugal in the same group. That is going to be an interesting game even though I'm pretty sure both will advance anyway. In the last game I need Nigeria to beat Iran or Group F is going to start to look almost as ugly as Group D.