Of course everyone wants to end each day at the top of the BISERGS leader board. However, at this stage of the game, even more important than points is survival into the next round. Every team gets three matches, but the top two in each group get to keep playing in the knockout stage of the tournament. Getting your teams into the knockout stage means you have more opportunities to score points and the later stages of the tournament are worth even more points. On the BISERGS scoreboard page, you'll notice a new column that shows how many teams each participant has qualified for the next stage. Participants that are further down the leader board, but get a lot of their teams into the next phase have huge potential to make a strong move late in the game and win the BIESRGS crown. So far, two teams have booked their spots in the next round, Russia and Uruguay. That means that Saudi Arabia and Egypt owners will say good bye to their teams next week after their third match. In Group B, no teams have secured a spot in the next round yet, but sadly, Morocco has been eliminated.
You can imagine my delight when I found the World Cup broadcast live on the airplane as I crossed the Atlantic. Between the long flight and a long layover in Philadelphia, I got to watch almost all of the action today. Not a bad way for a soccer fan to travel during the World Cup. Here's what I saw.
Portugal 1 - Morocco 0
Christian Ronaldo scored in the fourth minute and that is about the last time I saw him do anything. That is because the entertaining and energetic Moroccans had Portugal pinned back in their own end for almost the entire game. Morocco has had more touches of the ball in their opponents penalty area than any other team in this tournament, yet they haven't scored. They had chance after chance blocked or saved by the keeper and although it seemed inevitable that they would finally break through, ultimately they lost and are going home. Their match against Iran was similar with one laps on a set piece allowing a goal and never finding the final touch needed to put the ball in their opponents nets. With a tiny bit of luck, Morocco could have six points and be through to the next round, but it just wasn't their year.
Uruguay 1 - Saudi Arabia 0
I was expecting Uruguay to dominate this game and pour in the goals. When Luis Suarez scored an early goal it looked like that is what would happen, but the Saudi's were able to control possession and get many good attacks. Just like the Moroccans, the Saudi's looked destined to score the equalizer and keep their World Cup alive. The game was very open and entertaining and I was on the edge of my seat when in the 80th minute... the plane started its final descent and the inflight entertainment was cut off. After landing I learned the game ended 1 - 0, so it is good-bye Saudi Arabia. It wasn't a good day for the countries I used to live in.
Spain 1 - Iran 0
The Iranians won their first match and started the game as if they'd be thrilled to pick up a point from a draw with Spain. In the first half they were content to defend deep and boot the ball as far as they could anytime they took it away from the crisply passing Spaniards. If Iran did manage to get forward with the ball and then lose possession, they occasionally pressed Spain and created some turnovers in dangerous areas. At half time it was 0 - 0, but Iran did have a few decent chances. Spain continued to pile on the pressure and finally got its break through when Diego Costa turned nicely with the ball and then got a lucky deflection that came off a defender back into him and then into the net. Going down a goal brought Iran to life and the game was much more exciting ans Iran pressed on. They couldn't find the needed goal, but it made me wonder if they wouldn't have been better off by attacking from the outset. With the loss Iran drops into third place in their group. They must get a victory over Portugal in their final match to move on. Spain is in a strong position, but will still need at least a draw with Morocco to guarantee its spot in the next round.
BISERGS
Rachel picked up seven points today through Spain and Uruguay and shot into second place. Dawn tasted defeat for the first time this summer when Iran lost but she still managed to stay in third place thanks to Spain's victory. Gray didn't play, but he continued his hold of first place for the third day in a a row.
Tomorrow promises more high drama as Peru face a must win game against a France team that failed to impress in their win over Australia and Argentina face a strong Croatia team in a match that they can't afford to lose if they want to avoid disaster this summer. Wins for Denmark, France or Croatia would guarantee a spot in the next round which is a huge boost for their BISERGS owners. An Australia loss would mean the end for DJ, Arlan, Dan, James and Vera's team. Krista should be confident of picking up two wins, but if she does it will break her brother Matt's Peruvian heart. Gray has to like his chances of extending his lead against in the early match with the Danes. Every team in actin is 'owned' by five BISERGSers, so there is bound to be a lot of movement on the leader board again tomorrow.
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