World Cup 2006 recap, so far

Now that the first teams have qualified for the second round, there can be no question that Ecuador are the surprise of the tournament. Then again, maybe it shouldn't have been such a shocker: they did qualify third in CONMEBOL. They trailed only Brazil and Argentina, and beat both of them during WC Qualifiers. (Okay, in Quito, at nearly 10,000-ft elevation, with both Brazilians and Argentines literally gasping for air.) The Ecuadorians are playing pretty, attacking football, and have not been scared to take their opportunities at goal. Good for them to get to the second round, and are serious threats to go deep into the tournament.

TnT provided a nice little spark in their game v Sweden -- brave play being a man down, sparky little squad. But reality strikes, eh? Tthose two last-minute goals by England meant that the Soca Warriors get to go home early. And so far, except for Ecuador, it's mostly business as usual for everyone else.

It was surprising and unexpected to see Spain win so convincingly, but then again, getting to the second round is sort of a birthright for the Spaniards anyway. It's after they get there that things start going pear-shaped for them. Besides, they are in such a weak group that they qualified as soon as the balls were drawn. Fernando Torres did look good though...Manchester United could do worse than go after him during the off-season....

Still not convinced by either Ingerlund or Germany, and Holland look vulnerable for the later stages. It's amazing to see the Dutch reverting to form off the pitch -- stay tuned whether Van Persie's (not unfounded) digs at Robben will affect the side and split the squad. It says here it won't, but it will bear paying attention to nonetheless. Argentina looked splotchy but effective, and I wouldn't count on their closing up shop so early vs either Holland or Croatia.

Even though Brazil's front line of Ronaldo and Adriano did not look effective at all -- count on Robinho replacing one of the two -- Kaka more than made up for it. And Ronaldinho was just f. u. n. to watch! The Brazilians just have too many weapons on their squad. Besides, the Pentacampeones face Australia on Sunday. Count another three points for Brazil, and make them a lock to advance.

Italy -- my pre-tournament favorites -- did indeed look strong. Not just football-strong, but physically strong. And their attack. Good-ness. Who do you stop when you have Totti, Inzaghi, Gilardino, del Piero, Toni and Iaquinta on the squad? Add a typically stout defence coupled with Ghanian inability to shoot straight, and you get "shutout."

But can they beat the US? Should be an easy three for the Azzuri, yeah? Hmmm....