Slovenia Lucky, Serbia Disappoint, and Germany Go On A Rampage

Game 6: Algeria 0-1 Slovenia

This was by far the worst game of the 2010 World Cup so far. It was downright boring. Both teams certainly lacked quality and Slovenia, being the better side on paper, really disappointed me with their defensive mindset. Another day, another goalkeeping error. Algeria's goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi couldn't stop what looked like an easy enough save to make from Robert Koren's shot. But then again, this result is good for fans as it forces England and USA to win their next match against Algeria and Slovenia, respectively. In truth, I don't see both of these teams stopping the English and the Americans from progressing. Man of the Match: Robert Koren (just because he scored the winning goal)

Game 7: Serbia 0-1 Ghana

For a team that topped their qualifying group that included France, Serbia were very disappointing. Defensively they were solid but that's to be expected with Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic among the back four. Going forward Serbia have nowhere near the ability of the likes of Spain or Argentina but they were very very average in this game. Ghana, meanwhile, didn't really look good upfront as well but the determination from their players throughout the match was commendable but they clearly missed Michael Essien who would have provided the extra spark going forward. Man of the Match: Andre Ayew (nobody really stood out but he looked threatening at least on the left flank)

Game 8: Germany 4-0 Australia

By miles the most convincing performance of any team thus far by Germany. Their passing and movement off the ball was extremely pleasant to watch and they have clearly sounded a warning to other pre-tournament favourites like Spain, Brazil, and England. This was the way to play football. Absolutely great sleek passing at times plus very good teamwork by the Germans who could have scored 7 goals in the match. Australia defended suicidally at times trying to catch German players offside and were fortunate not to have conceded more. If Germany continue playing like this, their next opponents, Serbia, would be beaten easily too but by a narrower margin. The Socceroos would have to defend much better and find that killer final pass more often against Ghana. But without Tim Cahill, it's a very tough task ahead and I'm not convinced that they will win. Man of the Match: Mesut Oezil (Lukas Podolski was close to getting this but Oezil's constant movement off the ball and smart runs on the blind side of defenders caused the Aussies a lot of problems)