Group A Leads the Way

A busy weekend in Group A has seen Germany go three points clear at the top, and Brazil slip three points adrift of England and Italy who are on common ground mid-table.

England   1 - 2   Germany
Gerrard 45'             Ballack 17'

                                 Gomez 19'

Wembley played host to an unflattering opening match in which neither side looked comfortable. An atypically open 3 minutes saw Ballack and Gomez on the scoresheet, and also earned Germany a crucial three points away from home.

  Italy   4  -  2   Brazil
Totti 4'                     Elano 7'
Toni 15'                  Fabiano 37'

Totti 35'
Gilardino 36'

Italy's best performance of the break by a mile. They bossed Brazil all throughout the first half, and effortlessly cruised to final whistle.

Germany  6  -  1  Italy
Gomez 2'                     Toni 31'

Klose 4'
Ballack 12'
Klose 56'
Ballack 64'
Ballack 78'

The scoreline says enough. Comprehensive and all but perfect, Germany racked up astronomical shooting statistics while holding their opponents to a mere pittance.

Brazil 0 - 2 England
                         Heskey 33'
                        Rooney 43'

Uncharacteristically toothless and impotent, Brazil never looked in this one. The match facts may have been even, but woeful finishing ensured that the scoreline would never follow suit.

   Italy    2  -  2   England
Gilardino 12'          Rooney 2'
Toni 25'                   Rooney 65'

The flashpoint of the break thus far, this match had it all. Rooney looked to pile more woe upon Italy, but a lead change, straight red (Cannavaro), second equalizer, and 25 tense minutes later, all Italy received was a barrage of insults and a share of the points. 

    Brazil    1  -  1  Germany
Ronaldinho 47'           Gomez 32'

A confident German squad rolled in Rio high on their six-goal romp in Berlin. They would, however, not find any of the same joy that came so easily back home. Outpaced and out-styled by Brazil, they managed only a point after some cheeky Ronaldinho finesse canceled out their lead just before half time.


Now, if only Group B(ottlers) could be bothered...