Only out-and-out footy fanatics are keeping up with all the games at this point, by spending 6+ hours in front of the telly every bloody day.
Mere semi-fanatics like myself are faced with tough choices. Which match gets a Nip & Tuck (miniscule fast-forwards whenever the ball’s out of play)? Which gets a Zip-Through (extended fast-forwards that leap-frog midfield ping-pong)? And which gets a Full-Frontal (complete viewing from kick-off to final whistle)?
I had Nigeria v South Korea pegged as a Zip-Through, with Greece v Argentina down for a Nip & Tuck, with the possibility of promoting it to Full-Frontal, if the Argentines were that good again. Then Nigeria got a gasping gorgeous start — GOAL!!! Hmm… Nigeria pulling ahead early on, South Korea chasing the game… could be a great match.
Sure enough, 30+ minutes in, Nigeria frays in the middle, gives away a free kick. South Korea nails the set piece, a lovely ball that Lee Jung Su bundles into the net. It wasn’t a tidy goal, and he nearly got kicked in the head for his troubles, but now it’s game on. Top of the 2nd half, Korea takes the lead with a wonderfully struck ball from another foul-provoked set piece. Nigeria misses a glorious opportunity, then equalizes with a penalty kick. Good for Korea. Bad news for Nigeria. It’s down to the wire when Obafemi Martins finds himself 1-on-1 with the South Korean keeper, chucks the ball over him… but steers it wide! The Super Eagles hit the side netting in the 89th minute, miss a long shot in the 90th — good chances not taken. South Korea holds on to become the 1st Asian side to get out of the Groups in any World Cup held outside their own country.
Riveting game — Full Frontal viewing.