A quick check of the FIFA site says I’ve been promoting the Group D clashes in the wrong order – so today it’s Serbia taking on Ghana in the group opener. Ghana are managed by Ben Graham, and Serbia‘s gaffer is Tim Emanuel. Both countries made it through the group stage last time (Serbia still in a pop federation with Montenegro) so expectations are high, even in this strong group.
Also, a quick clarification on the SCORING RULES since I haven’t mentioned them since the first match. To get a win and 3 points, you need to get 58% or more of the vote. 43-57 gets you a draw and 1 point. 42 or less is a defeat. Final group positions are decided based on the points, then on cumulative percentage over the 3 games, then on votes. Phew! Anyone can vote, and this match ends at midnight on the 24th February.
GHANA: Ayigbe Edem ft Sarkodie – “Give It Up” The manager says: “Some in Accra have questioned Ben Graham’s managerial ability, and his selection of two inexperienced young players for the tough opening encounter with Serbia is sure to raise even more eyebrows. The two frontrunners for ‘Discovery of the Year’ at the 2010 Ghana Music Awards, Ayigbe Edem and Sarkodie team up here, as the manager unveils an attacking formation, hoping to catch the Serbians by surprise.”
SERBIA: JK – “Insomnia” The manager says – “This is Insomnia by JK [Jelena Karleusa]. It’s the title track from the Serbian pop veteran’s forthcoming 11th album.”
Group D Match 1: Which track did you prefer? [ballot]
- Ghana: Ayigbe Edem ft Sarkodie 74%
- Serbia: JK 26%
Total Voters: 62
Poll closes: 24 Feb 2010 @ 23:59
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Commentary Box Analysis: “A very positive start from both teams – they clearly see this as an opportunity for three points in a tough group. These Ghanaians are a technical side, playing a skilful possession game though I wonder if some of their younger players might be prone to a little showboating. The Serbs are more direct and more physical – as is often the way with the smaller European sides their final ball might let them down. Whatever the result, an exciting clash.”
Results: GREECE 1 SOUTH KOREA 1 – Korean players angrily surrounded the referee after Greece’s injury-time equaliser denied them all three points. “This is a tough one – two tracks with something excellent (Speed-bouzouki and inventive cut-up electro-hip-hop bits) and something not so good (boring europop vocals and autotune)” “that electric bouzouki or whatever it is has really got under my skin.” “South Korea for the win from where I sit; in energy as well as pure style they’ve left Greece panting and clutching their knees all over the field.”
Coming Up! Tomorrow Germany take on Australia, and join us on Monday as Holland open their campaign against Denmark.