FIFA World Cup 2010 Warm-ups

With just around a fortnight to go for the FIFA World Cup 2010 to be hosted by South Africa (read: FIFA World Cup 2010: Curtain Raiser), participating nations around the world are busy playing warm-up matches, so as to get some much-needed last minute match practice, and be in top form for the extravaganza.

Even a draw in the world cup can prove costly in the outcome regarding going through to the round of 16. All teams are looking forward to give their best, and playing some vital warm-up matches is the best way to fine-tune strategies and get into proper match practice. Over the days, there have been a few warm-up ties around the world. Though, these results should not be taken too seriously, for 3 reasons - these are friendlies, teams would not give their best shot and disclose their strengths and tactics to the opposition, and coaches will be keen to try out different plays in an attempt to armor themselves for the big matches.

Nevertheless, these matches can be seen as a broader view of the things to follow. Korea Republic beat Japan 2:0 in Saitama. Skipper Park Ji-Sung and substitute forward Park Chu-Young scored for the Koreans in front of the sell-out crowd. A couple of weeks back, Korea Republic also trounced Ecuador 2:0 in Seoul. Lee Sung-Ryeol and Lee Chung-Yong netted for the winners. Though the Czech Republic were unlucky not to qualify for the world cup, they defeated the United States 4:2 in a warm-up tie. But it was the sloppy US defense that was guilty of the loss. In another game, Korea DPR drew 2:2 with Greece in Altach. The Koreans were fast and controlled most part of the match. In Wattens, Nigeria drew 0:0 with Saudi Arabia. Nigeria are drawn in tough Group B in the FIFA World Cup 2010 along with Argentina, Korea Republic and Greece. Meanwhile elsewhere, Cameroon and Georgia fought out a goalless draw, a match in which Cameroon didn't seem like a team going to the world cup. Title aspirants England defeated Mexico 3:1 at Wembley, and really got England in the groove for the mega event. And then title contenders Argentina beat Canada 5:0 at Buenos Aires in a one-sided encounter.

A fortnight to go. Stay tuned for more!