Pre-Tournament Game Update: May 29th

Yesterday's Results

South Korea lost to Tunisia 1-0 in Seoul

I've said before that final result in these games aren't of great importance. But when you drop games in the manner Korea did here then it's a definite cause for concern. After a promising opening 15 minutes, Korea's attack fell apart, unable to generate quality scoring chances and to often turning the ball over as they moved up the pitch. Korea looked slow for long stretches of the game, not what has come to be expected from the Asian nation. Starting centre-back Hong Jeong-Ho also went down to an ankle injury and left the game. Korea has stated it is just bruised and he should be fine for the tournament. Very unconvincing from Korea though. One of their strengths over the years has been team speed and creativity. Both of those were completely missing in this game, and Korea will certainly have an early exit from Brazil if they can't recapture those qualities.

Nigeria tied Scotland 2-2 in London, England

Any results of the match have been overshadowed by a match-fixing investigation that is still ongoing after FIFA were notified of unusual betting patterns in some markets. A trio of bizarre goals highlighted the on-field action which Nigeria should be satisfied with. Both Scottish goals were of a fluke nature, and they were able to control the majority of possession and put pressure on the Scottish back line throughout the match. Scotland's ability to probe towards their goal themselves will be concerning as they have some offensive juggernauts in their group, but a fine start for the African side.

Mexico defeated Israel 3-0 in Mexico City

Little to take away in terms of World Cup prep, but the result Mexican fans would want to see after a very dicey qualifying run. With several starters being rested, this game was as much about the final international game for legendary striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Blanco, who is not going to the World Cup, was substituted after 39 minutes, in the 41-year old's final game in a Mexican jersey. Starting goaltender Jose de Jesus Corona was substituted in the 73rd minute after a collision with his defender. Mexico has said there is no serious injury and he should be fine for their World Cup opener.

Upcoming Games

All times EDT

Today

Cameroon vs. Paraguay at 1:00 p.m. in Kufstein, Austria
Honduras vs. Turkey at 8:00 p.m. in Washington, D.C., USA

Tomorrow

Iran vs. Angola at 2:00 p.m. in Hartberg, Austria
Switzerland vs. Jamaica at 2:30 p.m. in Lucerne
England vs. Peru at 3:00 p.m. in London
Spain vs. Bolivia at 4:00 p.m. in Sevilla
Uruguay vs. Northern Ireland at 7:30 p.m. in Montevideo
Bosnia/Herzegovina vs. Ivory Coast at 8:30 p.m. in St. Louis, MO, USA
Chile vs. Egypt at 8:30 p.m. in Santiago

May 31st

Croatia vs. Mali at 10:00 a.m. in Osijek, Croatia
Algeria vs. Armenia at 12:00 p.m. in Sion, Switzerland
Russia vs. Norway at 1:30 p.m. in Oslo, Norway
Netherlands vs. Ghana at 2:30 p.m. in Rotterdam
Portugal vs. Greece at 2:30 p.m. in Lisbon
Italy vs. Ireland at 2:45 p.m. in London, England
Mexico vs. Ecuador at 4:00 p.m. in San Francisco, CA, USA
Colombia vs. Senegal at 5:00 p.m. in Buenos Aires, Argentina

June 1st

USA vs. Turkey at 2:00 p.m. in Harrison, NJ, USA
Germany vs. Cameroon at 2:30 p.m. in Monchengladbach
Belgium vs. Sweden at 2:30 p.m. in Solna, Sweden
France vs. Paraguay at 3:00 p.m. in Nice
Honduras vs. Israel at 8:00 p.m. in Houston, TX, USA