So, almost two-thirds of the way in the group games, and the tournament is beginning to take shape. It is proving to be a gritty final game for most teams as only two teams have qualified for the final sixteen and only four teams who are sure of booking an early flight home.

I meant to write this after the first round, but didn't find the time to do so. I watched most matches, but missed the Croatia-Mexico, China-Costa Rica, Russia-Tunisia and most of the Denmark-Senegal game.

First Round
Game of the Round: Brazil vs Turkey, I think - a game that had everything. The US win over Portugal comes second, but the Brazil game had me on the edge of the seat (or bed, rather) throughout the 90 minutes.

Surprise of the Round: USA 3 - Portugal 2

Players of the Round: Papa Boupa Diop for giving the World Cup such a brilliant start and Junichi Inamoto for his livewire display against Belgium. So what if he's an Arsenal player!

Goal of the Round: Dario Rodriguez's sweet volley into the top-left corner for Uruguay against Denmark.

Play of the Round: When three Brazillians linked up to give Juninho a shot at goal (which he skied) in the game against Turkey.

Disappointment of the Round: England trying to play possession football by passing the ball 40 yards back to the keeper.