Post Mortem & the Importance of Pride

June 22nd, 2010 | by: Elliott | Comments Off

So, I took a day to collect my thoughts and recover from the atrocious results on Sunday. Portugal’s 7-0 demolition of North Korea and the ‘Coast’s 3-1 loss to Brazil has created a difficult situation for advancement. More alarming, the ‘Coast never looked capable of troubling the mighty Brazilians. Despite decent organization in the midfield and dedication to defense, we lacked a response to those electric moments of joga bonito around our own box.

Now, the reality. We must win and hope Portugal loses to an already qualified Brazil. There are 9 goals to be made up. This is mathematically unlikely, but realistically next to impossible. Barring a four goal first half against North Korea, my hopes shall not be lifted. Granted, a 2-0 Brazil win over Portugal seems possible. But a 7-0 demolition of North Korea from our toothless attack seems too much to ask.

I obviously can’t fault Sven for a tentative first game vs. Portugal – the draw did guarantee the Coast’s survival after the Brazil match. However, given the riches of attacking talent, a more positive approach in both games could maybe have reaped some rewards. After all, Aruna Dindan did come off a strong season at Portsmouth. Is a two striker formation too much to ask? Could Gervinho and Kalou have ran rampant as wingers? We’ll never know.

Still, this group was a group of death and the Drogba injury played a role on the pitch and on the psyche. Against North Korea, the ‘Coast must still play with dedication and pride. To take four points from this group may mean little in this tournament, but South Africa showed that a respectable exit with your head held high is priceless.

GO COAST!