African drought

There is no shying away from the fact that we have not seen a particularly invigorating start to the World Cup. In the first round of group matches only two out of the sixteen encounters produced more than two goals. When we consider that, generally speaking, the bookmakers tend to the set the goal line at 2.5, we are left with the disappointing statistic that 87.5% of the games so far have thrown up fewer goals than average.

The controversy surrounding the alleged unpredictability of the Adidas Jabulani left us expecting a lot more for our money but the offical match ball's reputation may have worked against the mean goal rate; it has often been the case that we see players shooting from impossible distances/angles in the hope of beating goalkeepers with the aid of a deviant ball trajectory. 

Only Germany have scored more than two goals so far, in their 4-0 demolition of a weak Australia side. The other "above average" scoreline was Brazil's narrow 2-1 win over North Korea.

The main reason for the goal drought is that most of the teams have shown a cautious tactical approach up until now. The exceptions to that statement are Germany (of course), Argentina, Chile and Spain.

The Germans were adequately rewarded for their attacking style of play and it will be interesting to observe whether Joachim Low continues with the same policy against stronger opposition.

Diego Maradona's side went for the jugular against Nigeria and created excellent opportunities to win very comfortably but Gonzalo Higuain missed at least three chances that he would usually gobble up and Lionel Messi was denied several times by the in-form Super Eagles keeper Vincent Enyeama.

Chile also threw caution to the wind as they went for broke against Honduras led by the dazzling skillful Alexis Sanchez. The Udinese forward often made bad passing decisions, was frustratingly wayward with his shooting and showed a similar self indulgence to Cristiano Ronaldo in possession, but he was a constant threat to the Honduran defence from start to finish. His pace and dribbling ability made him almost unplayable at times and when he learns, as Ronaldo had to, to add an end product to his array of abilities, he will be truly world class.

Spain were extremely unfortunate to fall to a shock 0-1 defeat to Switzerland but they did not test Diego Benaglio sufficiently despite all their dominance of possession and their considerable territorial advantage. The very fact that Vicente del Bosque's side were not cautious is probably what cost them a very scrappy goal by Gelson Fernandes. Ottmar Hitzfeld's team deserve credit for defending like lions in the second half, in the face of wave after wave of Spanish attack.

Spain are just one of the pre-tournament favourites who have foundered in the opening week. England, Italy and France all drew their first matches and Brazil were hardly inspiring. Shocks could ensue at the end of the month in terms of who qualifies from the group stage unless the general quality improves.

The second round of group matches got underway yesterday and Uruguay broke the mold with a 3-0 victory over South Africa, a result which simultaneously boosts Oscar Tabarez's team's chances of reaching the last 16 and leaves the hosts teetering on the brink of a group stage exit. Hopefully that kind of goal fest is indicative of the matches yet to come.