I watched the South Koreans lose 2-1 to Uruguay yesterday. The South Koreans and Japanese have improved a lot. They (1.79m average height) are taller than the southern Europeans, e.g. Spain and Italy (1.77m average height). The Japanese are very well organised. Sadly, the Koreans weren't. Otherwise, they'd have beaten Uruguay. Technically, they are better than many European teams. In set pieces, they were superior. If my memory serves me correct, the Koreans scored once, and the Japanese twice from direct free kicks. The Koreans scored twice and the Japanese once from corners. The area that is lacking is the lack of pace and power. In the next 10 years, we could see Asian teams regularly featuring in the 2nd round and quarter finals of the World Cup. There has been a increase in experience in Asian players because more of them ply their trades in European leagues.
Now for England vs Germany, it is half time and England is trailing 2-1. I foresee England losing. For all their hype, the English players' technical ability is still lagging behind. Pele said that "English players' first touch is so poor that their second touch is often a tackle". I'm observing the same symptoms here. The Germans have better control, better organisation, pass better. My money will be with Germany, even though I respect Fabio Capello greatly.
I don't think Spain will win the World Cup because they don't have a Marcos Senna this time. All their players are technical ones. No one to tackle. The lack of heigh also robs them of an important aerial option when attacking. Also, their ability to defend set pieces will be compromised.
Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Holland look like the real deal at this stage.
