Pre-Tournament Update: June 3rd

Yesterday's Results

USA defeated Turkey 2-1 in Harrison, NJ, USA

Jurgen Klinsmann continued to tinker with his lineup which had star forward Clint Dempsey back from injury. Bradley's lob to spring Johnson for the first US goal was a beautiful touch and a sloppy Turkish mistake on the back end led to Dempsey's goal. Still real concerns on the defensive end for this team as Turkey were able to use the wings to exploit a relatively slow unit, a definite concern with the likes of Ronaldo and others on deck in Brazil. An improving US squad though which is what you need to see in the buildup to a tournament like the World Cup.
 
Germany tied Cameroon 2-2 in Monchengladbach

Much better from Cameroon, who saw Samuel Eto'o getting his first friendly experience of their warmup games and responding with the opening goal of the game at the beginning of the second half. Sloppy defensively still but Germany makes most teams look bad. Overall, a huge positive for this team.

Germany on the other hand raised some questions of themselves. Joachim Low's decision to play Boateng at right back failed miserably as Philipp Lahm rested. And Germany struggled for the first hour to manufacture quality chances on goal, a result of their 'false nine' formation with Mario Gotze up front. Miroslav Klose is the only true striker Low is bringing to Brazil and at 36, was being rested in this game. This resulted in a 6 midfielder front for Germany with very mixed results.

Belgium defeated Sweden 2-0 in Solna, Sweden

Not the best Belgian performance ever, but its a testament to how good they have become that they can go in to Sweden and knock off a very game opponent with relative ease. Lukaku and Hazard prvoided the goals for Belgium, and Kevin De Bruyne had multiple opportunities for the 3rd goal throughout the game. Some concern on defence as Sweden were able to attack wide and get some dangerous crosses in but the Belgian defence held. Belgium can afford to be more aggressive defensively in my opinion, with the best young goalkeeper in the world behind them in Courtois.
 
France tied Paraguay 1-1 in Nice

A game dominated by France in every way but the score, both goals came in the last 10 minutes for the 1-1 draw. France can be satisfied with their play, Paraguay was comfortable hanging back in defence and France were still able to manufacture chances, although they'd like to see their front line, particularly Giroud finish more of those opportunities off. Star players Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery again sat out, and the injury fears for the latter are growing by the day with rumors, Ribery may not be fit for the World Cup at all.
 
Honduras lost to Israel 4-2 in Houston, TX, USA

Would have been a larger margin if not for a Carlo Costly header late in the second half. Outchanced, and outpossessed by Israel, this is exactly what you do not want going in to the World Cup. Giving up 4 goals to anyone should not be happening to any of the Cup teams a week from the start of the tournament. 

The Honduran defence looked lost all game. Time and again, Israeli attackers would find themselves with free space around the Honduran penalty area and Honduras showed little defensive awareness or responsibility in maintaining their defensive shape. May have more to fix in little time then any other team going to Brazil.

Japan defeated Costa Rica 3-1 in Tampa, FL, USA

One of the better games of the pre-tournament tuneups, the pace was quicker then we've seen from most of the exhibition games and it resulted in an entertaining back-and-forth matchup. Reeling from injuries, it was surprisingly Costa Rica that jumped out to a lead midway through the first and maintained their lead in to the second half. Japan was too strong to overcome though, notching 3 goals in the last half hour for the comeback victory.

Upcoming Games

June 3rd

2 big games to watch today as Brazil play for the first time since March, and give their first look with the World Cup squad. Mexico plays Bosnia tonight in a match featuring 2 potential dark horses to make a quarterfinal run.

Switzerland vs. Peru at 2:30 p.m. in Bern
Brazil vs. Panama at 3:00 p.m. in Goiania
Greece vs. Nigeria at 7:00 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA, USA
Mexico vs. Bosnia at 9:30 p.m. in Chicago, IL, USA

June 4th

Netherlands vs. Wales at 2:30 p.m. in Amsterdam
Algeria vs. Romania at 2:30 p.m. in Geneva, Switzerland
Italy vs. Luxembourg at 2:45 p.m. in Perugia
Ecuador vs. England at 3:00 p.m. in Miami, FL, USA
Argentina vs. Trinidad/Tobago at 6:30 p.m. in Buenos Aires
Uruguay vs. Slovenia at 7:30 p.m. in Montevideo
Chile vs. Northern Ireland at 8:00 p.m. in Valparaiso
Ivory Coast vs. El Salvador at 10:00 p.m. in Frisco, TX, USA

June 6th

Russia vs. Morocco at 12:00 p.m. in Moscow
Ghana vs. Guatemala at 2:00 p.m. in Guatemala City
Germany vs. Armenia at 2:45 p.m. in Mainz
Brazil vs. Serbia at 3:00 p.m. in Sao Paulo
Colombia vs. Jordan at 7:00 p.m. in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Japan vs. Zambia at 7:30 p.m. in Tampa, FL, USA
Costa Rica vs. Ireland at 8:00 p.m. in Philadelphia, PA, USA
Greece vs. Bolivia at 8:00 p.m. in Harrison, NJ, USA
Mexico vs. Portugal at 9:30 p.m. in Foxboro, MA, USA