It isn’t easy carrying the hopes and expectations of a country on your shoulders, which is why heroes and goats alike are created every day at the World Cup. Every enviable person has a foil:
1. Daniel Agger, Denmark » The FIFA Technical Study Group somehow tabbed Agger in the game ledger for Denmark’s own goal Monday against the Netherlands — even though it was Simon Poulsen‘s lazy header that bounced off Agger’s back and into the net. Now that’s unlucky.
2. Robert Green, England » The magnitude of Green’s blunder in the 40th minute against the United States increased Sunday when Slovenia beat Algeria to grab hold of first place in Group C. The English are staring at a must-win situation on Friday against Algeria.
3. The FIFA guy in charge of this vuvuzela fiasco » Seriously, people, get a grip. Yes, the horns sound like a cicada colony brought to life. And, yes, they seem to be affecting communication on the pitch. So what? It’s a soccer stadium, not a Christian Science Reading Room. Take your thunderstix and shut up.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal » The world’s best player got off to a less than spectacular start in South Africa, hitting the post with a long-range bomb in the 11th minute against the Ivory Coast. Ten minutes later, Ronaldo earned a yellow card for doing … well, we’re not really sure.
5. Mark Schwarzer, Australia » Nobody expected Australia to hang with Germany on Sunday. But Tim Cahill‘s red card in the 56th minute turned the second half into a nightmare for Schwarzer. The Socceroos goalie got little help from teammates as Germany overwhelmed Australia 4-0.
