Jason Pine: No room for draws on day two

Malian players celebrate a goal in their 2-0 win over Mexico. Photo / Otago Daily Times

In contrast to the opening day, day two of the tournament produced four victories and no drawn games.

While not among the red-hot favourites to win the tournament, Mexico were certainly expected to account for Mali without too many problems.

Under the roof in Dunedin, they exerted significant first-half pressure with Hirving Lozano a constant threat and only some goalkeeping heroics keeping the Mexicans scoreless.

When Mali had a man sent off ten minutes after half-time, it appeared the dam would burst, but Mexico were themselves reduced to first ten and then nine men in quick succession. The second of the dismissals was questionable with the second yellow shown to Oscar Bernal very soft.

Mali sniffed their chance and took the lead after some ponderous set-piece marking to open the scoring. The impressive Dieudonne Gbakle then played a sumptuous one-two on the edge of the penalty area and supplied an assured finish to give his side a famous victory.

Could Senegal take inspiration from their African neighbours and also take down a more fancied opponent in Portugal?

It appeared not; it took less than thirty seconds for the Portuguese to open the scoring. For long periods after that though, this was an open clash which the Senegalese contributed much to. In fact, they stood firm for ninety minutes after conceding the lightning-quick opener, before Portugal struck twice in added time to inflate the scoreline.

Senegal were beaten, but certainly not disgraced and along with Ghana and Mali have shown the strength of African football at age-group level.

At the top of that pile is Nigeria who many fancy to go close to lifting the trophy on June 20. Their opening clash with Brazil will be compulsory viewing when day three gets underway in New Plymouth.

Further south, what a day it will be for Fiji, who will play their first ever match in a FIFA tournament at any level. To call it a baptism of fire would be understating the case to mammoth proportions with Germany their first opponent. The Pacific Islanders will need to quickly shake off any stage-fright to avoid a drubbing in their maiden World Cup match.

Two days in, this tournament is already delivering in spades. The contrasting continental styles, freshness of approach and uninhibited football being played is a joy to behold.

If you live close to a match centre, do yourself a favour and get along to watch. You won't regret it.

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