4:30 A.M. Really?

At 4:37 a.m., while preparing to watch Greece versus South Korea, I realized I had a problem; namely, that I am up at 4:37 a.m. to watch Greece versus South Korea. Then I realized that this isn't a problem, but an opportunity. Granted, it is an opportunity to be cranky about Greece and South Korea in blog form, but an opportunity nonetheless.

All this to say that I might be cranky in this blog until I get some coffee.

ORIGINAL PREDICTION: South Korea win, either 2-1 or 1-0.

FANTASY UPDATE: Park Ji-Sung is in the starting lineup for South Korea.

The red of the Koreans versus the blue of Greece. It's very bright for this early in the morning.

Greece wins an early corner, but do nothing with it. Boo, Greece. Boo.

Some nice passing down the left wing by the South Koreans, who look lively, results in a free kick when a Greek defender knocks down the smaller Korean.

GOAL FOR SOUTH KOREA, LEE JUNG SOO IN THE 7TH MINUTE! He cut in to the back post to bury the cross in the net.

A Korean defender cannons an attempted clearance off the face of a teammate to concede a corner kick to Greece. Not the best tactic, surely.

My first impression is that South Korea is faster and more athletic, and Greece is bigger and stronger and commits more fouls. Go South Korea!

Greece gets away with a foul in the penalty area that should have been a penalty kick for South Korea. Going down 2-0 would surely have left Greece eating humble spanakopita.

My crankiness is quickly dissipating. Partly this is because I am mesmerized by soccer in general; partly it is because I now have coffee.

There looks to be some possible cracks in South Korea's defense, particularly on set pieces or long balls down the middle, but they are countering well and playing some great football. Greece just got lucky again, with Park Ji-Sung whistled for a non-existent foul as he broke into the Greek penalty area with a defender slipping.

South Korea makes another brilliant break on the counter-attack, great passing and running, and Tzorvas has to make a fantastic save! Great football, very attractive stuff so far. Through thirty minutes, South Korea is the better side.

On this form, I would have to like South Korea's chances to advance from the group, but I haven't seen Nigeria play yet. And there is still much time left in this game for things to go wrong for them. I love World Cup Saturdays!

HALFTIME!

Greece has to stay physical with South Korea to disrupt their attacking runs. They also need to figure out a way to keep possession of the ball more and create some chances, because so far, they don't look dangerous. But South Korea needs to remain alert on defense and beware of Greeks bearing the soccer ball in the final third of the field.

Greece to kick off to start the second half, having substituted their main playmaker, Karagounis, who must have some sort of injury or some loss of form.

South Korea's speed and precision of passing on the counter-attack is what I hope to see from the US today against England. Very fun soccer, good rhythm, very creative and positive play. I'm now a fan of South Korea.

PARK JI-SUNG TAKES THE BALL AWAY FROM GREECE AND SCORES A SECOND GOAL FOR SOUTH KOREA! FANTASY POINTS FOR ME, AND THAT SHOULD BURY GREECE!

What a great game. Greece now has to open up and try to attack more, which will expose them even more to the counter-attack.

Vasilis Torosidis picks up the first yellow card for a reckless, frustrated lunge through a Korean player. It's been that way all day; Greece just is not quick enough on the tackles and challenges.

Greece makes another attacking substition, taking off Samaras who plays for Celtic but has been non-existent today.

It is 5:46 a.m., and light is starting to break here in San Francisco, unlike the circumstances for Greece, for whom night is beginning to fall. I'm talking metaphorically, not literally, of course.

And oh so nearly a third goal for South Korea on a fine cross. Korea kept the ball nicely there on a build-up, and Greece looked nowhere on defense. And South Korea is right back on the attack, and earns a corner.

Greece is finally starting to look a little bit alive, in the 74th minute. It is possible they could still make things interesting, but they need to score soon. The Greeks must rush, one might say.

Excellent save by Lee Woon Jae off a strong shot by Gekas. If this score stands, this is such a well-deserved result for South Korea. I love their work rate, creativity, and speed.

Almost a third goal for Korea. Greece's defenders are not helping the keeper today.

You know a team has performed poorly when the announcer on TV says you have to play a hell of a lot better. I love having former players as announcers. Robbie Mustoe, well done.

And that is it. 2-0 South Korea! Apparently I gave Greece too much credit when I thought it would be a one goal game. Great stuff! Up next, Argentina versus Nigeria!