Gee, what has happened to the big-name teams in this topsy-turvy World Cup?

Even before the second-round group matches in South Africa were completed, we saw underdogs such as Serbia, Switzerland, South Korea, Japan and even Algeria baring their teeth.

Serbia surprised fans by beating three-time champions Germany; Switzerland stopped tournament favorites Spain; England labored harder than expected against an organized Algeria and, even more, Nicolas Anelka left France's foundering World Cup campaign after an alleged bust-up with coach Raymond Domenech, putting salt on Les Bleus' 2-0 loss to Mexico.

Also, you can toss in defending champion Italy's day-dreaming 1-1 draw with rank outsiders New Zealand.

Regarded as the best team in Asia, South Korea were reduced to dust against Argentina after a fine first-round victory over Greece but Japan came close to springing another upset against the Netherlands, only to be edged out by the slightest of margins after beating Cameroon in the opening match.

When we talk about big teams, we regard three key factors - skill, experience and physical power. But it does not mean smaller teams cannot beat their formidable rivals without those qualities. There are other crucial things which can turn the tide that the so-called underdogs can adopt: courage, motivation, proper tactics and, of course, a little luck.

All the big teams can boast skill, experience and physical power galore but as for courage and motivation, they sometimes don't have as much as the underdogs.

On what Arsene Wenger called the "fast-food national teams", many players are treating the World Cup as a holiday from their league responsibilities. More than half of the World Cup participants are from five European leagues and 110 are playing in the English Premier League.

While you saw the camaraderie, togetherness and team spirit in many of the non-big name sides, we have also heard talk of golf trips, commercial engagements and bust-ups inside the teams with the big names.

Germany, Italy, France and Spain, you are not totally out yet. One good win will get you through to the next round. If the luck is in God's hands, getting motivated and showing some fighting spirit are the least you can do.

Brazil have ditched the "beautiful game" in exchange for wins. You will be totally ditched by your fans if you cannot produce worthy performances; especially with the knowledge that only a win now will suffice.

(China Daily 06/22/2010 page10)