Group B consists of Denmark, Portugal, Germany and Holland. Undeniably the most difficult of the four groups. Let's dive in.
Denmark
Denmark are in a bit of a difficult situation, here. They're a decent side, with a decent history in the European Championship (winning it in 1992 against all odds, finishing 4th in 1964, and making the semi-finals in 1984). They qualified for the championships in first place, in a group with Portugal and Norway. It's fair to suggest that they're a decent side. The question is whether or not they can do it on the big stage, and whether or not they can perform in such a tough group. Granted, they've beaten Portugal already to make the competition, but form goes out the window at this stage. I would suggest they're an easy 3 points for the much more mature and experienced sides in the group.
Denmarks key men include the prolific Nicklas Bendtner (sarcasm intended), Thomas Sorensen, Daniel Agger, Christian Eriksen and the super Poulsen Brothers (I assume they're brothers), so they've actually got quite a strong squad. Manchester United's Anders Lindegaard is the third choice 'keeper, and he's pretty good, so the fact he's not even first choice suggests they've got real strength here.
I'm gonna say it now; Denmark are going to either win the group or finish bottom. They could be the surprise package at this years tournament, but my head says otherwise. I'll put a asterisk next to their spot as a permanent reminder of their potential to surprise.
Group Prediction: 4th*
Portugal
The underachievers of the group, Portugal have never won the tournament. the made the final in 2004 (losing to the Greek), but have never lifted The Henri Delaunay Trophy. They qualified through the play-off system, beating a rather average Bosnia and Hertzegovnia to get here. They usually show up during the group stage, doing enough to get into the knock-outs, however that might not be enough for them this time around. They've got real competition from Holland and Germany. It's difficult to see them picking up enough points to get through the groups. Then again, maybe they've got enough about them, and enough experience to draw from, to pull something out of the bag.
Playerwise they're somewhat top heavy, taking no less than 7 attackers. Captained by the former "best player in the world" Cristiano Ronaldo, they've real potential to cause team defensive problems. Nani and Silvertre Varela will no doubt support him, and they're pretty good (sometimes). The midfield will be anchored by a personal favourite player of mine, Joao Moutinho, who I genuinely believe could set the tournament alight.
In fact, when you look at the Portugal squad, they're choc full of genuinely talented players. They just haven't been able to cross the line mentally. To be honest, I can't see that changing this year,but they could potentially be a real force in Brazil 2014.
Group Prediction: 3rd
Germany
This German side are amazing. There are no two ways about it. They made the final in 2008 (losing to Spain), and got to the World Cup semi-final in 2010, (losing, again, to Spain). The younger players have two years more experience so you expect them to top this group, and make the final, even.
History-wise, they've won the tournament no less than 3 times, and finishing runners up 3 times also. They qualified winning every single qualifier. 30 points is a pretty decent haul, and I wholeheartedly expect that form to continue.
Stars across the field for Germany. Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, even Manuel Neuer's getting a mention. These are real star players, who can turn it on for the big sides. And I've only scratched the surface. Their one weakness is the defence. Just look at it, it's shocking. For me, Ozil was the star of the 2010 World Cup, and there is potential in this squad who could become stars in their own right. Keep one eye on Mario Gotze. Just saying.
They're good enough to win this group. They're good enough to make the final. Hell, I'm tipping them to win the whole thing. This is a real special team, and they're going to go all the way.
Group Prediction: 1st
Holland
The dirty Dutch have won the competition once (1988), and have made the semi finals 4 times. in 2010, the managed to fight (literally) their way into the World Cup final, only to lose in extra time to Spain. Their history in football in general is one of hurt and suffering. They're the nearly men of the footballing world. They qualified in first place, losing only once (to Sweden), so they're certainly a force. Do they have enough about them of exorcise the demons of 2010? Maybe...
They're a very talented squad, the Dutch. Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart, Robin Van Persie to name three. I could delve even further. They're a skillful side with enough about them win this group. It's a straight shoot between them and Germany for me. And when those two meet, expect it all to kick off.
Group Prediction: 2nd
Germany 3 2 1 0 7
Holland 3 1 2 0 5
Portugal 3 1 2 0 5
Denmark*3 0 0 3 0
Friday, 25 May 2012
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Euro 2012: Group A Preview
With about 15 days left until this tournament kicks off, NOW'S the time to get somewhat interested in the forthcoming weeks of footballing action. And with that; World Cup Willie returns as an establishment, and a benchmark for footballing coverage. And that coverage begins now. I'm gonna preview Group A for you. For those who haven't been paying attention, Group A consists of Russia, Greece, Poland and the Czech Republic. Let us commence.
Russia
Undeniably the best side in an insanely poor Group A, Russia, who have a history in this competition, having won it in 1960, and finished as runner up on 3 separate occasions (albeit as the Soviet Union), will be looking to capitalize on their recent resurgence by getting somewhere this year. In 2008, Russia made the semi-finals, losing to Spain 3-0, and failed to push on into the 2010 World Cup.
Russia have a decent squad of players, most notably Pavel Pogrebnyak, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin, all of which have plied their trade in the Premier League in recent years. Decent players, with the question lingering over them: "can they perform on the big stage?" Time will tell.
Group Prediction: 1st
Greece
Greece. Boring, boring Greece. They won the tournament in 2004, and that's all they've done. Ever. Seriously. Bottled the Confederations Cup in 2005, didn't qualify for the World Cup in 2006, and finished bottom of their group in Euro 2008. That's...pretty bad....
Big names in the Greek side include Premier League legend Giorgos Samaras and Football Manager favourite Sotiris Ninis (seriously, snap him up, you'll get one hell of a player). To be fair to the Greeks, they DID win their qualifying group, and they WERE unbeaten...maybe they'll spring a surprise. Again. I doubt it, but maybe...
Group Prediction: 3rd
Poland
Much like group-mates Greece, Poland have very little history in this competition. Unlike Greece, they've only ever been involved in one European Championship, and that was in 2008. Where they picked up a single point. Against Austria. They really aren't a footballing nation per se, more a nation who knows football exists. And sometimes play it.
There are some decent players involved with Poland. Robert Lewandowski (currently of Borussia Dortmund, linked with Manchester United) and Wocjiech Szczesny are the notable names in this side, but there just isn't enough talent across the pitch for them to seriously worry Russia or the Czechs. Aim for a point against Greece, and that will be a success. Poor tournament for the co-hosts.
Group Prediction: 4th
Czech Republic
The final side involved in this group are the Czech Republic. They finished as runner up in 1996, made the semi finals in 2004. TECHNICALLY they've won it before, but as Czechoslovakia (1976), so does that count? How do they and Slovakia go about sharing the trophy? I assume they only get it for weekends and bank holidays or something.
Petr Cech, Milan Baros and Tomas Rosicky are the players you'll know about in this side. We all know how good Cech is (even if he does seem to bottle in for his country), Rosicky is an Arsenal regular, and Baros...played for...Portsmouth?
For me it's a straight shoot for second between these and Greece, so the game on the second match day could be very interesting. Or very boring. Can't see past the Czechs, though.
Group Prediction: 2nd
FINAL STANDINGS
GP W D L P
Russia 3 3 0 0 9
Czech Republic 3 2 0 1 6
Greece 3 1 0 2 3
Poland 3 0 0 3 0
I'll do a Group B preview tomorrow. I'd imagine it'll be a bit better than this one. Still getting back into the swing of things.
Russia
Undeniably the best side in an insanely poor Group A, Russia, who have a history in this competition, having won it in 1960, and finished as runner up on 3 separate occasions (albeit as the Soviet Union), will be looking to capitalize on their recent resurgence by getting somewhere this year. In 2008, Russia made the semi-finals, losing to Spain 3-0, and failed to push on into the 2010 World Cup.
Russia have a decent squad of players, most notably Pavel Pogrebnyak, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin, all of which have plied their trade in the Premier League in recent years. Decent players, with the question lingering over them: "can they perform on the big stage?" Time will tell.
Group Prediction: 1st
Greece
Greece. Boring, boring Greece. They won the tournament in 2004, and that's all they've done. Ever. Seriously. Bottled the Confederations Cup in 2005, didn't qualify for the World Cup in 2006, and finished bottom of their group in Euro 2008. That's...pretty bad....
Big names in the Greek side include Premier League legend Giorgos Samaras and Football Manager favourite Sotiris Ninis (seriously, snap him up, you'll get one hell of a player). To be fair to the Greeks, they DID win their qualifying group, and they WERE unbeaten...maybe they'll spring a surprise. Again. I doubt it, but maybe...
Group Prediction: 3rd
Poland
Much like group-mates Greece, Poland have very little history in this competition. Unlike Greece, they've only ever been involved in one European Championship, and that was in 2008. Where they picked up a single point. Against Austria. They really aren't a footballing nation per se, more a nation who knows football exists. And sometimes play it.
There are some decent players involved with Poland. Robert Lewandowski (currently of Borussia Dortmund, linked with Manchester United) and Wocjiech Szczesny are the notable names in this side, but there just isn't enough talent across the pitch for them to seriously worry Russia or the Czechs. Aim for a point against Greece, and that will be a success. Poor tournament for the co-hosts.
Group Prediction: 4th
Czech Republic
The final side involved in this group are the Czech Republic. They finished as runner up in 1996, made the semi finals in 2004. TECHNICALLY they've won it before, but as Czechoslovakia (1976), so does that count? How do they and Slovakia go about sharing the trophy? I assume they only get it for weekends and bank holidays or something.
Petr Cech, Milan Baros and Tomas Rosicky are the players you'll know about in this side. We all know how good Cech is (even if he does seem to bottle in for his country), Rosicky is an Arsenal regular, and Baros...played for...Portsmouth?
For me it's a straight shoot for second between these and Greece, so the game on the second match day could be very interesting. Or very boring. Can't see past the Czechs, though.
Group Prediction: 2nd
FINAL STANDINGS
GP W D L P
Russia 3 3 0 0 9
Czech Republic 3 2 0 1 6
Greece 3 1 0 2 3
Poland 3 0 0 3 0
I'll do a Group B preview tomorrow. I'd imagine it'll be a bit better than this one. Still getting back into the swing of things.
Euro 2012: World Cup Willie's European Adventure
After months of speculation and deliberation, we're set to return in podcast, blogcast, facebookast and twittcast fashion. Basically what we did two years ago, but with a European beat. Follow our facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Euro-2012-World-Cup-Willies-European-Adventure/131402000212917, twitter thingamajig at: https://twitter.com/#!/WorldCupWillie1. End Transmission.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Tuesday, 13 July 2010
Podcast No. 6
if yu can't wait until tomorrow, you can listen to the podcast here and now! the end of an era! :'(
Monday, 12 July 2010
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa review
Well, after 30 days of football filled frivolity, the FIFA world cup in South Africa has gone out with a fizzle, and not a bang. Can Africa's first world cup be considered a success? Should Africa ever get a world cup again? Was this world cup better than the 2006 one? All these questions and more will be answered over the course of this review.
Lets be honest, looking back, the matches left much to be desired in terms of excitement. As it's the god damned world cup, you would've thought that teams would've made at least some effort to play attractively. We had to wait until the secnd day before we saw a win, and even that was boring. But, once the first matches were out the way, things started to pick up. France got hammered by Mexico, Slovenia and the USA pulled a 2-2 outof somewhere, which was somewhat exciting, and Portugal narrowly murdered North Korea 7-0. And England beat Slovenia 1-0, in what can only be described as the best performance by England at this or any world cup. (I jest).
The weak were picked off one by one, and the Knock out stages began. What a crock of shit. Bad football, bad officiating, and worst of all, Slovakia lost. The quarters and the semis threw out little shocks. Uruguay failed to make the final, losing to Holland, and Germany lost to Spain, setting up a final which would guarentee a brand spanking new winner.
The stage was set for Holland and the Netherlands. the match was boring as hell, neither team really hitting top gear. Van Bommel did his best to liven things up, mainly by stabbing every Pedro and Juan on the pitch, but the referee did a Wenger. The only goal of the match came on the 116th minutes, when Iniesta smashed a half volley into the bottom left of the Dutch goal just seconds after Sneijer had a corner turned down, despite the ball actually spinning so far wide of the target it was unbelieveable, and Elia was impaled on the edge on the Spanish area.
So Spain won the world cup. Statistically the most boring team in the tournament undeservedly won the greatest prize of them all. And I am furious.
Was this world cup a success? No. Should Africa host another world cup? No. Keep it somewhere sensible. Like Holland or Mexico. Was it better than 2006? Marginally. But only because World Cup Willie made it so.
So thats it for another 4 years. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoy cyonide. We'll be back at the start of the premier league season if you want us, and I'm certain we'll sort something out for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. See you in a few.
Lets be honest, looking back, the matches left much to be desired in terms of excitement. As it's the god damned world cup, you would've thought that teams would've made at least some effort to play attractively. We had to wait until the secnd day before we saw a win, and even that was boring. But, once the first matches were out the way, things started to pick up. France got hammered by Mexico, Slovenia and the USA pulled a 2-2 outof somewhere, which was somewhat exciting, and Portugal narrowly murdered North Korea 7-0. And England beat Slovenia 1-0, in what can only be described as the best performance by England at this or any world cup. (I jest).
The weak were picked off one by one, and the Knock out stages began. What a crock of shit. Bad football, bad officiating, and worst of all, Slovakia lost. The quarters and the semis threw out little shocks. Uruguay failed to make the final, losing to Holland, and Germany lost to Spain, setting up a final which would guarentee a brand spanking new winner.
The stage was set for Holland and the Netherlands. the match was boring as hell, neither team really hitting top gear. Van Bommel did his best to liven things up, mainly by stabbing every Pedro and Juan on the pitch, but the referee did a Wenger. The only goal of the match came on the 116th minutes, when Iniesta smashed a half volley into the bottom left of the Dutch goal just seconds after Sneijer had a corner turned down, despite the ball actually spinning so far wide of the target it was unbelieveable, and Elia was impaled on the edge on the Spanish area.
So Spain won the world cup. Statistically the most boring team in the tournament undeservedly won the greatest prize of them all. And I am furious.
Was this world cup a success? No. Should Africa host another world cup? No. Keep it somewhere sensible. Like Holland or Mexico. Was it better than 2006? Marginally. But only because World Cup Willie made it so.
So thats it for another 4 years. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoy cyonide. We'll be back at the start of the premier league season if you want us, and I'm certain we'll sort something out for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. See you in a few.
Thursday, 8 July 2010
Podcast No. 5
we'll get this on't iTunes sonn. we'll let Thom have a rest and get re-adjusted to the British climate, then we'll bombard him with 3 podcasts at once.
Thursday, 1 July 2010
podcast 4
here's the forth podcast, not yet avaliable for download, as out tech genius is on holiday. it'll be on iTunes soon.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Thursday, 17 June 2010
World Cup Day 7 Review
Today we hailed in a new age for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Today we saw three, yes three, very, very exciting games. Unbelieveable stuff. Not only were they exciting, but they were choc full of goals an all. Goodness me.
We started the day with a potential classic. The team with everything to prove; Argentina, against a reletivley good side; South Korea. Argentina started brightly, with that unknown character who seems to pop up everywhere Lionel Messi making the majority of the runs, chances and plays for the Argies. Korea managed to hold firm until the 16th minute, before an administrative error lead to Park Chu-Young scoring an own goal. And then Argentina decided to score goals. Real Madrid "star" Gonzalo Higuain knocked one in after 33 minutes, and then it looked over. It really did. South Korea made little chances, and little attempt to score. But they did. A shocking defensive error led to Lee Chung-Yong latched onto a diabolical pass back to the 'keeper, and forced it past said 'keeper instantly.
Yet Maradona remained upbeat going in at half time, and Argentina came out fighting, yet failed to make their dominance show, and remained at 2-1. And then it got interesting. South Korea fought back. Yeom Ki-Hun wasted the chance of the match, hoofing the ball wide with his weaker left foot. And thats when you realised that Argentina were going to win. Higuain dropped in again after 76 minutes, and finished the match as contest to make it 3-1. It was then put right to bed after that man Higuain slotted home 4 minutes later. Game over.
For long periods of the game, it was bloody exciting. But, for the first time in this tournament, we saw a real contender for the trophy. Apart from Germany, obviously.
The second match was the other Group B match, between the two losers of yesterweek; greece and Nigeria. It was really, really shit for about 16 minutes, before Nigeria broke through with a free kick that was just so poorly defended it was unbelieveable. Uche swung the ball in, and the Greek keeper dived completly the wrong way as it drifted into the net. And Nigeria really started to show dominance until Kaita got sent off, and began to leak some form of urine from his eyes on the way down the tunnel. Celtic "megastar" Samaras came on, and Greece began to attack for the first time since the 2004 European Championships. And they scored, by God. They did. Salpingidis had a shot, but it took a bigger deflection than the Forlan goal of yesterday. And like the momentum of the match, the ball swung in Greece's favour.
The second half brought end to end football, with Nigeria having several chances, as did Greece (hence end to end football). Greece had a shot that was so poorly defended it led to a counter attack chance for Nigeria. But they gave it to some moron who tried to direct it into an open goal with his studs. It didn't go in. After 72 minutes, Greece found a second goal out of nowhere. The Nigerian keeper did a Rob Green, and dropped the ball. Except this time it went to Torosidis, who scored a huge goal for the Greeks. After more chances for both sides, the match ended, and Greece notched up their very first world cup win ever. Happy days. Unfortunatly, it looks like Nigeria are on their way out, despite playing some good football over the last two games. But thats what you get when you can't score.
The final game of today was the last of Group A; France against Mexico. The match was a scrappy show in the first half, with very little chances to either team. But Mexico played some really nice attacking football, and at the end of the day, thats all that matters.
The second half was much better. Again, Mexico had the best chances, and were rewarded for their dominance, when new Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez ran from an onside position, took the ball round Hugo Lloris and slotted the ball into an empty net. France were visibly stunned, because they had all the excitment shocked out of them. Mexico had another attck, and they earned a penalty, which 58 year old forward Blanco smashed home, and ended the match, pretty much. And it did end, and Mexico were overjoyed.
The thing about this result was that when Uruguay face Mexico, a point will see both sides through. Which is a bit shit, bacause they'll both play for the draw. Which is a bit shit.
Anyway, BEST DAY IN AGES in terms of football. It was exciting stuff, and we all want to see is this stuff continue. Thursday Friday happy days? Lets hope so!
We started the day with a potential classic. The team with everything to prove; Argentina, against a reletivley good side; South Korea. Argentina started brightly, with that unknown character who seems to pop up everywhere Lionel Messi making the majority of the runs, chances and plays for the Argies. Korea managed to hold firm until the 16th minute, before an administrative error lead to Park Chu-Young scoring an own goal. And then Argentina decided to score goals. Real Madrid "star" Gonzalo Higuain knocked one in after 33 minutes, and then it looked over. It really did. South Korea made little chances, and little attempt to score. But they did. A shocking defensive error led to Lee Chung-Yong latched onto a diabolical pass back to the 'keeper, and forced it past said 'keeper instantly.
Yet Maradona remained upbeat going in at half time, and Argentina came out fighting, yet failed to make their dominance show, and remained at 2-1. And then it got interesting. South Korea fought back. Yeom Ki-Hun wasted the chance of the match, hoofing the ball wide with his weaker left foot. And thats when you realised that Argentina were going to win. Higuain dropped in again after 76 minutes, and finished the match as contest to make it 3-1. It was then put right to bed after that man Higuain slotted home 4 minutes later. Game over.
For long periods of the game, it was bloody exciting. But, for the first time in this tournament, we saw a real contender for the trophy. Apart from Germany, obviously.
The second match was the other Group B match, between the two losers of yesterweek; greece and Nigeria. It was really, really shit for about 16 minutes, before Nigeria broke through with a free kick that was just so poorly defended it was unbelieveable. Uche swung the ball in, and the Greek keeper dived completly the wrong way as it drifted into the net. And Nigeria really started to show dominance until Kaita got sent off, and began to leak some form of urine from his eyes on the way down the tunnel. Celtic "megastar" Samaras came on, and Greece began to attack for the first time since the 2004 European Championships. And they scored, by God. They did. Salpingidis had a shot, but it took a bigger deflection than the Forlan goal of yesterday. And like the momentum of the match, the ball swung in Greece's favour.
The second half brought end to end football, with Nigeria having several chances, as did Greece (hence end to end football). Greece had a shot that was so poorly defended it led to a counter attack chance for Nigeria. But they gave it to some moron who tried to direct it into an open goal with his studs. It didn't go in. After 72 minutes, Greece found a second goal out of nowhere. The Nigerian keeper did a Rob Green, and dropped the ball. Except this time it went to Torosidis, who scored a huge goal for the Greeks. After more chances for both sides, the match ended, and Greece notched up their very first world cup win ever. Happy days. Unfortunatly, it looks like Nigeria are on their way out, despite playing some good football over the last two games. But thats what you get when you can't score.
The final game of today was the last of Group A; France against Mexico. The match was a scrappy show in the first half, with very little chances to either team. But Mexico played some really nice attacking football, and at the end of the day, thats all that matters.
The second half was much better. Again, Mexico had the best chances, and were rewarded for their dominance, when new Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez ran from an onside position, took the ball round Hugo Lloris and slotted the ball into an empty net. France were visibly stunned, because they had all the excitment shocked out of them. Mexico had another attck, and they earned a penalty, which 58 year old forward Blanco smashed home, and ended the match, pretty much. And it did end, and Mexico were overjoyed.
The thing about this result was that when Uruguay face Mexico, a point will see both sides through. Which is a bit shit, bacause they'll both play for the draw. Which is a bit shit.
Anyway, BEST DAY IN AGES in terms of football. It was exciting stuff, and we all want to see is this stuff continue. Thursday Friday happy days? Lets hope so!
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
World Cup Day 6 Review
Well, todays the day! Todays the day we finally wave goodbye to the shite we've been force fed over the last 6 days. And all the better for it. But first, ther is one more group to go, and that group has one team we all must fear. But before we were introduced to Spain, we had another game to get through.
The first match of group H was a tie between Honduras and Adams pick for a surprise; Chile. The Chilans began the tie on the front foot, with open attack play. Real Madrid target Sanchez scuffed a couple of chances, before the unknown Beausejour slotted home after 34 minutes. Honduras did little to change the score line, and the gulf in class (many of the Hondurans were part timers), and were lucky to go in at half time with the score at 1-0.
The second half started as bright as the first, with Chile showing off some wonderful attacking football. Often there would be four or five players in space for the playmaker to slot the ball into. Chile were blessed with an open goal opportunity, yet headed the ball straight into the floor.
The match ended with the score at 1-0, but it could've been two or three. Chile has given us much food for thought, and could be a surprise contender for winning this group.
The second was European champions Spain against the country the won it in; Switzerland. Spain played the same pass and move football we saw from Chile, and to an extent, Barcelona. Yet Switzerland managed to defend the stronghold, and came out of each attack unscathed, and made Spain wallow in comparison. And somehow they were on level terms at half time.
Switzerland started the second half better than they ended the first, making at least some attempt to score a goal. And, against the run of play, odds and likelyhood, they did. Fernandes latched onto and wonderful through ball, took it past the unessesserally outspoken Casillas (WHOS LAUGHING NOW YOU SPANISH TOSS?), and tried to pass the sponge ball into the net. It stopped halfway there. He the proceeded to kick Barcelona centre back Pique in the face, and slotted from 2 yards. The Swiss 1, Pedros 0.
Xabi Alonso struck the bar from 25 yards, and Fernando Torres did little to change the scoreline. But it was Switzerland who came the closest to scoring the second of the game. Derdiyok battled through three defenders before slicing his right boot through the ball, leading it onto the post. The ball twizzled out, and Switzerland had a flurry of chances, but the time had gone. The match ended, though, and Switzerland topped group H at the end of the day.
The final match saw the return of hosts and that team thay Sky Sports always seems to be interviewing residents of, South Africa, who faced Uruguay. Both teams hadn't played since the first day, and Uruguay were yet to play a memorable game this tournament. The game started with the same pace as the last South African game, with Uruguay more likely to score. And the duely lived up to their billing, after 24 minutes, when Diego Forlan struck from 25 yards, and the ball took a deflection midflight. South Africa gave real football ago, but Tshabalaba wanted to hit the ball without taking a touch. Pretoria was subdued, and the whistle put an end to what was quite a boring first half.
the second half brought more boring football, and, honestly, nothing happened til about the 80th minute, where Khune fell over,and Suarez took the ball round him, and fell over. The ref bought it, and the keeper was sent off. Forlan blasted the penalty in the top left, and any chance of an uprsing was quashed. This was drilled home when Uruguay finished after 95 minutes thanks to Pereira, and then the whistle blew. Game over.
Day six brought the best football of the tournament so far. But now there's plenty to play for, we might get some exciting football. Because thats what we all want.
Keep following the blog, as I would imagine I can get Adam writing again, follow the twitter @WorldCupWillie1, follow me @Willo290592, and download our podcast, which is on iTunes.
Keep on trucking.
The first match of group H was a tie between Honduras and Adams pick for a surprise; Chile. The Chilans began the tie on the front foot, with open attack play. Real Madrid target Sanchez scuffed a couple of chances, before the unknown Beausejour slotted home after 34 minutes. Honduras did little to change the score line, and the gulf in class (many of the Hondurans were part timers), and were lucky to go in at half time with the score at 1-0.
The second half started as bright as the first, with Chile showing off some wonderful attacking football. Often there would be four or five players in space for the playmaker to slot the ball into. Chile were blessed with an open goal opportunity, yet headed the ball straight into the floor.
The match ended with the score at 1-0, but it could've been two or three. Chile has given us much food for thought, and could be a surprise contender for winning this group.
The second was European champions Spain against the country the won it in; Switzerland. Spain played the same pass and move football we saw from Chile, and to an extent, Barcelona. Yet Switzerland managed to defend the stronghold, and came out of each attack unscathed, and made Spain wallow in comparison. And somehow they were on level terms at half time.
Switzerland started the second half better than they ended the first, making at least some attempt to score a goal. And, against the run of play, odds and likelyhood, they did. Fernandes latched onto and wonderful through ball, took it past the unessesserally outspoken Casillas (WHOS LAUGHING NOW YOU SPANISH TOSS?), and tried to pass the sponge ball into the net. It stopped halfway there. He the proceeded to kick Barcelona centre back Pique in the face, and slotted from 2 yards. The Swiss 1, Pedros 0.
Xabi Alonso struck the bar from 25 yards, and Fernando Torres did little to change the scoreline. But it was Switzerland who came the closest to scoring the second of the game. Derdiyok battled through three defenders before slicing his right boot through the ball, leading it onto the post. The ball twizzled out, and Switzerland had a flurry of chances, but the time had gone. The match ended, though, and Switzerland topped group H at the end of the day.
The final match saw the return of hosts and that team thay Sky Sports always seems to be interviewing residents of, South Africa, who faced Uruguay. Both teams hadn't played since the first day, and Uruguay were yet to play a memorable game this tournament. The game started with the same pace as the last South African game, with Uruguay more likely to score. And the duely lived up to their billing, after 24 minutes, when Diego Forlan struck from 25 yards, and the ball took a deflection midflight. South Africa gave real football ago, but Tshabalaba wanted to hit the ball without taking a touch. Pretoria was subdued, and the whistle put an end to what was quite a boring first half.
the second half brought more boring football, and, honestly, nothing happened til about the 80th minute, where Khune fell over,and Suarez took the ball round him, and fell over. The ref bought it, and the keeper was sent off. Forlan blasted the penalty in the top left, and any chance of an uprsing was quashed. This was drilled home when Uruguay finished after 95 minutes thanks to Pereira, and then the whistle blew. Game over.
Day six brought the best football of the tournament so far. But now there's plenty to play for, we might get some exciting football. Because thats what we all want.
Keep following the blog, as I would imagine I can get Adam writing again, follow the twitter @WorldCupWillie1, follow me @Willo290592, and download our podcast, which is on iTunes.
Keep on trucking.
World Cup: Half time report... Well, nearly.
One game over for each of the 32 sides in World Cup 2010. We've had (a few) goals, ball complaints, surprises, shocks, outrage but mostly disappointment. So, how are each of the big names doing after just 90 minutes?
France
On the opening day of the tournament, 2006 runner's up France were held to a goalless draw by ten-man Uruguay. Once more, the group should get harder from here on in; the well-organised Mexico are next on the French fixture list, followed by the hosts, South Africa. France should on paper qualify, where they'd most likely face Argentina or South Korea. Excluding star player, Bayern Munich's Frank Ribery, France lack players who can provide ammunition to target man Anelka, and many of the players stepping up to the mark aren't as accomplished as their predecessors. Only a brave man would back France all the way: 2010 doesn't look like their year.
South Africa
After netting a fantastic opener to the World Cup on Day 1, South Africa conceded a late goal against Mexico. After drawing their first game, many South Africans seem disappointed, but optimistic for the remaining two fixtures in the group. Whether they have the quality to overcome the French remains to be seen, but they do have the backing of their whole nation. On the pitch, they appear to be fired up, but still culperable to the odd error; South Africa were never likely to go all the way, but could cause an upset against the French, or even a badly-coached Argentina in the last 16.
Argentina
Argentina kicked off their World Cup with a 1-0 win against Nigeria, though showed signs of vulnerability, namely in right-back Jonas Gutierrez. They took the lead through full-back Gabriel Heinze and despite the attacking prowess of Higuain, Messi and Tevez, failed to capitalise on numerous chances later in the game. Although a forlorn figure of 2006's outstanding side, Argentina can never be written off, especially with the aforementioned Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. Perhaps Argentina are slow starters this year, but should easily make the last 16 and must fancy their chances against any of Group A. The Argentinians have the confidence to win the World Cup this year, and may enjoy being tournament underdogs, but will need to prove that this generation is a side of class, across the field.
England
Injury-riddled England take on Algeria and Slovenia in their remaining group fixtures and are expected to make the knockout round, though must be praying not to face penalties once they qualify. Should they top their group, they'll most likely face a tie with Ghana, and a quarter final clash with France could be on the cards after that. It's difficult to say whether this is their best shot since 1966, such is the casualty list of the side. The draw's been kind to the English though, who need to keep their nerve, and build on confidence.
Germany
One game down, Germany have been easily the most impressive of any team in the tournament. Like many others, the Germans are in transition: Michael Ballack for one's not at this tournament, replaced by the younger generation coming through. After an impressive 4-0 win over Australia, the Germans must be looking to the next round, where they'll play either USA or England, and will be favourites against either. Futher than that, Argentina potentially await them in the last 8. Germany must be dark horses now, as they look to be the only team in form in the competition, but once they face stronger opposition than Australia, then the world will see just how good this crop of players are.
The Netherlands
Holland are another team slow out of the starting blocks this summer. After a scrappy win over a defensive Denmark side, the Dutch are still in a strong position to finish top of Group E, where a pairing with Paraguay is probable. Opponents after that could be Portugal or Spain, so it's important that Holland build on their opening win and start playing with the famous Dutch flair of the past. They certainly have the players to do it, but Wesley Sneijder needs to work on his partnership with Rafael van der Vaart, Robin van Persie needs to find his scoring boots, and the Dutch currently lack width, with Arjen Robben sidelined. It's a big ask for The Oranje to ditch their tag of "the greatest side never to win the World Cup", but with rising stars Ibrahim Affelay and Eljero Elia, plus the fact that the likes of van Persie and Sneijder could be at their peak in four years time, it looks like this Dutch side could be too young this time around.
Italy
A nervy 1-1 draw saw the holders kick off their campaign in a fashion unfamiliar to the Italians; defensive errors, trailing at half time, and lacking the passing ability that unlocked the world's defences in Germany '06. Italy are still strong favourites to advance the group stage, where their route to the final could be via Japan, Portugal or Spain and Argentina or Germany: opposition signicantly more difficult than Australia, Ukraine and Germany in 2006. With Alberto Gilardino up front, the Italians aren't at their sharpest, and Claudio Marchisio's service up to him isn't as potent as Andrea Pirlo's. Like so many other nations at this World Cup, The Azzurri look shadows of their former selves, though with Rino Gattuso, Antonio Di Natale, Mauro Camoranesi and Pirlo himself at the disposal of highly experienced Marcelo Lippi, it could be foolish to rule Italy out from retaining their crown.
Brazil
A workman-like, efficient Brazilian side managed a 2-1 win over North Korea just yesterday, albeit without the Samba magic the world has come to know and love from them. Without the Peles, Ronaldos and Rivaldos of the past, the Brazilian side's focal point is the lesser-known Sevilla hitman Luis Fabiano. Whether he can emulate the legendary Brazilian strikers of the past is unclear at this point in the competition, but with service from Robinho, Kaka and Elano, he stands as good a chance as any frontman in South Africa. A potential clash with Spain in the next round may excite neutrals, though Brazil are the favourites overall to clinch a sixth triumph on yet another continent: they just need one player from the squad and become a superstar.
Portugal
A Portugal side, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, returned to the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast in the "group of death", Group G. Favourites to finish behind Brazil, the obvious Portuguese strength is the enigmatic Ronaldo, who will be looking not only to supply Liédson, but to chip in with his fair share of goals. But the team needs to prove that they're as strong across the pitch; familiar Premier League names Pedro Mendes, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho should feature for Portugal. With Spain, Italy and Argentina on the horizon, it won't be easy for the Portuguese, but a strong performance against Brazil would work wonders for confidence and send out a clear message that they're a force to be reckoned with.
Spain
The only big-name nation to lose their opening game, Euro 2008 winners Spain are facing the prospect of qualifying second in their group and meeting Brazil in the knockout stages. Should they win their group, they still have the unenviable task of Portugal, but do the Spanish still have what it takes to break a habit of a lifetime and advance to last four even? If they are to reach the expectations of many, Fernando Torres has to find his match fitness quickly, David Villa needs to start scoring and the service from trio Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso needs to improve on what was a lacklustre display from the midfield in Durban. One could argue that Spain need another dimension; along with the aforementioned midfield, the Spanish impact players are winger Jesus Navas and Barca-bound Cesc Fabregas, more passers. One thing is certain: Spain need to lift their game dramatically if they're going to live up to their 4-1 odds and change history.
France
On the opening day of the tournament, 2006 runner's up France were held to a goalless draw by ten-man Uruguay. Once more, the group should get harder from here on in; the well-organised Mexico are next on the French fixture list, followed by the hosts, South Africa. France should on paper qualify, where they'd most likely face Argentina or South Korea. Excluding star player, Bayern Munich's Frank Ribery, France lack players who can provide ammunition to target man Anelka, and many of the players stepping up to the mark aren't as accomplished as their predecessors. Only a brave man would back France all the way: 2010 doesn't look like their year.
South Africa
After netting a fantastic opener to the World Cup on Day 1, South Africa conceded a late goal against Mexico. After drawing their first game, many South Africans seem disappointed, but optimistic for the remaining two fixtures in the group. Whether they have the quality to overcome the French remains to be seen, but they do have the backing of their whole nation. On the pitch, they appear to be fired up, but still culperable to the odd error; South Africa were never likely to go all the way, but could cause an upset against the French, or even a badly-coached Argentina in the last 16.
Argentina
Argentina kicked off their World Cup with a 1-0 win against Nigeria, though showed signs of vulnerability, namely in right-back Jonas Gutierrez. They took the lead through full-back Gabriel Heinze and despite the attacking prowess of Higuain, Messi and Tevez, failed to capitalise on numerous chances later in the game. Although a forlorn figure of 2006's outstanding side, Argentina can never be written off, especially with the aforementioned Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. Perhaps Argentina are slow starters this year, but should easily make the last 16 and must fancy their chances against any of Group A. The Argentinians have the confidence to win the World Cup this year, and may enjoy being tournament underdogs, but will need to prove that this generation is a side of class, across the field.
England
Injury-riddled England take on Algeria and Slovenia in their remaining group fixtures and are expected to make the knockout round, though must be praying not to face penalties once they qualify. Should they top their group, they'll most likely face a tie with Ghana, and a quarter final clash with France could be on the cards after that. It's difficult to say whether this is their best shot since 1966, such is the casualty list of the side. The draw's been kind to the English though, who need to keep their nerve, and build on confidence.
Germany
One game down, Germany have been easily the most impressive of any team in the tournament. Like many others, the Germans are in transition: Michael Ballack for one's not at this tournament, replaced by the younger generation coming through. After an impressive 4-0 win over Australia, the Germans must be looking to the next round, where they'll play either USA or England, and will be favourites against either. Futher than that, Argentina potentially await them in the last 8. Germany must be dark horses now, as they look to be the only team in form in the competition, but once they face stronger opposition than Australia, then the world will see just how good this crop of players are.
The Netherlands
Holland are another team slow out of the starting blocks this summer. After a scrappy win over a defensive Denmark side, the Dutch are still in a strong position to finish top of Group E, where a pairing with Paraguay is probable. Opponents after that could be Portugal or Spain, so it's important that Holland build on their opening win and start playing with the famous Dutch flair of the past. They certainly have the players to do it, but Wesley Sneijder needs to work on his partnership with Rafael van der Vaart, Robin van Persie needs to find his scoring boots, and the Dutch currently lack width, with Arjen Robben sidelined. It's a big ask for The Oranje to ditch their tag of "the greatest side never to win the World Cup", but with rising stars Ibrahim Affelay and Eljero Elia, plus the fact that the likes of van Persie and Sneijder could be at their peak in four years time, it looks like this Dutch side could be too young this time around.
Italy
A nervy 1-1 draw saw the holders kick off their campaign in a fashion unfamiliar to the Italians; defensive errors, trailing at half time, and lacking the passing ability that unlocked the world's defences in Germany '06. Italy are still strong favourites to advance the group stage, where their route to the final could be via Japan, Portugal or Spain and Argentina or Germany: opposition signicantly more difficult than Australia, Ukraine and Germany in 2006. With Alberto Gilardino up front, the Italians aren't at their sharpest, and Claudio Marchisio's service up to him isn't as potent as Andrea Pirlo's. Like so many other nations at this World Cup, The Azzurri look shadows of their former selves, though with Rino Gattuso, Antonio Di Natale, Mauro Camoranesi and Pirlo himself at the disposal of highly experienced Marcelo Lippi, it could be foolish to rule Italy out from retaining their crown.
Brazil
A workman-like, efficient Brazilian side managed a 2-1 win over North Korea just yesterday, albeit without the Samba magic the world has come to know and love from them. Without the Peles, Ronaldos and Rivaldos of the past, the Brazilian side's focal point is the lesser-known Sevilla hitman Luis Fabiano. Whether he can emulate the legendary Brazilian strikers of the past is unclear at this point in the competition, but with service from Robinho, Kaka and Elano, he stands as good a chance as any frontman in South Africa. A potential clash with Spain in the next round may excite neutrals, though Brazil are the favourites overall to clinch a sixth triumph on yet another continent: they just need one player from the squad and become a superstar.
Portugal
A Portugal side, captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, returned to the World Cup with a 0-0 draw against Ivory Coast in the "group of death", Group G. Favourites to finish behind Brazil, the obvious Portuguese strength is the enigmatic Ronaldo, who will be looking not only to supply Liédson, but to chip in with his fair share of goals. But the team needs to prove that they're as strong across the pitch; familiar Premier League names Pedro Mendes, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho should feature for Portugal. With Spain, Italy and Argentina on the horizon, it won't be easy for the Portuguese, but a strong performance against Brazil would work wonders for confidence and send out a clear message that they're a force to be reckoned with.
Spain
The only big-name nation to lose their opening game, Euro 2008 winners Spain are facing the prospect of qualifying second in their group and meeting Brazil in the knockout stages. Should they win their group, they still have the unenviable task of Portugal, but do the Spanish still have what it takes to break a habit of a lifetime and advance to last four even? If they are to reach the expectations of many, Fernando Torres has to find his match fitness quickly, David Villa needs to start scoring and the service from trio Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso needs to improve on what was a lacklustre display from the midfield in Durban. One could argue that Spain need another dimension; along with the aforementioned midfield, the Spanish impact players are winger Jesus Navas and Barca-bound Cesc Fabregas, more passers. One thing is certain: Spain need to lift their game dramatically if they're going to live up to their 4-1 odds and change history.
World Cup Day 5 Review
Another day, another slew of shit coming straight from the world stage. The day started with New Zealand vs Slovakia. Neither team are expected to win the tournament, and they used that expectation to produce the tournaments fifth draw in as many days. Slovakia started the more likely to produce a goal, and did after 50 minutes of BORING BORING FOOTBALL. Vittek the goalscorer. After half an hour of more shit stain football, New Zealand found an equalizer with virtually the last kick of the game, thanks to Reid. Suffice to say, I was npt impressed by this matchup.
What followed was perhaps the best example of how not to play football kicked off at 3.00 pm GMT. The Ivory Coast took on Portugal in a clash of the titans, west Europe meets west Africa duel to the death. Former world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo struck the post within 10 minutes, and then came the rain. Nobody shot, nobody tried. It was rather terrible, to be honest. Didier Drogba came of in the second half, to the sound of "a true African hero" courtesy of ITV's everyman cunt Peter Drury. Drogba didn't do anything, and the ref called for the end of the game 30 seconds early. What a doll.
The last match of the day was surprisingly refreshing. Unknown superpowers Brazil took on North Korea, a side that has been flown from a country that requires you to cry when the national anthem is played. The Koreans did very, very well for about 50 minutes, before some "Brazilian magic" led to the first goal of the match, thanks for Maicon. The Brazilians managed to carve their way through the Korea, and former Manchester City player Elano finished after 72 minutes. Game over? Well, no.
Korea knew anything less than a win would equal death apon their families, so they played some great, great football, and they were rewarded when Ji Yun-Nam carved the Brazilian defence apart. They were unfortunate not to score again.
Day five brought nothing new to the current trend of bad football, but at least we had some form of excitment. And we have North Korea to thank for that. Lets hope somthing new happens on day 6.
What followed was perhaps the best example of how not to play football kicked off at 3.00 pm GMT. The Ivory Coast took on Portugal in a clash of the titans, west Europe meets west Africa duel to the death. Former world player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo struck the post within 10 minutes, and then came the rain. Nobody shot, nobody tried. It was rather terrible, to be honest. Didier Drogba came of in the second half, to the sound of "a true African hero" courtesy of ITV's everyman cunt Peter Drury. Drogba didn't do anything, and the ref called for the end of the game 30 seconds early. What a doll.
The last match of the day was surprisingly refreshing. Unknown superpowers Brazil took on North Korea, a side that has been flown from a country that requires you to cry when the national anthem is played. The Koreans did very, very well for about 50 minutes, before some "Brazilian magic" led to the first goal of the match, thanks for Maicon. The Brazilians managed to carve their way through the Korea, and former Manchester City player Elano finished after 72 minutes. Game over? Well, no.
Korea knew anything less than a win would equal death apon their families, so they played some great, great football, and they were rewarded when Ji Yun-Nam carved the Brazilian defence apart. They were unfortunate not to score again.
Day five brought nothing new to the current trend of bad football, but at least we had some form of excitment. And we have North Korea to thank for that. Lets hope somthing new happens on day 6.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Asian Report By Nathan Sinclair
Asian Report with your Host…..
Nathan ‘
영국의 소 개’Sinclair
Now after I looked in depth at my family history I found out I have nothing to do with Asia at all. Well I have family that live in Australia but that don’t count apparently according to Willoughby.
Now I am going to look at the world cup through the eyes of someone from Asia. So that is four teams. Australia, Japan, South Korea and the legends themselves North Korea. Each team so far has played in the cup with only half the sides winning. I will give you now a little depth of the each side and how they played so far.
First up Australia….
Now they had a really good show in qualifying. They jumped into the Asia grouping after they moved from the Oceania groupings and by god they did well. They only let in one goal the whole time and were unbeaten the whole way through their group. So to me that is very impressive. Yet it came to their first match in group D against Germany and all the goals that were never to be in qualifying. Got them all in one with a shocking 4-0 defeat which I feel they completely deserve it. It was a poor show and Cahill got sent off yes for something silly but it could have been dangerous.
Second Japan…
Now they have never won a game outside of their home country of well Japan. Now in their qualifying group they finished as the runner up to the group and showed a good show throughout. Then it came to the finals. What would they do? Fail all the games? No score a goal? Or actually win a game away from Japan? Well you would of never guessed it but….. THEY DID IT!! JAPAN WON A GAME OUTSIDE OF JAPAN!!! Same it wasn’t a very good match and they beat their group E ’friends’ and a team I thought were Africa’s best team, Cameroon 1-0.
Thirdly South Korea…
Now they did well. They finished top of their group with 16 points. Just behind their political and well overall rivals North Korea. Can you picture them games? I know I can. But anyway, once they had qualified they went into the hat and came out in group B with Argentina, Greece and Nigeria. Their first game was against opponents that had won the European Championship and were now facing something huge. No not the economic crash but the up keep of Argentina and how they would win. But anyway that’s a different story. It came to the match and they WON! 2-0 against Greece. I bet that helped the depression.
Forth and finally our loving, open friends, NORTH KOREA….
Now they finished second in their grouping. They came from know where and shocked the world. Now I heard that during the matches no one cheered from North Korea and scary as it sounds at a football match I can actually picture it. As Korea DPR now step up to the plate for the big time from no where could they do it? Would they do well in the group of Death? In group G they had five time champions Brazil, a Portugal side that have the worlds most expensive player and the Ivory Coast who people were saying after Cameroons defeat were the best African team since sliced bread. Yet how did they do? Well for a start they made sure that Brazil didn’t score a single goal for 55 minutes and then they kept it like that until Elano scored in the 72nd. Until a piece of magic happened. NORTH KOREA SCORED A FANTASIC GOALS! A player I have never hear of Ji scored on the 89th minute which I thought was the best goal of the night. Next up in the group of now so called ’Death.’ Bring on Portugal and how badly North Korea in this bloggers opinion will score. Will it be 2-1 Korea? 1-0 Korea? I certainly hope so.
This is your Asia blogger Nathan Sinclair signing out. As they say in Korea
안녕히 주무세요or so they say.
Monday, 14 June 2010
The blog; an update
as you may be aware, my posts of late have been slightly lacklusture. I've decided that I cannot single handedly do match reports on every single game. So I have three options. Either I only report on England games, everyone chips in with reports, or I do reports per day.
I'll leave it up to you...
I'll leave it up to you...
Second podcast
Heres the second podcast streamed straight off the blog. ready to download off of itunes soon.
Don't mention the score...
Another day of World Cup 2010, and another big name on the biggest stage of all. 2006 hosts Germany returned to the World Cup with an emphatic 4-0 drubbing of Australia, a side that many fancied as runners-up in Group D. After the first brilliant performance of this year's tournament, the question is on many German lips: are Die Mannschaft good enough to go all the way?
Despite German football's illustrious past successes, history would suggest that Germany aren't destined to be champions this time around. They've not yet won the tournament as a unified nation, and Diego Maradona and Argentina's 1986 Mexico triumph aside, Brazil are the only side to win the tournament on another continent. After lifting the trophy in North America's and Asia's first hostings in 1994 and 2002 respectively, another eight years later, Brazil should be favourites to win the first African World Cup.
However if you are to believe reports, qualifying and warm-up games, Brazil's 2010 side lack flair and Maradona is one of the most incompetent coaches to manage Argentina, as demonstrated perhaps by their inability to crank up to fifth gear in Saturday's 1-0 bore against Nigeria. This is without mentioning the fact that hotly-tipped Spain have never got past the last eight, France are looking lacklustre, the African sides just aren't strong enough and if England aren't plagued by injury, the expectation of the whole country weighs the team down.
As shown yesterday, Germany have a profilic goalscorer in Miroslav Klose, already proven at two World Cups, a supporting striker who can supply or unleash a ferocious shot in Lukas Podolski, two decent playmakers in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil, and top quality young players coming through, Sami Khedira, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer alongside the established names of Klose, Phillipp Lahm and Arne Friedrich.
Germany are certainly making a case for changing history, and this side seems to be just as strong, if not stronger than 2006's and 2002's. Whether 21st Century Germany's famous creaky defence will hold up against potent opposition is yet to be seen; though the young Germans have certainly shown so far however attack can be the best form of defence. Only time will tell whether the famous gold trophy will be heading back to Germany this summer...
Despite German football's illustrious past successes, history would suggest that Germany aren't destined to be champions this time around. They've not yet won the tournament as a unified nation, and Diego Maradona and Argentina's 1986 Mexico triumph aside, Brazil are the only side to win the tournament on another continent. After lifting the trophy in North America's and Asia's first hostings in 1994 and 2002 respectively, another eight years later, Brazil should be favourites to win the first African World Cup.
However if you are to believe reports, qualifying and warm-up games, Brazil's 2010 side lack flair and Maradona is one of the most incompetent coaches to manage Argentina, as demonstrated perhaps by their inability to crank up to fifth gear in Saturday's 1-0 bore against Nigeria. This is without mentioning the fact that hotly-tipped Spain have never got past the last eight, France are looking lacklustre, the African sides just aren't strong enough and if England aren't plagued by injury, the expectation of the whole country weighs the team down.
As shown yesterday, Germany have a profilic goalscorer in Miroslav Klose, already proven at two World Cups, a supporting striker who can supply or unleash a ferocious shot in Lukas Podolski, two decent playmakers in Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil, and top quality young players coming through, Sami Khedira, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer alongside the established names of Klose, Phillipp Lahm and Arne Friedrich.
Germany are certainly making a case for changing history, and this side seems to be just as strong, if not stronger than 2006's and 2002's. Whether 21st Century Germany's famous creaky defence will hold up against potent opposition is yet to be seen; though the young Germans have certainly shown so far however attack can be the best form of defence. Only time will tell whether the famous gold trophy will be heading back to Germany this summer...
Sunday, 13 June 2010
England 1-1 USA
David Cameron was held responsible for Englands failure to beat the Yanks today, after it was revealed Fabio Capello had asked to borrow his crazy ideas machine, and the bugger had no batteries in it.
England went 1-0 up after 4 minutes, when brick shithouse Emile Heskey slid a pass into naughty rascal Steven Gerrard, who placed the ball past the american goal tender Tim Howard. Capello was fuming, as this clearly wasn't a crazy idea. In fact early goals had been scored all day. Capello's fears were justified when Landon Donavon passed the ball to "Englands number 6" Robert Green, who picked the ball up, juggled it for a little bit and threw it in his net. This was one crazy idea Capello wanted to forget.
After a team building exercise at half time (beat the shit out of Robert Green), England knew they needed to score. This was echoed by commentater Clive Tyldesley, who claimed "a goal will help". Unfortunatly, the goal naver came, despite long periods of domination. Heskey came close, before remembering he's shit, and shot at the goal tender, rather than at the "goalnet area". A hopeful ball into an uncharacteristicly crap Wayne Rooney wasn't met by the head that has carried Manchester United for pretty much the whole season as anticipated.
A last minute cameo appearence by Manchester United starlet Own Goal was in vein, and the match ended with the vuvuzelas drowned out by boos from that Portsmouth fan with the tatoos.
So, 1-1. There is much to take from this match however. Like Shaun Wright-Phillips should never play football again. And Emile Heskey should spend a few more hours in shooting practice.
England face Algeria next friday. Lets hope they win that, eh?
England went 1-0 up after 4 minutes, when brick shithouse Emile Heskey slid a pass into naughty rascal Steven Gerrard, who placed the ball past the american goal tender Tim Howard. Capello was fuming, as this clearly wasn't a crazy idea. In fact early goals had been scored all day. Capello's fears were justified when Landon Donavon passed the ball to "Englands number 6" Robert Green, who picked the ball up, juggled it for a little bit and threw it in his net. This was one crazy idea Capello wanted to forget.
After a team building exercise at half time (beat the shit out of Robert Green), England knew they needed to score. This was echoed by commentater Clive Tyldesley, who claimed "a goal will help". Unfortunatly, the goal naver came, despite long periods of domination. Heskey came close, before remembering he's shit, and shot at the goal tender, rather than at the "goalnet area". A hopeful ball into an uncharacteristicly crap Wayne Rooney wasn't met by the head that has carried Manchester United for pretty much the whole season as anticipated.
A last minute cameo appearence by Manchester United starlet Own Goal was in vein, and the match ended with the vuvuzelas drowned out by boos from that Portsmouth fan with the tatoos.
So, 1-1. There is much to take from this match however. Like Shaun Wright-Phillips should never play football again. And Emile Heskey should spend a few more hours in shooting practice.
England face Algeria next friday. Lets hope they win that, eh?
Argentina 1-0 Nigeria
World Cup scally wags Argentina put on a thrilling performance for all of 10 minutes against a peppy looking Nigeria side.
For the most part, some guy called Lionel Messi, whoever he is, bossed play about for the most part of the first ten, with little more than 77 shots in that space of time. One of those shots was wonderfully saved, and pushed out for a corner. 152 year old midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron played a beautiful cross onto the head of Gabriel Heinze, who duefully powered the header home. And that, for the first half at least, was that.
Argentina shut up shop early, and Nigeria didn't really know the rules. You felt sorry for the Africans, who passed the ball about willy nilly, without any consideration for how to score.
After the half time, Nigeria came straight out and attacked. Clearly they'd read the rules, or watched some highlights involving South Korea, because they started to shoot. The shots weren't on target, but you knew they were giving it their all.
And God bless 'em, they tried to play excitingly. Thats more than we can say for Argentina. They were boring.
The whistle blew, and pirate captain look-a-like Diego Maradona hopped off the port bow, and took a swig from his bottle of rum that he had attached to his belt, before making Messi walk the plank.
At the end of all this, a star has been born. Lionel Messi hasn't recieved any praise this season. But if he can come out of the unknown like that, then I cannot wait to see who Serbia produce.
For the most part, some guy called Lionel Messi, whoever he is, bossed play about for the most part of the first ten, with little more than 77 shots in that space of time. One of those shots was wonderfully saved, and pushed out for a corner. 152 year old midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron played a beautiful cross onto the head of Gabriel Heinze, who duefully powered the header home. And that, for the first half at least, was that.
Argentina shut up shop early, and Nigeria didn't really know the rules. You felt sorry for the Africans, who passed the ball about willy nilly, without any consideration for how to score.
After the half time, Nigeria came straight out and attacked. Clearly they'd read the rules, or watched some highlights involving South Korea, because they started to shoot. The shots weren't on target, but you knew they were giving it their all.
And God bless 'em, they tried to play excitingly. Thats more than we can say for Argentina. They were boring.
The whistle blew, and pirate captain look-a-like Diego Maradona hopped off the port bow, and took a swig from his bottle of rum that he had attached to his belt, before making Messi walk the plank.
At the end of all this, a star has been born. Lionel Messi hasn't recieved any praise this season. But if he can come out of the unknown like that, then I cannot wait to see who Serbia produce.
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