Argentina on Sunday, Brazil on Monday, it's a procession for the South American teams, Uruguay are looking very happy, and with Paraguay still in the hunt, there is a possibility for South America to fill all four Semi-Final slots.
Argentina over came a very talented Mexico side, the first goal, along with Lampard's earlier in the day has surely earnt the technology debate a recall at FIFA. 2 yards offside when he heads in Messi's chip, but it was given and it was pretty much one way traffic from there. Mexico can feel disappointed how they went behind, but their performance from there on in didn't look like a team in a hurry to get back into the game. Mexico play lovely football, and play the ball beautifully all over th park, but one slip yesterday allowed Higuain to score Argentina's second and make the second half nothig but a struggle for Mexico. Osorio misjudges the height of the ball, or where it is, and lets higuain in, he still has a lot to do, but holds off the defender well, and rounds the keeper, a great fiinish, but a horrible mistake.
The second half doesn't start much better as Tevez hits a glorious strike on 52 minutes and really the game finishes there. Messi had nothing to do for most of the second half and just seemed to wander around like a tourist, but to be fair, he'd done his job - bar score - in the first. Argentina look impressive, There seem to be very few teams out there who can boast more firepower than them. But they look solid enough in the midfield and the composure Veron added when introduced is always a benefit. Maybe they are a little susceptible at the back, but their yet to be really tested. Mexico didn't exploit the full backs, which is a shame given the talents of Dos Santos on the right and Bautista on the left. The Argentinian defence is protected wonderfully well by the cannibalistic looking Mascherano. Hernandez looks like an exceptionally bright player with a huge future and his strike to give Mexico a consolation goal was wonderful, a great turn and touch out of his feet, the strike let the keeper with no chance.
Mexico got themselved into some very promising positions, but then seemed determined to either come infield rather than attack the right fullback Otamendi, or play behind, there was very little quick service to the front men. Argentina look pretty formidable, as do Brazil, it's all to do for the few European countries left in this.
Brazil played Chile this evening and I guess class will out. Chile have been a revelation this tournament, their full of drive energy and determination, and if it's not going their way, a few dirty tackles as well. Their coach is nicknamed 'loco' which is apparently affectionate, but tinged with a little fear. The man can't sit still and is as animated as his teams football. I'm sorry they're going home, but they had no answers for Brazil's lock-down defence. Sanchez looks a great player as we've seen throughout, and a few better final balls fom him may have seen Julio Cesar with more to do. Brazil were good tonight, you feel there's more in the locker if it's needed, Kaka continued his rehabilitation and looked quicker, sharper and far more dangerous, a thrilling prospect for Holland who they face on Friday. Robinho looked good, though I think he misses Elano a little, the two of them work wonderful patterns. Fabiano is getting better and better, he score a superbly well timed goal this evening, timed his run to perfection and rounded the keeper after Kaka had played him in with the most perfectly weighted ball you're likely to see at this tournament. The first goal came from Juan, strong header from a corner and the most direct goal you're likely to see from Brazil. The third goal was a beautifully placed shot from Robinho after a bursting run from Ramirez in midfield.
Brazil just don't look likely to concede goals, Maicon, Lucio, Juan and Bastos look strong, but with the added protection they got from Gilberto Silva, Ramirez and Alves you wonder if there's a way through, and this without Filippe Melo. Chile tried and tried, but there was just a swarm of gold shirts around them in the box. Julio Cesar looks like he will be the most under worked keeper at the tournament and it wouldn't surprise me if he goes home carrying a little extra weight because he is as good as on holiday.
Holland will have to up their game to beat Brazil, but at the same time, I think the Dutch will give Brazil their hardest test yet. they haven't played particularly well yet but Sneijder is a world class player with incredible vision and ability, Robben looked dangerous today, Elia from the bench has so much pace. Van Persie, if he gets the service is a formidable striker. Van Bommel and De Jong do for the Netherlands what Silva and Melo do for Brazil, it will be a tight affair come friday. I really hope the Netherlands do move out of 2nd gear for this game as so far their just going through the motions. As said before you can only beat the opposition put in front of you and they have done that at a canter. It's as if they look bored after a while. If they step it up against Brazil we could have a classic game. Holland's game today was really nothing to write home about, comfortable winners, it wasn't really a game and Slovakia created a couple of opportunities to make life difficult for the Dutch but didn't take them. European football feels very dull at this world cup, with the exception of Germany.
Monday, 28 June 2010
England left decimated after Germany's shock and Ozil tactics.
Where do you even start after that performance? Lampard's goal or not there was no way England players could justify that performance. Is it Capello's fault? Is it the players? Is the FA? Is it a combination of all three alongside the insular nature of Premier League football and hysteria of the press. These players haven't performed at a major tournament since the Euro's in Portugal in '04, and I may even be seeing that through England tinted glasses. Let's take nothing away from Germany and Joachim Löw, who produced a stunning display of attacking football. They held possession well, the midfield might as well have had a German flag planted in it such was their domination, Ozil was superb, Klose was more than a match for Upson or Terry. Rooney rarely troubled their rather slow defence, but what he did stumble at them they dealt with very well. As they say, you can only defet the opponents put in front of you, and they did that with gusto. just a thought, but are Germany the only team at the World Cup to have a goalkeeper with a credited assist? that first goal was s shocker for England, but Klose did what he had to do very well. If this was 'men against boys' they were very, very old looking men.
Firstly looking at Capello, with papers screaming for his resignation or sacking (which has nothing to do with attitude towards them), is this really the way forward? Where are England going to find another manager of his pedigree? There has to be some responsibility laid at his door when it comes down to his refusal to budge from the rigid 4-4-2 formation that was made to look horribly outdated long before the Germany game. Modern football is a possession game, the physical side is being replaced by technical ability, comfort on the ball and possession built attack. Or, the counter to that is the Uruguay stance or at club level the Mourinho approach. Soaking up the pressure and playing on the counter attack, allowing your opponent to play football in front of you, but not behind. 4-4-2 has been replaced with a fluid 4-3-3 which becomes a 4-5-1 when defending. Attacking full backs are a must at this level, something Brazil have been showing the world for decades. For Capello, is it stubbornness that doesn't allow him to change or the personnel available? Would playing Gerrard just behind Rooney at this World Cup really have made all the difference? Gerrard who has had a lacklustre season for Liverpool and Rooney who's had a torrid time at this tournament.
Capello has an impeccable CV, he has won the domestic title with every club has has managed, AC Milan (4 titles, 1 CL) Real Madrid (2 titles in 2 spells in charge), Roma (1) Juventus (2 - though later stripped after the Calciopoli scandal). Overall he won 7 titles (9 with Juve titles) in 16 seasons as a professional coach. he also led AC Milan on a 58 match unbeaten run. Now where are England going to get another manager with those credentials? Everyone likes Roy Hodgson, he's a man that has experience abroad, is a great tactician and sees things in players maybe others have missed. He is, by all accounts, a man who repeats drills over and over again until they become second nature, not one to nurture natural flair, maybe that would suit England's limited players better. It is only England that has blotted Capello's CV, some of that belongs to him, a large portion must be shared by players and FA alike.
If we're honest, is there a player that was left behind in England that could have made a difference? The players at his disposal were the best we had to offer, and that in itself is a damning indictment of the FA and youth policies across the country. From what I've heard, 8(ish) years ago, the German FA made vast investment in youth football and relaxed eligibility rules for the national side. Since then the players coming through, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Khadeira and Muller, are both diverse and, more importantly taking Germany further down the road of exciting football that Jurgen Klinsmann began 6 years ago. they are all technically gifted footballers who are comfortable on the ball, a few more defender would help, but going forward they are impressive. Where are our equivalent players? Ashley Cole is the last top class defender we've produced, he's 29. Capello took England's weakest squad for many a tournament to South Africa, but it's been on the cards for a while. Anyone remember the players Graham Taylor had to chose from? To go back to the original question, is there a player left in England who could have made a difference? Walcott? Adam Johnson? Richard Wall?
England looked defensively frail all tournament, John Terry had a great game against Slovenia, but that bustle defending doesn't work against a team like Germany, and it's depressing England had to resort to that last ditch tackle style against that type of opposition. Germany passed it round Terry and Upson like training ground mannequins. They were pulled from pillar to post and didn't get near either. There were holes in that defence big enough for James Cordon to exploit. Cole and Johnson allowed Muller and Podolski to look good. Johnson especially offered very little attacking threat throughout, which is supposed to be his main attribute. James Milner should have been attacking the decidedly shaky Jerome Boateng, but instead found himself in the middle of the park, and often within spitting distance of Gerrard, is this the ineveitable outcome of playing 4 central midfielders across the park, or just indiscipline. Schweinsteiger found room all game long. Their 5 man midfield played the extra man beautifully, and Ozil (at 21) looked a very accomplished footballer. there were definitely questions as to how he would perform against a good team, and unfortunately they still remain unanswered. Gareth Barry was outpaced, out-thought, out-played and horribly wasteful in possession. He looked ponderous and uncomfortable, he was there to protect the back four but didn't. It's possible he spent most of the game looking for them such was their positional sense.
Mark Lawrence made a couple of good points, for goals 3 & 4 England had possesion around the German's 18 yard line and managed to concede 15 seconds later. Lampard's free kick was horrendous, which has been true for large portions of the tournament. If there are 8 England players in the box, you have to clear the wall, instead of shooting put a ball in people can attack, otherwise, well, we all saw what happens.
Another question for the FA and Capello, is he the person best placed to turn it around for England, he has seen England at their worst, he knows what it takes to make a winning team, is it time for him to build for the next World Cup. Build a team for 4 years time? The Euro's come as tournament experience, and yes they'll lose games but building a team that's for the future. How many of these players have played their last World Cup? After some of those performances, maybe half.
Is the England job the international equivalent of the current Liverpool position? The poisoned chalice of football. A once great team that has sky high expectations, occasionally perform miracles at which point all associated with the team believe they are world beaters, and then comes the ignominious defeat and then the vitriolic contempt pours forth.
It seems time to breed a new team, the Gerrard/Lampard question has dogged England since Scholes retired and the answer has been obvious, but an alternative has not. Of the 11 starters against Germany, how many have played no just their last tournament, but their last game for England, more than 1 I suspect.
Firstly looking at Capello, with papers screaming for his resignation or sacking (which has nothing to do with attitude towards them), is this really the way forward? Where are England going to find another manager of his pedigree? There has to be some responsibility laid at his door when it comes down to his refusal to budge from the rigid 4-4-2 formation that was made to look horribly outdated long before the Germany game. Modern football is a possession game, the physical side is being replaced by technical ability, comfort on the ball and possession built attack. Or, the counter to that is the Uruguay stance or at club level the Mourinho approach. Soaking up the pressure and playing on the counter attack, allowing your opponent to play football in front of you, but not behind. 4-4-2 has been replaced with a fluid 4-3-3 which becomes a 4-5-1 when defending. Attacking full backs are a must at this level, something Brazil have been showing the world for decades. For Capello, is it stubbornness that doesn't allow him to change or the personnel available? Would playing Gerrard just behind Rooney at this World Cup really have made all the difference? Gerrard who has had a lacklustre season for Liverpool and Rooney who's had a torrid time at this tournament.
Capello has an impeccable CV, he has won the domestic title with every club has has managed, AC Milan (4 titles, 1 CL) Real Madrid (2 titles in 2 spells in charge), Roma (1) Juventus (2 - though later stripped after the Calciopoli scandal). Overall he won 7 titles (9 with Juve titles) in 16 seasons as a professional coach. he also led AC Milan on a 58 match unbeaten run. Now where are England going to get another manager with those credentials? Everyone likes Roy Hodgson, he's a man that has experience abroad, is a great tactician and sees things in players maybe others have missed. He is, by all accounts, a man who repeats drills over and over again until they become second nature, not one to nurture natural flair, maybe that would suit England's limited players better. It is only England that has blotted Capello's CV, some of that belongs to him, a large portion must be shared by players and FA alike.
If we're honest, is there a player that was left behind in England that could have made a difference? The players at his disposal were the best we had to offer, and that in itself is a damning indictment of the FA and youth policies across the country. From what I've heard, 8(ish) years ago, the German FA made vast investment in youth football and relaxed eligibility rules for the national side. Since then the players coming through, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Khadeira and Muller, are both diverse and, more importantly taking Germany further down the road of exciting football that Jurgen Klinsmann began 6 years ago. they are all technically gifted footballers who are comfortable on the ball, a few more defender would help, but going forward they are impressive. Where are our equivalent players? Ashley Cole is the last top class defender we've produced, he's 29. Capello took England's weakest squad for many a tournament to South Africa, but it's been on the cards for a while. Anyone remember the players Graham Taylor had to chose from? To go back to the original question, is there a player left in England who could have made a difference? Walcott? Adam Johnson? Richard Wall?
England looked defensively frail all tournament, John Terry had a great game against Slovenia, but that bustle defending doesn't work against a team like Germany, and it's depressing England had to resort to that last ditch tackle style against that type of opposition. Germany passed it round Terry and Upson like training ground mannequins. They were pulled from pillar to post and didn't get near either. There were holes in that defence big enough for James Cordon to exploit. Cole and Johnson allowed Muller and Podolski to look good. Johnson especially offered very little attacking threat throughout, which is supposed to be his main attribute. James Milner should have been attacking the decidedly shaky Jerome Boateng, but instead found himself in the middle of the park, and often within spitting distance of Gerrard, is this the ineveitable outcome of playing 4 central midfielders across the park, or just indiscipline. Schweinsteiger found room all game long. Their 5 man midfield played the extra man beautifully, and Ozil (at 21) looked a very accomplished footballer. there were definitely questions as to how he would perform against a good team, and unfortunately they still remain unanswered. Gareth Barry was outpaced, out-thought, out-played and horribly wasteful in possession. He looked ponderous and uncomfortable, he was there to protect the back four but didn't. It's possible he spent most of the game looking for them such was their positional sense.
Mark Lawrence made a couple of good points, for goals 3 & 4 England had possesion around the German's 18 yard line and managed to concede 15 seconds later. Lampard's free kick was horrendous, which has been true for large portions of the tournament. If there are 8 England players in the box, you have to clear the wall, instead of shooting put a ball in people can attack, otherwise, well, we all saw what happens.
Another question for the FA and Capello, is he the person best placed to turn it around for England, he has seen England at their worst, he knows what it takes to make a winning team, is it time for him to build for the next World Cup. Build a team for 4 years time? The Euro's come as tournament experience, and yes they'll lose games but building a team that's for the future. How many of these players have played their last World Cup? After some of those performances, maybe half.
Is the England job the international equivalent of the current Liverpool position? The poisoned chalice of football. A once great team that has sky high expectations, occasionally perform miracles at which point all associated with the team believe they are world beaters, and then comes the ignominious defeat and then the vitriolic contempt pours forth.
It seems time to breed a new team, the Gerrard/Lampard question has dogged England since Scholes retired and the answer has been obvious, but an alternative has not. Of the 11 starters against Germany, how many have played no just their last tournament, but their last game for England, more than 1 I suspect.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
La Celeste progress, South Korea show how far they've come.
It's amazing to think that at the start of yesterday, one of Uruguay, South Korea, Ghana or the USA would be in the Semi Finals. That could and should have been England. Now it's Ghana or Uruguay. Uruguay have looked comfortable for most of the tournament, they had a rather sticky and ugly game against the French, which in hindsight you wonder how they didn't win. I would suggest the French were malignant at that point and not yet terminal cases. the Uruguayans have played some superb football, against South Africa they dominated the side and made them look as ordinary as their world ranking suggests.
Here against South Korea both teams started brightly and South Korea were unlucky not to take the lead when a free kick hit with power and swerve had left Muslera scrabbling at thin air, It was only the post that denied Park Chu-Young a goal inside 5 minutes, a beautifully taken free kick. It takes Uruguay less than 2 minutes to rply, with som horrendous defending, Forlan plays in a ball between the keeper, who comes out and misses by a distance and the defenders ,who all remain stationary about 8 yards out and Suarez comes in unmarked to tap into an empty net from a acute angle. It was slightly against the run of play, but anyone defending like that deserves to get punished. Uruguay after a few more little counter attacks sit back and let Korea play in front of them. Uruguay do look comfortable in possession, but they also allow teams the ball when their in front and just watch them play in front of them. It's exactly what South Korea do, they don't use the width enough to make any real difference, just build up play and then when it looks like korea are too close to the Uruguay goal they step in and defend the ball. At one goal up it seems like a risky strategy, and certainly not one you could roll out against some of the more impressive teams in this tournament. Halftime comes with a whimper. Kore start the half brighter and create a few chances before equalizing in the 68th minute, poor keeping from Muslera and Lee Chung-Yong scores from a close range header. It's what the game needed. Uruguay certainly have to capacity to step it up a gear, and Diego Perez in midfield got around the entire park yesteray, his stats for ground covered must be incredible. It takes Uruguay 12 minutes to respond and it's Suarez again, this time scoring a superb goal, picks the ball up near the corner of the box, shifts the ball onto his right foot and bends it past the keeper and in off the post, absolutely beautiful. Korea have a shot cleared off the line, but other than that Uruguay see out the game. Suarez's second goal was beautiful, and I think Uruguay can be a match for a lot of teams here, their strong in defense, and potent on the counter attack. Suarez also shows that his 49 goal season in the Netherlands was backed by a lot of talent and not just on being in the Dutch Eredivisie, where goals have come freely for the likes of Alfonso Alves, Dirk Kuyt and Mateja Kezman.
South Korea have come along way. They made the semi-finals in their home World Cup with some luck ,some dubious refereeing decisions, and immense home support. Since then they've appointed a home grown coach rather than another foreigner - though who could ever live up to Guus Hiddink's legacy??? - and ave showed progress in their football. there's more guile in their play, there seems greater cohesion, and have become more adaptable in their styles of play. They were a little naive against Argentina, but other than that, they've given teams a really good game and deserve to go home proud.
I'd have my money on the Uruguayans to win their quarter-final against Ghana, but it's not s done deal, now they've managed goals from open play. Crucial for Ghana is the return of Prince Boateng, who is growing in stature and maturity very game. You feel him, alongside Essien would have been a very effective partnership.
Here against South Korea both teams started brightly and South Korea were unlucky not to take the lead when a free kick hit with power and swerve had left Muslera scrabbling at thin air, It was only the post that denied Park Chu-Young a goal inside 5 minutes, a beautifully taken free kick. It takes Uruguay less than 2 minutes to rply, with som horrendous defending, Forlan plays in a ball between the keeper, who comes out and misses by a distance and the defenders ,who all remain stationary about 8 yards out and Suarez comes in unmarked to tap into an empty net from a acute angle. It was slightly against the run of play, but anyone defending like that deserves to get punished. Uruguay after a few more little counter attacks sit back and let Korea play in front of them. Uruguay do look comfortable in possession, but they also allow teams the ball when their in front and just watch them play in front of them. It's exactly what South Korea do, they don't use the width enough to make any real difference, just build up play and then when it looks like korea are too close to the Uruguay goal they step in and defend the ball. At one goal up it seems like a risky strategy, and certainly not one you could roll out against some of the more impressive teams in this tournament. Halftime comes with a whimper. Kore start the half brighter and create a few chances before equalizing in the 68th minute, poor keeping from Muslera and Lee Chung-Yong scores from a close range header. It's what the game needed. Uruguay certainly have to capacity to step it up a gear, and Diego Perez in midfield got around the entire park yesteray, his stats for ground covered must be incredible. It takes Uruguay 12 minutes to respond and it's Suarez again, this time scoring a superb goal, picks the ball up near the corner of the box, shifts the ball onto his right foot and bends it past the keeper and in off the post, absolutely beautiful. Korea have a shot cleared off the line, but other than that Uruguay see out the game. Suarez's second goal was beautiful, and I think Uruguay can be a match for a lot of teams here, their strong in defense, and potent on the counter attack. Suarez also shows that his 49 goal season in the Netherlands was backed by a lot of talent and not just on being in the Dutch Eredivisie, where goals have come freely for the likes of Alfonso Alves, Dirk Kuyt and Mateja Kezman.
South Korea have come along way. They made the semi-finals in their home World Cup with some luck ,some dubious refereeing decisions, and immense home support. Since then they've appointed a home grown coach rather than another foreigner - though who could ever live up to Guus Hiddink's legacy??? - and ave showed progress in their football. there's more guile in their play, there seems greater cohesion, and have become more adaptable in their styles of play. They were a little naive against Argentina, but other than that, they've given teams a really good game and deserve to go home proud.
I'd have my money on the Uruguayans to win their quarter-final against Ghana, but it's not s done deal, now they've managed goals from open play. Crucial for Ghana is the return of Prince Boateng, who is growing in stature and maturity very game. You feel him, alongside Essien would have been a very effective partnership.
Donovan journeys home as Black Star safari continues.
USA are going home, knocked out by, an at times rampant, Ghana. Ghana who have created numerous chances in their opening three games were still to score from open play in the competition, that was to change in Rustenberg. It was as early as the 5th minute that Ghana took the lead through a great strike from Prince Boateng, possession was given away in the middle of the field by clark and Boateng ran at DeMerit and left him for pace, he finished inside Howard's near post with a low drive. Howard should probably done more to cut down the angle, but if you give away possession that cheaply in that position, you're always going to open yourselves up for punishment. Ghana deserved their lead despite the earliness of it's arrival and for the first 35 minutes really dominated the game. It wasn't until that final 10 minutes of the half USA even looked alive. During he break Bradley Snr made some decisive changes, dropping a striker into the midfield to make it 5 across the park meant they found themselves with a lot more possession and Donovan certainly started to make an impression and really come into the game. Bradley Jnr bgan to drive Team USA forward and Ghana started to look nervous. Boateng seemed to have decided to shoot from anywhere and squandered a number of promising situations. USA finally got an equaliser from the spot, but not before seeing some great chances either wasted or denied by drawing some fine saves from Kingston. Donovan made no mistake with the penalty, he may have put the ball slightly wider than anticipated as the ball clipped the post on the way in.
After that, USA continued to dominate and ghana looked lukcy to still be in the game. Prince Boateng had to be withdrawn with what looked liked hamstring problems and on came Appiah, and what a difference he made. Boateng was superb in the first half, driving forward and forcing USA to defend, but as the game progressed he got himself isolated too often and gave away possession when Ghana needed to keep possession and take the pace out of the game. Appiah really started to make that happe, Donovan also got quieter and quieter. Especially when it came to extra time (or overtime if you prefer) in fact he was near anonymous. Ghana onc again came out the blocks quickly and took the lead within 3 minutes of kicking off. Gyan stood strong when running onto a long ball from Ayew he pushes past Bocanegra and drills the ball home, Howard didn't have a chance, the balls past him before he can react. This lead to a nervous finish but the USA seemed to run out of ideas. Donovan seemed to slip from view and Dempsey seemd to be spending more and more time trying to draw cheap fouls from the referee by going over a lot, not pretty. Ghana were definitely deserving of their win and become only the second African team to make it to the quarter-finals of a World Cup, 20 years after Cameroon in Italia '90.
Landon Donovan showed in his brief time at Everton he is a player of quality and can play in a real league and I for one hope he returns to the Premier League. He has ability, touch and vision, which mixed with his All-American athleticism makes for a good player. It's just a shame when he gives interviews, in one he claimed the USA could beat any team at this tournament, which was a little overstating it. Then there was his 'journey' interview, with tears, it was horribly American, as if he'd watched to much American Idol. It's been his dream for so long, this voyage is allowing him to use his God given abilities and show people what he can do. Unfortunately he wasn't picked to go through to the next round, so now his is a long journey home.
If all is to be believed, Africa is, for now a country not a continent and they have their team in the Quarter Finals. Fully deserved and a date with Uruguay awaits, it'll be a tougher game, but not impossible. Diego Forlan and Suarez are a much trickier pair to deal with than Altidore and Donovan. The Black Stars are in a position to make history if they can over come 'La Celeste'.
After that, USA continued to dominate and ghana looked lukcy to still be in the game. Prince Boateng had to be withdrawn with what looked liked hamstring problems and on came Appiah, and what a difference he made. Boateng was superb in the first half, driving forward and forcing USA to defend, but as the game progressed he got himself isolated too often and gave away possession when Ghana needed to keep possession and take the pace out of the game. Appiah really started to make that happe, Donovan also got quieter and quieter. Especially when it came to extra time (or overtime if you prefer) in fact he was near anonymous. Ghana onc again came out the blocks quickly and took the lead within 3 minutes of kicking off. Gyan stood strong when running onto a long ball from Ayew he pushes past Bocanegra and drills the ball home, Howard didn't have a chance, the balls past him before he can react. This lead to a nervous finish but the USA seemed to run out of ideas. Donovan seemed to slip from view and Dempsey seemd to be spending more and more time trying to draw cheap fouls from the referee by going over a lot, not pretty. Ghana were definitely deserving of their win and become only the second African team to make it to the quarter-finals of a World Cup, 20 years after Cameroon in Italia '90.
Landon Donovan showed in his brief time at Everton he is a player of quality and can play in a real league and I for one hope he returns to the Premier League. He has ability, touch and vision, which mixed with his All-American athleticism makes for a good player. It's just a shame when he gives interviews, in one he claimed the USA could beat any team at this tournament, which was a little overstating it. Then there was his 'journey' interview, with tears, it was horribly American, as if he'd watched to much American Idol. It's been his dream for so long, this voyage is allowing him to use his God given abilities and show people what he can do. Unfortunately he wasn't picked to go through to the next round, so now his is a long journey home.
If all is to be believed, Africa is, for now a country not a continent and they have their team in the Quarter Finals. Fully deserved and a date with Uruguay awaits, it'll be a tougher game, but not impossible. Diego Forlan and Suarez are a much trickier pair to deal with than Altidore and Donovan. The Black Stars are in a position to make history if they can over come 'La Celeste'.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Group stages end in a whimper.
Friday saw the last of the group stages and Group G ended with one of the disappointments of the World cup so far. Brazil vs Portugal could have been a delightful game, but 7 yellow cards in the first half was the big talking point in a game that turned petty, niggly and tedious, who would hve thought that possible in a game involving Ronaldo. He never really came alive in this game, which seems to be the story of his tournament so far. Clarence Seedorf believes, until Ronaldo can grab Portugal as a team and drag them kicking and screaming through a game he'll struggle to convince he's an all time great. Messi, though he hasn't scored has assists and had a tangible influence on the Argentine team. He willing to run for the team,to make plays for the team and drive the team forward. Ronaldo is a great player, a magnificnet player, but he doesn't seem to inspire Portugla in the same way, how many times have we seen him drive high in to the stands when other, simper options were on. We did see him hit a wonderful strike against Ivory Coast in the first game of the group. this game promised much in the build up but filed to deliver anything. Part of that is dow to Ivory Coast not playing for the win against Portugal, they needed to make the mot of that game, and Portugal were definitely beatable that day. Instead they played out a draw, then Portugal's disarmament of North Korea meant Ivory Coast needed a Portugal loss and a 10 goal swing to go with it. Ivory coast managed a 3-0 win over DPR Korea, better than the Brazilians result it was all in vain.
Group H met with a variety outcome possible, any one of Spain, Chile or Switzerland could have been going home after this game. Chile have become my one of my favorite teams at the tournament, they onyl know how to play football one way and that's forward. Attack, attack, attack. this game was set up to be a beauty. Spain needed to win to progress, Chile needed a point to guarantee a last 16 place and Switzerland needed to win and some either Spain to lose or beat Chile convincingly. Whilst I can admire the way the Swiss took down Spain, as there's no point trying to outplay them. It's like having a dance off with Carlos Acosta. The problem I then have with the Swiss and it's the same with the Greeks, is, that;s their only way of playing football. there's no adventure, going forward they look cumbersome and unimaginative. The competition is a better place now their heading home, the promotion of dour football is not what people wasn't to see at a World Cup. So Switzerland drew with Honduras and I can't imagine there are a whole host of people soory to see them leave. Honduras, tried but progression never looked likely and in an Adrian Chiles patronising voice, they were just happy to be there.
Spain Chile was a great game though, it was a shame to see a man sent off, and whilst the second yellow card seemed harsh, he was a touch lucky to still be on the pitch at that point. The downside for Chile is how many players they have suspended for the Brazil game, I think the count is 3 possibly 4. Spain looked great whilst Torres was on the pitch but lost their way once he left the field. his finishing is looking as rusty as the tin man in monsoon season, but what he does seem to do is offer a physical threat up front and allows David Villa to play around him. Certainly Villa looked far more dangerous attacking in from the left hand side than he did as a lone striker once Torres had gone. Torres is judged on what he allows the other players to do, plus the aerial threat he offers in the box means the wide man has a purpose and a target when crossing. Torres' aerial threat is well documented and he adds a focal point. The fact that Villa looks comfortable coming in from the left if good news for Barca fans, and may see Ibrahimovic paired with him next season. he's also so tricky to pick up from that position and with his direct running into the box is inviting penalties throughout the game. He really is one of the best strikers in the world, (I won money on him at Euro 08 as top scorer and got marvelously good odds on him as well). Spain took the lead on 24 minutes and seemed to wrap the game up with the second on 37. Villa's goal was phenomenal. The keeper came all of 20 yards out to tackle Torres but didn't find touch, instead finds Villa who first time lets fly from the left touchline 40 yards out and curls the ball beautifully into the back of the net. Iniesta's finish for the second is equally delightful, a placed side foot curler round the keeper, lovely stuff. Chile had had the best of the opening exchanges but looked dead and buried at this point as Estrada gets his second yellow and has to leave the field. After this Chile made it to half time, but still came out attacking the game and scored 2 minutes after the restart. From then on it was a great game, and as mentioned before, once Torres letf the field of play, Villa looked a little lost up front on his own and Chile despite being a man down really took the game to Spain and were a little unlucky not to come away with a point and top the group, thus avoiding Brazil in the next round. It was a shame that of the four games played, only one was worth the wait.
Group H met with a variety outcome possible, any one of Spain, Chile or Switzerland could have been going home after this game. Chile have become my one of my favorite teams at the tournament, they onyl know how to play football one way and that's forward. Attack, attack, attack. this game was set up to be a beauty. Spain needed to win to progress, Chile needed a point to guarantee a last 16 place and Switzerland needed to win and some either Spain to lose or beat Chile convincingly. Whilst I can admire the way the Swiss took down Spain, as there's no point trying to outplay them. It's like having a dance off with Carlos Acosta. The problem I then have with the Swiss and it's the same with the Greeks, is, that;s their only way of playing football. there's no adventure, going forward they look cumbersome and unimaginative. The competition is a better place now their heading home, the promotion of dour football is not what people wasn't to see at a World Cup. So Switzerland drew with Honduras and I can't imagine there are a whole host of people soory to see them leave. Honduras, tried but progression never looked likely and in an Adrian Chiles patronising voice, they were just happy to be there.
Spain Chile was a great game though, it was a shame to see a man sent off, and whilst the second yellow card seemed harsh, he was a touch lucky to still be on the pitch at that point. The downside for Chile is how many players they have suspended for the Brazil game, I think the count is 3 possibly 4. Spain looked great whilst Torres was on the pitch but lost their way once he left the field. his finishing is looking as rusty as the tin man in monsoon season, but what he does seem to do is offer a physical threat up front and allows David Villa to play around him. Certainly Villa looked far more dangerous attacking in from the left hand side than he did as a lone striker once Torres had gone. Torres is judged on what he allows the other players to do, plus the aerial threat he offers in the box means the wide man has a purpose and a target when crossing. Torres' aerial threat is well documented and he adds a focal point. The fact that Villa looks comfortable coming in from the left if good news for Barca fans, and may see Ibrahimovic paired with him next season. he's also so tricky to pick up from that position and with his direct running into the box is inviting penalties throughout the game. He really is one of the best strikers in the world, (I won money on him at Euro 08 as top scorer and got marvelously good odds on him as well). Spain took the lead on 24 minutes and seemed to wrap the game up with the second on 37. Villa's goal was phenomenal. The keeper came all of 20 yards out to tackle Torres but didn't find touch, instead finds Villa who first time lets fly from the left touchline 40 yards out and curls the ball beautifully into the back of the net. Iniesta's finish for the second is equally delightful, a placed side foot curler round the keeper, lovely stuff. Chile had had the best of the opening exchanges but looked dead and buried at this point as Estrada gets his second yellow and has to leave the field. After this Chile made it to half time, but still came out attacking the game and scored 2 minutes after the restart. From then on it was a great game, and as mentioned before, once Torres letf the field of play, Villa looked a little lost up front on his own and Chile despite being a man down really took the game to Spain and were a little unlucky not to come away with a point and top the group, thus avoiding Brazil in the next round. It was a shame that of the four games played, only one was worth the wait.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
It's Czechs mates for Italy's tournament tumble
Italy go home with very few peoples sympathy. It's not like the French, who imploded and were a disgrace to eveyone concerned. A country that couldn't have been more true to their stereotypes without wearing berets and strings of onions. The Italians can have little complaint. Whilst there were moments of irony, where the inventors of feigning injury and over-egging challenges in the name of time-wasting were disparaging of opposition engaging in the same dark art. Oh Italy, how the mighty have fallen, 4 yers ago World Champions, now bottom of the group behind New Zealand, who - having never won a single point at a World Cup finals before - did All White...
There is the goal that never was, or was it? where Skrtel cleared off the line, but did it cross the line? From every angle available it's impossible to tell, so well played linesman, who had a terrific game, the later offside call was also spot-on though so tight there could have been no complaints had the goal stood. It's hard to feel sympathy for the Italians because in three games they only stepped up the play looking for a win in the final 15 minutes of the final game. In 270 minutes of football they only looked to press for 15 minutes and for that they deserve to go home. Lippi has a lot to answer for, how Iaquinta can justify 3 starts is beyond me, did he even register a real shot on target? Why, after the impact he made after coming on against Paraguay did Camoranesi not start the second game or even feature in this last game? Cannavaro is a legend, he is a great defender. Once or twice he got turned against Paraguay, but otherwise looked composed and I for one thought he was still good enough to be here. But the way he's been twisted and turned, and worse the way he's failed to deal with balls dinked over the top shows a man out of his depth. He just can't play to the standard required and Lord knows what would have happened if he came up against Argentina, Chile or Brazil. Italy were lacklustre in midfield and played so deep you'd think they were playing for a draw. they were too long in possession at the back and played themselves into difficulty, it was as if playing long would bring shame on all their houses.
All three Slovakia goals were well taken especially the third with it being the scorers first touch since coming on the pitch, a lovely little lift over the keeper after a beautiful run into the box from 35 yards. But the defence was decidedly un-Italian for all of them. the first was a sloppy pass in their final third of the pitch which left the defence wide open and the keeper had no chance at his bottom left hand corner. The second was a a finish from a tight angle, but born from a corner, the Italians conceding from a set piece is a relatively new phenomenon. The third, a runner who isn't picked up, runs onto a flick and lifts the ball over the keeper without being challenged, it's a stunning finish, not only because it's his first touch of the ball but we've seen people scared or unable to lift the ball over onrushing keepers so far. Slovakia were a different side this game, they came out attacking and played that way for the 96 minutes. They knew they had to win to progress and came out to give it a go. Italy, also with their fate in their own hands never looked like they wanted to score until it was too late. Their second was the goal of the tournament. To have the guts to chip the keeper from 22 yards in the 90th minute. Quigliarella finds the only place possible and chips the ball over the keeper, it is the deftest of chips and whether it is out of desperation or vision it is exquisite. In the end it's not enough, Pepe makes poor contact on a cross and sends it wide when he really should have done better in the 94th minute but Italy go out, and deservedly so.
Italy will talk about the goal that never was and blame that for their exit, but if they really want a reason they need to look closer to home. Appointing a 37 year old captain, the competition as a while let alone as captain looked a burden too far for Cannavaro. Clive Tylsedale screamed that his career was terminated tonight - as if he was going to be shot for public spectacle after the game - but this is a man who was world class in Germany '06 and led his team admirably to be world champions, but this was a step too far. some of that responsibility has to lie with Lippi, can a man turn down the captaincy? It was too little too late for Italy, they had three games, they had to play New Zealand, most teams at the games would've given sacrifices to have been drawn against them but Italy went behind to them but never really threatened to win it. They never attacked the Slovaks until it was too late. Complacency cost them, and maybe a sense of entitlement. Whist New Zealand can leave with heads held high, having not lost a game at this tournament, Italy go home in a state of disarray. They were nothing short of poor. There was no urgency - until it was to late - and no creativity, how they must have longed for the days they could leave Del Piero on the bench. Pirlo was injured, but is there no one else? Where have the Italian masters gone? If this is the future of Italian football then it's a long road back. Maybe one of the telltale signs was Inter Milan winning the Champions League without an Italian in the lineup.
Oh, and Paraguay deservedly topped the group. Is this South America's World Cup? It looks so.
There is the goal that never was, or was it? where Skrtel cleared off the line, but did it cross the line? From every angle available it's impossible to tell, so well played linesman, who had a terrific game, the later offside call was also spot-on though so tight there could have been no complaints had the goal stood. It's hard to feel sympathy for the Italians because in three games they only stepped up the play looking for a win in the final 15 minutes of the final game. In 270 minutes of football they only looked to press for 15 minutes and for that they deserve to go home. Lippi has a lot to answer for, how Iaquinta can justify 3 starts is beyond me, did he even register a real shot on target? Why, after the impact he made after coming on against Paraguay did Camoranesi not start the second game or even feature in this last game? Cannavaro is a legend, he is a great defender. Once or twice he got turned against Paraguay, but otherwise looked composed and I for one thought he was still good enough to be here. But the way he's been twisted and turned, and worse the way he's failed to deal with balls dinked over the top shows a man out of his depth. He just can't play to the standard required and Lord knows what would have happened if he came up against Argentina, Chile or Brazil. Italy were lacklustre in midfield and played so deep you'd think they were playing for a draw. they were too long in possession at the back and played themselves into difficulty, it was as if playing long would bring shame on all their houses.
All three Slovakia goals were well taken especially the third with it being the scorers first touch since coming on the pitch, a lovely little lift over the keeper after a beautiful run into the box from 35 yards. But the defence was decidedly un-Italian for all of them. the first was a sloppy pass in their final third of the pitch which left the defence wide open and the keeper had no chance at his bottom left hand corner. The second was a a finish from a tight angle, but born from a corner, the Italians conceding from a set piece is a relatively new phenomenon. The third, a runner who isn't picked up, runs onto a flick and lifts the ball over the keeper without being challenged, it's a stunning finish, not only because it's his first touch of the ball but we've seen people scared or unable to lift the ball over onrushing keepers so far. Slovakia were a different side this game, they came out attacking and played that way for the 96 minutes. They knew they had to win to progress and came out to give it a go. Italy, also with their fate in their own hands never looked like they wanted to score until it was too late. Their second was the goal of the tournament. To have the guts to chip the keeper from 22 yards in the 90th minute. Quigliarella finds the only place possible and chips the ball over the keeper, it is the deftest of chips and whether it is out of desperation or vision it is exquisite. In the end it's not enough, Pepe makes poor contact on a cross and sends it wide when he really should have done better in the 94th minute but Italy go out, and deservedly so.
Italy will talk about the goal that never was and blame that for their exit, but if they really want a reason they need to look closer to home. Appointing a 37 year old captain, the competition as a while let alone as captain looked a burden too far for Cannavaro. Clive Tylsedale screamed that his career was terminated tonight - as if he was going to be shot for public spectacle after the game - but this is a man who was world class in Germany '06 and led his team admirably to be world champions, but this was a step too far. some of that responsibility has to lie with Lippi, can a man turn down the captaincy? It was too little too late for Italy, they had three games, they had to play New Zealand, most teams at the games would've given sacrifices to have been drawn against them but Italy went behind to them but never really threatened to win it. They never attacked the Slovaks until it was too late. Complacency cost them, and maybe a sense of entitlement. Whist New Zealand can leave with heads held high, having not lost a game at this tournament, Italy go home in a state of disarray. They were nothing short of poor. There was no urgency - until it was to late - and no creativity, how they must have longed for the days they could leave Del Piero on the bench. Pirlo was injured, but is there no one else? Where have the Italian masters gone? If this is the future of Italian football then it's a long road back. Maybe one of the telltale signs was Inter Milan winning the Champions League without an Italian in the lineup.
Oh, and Paraguay deservedly topped the group. Is this South America's World Cup? It looks so.
Germans will be Germans.
Germany win the group by beating Ghana 1-0. Ghana qualify in second after Serbia fail to beat the Australians, which is a damning indictment of the Serbians attacking prowess rather that the Australians abilities, they've been average at best this tournament, and by calling themselves the 'Socceroos' make everyone else hate them. Personally I think the name 'shackle-draggers' would've been more appropriate, especially with the distinct lack of pace show throughout this World Cup. Anyway enough about them.
Ghana are a curious outfit, probably the only African team to progress to the last 16 but they seem very reluctant to score from open play, 2 goals scored, both from penaltes. They love to creat chances, they love to create plays up to the edge of the box. then they love to shoot when they should pass, they love to cut inside with an overlap available. They love to pass when they should shoot, and they love to turn chances into goal kicks. How many opportunities did they create without troubling the goalkeeper. How many times did the turn the Germans inside out? How many times did they make the german midfield looks pedestrian, and yet can thy score. NO. Kevin Prince Boateng is a gifted footballer in anyones eyes, so naturally talented, and yet his decision making is on a par with my 7 year old nephew. h's strong, he's quick, he's go great feet and more tattoos that Beckham. But that final ball just eludes him, how Ghana missed the able Appiah beside him,or the irrepressible Essien, just to give him some support, some maturity, some option. Or to start Muntari for his experience. They can beat the USA, they can beat them comfortably, Ghaa are more instinctive footballers, they look like they should play, not like they've been taught, and that is part of the reason they can give anyone a game at this tournament. They carry the hopes of Africa and a quarter-final place is certainly within reach. I for one will be a Black Star until it returns to West Africa.
But what of Germany. They started so strong, though flattered by the pedestrian Australians. From there it's been shakey from the usually efficient Germans. Youngest squad ever taken to a tourament, and some would say the most entertaining. Schweinsteiger was dominant in the first game, but once he was put under some real pressure the loss of Ballack becomes more apparent - who knew! Ozil is a player of quality and with an exceptionally bright future ahead of him. The strike for the only goal of the game against Ghana took real composure and skill. He's a cracking player and is in a team tat won't peak until the next World Cup, they're exciting and adventurous, with players like Muller, Ozil, Khedira, Lahm and Neuer all to mature they really are a team to watch for the next Euro's and then World Cup. The game against England could and should be a really exciting game. you've got a team that's at it's last tournament together, and have (apparently) underachieved, against a team that is young and on the way up. It's unfortunate in a sense as one of them has to leave, and so far this is far from Europe's World Cup with two of the traditional 'powerhouses' going home bottom of their group. It's hard to see either England or Germany winning the tournament, but whoever comes out of this game the victors will have great confidence going forward to meet the goal shy Argentinians.
Ghana are a curious outfit, probably the only African team to progress to the last 16 but they seem very reluctant to score from open play, 2 goals scored, both from penaltes. They love to creat chances, they love to create plays up to the edge of the box. then they love to shoot when they should pass, they love to cut inside with an overlap available. They love to pass when they should shoot, and they love to turn chances into goal kicks. How many opportunities did they create without troubling the goalkeeper. How many times did the turn the Germans inside out? How many times did they make the german midfield looks pedestrian, and yet can thy score. NO. Kevin Prince Boateng is a gifted footballer in anyones eyes, so naturally talented, and yet his decision making is on a par with my 7 year old nephew. h's strong, he's quick, he's go great feet and more tattoos that Beckham. But that final ball just eludes him, how Ghana missed the able Appiah beside him,or the irrepressible Essien, just to give him some support, some maturity, some option. Or to start Muntari for his experience. They can beat the USA, they can beat them comfortably, Ghaa are more instinctive footballers, they look like they should play, not like they've been taught, and that is part of the reason they can give anyone a game at this tournament. They carry the hopes of Africa and a quarter-final place is certainly within reach. I for one will be a Black Star until it returns to West Africa.
But what of Germany. They started so strong, though flattered by the pedestrian Australians. From there it's been shakey from the usually efficient Germans. Youngest squad ever taken to a tourament, and some would say the most entertaining. Schweinsteiger was dominant in the first game, but once he was put under some real pressure the loss of Ballack becomes more apparent - who knew! Ozil is a player of quality and with an exceptionally bright future ahead of him. The strike for the only goal of the game against Ghana took real composure and skill. He's a cracking player and is in a team tat won't peak until the next World Cup, they're exciting and adventurous, with players like Muller, Ozil, Khedira, Lahm and Neuer all to mature they really are a team to watch for the next Euro's and then World Cup. The game against England could and should be a really exciting game. you've got a team that's at it's last tournament together, and have (apparently) underachieved, against a team that is young and on the way up. It's unfortunate in a sense as one of them has to leave, and so far this is far from Europe's World Cup with two of the traditional 'powerhouses' going home bottom of their group. It's hard to see either England or Germany winning the tournament, but whoever comes out of this game the victors will have great confidence going forward to meet the goal shy Argentinians.
Third time lucky for England, but Landon's return journey saves USA
England made it through. Despite talk of who they face next, and the path that could've been, surely the main thing is that their through, I'd take back to back matches against Argentina and Brazil if it meant reaching the knock-out stages. the game against the USA wasn't as calamitous as a drunken me first thought and after sleeping on it, was acceptable. the real worry was the step backwards England took against Algeria, I mean where the fuck do you go from there. John Terry made himself out to be 'The Big I Am'. Though said nothing in the subsequent meeting and was slapped down by bezzie mate Lampard the next day and very publicly by Capello. If there were more experienced English defenders, Terry may have made his last start for England. not the best build up to a must win game. Personally I had England down to win 3-1, so confident was I...it may have been more hope than belief. In the end England came good and dug out a pretty reassured 1-0.
David James was solid and dependable, not asked to do too much, but covered what he had to with confidence, couldn't ask a lot more. terry put in a monster of a block, and with his arms down which must have gone against all his Chelsea instincts (thank God it wasn't Carragher). Matthew Upson made a superb tackle towards the end, timing was perfect, and after a performance where he cleaned up comfortably and cleanly throughout. Glen Johnson still looks like the pitch slopes, downhill when he's attacking, uphill on the way back. How does a man skin an opponent one way on a pitch and struggle to catch him the other, curious. Ashley Cole was good,solid and complete, but ths tournament is the first time I'm feeling he's getting older, he still feels like a new kid in the team but is 29 and a few thing are noticeable, the pace that rectified any mistake isn't what it was, and getting up and down the pitch isn't as carefree. But beyond the back four Gerrard stayed disciplined, Lampard was better (not sure how much that means, surely he's there but for a lack of alternatives), Gary Barry was wasteful and gave away possession with some really sloppy passes. Milner was a revelation on the right, pace or not, Lennon could learn from him. create a yard of space and after a few 'range finder' attempts puts crosses into the danger area time after time. is he the future of English football? Maybe. Also his maturity in seeing out the game in the corner of the pitch was way beyond his years, how many times have we seen players get towards the flag and then put in a speculative ball instead of running it into the corner? Well played Milner, a sterling effort. Rooney looked more like himself, not the running, shooting passing creative machine of Manchester United, but closer than we'd seen in the competition. There's time for Rooney, and if he can't spark against the Germans, then maybe he's not the international player we think. Defoe, little Jermaine Defoe, the publics opinion of him has never matched his own, yet he was there when it counted, A real poachers goal and well played to the man, he was lost under a barrage of high balls for a while, but anything coming in from the wings he looked lively. Great movement, great pace and great composure when it mattered. Unlucky not to get a couple.
This was a performance we could be happy with, and this was a performance that maybe was growing in the USA match but was stunted with the Green effect. There is still no excuse for what we saw against Algeria, but England are on the way. I was sorry that Slovenia missed out so late on. Caello must have been baffled, the team he made in the qualifiers were nowhere to be found in the first 6 days of the tournament, that's not bad management, that's players leaving their comfort zone and finding the hype might not be the truth, and worst of all the media that loves them in the premiership might vilify them internationally. Capello is a great manager, there is no arguing with that, and whatever happens he made England a better team, I hope he's there post-tournament whatever happens from here on. the one question I do have is, why, when Joe Cole came on did Cole not move out to the left and Gerrard move into the middle, surely that would've suited both parties and J.Cole wouldn't have given the ball away as often as he did in the last 5 minutes. Other than that, in Capello I trust.
Landon Donovan believes the USA can beat anyone at this World Cup. Really? Really landycakes is that what you think? Ghane for the Quarter-finals anyone?
David James was solid and dependable, not asked to do too much, but covered what he had to with confidence, couldn't ask a lot more. terry put in a monster of a block, and with his arms down which must have gone against all his Chelsea instincts (thank God it wasn't Carragher). Matthew Upson made a superb tackle towards the end, timing was perfect, and after a performance where he cleaned up comfortably and cleanly throughout. Glen Johnson still looks like the pitch slopes, downhill when he's attacking, uphill on the way back. How does a man skin an opponent one way on a pitch and struggle to catch him the other, curious. Ashley Cole was good,solid and complete, but ths tournament is the first time I'm feeling he's getting older, he still feels like a new kid in the team but is 29 and a few thing are noticeable, the pace that rectified any mistake isn't what it was, and getting up and down the pitch isn't as carefree. But beyond the back four Gerrard stayed disciplined, Lampard was better (not sure how much that means, surely he's there but for a lack of alternatives), Gary Barry was wasteful and gave away possession with some really sloppy passes. Milner was a revelation on the right, pace or not, Lennon could learn from him. create a yard of space and after a few 'range finder' attempts puts crosses into the danger area time after time. is he the future of English football? Maybe. Also his maturity in seeing out the game in the corner of the pitch was way beyond his years, how many times have we seen players get towards the flag and then put in a speculative ball instead of running it into the corner? Well played Milner, a sterling effort. Rooney looked more like himself, not the running, shooting passing creative machine of Manchester United, but closer than we'd seen in the competition. There's time for Rooney, and if he can't spark against the Germans, then maybe he's not the international player we think. Defoe, little Jermaine Defoe, the publics opinion of him has never matched his own, yet he was there when it counted, A real poachers goal and well played to the man, he was lost under a barrage of high balls for a while, but anything coming in from the wings he looked lively. Great movement, great pace and great composure when it mattered. Unlucky not to get a couple.
This was a performance we could be happy with, and this was a performance that maybe was growing in the USA match but was stunted with the Green effect. There is still no excuse for what we saw against Algeria, but England are on the way. I was sorry that Slovenia missed out so late on. Caello must have been baffled, the team he made in the qualifiers were nowhere to be found in the first 6 days of the tournament, that's not bad management, that's players leaving their comfort zone and finding the hype might not be the truth, and worst of all the media that loves them in the premiership might vilify them internationally. Capello is a great manager, there is no arguing with that, and whatever happens he made England a better team, I hope he's there post-tournament whatever happens from here on. the one question I do have is, why, when Joe Cole came on did Cole not move out to the left and Gerrard move into the middle, surely that would've suited both parties and J.Cole wouldn't have given the ball away as often as he did in the last 5 minutes. Other than that, in Capello I trust.
Landon Donovan believes the USA can beat anyone at this World Cup. Really? Really landycakes is that what you think? Ghane for the Quarter-finals anyone?
Greeks try to tidy Messi up, Yakubu lowers his price tag
Argentina are wonderful to watch, they slowly came to life in their first game against the Nigerians, ran rampant over the South Koreans and were almost bored to death by the 10 man defense of Greece. Gutierrez being suspended tonight was a small blessing in disguise for Maradona as he was able to try out a more traditional right-back without dropping one of his favoured players. If Burdisso was hoping to impress and make this position his own as the competition progresses the he had a shocking audition. The relative ease with which Samaras turned him or had him beaten is a worry, Samaras, who had a terrible time at Manchester City before they got rich and Stuart Pearce got an England job and who has scored a heady 13 goals in all competitions at Celtic this season in the truly competitive SPL. Samaras fashioned a few chances, mainly of his own making, maybe if he had teammates that ventured past the halfway line he'd have a little more luck.
Messi was man marked all game, it was a torrid afternoon for him and just the width of the post denied him a goal in the final 10 minutes of the game. the great thing to admire about the little magician is his temperament, he doesn't get angry, he doesnt throw temper tantrums, he just gets on with his football, believes in his abilities and plays in his teammates as quick as possible. Glad that they scored and glad that they progressed, incredible that Maradona can rest Tevez and Higuain bringing in Milito and Aguero - who looked incredibly sharp - as back-up.
Also glad to see Greece go home, whilst Switzerland's defeat of Sain was grudgingly admirable, Greece know no other wy of playing football, and whilst it's a way to grind out result when you're chasing a game and there is no other way it's a sad indictment of your players. Even when they were chasing the game to stay in the competition they kept 9 men behind the ball. Compare that too Uruguay, they play some very defensive football but it's beautifully balanced with incisive attacking football. Their coach Oscar Tabarez has a quote from Che Guevara about 'toughening up but never losing your tenderness' and that pretty much sums up their football.
The groups other game saw Korea go through to the last 16 with a 2-2 draw with Nigeria. It's taken Nigeria this long to wake up and it turned out to be to little to late, and wasteful indeed. Yakubu whilst guiding home an assured penalty missed a chance that can only be described as golden. 4 yards out, open net, and he puts it out for a goal kick. That would have been the equaliser ad they then won the penalty 5 minutes later. Football is a game of ifs and buts and Nigeria will be going home feeling 'if only'.
Messi was man marked all game, it was a torrid afternoon for him and just the width of the post denied him a goal in the final 10 minutes of the game. the great thing to admire about the little magician is his temperament, he doesn't get angry, he doesnt throw temper tantrums, he just gets on with his football, believes in his abilities and plays in his teammates as quick as possible. Glad that they scored and glad that they progressed, incredible that Maradona can rest Tevez and Higuain bringing in Milito and Aguero - who looked incredibly sharp - as back-up.
Also glad to see Greece go home, whilst Switzerland's defeat of Sain was grudgingly admirable, Greece know no other wy of playing football, and whilst it's a way to grind out result when you're chasing a game and there is no other way it's a sad indictment of your players. Even when they were chasing the game to stay in the competition they kept 9 men behind the ball. Compare that too Uruguay, they play some very defensive football but it's beautifully balanced with incisive attacking football. Their coach Oscar Tabarez has a quote from Che Guevara about 'toughening up but never losing your tenderness' and that pretty much sums up their football.
The groups other game saw Korea go through to the last 16 with a 2-2 draw with Nigeria. It's taken Nigeria this long to wake up and it turned out to be to little to late, and wasteful indeed. Yakubu whilst guiding home an assured penalty missed a chance that can only be described as golden. 4 yards out, open net, and he puts it out for a goal kick. That would have been the equaliser ad they then won the penalty 5 minutes later. Football is a game of ifs and buts and Nigeria will be going home feeling 'if only'.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Hosts take short ride home, French should be made to walk.
It's the end of the group stages and the hosts stay at home but can put their boots away. They've left the World Cup with pride and have came out with real credit. They've played above themselves certainly in 2 of the 3 games and have so far hosted a superb World Cup.
France had a very varied line-up from the first couple of games, but after their recent conduct I'm surprised Domenach could find 11 players who'd line up for him. they have been a disgrace and deserve nothing more than to be going home. they almost repeated the 2002 trick of not scoring a single goal in the group stages but Malouda at least stopped that happening. France have been a disgrace, a squad in disarray, more mob than team, they could hardly be more French, just a few berets and some onion strings would complete the picture.
South Africa came into today with progression to the next round a real outside possibility, they would need a 4 goal swing for it too happen and hope the Hispanic nations didn't jut play ou a draw. there was a point just after half-time where it looked like the fairytale may just come true, I'm not sure many witch doctors lucky chickens bones would have foretold it, but the dream was very much alive. A goal was ruled out, a few chances went begging, and they hit the post when really they should have scored. Once France scored, really the writing was on the wall and by the end of the game they looked out on their feet. Pienaar played some lovely through balls and definitely added composure to the midfield. Tshabalala was as wonderful as he was against Mexico, his game against Uruguay was one to forget, but today he was superb, played some deft through balls, one of which really should have resulted in a goal, he gave width, pace and some really mature decision making.
I'm sorry their tournament is done but they leave with heads held high, their singing and dancing onto the pitch reminded many of us why we love this game so much. They gave us a wonderful opening goal to the competition and celebration to boot. I'm sorry to lose them but have nothing but praise for Bafana Bafana.
Uruguay and Mexico had a game that could easily have been played out for a draw to guarantee both a place in the last 16, but fear of facing Diego's Argentina as runners-up seemed to spur them on. Mexico met Argentina in the knockout phase in Germany 06 and provided one of the games of the competition but at the cost of progression. Mexico play some wonderful football and Giovanni seems to be coming into his own. Blanco is willing his body to catch up with his mind but he adds real composure and leadership. Hernandez could well be a steal for United at £7.5m judging performances so far. Uruguay stuttered against France, made the most of a off form South africa and played with enough guile and strength to overcome the Mexicans. A clash with South Korea in the next phase won't be too daunting for them, and with Forlan pulling the strings like a blonde Gepetto they should be in the last 8.
Iteems unlikely Africa will have a team present in the last 16 which is a real disappointment, but the hosts can be proud, France on the other hand should be made to pay their own expenses for this shambolic display.
France had a very varied line-up from the first couple of games, but after their recent conduct I'm surprised Domenach could find 11 players who'd line up for him. they have been a disgrace and deserve nothing more than to be going home. they almost repeated the 2002 trick of not scoring a single goal in the group stages but Malouda at least stopped that happening. France have been a disgrace, a squad in disarray, more mob than team, they could hardly be more French, just a few berets and some onion strings would complete the picture.
South Africa came into today with progression to the next round a real outside possibility, they would need a 4 goal swing for it too happen and hope the Hispanic nations didn't jut play ou a draw. there was a point just after half-time where it looked like the fairytale may just come true, I'm not sure many witch doctors lucky chickens bones would have foretold it, but the dream was very much alive. A goal was ruled out, a few chances went begging, and they hit the post when really they should have scored. Once France scored, really the writing was on the wall and by the end of the game they looked out on their feet. Pienaar played some lovely through balls and definitely added composure to the midfield. Tshabalala was as wonderful as he was against Mexico, his game against Uruguay was one to forget, but today he was superb, played some deft through balls, one of which really should have resulted in a goal, he gave width, pace and some really mature decision making.
I'm sorry their tournament is done but they leave with heads held high, their singing and dancing onto the pitch reminded many of us why we love this game so much. They gave us a wonderful opening goal to the competition and celebration to boot. I'm sorry to lose them but have nothing but praise for Bafana Bafana.
Uruguay and Mexico had a game that could easily have been played out for a draw to guarantee both a place in the last 16, but fear of facing Diego's Argentina as runners-up seemed to spur them on. Mexico met Argentina in the knockout phase in Germany 06 and provided one of the games of the competition but at the cost of progression. Mexico play some wonderful football and Giovanni seems to be coming into his own. Blanco is willing his body to catch up with his mind but he adds real composure and leadership. Hernandez could well be a steal for United at £7.5m judging performances so far. Uruguay stuttered against France, made the most of a off form South africa and played with enough guile and strength to overcome the Mexicans. A clash with South Korea in the next phase won't be too daunting for them, and with Forlan pulling the strings like a blonde Gepetto they should be in the last 8.
Iteems unlikely Africa will have a team present in the last 16 which is a real disappointment, but the hosts can be proud, France on the other hand should be made to pay their own expenses for this shambolic display.
Monday, 21 June 2010
Spain breeze past old haunts, while Swiss are left feeling Chile
Group H is poised to have an exciting final group game. with Chile leading the group on 6 points, Spain and Switzerland following up on 3 points a piece and Honduras propping up the table yet to register a point. You'd think that would be enough for Chile but with their final game against Spain, and Switzerland's final game against Honduras it all becomes quite tense. Spain need to win to guarantee progression, Chile need a point, and Switzerland also need a win and hope Spain don't win by a hatful. It could all come down to the goals you scored against Honduras. Exciting times indeed.
Watching Chile today, heir 100mph style of play was exciting to say the least. The first half left a little to be desired and the referee tried his best to be the main talking point. Brandishing 4 yellow cards in the opening 20 minutes and then a red after an hour. in the end the game had 9 yellow cards to compliment the red in a relatively even tempered affair. Behrami can't have too many complaints for his red, both elbows were used on two different players. Chile played with verve and tempo which at times was their undoing. The sheer pace they play the game with made some decisions rushed and sloppy. I'm not sure how they'll cope with the Spanish as they look a team who could be poicked apart by the short one touch Spanish style. Though they hunted the Swiss down in packs, pressing the ball and cutting out options with relish.
The game really came alive in the second half, Greece broke the Italians record for longest time without conceding at the finals and once the Chileans had the ball in the net but ruled out for offside, it started to look like Switzerland could come out with a point. they didn't threaten at all and were distinctly playing for the draw. Sanchez for Chile is a wonderfully busy player with bags of talent and superb strength and balance. Chile made the break through in the 75th minute when Paredes made a wonderfully timed run to break through on goal round the keeper and had the presence of mind to pick his pass and stand the ball up to the far post where Gonzalez headed into the floor and in off the underside of the bar, beating the defender. From this moment poor decisions and selfish play stopped Chile adding to their tally, they should have been a minimum of two clear when in the 90th minute Derdiyok is 12 yards out with just the keeper to beat after a sublime flick from Bunjaku and sidefoots it past the post. Paredes was the main culprit for Chile missing two glorious chances.
Chile now topping the group are in a rather precarious position, only beating honduras 1-0 leaves them hoping Spain and Switzerland don't find goals in plentiful supply. you fancy Spain to pick Chile apart as their style is electric but somewhat naive. At the same time, goals certainly aren't beyond them. They like other teams from South America are showing that at the moment Europe are somewhat overrated in footballing terms and the South Americans are the continent whose stylings shine brightest.
Switzerland whilst solid in defnece, putting bodies on the line, look clumsy and somewhat clueless going forward. There seems to be no fluidity in their attacking style of play. All but 2 players ook most comfortable in their own half, and some suffer the same glass wall syndrome as Jamie Carragher, once the halfway line looms into view they break out in sweats, shiver a little turn around and head back to the relative safety of their 18 yard box. It's footballers vertigo. Will they find goals hard to come by against Honduras, possibly, they should create chances, but pace, which has left Honduras vulnerable in both their games is in short supply in the Swiss camp.
Spain, as predicted came through unscathed and with a lovely sparkly clean sheet. They've played some delightful football, beautiful to watch. The possession stats will be happy rteading for the Spain management but the scoreline less so, for all their time on the ball just the 2 goals seems poor return, especially when you consider Villa missed a penalty. David Villa showed tonight why he's in such demand, and why Barca were prepared to part with 34 million Euros for his signature. As Jim Beglin said in a rare moment of clarity Spain play 'lovely not lethal' football. Villa was superb, he stated his intent early on with a shot that rattled the bar. It was almost as if he was finding his range as it took him just another 10 minutes to create a beautiful goal for himself ghosting past 2 players into the box and then launching a goal past the keeper. Beautiful. His second a deflected shot had the keeper beat. He was the star player for the Spanish, Xavi pulled his usual strings in midfield and Navas a real improvement on Silva, he made the pitch wider throughout leaving Xavi and Alonso with the luxury of time and space in the middle of the park.
Torres looked slightly off the pace tonight and had chances to get his name on the score sheet, a header that was bread and butter 6 months ago glanced off his head and over the bar, a couple of shots not quite the clean strike taken as second nature, but there's plenty of time for him to find his goalscoring touch and Lord help the team they come up against then. Pique and Puyol had little to do, Busquets was kept busy but not stretched.
Honduras could have been slightly worried before the game start after Portugal's performance earlier in the day. Instead, they can come away with pride having been throughly out played but only conceding the 2 goals through luck, a little good defending and some poor decisions. They are the only team with no chance of progressing, but I think they'll give the Swiss a game, they haven't got too much pace to worry about in the Swiss side and may even create a few chances of their own as the Swiss will have to push forward in search of a win.
This group is going to have a stunning finish, who knows who we'll be seeing in the last 16, it is guaranteed that one will be Spanish speaking, my hunch would be both.
S
Watching Chile today, heir 100mph style of play was exciting to say the least. The first half left a little to be desired and the referee tried his best to be the main talking point. Brandishing 4 yellow cards in the opening 20 minutes and then a red after an hour. in the end the game had 9 yellow cards to compliment the red in a relatively even tempered affair. Behrami can't have too many complaints for his red, both elbows were used on two different players. Chile played with verve and tempo which at times was their undoing. The sheer pace they play the game with made some decisions rushed and sloppy. I'm not sure how they'll cope with the Spanish as they look a team who could be poicked apart by the short one touch Spanish style. Though they hunted the Swiss down in packs, pressing the ball and cutting out options with relish.
The game really came alive in the second half, Greece broke the Italians record for longest time without conceding at the finals and once the Chileans had the ball in the net but ruled out for offside, it started to look like Switzerland could come out with a point. they didn't threaten at all and were distinctly playing for the draw. Sanchez for Chile is a wonderfully busy player with bags of talent and superb strength and balance. Chile made the break through in the 75th minute when Paredes made a wonderfully timed run to break through on goal round the keeper and had the presence of mind to pick his pass and stand the ball up to the far post where Gonzalez headed into the floor and in off the underside of the bar, beating the defender. From this moment poor decisions and selfish play stopped Chile adding to their tally, they should have been a minimum of two clear when in the 90th minute Derdiyok is 12 yards out with just the keeper to beat after a sublime flick from Bunjaku and sidefoots it past the post. Paredes was the main culprit for Chile missing two glorious chances.
Chile now topping the group are in a rather precarious position, only beating honduras 1-0 leaves them hoping Spain and Switzerland don't find goals in plentiful supply. you fancy Spain to pick Chile apart as their style is electric but somewhat naive. At the same time, goals certainly aren't beyond them. They like other teams from South America are showing that at the moment Europe are somewhat overrated in footballing terms and the South Americans are the continent whose stylings shine brightest.
Switzerland whilst solid in defnece, putting bodies on the line, look clumsy and somewhat clueless going forward. There seems to be no fluidity in their attacking style of play. All but 2 players ook most comfortable in their own half, and some suffer the same glass wall syndrome as Jamie Carragher, once the halfway line looms into view they break out in sweats, shiver a little turn around and head back to the relative safety of their 18 yard box. It's footballers vertigo. Will they find goals hard to come by against Honduras, possibly, they should create chances, but pace, which has left Honduras vulnerable in both their games is in short supply in the Swiss camp.
Spain, as predicted came through unscathed and with a lovely sparkly clean sheet. They've played some delightful football, beautiful to watch. The possession stats will be happy rteading for the Spain management but the scoreline less so, for all their time on the ball just the 2 goals seems poor return, especially when you consider Villa missed a penalty. David Villa showed tonight why he's in such demand, and why Barca were prepared to part with 34 million Euros for his signature. As Jim Beglin said in a rare moment of clarity Spain play 'lovely not lethal' football. Villa was superb, he stated his intent early on with a shot that rattled the bar. It was almost as if he was finding his range as it took him just another 10 minutes to create a beautiful goal for himself ghosting past 2 players into the box and then launching a goal past the keeper. Beautiful. His second a deflected shot had the keeper beat. He was the star player for the Spanish, Xavi pulled his usual strings in midfield and Navas a real improvement on Silva, he made the pitch wider throughout leaving Xavi and Alonso with the luxury of time and space in the middle of the park.
Torres looked slightly off the pace tonight and had chances to get his name on the score sheet, a header that was bread and butter 6 months ago glanced off his head and over the bar, a couple of shots not quite the clean strike taken as second nature, but there's plenty of time for him to find his goalscoring touch and Lord help the team they come up against then. Pique and Puyol had little to do, Busquets was kept busy but not stretched.
Honduras could have been slightly worried before the game start after Portugal's performance earlier in the day. Instead, they can come away with pride having been throughly out played but only conceding the 2 goals through luck, a little good defending and some poor decisions. They are the only team with no chance of progressing, but I think they'll give the Swiss a game, they haven't got too much pace to worry about in the Swiss side and may even create a few chances of their own as the Swiss will have to push forward in search of a win.
This group is going to have a stunning finish, who knows who we'll be seeing in the last 16, it is guaranteed that one will be Spanish speaking, my hunch would be both.
S
Portuguese show more art without Deco
3 goals inside 10 minutes finished DPR Korea's world cup. Portugal had a slow start and Ronaldo especially spent most of the first half as a spectator. Korea set themselves up with a slightly more attacking formation than against Brazil but to little effect. Portugal went in at the break leading 1-0 but with questions still to be answered. Half-time looked like it may be Korea's saviour as they became increasingly over-run, a time to settle, regroup and then step it up in the second half. Instead they came out and conceded within 7 minutes and then 10 minutes. The second goal seemed to kill off any chance of a game and the third one came from a team with their heads down. 4-0 on the hour mark made this a comfortable game for the Portuguese and restored some pride after their feeble first outing.
Portugal will take heart from this game and go into the last tie agaisnt Brazil knowing Ivory Coast have it all to do with goal difference likely to be a decider for second place. Ronaldo had a quiet game, but got his first goal for Portugal in nearly 2 years, but started to come into it in the second half, but not before the game was already beyond doubt. It would have been nice to see him influence the game whilst it was still tight. North Korea weren't the same side from their opening game, but still gave a good account of themselves in the opening 45 minutes. Going in one down you're still in the game, but losing 3 goals in 15 minutes leaves you with an impossible task. Goals 5,6 and 7 seemed slightly cruel to a side that gave such a good account of themselves previously.
The injury to Deco may well have been a blessing in disguise, he looks like this is a tournament too far as his season at Chelsea was nothing short of disastrous. Without him in the middle and the inclusion of Tiago, Portugal looked quicker on the ball and more inventive. Deco slows play and takes that touch too many. Merieles looked a different player, and the inclusion of Simao from the start certainly helped. Whether we see Deco play again is certainly a question for Queiroz to consider, or for now he may be coming on from the bench.
DPR Korea will be going home, and with high hopes of getting something out of this game especially after Portugal looked decidedly average against the Ivory Coast. Instead they go home with mixed emotions, pride from their initial performance and disappointment with how they capitulated in game 2.
Portugal will take heart from this game and go into the last tie agaisnt Brazil knowing Ivory Coast have it all to do with goal difference likely to be a decider for second place. Ronaldo had a quiet game, but got his first goal for Portugal in nearly 2 years, but started to come into it in the second half, but not before the game was already beyond doubt. It would have been nice to see him influence the game whilst it was still tight. North Korea weren't the same side from their opening game, but still gave a good account of themselves in the opening 45 minutes. Going in one down you're still in the game, but losing 3 goals in 15 minutes leaves you with an impossible task. Goals 5,6 and 7 seemed slightly cruel to a side that gave such a good account of themselves previously.
The injury to Deco may well have been a blessing in disguise, he looks like this is a tournament too far as his season at Chelsea was nothing short of disastrous. Without him in the middle and the inclusion of Tiago, Portugal looked quicker on the ball and more inventive. Deco slows play and takes that touch too many. Merieles looked a different player, and the inclusion of Simao from the start certainly helped. Whether we see Deco play again is certainly a question for Queiroz to consider, or for now he may be coming on from the bench.
DPR Korea will be going home, and with high hopes of getting something out of this game especially after Portugal looked decidedly average against the Ivory Coast. Instead they go home with mixed emotions, pride from their initial performance and disappointment with how they capitulated in game 2.
Brazil start to find their rhythm
In a game that lacked any real quality in the first 45 minutes, a few moments suggested at a Brazil team waiting to break out. The interplay for the first goal was lovely and weight on Kaka's ball to Fabiano was perfect. His finish was unstoppable, from that angle there was only a small amount of goal to aim for and the power he hit the ball with meat it had passed the keeper before he could react. Elano, before his unfortunate substitution was once again on of the best players on the pitch, Sven swore by him at Manchester City, Hughes was unconvinced, and the rest of the premier league let him saunter off to Turkey, well more fool them. Robinho looked dangerous in the first 60 minutes, he played some lovely touches, seemed to pop up all over the pitch and will have left City fans both disappointed and annoyed they never really got to see this player play as he can. Kaka looked slightly off the pace, but as the game wore on he started to catch up. Fabiano's second goal was delightfully finished but the handballs certainly helped and maybe take the shine of it a little.
Ivory Coast never really got going partly due to the superb Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva who shut everything down in the midfield and partly due to Sven's tactics which left Drogba alone up the pitch at times 35 yards from his nearest team mates. After the second goal on 50 minutes you'd think Ivory Coast would have really started to throw caution to the wind, but no, substitutions were all like for like and the highly influential Gervinho started on the bench. As many England fans will know adventure is not Sven's strong point, well not on the pitch anyhow, and it was too little too late when Drogba scored with 12 minutes to go. By that point they were 3 down and the contest was already over.
Brazil's 3rd goal scored by Elano was beautifully crafted and Elano ghosted in front of the defender who had gone too sleep to finish. We definitely saw the stirrings of the Brazilian football we all know and love, it was on the up and hopefully against Portugal we'll see more of the same. There were two downers for the Brazilian party, Elano going off injured and Kaka's ridiculous red card. Kaka will miss the last group game, but that may not be such a bad thing, the more time he has to get fit and allow his injuries to recover the better for him, Brazil and the tournament. And everyone knows the best strip is a Brazilian strip.
Ivory Coast never really got going partly due to the superb Felipe Melo and Gilberto Silva who shut everything down in the midfield and partly due to Sven's tactics which left Drogba alone up the pitch at times 35 yards from his nearest team mates. After the second goal on 50 minutes you'd think Ivory Coast would have really started to throw caution to the wind, but no, substitutions were all like for like and the highly influential Gervinho started on the bench. As many England fans will know adventure is not Sven's strong point, well not on the pitch anyhow, and it was too little too late when Drogba scored with 12 minutes to go. By that point they were 3 down and the contest was already over.
Brazil's 3rd goal scored by Elano was beautifully crafted and Elano ghosted in front of the defender who had gone too sleep to finish. We definitely saw the stirrings of the Brazilian football we all know and love, it was on the up and hopefully against Portugal we'll see more of the same. There were two downers for the Brazilian party, Elano going off injured and Kaka's ridiculous red card. Kaka will miss the last group game, but that may not be such a bad thing, the more time he has to get fit and allow his injuries to recover the better for him, Brazil and the tournament. And everyone knows the best strip is a Brazilian strip.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
New Zealand's turn to win 1-1
After a newspaper in the States declared America won 1-1 against England, surely this is a win of even greater significance. New Zealand came into the game having secured their first ever World Cup point against Slovakia with a 93rd minute equaliser. Winston Reid may have thought he'd written his name into New Zealand sport history when he rose to head home in injury time. Instead the very next game the All Whites raised themselves as a team to hold the World Champions to a 1-1 draw. There may have been a suspicion of offside for the All Whites goal, but there's a fair amount of Italian luck in the penalty awarded around the 30 minute mark. To hold out for the resulting 60 minutes and reduce Italy to shots from 20/25 yards is a remarkable achievement. special mention must be made of Ryan Nelsen who was a man mountain for NZ, and Paston made some exceptional saves after a somewhat shaky World Cup debut in game 1.
Italy on the on other hand must be slightly worried, like England, and like the implosive French the first game can be seen as a blip, an rusty start, the second game feels like the beginning of a pattern. Lippi has brought a significant number of his 2006 winners side with him, and his talisman Cannavaro got turned far too easily by Wood late on, who was unlucky not to hit a winner. The stats show Italy wiht over 70% possession and Camoranesi looked their best player when he once again came off the bench. What must be a worry forItaly is the lack of clear cut chances they provided, shots from outside the box hinted at Italy's lack of a star striker, or lack of faith in Iaquinta. Worrying times for the Azzurri team as goals seem to be at a premium. But that nothing away from the All Whites who as a team have ruined Winston Reid's solo attempt at glory with a team performance outstanding in nature.
The other game in this group, which is easy to over look after the drama and headlines of the Italy games was Paraguay taking on Slovakia. In the first game Paraguay were fierce and went hard against the Italians taking a point. Against Slovakia they looked a far more capapble team. Santa Cruz, in the starting line up this time though not quite match fit, looked composed and brought a certain amount of guile and calm to the side. He played in his teammates with some nice touches and gave them a target man up front. He held the ball up well and brought players into play. Slovakia never really got going, or looked like a team with many ideas. After conceding the injury time equaliser against New Zealand a point was a minimum requirement from this game especially with Italy their last opponents. Weiss the winger was wasteful in possession and inventiveness certainly isn't a forte, but whilst there wa only a single goal in it there's always a chance as they found out to their peril in game 1. When Paraguay scored the second late on there as no way back.
South America are certainly looking the continent of choice so far in this World Cup, thus far a South American team hasn't lost.
Italy on the on other hand must be slightly worried, like England, and like the implosive French the first game can be seen as a blip, an rusty start, the second game feels like the beginning of a pattern. Lippi has brought a significant number of his 2006 winners side with him, and his talisman Cannavaro got turned far too easily by Wood late on, who was unlucky not to hit a winner. The stats show Italy wiht over 70% possession and Camoranesi looked their best player when he once again came off the bench. What must be a worry forItaly is the lack of clear cut chances they provided, shots from outside the box hinted at Italy's lack of a star striker, or lack of faith in Iaquinta. Worrying times for the Azzurri team as goals seem to be at a premium. But that nothing away from the All Whites who as a team have ruined Winston Reid's solo attempt at glory with a team performance outstanding in nature.
The other game in this group, which is easy to over look after the drama and headlines of the Italy games was Paraguay taking on Slovakia. In the first game Paraguay were fierce and went hard against the Italians taking a point. Against Slovakia they looked a far more capapble team. Santa Cruz, in the starting line up this time though not quite match fit, looked composed and brought a certain amount of guile and calm to the side. He played in his teammates with some nice touches and gave them a target man up front. He held the ball up well and brought players into play. Slovakia never really got going, or looked like a team with many ideas. After conceding the injury time equaliser against New Zealand a point was a minimum requirement from this game especially with Italy their last opponents. Weiss the winger was wasteful in possession and inventiveness certainly isn't a forte, but whilst there wa only a single goal in it there's always a chance as they found out to their peril in game 1. When Paraguay scored the second late on there as no way back.
South America are certainly looking the continent of choice so far in this World Cup, thus far a South American team hasn't lost.
Double Dutch and the Danish save their bacon
Holland are guaranteed a place in the last 16 after two wins in two rather unconvincing wins. Taking on the ever industrious Japanese the Dutch walked out 1-0 winners. It wasn't by any means the most entertaining of games and the Netherlands will be progressing without coming close to the type of football people were hoping or indeed that the Dutch themselves were expecting to play. It's a good place to be, in the last 16, missing one of your world class players and - in theory - still have your best football ahead of you. The decision to go with both Sneijder and Van der Vaart insted of adding a natural wide man again made the Dutch sluggish in midfield as it became over crowded with no outlet out wide except Dirk Kuyt who is as unspectacular for Holland as he is for Liverpool. Japan harried and carried for the whole game. They were lacking in attacking guile and flair but certainly had opportunities to draw themselves level. Tulio looks a fairly accomplished player and Honda's work rate puts even Kuyt to shame. The energy they expend in pressing the ball is phenomenal and rarely did they look like flagging during the 90 minutes.
Once Elia was brought on and the game spread out a little that things started to change, Japan struggled to press with such efficiency as the amount of ground they had to cover increased by almost a third. Holland with a quick wide man certainly looked likely to create more, but also allowed the Japanese to move more freely through the middle. De Jong and Van Bommell really showed their worth at crucial moment during this game. With Robben yet to feature and Van Persie not quite up to pace, the Dutch can certainly feel things are going in the right direction, and whilst not sparkling, winning is winning.There's a lot more to come from this group of players and Dirk Kuyt will be right there alongside them. Their backline is yet to be tested and cameroon could offer some test with Samuel Eto'o a truly world class striker, as he showed against Denmark.
Denmark will have gone away happy with the win over Cameroon, but the style of the win should leave them in some doubt of progression into the next round. Cameroon are going home after their second defeat, they can consider themselves unlucky with the chances they created. After the failed experiment of playing a world class striker on the wing failed in the first game Paul le Guen -Rangers shortest tenured manager - brought Eto'o into the middle and it brought results almost immediately. Playing on the right for Inter Milan with the likes of Milito at a teams disposal, playing Eto'o on the right when he's far and away your best player is baffling. The commentators (Martin Keown I believe) suggested Samuel Eto'o didn't step up in the first game and rovide the goals he needs to, I'd suggest playing him out of position in this situation leaves him somewhat handicapped. t took him just 10 minutes and some horrendous Danish defence, starting with Sorenson to get on the score sheet. After that the game became incredibly open. Play was end to end, Rommedahl squandered some promising situations early on before getting his a-game on and setting Bendtner for Denmark's first on the half hour mark a lovely ball across the the face of goal and Bendtner's leg seemed to extend forever in a go-go-gadgetlegs footballing parody. It really was like watching school ground football.
The second half continued in the same vein with both teams coming close, though rarely working the goalkeepers, Sorenson made a couple of smart saves and it was Denmark who finally broke the draw when Rommedahl found himself in the box and created the yard of space he needed and bent the ball round the keeper into the far corner, it was far to easy for him. Tomasson should have put the game beyond doubt with two golden chances but showed the finishing prowess that made him so popular in Newcastle, Stuttgart and Villareal. Cameroon continued to create half chances but a lack of composure, wrong choices, and waayward shooting meant they are the first African team to leave 'Africa's' world cup. I think more could and should have been expected of Cameroon, alas though they're off and Denmark live to fight another day. Next up they face the Japanese, both fighting for a last 16 place. Denmark will be hard pressed to get away with that kind of performance again.
Once Elia was brought on and the game spread out a little that things started to change, Japan struggled to press with such efficiency as the amount of ground they had to cover increased by almost a third. Holland with a quick wide man certainly looked likely to create more, but also allowed the Japanese to move more freely through the middle. De Jong and Van Bommell really showed their worth at crucial moment during this game. With Robben yet to feature and Van Persie not quite up to pace, the Dutch can certainly feel things are going in the right direction, and whilst not sparkling, winning is winning.There's a lot more to come from this group of players and Dirk Kuyt will be right there alongside them. Their backline is yet to be tested and cameroon could offer some test with Samuel Eto'o a truly world class striker, as he showed against Denmark.
Denmark will have gone away happy with the win over Cameroon, but the style of the win should leave them in some doubt of progression into the next round. Cameroon are going home after their second defeat, they can consider themselves unlucky with the chances they created. After the failed experiment of playing a world class striker on the wing failed in the first game Paul le Guen -Rangers shortest tenured manager - brought Eto'o into the middle and it brought results almost immediately. Playing on the right for Inter Milan with the likes of Milito at a teams disposal, playing Eto'o on the right when he's far and away your best player is baffling. The commentators (Martin Keown I believe) suggested Samuel Eto'o didn't step up in the first game and rovide the goals he needs to, I'd suggest playing him out of position in this situation leaves him somewhat handicapped. t took him just 10 minutes and some horrendous Danish defence, starting with Sorenson to get on the score sheet. After that the game became incredibly open. Play was end to end, Rommedahl squandered some promising situations early on before getting his a-game on and setting Bendtner for Denmark's first on the half hour mark a lovely ball across the the face of goal and Bendtner's leg seemed to extend forever in a go-go-gadgetlegs footballing parody. It really was like watching school ground football.
The second half continued in the same vein with both teams coming close, though rarely working the goalkeepers, Sorenson made a couple of smart saves and it was Denmark who finally broke the draw when Rommedahl found himself in the box and created the yard of space he needed and bent the ball round the keeper into the far corner, it was far to easy for him. Tomasson should have put the game beyond doubt with two golden chances but showed the finishing prowess that made him so popular in Newcastle, Stuttgart and Villareal. Cameroon continued to create half chances but a lack of composure, wrong choices, and waayward shooting meant they are the first African team to leave 'Africa's' world cup. I think more could and should have been expected of Cameroon, alas though they're off and Denmark live to fight another day. Next up they face the Japanese, both fighting for a last 16 place. Denmark will be hard pressed to get away with that kind of performance again.
Are they Ghana do it?
Ghana, Ghana, Ghana the Black Stars of my heart, how disappointed must you be today. So far in the competition 2 goals from 2 penalties, and from open play you shoot when you should pass, you pass when you should shoot, and you love to take on the same player twice. Is it a quest for personal glory? Is it just pure football naivety? Is it a combination of the two? Or the loss of your footballing midfield triumvirate Essien, Appiah and Muntari. Essien injured, Appiah creaking and muntari, despite his champions league medal cant get more that 15minutes, surely he's the man with some of the answers, a cooler head, better decision making, a calming influence.
Australia can be proud, after their abject performance against the German's and losing a player, well Harry Kewell, after 24 minutes and to come away with a draw is impressive, you had chances to win it as did Ghana. The best of the chances falling to josh Kennedy who could do no mor than kick the ball into the ground. The Socceroo's, who feel this is the last hurrah of their most talented generation yet, really haven't acquitted themselves, they've played the majority of two games without a striker - and it's unusual not to have at least 2 offensive males in any group of Australians - collapsed against the increasingly diverse Germans, and failed to make the chances count against Ghana. You can't see them getting that kind of room in front of goal against Serbia . Serbia have been pretty uninspiring and dour, but a tight back line should help them see off the Shackle-draggers.
This was Ghana's chance to take control of the group and be the first African team in the last 16, instead they now have it all to do against the Germans, who one would expect to come out with something to prove.
Not taking the chances on offer may have cost both teams the chance of progression. A game of wasted opportunity, I don't think the World Cup Gods will smile on them so freely again.
Australia can be proud, after their abject performance against the German's and losing a player, well Harry Kewell, after 24 minutes and to come away with a draw is impressive, you had chances to win it as did Ghana. The best of the chances falling to josh Kennedy who could do no mor than kick the ball into the ground. The Socceroo's, who feel this is the last hurrah of their most talented generation yet, really haven't acquitted themselves, they've played the majority of two games without a striker - and it's unusual not to have at least 2 offensive males in any group of Australians - collapsed against the increasingly diverse Germans, and failed to make the chances count against Ghana. You can't see them getting that kind of room in front of goal against Serbia . Serbia have been pretty uninspiring and dour, but a tight back line should help them see off the Shackle-draggers.
This was Ghana's chance to take control of the group and be the first African team in the last 16, instead they now have it all to do against the Germans, who one would expect to come out with something to prove.
Not taking the chances on offer may have cost both teams the chance of progression. A game of wasted opportunity, I don't think the World Cup Gods will smile on them so freely again.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
Jabulani indeed
From the Economist
Technology
Babbage
The World Cup ball
Building better balls
Jun 15th 2010, 18:48 by S.S. | SAN FRANCISCO
Many millions of eyes will be closely following the World Cup ball for the next month. What won't be visible, even on the nicest HD televisions, is the engineering that went into making this World Cup's ball, the Jabulani. It is objectively the best one that geometry, materials science and fluid- and aerodynamics allow.
Adidas has been making FIFA's World Cup balls for four decades, since it developed the Telstar for the 1970 tournament in Mexico. The Telstar's design became the archetypal, iconic soccer ball: a sphere out of 32 hexagons and pentagons, the roundest ball possible at the time. The Telstar's alternating black and white panels created great visual contrast on the televisions of the day, improving the eye's ability to see and track the ball even when it was only a few pixels on a screen.
The Telstar's large number of leather panels created an aerodynamically uniform surface, which made it fly true when launched. The many hand-stitched seams turned out to be a problem, though. Seams are stiff, and create corners; kicking one produces different results than kicking a panel, and if a player's boot catches a corner at an imperfect angle, it affects the ball's trajectory. The seams' threads also absorb water and provide an entry point for the leather to do the same, making the ball heavier and much less responsive as play continues. Finally, hand-stitching makes each ball different. A typical match uses 8-10 balls, and having a ball's behaviour change multiple times during the game, however subtly, is unhelpful.
The next three decades of World Cup balls offered incremental improvements on the Telstar design. The 32-panel approach proved aerodynamically hard to beat, but leather gave way to various foams and plastics. These were better able to stay curved (making a rounder ball) and absorbed less water along the edges. Ball performance -- how it bounces off of boots, the ground, heads and bodies -- improved all along, as did flight performance.
The Fevernova ball, built for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea, brought the first major change. Instead of stitching, the plastic panels were thermally bonded together. The ball, thus sealed, didn't absorb water or change weight. The elimination of the seams' hard corners also created a more homogeneous kicking surface, making the ball bounce much better. The Fevernova surprised many players whose only experience had been with stitched balls. During the design process, the engineers also discovered that a completely smooth, seamless surface made the ball fly poorly. The seams were revealed to create turbulence that assists flight stability; grooves were kept between the bonded panels to stabilise the ball in flight without the seams' disadvantages.
The 2006 World Cup in Germany introduced the 14-panel Teamgeist, the first geometric change since the Telstar. More panel surface meant more consistently kickable area, with just enough grooves. Goalies in particular complained about how much faster the Teamgeist played, hampering their attempts to keep it out of the goal. Strikers liked the ball for the same reason.
This year's World Cup ball, the Jabulani, has both defence and offence screaming about speed, spin and accuracy. Development began shortly after Teamgeist was completed, in part to follow up on ideas that appeared during that ball's design process. Adidas reduced the panel count to 8, making it roundest ball so far. The panels are still bonded thermally, but the panel surfaces, even though they're made of relatively grippy plastic, received some texture in the form of 0.1 millimeter dots and dashes. This improves grip further, and also breaks the surface tension of any water on the ball. This gets water off faster than if the surface were smoother, assisting flight stability and keeping the ball's weight as constant as possible. The material used for the shell of the ball also reverts to shape quickly; it takes 4 to 6 milliseconds after a kick deforms the ball during boot impact for the ball to return to its original shape.
The Jabulani's designers say they worked hard to create the most neutral ball they could, which reacts to the player rather than imparting nuances of its own. But even this neutrality makes a difference to players who've gotten used to previous balls' behaviour. Over time, the screaming will certainly subside, as it has in the past, as everyone gets more used to the new ball. While it's not clear whether the Jabulani design will have the longevity of the Telstar's, we can be certain that engineers will be working hard to give us even more ball performance for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. If only someone would now engineer a way to mute all those vuvuzelas.
Technology
Babbage
The World Cup ball
Building better balls
Jun 15th 2010, 18:48 by S.S. | SAN FRANCISCO
Many millions of eyes will be closely following the World Cup ball for the next month. What won't be visible, even on the nicest HD televisions, is the engineering that went into making this World Cup's ball, the Jabulani. It is objectively the best one that geometry, materials science and fluid- and aerodynamics allow.
Adidas has been making FIFA's World Cup balls for four decades, since it developed the Telstar for the 1970 tournament in Mexico. The Telstar's design became the archetypal, iconic soccer ball: a sphere out of 32 hexagons and pentagons, the roundest ball possible at the time. The Telstar's alternating black and white panels created great visual contrast on the televisions of the day, improving the eye's ability to see and track the ball even when it was only a few pixels on a screen.
The Telstar's large number of leather panels created an aerodynamically uniform surface, which made it fly true when launched. The many hand-stitched seams turned out to be a problem, though. Seams are stiff, and create corners; kicking one produces different results than kicking a panel, and if a player's boot catches a corner at an imperfect angle, it affects the ball's trajectory. The seams' threads also absorb water and provide an entry point for the leather to do the same, making the ball heavier and much less responsive as play continues. Finally, hand-stitching makes each ball different. A typical match uses 8-10 balls, and having a ball's behaviour change multiple times during the game, however subtly, is unhelpful.
The next three decades of World Cup balls offered incremental improvements on the Telstar design. The 32-panel approach proved aerodynamically hard to beat, but leather gave way to various foams and plastics. These were better able to stay curved (making a rounder ball) and absorbed less water along the edges. Ball performance -- how it bounces off of boots, the ground, heads and bodies -- improved all along, as did flight performance.
The Fevernova ball, built for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and Korea, brought the first major change. Instead of stitching, the plastic panels were thermally bonded together. The ball, thus sealed, didn't absorb water or change weight. The elimination of the seams' hard corners also created a more homogeneous kicking surface, making the ball bounce much better. The Fevernova surprised many players whose only experience had been with stitched balls. During the design process, the engineers also discovered that a completely smooth, seamless surface made the ball fly poorly. The seams were revealed to create turbulence that assists flight stability; grooves were kept between the bonded panels to stabilise the ball in flight without the seams' disadvantages.
The 2006 World Cup in Germany introduced the 14-panel Teamgeist, the first geometric change since the Telstar. More panel surface meant more consistently kickable area, with just enough grooves. Goalies in particular complained about how much faster the Teamgeist played, hampering their attempts to keep it out of the goal. Strikers liked the ball for the same reason.
This year's World Cup ball, the Jabulani, has both defence and offence screaming about speed, spin and accuracy. Development began shortly after Teamgeist was completed, in part to follow up on ideas that appeared during that ball's design process. Adidas reduced the panel count to 8, making it roundest ball so far. The panels are still bonded thermally, but the panel surfaces, even though they're made of relatively grippy plastic, received some texture in the form of 0.1 millimeter dots and dashes. This improves grip further, and also breaks the surface tension of any water on the ball. This gets water off faster than if the surface were smoother, assisting flight stability and keeping the ball's weight as constant as possible. The material used for the shell of the ball also reverts to shape quickly; it takes 4 to 6 milliseconds after a kick deforms the ball during boot impact for the ball to return to its original shape.
The Jabulani's designers say they worked hard to create the most neutral ball they could, which reacts to the player rather than imparting nuances of its own. But even this neutrality makes a difference to players who've gotten used to previous balls' behaviour. Over time, the screaming will certainly subside, as it has in the past, as everyone gets more used to the new ball. While it's not clear whether the Jabulani design will have the longevity of the Telstar's, we can be certain that engineers will be working hard to give us even more ball performance for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. If only someone would now engineer a way to mute all those vuvuzelas.
Hargreaves should have been the start, not the exception
Owen Hargreaves, born in Calgary to a half English, half Chinese mother, and a half Peruvian, one third Portuguese and one sixth German father (some nationalities may have been added for effect). He was the first player to represent the England team without having lived in the country. He was eligible to play for England, Wales or Canada. There was some consternation amongst the press at the time, like an intruder in the camp, but after the 2006 World Cup he was heralded as England's most important player. A tag that hasn't changed despite his lack of match time in the past 24 months.
Adopting players isn't new, Italy Spain and Portugal have been doing it for years. English cricket has taken on any number of South African's and legitimately so. Lennox Lewis was a Canadian Britain,having boxed for Canada at 2 Olympics winning gold in 1998 in Seoul. When he decided to turn professional he moved to the UK. Some boxing fans considered him to be Canadian at heart and British for convenience. Greg Rusedski another Canadian born, with a British mother and German father. It wasn't until 95 he decided to take up British citizenship.
This year at the World Cup Germany reportedly have 13 players who would have been eligible to play for other countries. Podolski and Klose are both Polish born, Jerome Boateng's brother Kevin Prince is playing for Ghana, Ozil was born to Turkish parents, Cacau is a naturalised Brazilian. France have any number of players eligible outside Les Bleus. Desailly was Ghanaian, Zidane is considered Algeria's favourite son. Eduardo is a Croatian national, he was born in Brazil and moved to Dinamo Zagreb when he was 16. The Irish propensity for finding players is well documented.
Maybe it's time England started looking for talent beyond the English born Premier League players. Time to dig a little deeper. Would it be wrong to ask Mikel Arteta whether he fancies a stroll as an England player? I'm not sure, and right now, he's the type of player we're missing, and his chances of breaking into that Spain midfield is about as likely as Iain Dowie winning a beauty pageant. I'm not saying England should become a footballing home for other nations cast-offs but players who offer something, and also players that have grown up playing in other leagues are going to add something to the team. The complete lack of English players plying their trade in other European leagues (Matt Derbyshire excluded) is woeful. Why not try yourselves in another league, you might learn something, possession retention for example. Would Lampard have benefited from playing in Serie A? I would imagine so, and it would suit his game rather well. Same goes for defenders, why not try out leagues in Spain, Italy, Germany, they're good leagues and learning new football cultures is only beneficial to England FC, but that's another arguement.
In terms of recruiting beyond the EPL, Owen Hargreaves should have been the beginning, not the full extent.
Adopting players isn't new, Italy Spain and Portugal have been doing it for years. English cricket has taken on any number of South African's and legitimately so. Lennox Lewis was a Canadian Britain,having boxed for Canada at 2 Olympics winning gold in 1998 in Seoul. When he decided to turn professional he moved to the UK. Some boxing fans considered him to be Canadian at heart and British for convenience. Greg Rusedski another Canadian born, with a British mother and German father. It wasn't until 95 he decided to take up British citizenship.
This year at the World Cup Germany reportedly have 13 players who would have been eligible to play for other countries. Podolski and Klose are both Polish born, Jerome Boateng's brother Kevin Prince is playing for Ghana, Ozil was born to Turkish parents, Cacau is a naturalised Brazilian. France have any number of players eligible outside Les Bleus. Desailly was Ghanaian, Zidane is considered Algeria's favourite son. Eduardo is a Croatian national, he was born in Brazil and moved to Dinamo Zagreb when he was 16. The Irish propensity for finding players is well documented.
Maybe it's time England started looking for talent beyond the English born Premier League players. Time to dig a little deeper. Would it be wrong to ask Mikel Arteta whether he fancies a stroll as an England player? I'm not sure, and right now, he's the type of player we're missing, and his chances of breaking into that Spain midfield is about as likely as Iain Dowie winning a beauty pageant. I'm not saying England should become a footballing home for other nations cast-offs but players who offer something, and also players that have grown up playing in other leagues are going to add something to the team. The complete lack of English players plying their trade in other European leagues (Matt Derbyshire excluded) is woeful. Why not try yourselves in another league, you might learn something, possession retention for example. Would Lampard have benefited from playing in Serie A? I would imagine so, and it would suit his game rather well. Same goes for defenders, why not try out leagues in Spain, Italy, Germany, they're good leagues and learning new football cultures is only beneficial to England FC, but that's another arguement.
In terms of recruiting beyond the EPL, Owen Hargreaves should have been the beginning, not the full extent.
Leaders required, pace a definite advantage.
That was woeful, truly woeful. If anyone can point out a clear cut England chance please send it too me because apart from a few passes to the Algerian keeper I don't remember one.
It's hard to even know where to start, I think they miss Beckham, they miss an elder statesman a talisman and Beckham is that man.
The scary thing is with Gerrard 30, Lampard 31, Heskey 32, Carragher 32, Terry 29, A.Cole 29 (James is 40 but last night was his first action in a World Cup) England aren't short of experience, they're all at their (minimum) second World Cup, as is Rooney. For some of them, this is their last Coupe de Monde and you'd expect the to want to make the most of it and play with some pride. Can anyone see Lampard for England in 4 years? Terry? certainly not Heskey, and Carragher was lucky to make this one. Maybe Gerrard. Yet they were insipid in play but worst of all leaderless on the pitch. Gerrard looked lost, he had no real drive and in trying to find the ball clogged up an already very packed middle of the park. Lampard's incredible scoring record at Chelsea remains in Chelsea, and Rooney was anonymous. Gerrard just doesn't seem like a leader out there. Maybe Gerrard's worried about the Europa League, the fact that Liverpool's qualifying campaign starts in July and he'll only get a week in Marbella on his way home, maybe he's saving himself for that tiring trip to Liechtenstein, Cyprus or Wales.
England also struggle with the loss of Ferdinand, they seem so scared with the lack of pace in the centre backs their playing deep even when England are in possession. Cole and Johnson can't get as far forward as they need to be available to cover for the middle pairing, plus Terry and Carrgher aren't as assured on the ball as Ferdinand. It limits England and Gerrard playing on the left is dependent on Cole overlapping and giving them width, attacking full backs are essential at international level. I remember the excellent Roberto Carlos and Cafu for Brazil being the most advanced players on the pitch for Brazil, which offered options out wide and created space in the middle for the likes of Ronaldhino, Rivaldo and the real Ronaldo, oh and Kleberson. Johnson and Cole cant get far enough forward for fear of leaving the back exposed.
The other problem with playing this deep is that Barry and Lampard have to play deeper, Capello's normal game plan is possession and pressuring the ball when the opposition have it. But if your back line aren't up towards the halfway line gaps appear, Barry and Lampard can't pressure far into the oppositions half as they leave spaces between the midfield and the defence. By the same token it also means Gerrard, Rooney and Lennon have to drop deeper looking for ball and leave themselves with 8 bodies to beat and a lot of ground between them and goal. Heskey can hold the ball up but he's not a miracle worker, nor can he shoot.
truly disappointing, beat Slovenia and England qualify, the rest of the tournament must be dreaming of playing England in the next round assuming they make it. Also fair play to Algeria, at times they must have believed they could win it, they played with more cohesion, more intent and purpose.
Leaving the pub last night I was crying on the inside and not just at the introduction of Shaun Wright-Phillips.
It's hard to even know where to start, I think they miss Beckham, they miss an elder statesman a talisman and Beckham is that man.
The scary thing is with Gerrard 30, Lampard 31, Heskey 32, Carragher 32, Terry 29, A.Cole 29 (James is 40 but last night was his first action in a World Cup) England aren't short of experience, they're all at their (minimum) second World Cup, as is Rooney. For some of them, this is their last Coupe de Monde and you'd expect the to want to make the most of it and play with some pride. Can anyone see Lampard for England in 4 years? Terry? certainly not Heskey, and Carragher was lucky to make this one. Maybe Gerrard. Yet they were insipid in play but worst of all leaderless on the pitch. Gerrard looked lost, he had no real drive and in trying to find the ball clogged up an already very packed middle of the park. Lampard's incredible scoring record at Chelsea remains in Chelsea, and Rooney was anonymous. Gerrard just doesn't seem like a leader out there. Maybe Gerrard's worried about the Europa League, the fact that Liverpool's qualifying campaign starts in July and he'll only get a week in Marbella on his way home, maybe he's saving himself for that tiring trip to Liechtenstein, Cyprus or Wales.
England also struggle with the loss of Ferdinand, they seem so scared with the lack of pace in the centre backs their playing deep even when England are in possession. Cole and Johnson can't get as far forward as they need to be available to cover for the middle pairing, plus Terry and Carrgher aren't as assured on the ball as Ferdinand. It limits England and Gerrard playing on the left is dependent on Cole overlapping and giving them width, attacking full backs are essential at international level. I remember the excellent Roberto Carlos and Cafu for Brazil being the most advanced players on the pitch for Brazil, which offered options out wide and created space in the middle for the likes of Ronaldhino, Rivaldo and the real Ronaldo, oh and Kleberson. Johnson and Cole cant get far enough forward for fear of leaving the back exposed.
The other problem with playing this deep is that Barry and Lampard have to play deeper, Capello's normal game plan is possession and pressuring the ball when the opposition have it. But if your back line aren't up towards the halfway line gaps appear, Barry and Lampard can't pressure far into the oppositions half as they leave spaces between the midfield and the defence. By the same token it also means Gerrard, Rooney and Lennon have to drop deeper looking for ball and leave themselves with 8 bodies to beat and a lot of ground between them and goal. Heskey can hold the ball up but he's not a miracle worker, nor can he shoot.
truly disappointing, beat Slovenia and England qualify, the rest of the tournament must be dreaming of playing England in the next round assuming they make it. Also fair play to Algeria, at times they must have believed they could win it, they played with more cohesion, more intent and purpose.
Leaving the pub last night I was crying on the inside and not just at the introduction of Shaun Wright-Phillips.
3rd goal in 4th quarter dismissed. What, no overtime?
This result shouldn't have mattered on bit to England, it shouldn't been of any concern, after a small stumble against the USA last week, they will beat Algeria and then Slovenia with ease and stroll into the next round.
Slovenia were minutes away from being the first place to cement their place in the last 16. And having taken a 'two to zero lead' in the first half they really should have been home and dry. But, they then lost concentration and conceded within 3 minutes of the restart. USA applied pressure and Donovan found himself on the flank with acres of room and headed for goal, whilst looking for a cut back he ended up with no option but to lash it hard at goal from point blank range, rippling the roof of the net whilst the impressive Slovenian keeper hid behind the post lest he got hurt. From that point on the USA piled on the pressure, they reviewed their formation and played with 3 defensive outfielders, which given how far Slovenia were dropping back, was a wise move by the American head coach. Suddenly Landon Donovan had more attacking intent and the room to move, Clint Dempsey did well, erm. Anyway, Bradley stepped up and drove the midfield forward with intent and even the American Torres looked like he belonged.
Slovenia dropped deeper and deeper, and in the 82 minute Altidore - the American Heskey - won a ball in the air, knocked it on to Bradley Jr III who makes no mistake, there's 8 minutes left we've tied scores. From then on, both sides are looking to win it, Slovenia make some headway, a drive straight at Howard from Radosavljevic has Howard screaming at his defence like a Congressman at BP employees. The World Policemen get the ball in the net again with 4 minutes of play left but the ref has blown before Edu even made contact, whilst the ref hasn't had the best day, his decision is consistent. Right through this game, any kind of melee in the box has seen him award free kicks to the defending side, not correct but consistent, you can't always have both...
It finishes 2-2, there's no overtime which surprises some of the USA fans who have just bought another hotdog, Nachos and a 64oz bucket of Budweiser. So far in the tournament this was probably the best game in terms of a contest, especially towards the end, both teams thought they could win it. 2-2 a fair result? It would seem so.
Slovenia were minutes away from being the first place to cement their place in the last 16. And having taken a 'two to zero lead' in the first half they really should have been home and dry. But, they then lost concentration and conceded within 3 minutes of the restart. USA applied pressure and Donovan found himself on the flank with acres of room and headed for goal, whilst looking for a cut back he ended up with no option but to lash it hard at goal from point blank range, rippling the roof of the net whilst the impressive Slovenian keeper hid behind the post lest he got hurt. From that point on the USA piled on the pressure, they reviewed their formation and played with 3 defensive outfielders, which given how far Slovenia were dropping back, was a wise move by the American head coach. Suddenly Landon Donovan had more attacking intent and the room to move, Clint Dempsey did well, erm. Anyway, Bradley stepped up and drove the midfield forward with intent and even the American Torres looked like he belonged.
Slovenia dropped deeper and deeper, and in the 82 minute Altidore - the American Heskey - won a ball in the air, knocked it on to Bradley Jr III who makes no mistake, there's 8 minutes left we've tied scores. From then on, both sides are looking to win it, Slovenia make some headway, a drive straight at Howard from Radosavljevic has Howard screaming at his defence like a Congressman at BP employees. The World Policemen get the ball in the net again with 4 minutes of play left but the ref has blown before Edu even made contact, whilst the ref hasn't had the best day, his decision is consistent. Right through this game, any kind of melee in the box has seen him award free kicks to the defending side, not correct but consistent, you can't always have both...
It finishes 2-2, there's no overtime which surprises some of the USA fans who have just bought another hotdog, Nachos and a 64oz bucket of Budweiser. So far in the tournament this was probably the best game in terms of a contest, especially towards the end, both teams thought they could win it. 2-2 a fair result? It would seem so.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Germany pay penalty for imports
first things first, that was a refereeing performance that thankfully, has been a exception rather than a rule. The red card whilst harsh Klose has to take at least a little responsibility. Having been warned about challenging from behind just over a minute later he does the same thing, just catching the Serbian's ankle, it's a weak yellow card, but having been warned, why make the challenge? Also, if you've seen the referee giving out yellow cards for innocuous challenges, and have received one yourself, would you not hold back in your challenges until the break at least. Though let's not take anything away from the referee for a truly wretched performance.
All in all it was a pretty poor game, Serbia looked relatively solid but really quite uninspiring, Germany having had arguably the best game in round 1 (minus Switzerland) put some nice touches together, Klose had at least one good header in the 34 minutes he was on the pitch but didn't make it count. Podolski was wasteful in possession, a number of times, having possession out wide on the left he made the wrong choice, driving for goal rather than crossing, or pushing the ball in front of the keeper rather than an easy pull back. Less than a minute after losing Klose conceded what would be the only goal of the game. It's a lovely goal with a ball from Krasic after getting to the byline, Zigic rises at the back post and heads the ball down to Jovanovic who controls on his chest and beats Neuer with a lovely volley from close range.
The second half started with Germany dominating possession and you'd be hard pushed to guess the team with the extra man. The first 15 minutes belonged to Germany and they were justly rewarded with a penalty on the hour mark. it's Germany, it's a penalty, surely there's only one outcome. Polish born Podolski steps upo and hits a surprisingly weak penalty to the keepers left, no power, poor placement and straight into the keepers body. The keeper, not for the first time failed to hold onto the ball, a weakness that the Germans failed to exploit. Osil and Khedira were the pick of the German players, and Lahm ever consistent. Serbia dealt with everything in the air, especially once Klosse went off. Vidic won near everything in the air for Serbia, but the team mates in front of him did little to relieve the pressure on the defence. Schweinsteiger who was so dominant against Australia struggled to pull the strings in a similar manner this time. A flurry of German substitutes, Gomes, Marin and Cacau failed to make any real impact. Group D is now in the hands of the Black Stars, who wants to finish second now?
All in all it was a pretty poor game, Serbia looked relatively solid but really quite uninspiring, Germany having had arguably the best game in round 1 (minus Switzerland) put some nice touches together, Klose had at least one good header in the 34 minutes he was on the pitch but didn't make it count. Podolski was wasteful in possession, a number of times, having possession out wide on the left he made the wrong choice, driving for goal rather than crossing, or pushing the ball in front of the keeper rather than an easy pull back. Less than a minute after losing Klose conceded what would be the only goal of the game. It's a lovely goal with a ball from Krasic after getting to the byline, Zigic rises at the back post and heads the ball down to Jovanovic who controls on his chest and beats Neuer with a lovely volley from close range.
The second half started with Germany dominating possession and you'd be hard pushed to guess the team with the extra man. The first 15 minutes belonged to Germany and they were justly rewarded with a penalty on the hour mark. it's Germany, it's a penalty, surely there's only one outcome. Polish born Podolski steps upo and hits a surprisingly weak penalty to the keepers left, no power, poor placement and straight into the keepers body. The keeper, not for the first time failed to hold onto the ball, a weakness that the Germans failed to exploit. Osil and Khedira were the pick of the German players, and Lahm ever consistent. Serbia dealt with everything in the air, especially once Klosse went off. Vidic won near everything in the air for Serbia, but the team mates in front of him did little to relieve the pressure on the defence. Schweinsteiger who was so dominant against Australia struggled to pull the strings in a similar manner this time. A flurry of German substitutes, Gomes, Marin and Cacau failed to make any real impact. Group D is now in the hands of the Black Stars, who wants to finish second now?
Storm in a B cup
Argentina are on fire. As a team going forward Argentina are second to none (except the Germans but they played Oz so it doesn't count yet). If ever a team had an embarassment of riches up front the Argies are the team. Milito, Kun Aguero, the irrepressible Tevez, and hat-trick Higuain backed up by Messi and Di Maria. It's unusual to see anyone this top heavy and on a football pitch. They play beautiful attacking football, Messi creates all kinds of problems both with and without the ball. Di Maria is still yet to convince for me, but he does enough. tevez doesn't ever give up, ever. he may make the wrong decision but he never stops, like a footballing nympho. Higuain, missed some great opportunities against nigeria but had to be in the right place to score them and a against Korea he wasn't just in the right place, he found the net like a drunk finds his way home; pure instinct.
There was a moment where it looked like Korea were going to give Argentina a game, at 2-1 the breakaway looked a certainty, the build-up was good, the decisions were good, the passing was great, the finish was weak, not just weak, down right poor. Instead of taking a pop with his left foot across goal he went with the outside of his right and wide. it turns out that was that for Korea and Argentina ran away with it. Even when Diego himself took of Higuain he still replaced him with an attacking layer in Kun, his son-in-law. Korea by no means let themselves down but were met with an Argentina team that had on occasion against Nigeria threatened goals, but here found the rain. I really hope Korea progress and have seen nothing about Greece that would have me think otherwise.
Against Nigeria, Greece only seemed to come alive after the sending off. They still look slow at the back, ponderous in midfield and the coach seems hell bent on hanging onto the remnants of his 2004 Euro success. Ninis is supposed to be the future of Greek football but with so short a time on the pitch how would we know. Pace is short throughout the Greek side so any excuse to introduce it would seem plausible, even a Greek SWP would make sense. Still at least they scored a couple of goals, which may be more than the les Bleus. I still can't see them progressing, the industry and movement of Koreans will, I think, be too much. Their pace and recently acquired guile will leave the Greeks looking for their EasyJet flight home at an airport far from the city.
A happy day for Argentina and, whilst probably short lived, the Greeks. a result likely expected from Korea though maybe not the extent, Nigeria are officially going home, the first team to take that honour. I hav read, and certainly heard (on the ever excellent 'World Cup Daily' with James Richardson) that whilst this is Africa's World Cup it's the Asian teams that seem to have made the progress a lot of people expected the African countries to make. That in fact the Asian teams will far outnumber the African teams in the knockout phase, maybe we're seeing the start of the ris and rise of footballs new 3rd continent. Whilst Africa have, to a degree, stood still, Asia, like their economies, march on.
There was a moment where it looked like Korea were going to give Argentina a game, at 2-1 the breakaway looked a certainty, the build-up was good, the decisions were good, the passing was great, the finish was weak, not just weak, down right poor. Instead of taking a pop with his left foot across goal he went with the outside of his right and wide. it turns out that was that for Korea and Argentina ran away with it. Even when Diego himself took of Higuain he still replaced him with an attacking layer in Kun, his son-in-law. Korea by no means let themselves down but were met with an Argentina team that had on occasion against Nigeria threatened goals, but here found the rain. I really hope Korea progress and have seen nothing about Greece that would have me think otherwise.
Against Nigeria, Greece only seemed to come alive after the sending off. They still look slow at the back, ponderous in midfield and the coach seems hell bent on hanging onto the remnants of his 2004 Euro success. Ninis is supposed to be the future of Greek football but with so short a time on the pitch how would we know. Pace is short throughout the Greek side so any excuse to introduce it would seem plausible, even a Greek SWP would make sense. Still at least they scored a couple of goals, which may be more than the les Bleus. I still can't see them progressing, the industry and movement of Koreans will, I think, be too much. Their pace and recently acquired guile will leave the Greeks looking for their EasyJet flight home at an airport far from the city.
A happy day for Argentina and, whilst probably short lived, the Greeks. a result likely expected from Korea though maybe not the extent, Nigeria are officially going home, the first team to take that honour. I hav read, and certainly heard (on the ever excellent 'World Cup Daily' with James Richardson) that whilst this is Africa's World Cup it's the Asian teams that seem to have made the progress a lot of people expected the African countries to make. That in fact the Asian teams will far outnumber the African teams in the knockout phase, maybe we're seeing the start of the ris and rise of footballs new 3rd continent. Whilst Africa have, to a degree, stood still, Asia, like their economies, march on.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
French Fancies.
Even Mr Kipling wouldn't touch them now. Though I didn't see the game in its entirety France haven't given the impression of a united camp. They're reminiscent of the early 90's Dutch camp, or it's just the inevitable end to a group that includes Ego Henry, Ribery and coach Domenach. A totally disjointed group of individuals. If even half the stories coming out of the camp are true they were in trouble before the tournament kicked off. they were lamentable in the first game and from the looks of the second cohesion wasn't quick to come to the fore either. Malouda, who on Chelsea form, should have been a definite starter had to wait in the first game to make a substitute appearance. he looked promising in the Mexico game, but if ever you want to see a team of individuals playing only for themselves outside of Eastlands stadium then the French camp is the place to start. The sooner Laurent Blanc starts (as manager or player) the better. Evra is the man i feel sorry for, a true player, a man who loves football and dependable to the last. what did he ever do to deserve team mates like this???
Mexico on the other hand, they looked handy in game 1, should have put the game to bed in the first 30 minutes against the host nation but suffered from stage fright. Vela looks lightweight, Franco is a journeyman at best. Blanco is a man whose mind is willing but his body won't play ball, but the respect he commands from his team and the intelligence he brings to the team is second to none. Hernandez looks like a man on the up, - in Mexico I'm reliably informed he's known as chicharito, or little pea to his friends - but more importnatly they look like a team.
Maybe Henry shoud take note, as an elder statesman Blanco is nothing but invigorating, commanding and encouraging of his teammates. Henry is distant, dismissive and petulant, maybe he should go into politics?
Lastly seeing the French substitutes all behind the goal for the final 10 minutes as if taking their leave from the blame, a white flag wouldn't havebeen out the question...
Mexico on the other hand, they looked handy in game 1, should have put the game to bed in the first 30 minutes against the host nation but suffered from stage fright. Vela looks lightweight, Franco is a journeyman at best. Blanco is a man whose mind is willing but his body won't play ball, but the respect he commands from his team and the intelligence he brings to the team is second to none. Hernandez looks like a man on the up, - in Mexico I'm reliably informed he's known as chicharito, or little pea to his friends - but more importnatly they look like a team.
Maybe Henry shoud take note, as an elder statesman Blanco is nothing but invigorating, commanding and encouraging of his teammates. Henry is distant, dismissive and petulant, maybe he should go into politics?
Lastly seeing the French substitutes all behind the goal for the final 10 minutes as if taking their leave from the blame, a white flag wouldn't havebeen out the question...
Hosts left with uphill task
South Africa ran out against Uruguay singing, a great sight. After seeing Uruguay's opening game and wondering if they'd play that badly again there were a few sneaking suspicions that ZA could get a surprise result against the South Americans. Alas it wasn't to be. Maybe the adrenaline had run out. Uruguay played superb football, Forlan was the standout player of the game and one of the players of the tournament so far. Suarez was annoying but effective and the midfielders in front of Uruguay's back four were superb, never allowing ZA to settle on the ball, never giving them a second. South Africa looked off the pace, took a touch too many, lacked the vision to really extend the Uruguayans. A few times players were open out wide but instead the South African player would turn back inside. Tshabalala was as disappointing here as he was impressive against the Mexicans.
The real shame was seeing the ZA keeper sent off, but there was no other choice after he brought down Suarez in the box. In the end the 3-0 score line was about right, and Forlan was the player that made Uruguay tick, he was ever present as an outlet to his midfield operating right along the line playing in front of the defence but dominating the space left by the ZA midielders.
This leave ZA in a very precarious position, they have to beat France and hope the Mexicans draw all 3 group games. The host nation has never gone out at the group stages before, but barring a small miracle all traditions come to an end at some point.
The real shame was seeing the ZA keeper sent off, but there was no other choice after he brought down Suarez in the box. In the end the 3-0 score line was about right, and Forlan was the player that made Uruguay tick, he was ever present as an outlet to his midfield operating right along the line playing in front of the defence but dominating the space left by the ZA midielders.
This leave ZA in a very precarious position, they have to beat France and hope the Mexicans draw all 3 group games. The host nation has never gone out at the group stages before, but barring a small miracle all traditions come to an end at some point.
Hola Group H
3 Spanish speaking nations in this group and the famously neutral Swiss. After watching everyone else get to play Group H finally got to kick a ball in earnest on Wednesday starting with Honduras and Chile. A more one sided 1-0 will be hard to find. Chile played some delightful football and Sanchez was a problem all game for the Hondurans. Whilst having some players of note Honduras looked solid down the spine but lacking in inventive play or creative players, and out wide they got caught out if position time and time again. Chile line up in a 3-1-3-3 or similar but had width and superb movement. Valdivia found himself all kinds of space up front and Sanchez roamed either flank at will. The full backs pushed on indiscriminately and how they only created one goal remains a small mystery. Their keeper had little or nothing to do all game. Honduras looked sluggish and just that yard slower all over the park. Worth their victory and more.
Last but not least came the favourites, Furia Roja were playing Switzerland. If ever there was a mismatch this was it. Spain have a substitutes bench that would walk into most first teams across the globe, in fact Spain have left players behind that would make some first teams here. How could you look past a team containing the irrepressible Xavi Hernandez, Iker Casillas, David Villa et al. Even Pique showed great feet with the goal he scored in the CL semi-final against Inter Milan earlier this year. Indeed he almost got in on the act again creating an opportunity for himself after turning two swiss defenders with quick feet. Switzerland played magnificently, impossible to match Spain at their own game Switzerland defended with aplomp. Dropping into the box when Spain played in front of them thereby cutting out the sliderule pass or cute through ball, then as soon a the ball went out wide they pushed up too the 18 yard line, inviting the cross which they could cut out with ease, all four of their defenders towering above the diminutive Villa. Silva was wasteful in possession, Xavi and Alonso pulled the strings all day, if Xavi gave the ball away I missed it and Alonso was guilty once, twice at most. Iniesta seemed to spend a lot of time on the floor looking for free kicks, when at times a little strength could've pushed better positions.
The score at half time hadn't change from kick off but the Swiss had held their own and could be pleased with solid play. Spain still had Torres, Fabregas, Navas on the bench.
Second half started as the first did, possession was Spain's, they had 67% in the first half which would rise to just shy of 75% (74.1%) by the end of the game. In fact they dominated the stats, 12 corners, 21 shots with 5 on target, which equaled the amount Switzerland had in total. Switzerland held firm for the opening encounters and the in the 51st minute a routine long ball wasn't dealt with by either Puyol or Pique a quick ball round the corner from Nkufo to Derdiyok which bounced off his knees into the box where Casillas comes out feet first misses the ball, Fernandes is there his first shot blocked by the prostrate Pique but makes no mistake from the second. Piquee is trying to claim a foul, Casilles could easily have conceded a penalty. Totally out the blue and from here on possession is all one way, except for one incident where Derdiyok hits the post after cutting in past 2 defenders and only Casillas to beat. Torres, Navas and Pedro all come on, and certainly Navas looks far more lively than Silva did all match. Torres has a couple of half chances but did seem a little slow to pick up the pace of the game. by the 85th minute or so, Spain seemed to run out of ideas nd even 5 minutes of added time wasn't enough. The biggest upset came in the final game of round 1.
Who fancies Chile to top the group now? Certainly if Spain don't finish top then there's a strong chance of facing Brazil in the last 16, Group H es muy interesante...
Last but not least came the favourites, Furia Roja were playing Switzerland. If ever there was a mismatch this was it. Spain have a substitutes bench that would walk into most first teams across the globe, in fact Spain have left players behind that would make some first teams here. How could you look past a team containing the irrepressible Xavi Hernandez, Iker Casillas, David Villa et al. Even Pique showed great feet with the goal he scored in the CL semi-final against Inter Milan earlier this year. Indeed he almost got in on the act again creating an opportunity for himself after turning two swiss defenders with quick feet. Switzerland played magnificently, impossible to match Spain at their own game Switzerland defended with aplomp. Dropping into the box when Spain played in front of them thereby cutting out the sliderule pass or cute through ball, then as soon a the ball went out wide they pushed up too the 18 yard line, inviting the cross which they could cut out with ease, all four of their defenders towering above the diminutive Villa. Silva was wasteful in possession, Xavi and Alonso pulled the strings all day, if Xavi gave the ball away I missed it and Alonso was guilty once, twice at most. Iniesta seemed to spend a lot of time on the floor looking for free kicks, when at times a little strength could've pushed better positions.
The score at half time hadn't change from kick off but the Swiss had held their own and could be pleased with solid play. Spain still had Torres, Fabregas, Navas on the bench.
Second half started as the first did, possession was Spain's, they had 67% in the first half which would rise to just shy of 75% (74.1%) by the end of the game. In fact they dominated the stats, 12 corners, 21 shots with 5 on target, which equaled the amount Switzerland had in total. Switzerland held firm for the opening encounters and the in the 51st minute a routine long ball wasn't dealt with by either Puyol or Pique a quick ball round the corner from Nkufo to Derdiyok which bounced off his knees into the box where Casillas comes out feet first misses the ball, Fernandes is there his first shot blocked by the prostrate Pique but makes no mistake from the second. Piquee is trying to claim a foul, Casilles could easily have conceded a penalty. Totally out the blue and from here on possession is all one way, except for one incident where Derdiyok hits the post after cutting in past 2 defenders and only Casillas to beat. Torres, Navas and Pedro all come on, and certainly Navas looks far more lively than Silva did all match. Torres has a couple of half chances but did seem a little slow to pick up the pace of the game. by the 85th minute or so, Spain seemed to run out of ideas nd even 5 minutes of added time wasn't enough. The biggest upset came in the final game of round 1.
Who fancies Chile to top the group now? Certainly if Spain don't finish top then there's a strong chance of facing Brazil in the last 16, Group H es muy interesante...
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Samba stumble
Finally the draw of the big guns entering the competition. Brazil to play Tuesday and then Spain to play the following, a lack of goals, negative football, and a ball that's too round are all opinions banded around by pundits with too much time and not enough to say (and Andy Townsend). Finally we have entertainment, the carnival has come to town, fast, free-flowing football from the favela kings. But alas it wasn't to be. Fabiano looked a little lost on the pitch and Kaka seems to be struggling with the Real demons. this should be his world cup, he's the perfect age to make this his time to shine, and with the football he's capable of everyone should be willing him to play the football we all saw at the San Siro. A World Cup with an on form Kaka, Messi, Rooney, Ronaldo, Xavi et al would be a thing of beauty, so far Messi in glimpses and a shot from Ronaldo is all we've had.
There were a couple of redeeming features in Robinho and Elano. Robinho had an interesting time in Manchester but has by all accounts had a marvelous time back in Brazil with Santos. Elano is one the players Mark Hughes under rated to his peril at Eastlands. they were in superb form, looked sharp, quick and had the dancing feet we've been hoping for. Brazil not the classic teams of the past but a team you'd expect to overcome the unknown quantity of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. They created a stir from the off, especially seeing Jong the striker crying during the National Anthem.
Game wise it was far from a classic, Korea lined up with a back five, and Brazil struggled to break them down. Jong looked alive from the start, neat player and direct. Always looking to get forward, they were a handy team, a little naive but better than predicted. Brazil tried playing through them and eventually got a break through with a cracking strike from Maicon, but not until they'd been held to a goalless first half. Elano wrapped up the win with a tidy finish from a beautiful through ball from the irrepressible Robinho. In the closing minutes of the game Korea got the goal they had deserved throughout.
Would love to seen both Korean Republics in the last 16.
There were a couple of redeeming features in Robinho and Elano. Robinho had an interesting time in Manchester but has by all accounts had a marvelous time back in Brazil with Santos. Elano is one the players Mark Hughes under rated to his peril at Eastlands. they were in superb form, looked sharp, quick and had the dancing feet we've been hoping for. Brazil not the classic teams of the past but a team you'd expect to overcome the unknown quantity of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. They created a stir from the off, especially seeing Jong the striker crying during the National Anthem.
Game wise it was far from a classic, Korea lined up with a back five, and Brazil struggled to break them down. Jong looked alive from the start, neat player and direct. Always looking to get forward, they were a handy team, a little naive but better than predicted. Brazil tried playing through them and eventually got a break through with a cracking strike from Maicon, but not until they'd been held to a goalless first half. Elano wrapped up the win with a tidy finish from a beautiful through ball from the irrepressible Robinho. In the closing minutes of the game Korea got the goal they had deserved throughout.
Would love to seen both Korean Republics in the last 16.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Hitting the G-spot
Group G sprung into action today like a 1982 Honda. Portugal vs Ivory Coast. It could have been good, it should have been good, it wasn't. They both have plenty of players who can play the ball, both teams are better going forward than they are at the back, so two teams that playing to their strengths would be an attacking, exciting game. Or not.
REally disappointing, I think Portugal are a team of players past their best - step forward Deco, Carvalho - average - Meireles, Alves - and Ronaldo. He is both brilliant and petulant, but that's not news. He is also on his own in a team that cant come close to his ability. How he would've thrived with the like of Figo, Rui Costa, Paulo Sousa et al, he could have been the striker the 'golden generation' lacked such is his adaptability.
Ivory Coast are a good side, a lot of experience at the summit of European leagues, some great passers of the ball, some real pace and yet many, many wayward balls, loose possession, and a real lack of threat in the middle with Drogba not starting.
It was a bore fest except for the first real strike of quality from distance seen at this tournament from CR7, 35 yards out and hit the post. Apart from that, I don't think Brazil will be too worried, assuming they pass the relatively unknown and 100+ ranked North Korea.
REally disappointing, I think Portugal are a team of players past their best - step forward Deco, Carvalho - average - Meireles, Alves - and Ronaldo. He is both brilliant and petulant, but that's not news. He is also on his own in a team that cant come close to his ability. How he would've thrived with the like of Figo, Rui Costa, Paulo Sousa et al, he could have been the striker the 'golden generation' lacked such is his adaptability.
Ivory Coast are a good side, a lot of experience at the summit of European leagues, some great passers of the ball, some real pace and yet many, many wayward balls, loose possession, and a real lack of threat in the middle with Drogba not starting.
It was a bore fest except for the first real strike of quality from distance seen at this tournament from CR7, 35 yards out and hit the post. Apart from that, I don't think Brazil will be too worried, assuming they pass the relatively unknown and 100+ ranked North Korea.
More Lord
Dear Lord baby Jesus, please could you make this World Cup a little more interesting. I love football and I love watching football, but so far it has been a little cagey. Please can we have more goals. Amen
Group F, four teams, four goals, a single point each.
Italy started badly, but are perennially slow starters at World Cups as the pundits pointed out more than was necessary, not sure who they were trying to convince, us? Themselves? Lippi? Paraguay, relatively unknown started bright enough, looked compact and were pretty fierce, and a touch more composure in the final third and they could have had Italy looking for more than a single goal in the second half.
One substitution at half time and a change in formation and Italy looked like a more balanced, able and threatening side. Paraguay played with two solid banks of four which frustrated the Italians for the first period. A goal from a set play seemed the most likely and indeed Paraguay obliged just before half-time.
Italy a changed side in the second half looked threatening, and were duly rewarded with a goal just past the hour mark after a horrendous mistake from the Paraguayan keeper, but that was our lot in terms of goals for the game.
Cannavaro belies his 37 years and still looks world class.
The second group game saw Slovakia take on the mighty New Zealand in a game that won't have worried Italy or Paraguay too much. It was a rather dull affair for large periods. New Zealand were greater than the sum of their parts, Slovakia were poor. They duly took the lead after a poor first half and New Zealand then wasted a glorious opportunity to draw level with 4 minutes to play, at that point it looks like the chance to equalise has gone, esp when the altitude of Rustenberg seems to be taking it's toll. Then with the last play of the game NZ drew level with a wonderful arcing cross and lovely glancing header from the centre-back Reid. It's our first taste of last gasp action at this Cup and the All Whites gain their first ever point at the Finals.
Italy started badly, but are perennially slow starters at World Cups as the pundits pointed out more than was necessary, not sure who they were trying to convince, us? Themselves? Lippi? Paraguay, relatively unknown started bright enough, looked compact and were pretty fierce, and a touch more composure in the final third and they could have had Italy looking for more than a single goal in the second half.
One substitution at half time and a change in formation and Italy looked like a more balanced, able and threatening side. Paraguay played with two solid banks of four which frustrated the Italians for the first period. A goal from a set play seemed the most likely and indeed Paraguay obliged just before half-time.
Italy a changed side in the second half looked threatening, and were duly rewarded with a goal just past the hour mark after a horrendous mistake from the Paraguayan keeper, but that was our lot in terms of goals for the game.
Cannavaro belies his 37 years and still looks world class.
The second group game saw Slovakia take on the mighty New Zealand in a game that won't have worried Italy or Paraguay too much. It was a rather dull affair for large periods. New Zealand were greater than the sum of their parts, Slovakia were poor. They duly took the lead after a poor first half and New Zealand then wasted a glorious opportunity to draw level with 4 minutes to play, at that point it looks like the chance to equalise has gone, esp when the altitude of Rustenberg seems to be taking it's toll. Then with the last play of the game NZ drew level with a wonderful arcing cross and lovely glancing header from the centre-back Reid. It's our first taste of last gasp action at this Cup and the All Whites gain their first ever point at the Finals.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)