Final Hurrah!

So the World Cup Finals are over. Italy are champs for the fourth time, admist the scandals that rocked the football mad nation. Was a so-so match; turned out less boring than most have expected. But oh how I wished that it was the quality of the third-place playoff. Now that was a match worthy of the finals.

Zizou's last stand ended shamefully...and to think that it took the referee (with help of his assistant) a full five minutes (?!) to send him off!! Speaks volumes of the standard of refereeing. But a sending off it had to be. For a player of his stature, no amount of taunting would warrant such a behaviour. I expect further suspensions/fines? Or maybe not... And despite that he was named Fottballer of the Finals? Must have been a boring finals.

Now life must go on. I look forward to 2010 in South Africa. First finals in the continent...let's hope it's a better one.

Germany Schwein-song

Brilliant third place playoff game. Out and out football, end-to-end attack and defence, and four goals. Wow! Burst into life in the second half, I think the game was never in doubt once Germany scored. Two brilliant goals by the man-of-the-match and the game was virtually over. Portugal in tears once more.

A new Michael Ballack? Maybe. A bright future awaits Schweinsteiger. And playing for the numero uno German team would only help to further his prestige. Probably playing alongside Ballack some time in the not-so-near future? Time will tell...

Now the finals are up. France are favourites, Italians the underdogs. It promises to be a great match. Referee Elizondo? Hope he is not aiming for another record-breaking match.

See ya tonight!

Crocodile Tears?

Boo...hoo...










Aaah...a failed attempt at diving?

So the knives have been sharpened against poor old Ronaldo. Oh, not Ronaldo of Brazil, but Ronaldo of Portugal. English press have launched scathing attacks on him, so much so I wonder how he could come back to perform at the Theatre of Dreams without fearing for his life. His antics against Wayne Rooney...feigned or not may cost him dearly...aka some certain South Korean in 2002?

But coming to his defence is his national coach. I do not disagree that he is a great dribbler and wonderful football player; and I agree as well that there are worse 'simulators' out there than him. Then again he is in the spotlight now for what he has done. It may have gotten Portugal a place in the semifinals, but cost them their place in the final instead.

Great footballer, with skills or not, he is a well-known simulator. During the match with England I counted at least three theatrical dives, feigned injuries etc. I wonder how these players live with themselves. It's bad enough to deceive a referee; worse to try to get fellow players sent off. They should be punished for their attempts.

Simulation is a rampant behaviour nowadays. I remember the days in the early Premier League: there were hardly any diving and players played their hearts out. It all started when foreigners started coming into the Premier league, and once it took hold, it spread like wildfire. Foregone conclusion. And it is even more rampant in the Spanish and Italian leagues. Wonder whether it has anything to do with the presence of South Americans...

Here in lies the beauty of video evidence. The authorities should use it to good effect. Punishment should be heavy, both in terms of suspensions and monetary fines. Would serve as a deterrent against future budding simulators.

At least then we may not see so much crocodile tears...

Hurrah Les Bleus!

So in the end we have a Italy-France final.

This morning's semis showed that Portugal gamesmanship would never work against French resolve and finesse. The Portuguese players tumbled and rolled to their utmost, and credit to the referee, ignored them. Probably the theatrics of their two previous matches worked against them. But they actually are able to play good football if they set their mind to it, but unfortunately they don't always do.

On the other hand, the French rarely were troubled by the Portuguese, and had for most time, contained the Portuguese to ineffective dribbles and set pieces. The penalty won by Henry was probably fair, and Zidane showed the English takers how to score one with the goalkeeper diving the correct way. After that the likes of Makelele and Viera just stifled the creativity of Ronaldo and Deco to the death.

Now all eyes are on the Finals on Sunday. Italy and France are two well-oiled defensive teams, with France probably holding a slight advantage in the attacking field, especially with Zidane and Ribery, and the spectacular Henry in the wings. For their part, the Italian midfield of Gattuso and Zambrotta have their hands full to support the Italian defence. It'll probably be a battle of wits. Who will prevail? Odds on, France.

But I hope the Italians will give them a run for their money!

Semi-Finals Up Next!

So the World Cup semis are upon us. Gonna start in just under six hours.
I'm sure the people are there are already partying: Germans, Italians, French and the Portuguese; each willing their team onward to Sunday's finals!

Most of the World Cup news still hogged by England's loss and the Argentinian-German fisticuff, not much news about the teams preparing for the semis. I guess many were expecting the likes of Brazil and Argentina to be in them, thus are hastily preapring new notes for the unexpected semifinalists.

Germany-Italy (Germany 2, Italy 1)
So later we'll start off with Germany-Italy. Think many do not expect either of these to advance so far into the tournament, but they are here nonetheless. Germans have really caught our eye with vibrant attacking displays, especially Podolski and Klose although I don't think they have been really tested in defence. Tonight will be their big test, in a way. Will Mertersacker and Metzelder match up to the likes of del Piero, Toni, Totti? Conversely, the Italians have a strong defence marshalled by the outstanding Cannavaro and Materazzi. Guess the battle will be won and lost as usual in midfield: Ballack vs. Gattuso, Schwensteiger vs. Zambrotta. Ballack has not scored yet...as woeful as his-team mate-to-be Lampard. But lampard has no further chances, Ballack at least one. Will he score and bring Germany to life? Or will Luca Toni, scorer of two goals the last time out, score again? Penalties again? I think the match will be settled before that. Lehmann would have the advantage over Buffon, having done wonders in the Argentine shootout, as well as in the Champions League semis - he knows all about the pressure cooker of a shootout. I think Germany will come out ahead, only if they have home ground advantage, but I really think that they would make a good champion.

France-Portugal (France 2, Portugal 0)
A tough one to call. Again I don't think many expected either to make it this far. Both teams having to go through two classy teams each. Portugal will have Deco and Costinha back from suspension, and look the faster and classier team. But I think this will be their shortcoming against an experienced French side. Likes of Ronaldo and Deco against Makelele, Thuram and Gallas. The Portuguese are in their first quarterfinals since 1966, hoping to emulate that team of greatness, but with Zidane and co. in their way, I don't think they stand a chance. The French still have their ace in the pack...no not Zidane or Henry...but Ribery. If he plays well the team has a chance especially with his bursting runs and passing. Of course with a player of Henry's quality in the team, you only need one moment of brilliance to turn the course of the game. One aspect of the game the French need to be aware of: the playacting finesse of the Portuguese, well maybe not up to par yet, but highly effective as we saw against England. For one I support the use of on-field cameras to catch there crooks, but that's wishful thinking this World Cup...maybe the next? And penalties? Again I don't think it'll go that far, but of course Ricardo and Portugal will have the advantage if it comes to that. But penalties as they say are a lottery, so the Portuguese may not be the lucky team on the night if it comes to that, yes?

So we have the matchups, everyone's raring to go. Finals is only five more days away, and we will have a new World Champion. Which of the four teams? I certainly hope Germany. See you in the Finals!

Sob...Sob...England is out!

Ouch!!











Sob...sob...it has happened once again! England are knocked out on penalties yet again. And surprisingly France has knocked Brazil out of the tournament.

England-Portugal: 0-0 (FT), 1-3 (pen)
It's a sad, sad day for all English fans all over the world. Failure to win on penalties again!! But they made a gallant effort in denying the Portuguese a full time/extra time success. Only if they had taken the chances that came their way before the penalties... Truthfully the game was already gone by the time Rooney was sent off. Personally, I don't think there's anything to the challenge, or the so-called' pushing incident' between Rooney and Ronaldo. I guess the Portuguese managed very well to dupe the referee. Anyway, neither team made much in terms of chances. It was rather a drab match. Good luck to Scolari and team; the French are waiting.

France-Brazil: 1-0
Didn't watch this match, but it wasn't the best of matches either. Guess throughout the whole tournament Brazil was playing below par, and one wonders when and where it would end. The road ended with the Henry goal (who else would you expect to score for France?), and Les Bleus are through for an appointment with the Portuguese.

So we have a Germany-Italy and France-Portugal semifinal in two days. My thoughts on those matches next time around. Meantime, I would need to go and mourn the loss of England...

Quaterfinals Half-time

So the quarter-finals have started. Germany and Italy are through for a semifinal match up. Tonight we have England-Portugal and France-Brazil. Who will meet? Time will tell...

The Germany-Argentina match is not the classical match we hoped for. Stifling for most of the time, and eithr side hardly had any chances during the first half. Even after the Argentines scored the opening goal, the Germans hardly mustered anything. Think the German equaliser was the one clear chance they had in the whole match! Extra time was drab as well. Penalties are, well, a lottery and it was unfortunate that the Argentines failed this time. Pekerman's gamble to try to hold the lead failed; the time when they needed a spark in midfield and attack, they lacked the quality that Riquelme and Crespo would have possessed. No wonder he resigned after the match.

The Italy-Ukraine match? The outcome was never in doubt once Italy scored early on. The Ukranian team, even with Schevchenko in attack, was hardly inspired. Didn't help with their most famous player well off form, and at most times, singled out for attention. So the Italians enjoyed a relatively comfortable game, and a chance to get to the finals since 1982 I think.

Tonight are the two big games. Damned Eriksson: will he get rid of Beckham for an attacking England side or not? Probably not, and that may prove the undoing of the English side despite a weakened Portuguese team. Brazil and France may be a bit close to call after a largely uninspiring Brazil performance so far and French heroics against the Spanish. But I still expect the holders to go through...with Ronaldinho exploding into action tonight.

More after tonight's matches. Good luck England and Brazil! Adieu Argentina and Ukraine.

Onwards to the Quarter-Finals

So the second round matches are finally over. Unfortunately no real surprises here...all the previous World Cup winners are in, and it's gonna be an exciting quarter finals.

1. Germany vs. Sweden: 2-0
The first match to kick-off, and easily the best match of the lot. Germany started off strongly and were 2-0 within the first twenty minutes. Sweden might have made a match of it had they scored the penalty, but truthfully they never looked like they were gonna trouble the Germans.

2. Argentina vs. Mexico: 2-1
The 'New World' contest. The Mexicans matched their illustrious opponents player for player up to the extra time wonder goal by Rodriguez. The result was very much hanging in the balance, although it was very likely as time wore on, that the Argentinians were going to snatch it.

3. England vs. Ecuador: 1-0
Oh dear! Guess by far the worst match of the lot, especially with so much expectation of an England walkthrough. Beckham as usual, was unimpressive, and apart from his goal that won the match, was largely pedestrian. And he blames it on an illness. Think Eriksson's tactics leave much to be desired, and he will have to buck up. Beckham out, Lennon in? I hope so...

4. Portugal vs. Holland: 1-0
The dirtiest match of the eight? Don't think so. Probably as much of the referee's fault as the players'. Maniche's goal was brilliant, and though the Dutch tried their very best, they just couldn't do it. van Nistelrooy's career may be coming to an end with his non-selection in times of trouble for the Dutch. Deco and Costinha suspended, question mark over Ronaldo. Portugal will be depleted to face England. Maybe a respite for Eriksson? We'll see...

5. Italy vs. Australia: 1-0
Daylight roberry!! An awful way to lose a match. The Italians really pulled of an 'Italian Job' on the referee. But the Australians have themselves to blame. They should have done better with their numerical advantage, and waiting for extra-time cost them a place in the quarter finals. Fair to the Italians, Cannavaro marshalled the defence extermely well, but with Materazzi suspended and Nesta still out, who'll be there in the centre of defence? Only time will tell.

6. Switzerland vs. Ukraine: 0-0 FT/ET (0-3 on penalties)
Contender for the worst match, but England-Ecuador match nicked it. Absolutely minimal attacking play and/or chances on goal. But it never looked like it was going to be an exciting game. Schevchenko and co. practiced their penalty taking well, and may go far.

7. Brazil vs. Ghana: 3-0
Guess this result was never in doubt. Especially after ten minutes, and Brazil never looked back. If Ghana had taken their first half chances, it may have been difficult for Brazil, but they would have prevailed in the end. Again Ronaldinho did not sparkle. Maybe he will come to life in the coming rounds. Ronaldo is now the record holder for most number of goals scored in the World Cup finals. More to come? We wait excitedly.

8. Spain vs. France: 1-3
Absolute heartbreak for the Spanish as they fair to pass the second round once again. Henry's theatrics? Maybe it was a foul, but I think the authorities should take action against the attempt to get Puyol sent off. But maybe like Aragones said, the Spanish side exciting as it was, lacked the big match experience. They'll be a team to watch in the future. And Zidane gets another match to show off his skill and flair...his goal was sweet.

All in all, a lot of excitement, yellow/red cards, goals, theatrics, and individual brilliance. And there's more to come. Quarter finals are up next!

WC Roundup...Round 3

Darned it...France made it into the second round. So all the favourites made it this World Cup. No underdog giant killings like the last. Well it would make for a hopefully good run-in to the finals.

Not much excitement during the last round of matches as most of the major teams have already made it through. Well, I was hoping France wouldn't have made it, but too bad. Think Brazil's match was the most exciting of the lot with Ronaldo scoring twice. Guess his demise was overly exaggerated. We'll see in the coming matches whether he would continue to improve and surprise us all.

Kewell: zero to hero? That's what legends are made of. From the boos of 2005 Champions League finals to scoring the goal which made Australia a last sixteen team, he must be flying high. Will he do better in the coming rounds? We'll have to see...

The last sixteen matchups:

1. Germany vs. Sweden, Argentina vs. Mexico.
Sweet games! Germany would have the tougher of the two favourites against a strong Swedish team. Would home advantage play a crucial part? Maybe...but the Swedes would be a hard nut to crack. Ballack and co. would have to buck up. Stylish and flashy Argentina would make short work of Mexico, I think. Should be no surprise there. A Germany-Argentina quarterfinal would be mouthwatering indeed...

2. England vs. Ecuador, Portugal vs. Netherlands.
Portugal-Netherlands would be the match to watch. Maybe too close to call. Will just have to wait and see. The winner's opponents? England I hope, but Ecuador would be as tough to crack as the Swedes. But England has the best midfield quartet in the world, and with a crippled strikeforce, would have to come to the fore. Its about time Erikkson moved Gerrard further upfront to support Crouch or Rooney. A tough match to call. Looking forward to an England-Holland quarterfinals.

3. Italy vs. Australia, Switzerland vs. Ukraine.
The Azurris seemed to have put their domestic match fixing scandal behind them. Not too flashy but looked solid enough. Maybe too much for the Australians, but I'm sure Kewell, Cahill and Viduka would give them a run for their money. The Swiss looks solid defensively, but has got no forwards comparable to the Ukrainian double of Shevchenko and Rebrov. Defence vs. Offence...who will win this underdog match? Italy's opponents are still waiting...

4. Brazil vs. Ghana, Spain vs. France.
Brazil should have a cakewalk here; will have to wait and see how Ronaldo fares. Is it a flash-in-a pan performance against the US? Anyhow the brilliance of Ronaldinho, Kaka and the rest should see them through to the next round. Their opponents? I'll pick Spain anytime against the French. Dazzling, young and well-drilled, I think they'll break their second round hoodoo to make it against Brazil. Guess France would have to pick up the pieces and rebuild around a new playmaker.

An interesting and exciting next four days.

Ecuador next...

Can't sleep after watching the England match against Sweden. Fortunately I only watched the second half, so got a bit of extra sleep. Still agonising over the poor defending by England. I pray that this does not continue, otherwise England won't get very far.

Didn't see the Cole goal, but the Gerrard goal was a beauty. But the two goals conceded were due to poor marking. First goal: who went for the ball with Allback? The second: no one was with the two strikers coming in from the far post. Not too mention the two Swedish strikes that hit the woodwork. Poor defending by English standards. So much so that from every corner and free kick, Swedes looked like they were gonna score.

Poor Michael Owen. His luck wasn't very good since he decided to leave Liverpool. Hopefully the injury doesn't look as bad. Beckham to me looked very pedestrian today. I hope he's saving his best for the later rounds. I strongly feel Gerrard should play up forward; he looks all the more threatening compared to Lampard. And Hargreaves appeared to have a pretty solid game as the holding midfielder.

All in all, some cause for concern. They next meet Ecuador. Would be a tough fight, if not a struggle. Eriksson's got a lot to do before Sunday.

WC Round Up...Round 2

I guess the second round of group matches were quite unremarkable. Expectedly most of the major footballing teams made it to the second round: Germany, England, Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Holland and Italy. Who's missing?

France. Not that they do not have a chance...but they have to beat a lowly Togo to do that; a mean feat for a team big on stars and hope, but short on goals; for God's sake they only scored once since winning the 1998 World Cup. With players like Henry and Trezeguet in their side? Something is seriously wrong with the team.

Still a lot of underdogs have a chance: South Korea, Australia, the U.S.A., Czech Republic; they have to win their matches to seal qualification to the last 16. So there'll be a lot of exciting final group matches starting today. Ivory Coast is one team a lot had high hopes for, but unfortunately in the Group of Death, they died early on.

England avoiding Germany? I hope so. Because Germany appears to be impressive so far. And England is not. Let's hope Becks and Co. get their act together before a real disaster happens. At least they'll have about 4 hrs to decide whether to win or lose the match against Sweden. I guess at face value facing Ecuador is the better option, but then again you never know with these minnows. They might just spring an upset or two.

So far, Argentina seems to be very impressive. Their 6-0 win of Serbia & Montenegro, now that was a delight to watch...a footballing extravaganza. The second goal: what a build-up; you hardly see a goal like that anymore nowadays. With Riquelme as a livewire, young Messi, poaching of Crespo, Argentina may well go all the way to the Finals. And Maradona may still get more speeding tickets or a heart attack. The team is still young, I think that it what worries opponents the most. Maybe in a year or two they will take the mantle away from an aging and uninspiring Brazil.

Aah...Brazil. Not much need to be said regarding their match against Australia. Poor Ronaldo. Think he really should retire from football. Ronaldinho, no silky skills from him just yet. Think the most impressive player in the side is Kaka. Guess without him Brazil would just be another England, struggling to win matches. But with players of such high quality in the side, it'll just be a matter of time before they explode into action. We'll just have to wait and see...

So tonight my favourite England's playing again. I'll stay up to watch...hopefully with a happy heart at the end...

England Escape

Crouch's 82nd minute opener.

I think I heard a very loud collective sigh of relief from all the England fans around the world. A very loud sigh of relief...

For one, England escaped from the jaws of a draw. Rooney had a run...luckily he didn't break his foot. And all the world jumped for joy at the final whistle.

Made to look so ordinary by the minnows of football, Crouch and Gerrard saved them the blushes. For most of the time they never made any headway. Owen looked tired, Lampard missing chance after chance, Cole running around like a headless chicken, Beckham doing what he does best...not leading by example.

Gerrard had a subdued role. Eriksson must be a fool to keep him back as a holding midfielder. He hardly had a run or look at goal. The only time he got forward, he scored a goal! Eriksson might as well play Carrick as a holding midfielder and let Gerrard loose. Btw, did anyone notice Gerrard had a near perfect long pass record in the match? Almost every pass he made found an England colleague.

Crouch did not have a good game. But he got the breakthrough England needed. That was enough. That is what he was paid for to do. Too bad he didn't do the 'Crouch'...that would've been lovely to see.

But credit must also go to Trinidad and Tobago. They started off with a plan and stuck to the plan. The held England at bay. Introduction of Lennon and Rooney did the trick...given them something to think about. And threw their plans askew.

Now...for Sweden. Think England must put in a better performance to convinve their detractors. With topping the group, they should be more relaxed and go out and perform. And perform they must. Confidence they must obtain. Ecuador is lying in wait...

P.S. As you might have thought...I am a Liverpool fan!

WC Round Up...Round 1

Nope, I didn't manage to watch the England-Paraguay match. In a way, thank God, because it was a poor game. By England's standards. Hopefully it's a sign that the only other way to go is ...up.

Phew...the 1st round of matches are over! Tiring to say the least. Both physically and mentally.
Didn't really watch the matches...mainly caught the highlights. Some teams are good, others downright poor; some surprise us.

Best match so far: guess has to be Spain vs. Ukraine; if not for the number of goals then for the flair and way Spain played. Trinidad & Tobago vs. Sweden was good too, only if for the Trinidan's fighting spirit.

Most impressive team so far: my vote goes to Spain. For now. Inventive attacking play. And with flair too. Not many 'big' names in the team either. Italy, Argentina and Germany seems solid too. They should progress to the second round. Unless there are upsets.

Least impressive team so far: gee...this is a toss up. Between France, England and Brazil. Think I'll go with France. Yup, for now. Brazil, for all the hoop-la, hasn't been performing well as a team. But I'm sure we'll get to see them in the Quarter-finals at least. England? Hope they make it too. France? Err...maybe a repeat of 2002?

Best newcomer: has to be Australia. Their first finals in a long time, they impressed with the come back win against Japan. Their best player? Has to be Tim Cahill. He is impressive with Everton, and he is impressive with the Australian team. I guess the rest of the new teams are just so-so.

Best player: Hmm, didn't get to watch much of the games, so can't say. But I guess Ronaldinho hasn't impressed just yet. The Spanish strikers: Villa and Torres seems to be clicking together very well, and linking up with the Spanish midfield.

Worst player: Ronaldo? Need I say more? Maybe he shouldn't be in the team, with all his problems.

Most expected player yet to play: undoubtedly Rooney. Maybe his metatarsal has healed, but I don't think Eriksson will risk him, even with Owen out of form and Crouch, not the best striker around. England midfield quartet has to step up and take the lead. They're one of the best in the world.

Second round starting today: Germany vs. Poland. It's make or break day for Poland. If they lose, they're out. Will they make it? I don't think so. Next England vs. Trinidad. That'll be the match I'll be waiting for.

Till then...

Football....Football...every day

OK...OK...so the World Cup's started. Nice game Germany. And Ticos. Lotsa goals too. Didn't see the Ecuador-Poland match. But the underdogs won. So kind of a good start to the tournament.

Tonight it's England vs. Paraguay. So Rooney's fit to play...if England makes it past the group stages. Prayers have been answered. Gerrard OK too. Gods are smiling upon England. Danged...have to work. But wait! There's a TV at the workplace...maybe there's a chance to sneak off and catch the game. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Pray for me too...

Roo-ting for Rooney

Well, today's the big day...June 7th...the whole England supporting community holds their breath for star player Wayne Rooney. He will undergo the defining CT scan which will decide his World Cup fate: dazzle among the stars, or watch from the comfort of his home.

Personally I couldn't care less whether he actually gets to play or not. Brilliant as he may be, the team is not built around him. England has a lot of players which can stand up to be counted when the time needs them. Look at Gerard, Lampard, Cole, Owen, Crouch, to name a few. It is they, and not Rooney alone, who will decide England's fate in this championship.

Of course it'll be a massive boost if he can play; another headache for England's opponents. No one denies his extreme talent and skill: slick dribbling, powerful bursts or runs, good with both his feet. His presence or absence will be felt either way.

We will know in a few hours time. And so will he. He is young, and has at least another four World Cups ahead of him. Sir Alex is right to nurture him, bide his time and let the wounds heal. There are other World Cups.

So we all wait...

World Cup Fever

Countdown: 7 days to go....

The fever is in the air. Very contagious. Young and old, male and female, fan or not: no one will be spared. It's all around us. Resistance is futile.

May or may not stay up to watch the matches. Unlike Japan/Korea 2002, it's late night/early mornings. But sure bet i'll be watching each match from quaterfinals onwards...have made arrangements. Group matches and second round...will try and watch, especially the England matches.

No booklets, magazines, memerobilia for me. Don't fancy them. I just love watching the game. I'm not gonna go crazy over it...


Who will win the cup?

Difficult...personally I fancy England. The team they have is one of the best since 1966. Even without Rooney. Solid defence; good midfield; too bad strikeforce may be a bit blunt. They've got Gerrard and lampard; Backs still can cross the ball. Crouch? Don't mind him doing more of his 'dance'...as long as England wins.

Of course there are the others: Brazil, Argentina, Germany. France? Just hope they don't crash out at the end of the group stages.

Dark horses? Hmmm...maybe the Czech republic. They did quite well in Euro 2004.


We'll see...after all it's just less than a week away. Now where's my Panadol...