'Reflections, I've had a few,' as Frank Sinantra never said.
It's the day after the night before. Nothing much has changed. It was and always will be a terrible world cup. There were glimpses of the tournament coming alive in the latter stages which failed to materialise and all the tournament did was highlight all that is wrong with the beautiful game in it's present state with it's at times sickening salaries, overly hyped stars, dodgy footballs, bad officialdom and it's apparent love affair with big-time endorsement of the multi-national kind.
A ruling body that's run by a fool, a sport that is now threatening to diminish as a direct result of a failure to keep up with modern technology and a game suffering at it's heart by the implementation of scientific strategy on the field. It's a bit of a farce really.
Memories? I have a few. Never thought I'd see a Dutch team 'play' like they did last night. Brutal it was. Loved the Germans and their approach to the game. There pedigree is evident at every tournament. They are a young team that will emerge soon enough.
Lampard's goal that was disallowed. The mis-firing superstars who went home adding nothing to their legend. The antics of the French team as they dishonoured their nation...again. John Terry talking like a leader when it wasn't his place. Roger Milla endorsing Coca-Cola. Ronaldo endorsing himself! Memories indeed.
However let's not forget those who achieved personally. Diego Forlan, a worthy winner of the player of the tournament award. Thomas Muller won the golden boot, an award that swung his way for his assist account. He also won the Young Player of the Tournament.
Rumours that Theo Walcott is trying to convince his girlfriend that he would have won it if he had been brought have neither been confirmed or denied.
And so it's on too... well i don't actually know to be honest... 2014! A place where the Irish will go into folklore as the first island to win the world cup against itself when the Republic narrowly beat their Northern counterparts 88-89 on penalties after the team played out a 7-7 draw, aet.
From there, who knows?
Don Booker, welcome to The Brown Mouth Club. Personally endorsed.
Over & Out!
Showing posts with label World Cup 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Cup 2010. Show all posts
Monday, July 12, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
The World Cup Final
Soccer City in Johannesburg became the mecca for the globe's football fans and delivered a spectacular closing ceremony which was attended by Nelson Mandela who tragically lost a great-granddaughter in a car accident just as the tournament kicked off.
The final, an all European affair provided the opportunity for either Spain or Holland to not only become champions of the world for the first time but also become the first European side to win the cup on foreign soil.
On the stroke of 7:30 Howard Webb gave a blast of his whistle and World Cup final 2010 was underway.
Sergio Ramos had the first chance of the game in the 5th minute when his header forced a great save from Dutch keeper, Stekelenburg. On 11 minutes it was Ramos again who smashed a shot across the face of goal only for it to be cleared by the shaky Dutch defender. From the ensuing corner David Villa volleyed into the side netting. Spain were in the ascendancy.
Van Persie, Puyol, Van Bommel and Ramos found themselves in Howard Webb's notebook as the match reached the midpoint of the first half and the game fizzled into a war of attrition and the tackle's continued to fly in. De Jong became the fifth player to go into the book when his chest high tackle put Xavi Alonso on his back writhing in pain. Total football it wasn't.
As the half hour approached the game resembled a battle instead of the game all true fans had wished for.
Mathijsen scuffed an effort for Holland in the 35th minute when he really should have scored and that was followed a minute later when Pedro drove a long range effort well wide.
Alonso tried his luck with a 35 yard free-kick on 43 minutes but drove it wide. On the stroke of half-time Robben forced a save from Casillas at his near post from a corner.
A dismal 0-0 at half-time throwing laughs of hysteria at my prediction that this would be an epic finale.
Spain's Capdavila missed a sitter in the 48th minute from a corner when he swung like a blind man at the ball.
Robben had Casillas on the floor again with another weak effort in the 52nd minute. Dutch captain Van Bronckhurst made it half a dozen bookings soon after and was soon followed by Heitinga into the book. It was now officially a kick-fest and Howard Webb's whistle began to burn the bald Englishman's lips.
Robben broke free on 62 minutes and missed a golden opportunity to put the Dutch ahead when he failed to convert a one on one with Casillas.
Capdavila made it eight bookings in the 67th minute. Joint tp scorer David Villa finally had a chance to score in the 70th minute but failed from four yards out. The golden boot was still up for grabs.
Sergio Ramos looked a gift horse in the mouth on 77 minutes but closed his eyes when he missed a free header from six yards out from a Spanish corner.
Robben once again failed to capitalise on a one on one with Casillas on the 83rd minute. His protests earned him a yellow card but in all honesty he only had himself to blame for not going down under the weight of Spanish challenges that threatened his taunting run. The booking count is a record for a world cup final.
The game petered out and ended 0-0 at full time. A truly depressing final match of an equally depressing tournament.
Spanish substitute Cesc Fabregas saw his effort saved by Stekenleburg in the fifth minute of extra-time and Mathijsen squandered a chance for the Dutch a minute later. At last the 'game' seemed to be opening up but it seemed neither side wanted to produce an individual willing to write themselves into their nations history books.
Navas came close in the 11th minute but seen his effort deflected into the side netting. Fabregas again came close on 14 minutes but dragged his effort just wide of the post.
0-0 at half time of extra-time.
Fernando Torres, the man I predicted to be the tournaments top scorer was introduced during the brief interval. (Laughable... I KNOW).
In the third minute of the second period Heitinga was given his marching orders when he pulled Iniesta to the ground. The resulting free kick ballooned over the crossbar. A minute later Van Der Wiel had Webb's notebook bursting at the seams when he became the seventh Dutch player to see yellow. Robben was lucky not to receive his marching orders soon after when he put the ball in the net long after Webb had blown for offside.
Sneijder came close in the 115th minute but his free kick inched wide.
Seconds later Spain broke free and finally the deadlock was broken when Iniesta scored following a mistake from Van Der Vaart. Dutch hearts were broken and Matijsen saw himself booked for dissent. Iniesta followed him into the notebook for taking his shirt off during the Spanish delirious celebrations. Xavi followed his teammates soon after making it 14 bookings in total.
It didn't matter for minutes later Spain added the world title to their European crowd. The Dutch were made pay for their approach to the match which did nothing to honour the country which gave the world total football back in the 1970's.
As Iker Casillas lifted the trophy and sent his country into rapture the abiding thought from this fan is they were the team that deserved it in the end. Their was no third time lucky for Holland. Overall though the whole tournament was a shambles, a game that once inspired a world in need of inspiration, now a sad reflection on what it once was.
I guess at the end of the day it boils down to an incident in Paris late last year when the cheating of a Frenchman denied Ireland their place at this finals. Would they have won it?
Of course not. But they would have added something to an otherwise forgetful tournament. A bit of life, a bit of humour, a bit of all the good things in life. It was FIFA's and the world's lost.
I guess remaining bitter will stop me from healing the wounds that opened in Paris all those months ago. So I'll reflect tomorrow and bitter I'll remain.
Forever!!
The final, an all European affair provided the opportunity for either Spain or Holland to not only become champions of the world for the first time but also become the first European side to win the cup on foreign soil.
On the stroke of 7:30 Howard Webb gave a blast of his whistle and World Cup final 2010 was underway.
Sergio Ramos had the first chance of the game in the 5th minute when his header forced a great save from Dutch keeper, Stekelenburg. On 11 minutes it was Ramos again who smashed a shot across the face of goal only for it to be cleared by the shaky Dutch defender. From the ensuing corner David Villa volleyed into the side netting. Spain were in the ascendancy.
Van Persie, Puyol, Van Bommel and Ramos found themselves in Howard Webb's notebook as the match reached the midpoint of the first half and the game fizzled into a war of attrition and the tackle's continued to fly in. De Jong became the fifth player to go into the book when his chest high tackle put Xavi Alonso on his back writhing in pain. Total football it wasn't.
As the half hour approached the game resembled a battle instead of the game all true fans had wished for.
Mathijsen scuffed an effort for Holland in the 35th minute when he really should have scored and that was followed a minute later when Pedro drove a long range effort well wide.
Alonso tried his luck with a 35 yard free-kick on 43 minutes but drove it wide. On the stroke of half-time Robben forced a save from Casillas at his near post from a corner.
A dismal 0-0 at half-time throwing laughs of hysteria at my prediction that this would be an epic finale.
Spain's Capdavila missed a sitter in the 48th minute from a corner when he swung like a blind man at the ball.
Robben had Casillas on the floor again with another weak effort in the 52nd minute. Dutch captain Van Bronckhurst made it half a dozen bookings soon after and was soon followed by Heitinga into the book. It was now officially a kick-fest and Howard Webb's whistle began to burn the bald Englishman's lips.
Robben broke free on 62 minutes and missed a golden opportunity to put the Dutch ahead when he failed to convert a one on one with Casillas.
Capdavila made it eight bookings in the 67th minute. Joint tp scorer David Villa finally had a chance to score in the 70th minute but failed from four yards out. The golden boot was still up for grabs.
Sergio Ramos looked a gift horse in the mouth on 77 minutes but closed his eyes when he missed a free header from six yards out from a Spanish corner.
Robben once again failed to capitalise on a one on one with Casillas on the 83rd minute. His protests earned him a yellow card but in all honesty he only had himself to blame for not going down under the weight of Spanish challenges that threatened his taunting run. The booking count is a record for a world cup final.
The game petered out and ended 0-0 at full time. A truly depressing final match of an equally depressing tournament.
Spanish substitute Cesc Fabregas saw his effort saved by Stekenleburg in the fifth minute of extra-time and Mathijsen squandered a chance for the Dutch a minute later. At last the 'game' seemed to be opening up but it seemed neither side wanted to produce an individual willing to write themselves into their nations history books.
Navas came close in the 11th minute but seen his effort deflected into the side netting. Fabregas again came close on 14 minutes but dragged his effort just wide of the post.
0-0 at half time of extra-time.
Fernando Torres, the man I predicted to be the tournaments top scorer was introduced during the brief interval. (Laughable... I KNOW).
In the third minute of the second period Heitinga was given his marching orders when he pulled Iniesta to the ground. The resulting free kick ballooned over the crossbar. A minute later Van Der Wiel had Webb's notebook bursting at the seams when he became the seventh Dutch player to see yellow. Robben was lucky not to receive his marching orders soon after when he put the ball in the net long after Webb had blown for offside.
Sneijder came close in the 115th minute but his free kick inched wide.
Seconds later Spain broke free and finally the deadlock was broken when Iniesta scored following a mistake from Van Der Vaart. Dutch hearts were broken and Matijsen saw himself booked for dissent. Iniesta followed him into the notebook for taking his shirt off during the Spanish delirious celebrations. Xavi followed his teammates soon after making it 14 bookings in total.
It didn't matter for minutes later Spain added the world title to their European crowd. The Dutch were made pay for their approach to the match which did nothing to honour the country which gave the world total football back in the 1970's.
As Iker Casillas lifted the trophy and sent his country into rapture the abiding thought from this fan is they were the team that deserved it in the end. Their was no third time lucky for Holland. Overall though the whole tournament was a shambles, a game that once inspired a world in need of inspiration, now a sad reflection on what it once was.
I guess at the end of the day it boils down to an incident in Paris late last year when the cheating of a Frenchman denied Ireland their place at this finals. Would they have won it?
Of course not. But they would have added something to an otherwise forgetful tournament. A bit of life, a bit of humour, a bit of all the good things in life. It was FIFA's and the world's lost.
I guess remaining bitter will stop me from healing the wounds that opened in Paris all those months ago. So I'll reflect tomorrow and bitter I'll remain.
Forever!!
Third Place Play-off
Let's face it, gold is better than bronze and bronze is better than nothing but in all honesty, what's the point of having a third place play-off. Ask the majority of German citizens and they probably would dismiss such folly out of hand.
Not so for us Irish. We don't need much of a reason to have a party. As the sky empties it's contents on the land of Ireland tonight such thoughts are merely dreams and dreams are about as useful as Mary Harney unless they come true.
As the Vuvuzela's boomed for the penultimate time at World Cup 2010 Uruguay squared up against the Germans for the right to call themselves the third best team at this years World Cup.
Thomas Muller, back from missing the semi final through suspension scored his fifth of the tournament to give the Germans a deserved lead on 19 minutes. Add three assists to that and you see why this guy belongs in an Arsenal jersey. Could he have made a difference if he played against Spain? My pet lobster (Larry) reckons he'd have scored twice if he played. At just 20 years old and with only one international cap before the tournament Muller has put himself firmly in the shopping window around the World.
Sorry Larry can't predict tonight's scoreline but things are a little tight around here right now so he's on the boil.
Uruguay were fair game and in an open affair found themselves level on 28 minutes when Cavani levelled with a shot into the bottom corner of the German goal. Suarez, also back from missing the semi-final should have put Uruguay on 42 minutes but one suspects karma had a 'hand' in that.
As the people of Ghana dropped to their knees in laughter at Suarez the referee looked at his watch and blew the half-time whistle wishing he was Howard Webb.
Uruguay did the threatening early in the second half and Diego Forlan put them ahead on 51 minutes with a superb volley and take his tournament tally to five and making it a four -way tie for the Golden Boot.
The Germans rallied and within five minutes were level when a Boateng cross was met firmly by Jansen. We were having one of the games of the tournament.
German keeper Butt was the busier of the two and made three saves to keep his country in the game.
The game continued to ebb and flow and in a game of see-saw the Germans registered their 16th goal of the tournament when Khedira headed home to make it 3-2 on 83 minutes.
Despite Forlan rattling the crossbar in the last seconds from a free-kick, Uruguay could not get an equaliser and as karma served it's purpose the Germans matched their result of four years ago and won the bronze medal. Given that this particular German sides on youthful who's to say they will change the colour of recent medals in the near future. Not me and that's for sure.
Prediction - Germany 2 Uruguay 1
Result - Germany 3 Uruguay 2
Fail !
(No lobsters were harmed during the writing of this post)
Not so for us Irish. We don't need much of a reason to have a party. As the sky empties it's contents on the land of Ireland tonight such thoughts are merely dreams and dreams are about as useful as Mary Harney unless they come true.
As the Vuvuzela's boomed for the penultimate time at World Cup 2010 Uruguay squared up against the Germans for the right to call themselves the third best team at this years World Cup.
Thomas Muller, back from missing the semi final through suspension scored his fifth of the tournament to give the Germans a deserved lead on 19 minutes. Add three assists to that and you see why this guy belongs in an Arsenal jersey. Could he have made a difference if he played against Spain? My pet lobster (Larry) reckons he'd have scored twice if he played. At just 20 years old and with only one international cap before the tournament Muller has put himself firmly in the shopping window around the World.
Sorry Larry can't predict tonight's scoreline but things are a little tight around here right now so he's on the boil.
Uruguay were fair game and in an open affair found themselves level on 28 minutes when Cavani levelled with a shot into the bottom corner of the German goal. Suarez, also back from missing the semi-final should have put Uruguay on 42 minutes but one suspects karma had a 'hand' in that.
As the people of Ghana dropped to their knees in laughter at Suarez the referee looked at his watch and blew the half-time whistle wishing he was Howard Webb.
Uruguay did the threatening early in the second half and Diego Forlan put them ahead on 51 minutes with a superb volley and take his tournament tally to five and making it a four -way tie for the Golden Boot.
The Germans rallied and within five minutes were level when a Boateng cross was met firmly by Jansen. We were having one of the games of the tournament.
German keeper Butt was the busier of the two and made three saves to keep his country in the game.
The game continued to ebb and flow and in a game of see-saw the Germans registered their 16th goal of the tournament when Khedira headed home to make it 3-2 on 83 minutes.
Despite Forlan rattling the crossbar in the last seconds from a free-kick, Uruguay could not get an equaliser and as karma served it's purpose the Germans matched their result of four years ago and won the bronze medal. Given that this particular German sides on youthful who's to say they will change the colour of recent medals in the near future. Not me and that's for sure.
Prediction - Germany 2 Uruguay 1
Result - Germany 3 Uruguay 2
Fail !
(No lobsters were harmed during the writing of this post)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Puyoled !
Spain had the best of the opening exchanges in the second of the World Cup semi finals this evening with David Villa and Puyol going close for Spain in the first fifteen minutes. That apart both teams scrapped their way to the half time whistle allowing each other nothing but half chances from outside their opponents boxes. Spain had the majority of the possession but were not able to break the Germans down. For a World Cup semi it was a poor display from both teams and the hardest job I had was keeping my eyes open. The beautiful game it wasn't!
Spain continued to press in the second half and the game began to open out a little. Puyol made up for his earlier miss when he rose highest on 71 minutes to head a corner beyond the German keeper. The European champions were worth the lead. As the game progressed Spain were by far the superior team and the Germans were unable to take the ball from them.
The Germans were not the team they were in previous rounds and Spanish delight was evident when an excuse for a referee finally blew an end to proceedings to send the nation into rapture.
At least, and never one to gloat, I did predict the result and scoreline. Pity I forgot to put money on it. Mainly due to the fact I have none. Just as well because I would have lost a fortune.
So just two matches left. Uruguay play Germany on Saturday for third place. I'll go with a German win by 2-1.
It's really difficult to see past Spain based on quality but I'm going to stick my head on the block one final time and predict the Dutch to win an epic final full of goals and red cards by 4-3.
Am i dreaming? Let's face it, I rarely do anything else!
Spain continued to press in the second half and the game began to open out a little. Puyol made up for his earlier miss when he rose highest on 71 minutes to head a corner beyond the German keeper. The European champions were worth the lead. As the game progressed Spain were by far the superior team and the Germans were unable to take the ball from them.
The Germans were not the team they were in previous rounds and Spanish delight was evident when an excuse for a referee finally blew an end to proceedings to send the nation into rapture.
At least, and never one to gloat, I did predict the result and scoreline. Pity I forgot to put money on it. Mainly due to the fact I have none. Just as well because I would have lost a fortune.
So just two matches left. Uruguay play Germany on Saturday for third place. I'll go with a German win by 2-1.
It's really difficult to see past Spain based on quality but I'm going to stick my head on the block one final time and predict the Dutch to win an epic final full of goals and red cards by 4-3.
Am i dreaming? Let's face it, I rarely do anything else!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Clogged
I've been criticising this particular world cup since it began, mainly due to the standard of football I have had to endure. I guess the game has just changed over the years. Stats and systems seem to have more influence in the game than the raw passion I used to watch as a boy.
In saying that I am a contradiction to myself as it's been a few days since I've seen a game and I was beginning to feel a pang began to yell from starvation.
The first of the semi-finals took place in Cape Town tonight with the Dutch trying to emulate the teams of 1974 & 1978 who reached the final. They succeeded with a narrow win over surprise package Uruguay by three goals to two. Though the game was far from a spectacle Holland deserved their place in the final though will have to improve immensely if they are to be crowned this coming weekend.
Van Bronckhorst put the Dutch ahead on 18 minutes with his contender and my own choice so far for goal of the tournament with an unstoppable effort from 30 yards. The Dutch looked to be cruising before Diego Forlan missiled a shot past the Dutch keeper which he should have really saved.
The Uruguayans threatened the ascendancy in the second half but a controversial Wesley Sneidjer goal on 70 minutes and a Robben header three minutes later had the Dutch back in the driving seat.
A late strike from Pereira was not enough to prevent the Uruguayans from a miserable week ahead as they wait to see who they will play for third place.
Sneidjer made his way to the top of the scoring charts with David Villa and it could be a straight shootout between them for the golden boot now and perhaps player of the tournament.
I said at the start of the tournament that my heart would be with the Dutch for my own reasons. There final berth actually brightened up a rather dull tournament, one that will go down in history as one of the poorest ever for a variety of reasons. Bad officialdom, stupid footballs and FIFA's governing of the body that should be doing everything to develop the great sport it once was. But judging by tonight's match working on a favourable interest rate from VISA seems more to their liking. 'Tis a sad state of affairs.
As usual my match prediction was wrong! Enough said....
In saying that I am a contradiction to myself as it's been a few days since I've seen a game and I was beginning to feel a pang began to yell from starvation.
The first of the semi-finals took place in Cape Town tonight with the Dutch trying to emulate the teams of 1974 & 1978 who reached the final. They succeeded with a narrow win over surprise package Uruguay by three goals to two. Though the game was far from a spectacle Holland deserved their place in the final though will have to improve immensely if they are to be crowned this coming weekend.
Van Bronckhorst put the Dutch ahead on 18 minutes with his contender and my own choice so far for goal of the tournament with an unstoppable effort from 30 yards. The Dutch looked to be cruising before Diego Forlan missiled a shot past the Dutch keeper which he should have really saved.
The Uruguayans threatened the ascendancy in the second half but a controversial Wesley Sneidjer goal on 70 minutes and a Robben header three minutes later had the Dutch back in the driving seat.
A late strike from Pereira was not enough to prevent the Uruguayans from a miserable week ahead as they wait to see who they will play for third place.
Sneidjer made his way to the top of the scoring charts with David Villa and it could be a straight shootout between them for the golden boot now and perhaps player of the tournament.
I said at the start of the tournament that my heart would be with the Dutch for my own reasons. There final berth actually brightened up a rather dull tournament, one that will go down in history as one of the poorest ever for a variety of reasons. Bad officialdom, stupid footballs and FIFA's governing of the body that should be doing everything to develop the great sport it once was. But judging by tonight's match working on a favourable interest rate from VISA seems more to their liking. 'Tis a sad state of affairs.
As usual my match prediction was wrong! Enough said....
Saturday, July 3, 2010
The Quarter Finals
I re-discovered why I'm in love with the beautiful game again over the course of the past thirty hours. The World Cup came to life and shredded any chance I had at ever becoming a football pundit into smithereens. There's nothing like watching someone put their head on the block and then watch them fall to their knees like a wimpy dude who's confessed to an affair. In a perfect world neither would happen but this is the world we live in.
As I wrote earlier I expected the boys from Brazil to deal with Holland in an effective manner. Up until half-time it looked they were going to do just that. They looked like they were cruising to the semi-finals after a glittering first half display unfortunately resulted in just one goal.
However Holland had other plans and goals from Wesley Sneijder on 53 and 68 minutes have the Dutch dreaming of the final and a possible first success in the tournament. The Brazilians were left to contemplate their fate as they left the field almost disbelieving that this could ever have happened. Perhaps my hope of hearts that the Dutch come through and win this is going to happen. Based though on my predictions I probably have just cursed them.
I predicted that the Ghana v Uruguay game would be won by Ghana after a 1-1 draw on penalties. In fact it was the Uruguayans who progressed on penalties. Goals from Muntari and Forlan had the teams deadlocked coming to the end of extra-time. Ghana pushed forward in one final assault and in a goal mouth frenzy Suarez took one for the team when he received a red card for saving Ghana's goal bound effort with his hands. Gyan stepped up to fire himself into the history books but his attempt bounded over off the cross bar leaving him wishing he had sought one of the corners.
Gyan showed his metal when he converted Ghana's first penalty in the shootout but that was the highlight as Abreu delicately chipped his spot kick down the middle of the goal to send Uruguay into rapture and Gyan into a personal nightmare that may last a lifetime. It was gripping to watch as the hopes of a continent disappeared on a professional footballers inability to score from a dead ball situation twelve yards from goal. Uruguay celebrated as the nation of only three and a half million people made the semi finals for the first time since 1970.
Argentina v Germany was the tie of the round on paper but didn't quite live up to my prediction of an epic 3-2 win for the Argies after extra time. The Germans turned on the style and avenged their epic 1986 encounter when they dismantled the best Maradona could muster by four goals to nil. The Germans must be loving this after the way no-one gave them a chance to win the tournament. As the bookmakers scramble for cover, the Germans must feel confident of adding to their title count. Goals from Thomas Mueller, Klose (2) and Friedrich saw the Germans put an end to the Argentine gallop that threatened much but delivered little when greatness started to speak a little louder.
The Paraguayans can count themselves a little unlucky not to progress at the expense of their former conquerors in an entertaining last Quarter final which sprung to life in the second half when Paraguay were awarded a penalty only to see Spanish goalkeeper Casillas save Cardoza's effort. Sixty seconds later the tide had turned as the Spanish watched as David Villa dispatched the penalty Spain had been awarded only to see the referee make him take it again for an encroachment. He then missed the re-take. Either side could have won this one but it was David Villa's day when he scored an 83rd minute winner to send the Spanish into the final four for the first time in their footballing history.
The quarter finals had it all. Goals, drama, shocks, performances and most of all a show of football that draws so many to it's endless possibilities. Just as it seemed the European sides were not in the same league as their South American counterparts they rise above expectation and answer the questions like only champions can. The problem now is which one is it going to be.
As I gaze into my crystal ball right now it's quite a blur. It's questioning my attempts at carving out a career for myself at the local betting shop or ever becoming a caricature of myself on Apres Match. Hope however always springs eternal so it seems only fair that I give it another go.
I see the Dutch ending Uruguay's admiral run in a tight affair which the Dutch will win 2-1. In the other semi final I see the Spanish throwing another World Cup curve ball and taking the Germans out 1-0. So in other words put a double against my bets and win yourself a fortune. Where else would you get it?
The standard of Irish comedy was raised a bar tonight when some sharp script writing, keen eyed editing and some remarkable delivery gave the Apres Match team a candidate for comedy moment of the year. It's more than The Savage Eye!
Footnote to Goalkeepers - In a penalty shoot scenario make gestures of movement from your line but do not move an inch from your spot.
Footnote to academics - Do the stats on likelihood of victory? You could change football and get yourself a job with Jose Mourinho as a statistician. It has to be better than shovelin' shi.....
As I wrote earlier I expected the boys from Brazil to deal with Holland in an effective manner. Up until half-time it looked they were going to do just that. They looked like they were cruising to the semi-finals after a glittering first half display unfortunately resulted in just one goal.
However Holland had other plans and goals from Wesley Sneijder on 53 and 68 minutes have the Dutch dreaming of the final and a possible first success in the tournament. The Brazilians were left to contemplate their fate as they left the field almost disbelieving that this could ever have happened. Perhaps my hope of hearts that the Dutch come through and win this is going to happen. Based though on my predictions I probably have just cursed them.
I predicted that the Ghana v Uruguay game would be won by Ghana after a 1-1 draw on penalties. In fact it was the Uruguayans who progressed on penalties. Goals from Muntari and Forlan had the teams deadlocked coming to the end of extra-time. Ghana pushed forward in one final assault and in a goal mouth frenzy Suarez took one for the team when he received a red card for saving Ghana's goal bound effort with his hands. Gyan stepped up to fire himself into the history books but his attempt bounded over off the cross bar leaving him wishing he had sought one of the corners.
Gyan showed his metal when he converted Ghana's first penalty in the shootout but that was the highlight as Abreu delicately chipped his spot kick down the middle of the goal to send Uruguay into rapture and Gyan into a personal nightmare that may last a lifetime. It was gripping to watch as the hopes of a continent disappeared on a professional footballers inability to score from a dead ball situation twelve yards from goal. Uruguay celebrated as the nation of only three and a half million people made the semi finals for the first time since 1970.
Argentina v Germany was the tie of the round on paper but didn't quite live up to my prediction of an epic 3-2 win for the Argies after extra time. The Germans turned on the style and avenged their epic 1986 encounter when they dismantled the best Maradona could muster by four goals to nil. The Germans must be loving this after the way no-one gave them a chance to win the tournament. As the bookmakers scramble for cover, the Germans must feel confident of adding to their title count. Goals from Thomas Mueller, Klose (2) and Friedrich saw the Germans put an end to the Argentine gallop that threatened much but delivered little when greatness started to speak a little louder.
The Paraguayans can count themselves a little unlucky not to progress at the expense of their former conquerors in an entertaining last Quarter final which sprung to life in the second half when Paraguay were awarded a penalty only to see Spanish goalkeeper Casillas save Cardoza's effort. Sixty seconds later the tide had turned as the Spanish watched as David Villa dispatched the penalty Spain had been awarded only to see the referee make him take it again for an encroachment. He then missed the re-take. Either side could have won this one but it was David Villa's day when he scored an 83rd minute winner to send the Spanish into the final four for the first time in their footballing history.
The quarter finals had it all. Goals, drama, shocks, performances and most of all a show of football that draws so many to it's endless possibilities. Just as it seemed the European sides were not in the same league as their South American counterparts they rise above expectation and answer the questions like only champions can. The problem now is which one is it going to be.
As I gaze into my crystal ball right now it's quite a blur. It's questioning my attempts at carving out a career for myself at the local betting shop or ever becoming a caricature of myself on Apres Match. Hope however always springs eternal so it seems only fair that I give it another go.
I see the Dutch ending Uruguay's admiral run in a tight affair which the Dutch will win 2-1. In the other semi final I see the Spanish throwing another World Cup curve ball and taking the Germans out 1-0. So in other words put a double against my bets and win yourself a fortune. Where else would you get it?
The standard of Irish comedy was raised a bar tonight when some sharp script writing, keen eyed editing and some remarkable delivery gave the Apres Match team a candidate for comedy moment of the year. It's more than The Savage Eye!
Footnote to Goalkeepers - In a penalty shoot scenario make gestures of movement from your line but do not move an inch from your spot.
Footnote to academics - Do the stats on likelihood of victory? You could change football and get yourself a job with Jose Mourinho as a statistician. It has to be better than shovelin' shi.....
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Flopball
Can this World Cup get any worse after today's matches? Hard to see how it can if one is to be perfectly honest. The standard of football makes leaves me in little doubt why PlayStation games now take over the time young people could spend playing football. Back in my day a ball was all we had. But if any kid looking in on these two snore fests today was looking in to be inspired I'm sure they find more entertainment on FIFA's version that can be played through a TV screen with consoles.
Japan went out to Paraguay in the early kick off in the most brutal match any supporter of the game should ever have to endure. Dire seems too small a word. The team from Paraguay progressed to the quarter finals in the tournaments first penalty shoot out when a miss from Japan's Komona the difference between the two sides. Paraguay converted all of their spot kicks to win 5-3.
In the evening exchange Spain squared off against their Iberian neighbours Portugal. The much hyped affair was won by the current European Champions with a goal from David Villa on 63 minutes the difference between the sides. The Spanish comfortably rode out the rest of the match with possession football and although they rarely threatened to add to their goal tally they were far superior to a Portuguese side who despite a bright start seemed to settle on their fate after Villa's goal. Ronaldo was woeful and may find a career in theatre to his liking should a challenge end his career early. Perhaps he should have a word with Eric Cantona's agent he may be able to get him a bit of work.
Paraguay will now meet Spain and it's difficult to see anything but a comfortable Spanish win. David Villa is making a strong pitch for himself to both top the scoring charts and be the man of the tournament. In this dreadful show which is supposed to be the pinnacle of any players career he is one of the few individuals who has lived up to what is expected of him.
Prediction Spain 3 Paraguay 0.
Japan went out to Paraguay in the early kick off in the most brutal match any supporter of the game should ever have to endure. Dire seems too small a word. The team from Paraguay progressed to the quarter finals in the tournaments first penalty shoot out when a miss from Japan's Komona the difference between the two sides. Paraguay converted all of their spot kicks to win 5-3.
In the evening exchange Spain squared off against their Iberian neighbours Portugal. The much hyped affair was won by the current European Champions with a goal from David Villa on 63 minutes the difference between the sides. The Spanish comfortably rode out the rest of the match with possession football and although they rarely threatened to add to their goal tally they were far superior to a Portuguese side who despite a bright start seemed to settle on their fate after Villa's goal. Ronaldo was woeful and may find a career in theatre to his liking should a challenge end his career early. Perhaps he should have a word with Eric Cantona's agent he may be able to get him a bit of work.
Paraguay will now meet Spain and it's difficult to see anything but a comfortable Spanish win. David Villa is making a strong pitch for himself to both top the scoring charts and be the man of the tournament. In this dreadful show which is supposed to be the pinnacle of any players career he is one of the few individuals who has lived up to what is expected of him.
Prediction Spain 3 Paraguay 0.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Samba Stars March Forward
The Dutch failed to exert themselves as they won their final 16 clash over Slovakia in the early kick off today. Goals from Robben and Sneijder were enough to see them through to the quarter finals and keep Dutch dreams alive in the competition.
Slovakia, who had previously sent World Champions Italy packing, failed to deliver a follow-up performance and despite bagging a late penalty which was dispatched by Vittek they find themselves airport bound but with their heads held high.
In the evening kick-off the Brazilian bandwagon steam rolled over Chile in a poetic display in all that is good about the beautiful game. First half goals from Juan and Fabiano had the Samba's in cruise control and they continued with that in the second half when Robinho added a third. Try as Chile may they were never in the game and the Brazilians once again gave the world a display which suggests they are the team to beat.
The Dutch now meet Brazil in the quarter finals. Though my heart will be with the Dutch I can't see based on tournament performances them beating the five-time champs. A match to the standard of the 1994 classic when the two teams also met in the quarter finals will be welcome but judging by today my prediction is Brazil will win by two clear goals.
Prediction : Brazil 3 Holland 1
Slovakia, who had previously sent World Champions Italy packing, failed to deliver a follow-up performance and despite bagging a late penalty which was dispatched by Vittek they find themselves airport bound but with their heads held high.
In the evening kick-off the Brazilian bandwagon steam rolled over Chile in a poetic display in all that is good about the beautiful game. First half goals from Juan and Fabiano had the Samba's in cruise control and they continued with that in the second half when Robinho added a third. Try as Chile may they were never in the game and the Brazilians once again gave the world a display which suggests they are the team to beat.
The Dutch now meet Brazil in the quarter finals. Though my heart will be with the Dutch I can't see based on tournament performances them beating the five-time champs. A match to the standard of the 1994 classic when the two teams also met in the quarter finals will be welcome but judging by today my prediction is Brazil will win by two clear goals.
Prediction : Brazil 3 Holland 1
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Controversial Daze
As postmortems go in my world no one does it better than the English. Following today's drubbing by the Germans the media will have a field day over the coming week. Every angle will be covered including the victim card after Lampard's perfectly good goal was deemed to have not crossed the line late in the first half. That though was only one chapter in a sorry story that's read like a footballing horror story ever since they arrived as the team the press maintained would emulate the men of 1966.
In a reversal of fortune today the Germans benefited from poor officialdom in a time when the game is suffering because of the ego and gluttony of the games governing body and it's corporation loving president Sepp Blatter. Surely a blind eye can not be turned again toward advances in this age of technology. This is England and not Ireland so my money is on goal mouth technology being phased in now over the coming years. Time will tell.
The truth is Germany were a far superior team based on today's match. Klose opened the German account on 20 minutes when the centre half pairing of John Terry and Mattie Upson did little to stop him from doing so. Wayne Bridge must be surely allowing himself a wry smile and consolidate the fact that he walked out on his country over a good mate.
Podolski made it two 13 minutes later when he stroked a ball under the advancing David James' legs. The Germans were running riot.
England somehow responded and within minutes had the ball in the German net when a corner from Stevie G is met by Mattie Upson to make it 2-1. Buoyed they blasted off again and minutes later Lampard's wrong range effort found the back of the goal, if not the net. Unbelievably the lineman was away on holiday and the goal did not stand.
2-1 at half time and the English must have felt confident of a turn around.
All the commentators who said this was the best generation of footballers England ever had, a comment more measured by bank balances than anything else. Carlsberg will be glad that they don't do ad's!
The knowledge that they could defend their early arrival home with a 'Rode' headline was not to be. The Germans looked at times that they were playing with England as they took control and cruised to a 4-1 with a further two goals from Muller on 67 and 70 minutes.
The Germans played with England like a cat would with a mouse and by the end England were reduced to nothing that will last in any positive memory. Their whole campaign was a complete shambles and David Beckham must be wondering why the hell he asked to be there. The only lesson they can take from this campaign is not to shout yourself up to much as it surely will come back and slap you in the chops. Wayne Rooney can't afford that. I fear however that in the 'hope springs eternal' world that may never happen. For entertainment, there's nothing better and they will be missed....or not, depending on your viewpoint.
Argentina went head to head with South American counterparts Mexico in the evening encounter. Controversy was again the order of the day when Carlos Tevez's opener was clearly off-side and another linesman calamity took the shine off what was a bright opening exchange.
The Argentine's took full advantage of Mexico's disparagement and were soon 2-0 up when Higuain made it four for him in the tournament.
Mayhem ensued at half time behind the dug-outs with man-God Diego Maradona throwing his small frame around as he tried to make sense of it all as players and officals let their latin blood run riot.
The Mexicans attempted to re-group and fought to pave a way back into the game and avoid their exodus. It was not to be when Tevez scored a goal that will feature in the best goals compilation on 51 minutes. Mexico for their part never gave up and try as they were rewarded on 71 minutes with an excellent strike from Hernandez but that was it for them.
Home they will go with the 'what if?' question that sometimes rise to the peak of human thought on occassion.
I went to the FIFA website earlier to check on a stat. As the page opened I was dazzled by an invitation to vote for my man of the match. Brought to me by Budweiser. As my old mate Leon used to say, ' Budweiser never gave me nothing to trouble.' So I declined.
FIFA's day of shame should have been their handling of Ireland v France back in the qualifiers but today they outdid themselves. It's their shame that the beautiful game they govern is the shambles it is in the present day.
Argentina now face Germany in a repeat of the 1986 epic final. The Argentinians came out top that day in a thrilling 3-2 win which came to life in the final minutes when the Germans somehow came back from 2-0 down to equalise only to have their hearts broken in the final seconds by Burruchaga. Though that World Cup was the Diego Maradona show it also contained the infamous 'Hand of God' incident. Daze of controvery, hey!
I'll go with Argentina to repeat their 1986 win and win 3-2 in extra-time. European football is having a poor World Cup and it's on that basis alone I make my call. Messi to shine though Eamon Dunphy reckons it won't happen. Here's to a great game of footie....
Footnote - Would Wayne Bridge please stop smiling.
In a reversal of fortune today the Germans benefited from poor officialdom in a time when the game is suffering because of the ego and gluttony of the games governing body and it's corporation loving president Sepp Blatter. Surely a blind eye can not be turned again toward advances in this age of technology. This is England and not Ireland so my money is on goal mouth technology being phased in now over the coming years. Time will tell.
The truth is Germany were a far superior team based on today's match. Klose opened the German account on 20 minutes when the centre half pairing of John Terry and Mattie Upson did little to stop him from doing so. Wayne Bridge must be surely allowing himself a wry smile and consolidate the fact that he walked out on his country over a good mate.
Podolski made it two 13 minutes later when he stroked a ball under the advancing David James' legs. The Germans were running riot.
England somehow responded and within minutes had the ball in the German net when a corner from Stevie G is met by Mattie Upson to make it 2-1. Buoyed they blasted off again and minutes later Lampard's wrong range effort found the back of the goal, if not the net. Unbelievably the lineman was away on holiday and the goal did not stand.
2-1 at half time and the English must have felt confident of a turn around.
All the commentators who said this was the best generation of footballers England ever had, a comment more measured by bank balances than anything else. Carlsberg will be glad that they don't do ad's!
The knowledge that they could defend their early arrival home with a 'Rode' headline was not to be. The Germans looked at times that they were playing with England as they took control and cruised to a 4-1 with a further two goals from Muller on 67 and 70 minutes.
The Germans played with England like a cat would with a mouse and by the end England were reduced to nothing that will last in any positive memory. Their whole campaign was a complete shambles and David Beckham must be wondering why the hell he asked to be there. The only lesson they can take from this campaign is not to shout yourself up to much as it surely will come back and slap you in the chops. Wayne Rooney can't afford that. I fear however that in the 'hope springs eternal' world that may never happen. For entertainment, there's nothing better and they will be missed....or not, depending on your viewpoint.
Argentina went head to head with South American counterparts Mexico in the evening encounter. Controversy was again the order of the day when Carlos Tevez's opener was clearly off-side and another linesman calamity took the shine off what was a bright opening exchange.
The Argentine's took full advantage of Mexico's disparagement and were soon 2-0 up when Higuain made it four for him in the tournament.
Mayhem ensued at half time behind the dug-outs with man-God Diego Maradona throwing his small frame around as he tried to make sense of it all as players and officals let their latin blood run riot.
The Mexicans attempted to re-group and fought to pave a way back into the game and avoid their exodus. It was not to be when Tevez scored a goal that will feature in the best goals compilation on 51 minutes. Mexico for their part never gave up and try as they were rewarded on 71 minutes with an excellent strike from Hernandez but that was it for them.
Home they will go with the 'what if?' question that sometimes rise to the peak of human thought on occassion.
I went to the FIFA website earlier to check on a stat. As the page opened I was dazzled by an invitation to vote for my man of the match. Brought to me by Budweiser. As my old mate Leon used to say, ' Budweiser never gave me nothing to trouble.' So I declined.
FIFA's day of shame should have been their handling of Ireland v France back in the qualifiers but today they outdid themselves. It's their shame that the beautiful game they govern is the shambles it is in the present day.
Argentina now face Germany in a repeat of the 1986 epic final. The Argentinians came out top that day in a thrilling 3-2 win which came to life in the final minutes when the Germans somehow came back from 2-0 down to equalise only to have their hearts broken in the final seconds by Burruchaga. Though that World Cup was the Diego Maradona show it also contained the infamous 'Hand of God' incident. Daze of controvery, hey!
I'll go with Argentina to repeat their 1986 win and win 3-2 in extra-time. European football is having a poor World Cup and it's on that basis alone I make my call. Messi to shine though Eamon Dunphy reckons it won't happen. Here's to a great game of footie....
Footnote - Would Wayne Bridge please stop smiling.
Head On The Chopping Block
Two time champions Uruguay can feel slightly fortunate on reaching the last eight for the first time since 1970. Korean defensive frailties allowed Luis Suarez to score twice in a 2-1 win. Suarez is fast becoming a star of this tournament and his agent must be rubbing their hands at the prospect of cashing in. Can the Uruguayans win it?
NO!!
Korea, former semi finalists now fly home just one day after their Northern countrymen. Must have been nice to be a Korean for this World Cup despite their early but expected endings.
A guy called Gyan from Ghana fired the men made from tanks into the final eight at the expense of the United States. While they will not win this particular World Cup I'll put my punditry career on the line by saying that Ghana WILL win the World Cup by the turn of the century. If Pele can be wrong then why the hell can't I? Stick the old neck on the block for once in my life. If it was good enough for Maria Antoinette it's good enough for me.
The U.S were never going to be serious contenders despite Landon Donavan's equaliser to Boateng's opener for Ghana. It's becoming a great World Cup for the Boateng brothers, Kevin and Jerome. Kevin's half-bro plays for Germany and his opener will help bury the nightmare of an FA Cup final penalty miss just a few short weeks ago.
Donavan had promised the American fans in a weepy affair just a few days ago that there was more to come. He duly obliged on a personal level but his team didn't match his personal ambitions.
Ghana now play Uruguay in a showdown that I'm really looking forward to. It's surely going to be edgy. I see goals and red cards in my crystal ball with the team from Ghana creating history by reaching the semi-finals on penalties after a 1-1 draw aet.
Right I'm off to buy some eggs to have to rub in my face. Coming soon to a YouTube Channel near you!
NO!!
Korea, former semi finalists now fly home just one day after their Northern countrymen. Must have been nice to be a Korean for this World Cup despite their early but expected endings.
A guy called Gyan from Ghana fired the men made from tanks into the final eight at the expense of the United States. While they will not win this particular World Cup I'll put my punditry career on the line by saying that Ghana WILL win the World Cup by the turn of the century. If Pele can be wrong then why the hell can't I? Stick the old neck on the block for once in my life. If it was good enough for Maria Antoinette it's good enough for me.
The U.S were never going to be serious contenders despite Landon Donavan's equaliser to Boateng's opener for Ghana. It's becoming a great World Cup for the Boateng brothers, Kevin and Jerome. Kevin's half-bro plays for Germany and his opener will help bury the nightmare of an FA Cup final penalty miss just a few short weeks ago.
Donavan had promised the American fans in a weepy affair just a few days ago that there was more to come. He duly obliged on a personal level but his team didn't match his personal ambitions.
Ghana now play Uruguay in a showdown that I'm really looking forward to. It's surely going to be edgy. I see goals and red cards in my crystal ball with the team from Ghana creating history by reaching the semi-finals on penalties after a 1-1 draw aet.
Right I'm off to buy some eggs to have to rub in my face. Coming soon to a YouTube Channel near you!
The End Of The Groupies.
I hate playing catch-up but a much needed break from computer screens means that's what I'm doing right now. Brazil and Portugal played out a 0-0 draw in their group encounter with Brazil leaving a slight question mark over whether they will be the team or not this time round. Portugal showed their defensive qualities but after a rout against the North Koreans they failed to compliment that side of their game with another goal fest.
It's still Brazil for me but what would I know. Can't see Portugal doing it. With a captain who likes nothing more than looking at his big-screen reactions they are hard to take seriously.
The Ivory Coast headed home with a 3-0 win over the North Koreans who will go home to face the wrath of their leader. CIA files have been compiled on everyone of them and are being flown back to Langley to be stored away for future reference. Hardly a football giant, the Koreans can be proud of the goal they scored against the mighty Brazilians.
The Swiss failed to capitalise on their opening win against the Spanish and found themselves airport bound after a dismal 0-0 draw against the might of Honduras. That left Spain vying for top spot with Chile and they duly obliged with a 2-1 win. Some pundits say it's all about momentum and Spain after consecutive wins now have that.
For me though, it's all about not actually being there. Hey, I'm Irish! I'm supposed to be bitter and excel in the art of begrudging.
It's still Brazil for me but what would I know. Can't see Portugal doing it. With a captain who likes nothing more than looking at his big-screen reactions they are hard to take seriously.
The Ivory Coast headed home with a 3-0 win over the North Koreans who will go home to face the wrath of their leader. CIA files have been compiled on everyone of them and are being flown back to Langley to be stored away for future reference. Hardly a football giant, the Koreans can be proud of the goal they scored against the mighty Brazilians.
The Swiss failed to capitalise on their opening win against the Spanish and found themselves airport bound after a dismal 0-0 draw against the might of Honduras. That left Spain vying for top spot with Chile and they duly obliged with a 2-1 win. Some pundits say it's all about momentum and Spain after consecutive wins now have that.
For me though, it's all about not actually being there. Hey, I'm Irish! I'm supposed to be bitter and excel in the art of begrudging.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Sushi Football
I could almost hear Nero playing his fiddle today as Italy joined their fellow finalists last time around, France, at the airport. No doubt about it this is the shock of the tournament so far. Most of the players will be wondering why they bothered to re-build Rome as they feel they may now end up being slaughtered by a baying public in the Colosseum. Rumours of a raffle type thingy for tickets to the bloodbath are not true.
The Italians, cautious as usual, payed the ultimate price when Slovakia hit them with three goals. The game only came alive in the final ten minutes when Slovakia took a 2-0 lead springing the Italians forward to grab one of their own. Not to be outdone the Slovaks plundered another against dreadful Italian defending to make it 3-1. With a manager like Lippi it was no surprise that the Italians had the last word when they made it 3-2 within a minute.
It was not to be. Despite missing a last second chance to qualify for the next round the 'Lippi' one was seen running down the tunnel at the final whistle and wishing he had been born in the Faroe Islands..
In the other match of the afternoon Paraguay and New Zealand played out a scoreless draw leaving the Paraguayans top of the group. New Zealand will remember this World Cup for many reasons but they leave for Wellington with their boots unbeaten. Shame really.
Holland made it three wins on the trot against Cameroon. Goals from Van Persie and Huntelaar was enough to see that the Cameroons go home much to the disappointment of dancing guru, Roger Milla.
Denmark were favourites to beat Japan in the groups other game but true to the tournament form Japan beat the former European Champions with ease. Goals from Honda, Endo and Okazai eased the Japanese into the knockout round and they will fancy their chances against Paraguay playing this brand of sushi football.
Despite their historical effort against the Italians they are rewarded with a last-16 tie against the Dutch who have not looked stretched so far. There's an air of togetherness about the Dutch this time having had previous campaigns plagued by dissent in the camp. I don't want to speak too soon but I'd love it if they won it. Love it!
The Italians, cautious as usual, payed the ultimate price when Slovakia hit them with three goals. The game only came alive in the final ten minutes when Slovakia took a 2-0 lead springing the Italians forward to grab one of their own. Not to be outdone the Slovaks plundered another against dreadful Italian defending to make it 3-1. With a manager like Lippi it was no surprise that the Italians had the last word when they made it 3-2 within a minute.
It was not to be. Despite missing a last second chance to qualify for the next round the 'Lippi' one was seen running down the tunnel at the final whistle and wishing he had been born in the Faroe Islands..
In the other match of the afternoon Paraguay and New Zealand played out a scoreless draw leaving the Paraguayans top of the group. New Zealand will remember this World Cup for many reasons but they leave for Wellington with their boots unbeaten. Shame really.
Holland made it three wins on the trot against Cameroon. Goals from Van Persie and Huntelaar was enough to see that the Cameroons go home much to the disappointment of dancing guru, Roger Milla.
Denmark were favourites to beat Japan in the groups other game but true to the tournament form Japan beat the former European Champions with ease. Goals from Honda, Endo and Okazai eased the Japanese into the knockout round and they will fancy their chances against Paraguay playing this brand of sushi football.
Despite their historical effort against the Italians they are rewarded with a last-16 tie against the Dutch who have not looked stretched so far. There's an air of togetherness about the Dutch this time having had previous campaigns plagued by dissent in the camp. I don't want to speak too soon but I'd love it if they won it. Love it!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
England Limp Through
I'll be glad when the last of the group games are out of the way. There is something more exciting about the knockout phase of the competition.
England limped into the round of 16 earlier today when an early Defoe goal set up a 1-0 win over Slovenia. England could have had more but poor finishing and a terrible account of themselves by the Slovenians saw Capello's men through. It was another bad performance by the English who must be wondering why things are just not clicking for them.
The United States defeated Algeria with a last gasp winner from Landon Donavan to put them through at the hands of Slovenia by a score of 1-0.
In this evenings matches the Germans defeated Ghana by a solitary goal in the match of the day and will now play old enemies England next week. The game could have went either way.
Ghana look strong and should have little trouble overcoming the USA in the next round if they remain true to the form they have shown so far. Australia defeated Serbia 2-1 but both teams now head for the airport after failing to come through this very tough group.
I stand by my earlier viewpoint that this is the worst opening to any World Cup that I have ever seen and that stretches back to Spain in 1982. If I hadn't already committed to blogging about it so I have a back drop to my second book I'd give up now. I guess there's reasons for everything...
England limped into the round of 16 earlier today when an early Defoe goal set up a 1-0 win over Slovenia. England could have had more but poor finishing and a terrible account of themselves by the Slovenians saw Capello's men through. It was another bad performance by the English who must be wondering why things are just not clicking for them.
The United States defeated Algeria with a last gasp winner from Landon Donavan to put them through at the hands of Slovenia by a score of 1-0.
In this evenings matches the Germans defeated Ghana by a solitary goal in the match of the day and will now play old enemies England next week. The game could have went either way.
Ghana look strong and should have little trouble overcoming the USA in the next round if they remain true to the form they have shown so far. Australia defeated Serbia 2-1 but both teams now head for the airport after failing to come through this very tough group.
I stand by my earlier viewpoint that this is the worst opening to any World Cup that I have ever seen and that stretches back to Spain in 1982. If I hadn't already committed to blogging about it so I have a back drop to my second book I'd give up now. I guess there's reasons for everything...
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
French Go Home In Shame.
Hosts South Africa exited their own World Cup on a high in the afternoon when they beat France 2-1 and also ended French hopes of a second-round place. The French now return how as media outlets brand them as 'betrayers' for their overall performances and behaviour since the tournament began. If Karma is indeed a thing of relevance then it has been served here. I'm beginning to believe it does.
Uruguay topped their group when they edged a 1-0 win over Mexico. A Luiz Suarez goal just before half time will have the Uruguayans believing that this could be their best world cup in decades. Mexico also advanced to the final 16 but won't contend the latter stages in my estimation. So, in other words, they may win the cup.
The evening seen the Argentines make it three from three when they cruised to a 2-0 win over Greece. With the Mexicans next up for the most impressive team so far it's hard to not see Maradona's men marching on into the quarter finals. They've done all this and Messi has not even opened out his legs yet. They could be ones to watch.
Nigeria provided the opposition to South Korea and in a balanced affair they scrapped out a 2-2 draw. It wasn't enough to take them through and South Koreans celebrated with gusto the fact they were not from the North as they tip-toed into the knockout phase.
Tomorrow could see some big name casualties with both the English and the Germans fighting for their tournament survival. If both go out I'll have been right about the English and wrong about the Germans. So I guess I'll have to go with England flying home early to a Summer of media bashing and the Germans to win 4-0. Like that's ever going to happen!
I see Ossie Ardiles has managed to wrangle his way on to Irish TV. He must have a good agent.
Uruguay topped their group when they edged a 1-0 win over Mexico. A Luiz Suarez goal just before half time will have the Uruguayans believing that this could be their best world cup in decades. Mexico also advanced to the final 16 but won't contend the latter stages in my estimation. So, in other words, they may win the cup.
The evening seen the Argentines make it three from three when they cruised to a 2-0 win over Greece. With the Mexicans next up for the most impressive team so far it's hard to not see Maradona's men marching on into the quarter finals. They've done all this and Messi has not even opened out his legs yet. They could be ones to watch.
Nigeria provided the opposition to South Korea and in a balanced affair they scrapped out a 2-2 draw. It wasn't enough to take them through and South Koreans celebrated with gusto the fact they were not from the North as they tip-toed into the knockout phase.
Tomorrow could see some big name casualties with both the English and the Germans fighting for their tournament survival. If both go out I'll have been right about the English and wrong about the Germans. So I guess I'll have to go with England flying home early to a Summer of media bashing and the Germans to win 4-0. Like that's ever going to happen!
I see Ossie Ardiles has managed to wrangle his way on to Irish TV. He must have a good agent.
Monday, June 21, 2010
G - MAC DAY
I have to admit Graham McDowell never really figured on my list of people who were going to win Major golf titles. Last night he not only put himself on the list he also become the first European Golfer to win the U.S Open in 40 years. In a steady and professional manner his course management was second to none as employed the tactic of holding his own and let the others do the damage. Damage they did with some of the biggest names in golf dropping by the wayside as the last round matured toward the presentation ceremony. It was a proud moment to be Irish.
European Golf looks strong as we swing toward the Ryder Cup later in the year. There have been some good showings by the best Europe has to offer on the U.S tour with wins for Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood. The rest of Europe's elite have also had strong finishes on tour and it all bodes well for the showdown with the Americans as we try to win the trophy back.
I'd have given G-Mac about the same chance as I would give a bag of sweaty banana's on a sweltering day to win this one. He always believed in his game and also in himself. Swell ride to the top. He's there now and Paddy Harrington has stiff competition for endorsement deals. Maybe Paddy can win his third British Open next month?
Portugal went to town on the hapless North Koreans and can expect a good bolloxing off Kim-Jong-Eggit when they get home. The Portuguese fired seven past them in the first match of the day and set out their stall as contenders for the competition. Goals from Meireles, Simao, Almeida, Tiago (2) Liedson and God's gift to himself, Cristiano Ronaldo made sure the Koreans don't enjoy their meal this evening and should be enough to secure the Portuguese a slot in the round of 16.
Switzerland failed to capitalise on their impressive opening win against the Spanish when they went down 1-0 to Chile in a sleepy affair in the second offering of the day. A goal from Mark Gonzales made it two wins from two for the country that hosted the competition back in 1962. I can't see them emulating their countrymen who finished third on that occasion but then again if I was any good at punditry then I'd get the middle seat between Gilsey and Dunph and we could just go for. Total improv, swell pay-packet too.
Spain and Honduras served up the evening entertainment. Spain had the best of the opening exchanges with David Villa coming close early on when his shot rebounded off the crossbar. Shots that hit the crossbar should get something in football. That takes real skill.
Villa made up for his blunder when he weaved his feet as fast as a competent connoisseur of wool before firing the ball cleaning into the part of the net that was mangled in the corner as the ball hit home.
I always thought sheep-shearing was sort of degrading for sheep and never really the measure of a man but then again I eat chops. Shouldn't really entitle me to an opinion so I'll shut my mouth.
Fernando Torres tortured my prediction list as he failed to deliver the goods with two excellent chances in the 33rd minute. Villa continued to dazzle and I'm sure it's him in an Arsenal jersey is what i want for Christmas. All I wanted last year was a rain-free day. I didn't get that either.
Liam Brady fondled with the mindset of the footballing nation sending most off for their night time beverage of choice. Relationships were stretched to the limits for another 45 minutes. Spain continued on their merry way and Villa made it 2-0 on 50 minutes with the help of a deflection. There was no such luck when VILLA (yes i said it again) missed a penalty on 62 minutes to complete his hat-trick. Fabregas was introduced soon after and nearly scored within minutes but his effort was cleared off the line. Torres ended his personal misery on 70 minutes and looks like Samson after cutting his hair. I still expect him to be a powerhouse throughout though.
Spain continued to dominate and easily seen out time to set up a group decider with the men from Santiago and beyond. It could be a cracker if Torres wakes up. It's all about match fitness. He's nearly there.
Things are hotting up in the England squad after John Terry spoke out in public yesterday only for Fabio Capolla publicly announcing that the guy who was stripped of the England captaincy only a few months ago made a 'big mistake'. There is an expectation that Terry will be dropped in favour of Matthew Upson in a show of 'who is boss?'
The right to secrecy when it comes to team games can only be a good thing. We'd all like to be flies on walls during some of those dressing room showdowns. Make great reality TV. But dressing rooms are sacred places and Terry came across as a prima-donna and as such much be treated as such. Make him wear a nappy and suck a soother if he wants to play for his country again. Or then again, just sack Fabio.
But the day belongs to Graham McDowell. New Irish sporting hero. Will he become a God and if he does when will we know he is one? What makes up such status in this modern era? Only time, like with everything, will tell. You get the Booker endorsement and are inducted into my personal hall of fame.
European Golf looks strong as we swing toward the Ryder Cup later in the year. There have been some good showings by the best Europe has to offer on the U.S tour with wins for Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood. The rest of Europe's elite have also had strong finishes on tour and it all bodes well for the showdown with the Americans as we try to win the trophy back.
I'd have given G-Mac about the same chance as I would give a bag of sweaty banana's on a sweltering day to win this one. He always believed in his game and also in himself. Swell ride to the top. He's there now and Paddy Harrington has stiff competition for endorsement deals. Maybe Paddy can win his third British Open next month?
Portugal went to town on the hapless North Koreans and can expect a good bolloxing off Kim-Jong-Eggit when they get home. The Portuguese fired seven past them in the first match of the day and set out their stall as contenders for the competition. Goals from Meireles, Simao, Almeida, Tiago (2) Liedson and God's gift to himself, Cristiano Ronaldo made sure the Koreans don't enjoy their meal this evening and should be enough to secure the Portuguese a slot in the round of 16.
Switzerland failed to capitalise on their impressive opening win against the Spanish when they went down 1-0 to Chile in a sleepy affair in the second offering of the day. A goal from Mark Gonzales made it two wins from two for the country that hosted the competition back in 1962. I can't see them emulating their countrymen who finished third on that occasion but then again if I was any good at punditry then I'd get the middle seat between Gilsey and Dunph and we could just go for. Total improv, swell pay-packet too.
Spain and Honduras served up the evening entertainment. Spain had the best of the opening exchanges with David Villa coming close early on when his shot rebounded off the crossbar. Shots that hit the crossbar should get something in football. That takes real skill.
Villa made up for his blunder when he weaved his feet as fast as a competent connoisseur of wool before firing the ball cleaning into the part of the net that was mangled in the corner as the ball hit home.
I always thought sheep-shearing was sort of degrading for sheep and never really the measure of a man but then again I eat chops. Shouldn't really entitle me to an opinion so I'll shut my mouth.
Fernando Torres tortured my prediction list as he failed to deliver the goods with two excellent chances in the 33rd minute. Villa continued to dazzle and I'm sure it's him in an Arsenal jersey is what i want for Christmas. All I wanted last year was a rain-free day. I didn't get that either.
Liam Brady fondled with the mindset of the footballing nation sending most off for their night time beverage of choice. Relationships were stretched to the limits for another 45 minutes. Spain continued on their merry way and Villa made it 2-0 on 50 minutes with the help of a deflection. There was no such luck when VILLA (yes i said it again) missed a penalty on 62 minutes to complete his hat-trick. Fabregas was introduced soon after and nearly scored within minutes but his effort was cleared off the line. Torres ended his personal misery on 70 minutes and looks like Samson after cutting his hair. I still expect him to be a powerhouse throughout though.
Spain continued to dominate and easily seen out time to set up a group decider with the men from Santiago and beyond. It could be a cracker if Torres wakes up. It's all about match fitness. He's nearly there.
Things are hotting up in the England squad after John Terry spoke out in public yesterday only for Fabio Capolla publicly announcing that the guy who was stripped of the England captaincy only a few months ago made a 'big mistake'. There is an expectation that Terry will be dropped in favour of Matthew Upson in a show of 'who is boss?'
The right to secrecy when it comes to team games can only be a good thing. We'd all like to be flies on walls during some of those dressing room showdowns. Make great reality TV. But dressing rooms are sacred places and Terry came across as a prima-donna and as such much be treated as such. Make him wear a nappy and suck a soother if he wants to play for his country again. Or then again, just sack Fabio.
But the day belongs to Graham McDowell. New Irish sporting hero. Will he become a God and if he does when will we know he is one? What makes up such status in this modern era? Only time, like with everything, will tell. You get the Booker endorsement and are inducted into my personal hall of fame.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Le Sulk
Spent a few days in the wild doing a little hill walking. Croagh Patrick sure is a big one. Needless to say I was missing football matches and the second golfing major of the year but what the heck. The sun was blazing, I'm red raw and it was good to trek the great outdoors for a few days.
Despite the lack of visuals it's been an 'interesting' few days in South Africa. First the Germans fell to the Serbs and threw a shadow over their hopes of claiming a forth world title. Then the mighty Algerians held England to a scoreless draw. There's whispers of discontent within the camp though Wayne Rooney did forget to whisper as he vented steam into a camera as he left the pitch. Could be one of the photo's of the tourney.
There's a showdown happening as we speak between team and management. It's hard to call with England. Can I see them getting out of the group. Truth is I can. After that? If they continue in this sort of form they'll have an extra few weeks added to their down time. They were rubbish on Friday night despite the talent at their disposal. Perhaps the Premiership just has a high opinion of itself ?
The Dutch cruised to victory over Japan and Denmark got themselves back into the competition with a gutsy 2-1 win over Cameroon. Ghana top their group after a battle with the Aussies gave them a 1-1 draw. Ghana have been the most impressive African side to date.
As Paraguay mounted their group at the expense of Slovakia, the Italians found themselves being held by New Zealand. Rugby it ain't and perhaps the Italians are just a tad to feminine this time around to challenge.
Which leaves the Brazilians, who cruised to a 3-1 victory against the Ivory Coast are the team doing it for me right now. Sven seems to be losing his charm. It's a safe bet and really doesn't stand on any great fence. But you got to call it as you see and they'll produced so far and as always in these tournaments the team that usually wins it is the one that get progressively better as the games play down to a date in Soccer City three weeks tonight.
France went into meltdown over the weekend with Nicolas Anelka sent home for allegedly abusing his manager with expletives. The French squad then turned on management and in a series of heated exchanges today on the training ground the split was evident when the players said they were all against Anelka's expulsion.
They issued a collective statement blaming the French Footballing Federation for all that had gone before and then climbed aboard the training bus and refused to do laps. Grown men were crying on the management side and some resigned not having the stomach for the fight.
We had our own sending home debacle in 2002 but this is way deeper. It's an awful demise for the team that did us out of our place there this Summer. Laugh now Blatter and Platini you pair of corporate whores. Nice images for your game.
If we were there we'd drown out them Vuvuzela's but no sense in crying .....
Final round of the US open tonight. Go G-Mac. I'd love to wake up tomorrow and write about an Irish win at the US Open. I'd side with my Irishness and also my cynical side that it won't happen but in truth it's a half-arsed attempt at mind-f**ging the cosmos. I nearly always fail.
McDowell gets whispers from destiny. That's a big thing to admit. They say you got to visualise it before you can achieve it. Whoever the fuck 'they' are but maybe they are right.
Tiger's on the prowl again and i don't mean women. Pebble Beach wizard, Dustin Johnson, has a three shot lead and Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson are within distance. It's going to be a late night.
Despite the lack of visuals it's been an 'interesting' few days in South Africa. First the Germans fell to the Serbs and threw a shadow over their hopes of claiming a forth world title. Then the mighty Algerians held England to a scoreless draw. There's whispers of discontent within the camp though Wayne Rooney did forget to whisper as he vented steam into a camera as he left the pitch. Could be one of the photo's of the tourney.
There's a showdown happening as we speak between team and management. It's hard to call with England. Can I see them getting out of the group. Truth is I can. After that? If they continue in this sort of form they'll have an extra few weeks added to their down time. They were rubbish on Friday night despite the talent at their disposal. Perhaps the Premiership just has a high opinion of itself ?
The Dutch cruised to victory over Japan and Denmark got themselves back into the competition with a gutsy 2-1 win over Cameroon. Ghana top their group after a battle with the Aussies gave them a 1-1 draw. Ghana have been the most impressive African side to date.
As Paraguay mounted their group at the expense of Slovakia, the Italians found themselves being held by New Zealand. Rugby it ain't and perhaps the Italians are just a tad to feminine this time around to challenge.
Which leaves the Brazilians, who cruised to a 3-1 victory against the Ivory Coast are the team doing it for me right now. Sven seems to be losing his charm. It's a safe bet and really doesn't stand on any great fence. But you got to call it as you see and they'll produced so far and as always in these tournaments the team that usually wins it is the one that get progressively better as the games play down to a date in Soccer City three weeks tonight.
France went into meltdown over the weekend with Nicolas Anelka sent home for allegedly abusing his manager with expletives. The French squad then turned on management and in a series of heated exchanges today on the training ground the split was evident when the players said they were all against Anelka's expulsion.
They issued a collective statement blaming the French Footballing Federation for all that had gone before and then climbed aboard the training bus and refused to do laps. Grown men were crying on the management side and some resigned not having the stomach for the fight.
We had our own sending home debacle in 2002 but this is way deeper. It's an awful demise for the team that did us out of our place there this Summer. Laugh now Blatter and Platini you pair of corporate whores. Nice images for your game.
If we were there we'd drown out them Vuvuzela's but no sense in crying .....
Final round of the US open tonight. Go G-Mac. I'd love to wake up tomorrow and write about an Irish win at the US Open. I'd side with my Irishness and also my cynical side that it won't happen but in truth it's a half-arsed attempt at mind-f**ging the cosmos. I nearly always fail.
McDowell gets whispers from destiny. That's a big thing to admit. They say you got to visualise it before you can achieve it. Whoever the fuck 'they' are but maybe they are right.
Tiger's on the prowl again and i don't mean women. Pebble Beach wizard, Dustin Johnson, has a three shot lead and Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson are within distance. It's going to be a late night.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Karma
Argentina fired four past the South Koreans in the first match of the day and virtually assured their place in the last 16. The result seemed to be in the balance until Higuain's second strike on the 76th minute which made the score 3-1. The South Koreans floundered again on 80 minutes when Higuain completed his hat-trick, sending him to the top of the goal scoring charts.
Argentina looked to be cruising in the first half and lead 2-0 until the stroke of half time when Lee Chung Yung's goal put the former semi-finalists back in the game. The South Koreans poured forward in the second half in search of an equaliser before the late Higuain double wrapped up an enjoyable match and based on their opening games Argentina have now to be serious contenders for the trophy. If they are this good before Messi even fires up it's sure to have a few nations quaking in their boots.
Nigeria were cruising against former European Champions Greece and leading 1-0 from a goal from Uche when Kaita threw a kick at a Greek counterpart who acted theatrically, as all good Greeks do and was red carded. Enter Salpingidis and Torosidis and bang, bang, Greece not only had their first ever World Cup goals as a nation but three points taboot. Looks like another African casulty early in the competition.
An old fictional friend of mine, Bamber Doyle, once asked me the question how would the saying 'Don't f*ck with Karma, It will fu*k with you' look good on a T-Shirt? I told him on the spot that it was 'pathetic'. The rest of the story I'll leave in the book but after Mexico did the business against the French tonight, I once again have to admit I was wrong. Brutal as this may sound but it's meant in purely footballing terms, they got what they deserved and now face an early exit should results not swing their way.
It could happen. After all, Italy bounced back from a defeat to Ireland to go all the way to the 1994 final and were only beaten on penalties. But let's go with Bamber on this one all the same.
Goals from Hernandaz (another character in my book. Could it be fate?) and Blanco fired the Mexicans to victory in a deserved victory against a team and manager that are well beyond their sell-by date. I guess karma does have a way of biting you sometimes.
...and who said nice guys can't have their day in the sun. Enda Kenny won the Fine Gael leadership battle today and emerged victorious before holding hands with 'tricky dickie Bruton' in a show of party unity. Nice to see Enda have his day in the sun and a warm day it must have felt too. Nothing like getting the backing of your own in anything you do in this life.
I watched Vincent and the panel tonight and I'm nearly sure i heard Vincent say he interviewed Enda once and he 'hadn't a clue'. Doesn't bode well for the future of the country, does it? I'm looking forward to seeing the next big opinion poll. I wonder what the debacle has done to Fine Gael. This must have hurt them. Which can only mean three things. One, a Labour/Fine Gael coalition with Gilmore at the head of proceedings. Two, a Fianna Fail/Sinn Fein alliance or three, emigration. Think I'll head down to Mayo for the weekend and see what the West has to offer....and it's nearer Canada of course. :)
Argentina looked to be cruising in the first half and lead 2-0 until the stroke of half time when Lee Chung Yung's goal put the former semi-finalists back in the game. The South Koreans poured forward in the second half in search of an equaliser before the late Higuain double wrapped up an enjoyable match and based on their opening games Argentina have now to be serious contenders for the trophy. If they are this good before Messi even fires up it's sure to have a few nations quaking in their boots.
Nigeria were cruising against former European Champions Greece and leading 1-0 from a goal from Uche when Kaita threw a kick at a Greek counterpart who acted theatrically, as all good Greeks do and was red carded. Enter Salpingidis and Torosidis and bang, bang, Greece not only had their first ever World Cup goals as a nation but three points taboot. Looks like another African casulty early in the competition.
An old fictional friend of mine, Bamber Doyle, once asked me the question how would the saying 'Don't f*ck with Karma, It will fu*k with you' look good on a T-Shirt? I told him on the spot that it was 'pathetic'. The rest of the story I'll leave in the book but after Mexico did the business against the French tonight, I once again have to admit I was wrong. Brutal as this may sound but it's meant in purely footballing terms, they got what they deserved and now face an early exit should results not swing their way.
It could happen. After all, Italy bounced back from a defeat to Ireland to go all the way to the 1994 final and were only beaten on penalties. But let's go with Bamber on this one all the same.
Goals from Hernandaz (another character in my book. Could it be fate?) and Blanco fired the Mexicans to victory in a deserved victory against a team and manager that are well beyond their sell-by date. I guess karma does have a way of biting you sometimes.
...and who said nice guys can't have their day in the sun. Enda Kenny won the Fine Gael leadership battle today and emerged victorious before holding hands with 'tricky dickie Bruton' in a show of party unity. Nice to see Enda have his day in the sun and a warm day it must have felt too. Nothing like getting the backing of your own in anything you do in this life.
I watched Vincent and the panel tonight and I'm nearly sure i heard Vincent say he interviewed Enda once and he 'hadn't a clue'. Doesn't bode well for the future of the country, does it? I'm looking forward to seeing the next big opinion poll. I wonder what the debacle has done to Fine Gael. This must have hurt them. Which can only mean three things. One, a Labour/Fine Gael coalition with Gilmore at the head of proceedings. Two, a Fianna Fail/Sinn Fein alliance or three, emigration. Think I'll head down to Mayo for the weekend and see what the West has to offer....and it's nearer Canada of course. :)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Gift
Did I ever tell you of the one about the Political Party who placed planters in the opposition ranks to help them out in times of trouble? It's a rough outline for a novel I should get around to writing about 2059. Titled, Planters. I know, I astound myself sometimes with titles of books that rarely make it past the first line. I'm not sure who I'll base it roughly on or if I'll set it in a tranquil setting or a post apocalyptic stew pot. I could write it in the first person. Hmmm, The Planter In I. Make him a Tory, switch country's and see can I find a job, all in one. I'll start it next week.... (C) 2010.
Jean Beausejour gave the impressive Chile a solid start to their ill-fated campaign. I don't know. There's something about Chile that says they won't be taking home the best looking trophy if their were an Oscar category for that. The Hondurans did make history though when the three Palacios brothers featuring in their squad. A World Cup first. Well done Winston & Co
The afternoon provided the biggest shock of the tournament when Switzerland won in a deserving fashion against European Champions Spain with a 1-0 scoreline that could have mounted to more. It shouldn't have been a shock really, well not to me. After all I only have my money on them and all. Then again I was told a long time ago that I wouldn't pick my nose.
Which brought us into the evening and the 2nd round clash between hosts South Africa and The Menaces from Montevideo. In a one-sided clash the Uruguayans didn't have to resort to heavy handed tactics to cruise to a 3-0 win with goals from Diego Forlan (2) and Alvaro Pereira. Forlan's opener was an absolute cracker and should feature highly on the Best of ... compilation which hits the DVD stands once the final whistle blows on the tournament. There's a team of well paid editors working on it as we speak...or so I'm told... in China!
That could be it for the host nation so there will be no repeat of the heroics of their rugby men all those years ago. Though I doubt that was ever really on the mind of anyone anyway.
Apres Match's George Hook has great potential. Oh George, how could sell out to Sky TV? Not so wonderful now are they with there 'daily reports'. I think I'll cancel my subscription for the rest of the Summer.
Roll on tomorrow and Ireland V Mexico. If only....
Go Mexico! Go Enda!
Maybe Enda will stand down before the vote tomorrow for the good of the party. It will be a bitter pill to swallow should he lose the leadership now. I think he's already lost it. Life's a tough cookie sometimes. I wonder if he's now doomed to reading leadership books and attending seminars instead of good grub at swanky venues with optional cheques depending on damn good you are. Gift!
Sure beats what I'm at. Second shake of the book head today. 'material not commercial for a very tough market.' I think I'll take that as a compliment. Makes one feel like a writer. I'll chuck out another one tomorrow to compensate.
Jean Beausejour gave the impressive Chile a solid start to their ill-fated campaign. I don't know. There's something about Chile that says they won't be taking home the best looking trophy if their were an Oscar category for that. The Hondurans did make history though when the three Palacios brothers featuring in their squad. A World Cup first. Well done Winston & Co
The afternoon provided the biggest shock of the tournament when Switzerland won in a deserving fashion against European Champions Spain with a 1-0 scoreline that could have mounted to more. It shouldn't have been a shock really, well not to me. After all I only have my money on them and all. Then again I was told a long time ago that I wouldn't pick my nose.
Which brought us into the evening and the 2nd round clash between hosts South Africa and The Menaces from Montevideo. In a one-sided clash the Uruguayans didn't have to resort to heavy handed tactics to cruise to a 3-0 win with goals from Diego Forlan (2) and Alvaro Pereira. Forlan's opener was an absolute cracker and should feature highly on the Best of ... compilation which hits the DVD stands once the final whistle blows on the tournament. There's a team of well paid editors working on it as we speak...or so I'm told... in China!
That could be it for the host nation so there will be no repeat of the heroics of their rugby men all those years ago. Though I doubt that was ever really on the mind of anyone anyway.
Apres Match's George Hook has great potential. Oh George, how could sell out to Sky TV? Not so wonderful now are they with there 'daily reports'. I think I'll cancel my subscription for the rest of the Summer.
Roll on tomorrow and Ireland V Mexico. If only....
Go Mexico! Go Enda!
Maybe Enda will stand down before the vote tomorrow for the good of the party. It will be a bitter pill to swallow should he lose the leadership now. I think he's already lost it. Life's a tough cookie sometimes. I wonder if he's now doomed to reading leadership books and attending seminars instead of good grub at swanky venues with optional cheques depending on damn good you are. Gift!
Sure beats what I'm at. Second shake of the book head today. 'material not commercial for a very tough market.' I think I'll take that as a compliment. Makes one feel like a writer. I'll chuck out another one tomorrow to compensate.
Samba It Ain't !
It was another snooze fest at the World Cup yesterday and not even the 'Samba Stars' with their glittering array of wizardry on show could spice up what I believe is the dullest opening to a World Cup Finals in my memory.
The day started with New Zealand taking on the Slovakians. The Slovaks controlled most of the game but failed to build on their opening goal scored by Vittek and were made to pay when Winston Reid wrote himself in New Zealand football folklore with just thirty seconds left on the clock and giving them a draw. Hard to see either of these teams figuring though if the Slovaks get their act together they could make the quarter finals.
What could have been a classic actually served up the first scoreless encounter of the tournament when Portugal played the Ivory Coast. The biggest footballing ego on the planet was on show but apart from an effort which smashed against the post Ronaldo slowly drifted out of the game alongside his team. Slowly the Ivory Coast came into the game and can count themselves a little unlucky not to come away with all three points at the end. Drogba made an appearance near the end will will please manager and everyone's favourite man whore, Sven Goran Erikson and both sides will feel they still have a chance to make the round of 16.
Next up was five times world champions Brazil and they had to work hard in order to post a 2-1 win over their North Korean counterparts. Goals from Maicon and Elano had the Brazilians cruising mid way through the second half and although a late goal from Yun Nam threatened to spoil the Brazilian party it was not to be for the North Korean minnows.
Today gives me a chance to look at my favourites for the World Cup, Spain. Underachievers they have always been but this current squad could have the armory to produce for the nation a long overdue success on the world stage. Today also brings a start to the second round of matches. All I can say is I damn well hope it's better than the first.
The day started with New Zealand taking on the Slovakians. The Slovaks controlled most of the game but failed to build on their opening goal scored by Vittek and were made to pay when Winston Reid wrote himself in New Zealand football folklore with just thirty seconds left on the clock and giving them a draw. Hard to see either of these teams figuring though if the Slovaks get their act together they could make the quarter finals.
What could have been a classic actually served up the first scoreless encounter of the tournament when Portugal played the Ivory Coast. The biggest footballing ego on the planet was on show but apart from an effort which smashed against the post Ronaldo slowly drifted out of the game alongside his team. Slowly the Ivory Coast came into the game and can count themselves a little unlucky not to come away with all three points at the end. Drogba made an appearance near the end will will please manager and everyone's favourite man whore, Sven Goran Erikson and both sides will feel they still have a chance to make the round of 16.
Next up was five times world champions Brazil and they had to work hard in order to post a 2-1 win over their North Korean counterparts. Goals from Maicon and Elano had the Brazilians cruising mid way through the second half and although a late goal from Yun Nam threatened to spoil the Brazilian party it was not to be for the North Korean minnows.
Today gives me a chance to look at my favourites for the World Cup, Spain. Underachievers they have always been but this current squad could have the armory to produce for the nation a long overdue success on the world stage. Today also brings a start to the second round of matches. All I can say is I damn well hope it's better than the first.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Inside & Out
The day started badly when I discovered the contents of the milk carton had decided to turn on itself. Too bad i didn't notice it before white spots invaded the first brew of the day. I quickly chucked it down the sink.
Next in the door was my first rejection letter from the submissions I have sent out with regard my book. I was keenly surprised by the time-scale of the return letter if not it's contents.
I guess rejection is easier to bear when you know the world of digital and self publishing routes are now a viable option but I guess like most writers you just want to write and leave that end of things to people who do that kind of thing. The search continues....
The Dutch opened up their World Cup account in the afternoon with a 2-0 win over Denmark. The game hung in the balance in the first half with Denmark edging it in terms of clear goal mouth opportunities. The Dutch had a lot of possession but didn't really know what to do with it.
An early cross from Robin Van Persie in the second half put the Dutch ahead when Poulsen headed back into his own net. The Dutch remained on top for the rest of the second half and on 85 minutes Dirk Kuyt wrapped up the game and a deserved opening victory.
Japan and Cameroon provided us with the afternoon snooze in a dreadful battle from two of the poorer sides so far. A man called Honda wrapped up this non-event in the 39th minute with a goal I wouldn't even bother describing and despite both sides playing volleyball with the goal posts it was painful to watch.
After the bells tolled six the news came that Enda Kenny had sacked Richard Bruton as the party's spokesman on Finance and deputy leader. I wrote about this last Friday after the release of a poll suggested support for Fine Gael was waining. I'm thinking about getting a crystal ball. The Fine Gael party now threatens to rip itself apart from the inside out. Bruton is expected now to challenge Kenny for the party leadership with both sides claiming they have enough support to win. Even if Kenny does manage to cling to the party it will be a divided party he will govern and more bad news in the polls will follow. If Bruton, brother of former taoiseach John Bruton takes over he will have to contend and attempt to unite those who oppose him in this poorly-timed challenge. If Fianna Fail did the unexpected and called a snap general election they would surely benefit now rather than in 2 years time when more of the murky underworld of finance have come into the public domain. There should be a good day in Dail Eireann tomorrow with the words 'no confidence' the order of the day. Cowen's day of reckoning comes tomorrow but Fianna Fail have always been better at unity than anyone else so he should sail through. Kenny's date with political destiny comes on Thursday. The verdict on him not so assured.
World Champions Italy started their campaign tonight against Paraguay. Both nations displayed the best they had in the hair growing property stakes and it was the South American qualifiers who took the lead through Alcaraz in the 38th minute in a cautious encounter. The game opened up a little in the second half as the Italians came more and more into the game and were rewarded when De Rossi netted from a corner kick on 63 minutes. The name threw up memories of Italy's 1982 hero Paulo Rossi who fired his country to success with six goals from the quarter final stage. It was my first World Cup from memory made equally memorable because our neighbours from North of the border famous 1-0 win over hosts Spain in the group stages. It was David v Goliath and we all know what happened there!
The game finished 1-1. I've never been a great lover of Italian football over the years but you can't argue with a team that has won the title on four occasions. But this is an aging Italian team and it's hard to see them emulating the success of four years ago based on their performance tonight. Then again they do have a manager called Lippi and you know I'll always have a bit of that!
Next in the door was my first rejection letter from the submissions I have sent out with regard my book. I was keenly surprised by the time-scale of the return letter if not it's contents.
I guess rejection is easier to bear when you know the world of digital and self publishing routes are now a viable option but I guess like most writers you just want to write and leave that end of things to people who do that kind of thing. The search continues....
The Dutch opened up their World Cup account in the afternoon with a 2-0 win over Denmark. The game hung in the balance in the first half with Denmark edging it in terms of clear goal mouth opportunities. The Dutch had a lot of possession but didn't really know what to do with it.
An early cross from Robin Van Persie in the second half put the Dutch ahead when Poulsen headed back into his own net. The Dutch remained on top for the rest of the second half and on 85 minutes Dirk Kuyt wrapped up the game and a deserved opening victory.
Japan and Cameroon provided us with the afternoon snooze in a dreadful battle from two of the poorer sides so far. A man called Honda wrapped up this non-event in the 39th minute with a goal I wouldn't even bother describing and despite both sides playing volleyball with the goal posts it was painful to watch.
After the bells tolled six the news came that Enda Kenny had sacked Richard Bruton as the party's spokesman on Finance and deputy leader. I wrote about this last Friday after the release of a poll suggested support for Fine Gael was waining. I'm thinking about getting a crystal ball. The Fine Gael party now threatens to rip itself apart from the inside out. Bruton is expected now to challenge Kenny for the party leadership with both sides claiming they have enough support to win. Even if Kenny does manage to cling to the party it will be a divided party he will govern and more bad news in the polls will follow. If Bruton, brother of former taoiseach John Bruton takes over he will have to contend and attempt to unite those who oppose him in this poorly-timed challenge. If Fianna Fail did the unexpected and called a snap general election they would surely benefit now rather than in 2 years time when more of the murky underworld of finance have come into the public domain. There should be a good day in Dail Eireann tomorrow with the words 'no confidence' the order of the day. Cowen's day of reckoning comes tomorrow but Fianna Fail have always been better at unity than anyone else so he should sail through. Kenny's date with political destiny comes on Thursday. The verdict on him not so assured.
World Champions Italy started their campaign tonight against Paraguay. Both nations displayed the best they had in the hair growing property stakes and it was the South American qualifiers who took the lead through Alcaraz in the 38th minute in a cautious encounter. The game opened up a little in the second half as the Italians came more and more into the game and were rewarded when De Rossi netted from a corner kick on 63 minutes. The name threw up memories of Italy's 1982 hero Paulo Rossi who fired his country to success with six goals from the quarter final stage. It was my first World Cup from memory made equally memorable because our neighbours from North of the border famous 1-0 win over hosts Spain in the group stages. It was David v Goliath and we all know what happened there!
The game finished 1-1. I've never been a great lover of Italian football over the years but you can't argue with a team that has won the title on four occasions. But this is an aging Italian team and it's hard to see them emulating the success of four years ago based on their performance tonight. Then again they do have a manager called Lippi and you know I'll always have a bit of that!
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